Chapter 42
Chapter
Forty-Two
Kraghol stared ahead as Jasper led him towards the Christmas markets. Music and chatter grew louder. More people moved along the streets. But still, no one shrieked or screamed at the sight of him. Although, quite a few glanced his way.
Could it really be this easy? Just a change of clothes and a human by my side?
“The Christmas markets.” Jasper gestured. “I hope they live up to your expectations.”
Kraghol, Jasper, and Kali walked beneath a wooden arch covered in greenery and baubles. Decorated Christmas trees towered above quaint wooden stalls.
Kraghol gazed at the wares on offer. He didn’t recognise most of the items. Part of him wanted to ask Jasper what everything was. But another part just wanted to soak it all in.
They paused in front of a children’s choir. Kraghol gaped to hear the otherworldly voices. “They sound so lovely.” Jasper leaned against him as they stood and listened.
From there they moved on, and Kraghol watched an incubus playing a ring toss game.
“They are trying to get the ring over the stick,” Jasper explained. “If they do so, then they win a prize.”
“I see.” For several minutes, Kraghol and Jasper watched. “What prize do they win?”
“The winner can choose from those prizes up at the top there.”
Kraghol nodded, looking them over. His gaze snagged on one of the prizes.
“Do you want to have a go?” Jasper asked.
“Oh… I don’t know. I doubt I’d be any good.” He gave a shaky laugh.
With a smile, Jasper turned to the troll who appeared to be running the game. “Fifteen rings please,” Jasper said and paid.
The troll gave Jasper the rings. Jasper handed most of them to Kraghol. “Those are for you.”
“Now just like this.” Jasper tossed a ring. It missed. He laughed, that beautiful joyous laughter of his. “But try and actually get it over the stick.” He threw another. Once again it missed.
Kraghol threw a ring. Then another. And another. All of them missed.
“That one was so close!” Jasper called out as Kraghol’s ring hit the stick and bounced off.
Kraghol kept throwing. He kept missing. Finally, he was down to his final ring. Holding his breath, he tossed it. It landed over the stick!
Jasper whooped. “You did it!” He clapped.
Kraghol laughed. “I did!”
“Congratulations,” the troll drawled. “Which prize will it be?”
“I’ll take the sun.” He pointed.
The troll handed him the sun ornament made from orange, red, and yellow stained glass. A thread was attached at the top so it could be hung.
“What a cute ornament!” Jasper said.
Kraghol met his gaze. He paused, wondering if Jasper might think this silly. Then he held out the sun ornament to Jasper.
“Merry Christmas, Jasper. I know it isn’t a proper Christmas present, since you paid for me to play. But when I first heard your laugh, all those months ago, it reminded me of sunshine. You remind me of sunshine. You have brought so much light into my dark life. So I want you to have this.”
“Kraghol,” Jasper breathed. “Thank you.” Jasper took the sun, cradling it against his chest. “I’ll treasure my first Christmas present from you forever.” He pressed his lips to Kraghol’s.
They continued through the Christmas markets. They bought fried meat. Kali gobbled it up, getting it all over her face. Kraghol had to stop himself from doing the same and instead ate slowly. He’d never eaten such succulent meat. It was so juicy and had such interesting and intense, smoky flavours.
“This is all so beautiful,” Kraghol said as they continued walking.
“I’m glad you like it.”
“I never thought I’d ever have anything like this.” Kraghol stared up at the Christmas trees and the glowing lights. “Ever.” This was so far away from the world he knew. Jasper had gifted this to him. “Thank you.”
“It is my pleasure,” Jasper said. “And I hope to give you so many new things to experience and marvel at.”
As they meandered, a few people glanced at Kraghol. Some studied his face. A few times people froze or their eyes widened. No doubt many recognised him as a krampus. Surprisingly, a few seemed openly curious about his presence. Others seemed to even find it amusing.
Then they passed a man. He gaped. He mouthed “krampus.” He pointed. Kraghol’s whole body tensed. But other than staring in shock and pointing, the individual did not do anything.
Jasper’s hand on his tightened; he had apparently also seen the person. “I’m right here. I’m by your side. You are not alone.”
“Thank you.” Kraghol relaxed as they got further away from the man.
“Are you all right?” Jasper asked.
“Yes. I didn’t like that response. But I can handle it. And honestly, everyone’s reaction so far has been a lot better than I expected.” Because most just didn’t seem to care that he was there. He could definitely cope with that.
Maybe we really can make a life together in Anorra.
“Oh, look! That’s my brother and his mate!” Jasper pointed at an orc and a pixie.
“Is that Cas and Graal?” Kraghol had heard so much about them.
“Come on. You can meet them.” Jasper tugged him towards them.
“Right now?” Kraghol’s eyes widened.
“Why not? Cas! Graal!” Jasper called out.
The two turned and looked at Jasper. They smiled. Then Cas’s gaze fixed on their joined hands. He looked at Kraghol.
“Hello, Jas,” Cas said, eyes twinkling. “Who is this?”
Jasper wrapped his arm around Kraghol. “This is Kraghol. He and I are together.”
Kraghol attempted a smile as his hands shook. “Hello.”
Cas clapped his hands together. “You’re together? Really? That’s wonderful!” He looked back and forth between them. Then he looked at Jasper. His eyes narrowed. “You look well tonight, Jas. Very well, in fact.” He flew closer to Jasper, studying his face.
Jasper just smiled. “I’m feeling well. And you should expect to see a lot more of Kraghol around. He’ll be at the Christmas lunch tomorrow.”
Cas’s wings fluttered. “That will be wonderful.” But his curious gaze remained on Jasper, as if he had more questions for his brother.
“Well, I am glad to meet you, Kraghol,” Graal said, voice gruff.
“Me too,” Kraghol said.
Cas and Graal continued on. But Cas kept glancing back at them.
“So how was meeting my brother and his mate?” Jasper asked.
“They seemed nice. Exactly what I pictured when you talked about them.” He paused. “Do you think they liked me?”
“I think they did,” Jasper said. “By the way, I didn’t tell them you’re my mate, as I want to tell Leo first.”
Kraghol nodded. Although, honestly, he wouldn’t have been surprised if Jasper took his time telling his family they were mates. He imagined it would be a bit of a shock.
Then Jasper looked down one of the lanes. “Do you want to meet more of my family? We can visit my family’s stall.”
Kraghol blinked. “If you think that is a good idea.”
“I do.” Jasper tugged his hand. “Now come on. They will love you.”