[Infinity's End] The Break of Day 01-07
Apr. 15th, 2011 01:07 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
n_wilkinsona/n:Thanks to azardarkstar for the beta work!
Title: The Break of Day
Series: Infinity's End, Prequel
Summary: A friendship that takes everyone by surprise slowly evolves into a deeper bond as Azriel, illegitimate son of the house Celestine, and Kieran, heir to the house Azura, throw themselves into the heart of a building altercation that explodes into an all out revolution.
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) (19) (20)
December 22, 1978
Laughing, Kieran stuck out his tongue and attempted to catch a snowflake on the tip. But the fall was too light, so it melted from his breath before he could feel it in his mouth. How disappointing. The flakes that had fallen last night were so much bigger. And colder too. At least the heavier snow had given way, leaving a milder storm in its wake. Now the festival could proceed as planned. Even better.
Harper punched him in the shoulder, grinning like it was an everyday thing. Which it was. Kieran swore he'd have a permanent bruise there.
“You idiot. It's not rain.”
“So?” Kieran countered, untucking his hand from his sleeve to hold his palm up. “I still like it.”
“Leave Kieran alone, Harper. He's a winter baby,” Lyra said, amusement rich in her voice as she rolled her eyes. “Isn't that right?”
“That has nothing to do with it,” the boy retorted, folding his hands back into his robes. It was chilly out, but that wouldn't stop him from enjoying the Yule Festival.
It only came around once a year, and it was three glorious days of fun, food, and freedom. Not to mention alcohol. The Conservatory closed down for a week, releasing its students into the wild for a much needed break, and Shian became streaked with colors and celebrations. Food was aplenty, along with music and entertainment, and it was a time that even nobles lost some of their haughtiness and acted just a bit like fun-loving commoners.
Kieran and Yule got along like cream on cherry pie. Which is to say very, very well. Even better that this year he got to spend it with friends, not only his old playmates, but a couple of new ones as well. Souya was wide-eyed and bushy-tailed like he'd never been to a Yule Festival before or at least not a noble one. And Azriel looked amused, restrained as though he considered it his duty as the elder to be more responsible but still like he was actually having fun for once.
And it was all because of Kieran. He couldn't help feeling a bit smug.
He hooked an arm around Azriel's, ignoring the other teen’s surprised glance and pushed him into hurrying his stride. Really, Azriel should be used to this by now.
“I think we should get snow cones first!” Kieran announced, making a beeline for the vendor whose line was already growing in length.
Snow cones were always a popular treat, no matter the time of year, no matter if one was common born or noble. Everyone liked the simple sweetness of them. Kieran was fond of blueberry in particular, and he drooled a little in memory of the cold and blue tart treat. He wondered what Azriel would like.
Lyra chuckled, sounding amused as she deftly kept up to Kieran's fast stride, despite the length of her sweeping robes which were appropriately thick and layered. They were also of a fancy design with enough sparkling snowflakes to put up a good battle against the real ones. Kieran suspected that Lyra's mother had forced her into the fancy dress; she’d never have chosen it on her own. She was simpler in her tastes.
“You and your sweet tooth,” she teased. “I can see that hasn't changed for the years. I don't think it ever will.”
Kieran was too happy to be embarrassed. “I just believe in being honest about the things I like. There’s no need to be ashamed.”
“We know,” Souya said. “You let everyone know the things you like.”
He slung an arm over Kieran's shoulder then and nearly bore him down with the added weight. It was enough to throw Azriel off balance, too. Souya towered over both of them.
On the other side of Lyra, Yonah wrinkled her nose. “Snow cones are for children,” she put in with a tone better reserved for unsavory things like mold or cockroaches. Not that Kieran had seen much of either himself.
Except for that one time he'd left a dinner plate in his laboratory and forgot about it. Not even Gwydion remembered until they’d come back nearly a week later – in the peak of summer – and found all manners of horror growing on top. Even now, he swore that he’d seen the plate moving on its own.
He shuddered at the memory and turned his thoughts to more pleasant things.
“So says you,” Kieran retorted and stuck his tongue out at her. It was just the sort of childish reaction that would appall her.
“You don't have to get one,” Lyra commented and made her point by joining Kieran in line, tapping a white-gloved finger to her chin. “I'm partial to blackberry myself. And you, Azriel?”
Beside him, Azriel tilted his head thoughtfully. “I can honestly say I’ve never had one. I'm not sure I understand the appeal.”
Souya looked nearly horrified beside him. The expression on his face was nothing short of shock at the strange and bizarre creature that had never even eaten a snow cone. Kieran wasn’t much better. Really, Azriel was such a stick in the mud. Did he never let go? Even as a kid?
Kieran fought his second shudder in so many minutes and resolved to right this wrong.
“You'll see,” he said with an eager grin as he tugged them forward in the line. “If I know you, and I'm sure that I do, you'll love the green tea.”
Azriel looked intrigued. Kieran wasn’t sure if it was because they actually had tea flavors or that Kieran had suggested it instead of something crazy sounding.
“In fact,” the younger teen said, lifting his free hand and pointing to the sky. “I'm so certain that you'll like it, I'm willing to treat everyone present to a snow cone.” He paused, whirling to shoot a look at their surly companion. “Except for Yonah since she's too old.”
Predictably, Yonah colored. Stuck between her mature ways and hating to be left out of anything.
“I didn't say that,” she argued and tugged the lapels of her fancy, fur-lined robe tighter around her. “You know how much I love raspberry.”
“I know.” Kieran felt just a bit evil. “Too bad you're the adult here.”
Yonah pouted like he knew she would, her painted lips drawn into a disappointed moue. Kieran chuckled to himself. Oh, he'd give in and get her one anyway, but teasing her like that never grew old. Yonah needed to be taken down a notch or two sometimes. Technically, both he and Lyra outranked her, but they never made a point of it.
“Kieran?”
He glanced up at Azriel, smiling brightly. “Yes?”
“The lady is waiting for your order.” There was a pause as Azriel tipped his head to the left. “Also, may I have my arm back?”
Kieran blinked. He laughed and let Azriel go, turning to give his attention to the vendor. The middle-aged woman was bundled up against the elements as everyone else at the festival, but she smiled at him. Apparently, their antics had amused her.
One hand dove into his pocket, removing a jingling pouch. His mother had been very generous in his allowance this week. He suspected she just wanted to spoil him and his friends a bit. Kieran wasn't going to complain.
“Souya, Harper, what do you want?”
“Lemon!” the girl declared cheerfully.
Kieran rolled his eyes. He should’ve known. She seemed just the type to like a flavor with a bit of bite to it.
At the back of their little group, his usual position since it was easiest for him to see over all their heads, Souya shrugged. “Eh. I don't care. Pick for me,” he said and scratched at his chin.
Souya was the least dressed of them all, a simple coat that stopped at mid-thigh, and for all that, he didn't look the least bit cold.
Kieran knew just what to get. “Okay, Madam. I need a raspberry, a blueberry, a blackberry, a lemon, a green tea, and a cream.”
The last was naturally for Souya. He didn’t like overly sweet things.
The vendor’s eyebrows lifted at him. “Will there be anything else?”
“Nope. That should be it.” He shot a glance over his shoulders. “Anyone wanting seconds is going to have to dig into their own pockets.”
