Chapter Text
“ ATTENTION DENIZENS ”
“ Years ago on this very day our Elders revealed unto you the first of many steps towards a new a prosperous future for our people. Our noble defender Eliphas, was brought into our most radiant of worlds to mark the start of this great ascension, and tonight the Elders elect to have You witness and behold the progress made since his inception! To take heed of what soon shall be the great Herald of our Utopic Future! ”
Eliphas wondered, as he watched the announcer from high above on his chambers’ balcony, how the poor woman managed to yell that loudly, that consistently, for the better part of a whole day. How did someone that small even yell so loud anyway? He swore he could hear her clear as crystal from the cities’ cost line once! Questioning her vocal power notwithstanding, Eliphas let out a sigh before crossing his arms over the balcony railing and burying his face into them. Maybe if he pressed hard enough he’d smother himself and knock himself out for the whole day?
Wishful thinking..
Poking his head out of its self made confines, Eliphas’s eyes wandered to his left where a golden mask laid discarded. It was supposed to be his, the damned thing, yet it looked more like something a monster would have for a face. A solid sheet of metal to hide every inch of his face but his eyes, protective covers for his ears that made them look even more pointy then they already were, and to top it off, some big spikes for a crown.. Because why not make him look like a horned beast while we’re at it he supposed. He moved a hand forward to grab onto it, and wondered for a moment just how much trouble he’d be in if he just threw it over the edge like the waste of metal it was. He didn't think about it for long however before ultimately deciding to do it anyway, chucking it over the edge a good long distance like a child’s toy. It wouldn't remain gone however, as a silvery humanoid figure seemed to spontaneously pop into existence and catch it, turning back to the Guardian with a hollow expression that only drew a sigh out of him. Caught blue handed it seemed..
“ You know, you could at least pretend to be excited. ” An amused voice chided him from behind.
And there would be the mask’s savior, Enna. He couldn't really be mad at her though, quite the opposite! Pushing himself up, Eliphas spun to meet his friend’s gaze with such excitement it quite literally sent new light shining through his very being. He would have hugged her there and then- had he not had many painful reminders in the past that she wasnt a fan of such things. He’d have to just settle for bowing and doing the whole hold of the hand thing then. Nonetheless, he regarded her question with a faint chuckle as he leaned his weight back and propped his hands against the railing once more, watching Enna’s summoned construct as it landed besides the two and set the mask back down upon the balcony railing.
“ Nice reflexes ! “
“ You’re dodging the Topic- “
“ Ugh .. What’s there to be excited about? It all just feels- braggy. ”
“ Braggy? It's a demonstration, Eliphas not showing off. ”
“ Wait, there’s a difference? ”
The innocence of the question along with his no doubt dumbfounded expression earned him an amused sigh from Enna as she pinched the bridge of her nose, but smiled nonetheless. She walked up to stand beside him, glancing down to the announcer who had begun explaining the times for the demonstration later that evening. She hadn’t done her hair up yet, Eliphas noticed as he scanned her face. She hadn’t done anything in the way of her usual eyeliner either.. That was normally her favorite part of the morning, all the ways she could express herself for the day and all.. She was stressed, had to be. It was either that or Alkanah had snatched them from her and had yet to return them, which seemed the less likely of the two given the day. The two stood in silence for a moment, Eliphas shifting his feet this way and that before letting out a hard huff.
“ I just- I don’t get why the Elders have to make a big deal out of it, that's all. We help people all over the city and elsewhere in Astral World all the time! Isn’t that enough of a ‘demonstration’ for everyone? ”
Enna shook her head and cast her eyes upwards towards the sky. Eliphas could never tell what she was thinking when she had her little silent moments, he assumed it was about something important. Probably. She rivaled Alkanah in that department, though she seemed to focus more on big picture stuff, where Alkhanah focused mostly on the energy side of things. As Eliphas thought on it more, his performance tonight would reflect on her too he supposed, being one of his instructors and all on top of being a friend. Thoughts like that were why he hated this yearly tradition honestly.. So many expectations from the Elders to everyone that at times it felt like some of his caretakers were on the verge of full blown panic attacks over the whole thing. They didn't need that stress in their lives, they had enough stress dealing with his dog's escape attempts!
