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Chapter 21
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2022-07-04 20:04:39Related chapters
Beauty Behind The Shadow Chapter 22
The next morning... After breakfast, Kendrick and Twillow had left for the visit he had mentioned the night before. He hadn't told the fae where they were going or who they were going to see but he was bringing a basket filled with all kinds of produce. Flying just over Kendrick's head, Twillow followed him as he leisurely waded through the forest. After awhile though, Twillow began to slow from fatigue. It almost felt like the air was heavier here in the Lower Realm and she couldn't fly as long as she once could. Eventually Kendrick seemed to notice her falling behind and stopped. "Are you all right, Twillow?" "Just a bit tired. Can we rest?" she asked, wings seeming to stutter with fatigue. He thought a moment and contemplated something he'd never proposed to her. They'd lived together for almost three weeks and other than their first meetings he'd never touched her. But given that she'd made notable strides in trusting him he decided to offer.+ He gently patted his shoulder, "
Last Updated : 2022-07-06Beauty Behind The Shadow Chapter 23
"He saved me from some human poachers. Then, one night, he brought me in out of the rain because I couldn't fly with wet wings and was cold. He offered to let me stay with him and I accepted." Twillow explained. Alec smiled at her but then a frown crossed his mouth as he seemed to 'look' at his son, "You 'saved' her from human poachers, hmm? 'Dealt' with them did ya?" Kendrick's eyelids lowered, his voice flat, "Yes. What of it?" "You know how I feel about that, Son." Alec's tone was firm and reproaching.+ "I do. And I'd rather not discuss it again." Alec sighed, steadying his breath. It was as if an invisible storm was trying to brew between the two titans. Twillow felt herself shrink back a bit Finally, Alec spoke again, defusing the situation, "So what have you brought me today?" Kendrick handed him the basket and Alec began meticulously feeling and smelling the fruits and vegetables it contained. "Ooo. You brought me some of those strawberries. Those were so good last time.
Last Updated : 2022-07-06Beauty Behind The Shadow Chapter 24
A couple days later... Kendrick was taking an afternoon nap on his bed whilst Twillow sat on the edge of her hanging bed finishing a basket she'd been weaving. She held up the simple form to check it for weak points or gaps. She sighed with frustration, noting it wasn't really good. "This would be so much easier with magic." She mused. Though she could utilize her internal magic for little things like transferring flames or bringing small objects within her reach, she kept up her frugal conservancy. In the Parliel Realm her magic was strong and she could have it do multiple tasks at once with little strain. Magic was so easy to replenish there; almost like drinking water when one was thirsty. Here in the Lower Realm it was a desert for magic; she had to conserve what she had. But as she looked at her less-than-stellar basket, a thought occurred to her. Kendrick knew a human wizard who could utilize the magic of this realm...maybe he knew of some ways she was unfamiliar with to keep
Last Updated : 2022-07-06Beauty Behind The Shadow Chapter 25
Leida moved her head in a 'so-so' gesture, "It depends on what it is. If it's subtle enough, like a potion or herb, it can be seen as normal. But big spells like freezing water or creating fire, that would get him arrested...probably burned at the stake."The fae looked horrified, "That's awful!"Leida nodded, "It's the reason we moved into this forest since no one else lived here...except for Kendrick."+"But your husband only uses his magics to help others, yes?""Of course. Mostly medicines and remedies." Leida explained.The fae shook her head, "Why would they execute him for something that helps others?"Leida frowned, "Some believe all magic is tied to evil forces."Twillow was bewildered. She couldn't fathom why humans would condemn a wizard like Sig who wasn't using his magic for any nefarious purposes.Leida moved off toward her countertop where she had a big bowl of chopped apples and lots of spices ready."Well, Twillow. Let me show you a bit of my magic." She stated with f
Last Updated : 2022-07-06Beauty Behind The Shadow Chapter 26
