Chapter 34: Alley Talk
The late lunch drifts into early evening, the light outside shifting to a soft golden hue through the tall windows. The table grows quieter in intervals, only to be filled again by Howard's rambling stories. He talks with wild gestures about his childhood, the ridiculous training regimens his father forced on him, and the countless times he fell face-first into the mud trying to master horseback riding.
Everyone chuckles. Dax and Garet and even quiet Jaynd seem to relax a bit, nursing their drinks while adding the occasional comment and story of their own. I mostly sit back, half listening to their conversations, letting the warmth of the wine dull the edges of my thoughts and embarrassment.
Cecilia remains next to me the entire time, too close, her scent wrapping around me assaulting my senses. Her laughter is soft and musical, and every time her hand brushes the table near mine, I find myself downing another glass of wine just to cope. I swear she's doing it on purpose.
Eventually, the meal winds down, plates empty and bottles drained. We leave The Coiled Fork together, stepping out into streets painted with the deep orange of sunset. The air is cooler now, and I tug at my collar slightly.
Cecilia is still lingering close to me, her steps light and graceful, as she matches my pace. I'm just drunk enough and too tired to care, the pleasant buzz in my head softening the tension I've been holding in my shoulders all afternoon.
Howard turns to the group and claps his hands. "Well! I need to run an errand before me and Ayato are expected to be back at the castle. It was a pleasure meeting you all!"
"Goodbye, Awakened Ashland thank you for indulging us," Dax, Garet and Jaynd murmur with respectful head inclines.
"Bye, Awakened Howard," Cecilia says with that bright smile.
I look at him, slightly delayed. "See you later, man," I mumble. Then I turn to the inquisitors, giving them a vague wave. "Bye."
Without waiting for a response, I start walking at brisk walk, internally thanking the gods for granting me blessed, peaceful solitude. A little buzzed, a little full, and finally away from her.
But I only make it a few streets and into a side alley before I hear the soft patter of boots on cobblestones behind me.