Enna’s voice startled him out of his thoughts, a slight whisper in her tone as her eyes found their way back down to the square below. Some crowds had formed around the announcer now, mostly the young asking questions, a few elderly keeping note of the times, and a few individuals who seemed to hate this day just as much as he did. Quite a few actually. A lot.. Actually.
“ The Elders don't always watch what goes on in Astral World, “ Enna spoke, pulling Eliphas’s attention back to her. “ They believe their attention lies elsewhere in discovering the path to our Ascension. This demonstration isn't for the people, not really.. it's for the Elders to ensure your progress is continuing at a pace that aligns with their plans. You realize how important that is, right? ”
Enna’s eyes met his own, though she lacked irises like many others she still found a way to communicate her worry in them. Eliphas wanted to make her stop worrying.. Enna did so much for them both on and off the field of battle, she didn't deserve this. Her voice raised a little as she repeated her question, a hand raising to rest on his cheek as Eliphas leaned into it.
“ Right? “
Eliphas hadn’t really considered it, if he were honest with himself. He’d always assumed the Elders knew any and everything that was going on in Astral World at a given moment, they were their leaders after all it only made sense. What leaders didnt know the goings on of the place they were ruling? ‘Suppose that’s what the caretakers were for perhaps, to report on and all that.. Maybe? He hung his head as his glow dimmed, leaning away from Enna’s hold and he turned and leaned farther onto the railing as he let his arms relax and set his elbows upon them. Enna’s hand rested on his arm, rubbing her thumb up and down as she offered him a sympathetic smile.
Eliphas could be considered a fool in many regards. While he could brute force his way through any opponent, his heart was far too gentle to try and do the same with everything else. Enna’s eyes found their way to his discarded mask, moving to his side as she gently ran her fingers along its unnerving vistage. A frightening face or lack thereof, that’s what they wanted. The less the people wanted to be near him the harder it would be for him to grow attached to them. On paper it was clever, in practice, it sickened her.. Her eyes traveled to Eliphas, watching him gaze upon the city below with a genuine fondness very few could imitate. Yet there was tension in him, his jaw was tight and his arms were locked in place as he was digging his nails into the metal railing. Enna reached forward, taking a hold of his hair and running her hand down along it and to the neatly tied braid he’d been growing out since his creation. The hold sent a fresh glow through Eliphas’s face as his attention snapped to her. It was always an amusing sight to behold, drawing a genuine giggle from her as she made a snipping motion with her free hand.
“ It could be worse.. At least they’re not making you cut your hair for it. ”
“ Don’t joke like that! You’ll give them ideas! ”
Eliphas tone brightened as he playfully chuckled, reaching over and taking his braid in hand as he moved it over his shoulder opposite her. Wrapping it around his wrist a few times, as he leaned over to lightly nudge Enna with his elbow. His eyes found his mask again, his mood dropping slightly as his hand went to rest on the cold metal. Enna’s now free hand found his hand there, gently pressing into it as she coaxed his gaze back to her.
“ They’re already making me wear the dumb mask. ” He groaned, flicking the metal as he bit the inside of his cheek.
“ Ah yes, how could I forget ‘the face of a protector’ they so love to see you don? ” Enna attempted a jest, getting a tired chuckle from the Guardian.
