The Assassin's Crown

Part 16

2022, August 11th

The two men started upon their journey late into the afternoon of the next day. Their hair was tangled and frizzy compared to when their long night started, and their clothes were wrinkled and messy, placed lazily onto their bodies. Aerlic strides slowly on top of Neopold as to not wake the sleeping man in his arms.

It had begun to grow dark again when Sireno woke up again. He could see the concentration in Aerlic's face as they made their way further into the darkening forest.

"Aerlic, what are we?" the younger tugs on Aerlic's collar. He was falling for a basically stranger even after their night of twenty questions and love.

"We are whatever you wish to be, that is no longer my choice to make for you." the older rubbed a hand along his head.

"We just slept together, Aerlic." the boy announced to the oblivious man. He was done stepping on pebbles around the man.

"I understand that but it was a bit more complicated when you did remember. We used to be Fiance's, best friends, lovers, and enemies. I hurt you and it got you killed, 478 years ago." the man finally broke into his heart's needs. He clutched the steads, speeding the horse up a small amount.

"I'm immortal?"Sireno stared at the older man in horror, why had he lied so much, what was he hiding?

"Immortal because I caused you to die. If I had been able to do my job, to be a better lover and man. I KILLED YOU SIRENO! I HELD A DAGGER TO YOUR BACK AND ALMOST STABBED IT, don't you see?"Aerlic began to tear up, his heart was breaking like snow. His lungs had begun to burn, and his sight left him becoming a victim free to the world.

"You didn't stab me. If you had stabbed me I would have a scar. Plus you spoke yourself, you contained zero power to kill me, even when able to. You are innocent." the smaller man cupped his chin and pulled him down to face him. No fear was shown in his eyes, no hatred, and no pain was left in sight.

"You show no fear to me? Old you hated me till two months ago. Last night would have never even been possible." Aerlic rested his head upon Sireno's. Their eyes had met and became one swirl of thoughts, just as they had the night prior.

"I have no fear to show you, I have your back, I trust you will have mine." he pulls him further down and they share a pure moment of understanding. They were in the calm before the storm.