How Did We Get Into This Mess - KOTLC Oneshots

Tainted

If being on Team Valiant meant she got to explore castles lost to human history, Sophie was all for it. Elves had some breathtaking architecture. But so do humans. The Taj Mahal, for one! The Big Ben, Angkor Wat, Westminster Abbey, and the Dome of the Rock- her personal favorite. Sometimes, she was painfully aware of the snobbery directed towards anything considered "human."

It was completely undeserved. The castle seemed like a fairytale come to life- though that seemed to be Sophie's entire life. Well, not the happily ever after part. Yet.

Keefe bounced along with her, their hands swinging together. 

"Woah."

Swirling turrets pierced the clouds, vines twined around balcony railings. What seemed like a drawbridge was only the first entry, an exquisite metal gate resting behind, rusted curves coming together in a mandala design.

Walking deeper into the castle, she marveled at the arching vaulted ceilings holding the roof up. They were strong as well as beautiful, a chandelier hanging from every criss cross. Levitating up, she could see old smears of wax hidden underneath dust.

Glad for her boots, Sophie stepped among what must have been thick carpeting, for there was still a decent layer yet to be chewed apart. Imagining the rich red of the past, she noticed one thing she'd forgotten.

"Keefe? Where are you," Sophie called out, her voice echoing across stone. "Don't make me track you!" When there was no response, she telepathically reached out, following the only thing she can sense. A sunset glow from his emotional center. An aura of awe.

The boy was on his knees completely immersed in a tapestry taking up the entire wall. It depicted a gleaming sword, blood dripping off the edge to land on a bed of pure white roses. Because every rose has its thorns. And every battle has its casualties.

"They're painting the roses red," Sophie whispered, her reverent voice shaking Keefe out of his stupor. Their eyes met, watering. How could an old piece of art bring out so much emotion in them? What had the tapestry triggered to cause such innate pain?

"Let's go home," Keefe breathed, turning away from the artifact. He stood up as Sophie took his hand.

"It deserves more than to be left here, don't you think," Sophie said, voice hushed. She wasn't sure why, but the tapestry commanded a sort of respect, stemming from loss. From sadness. 

Keefe held up a leaping crystal, positioning it above the piece. As they glittered away, it came with them. 

(This wasn't a lot of fluff, or angst, but I liked writing it. Another update is coming, don't worry!)