Fairyfly - 11. Shade's Tale

(Two Months Ago)

The narrow, cobbled streets were wet after the rain, with small puddles formed all around. Walking briskly in her black riding boots and a short, black coat, Olivia paid no attention to where she was stepping, causing water to splash as she stepped into it. She was not bothered by the darkness, as it was her preferred time of day. The perfect time for a thief like herself. Being a Shade, thieving seemed to be the ideal profession for her since she could turn invisible as she pleased. It was no wonder Shades were usually recruited to undertake missions that required stealth and secrecy. Still, it was more of a job she was forced to do than something she enjoyed doing, even though she excelled at it.

This time, however, she was not heading to carry out another one of the missions her ‘employer’ Lucius would often assign her to. This time, she was returning home after having done something far more dangerous and serious.

As she was approaching her house, her thoughts went to her little brother Tristan, waiting for her. Whenever she would go on a mission somewhere, she would bring him back books – reading was his favorite hobby and seeing his grin when he would look at his big sister returning and bringing him a new book to read was Olivia’s favorite thing in the world. After another long day spent outside, she couldn’t wait to go back and see him and give him a brand new book. This time, though, they would not separate again. All of the money and treasures she had stashed from her previous jobs were more than enough for the two of them to live comfortably, and she would finally be able to put her daggers away and retire.

“Tris, I’m home,” she called out as she unlocked the front door and let herself in.

Hearing no reply, she headed to her brother’s bedroom. He must’ve fallen asleep while reading, she thought, deciding to check if he needs to be tucked in. A candle was still burning on the bedside table, but the silhouette that could be seen sitting on a chair on the other side of the room was definitely not Tristan’s. Feeling her heart racing, Olivia pulled out a dagger and quietly slipped into the room. The figure immediately turned around to greet her.

“Hello, Liv,” the man said politely, yet coldly, his thin lips almost curving into a smile.

“Lucius? What are you doing here? Where’s Tristan?” Olivia asked with an unsettling feeling in her stomach.

“I came to talk and see if I can convince you to… change your mind about that assignment.”

“I told you already, I’m not risking it! I know we’ve had a good deal, but this is just too dangerous,” she replied, determined not to back down. “I have Tris to think about! Besides, it’s not like you don’t have a bunch of other Shades who need a job and who are willing to work for you.”

“And you don’t need this job anymore?” the man raised his eyebrows, looking at the girl smugly.

“Not if it’s that dangerous.”

“Liv, you’re the best thief I worked with in a long time. And you’re a Shade on top of it. I think you have no reason to be scared.”

“And don’t you think King Norius has ways to deal with Shades? We’re not talking about a simple robbery here. I meant what I said, I’m not doing it.”

“Not even for your brother?” Lucius asked, emphasizing the last word.

“Where is Tristan?!” the Shade asked threateningly, pointing a sharp dagger at the man.

“He is safe, for now. And he will join you once you have done your task.”

“Bastard!” the Shade hissed, lunging at the man and aiming the dagger at his throat, but he was simply too fast for her. Jumping from his chair, he grabbed her by the arm and twisted it just enough for her to drop the weapon, and in one quick sweeping motion with his leg, caused her to fall down on her back.

Immediately grabbing the girl’s dagger, Lucius pressed it against her throat.

“Try something like this again, and Tristan will no longer be cozily sitting by the fire, reading his books. Unless you bring me what I asked you to, he will meet a swift death, but yours will be slow and painful. Do we understand each other?” the man spat out, not taking his eyes from Olivia’s for a second.

After the girl nodded, Lucius removed the dagger and got up. With rage and fear burning in her eyes, Olivia picked herself up, trying to calm down and steady her breathing. She wanted to tear Lucius into pieces and make him regret he ever laid his hands on her brother, but she was perfectly aware that if she tried anything, she’d never see Tristan alive. Lucius was many things, but not someone who backed down from his threats.

“Fine,” she uttered with contempt in her voice. “But if anything happens to Tris…”

“Nothing will. The boy’s at a… secure location, thinking his sister is off on a new mission, leaving him in care of uncle Lucius,” the man said in a storytelling voice, which made Olivia even angrier.

Handing her back her dagger, he smiled.

“Good luck.”

