The Katags had not held back whatsoever for their ballroom party. There had to have been over two hundred guests in their massive ballroom. Servants slipped past the guests with expert finesse, carrying platters of drinks and food like some tavern fit for royalty. Nobles from dozens of Houses Stryg had hardly ever heard of lined up to meet him and his mother. A retinue of Gales had formed a loose barrier of sorts and allowed the nobles an audience one at a time.
Evelyn and Krall could not seem any happier, the latter boasting to guests with a grand smile and a drink in hand, while the former quietly enjoyed the lavish praise the guests gave for the ballroom’s lavish decorations and the various musical troupes that had been employed.
After what seemed like the fiftieth guest, Stryg held back a groan and looked around the ballroom, searching for his friends. Though some of the Singing Willow Troupe’s musicians were performing tonight, Holo was nowhere to be seen. She had told Stryg yesterday she was too busy preparing for their departure to attend the festivities.
Plum also hadn’t come. Something about being too busy with an awfully vague reason. Stryg thought she simply didn’t want to mingle with a bunch of people. Rhian and Maximus, on the other hand, were having the time of their lives, drinking as much wine as they could. Freya was right there with them, trying to outcompete them while Kegrog begged her to stop. Judging by the way Freya was struggling to stand, she was losing.
Nora was sharing a dance with Gian on the ballroom floor, alongside a dozen other dancing pairs. Gale was carrying Kamilo in her arms and swaying to the music. Belle was nowhere to be seen.
Odd, Stryg thought.
Maeve was sipping a drink while sharing a conversation with Feli, both of whom were getting almost as much attention from guests as Stryg did. Maeve’s gaze was off in the distance, as if she wasn’t paying much attention to what was happening in front of her. Stryg hadn’t mentioned Maeve’s vision to anyone. Tonight was a celebration and he wouldn’t make it more difficult for people than it already was.
“I can’t do this anymore,” Aurelia groaned as the most recent guest walked away.
One of the Gales guarding her took her words to heart and ushered the rest of the vying guests away, leaving Stryg and Aurelia a moment of respite.
“Not enjoying the party?” Stryg asked.
She gave him a dry look. “I could ask the same about you? Why aren’t you hanging out with your friends instead of standing here like a smiling fool with me?”
“It’s best if we show a unified front so my departure leaves a peaceful transfer of power,” Stryg said.
“My, such wise words. Did Gale teach you to say that?” Aurelia clicked her tongue.
“Actually, it was Uncle Gian.”
“I’ll be fine. Why don’t you go get a drink and spend some time with your friends or one of those lovely women?”
“Lovely?”
“I was trying to be nice.”
He cracked a small smile. “Maeve and Feli have their own fawning guests to deal with.”
“Are either of them going with you on your journey?”
“No. Maeve is the last of her family. There are many people who rely on her to lead House Mora. And Feli doesn’t wish to leave the realm. Her home is here.”
“And that doesn’t bother you?”
“No. I knew she was never fond of traveling.”
“Hm. What about that orc and drow who came with you to Vulture Woods?”
“Their names are Tauri and Plumela, Mother.”
“Yes, those two,” Aurelia waved it away. “What about them? Are they joining you on your trip?”
“I don’t think Tauri wants to go anywhere with me right now. As for Plum, well, she is staying behind to help… you.”
“What did you say?” Aurelia did a double-take, her eyes narrowing.
“I asked Plum and Elise to serve as your advisors while I’m gone.”
“I’ll accept our cousin, because the woman is astute and ruthless, but I will not accept that soft-hearted drow.”
“You need Plum. She is the only person here who can ensure House Veres will not become tyrants like the Ebon Lord Houses of old.”
“You think a drow who can’t even fight by herself can help us?”
“I know Plum can be silly, but she is much wiser than she lets on.”
Aurelia scoffed. “What wisdom could that little, weak creature know?”
“Compassion. I think your grandmother would have liked her very much.”
Aurelia did not respond, her expression growing solemn at the thought of Stryga’s memory. Finally, she spoke in a quiet voice, “If you believe this Plum person can be of help, then I will be open to her advice.”
“Thank you for trying, Mother.” Stryg bowed his head.
“Gods, there she is now and she’s coming this way,” Aurelia muttered.
Stryg turned to see Plum in a silver dress walking across the ballroom straight to them. Her ever-present glasses were missing and her hair was done up in an elaborate pattern. Though she wore no makeup, she had never looked so beautiful. Several of the Gales recognized her and stepped aside to let her pass.
“Plum, it’s good to see you. I didn’t think you’d come,” Stryg said.
“There was no way I was going to miss your farewell party, Little One,” Plum smiled.
Stryg blinked.
“What do you want, drow?” Aurelia crossed her arms.
Plum’s smile fell and she cocked an eyebrow.
Stryg leaned over, “Um, Mother, I don’t think that’s—”
But it was too late.
“Is that how you speak to your goddess, child?” Plum said, though her voice was not her own, but Lunae’s.”
Aurelia paled in horror. “Mother Moon?”
“Who else would it be?” Lunae snapped.
“I, uh…” Aurelia was at a loss for words.
“When did you arrive?” Stryg came to Aurelia’s rescue.
“Less than an hour ago,” Lunae said. “I thought it would attract too much attention if I walked in here with my ordinary appearance. So, I checked and noticed the one known as Plumela was not in attendance.”
“So you took her appearance, again,” Stryg surmised.
Lunae shrugged. “It’s easier with the ones you’ve already shapeshifted into before.”
“Well, I am glad you could make it,” Stryg said.
“I didn’t come alone,” Lunae said.