Later near sundown..."Here, Twillow. I want you to have these." Sig stated, handing the fae a small cloth sack filled with crystals. "They probably aren't much, but if you arrange them in the same symbol on the bag they can keep themselves charged with magic. Perhaps it can help you absorb some more if you need it?"Twillow gratefully took the bag in her hands and the crystals grew brighter inside upon her touch, "Thank you so much, Sig. These are perfect."Though the crystals weren't very powerful by fae standards, Twillow knew they would help give her a bit of "magical nourishment". Granted, it wouldn't give her an instant refill of magic should she deplete her natural reserves, but it would sustain her after a while. Putting them around her bed as she slept would be a good use for them.She batted her wings and smiled at the wizard and his family, "Thank you so much for your kind hospitality. I'm very grateful.""You're very welcome, Twillow. Please come again." Leida reciprocated
Last Updated : 2022-07-09Beauty Behind The Shadow Chapter 27
They stared at the sky some more until Twillow started humming a tune she remembered about stars and gradually it built into quiet singing. As she sang she noticed Kendrick's breathing slowed beneath her. She held a note in the song and suddenly his chest seemed to shudder beneath her.She stopped singing and glanced at the huge arms draped across his stomach. The distinct raised texture of goose flesh covered them. She'd given him chills with her singing. He'd said her singing was beautiful before, but seeing the physical effect it had on him was the greatest compliment she'd ever received about her singing."Please, don't stop yet." He requested in almost a whisper.Twillow smiled and continued her song, even delving into a second one just for him. When she stopped he gave a contented sigh. The deep motion of his exhale made Twillow slide down off of his chest and into the space between his stomach and ribs. It was actually much more comfortable than the firmer surface of his chest.
Last Updated : 2022-07-09Beauty Behind The Shadow Chapter 28
Twillow listened for the woman as she flew. She followed the sound of the woman's screams and cries and was soon able to locate her in a clearing amid the forest. She had long, dark brown hair and medium toned skin. She was naked save for the ropes that bound both of her arms to the trunk a big tree. She was on her knees, sobbing and seemed clearly exhausted from fighting her bonds.Who had done this to her and why?With a quick drop of her wings, Twillow glided down the rest of the way and came to a running landing in front of the bound woman. The naked woman cried out but then stared at her with wonder through tear-filled eyes.Twillow held up her hands and approached quietly, "It's ok. I'm here to help you.""Wh-What?" the woman stammered in a strained voice.Twillow observed the tree and the ropes that bound the woman, trying to find a way to unbind her, "Who did this to you?"The woman shook her head as if she didn't want to say."You don't know? Why would they tie you up out her
Last Updated : 2022-07-09Beauty Behind The Shadow Chapter 29
A wicked smiled slowly turned his mouth upward, "And...you're about to get blood on my boots."The sweep of his leg was so fast and abrupt that less than half of the men were able to duck or veer from its path. A terrible melody of snapping bones, short screams, and the dull thunk of bodies striking trees rang out. Crimson stained the grass as a complimentary mist. The giant's boot swept back, returning to its original place calmly as if apathetic to the death it had just dealt.His head tipped slightly and seemed to bob in a counting sort of gesture, "Hmm...eight."With a deliberate step he delivered a swift end to the nearest slayer, "Seven."There was a frantic scramble of the survivors to get to their feet and flee for the trees.A sickening crunch, "Six..." and two more, "Five...four..."Two slayers turned defensively and fired their crossbows; mere leaves caught up in the bloody hurricane that was barreling down on top of them."Three...two..." the morbid countdown continued.Th
Last Updated : 2022-07-09
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Beauty Behind The Shadow Chapter 41
