~Valarendrik~

Flickering shadows bloomed among the tapered spears of ebon stone clinging above and swelled upon the barren walls. The incandescent glow of the lantern glinted across our entangled forms, while I lay slightly reclined upon our bed of soft midnight pillows. My silky river of raven hair cascaded over my shoulder, flowing all the way down to her ocean of golden waves, meeting at an enlaced estuary. Her petite face was serene and dreaming, while she slept in my tender shadowy embrace.

I, however, was anything but relaxed. My brows were pinched and my teeth were clenched, while I intensely concentrated on my clandestine creation. The daedal raiment that I’d once worn in preparation for my matrimonial ceremony and coronation of kingship now floated upon my shadows before me, all cut up and rearranged. I strenuously willed my shadows to tediously weave and thread my discarded hairs through the dark material, sowing it into something of better use... A new outfit for Lucilia.

About a month and a half had passed since she’d fallen into this world, and her current dress was becoming increasingly threadbare and tattered as time went on... Especially around her voluptuous bosom. And judging by the way that my old coronation attire had been crumpled up and discarded on top of all my other clothing, it had not escaped me that she’d been investigating the ostentatious outfit. It’s not like I’d ever wear the stupid thing again, but it would look rather lovely on her.

I tilted my head, reassessing the measurements... Should cut the neckline a bit lower? ...Yes I think I shall...

My eyes widened as the softest yawn fell from her rosy lips, and her delicate hand gripped my jacket a bit tighter... Oh shit, she’s waking up! Swift as I could, I hastily willed my shadows to hustle and bustle the garment back into the chest. The moment every scrap of black material and thread of hair was inside, a tendril of shadows carefully closed the lid with a gentle click, then dissipated before she awoke... Phew!

A soft purr vibrated within my chest, as I affectionately caressed up and down her spine with the backs of my claws. My gaze fell to her slumberous face and a smile graced my lips, while I waited with great anticipation for my favorite part of her sleep cycle. The moment she reopened those beautiful sparkling blue eyes.

She made a little clicking noise with her puckered lips, then nuzzled into my chest, still fast asleep. The corners of my mouth drooped in disappointment... No matter, I’m sure that she’ll be awakening any moment now...

With a silent sigh, I relaxed my shoulders and looked up towards the ceiling, watching how the shadows moved about the stalactites like venom pooling around the sharp teeth of a predator. I then smiled again and closed my eyes, relishing in the feeling of having her within my arms.

I greatly enjoyed the sensation of her soft feminine curves lying peacefully across my hard body. The silken waterfall of her golden hair tickling my side. The warm caress of her breath across my ashen skin. Feeling her living heart rhythmically beating against my undead chest. Sometimes I’d even secretly hold her just a smidgen closer, imagining what it would feel like if my heart could beat too.

My eyes reopened to drink in the sight of her peaceful countenance, and agony lurched in my soul. With every passing day, it was only a matter of time before Azathoth returned. The harsh reality of it frustrated me greatly. I had grown rather fond of my cute little human friend, and greatly enjoyed the responsibility of keeping her safe and comfortable. She provided my hollow and insignificant life with a purpose... And our time together was dwindling.

I hated the fact that I’d soon be reliving my empty existence as a condemned wanderer of solitude. Left to dwell on thoughts filled with grievous contemplations of permanently leaving this charnel world of suffering. Once again feeling my spirit slowly fracturing beneath the crushing weight of my untold loneliness. Haunted by the bitter remains of unforgotten torments biting at my soul like festering ghouls gnawing at the ankles, while I aimlessly wandered alone and adrift in this dark and ashen world of sorrow. Forced to return to my bereft and decaying reality, companionless.

“Don’t let the demon take her away...” The crown quietly whispered like the passing of a soft breeze.

My claws wove themselves through the golden threads of her hair, while I swallowed a wave of sadness, trying to cherish these precious moments we still had together. Though I tried to be optimistic and savor what was left of our ephemeral friendship, I couldn’t ignore the cruel verities whispering into my mind, harsher than the crown’s voice could ever be.

