As Bronn continued sharing the tales of his Bloodfang ancestor, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the stone streets.
The hustle and bustle of the tribe shifted as dusk settled in, and soon, lamps flickered to life along the pathways and outside the intricately carved stone buildings.
Their warm glow bathed the streets in a soft amber light, giving the tribe a welcoming, festive air.
Bronn, still brimming with pride as he recounted his ancestor's heroic deeds, paused and glanced up at the darkening sky.
His expression changed from reverence to eagerness.
"Boss, it's time," he said, turning to Spark with a wide grin.
At Bronn's words, Spark sighed, nodding reluctantly.
Amelia, calm as ever, observed the scene with quiet interest.
The warm light of the lamps flickered in her eyes as she took in the tribe's way of life, a stark contrast to the isolated peaks of the mountain where she had spent much of her life.
With Bronn leading, the trio were making their way through the now lively streets when Spark suddenly narrowed his eyes, a look of suspicion crossing his face.
"Stop,"
Bronn and Amelia halted instantly, turning back to face him.
"You..." Spark rubbed his forehead, his gaze locking onto Bronn. "Did you bring that ugly thing with you?"
Bronn scratched his head, clearly puzzled for a moment. "Ugly thing...? How did Boss know?"
Spark sighed and shook his head in mild exasperation.
"This greedy guy..." he muttered under his breath, already knowing the answer.
Still grinning, Bronn pulled a glowing red rope from his bracelet, holding it up with a sense of triumph.
"I couldn't just leave this thing behind, Boss. It's beautiful and powerful," he said, caressing the rope as if it were a cherished treasure.
Spark's gaze remained skeptical as he eyed the rope. "Pass it to me."
"Here!" Bronn extended his arms, offering the rope toward Spark.
Spark raised an eyebrow. "I don't want to touch it."
Confused, Bronn blinked. "Why not?"
"Just throw it towards me," Spark instructed.
Though confused, Bronn complied, throwing the red rope toward Spark.
But just as the rope flew through the air, Spark didn't move to catch it. Instead, he raised his arm, palm open, and pointed forward.
{[Stardust Erase]}
Spark said quietly, and in an instant, small flickering particles of white light appeared in the air, surrounding the rope mid-flight.
The lights engulfed the rope, swirling around it like a storm of stars.
Amelia watched with a curious tilt of her head, while Bronn's eyes widened in awe.
Spark's outstretched arm also glowed with the same light particles, shimmering faintly in the night.
'Oh, it's fighting back,'
As they settled in, the crowd erupted in cheers, and the feast officially began. The drums beat louder, laughter filled the air, and the atmosphere buzzed with excitement.
The table quickly filled with an array of delicacies, roasted meats seasoned with rich spices, wild fruits, and steaming bowls of fragrant stews.
The enormous boar took center stage, its crispy skin glistening under the firelight as the aroma of the feast wafted through the air.
The barbarians wasted no time, diving into the feast with enthusiasm, their laughter loud and joyful. Music filled the air, and soon, tribesmen and women were dancing around the fire, their movements wild and untamed, perfectly reflecting the free-spirited nature of the Grimhold.
Spark, however, picked at his food without much enthusiasm, carefully choosing small portions just enough to stave off hunger.
The loud, chaotic atmosphere left him feeling out of place, and though his face remained composed, his aloofness stood out in contrast to the festive energy around him.
Amelia, on the other hand, seemed to be enjoying herself. She sampled each dish with curiosity, her usual calm expression softening slightly as she tasted the unfamiliar flavors.
It was something to see her so engaged in something as simple as food, a stark contrast to her usual stoic demeanor.
"Do you really like it that much?" Spark asked quietly, watching as Amelia sampled yet another dish. His tone carried a hint of disbelief.
Amelia nodded slightly, sipping from her cup.
"A little," she admitted. "I've never tasted food from outside before."
"I see," Spark replied, though inside, he found it odd to see her like this.
It amused him to see her enjoying the food so earnestly, like a traveler experiencing a new world for the first time.
It was a striking image, Amelia, who had come down from the mountain, now tasting the hearty fare of the Grimhold with a quiet enthusiasm.
Spark leaned back in his seat, a faint smile playing on his lips as he watched her, the humor of the situation not lost on him.
The feast continued in full swing, with laughter, dancing, and music filling the night air. Suddenly, Bronn sidled up to Spark in a surprisingly sneaky manner, glancing around before leaning in close to whisper.
"Boss, do you want to try this?" Bronn asked, a mischievous grin on his face as he pulled a small bottle from his sleeve, the glass shimmering faintly in the firelight.
Spark raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
"Wine? Sure, why not," he said casually. But then, noticing Bronn's secretive tone, he asked, "Why are you whispering?"
Bronn shot a sneaky glance at Amelia, still focused on the food, and lowered his voice even further. "Won't your mate be mad if she catches you drinking?"
For a moment, Spark blinked in confusion, then realization hit him. 'Ah, that...' he thought, almost laughing. He brushed it off with a smirk. "It's fine, pour me some."
Grinning, Bronn quickly poured a bowl of the wine, its rich fragrance filling the air. Spark took a sip, feeling the warmth spread through him.
"Not bad," he said, already feeling a slight flush from the alcohol. The wine had a strong but smooth flavor, something distinctly local, and he had to admit, it was good
As the two quietly drank, Spark feeling the lightness of the alcohol creeping in, a group of elderly barbarians approached the table.
Their presence was respectful but commanding, their thick furs and worn armor shifting with their movements.
They bowed deeply, honoring Spark's status.
"These are the elders of our tribe," Bronn said, straightening up, his tone more formal as he introduced them.
Spark, still feeling the warmth from the wine, nodded in acknowledgment.
"What brings you?" he asked casually, though his sharp gaze didn't waver.
The elders exchanged glances before one of them, an elder with a snow-white beard and deep scars on his face, stepped forward.
"We have heard much about the Scion," the elder said, his voice deep and full of respect. "We'd like to learn a few things from you, if you are willing to teach us.