Not everything is Dark and Light

The Horror at Smitloft (part 1)

IV

“I’m sorry explain that to me again?” a bemused Nifeerein asked Vuren.

“Oh no you heard me right. He’s a gay dragon that flies off every year for mating season. What’s he doing!? Watching the others have s*x while standing in the treeline? Is there another gay dragon cause he hasn’t told us? Is he getting laid? Does he just like to see his friends? I have no idea what happens there, and I am so confused by it.” Vuren’s overtly loud monologue scared off some birds as the pair trot past them.

“I think he would just want to see the others in his species. If he does not see them all year round it would get lonely.” Nifeerein comments as she looks to the skies imagining what it would truly feel like to be a dragon. To feel the cold wind rush past her and chill her skin. To let her skin be overwhelmed by goosebumps. To have a view of the world from that high up. It sounded too good to be true.

“Have you every ridden him?” Nifeerein asked out of desperate curiosity.

“Skal’s my friend. Of course I’ve ridden him.” Vuren jokes as the path forks off in two separate directions. He selects the right path which leads down the valley towards a decent sized village. Vuren shuddered as memories of the fire and screams flood his brain but he pressed on knowing the desperate need they were in. Supplies were low and Vuren could only make them survive off of hunted game for so long. They needed food that was already prepped as hunting ground them to a halt, something they could not afford to do with Jult’s light elf g**g on their tail.

Nifeerein was too bust daydreaming of flying to notice the branching path they had taken. She fantasised of soaring high above the clouds and looking down on the world. She imagined how small things would look, how insignificant. It was a childish dream of hers to fly but one she still held onto. When she was read stories of dragons or harpies as a child she would never focus on the danger the creatures came with instead letting her mind wander into pleasant thoughts of gliding through the air looking down at the world.

“How is it? Flying I mean.” Nifeerein clarified as she continued to look to the skies with a sense of bliss and hope overcoming her.

“Not as fun as you would expect.” Vuren cut her dreams off at the knees with his blunt tone. “It’s cold up there and Skal flies so fast you can’t do anything but close your eyes and hang on. Open your eyes and the wind just makes them water up a belter.”

Nifeerein, discontent with Vuren’s answer, let her head come back down from the clouds and back to her surroundings. She was aware of the danger, of the threat that was chasing them, but ever since Vuren opened up to her she had a sense of calmness wash over her. He was not the most inspiring man nor was he the best talker but something about him made Nifeerein feel secure. She pondered on what it was settling on the fact he had been living this life for many years and was used to high tense situations like these but she knew there was something deeper. A more primal connection that soothed her soul whenever he was around. Once through the hard exterior Nifeerein saw the core of Vuren and felt at ease. She could see he was a kind man just put down through years of a harsh upbringing. She had never learned of his story but she understood from his comments on Jult’s that it was not to be a happy one. She wanted to ask him, learn more about him, but she held back fearing asking too personal a question so soon would be a detriment to their burgeoning relationship. She had knights before but they were always stone-faced walls with only the goal to protect her in mind. Vuren wished to protect her but he was unafraid to let his guard down and be himself when he was with her. He was also not in her army and as such was bold confident enough to take charge which made her feel relieved. She was always the one people looked to for decisions, even her knights who would knew more about combat that she ever would who look for her guidance, and it was exhausting for her. The fact Vuren was OK with taking charge endeared her to him even more.

“Wait, Why are we going down here?” Nifeerein asked finally noticing that they were heading towards the town.

“We need supplies. Food. Water. A horse as well. Agro’s spent and we’ll move faster on two individual ones.”

Nifeerein heard Vuren’s and understood them but still shuddered as thoughts of past few days filled her mind. She did not even know the name of the last village but because of her interference it was now just a pile of ash and charcoal. She blamed herself wholly for it and shivered with dread as they slowly made their way to this new on.

“No. We cannot.” She barked at Vuren who continued onwards steadily.

