Prologue
Moonlight trickled between the gaps in the leaves, trees swaying gently in the night-time breeze. The forest was filled with the sounds of nature; wild lusii calling loudly in aggression or friendship, the faint burbling of a spring over rocks, and the swish of the swaying leaves in the air. It was a beautiful night.
Voices drifted through the air, adding to the sounds of the forest. One was a deep voice, gravelly with a hint of an ever-present wonder and reminiscent of the roar of a large lusus. The other voice was warmer, a kind tone that was still strong, like a crackling fire. The two trolls that were the source of these voices were walking through the forest, one much taller than the other. They walked together, fingers twined together despite the somber expression on the smaller one's face.
"Kurloz…" The smaller one began, stopping to turn and look up at his companion. The larger troll, Kurloz, stopped as well, looking down at the cloaked troll beside him.
"What is it, my little spitfire?" Kurloz tugged the other, known as Kankri, down to sit on the forest floor as they spoke. His smaller companion looked thoughtful and sad as he looked at the larger troll.
"These past few perigees have been absolutely wonderful, Kurloz, but I'm going to be leaving soon." The smaller troll murmured quietly, avoiding the taller's gaze. Kurloz stared at his tiny companion, a look of shock and sorrow in his expression. Kankri pulled his knees up to his chest, the red-tinged earfins on the sides of his head fluttering for a moment before pinning to his head.
"Why? I thought you were happy here? I thought you were happy with me?" Kurloz demanded, hurt in his tone. "You're going to up and leave me, after not even motherfucking a sweep? What have I done wrong, for you to leave me like this?"
Kankri looked over at him, frowning as he shook his head. "No! You haven't done anything wrong. I do care for you! I just...I can't ask my companions to stay here; I can't keep hiding here, afraid to leave your property for fear that someone will see my blood." He said quietly.
"I can keep you safe!" Kurloz exclaimed quickly, taking hold of the smaller troll's shoulders. "You and your companions can stay in my castle for as long as you want! There's no need for you to leave me; I can protect you!" However, Kankri just shook his head.
"I know you can, but it's not enough. While my companions and I may be safe, there are many lowbloods who cannot say the same." He pointed out. "I want to do something! I want to help! I can't do anything if I continue to hide behind you!" Kankri sighed, pulling away from him. "You are one of the best things to ever happen to me, but I can't stay here."
Kurloz narrowed his eyes. "What you are suggesting is treason. You would give up your life, you would give up me, to save the damned?" The larger troll looked hurt by this, painted visage turned down into a look of mixed emotions.
"Kurloz…" Kankri sighed. "It's considered treason enough for me to be alive. We both know it's going to catch up with me eventually, and I want to die knowing I did some good." He turned to face the other. "I would love to stay here with you, but it just doesn't feel right."
Kurloz looked at the mutant silently for a few moments, then growled. "...I see. Well, fine. Go if you wish. But know this, if you leave you cannot return. Do not run to me when you realize that you belong here; belong with me. You make your decision and you stick with it, you stubborn motherfucker." His voice was cold, betrayal clear in his eyes as he looked at him. The two looked at each other silently for a good for moments before either of them moved.
Then, suddenly, Kurloz leaned forward and captured Kankri in a kiss. One hand moved to cup the other's cheek, the pair of troll pressing into the kiss like it was a lifeline. Tears gathered in the corners of Kankri eyes, hands clenching the fabric of Kurloz's shirts as the larger troll pulled away to press their foreheads together.
"Don't go." Kurloz whispered, his voice pained, reaching out for Kankri even as the mutant stood up. Kankri turned his back, shoulders hunched as he tried to keep the tears in his eyes from falling. He wiped at his eyes, lifting his head as he walked away.
"I'm sorry."