The woman shook her head. “I see. That'll be ten copper, young sir.”
Kieran dutifully dug out the requested funds and handed it over, shoving his pouch back into his pocket. He stepped back for someone else to walk up and circled around for the other side, where their snow cones would be ready for them. He always enjoyed watching them be made.
It was almost like a dance with fingers the way the vendor magically cooled and fluffed up the snow inside a glass casing. It looked like a mini-snowstorm inside. When the flakes settled, what was left behind was a dense packing of pure white snow, the perfect consistency for drizzling a fruit syrup or something similar. Perhaps some cooled green tea or a milk, sugar, and cream mixture that had been whipped into a light consistency.
Within no time at all, their treats were pushed toward them. Kieran doled them out, Yonah having the grace to look surprised to receive one. A hint of red stained her cheeks, but that could’ve been because of the cold.
“Thank you, Kieran,” she said, and one finger swirled through the pureed raspberry decorating the top of her cone. “It looks delicious.”
A chorus of appreciation rose from his other friends, but Kieran waved them off. He hadn't done it to be thanked. He just liked sharing things with his friends.
Lyra and Harper eagerly dug into their cones, their lips soon stained a dark red and a light yellow respectively. Kieran started eating his own, lapping at the cold treat that only served to highlight the chill of the weather, and watched as Souya and Azriel tried their own.
Souya didn't hesitate, taking a huge bite of the cream-colored heap of snow. His eyes lit up immediately, pleased by the semi-sweet taste.
“This is pretty good,” he allowed, taking another large bite.
Apparently, the concept of slow enjoyment was beyond him.
He stuck out his tongue then, eyes crossing to look at it.
“Huh. My tongue is white.”
Except it came out garbled since he hadn't pulled it back in.
Kieran laughed and stuck out his own, which was strained a bright blue.
“Mine, too.” Or something like that since he'd copied Souya.
Both of them broke into snickers, and Kieran turned his attention to Azriel, who was examining his from all angles. He hadn't tried it yet. Maybe the almost-green color was throwing him off. Kieran leaned in closer, inhaling deeply. The smell of tea wafted to his nose, and his stomach growled. Hmm, maybe he should have gotten this flavor, too.
“Aren't you going to try it?” he asked as Souya turned toward Lyra and showed her his white tongue.
She, in turn, showed him her bright red one. They laughed like a couple of schoolchildren. Yonah shot the disapproving looks but thankfully said nothing. Harper just slurped at her cone with a grin.
Azriel took one tentative taste. Just a nibble. He rolled the taste around in his mouth.
“It's not bad. Not as sweet as I would have expected.”
“I thought you'd like that.”
Kieran set to consuming his own as quickly as possible. They were delicious and only available during very special occasions, but eating something cold in the middle of a snowy day always felt like a bit much.
“Hey, Souya, want to see what lemons and cream tastes like?” Harper asked, waggling her eyebrows suggestively.
Kieran grinned, while Souya looked confused. “You want a taste of mine?” He held it out to her.
Elbowing him aside, Kieran rolled his eyes. “He's a bit slow, you'll have to forgive him,” he said, wondering if Lyra had filled Harper in on their little game as kids. “Let's give lemon and blueberry a go, eh?”
Yonah wrinkled her nose. “That sounds disgusting.”
“So says the woman who loves to mix blueberries and blackberries,” Lyra challenged, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
Yonah's cheeks reddened, and she buried herself behind her paper cup. Azriel's gaze darted between the three childhood friends.
“I'm confused.”
Kieran looked at Harper and lifted his brows. “Shall we clue them in?”
“I don't really like blueberry,” she said slowly, but Kieran could tell she was teasing. “But why not?”
She took a bite of her snow cone, and Kieran did the same, letting the flavor settle on his lips and tongue. Harper's eyes gleamed as she leaned in close, and Kieran sealed the distance between them. Their fruit-stained lips touched seconds before tongues quickly joined. The tart flavor of lemon meshed with the sweet blueberry almost immediately, and Kieran was surprised at how good it tasted. Harper's lips were warm, but her tongue was cold, and it was as weird as it was interesting.
The kiss – if one even wanted to call it that – was over quickly. They separated, Kieran running his tongue over his own lips thoughtfully.
“Hmm,” he commented, knowing that he was grinning like a fool. “Not bad.”
Souya gaped like a fish. “You... you...”
“See what you missed out on?” Kieran replied cheekily.
Lyra sighed and rolled his eyes. “You know, Kieran, when I was younger that seemed like a game. But now I realize that it shows you for the pervert you are. Stealing kisses from us clueless girls.”
“You're just jealous because I didn't want a taste of blackberry.”
Souya made a noise that was quite possibly a mix between seething jealousy and blustering outrage. His eyes cut to the side.
“I like blackberry.”
But it was lost to the noise when Harper started laughing.
“Now, I really wish I'd had chance to join your playdates as a kid,” Harper stated, amusement rich in her tone. “Imagine the things I've been missing.”
“They're not nearly as sordid as what you must be concocting in that mischievous brain of yours,” Yonah retorted sourly, giving them all a stern look. Apparently, she was back to mature mode.
“Of course not.” Kieran nudged Souya with his arm. “They're much worse.”
Yonah made a harrumphing noise as everyone else laughed. Azriel even looked amused, though still surprised by the casualness of the kiss.
“I thought so. Still interested in lemons and cream, Souya?” Harper asked, tilting her head to the side.
Kieran hooked one arm through Souya's and snuggled up to his massive and warm side. “But cream goes so much better with blueberries.”
To his utmost amusement, Souya blushed a fiery crimson that was ridiculously cute on a person so much bigger than the rest of them. His face had to be scorching it was so hot.
“We could spend all day standing here swapping flavors,” Lyra cut in, an uncharacteristic look on her face. “Or we could move on and enjoy the festival. What do you think?”
“Spoilsport,” Kieran accused, but he wasn't really angry. It always amused him the way Lyra and Souya danced around their obvious attraction.
For two people who spent a lot of time watching each other, he didn't know how they hadn't noticed that they were mutually staring. Kieran was having too much fun watching them make fools of themselves. Besides, he was sure they'd work it out sooner or later. Lyra would probably figure it out first. She was the smarter of the pair, and girls had a seventh sense about this.
“I think that I agree with Lyra,” Yonah interjected, snuggling back into her coat. She'd already disposed of her paper cup in one of the many available receptacles. “Where to next?”
Kieran pondered. There were so many things to do. He didn't even think they had enough time.
“The maze,” he decided. Since knowing their group, they would either get lost for hours or finish it so quickly it wouldn't even be a challenge.
Yonah made a face, but Kieran was quick to cut in.
“And don't you dare tell me it's for children, Yonah. Because technically, everything is.”
She tilted her chin. “I wasn't,” she argued. “I was just going to point out that if you're serious, we need to turn around.”
Kieran was skeptical, but he turned around obediently. “Oh. Thanks.”
He licked out the rest of his snow cone, tossing the paper cup. His fingers were dribbled with blue; he licked those, too.
The group of six turned back the way they had come, a few of them still nibbling on their desserts. Azriel was quiet, but then, he usually was. Kieran had to get him alone to get him to really talk. Until then, he could rely on the others to make up for it. Even months later, Azriel was still uncomfortable around a crowd. It was cute most of the time.
