Crimson Overlord-Chapter 315: Ice Skating

Stepping out of the warm embrace of the spa, Brynhild’s breath puffed out in a cloud as they approached the ice skating center. A stark contrast to the serenity they’d just left, the building pulsed with a different kind of energy – one that vibrated with exhilaration and the joyful cacophony of scraping blades on ice.

The exterior was a modern marvel of glass and steel, its facade reflecting the vibrant hues of the setting sun. Towering windows offered a glimpse into the heart of the action – a vast sheet of gleaming ice teeming with skaters of all ages and abilities. Upbeat music, a mix of pop and classic winter anthems, spilled out the open doors, beckoning them inside.

Entering the building, a wave of cool, crisp air greeted them. The scent of freshly sharpened skates mingled with the aroma of hot cocoa and popcorn wafting from a concession stand tucked away in a corner.

The main hall was a sprawling open space dominated by the massive ice rink. Gleaming white boards lined the perimeter, offering a haven for wobbly beginners like Brynhild, while a center island housed colorful inflatable penguins and polar bears for the youngest skaters.

Families zipped past, children clinging precariously to the sides, their joyful shrieks echoing through the hall. Teenagers glided effortlessly, weaving intricate patterns on the ice, their laughter punctuated by the occasional tumble. Couples, arms linked, skated in graceful circles, their movements a silent conversation of love and shared joy.

Above the rink, a large digital board displayed the upcoming session times and a running leaderboard for the more competitive skaters. A brightly colored rental booth offered a selection of skates in various sizes, gleaming blades catching the light.

A small cafe, adorned with wintery decorations and cozy armchairs, offered a respite for weary skaters. Steam rose from mugs of hot beverages, while plates of steaming fries and warm pastries tempted those seeking a post-skate snack.

Brynhild, her eyes sparkling with excitement, tugged at Orpheus’ arm. "Let’s rent skates! I haven’t been ice skating in ages!" she exclaimed.

A smile tugged at the corner of Orpheus’ lips. Despite the hunger that gnawed at him, he couldn’t deny the infectious enthusiasm radiating from Brynhild. Perhaps, for a few hours, he could allow himself to be swept away by the carefree joy of gliding across the ice.

As they joined the line at the rental booth, the hustle and bustle of the ice rink washing over them, Orpheus couldn’t help but chuckle. This evening, amidst the laughter and cheers, he might just rediscover a forgotten part of himself – a part that craved normalcy, connection, and a simple, fleeting moment of happiness.

Orpheus and Brynhild secured a pair of skates and found a secluded corner by the boards. Brynhild laced up her skates with practiced ease, a hint of nostalgia tugging at her features. Orpheus, however, fumbled with the unfamiliar laces, his fingers stiff and unused to such delicate tasks.

With a playful laugh, Brynhild knelt beside him and took over. Her touch was light but firm, her movements quick and practiced.

"There you go," she said, handing him a pair of sturdy handholds. "Ready to take the ice?"

Orpheus, a knot of apprehension tightening in his stomach, nodded hesitantly. He pushed himself upright, the slick surface beneath his feet sending a jolt through him. Instinct took over as he gripped the handholds with white knuckles, his body rigid with tension.

Brynhild, sensing his fear, squeezed his hand reassuringly.

"Just relax," she said, her voice warm and encouraging. "Take small steps, and if you feel yourself falling, just lean into the board."

Hesitantly, Orpheus took a tentative step forward. The ice felt surprisingly smooth beneath his blades, and to his surprise, he didn’t immediately topple over. He inched forward a few more times, his movements jerky and awkward.

Brynhild, ever the patient teacher, glided beside him, offering words of encouragement and gentle corrections. Slowly, a semblance of confidence bloomed within Orpheus. He began to relax his grip on the handholds, venturing further away from the boards.

His movements became less like a toddler’s first steps and more like a hesitant glide. He wasn’t graceful by any means, but with each hesitant push, he felt a sliver of accomplishment.

Laughter erupted from beside him, and Orpheus turned to see Brynhild wiping tears of amusement from her eyes.

"You’re doing great, Orpheus!" she exclaimed, her smile wide.

"Look at you, you’re actually skating!"

A genuine smile, one that reached his eyes for the first time in what felt like forever, spread across Orpheus’ face. He may have been a monster on the inside, but here, on the ice, surrounded by the joyous chaos of the rink, he felt...almost normal.

Emboldened by his newfound confidence, Orpheus pushed off from the board and attempted a tentative glide. He wobbled precariously for a moment, his arms flailing wildly, but somehow, he managed to stay upright.

A triumphant whoop escaped his lips, the sound echoing through the rink. Brynhild, her face alight with joy, mirrored his movement, their laughter blending with the surrounding cacophony.

The rest of the evening unfolded in a blur of laughter, stumbles, and unexpected moments of grace. Orpheus, fueled by Brynhild’s infectious enthusiasm and the sheer novelty of the experience, found himself pushing his limits.

He learned to stop with a snowplow technique, his laughter echoing through the rink as he fell spectacularly backwards. He attempted a few wobbly turns, his movements more akin to a drunken sailor than a seasoned skater, but the joy he felt surpassed any concern for form.

As the evening drew to a close, their legs ached pleasantly from exertion, and their faces were flushed with the cold air. Sitting on a bench by the rink, sipping hot cocoa from steaming mugs, they watched the final skaters glide effortlessly across the ice.

"That was...amazing," Brynhild sighed contentedly, leaning against Orpheus’ shoulder.

Orpheus nodded, a soft smile playing on his lips. The hunger within him hadn’t vanished, but for a few stolen hours, it had been pushed to the background. He had rediscovered a sliver of joy, a connection with Brynhild that transcended his monstrous hunger.

"Thank you, I haven’t so much fun in a while.’’ he rasped, his voice thick with emotion.

Brynhild squeezed his hand, her eyes filled with understanding. ’’You are welcome master, I also have a lot of fun, I’m truly happy.’’

As they walked out of the ice rink, hand in hand, they looked a couple, Brynhild felt secretly happy, if only moments like these could last forever, how wonderful this could be.