Four hundred fifty years ago

Arlo paced back and forth in his small hut for what felt like years. ‘What was taking him so long?’ He thought to himself. There was a soft knock on the door and Arlo’s wings fluttered as he rushed to the door.

“Finally.” He said expecting to see Caedmon on the other side with wine in tow. His eyes threatened to explode at the sight of the nine at his door. “High Council.” He took a deep breath and lowered himself into a bow. “Apologies for my outburst.”

“Are you expecting someone else, faery?” High Finley said.

“No, of course not. Please come in.” Arlo bowed again and opened the door to his small hut as the nine crowded through his door.

“May I offer you drink, council?” Arlo asked holding out a large jar of wine.

“We do not intend to stay long.” High Finley said. “Arlo. I’m sure you realize now that you have the gifts of the mage.”

Arlo took a deep breath in, “Yes, I have suspected this in myself for sometime now, high council.”

“As you are aware of as well, we have been watching you for some time.” High Mara added. “Your thirst for knowledge surprised even us. You seem beyond your years.”

“I appreciate the notice High Mara.” Arlo nodded his head.

“Arlo, this is not just a visit to give compliment. We want you to join the monastery.” High Finley said in a soft low voice.

“You... you want to give me a commendation? I’m not yet 400.” Arlo was dumbfounded by this news.

“Yes, it is very rare for a faery to receive commendation so young, but the promise and potential you have shown proves that you are ready now.” High Asher said.

Arlo didn’t know what to say.

“We can see that you are surprised, we’ll give you until tomorrow to report to the monastery in the inner rim. Your life is only about to begin, Mage Arlo.” High Finley said patting Arlo on the shoulder.

“Th-thank you high council. I cannot express what your faith in me means. I swear to you that I will earn it.” Arlo said, his heart racing.

They all nodded as they exited his small hut and took to the sky. Arlo watched them fly away, not noticing the faery running from the tavern in his direction.

“Sorry I’m late,” Caed said finally reaching him, pressing a kiss to Arlo’s forehead. Arlo didn’t register what he said. His eyes still fixed on the sky although he could no longer see the nine. “Arlo?” Caed asked.

“Sorry,” Arlo shook his head and walked back inside his small hut. He didn’t know what to say as Caed jabbered away about why he was late setting down the wine and removing his robe. He had barely registered that Caed was now sitting staring at him.

“What’s wrong?” Caed said.

“What?” Arlo shook his head again.

“You’ve been staring at the floor for almost an hour now. Barely saying a thing, and you haven’t touched your wine.”

Arlo swallowed at the dryness in his throat. He looked over to the black haired faery who was now lounging in his soft white tunic, the one that opened further down the front and made Arlo wish nothing more than to discard it on his floor. “Caed...” he said looking back down at his hands.

Caed leaned forward, waiting for whatever it was Arlo was going to say.

“The high council came tonight. Just before you got here.” Arlo began. “They gave me my commendation. I’m to report to the monastery tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow? But you’re not yet four hundred. They never give commendations this early.” Caed said standing up.

“They said it was rare, but I showed promise.” Arlo shrugged his shoulders.

“So that’s it. You’re just leaving?” Caed asked.

Arlo looked up to see Caed pacing his small hut.

“Caed, I don’t have a choice.” Arlo said trying to keep his voice even. “I can’t turn down my commendation.”

Caed sighed and leaned against the door to the hut. “And what does that mean for us?” He asked.

Arlo looked at Caed for a long moment before clearing the distance between them, pressing his lips into Caedmon’s and pulling him closer. “It changes nothing.” Arlo whispered all while pulling him towards his small bedroom. Caed pulled back and eyed him for a moment. Arlo leaned close like he had done so many times before and rested his head in the crook of Caed’s neck. “Please Caed, come and be with me.” 

Caed took a slow inhale before running his hands down the length of Arlo’s torso, sliding their fingers together once again. 

Arlo was desperate for Caed, fearing more than anything that it would be the last time he could touch him like this. Fearing that he would never get to taste the sweetness of Caed’s lips on his own again. Fearing that he would never have Caed like this again, desperate and breathy and filled with desire. Arlo was desperate to feel this for the rest of his long life as they lay next to each other in Arlo’s small bed.

“Everything will be different after tonight, won’t it?” Caed finally said staring up at the clay ceiling above him, his bare skin glistening in the moonlight.

“I don’t want it to be different,” Arlo admitted.

“You may not be able to help that.” Caed leaned into Arlo.

“I’ll write to you every day Caed. I’ll visit you whenever I am permitted. I won’t lose you.” Arlo said nuzzling into Caed.

Caed wrapped his arms around Arlo. “Please don’t forget me.” Caed whispered, his voice hoarse.

Arlo looked up to meet the green eyes now filling with tears. “Never.” Arlo whispered back.