“Last year, it was too easy,” Lyra muttered, lips stained red as though she'd borrowed some of Yonah's paint. “Remember when we were kids and Kieran got lost?”
“I did not!” Kieran declared, his lower lip jutting out. He shoved a finger her direction. “You and Yonah left me behind when I stopped to examine the consistency of the walls.”
Lyra snickered. “Even as a kid you were hopelessly absorbed in your science.”
“It was interesting,” Kieran insisted with a sniff. “Besides, I found my way out in the end. You two were the frantic ones.”
Lyra shuddered in pretend horror. “I didn't want to be the one to tell Lady Azura that we'd lost her one and only precious son. Or Lord Azura for that matter.”
Hmm. She had a point. Still...
“I won't get lost this time,” Kieran said and grabbed Azriel's hand, dragging the stunned senior closer. “Azriel will make sure I find my way. Won't you?” He beamed up at his new best friend, who looked flabbergasted.
“It can't be that hard,” Azriel countered as both Lyra and Harper broke into a chorus of “No fair!”
“You just had to pick the smartest of us, didn't you?” Harper added with a huff, but there was an interesting gleam to her eyes.
Kieran's eyebrows lifted. “Oh! So now, it's a challenge, is it?” he demanded and snuck a glance at Azriel, who looked simultaneously pleased and embarrassed to be considered the most intelligent among them.
Rounding a bend and pushing through the crowd, the massive maze came into view just then. The walls were formed of solidified snow and ice and stood at least ten feet tall. Not even Souya would be able to see over them. The first wall stretched for dozens of feet in either direction. It was the largest game at the festival, taking up one whole corner of the massive grounds that Meropis had set aside for this purpose.
The entrance and exit were on the same wall, separated by twenty feet of packed snow. Which meant one had to work through the entire maze just to get back to the same wall. There were plenty of twists and turns and dead ends with a few challenges set at gates in some places just to make things interesting.
From his position, Kieran could see the three or four people who walked along the walls at the top, keeping an eye on the customers and making sure there was no one who needed to be found and shown the way out. There were also the occasional workers who wandered along the walls, patching up places where the snow and ice had melted. A young man with a cheerful face was talking money at the entrance, allowing customers in one or two at a time but never in large groups.
“If you're going to be selfish, then I'll just go with Yonah,” Harper said with a wink Kieran's direction and a pointed look at poor flabbergasted Souya. Who by default wound end up either by himself or accompanying Lyra.
Kieran grinned. Smart girl.
“Sounds good to me.” He tugged Azriel along with him. “We'll go first then. My treat.”
“Is everything going to be your treat?” Azriel asked with an air of exasperation.
“Only the things I feel are worth it,” Kieran replied cheerily and handed over the required amount to the grinning attendant, who rattled off rules Kieran had heard time and time again.
He only paid attention when the man mentioned a prize. Finish it within ten minutes and win a free meal-ticket to one of the many vendors scattered around. Kieran's stomach growled in anticipation of all the good food. The snow cone was delicious, but it was a snack. He was ready for lunch.
When the attendant unlatched the small rope that served as a barrier, Kieran dragged Azriel along with him, his breath coming out in grey puffs in front of his lips. It was much colder in the maze, a chill exuding from the icy walls, and footing was treacherous. He'd have to be careful.
“Did you actually claim me because you didn't think you'd make it out?” the brunet questioned, selecting the right hand path at the first array of choices they came to.
“Yes and no,” Kieran put in with a chuckle. “I would’ve found my way out eventually. I just thought it would be a good chance to get away from everyone else for a minute.”
Azriel blinked. “Why?”
“Because you don't talk when everyone else is around,” Kieran said conversationally and took the opportunity to steer them down a left corridor. It probably wasn't the correct way, but he was here to have fun! “Are you enjoying yourself at least?”
Azriel gently tugged Kieran in the proper direction. He'd long ago given up on making the Azuran heir stop clinging to him. He'd learned to accept the casual contact.
“Yes,” he answered and then seemed startled by the admission. “Though it never fails to surprise me how very... open you and your friends are.”
“They're your friends, too,” Kieran insisted and came to a halt when they reached the first of the obstacles – a wall with three doors, each with a different symbol on them. “Which one?”
Azriel pondered, one hand to his chin. “The one on the left.”
“Why?”
“Because what comes first? The sun, the moon, or the stars?”
Kieran wrinkled his nose. “That's stupid.”
“Well, they can't make it too difficult,” Azriel countered. “Children go through this, don't they?”
“Yes, but not without someone older to keep an eye on them,” Kieran sent back, but he listened to Azriel anyway and chose the door on the far left.
It pushed easily open, revealing a dimly darkened tunnel and the bright white of another icy path beyond it. Which didn't mean much, he supposed. It could easily lead to a dead end. Still, he trusted Azriel's judgment.
They crossed through to the other side, and the door slammed shut behind them with an ominous thud that perfectly coincided with a shriek of amused terror from somewhere else in the maze. Kieran's lips curled into a grin.
“That sounded like Yonah,” he said, and no, he wasn’t smiling at all. Not at all. “They must’ve accidentally found the snow beast's den. It's just a guy in costume, but it can startle you if you're not prepared for it. She's such a wuss.”
“You know, Kieran, I didn’t miss your subtle scheming to get Miss Dryen and Tegan together,” Azriel commented, guiding them into another left hand turn. He seemed to know by instinct just which way was right.
But knowing Azriel, it was more like he'd probably read book after book on the best way to solve mazes and labyrinths and puzzles. He was probably an expert in them.
Kieran put on his most innocent expression. “What? Me?” He put a hand to his chest. “Besides, Harper’s the one who sacrificed herself for the sake of pure love. Yonah's the worst at these things.”
The tiniest of smiles curled Azriel's mouth, something that Kieran always considered a victory. Azriel could be far too serious a lot of the time.
“And you’ve got to admit that without our meddling, those two clueless idiots would never realize things for themselves,” Kieran added fondly.
Another obstacle came into view. Instead of three doors to choose from, there were three visible openings in the ice. They all sloped downward. And of course, hanging above each of the three tunnels were the same three symbols as before.
“Let me guess,” Kieran said with a defeated sigh. “The moon rises first?”
Azriel chuckled, heading for the tunnel to the far right. “In the winter, yes. It's often visible during the day, which would put it far ahead of the stars.” He gathered the layers of his clothes tighter around him and lowered himself down to the lip of the tunnel. “See you at the bottom.”
He looked like a kid when he did that, Kieran realized. He often wondered what Azriel was like a child. Probably just as serious and focused and determined. Someday, he was going to sit down and chat with Neorah when Azriel wasn't around, just to find out all those things her son wouldn't tell him.
Shaking his head, Kieran dropped down to slide through the tunnel himself, admiring the slickness of the ice inside. He wondered how they did it. Melting and refreezing the ice perhaps?
Curious.
“Kieran?”
He pushed off and a shout nearly left his lips as fast as he descended. The tunnel curved sharply to the left, and it made Kieran a little disorientated. He went flying, and then, there was a corona of light, the exit. He hoped there was something to stop him.