Without a word more, he turned and left, leaving the Shade alone in her house, sobbing in the dark. Even though Lucius assured her Tristan was alright, she couldn’t help but be concerned about him. He was just a little boy and he needed her. All of their lives, they had only had each other, ever since their parents died.

With no choice left or time to waste, she got up from the bed, armed herself and headed out. The sooner she got the job over with, the better. She couldn’t leave Tristan with that man.

Before opening the door and leaving the house, she stood in front of a window. Upon seeing her reflection, she whispered an incantation and turned invisible.

It was time to steal a horse and head off to King Norius’ castle.

~~

“Time to finish what I came here to do,” Olivia whispered to herself as she rushed up the stairs.

It was the dead of the night and the castle halls were empty, so she just breezed through them like the wind without having to worry if the king’s sorcerers would spot her. They were the only ones that were able to see Shades even when they were invisible.

Olivia knew Prince Terryn would try and find her, but he would have a hard time. After all, you can’t find something that you can’t see.

Sure enough, just a few seconds later she could hear footsteps in the hallway behind her. For a moment, she thought she should’ve just locked him down in that dungeon, but she couldn’t be so cruel to the poor guy. His parents would be missing him and waiting for him to return home, just like Tristan was waiting for her. She missed him so much! If Lucius harmed him in any way, she would kill him even if it’s the last thing she does.

It was two months since they last saw each other and she hoped with all her heart that her little brother was alright. Two months… That was way too long for a mission that was supposed to be done in two weeks maximum. Alas, she did not count on being discovered and captured by the damned King Norius! Not only did he imprison her, but he also knew she was a Shade. As soon as she was chained and locked up, the king forbid any reflective objects from being brought down into the dungeons, thus preventing her escape. Lucky for her, Prince Terryn was not as smart.

Entering the wing that contained the king’s and queen’s personal chambers, the Shade snuck in as quietly as possible, trying to get her eyes accustomed to the almost total darkness. She dared not bring a torch, not wanting to risk getting discovered. After all, if someone came in and saw a torch floating in the air, it would certainly be hard to explain it. She may have made a mistake the last time, which cost her several weeks of being in that damned dungeon, but this time she would not fail. She had to do it for Tristan and herself, for their future.

The room she entered was huge, with several large wooden cabinets on each wall, decorated with intricate carvings. She immediately headed to a dresser next to a large mirror with a golden frame. Reaching out to open it, Olivia cautiously looked around her once more. Even though she had inspected the room and made sure there was no one but her, she did not want to risk it. This was the very room she was caught in – a mistake she would not make again.

Opening the top drawer, the Shade’s eyes fell upon the queen’s jewelry collection, or at least a part of it. She imagined a queen like Loreena would have much more jewelry than what was there, but it didn’t matter anyway. The only object she was looking for was not there anymore!

Damn it, she thought, wanting to shout and curse out loud, but managing to restrain herself. Searching through all the other drawers and finding nothing, she sighed and started pacing around the room. Nerves were starting to get the better of her. What if she couldn’t find it? She couldn’t return to Lucius without the bloody crown, not with her brother’s life on the line! She would just have to keep looking for it, even if she had to search every single room in the castle.

Deciding to move to the next room, Olivia went to the door on the opposite wall and slowly opened it, producing just the faintest of clicks. It was probably not enough to alert anyone, but she still flinched, careful as ever. Upon entering the room, she stood frozen, her eyes almost popping out of her sockets. The king and queen were sleeping on a huge canopy bed right in front of her. This was their bedroom!

Not moving an inch from where she was standing, the Shade scanned the room that basked in moonlight coming through the window. Her jaw dropped and she almost gasped when she saw the coveted object – the queen’s golden crown with a large ruby at its center – placed on top of her nightstand.

Although still invisible, the girl moved slowly and carefully, holding her breath. She stood in front of the nightstand, the crown within her reach. She just had to reach out and grab it. In one swift motion, she snatched the gold object and tucked it safely under her jacket. There, that was easy!

Looking around, she saw something else shimmering in the moonlight and felt another surge of courage. Going over to the king’s side of the bed, she carefully picked up his bronze dagger – always her weapon of choice – and held it just above his face, contemplating her actions. A few moments later, she simply put the dagger away safely in its sheath and stashed it in her pocket. Without wasting a second more, the Shade turned around and left the room.

