Chapter 109: What is Your Name?

Chapter 109: What is Your Name?

That is by far the worst story I have ever heard, like ever. Like, not even Maxys boring prattling of military tactics disguised as a sorry excuse for a story were that bad, Rhian crossed her arms.

...I for one liked it, Maximus nodded.

Of course you liked it, Rhian stuck out her tongue.

Not all stories are meant to be entertaining, some are simply meant to teach a lesson, the captain smiled softly.

Welp, I think Ive had enough nightmare fuel for one night, the actress said.

Same. Cap, would you like to join me on a late night stroll? Loh asked.

Sorry, I have some business to attend to, the captain bowed.

Was worth a shot, I guess, Loh yawned.

Everyone slowly got up and began to head for their own tents.

Huh, what about the game? Rhian looked around.

Meh, Loh waved her hand.

Aw, come on, Rhian frowned. Master, are you going to play?

Nah, I think Im fine. Why dont you go head to bed, Ill meet you in a bit, Stryg muttered.

Fiiiine, Rhian sighed. She bowed to the captain, Good night.

Stryg poked at the fire with a stick as one by one everyone left, until only the captain and him sat alone.

She glanced at Stryg in the dim firelight, What did you think of my story?

Stryg scratched his head and sighed in frustration, It was aggravating? The drow lost everything. And what exactly was the lesson supposed to be? Not to trust complete strangers in the middle of a storm? To fulfill your promises? I learned those lessons long ago.

She laughed, Perhaps others may take away such lessons. But, I thought the story might serve as a final piece for our introduction. To let you know that I am on your side.

Huh?

She cleared her throat, We have been traveling together for some time. I had hoped you would eventually open up to me, but I understand your reluctance. The story was my way of letting you know I am not your enemy. I truly hope you are not mine.

What are you saying? He tilted his head.

Before we continue I think it is time we have proper introductions. Well keep it simple, I will tell you my name and you tell me yours, although I believe we both already know the answers, she smiled.

Im Stryg?

I do not refer to the name you give others, but the one you hide from them, the piece of yourself you do not wish for them to see. There is no need to hide from me. You need not be alone, not anymore, she reached out and grabbed his hand.

He glanced between her intrusive hand and her smiling face, What exactly do you want from me?

She smirked, A proper introduction for starters.

My name is Stryg and its the only name I have ever had. I dont understand why you are asking me, he furrowed his brow.

She stared into his lilac eyes and let his hand go. Maybe you do not. Or maybe you just do not remember?

...What? Are you seriously implying I dont remember my own name? He frowned.

Honestly? I highly doubt it, but, I also doubt you do not know your own name. Which probably means you are simply lying to me. I had pictured tonights events very differently. I thought I had hoped for Nevermind, she sighed. Maybe someday you will be ready to tell me the truth. Good night, Stryg, she stood up and walked away.

Stryg didnt know how to respond.

She paused in her steps, Oh, before I forget. She tossed him a small object.

He caught it before it dropped on the grass.

I dont smell anything, Loh said.

Im not surprised, Stryg jumped off Rhians saddle. He wanted to walk on his own two feet for a while.

Thank you for the help Loh, my troupe appreciates the smooth entry, the captain said.

My pleasure. Could I interest you in some dinner by chance? Id love to give you a tour of the city, Loh said.

The captain chuckled, Ive been to Hollow Shade more times than I can count. I suspect I know this citys ins and outs more than you. And as tempting as dinner sounds, I must go and help my troupe settle in before our next performance.

I guess Ill have to stop by and watch your play then, Loh stroked her chin.

I would like that, the captain grinned. She walked over to Stryg, I am afraid this is where we must part ways. My troupe will only be in Hollow Shade for a few days. I do not know if we will get a chance to see each other before the troupe leaves.

Then why do I get the feeling well see each other again? Stryg tilted his head.

Oh, darling, I have no doubt we will meet again, no matter where life takes us. Until then, she leaned down and kissed him on the cheek. Goodbye, little one.

What was that? Loh glanced between them both.

The captain winked, Hold on to that coin for me.

Stryg rubbed his cheek as he watched her disappear into the crowd.

Stryg, as your mentor and teacher I demand you tell me whats been going on between you two, Loh jumped off Maximus.

She was just talking about last nights game. She gave me a coin as the winner, Stryg pulled out the plain black coin from his pocket.

Rhian hovered above him, Aw, you didnt even tell a story. I wanted a gold coin, too. Wait, thats not even gold.

Stryg pulled out two gold coins and handed them above to Rhian, Here you are.

Wait, really?! Rhians eyes widened.

I liked your story, he nodded.

Nice! Easy money, she grabbed the coins and did a little jig.

He shook his head with a small smile.

Stryg, Rhians right, that coin in your hand isnt gold, its orichalculm, Loh said quietly.

Orichalculm? Isnt that sorta rare? He asked.

Loh pointed at the coin, Its one of the rarest metals in all the Null Realms and probably the rarest in the Ebon Realm. It may not have magical effects like magestone, but its durability and beauty makes it incredibly valuable.

Loh gently closed Strygs fingers over the coin, Keep it hidden, you dont want some pickpocket to try and steal it. Even the city lords only have a little orichalculm and most of the time its only on their nameplates. The captain gave you a very valuable gift, take care of it.

Stryg stared at the plain coin in his palm. It had no mint markings nor any other kind of symbol etched on either side. It seemed odd that such a little coin was worth so much.

Ill keep it safe, he pocketed the coin.

Good, then well part ways here for now. I need to go and see my grandfather. Loh ruffled Strygs hair, Your magical skills have grown considerably these past few months, youve done well. The academy starts back up in a few days, try and relax a bit before then.

Stryg twisted his lips at the hair-touching gesture, but decided to let it slide. Thank you for your mentorship, I wont let you down.

Thats my apprentice. Youre one in a million, kid, Loh laughed and hopped on Maximus saddle.

The centaur nodded curtly to Stryg and Rhian before he headed towards the scholar district.

I for one have seen enough of the city gates for today. Should we start heading home? Go see Mistress Feli, perhaps? Rhian asked.

Id like that, Stryg nodded.

He grabbed Rhians saddle and was about to pull himself up when he caught a familiar scent amongst the crowd. He froze.

Stryg slowly turned around, Plum?