Purity in the Stars *Maleficent: Mistress of Evil- Udo Love Story*

Chapter Twenty Six: Winter Solstice

December seventh, perhaps one of the most important dates in the Dark Fey culture.
The Winter Solstice, or "The Welcoming of the Winter Moon", was an annual event in which the fey (as the title suggests) welcomed the arrival of a new winter, the first full moon of the season. It was a wondrous event; essentially it was an all night party.
If there was anything that dark fey knew how to do well, it was throw quite the celebration.
A large bonfire that they fey sang and danced about, their own instruments strumming and thumping loudly into the night. Fey old and young gathered for the occasion; they ate together, sang together, danced together.
It was truly a special night for the fey; a night that Yuna found herself rather apprehensive to be a part of. After all...wasn't a human attending a bit intrusive?
Udo only chuckled sweetly when Yuna voiced such concerns to him.
"The other fey have already approved of our courtship. They adore you." He responded nonchalantly as he smoothed out Yuna's elegant white dress.
"You're kin; you're my family. You don't need to worry about your attendance being accepted." Udo smiled sweetly, hands combing through the loose waves that Yuna's hair held.
That led to her next question;
"You're sure I'm not...overdressed?" Yuna sighed.
"Not that I don't appreciate the dress, Udo. It's beautiful...but is it too much?"
The item in question was a beautifully spun white gown, elegant and practical. Made of a silky satin and trimmed with lace, Yuna's heart soared when Udo presented it to her.
After all, it was a present from Udo; how could she not cherish it?
Once more, Udo shook his head in response.
"You look divine." The compliment came from Udo's mouth so easily and sincerely that Yuna instantly felt herself burn up.
Sweet words, meant for her and her only. Never to be spoken for anyone else.
Ah, Yuna was sprung.
Udo continued like he didn't notice the blush on Yuna's cheeks.
Sweet talker.
"It's appropriate to wear white, and to wear your best for the solstice. You won't be the only one dressed up...however you will look the most beautiful." Udo smiled.
"I almost don't want the other fey to see you like this. I might have to tell them you're feeling under the weather." Udo's voice dropped slightly, soaking in Yuna with warm eyes.
His hands came to rest on Yuna's hips, lips beginning to drag dangerously along the column of her throat.
"Maybe I'll tell them I'm under the weather too...we can both just stay home tonight..."
Yuna shuddered when she felt the wet flick of Udo's tongue against her skin, hands coming up to push at his shoulders.
Quite the tempting offer. However, Yuna didn't think it'd be a good look for the leader of the fey to miss an event as important as the Winter Solstice. Especially given the fact he'd be missing under the pretenses of bringing his human mate to bed.
Not a good look, in Yuna's opinion.
"You're awfully persistent tonight." Yuna smiled coyly. "Come on; no fooling around. We'll both be late, and I'm sure Ini will have your head once she figures why."
Udo sighed, pressing one last kiss to the junction between Yuna's collarbone and shoulder before pulling away.
He kissed her lips tenderly, the exchange filled with more adoration than lust.
"I intend to continue this later tonight." Udo teased as he pulled away, eyes soaking in Yuna one last time.
He sighed dreamily,
"You really do look lovely, Yuna... I can't wait to have you on my arm tonight." Udo whispered as his voice dipped with sincerity, chest swelling as he looked over his heart.
Yuna smiled, admiring Udo in much the same way he did her.
His attire was similar to the day of the peace treating signing and ball (also, coincidentally, the day they both lost their virginity. So many wonderful anniversaries to celebrate on that day.); his elegant and embroidered robes holding a warm fur trim. Udo's long, platinum hair was tied back into that charming side braid, loose hairs framing his handsome face in a way that made Yuna simply swoon.
"Likewise." Yuna smiled, arms smoothing down the blue and silver embroidery along Udo's arms.
"Is this going to be another instance of me warding off your fan girls all night? Is this ring just for show?" Yuna ring finger wiggled in front of Udo's face playfully, sighing dramatically.
Udo caught her hand, lips pressing to the ring.
"Well, maybe if you let me replace it with an actual engagement ring, the other fey would steer clear." He responded back just as smoothly, lips forming a smirk.
Already knowing that the remark was coming, Yuna easily slipped her hand from Udo's hold.
"Patience is a virtue." She reminded gently, smiling.
Udo quirked a brow, eyes glinting mischievously as Yuna went to fix his long and thick braid.
"Believe me, I'm quite the patient fey-"
"Already have waited five years for me, I know I know." Yuna had to bit back a grin as Udo seemed rather taken aback by her completing his sentence.
He blinked, then sighed exasperatedly.
"I'm that predictable, hm?" His smile grew.
In their bedroom, Yuna made the short trek to the one of their cabinets. She scrounged in it for a brief moment, before finding the finishing touch to Udo's look that would certainly not help her ever pounding heart.
"Haven't seen you dressed up like this since the ball." Yuna noted, coming back to stand before Udo. She unwrapped the velvet keepsake bag in her hand, smiling down at the entwined silver in her hold.
"I think this will really tie the look together, don't you?"
Yuna smiled sweetly as she spoke, Udo's eyes widening as he inspected the intricately crafted circlet in her hands.
The same one he'd worn to the peace treaty signing, and the same one he'd worn to the ball.
"I'm starting to get the impression you're trying to have me recreate my rather show stopping look from that night." Udo smirked, slightly dipping his head. Giving his permission, Yuna realized.