“ It makes me look creepy Enna! I don't like looking creepy, it scares people! ”
“ Well that is what looking ‘creepy’ does now isn't it? Hehe! ”
“ I think I'm capable of being creepy if I wanted to! “
“ PFT- You? Creepy? Sure Eli- “
“ I Could! I Absolutely could! “
“ Mhmm- mhmm~, Doubt that. I bet I could pull it off..“
“ Enna-! Hahaha! You could pull off anything. “
“ Even this?- “
Enna brought the mask to her face. It was far too big for her, like a teen trying to put on an adult helmet. Eliphas couldn’t hold back his laughter, easing the tension as the two shared in the laughter, a moment of levity that unfortunately couldn't last. There was a harsh knock at the door that pulled their attention, and within a few moments the doors to Eliphas’ chambers opened to allow in two guards clad in heavy runed armor. That could only mean one thing, Caretaker. Standing up properly, Eliphas corrected his hair and dusted off his shoulders as he grabbed his mask and clipped it to his belt before sparing a warm glance to Enna who was already correcting her skirts and hair to be as presentable as possible. Hopefully they wouldn't notice how tired and worn she was..
Following behind the guards entered a darker skinned denizen dressed in a simple robe, wrapped in a cape that fell around his shoulders and down to the floor, its rim stained with dirt and other colorful splotches. His hair had been pulled back into a series of tight braids accented by small crystalline flowers and vines. Vustani! Eliphas recognized him from the tower gardens, well, and not to mention him being Alkanah’s mentor and all. Out of all his caretakers, he was thankful it was Vustani who was paying him a visit, at least it meant he wouldn’t be getting a lecture of some kind.
Enna curtsied as Eliphas bowed alongside her, opting to keep quiet as the two began to speak.
“ Cultivator, ” Enna began, warmth in her tone.
“ Constructor, ” Vustani mirrored, a light chime in his voice as he offered them both a bow.
“ I trust you are not here to listen in on the announcements? ”
“ Oh stars no, I hear them from my garden just fine. Thank you very much. Important messages though they are, I can only hear them so many years in a row without reprieve. ”
“ It seems all are like minded in that here then! What is it you needed then? ”
“ I have been sent to ensure the health and wellbeing of The Defender before tonight's events, cant have him keeling over partway through now can we? ”
Ah.. of course it wasn't a casual visit..
“ I see! Well then, I shall leave you to that then.. Cultivator, Defender. ”
Enna offered another curtsy as she spared Eliphas another sympathetic glance, dismissing her construct and turning to leave as the guards moved to follow her to ensure her safety. Not that she needed it. Eliphas was pretty sure if she wanted to she could take both of them in a fight and not even get a hair out of place while doing so. Not that she would! Kind as she is, but she could! Alas, Eliphas had been left alone with Vustani who had already moved back into the main room and begun pulling out a set of tools and a screen to take notes on..
“ Let us move inside, yes? ”
“ Yes Sir! “
While Eliphas had no reason not to trust Vustani, readily following him in as he unclipped his cape and set it aside, he wasn't a fan of being poke and prodded like a plant as Vustani often did. He couldn't say this would be the first time that's ever happened to him in his lifetime. Likely wouldn’t be the last either. He preferred when Enna or Alkanah did it though, even if they always used it as an excuse to tease him a bit. Vustani instructed him to hold out his hands, checking the energy lines that served as veins along his wrists and up his arms until he found the lines that broke up his joints. They were faint reminders of his artificial nature, left over seams from when his limbs had been brought together. Now they were merely marks upon his skin, ones Vustani now prodded at to check for weak points.
“ Will you be attending the event, sir? “ Eliphas asked, trying to break the cold silence.
