by Eden Redd
"I prefer travelling by horse, together," Nia looked away, hiding her shy smile.
Trystan caught it and smiled broadly as they rode along. The rest of the day was spent in solemn silence. The day wore on and the countryside seemed to become even more beautiful with each hour passing. By late afternoon, in the near distance, they spotted a large lake with patches of woods around it.
"We should make camp there. We can practice and maybe get a swim in," Nia said pointing to the calm lake.
Trystan nodded. The two mages turned their horses off the main road and trotted along to the lake. Trystan pulled his map that the ink mage gave him and could clearly see the lake on the map. It was called Lake Summer. Trystan traced the rode along the map to Stukarr. They still have about five days left. If everything continued as it was, they should reach the city with no problems. Trystan folded the map and put it in his light leather jacket.
The two mages dismounted. Mist flared off Trystan's arm and Sylk appeared in a poof.
"Going for a swim! See you later!" The siren yelled as she ran off toward the lake's edge.
Trystan put a hand up to call her back but then closed his fingers. The siren was laughing as she made an impossible leap into the air and dived into the calm waters, leaving a gentle ripple on the surface.
"I'm sure she’s fine. Let's set up camp," Nia said as she dropped her back pack and began rummaging through it.
Thirty minutes later, camp was set up with a small fire and two tents. Red Fang came back with more firewood and dropped it near the camp fire. The sky turned a light orange as the sun touched the horizon. Trystan was about to sit by the fire when Nia beckoned him with a finger.
"We need to practice. Come here, mage," Nia smiled.
Trystan obeyed with a pleasant smile of his own. The red haired mage stepped away from camp. Trystan followed, unsure what exactly she was going to do. Nia lifted up a hand and whistled. Red Fang's pointed ears perked up. The familiar opened his maw and spit out a small fireball. Trystan took a step back as the fireball hurtled toward Nia. He was about to shout to tell her to get out of the way when Nia made a quick hand signal. The fireball grew larger and spiraled in dazzling flame. Trystan stared as the fire formed a red and orange colored sword. The palm of the blade was snatched by Nia and she made a few slices in the air, her body taking a swordsman's stance and she held the blade ready.
"Can you cast a weapon spell?" Nia asked as she spun and sliced at the air before standing tall.
"I think I can," Trystan said with his mouth agape.
"Show me," Nia grinned.
It had been a while since he performed that particular spell. The mage made a signal with his hand and there was a distinct fizzle. Trystan cursed himself and tried again. Another fizzle filled the air around him.
"It's okay Trystan. This is why we practice. Think of an element you want to use and the spell will flow from there," Nia said with kind and understanding eyes.
Trystan nodded and tried again. The lake waters touched the corner of his vision. Trystan nodded to himself as if he just answered his own question. The mage made a signal with his hand, this time with purpose. Focus centered his mind and when he finished the last movement of the spell, a stream of water launched from lake. Nia smiled as the stream landed near Trystan. Water flowed, twisted and bent next to the mage forming a solid blue staff.
Trystan reached out and took hold of it, elemental energy connecting and flowing into his hand. With a quick spin, he stabbed the end into the dirt and puffed out his chest. Nia's body shifted into a battle stance and she rushed him. The mage's eyes widened as he brought the staff up, blocking Nia's strike. For a second, eyes met and they both grinned. Nia spun away and launched a flurry of attacks. Trystan moved, remembering his training in school, he blocked all but the last one. Nia stopped the point of her fire blade inches from his cheek. Trystan relented and stepped back.
"You still remember our training from school," Nia pointed her fire blade down to her side.
"Yea but I'd rather not use it. I don't want to hurt anyone. I'm hoping we can get to Stukarr without spilling any blood," Trystan let go of the water staff and it fell to the ground with a splash.
Nia let go of her fire sword and it flared up into smoke, "I know me too. We have to be prepared though, just in case."
A splashing from the water caught the mages attention. Water bubbled and sprouted upward. Sylk blasted from the bubbling water, soared through the air and landed about five feet from her master.
"I saw how you made your staff! It was amazing!" Sylk said gleefully with stars in her eyes.
