“Probably not, though I am forever thankful for what you did today.” She glanced over her shoulder and smiled softly as she started to gather all the necessary in gradients to make dinner. “I’ll be right back, I’m going to see if there’s any tomatoes in the garden.” She grabbed an apron to use as a sling for the tomatoes Andy headed out the back door to the field outside.
Fae x Mortal one on one (closed)
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Kayan nodded, his wings fluttering habitually. His eyes wandered around the house. She had made decent progress with cleaning up the deal from that morning. He slowly rose from the chair, padding over to where she had left out the back door. He stood in the doorway, eyeing the field. He stood there peacefully, watching as she headed out. A small smile quivered at his lips and his eyes looked gently out at the setting sun.
She glanced back when she noticed he had followed and smiled softly. She glanced up at the sun and stood from her crouched position to gaze up at the sun. Using her hand to shield herself, she smiled and started humming the song from a few nights before.
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Kayan gave a warm smile at the familiar sound. Stepping from his spot and joining her in the field, the situation was almost romantic. The long grass complimented his wings, which were just in the slightest bit translucent so the sun shined through.
“Mind if I ask what song that is?” he asked, his voice melodic.
She shrugged, ending the verse before answering the question. "I'm not entirely sure. My aunt used to sing it all the time when I was little. It sort of just stuck with me through out my life." She glanced up at him, eyeing his beautiful wings. "Do you recognize the language?" she inquired, wanting to know more about the song herself but not having any resources to do so. "All I know id that it's in old Language, One used by those he personally served the gods in times of war."
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“It’s familiar to me,” he admitted, his eyes not particularly resting on a point in the distance, just gazing at the beautiful land.
“I almost want to say my father knew it,” he said, though his voice was much quieter. However, he still kept his soft smile. “I’ve never heard the song, but I recognize the syllables.”
He put his gloved hands in his pockets, standing calmly on the balls of his feet. His wings fluttered involuntarily, almost like a landed butterfly with the sun grazing its wings.
“Is he still with us? Your father I mean?” She asked softly, her eyes occasionally looking to his wings as they shifted in the dimming light. From blacks and iridescent greens to ambers and purples.
How many had tried to take that from him? Was he hated for what he was? For what he represented. No. He’s too important…and intimidating. No one would dare.
Shaking herself from thought and sat down in the field.
“Do you know any song in that language? Besides this one?”
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Kayan kept his eyes on the horizon, his stomach dropping as soon as she slung the first question. His smile seemed in the slightest bit melancholic, resting there. His eyes lost their twinkle, the sun shining from them dimly.
“He’s… No. He’s not,” Kai said softly. “But he did teach me one of the songs. He said it was from my family… a long time ago.”
Instinctively, he began singing it. Some of the words were iffy, almost like he couldn’t really remember annunciation. Still, the melody was clear, and his voice did it at least a bit of justice. He kept a sort of hum rather than production, bobbing his head occasionally with the rhythm.
Finishing the verse, he explained, “My father used to sing it to me before night. He said it was about… about how the dark is the only place you’re able to see the light. Poetic and cheesy, I know. But… important to note notheless.”
She glanced up and reached for his arm in silent comfort. She knew he didn’t want an apology, she hadn’t wanted o e when they burned her aunt. She pulled away gently and listened to his singing, liking the way his voice carried the words and tune of the song.
“It’s not cheesy, it’s beautifully simple.” She commented lightheartedly, looking up at the sky and standing. “He’s right you know, the darkness with always hold what light you seek.” She carefully put more tomatoes in her apron sling and brought them inside. “Would like to start yay for dinner or would I be keeping you from doing something important?” She asked over her shoulder, putting the tomatoes on the counter to be diced
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“I wouldn’t want to overstay my welcome,” he said, ducking in the door after her. He shut it behind himself gently, continuing to look out at the sun as he did so.
“Plus…,” he began, dropping his head only slightly and pausing to take a sigh. “I have to get to the city. I said I would this evening.”
Kayan glanced over, watching her work. He moved gracefully over, taking both hands from his pockets.
Truly, he was averse to the concept of leaving. He liked this woman, perhaps a little more than he wanted to. Not to mention, she had torn out his secrets. That’s not someone you leave.
But then again, he had no business in this village. Conversing with the people here… it seemed Tawn had done all he could. Kai’s only concern now was to keep people from harming Evers. Something he wished to do loyally.
Evers eyes dropped from Kayan to the tomatoes she had cut in half with a knife from the chopping block. She offered a small smile “don’t worry about it. I understand you have responsibilities.” She whipped off the juices from the tomatoes and turned to him. “Thank you once again for what you did. If there’s anything you need or if you think I can help with the other Associates, please don’t hesitate to ask. If I’m not home ask the barkeep at Thebes tavern. They’re good friends of mine.”
She walked over to the alcove where she kept the objects she used for reading and pulled out the silver chain with the gold and jade ring. She took his hand and pressed it into his palm. “Remember what you value.” She winked and lead him to the door. “I hope to see you again under better circumstances Kai.” She said, standing by the doorway of her small cottage as he left
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Kayan smiled to himself as he walked out, looking back over his shoulder and giving a small wave.