“ Of course! I would never miss a chance to observe your progress. “
“ Well, ah.. Surely you have read the reports, right? Does that not prove progress? “
“ Yes- though they do not provide the same info as watching you in person. “
“ Ah,, I see.. “
“ Are you looking forward to tonight? ”
“ Not really, Sir.. ”
“ Really? I thought you, being such an extrovert and all, would be quite fond of the event. ”
“ I'm not there to talk to people though, that’d actually make it bearable! ” Eliphas groaned. “ I’m just there to fight some things, get smacked by other things, get blasted by more things, then stand aside in a spooky mask until the event ends.. Nothing to enjoy in that.. ”
“ Hmm, I suppose I can see where such feelings can come from. I confess I did not expect you to have such a take on the trials. One would think the pride of progress alone would be enjoyable enough. ”
“ Is- That a bad thing, sir? ”
“ Just an Observation, Defender. ”
Vustani liked making those a lot it seemed, be it about what he said, what he did or even what he didn’t do. That made a certain amount of sense perhaps, he was in charge of cultivating and studying life on their planet. Eliphas had just never considered that He would be a part of those observations, what with him being artificially made and all. He shifted his arms as Vustani instructed him to rotate them and spread his fingers as far as he could and watched the Cultivator run a tumb from the tip of his middle finger down to his elbow. After checking the markings there, Vustani took hold of his arm and turned it as he attempted to push his forearm back in a way it shouldnt got, which was a bit painful but, nothing Eliphas couldn’t wince away. Vustani gave a content ‘hmm’ as he let his arm go, walking around Eliphas in a circle.
“ Energy flow and internal structure seems fine. ” He noted, more to himself then to Eliphas as he gently tugged off the Defender’s gloves and his face grew disapproving.. “ Palms are beginning to callus, however.. We are going to have to handle that before tonight... “
…They weren’t that bad were they?
Vustani’s voice rose a little, lifting a segment of Eliphas’s hair to check his ears. “ Have you considered bringing someone with you to talk to while you’re there? ”
Wait. What?
“ I- am I allowed to sir? ” Eliphas asked, blinking rapidly.
“ Of course! Why wouldn’t you be? ” Vustani asked, a chuckle in his words. No doubt looking at
…
THIS WHOLE TIME
HE COULD HAVE BEEN BRINGING SOMEONE???
ELIPHAS YOU FOOL OF FOOLS!
Eliphas stood stunned for the moment. Bringing guests was a common occurrence for this sort of thing, sure, but he’d never considered that such a right was open to him as well. He couldn't help but curse himself for not considering it, or bloody asking if such a thing could have been a possibility in the first place. Vustani must have picked up on his shock, or perhaps it just really showed on his face because the older denizen started laughing at him. It wasn’t in a mocking way but more just really amused. Whatever face Eliphas had been making broke as Vustani began poking and prodding at the gemstones on his head, making the Guardian tense.
“ I take it- such a thing was not disclosed to you then? ”
“ N-No sir! It wasnt. ”
“ Ah, a shame! I am quite curious who you would have brought if you did. Well, you know now don’t you? So- anyone in mind for a special guest this year perhaps? ” Vustani questioned, delaying Eliphas’s answer as he checked over his teeth and jaw. When he was able to properly speak again, Eliphas’s tone had grown sheepish.
“ Special Guest - um.. ”
Eliphas could think of a few people he’d like to have as company, but only a few of them would actually be comfortable there, and even fewer weren’t already going as an obligation by their roles and duties. Enna HAD to go, Protos and his Angels had to guard the place, Alkanah- Alkanah ,, Oh to spend the night with him would be a blessing. To let pestering elders and nobles be deterred by his bluntness and simply enjoy a moment or two with him. Would he dance with him if he asked? Was he allowed to dance? Alkanah would dress for the occasion, or maybe he wouldn't, but if he did… Biting the inside of his cheek in thought, his glow suddenly brightened intensely as the ideas came to him. Startling Vustani in the process. The Cultivator winced, shielding his eyes with his hand as a chuckle worked its way forward.
“ Watch the light show please- ”
“ Ah! Sorry sir, simply, simply thinking of the fun that will be had tonight. ”
“ Ah. Well, good. Let us hope it lasts throughout the night. ”
Vustani quieted for a moment, pausing as he glanced over Eliphas’s face. When he was met with confusion he averted his eyes and let himself turn his focus to observing the other’s throat as a question came forward.
