The Sixth God (Arc 1: From The Pale Ashes) [BL]

Chapter 6

After many steps, so many that Shida's feet throbbed in time with his heart, they finally reached a parting in the forest. The smell of freshwater and stinky fish smacked Shida across the face along with an icy breeze. The commotion of the village grew and when they passed the crumbly stone archway of the village, tons of people of all shapes and sizes wandered around, jostling and laughing. Many carried around swords and baskets of goods, children weaved through legs with sticks waving about.

Small wooden buildings with chipped signs circled the town and dotted around were stands displaying their wares.

Across the village was a long trench cutting through the earth and separated the people from the docks where small fishing boats were dragged up to land. The ocean's water moved around lazily with slabs of ice floating on the top, threatening to slam into docks before dashing away like a naughty child.

Milly unloaded the basket's from her back, rolling her shoulders. "I'll go get the supplies if you want to take Ina and sell the Blue Grass."

Grey met her eyes, staring for a few seconds before grabbing two baskets. "Get the third one and follow me."

Ina hesitated, inching closer to Shida. "But Shida-"

"Now."

Shida stared pleadingly at Ina, begging him with his eyes not to go.

Ina's eyes flashed and started to reach for him, making relief swell inside Shida but Milly quickly swooped down and grabbed Shida's hand, pulling him roughly away.

"Shi-" Ina's voice was drowned out bu the crowd and Milly quickly threw them into the tide of villagers.

Shida wanted to resist, wanted to struggle with all his might but the memory of punishment, the sting of that slap was still fresh in Shida's mind. He didn't want to be punished again. He didn't want to hurt. So he meekly followed Milly.

"Keep your eyes down," Milly ordered as she weaved through the people, every so often greeting them and inquiring about their day.

Why do I have to be with mean Milly? Shida thought as they made their way to a woman with blond hair so long it fell onto the floor even in a high ponytail. She sat cross-legged on a colorful blanket near the doorway to some building. All different items from pots to jewelry and books to makeup. Her voice was as loud as her colorful tunic and leggings as she called out prices that she swore were best in the land.

Milly greeted her with a smile. "Hello, Delilah. I was hoping you would be visiting Craleah this week."

"Lucks on your side," Delilah answered with a matching grin. "What are you looking for?"

"I am in the market for some color drops."

Delilah pushed around the makeup before pulling out a small dropper and glass vial the size of an acorn. Inside was a murky green liquid. "Right here. Concentrated stuff. Enough to last a month."

Milly's eyes flashed. "How many to do have?"

"Hoo hoo hoo! You are definitely making my day." Delilah shuffled around her wares some more, quickly starting up a shpeal.

Shida easily zoned them out as he stared sharply at his feet.

Beside the blanket was a man dressed in leather with bulging muscles. His scruffy brown hair was cut short and a silver chain was draped around his neck. His arms were crossed as he stared down at Shida with an almost physical gaze.

Shida tried desperately not to look up but every so often he would catch his gaze drifting towards the man's leather boots.

His tan leggings. His tunic.