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The beautiful pond glistened from the different lights of the small fairies. Purple, blue, it all seemed breathtaking. It was night, the full moon reflecting upon the water of the Moors. Everything was at peace. Aurora’s coronation was just before dawn, and now, they all slept knowing they had a queen that would protect them. The Moors were once again in tranquility - and so was Maleficent. Or so she thought.
As the beautiful fey walked through the land, she felt a string being pulled off her heart. She had her wings back, which meant letting go of something in return. Sure, she was more than overjoyed to have her precious wings back. Her heart was finally full, all the pieces mended together. Still, it felt like one yarn string wanted to fly away. Maleficent’s heart ached and she hated it. Suddenly, she felt the sudden presence of her magic - Diaval.
With a whisk of her fingers, the once raven transformed into a man. Diaval fell to the ground, chest first. He grunted, unpleased.
“Can you not wait until I land, Mistress?” He asked, standing up. He dusted his hands against the palms of his now human hands.
Ignoring his question, she looked at his dark eyes, “Where were you?”
“I was fetching some berries. I was hungry, you know?”
Maleficent chuckled, “You were still hungry after the feast we had this evening?”
“I was not completely satisfied. It takes far more energy to be a man than a raven as well.”
Maleficent nodded. They both looked at each other. Maleficent inhaled deeply and placed her hand on his forearm. “Will you take a walk with me tonight?”
Diaval smiled, “Gladly.”
Diaval walked beside her, as they both admired the true beauty of the Moors. None of them initiated a conversation. Diaval did not mind at all. He found it rather peaceful to walk with his mistress, just like they would always do before. Both of them would always take walks with each other, constantly bickering. This one seemed no different. The only different factor was that Maleficent was being awfully quiet.
They both walked through the different kinds of flower bushes and tall willow trees. As they both passed through, the once mimicking flower butterflies emerged from their places allowing both the fey and raven man to pass through. The kaleidoscope of butterflies flew amongst them, their wings glowing a luminous white glow. Diaval reached to poke one, smiling gladly. Maleficent turned to look at him and smiled as well. He was always a playful type, and enjoyed seeing him relaxed and happy. As they walked through, Maleficent spotted the long, awakened lake, hearing its calming voice. She picked her pace up, walking past Diaval.
Maleficent walked towards the lake, looking around. She loved that river dearly. This lake marked the heart of the Moors. It was big with its calming waters glowing. It was truly breathtaking. Diaval ran to her, letting out a breath of astonishment. Before Diaval could speak, she raised her finger, not looking away from the sight.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” She lowered her finger and followed the steps down to the river bank. Diaval followed behind. Maleficent dusted a rock and sat on it. She then looked at Diaval and patted the spot beside her so he could sit. He maintained his distance from her so he would not invade her space.
“Have you loved your time here in the Moors?” Maleficent asked. Diaval raised his eyebrow.
“Mistress, if you have not caught up yet, I’ve lived here my whole life. Of course, I’ve loved it here.”
Maleficent gave him a small smile and gripped her staff, “Have you enjoyed your time here by my side?”
“Always,” Diaval waited for her eyes to meet his. Maleficent turned to look at him, seeing how he had not finished his train of thought, “I’ve always been happy around you.”
Maleficent smiled. She looked away and let her smile escape. Diaval could immediately tell something was wrong. Before he could speak, Maleficent inhaled and never took his sight from him.
“Diaval, you’ve always been loyal to me. You’ve been here by my side all these years. You never failed me. Not once. I want you to know how thankful I am for you.”
Diaval looked at her worriedly, “Mistress…why are you saying this?”
Maleficent looked away and down at the lake. Her heart continued to pound, sorrow filling it knowing the next words she was about to speak, “You have always been my wings. You’ve fulfilled your debt.”
Diaval’s face was not filled with joy or happiness. It was rather filled with concern. Her words frightened him for what was to come. “What do you mean by all this, Mistress?”
“I am giving you your freedom, Diaval. It’s only fair that I do,”
“You’re letting me go?”
Maleficent hesitated, “Yes.”
Diaval felt a wave of emotions course through his body. He could not imagine where he would go without her. What would he do with himself? The man had no idea. Diaval swallowed and parted his lips as if he were to say something.
