Quendalon/Session27FetekInterlude
Fetek dreamt.
He sat alone, on his bed in the small room that was his before his Exaltation. With Lila, his young, gray cat sleeping soundly at his feet, he pored over the scrolls his father had given him to study. It was here that he had always felt safe and content. The memory had always brought him happiness, even during the first difficult months after Luna had touched him.
He heard a knock at his door and his mother entered the chamber, illuminated by the flickering lamplight. But, there was something odd… She was different than Fetek remembered; she stood taller, her bearing was more regal. Her ageless eyes glittered from the depths of her veil.
And his heart told him this was not a dream.
The demon Amalion, the Manse of Echoes Ascendant, who Breath-of-Midnight had met but a few hours before; for whom he felt a bewildering love that transcended his knowing, sat down beside him. For a long moment, they sat in silence. Then slowly, with care, the demon turned to the boy.
“I hope I do not intrude,” said Amalion.
“No, of course not,” stammered Fetek, turning his eyes away, “I’m happy you’re here.”
“I am glad of that,” replied Amalion, smiling behind her veil. “There is much we must discuss, I fear. Your companions do not want me here, and my presence brings unwanted attention from the south.”
Fetek drew an unsteady breath. “I think I can convince the Solars that you should stay. I know you would be a strong ally; I can convince them of that. Together we can defeat Lookshy – I… I am not afraid of their weapon.”
Amalion smiled again and shook her head, “I do not think that you will be able to convince all of the Solars. Thorwald of Stonehold…”
“Don’t worry about Thorwald. I will convince him,” growled Breath-of-Midnight through sharpened teeth, “however I have to.”
The demon gazed at the boy for a moment, “You must remember that this is not the only place in Creation that I am.” She reached to place her hand on Fetek’s arm. At her soft touch, the memories and emotions of a thousand years boiled up in the young Lunar’s mind, raging like a wildfire. Breath-of-Midnight, the Chosen of Luna, Child of the Hidden Moon, wrapped his arms around his knees and hid his face, its heat betraying his confusion.
“Ah…” Amalion sighed. “Again I forget the ways of your kind. Although you have lived many lives, you do not yet know much of life.” Her voice was dark, her eyes shaded with melancholy, “You are not ready. Perhaps I should go.” She stood slowly and faced the boy who was once the man she loved.
Tenderly she spoke, “I will do whatever you wish. Should I stay, or should I leave this place?”
Fetek looked up into her eyes and for a time there was silence. Then, in a small voice, Fetek Breath-of-Midnight answered, “Stay. Please.”
“You must think carefully, for there will be many consequences if I am to stay. As I said, I am already in Creation elsewhere. My presence here may endanger you, and your friends as well. But if you wish me to stay, then I will stay.”
“I know.” Calling upon his courage to steady him, Fetek drew himself up. “And I accept the consequences.” His eyes flashed silver in the faint light, “I don’t want you to go.”
She looked at him with shining eyes and whispered, “Then I will stay.”
Once more she approached the young man and he did not draw back. Amalion leaned down and kissed Fetek Breath-of-Midnight on the forehead with a warmth undimmed by her veil. Then, as she stood once more, darkness descended.