“I get it. You don’t wanna risk anyone else. But this is the smart choice” Vuren said each word with a heavy heart. He understood where Nifeerein was coming from but his brain outweighed his heart. Emotions were understandable and Vuren could feel the gnawing dread eat away at him the closer he got to the towns outer walls but the smarter choice was to get a second horse and make haste to the dark elf capital of Veldin. They were on the fringes of Abavuki and with two horses Vuren figured it would take two days to get them there but if they avoided populated areas it could take them a week with all the stops for Agro to get her strength back and the need to hunt and forage for food daily.

“Vuren we cannot go there.” Nifeerein commanded with the trepidation now clearing coming through in her voice.

Vuren pulled on Agro’s reins and brought her to a stop. He sighed before turning his head and craning it round enough to see Nifeerein who had let go of his waist and was nervously twiddling her thumbs.

“Look, I ain’t gonna force you to do something you aren’t comfortable with but you hired me because you knew I was capable here. This is my element so I’m asking you to give up ownership and let he take control. Can I?” His firm but forgiving tone mixed with the authoritative nature he was giving off surprisingly calmed Nifeerein. She still felt the same sense of dread internally which would never go away but at least with Vuren by her side a little piece of fear was calmed and that was enough for her.

In the short time she had know him Vuren had built up a level of trust in Nifeerein that was unlike any other. She trusted her friends, the Moffat twins were basically her personal confidants, but that relationship had taken years to form and had been there since childhood. When meeting and discussing matters with others Nifeerein was always more sceptical as she was never truly sure if they were interested in her for who she was or if her status and political was their true reasoning for being around her. She always tired to see the better side of people and went into conversation with the hope the other party was as open as she was but duplicitous people existed and Nifeerein had learned that the hard way. Her inner circle was a small one but Vuren had managed to force his way into it rather quickly. Nifeerein trusted him as she could see that Vuren’s reasoning for helping her was not one of deceit. She could see that he genuinely believed helping her was the best course of action for everyone and that sole fact was of immense comfort to Nifeerein.

“OK.” She said softly giving a slight nod. She was not one hundred percent on board with the idea but she trusted Vuren and that was enough.

Vuren turned back in his saddle and clapped Agro gently. Agro, who was watching a bee dance its way from flower to flower, took a few seconds to register the response before walking off as calm and collected as always.

Vuren thoughts on Nifeerein’s words as they approached. He thought on how it much feel ten times worse for her as it did for him. He was used to this life. Death was something he had become accustom to. The death of bystanders was different and the guilt weighed at him but he had experienced it. Vuren thought about Nifeerein’s protected life and, without trying to be demeaning to her, he thought on how she had never lost anyone. He was not sure about that and it was not something he had asked her but he knew her world and how protected it was he could see her eyes widen whenever he spoke about the life he had lived and the adventures he had went on. What he had not told her about was the darker elements. The injuries. The suffering. The lives lost. Whenever he told her his tales she never thoughts about the darker side of things and took everything a face value but whenever he told someone at the other schools they looked at him differently. They looked at him with understanding. Even Aaron who for the most part was an erratic i***t that ignored the consequences of his actions looked at Vuren with a level of subdued understanding whenever hearing a new tale knowing that it was likely laced with some element of morbidity that neither wish to bring up.

The pair continued on their descent with Agro keeping the same steady pace. She was not panting yet but Vuren could feel the subtleties in her movements indicating she needed her rest. The weigh and distance was getting to much for her. Even after a day or so with only Vuren did she start to crumbled under the weigh of him and all his gear so with Nifeerein riding also she was becoming exhausted rather quickly.

The village was a decent size. Big wall enclosed most of the house with only a few homes built outside them. The walls were built with large timbers and were carved and spiked at the top. There were no towers or guard posts so Vuren surmised the walls were there not for raiders or gangs but more for protection from wildlife. As they sauntered inside the walls Vuren looked at the village sign where he quickly read through the meaningless riffraff people had thrown on it and learned they were in Smitloft. Vuren saw the large gates looming over him both sides. They cast imposing shadows as the sun sat at its peak in the sky and Nifeerein shivered at the fenced in nature of it. She felt a foreboding nature about it as she was terrified of the prospect of being trapped inside but also an odd sense of comfort as she saw them as a protective barrier from her and her chasers outside. The homes were all of varying size with a few of the lower quality of builds beginning to sink into the loose mud. One especially hazardous pub was tilting at an odd angle as one corner had almost completely submerged in the mud. The place was still in use however with a dark elf man dusting off a table outside. Vuren looked at the bars sign and saw it was called the Crooked Inn and he had a soft chuckle to himself as the amusing nature of the name. He looked back at the dark elf cleaning the tables and saw that he looked heavy and weary with his heavy stubble and loud throaty cough showing years of fatigue and ill health.

