The Carnival at Moonbright

“I have to explain this all to Myla. She needs to know.”

“What about the man, Lyla?”

“I don’t know, Leaf. One problem at a time.”

Lyla left Leaf standing there as she returned to Myla, who had already returned to the main tent. Looking up, she saw her sister in the rafters painting the top of a backdrop. With little effort, she made her way up to her sister, sat near her, and watched her work. Without words, they spoke to each other as Myla worked, and Lyla watched the people below rehearsing one last time before the night came.

I’m sorry that I haven’t mentioned this yet, Myla.

Mentioned what?

I went out one night when we first arrived. I met Leaf while I was out, and we got into trouble.

Myla stopped and looked over at her sister.

Do we… need to go?

No, no… I don’t think so.

Over the next few minutes, Lyla explained everything to her sister, using a mix of words and telepathy to convey everything involving Belria and Karmak, the fight with Leaf against the strange man and his cronies, and then the new information from Leaf. Myla

Myla listened and didn’t ask questions. She knew her sister was telling the truth, the whole truth. She moved over and sat down next to her sister.

I’m not sure how he would have survived such an attack. Not without help, at least. Are Leaf and you sure there wasn’t anyone else around?

No one. We slipped away before anyone came, and Belria and Karmak cleaned us up before I returned here. I know I wasn’t followed either, Myla.

Okay. Let’s focus on tonight and take it day by day until we leave Moonbright.

I’m sorry, Myla…

I know.

Myla returned to her work, and Lyla took her time getting down to the ground. Once there, she walked out of the main tent and into the crowd of people that started to form. It was late afternoon, and the sun was beating down on everyone, but that didn’t stop the citizens of Moonbright from being excited. Children and adults gathered around tents and displays as they watched performers do their tricks. She looked over and saw that Madame Moontremble’s door was open, but no one was in front of it. She walked over and up the wooden stairs to the small room of Madame Moontremble. Lyla knocked on the door frame and stepped in.

“Hello?”

“Ah, Lyla dear. Please, come and take a seat.” Madame Moontremble appeared from behind a tapestry and gestured for Lyla to sit. Lyla knew that behind the tapestry was Ramona’s bed and a few trinkets that weren’t regularly displayed, but she imagined it added to the effect if she had never met her.

“Is everything okay, little one? It seems that the pair are separated at the moment.” Ramona asked.

“Yes, Ramona. Thank you for asking. I’m just feeling a little off today.” Lyla answered back.

“Would you like me to read your cards? I don’t think I ever have before, and maybe with a little luck, it’ll help you in this moment of confusion.”

Lyla sat in the chair momentarily, thinking of the many reasons she didn’t want others to know of her past or future. Then, she thought fuck it and nodded.

Ramona pulled the cards from a small shelf on the wall with other trinkets, sat in her lavish chair, and let them rise into the air and shuffle over the table. The first card grew out of the deck and lay before Lyla.

“Justice reversed… Why, Myla, have you been dishonest in your past? It seems so. You were a bit unfair and had little accountability for your actions. Not many know of the Crepuscular Twins’ past, but Master Elysium and Shaynth did vouch for the two of you.”

Lyla felt the sweat start to form and run down her spine, though it felt cold. Maybe this was a bad idea. Perhaps she shouldn’t be here. She looked at Ramona and saw her staring back as the second card stood before her.

“The Fool, in an upright position. Well, I guess this isn’t much of a shock to anyone who knows you. The card represents innocence, new beginnings, and that you are a free spirit amongst many who are chained by their own volition. A frank card that holds no negativity but shows a bit of naivety, if I may be so bold to say aloud.”

Lyla felt like a weight had built up in her side, but it immediately vanished. The past conversation seemed over, so maybe this was what she needed—clarity through cards. The last card lay down in front of her.

“Strength. Now, that is a good card when upright, my dear. Inner strength, bravery, compassion, focus… It seems that maybe your worries won’t bother you for very long.”

Ramona set her hand on top of Lyla’s and smiled.

“You are doing just fine, Lyla. You’re just in your head a little too much. If something is happening between your sister and you, I don’t need to be a mistress of divination to know that you two will be okay as long as you trust each other.”

Lyla’s breath escaped her lungs as she realized she was holding it the entire time. She listened to the sound of metal clanging together outside. Chain mail, maybe? She sat momentarily and let her heart slow down its fast rhythm before speaking.

“Thank you Madame Moontremble. I appreciate your kind words.”

“Of course, dear. And please, call me Ramona.”

She nodded and stood up, feeling her legs regain composure. Lyla wasn’t sure what the fuss was all about. Ramona didn’t realize anything, and it felt nice to be understood, even if it was supposedly from some tremendous cosmic force of an arcane entity, as Madame Ramona’s signs stated.

She waved goodbye, walked down the steps into the bright light of the day, and was immediately stopped by a hand on her wrist.

“Oh, Lyla dear, my little friends must have thought you were some random citizen. I do apologize, but it seems that I tried untying your money pouch.” Ramona exclaimed as she pointed down near Lyla’s feet. Her money pouch was open, with a few silver pieces pushed out. She grabbed the coins and tied them to her belt before thanking Ramona again and heading back to Myla to see if she needed help.