Kieran all but flew out of the tunnel, laughing to himself, and there was something to stop him but not intentionally. He had maybe two seconds to react before he collided with Azriel who hadn't thought to move out of the way quickly enough. They went down in a heap of limbs, thick robes, and snow. He ended up all but straddling Azriel, who was face down in the snow, trying to spit out the mouthful he'd gotten.
“Oops,” Kieran said, dutifully rolling to the side and to his feet, offering a hand down to Azriel. “I didn't realize you were still standing at the end.”
Azriel pushed himself up with only a minor irritation in his eyes. “I'm fine,” he said. “It's just my pride that's bruised.” He stood up with a wince. “And maybe my tailbone.”
“Good thing we're almost to the exit then. One more obstacle and then we should be home free,” Kieran said sunnily. “And then... lunch!”
“You and your obsession with food.” The brunet shook his head. “It never ceases to amaze me.”
They moved on. It was only a few twists and turns before they arrived at the last obstacle. The same set up as before, except that there were three ladders leading upward this time. Kieran needed no confirmation to head for the one decorated by sparkling stars and quickly climbed to the top where the exit came into sight at the bottom of a set of stairs etched into impacted snow.
He sighed in relief. Azriel echoed the noise just behind him, and together, they stepped out of the maze where the attendant rushed to their side, all smiles and cheer.
“Congratulations!” he exclaimed and then shook his head. “You were half a minute shy of completing it within ten minutes!”
Kieran was not pouting. “Aww. We were so close.”
“Better luck next time,” the attendant said and wandered away to let in the next customers.
Kieran couldn't hide his disappointment. “I wanted those meal tickets.”
“It's not like you can't afford it,” his friend informed him. Since really, he had enough money to burn even at the worst of times.
“It's the principle of the thing,” Kieran retorted with a sniff. He looked around them pointedly. “It'll take the others forever. We'll go on without them.”
They'd probably be able to guess where he'd head next anyway. They knew him well enough for it.
Azriel was amused. “Lead on, Kieran. This is your show.”
Somehow, he got the feeling that Azriel was just humoring him. Well, it was better than nothing. It’d taken much pleading and insisting on Kieran's part to encourage Azriel to take the day off and accompany them to the festival. Kieran was reaching the point of going behind Azriel's back to speak with Lord Adair; surely, he would understand the necessity of it. Luckily, Azriel's agreement saved him from such drastic action. So his friend was going to have fun and enjoy this if it killed him; Kieran would make sure of that.
“You can't tell me you'd rather be in the dusty archives, sneezing as you tirelessly copy down old documents,” Kieran said, pushing through the increasingly thick crowd toward where his nose was telling him soup-filled bread bowls could be found. His stomach gurgled in sympathy.
“The quiet can be soothing,” Azriel responded carefully, and brown eyes shifted to Kieran. “But I’m still enjoying myself. Thank you for the invitation.”
It took all of Kieran's self-control not to preen. Instead, he steered Azriel toward the small area of tables and chairs that were covered in protection from the elements. The smell of soup was strong here, and Kieran felt his mouth water.
“Allow me to treat you this time,” Azriel suggested, stepping ahead of him. “Find us a table, and I'll be back.”
He was gone before Kieran could protest. Not that he would. He recognized it as a point of pride. Kieran didn't bring up their difference in status because it didn't matter to him, but sometimes, he knew that Azriel was all too aware of it. And little reminders of that difference could be a sore spot, especially when it came to money.
Surveying the crowd, Kieran chose a spot near the edge of the tent. He knew that Azriel didn't like being surrounded by people. Besides, it had the better view of a sculpture contest being set up across the way. They'd have to check that out next. Even better, the table had four extra chairs for the eventual arrival of their other companions.
Kieran swept a few stray flakes of snow from the stone bench and sat down, watching the crowd for Azriel and occasionally watching the sky. The snowfall was growing lighter and lighter, and with it, the mobs of people attending the festival grew thicker and thicker. It was still cold though, and Kieran rubbed his hands together.
Azriel returned, deftly balancing a bread bowl in each hand, steam rising from them. He put one down in front of Kieran and sat next to him. The smell of broccoli and cheese and chicken floated to Kieran's nose. His stomach growled in appreciation this time.
“I took the liberty of choosing for you.” Azriel gave Kieran one of many wooden spoons that were no doubt being handed out by the vendor. “Does it suit?”
Kieran's mouth was watering. “Yes, it does. Thanks,” he said and blew carefully on the steaming soup, eager to dive into the thick deliciousness. The bread looked chewy and fresh, too. He couldn't wait.
“My pleasure.”
Kieran hummed in his throat as he carefully tasted the thick cheese sauce. “So how do you think you did on your exams?”
“It depends on who you ask,” Azriel replied, one finger deftly twisting the spoon through the soup and stirring it. “I'm sure I passed easily. Holmes mightn’t agree with me. Or Lenaeus.”
Of course. The two professors who graded on a scale of opinion rather than legitimate results. There were no notes to study or tests to take. It was all a matter of impressing the teacher by skill and ability. An easy enough task for students the teachers liked. A not so easy task for those who were discriminated against for no reason whatsoever. Souya had the same problem with one of his classes.
Kieran made a noise of disgust in his throat. “They can't fail you,” he said with utmost faith. “Lady Dryden won't stand for it.”
Amaryllis Dryden would not approve of her sponsored student failing. Particularly in a subject that was so subjective.
“No, but they can certainly make things difficult,” Azriel muttered and promptly shoved a spoonful of soup in his mouth, as though hating himself for letting the comment slip. “What about you?”
He waved a hand of dismissal, lifting the bowl to nibble on the crunchy crust. “Except for history, I'm doing great.”
“History?”
“It's boring!” Kieran exclaimed, wincing at the tone of Azriel's voice. “Plus, it's first thing in the morning. You can't expect me to be fully awake then. That's torture!”
Azriel shook his head. “I'm not sure Lord Azura would agree.”
“My father doesn't have a leg to stand on. I have it on good authority that he barely passed Civics because he kept skipping it.” Kieran harrumphed.
Around a mouthful of soup, Azriel chuckled. “I am sure he'd prefer you'd do better than he.”
“Probably. But I'm going to do what I want. He'll just have to accept that,” Kieran retorted with finality and decided it was time to change topics. Talking about Marduk was no fun at all. “Moving right along... how's your soup.”
“Decent,” Azriel answered and tilted his bowl toward Kieran, letting him see the contents, which looked to be some sort of potato and deer mix. “Could use a little pepper.”
Kieran stuck his spoon in Azriel's bowl, scooping up a taste for himself. He popped it into his mouth, rolling it over his tongue. It wasn't that bad.
“Mmm. Pepper would help. But it's still tasty.” He smacked his lips.
Azriel laughed at him, as though he couldn't believe Kieran's boldness and dug back into his bowl. Once again, Kieran was captivated by his smile. It was such a rare thing, though Kieran was determined to bring it out more and more.
A thought crossed his mind. How he wouldn't mind one bit if the others couldn't find them. He was perfectly content spending time with Azriel alone.
Strange that. Very strange indeed.
*****
a/n: Next chapter brings us the conclusion of their Yule celebrations and then after that, we move into New Years and Kieran's birthday. Oh, and the possibility of a kiss between our favorite boys is coming soon!
