by Eden Redd
Gwen walked off to the beaded curtain and passed through. Trystan leaned on the broom, placing his chin on the end. Talking to Gwen helped him feel a lot better. Freya may have placed Kira on his skin but Gwen was right. He was Kira’s master now and he had to show her his way. That would be the best chance of working through all the bad experiences he had with Freya. When Gwen walked through the curtain with a broom in her hands, the mage and witch started sweeping. Loving glances flowed back and forth to each other and a happy glow filled their broken hearts.
Three
Trystan heard the “ding” of the elevator and the doors opened. The mage stepped out into the small hallway leading to the penthouse. The excitement of the day had taken its toll. Shoulders slumped, he moved along with thoughts of bed. An image of Gwen smiling and kissing him goodbye floated into his weary mind. A small smile appeared on his lips as he took hold of the door handle and twisted the knob.
Walking in, Trystan looked up to the glass walls leading out to the patio. The mage couldn’t believe that their block just managed to get missed by the giant slimes. The penthouse didn’t make it through completely unscathed. The windows to the main room were shattered and the patio floor was cracked in several places. The hot tub was mangled from flying debris and the water drained away. For the last week Trystan couldn’t be in the main room due to the cold nights so he spent most of his time in his room, towels along the bottom of the door to keep what little heat he could in the room. Looking at the newly installed glass caused the mage sigh in relief.
Outside, past the new glass, a pointy-eared goblin was working on the hot tub. Trystan stepped over to the door and stepped outside. It was a bright spring evening but the temperature was still a bit chilly. Reeko looked up and smiled at the blue mage. The goblin wiped away some strands of black hair from his face, black grease on his hands and forearms. Trystan couldn’t remember the last time he saw the goblin so unkempt.
“Will she live?” Trystan asked while looking at the hot tub.
“Maybe. I still need a few parts. No relaxing in the hot tub for a week or two,” Reeko put a tool down.
Trystan looked around at the stone patio floor, “The cracks are gone.”
The goblin picked up a rag and began cleaning his hands, “Yea. I couldn’t wait for the repairs so I attempted to meld it myself. It seems to be holding. I will have to have a professional come in and make sure it stays solid. Don’t want to have a party and have them go tumbling to the street.”
“How did you get the new windows? I thought it would take weeks to fill that order.”
Reeko looked to the glass, “My family knows a friend. They put us at the top of the list. No more cold nights for us.”
The goblin turned from the glass and looked to Trystan, “How is she?”
Trystan’s eyes lowered a little, “She is okay. I think she will need some time to adjust to having one working eye. I tried to lift her spirits but I think she is very self-conscious about it.”
Reeko tossed the rag onto the edge of the empty hot tub, “I think the whole city will need time to adjust. My family wants me to leave Stukarr and come back home.”
Trystan was silent but looked to the goblin.
Reeko grinned, “I told them no. It will take more than a few giant slimes to make me quit.”
“I’m glad and not because we would lose this wonderful penthouse. It’s good to know you will be here with us.”
“Don’t get all sappy with me, mage,” Reeko smiled before it faded as another question came to mind, “When is she coming home?”
“Tomorrow I think. I will bring her home. I think we just have to keep everything as normal as possible.”
Reeko looked to the hot tub again, “Then I better get back to work. Nothing says home like a steaming hot tub to relax the bones.”
Trystan nodded. With that, he turned and stepped back into the main living room, closing the door behind him. Walking to his bedroom, the mage tried to not hunch. Reaching his bedroom door, the mage stepped in and nearly stumbled to the bed. Falling into the sheets, the mage sighed and let his body relax. He knew he had to take off his boots but they were so far away and he was so tired.
Mist streamed from his arm and Sylk burst into view. The siren took hold of the mage and turned him onto his back. She quickly moved to his boots and began taking them off. Trystan lay with his eyes open as his siren slowly undressed him. When the mage was nearly naked, the siren slipped into bed and pulled the quilt over them.