Despite being so close to the border the village was filled predominantly with humans. The Yohsho mountains proved an obstacle to traverse for anyone with more that one horse could carry. The mountains were a selection of singular roads and passes that blocked off most travel. It was in some regards an excellent natural defensive structure as while human’s battled and waged war for one another’s land the mountains blocked any advances on elven realm. The elves basically became trapped in with only one another to hate as they forgot about the other species almost entirely. This was what Nifeerein was banking on when she crossed the border to try get to Ishimori as she had hoped any light elves would be put off by the awkward terrain but she had not been counting on Jult’s determination.

“Vuren, where are we?” a curious Nifeerein asks as she surveys the scenery with thoughts of her homeland burning in her heart.

“You know there was a sign when we entered here right?” Vuren remarks sarcastically he says as Agro continues on.

“I did not see it.” Nifeerein retorts a little hurt by Vuren’s remarks. He had been a bit sarcastic with her earlier but otherwise he had been nothing but gentlemanly to her. She thought on it and believed that his sarcasm was more for his friends in his line of work while the nice face he put on for her was since she was so new. She smiled a little knowing he was getting comfortable but the remark still did hurt, even if it was just a little.

“We’re in Smitloft. Come here all the time whenever I need to sneak into the elven regions. There’s a mountain pass just a few miles up the hill there. It’s single track and quite tricky to manoeuvrer but it’s well hidden and takes us right into the middle of dark elf land so it’s our best option.”

“And you did not use proper channels when gaining access to my country?” Nifeerein asks prudely.

“Hell no. Look we’re meant to have diplomatic immunity or whatever but half the guards at your checkpoints just look at you like your stupid and the others arrest me on sight caught I look like trouble. Takes ages to get out or convince them I’m actually OK to travel and that usually after a good few days. My job is a one where time matters and getting hold up by a bunch of up their own arse guards doesn’t help it especially when they just laugh whenever I say I’m a monster hunter and just think I’m some sword for hire.”

“Right now you are a sword for hire.” Nifeerein comments smiling at her own joke as Vuren glares back, shakes his head and just a small but not unnoticed grin.

“I’ll go try and find a horse.” Vuren instructed Nifeerein brushing off her comment and slowing Agro as they approach a small tying post fit for horses. “Hopefully people shouldn’t recognise you here. Just take off your jewellery and try find us some decent meat for the journey.”

“My jewellery?” Nifeerein asked as Agro came to a stop.

“Yeah. It makes you stand out from everyone else here.”

“What are you talking about?”

“You see anyone else wearing emerald encrusted rings?” Vuren sounding more sarcastic than he intended.

Nifeerein looked around to see the drab colours of the townsfolk. She saw lots of worn out greys and muddy browns but no vibrant blues or yellows. She inspected the hands of passing women none of which worn any jewels or rings. The occasional flash of a plain wedding ring was all she saw. Even when Nifeerein looked higher she saw the not one of the people around her wore a necklace, something that was near commonplace in her palace.

“I’ll take it off.” Nifeerein said half-heartedly as she let the swirling thoughts of her riches get the better of her.”

“Great.” Vuren responded “Just keep the cloak on, don’t let anyone see the dress as it makes you stand out and again try and buy us some decent meat of the travel.”

Vuren said this as he swung his leg over Agro’s bowed head and jumped down into the dense dirt below. Vuren landed and bobbed his knee as few times as he was expecting a softer landing and his legs had bore the brunt of the reverberations. After his legs stopped feeling the force of the aftershock Vuren turned and extended his hand out to Nifeerein which she accepted kindly and leapt down herself landing comfortable on both feet.