“Do I have a say on this?” Maleficent nodded. Diaval looked at her eyes deeply, looking for his words. “Mistress…you giving me my freedom, is a very kind thing of you to do. But, I do not wish to take it. I can’t imagine myself being anywhere else but here with you and Aurora.” Diaval looked down and gently placed his hand on her arm. He could sense Maleficent tensing up, but he kept his touch on her, “If you will so allow me, I wish to stay. Here. By your side.”
“Are you being truthful? Are you being truthful with yourself?”
“Yes. All my words are the truth. My words come from my heart, not my head. I not only want to stay here with you, but I also want to stay here with Aurora. To me, she is like a daughter. I could not bear being away from her…nor you. I have vowed to myself, to take care of you and Aurora, and protect you both when needed.”
Maleficent looked at him and gave him a sincere smile, “There’s never been a time where I haven’t trusted you. And with these words, I trust you more.” She stood up, looking down at him. “I will not force you to leave. I was already dreading to say my goodbyes,” Maleficent laughed slightly, as Diaval stood before her.
She was overjoyed that Diaval had wanted to stay but didn’t allow herself to show it. She then walked towards him and placed her hand on his chest. Diaval inhaled slowly, not knowing how to react to Maleficents hand on his chest.
“Diaval, there is one thing though,”
“What is it, Mistress?”
“You may call me Maleficent from now on. You’re no longer my servant. You are equal to me. I’ve seen you as a dear friend rather than a servant to me throughout all these years.”
Diaval couldn’t help but smile, “Yes, I will do what you say…Maleficent.” The fey smiled upon hearing her name being called out by the raspy, deep voice of his. “Even if I have fulfilled my debt, I will still be here for you…whatever you need. I think you ought to know how much I care for you.”
Maleficent stared into his dark eyes, and then down at his chest. She could feel his fast-beating heart beneath his flesh. She could see his scars trailing from his collarbone and down his chest. With her long finger, she traced his scars, sensing Diaval’s reaction.
“Diaval, what does this human heart of yours tell you?”
“To stay with you.”
“Then let that be so.”
Maleficents eyes glowed as she stared at his eyes. She noticed his scars along his cheekbone and his sharp nose. Although in denial, she did find him to be a good-looking man. A man with a loyal heart. Before she could speak, Diaval got the courage to grab her soft, delicate hand. She did not lose his eye contact. He then slightly bowed down to her, bringing her hand to his lips to place a gentle, yet meaningful kiss. Diaval looked up at her, holding her hand with both of his.
“Thank you, Mi-Maleficent. For everything you’ve done to me as well.”
Maleficent let out a small laugh, “Please don’t thank me.”
“But I will. I will be grateful for you till the end of time,” Diaval squeezed her hand, “Pardon me as well. It will take me a while to call you by your name. I cannot let go of the name I've called you for these past 16 years.”
“It’s alright, Diaval. I just want you to recognize that we are no longer mistress and servant. Rather more….friend and friend.”
Diaval smiled, heart aching at the same time. He had realized a long time before, how his feelings had started to grow for her. He knew she would not return the affection, but he still devoted his heart and life to her. His love for her grew every day, never vanishing away. She was the most beautiful creature he had ever seen and did not feel afraid of her like many did. Diaval always knew that beneath her flesh was a kind-hearted soul, only wanting to protect her land.
“It’s getting late, Mistress,” Diaval said softly, her hand still on his. He then realized the name he had called her, “I apologize, I meant-”
“It’s alright, pretty bird.”
Diaval’s heart warmed upon hearing the nickname Maleficent usually called him. Aurora would always call him that, and once Maleficent learned about it, she used it as well. As they both smiled at each other, Maleficent placed her hand on his arm and squeezed it.
“Let’s walk back slowly,” She whispered. Diaval then offered his arm to her. Maleficent stared for a second at his kind gesture. She gave him a small smile, resting her hand on his arm.
They both walked with peace back to Maleficent’s nest. Both of their hearts beat fast, not having a singular idea about their feelings for each other. Diaval knew his love for her, but the fey was in denial.
Maleficent knew Diaval would never hurt her. Yet that thought still lingered in her head after being betrayed once. She knew her heart started to grow for him. It was then that it dawned on her about her feelings. She squeezed his arm, not wanting him to let go. She did not want to lose him.
Both the fey and the raven man walked together through the silent Moors, linked together. None were aware of each other's feelings. But they knew one thing - they would never leave one another's side.
They were tied by fate.