Star

The sky was like a painting by a master artist, with strokes of brilliant orange and pink blending seamlessly together with vibrant colours of orange and pink as the sun slowly descended behind the towering buildings. The sound of drums and bells echoed all over the city, growing louder with each passing moment, signalling the arrival of the Atlantis twelve families. As the anticipation for the celebration heightened, the atmosphere inside the castle grew increasingly tense, with everyone bustling around to ensure everything was in order. The guests arrived in their finest attire, each dressed to impress. Some of the men wore two-piece robes, the skirt tied with a long tie that covered an opening and showed the legs up to the knee. They completed their outfits with a top tiara on their head, which added a regal touch. Meanwhile, the women wore elegant gowns and dresses made of the most exquisite fabrics.

The unique fabric they wore was a special weave that changed colours depending on the light that shone upon it. As the guests moved from the bright ballroom to the dimly lit garden, their dresses transformed from a deep shade of blue to bright and vibrant rainbow colours, and other dresses turned from a beautiful shade of lavender to a soft shade of pink as she stepped into the light.  It was as if they were enveloped in a cloud of colour that shifted and changed with every step they took.

The effect was mesmerizing; it was as if the dresses themselves were alive, dancing and shimmering in the changing light.

Klonicus, Elohim’s eldest son, walked through the palace halls, his eyes fixated on the soft lighting of the crystals. As he strolled, a servant with a peculiar appearance – a baby giraffe-like body with a human face and hands – approached him. “Yes, sir Klonicus. What do you order?” the servant asked. Klonicus paused before replying, “The moon is full and radiant tonight. I believe adding more white crystals to the castle would be the perfect addition, especially on a night like this. The crystals will absorb the moon’s energy and light up the castle in a spectacular display. After that, could you please check on the small waterfalls’ juice and ensure everything is in perfect order for tonight?”. As he spoke, Klonicus’ brother Ari rushed up to him, tugging at his sleeve in a hurry. “Come on, let’s go,” he whispered urgently. “Father needs us to help him receive the guests.”

Elohim’s room was quiet except for the incessant ticking of the clock on the wall, reminding everyone of Leena’s tardiness. The mother cheerfully distracted her children with funny chapter stories so they would not be mad at Leen, but now they felt oppressively silent, their energy sapped by the prolonged wait. They wore a weary expression; their patience was wearing thin with each passing minute. Nitsa watched her mother’s face fall, her eyes filled with disappointment as she let out a heavy sigh. “I’m afraid she’s gone again,” she murmured softly to her sister Sybil. Despite my mother’s unwavering hope, I know deep down that Leen is beyond saving from our mother’s punishment this time. I couldn’t help but wonder if she was already soaring above the green mountains.” Suddenly, Leen entered the room, and it was like a burst of light stepped in. Her dress shone brightly as she walked in as if the moon was hugging her to illuminate her even more. As she walked in, she radiated confidence and poise, leaving everyone momentarily speechless. “My goodness, my dear! I knew this dress would reveal the stunning natural beauty you’ve kept hidden for so long.” the mother commented. The king stood there in silence; his towering presence akin to that of a mountain. However, his lips remained sealed, his words lost in the vastness of his thoughts. ” Come on everyone, let’s receive our guests.” Elohim gave the order.

Elohim strode purposefully down the grand hallway, his heavy footsteps echoing off the marble floors. His family followed closely behind, their festive attire swishing and rustling with each step. As they approached the entrance to the main celebration hall, Elohim turned to his family and whispered softly, with a warm smile spreading across his face, ” Make me proud.” The family entered the hall, and Elohim followed suit, his head held high with pride. The bustling sounds of the festivities filled the air as they made their way.  The city of Atlantis was a melting pot of twelve families. They chatted and mingled without hesitation that day. Leen bit her lip and scanned the hall, searching for a quiet place while whispering in silence.

 “I want to scream and say you all look ridiculous with your outfits and hair. Too many colours blind my eyes. Calm down, Leen. It is only one night.” Shockingly, one lady looked into her eyes and soul, telepathically answering, “I heard you, little lady.” Leen gazed amazed from the corner of the hall to the eyes of Lady Heera, the priestess and the wife of the priest M, then ran to the terrace.