As always, feedback is welcome and appreciated!
azardarkstar for the beta work!Title: The Break of Day
Series: Infinity's End, Prequel
Summary: A friendship that takes everyone by surprise slowly evolves into a deeper bond as Azriel, illegitimate son of the house Celestine, and Kieran, heir to the house Azura, throw themselves into the heart of a building altercation that explodes into an all out revolution.
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) (19) (20)
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Part One: Chapter Seven
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Part One: Chapter Seven
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December 22, 1978
Laughing, Kieran stuck out his tongue and attempted to catch a snowflake on the tip. But the fall was too light, so it melted from his breath before he could feel it in his mouth. How disappointing. The flakes that had fallen last night were so much bigger. And colder too. At least the heavier snow had given way, leaving a milder storm in its wake. Now the festival could proceed as planned. Even better.
Harper punched him in the shoulder, grinning like it was an everyday thing. Which it was. Kieran swore he'd have a permanent bruise there.
“You idiot. It's not rain.”
“So?” Kieran countered, untucking his hand from his sleeve to hold his palm up. “I still like it.”
“Leave Kieran alone, Harper. He's a winter baby,” Lyra said, amusement rich in her voice as she rolled her eyes. “Isn't that right?”
“That has nothing to do with it,” the boy retorted, folding his hands back into his robes. It was chilly out, but that wouldn't stop him from enjoying the Yule Festival.
It only came around once a year, and it was three glorious days of fun, food, and freedom. Not to mention alcohol. The Conservatory closed down for a week, releasing its students into the wild for a much needed break, and Shian became streaked with colors and celebrations. Food was aplenty, along with music and entertainment, and it was a time that even nobles lost some of their haughtiness and acted just a bit like fun-loving commoners.
Kieran and Yule got along like cream on cherry pie. Which is to say very, very well. Even better that this year he got to spend it with friends, not only his old playmates, but a couple of new ones as well. Souya was wide-eyed and bushy-tailed like he'd never been to a Yule Festival before or at least not a noble one. And Azriel looked amused, restrained as though he considered it his duty as the elder to be more responsible but still like he was actually having fun for once.
And it was all because of Kieran. He couldn't help feeling a bit smug.
He hooked an arm around Azriel's, ignoring the other teen’s surprised glance and pushed him into hurrying his stride. Really, Azriel should be used to this by now.
“I think we should get snow cones first!” Kieran announced, making a beeline for the vendor whose line was already growing in length.
Snow cones were always a popular treat, no matter the time of year, no matter if one was common born or noble. Everyone liked the simple sweetness of them. Kieran was fond of blueberry in particular, and he drooled a little in memory of the cold and blue tart treat. He wondered what Azriel would like.
Lyra chuckled, sounding amused as she deftly kept up to Kieran's fast stride, despite the length of her sweeping robes which were appropriately thick and layered. They were also of a fancy design with enough sparkling snowflakes to put up a good battle against the real ones. Kieran suspected that Lyra's mother had forced her into the fancy dress; she’d never have chosen it on her own. She was simpler in her tastes.
“You and your sweet tooth,” she teased. “I can see that hasn't changed for the years. I don't think it ever will.”
Kieran was too happy to be embarrassed. “I just believe in being honest about the things I like. There’s no need to be ashamed.”
“We know,” Souya said. “You let everyone know the things you like.”
He slung an arm over Kieran's shoulder then and nearly bore him down with the added weight. It was enough to throw Azriel off balance, too. Souya towered over both of them.
On the other side of Lyra, Yonah wrinkled her nose. “Snow cones are for children,” she put in with a tone better reserved for unsavory things like mold or cockroaches. Not that Kieran had seen much of either himself.
Except for that one time he'd left a dinner plate in his laboratory and forgot about it. Not even Gwydion remembered until they’d come back nearly a week later – in the peak of summer – and found all manners of horror growing on top. Even now, he swore that he’d seen the plate moving on its own.
He shuddered at the memory and turned his thoughts to more pleasant things.
“So says you,” Kieran retorted and stuck his tongue out at her. It was just the sort of childish reaction that would appall her.
“You don't have to get one,” Lyra commented and made her point by joining Kieran in line, tapping a white-gloved finger to her chin. “I'm partial to blackberry myself. And you, Azriel?”
Beside him, Azriel tilted his head thoughtfully. “I can honestly say I’ve never had one. I'm not sure I understand the appeal.”
Souya looked nearly horrified beside him. The expression on his face was nothing short of shock at the strange and bizarre creature that had never even eaten a snow cone. Kieran wasn’t much better. Really, Azriel was such a stick in the mud. Did he never let go? Even as a kid?
Kieran fought his second shudder in so many minutes and resolved to right this wrong.
“You'll see,” he said with an eager grin as he tugged them forward in the line. “If I know you, and I'm sure that I do, you'll love the green tea.”
Azriel looked intrigued. Kieran wasn’t sure if it was because they actually had tea flavors or that Kieran had suggested it instead of something crazy sounding.
“In fact,” the younger teen said, lifting his free hand and pointing to the sky. “I'm so certain that you'll like it, I'm willing to treat everyone present to a snow cone.” He paused, whirling to shoot a look at their surly companion. “Except for Yonah since she's too old.”
Predictably, Yonah colored. Stuck between her mature ways and hating to be left out of anything.
“I didn't say that,” she argued and tugged the lapels of her fancy, fur-lined robe tighter around her. “You know how much I love raspberry.”
“I know.” Kieran felt just a bit evil. “Too bad you're the adult here.”
Yonah pouted like he knew she would, her painted lips drawn into a disappointed moue. Kieran chuckled to himself. Oh, he'd give in and get her one anyway, but teasing her like that never grew old. Yonah needed to be taken down a notch or two sometimes. Technically, both he and Lyra outranked her, but they never made a point of it.
“Kieran?”
He glanced up at Azriel, smiling brightly. “Yes?”
“The lady is waiting for your order.” There was a pause as Azriel tipped his head to the left. “Also, may I have my arm back?”
Kieran blinked. He laughed and let Azriel go, turning to give his attention to the vendor. The middle-aged woman was bundled up against the elements as everyone else at the festival, but she smiled at him. Apparently, their antics had amused her.
One hand dove into his pocket, removing a jingling pouch. His mother had been very generous in his allowance this week. He suspected she just wanted to spoil him and his friends a bit. Kieran wasn't going to complain.
“Souya, Harper, what do you want?”
“Lemon!” the girl declared cheerfully.
Kieran rolled his eyes. He should’ve known. She seemed just the type to like a flavor with a bit of bite to it.
At the back of their little group, his usual position since it was easiest for him to see over all their heads, Souya shrugged. “Eh. I don't care. Pick for me,” he said and scratched at his chin.
Souya was the least dressed of them all, a simple coat that stopped at mid-thigh, and for all that, he didn't look the least bit cold.
Kieran knew just what to get. “Okay, Madam. I need a raspberry, a blueberry, a blackberry, a lemon, a green tea, and a cream.”
The last was naturally for Souya. He didn’t like overly sweet things.
The vendor’s eyebrows lifted at him. “Will there be anything else?”
“Nope. That should be it.” He shot a glance over his shoulders. “Anyone wanting seconds is going to have to dig into their own pockets.”
