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All the Dark Fey were reunited at the top of one of the tallest cliffs of the Moors. They were about to embark on a month-long journey, where the fey were finally able to fly freely around the land around them. Both the fey and Maleficent had not gone farther than the walls that were bestowed upon them, so it was a wise choice to take a free stance. At least, that’s what Aurora thought. After having a conversation with Maleficent, Aurora had suggested that she should take time to reunite with her people.
Everyone was huddled at the cliff area, saying their goodbyes to others who had decided to stay behind in the Moors. Some older children, who were chosen to accompany to fly as well, were bidding their goodbyes to the younger fey. As everyone was preparing, doing final reviews of their destinations, Maleficent wandered off, wanting to have a few minutes with herself.
As she walked through, she quickly spun around when she felt something approaching her. Her eyes softened as she realized that it was Diaval flying to her. She let out a small, breezy laugh, and transformed him before he hit the ground. He stumbled upon his landing but lifted himself up before hitting the floor.
“I’ve been waiting for you,” Maleficent said, smiling. “I was starting to think you weren’t going to say goodbye to me.”
Diaval chuckled, “Never, Mistress. Especially when we are about to part for a long period of time.”
“It’s just a month, not a year.”
“A month where I won’t have your company.” Diaval furrowed his eyebrows and lowered his tone. “I’ve never been apart from you for that long.”
Maleficent matched his tone and stopped his hand from fiddling with his ring, “You had a life before me, Diaval. You will be alright.”
Diaval’s breathing hitched as soon as he felt her touch. “But I do not remember it. The life that I had before you is gone. I’ve been by your side for all these years, and that's what I only remember. And quite frankly, I'm not upset about that.”
A small smile grew on the fae’s lips. What the man in front of her was saying was the truth for her as well. She had grown accustomed to his presence and was not upset about it either. His loyalty to her was something that she would never find in anyone else. Because he was his own unique person. He carried something inhuman in his heart.
“I suppose you're right.”
Diaval’s expression grew sad. He squeezed her hand and whispered, “I’ll miss you. Not a day will I pass without thinking about your well-being.”
Maleficent tilted her head, “You’re a kind-hearted soul Diaval, but please, don’t stress yourself so much about me.”
“You can wish to say that but I won’t allow myself not to.” He left her gaze and looked down at their connected hands. He gently rubbed her fingers. “I care a lot for you, Mistress. You are all I have in my world. What will I do with myself without you?"
“You forget you have Aurora, my bird.”
Diaval immediately lifted his head to look at her. His eyes darted from her left eye to her right. “That’s different. I care for Aurora, yes. Like my own child. There is nothing that will say that I do not love her. But you, Mistress, you’re the only one that understands me. It’s different. You do not judge me for being born with feathers.”
It was Maleficent’s turn to look down at their hands. She inhaled deeply and exhaled softly. Diaval’s words had hit her heart. It had truly dawned on her how much she would miss his presence. He had been there with her ever since her wings were stolen from her. Every day. Not a day went by without him being so caring. His kindness was so great that she believed she did not deserve it.
Maleficent left his grip and opened his hand. His hand was soft, carrying small scars on his fingers. She gently rubbed it, tracing each scar with her nails. She looked up at him, blinking away her threatening tears. Some might think they were exaggerating, as it only was one month of departure. But for them, it felt like an eternity. Maleficent suddenly did not want to leave, but she did not say her wish to him. Her heart beat strongly, but she ignored it.
She licked her lips, and inhaled, “It will be very hard not to have you around. I will be lost.”
Diaval warmly smiled at her, “You will have others to guide you.”
“But it won’t be you.”
His smile did not last, as they both stood there in silence. “Mistress.”
The fae looked up, “Yes?”
“As much as I will miss you, please enjoy your time, alright?” Maleficent parted her lips, wanting to speak, but Diaval spoke before her. “This is your opportunity to reconnect with your people.” Maleficent furrowed her brows, displeased. He was right, but at the moment, all she wanted was to stay. But at the same time, she knew another side of her wanted to go. Diaval noticed her upset expression and smiled once again. “I will count every moment until you're back.”
Her expression lightened and let out a huff of amusement. She then looked down at his hand, raised it, and spread her own pale hand on it. Maleficent looked into his eyes. “You are my equal Diaval.” He nodded slightly. “And I want you to know how much I trust you.”
“Mistress?”
Maleficent spoke softly, “Someone will need to look after the Moors while I’m gone.” She looked down at their hands and then back at him. A confused look grew on his face. “I trust you enough to leave that position to you.”
Diaval shook his head, “I can’t possibly.”
“Yes, Diaval. I’m not asking. I need you too. Aurora has two lands to balance, and I have been placed as guardian. With my absence, you will take on that role too.”
Uncertainty filled his voice. “What if I fail?”
“You have never failed me. I trust you.” Diaval smiled. He then interlinked their fingers, squeezing her hand gently. The fae then parted her lips. “I have a gift for you.”
“A gift? No, Mistress. that is too much to receive.”
“Well, you still must receive it.”
