Searching in the dark... [Markus]

Markus watched as she giggled, distracted, seeming to ignore his statement. He did not blame her. It was not an easy one to think about. Watching her eyes, Markus, as always, was fascinated with how fast people's emotions seemed to shift, to change, to warp. He did not have enough time, and his mind was too slurred, to determine how many he has seen within her eyes within the past few moments alone.

She repeated his question, contemplating. Markus was silent, he did not mean it as a serious one, and had originally only asked to keep the mood light. Suddenly however, his eyes narrowed as she spoke again, a flash of purple energy would be seen for but a moment. So much for that plan.

Just with the Fairies, Markus fears, and hates, those with superiority issues causing others to feel powerless, weak, or taken advantage of. Markus, his mind dulled with drink, was having issues controlling his emotions, and as such meant he was having issues controlling his powers. If one was to watch, they would see shadows, almost invisible, starting to sway around the mage. Suddenly, the water pitcher would crack, ever so slightly.

Realizing what was happening, Markus glanced away, and reigned in his powers once more. He needed to be somewhere safer, somewhere people would not get hurt should he lose it. He would have to be careful, be certain not to lose control.

“Letting monsters have their way never bears fruit, and only proves to allow them to harm others.” Markus said simply, after a few seconds, once he felt he had a measure of control. He thought of this man, her ex, in the same way as he did those trappers, in the same way he did for any beast he was tasked with ending. He very much doubted the man had stopped with Nessa.

“Apologies, I am sorry you have had to deal with the less… refined, members of my sex.” Markus was not one to apologize usually, however he knew nothing else to say. He was unsure how to handle her admission. There were many options, and he was unsure if she even wished for him to give his thoughts. Most likely, she was less on guard due to drink, and as such spoke up of something she never normally would have. In times like this he knew no other way forward, and was silent until her next question came.

Markus thought for a second, he assumed his question was pretty apparent. Though, maybe not. He did not mind explaining it, and saw no issue. “They say, you fall in love like you fall asleep, slowly, then all at once. Do I have need to worry?” Markus said once more. Unsure how much clearer he could make it.

Notes:

Markus chuckled soundlessly at her retort. Maybe he should meet this Aunt of hers one day, however upon further though the black clad mage realized that would probably be a horrible idea, and only end badly. He was not one a woman should ever introduce to the family, after all he was a 'bad' boy, a killer, and he had no regrets.

He could tell they were still in dangerous territory when she gave him a soft smile, and confirmed his statement to her naivety. This was a sore topic for the female mage, Rex was still on her mind even if her Aunt had made sure he could never hurt her again. That was the problem with this sort of thing, no one else could really solve it for you. As such Markus just nodded, he knew logically there was no reason to apologize, yet that is what people did when there was nothing else to be said. Markus however did understand Rex in part, it was easy to pretend when people already have expectations of you. After all, is that not what Markus has done with Nessa? With the guild? He was contemplating the thought when she spoke up again.

Markus chuckled slightly as she wiggled in her seat, a mach dance of sorts, making her comment about nude dancing love. He was glad to be certain he had nothing to worry about, he would not be attempting to wiggle his way in, and he could tell you from experience that someone can not just plop inside unexpectedly, not when the shell was as developed as his own, or Nessas.

Markus once more nodded at her, “Good to hear, I would have to leave you disappointed.” He said simply, in actuality the only reason was he did not want the complication. He was no longer certain what love was, and was pretty sure he could not return it. He needed to solely focus on the tasks at hand, on his jobs, other complication would risk that, and he much rather prefer Nessa as an ally.

When she next spoke up, he merely looked into her eyes passively. “Well, I can promise, you have nothing to worry about. Despite the charm.” He said simply, letting her know that he does not feel that way. Then, maybe it was drink, or self consciousness, he felt the need to elaborate, and found himself informing her of something only one person, if you could call it that, knew about.

“This might seem… obvious. But, I have come to realize. I do not, feel, as others do…” Markus looked into her eyes, his own passive and without emotion, almost dead, lifeless, nowadays only alight with chaos. “I was not born with magic, of any type… I could not even use or activate magical items, it was a great shame to my family…” This was something no one in Fiore knew. “When I accepted my power, gained my strength… It came with certain side effects. One of which is… My… emotions, feelings… Thoughts. Are dampened.” He wondered how it felt hearing what he was saying, it sounded strange enough actually saying it outloud.