Kendrick looked completely unsure as he stepped closer to the horse and patted it very gently, almost too gently, "Hey...Hershel." He looked at the animal with doubt, "Are you sure I won't hurt him?""He weighs over one thousand pounds Kendrick." she gave him a look of visual assessment, "You're...maybe two hundred seventy plus? Believe me, he can hurt you worse than you can hurt him." Helia reassured truthfully.Taking a readying breath, he put his foot in the stirrup."Wrong foot, Kendrick."He sighed and switched, grabbing the saddle horn and seat."Now just stand on your one leg in the stirrup." Helia urged him when he hesitated.He did so shakily."Ok. Now just swing your other leg over his back and sit down."Kendrick did so, but Hershel decided to move nervously to the side which sent Kendrick flopping over the other side and onto the stone floor. He grunted with pain laying on the ground and Helia snorted a laugh at his expense whilst she reigned the horse.Eyes flashing angri
Beauty Behind The Shadow Chapter 40
Kendrick's nose had been hit with a whiff of strong fear scent coming from his garden. Something was scaring Twillow. His first instinct was that he had been right all along and the slayer was responsible. Without hesitation he came charging down the tunnel and ran into his garden to see what was wrong.Twillow screaming "STOP! STOP THIS! PLEASE!" spurred him on.But what he saw sideswiped his expectations. He saw Helia battling what looked like another fae on the branch of the tree. Then there was a bright light that he couldn't look at directly it was so intense. But he could smell Twillow's fear and see her silhouette.Then Helia yelled at him, "Kendrick! They're taking Twillow!"A surge of protective rage crackled through him as he demanded she be returned. Whoever they were, they would not get away with this. He would destroy them until there was nothing left and Twillow was safe. Kendrick reached out toward the light and the silhouettes but suddenly the winged being wearing the
Beauty Behind The Shadow Chapter 39
Twillow seemed to snap out of her funk, "Oh...nothing. I thought I sensed something." She shook her head, "Go on. Show me."Shrugging, Helia held her sword at an angle from her shoulder and put her feet in a stance, "Ok. This is something an old pirate taught me...bear with me though. It looks different when I don't have a sparring partner.Twillow watched Helia maneuver the blade, arching it low and then bringing it up in broad to short patterns that seemed built into her muscle memory. Despite her interest in the blade acrobatics she couldn't shake a sense she was having. It felt like there was strong magic nearby. She'd felt something earlier today too whilst reading but it was so brief and faint she wasn't even sure if she had felt it at all and dismissed it.And then she felt the presence of magic distinctly close along with the sound of wings that weren't hers. Her head whipped around and suddenly someone grabbed her through her wings and around her chest, placing a gloved hand
Beauty Behind The Shadow Chapter 38
At a distance over the forest...The afternoon sun shone brightly over the Northern Woods, early summer in full flower. Then, the ideal setting was disturbed by a crackling of yellowish lightning and a sudden gale of wind whipping the trees. Golden liquid fell to the trees in thick globs as the portal opened with a bright flash that challenged the Lower Realm sun. The portal to the Parliel Realm was opened just large enough for two figures to fling themselves through before it closed with a violent crackle of energy. Then the day stilled, returning to pleasant normality....Earlier...Kendrick arrived back at his home a little over an hour later as Helia had been killing the spiders well beyond the border of his typical range. He traversed through his home to find Twillow in the garden. He placed Hershel on the ground, making sure his tiny reins were tied to one of his corn stalks so he wouldn't run away. The horse freaked out a bit but began calming, even sniffing and nibbling at th
Beauty Behind The Shadow Chapter 37
The queen spider had pulled Helia closer until she was but a leg's length from it; just out of its reach. Its glossy black fangs, which were as long as Helia's forearm, dripped with the promise of venom. Helia knew she wouldn't be able to cut the webbing in time so she readied herself to stab the beast when it gave one last tug. Quite abruptly the spider seemed to freeze.And then, Kendrick's voice was directly over her, "Ugh. I hate these things almost as much as I hate slayers."His huge boot came up, hovered over Helia a moment in debate.Helia froze. Was he going to step on her?But then his boot passed over her and came down on the queen spider with an abrupt, gooey crunch. His action was so casual despite that fact that Helia herself had been mere meters from death. For him it had been as simple stepping on a regular spider. The simplicity made her feel very small and inadequate...that pissed her off.Kendrick removed his boot from the slimy pile of ooze that used to be the spid
