Walking With Shadows [#Wattys2015] [Being Edited]

Dream Away

The sun had long set when Tassel skidded onto the cobblestone pathways leading into the front corridor of the castle. A cricket chirping was the only sound that disturbed the quiet peace. Everyone, even the guards, appeared to have taken their leave and gone to bed. Tassel scurried over to the main archway, trying not to be seen. Her heart pounded as she collapsed against the wall, sinking down to the floor, and buried her face into her knees. She gasped for air. Her shoulders shook with every breath she inhaled. Fatigue kept her from moving farther into the palace.

"You look like you've just seen a ghost." a voice called from the dark.

Tassel lifted her head in suspicion. It sounded familiar, but it was too sincere to be Loki, and too kind to be Anson. Her blood ran cold at the thought of Anson finding her out here alone. Tassel tensed, bracing herself for the dead eyes of her fiance to lock on her, but she was surprised to see Fandral quietly step from the shadows.

"Oh, Fandral, it's just you."

Tassel breathed a sigh of relief and dropped her head again. She let her muscles relax and dropped her guard.

"Just me?"

"I mean-"

"I know what you meant. It's alright," Fandral chuckled, "Judging from your expression, I'm guessing it's safe to say you were expecting someone else to slither out from the dark."

He jokingly glanced from side to side.

"You could say that, yes." Tassel replied shakily.

She let out a small huff of air that was meant to be a laugh. Fandral's face twitched into a smile.

"Do you mind?" he asked, motioning to the empty space next to her.

Tassel shook her head.

"No, not at all."

As he moved closer to her, Fandral cast long shadows over her. He silently slid down next to her, gazing upon her without uttering a single word. Tassel felt him brush up against her purposefully, making her want to scoot a bit farther down.

"I didn't expect you to be out here so late." Tassel murmured, regaining the distance between them.

She didn't think Fandral had noticed her inching away, and if he did, he didn't say anything.

"Well, I could say the same about you. It isn't often you have a guest who wanders the grounds after dark."

"Yes, but I'm no ordinary guest." Tassel countered.

She slowly turned her head to meet his eye.

Fandral's face softened as he whispered, "You most certainly aren't...Tassel."

The warrior paused for a moment before saying her name. Tassel felt the heat rising to her cheeks, and she bowed her head before he could see her blush. That was the first time he had ever said her name, especially like that.

"Am I to suspect that you haven't eaten anything?" he inquired.

"No, I haven't."

"Would you be interested in joining me for a late night snack? I'm sure I could find something edible in this palace."

Tassel could feel his penetrating gaze on the side of her face. His features were gentle, but pressing.

"Fandral, I..I really wish that I could, but I have to go." Tassel stammered.

She hurried to her feet and started off.

"Leave? But you just got back!"

"I know, but it's important. Maybe some other time, okay? I just... There's just somewhere I have to be right now."