Leylen was so different in the day. 

Gaining energy from the night, Shadehands and those of us who aided them had adopted a slightly more nocturnal lifestyle, waking up after the midday meal of most humans and going to sleep several hours past midnight. Of course, being a part of the society, we needed to be awake while shops and schools were open. If it weren't for that, I'm certain that Shadehands would sleep through the entire day. 

For us humans, the sunlight was what brought us energy. Sitting in the sunlight was what allowed me to stay up so late at night. And while the night didn't affect me too badly, sunlight harmed most Shadehands. The brighter the sun, the more exhausted they became. A rainy day was beautiful to them, encouraging them to visit the city and its citizens during the day. So, we helped them be a part of society. Shopping, mostly. To be truthful, I enjoyed it. They provided safety, shelter, family, while I simply needed to ensure their pantry stayed full. 

That day, as it happened once a month, I was simply tasked with procuring inks, paints and parchments. We had used up most of the Kerr's supplies when writing the letters to the Shadehands about the lights.

The store was surprisingly empty that day, as was most of the shopping street. The man behind the counter was drawing something - likely something commissioned by a scientist. His red waves fell in front of his eyes, framed by elegant glasses. I almost felt bad when I cleared my throat to catch his attention. 

He - Simon - looked up at me with a grin. "You're early this month." 

I shrugged, returning the grin. "We've had a situation, needed every roll of parchment the Kerrs had." 

"I noticed the lights, I wondered how the Shadehands were reacting to it." 

"Not well, I assure you." 

His blue eyes caught mine then. "The ususal?" 

"Plus twenty percent, give or take. And whatever new pigment you have, Eishen could use a smile." 

I put the coins on the counter as Simon shuffled through drawers for the usual parchment and ink, also fishing out a beautiful blue-violet pigment. Violet was a rare hue to find, Eishen would be happy with it. 

"How have you been?" I asked as Simon counted the coins. He sighed and started counting agian, which I could only chuckle about. "Sorry." 

"... shut up." He started counting a third time, and I held back from teasingly catching his attention again. A moment later, he handed me change and helped me fill my bag with the supplies. "I've been better, but I'll be alright." 

"Do you want to talk about it?" 

"The shop owner decided to come in early today - he should be in anytime- and truthfully, most of my issues stem from him," Simon confessed with a chuckle. 

"Still?"

"Just a few more months and I should be able to buy that place for sale on the corner of Windson bridge, open my own studio. I'll be fine, Theo." 

I knew he would be. Simon had a way to always land back on his feet even after the most complicated stories I had heard. 

Even though I knew we didn't have time to indulge in our usual interactions, I stole a kiss from Simon. Not my partner, not my boyfriend, nothing like that. Simon. All we shared was an attraction to each other and an agreement to be truthful.

Simon knew about Eishen. Eishen did not know about Simon. Nobody did. Simon and I; we were each other's secret. 

But Simon knew my secrets. I knew his. We had vowed to never expose the secrets we shared with each other; we both needed an outlet for more things than one. 

"What are you hiding?" Simon asked me, smiling against my lips, stealing another peck before stepping away, composing himself in case the shop owner arrived. 

I didn't know where to start with the story of what had happened the night before. "Eishen knows about the knife." 

"Oh, gods, sorry, how did that happen? And what happened to your arm?" 

I opened my mouth to speak when the bell at the door rang as the door opened. The old shopowner walked in. "Master Cress, good day to you." 

"Good day, Mister Weir," I greeted him, helping him with heavier bags. 

"Simon got you everything you needed?" 

"As always, thank you." 

"Good, good. Now, where did I put my keys?" 

I bid both of the shopkeepers farewell, winking at Simon while Mister Weir had his back turned. 

It was too early to visit the Kerrs - they'd likely still be asleep. Still, I bought some blackberries, apples and seeded bread rolls for breakfast, and made my way to their house. I used my key to open their door, surprised to find Eishen sitting by the empty fireplace. They jumped slightly at the door opening and looked at me as I walked in. 

"Theo... what time is it?" 

"Maybe ten in the morning?" 

"Ten... I should get some sleep." 

"You stayed up?" 

They looked down into their hands. "I couldn't sleep, and my bed started getting uncomfortable, so I came here." 

"I didn't sleep either." It wasn't a lie, at least. 

"... did you go check up on the man you hurt?" 

I sighed and walked into the room, dropping the bag of food and supplies on the counter where I usually left things. "I did." I moved to sit next to them on the couch. "I cannot be certain of how he is now, but when I went he was still on the ground." 

Eishen bit their lip. "Maybe someone found him and healed him?" 

"That's a comforting thought." 

"Theo, what were you thinking?" 

I sighed and sat back into the pillows. "I saw them shoot you. You got hurt. I was afraid that if I didn't try to slow him down, he would have tried - or succeeded - to kill you." 

"I didn't know you had a knife." 

"Just in case. You have magic, I need my own way to defend myself." 

"Right. That makes sense, I suppose. Is your arm okay?" 

"It is. And your leg?" 

"I'll be fine." 

That was the second time I had heard that in less than an hour. What were the chances that both promises would be held?

I could only pray to both light and the lack thereof. 

"I got you something at the ink shop." 

As I had hoped, Eishen's features lightened, if only a little. "What did you find?" 

I gave them the bottle of blue-violet pigment. "This could be a good color for some of the night sky on your ceiling? Maybe ask Lucien how to style it? He probably has an idea." 

Eishen just smiled at the small jar of powder in their hands. I couldn't help but notice that blood still stained the underside of their nails. Still, they dropped their head on my shoulder, a silent thank-you I knew well. It did not last as long as usual - they were still careful. "I hope that man is okay."

"I hope we figure out the lights." 

"What if we don't, Theo? What if this is it for the Shadehands?" 

I considered it, then. Eishen, his mother, all of the Shadehands becoming weaker as darkness became more scarce. Getting sick, wasting away, becoming as sad and desperate as they did during the longest days of the summer, if not moreso.

"... we won't let that happen." 

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Artfight season is in full swing! Eishen has been attacked a few times! Thank you so much Muri (first art) and Frida (second art!) I love that people love Eishen, don't worry, they'll have their spotlight soon! <3

Also, the new banner was commissioned on Kirke by @nateyvr! I LOVE how it turned out and cannot thank them enough!