The siren bounced and clapped as Trystan let out a tired sigh. Nia covered her smile. When she regained her composure, she turned her attention to the siren.
"How’s the water?"
Sylk's entire demeanor changed, “It’s fine," The siren said not turning to Nia.
"I'm sure you two want some alone time. I think I will go for a swim," Nia said while pulling off her leather jacket.
Trystan stood there dumbfounded as Nia turned her back to them and shed her shirt. Leather pants followed with Nia glancing over her shoulder to Trystan. The mage was paralyzed as Nia, wearing only panties, moved with liquid grace to the water's edge and dived right in.
"Wear some clothes!" The siren yelled.
Trystan had to hold back his own smile as Sylk stood there, naked. The familiar turned around to see her master barely covering his grin.
"I don't understand what's so funny. She is a lady and should be wearing clothes," Sylk said while crossing her arms.
"It’s okay Sylk; she can do whatever she wants."
Sylk pointed her chin away, annoyed, "I don't understand what you see in her."
Trystan's smile subsided, "I don't know why you’re jealous."
Sylk turned to her master in outraged shock, "Isn't it obvious? She is in love with you!"
Trystan stopped smiling. The mage sat down on the ground and patted the grass next to him. Sylk hesitated for a moment before walking over and sitting next to her master. Trystan smiled as he looked at her and then turned his gaze to Nia as she swam in the lake waters. The sun was nearly down and a sliver of sunlight bathed the countryside in fading light.
"I love her too," Trystan said simply.
"I know. It shows," Sylk frowned.
Trystan sat back with his arms holding him up, "I know I can't love her now."
Sylk's frown faded a little, "I think I'm glad you can't but I don't understand why."
"Nia deserves a man who can protect and take care of her. I can't even pay my way to get to college. I would be a burden to her and I don't want us to be like that."
Sylk's eyes watered a little, "Master, I'm sorry I've been rude. I can't help it. I see how you two look at each other and it makes me crazy."
"I know. I'm sorry too. I am still getting used to the idea of having a familiar."
Both Trystan and Sylk turned their gaze toward the lake. Nia swam serenely through the waters, eyes looking up at the darkening sky. Sylk leaned her head and shoulder onto Trystan's shoulder and let out a small sigh. The mage and familiar sat quietly as Nia continued her almost hypnotic swim. The hum of crickets blanketed the area as a peaceful calm soothed their hearts.
Red Fang walked over to the water's edge with a towel in his hand. Nia swam toward her familiar and stood as the towel unfolded. Trystan tried to see around the wolfish familiar but his body and the towel blocked his view. Nia stepped closer, a shy smile on her lips. Red Fang glanced back and gave Trystan a dirty look. The mage looked away and whistled a small tune. Sylk stared like she wanted to burn holes into the towel, judging Nia on anything she could see, which wasn't much.
With towel wrapped around her top, Nia silently walked to her tent and stepped inside, Red Fang close behind. Trystan stopped whistling and sat quietly. Sylk curled her webbed hands around her master's arm and snuggled close.
"You can stare at my tits if you want, master," Sylk
smiled.
"You don't really give me a choice," Trystan said while running his fingers through Sylk's blue hair.
"No. I don't," Sylk snuggled a little closer.
Gloom latched onto Trystan. Despite Sylk's comforting, he could feel hopelessness of trying to win Nia's heart. He knew deep down that once they reached Stukarr, the magic of travelling together will wear off and Nia will turn her sights onto other men who could do what he could not. Maybe Freya was right, maybe he was a loser of the highest order. Trystan knew that he had to do better if he had any chance of winning her heart. The college was days away and his heart sank lower because he had no idea what to do next.
Night covered the countryside. Trystan turned his gaze to the heavens as dark purple clouds drifted on the cool night air.
Seven
The day wore on. The horse's heads dipped low from a full day of travelling on the road. Trystan and Nia's shoulders slumped a little. The morning was spent talking about college but the latter half of the day turned into riding quietly and staring at the countryside. The two mages weren't used to travelling for so long and their bodies began to hurt from unfamiliar aches.
