Sun and Moon - joshler

I

nyctophilia

nyc·to·phil·i·a (nĭk'tə-fĭl'ē-ə)

n. A preference for the night or darkness.   

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Tyler pulled his tie in an attempt to straighten it. The satiny silver material was impossibly smooth beneath his shaking fingers. He glanced at the full length mirror that hung on the wall. In its reflection stood a nervous looking boy wearing a suit that made him feel like a child playing dressup. It was too luxurious, too stiff. It was designed with the Moon in mind and it showed. Silvery thread trailed along midnight blue material to create stars and constellations. It had a slight glow to it and was, in all honestly, beautiful. It was just not Tyler.

He shook his head. He should be honored he was chosen to attend the Sun Festival. Very few of his people that were not of royal blood got to attend. Although he would be a servant there, it was a great honor and was not to be taken lightly. He grabbed the silvery pigment that sat in a small dish on his nightstand and dipped his fingers into it. With a practiced hand, he drew a perfect crescent onto his forehead. Child of the Moon.

A knock sounded at his door and he rushed over to open it.

"Mr. Joseph, are you ready to go?" A low, thunderous voice asked. An imposing man in a plain midnight suit stood before him. Tyler simply nodded. "I'm Ganymede and I will be escorting you and the rest of the help today." Tyler noticed how his voice wasn't at all rude or commanding, but comforting. Maybe he sensed Tyler's nerves about this whole ordeal.

"Alright. Thank you," Tyler said, his voice a half whisper.

"Not at all. This way." He extended an arm to the hall and Tyler quickly went that way.

In no time, they were out under the moon and Tyler felt his nerves calm some. Ganymede led him to a long vehicle and opened the door for him.

"Just one moment please," he said quietly before turning to the moon. He bowed to her and sent a silent prayer before turning back and stepping into the car.

He was met with excited chatter. There were around nine others in the car dressed similarly to him, some in dresses, others in identical suits. The excitement in the air was palpable, but all it did was make Tyler more nervous.

A few curious eyes met Tyler's before they were pulled away to continue whatever conversation they were having.

He leaned his head against the door, careful not to marr his marking and tried to sleep. It would be a long day.

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