Reflection

Kael gets himself changed into casual clothes, and listens to the sounds of Evie making dinner. He can hear her singing to herself as she works, and it makes him smile. It’s good that she’s so happy. Though technically she is still a ****, Kael likes to think that she’s in the best place possible for her. After all, even without the fact that she’s the daughter of Lord Greyheart, Kael’s aversion to the idea of slavery meant that she was going to be well treated regardless. The love that has blossomed between them, however, is something that no one could have expected.

Kael chuckles to himself. It’s like something out of the stories that Evie likes so much. The noble knight and the lowly elven ****, now lovers. A storybook tale indeed. Though not entirely accurate. Evie is hardly what Kael would call ‘lowly’, and as for himself, well…a knight in shining armor is a poor description of the killer he is.

He shakes his head, banishing the dark thoughts that attempt to intrude. He won’t be sinking back into that again, not with Evie here. If anything, the traditional roles have been reversed in this case. Evie may not have rode into battle to save him, but her banishment of his nightmares was no less a miracle for him. Even his accustomed bleakness has vanished, replaced by the warmth of her presence.

His reverie is broken by the sound of her voice, calling him to dinner. Kael hadn’t realized how long he had been sitting there, and shakes his head as he stands. No sense in over analyzing everything!

As has become routine, dinner is wonderful, with the two of them sharing food and conversation happily. The dining room is filled with smiles and happiness, for the first time in years. As they finish the meal, though, Kael notices a slight nervousness in Evie’s eyes. Before he can ask, though, she speaks up.

“Master, I have a request.”

Kael folds his hands on the table. “That sounds serious. Go ahead, Evie.”

She takes a deep breath. “So…we’ve gotten very close the last few days, master.”

Kael chuckles. “That’s certainly one way to put it.”

Evie blushes and nods. “Yes, master. And…I’ve really enjoyed it. All of it. I truly love you, master. Kael. I love you, and I want you to have all of me.”

Kael looks at her curiously. “I hear a ‘but’ coming.”

Evie looks back at him. “You’re right, master. I want to give you everything…but there’s something I’d like to show you, first. I want to show you truly what you mean to me.”

Kael’s brow furrows. “What do you mean?”

Evie licks her lips nervously. “I want you to see how I see you. Through my eyes. I want to share my mind with you, like you did for me.”

Kael stares at her. “You can do that?”

She nods. “I can, master. But only with your permission. And…you have to understand, some of this will be hard to see. Until I met you, I really was just another elf girl. Just a ****.”

Kael sighs. “If this is what you want, then I agree.”

Evie smiles nervously, standing up. “Thank you, master. This is…important to me.”

Kael nods, and Evie walks around to his chair, standing in front of him as he turns to face her. She takes a deep, calming breath, and places her delicate fingers on his temples. They look into each other’s eyes for a moment, and Kael smiles reassuringly. Evie smiles back, and they both close their eyes. Kael wills his defenses to drop, as he feels her magic seeping into his mind.