Four Hundred Years Ago
Caedmon,
The mages have taught us many enchantments and I have full access to all libraries in the realm. I’ve learned much, but I miss my life in the outer rim. Everyone here is constantly scrutinizing my every move, which has proven difficult for me. I miss you.
Arlo
Arlo,
I’m glad to hear your trainings from the mages has been productive, and with your unlimited access to all of that ancient knowledge you really will be the most obnoxious faery in all the realm. Life on the outer rim has been grim without you here with me. I’ve been trying to gain knowledge myself in hopes I can receive a mage commendation as well, but learning does not come easy for me. I miss you.
Caedmon
Caed waited impatiently in his hut for the soft knock. Finally he heard the knock and raced to the door pulling Arlo inside quickly before shutting the door. Caed pressed his lips to Arlo’s who wrapped his arms around Caed.
“I don’t have much time.” Arlo whispered, finally taking a breath. “I’m expected back soon.”
Caed sighed and leaned his head against Arlo’s chest, inhaling the scent of old books and fresh robes. “I haven’t seen you in a year. I wish we had more time together.”
“I know, I’m sorry. It’s hard to get away.” Arlo grabbed Caed’s face and pressed their lips together again. “Can we make the most of the time we have together?”
Caed forced a smile to his lips giving a slow nod. He laced Arlo’s long fingers in his and pulled Arlo towards his small bedroom.
Caedmon,
I’ve learned so much recently, I think my mages are very impressed with my thirst for knowledge. I spend all of my study time pouring over old tomes in the inner rim’s library. I wish you could see how incredible they are. I’ve learned the protective barrier enchantments that the mages put around the realm, although I am not yet skilled enough to use them myself. All of the other mages are very dull, nothing like you. I miss you.
Arlo
Arlo,
I am anxious to learn more, but I am starting to doubt I have the aptitude for much beyond living the life of a common faery. Perhaps I could receive a commendation to be sentry, then at least I could roam more freely the inner rim to see you. I miss you. Please don’t forget me.
Caedmon
Caedmon,
You shouldn’t expect more from yourself than you are capable of. Know that my affection for you does not lie with you becoming a mage as well. If the mage commendation is not what you’re meant for you should not try to force it.
Arlo
Caed felt the lingering of water on his cheek as it hit the parchment in his hands. He reached for a fresh sheet and his owl quill. He dipped it in the deep purple liquid and brought it to his page.
Arlo,
I’m sure you know at this point that I have fallen deeply in love with you. My desire to be near you has only grown more in your absence.
Caedmon
Caed folded the message up and scrawled Arlo’s name on the front then brought it to his hearth. He held it in the flames and watched it disintegrate wondering when it would appear in Arlo’s hearth.
He waited for a few more hours before finally deciding to sleep, only to be awoken moments after his eyes shut. He threw a robe over his torso and walked to the door. Before he fully opened it Arlo burst into the room, shutting the door behind him and reaching immediately for Caed.
“Arlo, what are you...” Arlo held Caed’s face in his hand and pressed their lips together.
“I’ve fallen in love with you too.” Arlo whispered.
Caed pulled Arlo closer towards him.
“Stay,” Caed whispered lacing his fingers with Arlo’s and pulling him into his bedroom.
They both knew that Arlo couldn’t stay, but they would both pretend in those moments that he could.
Arlo was stopped as he left the inner rim library by the high mages.
“Mage, come we wish to speak with you.”
“Yes of course.” Arlo responded giving a small bow.
He followed the high mages to their study and stood at the door. “Arlo, we believe you are ready to be a mage’s assistant.”
“I am?” Arlo asked. “I feel as though I’ve learned much in the century I’ve been here at the monastery.”
“Yes, you have excelled quickly and in one hundred years have surpassed what is expected of you.”
“I would be honored to begin my assistance to the high mages.” Arlo said giving a low bow.
“You will begin tomorrow and be moved to the assistant’s quarters at morning’s light. You must take your vow of silence and swear your life to the mage guild.”
“My vow of silence?” Arlo asked.
“Yes, the mage assistants are required to a century of silence. Their life is to serve, they are not to leave the inner rim, they are not to speak, they are not to take drink or herb.”
“Am I permitted writing?” Arlo asked.
The high mage looked at him. “You are only permitted writing what your high mage requests of you, nothing more.”
Arlo looked down at his hands.
“You are ready to take your vows, mage?”
“Yes of course I am. I was not aware of the vows, but I am prepared to take them.” Arlo said bowing low before exiting. He made to walk towards his quarters, but found his wings take off to the outer rim.
Caed answered the door with his usual smile pulling Arlo inside.
“I don’t have much time, Caed. I have to tell you something.”
“Arlo, please.” Caed whispered pulling him closer. “It has been years since I’ve seen you.” He pressed kisses into Arlo’s neck.
Arlo felt his eyes flutter shut. “No Caed. Please listen.” Arlo pulled himself away from Caed.
“I begin as a mage assistant tomorrow.” Arlo started.
“That’s great, Arlo.” Caed said through kisses.
“No Caed... I can’t leave the inner rim after tonight.” Arlo shuddered out.
“Arlo,” Caed whispered pulling him closer to him.
“Are you even listening?” Arlo said. “Caed, after tomorrow I won’t be able to see you for a century.”
Caed stopped and stared at him for a moment.
“There’s...” he hesitated. How could he tell Caed that he couldn’t write him either. That he could no longer speak to a living soul. That he was not permitted relations of any kind.
“If this is our last night together, please. Be with me.” Caed whispered tugging at the bottom of Arlo’s tunic.
Arlo wished he could be stronger and tell Caedmon everything they were about to lose. Be he was selfish, he was desperate to be with Caed one more time before his vows. So he said nothing and allowed himself to be led towards Caed’s small bedroom for the last time.
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