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Other than the few people who’d seen a strange beam of golden light in the hills, nobody seemed to question the travelers when they returned to Watersedge with proof of their kill. The odd light was forgotten almost instantly when Tara turned out a bloody bag of monster parts onto the guard captain’s table. By the time they’d arrived back in town, Dusk’s arm had almost fully healed, the skin patched over with white scales to match his other hand. They collected their bounty and settled into the village for their planned month, hoping that it would be an easy stay full of rest and recovery after their long journey on the road and sea in harsh weather.
Lex took a few days to regain his balance and get back to his old self. He'd struck the stone wall hard and he was left with a black eye for more than a week. Eventually it faded into yellows and greens before transitioning back to his normal fair complexion. He and Dusk spent as much time together as they could, knowing the calm wouldn’t last for long and that the future was uncertain.
Everyday the three of them had breakfast together before setting out to train. Lex sparred with Tara while Dusk continued with his target practice. In the afternoons they would go about their own business. Dusk usually found himself at the end of the dock fishing, a hobby he’d wanted to revisit since their time on the plains. He'd snuck a few coins from Tara’s stash to buy a real pole and bait. It brought him a lot of joy and Lex had a habit of joining him every evening before dinner so that they could watch the sunset together. Often he brought the fish back to the tavern and had them cooked for dinner or gifted them to the owner for taking such good care of them. It was more peace and quiet than Dusk had ever enjoyed, but in the back of his mind he knew it couldn't last.
Each day the sun stayed out a little longer, bringing with it the warm breeze from the south. The formerly ice-encrusted snow began to crack, melt, and flow away down to the sea. By the time the end of their planned respite came, most of the snow had melted away. It was still cold, but there were birds in the trees once more and every now and again Dusk would find a small white bell-shaped flower that had pushed its way up out of the ground, sometimes even in patches where snow still remained. They were simple and elegant, but he left them alone, unable to bring himself to mar their beauty.
The night before they were set to leave they found themselves sitting around a table having just finished their meal. Tara had her feet propped up facing the fire and Lex was whittling away at a piece of wood with his knife. Dusk had searched the entire town for books during their stay, but came up mostly empty-handed. Instead he was reading the captain's book again for the fourth time. The tavern was quiet for the time being and each of them were content.
"Are you two packed up for tomorrow?" Tara asked, picking at her teeth with a knife. "Got everything taken care of?"
"Just one stop in the morning at the blacksmith," Lex replied, blowing off the wood shavings from his project.
"What about Maribel?" Dusk asked, looking away from his book. "We have to go get her from the farmer outside of town."
"Don't worry, we won't forget your precious horse," Tara scoffed, dropping her feet to the floor with a thud. "That animal has cost us a fortune in stabling."
"And you've cost us a fortune in ale, but I'm not trying to leave you behind." Dusk turned back to his book, ignoring the look Tara gave him.
"You’d better watch yourself."
"Or what? You really want to threaten me?" Dusk tapped the strange flesh-colored lump on his chest that made a hollow sound. Tara scoffed again and put her feet back up. "That's what I thought."
It had taken Dusk more than a week to figure out what Tephyss had meant by the scale hiding the crystal. It was almost purely an accident when he found the scale would change to match the color of his own skin and stick wherever he placed it. He didn't understand the magic involved, but somehow it managed to soften when it came in contact with the crystal. It laid flat against the stone, almost like a bandage, making it look more like an old battle scar or growth than a gem. He'd decided it wasn't the most appealing way to cover it up, but it was effective. Even if people asked, a quick lie would wipe away any of their curiosity. It was almost too easy.
"Well, I think I'm going to get some sleep," Lex said, stretching his arms up before brushing the wood shavings off his lap. He gave a sideways glance at Dusk. "Want to be well rested for tomorrow."
"I guess I should go too," Dusk added, closing the book begrudgingly. He looked at Lex and immediately began to blush.
Hurriedly he put the book away, trying to look like he wasn't following Lex. They were only a few steps away before Tara spoke up.
"Have you two fucked yet?"
Dusk froze in place, unable to speak. He felt a million things flow through his mind all at once, not knowing which lie to choose.
"I have the room next to yours and I haven't heard a peep out of you two. There’s no odd marks, no weird glances."
"No," Lex sighed. "We haven't. Not that it's any of your business."
"Did one of you take a vow of chastity or something?"
"Tara, shut up."
Lex placed his hand on Dusk's shoulder, pulling him towards the stairs. They'd shared a room since they'd come to Watersedge, but had done little more than sleep next to one another and steal a few kisses. The truth was that Dusk was afraid. His relationship with Lex felt relaxed and calming, the opposite of what was going on in their lives. He was concerned that it might get more complicated if things moved further. Although Eiran had been no more than a courtesan, Dusk had developed a strong attachment to him. It worried him to form another with the danger on the horizon.
