Chapter 11: The Novas Festival
The festival was already in full swing by the time morning arrived. Anthanasia had mentioned that the celebrations would continue from dawn to dusk for seven days straight.
It was also a time when many people took a break from work to join their families in the festivities. The huntress seized the opportunity to show Hael and Loki around the city's most popular spots, while they sampled the street foods that seemed to capture the bird's attention. The trio soaked in the cheerful, vibrant atmosphere surrounding them.
Hael was in awe of the sights before him— the burst of colors and, more strikingly, the people. Dressed in bright tunics and formal robes, they laughed and chatted joyfully. He noticed a few humans exchanging hugs and kisses in public, carefree and unbothered by the world around them.
His eyes grew wide and he wondered how they were doing such intimate acts in public. Hael lived in the forest most of his life, but he was familiar with a few things, mostly because he would see the animals engage in such acts during mating season. They wouldn't do it out in the open like these humans would, but would often find hidden or secluded spots to do their business.
Anthanasia laughed softly as she watched Hael turn red. Despite his imposing appearance, he was clearly an innocent man, and she found his embarrassment both endearing and oddly refreshing.
As they continued along the path, Hael began to sense several pairs of eyes on him. At first, he dismissed it, thinking he was imagining things, but soon realized how wrong he was.
Everywhere they went, people stopped and stared, captivated by his towering presence. At one point, a child froze in place, wide-eyed, staring up at him. Hael, standing at seven feet tall, loomed over the small figure. The child tugged at his mother's clothes, pointing at Hael in awe.
"Mommy, look at that beautiful giant!" He exclaimed.
The woman who was busy looking at the array of scarves being displayed in front of her frowned as she looked down at her child.