Work Text:
Qifrey glared at the crowd of girls surrounding Olruggio. All of them simpering and flirting with him. They didn’t deserve him. Qifrey shook his head, what was he doing? Why did he care who flirted with Olly?
Olruggio glanced up and beamed at Qifrey, waving to him. Qifrey felt his heart beat rapidly in his chest as he sent back a small smile. Olruggio excused himself from the group surrounding him and ran up to Qifrey’s side, “Hey Qi! Let’s get going.”
Olruggio began to drag Qifrey out of the hall by his hand. Qifrey stared at their joined hands in shock, as he stumbled after his friend. Olruggio dragged them into a side hall before collapsing against the wall, still holding Qifrey’s hand, “Sorry bout that Qifrey. Those girls wouldn’t leave me alone no matter what.”
Qifrey swallowed hard, the familiar feeling of creeping vines behind his eyelid. He thought of Olruggio’s resigned, tearful eyes from the last time he wiped his memory. The vines withered and retreated. Qifrey pulled a shaky smile to his face, “Poor Olly, surrounded by girls flirting with him.”
Olruggio scowled and stuck his tongue out, “You try it some time! They just want me for my popularity and skill. Treat me like a prize to be won. I hate it.”
Qifrey squeezed his hand before letting go, “I’m sorry Olly. You do not deserve to be treated like that.”
Olruggio huffed and wrapped his arms around his legs, “Thanks Qi. At least I have you.”
Qifrey glanced away as his smile fell, “You’ll always have me Olly. Just like we promised.”
Qifrey spent the next few weeks deciphering the feelings he experienced when Olruggio held his hand. He realized he experienced the same feelings during any interaction with Olruggio.
After overhearing a number of girls gossiping in the library, Qifrey began to suspect the cause of his feelings. Was this what love felt like? Romantic love. Did he love Olruggio as more than a friend? He must. It was the only explanation.
How selfish he was. Olruggio, the sky’s kindest, most radiant star. He could never be with a silverwood cursed boy. No matter what the myths said. Olruggio deserved better than him, he deserved the very best.
Olruggio could never love him back. He would never tell him.
Qifrey took a deep breath and willed his hands to stop shaking. He couldn’t show that anything was off. But he had to see him one last time. Before he embarked on his solo journey he would spend one more evening with Olruggio. And Olruggio would be none the wiser that come sunrise Qifrey would be gone. Perhaps for good.
One normal night.
Qifrey knocked on the door of Olruggio’s quarters. The door quickly opened, revealing Olruggio’s beaming face, “Qifrey! I passed! Did you pass?”
Qifrey dug his nails into his palms and plastered on a smile, “Yes, we are full witches now! I was wondering if you wanted to celebrate? Just us two”
Olruggio threw his arms around Qifrey laughing, “I knew you’d do it! Yes, let's celebrate! What did you have in mind?”
Qifrey showed Olruggio the bag he was carrying. Inside were all of their favorite snacks and a couple bottles of wine. Qifrey shrugged, “I thought we could go to Naakiwan Downs and just relax now that all the tests are done.”
Olruggio grinned, “Lemme grab my cloak.”
The pair swiftly left the Great Hall and traveled to the old shepard’s hut in Naakiwan Downs. Olruggio lay a blanket across the grass before the pair laid down staring up at the stars.
Qifrey sighed, “It’s so peaceful here.”
Olruggio glanced up from the bottle of wine he was opening, “It is. So is this still the plan? Move out here now that we passed the fourth test?”
Qifrey closed his eyes, “I don’t know.”
Olruggio took a swig of wine and handed the bottle to Qifrey, “Well, not like we have to decide right this second. Always an option, if you want it to be.”
Qifrey took a small sip of wine, “You would still follow me out here to the middle of nowhere?”
Olruggio stared at Qifrey with wide eyes, “I’d follow you anywhere, Qi.”
Qifrey bit down harshly on the inside of his cheek and turned his gaze back to the stars, “I don’t understand why. People adore you and your contraptions. You could go anywhere.”
Olruggio sighed, “I can make and sell my contraptions from anywhere. I can travel for commissions. But I want to be with you, Qifrey.”
Qifrey placed the wine bottle back in Olruggio’s hands, “Like you said, we don’t have to rush into any decisions right now.”
Under the light of the stars, two young men dreamed of the future.
The white haired young man internally lamented the unfairness of his curse. That he did not have the option to plan for the future he yearned for. A small atelier under these stars, passing on his knowledge and love of magic to apprentices, the man he loved wrapping him in his arms as they led a life full of joy.
Little did he know, the dark haired man beside him yearned for similar. He wanted nothing more than to follow where his love led, arm in arm. Be that a small atelier under these stars, or adventuring across the peninsula. As long as they were together, everything would be perfect.