Trystan occasionally pulled out the map, scanning it to match up landmarks. The one spot with the ruins kept glowing in his mind's eye. He told himself to make sure he visits the ruins indicated by the ink witch but he was still on the fence telling Nia about it. It wasn't out of any deep secret but he felt Nia may not want to take a detour that will cost them a day. Trystan considered getting to Stukarr and taking some time to travel to the ruins alone but from what he knew about college admissions, they throw you into the fire pretty quickly. There might not be enough time to prepare for his studies and search the ruins.
"I think I see an inn," Nia pointed.
Trystan raised his head up and followed Nia's finger to a medium sized home on the side of the road. A sign hung from two chains, swinging in the gentle breeze.
"I think we earned a rest at an inn," Nia smiled.
The mage snapped her reins and her horse sped into a gallop. Trystan was quick to follow and soon the two were racing. Smiles bloomed as they tried to out race the other to the inn in the distance. After a few tense moments, Nia dug her heels into her horse. The horse burst forward with new speed, leaving Trystan in her dust trail.
The mage coughed as his vision was obscured. When the dust settled, Nia was already dismounting and tying the reins to the horse post. Trystan dismounted and tied his horse to the post while Nia tapped her foot and looked up as if she was waiting for hours.
Taking their backpacks, the two mages climbed the few steps to the Serenity Inn and opened the front door. The inn was cozy with a hearth going in the main room. A bar stood off to the side while tables and chairs filled the middle floor around the hearth. Trystan was first to spot a man coming out from a back door. A surprised expression lit up his face when he caught sight of the two mages.
"Welcome to the Serenity Inn! My name is Gustav and I'm the innkeeper. What can I do for you?" Gustav beamed.
"We need two rooms for the night," Nia said as she shed her backpack from her shoulders.
"And dinner," Trystan quickly added.
Gustav continued to smile, "You're in luck. The inn is empty except for me. Pick any two rooms you like and I will get started on your dinner."
Nia started to walk off but Trystan stayed behind, "Is it normally this empty? I guess you can't have many travelers on the roads due to monsters."
Gustav bowed his head, "We do get travelers every once in a while. You are correct though, I don't see much business lately due to all the arachnixs sightings. They have stayed away from here but I would keep a watchful eye. Where are you travelling to? Stukarr?"
Trystan gave a kind smile, "Yes, we are on our way there."
Gustav nodded, “You both have a mage look about you. I have a feeling business may pick up as more mages make their way there. But let me not keep you waiting. I should have dinner for you soon. Please have a look around."
Trystan nodded and walked over to Nia who was looking at the hanging paintings. The inn carried an earthy scent as they walked down a small corridor with doors lining the walls. Nia stopped in front of one and Trystan took a door next to hers.
Trystan stepped into his room. It was furnished with a comfortable bed, small dresser, mirror on the wall and a wooden chair. The mage dropped his backpack on the chair and flopped into bed. The road did take its toll and the warm soft bed recharged Trystan's batteries. The mage lay about until a knock at the door indicated dinner was ready.
Trystan attacked the plate of steak and garlic mash potatoes. Nia soon followed with hungry vigor. The two didn't say a word as they tore through their meal like a fresh kill. Gustav watched with satisfaction when Trystan and Nia sat back, hands on their bellies and sated looks in their eyes. The innkeeper brought over a bottle of ale and two wooden mugs. The first fill was guzzled down in mere seconds. The second cup took a little longer.
Dizzy from all the food and ale, Trystan stood up and made his way to his room. Nia watched as the mage nearly crashed into the doorway before proceeding on to his room. Inside, Trystan flopped again into bed face first. The world wasn't quite spinning yet but the last few days were hard on him. Sleeping in a real bed was a dream come true. Eyes fluttered and soon the mage was close to peaceful sleep when there was a knock at his door.
Trystan turned his head, "Come in."
The door opened and Nia walked in. Trystan's eyes widened when he saw that she was only dressed in a long T shirt and holding a bottle of ale and two mugs. The mage instantly sat up as she closed the door behind her, a shy smile on her lips.