He grinned at Nessa. “Not that it is a bad thing… My magic takes… immeasurable control. Losing myself to emotion only leads to bad things… And, if I truly lose myself… well everyone in this building might end up dead.” Markus said simply, with a fact, not really meaning, or caring, to threaten those around him. His eyes fell on the cracked pitcher of water, still leaking. “... That alone is what happens when I let drink cloud my control just a little too much.”

Notes:

Markus did not pull from her touch, though he did not agree with her words. It was the opposite actually, someone could feel sadness, regret, loss for his predicament because they could feel emotion. Him on the other hand, never felt burdened by the fact, he never really cared, and as such his lack of empathy and emotion was actually not hard on him in the slightest.

He only nodded to her statement, unsure how to explain what he was thinking, and relatively certain one would not understand. It was like trying to tell a child fire was hot, unless you knew the feeling, understood the reality, it would only even be a distant thought.

He cocked his head at her statement for his magic, sure it was scary, but all magic could be. Hers included. “... Actually, to clarify. It is not that I do not wish to hurt, nor that I am scared to hurt others. In truth, I do not love because I do not care to. I harm, or aid on a whim. In fact, it is quite… liberating.” Markus was unsure really what he was saying, and even less sure if she would understand.

He nodded at her statement on love, he did not disagree with her. However, it reminded him of a distant memory, someone he had once met. He repeated their words. “To love is to destroy, and to be the one loved is to be destroyed.” Markus said simply in response, and he gave no elaboration.

He looked into her eyes, just searching, as if looking for answers to question which could not be solved. He had met many people who fell under spectrum she did, naivety, hopeful, romantic, beautiful, he could think of many descriptors, yet none of them truly fit. He once more thought back to unpredictable, this entire scenario had been such, from learning he would not be doing this job alone, to everything in between.

He could however feel his stamina waning, and a quick glance told him that much of the night had gone, as had much of his bottle. His mind was still very much foggy from the drink, and he knew Nessa would be the same.

“Enough with the heavy talk.” Markus said simply, before raising his hand for a server. He downed the rest of his glass, and corked his bottle, at least the small amount that was left. Markus desperately needed to relieve himself, and the tab was already gonna cost him. Logically the two mages should probably get ready for bed, they had much traveling to do come morning and that would be bad enough without the hangovers.

As soon as the server arrived Markus informed the man that they would like a room, and to close out the tab for the evening. “Unless you would like anything else?” He offered towards the Starlight Maiden. He really did not care if she ordered more, whether drink or food. The job was paying more than enough to cover it, and being homeless by nature he had more than enough Jewels.

Whether or not she ordered more, Markus informed her that he would be up shortly, after business was settled. It didn't even cross his mind that they should get separate rooms, he knew nothing would happen between the two, they had just finished clarifying that neither of them had those sort of feelings, even if they both admitted the other was attractive.

Notes:

Markus did not disagree with her request of water, water would be good. As they stood, Markus took a second to collect and tally the tab, as well as include a tip requesting that unless required, or requested their room not be disturbed. He wanted a good night sleep, and it was not often he got to do such indoors. For the black clad mage, the prospect was both inviting, and disconcerning. He learned early on that most beds were way too soft for his liking.

After spending a few minutes outside, letting the cool air clear his head he decided it was time to head up. Markus had no trouble finding the room, and unlocking the door. Although he normally slept wrapped within his coat, being indoors, and already warm from drink Markus pulled it off. It was sticky with sweat and blood, he knew he would need to wash it.

With a quick glance, he tossed it onto the chair nearby. He could tell already the large bed in the center of the room would not be to his liking. He could see the fairy napping on the countertop. Even in his drunken state Markus knew needed to remove his dressing, and wash his wounds. As such he started the slow task of removing the wrappings from his shoulders and arms, and peeling off his sleeveless tunic.

He remembered it was Nessa who had applied them, a strange feeling for him, being doctored by someone else. Though, she could only deal with the damage she saw, which meant his neck and arms. He did not ask her to doctor his other wounds.

By the time he reached the door to the adjoining bathroom he had removed his wrappings, and shirt. He knew some of the large cuts were already bleeding, but he could not get himself to care… Besides, they were not bad enough to be dripping onto the floor. Yet.

Suddenly however he stopped, something was tugging at his drunken mind. Something, strange… The bathroom door was closed, not completely, but more than usual for a new room. Then, he heard it, water, and he saw steam. That was when it donned on him. No wonder he had yet to see Nessa, she would probably already be in the shower.

Markus assumed she would not like the intrusion, after all she freaked out only showing him a wet bra. As such, his hand fell from the door handle, and he walked away.

