How long had it been since he had lost everything on that day? How long had it been since Cilas was the man that he once was? Was it weeks, or was it a month? The dragon did not know, nor did he care as he wished he could have passed with the flow of time to join her once again. He had never felt such pain in his life, nor did he feel as hollow as he did the day after he had buried her by the lake and even to this day his eyes seemed dull. Every time he had closed his eyes he saw her face and wished to be able to hold her once again. He missed her with such ferocity that every day seemed like a challenge in itself for him to not break down.

Here he was in the middle of a crowd of smiling and laughing faces. His whites and crimson robes that he usually wore was traded in for a more formal style of black and blue robes. A cape of fabric coming off of his left shoulder staying in place by a brooch that had the irian academy sigil on it. He had no idea why he had decided to join this event at the hanging gardens, as it was just a dance that the Academy held in order to ease up the minds and allow some fun instead of the constant studying that everyone was used to.

“Excuse me sir?”

A small voice spoke up, and Cilas turned his head to greet it. A woman stood there, her hands playing with each other obviously nervous. She wore a red royal blue dress that showed off her figure quite well, her dark hair draped over her shoulder in a small ponytail, her shoulders covered by a thin shawl that matched to the dress that she wore. Cilas already could guess what she wanted to ask him, but wanted to see if she could muster up the courage herself.

“I was wondering, um, if you wouldn’t mind…hmm. If I could have…this dance.”

A fake smile appeared on the dragon’s face. He hadn’t known what a real smile was anymore. ”I would love too,” His words were kind and it seemed to light up the woman’s face, but they were lies. He had been watching her watch him this whole time out of the corner of his eye. He was fine with the dance, but he had ulterior motives in mind for after the celebrations were over. Though he doubted it would be hard to get her into his bed, as most women tend to want to get there around him in the first place. Normally his thoughts would not be on that, but he had lost himself to the pleasure of the flesh plenty in order to get the hurt out of his mind.

So they went to the topmost level, where the dancing took place. Her arm in his as he lead her. Other couples had already had taken the dance floor to dance beneath the night sky. The candles surrounding the only thing to light up the area. It was a beautiful sight to behold. The romantic atmosphere would make it all that easier. He wrapped his arm around her slender waist and took her hand in his as they started to dance beneath the stars. He took the lead immediately following the rhythm of the music. His silver eyes gazing into the woman’s amber’s eyes her cheeks were tinted with a little red in them.

He wished this moment was with Iona, and as the music came to an end and so did the first dance, he leaned in to give the woman a kiss. It would all but sign the deal.

Iona’s breath was nearly taken away by the beauty of the gardens when she arrived. Saeldor came along as her escort, the healer who was kind enough to help her find Cilas. His search led them here, where they believed Cilas was partaking in the celebration hosted by the mage academy in Iria. Saeldor had taken care of everything to ensure her reunion with Cilas would be perfect. He helped her find a beautiful dress to wear: it was white, with a single sash that stretched from one shoulder to the opposite side of her neck, where it then hung down her black. The dress itself had a sweetheart top, while its one and only sleeve strap hung off shoulder, opposite of the sash. The length dragged on the ground behind her, hiding her laced boots. All along the dress were white designs. They appeared like constellations with the way some nearly formed similar shapes, while tiny embedded diamonds shimmered on the turning point of each line. Her hair was left down, for Saeldor believed that it should be admired in its natural beauty. It was not the black dress she had because accustomed to, which Saeldor had retrieved from her inn bedroom. But, she could not deny its gorgeousness. She only hoped Cilas loved it as much as Saeldor did.

However, as they began their search on the first floor, Iona began to become uneasy. She was surrounded by so many people, many of which being male. Since the incident at the cabin before her death, Iona had an overwhelming fear of men. She couldn’t let one touch her without sobbing. Even Saeldor was kept just out of arm's reach, despite all he had done for her. And, he understood her fear. He explained that her experience caused her emotional and mental trauma, and that some women don’t ever heal from it. Those memories will remain with her forever, and she will likely always be reminded of them every time she’s with a man. But it was her decision whether she wishes to let it break her, or to fight the fear and work on healing. Like a scar, it won’t go away, but she can heal enough to not allow it to hold her back. Currently, though, it was too soon for her to make that decision. The memories were still fresh, and so she would avoid men as much as possible until she is stable enough to try healing. Saeldor respected that, and kept himself at a safe distance, but he remained close enough to offer her protection and comfort.