“I thank you, m’lady,” he said, turning around fully so he could face her. “For putting up with me.”
He was truly heartbroken he had to leave. What if he never saw her again? The mysterious woman… who knew the songs of the ancients. Who possibly held some answers to his past.
He had barely any other business in this village, so coming back on the job was most likely not an option, much to his dismay.
So, he guessed he would just have to come back on his own terms.
Kayan gave her the one last charming smile, before skipping into a fly, his boots scuffing the ground as he launched himself into the ever darkening sky. The sun reflected off of his almost glowing wings, bringing out the florescent colors.
He briefly looked at the ring cradled tight in his hands, the smile lessening but still staying right where it was. He liked that woman. Surely it wouldn’t be the last time he saw her.
He nodded her head in polite departure and respect as Kai walked then flew off. “My pleasure.” She muttered as she watched his wings disappear into the twilight sky. you let an angel go, is that a curse or selflessness?
She went back inside once she was sure he had left and prepared the dinner only using half the tomatoes she picked. She put the others in a jar for later use and cooked a simple warm salad with fresh bread.
After dinner she tidied up the house and sat in her bed, chaining together the rest of her crown and looking over the ten cards that were pulled today during the reading. The cards that stuck most to her were the sun, the moon and the lovers. Two opposites and then one card bringing that under all one concept. She shook her head from thought. Maybe the cards were wrong.
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Kayan’s wings were very tired. But, the city was just a slight bit farther.
Gracefully, he dived down, his wings now reflecting the faint glow of the moon. The sun was gone, sinking lower and lower under the mountains.
Kai drifted into a walk, landing swiftly on his feet and keeping momentum. The lights of the city weren’t far off.
He had long forgotten the name of it, but supposedly it was known for its many guards and vast market systems. Even from here, a separate hill, he could see the bustle of the civilization. The night did nothing to stop it.
Kayan gave an uneasy smile at the situation. Carefully, he took out the black cloak from his satchel and swung it onto his shoulders, folding in his wings the best he could. Which… wasn’t very good. At least they were less noticeable now.
As he walked to the city, his guns continued their clinking in the holsters at his belt, the ammunition tapping slightly along with them.
(Oki idea for when they meet again. What if everyone gets invited to a ball or something, maybe a masquerade ball, and Kayan and Evers find each other?)
Evers read her cards once more before settling into bed. She had to get up early in the morning to fill in a last minute order for a customer as well as restock her remedies and destroyed products.
Falling asleep with the thought of Kayan on her mind and a knife under her pillow, she dozed off peacefully until the early morning omg hours
business
(Sure. In the city? And would we be time-skipping till then)
(Yeah, maybe it’s held by the queen or something? And yeah we can timeskip)
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(Alright. I’ll post in a sec)
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Kayan let out a heavy breath as he looked from the invitation in his hand to the kingdom in front of him. The handwritten invite signed formally by the queen was held tight in the grasp of his gloved hand.
He grit his teeth as the lanterns cast a warm glow among his mask, the decals coiling around those piercing eyes of his. He narrowed his brow, taking a last peek at the note.
He was sure others had gotten different invites. However, Kayan was… “close” to the queen in a way. Not a way he liked, but more of a way he put up with. He wasn’t exactly behind her personality, or way of ruling for that matter.
Still, what did he have better to do at the moment?
His cloak billowed around him, his wings still tucked tight to his back. His palette was overall more charcoal, giving his eyes just the slightest dull tint. His white gloves were about the only splash of light, besides the alabaster guns at his waist.
With a huff and a quite long blink, Kayan made his way up the steps to the kingdom.
Evers still didn't understand why she of all people was called to attend the ball. She wasn't anyone of importance, certainly not to the Queen. She was a little more relieved when Tory, the barkeep at the tavern was also invited and even more relieved when she agreed to help dress her for the even, Evers herself not having anything but her day dresses to wear to the ball. Sitting in the little area in front of the dressing room, she bounced her leg in anticipation, waiting for Tory to get back with the select dresses.
"Alright, so I found a few that would fit. try these on."
Val looked over the dresses, all just as beautiful as the next. One dress was black with beading down the center and a frilled skirt. The second one was a deep teal dress that seamed more casual than the rest if it weren't for the gold embroidery that mimicked the feathers of a peacock. The third was a a rose toned dress that looked like it was made from air, the fabric sheer and flowing.
After trying on all the dresses with their accompanying masks, Evers settled for the teal dress with a filigree mask the same shade of gold.
She joined Tory outside where a simple carriage pulled by a few black stallions was waiting. She fllowed in after Tory and soon arrived at the castle in a few hours.
"Think we're late?" Ever's questioned, twirling one of her cards in her hand nervously.
"Fashionably so," Tory replied, handing her the mask and looping her arm with hers as they entered the palace. It took every ounce of Ever's efforts to not gape at the stunning place as well as at the stunning guests.
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If it was Kayan normally, he would have been out on the ballroom floor, wooing whomever he could. Which may have been a numerous amount of people, but he wouldn’t have known.
