Nocturne

☾ Chapter Nineteen ~ Nocturne ☽

The sun was just beginning its descent when Nocturne returned to the city, leaves in her hair and rips in her clothes. But the moon hovered overhead too, pale and weak as she was. Nocturne looked up at the sky and smiled at the moon.

The gates were opened for her, but she chose to stride in unobtrusively through the side. The guards approached her, wry grins on their faces. "Why, if it isn't the runaway! Good to see you back in one piece!" One of them patted Nocturne on the shoulder. She tried not to flinch. 

"How's the outside world?" The other asked, probably genuinely. Few left the city, although it wasn't forbidden, and the gates were always kept open. Usually, only hunters and gatherers ever stepped outside the protective majesty of the City of Light. Well, apart from the farmers who lived pressed up the outer edge of the wall.

"Beautiful. I don't know why more people don't go out there- it's very freeing."

"Nah- so lonely out there! Nothing but your own shadow for company? I'd never!"

Diurne would have bit her lip and agreed. But she was not Diurne, not anymore.

"Personally, I find it quite lovely. It's hard to find any quiet around here," said Nocturne.

The guards raised their eyebrows, but they allowed her through without any more argument. She walked with new confidence, every step steady and graceful. She stepped aside to allow a man to pass without a word- only a smile. He hardly noticed, but a few steps later he turned his head to look at the young woman with curiosity and respect.

The city seemed different to her now.

Still so large and loud, but less confining now she knew she could leave. And leave she would- once her work was done. She made her way to the palace without rushing, but with great speed nonetheless.

The guards almost groaned when they saw her.

"We've already had one strange visit today, do we really need another?"

Nocturne cocked her head. "Who was the last?"

"The High Priest- who apparently isn't High Priest anymore? And that girl, the youngest Acolyte who apparently is now the High Priest? Aurora, I think- they showed up at an ungodly hour this morning, woke up the king, made a huge fuss- I think the girl's still being dealt with!" said one, leaning on their partner with a grin.

Nocturne sighed and shook her head, a smile playing at her lips. Good old Aurora, making waves, as usual.

"Well, as a matter of fact, I was looking for her as well. Would you mind letting me through?"

The guards seemed a little surprised by her politeness. "We'd love to, but I'm afraid we can't do that without permission. Especially not while you have that sword."

Nocturne thought for a moment, but when she opened her mouth to speak a familiar voice blazed from the interior of the palace.

"Diurne!"

Nocturne's smile grew giddy as she saw the newcomer. "It's Nocturne, I'm afraid, m'lady."

"Whatever it is, I'm just glad to see you!"

The two embraced, swords falling by the wayside, laughing and smiling. "I missed you!" "It's been a day, Aurora!"

They spun, staring into each other's eyes. Purple and gold, glimmering and merging. They both noticed something in the other's face that hadn't been there just days before, and both were pretty sure they knew just what it was.

The blades lay entwined on the ground, sparkling in the dust.

There was a cough behind them.

The girls spun away from each other, roses blooming wildly in their cheeks. "S-sorry," muttered Nocturne, but the guards were smiling.

"In that case, why don't you go right on in," offered one. "Unless you'd rather find a quiet spot..." suggested the other with a wink. The girl's blushes grew deeper.

"We're good, thanks," giggled Aurora. But as they retrieved their blades and walked inside their hands brushed, and soon, without either girl noticing, had found their way together.

The guards did though.

They only smiled and turned back to their posts.