Prelude to Night

I would like to thank everyone who has reviewed so far! It makes me so happy to know that there are people out there that enjoy the world I've created just as much as I do.

Just a side note, I’m currently having a fight with my Livejournal account. As well as posting it on here, I was planning on posting the story and all sorts of oddities related to it onto my Livejournal account. This includes a map of Aeden I’m currently working on. Unfortunately, it has decided that it hates Cranedoll and that every time Cranedoll tries to post the second chapter it is going to randomly erase complete sentences and put entire paragraphs where they don’t belong. So until Livejournal and I work out our differences, I’ll have to stick to just posting on AFF.Net.

Breathless_Bliss: Thank you so much! I sure hope to see this to the end and I hope school doesn’t detract too much from my writing time. No, I don’t blame you for pitying Fyren. I would like to point out though that it’s his own fault. You see, this originally (back when I first had the idea) started out as a serious attempt at writing. Sex wasn’t supposed to be a part of the equation. At all. However, Fyren (who was nameless at the time) sat me down and explained to me that he greatly desired the sexy times with Daralis. After much debate(note: very little resistance) I conceded. As for Miss Honey…that would be telling. ;)

Midnightsscream: It’s not so much that Fyren’s more powerful as he’s just really old. And Daralis is a sneaky Fay. :P

Usmorgan: Thank you, I’m glad to hear you like it! :)

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“Are you sure we need to tell her today?”

“Why not? You just bought the amulet and we’re planning to set out tomorrow.”

“Then why can’t we tell her tomorrow? It‘ll make for great conversation as we climb through the mountains.”

“You are going to tell her today because the sooner you do it, the more time she has to think about it.”

“Precisely! That’s why we should tell her tomorrow. And, before you start, I’d like to point out that while my body seems to be satisfied lately-”

“That’s not-!”

“-mentally I’ve been celibate for the past seven weeks!”

Daralis’s face was red from a mixture of anger, embarrassment, and heat. It was Market Day in Laminui and the amount of people in the streets were double what they were on any other given day. “It’s like I thought, you’re going through all of this trouble just to get her into your bed.”

“No! I’m also very curious as to the temple we’re escorting her to.”

“Temple?”

“I just consider the possibility of sex as decent motivation.”

“Faust, please stay on topic. Why didn’t you mention the temple earlier?”

“I wanted to do some research on it first. Apparently, it‘s a Daemon-built temple from around the time of the Great Purge.”

“A Daemon temple? An eighteen-year-old waitress from Boiij wants to be escorted to a Daemon temple?”

Faustivult frowned as he maneuvered his way through the crowds of people. “It’s not entirely unheard of. Historically, Daemons worship the same set of Gods and Goddesses as the rest of Aeden. But, as with every race, they put more importance on the Gods who represent defining features of their culture.”

“You mean mindless slaughter?”

“I mean power, of all kinds. Mind, soul, and body. After all, the temple is in honor of Asutiri, the Goddess of Wisdom and Water.”

Daralis still wasn’t convinced. Something about this just didn’t seem right. “What does Fyren have to say about all this?”

Faustivult snorted. “Yeah right, as if Fyren would talk about anything else besides what you did to him last night.”

The red in Daralis’s face deepened as the two companions entered the inn. Despite all his flustering, Daralis was actually pretty proud that his plan had worked. Not only had he learned more about Fyren’s origins, but he had managed to get a good nights sleep out of the deal. All in all, he considered the rewards of last night worth the increased amount of teasing from his childhood friend.

Honey looked up from her place at the bar as the two men approached and watched Faustivult’s cheery countenance falter while Daralis’s expression changed from an embarrassed scowl to an almost sadistic smirk. Intrigued, Honey put down the glass she’d been cleaning and leaned over the bar to greet her future traveling companions.

“And how has your Market Day been, gentlemen?”

“Oh, Miss Honey,” Faustivult exclaimed as he swooped down and clasped both of her hands in his, “before I walked into this inn my heart had been filled with frustration and woe, the unruliness of the crowds too much for a man born in the small, country town of Kaijur. I had been sure it was the God Raiek punishing me for some imagined sin! But when I stepped inside and saw your smiling face here to greet me I knew that my day had surely been blessed by the God Valsiole.”

As Faustivult kissed a blushing Honey’s hands, Daralis muttered icily, “Are you sure you’re not confusing the Sun God with Xeyalti, God of Deceit?”

Faustivult coughed and replied, “Yes, well, either way I’m very happy to see you this morning, Miss Honey. It’s a marked improvement over current company.” He nodded his head towards Daralis.