Diaval looked at her confused. She then placed both of her hands on his cheeks, aware of his nervousness. He looked into her eyes until he felt her forehead pressed against his. Her eyes were closed, as she mumbled a few words. Diaval melted against her touch, knowing that she had never stood this close to him. As his eyes were closed, he heard what the gift was.
To transform on his own will.
He wanted to speak, but Maleficent placed a long, slender finger on his lips. Her eyes were still closed and her forehead was still on his. Suddenly, Diaval felt a rush of pleasure course through him, as the fae finished with her blessing. He inhaled, afraid to move.
“Diaval-”
“Why?”
“Diaval, you do realize how often you’ve complained about not having control over your own form?” Maleficent raised a brow, her tone sharp but not unkind.
He blinked at her, momentarily speechless. “Well, yes, but… you’ve always been the one to change me. I didn’t think—”
“Just accept it. Besides, it will come in great help while you guard the Moors.”
He nodded, and smiled, “Well, in that case, you are right.” She chuckled. “Thank you very much, Mistress. It truly does mean a lot to me.” Diaval grabbed her hand with both of his and placed a small kiss on top. He did not think twice about his action, and before he knew it, it was already done.
Maleficent tensed, and just as she was about to speak, she quickly turned her head around as she heard people call for her.
“Where is the Dark Phoenix?”
“We can not leave without her!”
“Dark Phoenix!”
Diaval slowly grabbed her forearm, “Mistress, you must leave. They are waiting for you.”
“I know…”
“Mistress..?”
Maleficent looked up at him. He did not let her go. “Promise me you will stay alright?”
A curl formed on his lips, “I promise.”
She sighed. Before she left, her eyes widened as Diaval kneeled before her. She tilted her head, confused.
“What are you doing?”
“Since you have so graciously bestowed a gift upon me, I also have a gift that I want you to take with you.”
Diaval dug his hand in his pocket and took out a shiny green beaded bracelet. Unlike many other bracelets, this one was made out of leather, with each bead being of a different size. He was aware of her curse with iron and covered any piece of wire with the leather. Maleficent stared down, speechless.
“I hope you like it. It's shiny.”
Diaval grabbed her wrist and slipped it on. What caught the fae’s eye was the dangling small feather that was attached to the jewelry. She immediately knew it was his and not some random creature’s feather on her wrist.
With no response, Diaval worried, “Mistress? Do you like it?”
Maleficent blinked and looked at him, “It’s beautiful. But may I ask, is this your own feather?”
He chuckled, “Who else would it be?” He looked up at her, as she continued to pass her fingers on the beads with her free hand. He spoke lower. “You’ll be gone for some time, and I just… wanted you to have something to remind you of the Moors. Of… me. It’s a part of me.”
Maleficent allowed a faint smile to tug at her lips as she reached out, resting her free hand on his feathered hair. “It’s beautiful, Diaval. Thank you, truly.” Warmth grew over his heart. It fluttered even more when Maleficent adjusted pieces of his dark hair away from his face, tucking it gently to the side. He impulsively placed another kiss on his hand, this time lasting a few seconds more. His emotions betrayed him, and when he finally pulled away, she noticed the faint redness in his eyes.
“Diaval,” she said gently, her voice breaking the silence. He did not look at her. When the fae titled his chin up to meet her gaze, she was greeted with an expression full of anguish. Saying no more, she grabbed his head and pressed it against her.
Diaval stiffened at such closeness. Just when she started caressing his hair, he gave in and knelt before her with two knees. Slowly, he snaked both of his arms around her body, holding her tightly like an anchor.
Maleficent let out a quiet sigh, her fingers brushing against his hair as though soothing a restless child. “I will return,” she said firmly, her tone leaving no room for doubt.
“I know,” he replied, though his grip didn’t loosen. “It will be too quiet without you though. Who will I bicker with after a long day?” He looked up at her, and let out a small laugh.
Before she could answer, she heard another call. This time it sounded as if it was approach. Diaval let go of her and landed his hands on her forearms, gripping them. He leaned on her arms as he brought himself up. “They are coming. You must go.”
Dark Phoenix!
“Diaval…” she murmured, her voice breaking slightly as she searched his eyes. He turned his head toward the approaching voices, his expression strained.
“You need to leave. They’ve waited long enough,” he said, his voice hoarse.
She started to step back. “When I return, you must wait for me at this spot alright?”
He bowed his head. “I promise.”
With that, Maleficent paced away quickly, leaving him behind. She approached the fae, who had been waiting for her, their expectant faces softened by the urgency in her movements.
“Forgive me,” she murmured to them, her voice barely more than a breath. “I did not mean to keep you waiting. We must go now.” Her words were an apology, but also a quiet reassurance that she was ready. The fae nodded, understanding in their eyes, and without another word, a fae had started to indicate the departure of them all.
She'd be gone, sure, but not for long. Only those who feared her wished for her to leave. And those who loved her wished for her to stay. However, she was still blind enough to not be able to see the love through their eyes. Specifically, the dark pair of eyes that never failed her.