~~

Rulf woke up in a soft, comfortable bed, feeling Esthor’s warm body pressed close against his own. His first instinct was to wrap his arms around the sleeping blond and snuggle him even closer, letting out a sigh of contentment. It wasn’t until a few seconds later that he actually realized what he was doing. They had spent the night together – only sleeping – and now they were naked and cuddling.

Wait – am I naked? Rulf wondered and peaked under the covers, relaxing when he saw they both still had their underwear on. He was bulging hard and couldn’t help but notice that Esthor was as well. That brought a smirk to his face, and even though he was alarmed at the position they were in, he decided to let go and just enjoy the moment. Esthor was still asleep, his head on Rulf’s arm and his body sprawled along Rulf’s. The Lykos had his arms wrapped around the sorcerer’s body, feeling his chest slowly rise and fall as he breathed in and out.

Relishing their closeness, Rulf closed his eyes again and thought how he wouldn’t mind waking up like this more often. His thoughts were interrupted by Esthor stirring and opening his eyes, murmuring unintelligibly. He was waking up, Rulf realized and started to pull away, but the blond grabbed him by the arm and pulled him back.

“Don't go, stay here,” he mumbled, his head still on the other man’s bare shoulder.

“Hey, it’s me, Rulf,” the Lykos replied softly, thinking the other man was still half-asleep and unaware of where he was.

“I know that,” Esthor chuckled, snuggling in closer to him.

“Oh… I thought you were talking in your sleep.”

“Nope. Just a little longer, I don’t want to get up yet,” Esthor purred, making Rulf spread his lips into a grin. How could he say no to that?

As they lay together, Rulf’s thoughts were entirely occupied by the young man next to him. He could no longer deny that he had developed feelings for Esthor – feelings that were beyond just friendship and desire to help a man in need. He wanted to kiss him, make love to him and know all there is to know about him. However, actually admitting this to him was an entirely different matter, one he did not feel like he could do just yet.

Unlike Rulf, who observed the blond man with affection as if absorbing every inch of him, Esthor was lying in the darkness, satisfied with only inhaling the Lykos’ scent and feeling his touch. It surprised him how being blind had affected him in ways he never could have predicted. When he was able to see, he was much more assertive. He remembered his first encounter with Jonah, the blacksmith. Even though the rugged, black-haired man was taller and bigger than him, Esthor had no problem flirting and letting him know he was interested. Now, on the other hand, he felt as if he wasn’t good enough. Rulf was selfless and kind, not to mention gorgeous, while he couldn’t even climb the stairs without tripping.

Esthor sighed almost inaudibly, but still loud enough for Rulf to take notice. The Lykos then turned toward him, moved his hand that lay on Esthor’s stomach and placed it on the man’s cheek, gently stroking it.

“I’d like to do something very much right now,” he spoke softly.

“What?” the sorcerer asked, his mouth slightly open in anticipation of what he thought was about to happen. He could feel it coming and he prayed to all the Gods that he was right, as his heart started beating like crazy. Just a few moments later, his wishes came true as he felt warm lips pressed against his own. He quickly raised his hand and brought it to the back of Rulf’s head, pulling him closer as their mouths opened and their tongues met for the first time.

Esthor was sure his body was melting and that nothing of him would soon remain but a heart-shaped puddle in the middle of the bed. He hadn’t been kissed like that in a long time; this wasn’t just a kiss of lust and passion, but a kiss that had real meaning – a kiss that allowed the two men to share emotions they couldn’t express in words.

When they separated, Rulf took a moment to compose himself, feeling like the heat was almost too much to bear. He resumed stroking Esthor’s cheek tenderly, his eyes still locked on the other man’s wet lips.

“Was that ok?” the Lykos whispered.

“Ok doesn’t even begin to describe it,” Esthor smiled, running his fingers through Rulf’s messy auburn hair.

“I’m glad,” Rulf chortled, “because I’d like to do it again.”

“Me too… Anytime.”

With another quick peck, the two men got up from the bed. Hearing movement downstairs, they realized master Khalgos had returned, which must’ve meant it was rather late. How long have they been sleeping anyway? They got dressed and made themselves presentable, after which they went down to grab something to eat and more importantly, talk to Khalgos.

“Did you boys sleep tonight? I mean, sleep WELL tonight?” the old sorcerer asked playfully as he was feeding his pet crow. The intelligent animal was perched atop its stand next to a window, pecking food from Khalgos’ hand. It cawed upon hearing its master’s words, as if it knew exactly what he meant. Maybe it did.