Another stream of mist flowed from the mage’s chest. Sylk glared over as Kira appeared at the foot of the bed with a frown. The dragon woman walked over to the other side and lifted the thick blanket.
“You have done enough today. Let master rest. He doesn’t need you giving him nightmares,” Sylk said with a hard edge to her voice.
“You can’t tell me what to do. I’m his familiar too. If I want to sleep next to Father, then I will,” Kira pouted.
Trystan turned his head to Kira. A small painful ache filled his mind. The dragon woman looked like an exact clone of Freya. Trystan had a hard time telling himself that she was a separate being. She was created but it wasn’t her fault that the person who helped create her was evil. Trystan knew he shouldn’t hold it against her but looking at her facial expressions caused a dim faraway pain to flare. It was difficult to say the least but something else flared deep within. Compassion washed over his senses as he knew he had to swallow bitter resentment.
“Sylk, let her sleep with us tonight,” Trystan said in a low voice.
“Master, she doesn’t belong with us. We should cut her off your skin so she will never bother you again,” Sylk said while giving Kira a hard stare.
Trystan let out a long exhale before sitting up. He looked to Kira who was still standing, her mouth frowning. Turning to Sylk, the siren seethed hatred. The mage knew she wanted to explode and say everything that was bothering her but he was proud that she was keeping it quiet, sort of.
“I was hoping we talk in the morning but it seems now is better. I need both of you to get along. No more fights,” Trystan said calmly.
Sylk and Kira began complaining at the same time. Clawed fingers pointed at each other as Trystan tried to make out the incoherent mess of their words. The mage rolled his eyes as this went on for a solid two minutes, each familiar trying to say the other one is wrong. Trystan put his hand up and both familiars became silent.
Trystan looked to dragon woman, “Kira, what are your intentions?”
Kira shifted her gaze to Trystan, “I’m here to protect you.”
“If you are here to protect me then you are also here to protect Sylk.”
Sylk’s jaw dropped, “I can protect myself!”
Kira nodded, “Yea, she can protect herself.”
Trystan shook his head, “Sylk, the same goes for you. I need to know you two will look out not just for me but for each other.”
“We don’t know what Freya has done to her. She could turn on us at any time.” Sylk said defiantly.
Trystan’s eyes lowered, “I know that is a possibility but we can’t live every moment waiting for some betrayal.”
Kira’s horned head lowered, “Mother told me many things when I was created. She told me that I must protect you because you cannot protect yourself. She said you are important and one day you will return to her. I look forward to that day so all three of us can be together.”
Trystan rubbed his eyes while he spoke, “Freya and I will never be together again. She was abusive and I will never let her into my life again. She created you to remind me every time I see you that she is there. You may be innocent of this mess but Freya’s intentions are clear. She will do anything to get me back despite the fact I ended it between us.”
Kira looked away, the corner of her lip quivered.
Trystan opened his eyes to see the dragon woman sadden like he stabbed her through the heart, “I’m sorry it hurts but it has to be said.”
&n
bsp; Kira hugged her own waist, “I’m not even a day old and I feel like the worst creature in all of Lurth.”
Trystan felt the tug at his heart. It was hard to comprehend that the dragon woman before him was still new to this world. Despite her knowledge, she still lacked world experience. Trystan could remember when he was alone. How awful it felt to not be part of something bigger than yourself. To not have anyone to turn to because there was no one there.
The mage slipped from under the covers and stood up. The mage had a few inches on the dragon woman. Kira looked up with wet eyes. The mage leaned in and hugged her close. Kira looked up, her eyes dripping with tears. She returned the hug, scaled hands holding her Trystan close.
Sylk looked on silently. The siren felt the sadness and understanding in her master’s heart. It had a powerful effect on the familiar. It was enough for her to remain quiet and not fight.
Trystan pulled away and looked into Kira’s eyes. The dragon woman flexed her wings and brought them close to her shoulders. The mage crawled into bed. Kira slipped in behind him. The mage felt his whole body become weak and sleepy. Two hands pulled at his boxers.
