#fff133

This is the 30th time (!) joining @flashfictionfridayofficial​ ! I was giving it up but managed to write in the end. Sorry in advance for a bit confusing plot... I’m hangover af. Anyway, wishing all a happy new year!

Word count: 1025

T/W: mention of blood, angst (but happy-ending!)

Skugge/Ljos (they/them): the ‘raven.’ Called ‘Skugge (shadow)’ by their master.

Earendel (he/him): Son of Erek and Ashild. Called Erland (stranger) by Erek.

Erek (he/him): king of Logi.

Ashild (she/her): former queen of Logi.

'Skugge, you must choose either me or Erland, that son of a traitor.' Sitting on a great ivory throne, Erek, the king of Logi, demanded an answer. His burning blue yes resembled those of an animal of prey. Even his champions and warriors hesitated to look at his face - except Skugge. If darkness could take the form of a human, that would look exactly like them. Except for their unordinary pale face covered with intricate tattoos, everything else - from their wavy hair, a long cloak to the tip of boots - was a colour of a midnight sky. Skugge's hollow eyes met that of the king. It was not like they had a choice from the start. 'As you wish, my lord.' Erek nodded with satisfaction, then signaled the priests to bring in a translucent crystal of an impressive size. Erek placed his hand over it, and so did Skugge. The silence that filled the king's hall was so heavy - it was almost suffocating. Erek started to chant an ancient oath, followed by Skugge. As their voices interwind and created terrifying harmony, the stone started radiating as if it had a life of its own. From silky white to ocean blue, then forest green - all colours which humans could ever imagine - streamed out from the crystal, turning the hall into a kaleidoscope. Finally, the entire room was soaked with blood-red. At the same time, black lines flowed from the heart of the crystal, creeping up to Skugge's arms, leaving new, complicated patterns on their skin. The magical power from the crystal was channeled to their body, leaving its trace as unique tattoos. Skugge flinched a little. Eventually, the light from the crystal faded away, and people at the court let out their breath in relief. 'It's all done. Now you are one of my loyal 'ravens.'' Erek looked pleased as he recognised a new tattoo overwrote the previous patterns on Skugge's skin. Skugge bowed silently and slipped away from the hall. Nobody noticed the enormous pain they had to bear.

The 'Ravens' and the House of Logi were bound by ancient magic. The 'Ravens' could gain extra-human strength and longer-lasting youth in exchange for loyalty to the House of Logi. The House of Logi achieved prosperity by mobilising the ravens. The chief of the House of Logi and each raven swear an oath in front of the crystal. The oath-making could happen only once. Yet, some had gone through the oath twice - they were called 'double-cursed' for their doubled fighting abilities but halved lifespan.

Skugge's original master was not Erek, but Ashild, a former queen. She deeply cared for young Skugge, raised them with her own son Earendel. Skugge swore to protect Earendel a decade ago. Ever since Ashild was expelled from the court, Skugge was the sole guardian of Earendel. But, Earendel answered the call to rebellion against the king and left the court as well. Erek knew the potential strength of 'double cursed,' thus kept Skugge in his hand. So, Skugge did not have a choice. As a 'raven,' they were not even allowed to have their own will. Skugge was torn apart between the old master and the new master - Ashild ordered them to protect Earendel, yet, Erek demanded the death of Earendel.

Skugge is now tracking Earendel with other ravens. A merciless snowstorm has wiped the earth, turning the world into pure white. The ravens fly between the leafless trees like a sharp wind, looking for Earendel's small troop. While flying, Skugge recalls the last conversation they and Earendel had.

  It was the day Earendel decided to leave the court with a handful of loyal knights and friends. But Earendel did not allow Skugge to come. 'You are forced to take care of me because of the order of the queen who abandoned me. You don't truly care about me, do you? You will never know kindness, love, even hate. I cannot trust a spell-bound like you.'  Skugge said nothing as they could not comprehend Earendel's words and the reason for his sad expression. Skugge never thought about 'caring' or anything. That was the way it was. However, they cannot imagine themselves soaking in the blood of Earendel. Their whole body is driven to attack him, yet, something in their mind refuses it. Is it something called 'care'? Skugge does not have an answer for it.

Earendel's horse is on alert. The horse can sense something hostile is approaching. 'Be careful, everyone!' Earendel and his fellows grab the weapon, looking around carefully. Suddenly, without a sound, shadows jump over them. 'The Ravens!!!' The clashing sound of the swords echoes in the motionless, monotonous world. Earendel desperately tries to lead the troop to a safer place. He and his fellows nearly manage to reach the entrance of the war camp. Yet, suddenly, a dark shadow swipes over him, pushing him away from the horseback. He feels the coldness of snow on his back. Then, he recognises the face of the person pinning him down. 'Ljos...?' Skugge widens their eyes. Ljos (light) is Skugge's original name that nobody but Ashild and Earendel knew. And that familiar voice of Earendel gives power to Skugge. Earendel sees the glittering blade of Skugge's sword and prepares for the pain. But it never happens. Instead, he finds Skugge lying next to him, with their own sword in their chest. A black pool spreads over the white snow. 'Ljos!!' Earendel stops other fellows from attacking Skugge and looks into their face. 'Long time no see, my lord...' Skugge murmurs. 'I don't understand what I did. But maybe this is what you say - 'truly care '..' With a subtle smile, Skugge adds. 'I was childish, Ljos. Forgive me. Oath? Spells? It doesn't matter. It was you who always protected me, and even now...' Earendel cannot continue.

Then, through teary eyes, he sees all the lines on Skugge's face disappearing in the air like morning dew. And when the final line fades, Skugge - Ljos opens their eyes again, finally freed from the spells. 'Skugge' has chosen death of their own, but 'Ljos' returns to life.

Money Can't Buy

My entry for @flashfictionfridayofficial's 133rd prompt. Happy New Year everyone. Prayers for a peaceful and free one.

“Are you serious?” He stares at her across the table. She has never seen his eyes look so peaceful before. Making the decision seemed to have taken the weight of the world off of him.

“Dead serious.”

“But what about your parents ultimatum?” He smiles and shrugs.

“I don’t care. I love you. They can accept that or…”

“What you will be given up.” He takes her hands in his, smiling bigger when he feels the engagement ring pressing against his palm.

“I am given up nothing of any value.” She starts to answer and he shakes his head. “Not compared to the immeasurable value of spending the rest of my life with you.” Tears spill down her face, tears he tastes when he leans in to kiss her. “Yes?”

A nod before she verbally answers. “Yes, yes I will marry you.”

They head to Vegas that very afternoon. The wedding is wonderfully corny, up to having an Elvis impersonator preform the ceremony. It is perfect. Pictures are taken. Before they start their honeymoon, he sends one to his parents.

“Mom and dad. Here is the answer to your ultimatum. No amount of money can replace love. My new wife and I will be fine. “