Azriel's Tale

Azriel's Tale - Chapter 1

CHAPTER 1:

Azriel was once again encased in shadows, sitting on the window ledge, perfectly content to listen to his friends chatter and bicker with one another. The shadows were familiar to him, they always have been from an early age. Since he was locked in the darkness.

"Az?" A voice called to him. Azriel's focus returned to the room. His thoughts paused, and he turned his head towards Cassian.

"Yes? Sorry, I was distracted." He apologised. Cassian grinned at his brother adoringly and repeated his original statement.

"I said dinner is ready. We are all going to the dining room."

"I'll be right up." Azriel responded, with a small smile. Wide enough to hopefully reassure his brother that he was okay, but not so wide that Az felt he was lying to him. Azriel, once noticing that the army commander had gone into the other room, turned slowly back to the window. Exhaling his frustration, he stood up and followed the sound of his family in the dining room.

--------------------------------------------------------

"Cassian this is incredible!" Morrigan said, once again complimenting Cassian on his cooking. Over the centuries I'd known him, he had grown to be an excellent cook, and he delighted in it. Not that the army commander would ever admit that. He'd spent a long time as a child and adolescent as viewing food as a necessity, not something to be enjoyed. Over time this has changed, but a part of that outlook on food and hunger will always be with him. No matter how many times he is praised.

"I helped him, you know." Rhysand drawled from his seat beside his High Lady and his Second in command.

"Helped? You passed me over the spices, whilst I did the work." Cassian retorted. "You were too busy looking at Feyre." The High Lord of the Night Court, the most powerful High Lord in all of Prythian's history honestly blushed and looked sheepish at the remark, which, by his reaction, was indeed true. No doubt his mate would use this knowledge to her advantage later in the evening, and perhaps for a good while to come. Once Feyre had finished teasing Rhys for the moment, she turned her attention to Az.

"Are you okay? You've been kind of quiet." She asked, concern written on her face for the shadowsinger. Azriel opened his mouth to respond, eager to not cause his High Lady any distress, but Mor beat him to it.

"Az is always quiet. Right?" She chuckled, looking at everyone, then her gaze finally resting on the shadowsinger's face. The inner circle quietly chuckled to themselves, sharing the joke. Azriel joined, if only to not arouse suspicion that he wasn't feeling like his usual self. Az broke his stare at Mor and turned to Feyre.

"I appreciate your concern, but I am okay. I just didn't sleep too well." This was the second time in the last hour that someone had asked if he was alright, he had to give some explanation, just to stop further questioning. Perhaps the shadowsinger needed to brush up on his skills. The rest of the inner circle and the Lady and Lord of night accepted his excuse, and dinner came to a natural close, as it always did with them.

"I'm going to Rita's, wanna come?" Mor asked, addressing the rest of the group, as she stood from the solid oak table that had been in their possession for centuries. Rhysand and Feyre, still seated, looked at one another, a silent conversation being held between them and came to an agreement.

"Sure." Rhys responded. "Cass?"

"Absolutely. Az? Am?"

"I have told you on multiple occasions not to call me that Cassian." The second to the Night Court responded before Cassian had even finished his breath ending his sentence. The silver smoke behind her eyes may have ceased glowing, but that didn't mean Amren had lost her fire.

Azriel, eager to ease the tension, responded to Cassian.

"No. I'm not in the mood tonight." Almost instantly Mor chimed in with-

"Come on Az."

"No." Azriel gave Morrigan a strong enough look to make sure she understood that he was in no mood, but that he was not annoyed at her. Everyone looked around at each other and said their goodbyes. Rhysand and Feyre winnowing away together, once again, in silent company with one another, whilst Mor winnowed with Cassian.

Azriel and Amren were the only ones left at the table. Neither looked at each other. There had always been some...tension between the two of them. The two trusted one another, but not 100%. Yes, before the recent war with Hybern Amren had told some of her secrets and had sacrificed a lot for the Night Court and Prythian itself. More than anyone could entirely understand. But, the Shadowsinger had always felt as though the important things had still not been told. It was all a battle of wills.

"Are you not going then?" Az asked.

"No. It bores me. I can't see the point." Her statement was indeed what she felt as the shadowsinger could almost feel the boredom pouring out of her.

"What will you be doing with your evening then? Prince Varian-"

"Is none of your business. I know the rest of you like to talk tales of your relationships, but mine is none of your concern." She responded, venom on her tongue.

"Fair point." The shadowsinger stood and started collecting the plates from the table to put into the sink. His Lord and Lady had stated not to bother, and that they would deal with the dishes in the morning, but there was no harm. Perhaps the menial task would take his mind off what was bothering him.

He turned to collect the final few glasses which remained, Amren stared very obviously at the Shadowsinger, looked as though she was contemplating something for a good while. Then simply moved the final glass on a phantom wind into the sink, and walked out the door.

Please let me know what you all think. I love this series and want to do it justice, so I would appreciate some criticism, as I feel as though I need to work more on my writing. Thanks very much! -Jessica