#meheaaris

Borrowed @devsash​‘s Character for this. Because Mehe and Niqi have an interesting platonic relationship.

CW: Mention of miscarriage

Mehe stepped out of the shop, his tendrils curling around his arms. He studied the people buzzing around the new trading post, then the ones checking of the stables where new mounts had been brought in to auction. His eyes narrowed, scanning them all with suspicion. Eventually they landed on the one person he was looking for.

Her back was to him, her legs dangling over the edge of the wall. She barely moved, her attention seeming to be on the rapidly approaching sunset over the sea. He had wanted nothing to do with her when they first encountered one another. Well, not quite. Her wanted her away from his mate. Her presence in his life would bring lies and danger, because she was one of them. 

Except instead, she had proved to be nothing like the ones who deceived him. She was kind, gentle, generous in ways he had not experienced in his life. She had become a sister to he and Anas. And he would always be thankful for how her very nature had changed their lives. Working his way through the crowd, he found himself standing behind her.

“Anas is making another sale, Little Bird.” He placed a hand on the top of her head, smoothing down the windblown curls.

Niqi nodded. “I knew he would. He had that look in his eyes when the gentleman walked in. He was designing something before the poor soul could get a word out.” She held one of the flowers Mehe had carried to his workstation earlier. A simple peacebloom, though it had some interesting color striations in the petals that Mehe had hoped would remain after it had been pressed and dried. She turned it in her fingers, though she never really looked at it. The tips of her long ears were turned slightly downward.

He sighed and sat down beside her. “Again,” he asked softly.

Niqi nodded. “I don’t know what’s happening. I had Alassë and she is perfect and beautiful. But ever since, I just keep losing the babies. I don’t know why.” Her hand reached outward, fingers trying to grasp something that wasn’t there. She let the rest of what swirled in her mind go unsaid, knowing her brother had no taste for speaking on emotions at the best of times, but certainly not in public.

Mehe nodded. “Hmmm,” was his only response. 

The two Ren’dorei sat in silence for a while as the sun dipped ever lower. The crowd behind them grew fewer in number, dwindling to only a handful. The courtyard in front of the shop was much more peaceful for their absence. 

Niqi set the flower down on the stones and leaned her head against the tree beside her. Her hand rested on the stem, and though her fingers twitched, she made no move to do more. 

“What can I do,” he asked.

“Hold my hand,” she asked at a bare whisper, a tightness in her throat. 

Decided to redraw/update this, just to see how far I've come since. Which do you prefer?

2018 2021

I have let my writing get posted mainly on our website and have neglected you all! I am sorry! I will try to start catching everything up <3

Chapter 8

As always, these chapters include characters that belong to @devsash​.

Niqi pulled out her runestone and set it on the table. Pulling a piece of parchment, she wrote out a few simple words. She folded it gently and brought it to her lips, giving it a soft kiss. She placed it on the stone with a sad smile.

My Dearest Anas and Mehe,

I cannot begin to thank you enough for all that you did for me.

Please let me know when I may send something to you.

I don’t wish to wake Anas.

All of my love,

Niqi

Anas blinked at the runestone as the parchment materialized on it. Picking it up, he unfurled it, his eyes skimming over the words. He pressed his thumb to the rune before saying, "Niqi? Are you there, little one?"

Surprised, Niqi picked up the stone and put her thumb in place. “Anas! You’re awake? Why aren’t you resting? You should be resting.” Her voice was tinged with concern.

He chuckled. "I am, little one, though I'm not tired enough to sleep right now."

She sighed a little, relieved. “Please promise me you aren’t doing too much. You do too much.”

"I'm not." He smiled. "Mehe wouldn't let me. He wants me to rest as well."

She turned the stone in her hands a few times, staring at the surface “All right. Where are you? Can I send some things to you?” Her voice came through clear, but its usual cheerful ring was missing entirely.

"I'm at home." He frowned. "What's wrong, little one?"

“I...no, it’s ok. You don’t need to worry right now.” She set the freshly washed clothes that Mehe had lent her onto the stone and watched as they disappeared.

"TelI me, little one," he said, picking the clothes up from the stone and setting them aside. "Did something happen?"

“I’m afraid to sleep, Anas,” she murmured. “I...I don’t want to...to see him again. And people keep asking what happened and...and,” she sobbed out. She bit down on it hard forcing herself to stop. Taking a few breaths, she whispered, “I just want to forget...” She picked up a small jar of tea leaves and set that on the stone.