"Don't worry about Tara," Lex said, stepping into the room and pulling the door closed behind them. "She's just jealous and she likes to make everyone uncomfortable to feel like she’s in control."
"Yeah..." Dusk muttered.
Lex watched as Dusk shifted uncomfortably from side to side. "Is there something else going on? I'm not in a rush to do anything, but you'd tell me if there was something wrong, right?"
"I guess I probably would, maybe," Dusk sputtered, realizing too late he'd given himself away.
"Come here." Lex grabbed Dusk by the hand and pulled him into a hug before sitting on the edge of the bed. He looked into Dusk’s eyes with a soft gaze. "Tell me what's going on."
Dusk's shoulders stiffened, but he sat next to Lex, trying to remember to breathe. “I... I guess I’m afraid.”
“Afraid of what?” Lex squeezed his shoulders, massaging the muscles there like he’d done many times. “I know you’ve been with another person before, so it can’t be that.”
“It’s not that,” Dusk sighed, leaning into his touch and forgetting himself for a moment.
“Then what is it?”
Dusk pulled away, wrapping his arms around himself and turning away from Lex. “I can’t let you get too close to me.”
“I think it’s a little late for that.”
“No. You can’t get any closer.” Dusk glanced at Lex, tears forming in his eyes. “You know what happens. When people get too close, they get hurt.”
“Dusk... that’s not true.”
“Yes it is,” Dusk muttered, still barely holding back his tears. “Everyone who’s come near me has been hurt or killed, whether by my hand or someone else’s. The innkeepers near Windshear, Kinallin, the thieves guild, Yarick, and...”
“And Eiran.”
Dusk nodded, trying not to cry, but the tears were coming against his will. “I can’t let you end up like them, Lex.” He sniffled, turning his gaze to the floor. “I care about you too much. You almost died already when we got here and other times besides.”
“Dusk,” Lex said gently, reaching his hand around and grabbing him by the chin to face him so their eyes met. “None of that was your fault. We’ve talked about it and you know that.” He paused for a moment, gazing into Dusk’s eyes with all the gentleness in the world. “I understand how you’re feeling, but you have to let yourself live. You can sit around waiting for the bad to find you while you push away all the good in your life. That’s not living. That’s imprisonment.”
Dusk felt a shiver go down his spine as he realized Lex was speaking the truth.
“There’s no pressure for you to do anything, but I’m here when you’re ready or if you just want to talk. Don’t keep me at arm’s length for my safety. Neither of us are going to live forever and I don’t want to miss a moment with you.”
Dusk leaned in, slipping his hands around Lex’s side and across his back. He sank into the familiar soft golden hair and spicy smell that seemed to hang on Lex’s skin no matter what. There he felt safe, like he was home. It was an odd feeling, but one that made his skin tingle and his heart soar. Even the days he’d spent with Juniper paled in comparison to how he felt with Lex. As they laid back on the bed together to sleep, Dusk realized he never wanted to let go.
***
THE NEXT MORNING THE trio was rested, packed, and sat around a table for their last meal at the tavern. Tara had squared away all their charges with the tavern keeper and even thrown in some extra gold for his willingness to work with them, he being unused to having such long term guests in a tiny port town. With the warming weather the keeper was glad to have his rooms back, knowing that more sailors would be coming ashore with goods as the trading season ramped up.
After they finished their meal, they hauled up their things, threw the bags over their shoulders, and headed out into the village. The morning was foggy and cold, but there was almost no snow left on the ground and the bitter chill of winter had disappeared. Dusk inhaled deeply through his nose, taking in the fresh scent of wet soil and briny air. It felt better than he expected to be out of the dead of winter. The winters back at the mine had been harsh, but even the caves had been warmer than some of the days they’d trudged across the plains. He pushed down his hood, realizing the fur lining would probably get too warm once they got to walking for the day.
They made a quick stop on their way out of town at the blacksmith. There Dusk picked up a large bundle of arrows that he’d ordered along with a small sack of metal arrowheads in case he needed to make more of his own on the road. Lex, on the other hand, was practically bouncing as he waited for the blacksmith to bring around his new sword. He’d been using the bastard sword Tara had found for him for months and although he was stronger for it, he was tired of it. He’d spent many nights talking about the finesse and quick strikes he’d been able to do with his old sword that had been taken by Brand and his bandits. Even though it had been a gift from his father, Lex missed it desperately.
At last the blacksmith pushed his way through a curtain that separated his back room from the main shop. In his hands was a long thin sheath topped with a brass wire-wrapped pommel. Lex could barely contain himself, hopping up to the blacksmith like a child.
“Give it a go. Tell me what ya think,” the smith said, handing the sword to Lex.
Without so much as a breath, Lex took the sword and ripped it out of the sheath, brandishing it with a swish. He held the blade for a moment and stepped forward before he began to swing it around, flicking it back and forth in a flash. He worked his way through a series of exercises, testing every angle of the blade. Dusk was impressed by how quickly he moved. Although the sword was barely two fingers wide, it looked like in Lex’s hands it could kill a man in under a minute. After a moment, Lex nodded and tucked the sword back into the sheath.
