A Ballad of the Sun and the Moon

Chapter 14

The Autumn weather had finally caught up to the shire with smoky mists and heavy rainfall. The brown and red and orange leaves were lacking in lustrous color, often times sagging from the branches soaked until finally being beaten to the ground by rain. Little streams that had nearly run dry towards the end of summer were now swollen and the river's banks no longer restrained the rushing currents.

It was welcomed weather to the drákon who now no longer waited for nightfall, soaring the winds as they pleased.

During the day Sunniva could feel their constant presence, at least a dozen of them above her at any given time. They weren't guards or spies or even curious onlookers, but simply dragons doing what was natural to them. She envied those men, taking a break from the mundanity of repetitive work, becoming splinters of sky with no constraints above or below.

She snorted with a frown as she picked up a shopping basket kept in the kitchen. It was market day and farmers would be selling their produce, traders of meats their cuts, and the creamery supposedly had a fresh wheel of unripened cheese. Sunniva couldn't stand the strongly ripened ones. She'd pop by the bakery to buy some fresh bread for the next few days and perhaps some of those doughy soft rolls as well.

She donned a simple gown of plane worsted wool with a beige apron of flax and a dull chocolate shawl. Miss Lane had snuck in pearls instead of wooden buttons, a feature that Sunniva considered redundant. Yet she found herself often fingering the round spheres whenever her thoughts began to drift, reminding her of the ones on the Earl's coat she still had in her possession.

The rain had let up, but the fog still kissed the earth, gathering as beads on Sunniva's skin. Her thoughts wandered again up into the sky and her thumb found it ways over the smoothness of the small white orbs at her wrist.

"Here we have a haunch of venison, a prime rib and I still have some mutton," the meat trader said. It was a different man than usual this week. Younger, with more vigor and less coughing. Perhaps the son of the vendor; both had eyes of brilliant amber and hair of deep red.

"I'm sorry what was that one again?" Sunniva asked, pulling her eyes downward and pointing at a dark crimson hunk of flesh.

"The veal haunch," the vendor said smiling.

"Yes. My pardons. My mind is a bit adrift today. I'll take the mutton," she said, pointing at a cut with a thick layer of fat running along the top side.

"It's quite alright," he said as he placed the meat on a scale. "I kinda wish I was up there right now too."

Her lips pursed downward.

"What makes you think I want to be up there?"

"You're one of us. And we all want to be up there, all the time."

He spoke the truth of it and she wondered if things were easier for the women who couldn't Turn. She'd resisted the urge since arriving here, but now during the day with her senses heightened and the drákon in the sky, the draw became that of a notched arrow seconds from release.

"You're the Williams girl aren't you?"

"Why do you ask?"

"Well, at some point one has seen every good looking young woman in the shire, so someone new stands out."

She was positively tickled. The man was flirting with her. A smile crept across her face.

"As a matter of fact, I am the Williams' girl," she exclaimed, proudly.

"Is it true what they say?"

"Depends on what they say."

"That you are betrothed to the Earl?"

She let out a hearty laugh. "Do I look like a woman who would be betrothed to Kimber Langford?" She held out her arms motioning to her peasant's attire.

She watched the face of the vendor change from amused to serious, feeling that unmistakable shadow creep over her shoulders. He sunk back behind the meat as if to take shelter andSunniva mumbled an expletive under her breath.

"I didn't think noble Lords had reason to visit the market," she said without turning. "They have servants for such tasks."

"I gave them the day off," he quipped, moving into her line of sight.

"How did you know I would be here?" She meant it as an accusation and it had come out just as intended.

"I didn't. I merely had an itch for a stroll and it was chance I saw you here," he said, sending her a glance beneath his lashes.

Sunniva paid the meat vendor and, after placing the parchment-wrapped cut into her basket, headed towards the bakery with Kimber close at her side.

"Did I give you permission to escort me?"

"I most certainly am not escorting you," he retorted. "I didn't realize I needed permission to walk near you as I go to the bakery. I have a hankering for something sweet."

"Something sweet?" she asked incredulous, her brows raised.

"Yes," he affirmed whimsically. "But if you prefer, I can attempt to appear a bit more inconspicuous."

