A Story From Zinnia

Part 7: Disguising at Carnival

The white of the falling snowflakes adorns the roofs of houses and trees. Like a clean white carpet that looks soft from a distance. The already cooling weather in Zinnia made everyone put on their thick coats to travel. The same is true for students who already wear their winter uniforms to attend school.

Street lights and shops light up beautifully on cold nights. However, there is no place that is not crowded in Zinnia, plus the feel of the new year that makes people travel with their families to share warmth.

On that night it snowed again, Xavier who saw it certainly did not want to miss the feel of the new year. He ran straight to the brother's room,

"Sister Ashton! Brother Ashton!" Shouted Xavier while knocking on Nathaniel's room door many times.

The door opened, "What's wrong?" Ask Nathaniel.

"My company is undercover."

"Insecret?!" Nathaniel asked in confusion.

"Yes, let's go find some gingerbread outside! There's a carnival near here and there'll be a parade soon. Come brother! I don't want to miss!"

"Hmmm..." Nathaniel was silent for a moment, and it had been a long time that he had not disguised himself outside the palace walls. Actual activities are not allowed for them, but provide a stressful sensation.

"Come brother...." Xavier Whines.

Nathaniel smiled broadly, "Come!" He said while taking his coat, scarf, apolo hat and gloves from the closet.

"Have you told Liam?"

"Of course, I also told him to shut up hehe." Xavier.

"If you get caught, I won't bear it. Remember that." Nathaniel.

"Yes, take it easy, we'll be back before 10." Xavier said as he gave his thumb.

A semi-carnival bazaar like this is indeed an annual event. There were a lot of merchants and people coming. The highlight is the carnival parade.

Despite the cold winter snow, it does not reduce the spirit of the citizens of Zinnia to hold a parade show. They wear various costumes. Some become santa-clas, dancers, ice skaters, and others.

Now Nathaniel and Xavier are standing in a street vendor's tent. There are various cakes that are sold and just came out of the oven and of course there is a gingerbread cake that was sought after by Xavier.

"Uncle, order two cookies." Nathaniel's message to the seller.

He saw the younger brother who was constantly blowing his two cold hands. Her body wrapped in a white coat and a black scarf around her neck made her look like a polar bear. Xavier looks so adorable.

"Hahaha Xavier, are you cold?"

"Don't make fun of me brother, huuh the weather turned out to be very cold." Xavier said as he continued to blow and rub his hands together.

"You're not wearing your gloves. Wear this." Nathaniel thrusting his glove.

"This is the order." Said the seller.

"Thank you." The two gingerbread cakes that were still warm did look very good.

"Eat this and warm your body." Nathaniel offered the cake to Xavier.

They now enter a cafe to warm themselves while drinking a cup of warm chocolate. With people passing by being their sights from the cafe windows.

"What time does the parade start?" Ask Nathaniel.

"At 8, about 10 minutes away."

"I don't think there is."

"How about we wait outside for a walk?"

"Great idea!"

Now they leave the cafe. Walk in the crowd of people. The weather was cold, but the atmosphere was filled with warm smiles of people.

Xavier's steps came to a halt in a woodworker's tent. Many woodcarving crafts were sold there, but his eyes were fixed on a statue in the shape of two horses. One horse stood upright and the other horse stood with both legs raised in front of the other as if it were about to strike.

"You want? Buy it, I'll buy it." Nathaniel.

Xavier still hesitated to take it. Nathaniel knew his sister was not one who could instantly tell what his heart wanted easily.

"Take it. Consider it my new year's gift." Nathaniel.

"Hehe thank you brother!"

"You're this..." Nathaniel said as he ruffled his sister's hair.

Before long a loud voice sounded. The long-awaited march has finally come. People were now standing by the side of the road, giving way to the passing march. Starting from the marching band, followed by various dances and various acrobatics. Rousing music plus colorful clothes, really carnival atmosphere.

"It's the first time I've seen a carnival like this, brother." Xavier.

He saw the eyes of the brother who sparkled to see the march that now passed in front of them.

"Ahaha really? I used to be so happy with a winter festival like this." Sahur Nathaniel's.

"Mother?"

"Yes, even the mother made a contest to enliven the event. It's just that the activity was not continued anymore, but thankfully the residents still hold a carnival like this."

"Have you ever been undercover like us, sister?" Ask Xavier.

"Hahaha no, you don't have to go undercover. Mother is happy with social activities, she is more pleased if the residents find out that the queen is around them, and of course it is done officially with an escort and permission of the father, of course, not like us today." Nathaniel chuckles.

"It would be nice to see a carnival like this with mom, I've never had time to hufftt!" Said Xavier grumbling.

"Just mummy if you don't have time for any of this, there's me anyway. Aren't you happy with me?" Ask Nathaniel.

"It's not so kak-.. only that I also want to spend the three of time together outside the palace." Obviously Xavier with his slightly conical mouth.

"It would be nice if you were still among us, sister."

"Xavier's..." Nathaniel was pensive, his sister only had time to indulge with his mother in a short time. Maybe there aren't many good memories he has.

"As long as there's a big brother, I promise to make you enjoy things together in this world."

"No promise?"

"Promise!" Nathaniel smiled at his sister.

The clock is showing at 9 local time. It was time to light fireworks into the sky. Explosions after explosions of colorful fireworks dotted the night sky. Anyone knows the people of Zinnia were happy at the time. Accompanied by the many scattered stars, the Zinnia sky was truly beautiful.