Chapter 67: Festival of the Gods

Chapter 67: Festival of the Gods

Hello, nice to meet you, Im Strygs fiance, Feli. Are you priests by any chance?

Oh, Feli, its been a while, Elm smiled. So, the rumors of your relationship with Stryg are true.

Head priest? I didnt recognize you under all the fancy regalia. Its good to see you again, Feli bowed her head.

You two know each other? Stryg asked.

Yes, Elm is the head priest of the temple I attended when I was younger back in the commoner district. Although, after I turned seventeen I stopped going, Feli made a half-smile.

Nonetheless, it is nice to see you Feli. Like the other priests, Ive dressed up for the occasion. Elm placed his hand on his acolytes shoulder. You may have met before, but this is Karen, my apprentice. This is Feli, she used to work at the Merry Crescent. Many were sad to see her go, she was quite loved, a local celebrity you might say.

You do seem familiar, I guess we probably saw each other around. Its nice to officially meet you, Karen nodded. And its good to see you too, Stryg.

How do you two know each other? Feli glanced at Stryg.

She helped me when I first arrived in the city, he said.This chapter is updated by nov(e)(l)biin.com

Stryg is being modest. I didnt do much. Hes the one who helped me. He saved me from a fate worse than death, Karen smiled.

Really? That doesnt very much sound like Stryg, Feli frowned. Since when had the blue goblin been modest or gallant?

I didnt save you, Karen, we helped each other on different occasions, nothing more, Stryg corrected.

And that sounds like Stryg, Feli grinned.

Whatever the case may be as to how we all met, I am glad you came and held up the end of your bargain, Stryg, Elm said.

Stryg blinked. He had completely forgotten he had made a deal to visit the festival with Elm, a few months back.

A-ah, right, Stryg winced.

No need to look worried, well just be meeting with some other temple head-priests of the commoner district. Though none of them will be standing next to a mage, Elm smirked.

Hm, okay. A deal is a deal, Stryg nodded.

May I ask what happened, Stryg? To your arms, I mean. Karen made a small frown.

Nothing much, Ill be fine in a few days, he shrugged.

Feli held her tongue. She knew how much he had suffered, but she decided to let him keep his secrets. Besides, she was still trying to gauge this Karen person.

Im glad you're healing well, Elm began. The white magi must have done a wonderful job. Regarding todays events, the other priests will be gathering soon, right after the high priestess celebration speech. In the meantime, why dont we head over to the front of the parade, where the high priestess will make her appearance.

Lead the way, Stryg gestured.

With pleasure, Elm bowed.

At this rate, Stryg probably wouldnt be able to meet back up with Kithina and the rest, but it didnt really bother him, they would be fine on their own.

Feli frowned as she came to the same conclusion, though she was a bit disappointed. She had hoped to meet Strygs friend Plum. From Strygs offhand comments, the drow girl seemed to be quite close to Stryg. Feli wanted to know exactly how close. Was she a potential friend and ally? Or would Plum be a rival for the position of principal wife in the household.

So, Stryg, what do you think of the festival so far? Elm asked as they walked.

Theres lots of tasty food.

Yes, indeed Hollow Shade imports many delicacies from around the Realm just for today.

Mm, Stryg mumbled.

They walked in silence for a few minutes.

...Is there anything else you enjoy about the festival? Elm fidgeted.

Shes a vampire, Stryg muttered in realization.

Indeed. She is Calantha of the Great House Ashe. She is famous for being blessed by the goddess Bellum herself. Lady Ashe is a favored child of the gods in the flesh. She sits on the city council as the high priestess, leader of all Hollow Shades temples, Elm said reverently.

Lady Ashe walked up the steps at the base of the tower. She faced the crowd and spoke in a loud clear voice, Welcome to the festival of the gods! We thank the ebon gods for this magnificent year. It has been a fruitful one for our people, our trade district has bustled with life, and the harvests of the Valley have been plentiful. But! Do not let our successes blind you from the troubles that lay in our future. And make no mistake, there will be troubles to come.

The warlords stir in Dusk Valley, eager to plunder what is ours. Yet, we do not fear their pathetic armies. For the ebon gods will protect this city and her people as they have for the last 300 years!

The crowds cheered with shouts of approval.

Lady Ashe continued, This day is a special occasion, for it is said the gods are closer to us today then they are the rest of the year. Now, let us pray to the ebon gods so that their divine essences may touch our lives and bless us in the days to come.

The crowds bowed their heads in prayer. Stryg watched them with indifference. He was unsure if the gods even existed. He had long stopped praying to goblin-kinds patron goddess, Lunae, for guidance. Still, he bowed his head, so as to not stand out. He hoped this wouldnt last long.

Feli closed her eyes tightly in prayer. She asked for Bellum, goddess of war and guardian of the Realm, to protect Strygs life, to keep him safe in the academy. She asked Lunae, watcher of the Realm and goddess of the moon, to watch over them both in the upcoming year.

She even tentatively asked Caligo, patron of none, to spare Stryg and her from any potential disasters and to bless them with luck. Lastly, she asked her own patron of mankind, Stjerne, the traveler, to grant her the wisdom of his journeys, and to guide her on her own journey forward.

Oh great Stjerne, please bless this mere human with your divine essence in the upcoming year, Feli whispered.

Stryg leaned towards her. Do you feel any essence yet? He whispered impatiently. His leg was beginning to hurt from standing so long.

Feli continued, Even just a small sliver-

How long is this whole prayer thing gonna last? Stryg interrupted.

Shh.

Did you really just shush me?

She ignored him and continued, Even just a small sliver of your essence would be enough-

How about I give you my essence when we get home, he taunted.

Feli frowned but kept her eyes closed and silently whispered the rest.

Stryg sighed and wrapped his arm around Felis waist, You're not just a mere human.

Feli opened her eyes, Huh?

Earlier you said you were just a mere human. Youre not. Of all the humans Ive met, I like you the most, Stryg glanced at the crowd.

Thats because you like my boobs, Feli grinned wryly.

No, its because you never once cared that I was a hybrid, Stryg mumbled.

Feli froze at the words. He had never mentioned anything of the sort. He always liked to show a cold and strong appearance in front of others. Feli knew he truly was both these things, but she also knew that he was an emotionally stunted individual, who couldnt seem to express himself very well.

Feli wondered how hard it must have been for him to have admitted those words. She kissed his cheek and stepped a little closer, content to be in his company.

After a few minutes Lady Ashe raised her head and opened her eyes, Now, I bid you all to enjoy our wonderful citys festival of the gods!

The people cheered, the cacophony of loud voices strained Strygs sensitive ears.

He grimaced and turned to Elm, Okay, lets go meet those other head priests.

But the celebrations are just starting.

Now or never, Stryg said through grit teeth. The sooner he could leave this echoing courtyard of voices and sit down to rest, the better.

I understand. Elm adjusted his robes, Lets go show off to those stuck up bastards shall we?

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