The woman shook her head. “I see. That'll be ten copper, young sir.”
Kieran dutifully dug out the requested funds and handed it over, shoving his pouch back into his pocket. He stepped back for someone else to walk up and circled around for the other side, where their snow cones would be ready for them. He always enjoyed watching them be made.
It was almost like a dance with fingers the way the vendor magically cooled and fluffed up the snow inside a glass casing. It looked like a mini-snowstorm inside. When the flakes settled, what was left behind was a dense packing of pure white snow, the perfect consistency for drizzling a fruit syrup or something similar. Perhaps some cooled green tea or a milk, sugar, and cream mixture that had been whipped into a light consistency.
Within no time at all, their treats were pushed toward them. Kieran doled them out, Yonah having the grace to look surprised to receive one. A hint of red stained her cheeks, but that could’ve been because of the cold.
“Thank you, Kieran,” she said, and one finger swirled through the pureed raspberry decorating the top of her cone. “It looks delicious.”
A chorus of appreciation rose from his other friends, but Kieran waved them off. He hadn't done it to be thanked. He just liked sharing things with his friends.
Lyra and Harper eagerly dug into their cones, their lips soon stained a dark red and a light yellow respectively. Kieran started eating his own, lapping at the cold treat that only served to highlight the chill of the weather, and watched as Souya and Azriel tried their own.
Souya didn't hesitate, taking a huge bite of the cream-colored heap of snow. His eyes lit up immediately, pleased by the semi-sweet taste.
“This is pretty good,” he allowed, taking another large bite.
Apparently, the concept of slow enjoyment was beyond him.
He stuck out his tongue then, eyes crossing to look at it.
“Huh. My tongue is white.”
Except it came out garbled since he hadn't pulled it back in.
Kieran laughed and stuck out his own, which was strained a bright blue.
“Mine, too.” Or something like that since he'd copied Souya.
Both of them broke into snickers, and Kieran turned his attention to Azriel, who was examining his from all angles. He hadn't tried it yet. Maybe the almost-green color was throwing him off. Kieran leaned in closer, inhaling deeply. The smell of tea wafted to his nose, and his stomach growled. Hmm, maybe he should have gotten this flavor, too.
“Aren't you going to try it?” he asked as Souya turned toward Lyra and showed her his white tongue.
She, in turn, showed him her bright red one. They laughed like a couple of schoolchildren. Yonah shot the disapproving looks but thankfully said nothing. Harper just slurped at her cone with a grin.
Azriel took one tentative taste. Just a nibble. He rolled the taste around in his mouth.
“It's not bad. Not as sweet as I would have expected.”
“I thought you'd like that.”
Kieran set to consuming his own as quickly as possible. They were delicious and only available during very special occasions, but eating something cold in the middle of a snowy day always felt like a bit much.
“Hey, Souya, want to see what lemons and cream tastes like?” Harper asked, waggling her eyebrows suggestively.
Kieran grinned, while Souya looked confused. “You want a taste of mine?” He held it out to her.
Elbowing him aside, Kieran rolled his eyes. “He's a bit slow, you'll have to forgive him,” he said, wondering if Lyra had filled Harper in on their little game as kids. “Let's give lemon and blueberry a go, eh?”
Yonah wrinkled her nose. “That sounds disgusting.”
“So says the woman who loves to mix blueberries and blackberries,” Lyra challenged, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
Yonah's cheeks reddened, and she buried herself behind her paper cup. Azriel's gaze darted between the three childhood friends.
“I'm confused.”
Kieran looked at Harper and lifted his brows. “Shall we clue them in?”
“I don't really like blueberry,” she said slowly, but Kieran could tell she was teasing. “But why not?”
She took a bite of her snow cone, and Kieran did the same, letting the flavor settle on his lips and tongue. Harper's eyes gleamed as she leaned in close, and Kieran sealed the distance between them. Their fruit-stained lips touched seconds before tongues quickly joined. The tart flavor of lemon meshed with the sweet blueberry almost immediately, and Kieran was surprised at how good it tasted. Harper's lips were warm, but her tongue was cold, and it was as weird as it was interesting.
The kiss – if one even wanted to call it that – was over quickly. They separated, Kieran running his tongue over his own lips thoughtfully.
“Hmm,” he commented, knowing that he was grinning like a fool. “Not bad.”
Souya gaped like a fish. “You... you...”
“See what you missed out on?” Kieran replied cheekily.
Lyra sighed and rolled his eyes. “You know, Kieran, when I was younger that seemed like a game. But now I realize that it shows you for the pervert you are. Stealing kisses from us clueless girls.”
“You're just jealous because I didn't want a taste of blackberry.”
Souya made a noise that was quite possibly a mix between seething jealousy and blustering outrage. His eyes cut to the side.
“I like blackberry.”
But it was lost to the noise when Harper started laughing.
“Now, I really wish I'd had chance to join your playdates as a kid,” Harper stated, amusement rich in her tone. “Imagine the things I've been missing.”
“They're not nearly as sordid as what you must be concocting in that mischievous brain of yours,” Yonah retorted sourly, giving them all a stern look. Apparently, she was back to mature mode.
“Of course not.” Kieran nudged Souya with his arm. “They're much worse.”
Yonah made a harrumphing noise as everyone else laughed. Azriel even looked amused, though still surprised by the casualness of the kiss.
“I thought so. Still interested in lemons and cream, Souya?” Harper asked, tilting her head to the side.
Kieran hooked one arm through Souya's and snuggled up to his massive and warm side. “But cream goes so much better with blueberries.”
To his utmost amusement, Souya blushed a fiery crimson that was ridiculously cute on a person so much bigger than the rest of them. His face had to be scorching it was so hot.
“We could spend all day standing here swapping flavors,” Lyra cut in, an uncharacteristic look on her face. “Or we could move on and enjoy the festival. What do you think?”
“Spoilsport,” Kieran accused, but he wasn't really angry. It always amused him the way Lyra and Souya danced around their obvious attraction.
For two people who spent a lot of time watching each other, he didn't know how they hadn't noticed that they were mutually staring. Kieran was having too much fun watching them make fools of themselves. Besides, he was sure they'd work it out sooner or later. Lyra would probably figure it out first. She was the smarter of the pair, and girls had a seventh sense about this.
“I think that I agree with Lyra,” Yonah interjected, snuggling back into her coat. She'd already disposed of her paper cup in one of the many available receptacles. “Where to next?”
Kieran pondered. There were so many things to do. He didn't even think they had enough time.
“The maze,” he decided. Since knowing their group, they would either get lost for hours or finish it so quickly it wouldn't even be a challenge.
Yonah made a face, but Kieran was quick to cut in.
“And don't you dare tell me it's for children, Yonah. Because technically, everything is.”
She tilted her chin. “I wasn't,” she argued. “I was just going to point out that if you're serious, we need to turn around.”
Kieran was skeptical, but he turned around obediently. “Oh. Thanks.”
He licked out the rest of his snow cone, tossing the paper cup. His fingers were dribbled with blue; he licked those, too.
The group of six turned back the way they had come, a few of them still nibbling on their desserts. Azriel was quiet, but then, he usually was. Kieran had to get him alone to get him to really talk. Until then, he could rely on the others to make up for it. Even months later, Azriel was still uncomfortable around a crowd. It was cute most of the time.
