The Beast and The Swallow

The night breeze flew through the open window and made the colorful lanterns in the anteroom flicker, painting the walls with iridescent light-spots. Huddled on the cushions in the oriel, Lorelei and Noah looked at the blooming stars.

"You sure you don't want to go to bed?" Noah wrapped his arms around her, keeping her warm. "You had a rough day."

"To think you'd willingly give up on spending time with me… are you sick, my lord?" Lorelei pursed her lips. "Or maybe your love has burned out?"

"Never!" Noah rested his chin on her shoulder. "But I don't want you to get sick. I know how nasty a soul-merge is. And you had to control all those powers…"

"And that's why I can't go to bed yet." Lorelei shivered, but the fresh wind had nothing to do with it. "Today I managed to repel Mother Roslinde's holy powers… barely. It was more luck than training. If I can't contain the soul-dust for long enough to fool the church's investigators, all our efforts would be for naught."

"Practice makes perfect, you know?" Noah kissed her hair. "Although I must admit that seeing you hurting like today is driving me mad. I wish I could help you somehow."

"You are helping me already." Lorelei pressed her cheek against his arm, her fingers entangling with his. "You listen to my whining. You say you love me. You invite me to gaze at the stars."

"In your own anteroom, under the watchful eye of all our nannies." Noah sighed dramatically. "It's not what I would call the peak of romance."

"As long as you are here, I am completely happy."

"But I'm not!" Noah gently turned her around and peered into her eyes, making her breath halt. "I want to pluck the stars and gift them to you. I swore to make you the happiest woman in the world. And what do I give you? A ruined outing and a second-rate star-gazing."

"Hey, I like my oriel!" quipped Lorelei, and her heart jumped with mischief. "But if you feel so guilty, you can give me compensation."

"That was my intention from the start, my dear." With a gentle smile, Noah pecked her temple. "What do you say we visit the Obrek festival in two days?"

Lorelei stirred, giving him a questioning look. This prompted Noah to puff up his chest and, with a finger pointing to the ceiling, he began explaining like a true imperial tutor.

"The Obrek festival is a Binshi custom from time immemorial. They celebrate it for a week, around the middle of the seventh month when the Morning Star reaches her highest point in the sky. It's a festival of love and courtship under the watchful eye of the Mother Above where young couples get to know each other and betrothals are sealed. But besides the official part, it has excellent music and food, and also some nice street performers. So, what do you think?"

"It sounds marvelous!" Lorelei's eyes sparkled, but only a second later, her excitement ebbed a bit. "However… Don't you think that the Binshi might be displeased if we mingle in such an important event?"

"Maybe in the deepest outback, but not in Yalda," retorted Noah, his brows slightly drawing together. "Yanosh always used to say that if there is one thing uniting all people around the world, then it is love. And hatred if I may add. Anyway, the Obrek in Yalda has been open for all citizens."

"In that case…" Lorelei tilted her head with a smile, studying Noah's face. Under his calm facade, she could sense apprehension. "I can't wait."

***

"So, are we ready to go?"

Early in the morning, the air was cool and carried the scent of pines and wet grass. Not a single cloud marred the pristine blue sky. The surface of the fjord was a smooth mirror, reflecting the green peaks and the majestic silhouette of Castle Ildemar. Crystal water gurgled and sploshed around the pillars of the pier where a small ship with a lowered gangway welcomed its passengers.

Lorelei rubbed her eyes and yawned, but the excitement quickly dispersed the sleep from her lashes. Her gaze flew over their group, lingering briefly on each of its members. Despite all being dressed in white Binshi clothing, richly embellished with red floral embroideries, they couldn't be more different. The bear-like shoulders of Sir Duncan seemed to be trying to burst the seams of his shirt, and his red-green vest had long given up the fight to get buttoned over his massive chest. Next to him, Neli was donning a green headscarf over her bushy locks with green, gold, and red beads adorning her wrists. Rish and Rasha had made a concession to their usual tunics and trousers and were now sporting mid-calf dresses, green scarves around the waist, and colorful ribbons braided in their short hair. Even the official escorts of the Duke, today consisting of Dederi, Jessup, Sir Aiden, and Sir Lucas, had put on their festive shirts under the padded leather jerkins that substituted for their armor.

'Having guards armed to the teeth negates the point of traveling incognito!' had stated Noah. Nevertheless, he had agreed to his guards carrying their swords and war-belts, given there were no ducal crests visible anywhere. This made the small defensive team look like the mercenary bodyguards of a rich merchant, which was exactly the purpose of their charade.