Beauty Behind The Shadow Chapter 36
A few days later...Kendrick was returning from the daily patrol of his territory, as was his routine. It had been a quiet day; no poachers, no trespassers. However, this also left him alone with his thoughts, which as of late had been consumed with Twillow. A little over a month had passed since he had made the difficult decision of burying his feelings for his fae friend in lieu of admitting them to her. He, in essence, sealed up his hearts' desires behind metal plating and doors to ensure they would be contained and their friendship safe. At first he was convinced he would be content with that choice.However, little things would pick and probe at the metal doors of his hearts, searching for weak points. Her soft, demure smile, the quick flutter of her wings when she was amused, the way her skin would light up when she was happy, the musical sound of her laugh. And the gods help him if she ever kissed his cheek; it was like setting off explosives against those metal doors. They buc
Beauty Behind The Shadow Chapter 35
Back to the PresentPresent...Twillow had explained her and Kendrick's year and a half relationship to Helia in just a few minutes, even though there was so much to tell about that time. The redheaded slayer listened as she dried off in front of the fireplace. It was certainly an interesting way for two completely different beings to meet, if not slightly familiar."So...did this wizard, Sig, ever figure out how to open a portal to your realm?" Helia asked.Twillow shook her head, "He's gotten a bit closer but we're missing a key ingredient. Parliel Ichor is what he called it."Helia made a face, "Sounds...disgusting. What is it?""When the portal was opened to this realm there was a golden goo that was present when the barrier was breached. Sig says we need some of that to render down to use with the Sunfire Topaz." She sighed, "But...if the portal doesn't open again then there's no Parliel Ichor for us to collect. So..."Helia nodded with understanding, "Well...if I ever see any 'o
Beauty Behind The Shadow Chapter 34
The next day...Twillow had been excited about the invitation to see Sig and Leida. Kendrick, on the other hand, was feeling sick to his stomach. He couldn't eat his breakfast and he hadn't slept much the night before since his brain wouldn't quit torturing him with all the 'what-if' scenarios of the next day's plan. Most of the situations always seemed to end up in the worst way; the worst of all being Twillow felt so appalled by the idea that he loved her that she left and he never saw her again. Every time he thought of that his guts clenched painfully.Surely it wouldn't end that badly?"You're quiet today." Twillow mentioned in his ear, "Are you ok?"Kendrick jerked slightly, jostling her, "Oh. I- I don't mean to be."The fae moved her wings a bit, staring at him, "You seem...nervous."He made a scoffing noise but didn't say anything because he knew he'd have to lie."She's on to you dummy...she's going to keep at you until you fess up and ruin everything!" his mind warned him om
Beauty Behind The Shadow Chapter 33
Kendrick gestured down the path, stood up, and then stepped aside, "We can talk on your way home.""Uh. Ok." Sig agreed, taking the reins again and urging his horses forward.The animals weren't so keen on passing Kendrick's boots as they shied away but once they were past him they resumed their gait. Kendrick waited a moment and began lightly, treading behind and off to the side of Sig's wagon...or at least as "lightly" as a giant could tread. The horsethes didn't like that much either but gradually they kept pace."So...what questions did you have?" Sig asked, watching the huge boots swing and settle next to his cart with giant's steps."How is Leida and your children?" Kendrick asked."Good, good. How's Twillow?" Sig returned the question."She's...uh...she's good too.""She didn't come with you?"Kendrick shook his head, "She doesn't approve of what I do when I'm patrolling my territory...so no.""Ah. I-I see." Sig read between the lines of what he meant.The giant was quiet for a
