A blue Spouse (Ninjago Royalty AU)

CHAPTER 64: You don't know him

"Thank you! Thank you so so much!" The young lady hugged Jay and Ed while tears streaked her reddened face. The poor girl couldn't contain her excitement as the two men gave her part of the goods they'd been sharing all day through the city.

"I... I'll do anything for you in return," she cried. "I don't have any flowers right now, but I can make you a beautiful wreath once I get my hands on some!"

"No need to, sweetheart," Ed reassured the anxious youngster. "We just hope this will help you take care of your sick mother and siblings."

"It will! It will! You have no idea! Oh, thank you so much again!"

As the girl scurried inside her creaky house, Jay and Ed could hear her shouts of elation as she probably relayed her relatives the kind men that had offered a part of their riches in exchange for nothing.

"Shall we continue?" Ed asked his son with a big smile on his face. It was a rhetorical question, they both had agreed earlier on that they wouldn't go back home until they had gotten to everyone in the city, or at least, everyone they could find.

Jay nodded and got at the front of the cart again, pulling at the bar and insisting his father rested a bit from the physical work. As their donations increased, the load became lighter, Jay could deal with it all by himself.

They continued strolling, knocking on all their neighbors' houses, and waiting for a reply. Most of the time, it was women who came to answer, but on a few occasions, they got the chance to see the married couple in its entirety. One was especially thankful and didn't let them go until the Walkers accepted a couple of rolls. They appreciated the offer, the small pieces of bread were quite convenient to eat on the go and not lose any valuable time.

Jay's heart filled with immense joy whenever he watched the familiar villagers' faces light up with both surprise and gratefulness as he or his dad handed them some food and small sacks of coins. The gifts might not solve all of their problems, but with that little help many families would be able to breathe for a few or several months, depending on how well they divided their new budget, and that brought Jay so much happiness. After experiencing the well-off life at the palace, he was more aware than ever about the piteous life these persons had to go through, and he could only hope that Kai didn't lie when he said he'd try and find a way to help them from the capital.

Of course he wouldn't lie, he gave you all of this as a gift willingly, why would he lie about sharing his riches again?

Jay's inner voice was right. Kai had proved to be one of the most generous land-rulers Jay had ever met —not that he'd met many in the past anyway, but that was a minor detail.

The cart was finally empty, the Walker men were tired but also as happy as ever after their good deed. It was time to head back home. Jay though couldn't help but feel like they deserved a small treat, his father largely, who insisted to be in good physical condition, but Jay naturally worried about the man's health.

"Maybe we could pass by the market and get something special. We've still got time," Jay suggested.

"I am not opposed, but... with which money, son?"

Jay smirked guilty and took out a few gold coins from his inner pocket, showing them to his dad.

"I took them before we left this morning. I understand why you don't want to use it, but... would it be okay if I used it to get you and mom something nice?"

Ed seemed to think for a moment, then smiled tenderly at the boy. "It's your money so I guess you can do whatever you want with it." Jay grinned with excitement. "But don't get too used to it, okay? You know your mother and I don't need any luxuries," he said rubbing Jay's sweaty locks.