"I couldn't sleep. I thought we could have another drink."
Trystan swung his legs over the side of the bed and Nia sat down next to him. She handed him a mug and began pouring. Trystan couldn't hide the nervous shake of his hand as he gripped the mug for dear life. Nia poured into her own cup and held it up. The two toasted and took a deep gulp.
"I'm glad we are taking this trip together. I couldn't imagine doing it alone," Nia said, swirling her drink.
"I'm glad too. We have about four days left but if it is anything like the last few days then we should get there with no trouble." Trystan said while trying to not stare at Nia's chest.
Silence filled the room. Trystan stared at his drink and took another long gulp. Nia was quiet, taking a sip and holding the mug with two hands. Trystan was still fully clothed and reached down to take off his boots. Nia watched as one boot came off and then another. When Trystan sat up, Nia leaned in and kissed him.
Trystan was still as a block of ice. Nia pushed her tongue into his mouth, parting his lips and licking at his tongue. Trystan stared as her eyes were closed, heat rising up between them like a blazing fire. Lips locked until Nia pulled away. Trystan made no move and stared like he just witnessed an eclipse for the first time.
"Trystan, you don't have to be shy around me," Nia smiled.
"Nia...I...I...don't know if this is right."
Nia gave the mage a confused look.
Trystan continued, "I care for you more than anyone I have ever cared about. I know it is exciting that we are on a journey together but I don't think I'm the man you really want."
"What do you mean?"
Trystan sighed, "I'm not ready to be like that with you. I want to be better so I can be the man you really want."
Nia's expression soured slightly, "I know what I want, Trystan. I have always had a high opinion of you. It is you who doesn't have a high opinion of yourself. I wish you could see how I see you."
Trystan took hold of Nia's hand, "I don't think I'm ready."
Nia gently pulled her hand back and folded them in her lap, "There is something I want to tell you. I have never been with a man before. I simply don't trust many men. The only creature I have been with has been Red Fang. A familiar will always be loyal and follow you to the end. But you, you’re better than most men
I have ever known."
Nia looked away, "Yesterday when I undressed and went for a swim, I knew that I could trust you to not take that as an invitation to have sex. When I came out of the water, I wanted you to see me, the real me."
Trystan looked down, "I have always seen the real you. But I'm not ready to be that person just yet. I hope you can forgive me."
Nia let a small smirk creep into her face. With a gentle push of her hand, Trystan laid down. Nia crawled next to him in bed and the two mages held each other. The comfort of their bodies so close, made the stress melt away. The dim candle in the room flickered and soon blew out. Trystan lay with his eyes open, Nia snuggling close. Time stood still as Trystan savored simply being close to his best friend. Sleep touched at the edge of Trystan's vision and again his eyes began to flutter.
Darkness closed in. Strange dreams filled Trystan. Demonic faces loomed into view, pointing and judging the mage as he stood in a lake of fire. Trystan tried to hide as tentacles reached up from the fire and coiled around his arms and legs. He looked down to see that he was naked. Nia was off in the distance, moaning as Red Fang took her from behind. Trystan struggled but the tentacles grew tighter. Freya clawed up from the lake of fire, eyes like a serpent and a tongue as long as a whip.
"You can't run," demonic Freya said as her tongue coiled around Trystan's manhood and pulled.
Trystan sat up with a start, the sound of his heavy breathing filling the room. Turning his head, even in the dim light, he could see that Nia was gone. The mage fell back into bed and stared at the ceiling.
A cool chill seeped into the room. Trystan could see his breath turn to frost as it rose up. He wondered why it was cold as he grabbed the blanket and pulled it over his body. The chill deepened. Trystan couldn't seem to warm up and was about to get up to light a candle when something moved. The mage sat up and looked around. The cold air closed in around him as he stared into the darkness. Trystan wondered why it felt familiar.
"Cyn?" Trystan whispered.
A spectral form glowed into view. The female ghost hovered in the middle of the room, head down and dripping sadness. Trystan crawled back until his back touched the wall. The ghost hovered silently, shreds of clothes barely covering her hourglass figure.