“Yes, we did sleep well,” Esthor said, emphasizing the word ‘sleep’. “Like you weren’t eavesdropping anyway,” he added casually, making Khalgos snicker.

“Ahem, have you talked to the healer, master Khalgos?” Rulf asked, hoping to change the subject that was making him just a bit uncomfortable. He was grateful the old man was looking the other way and that Esthor couldn’t see him, because he could swear his face was as red as a beet.

“Yes, he went to try and retrieve the book, but… Let’s just say the coast wasn’t clear. He’ll try and sneak in tonight and hopefully get it then. If not, I’ll go and take it by force if necessary.”

“I hope that won’t be required,” Rulf replied, as he and Esthor sat down to eat. He frowned, realizing the two men were still dancing around the topic, not wanting to reveal where Esthor left the book. Is he ever going to trust me enough to tell me the truth, Rulf wondered, feeling a bit hurt.

“Have you boys made any plans for today?”

“Yes, we’ll be going to find the parts for my new scepter, but we have to wait till the evening. I need to be able to use my fairyfly form so I can actually see,” Esthor explained in between munching down on a delicious meat pie that he conjured up, much to Rulf’s satisfaction.

Over the last few weeks, the sorcerer learned that Rulf is a big carnivore – which was no surprise considering he was a Lykos – so he took every opportunity to impress him with conjuring up meals with plenty of meat. Even though he couldn’t actually cook to save his life, the food he would create magically was just as delicious as if it had come from the oven of the best cooks.

The two young men spent a relaxed afternoon taking a walk in the forest, but when the sun finally set, they went on a mission to collect the parts Esthor needed to craft a new magic scepter for himself.

Picking out a piece of wood for the handle was the easy part. Esthor knew he wanted something hard and durable, but also light in color, and since Rulf was an expert, he was more than happy to give him recommendations.

“So, what kind of a tree are we looking for?” the Lykos asked as he walked along Esthor hand in hand.

“Something strong and durable, I don’t want it to break after a month.”

“Well, out of the trees we have here in the forest, I can recommend maple, it’s pretty resistant.”

“Ok… And what color is it?”

“Oh, I didn’t know that was important. Like, does it have something to do with what kind of magic you do?” Rulf enquired, curious about it since he knew very little about sorcery.

“Oh no, I just want it to match my outfits,” Esthor chirped nonchalantly, drawing a hearty laugh out of the Lykos.

Ok, so maybe Khalgos’ peacock remark was more on point that he cared to admit. Anyway, there was nothing wrong with wanting to look good, even if he couldn’t actually see himself right now.

“It’s very light in color. How’s that sound?” Rulf replied, finding Esthor incredibly cute at that moment. He fought the desire to grab him right there and kiss him senseless.

“That sounds perfect! Just what I need. So are there any maple trees nearby?”

“Yes, as a matter of fact, there are some over there. Let’s go,” Rulf led him further north until they reached an area with plenty of maple trees. “Here we are.”

“Great. I’ll shift so I can pick out a tree, and then you can chop me a piece, alright?”

“Oh… We forgot to bring an axe,” Rulf frowned.

“No problem, here you go,” Esthor said, and in a second, a big axe appeared in his hand.

With a chuckle, the Lykos took the axe and thought how convenient it was to have a sorcerer by his side. Especially someone as nice and easygoing as Esthor. But how long would that last? Once Pepin returns with the book, they will restore Esthor’s sight and he won’t need me anymore, Rulf thought, a cloud of worry gathering over him. He was concerned because what if whoever took out his eyes tried something again? What if they try to kill him next time?

Another thing that lay heavy on his heart was the fact that Esthor clearly still didn’t trust him. At least not enough to tell him what had happened and who did that to him. What is he hiding and how much can I trust him, the Lykos wondered as he chopped off a branch from a maple tree.

All he knew was that he couldn’t bear to lose Esthor like he lost Arabella.

Finally, Rulf decided that after they have completed this mission and Esthor was safely back at Khalgos’ home, he would go back to the village to find Fendrel. The Lykos shuddered at the thought of someone, especially his old friend, deliberately attacking and infecting the princess. He had to confront him and punish him – only then would he be at peace with himself and able to move on with his life, hopefully with the cute sorcerer by his side.