Authors Note: Im such a horrible procrastinator, I should have had this out a long time ago, I just didn't feel like typing it up. Im sooo sorry to those of you who actually care lol well, I have one week until I ship out for bootcamp so I don't really have much time to put out another but, you have my word as an author that I WILL get out one more chapter before then, if I get enough reviews to encourage me of course lol so please read and review. Characters and storyline belong to me. And in case I didnt mention before: Avarice means greed.

Thanks To My Reviewers:

Stargal88 thanks I do strive endlessly to make my people seem like real humans that can be related to. Im glad I seem to be doing ok
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Bumbledbee and here is your update, thanks so much for your review, I would lack the urge to write without it
Horse-Lover-Dig glad you like it, I hope that you will continue to read

When Light Meets Dark

Something There

Titania was sitting in the garden, thinking wistfully of her home and the gardens that thrived in their kingdom when her thoughts were interrupted by a troubled looking Aiden, "I tried Ania, I really did," he subconsciously used the childhood name he had given her, too upset to recall that he was not to be so familiar with her outside of the clearing, "I fought valiantly against it, truly I did. I argued against it with all that I had, but was it enough? Nooo, of course not. What is one man against three determined women?" He continued to ramble making no sense at all.

Titania had allowed him to go on in hopes of him finally saying what was wrong. However, upon realization that he would never divulge the needed information, she raised a hand to silence his senseless babbling, "What did you argue so valiantly against Aiden? What troubles you so?" she shifted over in her seat so he would have room to sit.

He sank down to sit beside her none to gracefully and stared ahead, a dazed look in his eyes as he slowly answered her,"The women of my family saw fit to decide, without consulting me, I might add, that they would throw an impromptu country ball in your honor. To welcome you and introduce you into society so they say."

Titania laughed, "Is that all? Aiden, I have overcome far worse than this."

"No! You just don't understand all the this entails. You can't magic your way through this one. You have to make plans, and pick colors, and pick fabrics, and pick dresses, and go to fittings, and-"

Titania's mirth bubbled up and out of her mouth as she cut Aiden off, "Okay, I understand, it's evil, the worse thing imaginable, but I will be just fine. You're acting as if we are preparing for battle against the Dark Kingdom."

A reluctant grin broke across Aiden's face, "You're right of course. You're Titania, the hope of the Kingdom of the Light. You can handle this. And of course, if you feel the urge to faint at some point, my arms will be there to catch and hold you close in the comfort of my embrace. And should you feel short of breath, I will nobly breathe my own breath into you." he raised his brows in a teasing, suggestive manner.

"Oh, I'm sure you will. How noble your intentions may be is up for skeptical study. I'm sure you understand right?"

"Are you suggesting that my intent is not pure? I'm looking out for your best interest. Not mine." he raised his hands in defense.

"Of course, of course. Why on earth would I have any reason to doubt you ever? You are the paragon of virtue that so many aspire to be."

"Finally you get it," Aiden stood to his feet and bowed low before her, hand outstretched, "Now,, in interest of your being a smashing success, shall we dance? There is no music but we can make our own..." he grinned mischievously down at her.

"Sure we can dance, I'll hum the tune to a country reel. As for making our own music, I don't see that happening anytime in the near future." she consented as she took his hand and allowed him to pull her loosely into his arms. As one, they began to dance to the serene tune she hummed.

They twirled around the garden as the sun began to set, casting its golden rays over the garden like stretching fingertips giving the vivid colors of the flowers an almost surreal look. The golden pink laced beams seemed to lovingly caress the pair as they gave the appearance of floating on clouds.

That same sun seemed to lend some of its light to Aiden, Titania thought as she studied his eyes that looked as if they were glowing from their own inner light. His eyes must have some magic of their own, she mused, They are rather captivating. She allowed a small smile to curve her lips as her eyes held his.

Aiden pulled Titania closer to him as they turned near the edge of the garden. His gaze slid to her hair. Its color was that of captured sunlight, its silken smoothness inviting touch. His hands itched to touch the slightly curled tresses that cascaded down her back. The hand resting on the small of her back was about to slowly shift and make contact when he suddenly felt a chill pass over him and he recalled himself. This was Titania in his arms, not some village girl. She would give him a set down he would not soon forget. Instead, the corners of his mouth lifted in a smile to answer hers. They slowed to a stop then stepped apart, effectively breaking the spell, "I suppose your dancing will do for a small gathering." he jested to lighten the mood.

"Oh you think do you? Well, your dancing leaves much to be desired. Perhaps you should become a wallflower." Titania parried back, more comfortable to be back into the bantering mode that they normally had.

"I happen to know that I am very light on my feet," he said indignantly, the smile never leaving his eyes, "I have been told so on countless occasions too."

"Oh really? I'd like to find whoever that was and speak to her."

"Why?"

"I'd like to let her know that it's both wrong and rude to lie. It's obvious that nobody has ever told her." She laughed and raced toward the house.

Aiden took off after her," Why you-" he was cut off abruptly when he tripped.

Titania turned and saw him sprawled face first on the ground. She had to laugh, she could have no more stopped her heart from beating, "Light on your feet huh? she gasped between laughs, "I'd hate to see you clumsy then." she winked, spun back around and entered the house.

"You may have won the battle," he called after her as he got up and dusted himself off, "But you will not win the war!" He glanced around the ground with the intent of finding whatever had tripped him and moving it out of the path so he would not trip over it again should he ever find the need to run down this path without looking where he was going again. When his brief search turned up fruitless, he shrugged, Whatever it was, it wasn't there anymore, I must have knocked it out of the path when I fell he thought before turning to go inside.