The fresh breeze made Lorelei's own white dress flutter, and tangled the red and green ribbons in her flowing hair. She lifted her hand to brush some unruly strands from her eyes, but familiar, gentle fingers got ahead of her.

"Did the wind ruffle your feathers, Lady Swallow?" Noah kissed her forehead before whispering: "You look so incredibly cute!"

"Raskal!" She hit his chest weakly, but her sparkling eyes were drunk on the sight before her.

For the first time since she knew him, Noah had parted with his mourning attire. Today, a snow-white shirt with scarlet embroidery up his chest and sleeves covered his toned body. A red scarf tied to the right of his waist mirrored her own, marking them as a married couple. The scar and the left side of his face were partially hidden by a large striped kerchief that gave him somewhat the look of a pirate.

Out of the oppressive blackness of his usual clothes, Noah suddenly looked younger and less domineering. Now, he was exactly the dashing, lovable man that usually hid in plain sight, if only one dared to approach and get to know him better. He was her Prince Charming.

Catching her dreamy gaze, Noah pursed his lips.

"What? Is my attire not to your liking?"

"Not at all!" She brushed her fingers through his hair, smoothening the feather-like locks. "The look suits you."

"Then, I should wear it more often, if that would please my lady." Noticing her brief shock, Noah chuckled. Still, Lorelei spotted some sadness in the corners of his mouth. "I think… It's about time to live in the present. To live for life, not for death."

"I'll support you, whatever you decide." She hugged his arm. "And you look great, no matter what clothes you wear."

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"Hey, complimenting attires is my job!"

Noah waved his finger in pretended anger, his gray eyes shining with laughter. Then he turned to their escorts, who were trying very obviously to hide their grins.

"All aboard!" he shouted. "We have earned today with sweat and blood, so let's have some fun!"

Under cheers, Lorelei and Noah boarded the ship. The captain gave the signal, and the oarsmen steered the ship away from the shore. Seated on the deck, Lorelei marveled the dance of the sunrays on the smooth surface of the fjord, her heart happy and at peace after so long. With a smile, she gave ear to Noah and the rest's lively chatter.

"By all the saints, it's getting harder to get used to this ice block's temperature swings!" grumbled Duncan and rubbed his nose. "It's the middle of summer, yet, in the morning, the wind can bite your nose off. And at noon, you boil in your own trousers!"

"I like it." Neli shrugged, pulling her head scarf down to enjoy the breeze. "It reminds me of Farhardel and the desert at dawn. Gulfidan and I used to sneak out and gaze at the stars."

The old Marzbanati threw a glance at Lorelei.

"Gulfidan would have liked you, little bird," she said calmly.

The only thing Lorelei could do was nod at the unexpected comment. She had no idea how to act around Neli anymore. After the events at the temple, the old woman had been kind and quiet, almost welcoming. Lorelei suspected that the revelation of her sainthood had a lot to do with this change in attitude. A bitter thought snuck into her mind. Just how precisely had Neli weighed and evaluated the increase in her worth to deem her finally suitable for her precious Duke, despite all the dangers coming with her being a saint's vessel.

As if sensing her discomfort, Noah nudged her shoulder before turning to Neli.

"Indeed, Mother, I sure am the luckiest man in the world with the best wife there is." He then looked at the twins under his brows. "And it's an honor to assist our two brave warriors in their own adventures of finding true love, too."

"Thank you, Your Highness," replied Rasha a bit hoarsely, her pale face getting a tint of pink.

Lorelei's heart tightened. The girls were on their feet since two days ago, both still carrying the scars from the ordeal with the vapir on their souls and, in Rasha's case - on her body. If it wasn't for Saya and Gregor's vehement insistence, she would have let the twins rest a bit more and…

"Please, keep me out of this!" Rish's moan interrupted Lorelei's thoughts. "I can't understand why I was dragged into this! I have no intention to court anyone, be it awake or in a dream."

The young Binshi looked pleadingly at Lorelei.

"Why did you have to listen to Mother and Sister-in-law!? I don't want to get married, not now, not ever!"

"Kako!" Rasha rolled her eyes. "Why not give it a try? We used to dream about going to the Obrek together when we were of age. Or… are you leaving me alone?"

"You little devil! Trying to make me feel guilty. I'm doing it only because you begged me for two days straight, even though… Wait! Did you collude with Gerash to drag me here? Kudash! He has been awake for two days and is already scheming around."

