Chapter 294: Problems in sight
Not unlike his usual, Silas stood to the side, watching as everyone else blended seamlessly in. Even species that did not get that well along the rest of the year, still managed to find common grounds to carry eloquent and rich exchanges.
As his diamonds focused on a wolfwoman discussing the nature of a small rock she held in hand with a vampire, a barely notable touch grazed his shoulder.
Without turning to it, he knew it was none other than Liriel taking a comfortable seat on him.
"You like watching from the sidelines, don’t you?" her little voice reached his ears without a problem.
"I suppose I do,"
"Does no one here look interesting enough to hold a conversation with?" she tilted her head.
"Not in the slightest," he responded without even looking at her.
"Then your mind must be elsewhere," her chuckle wasn’t all that audible but easy for a vampire to catch.
Right, she was.
Most of his attention and mind remained home with Arabella.
That thought dragged yet another one. More so a question about their future together.
He wondered whether he’d be allowed to bring her along to the celebration as his... Wife next year or if the attendees wouldn’t agree to make that exception.
By far, that was the least of his worries, but being in that setting, surrounded by all the jovial and bright faces that feasted merrily... It did arouse the questions.
"How have things been going between you too?"
He’d completely forgotten about Liriel on his shoulder.
Assuming the fairy meant Arabella, the vampire answered accordingly, "It has been calm,"
"Has it, now?" Liriel’s eyebrow rose.
"No, it hasn’t," he finally admitted.
"And what seems to be the issue?"
"Many things," he started, "Mainly the fact that we can’t have children together,"
Liriel sighed, nodding her head, "Yes, that is something to consider, and I am afraid I don’t have many words that will ease your stress about it other than you two will need to sit down and discuss if you are truly ready to make that compromise should you remain an item,"
"I am aware of that,"
He did his best to keep his tone steady at those words, but Liriel seemed to see right through it, "As happy as I am for you. I was just being kind in front of her earlier today. I must say, from the perspective of someone that has very little time to live compared to you; be fair," she marked a short pause, her irises following a group of fairies that fluttered past them harmoniously, "You have several human life times to live, but she only has one. Again, I am happy you found the one that makes your heart sing but...,"
When she trailed off for too long, Silas spoke up, "I understand,"
"Being given a reality check, are we?" Cynric’s voice, resonating so close to her, rattled Liriel, "What’s with that look?" he caught the glare on her, "I can never seem to do anything right with you,"
"That is because you don’t," the response came from Silas.
"So, you still persist with that charade of a union," the wolfman half asked, standing to Silas’ side and watching as people walked in and out of the caverns, some carrying trays, dishes and large flasks while others merely gawked at the place as though they’d never seen it before.
"And that remains none of your business," the vampire wanted to hear none of it.
Advice and stern talk from Liriel were one thing, but from Cynric... It was safe to say none of it was welcomed.
"You’re still no fun," Cynric chuckled, "Even in celebrations,"
During the spring equinox celebration, no music was played for the humming of the crowd was enough.
Well, that and... Determining which were appropriate led to many arguments until it was decided that none would be hard at all.
It was a tad odd that so many species could come together in multiple grave situations yet never managed to agree on something as trivial and minute as the music to play once a year in one gathering.
The full moon was especially brighter that night, but lit torches were still posted around the entrance of the caverns.
The echoes of the many souls inside rose, hit the walls before escaping its confounds.
Everyone seemed busy with something. Only one person paid Silas attention from afar.
Lord Dragomir did not stand alone but by the looks of it, he wasn’t that much invested in whatever conversation he’d been partaking in up until his eyes locked with Silas’.
The Lord took that as a sign to finally approach him with a grin that refused to reach his eyes.
"Is what I’ve heard through the grapevines true?" no time wasted on pleasantries at all.
"Through the grapevines, you say?" Liriel was not impressed in the slightest, "Through a whale’s fishnet would be more correct, wouldn’t you agree?"
"Now, that is a bit harsh," he scoffed, "You’ve never been fond of me, Liriel, have you?"
"I suppose she doesn’t find that much to like in you," Cynric who hadn’t yet left Silas’ side voiced his thoughts without a second of hesitation.
"I am guessing you don’t either," his gaze soldered on Cynric, the remanence of a smile on him had vanished.
"Let us simply say that this is one of the rare occasions I save the urge to tear out your throat,"
From that exchange, it was safe to assume Cynric didn’t have Dragomir in his heart either.
And while the reasons for that remained obscure to Silas, he stood with not a care in the world.
Not a hint of desire to involve himself in their... Bickering, but was forcefully brought into it when addressed directly again, "Well, I merely came to utter my congratulations to you," Dragomir bowed his head slightly, "Too bad she couldn’t accompany you tonight, but well, there were bound to be issues with your union sooner or later,"
"There certainly were," those were the only words Silas mustered his way.
"The banquet is served and ready for my Lords and Ladies!" a masculine voice blared from the entrance, announcing the start of the meal.
"I shall see you inside then," with his right-hand man who turned almost invisible when standing behind him, Lord Dragomir made his way through the entrance.