Instead, he was shoved into a corner, watching the rest of the people dance. He told himself that he came for a scouting mission, trying to earn any dirt on the next case he could. It had only been a few days since he got to the city, but he had already been given his next job. A thief named Wyven, apparently. And what better place to take something? In a venue where every person is also wearing a mask.
So Kayan trained his eyes on the door, trying to see anything suspicious. Mostly, he was just trying to avoid the Queen. He couldn’t deal with… that right now.
His arms crossed in front of him as the cloak billowed down, covering the most of his wings. He had known some people of the city to… not necessarily like the fey folk. It was difficult and his wings were cramped, but he had to make them work.
Tory and Evers climbed the stairs to the main ballroom. She looked around, wide eyed and in awe. How could a place be so beautiful, so intracate yet so beautiful simple. The ivory and marble columns offset the warm tones of bronze and drop golds of the ballroom walls and floors.
She was drawn away from her awe when Tory tugged her sleeve and leaned in close “imma find some shoes people to dance with. Coming with?” She eyes a group of men loitering around the drinks table. Evers shook her head and smiled at her friend “go have fun, I’ll be exploring.”
Tory nodded and let ever see to her curiosity. She found herself drawn to the balcony that extended out to a scenic landscape. She headed over to the balcony, picking up a treat and a glass of Champaign on her way outside
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Kayan’s eyes caught on a feminine figure making her way to the balcony. Alone, he may add. It was odd to see a woman unaccompanied by a man, or some other escort. He raised an eyebrow, unable to get a read on who it was due to the masks. His blonde hair peeked through his own mask, the blacks contrasting greatly with his bright eyes.
Kai cocked his head and pushed himself from his prop, picking up a glass of Champaign himself and heading outside.
The night was cold, and the balcony overlooked all the lights of the city. It certainly was beautiful, he’d have to admit.
Swiftly, he walked up beside the girl, his Champaign held elegantly in one hand and his elbow propped on the railing. His cloak billowed behind him, and his royal black garb was accented by gold hues. He looked like he may have been a royal guard at this very castle.
“Nice night, isn’t it?” he cooed melodically.
Evers jumped slightly, having not seen the man come up next to her. She regained her composure and nodded “it is indeed. I’ve never seen the city from here.”
She glanced over at the man, his presence and confidence demanding attention. From his wardrobe to his stance, he looked nothing less than royal, or at least very closely affiliated with the royal court. She bowed politely and leaned back against the railing.
“Am I right to assume you have some high standing foothold in the royal court?” She asked, not wanting to pry into the man’s business but not being able to control her curiosity
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Kayan gave a slight laugh. He didn’t want to be affiliated with the Queen at all.
“No, no,” he said. “Just here on a mission, so to speak.”
Something had caught his attention. The way this woman carried herself. Her voice. Gosh, he had been replaying the voice in his head for a long time now.
He cocked his head, still trying to deduce why this woman was as familiar as he thought. His mind raced back to all the times he had met someone new.
“E-Evers?” he asked quietly, but somehow his voice still held that joking quality. “Wait, is that you?”
He took off his own mask, showing his bright eyes and messed blonde hair, his emerald orbs shining in the moonlight. He held a sort of rough smile, more genuine than charming.
She’s cocked her head to the side, confused as to how the man knew her name. “Kai?” She took off her own mask and broke into a smile.
“I never you were ‘queen’s masquerade’ fancy.” She laughed softly and relaxed back against the railing, holding heel self a bit more loosely now that she knew the man she was talking to. “Now are you really here for a mission or just cuz the Queen invited you and you had nowhere else to be?”
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“Okay,” Kai muttered defensively. “I have a mission. Don’t go spreading those rumors.”
He gave a small laugh, leaning his back up against the railing and resting his elbows there. He slightly scoffed at the mention that he was there for the Queen. Which he had made clear— he certainly wasn’t. Sure he had gotten a formal invite from the woman herself, but he didn’t care.
“Speaking of which,” he mumbled, glancing over. “How have things been?”
She laughed softly at his playfulness and looked out onto the beautiful landscape of sloping hills washed in moonlight, the long grasses and flowers turning a silvery blue. The trees turning into glossy deeper shades of their brighter day time counterparts. Evers has always preferred the night to the day, always preferred its mystery to knowing the rioting that day brought. “I’ve been Alright. No more attacks which is good. Business has been going smoothly. How about you? Did you ever find the guy’s associates? Or anyone else on your list of criminals?” She inquiries, knowing she probably shouldn’t ask since it wasn’t confidential information.
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“Eh,” he began, looking over. “Tawn didn’t have anyone else. But I’m looking for a new guy now.”
His eyes shifted over to the ballroom, darting between people.
“Figured he’d be here tonight,” he finished, turning back around. He took up the same position as she, staring off into the night.
“Though, there’s nothing to worry about,” Kayan said quickly, gesturing with a limp hand. “He’s just a lowly thief. Shouldn’t bring any real destruction tonight. Just may give people some trouble. Have ‘em lose a few coins.”