He linked his hands demonstrative behind his back and scuddled around like a penguin, inspecting a puddle that had gathered on the ground.

Niva scoffed and left him there, continuing on to the bakery only a few meters away.

It smelled strongly of yeast and a remnant puff of flour floated across her vision as she opened the door. She could feel Kimber lingering outside, quite possibly watching her through the window. She paid him no mind as she approached the counter where the baker stood.

"A loaf of rye and four of those soft rolls," she said, pointing at the bread.

She rummaged through the little leather pouch containing her coins and pulled out a handful. Before she could pay the man, the door opened letting a breeze in carrying the scent of silver-soaked moon.

"Good day Lord Langford," bid the baker bowing low, ignoring Sunniva's outstretched hand full of copper pennies.

"Good day, Davis," Kimber replied, shooting Niva a smile that was anything but contrite. "I'll have four raspberry tarts, four Chorley cakes, two of those sausage pastries, and two mince pies. No make it four mince pies. Now let me see..."

He held his fingers to his chin contemplating his next purchase.

Sunniva looked at him exasperated. "I was here first, you know!"

Kimber met her eyes in mock astonishment. "Miss Williams! What a pleasant surprise! I didn't know you would be here."

"You are ridiculous!" she spat.

"I know," he said with a playful smile. He turned back to the baker who was waiting waiting for his next order. "I think I'll also take some parkin, enough for two, flies graveyard as well oh and some of those soft rolls that Miss Williams here has."

"Of course my Lord," replied the baker.

Kimber cocked a hip against the counter waiting for the baker to wrap up the rest of his wares. After being told the sum, Kimber tossed a gold coin on the counter. "I'd like to cover Miss Williams items as well."

"You most certainly will not!" she said slapping a few coins down.

"I'm sorry miss it's already been paid for," replied the baker.

"Oh don't be ridiculous. Give him his change and give me my bread!"

The baker looked with shock to Kimber for permission and after a single nod did as Sunniva demanded.

As Sunniva placed the bread into her basket Kimber tried to balance one item on top of the other in a cumbersome heap failing each time he gathered his things.

"It appears that I haven't enough arms," he remarked.

"It appears so," she replied with raised brows.

There was mischief in eyes, gleaming from lid to lid. She couldn't completely stifle a smile at his obviously contrived attempt to get her attention.

"You know, you seem to have plenty of space in that large basket of yours Miss Williams. Would be a shame for it to go to waste."

"I still have to make it to the creamery," she said, pointing with her thumb to the door.

"Come now, a mere wedge of cheese will barely make a difference. Your basket looks deep enough. I'll even carry it."

His mouth had taken on a determined slant with stiffened lips giving her the impression that he would not relent.

"Fine," she huffed, eliciting a triumphant smile from Kimber.

She slung the basket into his chest and didn't bother to help him pick up his own fallen pastries from the floor before walking out the door.

Kimber caught up to her quickly. He carried their purchases happily through the main street of the village, proudly even, like a wolf with a rabbit in its jaws.

"Don't look so pleased with yourself," Niva remarked, skirting a puddle that had collected in a patch of sunken cobblestones.

"Why not?"

"Think of that as a loan," she said, motioning to the basket, "not a privilege."

"Only if you insist," he replied, offering her a smile.

"I do."

"Good thing then that the true privilege is being at your side."

She decided not to grant him the courtesy of a retort.

The foot traffic on the streets was moderate for a Thursday afternoon. It gave each passerby ample space to skirt the Alpha and his companion.

Sunniva led him north up the main road, the most direct route she knew of out of the village. She took quick steps not particularly wishing to be seen with Kimber publicly, holding her basket no less. It would lead to gossip, which lead to speculation, which might give people the idea she was Alpha, a position others could wish to confirm.

If only they hadn't gone by the tea house.

Patrons sat under the covered terrace drinking tea and enjoying delicate little cakes. Sunniva caught the eyes of a particular group of women, all of which quickly threw their gazes down into their cups.

That terrible beast unfurled its head not quite content with the freshly inflicted wounds.