"I'm sorry, Niqi. I wish I could give you a hug." Anas blinked at the jar. "Tea leaves?"

“It’s all right,” she replied. “Oh, yes. You remember that nice cool tea I sent you? I thought Mehe and Goldeneyes might like it while they are working outside. Though Goldeneyes might not touch it since it came from me.”

"He might prove hard to convince otherwise, little one." Anas sighed regretfully as he took the jar carefully. "Still, thank you."

“Well, maybe Mehe will like it at least. Just um..” she sniffled. “Steep it strong and then add cool water to it to taste.” She picked up another small jar and placed it on the runestone. Its contents shimmered with swirling light.

"What's that?" Anas peered at the jar as it materialized on the stone.

“A little bit from the moon well? I thought it might help you, I..I wasn’t sure how much is good.” She sighed softly.

He chuckled. "It doesn't really work that way, but thank you Niqi. I really appreciate it."

"Oh..." she replied. "How does it work then?" Her curiosity started getting the better of her. Her voice started to lift a little. “I thought maybe you could drink some of it.”

Anas blinked at the stone before pressing a hand to his mouth in an attempt to stifle his laughter. "Oh Mother Moon," he finally managed, wiping tears of mirth from his eyes. "No, they're not for drinking, little one."

“Oh...so I guess that little bit doesn’t help much.” She smiled slightly at the shift in his voice. “I guess I cheered you up a little though.”

"You did." He smiled. "Thank you, Niqi."

“Good,” she sighed. “I...I want to try to practice with the shadow again. But it’s not a good idea by myself, is it?”

"Maybe get Tindo to help you with it?" he suggested gently.

“Maybe. She was doing something with the Void I think. Earlier today. I could barely see her through the shadows around her and she was muttering in Shath’yar about locating something.” Niqi shuddered. “Then she banished it all and started writing things down.”

Anas frowned. "That sounds odd. Is she okay?"

“I’m not sure. She seemed a little frantic, so I just told Forosuul and let him take care of it.”

"Right." Anas sighed. "I hope she's okay."

“Me too,” she agreed. “Is that normal? To delve into the Void to find things?” She pulled her legs up under her on the chair.

"Some people do it, but it can be unsafe." Anas carefully set the jar of water on the bedside table. "Mehe tried it as well to find out about his family."

Niqi gasped. “Is that why Gilræn called him ‘Umbric’s plaything’?” She clapped a hand over her mouth.

Anas nodded sadly. "Mehe really wants to find out about his family. Umbric promised that if Mehe assisted him willingly in his experiments, he would help Mehe obtain some information about them from the Void."

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have repeated that though. It was not a nice way to put it." She winced. "I really am sorry for how he was treated."

"So am I." Anas sighed. "He doesn't like to talk about it."

"I know," she offered sadly.

He glanced out of the window, to where Mehe and Goldeneyes were working in the garden. "I hope I'll be able to get back to work soon."

Niqi squirmed a little. “I...um...” she sniffled. “I went back today.” Her voice was quiet and small. “I got a big order too. One of your court gowns.”

Anas blinked. "What? So soon? Are you sure you should be working, little one?"

She gently played with the runestone in front of her. “There was no choice, Anas. I had to. It’s been a week, and Wynne...it’s fine, really.”

"Wynne?" Anas's brow knitted. "What did she do? Did she threaten you?"

“It’s ok, Anas. Just get better, that’s what’s important.” She pulled a blanket around her shoulders.

"No, it's not okay," he growled. "You should be resting, Niqi."

“Please don’t be upset, Anas,” she pleaded. “She said one of us had to come back or we would both be fired. I couldn’t just let her do that to you.”

"She said what?!" Anas exclaimed, outraged. Mehe glanced at him through the window in concern.

Niqi shrank, her voice quivering. “Sh-she said we can’t both be out like this… so she… I,” trailing off, she took a deep breath. “I can do it, Anas. I just wanted to make sure she didn’t try to force you to come back yet.”

He pinched the bridge of his nose. "She can't do this to you. To either of us," he said in a more measured tone.

“I shouldn’t have mentioned it. I’m sorry. Please relax, brother. I didn’t mean to upset you,” concerned pain evident in her voice. “But I got another person who likes your designs, that’s good, right,” she asked, trying to change the subject.

