I'd decided against my priestess robes. Instead I was dressed in a light blue linen dress with an embroidered belt around the middle, where the phases of the moon had been sewn on in silver thread. I wasn't sure whether I needed my sword, but opted for just my dagger instead, in its usual place in the thigh. And then I climbed the steps to the training ring.
The Shadowsinger was already there, sat on a bench, sharpening his dagger, Truth-Teller. He paused as I stepped into the moonlight and within a second, the dagger was sheathed and he was on his feet. He wasn't in his Illyrian leathers, I noted, nor was he in the smart attire he'd been in for Starfall. He was still in his signature black, but he looked more casual, more comfortable. The jumper he wore was tight-fitting against his muscles and the v-neck of it showed a slither of the black tattoos gracing his chest. I couldn't help but look at them and let out a small sigh.
"We're not sparring, are we?" I asked, breaking the silence, "Because if so, I'll need to go and dress more appropriately."
"No sparring," He promised as we walked towards each other. "Consider it your reward for winning earlier." A playful smile graced his lips.
"My reward?" I raised an eyebrow, "But I quite enjoyed it."
"As did I," His eyes were intense when they met mine and I felt my cheeks flush. Was this what Nesta was talking about?
"So we're not up here to train?" I glanced around at the empty training ring where the weapons were all still stored away.
"I'm taking you on a tour," He grinned.
"Of the training ring?" I raised an eyebrow.
He laughed softly as he took a step towards me, "Of Velaris."
I blinked, my breath caught in my throat. "I… I can't."
His eyes softened and his shadows moved around me in a gentle, calming embrace. "Just a small area," he said, quietly. "Not everywhere because I don't want to overwhelm you but I thought… I thought it would be a start."
Because I'd admitted to not seeing much of Velaris on Starfall, I recalled. And now… he wanted to show me more of its beauty.
"Are we winnowing?" I asked, fiddling with my dress. "Because I don't think I can face all those stairs."
"One, I can't winnow… it's more like teleporting. Two," He placed his hands behind my knees and scooped me up in one quick, smooth movement. "Flying is a far better way to see the city." He leapt in the air, wings spread high as I covered my eyes with one hand and clutched onto his jumper with the other. But then, the speed slowed. I looked between my fingers at the city in front of me. The lights were on, twinkling in the homes and establishments below. I moved my hand away from my face as Azriel swept us downwards.
"If you drop me…"
"I won't," His eyes met mine, "I promise." Our faces were so close together that the whisper of his breath caressed my cheek. I felt my cheeks blush so I turned my attention back to the view. Looking back at the house, I could see the lights on the top floor, probably where Cassian and Nesta were having their dinner. And as we swept over the Sidra I saw the large manor houses, including The High Lord and High Lady's river house. The Sidra meandered and we followed it as it led us towards the main city, but he kept going. We flew over the rainbow-coloured buildings and the marketplaces until we reached an area where boats, large and small, were moored. The harbour, I recalled from the maps in the library. Azriel landed us on the wooden docks and put me slowly onto my feet.
I glanced around, smelling the salt in the air, at the huge ships and then the small cruisers where a few people were sitting, having dinner and drinking. "We're not going on a boat are we?"
Azriel shook his head, laughing softly, "I'm not a fan of boats." I fiddled with the sleeve of my dress as I looked around at the lights bouncing off of the water, where the mouth of the Sidra met the ocean. "If it gets too much, say and I'll fly us back." He promised and I gave a nod.
"Which way?" I asked him and he gave a nod towards inland.
"I'll show you the sea another day," He told me. "It's best viewed at sunset." I moved to stand beside him and we slowly walked along the Sidra. The air felt cool as the breeze passed us and gently ruffled my hair, but I didn't shiver. As we walked, a few passersby bowed their heads in greeting to Azriel and I noticed he did the same to them.
We were quiet as we walked and I took in my surroundings. Two children playing a chasing game and then being called into their house by their mother. The fishermen heading out with their nets ready to start their overnight trips on the ocean so that they could sell fresh fish the following morning. A few couples walking hand-in-hand, out enjoying each other's company. I gave a shy smile at a couple that passed us and I instinctively started fiddling with my dress as I glanced away from them and at the river beside us. I could make out the rainbow-coloured buildings ahead of us now, lit by street lights and lanterns, a beacon in the night. I paused to admire the view from where we stood, leaning against the stone railings that separated us from the water below.
"Feyre's favourite part of Velaris," Azriel said softly from behind me. "When Hybern attacked, she defended it."
I'd heard of that. Defender of the Rainbow they'd called her. I spotted a few buildings that were still being repaired, a window or two still boarded up.
"It's beautiful," I admitted, looking at the buildings. "I can see why she likes it so much."