Even though I will greatly miss her, I’ll still have to let her go...

As I wistfully gazed down upon her features, I could not deny that I was indeed highly attracted to her. I adored her bright exotic colors. The beauty of her radiant smile. The kindness of her heart. Her laughter chiming musically through the air. Her sensual body gracefully dancing within the darkness.

Although Azathoth had gifted me with the appearance of a living being, by healing my undead flesh of all rot and decay, I was still very much an abyssal creature of death. And the more I began to admire her, the more self-conscious I became.

I knew that I was no match for her beauty. Even if I was, I had never been intimate before. I had never met anyone who actually made it seem worth the risk of accidentally producing an heir. But she was beautiful, living, and pure of heart...

And yet, I was monstrous, undead, and tarnished. A four thousand-year-old virgin without the slightest clue about how to enrapture a woman. So, I’d decided that it would be best for her to not know the depth of the affection I felt.

She sleepily yawned, while arching her back and stretching her arms up towards my shoulder, cutting the silver thread of my melancholic thoughts with her enchanting movement. At last, those bright blue eyes softly fluttered open, glistening like gemstones in the lantern light, causing my chest to constrict in excitement. She blinked up at me with a drowsy smile, and I couldn’t help but smile back.

“Good morning.” Her soft voice hummed. I didn’t actually understand that particular greeting, but I had never asked for an explanation either.

I chuckled at her slumbery state, while a rush of fondness welled up in my chest. “You slept longer than usual.” My shadows slowly retreated back into my soul, revealing the length of her alluring frame and sculptured curves.

Her mouth flattened out into a straight line. “Well, I’m not surprised. We’ve been sword training none stop lately, and it’s exhausting.” Her cheek pressed against my chest, while she snuggled a little bit closer. I relished the feeling.

It was true. Once her injuries seemed healed enough, I’d been adamant about teaching her to wield her own swords. Not only was it a useful skill in the abyss, but she could bring them back with her to earth. I didn’t like the thought of not being able to protect her once she was gone, but took comfort in knowing that if anyone dared to mess with her there, then she could chop off their heads!

“Yes, and that’s exactly why I think we should go for an adventure now that you’re awake. You know do something fun.” I smiled while raising my palm. “Besides, I can tell that Sagacor’s been eager to go on a journey.”

I gestured over towards the cave entrance, where Sagacor’s large cadaverous head was peeking in from around the corner. He often did so while she was asleep, probably making sure that we hadn’t perished or something. His milky eyes reflected the lantern light with a golden glimmer, while he happily nickered and stomped his front hoof once.

A soft giggle rang from her rosy lips. “Is that true, Sagacor? Would you like to go on an adventure today?” She joked while sitting up.

Sagacor immediately whinnied and came clip-clomping in. “Hey! You’re not supposed to be in here!” I scolded. He was notorious for knocking over my tables and bookcases like the boneheaded stumblebum that he is.

My reprimanding was of no use though, and he happily made his way over to us, then flopped his huge body down halfway onto the pillows. Lucilia let out a small scream that was quickly drowned by her laughter, while I sat straight up in surprise. “What the!” The reins jingled as he shook his head with a nicker, then nuzzled his face into her arms, begging to be pet. She gladly obliged with more giggling.

Her pale skin was a stark contrast against his midnight black fur, as her hand affectionately stroked his face. She even caressed the side with exposed bone, something that surprised me quite a bit. I couldn’t help but feel enamored by the sight of it, and how much Sagacor seemed to enjoy having her here too.

I reached over to stroke his fuzzy forehead, then gave him a good scratch behind the ear, causing his back hoof to repeatedly kick out in a circle with a joyful neigh. “Alright, well let’s get you some breakfast and water, then we’ll be off.” I smiled at Lucilia while rising to my feet.

“Thank you. That sounds wonderful.” A bright excited smile beamed back at me, as she ran her fingers through his mane.

I began to slowly glide backward, continuing to smile at her with a strange fluttery feeling creeping into my abdomen. She giggled at me from the pillows while shaking her head, as slipped out of the cave to gather her some fruit.