On the other side of the room, was a large closed window, currently covered by a thick curtain. Markus walked over to it, and opened both, letting the cool night air wash over his shirtless body, cooling the slowly bleeding wounds. He probably should have waited to unwrap the gause.

Taking a deep breath, Markus sat cross legged at the window. It was at that moment, a strange occurrence happened, suddenly a Raven landed on the window seal. Coking its head a Markus, it looked at him with strange eyes, before turning its gaze away, towards the town around them. The ‘messenger of death’ a strange parallel to Markus himself.

Markus decided he would finish cleaning and rewrap them once Nessa was done, and was content to sit with the creature.

Notes:

Markus was sitting looking upon the town when he felt it, a wave of nausea. However, he knew it was not caused by drink. Suddenly, the lights of the town grew bright, forcing Markus to squint; The spell of drink and food wafted from the floors below, a scent of grease and oil: The sound of running water, spraying from the other room, colliding with his partner. Markus felt dizzy as these senses assaulted his body. He knew their cause, even if it had been a few days since his last episode.

The Slayer Lacrima within his body was still adapting.

Markus closed his eyes, taking a deep breath when he heard it. The water had cut off, there was some stumbling, a splash. Markus knew Nessa was about to finish, before she ever stepped from the adjacent room, before she saw him.

The shadow mage knew he was losing it, his head was spinning, being drunk was a very bad time for his senses to alight once more.

Suddenly, his nose was assaulted again, not by the smell of grease or oil, no this smell was far better. From his position, he could tell Nessa had entered the room, he could spell the shampoo, the soap. Even that was almost too much. He heard her approach, the raven at his side cocked its head once more, and let out a small cry but did not move.

Markus had not planned for her to help him with his wounds, but he saw no reason to explain that, besides he probably visually swayed slightly as he looked around at the other mage. “I had planned to before resting, just need to wash.” His voice would be quite, calm, but with measured pain and slowness.

He nodded at her comment about the raven. However, he was surprised, he had expected her to be more dressed, very little was hidden by her loose towel and his position. Even he could admit she had a certain allure. With his vision alight as it was, he could see a drop of water fall from her hair, and down her neck, disappearing below.

“Yeah… I. Guess so.” Markus said, once more looking at the bird. His head was killing him though, and as usual he could be missing all sorts of social cues.

However, looking at Nessa, watching her face change from concern, to amusement, to what can only be described as mortification, he realized she had forgotten entirely about her state of dress. He did not really care, but did not argue as she stated she was gonna get dressed. It gave him more time to attempt to control his senses. He was shaking his head, when he heard it, as if she was standing next to him. For a second, Markus thought she was talking to him, only to look and realized he heard her through the other room.

Why was she an idiot? Or did he really miss some cue she was trying to give him? Markus’ head was not in the right place to think of an answer to either question. For a second, Markus thought she had said something else, but he could not tell, not from this distance, and not with how quiet it had been.

He was curious however, when she stepped back out. “Whos the idiot? Did I miss something…” Markus said, while standing slowly. The bird cackled, but remained in the window.

Whatever her reply, he started heading to the bathroom, and was once more assaulted by the smell of her, the shampoo, the soap, the grease from down stairs. His eyes were hurting, his ears were ringing. For a split second, Markus missed a step, his right leg collapsed and he found himself kneeling on the ground. Markus however hated looking weak, so he stood almost instantly and took another step entering the bathroom, forgetting to close it entirely behind him.

Notes:

Markus signed as he entered the bathroom, his head was pounding, in the way someone with sinensis was assaulted, right behind his eyes hurt, and his ears ringed. Taking a second he splashed his face with water, and took a deep breath. He assumed he just needed more time to acclimate his mind to the senses and the lacrima to his body. He knew that meant he needed solitude, quiet, peace… Markus flicked off the light switch when he entered, he did not need the light to see clearly, and the light was hurting his eyes.

He knew the shadows embraced him, as always when in darkness his already light skin took a very pale shade. He looked at himself in the mirror, gaging the deepest of his wounds. The one on his neck from the magic, and on of his right shoulder from an attack were the worst, neither were life threatening. It was weird, he could see himself clearly, the lines of his muscles, the water still on his face. This clarity of sight was not something he was used to, he knew this was entirely different than his ability to see in the dark.

Then it hit him again soap and shampoo, water and another scent. He did not need to look over to realize he was no longer alone. Even though, he heard her make a small sound, which to Markus might as well have been a shout within the confines of the bathroom. Markus closed his eyes for a second, waiting for her to speak. He took a deep breath, the smell was rough, not unpleasant, in fact the opposite, but it was a lot. Smell was one of those senses which could really mess with a person.