Sunniva's stride slowed of its own accord and she couldn't help but stop and greet the women with a smug smile.

"Good day Lydia," she said, forcing her to look up. Lydia wore a tucker tied high to cover her neck. Sunniva caught a hint of purple and blue skin barely exposed just under her chin.

"Good day Sunniva," answered Lydia cordially.

Sunniva greeted the others by name as well. "Are you all acquainted with the Earl?"

"Yes," answered Kimber, to Sunniva's surprise. He took each of their hands and exacted a courteous bow.

Sunniva had meant this all as a taunt to her recently defeated rivals, but when Kimber touched each of their delicate hands she felt a spark of annoyance, and had trouble quenching it.

"Those daisies are lovely, Lydia," said Kimber, remarking on the pressed flowers laced about the trim of her hat. "Are they from your garden?"

His eyes gleamed with something more than polite curiosity and Sunniva didn't like it one bit.

"Why yes Lord Kimber they certainly are," confirmed Lydia. "How kind of you to notice."

Sunniva's tense jaw slowly drifted opened.

"Who could miss such lovely flowers in summer in front of the Parish house?"

"I pressed quite a few for safe keeping in the Winter. I'd be happy to bring some by Chasen for your sister or mother."

"That would be delightful!"

Sunniva slipped her fingers around Kimber's arm from which her basket hung.

"Well, we wouldn't want to disturb your tea. Good afternoon!" she spat, quick and curt.

Kimber hardly had a moment to bid them farewell before being towed away.

She took him down a small side street running behind the tea house where the cobblestones were less frequent. The path was wide enough to allow strands of rays through highlighting a section of the street.

"If I didn't know any better I'd think you were bringing me to this back alley for a good mugging," said Kimber, enjoying her sudden fit of jealously.

"The thought did cross my mind."

"Are we in hurry?"

"No. Well, yes. I've got things to do at home."

Kimber deliberately slowed his paced despite her urging palm wedged between his arm and rib cage.

"Such as?"

Sunniva's wits failed her. She couldn't think of an appropriate excuse.

Kimber kept a smirk to himself, amused at her behavior. He thought better than to mention it.

"That was your handwork back there I presume?" he asked.

"Hmm?" she replied, as though she were baffled.

"Those women aren't known for dressing modestly."

Sunniva suddenly realized she still had hold of Kimber's arm and yanked her hand free.

"I've no notion of which you speak."

"Come now. Lydia's bruised jugular? Gheillis' carefully concealed black eye? The essence of damaged egos infusing that part of the tea house?"

"It's been rather rainy lately. Perhaps they tripped and fell into a door or something," she mentioned.

Kimber was still walking slowly, his pace matched by Niva.

"How clumsy of them," he remarked.

"Very clumsy indeed," she added particularly aloof.

"Lydia was always one to leave her throat exposed."

"Fine choice of words."

Kimber stopped in a dollop of light, the bright fall incandescence transforming his raven hair into near purple. "I'm not going to tell anyone you beat up some women."

She had no reason to tell him, but he already knew and against better judgment she decided to trust him with this.

"I didn't start it. They were picking on someone they shouldn't have been. I was simply defending her."

"Just you? Against six of them?" he asked with faked incredulity and a devilish smile. "That must have been a sight to see."

She raised her brows at this. "It's a good thing no one did."

"Yes. It certainly is."

Kimber's face held a genuine quality to it. A new-found comfort swelled within Sunniva and the animosity she held for him began to smolder away.

"For the unofficial record, Gheillis' black eye was not my doing," she added.

"That's very noble of you. Might I inquire as to whose it was?"

"Certainly not."

They took a turn down a narrow path where the old houses of red and green with exposed beams leaned towards each other like the tall trees bowing over the gravel path leading to Chasen Manor. It was then that Niva realized she wasn't leading Kimber and hadn't been for quite some time.

"Where are we going?"

"I'm not sure about you but all this walking has left me famished."

The path led to an open juncture with a large oak tree in the center surrounded by curved metal benches with an ivy motif.

"Care to join me?" he asked, gesturing towards the bench.

She blinked at him, head cocked, wondering how he'd managed to lure her there.