“It’s a fine blade and very well balanced,” he said, turning to the blacksmith. “And I enjoy the brass wrapping on the handle. Very delicate work. You’ve really done a great job.”
“Thank ya,” the smith replied. “It’s not often I get to make somethin’ with so much finesse. Not many people in these parts have a taste for anythin’ beyond functional.”
“It’s a beautiful piece of art.”
“By the gods!” Tara cried. “Are you two gonna stand here and jerk each other off or are we gonna go?”
The blacksmith, who was tall and extremely muscular, cowered a bit as Tara spoke. Lex, who was neither of those things, didn’t flinch. With a quick apology and a glare at Tara, he paid the blacksmith with a large tip, thanking him once again for the sword. He swapped the new sword to his side, selling the other before they finally made their way out of the building.
“Now we just need to get Maribel,” Dusk stated happily, looking to the west where they were headed.
“Yes, yes.” Tara sighed. “Let’s go get your damn horse.”
“As if you haven’t been caught talking to her many times. We all know she’s a very good listener.”
“Whatever.”
When they’d returned from their hunt after coming to Watersedge, Dusk had made it his goal to find a comfortable place for Maribel while they were there. The stables at the inn were cramped and after a month at sea, Dusk didn’t have the heart to lock her up again. Instead he’d asked around and found a farmer on the western side of the village that had a large paddock for his cow already in place. It was much cheaper to board her there and Tara had agreed to the idea easily. But Dusk had missed Maribel. He’d gone out to visit her once or twice in the beginning, but had failed to do so for the past two weeks. As they drew nearer to the farm, he became worried that she’d never forgive him for not coming to see her. However, he’d packed a few apples to soften her up, just in case.
The group passed through the low stone wall that blocked the farmhouse from the road and saw the farmer holding Maribel by the halter, pulling her into the paddock. Her ears perked up at their approach and she whinnied as she saw them. The farmer on the other hand looked almost terrified as he approached them.
“Maribel!” Dusk called out, jogging up to her. “I’ve missed you!”
Dusk dropped his bag to the ground and pulled out an apple. Maribel looked at the apple, then back to him with a disapproving look.
“I’m sorry I didn’t come to see you. Will you forgive me?”
She glanced at the apple, visibly shrugged, and dove in. Dusk was careful to keep his fingers clear as he reached up with his other hand, stroking her mane. There were a few broken twigs in her mane and he noticed she was caked in mud and dirt. Her smell had changed too. Instead of the earthy horse smell Dusk remembered, it was more sweet, like an early spring flower coming into bloom.
“Can we brush her before we go?” Dusk asked, turning to Tara.
“She should already be taken care of,” Tara said as her gaze zeroed in on the farmer, her voice flat. “We paid you to take care of her. Why does she look like a wild animal?”
“I...” the farmer's voice faltered. His head and shoulders drooped and he looked extremely nervous.
“What’s that look for?” Tara asked, taking a step forward to tower over the man. “What happened? I’ve killed many men in my life, and none of them looked as nervous as you do right now.”
He glanced up at her, gulped, and began to wring his hands. “I... I don’t know what happened but s-she got away s-somehow.” Tara glared down at him and he let out a tiny squeak of fear. “B-but I’ll give you your money back.”
“How long was she gone?”
“A little over two weeks.”
“Two weeks!?” Tara reached forward and grabbed the man by the collar. “Two weeks and you didn’t think it decent to say anything? What would my friend here have done if something happened to her?” She pointed at Maribel who was ignoring the whole situation and munching away happily. “He loves that stupid fucking animal!”
“I-I’m s-sorry,” the farmer whimpered. “I don’t k-know where s-she went, but she’s b-back now.” He let out a small forced laugh before Tara dropped him back to the ground. “And I’ll b-brush her. Of course.”
“Well,” Tara snapped, throwing up her arms. “Get to it! We’re on a schedule.”
“Yes ma’am. Right away, ma’am.”
The farmer kept his head low as he grabbed Maribel by the halter and led her into the barn. Dusk watched her go, thankful she had been found again. He didn’t know what he’d do without her on the road. She was part of the team. He did wonder what she’d gotten up to though. She looked as if she’d wandered the country, rolling in every mud hole she’d come across.
“What do you think she was doing for two weeks?” Lex asked, sitting his gear on the ground and stretching.
“With our luck, probably getting knocked up by some shag bandit out in the hills,” Tara scoffed, dropping her gear as well and leaning against the side of the house.
Dusk’s heart nearly skipped a beat at the thought of a baby horse on their journey. A small smile began to tug at the corners of his mouth.
“I see you smirking like an idiot over there,” Tara growled, glaring at Dusk. “That is not happening. If she even so much as gains a pound, we’re selling her off to make glue.”