"That's not the point, little one." Anas sighed. "Mother Moon. I'd hand in my resignation on the spot if we could get our shop up and running."

Niqi blinked at the stone. “We just need to choose a spot, Anas. The rest is just getting everything delivered.”

He nodded firmly. "I like the one facing Lion's Rest. We should take that and start setting up."

Niqi smiled. “That one was very nice. I’ll see to setting up the orders for things if I get a break tomorrow.” She took out a piece of paper and wrote out a list of items they needed. Setting it on the stone, she giggled. “I need help. I don’t know who the fabric suppliers are.”

"I've already met one in Boralus, though we'll have to see to the other suppliers." Anas smiled at the stone. "If it's all certain, you don't have to go in to work after that. I'd imagine we'll be quite busy getting everything in order and tracking down suppliers."

“Not we, Anas. You have to rest,” she chided.

"I think I've been resting long enough." Anas glanced at the blanket. "Any longer and I'll be bored stiff."

“Are you certain? I don’t want you to push too hard. I have to get that order done anyway. They wanted the gown in a week and a half.” She looked down at her hands, realizing how much they were going to hurt soon. “I spent all day tracing and cutting the pieces.”

Anas shook his head. "Give it back to Wynne. Let her figure it out. We need to see to our shop now."

Niqi laughed aloud. “Anas! She couldn’t make that gown if she had a year!” Pulling the blanket closer around her, she sat thoughtfully for a few minutes. “I wonder...I wonder if I could convince the client to let me finish it. Wynne has the money for the materials. So if I convinced him to demand them, and he brought them to us...”

"I'd rather let Wynne get through it on her own." Anas's face darkened. "Let her understand exactly what she was demanding that you do."

“All right, my brother. All right.” She leaned back against the wall. “I won’t suggest anything to the client. If he comes to us, it will be his choice.”

He nodded, picking up the paper on the stone. "I'll help you with this." He rose from the bed. Stepping towards the window, he waved Mehe inside as Goldeneyes watched curiously.

"Please don't do too much though?" She urged him gently.

"I will as much as I can, little one," he said.

"What would you like me to start with?" She took a new piece of paper and started a numbered list. Her pencil made a soft scratching noise as it moved over the parchment.

"We need to confirm with the landlord that we're taking that place." Anas nodded as Mehe entered the room. "Niqi and I are going to start our shop."

"About damn time." Mehe scowled. "Get out from under that bloody woman's thumb."

"I'll secure it and pay the first few months rent to ensure they don't try to give it to someone else," she jotted it down.  "Hello, Mehe. How are you?"

Mehe dusted off his hands. "Doing fine. How are you, Niqi?"

She whispered, "Tired, but managing. I went back to work today."

"So soon?" Mehe threw Anas a concerned glance.

"Not anymore," the Kaldorei said firmly. "I won't let Wynne exploit us any longer."

"Wynne didn't give me a choice, Mehe. She said if I didn't show, she would fire both of us. I was trying to make sure Anas could rest," she offered through a tired yawn.

"Well, you won't have to worry about that anymore, little one." Anas glanced through her list. "We should get started on these in the meantime."

“After I secure the space, I will see if I can hire someone to move your work table,” she marked that down. “What else?”

A very soft knock could be heard. “Miss? Are you in here?” Niqi took a quick, sharp breath before letting it out.

Anas and Mehe glanced at the stone. "Who's that?" the Kaldorei asked.

Gerald inclined his head. “Names Gerald, Sir. Master Kalithil asked that I keep an eye on Miss Niquisse.”

“It’s all right, Anas,” she reassured. “I’m just a little jumpy when I’m alone.”

"Are you a friend of Kalithil's?" Mehe asked.

Gerald chuckled. “Don’t suppose he’s got many that call him friend, ‘cept maybe his wife, sir. I’m part of the guard here. I helped Miss Lilybeth when she had troubles. So he asked me to do the same for Miss Niquisse.”

"Did you need something, Gerald? I was just talking to my brother and Mehe," Niqi asked, not unkindly.

"Just wanted to see if you would be stayin' here tomorrow or going back to Stormwind again. Wasn't sure if I'd be needed." He smiled.

"Will he be coming along with you?" Anas asked curiously.