Gently, and without disturbing the braided hairstyle that made her weak in the knees, Yuna slipped the intricate and beautiful circlet over Udo's head.
It pointed perfectly down his forehead, silver intertwining in a complimentary pattern, and Yuna felt her cheeks heat up as she took a step back to inspect her work.
"There. Perfect."
Yuna's hands clasped together with satisfaction, her grin beaming. Udo's hands came up to gently adjust the headpiece, his own fond smile beginning to form as he witnessed Yuna's giddiness.
"I think you're missing a circlet of your own, don't you?"
The question almost immediately made Yuna shake her head, her response coming easily.
"I'll leave the circlets to the fey. I don't want to intrude too much on my first solstice." Yuna brushed it off cooly.
Through their bedroom windows, early twilight was already painting their wooden floors. The starlight clung to the couple's white attire like elegant stardust; Udo took a mental picture of Yuna bathed in the celestial paints.
Maybe he took two.
Their bare feet paced over the cold wooden floors, Yuna's thin fingers dancing about Udo's wrist.
"Come on handsome; we have a solstice to observe."
Udo obeyed with a goofy grin, almost greedily grasping Yuna's hand in his own.
Udo didn't want to admit it, didn't want to sound like some teenager with his first girlfriend, but he felt a euphoric giddiness at the prospect of walking into such an important ceremony for the dark fey with his heart on his arm.
Yuna felt the same kind of sunburst of pride; portraying that as she held onto Udo's elbow with a flushed smile.
The couple exited the ivy covered and wildflower surrounded cottage, the twilight dew that covered the Moors glistening. Even from their position a good walk away from where the dark fey congregated, Yuna already could hear the festive noises of pounding drums and flapping wings.
"This is so exciting..." Yuna's voice mumbled out as she threatened to slip into deep thought. Her heartstrings tugged like an excited violin, and her nerves pulsated like there were lightning dancing all about her.
It was almost a selfish feeling to be this excited when Ulstead was threatened with war.
Yuna had the briefest of falters in her steps at the realization.
There it was again; that pesky reminder that hung over her like a dark cloud.
Azazel, Mina still gone and Leo still missing... what kind of big sister was she to go out and celebrate while all of this was happening?
Philip and Aurora had traveled to the kingdom of Oslaelia with their royal council to discuss the pressing matter; no actual act of aggression had taken place (yet), therefore declaring any type of war would be unfounded. The monarchs had decided that they would enlist the help of Oslaelia to conduct internal investigations into the matter; for now only reaching out to the singular kingdom.
If word spread from continent to continent, who knows what kind of mass hysteria would break out?
For the time being, Ulstead had limited and significantly altered trade routes, extended naval patrols, and had more active guards and military present than normal. The townsfolk were certainly starting to form their suspicions, and the fact that they were being advised to not partake in any traveling wasn't helping.
In short, Philip and Aurora's first year of rulers was a grand catastrophe of mayhem and second-guessing, and Yuna once again couldn't help but feel a bit selfish.
Even with all of this going on...her thoughts could only focus on one thing.
Leo.
Leo, Leo, Leo.
Yuna had wished she could just rip off her court herbalist badge and sail the high seas with Mina in search of the missing boy, but alas, everyone had their own responsibilities.
Even if Yuna didn't like the piece she was playing in this swashbuckling tale of mystery and disappointment, she had to accept it.
Still...she had spent more than one late night scanning every map in the royal library. She jump from island to island, state to state, study the history of it and the amount of pilgrims each civilization saw per year.
With each town and each statistic, Yuna couldn't help but wonder if Leo was lost somewhere in the middle.
Each time her thoughts wandered, and a gripping fear took over, she would spend the rest of the night awake and praying.
No matter what it took...Yuna would bring her baby brother home.
"You're thinking too hard again."
The voice shook Yuna from her spiral, the young woman jumping slightly as her vision cane back into focus.
She'd been walking with Udo in a deep daze; the vine-draped alcove that led to the world of the fey suddenly right in front of her.
With the realization, Yuna also became aware that her grip on Udo had tightened almost painfully in her thoughts. Her eyes went from the nature before her to the face of Udo; the fey looking down at her with equal parts exasperated affection and bubbling concern.
The breath Yuna sucked in was like she swallowed a mouthful of icy water, and she blinked up to Udo with a plastered-on easy going smile.
"I was only thinking about how happy I am to be here with you." It wasn't a total lie, so Yuna didn't feel bad about it.
Udo's eyes hardened with a kind of disapproving disbelief, and he carefully pried Yuna's fingers from his sore forearm.
Instead of his usual worry-filled lecture, Udo settled for a quick flick to her forehead.
"I thought we already talked about this..." His fingers twirled into her bangs, and Udo swept them behind Yuna's ear gracefully.
Yuna tried to retort, but Udo was just as cunning as he slipped her hand into his own.
"No more worrying, and second-guessing. That's why I'm here; let's just have tonight, okay?"
The chants of hymns and pleasant whirls of music blared as Udo made the quiet plea; eyes seeming to sadden as he looked to the flora-covered entrance in front of them.
Despite their conversation just a week before, the couple had soon slipped back into their own destructive mindsets.
Udo was spreading himself thin taking care of the fey; all the while trying to figure more on Azazel. While the other faeries knew of the possible impending threat, Udo had soon taken it upon himself to take any precautions possible...
He couldn't have what happened on that peninsula happen to the Moors.
