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It was a blue skied afternoon. Even the dead had gone out to bask in the sun. It was a perfectly boring day. So much so that the Fatui headquarters nearby halted their construction work.
There was nothing that could possibly make the day any better. Or so Flins thought.
A stray jackdaw came by to greet him. It looked fierce, and had a scar near its eye. He assumed it was another message sent from Piramida.
“Hello, good sir.” He joked, laying lawfully on the grass ground. Listening to the stories the nearby ghosts told with maximum melodrama.
The bird simply cawed. Lifting its foot to peer his attention towards the attached note.
Flins got up, and untied the parchment. His back cracking as he arose.
As he read through the note, he was pleasantly surprised to find it coming from Lauma.
It read as follows:
Greetings, Sir Flins! I hope you remember me. I was the stranger that never got to pay you back for your kindness…
Apologies. My duties as moonchanter and leader of my people rarely allow me to venture out towards personal matters. Truth is, I’ve been thinking about you. And I’ve been wanting to see you again!
For this, I invite you… well, it’s more of a request…
I’d like for you to visit me.
I know Hiisi island is far away… and you are most probably a very busy man. Nonetheless, I’ll extend this invitation. An invitation with no expiration date, and you may come at any time. We can talk more when you’re here.
Your dearest, Lauma.
He couldn't help but smile. Color crept onto his almost grayed skin. It warmed up the body of a man who’s supposed to be long dead.
“Now I know you’re not ignoring me on purpose…” He chuckled. The jackdaw looked at him funny. Eager to fly off and be left alone. Flins notices its judged stares and starts to wave it off. “I’ll go today.”
He packed a single bag, just enough for a day trip. Less he’d start to get invasive ideas that’ll lead him to spend an entire week there.
He charts a Fatui fleet. Well…he forced them to. They rode quickly, and ended up on nearby shores. Not too close, he made sure the captain understood that. Less they’d frighten Hiisi island’s residents.
The rest of the way, he went on foot. Trudging along the sinking sand beneath his feet.
By the entrance, the frostmoon scions acted hostile towards him. Assuming he was a Fatui Harbinger.
“Stay back! State your purpose!” The guard shivered.
“My fault.” Flins held out the letter given to him. “I was invited by Lauma.”
He was eager to step closer and find her himself. But he knew better than to give this gentleman a heart attack. He simply stood there, exchanging a few words to justify his presence. But even with that, the guard barely stood down.
Flins wasn’t willing to leave. Nor was he going to barge in like he owned the place. Instead, he simply stood there, a hand behind his back, and his posture perfect.
After some time, a crowd started to form. They all quietly gossiped about him. His odd appearance and darker aesthetic painted himself the devil amidst a sea of nomadic styles.
He was a Hades in the middle of Persephonetown.
As the people stared at him, he couldn't help but feel like he was back in his home town again. Always an exhibit for people to gawk at. Luckily, he was able to hear the soft bells, and see the large horns making their way closer and closer to him.
“Sir Flins!” Lauma was surprised, “I just sent the letter only an hour ago…!”
“I travel quickly.” He responded. Looking around the crowd, signalling that he was starting to get uncomfortable with all the stares.
Lauma quickly explained to them who he was, but it seemed that it only made interests grow larger.
“So he’s the peculiar man who helped you…”
“Why does he look so tired…”
“He’s so tall!”
The younger Scions oogled, not quite controlling their tongue.
“That is not how we treat important quests!” Lauma’s voice was soft, hushing them.
After a while, she pulls him to venture out into the deep forest. Where they shall have their privacy.
Whilst they inched closer into seclusion, the younger Scions meekly followed behind them. Couldn’t help but become curious as to what they could be talking about. Luckily, the elders of the clan scolded them. Urging them to go back to their respective responsibilities.
Meanwhile, Lauma’s hand remained on his arm. Shyly ushering him to follow the trail of shadowed sunset.
“I apologize for the commotion earlier…” Lauma whispered, her back turned on him. “We’ve started teaching stricter awareness programs among our youth.”
“I understand.” Flins’ voice was soft, almost buttery. “They made the right call.”
Lauma cleared her throat, slowing down her pace. “It also doesn't help that you look like a Fatui member…”
“Oh?” Flins chuckled. “Was that to insult my aesthetic, or my appearance?”
“Neither…It’s to insult the fact that you had enough gull to charter a Fatui ship to our island.” She finally turned around, unexpectedly meeting his ghoulish eyes. His frame shadowing the setting sun behind them.
“Ah, so you’ve caught me.” He didn't seem too serious. “I see that’s an issue for you. Very well, I’ll cut off all contact with Fatuus. Even miniscule ones.”
She shook her head in disbelief. “That’s not what I want you to do.”
“I thought you despise Fatuus?”
“I do.” She hesitated, before inevitably continuing. “But you have had strong bonds and personal connections to their leader…that is something I cannot ask you to cut off so willingly.”
Flins sighed. “I’ll do what I like. And what I want is to sever myself from the institution.”
Lauma stalled. Finally confirming that he was on her side. “All I ask is that it does not affect my people.”
“Yes, your wonderful people!” He hummed.
She turned her back once again, leading him through a maze of thickened roots, and crunchy fallen leaves. She noticed some creatures taking peeks at them. Curious as to what their dynamic is. But inevitably hurried hastily, fearing the man she guided.
“They don’t seem to like me…” Flins was humorous about the ordeal, at least, on the surface, he was.
