Spawn of the Outworlder

Chapter 3-An Ill Wind Blows This Way

Luna Rucervus walked alongside her new companion, grateful for the company after her long journey. Although, she'd prefer to walk free of her own accord. It is truly a shame that I must worry myself with the concerns of these more...reserved cultures, she thought. But it is better to bear a bit of discomfort than delay my mission any further. And this particular ser's company is not without some appeal.

Initially, Luna felt some hostility towards this man. Gazing at her as so many others on her journey had. I felt for sure that he would soon begin regaling me with tall tales of his life and finding any excuse he could to lay his hands on me.

Yet, within moments, it became clear to her that he was not that type of man. In fact, he appeared to be a bit afraid of her. Her adoptive mother's training had kicked in and she'd immediately begun analyzing him. His shrinking stance and quiet voice at the time suggests that, despite his size, he is rather submissive.

To authority or women, I've yet to establish.

And soon enough, she found herself quite amused by him. How easily she was able to humiliate him. How hard he was trying to hide his obvious infatuation with her. As she leaned upon his arm, she thought to herself, I wonder how he would react if I told him I can feel his heart racing right now.

She left that image in her mind, not wanting to disrupt this quiet moment between them. He seemed a simple man who made her laugh. And perhaps it was because she could not remember the last time she'd laughed so often that she felt herself a bit attracted to him as well.

Of course, nothing could come of it, she thought. I have my duty in the Capital and tomorrow, I must return to it. But still, after months of having to uphold it, one day free from the burden of duty to the Empire seems more than reasonable.

Looking upon the ser's face, she saw that act of simply walking alongside her strained him somewhat. Definitely women, she thought. Hoping to relieve him, Luna broke the silence.

----

"So tell me, dear," Luna began. "Why exactly must I meet this adventurer in the town square?"

Graham, his mind still frazzled from the morning's events, took a moment to process her question.

"Oh, well, that's where the town is having the goodbye ceremony," Graham answered.

"Ugh," Luna let out, with a sound of true disgust.

"You don't...like ceremonies much?"

"Oh, I loathe them, ser. Nothing but excess and extravagance to boost the egos of those who are in desperate need of a good kick off of their high horse." As she said this, she mimed a small kick at an imaginary foe.

Graham let out a small laugh. "Well, I see what you mean, miss. But, well, not much happens here in Brightshade. We're mainly an industry town and there's not much in the way of entertainment. So a grand goodbye for us is a good opportunity for a bit of fun and leisure. When one of our own leaves, we like to make sure they know they'll be sorely missed."

"I can understand that, dear. I've simply had my fill of ceremonies for one lifetime. If I had my way, I'd leave tonight as I've business to attend. But, with a mass celebration, I'll be left spending my evening waiting for the proper moment to make a graceful exit."

Graham felt a bit twisted up inside, struggling between his desire to help on her way and his excitement at knowing they might spend a few more hours together.

"Well, like I said, the town hasn't much in the way of entertainment, but possibly, if you'd like, in between, the two of us could do something together."