It wasn’t until they reached the highest level that their search came to an end. Iona finally spotted Cilas, dancing with another woman. Instantly, her heart soared, a beaming smile growing. Tears blurred her eyes as her joy of seeing him overwhelmed her. “Cilas,” she spoke softly, but paused her approach. He leaned down and planted his lips upon the other woman’s, his arms holding her tenderly. Iona’s smile softened, but something within her seemed to break a little. “Is that him?” Saeldor cautiously asked, standing next to her. She swallowed to push down the lump in her throat, “Yes.” Iona sensed Saeldor’s green gaze fall upon her, but she didn’t look away from the couple. She resisted every urge to make herself know to Cilas, finding herself unable to break him away from his moment with the other woman. Perhaps he had moved on already. He could be trying to find a lady for himself, if he hasn’t already. And she didn’t have any right to be upset. She never told him how she felt, and he never claimed to have similar feelings. They did not belong to each other. But, she wasn’t upset, anyway. She was happy, despite the aching in her chest. If he moved on, then he must be finding happiness.

“Shall I call him over?” Saeldor offered, his tone soft as if he expected her to start crying. She shook her head and glanced up at him. “We should leave him as he is, let him do what he wishes,” she responded, and turned around. “Is that it? We came all this way only to walk away?” Saeldor swiftly moved to step in front of her, stopping her in a way without touching her. “He deserves to know you’re alive, and you wish to see him.”

“He is doing well without me. He’s moving on,” Iona softly said. “It would be cruel of me to show my face now, when he is finally forgetting about me.” Saeldor’s face appeared as though he were in pain, his yellow-green eyes sorrowful. He shook his head lightly, “How can you say that? Do you want to be forgotten?” Iona dropped her gaze for a moment and crossed her arms over her chest, rubbing her arms a little as if she were cold. “If it makes him happy, then yes.” The thought of being left behind was a painful one, but her words were true, no twists used to be deceitful. She would walk away from his life if it made Cilas happy, no matter what it does to her. She would give anything for him. Saeldor took a cautious step towards her, but kept out of reach. It drew her eyes back to his. “Why do you neglect your own happiness? You say you are happy as long as he is, but the truth is that no one can ever live like that. Yes, it is always enjoyable to make others happy, but denying yourself happiness of your own will be miserable,” he paused as his eyes looked at something behind her. “Making yourself happy is not selfish, seeking only your own is. Perhaps he wanted you to be happy.”

Iona blinked. She had never thought about that before. Did Cilas ever consider her happiness? Had she misunderstood this whole time? Slowly, she turned to look back at Cilas sorrowfully. If her happiness was what he desired, just as she did for him… then she had been denying it. Her hand form a loose fist over her aching heart. “Cilas…” she whispered. But, still, she couldn’t bring herself to approach him. If he loved this other woman, she would not interrupt that.

As his lips touched those of the woman he danced with, a wave of emotions washed over the dragon. The first was his primal lust that he craved for, as he soft plump lips took his. The second was an extreme amount of guilt as if something in his heart and soul was telling him this was wrong. Was it though? Sure he did not love the woman, but was it wrong for him to want her? After all he had his own urges as a man and the woman that he had loved was no longer of the world. He should have no reason to feel guilt yet it lingered.

He pulled away from the kiss, not realizing his dance partner had wrapped her arms around his neck and his arms around her slender waist. Her eyes seemed to glow as her face was a bright red. It would seem that his kiss had took her by surprise but her reaction was that of wanting. He leaned in to whisper in her ear, and ”Let us leave this place. We can make our own night.” Her body seemed to shiver at his soft words. He turned to lead the woman out of the gardens when he froze.

it can not be

In front of his view a woman with a white dress stood. The dress contouring perfectly to her lithe, hourglass figure. That was not what had caught his attention the most though it was her radiant silver hair that seemed to shine against the candle light. Cilas though could not get his eyes off of her and the look of shock on his face was readily apparent. The woman who as attached to his arm was looking back and forth between the two. She then let go of Cilas’ arm clearly distraught. “I am sorry I didn’t know…” She ran off clearly embarrassed at the situation.