Hours later, the pair would stumble back to the Great Hall. Qifrey walked Olruggio back to his quarters, giggling at his friend’s intoxicated state.
At the door Qifrey dared to press himself into Olruggio’s arms. He nearly sobbed as Olruggio held him tightly. He let himself fill with anxiety at the thought of Olruggio’s reaction to his disappearance. The worry, fear, and guilt his friend would feel when he disappeared without a word. Without a single object usable to track him down. The silverwood retreated.
Qifrey gave Olruggio one final squeeze before pulling back, “Goodbye Olly.”
Olruggio smiled dopily, “Goodnight Qi!”
Qifrey kept his steps measured until he was out of hearing range before sprinting back to his quarters. Qifrey threw himself onto the bed sobbing. Once he ran out of tears, he set an alarm for dawn and fell asleep.
When he awoke, he packed his last few possessions, donned his new witch uniform, and disappeared from the Great Hall. Not to be seen again for a year and a half.
Olruggio ignored the knocking on his door, the only person he wanted to see had disappeared a year and a half prior. Anyone else could wait until he felt like speaking to them. Without Qifrey, his contraptions and the good they could do were all that mattered.
He was shocked when a short while later the door opened. He had locked it. He knew he had. Olruggio turned towards the door, glaring and ready to rip into whoever disturbed him.
Standing in the doorway, shoulders hunched, head bowed, clutching the edges of his cloak like a lifeline was Qifrey. Olruggio froze, then rushed to the door pulling the other man inside and slamming it shut. He ran his hands over the other man’s shoulders, “Qifrey, Qifrey, Qifrey… Is it you? You came back?”
Qifrey glanced up at him, his eye glassy with tears, “It’s me Olly.“
Olruggio crushed him into his chest, “Never do that to me again Qi. I couldn’t find you. I thought you were dead.”
Qifrey trembled in his arms, “I’m sorry Olly. I couldn’t stand being under the ocean a moment longer.”
Olruggio buried his hands in Qifrey’s cloak, “You should have taken me with you. I told you that night I would follow you anywhere. A single word and I would have followed.”
Qifrey placed his hands on Olruggio’s chest, trying to create space between them, “I needed to be by myself. To prove that I am capable.”
Olruggio rested his forehead on Qifrey’s cheek, “You’ve always been capable. But you don’t have to be alone.”
Qifrey stared at the floor as he felt silverwood tendrils begin to creep out of his eye, “I wanted to experience things by myself. To prove my capabilities to myself.”
Olruggio tilted Qifrey’s chin up, “And now you have returned. Tell me you plan to stay.”
Qifrey dug his nails into his palms trying to calm the silverwood, “I plan to study for the fifth test. But I will not stay in the Great Hall. I bought the ruins of the shepard’s hut in Naakiwan Downs. I will build my atelier there.”
Olruggio stepped back, “I’ll come with you. I can study to be your Watchful Eye. Do not leave me again.”
Qifrey wrapped his arms around himself, “People won’t like it. You might not be approved. We are too close.”
Olruggio crossed his arms, “I already spoke to Beldaruit after you left. He will ensure I am approved for your atelier if this is the path you choose.”
Qifrey stared at Olruggio, “Why? There is so much more for you than being in the middle of nowhere with me.”
Olruggio crossed to Qifrey, cupping his cheek, “There is no joy for me anywhere but by your side. I love you Qifrey.”
Qifrey sobbed as silverwood sprouts surged from his eye, “Olly no! No no no.”
Olruggio brought a hand up to the sprouts, “Qifrey what is happening? How do I help?”
Qifrey turned from his touch, “Bring me my hat.”
Olruggio stepped back, dazed and located the hat where it had rolled under his desk after falling, “What? I don’t understand Qifrey?”
Qifrey looked to Olruggio, tears streaming down his cheek, “Olruggio. It has been nearly a decade since we discovered this problem. This was what the brimcaps did to me as a child. I cannot know comfort or it grows. And if it grows I die. You made me swear not to die.”
Olruggio felt a sob catch in his throat, clutching Qifrey’s hat, “There has to be a way to fix this. To save you. Qifrey I can’t lose you!”
Qifrey shushed him, “Of course there’s a way Olruggio. You were the one that found it. Guilt and anxiety keep it at bay. You offered yourself.”
Qifrey tugged his cap from Olruggio’s arms. He swiftly opened the flap on the front, exposing the seal, “I cannot stand hurting you like this. Taking these moments from you. It is why I left.”
Understanding dawned in Olruggio’s eyes as he took in the seal, “You erase my memory and the guilt keeps the tree from growing. Do it. I understand.” Olruggio stared at Qifrey sadly, “Do what you must, Qi.”