Outside, the sun had finally retired it's light for the evening behind its mountain blanket and night at last gripped the garden.

"Wot cin I get fer ye lad?" A rotund man asked while drying his hands off on a greasy looking hand towel.

Though the quality of the tavern was dubious at best, Damien still placed his order, "A pint of ale will do for now."

The greasy man laughed as if Damien had told an extremely hilarious joke, "Ye're pullin' me leg right?" more laughter, "Ye're still wet behind the ears," more irritating laughter, "why, you couldn't even hold ye're liquor with both hands I'd wager," more grating laughter, "here, how 'bout I get ye a pint o' milk, it's on me" he was still chuckling as he went into the kitchen to retrieve the milk.

A couple of minutes passed before the greasy, fat man came out with a wooden cup and handed it to Damien, laughing all the while, every once in a while saying, "ears" then "both hands".

"You can leave now and find your amusement elsewhere," Damien dismissed the man coldly, then turned his attention to the substance the grease man was calling milk in the cup, "Faerie liquor is the strongest in all the land, of course I can handle a cup of ale." he grumbled then directed a glare into his cup, "What IS this anyway? There's a layer of something on top of it. This can't be healthy. I'm not drinking it, that's for sure." Damien sat in his shadows for a long time, observing the interactions of the pathetic humans. He heard mention of the newcomer to their town and he immediately focused his attention on the conversation taking place.

"My daughter's pretty upset about this new girl come to stay with the Kensington family. Said she wasn't much to look at though." one man said.

"My daughter said the same, but they're not to be believed. It's just jealousy talking. I saw her myself when she came in. She's a very comely lass if I ever saw one. Didn't catch her name though." another voice contributed.

"I did," informed a younger fellow, "Name's Titania but a last name was never mentioned."

Damien's brow furrowed in thought. The only information of use he had gathered was that she was staying with the Kensingtons. But he needed more than that. He needed an affirmed location. There was only one way to get the information that he needed without calling any attention to himself. It was a practice that was absolutely forbidden in the Kingdom of the Light. The sifting through another's mind. It risked a lot for both parties and could become nothing short of disastrous should he become trapped in another's mind.

Damien's gaze focused on the first man then slowly glazed over as he slipped from his own consciousness and slid into another's. Once there, he sorted through old memories and new thoughts. He had just grasped hold of the information that he sought when he sensed a vague awareness come over the man. An awareness that told the man that something was not quite right inside his thoughts and memories. One's mind can become a confused jumble of thoughts and memories when being sifted through.

Obtaining what he needed, Damien made a hasty retreat into himself and stood, "The grease man can keep his grease milk," he muttered as he took his leave of the tavern.

He stepped outside and breathed in deeply, for once, appreciating the fresh air. Nodding to himself he started toward his destination, "Goodbye greasy tavern," he said and immediately felt foolish for speaking to an inanimate object.

By the time he reached the house in which the faerie girl was staying, the sun had begun to set. Good, my magic will be at its peak. Mayhap I can cause some trouble this night.

Upon hearing a low murmur of conversation coming from the back of the house, he decided to go investigate. He clung to the shadows and they to him s he crept around to what appeared to be the garden. His gaze skimmed the garden in the fading light until it came to rest on the two lone figures. One was standing, hand out reached. He watched as the other figure took the hand. Titania and her guide he surmised as he saw her step into his arms. He felt a tension rise up in his chest as the two began to dance to a soft tune she was humming. Damien dismissed the feeling as one of frustration due to the fact that they weren't discussing anything that could prove useful.

He was about to turn to leave when he noticed the boy pulling Titania closer. Scowling, he decided to stay where he was for the time being. Only because he didn't want them to see him should they happen to look his way suddenly, he assured himself. His eyes were drawn to the hand the boy had on her back when it made a slight shift. Narrowing his eyes on the boy, he brought an index finger to his lips, sending a chill that would raise hair the boy's way.

Damien smirked in satisfaction when they broke apart. He watched the new scene unfold before him. A light banter seemed to have been picked up between the two. He began to relax again when he saw her laugh as she raced toward the house. He continued to watch with disinterest as the boy chased after her until a new thought stirred within his mind to bother him What happens if he catches her? He rolled his eyes then shot a glance at the boy's feet; with a twist of his wrist and a snap of his fingers, he had to stifle a small laugh when the boy fell faceplant style. Another smirk found its way to Damien's lips, lifting one corner of his mouth slightly as he headed...well I can't call that thing a home he grimaced.

Something occurred to him just before he opened the door to the small house I'm turning into a stalker peeping Tom the way I skulk around. he though with a mental cringe, this is the last time I agree to help out Queen Avarice. I feel like the village creepy guy, Damien closed the door behind him, tripping out of his shoes, thanks to a poorly placed carpet.

After regaining his balance, Damien made his way into the kitchen, intent on only finding some food to eat. He searched cupboard after empty cupboard, letting out a frustrated sigh when he found nothing at all. He angrily slammed the last one shut and grumbled, "You'd think that since I'm not even getting a reward out of this, that I'd at least have food provided for me."

Damien rubbed his temples in hopes of relieving his newly acquired headache. He slowly walked into the bedchamber then fell backwards onto the plush bed, not bothering to get under the covers. His philosophy was, I'll only have to make it again in the morning, why bother?

Finally, he drifted off to sleep, his usually guarded face not completely open, all worry lines gone as the moonlight filtered in through the window to envelope him lovingly in its mysteriousness.