"I can if she needs me, sir. Master Ælithil took her to work yesterday. But he's got some training to do tomorrow." Gerald stated plainly.

“I...I won’t be at work, it would be a lot of errands, Gerald,” she apologized, sounding completely embarrassed.

Anas glanced at Mehe, who shrugged. "Having someone to help you with errands would be a good idea," he opined.

“You’re probably right...” she nodded.

Gerald bowed and moved for the door. “See you in the morning, Miss.”

“Thanks, Anas. I...feel like I...” she swallowed. “I shouldn’t be scared. But I am. It’s foolish.”

"It's not," Mehe said quietly. "You've been through a terrible ordeal. It's only natural."

“I’m afraid he’s going to find me again,” she whispered. “Æl says they’re gonna find him. But what if...if he...”

"He won't, little one," Anas said gently. "Ælithil would never let that happen on his watch."

She took a shuddering breath, nodding. “Thank you both. I..I’m trying not to let it...”  she choked it back. Clearing her throat. “I’m sorry. We were,” she sniffled. “We were talking about the shop. I will umm, get your new work table moved and then what?”

"If you're not feeling up to it, we'll get it all sorted out," Anas offered, glancing at Mehe. The Ren'dorei nodded in agreement.

“I can do some. Please,” she pleaded. “You’re supposed to be resting.”

"Only if you want, Niqi," Mehe said. "Your brother and I don't want you to wear yourself out."

Niqi chuckled mirthlessly. “I need something to do if Æl will be training. But thank you, Mehe. You’re very kind.”

A soft humming from a male voice could be heard from outside the room. Mehe raised an eyebrow. "Is that your friend Gerald?"

“Yes,” she said, smiling slightly. “He’s always humming. Or singing.” She picked up a small purple flower on the table and set it on the stone. “Mehe? Do you know what this is? It’s pretty.”

Mehe lifted the newly materialized flower from the stone, examining it. "Looks like a Twilight Jasmine to me," he said. "Did you recently visit the Twilight Highlands?"

“No, Lilybeth has a garden here full of all sorts of flowers. She grinds them for pigments,” she explained. “Is that where it normally grows? I was thinking, maybe for my wedding?”

"Yeah, they're from that area." He set the flower back onto the stone. "A garden, you say? What other flowers does she grow there?”

"Yes, Niqi. They look perfect for your wedding," Anas said, grinning.

“All kinds of things. There’s something that looks like an orchid, there’s some roses, a few varieties of lilies, ummm...” she stopped suddenly. “I don’t know what the others are.”

"I'd love to see that," Mehe said thoughtfully.

"I will ask if you can visit sometime," she offered.

"That would be nice. Thank you.”

Anas smiled at his mate, placing an arm around the other man's shoulders. "Are you planning on having just those jasmines at your wedding?" he asked, returning his attention to the stone.

“I don’t know. I wanted a couple of things, for variety, but...” she sighed. “I don’t know what would look nice and also smell nice together. The jasmine is pretty with the orchids but the smell together was terrible!” Niqi yawned wide, and shook her head. “Excuse me. I’m sorry,” she whispered.

"You should rest, little one," Anas said, his voice concerned.

“I’m ok...” she murmured, setting her head down on the table in front of her with a soft thud. “I...I don’t want to...” she started to softly snore. The humming from the other room stopped and soft footfalls could be heard approaching.

Mehe's ears twitched. "Is that you, Gerald?"

"Yes'sir. It looks like Miss Niqi fell asleep on the table here," he clicked his tongue. "Hmmm," he shuffled about the room and found the blanket that had fallen from her shoulders. "I'll cover her up and see what the Master thinks I should do. Not sure if I should touch her or not, what with what happened."

"Perhaps that's a good idea," Anas said thoughtfully. "Thank you for looking after my sister, friend."

"Don't mind at all, Sir. She's a sweet soul. Not right someone should hurt her." He picked up the stone. "How do I turn this thing off? So she can rest, I mean."

"Press her thumb against the rune," Mehe instructed.

"Please see that she rests," Anas added.

"I'll try, Sir. 'Cept she's trying not to. You got ideas on how to convince her, I'm all ears." The man sighed. “She just keeps goin’ till she nods off. Then she apologizes for fallin’ asleep.”

"She's afraid to sleep," Mehe murmured. "It was like that when she was here too."