Honey laughed at their banter. “So, Mr. Faustivult, are we all set to leave for the mountains tomorrow?”

He blanched before nervously seeking out Daralis, who had started to order breakfast from another waitress farther down. Daralis, who was still listening, glanced over before ignoring his Human friend completely. Realizing he was on his own, Faustivult stammered.

“Um, oh! I almost forgot. I bought this for you this morning.” Bringing out the amulet, he handed it to Honey. “You see, I’ve recently become…afflicted. This amulet is to protect you at night while we travel.”

Honey listened patiently as she examined the amulet. Internally, she frowned. The magic cast upon this was performed inadequately, she thought, it’s going to have to be strengthened before we leave. Outwardly, Honey did her best to look both concerned and curious.

“My protection? Is your affliction so serious?”

“I’m afraid it is,” Faustivult said morosely. Leaning in closer, he whispered, “I have become possessed by a terrible and wicked Daemon.”

“A Daemon?” Honey whispered back, a note of fear in her voice. Inwardly, she rolled her eyes. He’s very dramatic about the whole thing, she thought.

“Yes. My dear friend, Daralis, has suffered at the Daemon’s hands once already. I fear what he may do to a desert beauty like yourself.”

Keep your “desert beauty“; I wouldn’t waste my time with her.

Honey took up Faustivult’s hands once more and reassured him in a serious voice, “I don’t care if there is a Daemon possessing you. I knew as soon as I saw you that you would be the one to protect me on my journey.”

While Faustivult looked pleased, Daralis glared suspiciously over his glass at the waitress.

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Kieon was not in a good mood. His dark cloak swelled behind him as it was swept up by the fast pace of his walk. He sneered as incompetent guards fumbled around, trying to make themselves presentable as he passed by. Although, he couldn’t particularly blame them. He had not been in this sort of a mood since the last time a visiting noble’s squire had had the gall to insult him. Fortunately for them, the Daemon had no time to waste on idiot guards. Stopping outside a particularly ornate door, he signaled for the guards to announce him. Waiting for permission to enter, he raked his hand through his long, dark ponytail, his violet eyes flashing with impatience. Finally given the go-ahead, he stormed into the Prince’s room.

“Your Highness, while I’m pleased to see that you’ve been in good health during my absence, I would like to remind you that it is your duty while your father is away to greet me upon my arrival.”

Prince Errol looked bored as he surveyed the furious aid. He continued to stretch languidly on his bed, the sheet barely covering him and his two equally bare female companions. Stroking the arm of the girl on his right, he drawled, “Then consider yourself greeted.”

Fuming, Kieon replied, “Sire, this is important. There have been rumors circulating.”

Errol rolled his eyes, “Then take care of it. Isn’t that what you‘re here for?”

“Your Highness, it isn’t as simple as just taking care of it. I must know what you would like to have done about this!”

Sighing loudly, the Prince indicated for the girls to leave the room. Once they were alone, he fixed Kieon with a glare.

“I don’t appreciate how you think you can order me about like a common servant. I am the Prince of Blodtacan, heir to the throne! While my father is away, you will heed my orders.”

Getting up from the bed, he strode over to stand in front of Kieon, tossing his blond locks over his shoulder. His red gaze never leaving the other Daemon’s eyes, he whispered harshly, “When my father passes, the very first thing I’ll do is put you in your place. You are the Royal Family’s personal attendant, the silent shadow to take care of our dirty work. I expect you to do what is right for our kingdom.”

Gritting his teeth, Kieon bowed. “Yes, Your Highness. I apologize for my impudence. I’ll take care of the matter at once.”

“See that you do,” the Prince casually replied as he relaxed once more on his bed. As Kieon turned to leave, Errol called out to him, “Have the guards send those girls back in. I wasn’t quite done playing with them.”

Nodding obediently, Kieon exited the room and went to gather troops for the next expedition. When your father passes, he thought bitterly, I have no intention of letting you have the throne.

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“Please meet me outside the West Gate near nightfall. Don‘t tell Mr. Faustivult.”

At first, Daralis had been wary of the cryptic message Honey had given him. She had delivered it to him just after Faustivult had left to work his last day at the smithy. However, he decided that now would be a good time to get some of his questions about her answered. Standing in the shadows of the outer walls of Laminui, he waited for Honey to show up, clutching the amulet in his hand. If it got too late, he’d be forced to put the amulet on and find another way of letting Honey know he was here.

“Mr. Daralis. This way.”