“Last year, it was too easy,” Lyra muttered, lips stained red as though she'd borrowed some of Yonah's paint. “Remember when we were kids and Kieran got lost?”
“I did not!” Kieran declared, his lower lip jutting out. He shoved a finger her direction. “You and Yonah left me behind when I stopped to examine the consistency of the walls.”
Lyra snickered. “Even as a kid you were hopelessly absorbed in your science.”
“It was interesting,” Kieran insisted with a sniff. “Besides, I found my way out in the end. You two were the frantic ones.”
Lyra shuddered in pretend horror. “I didn't want to be the one to tell Lady Azura that we'd lost her one and only precious son. Or Lord Azura for that matter.”
Hmm. She had a point. Still...
“I won't get lost this time,” Kieran said and grabbed Azriel's hand, dragging the stunned senior closer. “Azriel will make sure I find my way. Won't you?” He beamed up at his new best friend, who looked flabbergasted.
“It can't be that hard,” Azriel countered as both Lyra and Harper broke into a chorus of “No fair!”
“You just had to pick the smartest of us, didn't you?” Harper added with a huff, but there was an interesting gleam to her eyes.
Kieran's eyebrows lifted. “Oh! So now, it's a challenge, is it?” he demanded and snuck a glance at Azriel, who looked simultaneously pleased and embarrassed to be considered the most intelligent among them.
Rounding a bend and pushing through the crowd, the massive maze came into view just then. The walls were formed of solidified snow and ice and stood at least ten feet tall. Not even Souya would be able to see over them. The first wall stretched for dozens of feet in either direction. It was the largest game at the festival, taking up one whole corner of the massive grounds that Meropis had set aside for this purpose.
The entrance and exit were on the same wall, separated by twenty feet of packed snow. Which meant one had to work through the entire maze just to get back to the same wall. There were plenty of twists and turns and dead ends with a few challenges set at gates in some places just to make things interesting.
From his position, Kieran could see the three or four people who walked along the walls at the top, keeping an eye on the customers and making sure there was no one who needed to be found and shown the way out. There were also the occasional workers who wandered along the walls, patching up places where the snow and ice had melted. A young man with a cheerful face was talking money at the entrance, allowing customers in one or two at a time but never in large groups.
“If you're going to be selfish, then I'll just go with Yonah,” Harper said with a wink Kieran's direction and a pointed look at poor flabbergasted Souya. Who by default wound end up either by himself or accompanying Lyra.
Kieran grinned. Smart girl.
“Sounds good to me.” He tugged Azriel along with him. “We'll go first then. My treat.”
“Is everything going to be your treat?” Azriel asked with an air of exasperation.
“Only the things I feel are worth it,” Kieran replied cheerily and handed over the required amount to the grinning attendant, who rattled off rules Kieran had heard time and time again.
He only paid attention when the man mentioned a prize. Finish it within ten minutes and win a free meal-ticket to one of the many vendors scattered around. Kieran's stomach growled in anticipation of all the good food. The snow cone was delicious, but it was a snack. He was ready for lunch.
When the attendant unlatched the small rope that served as a barrier, Kieran dragged Azriel along with him, his breath coming out in grey puffs in front of his lips. It was much colder in the maze, a chill exuding from the icy walls, and footing was treacherous. He'd have to be careful.
“Did you actually claim me because you didn't think you'd make it out?” the brunet questioned, selecting the right hand path at the first array of choices they came to.
“Yes and no,” Kieran put in with a chuckle. “I would’ve found my way out eventually. I just thought it would be a good chance to get away from everyone else for a minute.”
Azriel blinked. “Why?”
“Because you don't talk when everyone else is around,” Kieran said conversationally and took the opportunity to steer them down a left corridor. It probably wasn't the correct way, but he was here to have fun! “Are you enjoying yourself at least?”
Azriel gently tugged Kieran in the proper direction. He'd long ago given up on making the Azuran heir stop clinging to him. He'd learned to accept the casual contact.
“Yes,” he answered and then seemed startled by the admission. “Though it never fails to surprise me how very... open you and your friends are.”
“They're your friends, too,” Kieran insisted and came to a halt when they reached the first of the obstacles – a wall with three doors, each with a different symbol on them. “Which one?”
Azriel pondered, one hand to his chin. “The one on the left.”
“Why?”
“Because what comes first? The sun, the moon, or the stars?”
Kieran wrinkled his nose. “That's stupid.”
“Well, they can't make it too difficult,” Azriel countered. “Children go through this, don't they?”
“Yes, but not without someone older to keep an eye on them,” Kieran sent back, but he listened to Azriel anyway and chose the door on the far left.
It pushed easily open, revealing a dimly darkened tunnel and the bright white of another icy path beyond it. Which didn't mean much, he supposed. It could easily lead to a dead end. Still, he trusted Azriel's judgment.
They crossed through to the other side, and the door slammed shut behind them with an ominous thud that perfectly coincided with a shriek of amused terror from somewhere else in the maze. Kieran's lips curled into a grin.
“That sounded like Yonah,” he said, and no, he wasn’t smiling at all. Not at all. “They must’ve accidentally found the snow beast's den. It's just a guy in costume, but it can startle you if you're not prepared for it. She's such a wuss.”
“You know, Kieran, I didn’t miss your subtle scheming to get Miss Dryen and Tegan together,” Azriel commented, guiding them into another left hand turn. He seemed to know by instinct just which way was right.
But knowing Azriel, it was more like he'd probably read book after book on the best way to solve mazes and labyrinths and puzzles. He was probably an expert in them.
Kieran put on his most innocent expression. “What? Me?” He put a hand to his chest. “Besides, Harper’s the one who sacrificed herself for the sake of pure love. Yonah's the worst at these things.”
The tiniest of smiles curled Azriel's mouth, something that Kieran always considered a victory. Azriel could be far too serious a lot of the time.
“And you’ve got to admit that without our meddling, those two clueless idiots would never realize things for themselves,” Kieran added fondly.
Another obstacle came into view. Instead of three doors to choose from, there were three visible openings in the ice. They all sloped downward. And of course, hanging above each of the three tunnels were the same three symbols as before.
“Let me guess,” Kieran said with a defeated sigh. “The moon rises first?”
Azriel chuckled, heading for the tunnel to the far right. “In the winter, yes. It's often visible during the day, which would put it far ahead of the stars.” He gathered the layers of his clothes tighter around him and lowered himself down to the lip of the tunnel. “See you at the bottom.”
He looked like a kid when he did that, Kieran realized. He often wondered what Azriel was like a child. Probably just as serious and focused and determined. Someday, he was going to sit down and chat with Neorah when Azriel wasn't around, just to find out all those things her son wouldn't tell him.
Shaking his head, Kieran dropped down to slide through the tunnel himself, admiring the slickness of the ice inside. He wondered how they did it. Melting and refreezing the ice perhaps?
Curious.
“Kieran?”
He pushed off and a shout nearly left his lips as fast as he descended. The tunnel curved sharply to the left, and it made Kieran a little disorientated. He went flying, and then, there was a corona of light, the exit. He hoped there was something to stop him.
