Chapter 162: Newlyweds Date

Chapter 162: Newlyweds Date

Hollow Shades bells tolled throughout the morning in solidarity for the grave losses of House Mora and the other families. On the behest of Lady Calantha Ashe, every temple held a memorial service for the deaths of the Moras and the ones who were at Castle Mora. Commoners, merchants, magi, and aristocrats alike all visited the ebon gods temples to pay their respects and acknowledge the valley tribes attack.

Lady Ashe, the high priestess of Hollow Shade, led the memorial at the citys principal temple in the Central District. It was said that Lady Maeve Mora herself was in attendance. Stryg had no idea, he hadnt spoken with Maeve since the attack on the castle, nor had he attended the service at the principal temple.

Instead, Stryg had gone to a small temple in the south region of the Commoner District. Karen had assisted the temple head-priest Elm in the memorial service. None of the attendees besides Stryg knew the Moras and Stryg didnt bother bringing up his acquaintance with the family.

The service passed by quickly, with many fearful whispers of what might happen if the savage raiders from Dusk Valley would turn their sights on Hollow Shade.

The service ended a little before noon, with a prayer to the gods, led by Elm. Stryg was simply glad it was over and made his way towards the temple doors.

Elm spoke up, Ah, before I forget, everyone. I have been instructed by the priests at the principal temple to remind you all that Hollow Shade will be holding a city-wide celebration for the end of winter, commencing this very afternoon.

As if anyone forgot, Feli said under her breath.

What? Celebration? Like a festival? Today? Strygs pupils shrunk.

Yeah, I told you about it last night. How did you forget?

Um. Was this before I took off your clothes or after?

After, she said suspiciously.

Yeah, I was too busy by that point, Stryg stared pointedly at her shapely butt.

Feli rolled her eyes, Sometimes it feels like you're not listening at all.

Hm? What? Stryg looked up at her.

Nevermind, she said with puffed cheeks.

Feli walked out of the temple at a brisk pace. Stryg was smaller than most people, he always had to walk faster to keep up with them. Feli was no exception, he was forced to jog to stay at the same pace with his wife.

Sooo, I was thinking of going back to the academy to train with Loh, Stryg said.

Feli jerked to a halt, What? We just got married and the first thing you want to do is go out to train?

Stryg blinked, Yes?

Whatever, she marched off.

Stryg reached out and grabbed her arm, Did I do something wrong? Why are you angry?

Im not angry, she sighed. Its just, I had a whole date planned out for us today, and you didnt even remember, nor do you really seem to care.

...Sorry, this is all new to me. My people dont really have dates. We dont have marriages either, Stryg muttered.

An apology from you? Thats rare. You usually just bite me, Feli interlaced her fingers with his own.

Oh, Id like to sink my teeth into your soft skin, Strygs pupils widened.

Stooop~ She giggled and pushed him away playfully.

He smiled, Forget about the training. Where do you want to go?

Feli placed a finger on her red lips, Hm A bunch of vendors are setting up shops in the Central District for the parade, lets go there first.

The Central District is pretty far, he said thoughtfully.

But there is an entrance fee, so I think if we hurry there will still be space. Maybe we should stop by home and have Rhian take us?

Nah, Rhian went to the spa with her stablehand Gwen. They probably wont be back till dark. Besides, Ive got a better idea.

Stryg stepped behind Feli.

What are you doi- ah! Feli squealed with delight.

Stryg slipped his head between her legs and lifted her up onto his shoulders.

Much better, Stryg grinned up at her.

Feli was suddenly very glad she wore pants instead of a skirt today.

What, do you really think to carry me all the way to the Central District? Feli blushed.

Stryg rubbed his cheek on her thigh, If I can keep your legs between my face? Definitely.

Pervert, she laughed.

Stryg spell-casted a basic agility spell. Orange mana flowed into his legs, the veins in his lower half darkened.

Hold on tight, he crouched.

To what?