Qifrey sobbed, “Why did you have to love me back? I’m so sorry Olly. I’m so sorry. You won’t remember this when you wake up. But, I won’t leave you again. I promise.”
Olruggio smiled softly, “Thank you love.”
Qifrey placed the cap over his head and activated the seal. He sank to the floor, clutching Olruggio as he sobbed, “I’m sorry Olly. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I don’t deserve you.”
The silverwood retreated fully and Qifrey spent ten minutes reclaiming his composure. He then proceeded to place Olruggio at his work bench. Creating the falsehood that he passed out from overworking himself. He squeezed Olruggio’s hand, “I’ll come back later Olly. Hopefully we can talk then.”
Qifrey stumbled into the atelier near dawn, exhaustion weighing down his limbs. He closed the door behind and hung up his cloak and cap. As he turned the corner into the living room he walked into something.
Olruggio’s hands grasped his shoulders to steady him, “Easy there Qi. You alright?”
Qifrey blinked at him wearily, “Sorry Olly. Tired.”
Olruggio snorted, “I can see that. You’ve been gone a whole day. How did it go?”
Qifrey smiled softly, “I passed. I can take on apprentices now.”
Olruggio pulled Qifrey into a hug, “Incredible! Congratulations Qifrey! I know how hard ya worked for this.”
Qifrey pulled himself out of Olruggio’s arms with a strained smile, “Thank you, old friend. I should rest. I am exhausted.”
Olruggio squinted at Qifrey, “When’s the last time you ate?”
Qifrey froze, “I’ll be fine Olly. I need rest.”
Olruggio sighed, “You need to take care of yourself. Come on, just a quick meal before bed. I made that stew you like last night. There’s plenty left.”
Qifrey bit his lip before nodding slowly, “That would be fine. Thank you Olly.”
Olruggio placed a hand at the small of his back and led him to the kitchen, “Sit down. I’ll fix us up some bowls.”
Qifrey sat down heavily. He felt the silverwood twitching behind his eye. He wanted to cry, he was so tired. Qifrey tried to pull up a memory to feed his guilt and quell the silverwood but he was too exhausted. He felt a deep resignation take hold in his chest. He may have to wipe Olruggio’s memory once again this morning.
A bowl of soup appeared in front of him on the table. Olruggio’s hand gently patted his shoulder, “Eat up, then you can get some rest.”
Qifrey swallowed hard as the deep care in his friend's voice caused the silverwood to grow. He quickly began to eat, hoping he could escape back to his room before the silverwood became obvious. But it was not meant to be.
How could such a soft, tranquil moment with the man he loved not bring him comfort? The silverwood grew. Qifrey heard a spoon clatter to the table and felt Olruggio approach him. He felt the tears run down his face as Olruggio cradled his face and his terrified eyes locked onto the sprouts.
Olruggio gasped, “Qifrey? Did something happen during the test? Ya need the Healing Spire. Come, we have to go now.”
Qifrey wrapped his hands around Olruggio’s wrists, “Olly, stop. This is not new. The healers cannot do anything for me.”
Olruggio stared in shock, “What are you on about? Qifrey this isn’t funny. Ya need help.”
Qifrey pulled Olruggio’s hands away from his face and stood shakily, “I’m sorry Olly.”
Qifrey stumbled towards the entry way, Olruggio dogging his steps. Olruggio pleaded, “Qi? What’s happening? Speak to me! Please! Don’t run! Talk to me!”
Qifrey remained silent until he fumblingly grasped his cap in his hands. Clutching his cap to his chest he pulled the pin on the flap with shaking hands, “Olly, do you trust me?”
Olruggio stared, tears sliding down his face, “Normally? With my life. Right now, you’re scaring me. Qi, talk to me. Whatever’s happening, we can fix it.”
Qifrey choked off a sob, “I’m sorry Olly. I promised. I was being so careful. But you are just too kind to me. Can you trust me?”
Olruggio’s eyes darted from Qifrey’s face to the partially revealed seal on his cap, “This isn’t new. That’s what you said. This isn’t the first time this has happened or the first time I found out. Qifrey, what is this?”
Qifrey’s hands trembled as he traced the edge of the seal, “The terrible result of what was done to me as a child. Forbidden magic I was the victim of.”
Olruggio glanced at the seal, “And it can’t be fixed?”
Qifrey shook his head, “I’ve not found a way. But the effects can be suppressed. Guilt and anxiety are the medicine. Comfort is the poison.”
Olruggio wiped harshly at his face, “And how do I factor into this?”
Qifrey shook with suppressed sobs, “You found this solution Olly. A decade ago.”
Olruggio stepped closer, getting a look at the full seal, “Memory modification. Mine I assume?”
