The Quest

Chapter 14

~Di~

Waking up next to Matis, in a cool room, with a soft bed felt heavenly. It had been so long since they'd been able to feel alone together and have enough room to sleep comfortably, she regretted having to leave the isles later in the day. She turned and saw Matis had already risen.

"Morning!" He smiled unabashedly at her naked form. He was already outfitted in his light knight's armor made of leather, which made his arms look larger than normal. After all this time and my husband still courts me! Di smiled back and languidly rose from the bed, allowing him to see her entire body. He walked from the window and took her into a warm, loving hug.

"I don't want to leave." She pouted into his neck.

"I can't imagine you being happy here for long. The people here love the ocean." Matis chuckled and pulled back to kiss her forehead. "The men are likely waiting, my love."

Her stomach growled.

"Oh!" He released her, to her chagrin, and hopped over the bed to a small table by the door. There was a small sack atop, from which he pulled out exotic looking fruit. "The locals gave this to me! They saw my armor and commended me for my services and just gave me-whatever these are."

He tossed one at Di. It was a lovely purple color and oblong in shape, with a slight fuzz all around. She hungrily bit into it, trusting Matis to know if it had been poisonous or not. The flavor burst into her mouth like nothing she'd ever eaten before; it was sweet and pulpy but there was a light twang at the end. Juices flowed down her chin as she devoured the fruit.

"Another?" He tossed a pale pink sphere this time. This one was completely smooth except for the large bulb at the top, or what she assumed was the top. "I'm assuming that's the seed on top. I didn't eat it, myself."

Di inspected this one and pulled off the bulb. Indeed, inside the skin was a brown rock-looking item and the larger orb was the fruit. That one was orange and more solid-looking than the purple one, with a much calmer taste. Tastes like an apple, but not as hard. Di perked up at the flavor and relished in its taste. She loved apples.

She quickly dressed and followed Matis who carried both of their packs and her trident like a servant, albeit a happy one at that. He led her downstairs to Quo, Treth, and Po sitting around a waiting area. Perhaps we have some time.

"I'm going to a shop," she announced to the group. Po perked up at her announcement. "Come on, Po. Let's buy some cloaks."

"Meet us down the road!" Matis kissed her cheek. She nodded. "Long Boar wants us to see something called the Circle of Worship."

Quo sighed and sipped from his flask. Po eagerly stood and jaunted to Di's side.

She let loose a small smile and led him down the street. Perhaps I've gotten too attached to this crew by now. She looked sideways at the boy. His face was serious but he was cheerful; he looked at all passerby and seemed to be interested in the many shops that lined the street. He's observant, that's good. He's learned something at least.

She walked into a shop with wide windows and clothes hanging for display. Inside were rows of clothing pieces and a wall of boots. She'd never seen a clothing store so large, Difavose wasn't much for clothing. They had one small store and it was mostly for tailoring.

"Can I get this?" Po had run over to a rack for children. He held out a blue coat with silver buttons. Di's mouth slimmed, making his become lightly crestfallen. He replaced it.

"That's too fancy for traveling, boy. Think. What can you use that won't get too dirty and keep you warm?" Di lifted her eyebrows and walked away, to see the women's section. It was rather large and full of bright colors. She had to make her way around to find the small section of darker clothes. Oh. She found a lovely dark gray cloak, with a trail of black stars on the hems. I wonder if Matis will believe me too extravagant.