The figures danced on the frozen lake... an unmistakable posture. But there is something missing... it is an emotionless expression... is that even possible? -I mean... A lie. And as they say, truth is stranger than fiction.

...Right?

Did any of that make sense? Anyway...


Ahiru's eyes slowly stirred open at the sound of her name being called.

"Hey, you awake? How long you planning on pinning me to the cushion here? I have to sleep too, ya' know..."

"Qua... Quack? Qua- qua quack quack qua-" And before she could stutter an apology, the ex-knight (Yeah, I had to call him that...) slapped a hand over her mouth.

"Okay, just shut up and get off."

Ahiru scowled before realizing she'd fallen asleep on his (yes Ahiru... his!) lap at the lake while he was writing. "Quack..." She muttered before flapping off him and landing with a small thump on the dock.

"So, you coming home or staying?" Fakir said holding back an amused smirk. (Yeah, he likes seeing her land so clumsily. And I decided that because I am the writer and I can spell because without using a way of remembering it.)

"Quack qua quack? Qua quack qua qua quack quack, qua qua..." (Are you kidding? If I stay out here I'll freeze...) She hurriedly explained.

"...I don't speak duck as of yet. And I don't know any good tutors."

Ahiru just huffed and flapped up to meet his eye level, then... attacked his head. In a flurry of feathers, Ahiru pounced on his head, scratching and kicking. "Oy, Ow! Hey, that was- completely uncalled for... get off!" Fakir practically begged for mercy. Eventually she gave in and started walking- or waddling down the path leading to town and the blacksmith. Fakir sighed, wiping the water Ahiru splashed in his face of with his sleeve, gathered his current story and caught up with the persistent little waterfowl. Heh.

And of course, the typical silence would follow as the two (lovers- Ow! Fakir, why'd you hit me?) trudged their way home. Eventually one would let out a cough- if ducks can cough that is- and then continue on their way to the blacksmith. It was at least half a year after the defeat of the raven, and Fakir was still loyal to his promise and was living half at the lake and half at the blacksmith with Ahiru and Charon (Fakir's guardian). Neither the duck nor knight of the quill could deny they both missed the days Ahiru could actually talk, but both knew if they tried changing Ahiru back with Fakir's writing ability (like all the other fanfictors use in their stories), it would be too risky and Fakir –like the over-protective dog he is- knew he couldn't risk losing her.

Once they arrived home, Fakir went to have a shower while Ahiru- who thought she was off the leash- went out for a walk to cool her mind...

Or just swoon over Fakir. (Ouch.)

And just when she was about to call a quits and go home before Fakir came running after her, she heard a familiar melody streaming through the air. And as curiosity got the best of her, she waddled off into the moon-lit forest (Hah. Typical creepy forest setting. Oh my.) to the source of the music, oblivious to the dangers awaiting.


A/N- yeah. I suck. I know it's kinda short and a crappy cliffhanger, but bear with me peoples come on! Oh, reviews welcome- feel free to critisize and remind me of how much it sucks. Thx for reading!