"No-o."

"Yes! I thought it was strange since you already have someone who… mghff…"

Rasha's hand slapped her older sister's mouth shut, but it was too late. Neli, Dederi, Lorelei, and even Noah surrounded the two girls, showering the younger twin with questions. Remembering the snippy banters between Rasha and Lucas during their visit to the temple, Lorelei was sure she knew the answer about her friend's secret crush, but the truth stunned everyone.

"I-It's Sir Castor!" finally squeaked Rasha, burying her face in her palms.

"The Firmon boy!" Duncan whistled.

"When did that happen!?" Dederi's eyes rounded.

From her spot, Lorelei noticed Lucas' face turning rigid.

"We… He always wandered around the castle on Kash-baba's errands and checking the protection hexes. And sometimes we chatted while I was on patrol. Oh, Rish, you traitor! I hope you'd like a swim, 'cause I'm sending you to the fishes!"

"Hey, you brought this to yourself! Why did you have to drag me to the Obrek and not bring your sweetheart!?"

"Because he doesn't like me!" Rasha's head slumped between her shoulders. "I thought he did, but ever since the story with the vapir… No, even before that. He's been avoiding me. He even pretends not to see me when we cross paths. You have it now. Happy?"

"No!" Rish huffed and slumped next to her sister and hugged her shoulders. "When we return, I'll show that kudash what it means to hurt my little sister! My fist is itching for his face!"

"How about you let them talk it out first?" Lorelei interjected, imagining the brawl her friend was planning to start. "We have all been through a lot, Castor included. His acolyte powers are quite a burden to his body and mind, so maybe he's just tired and you are misunderstanding him."

"True," added Neli, a tinge of bitterness sneaking into her voice. Her eyes fell on Duncan, their gaze mellow and sad. "A misunderstanding can cause a lot of unwanted pain."

"Sure." Rasha sighed in resignation, but her twin gave her an elbow jab.

"I'll be there, whenever you need me. But today, let's forget our troubles and have fun. I promise you, I'll make you forget that kudash in no time!"

"Are you courting or consoling me?" Rasha stretched out her tongue, her sadness slowly melting away.

"Eww, how could you say that!? Gross!"

"You are gross!"

Leaving the twins to banter under the benevolent laughter of their peers, Lorelei leaned on the railings and let her gaze wander over the fjord. She had been so preoccupied with her own problems that she had ignored the troubles of her closest aides. Castor's haggard face flashed before her eyes. His behavior did seem unusual lately, but she put it in the near-death experience they had lived through. She had to check on him when they returned.

A pair of string arms emerged from behind and hugged her.

"Let's leave the heavy thoughts for when we are back at the castle. I want you to enjoy today in peace."

"I will. But don't tell me you aren't bothered by the thing about Castor."

"Not really. No, let me finish. The boy is a gifted scholar and rather good with a sword, but he lacks the practical experience. It's normal, when facing death and monsters for the first time, to feel overwhelmed and start acting oddly. I'm talking from experience."

"But before the vapir?"

"That's probably my fault." Noah sighed. "I kept him in Ildemar, away from his family. And further burdened him with the task of inspecting the castle's defences. He might be homesick and overworked."

'A gilded cage is still a cage,' thought Lorelei, but kept it to herself. The youth had seemed not overly attached to the old Baron Firmon and genuinely happy to assist his lord. Maybe Noah was right. She was going to mix some calming medicine for him and talk to Kash-baba to give him more rest.

Closing her eyes, Lorelei savored the warmth of the sun. She breathed in slowly, but suddenly ripped her eyes open.

"I smell… olibanum and…?!"

"Ambergris," helped her Noah. "The shamans burn them to help the couples that want to dream-court get into the right mood. And it means that we are almost there."

Indeed, after the next bend of the fjord, the spacious bay of Yalda opened before them. The city sparkled before them with its colorful houses like a chest of gemstones. The fragrance of incense intensified, but the wind brought new smells - of grilled fish, meat, and bread. Distant music and shouts reached their ears. Small and large boats, decorated with flowers and colorful flags, drifted around the bay, their passengers singing or chatting merrily, and some even toasting their ship as a greeting.

The heart in Lorelei's chest drummed loudly, her cheeks aflush, and her eyes sparkling. Noah turned her around and gave her a long kiss under the merry shouts of their friends and the strangers on the surrounding boats.

"I promise you, my love," he whispered in her ear, "you'll neither regret nor forget this day."