"Think of it this way," he said sitting down, "if we finish the food now then I'll no longer have need of your basket and you'll be rid of me faster."

It was clear he'd already settled on eating with or without her, his contents from the basket already being laid out. The treats he'd bought smelled delicious enhanced by the fact that Niva actually was hungry. They were all practically delicacies, ones that she couldn't make herself and wouldn't have been able to afford without forgoing the one meaty luxury she had a week.

"Unfortunately you make a good point," she admitted.

"Don't I though?"

He began unwrapping the food always offering some to her first, explaining what each was. It was in the middle of her third mince pie that she realized she'd had more of her share of pretty much everything. She looked up seeing his intent eyes filled with pleasure. Niva put the pie down which had a large bite missing.

"What are you doing?" she asked.

"Watching you enjoy yourself," he said, his rising cheeks formed little dimples. "I mean to court you, Niva."

She swiped her hands together and brushed any lose crumbs off her face.

Perhaps it was the warm bit of sun peaking out through the clouds gracing her face with warmth. Perhaps it was the contentment induced by a belly full of good food. Emboldened by the fact he knew perfectly well that she could Turn, she decided to forego speaking to him so carefully and with such omission. She figured as long as she didn't reveal in what capacity she could become dragon, there was no point insisting she couldn't.

"It won't work you know. I'm not going to Turn."

"Yet. Not yet. I can be quite persuasive. If given sufficient opportunity."

His dark eyes were hooded with long black lashes, an addictive shadow she'd tried so hard to hate. She tore herself from his gaze settling on the remaining food between them.

"It seems unwise to share your strategy with your conquest," she said, retrieving her half-eaten mince pie and popped the last portion into her mouth.

"Not at all. The object of my affection values honesty."

"She also values freedom." Sunniva looked up into the sky feeling that power above, like glowing metal raking across her skin. She clutched her hands to her knees as if to hold herself to the earth.

Kimber's eyes followed her glance.

"Yes. Sadly, we are dealt the cards in our hand."

Sunniva angled her knees away from where he sat.

"Niva," he said, placing his hand overs hers, his fingers warm against her skin.

She halted her retreat enjoying for a moment that jolt his touch always sent through her. It took her back to the beginning when she had held him with a wild look and he'd returned it just as savage. When she'd thought him a prospective lover, but he had decided she was much more than that.

Sunniva ripped her hand from his grasp, his palm still on her knee.

"I did what I had to do. I had to bring you here. Our safety is and always has been dependent on our secrecy," he tried to explain.

"Ah. And I'm sure you needed to bed me in all my ignorance as well?"

His face grew grave and serious and he retracted his hand.

"No. That was a mistake. It's something I regret. Something I deeply apologize for."

Her face softened a bit, yet her legs were still pressed together, her posture defensive. Kimber wanted to reach for her again, but prudently decided against it.

"That truth of our kind is told to us since we were children: Alpha mates with Alpha."

"Seems an inappropriate bed-time story."

"Probably," he chuckled. "When I was young I believed it, seeing my parents together. And when I came of age, when it was expected of me to begin looking for a wife, I kept waiting for that pull, that undeniable draw to a woman. I would be Alpha so naturally it should have been easy to find my counterpart. I tried to become attached to many of them-"

"Was Lydia among them?" interrupted Niva on a sour note.

"Yes. She's strong and a leader. By many considered an Alpha."

"She's cruel and hurts for sport. She's no leader."

"Are you saying there is a better woman for the position?"

Sunniva avoided his intrigued look.

"Lydia didn't interest me anyway. Just like all the others she didn't draw me in the way I thought it was supposed to be."

Kimber scooted an inch towards Niva.

"When I met you that first time in the woods, when we kissed, it was indescribable and I wasn't prepared. That draw was greater than I could imagine. I lost myself. The more I was around you the more you bewitched me. I felt like I had to do anything to posses you."

Niva's gaze rose to his and her lips set into a soft, demure bow. "Do you still feel that way?" she asked tentatively behind guarded lashes.

Kimber adjusted his posture, now coincidentally even closer to her,.