The dragon finally took a step forward, ”Iona? How..how is this…” he tried to get the words out as tears filled his eyes. The overwhelming guilt had breached its threshold along with the amount of happiness to know that she was alive. He took a few more steps forward but stopped as he noticed the blonde hair man next to her. Had she found someone herself? Or was this even the woman that he knew. It felt like his legs were going to give out underneath him at any moment.

”I am so sorry…please…please…” he wanted to go over there and embrace her. To hold the woman once again in his arms like he did on that airship. He didn’t know what was appropriate at this moment, as people were already looking at him for his first date from leaving his side, and he was now moving to another one. They didn’t know the circumstances and he could careless for their gazes and words that they spoke. It was when a gust of wind blew through that it finally solidified to him that she was actually standing there before him. Lavender and pine..the scent he had buried deep in his mind.

He crashed to his knees and started to sob in an uncontrollable mess. She was alive, alive before him.

She waited, and watched. It wasn’t easy for her to see him with another woman, but she kept her smile, although soft it was. Iona wondered if he loved the woman, if she made him happy. She placed her hand over her aching chest, trying to force away her selfish longings. Cilas was finally free from her and the trouble she brings. He was moving on, and he deserved to live without her holding him back. No matter how much she wished to remain by his side, she couldn’t. It was better this way, leaving him to fall for another and live his life. Iona did not know what to do without him, but she would manage. She just… needed to say goodbye. Let him know she was alive and well so he would no longer fret over her death. Perhaps he does want her to be happy, as Saeldor mentioned. But if it wasn’t, if Cilas does not need nor want her, she will leave.

Cilas broke the kiss, whispered in the woman’s ear, then took her hand and began guiding her away. Doing so turned them to face Iona, allowing Cilas to finally notice her presence. Her sad smile grew slightly, her watery blue eyes meeting his wide silver pools. He appeared shocked, disbelieving even. And why wouldn’t he? He believed she was dead—he buried her himself. He’d seen what was done to her—she had died. She shouldn’t be alive. But she was, very much so. His reaction made her wonder if this was a good idea after all, suddenly coming back from the dead and appearing before him without warning. The woman at his side seemed to misunderstand the situation and suddenly took off. Iona almost called out to her, her heart squeezing. But a soft and brief touch on her arm from Saeldor’s hand kept her grounded. “I will handle her. Speak to him,” he said quietly with a reassuring smile, then he went after the other woman. Iona turned her gaze back to Cilas.

He took a step, and the tears welling in his eyes struck Iona. Her own vision started to slowly blurr. His words were so quiet she almost missed them, then, he fell to his knees. He sobbed and cried, making Iona realize that her death had caused him serious pain. She wished she could have prevented it, if only to save him from losing her. How could she have forgotten all that he’d done, and allowed herself to be killed to save him? If she had called for him, she could have kept both of them from suffering. She should have trusted he could handle the hunters all on his own. Yes, Saeldor had filled her in on the reports. Cilas killed almost every hunter before any help arrived. She should have trusted in him…

As a tear slid down her pale cheek, she took a quiet step forward. “Please, forgive me,” she said, voice trembling. Iona came closer, but stopped just out of his reach. Her legs froze, refusing to carry her any further no matter how hard she fought to. She wanted to reach out to him, embrace him, wash away his pain. But what had happened to her flashed in her mind, keeping her from coming close enough for physical contact. She shouldn’t be afraid of Cilas… but, she was. Because he was a man. Her eyes briefly dropped to glance over his fallen form. So strong, so powerful… He was capable of forcing himself onto her as the hunters did, and he would have no trouble executing it. He would have no need for restraining her to keep her down. She knew he would never be so cruel; he never even touched her wrongly, and whenever he saw her naked body he covered it, protected it. She shouldn’t be afraid of him. Yet, she was frozen with it.