Stryg kicked off the ground and dashed away. Feli screamed.

~~~

The run over to the district was tumultuous at best. Thankfully, after several bumpy turns, Feli managed to get a steady grip on Strygs arms that wrapped around her legs. People looked up at the strange couple in surprise as they dashed by. Feli was too busy to care, her purple hair blew in the wind as Stryg ran across the streets with an unexpected gracefulness.

By the time they reached the Central District they were both out of breath.

All things considered, that was pretty quick, Stryg lowered her to the ground.

I cant believe you actually ran the whole way, Feli panted.

I may be small, but Im quite fast, Stryg grinned.

Youre not even that small anymore. You reach up to my shoulder now, Feli stood next to him.

Youre not tall though, Stryg shook his head.

That hurts coming from a goblin.

You know what I mean.

Sure, but my original point still stands. Have you ever seen a goblin over 4 feet?

I dont think so?

Well, you look a little over 4 feet and a half now. That makes you the tallest goblin you have ever met.

Huh, thats an odd thought, Stryg scratched his cheek.

Stryg ignored the jewelry, his attention was drawn to the stone necklaces hanging at the end of the stall. Each stone was marked with an arcane symbol, albeit incorrectly. Even if it was correct, without a magestone to serve as the mana storage, the enchantment was useless. He doubted an enchanter even made these necklaces.

My talismans caught your eye, ey? The vendor walked over, grabbed one of the stone necklaces, and showed it to Stryg.

Talismans? What are they for? The blue goblin stood on his toes for a closer look.

To ward off against misfortune, of course.

Misfortune?

Yes, you know, like when you see a pale white raven. The vendor leaned forward, Or worse, when one of those queers walks by you. I promise you this talisman will ward off against any misfortune they might bring to you and your lovely companion.

You think gay people bring misfortune? Stryg frowned.

Well, yes, obviously, the vendor chuckled. Perhaps your lovely companion can enlighten you.

Not every human shares your backward beliefs old man, Feli glared at him. Stryg, lets get out of here.

Gladly, Stryg nodded.

As they walked away, Stryg glanced at Feli, her face was flushed with anger.

What was that about?

Just some another stupid man clinging to the past, Feli fumed.

Explain, please.

Feli sighed, Humans arent originally from the Ebon Realm. My people came from the Jade Realm. I dont know much about that Realm, what I do know is that humans over there worshipped the jade gods. One of their religious beliefs was that people who loved those of the same sex had something innately wrong with them, that they were wicked, even brought misfortune to others just by being around them.

Hence, the talismans, Stryg nodded.

Feli clenched her jaw, It wasnt just that. I used to hear stories of people kicking them out of villages or even killing them on sight. It was so messed up. Even if the Schism cut off humans from the Jade Realm, even if most humans worship the ebon god Stjerne now, there are still many humans who have passed down their prejudice and stupid superstitions.

My master once told me how humans brought their prejudice over from the Jade Realm, I guess it makes sense now, Stryg muttered.

He recalled how humans made up the largest portion of the commoners in Dusk Valley.

How much have those human beliefs affected the people around here? Stryg asked.

Some more than others, especially around Hollow Shade, Feli admitted.

Stryg thought of Plum and her worries about how others might treat her. Her decision to leave for Undergrowth was beginning to make more sense.

Not all of us humans are like that, you know. Some of the younger folk are breaking away from those ridiculous beliefs, Feli said.

Like you?

I was raised to understand that love comes in all different sizes and shapes, she kissed his cheek.

Stryg felt his cheek grow warm.

Are you blushing? Feli laughed.

No, he cleared his throat. Oh, theres another jewelry stall, wanna check it out?

Sure, Mr. Blueberry.

Blueberry? Stryg frowned.

Because your round cheeks get dark blue whenever you blush, Feli whispered.

Stryg went to bite her but she had already run off to the stall.

After a few minutes, Feli had already picked out a bracelet. Stryg was still perusing the wares, but he pulled out his coin pouch and went to pay.

He haphazardly searched his small leather bag for the right amount of coin while he glanced at the stalls shiny wares. A small black coin slipped out of his pouch and fell on the table. The vendors eyes widened at the sight. Feli snatched it up in a heartbeat.

She dropped the bracelet and grabbed Strygs wrist, Lets go. Now.

Again? Stryg whined as she pulled him away.

Why do you have an orichalcum coin lying around in your pocket! Feli whispered furiously.

You know what that is? Stryg asked in surprise.

Anyone with an eyeball knows what orichalcum is. Everyone in the tavern always talks about what they would do if they even got a sliver of the stuff. Do you have any idea how much this is worth?

A lot?

Feli rolled her eyes, Ugh, yes a lot. So why do you have it and why is it in your pocket of all places? You should keep it somewhere safe, not in a place a pickpocket will check.

It was a gift. She told me to hold on to it, so I did, Stryg shrugged.

Who is this she?

The captain of the Singing Willow troupe. I told you about them, remember? Rhian and I watched their play, The Unfaltering Shield.

I remember, you liked the battle scenes... What does this Captain look like?

Hmm. Black curly hair, olive eyes, brown skin, a few inches taller than you, a little older looking, but quite pretty, Stryg recalled.

And she just randomly gave you an orichalcum coin? Feli narrowed her eyes.

I won a game.

What game and how?

Im not quite sure.

Did she pay you to sleep with her?

No.

Mhmm Well, whatever happened, you should put the coin somewhere safe before you lose it.

He shook his head, I cant think of anywhere safer than having it with me.

She sighed, You know vaults exist, right?

Stryg made a peeved face and hissed.

Fine, whatever, Feli raised her hands. If youre going to keep it on you, you should at least not have it in your coin pouch.

What do you mean?