“You OK going alone?” Vuren said still keeping a hold of Nifeerein’s hand.

“I would rather not but if it takes less time to split up then I would rather do that.” She informed him while she took her hand back though not instantly as she rather enjoyed the rough feel of his hands.

“Then, yeah, I’ll meet you here in thirty minutes alright?” Vuren informed her noticing the length of time it took her to take her hand back. He could feel a blush coming on and turned to walk away as soon as he could.

“Sure.” Nifeerein said confused by Vuren’s actions and somewhat offended.

Vuren without hesitation marched off not turning back to check on her. He wanted to as it was currently in his best interest to keep her in sight always and ensure her safety but the growing sense of want that was forming in his stomach was enough to force him away. He could not allow her to see him red-faced and doe eyed. He could feel himself falling for her and he did not like it. Her gentle features were so alluring to Vuren he had to stop himself from thinking on them often and her wide-eyed optimism about everything was so charming. Vuren had surrounded himself by pragmatist and realists somewhat by accident and had such taken up that mindset so it was different to have someone so hopeful around him. The two were in a bad spot, the worst of Nifeerein’s life undoubtedly, but it did not stop her from being happy about most thinks. Even though she was sleeping in conditions unfit for a queen her spirit was not broken. She still had hope and believed that what so was good. She wanted to see the good in people and Vuren appreciated that as whenever he met someone all he could see was the bad. He knew he had to hold those feelings at bay though as Nifeerein was set to marry the light elf prince Saitama which was best for all factions involved. His stupid feelings would have to be put on hold. He comforted himself with the knowledge his emotions were nothing more than a schoolboy crush but it did not do much to ease his weary heart.

Nifeerein, who had watched Vuren walk off, studied his movements. She was no expert in body language but she could tell something was bothering him. The tension in his shoulders and faster pace were all indicators but the real one was Vuren not checking on her. All throughout the journey Vuren had been nothing but professional toward Nifeerein and always ensured he knew where she was at all times but now he stormed off without even checking on her. She thought on his actions earlier and how peculiar they were. Vuren was one of the more socially awkward people Nifeerein had met with him not quite grasping the subtler details of interactions but he was still a consummate professional and dealt with her in manner she found wholesome. She enjoyed learning from him as he had so much worldly knowledge and stories that Nifeerein thought impossible and she had thought he had too but when he had brushed her off Nifeerein was not sure anymore.

Nifeerein walked into the village market thinking on this. Wondering what Vuren’s actions meant. She was so lost in thoughts she had almost forgot to tie up her cloak. Fortunately she did this quickly and looked around to see if anyone had noticed. Every person around was busy with their own business however and Nifeerein distracted herself by enjoying the sounds of the bustling village. The sounds of kids playing with each other as their mother’s spoke at length about the injustices of life. The merchants desperate to make a sale that screamed about their great prices and luxurious items as their fellow merchants tried to shout over them. The half-drunk men that laughed loudly and often as they shared jokes and threw insults at one another. Nifeerein allowed her to become fully submerse by it all allowing all her senses to be taken by it. She smelt the scents of warm chestnuts and fresh bread while looking at the hurried crowd who through whatever motive danced about from vendor to vendor picking up supplies as the rushed on.

Nifeerein watched as one woman in a desperate hurry nearly dropped her sack of newly bought apples before a young gentleman swooped in and caught them. The man ensured the lady was alright before sharing a flirtatious word and walking off. Nifeerein looked at the man’s face and saw the same growing sense of redness in his cheeks that Vuren had displayed before he turned away. She studied him as he walked past and he smiled subtly while his gaze drifted backwards to the maiden who was watching him with her lips slightly agape and her fingers gently playing with the loose lockets of her hair. Nifeerein saw the look she gave him and understood that was how she looked a Vuren also. When Vuren was not looking or when she could not sleep due to the bad dreams the burning village had left her with Nifeerein looked at the Vuren the same way either marvelling at him well kept frame, broad shoulders or plethora of battle scars. She had not thought about what the look meant but as she saw what it meant to the young woman she realised what it meant to her as well. She realised she was falling for Vuren.