She took a deep breath and released it shakily. She forced her fearful thoughts aside, trying to forget what he was capable of and remember what he had done. The touch of his hand upon hers, the embrace. Yes, he [i[could easily harm her. But he didn’t. So much power resided within him, yet, he was so gentle with her. Ignoring her fright, she took a step forward and reached out to him. Her trembling hands slipped through his hair with caring tenderness, and she pulled his head closer, pressing it against her hips in an odd embrace. She smiled sadly down at him, tears slowly falling. “Please, forgive me,” she repeated, voice shaky but as soft and sweet as ever. Her slender fingers running through his soft hair to help calm him. How long had she waited to do that? “I’ve caused you so much pain… I should have called for you. I… I thought I was protecting you from them, but…” the lump in her throat grew too large for her to continue. Every part of her body screamed for her to push him away, to not let him touch her. It had enough of being touched by men… No more… Before she realized it, her fear and caused tears of their own. But, still, she refused to let him go, as if doing so would cause her to lose him forever. “I’m so sorry.”

He had never felt such hurt or such pain as he did at this moment. Everything that he believed was gone was now in front of him. He barely could see past the tears, but the blonde man that was with her had gone to chase after the woman that he was with before. He did not understand why the man would do that, perhaps Iona wasn’t with him? Perhaps he was someone that helped her find him…she did not know the area, or at least so he thought she didn’t. The cold dark that its tendrils around his heart were breaking away, and that was causing the wave of emotion to come over him.

She walked over to him, he could hear the hesitation in her steps. Was she afraid of him? Why was she afraid of him? He had never done anything that he was aware of for her to be afraid of him. The rape, she still remembered that scene? He then understood her fear as anyone would, he was a man to her still. She still approached him and finally embraced him her hand running through his hair as she pushed his head against her hips. This made his tears swell even more so, as it solidified for him who she actually was. This beautiful almost angelic woman was his Iona…the woman who he loved.

He finally stood up as most of his tears stopped. He wanted to hold her himself but didn’t know if she would recoil back from his touch. A chance he needed to take, as he brought both of his hands up. He stopped looking into her eyes through his tear-stained ones. He waited for a moment before placing his hands upon her cheeks, wiping away her own tears gently with his thumb and resting his forehead against hers. ” You came back…back into my life. I thought I knew you were gone. Yet here you stand…the moonlight to my darkness.” He whispered gently to her just stroking her soft cheeks.

He ran one hand down under her chin and lifted her head so that way their eyes could meet again. He wasn’t going to miss his chance again, especially not that fate seemed to give them both a second chance. ”I should’ve said this during that storm, I should have let you known and none of this pain would have befallen us. I love you Iona…have for such a long time.” This was not the way he had expected to say it, but it got the point across. He leaned down slowly before pressing his lips against her soft ones. The tears did not help the moment, but he had longed for it.

Sudden clapping and the roar of a crowd is what made him finally break the kiss. He had forgotten that he was in the middle of a dance, and all the people were around them. His cheeks grew extremely red as the realization set in. They had made a scene and were so lost that they both didn’t realize it. He also had hoped that the sudden kiss did not upset her. The cheering and the clapping died down, as the music started up again and people went back to enjoying the dance. ”You look radiant tonight.”

Several minutes went by before Cilas rose from the ground. Iona released her hold on him, and a sense of relief washed over her. She wanted to hold him close, to allow his warmth and scent to calm her, but… the fearful part of her wouldn’t let her. So, she stood still, watching Cilas with blurred vision and bated breath. The urge to shy away from him grew when his hands hovered next to her, but she still resisted. Iona knew he wouldn’t hurt her, never intentionally. When his hands finally cupped her cheeks, she flinched. She slowly closed her eyes, trying to focus on the tenderness of his touch rather than her fear. His callused skin was a little rough against her soft cheeks, but they were warm. So warm…

She inhaled deeply, and slowly breathed it out. Her quivering gradually subsided, and she tilted her head further into his palm as a warmth swelled within her. His thumb wiped away her tears, the caress tingling her flesh. When warmth pressed against her forehead, she finally opened her eyes. Blue pools clashed with striking silver. And, as if by magic, it was then that all of her fear seemed to wash away. She became lost in his stunning gaze, breath halting as if he had stolen it from her. The moonlight to his darkness[i/]. Her knees weakened at those words. The moonlight in the darkness, a gentle guide that had always been there in her hour of need, lighting her path when she was overcome by uncertainty. Was he saying that she was that for him? Her heart soared at the idea, and slowly, her lips formed a tiny smile. She shivered as his tenderly stroked her cheeks.