The Silver Mother skipped her way towards the group, grabbing a drink from one of the servants along the way.
“Virella?” Aurelia mumbled in surprise.
Stryg waved the Gales to let the chipper goblin through. Virella immediately grew more serious when she spotted Lunae, though she couldn’t fully hide her smile.
“You’re here. In Holo’s Shade,” Aurelia said slowly.
“I know, right?! Isn’t it great!” Virella hugged her best friend tightly and jumped up and down a little.
Her mirth was infectious and Aurelia was soon smiling alongside her. “I never thought I’d see the day.”
“We’re not acolytes anymore, Auri,” Virella said.
“Guess not,” Aurelia said wryly.
“I hear you’re a queen now? How did that happen? Come on, you’ve gotta tell me everything,” Virella dragged her to a table and a pair of chairs. The retinue of Gales followed from a polite distance, leaving only a pair to watch over Stryg.
“I brought Virella and a few others to help facilitate the voyage,” Lunae said.
“What voyage?” Stryg asked.
“Of the goblins of Holo’s Shade, of course. They are free to come live in Lunis and start a new life there. Though I suspect some will decline my offer,” Lunae glanced at Karen, Witt, and the Cinder Brood children who were all sitting at a long table, happily eating every culinary dish the servants brought them.
Ever since the orphan children lost some of their own during the siege of Hollow Shade, Stryg worried that they would stay in that darkness for a long time. But as he watched them laugh and smile freely, he knew that they would be alright, even without him. They had each other now.
“Yeah, I think you’re right,” Stryg said.
“I heard you’re planning to build a temple to Solis?” Lunae asked.
“I am. The temple will be built while I’m gone.”
“Why? I love my brother, but he is currently serving our enemy. Having a temple in his name in your city will only open the door to spies and potential problems.”
“Caligo already has spies in the city. She is a threat to this entire realm. What we need right now is unity. If the Valley Tribes are to ever feel truly welcomed here, then they need a temple where they can worship their god.”
“You’ve grown wiser, Little One. Good. It makes the next purpose of my trip here easier.”
“Oh? And what might that be?”
Lunae smirked and raised her hand in a signal. “Allow me to introduce you to someone.”
A woman dressed in ceremonial robes of greys and blues moved through the crowd, bone-white staff in hand, and stood before Stryg and Lunae. A lone, silver feather hung from her ornate necklace. “My lord. It is an honor,” she bowed deeply, drawing the attention of many guests.
Though her grey cowl obscured most of her features, Stryg recognized her just the same. “Catherine,” he whispered.
She raised her head and beamed at his voice. “You remembered my name.”
“Of course, I do. How could I not? You were so brave,” Stryg said.
Catherine took a deep breath and struggled not to cry. “I didn’t know if I’d ever see you again. But then some priestesses of Lunae found me and brought me to her and, well…” she sniffed and fell to her knees. “Thank you for saving my life and the lives of my children.”
Stryg grabbed her hands and helped her up. “You don’t have to thank me, I’m just glad you’re doing alright, Catherine.”
“She’s doing more than alright. Your Favoured One has grown quite a following. The orc people are calling her the Mistress of the Undead, for the creatures you created to protect her still guard her to this day,” Lunae explained. “I knew I had to see her and once I did, I knew I had to bring her to you.”
“I’ve been only trying to follow in your footsteps, my lord,” Catherina mumbled.
“Me?” Stryg blinked.
“Of course,” Catherine said with utter sincerity.
“She is your first follower, Stryg. Your first true believer,” Lunae said. “She has been leading your people as the High Priestess of the Winged One.”
“Winged One?” Stryg furrowed his brow.
Catherine blushed. “It’s the name we’ve come to call you. On account of your wings.” She held the silver feather on her necklace reverently.
Stryg realized the feather was one of his own.
“Catherine didn’t wish to oust your name to the populace and gave you a new name. A wise decision on her part. Just one more reason why she is fit to be your High Priestess,” Lunae said.
“I didn’t know I needed one,” Stryg mumbled. He had never thought of himself as someone who needed to be worshipped.
“Every god needs a High Priestess or Priest to help lead and organize their followers,” Lunae said. “Catherine has proven herself worthy of the duty so far and I do not doubt she will continue to do so. I brought her here to help her build a temple in your name.”
“A temple? Like, here in Hollow Shade? For me?” Stryg pointed at himself in disbelief.
Lunae nodded. “Of course. It will be a grand one. It must be for the people to come to know Winged One as the sixth god of the Ebon Pantheon. Not to worry, though. We will keep your true name a secret, as many gods do.”
“You’re serious. You actually plan to make me an actual god?” Stryg said.
Lunae and Catherine shared a strange glance.
“You already are, Little One,” Lunae said.
Stryg shook his head, “Just because some people follow me in Lunis does not mean—”
“We are not only a few,” Catherine said. “We are growing, my lord. We will not let you down. Please, just give us a chance.”
The earnest look in her eyes gave Stryg pause.
“They are not the only ones,” Lunae said. “There are others in the Valley Tribes who already worship and whisper the Dusk Wolf’s name for protection in their prayers.”
“That’s… I didn’t think that…” Stryg didn’t know what to say.
Lunae patted him on the shoulder. “Gods have many names, it’s time you picked up a few.”
“Is that so…?” Stryg asked.
“Indeed,” Lunae said. “Now, I believe there is a Valley Tribe priest here by the name of Lodin who would very much be interested in discussing plans for your future temple and its integration with his people, or should I say, your people? Come now, Catherine,” She grabbed Catherine’s hand and led her away, leaving Stryg alone, still trying to process what had just happened.