38 Thunder Horse Emperor (1/2)
Chalice and company walked towards the bonfire. A man whose form hovered between plump and burly met them with a huge smile. She surmised that this was the Valley Head. He has that friendly uncle look going on, totally fitting for someone who would prepare a banquet for passing travelers. Her conjecture was confirmed when he greeted them in a cheerful, booming voice.
”Friends! Come, come and sit here. I'll have the food serve a while later. For now, please watch some of my people's songs and dances. It is their way to welcome you.”
He directed them to sit on a dais which had small tables set upon it. Chalice copied him and sat cross-legged. Luke and the others did the same. After they were seated, some girls went around and put on garlands of flowers on them. For the men it was in the form of a necklace. But for her, the garland was fastened into a crown. She giggled lightly at this, appreciating the thoughtfulness of these cute people.
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Unknown to her, Luke was staring at her face which was illuminated by the fire with an emotion that can only be called as love. Luke watched the flickering fire reflected in her eyes. With the addition of the flower crown on her head, she look very much like a fairy disguising as a human to grace them with her presence.
He savored every single time that she was preoccupied and unaware. It was only his chance to look at her without masking his emotions. Without hiding how much he loved her. Because once she turned and looked at him, he needed to return to being only a confidant.
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Levi looked helplessly at the hopeless man staring at his mistress. Somehow, he felt pity and admiration for Luke. It wasn't easy for someone like him who fell in love with the person he was supposed to serve. It made it difficult to hold back because the person was so close yet so far away.
Having your beloved near you everyday and yet forcing yourself to kill the love you were feeling was even more painful than torture. Levi could emphatize with him all too well. He shook his head and chose to ignore him. He didn't want unpleasant memories surfacing again. This was the least he could do for a kindred spirit.
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Chalice clapped along with the beat of the small drums. She must say, these Wind Valley people knew how to party. The women were exceptional dancers as well. And their music was really catchy.
After two rounds of dances, the Village Chief asked for the food to be served. Chalice sighed and turned pitifully at Luke. She wanted to eat what he cooked. Luke merely smiled helplessly at her while rubbing her head for comfort.
”Be good. It will be impolite to our hosts if you ignore their food. I'll cook for you the first thing tomorrow.”