Then, one of his hands slid down to her chin and gingerly lifted her face towards his. She listened intently as he started speaking. Her eyes widened, but she wasn’t given any time to offer a response of any kind as he made his move. Cilas pressed his lips against hers, and she froze. Her legs wobbled beneath her, quickly becoming unreliable. She lifted her arms and wrapped them around Cilas to help support herself as she melted into the kiss. His beard was a little scratchy, but she ignored it. Instead, she focused on the warmth of his lips that seemed to spread through her body. She didn’t want him to let go; she didn’t want the moment to end. All of her fears vanished, all of her worries drowned away. All she could think about was how safe she felt in his arms, and how much she had longed to have this with him. Tears started falling from her closed eyes, her emotions taken over by the beauty of Cilas.

Then, the kiss was abruptly broken by the cheering crowd. Although Cilas was embarrassed, Iona couldn’t quite bring herself back to reality enough to care. The clapping was ignored when she finally opened her eyes, seemingly caught in a trance. It was as if the kiss had glamoured her. She couldn’t turn her eyes away from him. At his compliment, her lips formed a soft smile, and her arms lifted to wrap around his neck. “I love you, Cilas,” she said in his ear when she pulled him into a loving embrace. “I always have.” Her eyes drifted closed, her head resting against him. She allowed herself to drown in his scent—like the mountain forests, and the meadow flowers, and the sea breeze gathered together as one. She had once assumed that her feelings for Cilas were no different than the love she felt for all mortals. But as she came to know him, she realized she was wrong. He was different from any other person she’d come into contact with, and thus her love for him was different as well. It was a love that made her want nothing more than for him to be happy. She longed to see him smile, to hear him laugh. She longed to stay by his side and hold his strong yet gentle hands.

After several minutes, she reluctantly pulled away. Iona smiled up at him with a hint of excitement in her eyes. She took a deep breath, then concentrated at her empty palm which she held up. A light flashed, and the next moment there was a necklace in her hand. Since she revived, she learned that she was capable of using magic, just as Cilas was. Saeldor described her magic type as witchcraft, and taught her a few simple spells. This one allowed her to store objects of her choosing someplace safe and out of sight, and she can summon it whenever she sees fit. She beamed at Cilas and held the necklace for him to take. “This is a gift, for you. It will protect you,” she explained vaguely. So long as he wears it at all times, she’ll know he could never be harmed.

Iona wrapping her arms around his neck, and the trembling of her body disappearing had given Cilas the sign that his kiss was welcomed. He was glad, as he didn’t want to scare her off after just finally telling her how he felt all this time. She then spoke the works back, and his heart just seemed to skip as her words sent a shiver down his spine. The happiness that swelled in his heart was something he never thought he would feel. He held her close with one arm as she pulled into the embrace, his other running down her arm and the side of her body, just tracing on the contours and curves into memory before he wrapped her with both of them. They both were frozen into their own time at this moment.

Moments passed before Iona finally pulled away, but her face was beaming with happiness and excitement. He was curious about what had gotten into her, but his curiosity was soon answered as a glow appeared in her open palm. A surprised look was on his face, as she manifested and object in the palm. Last he was aware she did not know any magic and this magic was different from what he used anyways. She held it for him to take, explaining that it was a gift to him. He took it, hold the chain in one hand and the pendant, on the other hand, to look at it.

”It is so warm and so beautiful,” He responded as he examined it closer. A delicate and intricate rose gold cage surrounded a pale white stone. The stone though seemed to hold more than what it seemed. An energy that was all too familiar to the dragon seemed to pour out from it, illuminating the stone. He had to take a closer look to see what seemed to be a ball of fire dance among the core of the stone. ” It’s your energy…your spiritual energy, isn’t it? Such a gift…Thank you.” His words were soft as he took the chain and wrapped it around his neck securing it. It rested perfectly against the middle of his chest. The warmth of it close to his heart.