Udo had every spiritual fey using their power to track any sort of disturbance or upset within their magical realm, had joined Borra in re-training the warrior fey. Every hour, Udo cast a protective barrier around the Moors (just as a precaution. It couldn't be seen by the naked eye, so he didn't need to worry about any curious townspeople) and had rotating fey and Moorfolk stalking the grounds at night, when they were the most vulnerable.
Udo even went so far as to prepare an emergency escape plan for the fey children. Should anything happen, the young ones would be taken back to the Cavernous Nest; their ever present sanctuary that had protected the fey from poachers and wicked humes for so many years.
Yuna had fallen right back into a despairing cycle of busying herself with her work and research. She offered miscellaneous help to any friend who needed it, but at the end of the day she just kept feeling more and more useless.
She was just an ordinary human; an herbalist. Between her monarch and Moorfolk friends, it was quite hard not to feel inadequate.
Yuna's heart pumped with a painful rhythm as she saw that apparent sorrow in Udo's almond-shaped eyes; knowing that Udo had to have seen the same kind in her own.
Yuna had vowed that night in the tomb blooms to be the support that Udo needed; that the Dark Fey leader needed.
Her fingers touched Udo's pointed cheekbones, guiding his eyes back to hers.
Yuna willed away any negative feeling, eyes glimmering brightly as she gave Udo a splendid smile.
"Tonight." She agreed enthusiastically.
"Whatever is going on right now can wait. I'm here with my heart to experience an occasion with his people. Nothing can take that away from me...I'm happy to be here with you, Udo."
Yuna whispered sweetly, voice dripping like warm honey with sincerity as she spoke her honest truth.
She saw the way Udo's eyes half-lidded and his breath momentarily hitched as she referred to him as her "heart". The couple was intimately lit from the backlight of a raging bonfire just a few feet from them, the leaves from the vine casting onto them like painted on shadows.
Udo bent his head, and softly pressed his lips to Yuna's.
The girl ever so slightly tilted her head; giving them the perfect angle to deepen the kiss. Yuna couldn't help the small mewl that escaped her as Udo's tongue lovingly laved against her own, a hot groan leaving Udo as his strong hands threatened to bunch her dress.
The two let their lips move against each other with an unrestrained abandon; Yuna hands tracing the embroidery on the chest of Udo's dress robes and Udo generously rubbing the exposed back of Yuna's dress.
It was only when another sweetly innocent noise broke from Yuna that Udo found the state of mind to pull away, brows knitted and breaths strained.
Yuna's questioning eyes, darkly lit with a rather sultry appeal and stained wet lips nearly taunted the fey to dive right back in.
'Patience, Udo. Patience.'
"Later." Udo promised fiercely under his breath.
His hands smoothed down Yuna's dress, and his fingers brushed through her now rather wild curls. His eyes glistened with lust, and his gut twisted as he stared down at Yuna's face shortly adorned with makeup.
Yeah; Udo may have been damn near thirty, but he felt like a giddy teenager.
Yuna's own ring-adorned fingers busied themselves with wiping the rose-colored pigment from Udo's lips; smirking as Udo kissed her thumb. His circlet had become slightly off center during their exchange, and a few too many loose strands of hair spilled from his braid.
"You better mean it." Yuna teased back playfully, though her eyes cut up to Udo dangerously.
A cry of stupor erupted from the nearby festivities, and Udo chuckled at Yuna's pout.
"I do." He whispered, feeling the desire in him begin to quell as he smiled apologetically.
Udo's wings wrapped around them in a sort of intimate embrace, and his smiled turned regretful as he held Yuna close.
"It's...It's been awhile since we were able to be intimate. I'm sorry." The shame in Udo's voice was genuinely remorseful; what kind of mate did that make him?
"When this is all over, I'll take you back to Miyagata, alright? I'll spoil you, make up for all the time we've spent apart..." Udo held Yuna closely, careful to not mess up either one's appearance.
Yuna's cheek rested against Udo's shoulder, loving how safe she felt as Udo's strong wings and arms engulfed her. Lifting her chin up, she shook her head disapprovingly.
"Our relationship isn't some sort of contest, Udo; you don't need to worry about giving me rewards." She giggled.
Yuna's eyes warmed as she spoke, scrunching as she smiled. Her fingernails stroked Udo's clenched jaw.
"I'm happy. I don't need some grand gesture to know you love me."
The expression of pure love on Udo's face almost made Yuna swoop in for another kiss; but she managed to restrain herself.
Her hand slipped back into Udo's, and the fey held it so tightly that Yuna hadn't felt more grounded.
The sorrow in Udo's eyes was gone; he seemed to glow with a newly found rejuvenation. The sight made Yuna's heart pound with joy, and she soon found herself mirroring the emotion.
"Let's hurry and meet with the other fey; I want to show you off and see everyone else gawk at you..." The hand in Yuna's slipped away, instead settling for the curves of her hips.
Udo pulled her close, his free hand coming up to push aside the long and thick vines.
His voice sounded by her ear, low and hot;
"Then throw you onto our bed and take you til the sun comes up."
Yuna felt her blush spread from the apples of her cheeks to the tips of her ears, and her steps involuntarily quickened with excitement.
"S-Sounds like those are agreeable terms..."
Yuna felt Udo smile into her hair, then the two pushed their way past the curtain of greenery.
The sight that greeted Yuna nearly made her become an incoherent mess all over again and the herbalist has to bite back a gasp of wonder from leaving her.