“ Have you spoken to our dear Alkanah recently? “
“ Yes sir, just yesterday! “
“ I see.. Was he- tense, at all? “
“ Tense, sir? No I cannot say he was.. Though he is not one to be open with his feelings. “
“ I see.. “ Vustani’s tone died slightly, a shift Eliphas was quick to pick up as he turned
to try and offer some form of comfort to the poor man, only to swiftly get the Cultivators hand smacking into his cheek to push it back into position. “ We Are Not Done.. “ He reprimanded, a sliver of ice coming through his usually warm tone that was quick to melt as he set back to his work.
“ Alkanah and I had a- dispute.. He said many things during it that worried me.. So if you could, do keep an eye on him for me please? Try to talk some sense into him if you can. I feel it shall be some time before we have the pleasure to speak to one another again on even grounds. “
“ Yes sir, of course sir. “
Part of Eliphas worried for his old friend.. It wasn't too often Alkanah was the one getting into trouble, though it had been happening a lot more often lately.. Which was concerning but not too unexpected given events of late. Astral world had been experiencing quite a few geological issues these past few months. Earthquakes, landslides, sinkholes, all of them seemingly at random, which made both Alkanah and Vustani’s jobs as cultivators and natural defenders all the more stressful. Hmm.. Maybe it wouldn't be that good of an idea to invite him after all, given the elders would no doubt ask for updates on his progress or lack thereof regardless of how on edge he’d been. At the same time, perhaps such an event was just what he needed to relax a little bit, Eliphas considered, a chance to make fun of something the nobles did, or simply an excuse to pamper himself and dress up all fancy and whatnot. He would look really nice all dressed up for the event… Probably would wear one of those pretty gowns or go with his usual attire but, fancier, somehow.. Eliphas didn't really know fashion so he couldn't be sure. Regardless, he wasn’t quite sure he understood what ‘sense’ he was supposed to talk into him.. Alkanah was, if not one of the most reasonable and sensible people he’d ever met. That might have been an important thing to ask before he agreed to do so.. Well- too late now!
“ Defender, are you listening? “
Vustani’s voice suddenly snapped him back into sharp realty, sending his mind scrambling to try and recall what it had been the Cultivator said to him.
……
Uh,
Oh dear,,,
“ I shall take that as a no.. Hmm, “ The cultivator wrote a final note before he began to pack up his supplies, turning his back to Eliphas as he spoke. “ As I said, Outside of the mess of your hands and the onset of daydreams, you seem to be in perfectly good health! There should be no complications tonight, so long as everyone behaves themselves, Yes? “
“ Yes sir, I swear to be on my best behavior. “
“ I trust you to be, Defender, and.. If you see Alkanah, please tell him to locate and speak to me please? If you would? “
“ Of course sir, without hesitation. “
“ Thank you. As you were. “
Eliphas watched the caretaker depart with baited breath, bowing him farewell and waiting for him to take his leave. Once the doors of his chamber shut Eliphas let out a deep sigh he’d been holding in for way too long honestly. Scooping his cloak up from where he’d discarded it, Eliphas ran his hands along the fabric, letting his mind wander to thought once more. He could ask him.. Worst thing he could say was no, he supposed. The idea sank deeper into his thoughts, bringing a warm and literal glow to his body as he gripped his cape tightly.
He was going to ask him,
He was going to ask him right then and now actually! Yeah! He’d find him and ask him this very moment!
.. .. … . .
Wait-
What was he supposed to say when he did?
‘ Alkanah, it would be my honor to -’
No- nononono.. That sounded far too formal..
’ I think it would be really cool if -’
No, now that was too casual!