”Now that you are here, it seems like I can finally give you a gift I have had for a while.” He snapped his fingers and a wrapped parcel appeared in his arms. It wasn’t anything as flashy as she had given him but the thought was there especially with the material it was made with. ”Please, take a look.” He said and held it out to her. Inside was a simple a heavy travel cloak, something that she had always been lacking. Was black in color to match the usual dress that she wore, but on the shoulders and tapered down on the back was scales of silver. Fresh scales that still held their luster and shine, that came from his own. A dragon to give away such a thing showed how much they felt for the person.

”Afterwards, I would like to thank the man that brought you here. Of course, I had thought you were with him when I first saw…but then again,” He did not need to say anymore. He was sure that Iona had seen him kiss the other maiden before her. ” I also need to apologize to someone else…perhaps afterward we can enjoy the night together. The celebration is still going on after all.”

Iona beamed when Cilas took the necklace. “It is,” she replied. Although, she had help with making it, and planting an enchantment upon the pendant and chain. Her spiritual energy was a gentle one that could heal and revive, so she used it to aid Cilas in his most dire moments. Should he be harmed, it will heal him. And should he die, it will revive him. And the magic on the chain guarantees that Cilas alone can wear it, and no other. As she watched him lock the necklace around his neck, the stone glowing softly on his strong chest, a sense of relief washed over her. Now she knew that no matter what happens to her, he will always be safe. The memories of what had happened to her haunted her still, but now she won’t have need to fear for Cilas safety. That great misfortune will never befall them again.

He expressed his gratitude, and her smile softened, her cheeks hurting from beaming so much. Then, she was caught off guard as he mentioned he had a gift for her as well. Iona blinked up at him and slightly cocked her head to the side with curiosity. A gift for her? The snap from his fingers rang in her ears, and dark cloth appeared. As he handed it to her, she followed his suggestion and examined the fabric. It was her favored color, a depressing one others believed it to be, but it suited her the best. And it was soft, and lined with fur to keep her thin skin warm during cold climates. But, the silver that lined the shoulders and down the back summoned tears back into her eyes, her breath catching in her throat. She recognized the beautiful silver scales, but they had more shine and brilliance than the ones he’d given her as currency. Fresh scales. Her eyes rose to meet his,partly brimmed with sorrow, for she knew it must have been painful for the scales to be removed from him. But, they were also filled with fierce gratitude. “I… I don’t know what to say,” she admitted, gazing back down at the cloak. Her fingers gingerly brushed over the dark fabric, and the fur, and the magnificent scales. Such a beautiful gift, such a personal one. She did not deserve it, but it was a gift, and so she will never let it go unloved.

After taking a moment to steady herself, she took the cloak and wrapped it around her bare shoulders. The fur was so warm, but it was still not the warmth Cilas could provide, the warmth she desired the most. She smiled back up at him, wiping a stray tear from her flushed cheeks. “Thank you, Cilas. I do not deserve such a wonderful gift, but I am honored to accept it,” she said softly, placing her palm over her fluttering heart.

When Cilas mentioned thanking the man who brought her here, her eyes darted to the side where said man stood, standing next to Cilas’ initial date. His yellow-green eyes were watching her and Cilas, although a soft smile showed on his face. She understood how Cilas could mistake her relationship with Saeldor, as she had with Cilas and the other woman. And she agreed. The truth had only been cleared between Wisp and dragon, not the elf and human. To Saeldor, she waved him over before looking back up at Cilas. “An introduction is in order,” she replied with a gentle smile. The sound of the other pair approaching reached her ears, gradually becoming louder. Although she said nothing of them continuing the night together, relishing in their reunion, Iona’s eyes told Cilas everything. She was excited to be with him, and wished for the introductions to go by swiftly so they were out of the way. She was normally more patient, and not so selfish. But… something was telling her that it was alright to be just a little selfish, or at least long for her own happiness. Perhaps Saeldor’s words had gotten under her skin.