She'd spent six months with the dark fey in the Moors, and yet they always seemed to have something new up their sleeves to surprise her with; even when Yuna had thought she'd seen it all.
A little ways down the meadow, a popping and blistering bonfire roared into the night. Of course because the fey were nothing if not enthusiastic, it wasn't your typical fire housed in a wooden gate.
Just as massive as it was; it was also so beautiful.
It crackled with aquas, emeralds, fuchsias and rich lavenders; no doubt a result of the imbued magic coursing through the flames.
The air about them danced with glowing lights; a mix of the small glowing faeries that usually trailed the Moors at night and the Fey's own beautiful magic seeping into the atmosphere. It was like the stars in the heavens themselves floated down for one night; blanketing the Moor's in an ethereal glow.
From the shadows of flame, Yuna could make out horns and wings shuffling and twirling on the grass below; claps and laughter ringing over the rushing water of nearby winter streams.
Drums, strings and flutes played out a joyous and intense melody; the fey who played them playing passionately. It wasn't the first time Yuna had seen or heard the Dark Fey's use of the instruments, from birthday celebrations to the late night parties Udo had taken her to, it was actually quite the common occurrence. However, the tune that played this night was by far the most...melodic? The hymn that the faeries sang was like a warm cottage on a rainy day, and Yuna found it to be just as beautiful as it was fun.
Yuna could see stone and flora seats littering the ground, lining the streams and surrounding the blazing fire. Some fey had congregated to sitting with their own kind; not in a cliquey kind of way. Udo had told Yuna that certain denominations of the Dark Fey celebrated the Winter Solstice with their own special traditions; much like how different families celebrated the winter holidays in their own unique ways.
Sure enough, all of the Fey were adorned in white. Eloquent robes, airy tunics and leggings, sewn and beaded blouses and skirts, long and beautiful dresses... The entire sight was like a picture in a fairytale come to life.
"This is the first Winter Solstice we've been able to celebrate on our actual homeland since...well, since before that horrible war all those years ago." Udo whispered at her side, and Yuna didn't need to look at the Tundra Fey to see him bursting with a joyous mirth and adoring pride.
Yuna's eyes found the young fey children happily dancing and chasing each other about the Moors; now able to carry themselves from the earth and tackle each other from the air.
The sight warmed her heart, and she smiled endearingly.
His hand still on Yuna's waist, Udo let his wings fully stretch out as the couple set off towards the festivities with a sense of excited apprehension.
For Udo, it was a big night for him and his kin; For Yuna, anything important to Udo became important to her as well.
As they drew closer, and Udo witnessed his kin celebrating and conversing with seemingly no care in the world, his eyes softened with his gentle smile.
"I want all of the children to be able to grow up normally...not like how so many of us grew up in that cavernous nest."
As Yuna listened, a familiar voice called out to them;
"UDO!" The excited cry of Dagran shouted out, the curly headed fey already bouncing towards the couple.
The look in his eyes as he stared at Udo was of pure admiration, and Yuna felt her heart threaten to melt.
Her hand found its way to Udo's back, and she ran her hand down the taut muscles.
"They will; they already are Udo." Yuna answered back gently, Dagran's distant figure nearing closer.
"It's because they have you that they've grown up never knowing anything other than love, and protection. You given them everything."
Yuna felt Udo tense at that, no doubt from his attempt to subdue any emotions as Dagran suddenly crashed in front of them.
Yuna laughed out loud, and Udo took advantage of the chaos to hastily wipe at his eyes.
Sighing, Udo bent down to scoop Dagran up from underneath his armpits.
"Bit of a rocky landing there, Dag." Udo shook his head with a fond smile, eyeing the newly formed grass stains on Dagran's very white tunic.
Dagran gave him a toothy grin, clearly loving the attention he got as Udo set him back down onto his feet.
"No, it's landing with style. Shrike taught me that." The young fey corrected, and Yuna giggled once more.
The noise made Dagran turn to look at the woman at Udo's side, and almost immediately Dagran's eyes widened like he'd just seen the Phoenix herself.
"Woah..." Dagran beamed you at Yuna, and his cherub cheeks lit up.
"Miss Yuna, you look beautiful!" He exclaimed.
Udo's quirked an interested brow.
"Nice to see that someone has been fixing up his vocabulary." Udo's smile grew, patting the little fey atop his head.
Yuna knelt down to the little one's level, her thumb brushing off the streak of mud on his tan cheek.
"You look quite handsome yourself, Dagran. The grass stains really bring out your eyes, in my opinion." Yuna's grin was as goofy as the child's and he was clearly basking in all of the extra attention he was receiving.
Dagran's tiny wings beat excitedly, and Udo suddenly felt his worries slip away as he soaked in the moment.
'The younglings may have not had the most conventional childhood...' Udo's thoughts rang loudly inside his head.
A call of greeting echoed behind Dagran, and Udo and Yuna looked up to see the rest of their fey friends approaching them with waving arms and joyful grins. Ini rested Yui on her hip, Borra let Lilja clasp onto his hand as he swung her and Shrike busied herself with ducking; so as to avoid the tumbling children finally learning to take flight.
Udo smiled,
'But they have what they need; they have us...'
A giggle erupted from Dagran as Yuna pinched his cheek with a teasing smirk, and Udo's chest warmed. Swiftly, he allowed himself a quick glide of his fingers across the back of Yuna's neck; an appropriate act of affection in front of the child fey.
'Now they have Yuna too. If that isn't perfect, then I don't know what is.'
