A date? At this moment, it was neither the time nor place to think about any kind of activity not related to the immediate problem, much less a leisure activity like a date.
The request was quite an untimely one, but Klea's persuasion skills and charisma left little to be desired.
Not only that, the fact Emery had been leaving her out in the last 35 days to focus on his training, hence Emery was rendered unable to reject her.
After all, it might be a good idea to get out for a little while and get some fresh air to breathe compared to the one that was tainted with the scent of a dragon.
"You know, I'm not a picky girl. Any place will do for our date. I'm just glad knowing you have time for me."
Emery let out a sigh of relief, as he was not sure where to bring her. He decided to take her outside the forest and in the bustling Venta City.
They arrived at the streets of Venta; despite the lack of conversation between them, there was no awkwardness. They basked in each other's presence, strolling through the city and enjoying the view of citizens going about their simple lives. The city did not have the majesty of Athens, nor did it have the exotic air of Alexandria, but there was a certain beauty in the simple things.
When they reached the city center, they saw a crowd had gathered at the same place. Emery was having those rock throwing competitions a few years back.
This time there was a group of performers reacting to a story that was being told by a poet. A new story about how Brittania was saved from the invasion of the northern and eastern Barbarians. It was an epic battle that ended with the forces of evil vanquished by the brave Britannian knights, who fought valiantly until the end and their efforts were rewarded by the sight of the young king Arthur saving the land with the brilliance of the legendary sword of the Divine.
The citizens of Venta were cheering with excitement as they listened to the story. The poets also mentioned the part about how Venta's very own Quintin Family helped save the country alongside the Fey warriors and aided by the great wizard, Merlin.
One of the villagers shouted, attracting the attention of everyone. "I know Merlin! He grew up here, in Venta City. He fought with us in the battle against the Crimson Fang a few years back!"
Emery recognized the voice. His suspicions were confirmed as he took a good look at the man who just spoke. It was Gregory, the huge man whom he beat in the throwing rock contest back then.
"Whoa, Emery, you are pretty famous… or should I call you the great wizard Merlin?" Klea asked with a teasing smile.
Not long after, the poet started to tell the story of the great King Arthur and the Queen Gwenneth, and of how their marriage brought the victory for Camelot and ensured the safety of all the kingdoms of Brittania.
The citizens cheered hearing the name, happy the former Lioness princess had now become a respected and beloved queen of the Logress.
Emery was a little startled, mostly as he was one of the parties involved. The story was mostly an exaggeration, but to be honest he felt largely indifferent, knowing that citizens were prone to gossipping about the affairs of the royal family.
However, as he glanced at Klea, he saw the girl was trying hard to cover her gleeful smile.
"Oh... so she's married already…" She glanced at Emery and with an emphatic expression she said, "I am sorry Emery''.
Knowing her mood and general disposition, Emery decided to chose the smart option and not say anything about his part in that particular marriage. He led Klea away from the crowds, into the main part of the city market.
"Don't you worry, Emery, I am sure you will get over her eventually." said Klea, before walking across the stalls
Emery felt a little refreshed, being here with her and watching everything going on around him was a good distraction from his current problems. They walked through the stalls, passing people selling various fruits, clothes and various accessories.
"Emery, I want to buy this! Buy me this one!"
Klea was standing in front of the pork pie stall, the hot steamy bun and its delicious smell wafting in the air to entice any passerby to enter and buy.
However, it was coincidentally the same stall where he bought the pie with Morgana before, the food that she enjoyed the most. Because of this, Emery was once again reminded of the unconscious girl laying on the shrine.
Klea was a great mind reader, even without needing to use a spell she knew Emery was once again thinking about Morgana. Suddenly the warm pie that she chew no longer as tasty as before
"Huh… thinking about her again, aren't you...!? One gone, another girl replacing her so quickly... Really can't let this guy wander around by himself!" Klea grumbled to herself in her mind.
She realized all the places Emery took were all probably filled with the memories of another girl. She touched his shoulders and said.
"Emery, just take me somewhere else... What about somewhere you never took anyone else to before?, some place peace and quiet will be great"
Emery was silent for a moment and then he thought of a place and opened up a spatial gate.
Klea could feel the spatial gate this time needed a little more energy, but after entering the gate, she was a little disappointed to find yet another forest in front of her.
"We are back in the Forbidden Forest aren't we?" Klea asked, unable to hide the obvious sadness in her voice.
Emery shook his head, looked around with a gaze full of nostalgia and said to Klea. "No... this forest was my playground when I was little. It was the place where I spent most of those happy days."
He knew the forest like the back of his hand. A small, long forgotten part of him was ecstatic he could step in here again after so long. Now that he was grown up, the sense of safety was no longer there, but the memories stayed with him.
Upon hearing that, Klea looked around, grinning the whole time, before she said "You are taking me to your family home?"
----------------------------------
Written by Avans, Published exclusively by W.e.b.n.o.v..e.l,