“I am pleased to see you two getting along so finely,” Saeldor said in a friendly manner, with Cilas’ first date on his arm. Her cheeks flushed when she gazed at Cilas, and so she turned her eyes onto Iona instead. “Cilas, this is Saeldor,” Iona introduced the two. The elf bowed in greeting. “He is a healer, a well known one. It was him that helped me find you, and aided me with making your necklace.” She paused to smile up at the elf, “I cannot thank you enough for you kind help, good sir. I am indebted to you.” Saeldor’s eyes softened as they met her watery pools, a strange look appearing within them. “It was my pleasure. You owe me nothing,” he said softly. For a moment his gaze dropped to examine her, then glanced back at Cilas. He was observing, hiding his wariness of Cilas making Iona uncomfortable after all that happened to her with friendly words and smiles. But Iona knew he was worried. The entire journey to the Hanging Gardens he’d expressed how uncertain he was of how Cilas would treat her, if he would respect her need for distance between her and men. But, considering Saeldor had not yet made any move to separate her from Cilas, he must not have seen any reason to. She hoped it was obvious that she was currently not afraid of Cilas.

”You deserve everything, everything I have to give to you.”

He watched as she put the cloak over her small shoulders. The contrast of its dark color to the blinding white of her dress made it stand out, especially with the candle light dancing of the scales on the backside. In contrast, the bright stone of his necklace stood out upon his darker clothes. It had only occurred to Cilas how they had switched roles on attire. Yet her sapphire pools shine brightly than anything and the joy he could see in them was all that he had ever wished for. He was just happy that he was able to see them once again.

He let the thoughts of her death leave his head though as Iona waves over her escort, on his arm was the woman he had initially been with at the beginning of the night. He could see that she had been crying, and Cilas’ heart sunk a little he had not meant to destroy her like he did. His intentions were well placed, as he had no way to know that Iona would be stepping in front of him again. She gazed up at him briefly before turning away to look at Iona, her cheeks turning a cherry red again. Cilas brought his attention to the man called Saeldor. He bowed in return. Iona thanked him and Cilas noticed the change in his eyes.

She touches the hearts of everyone doesn’t she? It’s hard not to fall for her kindness and tenderness.

He did not blame Saeldor for holding feelings for Iona, but was so grateful that he had brought her to him and protected her after everything that had happened. ”I offer you my thanks. You were there to guide her when I thought she was lost to this star. Thank you so much.” Cilas looked down at Iona and smiled at her before letting go of her arm. There was something else he had to do. He had to fix that which he had broken. He couldn’t let someone leave this night broken. He walked up to the woman, and held out his hand again for her to take.

”Will you honor me with one last dance so that I may say sorry for breaking your heart.” He asked her. Her gaze would still not meet his but she let go of Saeldor’s arm and finally took his hand the tips of her fingers placed upon his hand. He then took her to the dance floor leaving Iona and Saeldor to speak privately if they wished. The dance was silent and her gaze was still drifted away, moving with his lead. The silence between the two was finally broken when she let out a small sigh.

“The elven man told me everything. I was hurt, thought you were using me…but we both were unaware weren’t me. Something tells me you are not the type of man to play with a ladies heartstrings.”

Her gaze finally met his with a slight smile. Cilas nodded. ”You are correct, and I am so sorry that it had to end even before it began. You are a beautiful woman you will find someone again.” his kind words struck her heart as tears appeared into her eyes again and she wiped them away swiftly so they could finish their dance

“Thank you”

Saeldor gave a small bow in return to Cilas’ thanks. Then, as Cilas offered his hand to the other woman and guided her off for a dance, Saeldor gave Iona the same chance. Laying his hand out for her to take, he smiled down at her, those beautiful jewels of spring making her own smile grow a little. “Care to dance?” He asked. Without hesitation, Iona took his hand and rested her other upon his shoulder, while his free one sat on the small of her back. She had never danced before, but as if by nature she knew to follow the male’s lead. He led her into a slow, comfortable rhythm, letting not even the music change the pace. “A thought for a thought?” He asked, and she giggled in return. A little game they played to learn about each other while he aided her to the Hanging Gardens. “Might you go first?” She suggested. He dipped his head, his smile turning into a soft grin, “I’m thinking Cilas is the most fortunate man on this earth.” He paused to turn his eyes towards the dragon, then added, “Although I must admit I do not think he deserves you. I hope he sees what he truly has, and never neglects it or let it go.”

