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.