“Not tonight,” Trystan whispered.
“Sorry Master,” Sylk said.
“Sorry Father,” Kira said.
Trystan closed his eyes and instantly fell asleep. Dreamscapes bloomed in his mind and a suspicious vibration pulsed. The mage walked the dream with a dreadful feeling like he was being watched.
***
The next day Trystan woke with boundless energy. The mage couldn’t remember the last time he slept so well. Nearly jumping out of bed, the mage rushed to the bathroom to start his morning routine. Sylk and Kira slept on, their backs facing each other with a good three feet of space between them. When Trystan was finished, he strode back into the room, took hold of the covers and pulled them off.
“Master!” Sylk said as she curled into a ball.
Kira’s eyes fluttered open. With a sleepy smile, she turned to mist and flowed to Trystan’s chest. The dragon woman tattoo was curled into a ball, her tail wrapping around her body. The mage waited for thirty seconds but the siren didn’t move an inch. Turning, the mage set off to the kitchen to get some breakfast.
The day became a blur. Trystan started cleaning the penthouse. He first tackled Nia’s room and then cleaned his own. He did what he could for the rest of the place, making sure there was no dishes in the sink and the floor was swept.
Later that day, he rushed to the hospital. Nia was already signing herself out when the mage showed. Trystan looked to Nia as she gave a shy smile. She was wearing a black eye patch but the points of the star shaped scare were still visible around the edges. Trystan rushed the fire mage and held her close so she didn’t have a chance to feel awkward. Nia was happy to hug him back and for a long moment, she felt normal again.
Trystan was quick to get her home. When they walked in, almost everyone was there. Sunara and Aznara rushed the red head with hugs. Reeko walked over when they were done. Taking her hand into his, he kissed the back of it and grinned ear to ear. The arachnix Skella moved on spider legs to Nia, hugging her and welcoming her back home. Trystan told Nia that Vanessa was happy you were out of the hospital and sends her best wishes. The undead girl was still working with the Lord Mayor, having the dead help rebuild the city. Sylk emerged from the bedroom and greeted Nia with a long hug before turning into mist and taking her place on her master’s skin.
Soon everyone was sitting around the living room, drinking wine and talking. Nia felt warm as everyone carried on as if nothing had happened and she was grateful for it. Trystan was at her beck and call, jumping up to refill her wine glass and bringing her a plate with food.
The evening whirled on until it was time for everyone to leave. Sunara shot Nia a longing gaze before Aznara shoved her out the door. The succubus turned and blew Trystan and Nia a kiss before closing it behind them. Skella yawned and said her goodnights as she moved down the hall to her room. Reeko touched Nia’s shoulder before saying his goodnight.
Trystan and Nia were alone and the couple lay together on the couch, lost in blissful silence. After a time, Trystan sat up and pulled Nia with him. The mage noticed a shy hesitation from the red head. He never knew her to be this shy. Together they walked to Trystan’s room.
Trystan began to undress. Nia stood by the door, not moving.
The mage turned to Nia, shirtless, “I’m sorry if this is going too fast.”
Nia looked away, “No, you’re not going too fast. I doubt I could sleep by myself anyway. I just…..” Nia trailed off.
Nia shook her head, “It’s okay.” The red head moved to the light switch and turned it off.
The room flooded with darkness. Trystan could hear Nia undressing. Concern crept into the mage. Nia never turned off the lights when they were together. The mage continued to undress but mentally prepared himself if she simply wanted to cuddle.
Nia was fully undressed when she pulled the eye patch off. Trystan could see her white eye glow in the darkness. He was about to say something and then thought better of it. Even in the dark, Nia seemed to notice.
“I know it glows. I saw it in the mirror last night,” Nia said in a low sad voice.