Iona’s brow furrowed lightly, “Why do you think he does not deserve me? He has saved me many times, and all he has ever done is help me. He is kind, and compassionate. It is I who does not deserve him.” Saeldor shifted his eyes to meet hers. “Because, I don’t think anyone deserves you,” he spoke softly, his grin turning into a tender smile. “You are a rare lady, Iona. So rare, in fact, that you should not even exist. Not in such a selfish and cruel world. Your genuine love for others, and your inability to hate, automatically makes you too pure and beautiful for the liars and deceivers and haters this world has to offer. You deserve someone who will never break your precious heart, someone who understands your value and worth, and fights for you until the very end. Someone who will never let you fall to the hands of this evil place. Your light is one to be protected. An angel amongst demons, a lamb amongst wolves.” He paused to shake his head gently, “I am not saying Cilas is not a good man. I simply don’t believe he is good enough.”

She understood what he was telling her, but Iona could not agree. He made it sound like she was perfect in a world of imperfection. But the picture he painted for himself was false. She wasn’t perfect; she had done many wrongs and hurt many people. Although she could not recall when nor how, it was just something her intuition told her. Perhaps she had not done things as horrible as others, but she chose to look past that and see the beauty deep within a person. She didn’t expect absolute purity; she wasn’t looking for it. No, she looked for their strength, how hard they try and how many times they pick themselves back up despite their flaws. She searched for those who try and try to make their mistakes right. Those who don’t give up, those who genuinely wish to make things better despite their imperfections. Her eyes turned to Cilas, the man who was exactly that. He had hurt the woman he was with, and now he was trying to make it right. It warmed her heart.

She looked back at Saeldor, offering him a little grin of her own. “I do believe it is my turn,” she said, and her eyes fell to the oval stone on his chest that matched the color of his eyes. “I am thinking that brooch means something to you, and I cannot help but wonder what.” Saeldor laughed lightly, drawing her eyes back up to his handsome face. “You must be more observant than I thought,” he said. Iona shrugged a little, “It was hard to miss with how you always keep it close. Even when removed you will not let it out of your sight.” On their journey, she had noticed the way he held the stone with such tenderness, and how his eyes gazed upon its smooth surface with sadness and longing. Saeldor sighed quietly, and turned his eyes to elsewhere. Whether he was avoiding her gaze, or seeing something from the past that she couldn’t see, Iona was not sure. “It was a gift from my wife,” he admitted, voice a little more than a whisper. Iona’s brow raised. She hadn’t known he was married. But, how could she tell? He never talked about any special women, and he hardly removed the black gloves that fitted his hands snuggly so she could spot a ring.

He must have seen the questions on her face, for he added, “She passed away long ago. This brooch is all I have left of her.” Iona’s heart snapped and dropped. Her eyes turned sorrowful and she shook her head gently, “I am sorry… I shouldn’t have-”

“It’s alright,” Saeldor assured her with a kind smile. “I have had more than enough time to move on.”

“Will you ever try again, then?” Iona couldn’t resist asking. Surely his wife would have wanted him to find happiness with another woman. But, if he refused because of her, then he hasn’t truly moved on. Saeldor shrugged a little, “It would be lovely to find happiness in the arms of another woman, someday. But…” his eyes fell to meet hers. She could see a secret hidden within, one that saddened him, but he refused to tell. “Certain circumstances make that option unwise.” The dancing stopped, and Saeldor’s hands slowly slid down her arms until his hands gently held hers. “You aren’t going to tell me, are you?” She asked gently. She couldn’t understand what circumstances would prevent him from searching for love. He drew in a deep breath and smiled down at her, “Unfortunately, it isn’t quite so simple.” Iona smiled softly and sadly at him. She took one of his gloved hands in both of hers and held it up close to her beating heart. “Thank you, Saeldor, for all you’ve done,” she said with great sincerity. He seemed stunned for a moment, frozen as he gazed upon her face with large eyes. Then, when he regathered himself, he offered her a light nod, “Of course.”

Suddenly, he leaned forward and placed a feather-light kiss upon her forehead, then pulled away with the same beaming and friendly smile as before. “If I do recall correctly, you have a date to get back to. As much as I would love to, I cannot have you all for myself upon this night,” he chirped. Iona giggled and followed his lead to where Cilas danced with the other woman. “I apologize for interrupting,” Iona said to the other woman, then looked at Cilas with a longing gaze and a soft smile. “May I have this dance?”