"Niva, there isn't a second that passes that I don't think of you. Not a minute that I don't crave you. And it doesn't stop. I...do you know how hard it is to stay away from you? Every night when I fly over your sleepy little cottage that beast inside wants to slip into your window, under your covers."

As if not of his own volition, Kimber was now leaning closer to her, his eyes intent, his breath heavy.

"Too bad it gets ruddy cold in that cottage," she said, "no place for a noble Lord." It was a warning, a purposeful reminder of where he stood.

He'd startled her. He hadn't meant to. He pulled himself straight giving her some distance.

"I'm sorry. Truly I am. I'll never be able to erase those cruel words. I was angry and desperate. And..."

He shrugged his shoulders in defeat.

Niva drew her lower lip between her teeth and bit at the skin. She looked anywhere but the Earl, clutching her hands to her upper arms.

"Would it really be so dreadful to be with me?" he asked.

She shuffled a few lose pebbles on the ground with her foot.

"It's not just you. It's this place. This way of life. It's suffocating."

"You would have all the finery in the world. Any luxury would be at your finger tips. The sky would be yours within reason and within Darkfrith. I don't see-"

"You don't see because you've never left this place."

"I've been plenty to-"

"Yes, you've been plenty to London. London is a flea on the back of a dog."

She was gripping her arms so tight the muscles twitched. She forced her fingers to relax.

"Your women can't Turn. So many of your boys die trying. And not one of you thought that maybe something needs to change?"

"We've existed successfully this way for generations. We shall endure," he replied, stoutly. He almost believed the lie that so many of them clung to. Almost.

"No. No you won't."

She put her wrapped goods back in the basket and stood to leave.

"Niva, please. Don't go."

"I've got to get home."

"Can I at least walk you there?"

"No, Lord Langford, I can manage."

She turned on her heels and walked away leaving Kimber on the bench alone.

****

It had begun raining again and Sunniva was soaked through by the time she reached home.

Much to her surprise, Zoe Lane was waiting for her, pressed against the beams framing the door of the house; the only spot on the porch safe from the downpour.

"Hello Niva," greeted Zoe, cheerfully.

"Are we on a first name basis now?"

"I thought we were. I'd like to be."

"I don't quite recall agreeing to it." Niva watched Zoe frown with disappointment. She didn't want to hurt her, she just felt it best to keep her at a distance.

"I saw Lydia and her gaggle today looking right at reign," she shared, wishing to lighten the tension. "Apparently high necklines and wide-brimmed hats are coming in. A taste for conservative fashion has arrived in Darkfrith." Her voice was dripping with sarcasm.

"Well it seems high time it did," replied Zoe just as smug and pleased to be apart of their secret.

The rain was now coming down so hard it sprayed a second mist and even Miss Lane was no longer safe huddled by the door.

"I assume you came for a reason. Best we go in then."

Sunniva was still trickling water all over the porch. "Untie me?"

"Don't you want to go inside first?" asked Zoe.

"And get the clean floor dirty? Not on your life," she replied.

Zoe undid the sash at her waist and helped peel the layers from Niva stopping once she was wearing only her stockings and boots. Niva bent over and tore those off as well. She took each item of dripping clothing, wrung them out and draped them over her arm.

"You have no shame do you?" asked Zoe.

"There is no one around. Don't you feel that?"

Zoe closed her eyes and concentrated. It was something she had never been very good at, despite its use. Rhys had tried repeatedly to teach her, only for it to end in argument. But strangely, ever since the incident at her seemstressy she'd begun to feel an intense presence of those around her.

"And no," added Niva, drawing Zoe back. "I don't have any shame. But I am cold so-" she opened the door to the cottage" -shall we?"

Zoe sat down at a small chair near the fire place in the front room. "I don't suppose you have any tea?" she called out to Niva, who had retreated to one of the bedrooms.

"No. It costs too much and I don't like it," she called out.

"That's a shame." Zoe smoothed her damp skirts while she waited. The wrinkles sprung back each time she lifted her hand. She'd have to take an iron to them later.

Sunniva returned with her hair combed and slick against her head. She was barefoot and wore only a nobleman's coat.

It was Kimber's.