Silently, both mages slipped into bed. Hands moved to each other but Trystan noticed Nia’s movements were a bit stiff. As if she could detect what Trystan was feeling, the fire mage launched herself on Trystan, eager to please. Trystan felt their love making was odd. The glowing white eye looking at Trystan in the sea of darkness. Nia closed her eyes at one point and kept them shut as their bodies joined. When it was over, each mage said nothing as they laid down and fell asleep with their backs to each other. Trystan could feel the insecure doubt loom over Nia but he didn’t press as he fell into a fitful sleep.
Four
The march of time pressed on. The Elemental College reopened a few weeks after the giant slime attack. Classes resumed and most students were happy to get back to learning. The city seemed to have some resemblance of its former glory. Much of the rubble was cleared away night after night by the undead.
The news feeds were filled with footage of the attacks. Incredibly, there were only a small number of casualties. The Lord Mayor thanked the gallant efforts of the college to help fight and defeat the slime menace. Some were not so kind. The feeds were filled with people who believe this came about due to letting monsters attend the college. People took sides, some calling for all monsters to leave the city and others defending their right to learn. The Headmaster and Headmistress were quick to inform students they should watch and defend their fellow para-human classmates. The student body had their views, and more than a few vocalized their displeasure toward para-humans.
Trystan was shocked when he found out Aznara had gotten into a number of altercations. A few students walked around with black eyes when Aznara was done with them. Sunara spent a lot of time at the penthouse, attending classes and her dorm room, and little elsewhere. The blue haired succubus went out of her way to avoid trouble. Despite being careful, her dorm room door was vandalized with the words “Monster Freak” spray painted on it. After that point, she spent most nights at the penthouse, either on the couch or in Nia’s bed.
Spring melted into the very beginning of summer. Classes ended for summer break and the entire college breathed a sigh of relief. Trystan was excited that he completed his first year of college. Reeko threw a big party and many showed up for support and many more for the free drinks. The magistrates showed up a number of times to inform Reeko of noise complaints. The goblin smiled and took it as a badge of honor that his party was such a success, that the law had to get involved.
During their time together, Trystan could feel a distance between himself and Nia. Aside from that one night when she first came home, Nia slept in her room. The mage tried to be understanding but she kept him at arm’s length. With Nia keeping her distance, the mage found himself spending more time with Gwen. The ink witch and m
age felt a flowing romance as they met for dates. Guilt would sometimes stab at Trystan’s heart as he thought of Nia. He often pushed it away and tried to not think about it.
The mage tried to spend time with Kira and Sylk together. The three of them often went for walks and the two familiars would find something to fight about. With college over, the mage tried to help them get along better. Trystan found it harder and harder but there were a few bright spots where they were civil and polite. The mage wished there were more moments like that.
Two weeks after the end of classes, Trystan found himself sitting across from Gwen at a romantic dinner. The mage had to save up some coin and was happy to take the witch out to an expensive restaurant.
“How is Kira?” Gwen asked before taking a sip of white wine.
“It’s going slow. Sylk and her fight most of the time,” Trystan said.
“And Nia?” Gwen said as she put her glass down.
Trystan’s brow creased, “I wouldn’t know. We barely talk anymore.”
Gwen looked to the mage, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to touch a sore spot.”
“It’s fine. I think she is still having difficulty adjusting,” Trystan said flatly.
“Trystan, I have enjoyed our time together but if you feel you need to be with her…..” Trystan cut her off.
“No, I don’t. If I try to push into her space, then she will resent me. She needs time to come to grips with her new life. Nia was understanding when I left Freya. She gave me space to sort out my feelings. I am doing the same for her.”
Gwen was quiet. Trystan looked to the witch and his brow softened. Reaching over, he took her hands into his.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to come off harsh. With classes over, I had more time to think about things.”
Gwen smiled gently, “What has been on your mind?”
Trystan continued to hold her hands, “Too many things. I miss Bella. I’m worried about Nia. Aznara and Sunara are still being harassed. I think Reeko has been stressed because he is drinking every night……”
