🎡 Round 'n Round We Go 🌕

 Moonlit Rendezvous 

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(1,227 Words)

It was a chilly October evening and the annual Hallo'Moon Faire was in full swing. Lennox, with a perpetually grumpy expression, shuffled through the crowds of cossetlings dressed in various costumes. He, however, was in his usual attire: brown coat, beret, and kilt, despite the chill. He was not one to partake in social events and Hallo'ween festivities in particular irritated him.

Despite his surly demeanor, he couldn't help but feel a flicker of excitement as he passed a booth selling hot apple cider.

As Lennox approached the booth, the sweet scent of spiced apple cider filled his nostrils and momentarily softened his resting frowning face. The vendor, a friendly-looking cossetling wearing a witchling hat, greeted him warmly. "Care for a cup of cider, sir? It's the best in town."

Lennox's grumbling voice was tinged with a distinct Scottish brogue, "Ah, evening, lass," he greeted the vendor with a nod, his stern expression betraying a hint of eagerness.

"Can ye spare me a cup o' that fine apple cider, eh?"

As he reached for his pockets to pay, a melodic voice called out from behind him.

"Make it two cups, please." the voice said.

He recognized the voice immediately— it was none other than Malcolm's.

Lennox turned around to see Malcolm standing behind him, dressed in a charming costume for the Hallo'Moon Faire. He wore a top hat with a black cape that fluttered mysteriously in the breeze, the whole attire did not look tacky and suited him perfectly.

"Good evening, fancy meeting you here," Malcolm greeted. He looked every bit as charming as he always did, but there was something about this evening that made Lennox's heart beat a little faster.

Lennox scanned down briefly at his own attire, and for the first time, he felt a pang of self-consciousness.

"Eh, eh, fancy meetin' ye here," he said, forcing himself to sound gruff to hide his sudden embarrassment.

The vendor's cheerful voice cut through the moment of awkward silence.

"Here we go! Two cups of hot apple cider!"

Lennox moved to reach into his pockets, but before he could, Malcolm stepped forward. His hand gently tapping on Lennox's shoulder to stop him. 

"Allow me," the blue-haired cossetling said with a charming smile, digging into his own pockets to pay for the drinks.

A flicker of surprise passed through Lennox's golden eyes as Malcolm's hand made contact with his shoulder. The writer's smile was disarming and made him feel a strange fluttering in his chest once more.

"Ach, ye don't need to do that," Lennox protested.

Despite his protest, there was a hint of a bashful smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

"Much appreciated," he muttered gruffly, feeling a slight blush rise to his cheeks as he accepted the drink. He took a small sip once the other party did. The hot liquid coursing down his throat and warming him from the inside out.

Both of them finished their drinks, the warm liquid leaving a pleasant aftertaste in their mouths.

"Delicious," Malcolm commented, setting down his empty cup.

The green-haired cossetling glanced over at Malcolm, who seemed to be taking in the sights and sounds of the faire.

"So, ye here alone then?" Lennox asked, his voice gruff but tinged with a hint of curiosity.

Malcolm nodded. "I am indeed alone," he confirmed.

He looked up at the sky, a thoughtful look on his face. 
"I was just about to head to the ferris wheel — you know, to get a good view of the faire. It's a good place to find inspiration for writing."

He gave the shepherd a sidelong glance.

"Would you care to join me? I heard that the view is supposed to be quite beautiful from up there."

"Aye, I suppose I can spare some time," he agreed, trying to sound casual. He didn't want Malcolm to know that he was secretly excited at the idea of spending more time with him.

As they made their way through the crowds, Malcolm led the way toward the towering ferris wheel, the colourful lights of the faire flickering around them.

Lennox followed behind, his mind a whirpool of thoughts. Why was he so nervous? Get it together!

The line to ride was long, and the two found themselves waiting together, standing awkwardly side-by-side in the night chill.

They approached the ferris wheel, the massive wheel slowly turning as it carried the joyful passengers up and down. It sparkled softly against the October night, casting warm shades of orange and purple over the festival. Fog swirled gently around its base, making it seem as if it were floating in a dream. Each cabin glowed like a hypnotizing lantern.

As they stood in line, Malcolm began chatting about his writing. "I've been working on a new piece lately," he said, a hint of excitement in his voice. "It's been tough to find the right inspiration, but maybe the view from up there will help."

Lennox listened attentively as he spoke, intrigued by his passion for writing. The line moved quickly, and soon they found themselves at the front, waiting as the ride attendant beckoned them forward.

The attendant gestured for them to step into the next gondola, which was shaped like a tiny pumpkin. Lennox climbed in first, taking a seat and making himself comfortable. Malcolm followed, settling down into the seat opposite him.

The seat was small, barely big enough for two, and as they settled in, their legs brushed against each other.

Once the ride attendant locked the door, the gondola began to move slowly ascending towards the sky. It was unlike Lennox, but he felt a sudden wave of nervousness wash over him.

The ferris wheel cabin shook slightly as it continued its ascent, and Lennox found himself sitting a bit closer to Malcolm than he intended. The writer didn't seem to mind, his gaze fixed on the view that was slowly unfolding below them.

"It's quite a sight, isn't it?" Malcolm commented, his eyes sweeping over the sea of colourful costumes and glowing specks of Jack-o'-lanterns below.

“Aye, it is,” Lennox replied, his voice softening as he soaked in the sights around him. His palms felt clammy, and his heart beat just a bit faster.

From the top of the ferris wheel, the view was nothing short of breathtaking. The full moon hung high in the sky, casting a silvery-blue glow over the fairgrounds below.

Lennox couldn't help but steal glances at Malcolm, admiring the way his blue-yellow eyes sparkled in the moonlight.

For a moment, their eyes met, and the shepherd held his breath. A faint blush crept up his cheeks, and he quickly averted his gaze, pretending to be deeply focused on the view below. He swallowed hard and mentally cursed, hating how he felt so bashful around the writer.

As the ferris wheel descent came to an end, Malcolm turned to Lennox with a grateful smile.

"Thank you for joining me," he said, a hint of warmth in his voice. "It was nice to have your company."  

"Aye, ye're welcome,"
Lennox felt his heart skip a beat at the writer's sincere words. He managed a small grunt in response, trying to mask his flustered state.

"I- it wis a pleasure. Any time, ye ken." He muttered, glancing away from Malcolm as a hint of pink dusted his cheeks.