Azriel's Tale

Azriel's Tale - Chapter 21

CHAPTER 21:

Truthfully, Azriel didn't really know what his next moves regarding Varian should be. Rhysand had given him tasks that needed to be completed within a relatively short time period, the recent attacks still on everyone's mind. Azriel could hardly disobey Rhys in order to look into Varian, but he did not want to seem like he was neglecting Amren's request. He resolved that he would mull over what he should do next over the next few days. 

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The next morning he was sat at his dining table eating breakfast whilst reading the local news. Azriel often started his mornings like this, he adored routine and simple pleasures. The shadowsinger is often the last person to go to bed at night and the first person to rise at in the morning, at least in this house. Mor and Cassian have often vocalized their confusion at this. The Illyrian's attention was quickly brought to the sound of footsteps descending the large staircase. Cassian soon came into vision and he smiled at his brother. 

"Hey," Cassian greeted Azriel as he opened the cupboard in search of something to ease the Illyrian's hunger. He was dressed in simple grey trousers with a simple black shirt, it was clear that he had slept like that.

"Hi," Azriel responded. Cassian kept rummaging around the cupboard, clearly searching for something. "We haven't got your cereal, we ran out yesterday, if that is what you're looking for." Cassian halted. 

"We had some yesterday, I swear," He sighed. 

"We did," Azriel responded, "Until Mor ate the rest." Cassian rubbed his hands over his face, clearly still waking up and expressing his frustration.

"Of course she did. I'm gonna go and get some, do we need anything else?" 

"I don't think so," Azriel replied. Cassian nodded at him and left through the back door. Azriel could see Cassian taking off into the center of Velaris in search of food.

Now that he was alone once more, his thoughts wandered back towards Amren and Varian. He still wasn't 100% sure on what his next steps should be. He thought he could use an outside opinion from Rhysand or Feyre, but he didn't want to involve any others unless it was really necessary, as he did not want to break Amren's trust.

Something must have occurred between the two of them. It was unlike Amren to call upon Azriel's help unless it was necessary. But then, he supposed, Amren had never been in a formal romantic relationship before, maybe she is just being over cautious?

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"You're slacking Shadowsinger." Aideen called as Azriel failed to hit the center of the target for the 3rd time. Granted, he was in the circle of the target, but that wasn't close enough. And it wouldn't be good enough for when it really mattered. 

Azriel felt as though he was becoming too comfortable with his body and swords as his weapons, he, therefore, was experimenting with some weapons he had not used in decades. He was obviously rusty and therefore traveled to a remote part of Aideen's camp, hoping not to be seen. He failed. 

"Just practicing with a new weapon," Azriel explained. Aideen strolled over to the Illyrian in the archery quarters and chuckled slightly at his explanation.

"You don't need to defend yourself. I was only teasing." Azriel smiled politely at her and returned his attention to the target. As his attention was elsewhere, he did not realize that Aideen was at the target adjoining Azriel's until an arrow neatly and directly hit the target.

Dead center.

Azriel turned to his own target and saw the smattering of arrows across his target and sighed deeply.  

"I don't even know why I bother. I should play to my strengths, not my weaknesses," muttered Azriel. 

"No. You should work on them. Otherwise, you'll just be like all those other arrogant Illyrian bastards who think they are indestructible." Azriel contemplated this and discovered that she was right. Thinking of all the Illyrians and camp lords that Azriel had met and fought with over his centuries of life, how the arrogance oozed out of them, and then ultimately stopped when either Azriel or one of his brothers, Cassian or Rhys, would batter them into the ground. 

He would not be like them. Azriel, swallowing his pride, asked Aideen for help with his shooting. 

She beamed at him.

I'm so sorry for the delay! I've just finished my exams - and now eagerly await results day to see if I get into University...But now, I am on my summer break and will have a lot more time to spend on my writing over the next few months. Do leave me any suggestions you have for the story and any criticisms/feedback on my writing. This is the first time I have written in a while, so I will be a little rusty. Thank you! -Jessica