50 Party (1/2)

While Arron and Anna consummate their marriage the children of the village prepare to entertain everyone. Elanor came up with this plan to make the celebration exciting. The two girls decided to dance while the boys decided to put on a play.

Donna and Laurel had picked out a mystical music box from Elanor before she left to hunt. Donna is preparing to take the stage first. The ”stage” is just a small clearing set aside for the performances. As Donna is getting hyped for her show, her dad worriedly dotes on her.

Wilbur nervously fixes Donna's hair as he encourages her, ”Don't worry darling. Everything will be alright. Just keep calm.”

”Daddy is silly! I'm going to be great,” Donna says while clenching her fist near her chest in a victory pose.

While the girl excitedly hops around and the father anxiously tries to comfort her Elanor walks over. ”Are you ready?” She asks Donna while squatting to be at eye level.

”Yeah, I'm super ready!” Donna squeals while patting Elanor's shoulder.

Wilbur stutters as he pats his girl on the head, ”Alright, just do your best!”

”Alright, I'm off!” Donna exclaims as she picks up a lumpy bag.

Wilbur looks at the bag as it jumbles oddly. 'Is it moving by itself?' he wonders. 'No, that's ridiculous,' he concludes shaking his head.

Elanor laughs and slaps the father's back. ”Stop staring into space and go watch the show,” she says.

”Sure thanks for everything,” he replies. He slightly bows to Elanor as he rushes to get a good seat.

As Wilbur leaves Elanor hears John's voice in her head, ”I didn't know you were a music lover.”

Elanor shrugs while transmitting back ”I'm not. Everyone in the clan has an interspatial ring filled with the junk.”

”Isn't that a waste of materials?” John asks exasperatedly. 'The wealth of ancient clans is ridiculous,' he laments.

”Don't know. But I remember the treasurer once said if we used them as bricks, we could rebuild the entire domain twice,” Elanor responds while playing with her silky hair.

Unlike Donna Laurel is much more tense about her performance. She never seems to be able to get the steps in the way they should. She stands there taking deep breaths trying to calm down. Her mother is stroking her head kindly.

Mellisa smiles at her girl having a typical problem. She cups Laurels face with her hands and consoles her, ”You shouldn't worry about what people will think. Just show them your bright smile.”

Laurel looks at her mom and sucks in a deep breath before smiling at her. ”I understand mom. I won't let the crowd bother me,” she replies.

”Not the fake smile you use to cover up your worries, the real one you had before you had these diviner eyes,” Mellisa counters with a motherly smile. Her eyes dart about a bit trying to find the words she wants to say before continuing, ”I know you're worried about living and how important learning to dance is. But we don't even know if this will work. I want to see you happy and living. Not hiding behind a mask until the end.” Tears form in her eyes as she watches her daughters emotions.

”Mom, I...” Laurel says as she chokes back sobs.

”Red eyes won't look good during the routine,” Elanor interrupts. She walks over and puts a hand on both of the women's shoulders. ”Everyone is different. I teach you and Donna differently so you shouldn't compare. The steps I show you are more complex and are essential for your future foundation. Donna has a different path and is only doing this for fun. Still, your mother is right. When I met you, you had as much if not more life in you. But recently you've limited yourself and fell into darkness,” Elanor comforts.