He glanced over as she talked, he had no plans to act as a tough guy, if that was the case he would have never let her dress his wounds the first time. Either way, he continued to remain silent when she spoke up again. He almost laughed, if she did not wish to see him, why offer to help him wash.

“Is that not part of ‘healing’, junk and all?” Markus asked lightly, the drink probably making him more playful than he ever would have been otherwise. Still, he could tell from the way she moved, messing with the hem of her clothes. Despite the darkness, he could see her clearly. She was nervous, worried. She was messing with her clothes, just the hem. He could see more now then he ever did within the forest. Why was she acting as such he wondered, he could trace the veins in her neck, the color in her eyes.

Was this another cue? He looked her in the eyes, gaging her, studying what he saw as he decided. He decided he was reading too much, and as such just cocked his shoulders, forgetting that the room was dark expect the light coming from the door. Relenting to her request. He looked away once more. It was too much, the visuals, the sounds, the smells.

“Sure, you can help me clean and dress them. You did well last time.” He was gonna do it either way, though knew that it was much easier if he had aid. However if he kept his pants on, and her her nighties, wouldn't that just get them both wet? Sometimes Markus wondered if anyone ever thought things through.

“However, I need to bathe before bed. I don’t get to enjoy it as often as I would like… At least not with hot water.” Markus said the last part quietly. No one in the guild knew he chose to sleep upon the streets, and he really did not care for their sympathy, it was purely his choice, and one he enjoyed. Even if he did consider getting a place. Markus took a deep breath, he was gripping the  counter, worried that he would loose balance again. It was surprising, how much a person relied on their senses to do even simple things.

“If you desire, not, to see ‘junk’...” He paused, wondering why she used that choice of words. “How about you trust me not to die, and you can help me once I am done? Or, you can clean them now and let me enjoy soaking after.” He finished, his voice was strained, he still spoke slowly, in the way someone with a headache would not wishing to cause more pain.

He had no plans argue with her, but having no issue with stripping right now if it got her out of the room. He really did not care either way, he was gonna enjoy a shower. Though he doubted she would see much anyways. “Unless you want to help me that badly. I think I will manage somehow.” Markus left the rest up to her.

Notes:

Markus watched her, he could see some strange… determination, in her eyes. His head was still spinning, but he was trying to remember back to what he said when she spoke. Though, that was drowned out by her words. Was she, challenging him?

Markus looked deep into her eyes, trying to understand her. What was she after… He watched, as she turned on the water, stepping into the shower. Water soaking her clothes, her hair, she glanced back at him. Her final words hitting the nail in the coffin.

The black clad mage cocked his head, but followed direction. His eyes never once left hers. Within a matter of moment, Markus was soaked water streaming down the lines on his chest. Blood rushing off his skin, his hair clung to his face.

He let her touch his wounds, cleaning them with the sponge in her hands. She confused him, he was certain she felt the same way, that love was impossible between them. Yet, he knew she was challenging him. Questioning him. He just did not know why.

He moved as she requested, allowing her to have access to his wounds. Suddenly, Markus found himself facing Nessa, crouching down slightly to allow her to get the last of his wounds. He thinks he was starting to understand, although she admitted to feeling no love for him...

He had still denied her, something he had learned seems to vex woman. Especially those in a drunken stupor. He thought back to everything that had happened since they started drinking. Markus looked at her, he could admit, without issue, that she was beautiful. He wondered if she doubted that. As soon as he knew his wound was clean, he looked at her. They were close, mere inches apart, he could feel her soaked nighty tickling his chest

“Nessa…” He said, as water dripped from the two of them. His voice was quite yet direct, calm, yet calculating. He was looking directly into her eyes, their face only inches apart. Markus, realized, he thought of her as a true ally, and for some reason he felt he could trust her like no other person, he thought perhaps he was drunk but he was generally careful to watch his drink. She did not deny what she had seen him do, even if she did not agree with it, and in the end she had accepted him in a way even his parents could not. “Do you doubt you are desirable?” He asked simple. Looking into her eyes, for a split second, his eyes lit with a strange magic, a chaotic glow sparkled in his grey irises.

“You should not fear that. I apologize if I insulted you.” Markus said, as he leaned down. Their faces very close. He could not love her, and he doubted she wanted that. They were now breathing the same air, he stopped for just a moment before continuing.

