in joy we'd cry

𓇢𓆸 𓆤 𖧧 𓋼𓍊 𓆏 𖧧 𓍊𓋼 𔓘

𝔸𝕊 they returned to Anoun, the sky sank into the deep embrace of night. Melody, Philo, and Darius approached the benches where the captain awaited their report. Philo meticulously arranged the belongings of the man who had undergone the unsettling transformation into a wolf creature.

"We found these up on the ridge," Philo stated, his voice carrying a mix of concern and urgency.

Darius, still under Melody's care, revealed, "I'd heard rumors going around among the men." As Melody cleaned his wounds and expertly wrapped them in a bandage, the captain listened attentively. Philo added, "It's hard to believe that the Pact were infecting their soldiers with the wolf's curse, turning them into monsters." He handed a round vial to the captain, who inspected it with a furrowed brow.

"But the Moon isn't full," the captain remarked, confusion evident in his voice. Philo then handed him an injection, explaining, "Some kind of catalyst. Induces the change." As the captain traced the pattern on the vial, he looked at Philo and asked, "Was anyone bitten?" Darius responded firmly, "No one who survived." Melody exchanged a quick glance with Darius before turning her attention back to the captain.

In a hushed voice, the captain spoke to Philo, "Is there nothing that the Pact won't stoop to take this land and its riches?" With a heavy sigh, the captain addressed the three, saying, "Very good, you're dismissed." They nodded and headed off to bed, seeking respite in the embrace of much-needed slumber.

With the arrival of morning, a gentle grace unfolded, casting its light upon the snowy landscape. The men, resilient against the chill, diligently dug into the frozen ground to embed a wire that would connect the telegraph. Meanwhile, the fae folk carried on with their daily routines, some observing the men's efforts, while others honed their skills by practicing knife throws at displaced targets.

Amidst the flurry of activity, Vign sought solace in his tent. The soft glow of a lantern illuminated the space, creating a cocoon of warmth. With the book in his hands, he delved into the enchanting words of the story, momentarily escaping into the realms of imagination. The world outside might have been bustling with tasks and training, but within the confines of his tent, Vign found a quiet sanctuary where the magic of storytelling unfolded, weaving its own unique tale amid the snowy expanse.

Melody perched on the edge of a cliff, her legs dangling as she enjoyed a meal of fish. Her gaze absorbed the breathtaking view of snow-covered mountains, cliffs, and dancing trees swaying to the whims of the wind. Amid the serene scene, the sound of wings caught her attention, and she turned to see Vign gracefully landing next to her. "Hello," Melody greeted with a warm smile, to which Vign responded, "Careful. It's a long way down." Melody glanced down, acknowledging the height, while Vign settled down beside her.

"It is, isn't it?" Melody concurred, her eyes meeting Vign's. Seizing the moment, she inquired, "How are you liking it? The book?" Vign smiled, his eyes reflecting the satisfaction of a completed journey.

"I finished it," he replied, his smile lingering with a sense of fulfillment. The cliffside became a backdrop to this simple exchange, where the beauty of the surroundings mirrored the quiet joy found in the completion of a captivating story.

"And?" Melody inquired, curiosity lighting up her eyes as Vign held the book, contemplating its pages.

"It's extraordinary. At first, it seemed to be a droll, little colonialist fantasy," he began, his gaze lingering on the text. Melody, setting aside the fish, listened intently. "A valiant human explorer romances some native princess," Melody quipped, summarizing the initial impression. Vign continued, "But then he leaves, and it's 20 years later."

Melody sighed, acknowledging the trope, before Vign added the twist, "And you find out that the narrator is actually..." Melody completed his sentence, saying, "The daughter telling the story. And she spends the whole second half looking for her father." The revelation hung in the air, transforming the narrative into a poignant exploration of connection and longing. The beauty of the story unfolded not just in the words on the pages but in the shared reflection between Melody and Vign, creating a moment of connection on the edge of the cliff overlooking the vast expanse below.

"Hmm. Brilliant, right? And don't get me started with the ending," Melody remarked, a spark of enthusiasm lighting up her eyes. Vign chimed in, "Gods. I was sobbing." Melody playfully nudged his shoulder, teasing, "Don't worry, I won't tell." Vign smiled, chuckling at her remark. "I'm so pleased you liked it," she expressed, as Vign handed her the book.

"I loved it. I really did," Vign responded with a genuine smile. She looked at Vign and insisted, "Keep it." Vign hesitated, appreciating the sentiment. "No, I can't. It's your favorite book," he protested, acknowledging the value of the cherished tale. Melody's smile remained, her eyes reflecting a warm understanding. "And now it can be your favorite too," she said, extending the gift with a generosity that transcended the pages of the story they both enjoyed on that cliffside morning. "Besides, I can just get another copy back in the Burgue. Where are you gonna find one?"

Melody gently placed the book in Vign's hands, her touch leaving a lingering warmth. "I insist. For your library," she said, her smile carrying a genuine sense of generousity. As she withdrew her hands, Vign looked down at the book, his mind briefly lingering on the warmth of her touch.

"I can't thank you enough. Would you like to see it?" he offered, looking at Melody with an earnest expression.

"See what?" she inquired, her curiosity piqued.

"The library. Properly, I mean," Vign replied. Without further ado, he gracefully slipped off the edge, his wings unfurling as he took flight. The air beneath his wings carried him aloft, leaving Melody to watch with a mix of awe and anticipation, wondering what hidden wonders the fae's library held.

A sudden sound captured their attention, prompting Melody and Philo to swiftly ready their rifles. To their relief, they saw Darius emerging, climbing up from a ledge. Melody rushed to his side and offered a hand to help him up.

"You okay?" Philo inquired, concern etched on his face as he approached Darius.

"I'm fine," Darius replied, though Philo couldn't help but scrutinize him up and down. Darius was covered in blood, and Philo couldn't ignore the alarming sight. "That's a lot of blood," Philo remarked, his worry deepening. Darius glanced at his jacket, now stained with crimson, and absently touched the blood on his hand. "It's not mine," he assured them, his gaze holding a hint of weariness and a story left untold.

"You sure?" Philo pressed, a shadow of concern clouding his expression.

"I'm fine. I ran one down. It's dead," Darius reassured, his tone firm. Philo nodded in acknowledgment, but the tension lingered in the air.

Melody released a breath she hadn't realized she was holding, her shoulders relaxing slightly. Vign, observant as ever, looked at her and stood beside her for support. The group turned their attention to the fallen creature that Melody had taken down. As they examined the creature, they noticed an unsettling transformation – it shifted into the form of a man. Darius holstered his handgun, and as he did, he couldn't help but notice the blood on his glove. Melody, understanding the implications, exchanged a glance with Darius, a silent acknowledgment.

Darius looked at his bloody hand under the glove, a moment of contemplation passing over his face. Melody held his gaze briefly before turning her attention back to the lifeless form. "Fuck." Darius said as he looked at Philo after looking at the body.

𓇢𓆸 𓆤 𖧧 𓋼𓍊 𓆏 𖧧 𓍊𓋼 𔓘

By: SilverMist707

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