We continued walking onwards, close together, and every now and then the back of our hands would brush and my breath would catch in my throat. I let Azriel lead me through the Artist's quarter and I paused every now and then to look at the paintings and sculptures in the windows. They showed everything from landscapes to portraits to abstract paintings where you had to make your own interpretations. A few were similar to some of the art I'd seen in the House of Wind and I had no doubt that the High Lord had purchased some pieces down here.
Then I heard the music and I followed it along the cobbled streets, as if in a trance. The stringed instruments seemed to call me and I walked on, no longer aware whether or not Azriel was still following me. I followed the music into a small square, where there were a few cafes. It felt warmer here, from magic I presumed, and people sat and watched the String Quartet as they played. As I listened and watched, I was sure I could almost see the musical notes drifting into the air.
I felt a hand brush my side and I looped my fingers through his as I watched. The performance didn't make me cry, as I thought it might, but the sound filled me with warmth and when I glanced at the Shadowsinger beside me, I didn't expect him to be looking at me. His eyes seemed to be searching for mine, as if looking for an answer to a question.
"Where's your favourite place in the city?" I asked him then and surprise spread over his expression, before he scooped me into his arms and we were in the sky again. It wasn't too far away, just a small amphitheatre carved into the cliff-edge overlooking the sea. And his spot… well it wasn't exactly an official seat but a small carving in the cliff just above. If you looked South, you could just about make out the Rainbow and if you looked North there were hills and meadows, as well as the House of Wind in the distance. Directly in front of us was the ocean and below us, the amphitheatre, which was empty but still dimly lit.
"You didn't fancy having your own private box down there with everyone else?" I asked as he lowered me into the carved out area.
"I like the quiet," He replied with a small smile. "Sometimes I just come up here and watch the performances or listen to the music. Other times, when the theatre is empty, I just come and listen to the waves."
"The surf hitting the rocks," I said softly and he gave a nod. I sat down in the small cavern and he sat beside me, looking out at the crescent moon as it shone over the ocean. "Thank you," I whispered quietly, breaking the silence after a while.
"For what?" He asked, our arms close enough that I could feel his heat warming my skin.
"For showing me some of Velaris."
His hand brushed against my own, as if seeking permission and I intertwined our fingers once again. "It can be hard being in an unfamiliar place," He admitted, "But Velaris is safe and beautiful. Rhys, Feyre, Cass, Mor, Amren… we'd all do anything to protect it."
I gave a nod and glanced ahead at the constellations over the ocean, "I hate being afraid. I want to see the world…it just… it scares me. In the library I can tuck myself away safely with the books but I've realised recently that reading about places isn't the same as experiencing them. I suppose being a Valkyrie hasn't just taught me how to use weapons, but to fight my fears too." He was quiet and when I turned to look at him, he was watching me again, his face contemplative. A shadow brushed my face and I laughed softly, "That tickles."
Azriel reached his hand out gently and slowly, giving me enough time to say 'no' or back away if I wanted. He brushed his hand against my cheek, where the shadow had been moments before, in a gentle caress and my breath caught in my throat as sparks seemed to spread across my skin from the impact. I glanced down as my cheeks reddened but he kept his hand there, his thumb stroking my skin, and was still looking at me when I looked back up at him. "You're beautiful," He whispered and I was sure the whole world stopped.
"Wha…what?"
He smiled at that, "You're beautiful." He repeated and then he moved his face closer to mine. He paused, just inches away, our noses nearly brushing against each other. "May I… may I kiss you?"
He wanted to kiss me? I blinked and bit my bottom lip. "Y-yes."
He closed the distance between us in a kiss that was so gentle it was like a whisper. He held my face gently in his hand as he kissed me, his soft lips moving against mine. His other hand still held mine, his thumb tracing circles on my skin. I wasn't entirely sure I was still breathing when the kiss ended and he moved away, enough so that he could look at my face. His hand tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear as he smiled, his eyes searching mine. And I smiled shyly back at him.
"I've been waiting to do that," He said softly.
"You.. have?"
He answered with a smile and then another short, gentle kiss that sent my heart thundering. When he pulled away this time, he rested his forehead against mine. "I nearly did that on Starfall but I was too afraid," He whispered, his breath mingling with mine, "And if you turned me down and Cassian had seen he'd have teased me to no end." Amusement danced in his eyes, "And then when you beat me in the duel today, I wanted to kiss you even more."
I blinked. Nesta had been right. His hand gently stroked my hair and I felt as if I might purr at the touch.
"We should get back to the House," He sighed softly.
"Okay," I whispered, feeling a little disappointed.
He must have read my expression because his hand stroked against my cheek again, "I'd love to stay here longer, but we're off to Windhaven tomorrow morning." I tensed at the thought and his eyes were intense as they looked into mine again. "And I promise, Cass and I will make sure you're all safe." He pressed a kiss to my forehead and then scooped me up into his arms and launched us into the sky.