Azriel's Tale

Azriel's Tale - Chapter 20

CHAPTER 20:

Azriel had written to Tarquin, the High Lord of the Summer Court, under the assumption that he wanted to look around the court and learn more about it. Tarquin, despite past grievances, graciously agreed. Perhaps it was foolish of the High Lord to once again trust a member of the Night Court, especially since Azriel was not there to look at the Court, though he would, he was there to fulfill a request for Amren. To investigate Varian. The spymaster did attempt to ask questions as to why Amren wanted this, but Amren was quick to defend herself against this line of questioning. 

Why Varian?

Perhaps this was a sign that Amren was indeed serious about Varian. Maybe she just wanted to know more about him as she wants him to be in her life. Azriel thoughts followed this line of questioning. He wouldn't think of any negative possibilities. If he ever hurt Amren either physically or emotionally, Cauldron save him. 

Yes, Amren was now High Fae and not the wicked creature she used to be, but that did not mean that her previous essence did not remain. Through the 10 months since the War Amren had been slowly playing with her powers. Some she still had from a previous time, and some were new and she was slowly developing them. Though she refused to show Rhys or Feyre just yet. She wants to master them before she attempts any external help.

Azriel stood in the Summer Court alone looking at the city, visible from the balcony he was on, as he was instructed to wait here for Tarquin. The Shadowsinger heard doors open, and he turned to greet his host. 

"High Lord," Azriel said, whilst bowing his head slightly in greeting and a gesture of respect. 

"Call me Tarquin, please. I think we've all been through too much to continue with such formalities." Azriel chuckled and agreed. Tarquin was alone with the Shadowsinger. Feyre, Rhysand, and Amren had informed them before the War that Tarquin had greeted them with many others due to many different factors, mainly because he was new to his position as High Lord. 

Maybe Tarquin being alone with the Spymaster was a signal to the Night Court that he had now earned his right to not be doubted, and how he was now, truly, the High Lord of the Summer Court. 

The two Fae walked around various different attractions in the city whilst Tarquin answered any questions Azriel had about certain pieces of art, architecture or locations. Tarquin, thankfully, was happy to oblige. He often had to remind himself of why he was here. 

"So," Azriel started, "Where is Varian? Your second?" A seemingly innocent question to start a new conversation, hopefully, this would not seem suspicious to Tarquin due to Varian's relationship with Amren.

"I believe he is with his sister having a luncheon." He replied. 

"Ah," Azriel replied. "I have to admit, I was fishing for some information about Varian and Amren." He confessed. Tarquin halted in his walking. Dammit. Wrong thing to say.

"I wanted to know the same thing." He laughed. Azriel's look of confusion must have been evident to the High Lord of Summer as he soon added. "Varian is not the most forthcoming person, and he has been acting a little different lately, I presumed that was due to his relationship with Amren, but I wanted to ask a different member of the Night Court for confirmation, as it were." 

"Well, as I think you've gathered, Amren is also an extremely private person. I've known her for centuries and there has been little words of meaning between the two of us, so I don't think I'm the best person to ask." He confessed. Azriel's mind recalled what Tarquin had just said and decided to prod. "Varian has been acting differently? In what way?" 

"More distant in meetings, forgetful. It's nothing really. it's just," He sighed. "It's just not like him, and I was just getting concerned." 

"May I ask how long this has been noticeable?"

"Maybe a month or two. I'm not entirely sure though." 

The two drifted into silence and Azriel, eager to ease the tension, quickly spoke of his recent visit to Thesan's palaces and the two men were hastily speaking of the stunning palaces in the Dawn Court. 

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

After Azriel had thanked Tarquin for his time and information, the Illyrian flew back to Velaris. To his home. It had a been a long day and he was rather tired, he thought it best to write down what information he acquired whilst in the Summer Court. This was a common tactic for Azriel to use. Write down all notable information whilst it was still fresh in his mind. Yes, Azriel's memory was excellent. It had to be for his profession and his survival, but Azriel never wanted to heavily rely on just one thing. 

Once done with his notations, he sought out Amren at her quaint apartment. He knocked and a moment later Amren was at the door. She welcomed him inside and they both sat on Amren's own small balcony. With little neighbours, it was a very private estate. Everything Amren craved. 

"I went to the Summer Court today." He spoke first as he knew damn well she would not be the first to start the conversation.

"And?" She asked. Rather than answering her question, he decided to ask one of his own.

"How long has Varian been acting differently?"

"I never said that." She responded with haste. 

"I know that. But something has clearly happened with either his attitude or behaviour otherwise you would not have come to me." He stated. Amren sighed and replied with a similar answer to Tarquin's earlier response, clearly not wanting to. Azriel nodded.

"Tarquin has noted changes in him too." He commented. This caught Amren's attention, though he could not tell if this was good or bad. 

"Now what do you do?" She asked.

"I blend in with the shadows." The shadowsinger replied simply.

Sorry for the long break between updates. I fear I will not be able to update as frequently as I would like. Please let me know what you thought of this chapter! Welcome to any criticism. Thanks! -Jessica