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Till fate did take, what love did find.
“What maudlin nonsense is that? I’ve never heard such a stupid song in my life.” Draven’s nose wrinkled as he sat by the fire peeling an apple with a sharp blade.
Vesper paused. “It is maudlin nonsense.” There was a twinkle in his eyes. “And yet like every sentimental ballad, there’s also a kernel of truth.” He glanced at me and winked.
“And what’s the truth in that one?” Draven snorted in disgust, then stalked off towards where the horses were tethered, still peeling his apple and muttering to himself about idiotic love songs.
I was silent. The song reminded me of my parents. Had their relationship begun with love? Real love, whatever that was? Did they know that it would ultimately become a dance with death? And had it turned out that way simply because one was fae and one human?
“You look sad, Pen,” Vesper said softly. “Shall I stop playing?”
“No, not at all. I love your singing,” I said quickly, then colored. “I mean, you’re very talented. You must be popular in the towns you frequent.”
Vesper shrugged casually. “I do well enough, I suppose.” He glanced at Draven, then lowered his voice. “I’ve traveled alone and with various companions. Caravans of merchants, solo travelers, other minstrels. I can’t say your Draven over there is a particularly cheery companion...”
“I’m so sorry,” I said automatically. “It’s just his way...”
“No, don’t mistake me,” Vesper interrupted. He grinned at me, showing beautiful white teeth. “You more than make up for it.”
I stared. “I do?”
Vesper nodded and lowered his voice. “You’ve been going through some changes, haven’t you? Since I first saw you at the tavern in Grimhold.” He gestured to my hair. “It was pretty before. But now? It’s like pure starlight.”
I blushed. “I don’t know what you mean.”
Vesper was still looking at me consideringly. “And your skin. It’s more golden than I remember. And those markings on your arms...”
“Yes, I suppose there are a few differences,” I said quickly, tugging at the sleeves of my tunic. “I’m part fae, you know. Like yourself.”
My eyes flicked over him quickly. His sharp ears. His burnt-ochre hair.
Vesper was part-fae but so much more. He was a creature of pure wonder and I felt strangely bewitched by him. As the flames crackled nearby, my heart sped up as he looked at me with a gaze that felt almost like a caress.
I swallowed hard.
“I see. I’ve never known a part-fae to develop fae features so late, but I suppose anything is possible with us.” He grinned and I smiled back nervously. “But it’s more than just your appearance. At the inn...” He glanced around. Draven had still not returned. “You were truly remarkable, Pen.”
“I don’t know what you think you saw,” I said hurriedly. “But I’ve never been able to do anything like that before. And probably won’t again.”
Vesper studied me. “You were frightened and panicked. Quite understandably. It’s rare, but I’ve heard stories of part-fae who were able to cast magic in moments of terror or sheer desperation.”
“Yes, that’s probably what it was,” I said, nodding my head eagerly. “I was terrified and panicked. If it even was magic at all.”
Vesper tilted his head. “I’d say setting a man on fire with nothing but your hands is nothing if not magical.”
“It’s not the sort of magic I’d ever imagined having,” I said quietly.
“Not particularly pretty perhaps, but damned useful at the time. You saved your own life. You saved his life.” He nodded in the direction Draven had wandered off. “He doesn’t even know it, does he?”
I remembered Draven saying how quickly he usually healed. Did he think that was all this was? That his body had simply fought off the bloodwraith poison and finally won?
“I don’t think he remembers much from that night.” I met Vesper’s eyes. “If he did, he’d probably be more grateful towards you.”
He laughed. “I doubt that. No, he doesn’t like me much. I’ve encroached on his territory. But that’s all right.” He gazed at me, his amber and gold speckled eyes frank and intense. “Because I like you, Pen.”
I stared back. “You do?” My voice was hoarse.
“I do. Walk with me?” He jumped to his feet, set down his lute, and held out his hand. “If that’s allowed, I mean,” he said teasingly. “Do you have to ask permission first?”
