Festival

Ria leads Kael through the streets, which grow more and more crowded as they head towards the palace. People make way when they see the two of them, and there’s even a few cheers as they pass by. Ria keeps ahold of Kael’s hand, her smile radiant when she looks over at him.

Eventually, they reach the public square, and there’s a bit of a carnival flair to the celebration there. At the far end of the plaza, there’s a stage set up, and musicians are playing. Off to one side of the stage is a raised platform, where Lord Greyheart sits, with Bernal standing beside him. Both are watching the festivities, and smiling.

As Ria leads Kael into the crowd, they practically run into Koa. The giant man is accompanied by his orcish companions, one on each arm. It’s difficult to make an orc appear small, but next to Koa, it’s not surprising. Koa grins when he sees Ria and Kael.

“You found him! Wonderful! It would be a shame for the hero to miss this.”

Ria laughs. “Had to drag him out of his house. You know how he is…”

Koa nods, looking at Kael. “Where’s the little one? I’d like to introduce her to my girls.”

Kael shakes his head. “Evie stayed home with Gabby.”

Koa shrugs. “Ah well. Still, I don’t think you’ve ever met them either, have you. This is Keira and Mari.”

The two orcish women smile, snuggling closer to Koa. They look remarkably similar, which isn’t surprising given that they are sisters. Both are dressed similarly as well, in tight fitting black leather pants and cropped shirts, showing off their muscular physiques. Their main difference is their hair, with Keira having shoulder length, vibrant blue hair, while Mari has purple hair that’s shaved on one side and longer on the other.

Koa chuckles. “Sorry, they’re shy when meeting new people. We were just on our way to find some food, so we’ll leave you be. By the way, you should make your way over to Lord Greyheart, he wanted to thank you personally.”

Kael nods. “We’ll do that. Thanks Koa. And it’s nice to meet you, ladies.”

The orcs laugh, and Koa grins. “Always polite, I like that. Oh, and Orin is around here somewhere, showing off his snake lady.”

“And if you paid any attention to your surroundings, you’d notice me, you big lump!”

Orin emerges from the crowd, his exotic companion by his side. Kael looks her over, having never seen a lamia before. With the lower body of a snake, she slithers along smoothly. The snakelike tail meets up with her human torso just below where her hips are, essentially replacing her legs. Olive skinned and with long, inky black hair, she cuts a striking figure, left mostly exposed by the clothes she’s wearing. Little more than a strip of colorful silk, studded with gems and fine gold threads, the material strains to contain her large breasts. A wide loincloth of similar material is draped over her hips. Despite the immodest outfit, she still appears somehow regal, as if this is what she should be expected to wear.

Orin grins at the obvious staring from Kael and Ria. “She looks good, doesn’t she? Meet Lyssa.”

The lamia gives a nod, her dark eyes appraising them just as they are her. There’s nothing of the submissive nature that you’ve come to expect from Orin’s companions, whom tend to be eager and docile goblins or kobolds. Lyssa seems much more assertive, though she remains quiet.

Orin slips an arm around Lyssa’s waist. “Anyway, we’re just passing by. Go enjoy the celebration, mister hero.”

With a laugh, he walks away, the lamia staying by his side. After watching them go, Ria turns to Kael. “Well, that was interesting. If I didn’t know better, I’d say Orin is getting tamed a bit.”

Kael chuckles. “It’s about time. Maybe he will learn some humility.”

Ria laughs. “Doubt it! Come on, apparently you’re supposed to meet Lord Greyheart, big guy.”

Kael smiles, and puts an arm around Ria. She leans against him, returning the smile. The two of them make their way through the crowd, slowly moving towards the stage, where Lord Greyheart awaits.