If she did not turn away, their lips would graze. Otherwise, his would meet her forehead. Slightly, softly, nothing more than a whisper. Then he would turn away, grasping at a towel and stepping from the shower, used it to wipe the water from his eyes, completely ignoring his soaked pants.

Glancing back, he looked at the female mage as if nothing had happened. His eyes were clear of the magic. “We should probably wrap these wounds before they start to bleed again,” Markus said passively while reaching into his pouch and grabbing some of his spare wrappings.

This would not be the first time he found himself bleeding in a hotel room, it paid to be prepared.

Notes:

Markus sat passively, his skin was becoming oily as his body dried. Water dripped from his hair, and pulling off his pants at the floor. Below him, a small puddle had started to appear between him and Nessa. He did not say anything as she worked, he could feel the tension in her movements, ‘sense’ the conflict in the air as they sat on the bed. The water below them preventing any of the previous blood from staining. He probably should have thought about drying off beforehand, but in his intoxicated state, the thought never crossed his mind.  

Blinking, the black clad mage tried to think on what could have changed, she had been so confident, nervous, but confident earlier as she got into the shower, and called him to join her. Markus shook his head slightly, letting water fleck off. He knew his drunken state was fading, he had not drank much, and had a lot of water to go with it, he felt more in control.

Though, his senses still burned, and bothered him. He could see more than he ever expected, and with Nessa so close he could smell more than just her shampoo, her body wash. He could smell her, the true her.

He waited as she moved around him, moved when she guided him, and held as she commanded. In the end, she ended up in front of him, looking down at him. Markus studied her gaze, her eyes, even though he could tell she was looking at him, he knew she was not looking at ‘him’.

Then, she spoke. Her words were surprising to the man, her need for clarification, or maybe resolution confused him. She was looking at him through a tilted gaze. He found himself wondering what she wanted. Although he was not really capable of the emotions that led to love, he was capable of lust, and wanting, instinct and desire.

He could not help but wonder, if this was what she wanted from him, if so it was something he could give, but he knew that she wanted more, and he could not give her that. This was no longer about love, but confirmation, and certainty.

“Yes.”, the black clad mage said, in his typical manor. He did not hesitate to reply, he knew the answer, and as far as he was concerned had already told her. Only now did he pause, but only for a second. “As I have stated, you are beautiful, and your personality is unmatched, in anyone I have met... Any suitor would be proud, and lucky, to catch your eye, and your love.” Markus added.

Markus looked again into her eyes, his solid, true, honest. Perhaps even, regretful. “Just because I am not a being capable of love, does not mean I do not understand it...” He said quietly. The two mages were close, her hand was still on his shoulder. He moved his to meet it, placing it lightly on top of hers.

“Or know what I am missing out on.” He finished his earlier statement, letting her know that if capable, he probably would. That the feelings, his feelings, had nothing to do with her.

He leaned back, letting his now bandaged body sink slightly into the bed… It was still too soft for his liking. He pulled his unbandaged arm over his body, placing it behind his head as a pseudo pillow.

Notes:

Markus blinked twice, the shower had done wonders for both his mind, and body. His head, while still trying to adjust to the lacrima, and his intoxication, felt better. Laying on his back, one arm behind his head, the chaos mage watched with a raised eyebrow as Nessa took another step forward, leaning into him. His skin tingled as she touched him, his eyes closed as she placed her hand over them, plunging his world into darkness.

Markus had stopped breathing as she climbed into his lap. While usually a man of logic, he could not help let his paranoia take over, imagining dozens of scenarios which ended in his death. Yet, he did nothing. The two mages had been close before, but this contact was something entirely different… more, intimate. Pleasant.

Finally he took in a sharp breath when he felt it, warmth, light, radiating from an unknown source hidden from his eyes. It was like standing in a noon day sun, blissfully warm. Markus, being a creature of darkness was unfamiliar with the feeling. It equally terrified him, and delighted the dark mage. He felt her fingers comb his hair, and could not stop his free hand, the one not under his head, from touching her side.

Suddenly, Markus could see once more, her hand now removed. The two mages were mere inches apart. He could hear her whisper, but only nod in response. Both mages, and the bed were now completely dry, her magic which held so much destructive power, had caused such an act. He looked directly into her eyes, realizing only now that he had underestimated the starlight maiden. Something he swore never to do again.

Markus moved his hand from behind head, and placed it on the small of her back. He could feel the light fabric, her breathing, her heart beat. Quietly, he whispered one word, loud enough for her to hear.