“Hmmm, all right. I’ll see what can be done,” he turned the stone over. “Good night, Sirs.”

The ball was spectacular. Niqi had managed to convince Mehe to come, and she could not stop smiling at Anas’s face. It was so obvious that no matter how many gowns he had made, he had never been in the center of it all. The awe in his eyes, even Mehe couldn’t help but show a crack in his usual stoic expression.

Niqi looked out over the grand room, taking in the sparkling decorations, floating through carefully crafted arcane spells. The lights flickered off of them, making the dance floor seem to be full of stars. A great many people had gone to eat as the servers were placing food on the tables.

Niqi nuzzled into Æl’s side as the orchestra started up a gentle dance tune. Nothing overly lively, but wonderfully pleasant to the ears. “Dance with me,” Niqi said, looking up at her husband, her eyes dancing.

Æl chuckled. “You never stop, do you?”

Niqi stuck out her lower lip. “Do I have to? It’s so wonderful!”

“Let me just finish my...” he tried, but she was already up, dragging him out to the very center of the floor. He peered over at Mehe and Anas, both of whom were laughing quietly. “Tiny, couldn’t I at least finish my drink?”

“Nope!” She got into position and waited until he joined hands. Her eyes shone brightly at him, as they stepped into the coordinated court dance. Round the floor they went with the others, gowns swirling in time with one another, looking much like flowers come to life. The song came to a conclusion and everyone applauded the musicians before heading away from the dance floor.

Niqi settled into her chair, as Æl pushed it in for her. “Now you can finish your drink,” she teased. Picking up a bite to eat, she popped it in her mouth with a smile. “Who will dance with me next? Hmm?” She glanced across the table at her chosen brothers. “Mehe? Please?”

The Ren’dorei shook his head. “I’m fine right here, little bird,” he replied, holding on to Anas’s hand beneath the tablecloth and well out of sight of others. “I have a better idea.” He reached beneath the table and withdrew a small box. Placing it in front of her, he indicated with a nod that she should open it.

“What’s this?” She removed the lid and reached in, lifting out a pair of her toe shoes. “Mehe...how did you get these?”

“You left them in the shop,” he answered simply.

“Will you dance for us, little one?” Anas’s eyes crinkled a little at the sides as he offered an encouraging smile.

Niqi chuckled, her cheeks turning a fetching shade of purple. “I forgot them after seeing in the ribbons,” she admitted. Slipping her simpler shoes from her feet, she swiftly placed her toes into the slippers. “I’ll have to wait until they play something more appropriate,” she explained.

Æl stood and walked over to the conductor. She could see him speaking to the woman and then step away. Once he had settled down in his seat, the soft, dulcet tones of “Starlit Meadow” began to fill the room. Almost everyone on the danced floor left for their tables. He gestured for her to go ahead.

Niqi took a breath and stepped out into the center of the room, curtsying low. She rose, bringing herself up onto the tips of her toes and began a graceful routine. She seemed almost to glide on air as she moved around the floor. It didn’t take long for the various conversations in the room to stop, a hush falling over the attendees.

A mage watching from the side mouthed something silently, her hand gesturing towards Niqi. A moment later, there were dancing points of starlight all around the young Ren’dorei, swirling as she moved. A few landed in her hair, sparkling brightly in the sapphire locks. Round and round she went, her body capturing the rolling melody played by the musicians on the stage.

As the song finished, she lowered herself down to the floor, coming to rest with the final note. Everyone in the room sat in silence for a few moments before bursting into applause. Niqi found her way back to her feet, gesturing her gratitude. She made her way back to the table, her cheeks flush, eyes shining. Pulling out her chair, she moved to sit, suddenly losing focus and falling into Ælithil.

“Tiny? Hey...what is it?” He pulled her up and settled her into the chair.

Anas was halfway out of his chair before Mehe’s hand on his chest stopped him. He sat back down, concern overtaking his features.

“I don’t know. I just felt dizzy for a moment,” she murmured.

Mehe poured some water for her quickly as Æl held her steady. Taking the glass, he nodded his thanks. “Here, just sip,” he instructed, holding it to her lips.

She did as he asked, blushing. “I’m ok. You don’t have to fuss over me,” she said, laughing softly.

“I think you ought to listen to your husband, little one,” Anas urged. “Maybe there’s a healer around?”