’ Would you- ‘
Eliphas had been rehearsing these lines with himself again and again as he walked down the crystalline halls of the Central Tower in search of the person in question. He didn't want to make a huge deal out of it, but he also didn't want to try and brush it off as something unimportant which kind of contradicted each other. Probably explained why he was having such a hard time finding the words to use. His heart was pounding in his chest at the thought of the outcomes, while it would certainly be awkward if he said no, the idea of him saying yes was damn near intoxicating with how gleeful it made him. The main chamber the event took place in was spacious, they could find a nice corner to sit and chat in, or go to one of the many outer balconies and look out over the city and get away from everyone. They could find Enna, spend the whole night the three of them just enjoying each other's company, Alkanah seemed to do fine in either situation, though he had always seemed to prefer the calm silence of the gardens and silent study writings then the bustling chatter of nobles. It made sense, even when they met Alkanah wasnt much for keeping up in Elders affairs, more focused on the cultivation of so called ‘chaos blooms’ he cultivated. He quite liked those blooms honestly, warm to the touch and colorful as a dawn, in the right light they almost looked like-
" ELIPHAS! "
Eliphas snapped to reality, stumbling over his feet as he smacked into something with enough force that whatever it was holding had been knocked to the floor. Blinking rapidly, Eliphas took a step backwards as he assessed the situation and very quickly found himself glowing in embarrassment as he saw familiar golden hair framing an all too familiar, and very agitated face.. He had been so lost in his own fantastical thoughts, he’d neglected to focus on what he was doing! While he had found Alkanah in the process, he had done so by quite literally smacking into him and knocking a few journals and papers to the ground. His glow brightened as he stooped down to help him recover everything, voice cracking slightly from embarrassment as he stumbled over his words.
" I- - Alkanah! I mean, ah, heh, Sorry- sorry sorry I was uh, thinking! Just- not about.. what I was doing, but- you- I mean I wasn't- I mean I was I was just- uh- um.... , ,,,, Hi . "
A firm, steadying grip attached to Eliphas' wrist under an eye's blink, and Alkanah's normally lazy stare zeroed in on him, somehow blunt as always - yet holding visible concern. Or maybe it was something else, but exasperation overtook features too quickly to tell. Eliphas could not help but stare, jaw closed tight as he took in the man holding his wrist as if he were a mere kitten. Long silken hair of gold accented by crimson bangs that frame an elegant and dark face that was centered by two heterochronic eyes. Even when silently scolding him, Alkanah was a jewel to behold. In fact, Eliphas had been so lost in his face he didn't hear the initial question that followed their little collision, causing his glow to brighten even more as he noticed his friend’s waiting glance.
“ A-Ah, sorry, what? ”
Alkahah let out a sigh.
" I said. You are allowed to have a breath in between words, Eliphas, you do remember? " A pause… " And- Hi. "
“ A-Aha, right- rightirghtright .. Heh, sorry- I was just um.. well you see- ah.. well- u-um.. “
Eliphas began to stammer.
Okay- this is fine! This is fine! Deep breath Eliphas, you can do this. Just dont look him in the eyes!
Okay well failed that plan already.
His aura shined brighter as he looked down to where Alkanah held a gentle grip on his wrist, letting out an awkward cough as he used his free hand to reach back and grab onto his braid, spinning the end of it in hand as he tried to regain SOME composure. He desperately wished he could have figured out what he was going to ask before he’d found him but, there was no time but now. Looking into Alkanah’s eyes, Eliphas gave a warm smile and attempted to speak.
“ I- uh- well, um. I- it- you- me.. Uh- ”
By the gods his eyes were distracting.
By the Divines Eliphas- TALK!
Words! Mouth! Use!
“ So! Um- You probably heard about the presentation the elders wanted to put on later tonight I mean why wouldn’t you you always keep so on top of things so you probably already knew that but they want me to go and demonstrate my progress which seems really braggy and I really dont like bragging it feels really weird but they did say I could bring someone with me so I was wondering if you would come with me to this event I dont want to go to and would rather skip but I have to go so I’d rather go with someone I like so- um- Ah- “
He gave a quick and hasty bow- ironically smacking himself in the face with his braid this time due to how he’d been fidgeting with it prior. His aura was rivaling the lights in the hall as he stood up to try and correct himself- ultimately just opting to put his hands over his face for a moment before letting them down again. . .. Gods, now he was just making a fool of himself in front of him.
