69 Loops and Pinholes

AUTHOR'S POV

Haelan is caught in between crying her eyes out since Stellan doesn't liked her back, or she'll be happy because Stellan might really be into women because he dumped her for being a man. Now that she looks like how she feels, she wondered if Stellan would see her like how she does.

Feeling pretty in a nice dress, Haelan sauntered with no hurry. With her chin up, she showed the people of Nether her face having no worries of looking at them straight in the eyes. For the first time ever since she arrived in this Kingdom, Haelan never felt so much freedom. For a brief moment, she was able to wear clothes she prefer, without pretending that she's man. As she catch a glimpse of her reflection through the shiny windows, she can't help but smile and simply be genuinely happy.

Following where the loud music is coming from, and where the vivid lights are shimmering in, Haelan found herself in a part of Agora where there's so much to see. Scattered around were several black tents for gypsy fortune telling, sweet-smelling fruit stands and carts for selling ornaments and antiquities. She drooled over the smell of rich and languid smoke of grilled meat spreading out. Hypnotized with the delicious smell, she bought a few pieces and grabbed a bite.

As she continued to explore around, she stood in awe where men in checkered skirts play drums, lutes and bagpipes. The musical beat goes on, while the people gather around. Nearby the musical band, there's a tall pole with greeneries and colorful ribbons hanging from the top. In a moment, the ladies grabbed a ribbon and circled around. As the music change its beat, the ladies started to dance around the pole holding the ribbons as they sway their skirts marvelously. Haelan watched them as she clap her hands, until a couple of ladies pushed her in and handed her a ribbon encouraging her to dance. Having no idea what to do, she just followed the steps as they all circle around woving the ribbons in complex patterns. Skipping and turning, Haelan learned the maypole dance slowly until she started to move around and easily blend in. "This is so much fun!", Haelan screamed as she circle around with the other ladies. The beats of the music pumped adrenaline in her blood as she spend every second having fun.

Getting tired from dancing, Haelan left the maypole and joined the other people who were having a commotion in one of the open stalls. Wines, ales and aged convivial beverages were being served. Haelan tried the different kinds of fine wine and chugged down mugs of ale. Her most favorite was the honey wine, which she ordered at least four more goblets.

Feeling squiffy from all the wine and ale, she stood up and walked out to feel the fresh air. As she lean on a sturdy tent pole, she started noticing singled out ladies who enjoy the night without partners. All the while, she was buried in her dilemma when in fact, she could find happiness even without anyone. She understood that it is possible for the music to play without the lyrics, and the moon can still rise above without the stars. Stellan may have broken her heart, however she thought that it shouldn't be the reason her world should stop turning. "Well, it's Stellan's lost. I'm quite a good catch", Haelan said as she flip her hair.

In the middle of having the best night of her life, her eyes widen as she caught a glimpse of Atrius and Jacomus drinking ale on the side. She hid her face with the palm of her hand, and tried her best stay out of their sight. As she run out, she then saw Alesso and Vesta going to her direction. With her heart starting to beat incredibly fast, Haelan hurriedly run off before she gets recognized.

Haelan made out of the seemingly jungle of tents as she rush to the alley going to the boutique. She kept looking back to check if she's being followed, hoping she won't get caught by any of her acquainted fellows. As she runaway, Haelan bumped onto someone that made her lose her balance. Fortunately, the man was quick enough to wrap his arm around Haelan's waist as he break her fall. As their eyes meet, Haelan wanted to instantly melt, or turn to dust this instant.

"Pardon me, my lady", Stellan in his black brocade said. "I didn't see where I was going", he said as time seemed to have stopped as he stare at Haelan's eyes. Enthralled by her beauty, Stellan gasped as he keep the young lady in her arms who appeared to have no plans of letting her go.

Haelan quickly pushed Stellan as she stood back on her feet, forcing a smile. "It's my fault anyway", she said as she look down avoiding Stellan's sharp gaze.

"You drank so much, are you alright?", Stellan worriedly asked as he grab Haelan's arm. He could smell the liquor reeking out of the lovely woman who gave him an impression that he already know her.

Instinctively, Haelan took her arm to her chest as she stand back. "Didn't you know that it's awfully rude to grab a woman without her permission?", Haelan said. "I'm fine, Sir", she added as she hurriedly walk away.

"Hold on! What's your name?", Stellan come after Haelan who was quick on her feet to escape. Confused why she's in a hurry, Stellan ran after the woman with eyes that he have seen before. "As the Paladin Knight of Nether, I command you to stop", Stellan used his authority to stop the woman from running as he looked at her fixedly.

Haelan didn't bothered to stop. She ran as if her life depends on it. She took some turns in the darkest alleys and stayed in the shadows hoping Stellan would cut loose from her trail. Stellan followed her decisively. Whether through loops and pinholes, he's decided to go after her.

Haelan might be too lucky, when groups of people marched the alley. She impeturbably joined the sea of strangers and blended in. Stellan grunted in frustration as he lose sight of the woman with bright gray eyes. Desperately, he even mistook a couple of women for the girl she sought after. "Damn", he said.