“You are a stranger.” She laughed a small laugh. “By time, they’ll learn to trust you.”
His posture went back to that of a nobleman. A thought suddenly came into his mind. “Were you ever scared of me, Lauma?”
“No.”
Her answer prompted him to tilt his head to the left. “What? I know you’re brave, but wouldn't my appearance shake you, even a little bit?”
“I don’t know…you just appear sweet to me.” There her voice was. Sweet like a gentle lullaby. It reminded him of ten story books that told only adventure and heroism. The ten stories that make you smile yourself to sleep even after hearing it over and over again. The same ten stories that remain, ten. Simply because eleven was too much, and nine was too little.
“You are sweeter.” He smiled. An uncontrolled plush filled his cheeks.
“Oh, please…” Her hand slowly drifted down his arm. Till she cupped his gloved hand.
After some time, his senses noticed the lack of noise near them. Birds stayed quiet, and the heat from the sun started disappearing. As the world grew darker, it went colder. Only life and fire gave off heat during the night.
He noticed the squirrels in the trees that followed them lost their interest. Likewise, the bugs in the ground started coming up to the surface. The only heat he saw was from her. A neutral golden glow shone on her skin. The blue hues from him paled in comparison.
“We should be getting closer, Sir Flins.” She was starting to loosen her grip on his hand, guiding him slower and much more carefully.
And there they were. At the end of a willow tree was a blue lagoon. Its water reflected the essence of the stars. Drawing constellations as the water ripples.
“Where are we…?”
“This is where I go to get some quiet.” She answered, letting go of him completely to dip her toes in the water.
“It’s beautiful…” His eyes remained on her.
She sighed in relief, letting all her worries turn into fresh water. “I kindly asked the creatures nearby to guard this place. So that it remains my sanctuary.”
He looked up at the sky, freckled with the milky way. Yet, golden hues peeked out through the clouds that bouldered the skies.
“Won’t you join me, sir Flins?” Her feet swayed unworriedly. “You’re the only one I’ve ever invited here. It’d be a shame for you to not enjoy it.”
He smiled, remaining where he stood. “I’m afraid my attire isn’t suitable for swimming. My cloak is far too heavy. I’d sink!”
It suddenly dawned on her. Her eyes roaming around his thicker clothes. She sped to the nearby tent, rummaging around in pursuit of suitable garments.
He followed her, noticing the hurry in her movements. "Hey! Don't!" He softly held her wrist. "I was joking! I could always peel down a few layers!" His grin was cheeky.
"Well yes, but I thought you'd have expensive formal wear underneath..." She retracts her hand, resting it on her side. She started to wonder whether he could hear her pulse.
"I just have an inexpensive vest underneath.” He stopped. Only for a moment to look into her eyes. “I’ll take some items off.”
“Very well…” She stood still, locking her eyes on him. But a moment later, she recognized her indecency. Scurrying out for his privacy.
As she left, Flins thinned his eyes to observe her heat through the tapestry. Gradually, her face and chest started to go from yellow to a soft red. Her attempt to hide her gush was funny to him. Good thing he was careful with his laugh. Puffing up his cheeks to contain his chuckles.
He came out of the tent in an under vest. His shoes were tucked neatly to the side. With his dresspants remaining on his hips, except he was missing a belt.
“You look new…” The tips of her hand were resting on her lips.
“I know, it looks odd.” He sat by her. Not too close, not too far.
“That vest looks uncomfortable…” She subconsciously leaned towards him.
“It is a bit tight…”
“You may get comfortable, I don’t mind it!” She leaps into the water. It only reached up to her bust.
He shook his head, watching her splash around in the pool. “It’s still improper of me, as a man.”
She sank down, her antlers remained above water. She glided from all ends of the pool, ending up floating on her back.
“You’re a good swimmer!” He leaped down with her, remaining a respectable distance.
“Only when I’m reassured my feet can touch the floor.” She smiled, hearing his submerged steps.
“I’m not too good at swimming.” He then settled in, forcing himself to get comfortable on the mossy floor. “My family opposed thoughts of sea-faring.”
“Oh? Why?”
“We’re made out of blue flame. Flame that came out of the cryo sovereign’s will.” He sat on the dirt below him. “Of course, despite their thoughts, I pay no mind to what old coots have to say. I enjoy the ocean’s beauty. And often craved to be submerged in it.”
“Shouldn’t you fear it?” She propelled herself upright. “It’s dark in the oceans. Your light may never be able to guide you.”
“No, there will always be a lighthouse to guide me.” He remained seated, playing with the water around him.
She swam closer, only stopping right between his legs. “You’re an odd man, Flins. I wonder what else I can get to know about you.”
He smirks to hide his nervousness. Pressing on the land behind him eagerly. Unwilling to push her away. “You’re full of mysteries yourself. You haven’t exactly explained where those antlers came from. Or where you get the scars on your hands.”
Her ears twitched, finally retracting further away from him. “It’s not something to be concerned about! I’d argue you are more calloused than me!”
“Apologies. I am a nobleman. I mustn't intrude.” He pats the spot right beside him. “Perhaps we do need more time to get to know each other.”
“Yes…” She floated towards his side. Much closer than she intended. “Will you visit me again?”
“I will.” He holds out his pinky. “I promise.”
They sat together under the blanket of a starry night. Not too close, but not too far. Only inching closer and closer until one day, the heavenly bodies will collide.