"About time you two showed up." Borra greeted in that usual rough and blunt tone of his, Lilja kicking up a storm from where he held her hand.
As Yuna came to fully stand before the fey, Dagran ran back to where Shrike stood by Ini. Udo gave their friends a small smile, helping Yuna to her feet with a steady hand.
"We had a few problems finding the right dress for this one; I guess the faerie's tailor work is a bit on the elaborate side." Udo smiled down at Yuna, and the girl had to resist an eye roll.
'Really, that's why we're late...' Yuna matched his smile, suddenly hyper aware of any smudged makeup on her face.
Borra absorbed the answer with an understanding expression, nodding to himself,
"Ah, I get that. I'm rather overwhelmed by it at times too, Yuna." He hummed, actively turning Lilja around so that she faced her giddy friends.
Borra deadpanned,
"You have lipstick on your chin, Udo."
Shrike snickered, and Yuna hastily brought the pad of her thumb up to wipe at the pink smudge.
Udo's cheeks were a soft peach as he looked away embarrassedly. Yuna patted his cheek once she'd blotted away the pigment, giving him a lopsided grin;
"Sorry. Thought I got all of it." Yuna almost gave him a kiss as an apology, before she remembered what had gotten them into this predicament in the first place.
Lilja looked over her shoulder, making a sour face.
"Ew."
Shrike laughed, braided hair hanging freely down her waist. Her white two piece was a beautiful contrast on the jungle fey's dark skin, and she broke into a carefree grin.
It'd been awhile since Yuna had seen the usually happy grin genuinely smile through all of this, and soon the expression turned infectious.
"Still too young to know what it means to have a heart, Lilja. I'm sure you and Dagran will start changing your tune once you're teenagers." She laughed once more at Dagran's horrified expression.
Yui scowled from her position in Ini's arms, her own little circlet slightly off center in her tiny head.
"I don't want to find my heart. I want to just keep playing in the Moors."
Udo smiled at his little charge, striding forward to take her from Ini.
Yui excitedly latched onto Udo, and the older tundra fey fixed her head accessory with a huff of amusement.
"You don't have to commit yourself to any boy or girl, Yui. You can do whatever you want." He smiled, smoothing down the soft platinum strands of hair that poured from the girl's tiny horns.
"I'm going to assume Ini dressed you, considering the fact you have on the wrong circlet for the solstice." Udo laughed, eyes sparkling fondly.
Ini shrugged, skin painted with silver and white designs.
"Not my fault you tundra fey have about one hundred different ceremonial wears. It's not like anyone can tell." She smiled.
Ini looked at Yuna, then back to Udo;
"You two look very nice. Yuna, you look gorgeous." Ini's soft voice was always like a gentle song to Yuna's ears, and the human felt a burning warmth at the compliment.
"Thank you; I feel rather out of place. More so than at the ball..." Yuna took a look around the open meadow cascaded by willow trees and mountains.
She rubbed her neck awkwardly,
"Maybe it's due to the lack of horns and wings..." She chuckled.
Yuna felt a tug on her sleeve, and she swiftly rubbed Yui's horned head and gave her the attention she desired as she continued.
"Shrike, Ini; I don't know how you managed it, but you somehow look even more breathtaking than you did at the ball." Yuna complimented sincerely, eyes soaking in the jewelry decorating their horns and silken ivory fabrics clinging to their skin.
Yun offered a compliment to Borra as well, his charming face streaked with paint.
"You look rather dashing as well, Borra. Maybe you'll get lucky and score a lady tonight, hm?" She teased.
Borra's eyes hardened and he looked away abashedly.
"Don't patronize me. I don't care if you're in a dress, I'll take you down just like I did the first night you stumbled into the Moors." His tone made the threat less than intimidating.
Lilja stared up at him with her usual innocent mischief. "Borra, Shrike told me that you thought
Ini-"
The little fey was almost immediately up in the air, and Borra hurriedly stomped away with her thrown over his shoulder,
"Come on! Everyone is waiting for you, Udo. We're supposed to give a speech!"
Ini blinked after them in a muted surprise, eyes cutting to Shrike's snickering form.
Slowly, she meant closer to the jungle fey.
"Want to know a funny little rumor I heard floating around the castle about you and Percival?" She whispered, that steady tone of hers suddenly becoming the most frightening thing Shrike had ever heard.
Her mouth snapped shut, and she gulped thickly.
"Nope. No, I'm good." She quickly trailed after Borra.
"C-Come on! I want to dance! Sing! Make merry!" Shrike's voice became more and more distant as she hurried off, and Ini shook her head with a smile.
The whole exchange had Yuna covering her mouth in laughter. If they weren't in the middle of a potential war, Yuna may have offered her matchmaking services to the friends.
Udo watched Yuna laugh with warmth burning in his eyes and in his heart. Hearing Yuna laugh made him break into small chuckles himself, and he carefully shifted Yui onto one of his hips. His free hand found Yuna's, and he held onto it tightly.
"Come on. Time for me to be the envy of all these other fey." Udo whispered, kissing Yuna's cheekbone.
Yuna smiled as they began to walk, any apprehension or nerves surrounding the night finally beginning to dispel. They drew closer to the rest of the dark fey, and Ini strode at the couple's side with a contented expression.
"I must say, you two seem to be making history left and right." She looked over to the couple playfully, gesturing to the celebration around them.
