Don't expect this to be very good, since it's my first attempt at a Shadow Skill fic, and I'm not a very good writer. It's set almost immediately after Dias' *cough* departure. I took liberties with Lilivelt and Darkness' relationship and, well, all their personalities.
Urk.
Disclaimer: Don't own 'em, don't sue me.
of wings and swords
chapter 1
She stood at the window, pink hair loose as she stared mournfully up at the moon, as if sending up a silent plea. Souma was unstable; Ashlianna was fast falling into chaos, with Kuruda in the centre of it all.
She coughed hollowly. Souma, my lord, I pray thee help me. Save my country, before it is too late…
Perhaps…
"Lilivelt."
She turned around calmly. "…Darkness." His random appearances had long since ceased to surprise her.
"It is late, Lilivelt. Should you not be in bed?"
"I will go to bed when I feel like it, Darkness. I have heard some rather disturbing news."
He did not bother to reply.
"Pray tell, Darkness, what were you doing within the borders of Kuruda today?"
"…Teaching."
"Teaching?" She turned back to the window; looking out but not seeing. "…And who, might I ask, had the pleasure of being under your tutelage this morning?" The sarcarsm was subtle but nevertheless unlike her.
"Black Howling," he answered indifferently. "…Black Wing is dead."
"So I heard…" her voice was quiet, and her next words came deliberately sharp. "I don't suppose this has anything to do with your-- teaching?"
"It would not have, had Black Wing not interfered." A pause, then he continued. "There is no reason for you to get involved in this matter, Lilivelt. Everything has a set plan. You ought to rest now; you have not been feeling very well lately."
"I am well aware of my own body, thank you very much," she retorted. "And I will get involved in any matters that concern Ashlianna. Speak sooth now, Darkness. I am certain that you did not-- initiate the teaching of the Valle out of the goodness of your heart."
Darkness' voice came out clear and tranquil. "I would not lie to you, Princess. This is a matter between Black Howling and Scarface. It would do you no good to interfere. Worry about your health now, before matters of little importance to you. Do not make the mistake that Black Wing made."
Her eyes widened slightly. "…Scarface?" …I suppose I should have known…
"Princess."
Lilivelt sighed. "All right, Darkness, all right." She turned and walked over to the bed. He lifted the covers as she slid in and made herself comfortable. "Good night, Darkness."
"Sleep well, Lilivelt."
The cold night winds blew straight at her, and she shivered slightly under the covers. And she heard Darkness pulling the window shut, and buried her face in her pillow, and smiled oh-so-slightly.
tbc