Black Knight

Red Moon Ball Part 2

From the Perspective of Fae King: Kalen Orin

I felt as if I couldn’t stop pacing. I had been restless all morning, and had been wandering the halls, attempting to quell my nerves. Tonight was a big night. The Red Moon has always been known to give power to the Fae. It offers healing to those who bask in its glow. It has even been said that if mates who are fated to be together find themselves under the glow, the mating bond would declare itself known to all who are around.

I knew it was my responsibility to make sure everything went smoothly.

Even with all of this pressure and weight on my shoulders, I was excited. I knew what this meant for my people, and I knew what it would mean for me too. I could hear my mother’s voice speaking to me when I was a child, and she was still alive. I could hear her warm tone telling me that one day, on the next Red Moon, I was destined to find my mate.

She was already sick by then and some of the thoughts she had begun to have didn’t quite make sense. Some part of my mind always wondered though, if it wasn’t some sickness delusion, but a real prophesy that was fated to come true. Finding your true mate wasn't necessarily unheard of, but it still was extremely rare. The thought was going to drive me crazy all night until the Red Moon set for another couple millennia.

I entered my favorite hallway in my palace. The Corridor of Mirrors. It had huge floor to ceiling windows separated by huge floor to ceiling mirrors. I stop halfway down the hallway and look into one of the mirrors.

I saw my father in me. His same tanned skin and dark violet eyes. We were both tall, and I also thankfully had inherited his muscular build. I also had the dark hair most of us Dark Fae have, although mine had a streak of silver along one temple. With my father long gone, I hope he would be proud of what I am, and what I have accomplished.

With a sigh, I walked away towards my chambers, to get ready for whatever awaited me this evening.

                                                                            ***

From the Perspective of Black Knight

I was really going to have to work to control my temper tonight. My blood was already boiling, and I knew that when I walked, shadows seeped from me. When Elden, Eva and myself exited the portal I had made, people screamed and backed away from me. Some had better heads on their shoulders and merely nodded in greeting to me, although they still had looks of fear plastered on their faces.

I gave Eva a look of I told you so over my shoulder, which she ignored. I spoke to her gently, so only her and Elden could hear, even with prying Fae ears.

“I told you that this was pointless for me to be here.” I was telling them this for their future knowledge, so that they will hopefully refrain from having me attend meaningless gatherings. I agree the Red Moon is important, but I can bathe in its light and hold my own ceremony privately. Without prying eyes, and without terrifying mere civilians.

I became accustomed to the constant looks of fear, of awe, of both at the same time millennia ago. When you become known for the fact you can take on thousands of soldiers by yourself, tame dragons, and master almost any magical ability, I guess the looks are to be expected. Even before I was well known, I never enjoyed parties or social gatherings. I hate speaking with people unless necessary. This Ball was not necessary, but I would endure it for the sake of Eva and Elden.

We walked up to the palace entrance. Opulence rarely impressed me, since I was not one for material things, but this palace was beautiful. I have been here only a handful of times, but it is the only palace I ever thought I could live in, and not feel as if I was living in extreme extravagance. This palace let nature do the talking whenever possible. Nature Fae have woven vines around the entirety of it. Plain green vines, and flowering white ones. It was nestled into a grove, and felt small and intimate, although I knew from experience that this palace could comfortably hold thousands.

We reached the entrance where a young nature Fae was waiting, taking names. He didn’t look up upon our approach, and I knew it was likely we were the thousandth something name he had taken that day.

“Name?” He asked flatly. I quietly cleared my throat.

“Black Knight.” I said, and I felt the whole atmosphere of the immediate vicinity change. The young nature fae, with his mop of red hair immediately looked up, straighten, and then cast his eyes downward averting his gaze from mine. I hated that. I liked mutual respect, but I hated being treated differently.

“I apologize your honor. I didn’t see you.” He said quietly. I reached out a hand to touch his arm. He almost flinched from my touch, but thought better of it.

“Look at me child.” I said authoritatively, and everyone had stopped talking to watch the exchange. I heard whispers about him losing his eyes, hands, other parts, but I ignored all of them. When his gaze met mine, he relaxed, I knew he saw no malice. “You do not need to apologize to me, I demand no special treatment. Thank you for treating me normally.” I said, and that silenced everyone around us. I didn’t wait for a reply. I dropped my hand, and gazed back at my friends to tell them it was time to leave. We walked away from hundreds of stunned eyes.

                                                                                                ***

From the Perspective of Fae King: Kalen Orin

“Your Majesty!” A shout behind me got my attention. My chief advisor Solomon and I turned to see a frantic guard running our way.

“What is it?” Solomon asked for me.

“I was sent to inform you that Black Knight has arrived.” He said a bit pale. Solomon nodded and waived the boy off, before turning to his king.

“I didn’t think she would actually come.” I mused to Solomon, who shook his brown mop of hair in amazement with me.

“She is well known to despise events like these, even if they involve the Red Moon. She can bask in the Red Moon by herself. I’ll bet that it’s her own second that is to blame for her attendance tonight.” Solomon mused, and I nodded in agreement with my chief.

“Have you met her?” I asked him. I had never formally met the Dark Fae warrior, only heard many, many stories. Solomon nodded.

“I have. Once, many years ago. I witnessed her take out thousands of enemy warlocks that were a threat to the magical universe. By herself. I helped treat her minor wounds afterwards, since I was a medic then. She is powerful yes, but she hates to be admired or treated like the Queen she is. Her people skills are horrendous. I hear she relies heavily on her second during times like this.” Solomon mused, and I listened intently. I had sent her a formal invitation, one much different than all the others that went out to the rest of the Fae kingdom. I wondered now if that special invitation was a mistake. “You should go down and meet her before the Ball officially begins. It is the only chance you’ll have to have an actual conversation with her before her temper makes any conversation with her nearly impossible.”

“Thank you for the advice Solomon.” He said earnestly. “Can you come down with me?” I felt silly for asking, but she was rather intimidating. He smiled.

“Of course your majesty.” Solomon replied instantly.