“Unpredictable.” It was not a question, nor an accusation, but a declaration, a realization. Slowly, if she allowed it, the chaos mage pulled her closer, closing the distance.

-----

The next morning came all too quickly, Markus having excused just himself from the bed was once more sitting by the window. He had slept soundly last night, far better than he had in a long time. For the first time in weeks, it had not visited him, and as such he had no dreams, no flashes of creation… or destruction.

Markus woke without a hangover, the water he had drank had done wonders. However, he still felt off. His world was different, sharper, lighter.

The mage glanced about the room, taking in the resting woman laying in bed, seeing details that would have eluded him before the changes made by his lacrima. Next to her, her friend and companion a small fairy sleeping softly in her bag, on the dresser. Finally, Hela Markus' own companion was laying at the foot of the bed, on the floor, looking up at him, studying him. Markus could only shrug at the creature.

Turning his attention from the room he looked out the window. Nesting on the seal, was the raven cooing softly as it slept. Markus wondered if it ha been there the whole night. He knew it would not be long before everyone started to wake, as such he was fine sitting there, enjoying the silence.  

Notes:

Markus suddenly stood, alert, cautious, magic crackling at his fingertips. He was looking at the cause of his worry. Sitting on the bed, blanket over chest, was the mortified woman he had just shared a bed with. Glancing around, Markus could find no cause for her strife… no reason for her exclamation.

Slowly, he let his magic die down, and he listened to her speak, or mutter.

She seemed worried, flush. Markus thought perhaps she needed some water, and as such walked to the dresser, and filled her a glass. He reached her just as she finished speaking what could be thought of as a question, but certainly not a sentence.

Cocking his head to the side, he handed her the glass. “Did we what?” Markus asked, unsure what was causing her so much strife. Glancing over he could see Hela looking up at him with a deep look. The Raven he had met the night before, and sat by only a few second ago had come in through the window, and was standing next to the wolf, making a strange pair.

Suddenly, it started to click in his mind, and he spoke up again, concentrating again on the starlight maiden. “Sleep together?... Well, yeah.” Markus clarified, and answered. Not quite understanding what she meant. He usually slept on the floor, but was more tired than he had expected. He had fallen asleep on the bed last night, and Nessa had slept against him.

Although he felt no need to apologize, the panic Nessa so clearly showed caused Markus to speak more. “I usually sleep on the floor, but I guess after the day I just passed out.” Markus stated, not really helping things.

Suddenly Markus heard a somewhat familiar voice, and soft laugh. Looking over, Markus could see that the Raven had moved next to Arielle. Nessa fairy. Markus could only stare in wonder as it spoke. “she means love, the star child wishes to know if you made her unpure.” The voice coming from the raven seemed amused, but serine, and certainly feminine.

Markus could only blink while his mind caught up. It all made sense finally, and Markus had to hold back laughter. Cocking his brow, and adopting his signature smirk he looked at the starlight maiden. “that forgettable huh…” Markus was silent for only a second before speaking. “,you have nothing to worry about.” He added calmly, not really giving her a straight answer. At least he knew where they stood, the idea mortified her, and he was certain he had no attachments to worry about.

Notes:

Markus held up his arms as the pillow was thrown in his direction, letting it collide before falling to the ground. Watching the female mage stand he move back from the bed, and turned away. Chucking softly he did not respond, personally he found it quite funny, though he let it drop.

When she spoke up again, he glanced back and waved his hand. “There is much of this last night I think should stay between us.” He said simply, after all she was not the o lying one who had confided during their intoxicated state. “your past, and its secrets, are safe with me.” He added.

Glancing over, he walked up to the Raven and fairy sitting on the nightstand. Looking down, he addressed the creature, “you were with us, wert you?” Markus asked, finally realizing where he had heard the voice.

The ravens response confirmed his suspicion. “Yes… you saved me from those… monsters.” Markus could hear emotion from the creature, and thought he saw tears. If such a thing was possible. As he watched, the creature shifted, morphed, and changed. Its feathers turning into a dress, its claws into legs, and its beaks a mouth.

Suddenly, standing next to Arielle was another fairy. “I’m Arinia, and I am in your dept.” Markus only nodded, he understood how the fairy felt. But knew not what to say.

Walking across the room he found his discarded sleeveless shirt, wrappings, and coat. Getting dressed he spoke behind his shoulder. “Did you sleep well? I know yesterday was… not what either of us expected.”

Markus decided, if they were gonna deal with the awkwardness of waking up together, without any of the fun bits, he might as well make conversation.

Notes: