Chapter 40: My Fault

Chapter 40: My Fault

Stryg left the field in an angry mood. Despite his newfound physical gifts, his hybrid nature, and training, it still wasn't enough to overcome Clypeus. It annoyed Stryg to no end. He was focusing so much on his magical studies, that he had neglected his physical training. Hed need to make time to rectify the situation.

Hey, Stryg! Im glad I found you, Plum called out from a nearby hallway.The source of this content nov(el)bi((n))

Plum? I thought we were supposed to meet up in the library. Stryg tilted his head.

Yeah, but the project meeting can wait. I wanted to talk to you before that. She motioned him into an empty classroom.

Stryg followed out of curiosity.

Plum adjusted her glasses and took a deep breath, I wanted to apologize for the other day at the trade district.

Because you were being stupid for charging in to save that woman? No need. I think that thugs punch to your gut taught you your lesson.

No, not that. I dont regret trying to help her, Plum frowned. Just hear me out for a moment. I wanted to apologize for what I said to you, about killing those guys. While I still disagree with what you did, I know you were just trying to protect me. Thank you for that.

...Youre welcome, Stryg tilted his head. But, if youre happy that I helped, then why do you disagree with what I did? It doesnt make sense. I dont understand.

Plum sighed, Do you really want to know?

I guess so. There is so much I dont understand in this place, and its people, Stryg sighed. Any information you can give would help.

My reasons are personal, are you sure you want to know?

Stryg raised an eyebrow, I recall someone saying we were friends? Or was that a lie?

Oh, someones getting smart, shrewd even, Plum smiled, but it didnt reach her eyes. Are you sure you want to know? She whispered.

Stryg took a seat at a nearby desk. I think?

Plum nodded slowly in consent. She leaned against the wall, My mother is quite smart, you know. When she was young, despite being discriminated against as a woman, she managed to score a scribe apprenticeship at Undergrowth. She excelled and was the best among her peers, but in her final year of training, I was born. She suddenly decided to quit her apprenticeship and dedicate all her time to me instead. Can you believe it? She gave up her future for an idiot like me.

Instead of working for a fancy lord in a fancy house, she spent her time teaching me how to read and write. Its how I got my love of books. But, there weren't enough opportunities in Undergrowth for my father to support the three of us. So, my parents decided to move to the great trade city of Hollow Shade, Plum recalled the citys name in a mocking tone.

It was a very difficult transition for all of us. The journey through Dusk Valley was dangerous, filled with bandits and raiders. Luckily, we managed to arrive without harm. But, we werent related to any of the drow aristocratic houses that lived in Hollow Shade. Finding work wasnt easy. My dad was a carpenter by trade, but we were now in Dusk Valley, not many trees around. There werent many carpenter shops either and the few that existed werent hiring.

My dad couldnt find work, even as a simple laborer. Unlike in Undergrowth, most commoners here are either humans or goblins, and they tend to stick to their own. My mom was able to pick up the occasional clerk job here and there, which helped keep us afloat. But, we still struggled paying the nameplate tax and putting food on the table. It was like that for almost an entire year. Plum turned to him, Tell me Stryg, do you know about the festival of the gods?

Never heard of it, Stryg shook his head.

I guessed as much. Every year, right before summer begins, people of the four great cities hold a large festival to celebrate the gods. Hollow Shade throws the biggest festival of all, right in the central district itself.

At the time I was only ten years old. I had heard from other kids of the amazing sweets and toys that were specially imported just for the festival. I wanted to go so badly, I begged my parents. My mom told me we didnt have the money to afford the entry fees, let alone anything inside. I remember crying to my dad so many nights, pleading to him for a chance to go.

I-I did, Plum fiddled with her glasses.

Oh, that actually worked, wow.

What? Youre the one who told me to do it!

Yeah, but I just heard someone talk about it. I didnt actually think it was going to work.

Gods, sometimes I just want to smack you, Plum pouted.

Not a chance, youre too slow. Stryg grinned, revealing his small fangs.

I thought I was going too fast, Plum smirked.

What do you mean?

I already asked her to the winter ball.

And?

She said yes! Plum made a small fist pump.

Stryg nodded, It seems my drinks advice was spot on.

Shut up, you dont know anything about women.

I dont know about that. Stryg went to the door.

What is that supposed to mean? Wait, no. Did you sleep with someone? When? Where? How? You gotta tell me all the details.

We should get going, Callum and Kithina are probably waiting for us, Stryg opened the door.

Hold up, Plum grabbed his shoulder. ...Thank you, for listening and everything afterwards. I mean it. I havent told that story in a long time. Ive never had many friends, but Im glad you're mine, Plum smiled.

Stryg never understood families very well, but for a brief moment he considered that this was what it might feel like. Me too.

Wait, are you blushing? Plum leaned in with wide eyes.

No, Stryg looked away.

Your face is more blue than normal. Youre totally blushing! Plum laughed.

Shut up pervert, Stryg left with a quick stride.

Hey, wait for me!