He looked up and noticed Honey standing out in the woods, her waitress uniform replaced with dark blue robes. They match her eyes, he thought off-handedly and followed after her.

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Sprinting through the forest, Fyren let himself enjoy the cool, night air as it rushed over his heated skin. Last night, Daralis had talked with him, touched him. Perhaps tonight he’ll let me reciprocate, he thought excitedly. Racing to their cave, he howled happily into it.

“Daarraallliiss~!”

Silence answered him. Confused, Fyren’s eyes habitually checked the cave, even though he knew he wouldn’t see Daralis, not with that damn amulet on-

Wait, he thought. His whipped wildly around before looking into the cave once more. The amulet always gave off a slight hum of magic, letting him know that Daralis was in the area. What he heard now was complete silence, an empty cave.

Daralis wasn’t there.

Maybe he’s late, a hopeful part of him whispered. Why would he be, the pessimistic voice snarled back, he had left the inn early! Just like yesterday.

Yesterday…why had he left early yesterday? Because Miss Honey had woken him up in time, Fyren thought maliciously. That damn woman, alone with my Daralis.

His eyes widened in realization and, as if in answer to his thoughts, a strong wind came through the forest, bringing with it the familiar scents of Daralis and Honey. A cry of rage and jealously leapt from his throat as he followed the scent, red clouding his vision.

Daralis is mine, the Daemon thought viciously, and Miss Honey’s about to learn that the hard way.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The full moon shone over the small clearing Honey had led him to, highlighting the magic circle drawn out in middle surrounded by magical components. Another piece added to the puzzle, Daralis set his bags down by a tree and walked over to the Boiijan. She moved in a practiced matter as she looked over the circle once more, making sure everything was all set before turning to Daralis.

“I asked you out here tonight,” she admitted, “because I need your help strengthening the amulets that are going to protect us from the Daemon living inside Faustivult.”

Nodding understandingly, Daralis replied, “I wish I could help you.”

Confused, Honey’s brows furrowed as she looked at him questioningly. “Aren’t you a half-Fay?”

“I am, but I grew up with my human mother. My knowledge of magic is limited to simple spells.”

Her face softened as Honey realized that, while he had answered with seeming ease, it had hurt Daralis’s pride to confess such a thing to her. Taking Daralis’s hand, she led him over to the circle.

“Lucky for you, it’s a relatively easy spell and I’m going to be the one doing the reciting. All you have to do is focus your magic. You can do that much, right?”

Daralis blinked and nodded numbly.

“Good. I promise that after we’re done doing this I’ll answer those questions you’ve been stewing over all day,” Honey smiled and stood on the opposite side of the circle. Taking her amulet, she threw it into the middle of the circle, Daralis mimicking her actions. Taking the proper stances, Honey began.

As the circle glowed, the wind picked up in the trees once more. Daralis looked up towards the moon and closed his eyes, feeling the flow of magic through his veins and reveling in it. This was the purpose of the Fay, a voice whispered in his mind, to use magic, to live in magic, to be magic. He dimly heard Honey as she recited the spell, her voice taking on a melodious quality as the magic wove its way around them. He slightly envied her for her superior ability, but forgot it in the bliss of the spell. Humans were not blessed with the gift of magic like the Fay were and he could hardly begrudge her for being one of the few that were.

Fyren watched from the trees unnoticed, his eyes glued to Daralis’s face. Even when he had taken the Fay that first night, he had never seen him wear such an expression of absolute calm. I wonder if this is what he looks like when he dreams, the Daemon thought idly. While he was relieved the two of them weren’t currently in the throes of passion, he still couldn’t help but be irked that Honey had interfered on his time with Daralis.

He huffed as the two finished off the spell. The point of which being those stupid amulets again, he thought. As far as he knew, no Daemon on Aeden had ever been talented with magic. Instead, they were gifted with heightened senses, speed, strength, and magical tolerance. What need did they have for such time consuming practices?

You’re just sulking because it’s just one more thing you can’t share in with Daralis, the pessimistic voice accused. Scowling as he realized the voice was right, Fyren proceeded to steadfastly ignore it. He couldn’t be bothered to ponder such unpleasant thoughts when he had the rare opportunity to enjoy such a tantalizing view.

As the two magic-wielders entered further into the circle to retrieve the improved amulets, Fyren could have sworn he saw the waitress look over in his direction, catching his eye, before conversing with Daralis about her magical studies.

“This is turning out to be quite the interesting trip, wouldn’t you agree, my Daralis,” Fyren whispered and chuckled softly as he continued to spy on the two of them for the rest of the night.