Sun and Stone

XII.

The Shadow stumbled as they entered the clearing where the Night Queen waited on her throne of thorns. The room was formed by trees planted so closely together they resembled walls, their branches reaching skyward and intertwining to form a ceiling high above. The bundle they carried in their arms made their movements seem ungainly but they were able to regain their balance and walk towards the sitting reagent with an air of confidence. The late afternoon light slanted down from the skylight high above to illuminate a patch of grass before the Queens dais, a tree stump more than ten feet in diameter. The Shadow stopped in this spotlight and took a moment to gaze upon their monarch. In the sunlight, the Shadows form had become more substantial. Their dark hair was plaited in intricate patterns along their scalp. They wore a simple cloth shirt and trousers, deep black and fraying at the edges, with a long wooden staff strapped to their back. A rip along the cloth at their upper thigh showed a further darkening, evidence of moisture on the fabric. No other injury was evident, and they held themselves in such a steady pose at this moment, they seemed an unmovable force of nature. The Shadows features were sharp and severe with a pointed nose and defined jaw narrowing to an angled chin. They had luminous green eyes that studied the regal woman sitting before them.

This was a bold choice for the Shadow, to look their Queen in the eye, unabashedly. Years of arduous service had hardened them into a stoic, empty figure. Their gaze held a challenge that said they had already lost anything they may have cared for, what else could this woman do to them? This last mission had changed them even more, hardened them into a defiant servant. For the first time in a millennia the Shadows gaze held questions, fury, and judgment as they looked into the Night Queens eyes. The standoff continued for far longer than any other Night fae would be comfortable watching, but finally the Shadow relented with an exhausted sigh and a wince. They dropped to a knee, more collapse than graceful bow, and raised the bundle up towards the beautiful figure sitting upon her sharp throne in leisure.

"I have returned triumphant, my Queen." The Queen did not miss the tremor shake through her kneeling servant as they waited for her to assess their accomplishment, eyes glinting with vindictive satisfaction. She stood slowly, black gown flowing out around her bare feet as she approached the bowed Shadow. She seemed to savor the tremble in their arms as they held the bundle aloft, stepping down from her dais with exaggerated slowness. Gazing down at her servant rather than looking at the proffered bundle, she relished in the power she held over the powerful fae bowing at her feet. The tense silence was broken by a frustrated cry, emanating from the blankets held aloft. The Queens smug visage softened and she gathered the bundle in her arms.

"You have done well my Knight of Night. This will tip the scales in our favor." Pausing, she looked down upon the kneeling figure in disappointment. "But it seems even in your success, you have failed me." The Queen said this with as little emotion as one would when talking about the weather.

The Shadow shivered again and further dropped their head, shoulders slumping in exhaustion as their charge was taken from them. They appeared to shiver despite the heavy summer heat baking the forest. "This was a difficult task you asked me to perform. I was gone for more than a fortnight and while I gleaned much from the Light, it was taxing to be gone so long. When I finally seized my opportunity to collect what you asked for, my ally turned on me at the most inopportune moment. Because of this, I had to fight my way out, and of course that meant an altercation with the Phoenix. They were faster than I could have anticipated. But I still managed to escape with your treasure, did I not? Yes, I have been injured and I fear it may be a fatal wound. May I request leave to seek out a healer?" This last was spoken in an almost petulant tone, as if they already knew the answer and were sullen.

"I have one last, simple task for you, but then yes, I will release you from your service to me." The Queen did not spare another glance toward her servant as she said this. She stood, enraptured by the infant held in her arms. Meanwhile, the Shadow sagged in relief, understanding their Queen was not going to punish them immediately for some wrong doing despite the hardships they had endured. "We must prepare for the future. Fetch the Sun Dryad. I have a task for her."