Kieran all but flew out of the tunnel, laughing to himself, and there was something to stop him but not intentionally. He had maybe two seconds to react before he collided with Azriel who hadn't thought to move out of the way quickly enough. They went down in a heap of limbs, thick robes, and snow. He ended up all but straddling Azriel, who was face down in the snow, trying to spit out the mouthful he'd gotten.
“Oops,” Kieran said, dutifully rolling to the side and to his feet, offering a hand down to Azriel. “I didn't realize you were still standing at the end.”
Azriel pushed himself up with only a minor irritation in his eyes. “I'm fine,” he said. “It's just my pride that's bruised.” He stood up with a wince. “And maybe my tailbone.”
“Good thing we're almost to the exit then. One more obstacle and then we should be home free,” Kieran said sunnily. “And then... lunch!”
“You and your obsession with food.” The brunet shook his head. “It never ceases to amaze me.”
They moved on. It was only a few twists and turns before they arrived at the last obstacle. The same set up as before, except that there were three ladders leading upward this time. Kieran needed no confirmation to head for the one decorated by sparkling stars and quickly climbed to the top where the exit came into sight at the bottom of a set of stairs etched into impacted snow.
He sighed in relief. Azriel echoed the noise just behind him, and together, they stepped out of the maze where the attendant rushed to their side, all smiles and cheer.
“Congratulations!” he exclaimed and then shook his head. “You were half a minute shy of completing it within ten minutes!”
Kieran was not pouting. “Aww. We were so close.”
“Better luck next time,” the attendant said and wandered away to let in the next customers.
Kieran couldn't hide his disappointment. “I wanted those meal tickets.”
“It's not like you can't afford it,” his friend informed him. Since really, he had enough money to burn even at the worst of times.
“It's the principle of the thing,” Kieran retorted with a sniff. He looked around them pointedly. “It'll take the others forever. We'll go on without them.”
They'd probably be able to guess where he'd head next anyway. They knew him well enough for it.
Azriel was amused. “Lead on, Kieran. This is your show.”
Somehow, he got the feeling that Azriel was just humoring him. Well, it was better than nothing. It’d taken much pleading and insisting on Kieran's part to encourage Azriel to take the day off and accompany them to the festival. Kieran was reaching the point of going behind Azriel's back to speak with Lord Adair; surely, he would understand the necessity of it. Luckily, Azriel's agreement saved him from such drastic action. So his friend was going to have fun and enjoy this if it killed him; Kieran would make sure of that.
“You can't tell me you'd rather be in the dusty archives, sneezing as you tirelessly copy down old documents,” Kieran said, pushing through the increasingly thick crowd toward where his nose was telling him soup-filled bread bowls could be found. His stomach gurgled in sympathy.
“The quiet can be soothing,” Azriel responded carefully, and brown eyes shifted to Kieran. “But I’m still enjoying myself. Thank you for the invitation.”
It took all of Kieran's self-control not to preen. Instead, he steered Azriel toward the small area of tables and chairs that were covered in protection from the elements. The smell of soup was strong here, and Kieran felt his mouth water.
“Allow me to treat you this time,” Azriel suggested, stepping ahead of him. “Find us a table, and I'll be back.”
He was gone before Kieran could protest. Not that he would. He recognized it as a point of pride. Kieran didn't bring up their difference in status because it didn't matter to him, but sometimes, he knew that Azriel was all too aware of it. And little reminders of that difference could be a sore spot, especially when it came to money.
Surveying the crowd, Kieran chose a spot near the edge of the tent. He knew that Azriel didn't like being surrounded by people. Besides, it had the better view of a sculpture contest being set up across the way. They'd have to check that out next. Even better, the table had four extra chairs for the eventual arrival of their other companions.
Kieran swept a few stray flakes of snow from the stone bench and sat down, watching the crowd for Azriel and occasionally watching the sky. The snowfall was growing lighter and lighter, and with it, the mobs of people attending the festival grew thicker and thicker. It was still cold though, and Kieran rubbed his hands together.
Azriel returned, deftly balancing a bread bowl in each hand, steam rising from them. He put one down in front of Kieran and sat next to him. The smell of broccoli and cheese and chicken floated to Kieran's nose. His stomach growled in appreciation this time.
“I took the liberty of choosing for you.” Azriel gave Kieran one of many wooden spoons that were no doubt being handed out by the vendor. “Does it suit?”
Kieran's mouth was watering. “Yes, it does. Thanks,” he said and blew carefully on the steaming soup, eager to dive into the thick deliciousness. The bread looked chewy and fresh, too. He couldn't wait.
“My pleasure.”
Kieran hummed in his throat as he carefully tasted the thick cheese sauce. “So how do you think you did on your exams?”
“It depends on who you ask,” Azriel replied, one finger deftly twisting the spoon through the soup and stirring it. “I'm sure I passed easily. Holmes mightn’t agree with me. Or Lenaeus.”
Of course. The two professors who graded on a scale of opinion rather than legitimate results. There were no notes to study or tests to take. It was all a matter of impressing the teacher by skill and ability. An easy enough task for students the teachers liked. A not so easy task for those who were discriminated against for no reason whatsoever. Souya had the same problem with one of his classes.
Kieran made a noise of disgust in his throat. “They can't fail you,” he said with utmost faith. “Lady Dryden won't stand for it.”
Amaryllis Dryden would not approve of her sponsored student failing. Particularly in a subject that was so subjective.
“No, but they can certainly make things difficult,” Azriel muttered and promptly shoved a spoonful of soup in his mouth, as though hating himself for letting the comment slip. “What about you?”
He waved a hand of dismissal, lifting the bowl to nibble on the crunchy crust. “Except for history, I'm doing great.”
“History?”
“It's boring!” Kieran exclaimed, wincing at the tone of Azriel's voice. “Plus, it's first thing in the morning. You can't expect me to be fully awake then. That's torture!”
Azriel shook his head. “I'm not sure Lord Azura would agree.”
“My father doesn't have a leg to stand on. I have it on good authority that he barely passed Civics because he kept skipping it.” Kieran harrumphed.
Around a mouthful of soup, Azriel chuckled. “I am sure he'd prefer you'd do better than he.”
“Probably. But I'm going to do what I want. He'll just have to accept that,” Kieran retorted with finality and decided it was time to change topics. Talking about Marduk was no fun at all. “Moving right along... how's your soup.”
“Decent,” Azriel answered and tilted his bowl toward Kieran, letting him see the contents, which looked to be some sort of potato and deer mix. “Could use a little pepper.”
Kieran stuck his spoon in Azriel's bowl, scooping up a taste for himself. He popped it into his mouth, rolling it over his tongue. It wasn't that bad.
“Mmm. Pepper would help. But it's still tasty.” He smacked his lips.
Azriel laughed at him, as though he couldn't believe Kieran's boldness and dug back into his bowl. Once again, Kieran was captivated by his smile. It was such a rare thing, though Kieran was determined to bring it out more and more.
A thought crossed his mind. How he wouldn't mind one bit if the others couldn't find them. He was perfectly content spending time with Azriel alone.
Strange that. Very strange indeed.
a/n: Next chapter brings us the conclusion of their Yule celebrations and then after that, we move into New Years and Kieran's birthday. Oh, and the possibility of a kiss between our favorite boys is coming soon!
As always, feedback is welcome and appreciated!
