Only Hope

[Daybreak]

The air was crisp and cool as Rigel made her way at an urgent pace toward the only decent pub in the Silver City. It had been a while since she had left the barracks, her beloved Alagaesia gone, transformed into a war torn Alraenia.

The chill bit at her rosy pallor. Her face flushed and freezing all at once. She was dressed more frail than normal, dismissing her normal uniform of silver and blue for a more form fitting crème and gold. Her shimmering silver hair was adorned with beautiful ornament and fell longer than it had a year ago. No longer kept in its tight braid, the hair was free to fall in small ringlets around her bosom. She held tight around her a sapphire blue cloak, a garment common to her people.

Pulling her hood up over her head, she made her way down the marble steps into the round-about that housed the drinking hall she was looking for. The streets were empty and the only sign of life were the warm glowing candles in the bay windows of the pub.

Rigel watched the proud horse that marked the pub with its name as it whipped back and forth in the wind. The loud creaking could be heard for a distance as the rusty hinges took the relentlessness of the breeze. The sign read…

The Crystal Stallion

As she approached the wooden establishment, a short and fat man bustled out to greet her. She was expecting him. He had held the place open for her, and for the other gentleman who awaited her already in the comfort of the Stallions’ walls.

They met and embraced. It had been a while.

“Lauren”, Rigel whispered…
“It is pleasant to see you, old friend.”

“And I, you.” He responded, his flamboyant mustache curling up with his large smile.

Taking his arm, he led her toward the door.

“He awaits you Rigel. You look wonderful, whom exactly are you trying to impress? Myself or your dark friend?”

He chuckled deeply as he reached for the brass handle of the pubs’ entrance.

Rigel smiled in return,

“He may be our only hope.”

Confused, Lauren stepped through the open door with Rigel at his side. She made her way forward, gracefully but with anticipation. The inside of the pub was warm with the candles glow. Peering over the tables she saw whom she had come for.

The dark figure sitting in the back.

[celestialessence]

Dimitrius sat in the dimness of the Crystal Stallion. The candle’s glow danced across the indigo of his eyes and brushed against his well-toned arms and his solemn face. He waited with serene patience for the Mistress; she was surely on her way. At the door, a short, stout man who called himself Lauren had greeted Dimitrus. Dimitrius was grateful toward the man who had reserved his own business for the pair to meet. That was a large feet, considering that times were hard.

Quickly Dimitrius glanced about the pub. It was stylish for a drink house. Very quaint and masculine, it was full of dark woods and simple navy drapes. The floor was old, and creaked with every movement made by him shifting in his chair. The bar was stone based and lined with English oak, a beautiful tree, and its wood also topping the bar. A single narrow stairway led up to the inn, he assumed the rooms were small and simple as the downstairs.

Shortly his line of vision shifted to the door. He heard Lauren’s voice and he also recognized the soft singsong voice that followed close behind. Rigel had finally arrived. He perked up to greet her, staying in his seat for a few seconds. Both of them made their way through the door, the night following close behind. A cool breeze caught the deep black feathers of his wings, and shortly after their eyes met he rose to greet her.

“It is good to see you, I was hoping you’d arrive soon.” He reached to take her hand and to place a cold kiss onto it.

Rigel indeed was nothing less than Demitrius had expected. He was happy his thirst for blood had been quenched earlier in the day. She indeed was a tempting sight.

“We have much to discuss, I come with news of Alraenia…” He sighed heavy and made a gesture for her to take her seat at the table.

“Would you like anything to drink, or to eat?” he asked politely, he knew Lauren would provide them with anything they each requested. He followed it with a questioning glance, and pulled a chair out gently for her.

Then, taking a seat, he opened his mouth and spoke directly to the Lady Rigel.

“But, before we speak of business miles from here, how is everything on the home-front my lady?"

He leaned back as a man would to get comfortable, folding his large wings neatly behind. He gave her a silent smile and waited for the sounds of her voice again.

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