Work Text:
Act One
Scene 1
Main living area, House of Wind. Early evening.
It’s quiet in the House of Wind. NESTA sits with her new book opened on page three, her free hand running through CASSIAN’s hair as he relaxes with his head on her lap. The only sound is that of AZRIEL’s whetstone against his blade as he polishes his trusty dagger on the other end of the sectional couch.
Enter GWYNETH BERDARA with a little black box in hand.
GWYNETH
Hello, people!
Everyone looks up and smile at her. But no one’s face is brighter than the Shadowsinger’s.
NESTA
turning a page of her book
How are you not tired?
CASSIAN
Leave it to Gwynnie to be so full of energy after such a long day.
GWYNETH continues walking.
GWYNETH
shrugging
You’re just jealous that you’re not as young and fit anymore.
She looks to her left.
GWYNETH
Az!
GWYNETH skips towards AZRIEL and plops down on the couch next to him; so close that their elbows brush. She places her hands on his forearm and leans closer. The little distance left between them is filled by a few swirling SHADOWS.
GWYNETH
excitedly
You won’t believe what I found.
AZRIEL
tilting his head to the side with a little smile
Do tell.
GWYN
Remember when I told you I was going to Velaris with Em and Nesta? Oh, we had a great time. We had lunch at Lin’s, on the balcony by the river. Ugh! The cake we had was to die for.
GWYNETH looks up as if the taste of the dessert still lingers on her tongue.
GWYNETH
Then we walked along the Sidra, and we visited a few shops too.
AZRIEL’s smile grows. His SHADOWS get more excited, with one of them twirling around a strand of GWYNETH’s hair.
AZRIEL
I’m glad you had a nice time.
GWYNETH looks down where she is gripping his arm and sighs. Her index begins mindlessly drawing shapeless patterns on his arm that mimics the moving SHADOWS.
GWYNETH
sighs
It was so nice.
Silence stretches in the room.
...
AZRIEL
Gwyn?
GWYNETH
looking up into AZRIEL’s eyes
What?
AZRIEL purses his lips, amusement shining in his eyes.
AZRIEL
What did you find?
GWYNETH
suddenly sitting straighter
Oh, right. So we went to the bookstore and I found the cutest thing ever.
Biting her lower lip, she takes the little box from her lap and hands it to AZRIEL. NESTA and CASSIAN’s eyes remain on the two as he slowly opens the box. The SHADOWS peer inside before swirling around the object AZRIEL takes out. It’s a metal bookmark with a tiny dagger dangling from its top.
GWYNETH
smiling widely
Isn’t this the most adorable dagger you’ve ever seen?
AZRIEL remains still for a second. Then, he laughs. His SHADOWS dance around them excitedly.
AZRIEL
If I ever encounter an enemy the size of my thumb, I know what I’ll defeat it with. Thank you!
GWYNETH
lifts her chin up with pride and joy
You’re welcome, Shadowsinger.
AZRIEL leans forward and kisses GWYNETH on the cheek. NESTA and CASSIAN’S eyes widen, the former’s mouth parting with shock before turning into a grin.
GWYNETH pulls away, blushing, and smiles shyly with a hand going to the cheek he just kissed. No one dares speak for a moment as AZRIEL and GWYNETH stare at each other.
CASSIAN clears his throat eventually, causing AZRIEL and GWYNETH to turn to them. She quickly stands up and flattens her hands on her fuzzy sweater.
GWYNETH
clears her throat
So, what’s for diner tonight?
Fade out.