The Tales of Darkmore

The Shattered Darkmore

Lucian's eyes began to open, a wave of intense pain washing over him as he pulled himself into consciousness. He looked down, he'd been stripped down to his boxers, a large bandage wrapped around his mid-section. He groaned, trying to sit up.

"Jesus Luci... I knew you were stupid but not that stupid..." A familiar voice scolded. Lucian looked around the room, his eyes finally resting on Gadriel, sat in the corner of the room.

"I always aim to surprise..." Lucian coughed, trying to smile.

"You're a nightmare... What were you thinking? Fighting a mountain troll? Your magic is strong yes, but you're still human..." She stood up, walking to his side.

"I'm aware... but it killed so many people... And your precious Gods aren't doing shit about it. Someone has to. And we both know I'm too full of myself not to try." Lucian held her hand gently. Her skin was warm and slightly radiant, making Lucian smile. Gadriel moved her left hand to rub his cheek, giving him a brief moment of comfort.

"I know... Always trying to make amends, or better the world. But at the same time, you're not a God... If you wind up dead, there'll be nobody else brave or stupid enough to try and fix their mess." She sighed, looking down.

"How'd you know I'm not just being selfish and trying to save my own soul? Maybe I just wanna get right so I don't get dragged to hell." Lucian lied through his teeth and Gadriel didn't believe it for a second.

"If were really worried about your soul... You wouldn't damn yourself more each time you used magic. Risk your life every single time you saw someone hurting." She kissed his forehead softly, blood rushing to Lucian's face.

He looked into her eyes and held the gaze as long as he could. He twisted his body closer to her, pulling her into a gentle kiss. Their lips pressed together, a mix of love and passion, dancing together in a perfect waltz. They held the kiss gently, neither wanting to part. Lucian pulled her onto his lap, her arms wrapping around the back of his neck. A few long seconds past before Lucian finally pulled back, Gadriel's lips frozen, like they were asking for more. Lucian moved his gaze back into her eyes, smiling as a tear rolled down his cheek.

"Luci... I... You know I..." Gadriel stuttered, barely able to form words.

"I know... I know." Lucian's smile faded as he looked down, "And I know it can't happen again... I don't want to damn you as well..."

Gadriel sighed, keeping her arms around his neck. She froze as tears began streaming down his face.

"Luci... Hey what's wrong..." she asked, looking worried.

"I can't lose you too..." his voice cracked as he began to sob. She gentled pulled him into her chest, holding the back of his head.

"You won't... and that's a promise..." She felt a tear rolling down her own cheek, feeling surprised. Lucian pulled away, wiping his tears quickly.

"You shouldn't have to deal with this... You don't risk your soul for a scared, weak little man..." He tried to hide his face. Gadriel smiled, tears in her eyes.

"Of course not. I don't care about a weak or little man. I care about you. The craziest but stupidly brave man sat here. You being hurt or feeling broken doesn't change that. Infact, it makes you stronger. Now just... let it all out... Fall apart... I'll stay here to hold you together..."