"It's the first time a human has ever attended a Dark Fey occasion, no less something as sacred as the Winter Solstice." Ini noted thoughtfully.
"Plus, having our treasured leader at your side? I feel like we're being written into the history books as I speak." Ini's head bowed at a few of her passing Desert Fey, and Yuna made sure she offered them a friendly wave as well.
The sentiment made a rather uneasy wave trickle across Yuna's skin, and she gave her friend a side smile.
"Well, I'm certainly quite appreciative to be here. I only hope I'm not stepping on anyone's toes..."
Almost immediately after the sentence left her mouth, Yuna made eye contact with a familiar Tundra Fey a few feet away.
She smiled sweetly, then held Udo closer to her.
'Besides Mirania. I'll gladly stomp on her entire foot.'
"Maybe the occasion would be more exciting in the textbooks if I wasn't...well, me." Yuna subconsciously brought her hand up to pat down the top of her oxblood hair, suddenly reminded once more that the lack of pointed horns there made her stick out like a sore thumb.
"I think it makes it even more stupefying." Udo was quick to shut down any kind of doubtful thoughts from entering Yuna's mind. His tone was strict and absolute, but it was also so loving; a special kind of tone that Udo only used with Yuna.
He only used it when his heart felt discouraged, whether it be from a bad day at work or simply an evening where she felt to bloated to let Udo love her. Yuna had grown to love that voice with all of her heart; a constant reminder that she was adored.
Even when she didn't feel like she was worth it.
Heads were beginning to turn now; fey that Yuna knew well, some she wasn't the most acquainted with.
Some looked to her with a wowed expression, a secret admiration, a jovial smile and others a look that Yuna couldn't quite make out as friendly or as aversive.
Udo's hand drew her even closer to him, close enough that the fey could wrap his arm around Yuna protectively as he felt her growing tension amidst all the stares.
Adeptly, Udo leaned in dangerously close to whisper into Yuna's ear.
"They're staring at you because you're gorgeous." His lips traced the shell of her ear.
"They're jealous that you look like this without even trying, and they're envious that I'm the fey who gets to have you on my arm."
Yuna had to avert her eyes from the gazes; not because they became too much, but because the blush on her face was beginning to become so warm that she knew there was no use in trying to mask it.
Ini chuckled, hand patting Yuna's shoulder.
"Certainly you know by now that you're kin. Don't let a few outliers shake you." Ini's head twirled to look at a few passing by female fey.
Yuna couldn't tell what her expression was, but due to the small screams and quick runs the fey gave upon making eye contact with Ini, Yuna assumes it wasn't pleasant.
Yuna sighed amidst the reassurances, her same old habit kicking in as she fiddle with her necklace in deep thought.
'Am I really going to let a few fey ruin tonight for me?' The thought almost angered her.
'They can think whatever they want. I befriended all of the fey who matter most to me...'
Yuna had to suppress a smile upon hearing one of Shrike's hearty laughs.
She never ceased to make Yuna's mood soar.
Yuna looked to Udo, already seeing that the tundra fey was staring at her with gentle eyes. It was like Udo was staring down at the universe.
Mustering up the courage, Yuna smiled. She rose to her tip toes and briefly pressed a kiss to the fey's lips, Udo's eyes practically begging her to do so.
This time, she was careful to not leave any evidence.
'...and I have the best one of them all to myself. I'd say I'm really lucky.'
"Well, I for one am very excited to be here." Yuna finally felt a relief flood through her as she spoke, nerves sparking as they began to enter the heart of all the crowds.
"It's been awhile since I was at Dark Fey event...Borra's birthday, maybe? I was hoping to bond with more of the fey tonight."
Yuna meant it too. No matter what anyone told her, she was a bit of a trespasser onto the Dark Fey culture. She'd already settled it within her heart that she would have to gain their respect and familiarity by simply making the effort to get the know the many dark fey better.
It was because Yuna cared so much that this was important to her, and she wanted them all to know it. She wasn't just some random human who thought "Pretty man with wings, mine" and swooned after him like some love struck schoolgirl.
Yuna loved Udo. A genuine, sincere, earth shattering kind of love; not just something filled with lust and desire. She knew Udo felt the exact same way too; that's what made their relationship so different from anything that anyone could expect. It was... it was true love. As corny and cliche as that sounded, Yuna didn't know any other term to describe it. Their love and relationship with each other didn't fit any labels or into any boxes... it was just them. They were soulmates in every sense of the word.
So of course, Yuna wanted to convey this to the other fey. It was a thing of respect; this was Udo's world, his culture and his family. While pretty much all of the other fey welcomed Yuna and left her feeling giddy and happy upon her visits to them, there were still a few that were...apprehensive, so to speak. Yuna understood why and she didn't judge them for it one bit; she was a stranger. A stranger who waltzed right into their home and swiped up their precious leader. Hell, if Yuna were a fey, she probably would be a bit angry herself.
The relationship between the fey and humes always had a bit of a rocky past, but that was why Udo and Yuna were here. To mend all of that, to fix it. Just like what Conall had died for, the two wouldn't stop until there were no discrepancies on either side. They were all living beings, living on the same planet and going through the same beautiful and horrible experiences life could throw at them. Certainly, couldn't that fact alone be enough to stop the tension and the fighting?