Qifrey nodded minutely, “Targeted. You’ll forget everything about the silverwood. You’ll wake up later with a headache but remember me arriving home and dinner. Perhaps a bit fuzzily.”
Olruggio tugged on his hair, “Right. Ok. This is how this will go. We will go clean up dinner. Grab a wine bottle and glasses. I’ll sit on the couch and you can wipe my memory. When I wake up I’ll think we had a glass of wine to toast your success and I passed out after. ‘M tired enough for it to make sense.”
Qifrey sobbed, “How can you accept this every time? Helping me? Sacrificing yourself? I don’t understand.”
Olruggio smiled sadly, “Because I love you and I want you to live. An I know that someday this cycle will end. It will end an I can love ya the way ya deserve.”
Qifrey sobbed, the silverwood inching towards the floor to root, “Hurry.” Qifrey stumbled to the kitchen and poured water from the vapor bubble over his head. He gasped and trembled, the silverwood retreated slightly.
Olruggio let out a shaky breath and quickly cleaned the bowls and spoons they had used. He grabbed two glasses and a partial bottle of wine. They walked to the living room.
Olruggio sat on the couch and slowly poured a bit of wine into both glasses before chugging one. “Do it.”
Qifrey approached, tears streaming down his face, “I’m sorry.”
Olruggio glanced at him, deep melancholy on his face, “Just live. Qi. Stay alive love. For me.”
Qifrey tugged the cap over Olruggio’s head and activated the seal. Olruggio slumped across the couch, asleep. Qifrey scrubbed the tears from his cheek as he returned his cap to the entry way. He gently pulled a blanket over Olruggio before chugging his own glass of wine. He curled up on the rug in front of the hearth and cried until he passed out.
It was too late. Qifrey felt the silverwood branches begin to surround him, he sagged into their embrace. Tears rolled down his face, “I’m so sorry. I wasn’t strong enough. I’m sorry Olly, I broke my promise.”
Hands cupped his face, “None of that Qi.”
Olruggio swept his gaze across the silverwood beginning to encase his friend, “We’ll get you out of this.”
Qifrey stared in horror, “Olly this is me. It’s too late.”
Olruggio pulled out a small notebook and his palm quire, “Ya aren’t the only clever one here, Qifrey. And suddenly the notes I’ve been finding in my palm quire for years make a whole lotta sense. It’s a tree. A parasitic tree, but a tree nonetheless. It’s wood an wood can burn.”
Confusion etched itself across Qifrey’s face, “How? Even if it burns it’s in me. It would kill me.”
Olruggio gave Qifrey a shaky grin, “I’d been wondering why I seemed so keen to research silverwood and targeting spells to silverwood when I was drunk. But I did figure it out. This will hurt. But it will save you. Brace yourself love.”
Qifrey felt his lip tremble, “Olly, wait. Before you try this I need to tell you something.”
Olruggio paused, staring into Qifrey’s eye, “Be brief Qi. We can talk after.”
Qifrey reached out a hand, small silverwood branches wrapping it like a gilded cage. He brushed shaking fingers against Olruggio’s cheek, “I love you Olly. My kindest star. I have stolen your memories of your confessions and mine as well, for so many years. And I’m so sorry. I was trying to keep my promise to you. Just know, I love you more than all the stars in the sky.”
Olruggio felt tears slide down his cheek, “I love you too. We’ll talk about it later, ey? Be strong for me, my love.”
Qifrey drew his hand back and nodded at Olruggio.
Olruggio closed the circle on his seal and held it up to Qifrey’s eye socket where the silverwood bloomed. A swirl of smoldering embers appeared. As the embers touched the silverwood the spots instantly turned to ash. The ash curling in on itself and disappearing before it could fall. The effect spread across the limbs, the tree began to crumble and dissipate.
Olruggio stepped forward and lowered Qifrey to the ground as the branches encasing him disappeared.
Qifrey began to whimper as the embers effect entered his eye socket. Glowing trails, resembling roots, appeared beneath Qifrey’s skin as the man began to toss in Olruggio’s arms. Olruggio held him carefully and kept a close eye on the spell's progress.
After a long minute the glow dissipated. Faint burns like branching roots traced down the right side of Qifrey’s face and neck, disappearing under his collar. Qifrey blinked open his left eye and gasped, “Is it done? Olly is it gone? Gone for good?”
Olruggio quickly drew another seal, “It appears to be gone, Qi. My spell doesn’t detect any silverwood. We need to get you to the Healing Spire.”
Qifrey smiled, dropping his head onto Olruggio’s chest, “Thank you my love.”
Qifrey’s eye fluttered closed and he went limp in Olruggio’s arms. His breathing remained even and calm. Unconscious and harmed, but alive and freed of the silverwood.
Under the light of the stars, a brighter future began for this star and his newly freed silverwood love.