Disclaimer: I don't own DN.
Chapter One: Regret
Anger. Guilt. Sorrow. Regret. They are my constant companions throughout the last few years. Even in the midst of all the merriment generated by the neighboring civilians, I still can't find peace and happiness within my own thoughts. Perhaps I deserved it.
Today marks the eighth year since that dreadful day when I let my anger flow out of control. It was the day that I had lost connection with a valuable friend. We were fighting over something that I could not remember anymore, but I do remember the rapid escalation of anger and the sudden shock of loneliness as she announced she was leaving to find a better life for herself, away from her past, away from me. Maybe she had toyed with the decision for a while, but I can't help thinking that I was the catalyst. Perhaps if I hadn't lost control that day, I would still have her by my side. Perhaps...
I shook my head, clearing the thoughts away. Contemplating what would have been wasn't going to make any of it come true. I had already promised myself that I would make up for it the best I could when I found her again. Plus, my favorite time of day was approaching, so I concentrated on that instead.
Dawn, painting streaks of purple, pink, and orange on the dark blue canvas, was making its colorful entrance back into the world once again, chasing the darkness of night away. The wind was calm and comfortable, promising wonderful weather. Maybe, one day, I'll be like the dawn, chasing out the darkness that I carry within me. There I go again. I shook my head angrily.
I got up from my sitting position and started pacing around the balcony of my little house. I had to get my mind off of the past, but it didn't help that it was my day off from my usual duties of running errands for the Royal Castle. Maybe I could still ask them for tasks to complete, seeing how the monsters never rest. Yes, that sounded like a good plan.
Having a direction now, I quickly moved back into the house and changed into my usual deep blue tunic and matching slacks. I swung my shield onto my back and secured my trusty wand to my waistband. Double checking that I had everything, I walked downstairs to the table next to the front door. There, I found my dark brown gloves and, underneath the table, the matching boots for the gloves.
Just as I was about to open the front door and make my way to the Royal Castle of Saint's Haven, a knock resounded quite loudly through the house. It took me by surprise for a moment. Not many people knew where I lived and I didn't make an effort to become friends with the people I enjoy helping so much. I didn't want to hurt anyone ever again, even if it was unintentional. Mentally, I ran through the small list of people that might appear in front of my door this early in the morning.
A more urgent knock could be heard and I quickly opened the door. Not one, but two people stood there facing me. One with bright green eyes and a young face that I had seen so much of throughout the nine years since I first came to Saint's Haven. The other with gray eyes and a worried expression tinted with a trace of fear.
"Aliec! You are home after all," the one with bright green eyes said, relief and happiness radiated from his deep voice. "Thought we missed you or something, since you do have a habit of leaving early even on your day off."
"You caught me just in time. I was just about to head over to the Royal Castle," I replied, smiling weakly.
"Then it's a good thing that this lady here came to find me as early as she did," the boy stated. "But why were you going to the Royal Castle? It's your day off."
"I- I had to get my mind off of something and thought work would help," I stammered. The boy didn't say anything for a while. I could see he was trying to figure out what this something was. It wasn't long before it clicked and understanding dawned upon his face. He was the only one that knew me so well, the only friend I had in this big city. He was there the day she left me.
"Aliec, it's been eight years. Perhaps it's time to let go," the boy suggested. "Maybe you don't need to go to the Royal Castle, I think we got a situation on our hands. May we come in?" I opened the door wider and beckoned the two into my house.
"Anything to drink?" I asked them as they settled on the couch in my living room. Both of them shook their heads, so I sat down too. "So what's the situation?"
"Do you want to explain it again, miss, or shall I?" the boy asked the lady, who was sitting next to him on the couch. She glanced at me sitting across from her, then back at the boy and shook her head. I raised an eyebrow at the way she looked at the two of us.
"I promise I won't laugh or bite, miss, contrary to what people may say about me," I said, smiling now for the first time today. Given the way I had isolated myself when I wasn't working, there were many rumors about what I did in my free time that circulated among some of the civilians. The boy chuckled and the lady gave a weak smile. "But if you're uncomfortable with explaining it again, I'm sure Gilan here will be happy to help." I shifted my attention to my best friend.
"Remember when we cleared out the Black Mines last year? It allowed the miners to get back to work," Gilan said, sobering up. I nodded. "Well, it seems like last night's shift never made it back to their homes. This lady's husband, along with a couple other men, are missing."
"Not even one man made it back?" I asked, skeptically. The men that worked the mines usually went in groups of ten.
"One did. He's in intensive care now at the Castle," Gilan replied. "The troubling thing was, the man was blathering about a shadow that swallowed all the men. While I don't doubt the man was telling us what he saw, I don't think that's what really happened. There must be some other explanation."
"So the Royal Castle already knows about the incident, was anyone sent to investigate? I'm sure General Duglas could spare some of his men," I questioned, trying to piece together all these information.
"Some of the Royal forces were dispatched to look for clues, but they haven't gotten back yet. This lady came and found me this morning, frantic that the Royal forces might have disappeared too and that she'll never see her husband again," Gilan told me.
"I see. So now you're going to investigate and was wondering if I'd want to help?" I asked, knowing what the answer would be, just for confirmation.
"You read my mind," Gilan replied, grinning. Nothing got him down, no matter how dire the situation. "You wouldn't want to miss it and I feel better with your relics there to help me out."
"Just my relics?" I couldn't resist teasing him. His mood was infectious. "I guess my presence and my light spells are just useless." Gilan rolled his eyes at me and stood up.
"I'll escort this lady home and then meet you at the South Gate," Gilan said. "Sound good?"
"Yep, I'll be waiting," I answered.
A/N: Thanks for reading my first DN fanfic! Hope you enjoyed it. Please leave a review if you have time. :D