So, Yuna would simply keep trying. If it were for Udo, it was all worth it. She was at the side of the leader of the Dark Fey, and she intended to do that position justice. Both as Udo's woman, and as a human who was so graciously accepted into the beautiful world of the faeries. Yuna was always entranced by this world, and now she got to live in it everyday. She had fallen for Udo long ago, back when their relationship was still forbidden, and now she got to see him everyday as well. The girl would never take any of that for granted; she loved the Moors, the faeries, her friends, and most of all she loved Udo.
That was why she'd keep making this work.
Yuna's hand reached up to cover the one Udo had laid over her shoulder.
"I'll need some guidance tonight. I don't want to do anything disrespectful, or out of place. I'd like to make a good impression." She whispered, rubbing her thumb along his knuckles.
Carefully readjusting Yui, and trying in vain to get the small child to stop playing with his circlet, Udo replied to his mate just as easily,
"You've already made a good impression, six months ago to be exact." He chuckled at Yuna's exasperated expression.
'You know what I meant.'
Trying to quell a squirming Yui once more, Udo gave his heart a gentle side smile; Yui's chubby hands grabbing all over his face.
"You don't need to worry about anything other than being yourself. If you do that, then tonight will be the best of the year."
Udo assurance made Yuna release a shallow breath, her heart settling as the gazes suddenly felt very distant.
She smiled,
'Duly noted.'
Yuna's back straightened, and her she held her chin high; confident and proud as she entered in with Udo.
Ini watched her with a satisfied expression, the painted marking on her glowing in the nesting fire and fairy light.
"A historic night indeed. Our first solstice back on our homeland, the welcoming of the first hume and fey couple..."
Ini's voice rang at Yuna's side, and Yuna had to do a double take at the sight before her as she lifted her head.
Udo grinned, Yuna practically gasped, and Ini finished her sentence with a contented nod.
"...As well as the return of our Phoenix, right back to where she belongs."
There, Maleficent stood.
The bonfire behind her, the dark fey looked like a complete stark contrast of her usual self...Yuna thought she was like a beautiful statue come to life.
It was the first time Yuna had seen the faerie in anything other than black and sultry red lipstick, she realized.
Maleficent pale and lithe figure was adorned with a simple but simply elegant white gown, straight cut nothing too fancy about it at all. It wasn't fluffy or beaded or adorned with any sort of crystals...it was simply just the silken fabric.
It was beautiful, Maleficent was beautiful.
Her dark eye makeup was gone, replaced with lightly and neutral colored shimmers and her lips a pale pink. Her hair was free; straight as sticks as it pooled down her black-winged back and through her tall horns.
She kept her staff tightly in her grip, a habit that Yuna immediately recognized as Maleficent feeling nervous or out of place. It was similar to her own anxious habit of twirling her pendant between her fingers.
From Yuna's gasp, Maleficent's head whipped to face them. Her eyes sparkled, and her whole being practically sagged with relief.
Pushing her way though a small crowd, Maleficent hurried to come before the three of them.
"Ah, thank the Moors you're here." She sighed heavily, eyes scanning the ogling fey about her.
"I might as well be back in that castle, with how everyone is looking at me. I don't think I've ever felt more...odd."
Yuna couldn't only remain gaping, Ini laughed at the joke (which wasn't really a joke at all), and Udo finally put a disgruntled Yui down at his feet as she latched onto his leg.
"I don't recall a time you've ever been self conscious, Maleficent." Udo stared with an amused smirk.
"Certainly the Phoenix reincarnate has experienced more turbulence than a simple party?"
Maleficent glared at the tundra fey,
"Of course I have; I've killed a king who was also my ex-boyfriend, thank you very much."
Maleficent drew her staff closer to her body, practically hugging it as she shifted anxiously.
"...I just don't like attention. If one more person looks at me, I swear I'll-"
"Maleficent's so pretty!" Yui's small voice broke out, tugging on Udo's robe excitedly as she beamed up at her.
Maleficent blinked, then her mouth snapped shut.
"...Thank you, Yui. You as well."
Yui giggled, and Yuna finally snapped herself from her stupor.
"I- Trust me, Maleficent. They're staring at you for good reason. You're simply gorgeous." Yuna breathed, the Phoenix's cheeks reddening.
Udo looked to Yuna with a rather dumbfounded look.
'Isn't that literally what I just told you?' Udo's sighed, smiling at he patted Yui's head.
Maleficent cleared her throat, blush practically spread down to her neck.
"Ah, yes, well...thank you." Fingers fiddling with her scepter, Maleficent practically mumbled the next part,
"You all...look very nice as well."
It was a rare sight indeed to see the usual intimidating fey so nervous, and Ini had to make sure she didn't so much as giggle.
She asked,
"Well, I'm assuming this isn't your typical taste in dress. Where might we find the little birdie responsible for your elegant get up?"
Maleficent went to responded, that typical exasperated look on her face whenever she mentioned Diaval, and she was promptly cut off.
"Yuna! Udo! Ini!"
Maleficent sighed again, head falling back as she stared up at the starry sky.
"He would be right over there." She mumbled.
From behind Maleficent, Borra and Shrike soon reemerged; Lilja and Dargan missing from what Yuna assumed was an opportunity to wreck havoc amongst their peers. Diaval stood between them, bright grin on his face and either one of his arms around the other's shoulder.
Yuna grinned right back, and waved at him enthusiastically.
"Well, who's this handsome little raven?"
Much like Maleficent, Diaval's usual dark aesthetic apparel had been shed. In its place, an ivory two piece suit was there; slacks and long sleeve tunic adorned with his dressy side cape. His usual wild hair was slicked back, and the mirth glistening in his eyes as he met up with the group was unparalleled.
