The Symphony of Shadow

6: 'All the Creatures'

Possible triggers are in bold font: Smut (male masturbation)

G W Y N

Gwyn released a cool breath as she took in the surroundings. They stood on the grassy banks of a steady-flowing river, with the last remnants of the golden sun melting behind the dense conifers in the distance.

It was beautiful - calm and peaceful, the definition of tranquility. If she wasn't here with a purpose, she may have lay down on the sweet grass, and listened to the Earth's music for a while

She scoured the area, looking for any sign of threat, utilizing each of her fae senses.

She looked to Azriel, who seemingly had the same idea. He held his blade, Truthteller, in hand, ready to defend if need be. Following his lead, Gwyn pulled her own weapon - a bow - from where it was hooked to the strap the ran across her back. Making the most of her fae eyesight, she begun scanning the distance, her bow ready should she need to shoot long-range, whilst Azriel covered short-range.

The nerves were less persistent than she'd anticipated at the prospect of spending time alone with a male - away from the library. Though this was Azriel, whom she trusted - trusted enough to allow him to carry her in his arms whilst he flew them through the House's wards, trusted enough to allow him to strap her weapons in place over her body.

Gwyn wondered if Azriel knew she trusted him - she'd mentioned it in the spur of the moment, two days ago in the library - but she hoped that he knew she truly meant it. After all, it's hard to trust when your past is evidence as to why you shouldn't.

"Nothing. You?" Azriel asked, but Gwyn knew that there was nothing the spymaster wouldn't have noticed that she had, and that he was only trying to make her feel involved. She didn't exactly know who's idea it was to invite one of the Valkyries along on this mission, but she doubted it would have been Azriel's - she knew he preferred to work alone, after all.

She was grateful for the opportunity all the same, because Gwyn had often thought that true happiness, was when we were happy with ourselves - and experiences like these did in fact, make Gwyneth Berdara happy with herself. Therefore, she wasn't going to let a brooding shadowsinger ruin her chances of proving herself further. Although, she doubted Azriel would ever make her feel like a burden.

"Nothing." She confirmed.

Azriel nodded. "This way. Stay close, and keep that dagger of yours ready." He said, leading the way along the river, to where it eventually narrowed into a stream. The stream led into the forest, which opened into a shaded clearing which was dusted with bunches of snowdrops and bluebells - beautiful wildflowers which grew untamed, drenched in the last of the sun.

"Just down here." Azriel said, turning right, out of the clearing and onto a narrow footpath between the trees. These woods were lovely, dark and deep - but not frightening at all, Gwyn found, for she was with Azriel, and with Azriel she would always be safe.

They walked under a beautiful iron archway, with swirling tendrils of ivy winding through its intricate details, and Gwyn suspected awe reflected in her eyes when she took in the sight of a picturesque cottage - which was... seemingly occupied. At least the smoke emitting from the stone chimney suggested so.

"Is there someone home?" She asked, though Azriel didn't seem worried.

"The cottage isn't far from the war camps, so I stay here if I'm on assignment in Illyria. The housekeeper stays here year-round. You won't see her." He clarified.

She nodded. "What's the plan for tomorrow?"

"Unfortunately, it will involve a lot of walking."

"How much?"