The handsome and golden-haired Taeleorn sat in his chambers, shrouded in darkness that mirrored his lonely thoughts. At that moment, he felt no regret for beating Winter to a pulp. How dare Winter come between him and his love, his chosen one? His mother, the queen, would undoubtedly seek retribution against the traitorous Winter, but a part of Taeleorn still harbored love for his servant—the soft voice and pleasant manner lingered in his memories. Sorrow weighed heavy on his heart.

Winter now languished in his cell, battered and bleeding. Taeleorn experienced a twinge of regret, contemplating whether he should check on him. He had forbidden Winter's friends, Jeongyl and Jimeonn, from offering comfort, such was his anger. Yet, alone in his chamber, grief overshadowed his rage. It was her choice to leave, aided by Winter when Taeleorn had forbidden her desire. He had reasoned that denying her wish after her gift and sacrifice would be unfair.

The chosen ones were granted a wish—some asked for eternal youth, others for blessings upon their families. Rarely did they choose to leave. Life, though challenging for those not born to it, brought peace to those who embraced their role as protectors of the humans lost in their trivial problems.

Taeleorn believed she needed more time, time to bond with him and their child. He had never experienced such intensity of emotion as she had awakened within him. Her kisses had been sweet and wild, and she willingly gave herself to him. Initially fearing him, she grew to respect him, or so he thought. She was merely waiting, waiting for an opportunity to escape. He considered her a fool for fearing him when, in truth, he was her slave.

Despair filled his heart, rendering him weak. How could she not feel the same? She clung to her former reality, uninterested in a life of spiritual contemplation and the search for truth. This was his truth, and his vanity in assuming she would fall at his feet led to his downfall. It was a man's path to worship the woman that he loves and in turn, he would harvest love in abundance. Jealousy over her indifference turned his insides into knots.

Life in his world held not only beauty and truth but also suffering and sacrifice. They worshipped the moon goddess, living their days in dark caves and venturing out only at dusk when the sun's light wouldn't blind them. His people had endured, acting as a buffer between the malevolent and the unwary. His people had lived in those caves and when the darkness of the world had consumed all, they still existed.

Taeleorn turned his gaze to the flickering candle, the dying light leaving no replacement as his servant remained in a cell. Before the last remaining light extinguished, he rose, seeking Jinnion and his wise counsel.

Jinnion, gifted with sight, was often consulted by Taeleorn. Today, a more pressing question lingered—would he ever see his beloved again?

Exiting the cave dwellings, Taeleorn found Jinnion amidst swirling mist, mouthing words from a book with intense concentration. Magic crackled in the air, and mist revealed a dark form emitting a spider's web—a result of inter-dimensional travel. Jinnion, with a raised hand, controlled the creature, beads of sweat forming on his brow. Conjuring dark creatures always carried risks, and this time, the cost was evident in Jinnion's weary demeanor.

"Most impressive, my friend," Taeleorn praised, hoping not to distract him from his work.

His honeyed words pleased Jinneon, but a harsh look of displeasure indicated his annoyance at the interruption.

"Come, pour me some tea. I am weary."

"Have you been working on that for long?" Taeleorn asked as he followed Jinnion into his chambers.

Jinnion sat down, motioning towards the kettle for Taeleorn to pour. Careful not to burn himself, Tae obliged, pouring hot liquid over the leaves.

"What brings you here? I've missed you," Jinnion spoke as he sipped.

"I've missed you too. My mind is weary of thought, and my heart aches with loss. I need your counsel."

"It is wise to reflect on your actions; after all, they've brought you to this point."

"I fear in my anger and loss, I have lost myself. I have hurt Winter, my dear friend, and he may never forgive me."

"You should seek his forgiveness."

Jinnion fell silent. Closing his eyes—whether in deep thought or weariness, Taeleorn couldn't discern—he eventually spoke.

"I'm sorry to disturb you, wise one. When you're rested, please look into the future for me and tell me if I will find my love or at least peace in my heart."

Jinnion closed his eyes, envisioning the girl lying in the leaves, gray and close to death. He couldn't bring himself to tell Taeleorn what he saw.

"Go to the altar and pray for her. Think not of yourself and your pain. She left you a gift—a son. Give your love to the bairn."

~~~

(Edited 1/28/24)