Into the Fog

Mirrored Illusion (Aestri Yazar X Reader)

Mirrored Illusion

Aestri Yazar

Overview:

- Fantasy AU/ D&D AU

- On a quest, the reader begins to understand Aestri's feelings for them just in the nick of time

- Warnings: Violence, illusions, and mentions of blood

The small town was alive in the early morning hours and unfortunately, that included not only you but your adventuring companions as well. Villagers hurriedly moved in all directions, yet only slowed for the newcomer with a voice of honey and tales long forgotten.

Your back rested against the cold stone building, your sword finding an uncomfortable spot to rest along your back. The morning hadn't been your favorite, but it was bearable. Your party had arrived in the village late, which led to the inns being low on accommodations, causing a need for rooms to be shared, including beds, between your friends. Were you friends? Surely you were by now. But the question lingered there, just as all things did when it came to your companions- or friends, friend.

The sun had risen slightly since your thoughts had wandered over the exact person captivating your sight, the brown-haired bard sitting cross-legged on the edge of the fountain, now surrounded by schoolchildren who were undoubtedly running late. "-and no one has seen the Dark Knight since. Some say his goons spawn and roam the lands, searching for his lost victim." Aestri leans closer to the gathered children, catching your eye before a wicked smile spreads. She raises her voice for a dramatic flair, "Or new victims to please their master!" There is a mixture of screams and laughter amongst the town's children, but before long the ever-so-lovely bard begins to take her leave.

You watch silently as townspeople and children watch her go, some beg her to return the next morning, while others smile and clap lightly. Aestri truly walked with an elf's grace and the confidence of ten men; it was one of her best traits, one you both knew was her strength and your weakness.

You lowered your head in thought. Years ago, you had made a point never to trust someone who could win over the world, for you had seen the battles born of hate and bloodshed in the name of justice, and decided the world was far too dark to trust someone the world could love. Yet she told of the world, and you could only fall more in love with it, with her, through every word she spoke. Which is exactly how you ended up here, unintentionally following her to whatever adventure, whatever end, would meet you. Your heart swelled at the thought then broke from the realization that you would never be able to tell her truths from lies, her myths from facts, not when her words had so many meanings, and each meant everything to you.

"Where have you gone now, dearest?" She was inches away from you now, eyebrows creased in concern and eyes alight with wonder. "Planning to track the Dark Knight down by yourself?"

"Perhaps. Would you stop me if I did?" your head inclined slightly, glancing up towards the tall elven woman.

She smiled and something changed in her eyes. It wasn't concern, you knew as much, but this look she had given you within recent months was still a mystery. "You're mad if you think we could be separated. We're perfect together." Pure conviction laced her words as if you were the only person she'd ever say that to.

There it was again.

The line became so blurry in these moments. Companion, friend, dearest- dearest what exactly? The thought of her being so close was truly the maddening idea, not the fabled quest or the task at hand. If you were brave, you would have asked, would have kissed her, but words become stuck in your throat, your heart. Emotions mixed somewhere between love and fear. Fear of what could be and what might never be.