Darkling

Places to Start

Afternoon light was casting long shadows through the house when I blinked awake. The bed was comfortable and warm, but the soft bedmate I had fallen asleep next to was gone. Climbing out of bed, I trudged towards the edge of the loft and stepped off. Paisley snickered at me from the plush armchair by the fire as I scrubbed the sleep from my eyes.

"Hugo still asleep?"

"Yes. I think he's been more tired than he wanted anyone to know so I didn't want to wake him until we had to."

Nodding in agreement, I studied her for a moment. "How about you?"

She smiled, holding the shawl Ashtoreth had given her a little closer about her shoulders. "I like it here. It's so very different from Lumence but, so far, I like it here. I hope we can keep being useful."

"I'm sure Ashtoreth will find a place for each of us to fit in. Speaking of, where is Ashtoreth?"

Paisley pointed upwards. "She said she was going to the roof. I think to draw."

Nodding, I promised I would be back soon and stepped out of the house. Spreading my wings, I lifted myself up to the top of the house and landed lightly on the slope. Ashtoreth smiled at me over her sketchbook as I stepped up to sit next to her on the broad beam of the ridge.

"Evening. Sleep well?"

"Just once, I think I'd like to wake up to find you haven't left me."

Ashtoreth chuckled. "I will keep that in mind. But given our respective sleeping habits I don't know how often I'll be able to oblige. I'm not particularly good about sitting idle."

I pouted. "You could wake me before you get up?"

"But you look so peaceful when you sleep. I hate to disturb you." She giggled, throwing a wing about my shoulders and reaching to nuzzle against the side of my face. "You're not alone Su'en. Even when I'm not around, you still have me."

Humming, I nuzzled back. Ashtoreth kissed my cheek and got to her feet.

"The evening meal should be about ready. And considering we're the guests of honor tonight, I suppose we shouldn't be late."

I followed her down and off the edge of the roof. "Can't say as I've ever been a guest of honor. Is there...something we're supposed to do?"

"Have fun?" She ushered me inside the house. "There will be too much food and some dancing. I'm sure a couple people will have a gift for us, but most will come when we decide to take our honeymoon."

"Honeymoon?"

Ashtoreth hummed an agreement. "New mates take a month after they've become official and built their house. Just nesting and spending time together. The rest of the village brings them food and things for their new home, so the couple doesn't even have to step outside unless they want to."

Paisley sighed, a dreamy look in her eyes. "That sounds romantic." She abruptly sobered. "Oh, but I'm sure you wouldn't want me and Hugo hanging around your house for that."

Ashtoreth just grinned. "There's no rush. We'll get everything worked out beforehand, don't you worry. Tonight, all we have to worry about is celebrating being home and seeing who in the village is looking for a little help. Hugo still asleep?"

Getting to her feet, Paisley nodded. "I'll get him."

We waited patiently until Hugo made a sleepy appearance and then all went down to the hall. Ashtoreth and I were immediately caught up and ushered to a long table that had been placed up front and centered. Hugo and Paisley were escorted to seats on my side while Pangur and Deimos took the seats on Ashtoreth's side of the table.