“ A-Ah,, sorry.. Sorry- sorry. .. I- uh... Sorry.. “ Eliphas murmured weakly, only to be met with a warm chuckle.
“ I do not see why not. ”
“ I- wh- R-Really?! You’d like to? ”
Alkanah pushed some of his golden hair back behind his shoulders, and Eliphas couldn't help but stare a bit at how it fell over his skin like silken metal. Alkanah for his part merely gave a small nod as he reached a hand up and flicked a stay lock of hair out of Eliphas’s face, which left the taller man tensed as a bowstring much to Alkanah’s subtle enjoyment. There was a certain level of amusement in watching the defender the Elders put so much into be relegated to a stammering flustered mess at a few simple gestures, a harmless amusement but one Alkanah was quite sure would turn their hairs gray if they paid half the attention they should be to their denizens…
“ ‘Astral world’s great defender’ inviting a simple man like me to such an important event? They might even call you scandalous.. ” He stated simply as Eliphas flushed with glow.
“ W- Simple?! Far from it! Most of what’s happened this year wouldn’t have been possible without you! The discovery in the crystal sea, the beasts in the Azure forests, all you’ve managed to teach me- ”
“ Eli~ ”
Eliphas stopped on a dime, ears perked as he brought his hands together to intertwined his fingers at the nickname.
“ Y-Yes? ”
“.. I was joking, I know my accomplishments well. I think I could bear a night of formalities for a change. ”
Eliphas opened his mouth to respond only to be silenced by Alkanah the tips of his first two fingers to his lips, slowly gliding them back to brush against his cheek as his thumb caressed Eliphas’s face. It was warm, thawing away a chill Eliphas didn't even know he’d been harboring as he closed his eyes and nuzzled into the tender hold. Tilting his head, he placed a gentle kiss upon the inside of Alkanah’s palm and let out a content hum as his glow leveled out to a gentle radiance. Part of him wished the rest of the day could just be this, or perhaps them resting under the tree in Al’s favorite spot in the gardens. That’d be nice, that’d be quite wonderful in fact, but alas- twas not to be.
It was fitting that Eliphas had such an affinity for dogs Alkanah thought to himself, given he himself was so puppy like in how he nuzzled into his waiting palm. There was something endearing to how willing Eliphas was to show him such affections he supposed, all vibrant and glowing like a star taken form. His silly little star puppy. That’s what he was. All he was missing was the tail, though if he grew that braid out too much longer he might as well have one already he supposed. Giving Eliphas one last gentle pat, Alkanah lowered his hand and offered a barely noticeable smile.
“ Well, with that settled. I believe I shall be seeing you tonight, and please.. Just ‘Don’ is fine.. ”
Eliphas blinked as ‘Don’ dragged his hand down his cheek and under his chin, brushing another stray hair out of his face with a simple flick as he moved past him and back to what he had initially been planning to do. It wasn’t unheard of for someone to desire a different name, but he’d always liked his name..
“ Don.. ” He whispered the name under his breath and felt a gentle buzz in his heart as a response.
“ Don.. Don, My Darkest Star.. ” A giggle worked its way into his voice. Don wasn’t too bad a name at all, though if the Elders at the event had anything to say about i-
At the event..
WAIT
He had agreed to come with him..
He had said yes! By the stars he’d said yes! He was Going With Him! His excitement bubbled under his skin, electrifying his veins until his skin turned golden and his form shifted into its purest state of energy. He had to get ready like- NOW! Like right now, right now! Gosh, what would he wear? What would ‘Don’ wear? By the divines he was going to look gorgeous.. Eliphas took a deep breath and pushed off the ground, taking flight and setting off for his chambers to prepare as best he could for the One time this night might Actually be enjoyable!