oppositum [a (maybe) Nikolai Lantsov story] (currently being reviewed)

XII

Two months later

The training of the isenulfs went perfectly. Everyone was able to do their exercises. Each duo found its own area of interest. Lux and Nix had mastered such discretion that the instructor called them ghosts. Perse' and Lýkos were more into attack and strength. During the few encounters as a quartet, their duos complemented each other thanks to the strong complicity between them.

"One hell of a team we form sweetheart."
"Yep. What a shame that I do three quarters of the work with Lux! Your pretty face isn't going to get the grisha to jump into your arms."

Lýkos put an arm around Nix's shoulders and pressed her against his chest, laughing.

"Jealous?"
"Me? Never!"

Nix stuck out her tongue and joined him in his laughter. Then she moved away from his extinguishers and lowered herself to Lux's level to shower him with kisses. Lýkos affectionately stroked Perse's fur to congratulate her on her work in their last fight.
Once the last fight was over, the instructor brought them back together.

"As you all know, Hringkälla is coming soon and it's in a week. As far as I am concerned, you are all ready and will make perfect drüskelles. For your last week, you will have to fend for yourselves on your own on your occupations."

Murmurs of joy rose in the audience.

"You will still have access to downtown if you want to shop. The only condition is that you do not leave the Ice Court. A final test will be given to you the evening before the equinox."

Before he could say goodbye, the whole group had dispersed and was celebrating this semi-freedom. Lýkos consulted Nix with his eyes.

"What are you going to do?"
"I clearly don't know. Maybe visit my generals... see if my family has done anything wrong in the two and a half years I've been away..."
"Me, I'm going to take my time to visit the city. With Perse'."

Nix turned to him, opened her mouth to say something, then thought better of it.

"What did you wanted to say?"
"Uh... I was going to propose something but you'll probably prefer to stay here..."
"Just tell me."

Nix bit the inside of her cheek.

"Do you want to come with me to the castle? Let me show you my family... well, my friends... where I lived..."

Lýkos remained silent, surprised by her proposal.

"If it's no, tell me, it's not a big deal."
"N-no! Well yes, but no. I accept Nix! This is going to be so much fun! Do you realize that I'm going to be the only one from my village to have visited the castle! It's kind of huge! An honor! Of course I'll come!"
"Oh, cool!"

Nix smiled broadly and took one of Lýkos' hands in hers.

"When do you want us to go?"
"Whenever you want!"

Lýkos tucked one of Nix's rebellious paws behind her ear.

"Will you put me in your bed, my dear?"
"Shut up, you fool."

Lýkos winked at her.

"No, but seriously. I suggest we go tomorrow morning. Let the four of us finish the day in the bedroom. Because life in the castle is not easy."
"That's fine with me! But don't forget! I want to test your mattress! You promised me!"
"Yes, yes... big baby"

The evening was quiet, after the meal, Lýkos and Nix lay in bed and discussed what they would do in the castle, in the city, and about their future. After the equinox.

the next day
in front of the gate of the drüskelle district

After having left Lux and Persephone to the care of their instructor because the isenulfs were not authorized to leave the district drüskelles as long as they had not passed Hringkälla. They went to the exit door of the sector. They were ready to go to Koira, to leave for a week the place that had been their home for more than two years. Even though the time away from the area was short, Nix felt a little sad to leave what she knew. She was afraid that the castle had changed a lot, that no one would recognize it. Lýkos sensed her friend's apprehension and took her hand to reassure her. Nix gave her a small smile and they walked through the door.

On the other side of the door was an excited Koira, eager to meet his ward. As soon as he saw her, he took her in his arms. His embrace lasted only a few seconds as Nix pulled away from him, then she laughed lightly and turned to her friend.

"Let me introduce you to General Koira. The man who took care of me when my father died and during my illness. For a long time, he was my confidant and my only friend!"

She turns back to Koira, all smiles.

"It's been a long time! I'm glad to see you Koira! I want you to meet Lýkos."

Koira held out her hand to Lýkos, who took it and gave it a gentle squeeze.

"Thank you for taking care of Nix during your training. If you need anything, come to me."

Koira turned away from them to signal a car to come towards them. He opened the door and motioned for them to get in.

"Let's go, let's not miss lunch with the rest of the family!"

Arriving in front of the palace, Nix and Lýkos marveled at it. Koira laughed softly and led them inside where they were taken to a kind of room. They both sat down on a sofa and Koira sat down in front of them.

"What are we waiting for?"
"With all due respect Nix, but your clothes along with Lord Lýkos' are not fit for a lunch with the royal family."
"Ah. Yes."

Lýkos looked down at his outfit, then back up at Koira's eyes.

"I'm not a lord. Just a peasant, so call me Lýkos."
"As you wish, but since you are a guest of her Majesty Nix, everyone will call you Lord whether you like it or not."

Lýkos did not answer but nodded.
A few minutes passed and a knocking sounded. Koira gave permission to enter and a flock of maids rushed into the room. Within ten minutes, Nix and Lýkos were dressed in clothes suitable for a meal at the palace. Both of them burst out laughing when they saw the other.

"Well Lýkos, or should I say Lord Lýkos, you look like a real nobleman dressed and styled like that!"

Lýkos grinned and bowed ironically to Nix.

"My dear princess, this dress manages to erase from my mind the vision of our last confrontation. When you thought you were a pig playing in the mud!"

Nix clapped him lightly on the shoulder.

"We don't talk about you enough, eating tree leaves during survival drills because mister ate them when he was a kid. And who had to take care of you for a week when you were puking your guts out? Me, so shut up."

Koira was hilarious behind them. Wiping away a tear of laughter, he placed his hands on the youth's shoulders.

"So stop your verbal jousting and let's go eat, the Queen and the Prince must be waiting for us."

The trip to the dining room was noisy, with Nix and Lýkos still hurling insults at each other but laughing at the same time. Koira, on the other hand, gave his ward a gentle look, happy that she had found a trusted friend.
The door to the room opened for them. The Queen and Rasmus were already sitting at the table. When the Queen saw her daughter, she snorted with disdain.

"You are finally here. Your education seems to have been redone Nix. Those years spent with peasants and fanatics have made you a true savage!"
"Mother... It's really not a joy to see you again."