Æl nodded. “Can you make sure she stays right here? I am going to find Borænin.”

Niqi shook her head. “Æl, I’m fine. Really,” she reassured him. “I’ve probably just danced too much without enough sleep.” She stroked his cheek tenderly.

Anas rose and moved to the chair beside her as Ælithil vacated it. “If you are fine, then there’s no reason for you to worry about someone checking.”

The pale Kal’dorei nodded in agreement. “Just, sit. And sip that water,” he said firmly. He turned and stepped away from the table.

“This really is so silly! I’m fine,” she murmured. Taking another sip of her water, a flash of annoyance crossed her eyes for a moment. She closed them and took a breath, banishing it quickly.

Mehe’s tendril rose to rest on her shoulder. “You two have both been working too hard to prepare for this,” he said, looking at Anas pointedly. “You should close the shop for a couple of days. Get some rest.”

“I can’t. I’ve three orders to complete by next week,” the young woman countered. Turning slightly in her chair, she looked up at him. “I can’t just take a rest when I have obligations.”

“I believe I will be the judge of that,” came a smooth tenor from behind Anas. Borænin stepped around the tall tailor and motioned for him to move. Anas bowed his head and gave the chair to him. He took her chin in his hand, looking at her face. “Well, you are certainly not just fine, as you are protesting. When did you sleep last?” He released her and straightened his uniform before sitting.

Mehe’s lips pursed tight as he eyed the Hierarch with silent suspicion. His tendril remained firmly on her shoulder, coiling into a more protective position.

“I’ve been sleeping every night,” she answered, holding her head high in quiet confidence.

“Not much,” Æl argued. “A few hours at best. You were up most of the night finishing this,” he said, gesturing at her gown.

Niqi’s cheeks filled with color as she turned her gaze from the Hierarch. He simply stared at her impassively. “So. Dizzy, not much sleep. What else? I see your plate has barely been touched.”

“I…I’ve been a little queasy,” she admitted. “But I get that way from stress. And making sure everything was perfect for this…”

He held up a hand, cutting her off. “We have discussed this, Lady Niquisse. Excuses are not tolerated. You must pay attention to your body, much as you did when you studied dance.” He placed a gloved hand over hers, sending a bare tendril of power into her, flowing through. He furrowed his brow for a moment, before smiling slightly. “Well, you aren’t ill,” he said confidently, raising his hand and offering a knowing smile at Ælithil.

“You see? I’m just a little tired,” she replied, sighing in relief in spite of her protestations.

“No, my lady.” He leaned in close, a hint of a twinkle in his eyes, though his other features remained placid. “You are with child.”

Ælithil’s eyes opened wide as he gaped at the Ren’dorei man. “What?”

Anas kissed the top of her head, smiling down at her as he always did. His mate, Mehe, squeezed her hand and moved to take Anas’s instead. They said their goodbyes and stepped out the door, Mehe’s long tendril flipping the sign of their shop to closed before latching it with a soft click. 

Gathering up the sketchbooks, she placed them out neatly in the counter for the next day. Out of the corner of her eye, she spied a bit of red fabric, neatly folded at the far end of the room. On top lay a piece of paper, a note in Anas’s handwriting. A request to design a dress to match the embroidery design on the end of it. 

She set the note aside and unfolded the delicate sash. The ends were woven and stitched in an undulating pattern, deep blue and purples that drew in the eye. Niqi studied it, thinking she might likely be helping him replicate it, when it seemed to her the curls and waves began to move. The more she watched, the more hypnotic it became. 

In her mind, she saw Anas and Mehe, smiling at her, but the expression was wrong somehow. There was a sinister edge to it that she had not known from her two chosen brothers. The slender Kal’dorei began to laugh, but her mind warped it. His mirth was directed at her, a darkness that was not present in him in the past. Mehe’s hand reached out as though to grab at her. 

You can keep trying to make them happy, but they will betray you. Hurt you. Stop wasting your energy on the ones who don’t care. The whispers twisted in her mind, warping everything she tried to focus on. Her tendrils writhed across her shoulders. She sank to the floor, tears rolling down her cheeks. 

She squeezed her eyes shut, murmuring the mantra.  “The Shade speaks the lies we tell ourselves. The Shade speaks the lies we tell ourselves...” over and over. She took deep breaths, hoping to calm herself, but each breath brought and even deeper level of terror. “The Shade speaks the lies we tell ourselves. It can be quieted through careful diligence and focus.” She kept at it, rocking in place on the floor of the work area. 