Zoe knew the full-skirted knee-length cut which on Niva's hung to mid-calf. She had sewn small pearls with a golden thread to the inner seam and had a devil of a time making the tails hang properly.

"Is your wardrobe running low?" asked Zoe, with something of a suggestion. She had given Niva two dresses and wondered where the other was.

Sunniva gathered a few logs from the carrier, sank to her knees in front of the fireplace and began placing the wood in a conical fashion. "No," she replied, not entirely convincing. "I'm just still wet is all. I'd have a dickens of a time trying to pull wool onto my slick skin," she said, retrieving a tinderbox from the mantle.

She stuffed a bit of tinder beneath a few small twigs and the fire caught after the first strike. Even the larger logs became quickly consumed in flame.

"Learn that on the road?" Zoe asked.

"It's a skill that comes in handy," replied Niva. "So, what brings you to my neck of the woods?" she asked, sitting down across from Zoe. She didn't cross her legs and Kimber's coat concealed a great deal more when she was standing.

"No shame at all," Zoe quipped.

"None whatsoever."

To which Zoe shrugged.

"My sister Celise is getting married, did you know?"

"I don't really keep up with the matrimonial what-nots of the shire."

"I fathomed as much. I'd like to cordially extend you an invitation."

"Me?" asked Niva, perfectly perplexed.

"Yes."

"At a wedding?"

"Yes," confirmed Zoe once more.

"You can't be serious."

"I have never been more serious."

"Why would you invite me?"

"Because I've no one else to go with."

"I find that hard to believe."

"Niva, it's true. I've no desire to go with a man and I've no other friends except you."

Niva shot her with a pair of slitted eyes thinking of ulterior motives. "Are we friends now?" she asked suspiciously.

"We are entangled in each other's secrets. Is that not a good basis for friendship?" queried Zoe, genuinely hopeful.

Niva bristled. "It's also a good basis for a peace treaty between warring countries."

Zoe huffed and stood to leave. "Fine. If you don't want to go then just say so. I just thought...never mind."

She lifted her skirts and stepped towards to door, her heeled boots loud against the oak floor.

"You thought what?"

Zoe paused and pivoted back towards her. "You've been here for what? Four months now? You only come out to go shopping once a week. You don't know anyone of the tribe apart from Kimber and myself. I thought you might like to experience something other than sitting in this cottage, hiding from everyone. I thought maybe it would be nice for you to see that we aren't all just talons and teeth and brute force. There is tenderness and love and laughter. Even for women like us."

Niva gripped the arms of her chair. When she'd first learned of Kimber's betrayal and realized Darkfrith was a prison, she had no interest in contact with others. She didn't need anything tying her to this place and, apart from her father, preferred leaving no one to miss her.

The toxin of isolation was beginning to permeate. The unfortunate truth was that she had come to enjoy Zoe's company and, though it pained her to admit it, she even, just a few hours ago, had enjoyed Kimber's as well.

Despite all that, she could use this to her advantage. The appearance of permanent seclusion might cast even more suspicion upon her. What if Kimber became fearful and stationed guards again? What if the council decided to question her more? Her best chance was, for only appearances sake, show interest in the customs practices of "her" people until she could finally flee.

"Alright. I'll go," she reluctantly agreed.

Zoe's tense face relaxed into a joyous smile.

"Splendid. The date isn't nailed down yet but I will let you know as soon as I can. I can lend you a dress. Unfortunately you will have to wear a corset."

"Perhaps I've been too hasty in my agreement."

"Too late Niva dear. Too late."

Zoe stood to leave. The rain pelted against the windows as if the devil were knocking.

"Where are you going? You can't go out in that mess!" insisted Niva.

"Well, some of us came prepared!" Zoe produced a canvas parasol Niva hadn't noticed before.

It would do nothing to protect her from rain slanting sideways.

"Zoe, wait," Niva said before she reached the door. "Stay a while. At least till the rain lets up. Maybe I can scrounge up something resembling tea."

Zoe set the parasol down by the door. "Hang your poor man's tea. If you'd like, I could maybe whip up some scones."

"That sounds...yes, I would like that."