Darkness Bound

-4-

Vale sat on a cushion with a table in front of him on the porch outside, book in hand. Lily had given him several history books. She was confused when he asked for them, but he quickly told her that he was a scholar and wanted to read the literary works of his fellow colleagues. Like the dimwitted flower that she was, she believed him and brought several books for him to read.

He could hear her light footsteps as she approached him. She knelt beside him and placed a tray on the table where a small cup with a coppery liquid rested. He looked at her and resisted the urge to sneer. No one would dare sit this close to him, and here she was right beside him.

"I brought your medicine," she looked up. He sighed. He hated how bitter the tea tasted. It made the inside of his mouth dry up and his throat sting. But if he didn't drink it, she would nag and pull on his arm until he did. "Are you reading Lockewood?" she asked.

"Yes, his literature is not entirely dull,"

"Mm, I agree. I once got to attend his lecture in the Everwoods, but was soon chased away,"

"Why?"

She smiled, slightly lost in the memory, "I'm quite the outcast amongst my peers. My Spirit Root never fully developed so I can't use magic,"

"But you're a Guardian's apprentice," he frowned, slightly insulted on her part.

She scoffed, "People say my Mistress took me in because she pitied me. That if she hadn't I would have wilted away and died,"

"Even so, I thought the Elyrian's were supposed to be fae of light," Hang on. Why was he defending her? Was it something in the tea?

"I appreciate the thought, Bear," He scowled at the nickname. She smacked her knees. "Enough mushy mush. Let's go for a walk,"

"A walk,"

"Yes," she looked him up and down pointedly, "We need to get your blood circulating,"

Going for a walk meant risking exposure. "I don't think-"

"Beaarrr," she whined.

"Alright enough!" If he had to listen to her whining for a second longer he would have no restraint left and smite her on the spot. He'd risk exposure at his point if it meant silence. He shut the book and stood. Luckily, his strength was returning. He could feel the buzz of his magic flow in his veins. If need be, he'd be able to defend himself.

Lily smiled victoriously, "I'll get your coat,"

~~~

The streets were quieter than most days, and Lily and Vale walked side by side. No one seemed to recognise him which made him feel a bit more at ease.

"By the way, Bear, you never told me where you're from," Lily said as she sauntered off to a nearby shop that sold ceramic dishes. He followed her inside.

"I don't stay in one place for very long," he replied and watched her pick up every teacup she could get her hands on to inspect it.

"Well, you must have a family, don't you?"

"I do," he replied, "a brother and a sister,"

Lily picked a dark navy blue teacup with golden leaves painted on it and made her way to the counter. "Do you see them often?" she asked.

"No,"

She looked over at him sadly, "Don't you miss them?"

He scoffed, "There are no familial bonds between me and my siblings. In fact we spent decades trying to kill each other,"

"At least you've never abandoned each other," she walked past him and out the store.

They continued down the street. Each person they passed smiled and nodded in greeting. It made Vale sick to the stomach. They should be quivering in fear and bowing before him as he passed, but instead, kids jumped in mud puddles, dirtying his clothes and hasty people bumped into him and offered a quick apology.

The disgust must have been evident on his face as Lily looked up at him in concern.

"Are you alright?" She took a sharp intake of breath, "Are you hungry? I didn't see you eat this morning,"

"What? No,"

"There's a bread shop on the corner, I'll quickly get you something to eat," she ran off. The bread shop had an outside canopy where the freshly baked buns cooled off in the sun. "Two buns, please," she said to the vendor.

The lady picked two buns and placed them in a brown paper bag. Lily handed her a gemstone and took the bag.

"Lily?" she turned to see Cyra approach her with a basket hanging from her arm, "I thought I left you on a mountain. Did I say you could leave?"

"Cyra," Lily's voice trembled, "You see, the-the thing is,"

Cyra was waiting patiently for a reply when her eyes travelled up and over Lily to meet Vale's piercing gaze. Her eyes fluttered suddenly. Like she was looking King Fjord in the eyes and instinctively lowered her gaze.

She cleared her throat, "Don't let me catch you alone again, Lily," she turned on her heel and left.

Lily released her breath and turned to leave as well but bumped into Vale's chest.

"Oh sorry," she looked up, "Bear?"

"Who was that?" he crossed his arms.

"Just a friend?" He looked down at her, clearly displeased. She chuckled nervously, "We often joke around and she likes making somewhat rude remarks, and-"

"Do you want me to kill her?"

"What? Bear! Are you insane?" she pulled him to the side out of range of others ears, "Do you know who that is?" he stared down at her. She sighed, "Honestly, Bear. That's Lord Hollis' daughter, Cyra."

"Lord Hollis?"

"Yes," she scoffed, "How long have you been gone that you forgot who's in the fairy court?"

"A while," he turned around.