“Tiny?” Heavy footsteps moved to her side. She looked up to see her husband, his lip curled up in a sneer. Large hands grasped her shoulders and she cried out. Her eyes rolled back, her whole body going limp. 

“Niqi! What’s wrong?” Ælithil gathered his tiny wife up into his arms and left the shop, kicking the door closed. Her constantly evolving wardrobe caused the sash that wrapped her waist to go completely unnoticed. Along her pale skin, hidden beneath her dress, flowing curls of darkness began to creep. They danced and flickered, the color shifting from the deeper black of night, to vibrant, rapturous purples creating a design that perfectly matched one she had seen just a little while earlier. 

Niqi had come into the shop to find the previous night’s storm had blown a large branch from the tree outside through their window. She spoke to the landlord about getting it repaired and had started cleaning up the space. There was broken glass and splinters of wood everywhere. She grabbed the broom and set to work.

It went faster than she had expected. The floors were clear and she had gathered all the debris on a large piece of cloth. She brushed the chair off onto it as well and found that Anas’s desk was quite luckily clear of any mess. Hers on the other hand, was not.

The gown she had been embroidering was full of bits of everything. She picked it up and swept it to the side, intending to shake it out over the cloth. As the skirt swirled through the air, it caught the edge of the display that bore a number of Mehe’s pressed blooms. The hem wrapped around one of the carved frames and before she could stop it, pulled it from the hook.

Her eyes went wide as everything seemed to move in slow motion. Stretching a hand towards it, she tried with all she had to grab it. Her fingertips grazed over it, causing it to spin slightly, moving further from her grasp. It turned a few times in the air before colliding with the corner of her worktable, shattering with a crash. It clattered to the floor, and finally ceased its movement.

Niqi sank down to the floor and crawled over to it. The frame was intact, but the rest… She grabbed at the glass, trying to lift the flower free, ripping one of the sides nearly off. She let out a cry of anguish as she tried to piece it back together, causing further damage.

Outside, the two men arrived to find the window busted out. They rushed in, eyes wide to find the Ren’dorei girl sitting on the floor. She was sweaty and dirty from cleaning and the shop looked to be mostly ready to go. Anas sighed, relieved until she looked up at them. “Please don’t be mad at me,” Niqi begged him, holding the broken shards in her hands. She held them out to Mehe, tears streaming down her cheeks, her tiny hands covered in nicks and cuts. In the very center lay a torn and tattered rose that had previously been pressed with love and care.

“I w-was trying t-to clean up and I b-broke it,” she sobbed.

He crouched down and took her wrists in his hands. Moving her hands over the pile, he tipped the mess out. He took a cloth from his pocket and carefully swept the remaining shards from her hands. He gathered her up and carried her to the sofa. “It’s just a flower, Little Bird. I can make another.” His tendrils wiped the tears from her cheeks and wrapped about her shoulders.

Anas joined them, taking her fingers gently in his own. His eyes shifted to a deep purple as he extended the shadows into her hands, healing the cuts and scrapes. He brought his forehead to hers as she whimpered at the pain caused by the magic, kissing the end of her nose. “I’m sorry, Little One. Are you okay?” His eyes returned to their familiar silver, the shadows retreating from his fingers.

Niqi nodded. “Mehe? I’m so sorry.”

He waved it off. “It’s nothing, Niqi. You can help me find a new flower to take its place,” he offered, a reassuring smile playing at the corners of his lips.

“I would like that,” she sighed, her tendrils relaxing. “Thank you.” She leaned against Anas and looked over the shop. “What a mess…”

The two men chuckled. Without much further discussion, the trio stood and finished prepping the shop to open for the day. “At least it isn’t raining today,” Anas offered. They shared a giggle at that and Mehe flipped the sign on the door to “Open” before heading to the back to make them all some tea.

Shivarra Mehe

Unnerved, Anas tiptoed to the bed and placed a hand against his mate's cheek. "Mehe," he whispered. "Wake up." Mehe's eyelashes fluttered open and Anas's heart leaped into his throat. Felfire burned in those familiar eyes as they glanced in Anas's direction. "My dearest Anas," he murmured, his lips curling into a lazy smile. "You're finally home."