Udo met Diaval with a wide smile and gracious clap on the shoulder,
"Well, I don't think I've ever seen you and Maleficent in anything that wasn't the color of night. You two are quite the sight for sore eyes!" Udo complimented sincerely, and Diaval laughed.
"Isn't it wonderful?! I wish everyday could be the winter solstice! Look at all of us...we should be the subject of a painting! Hung proudly in a museum in some faraway land!" Diaval exclaimed, eyes wandering to Yuna.
"Do my eyes deceive me? I believe Yuna has shattered all expectations and has somehow become even more beautiful...are you sure you don't practice witchcraft in that little cottage of yours?"
Smiling, Yuna pulled her friend into a tight embrace.
Clearly in a good mood, Diaval's eyes wandered up to Udo as he hugged the girl.
"I'm assuming this is alright? I don't have to worry about you hexing me, correct?"
If he wasn't holding Yuna, Udo would've given the man a playful shove.
"Since what you're speaking is true, I don't really see what I could punish." Udo chuckled.
Maleficent grunted as Shrike leaned onto her shoulder, the jungle fey looking up at her with a cheeky grin.
"Come on, lighten up a bit! It's your first holiday with your kin, we're supposed to spend the solstice partying!" She chided.
Maleficent released a breath, shrugging away Shrike's hold.
"Yes, I'm aware. I just..."
Maleficent's brows scrunched, and she groaned out in frustration.
Pulling away from Yuna, Diaval gave the fey a sad smile.
"She's worried about Aurora...Philip and Percival as well, but mainly Aurora." He answered for Maleficent, who looked away abashedly at the revelation.
Striking forward, Diaval gently stroke one of Maleficent's high cheekbones. He gave her one of his bright grins,
"I'm worried too; but she's a grown woman now. A political council is nothing she can't handle... Everything will be fine."
Maleficent met Diaval's steady gaze, and she smiled softly.
Around them, the friends shuffled rather uncomfortably. Some cleared their throats, others decided to simply look away entirely.
Slowly, Udo leaned over to whisper in Yuna's ear.
"You owe me five gold, you bet that Borra and Ini would be the first ones to-"
Yuna's elbow swiftly connected with Udo's ribs, and the fey leader crumpled with a grunt.
Yuna watched the scene with glimmering eyes, wide and excited.
"Shhhh!"
Maleficent smiled as Diaval held her face, the two staying like that for a quiet moment. Udo took the opportunity to turn Yui around, shoving her face into his leg.
"Our girl is all grown up; she can handle herself."
Maleficent relaxed amongst Diaval's ministrations, and she gently pat his hand away.
"You're right. Aurora will be just fine...I hate to admit it, but I know Philip can protect her. Percival too...no, who am I kidding? Our Aurora doesn't need saving. She can protect herself." Maleficent smiled warmly.
Yuna leaned against Udo's shoulder with a wide grin, Shrike seemed to be enjoying the whole thing far too much, and Borra and Ini seemed a bit uncomfortable in the heating air.
Maleficent straightened with a newfound resolution, and she greeted the friends with a new found smile.
"Tonight is an important night for our people; we are truly blessed to all be here together." Her smile went from Diaval, to everyone else.
"I'm just as new to things as Yuna and Diaval, might you all show us the ropes?"
Borra laughed out, shoulders shaking heartedly.
"Hell yeah, now we're talking!"
Borra strode last Diaval, swiftly whispering;
"Nice catch, Diaval. Nice catch."
The raven gave him a confused expression of a furrowed brow and a scowl.
"What...?"
The friends breaking into their usual banter, Yuna smiled. The sounds of music began to take on a more soft and peaceful sonnet, and the celebration around them was comfortingly intimate.
Yuna couldn't help the small jump she did when she felt the sensation of Udo's fingers dancing over the crown of her head. That sensation was immediately replaced with a tickling feeling, and Yuna's hand came up to touch her hair in awe.
A thin crown of intertwined branches, adorned with white blooms.
The flower crown made Yuna feel amazingly feminine, and she blushed as she looked up to Udo's satisfied expression.
He tapped his own circlet,
"Perfect." He smiled, hand never leaving her own.
Yuna couldn't even argue; it was perfect.
Glancing back to their friends, Yuna squeezes Udo's hand in appreciation.
"I'd like to grow closer to more of the fey." She said aloud, and Udo eyed her curiously.
"Oh?" He prompted.
"Yes." Yuna made eye contact with a mixed group of forest and tundra fey, and she offered them a small wave.
"I think we could skip away from the group for a brief moment...I won't get to know your kin better if I just stay superglued to the same four fey."
Udo's smile was cutely adoring, and he gently rubbed Yui's soft curls.
"Yui, go keep Maleficent company. I'll braid your hair once I get back, alright?" He promised in a sweet voice.
The prospect made Yui bounce with excitement, and she nodded with a bright smile.
"Okay!" She grinned once more, happily turning her attention to the Phoenix herself, latching onto a thin hand.
At Ini's side, Borra spoke out to Udo.
"While you go around and greet people, I'll make sure everything else is ready and in place for tonight." Borra prideful smile spoke it all,
"Leave it all to me."
"Wonderful, thank you Borra." Udo regarded both of his longtime friends with a concerned expression,
"Ini, are you sure you're ready for this?"
The desert fey nodded, her eyes steely and determined.
"I've never been more certain." Ini assured firmly. "All my years of training have been building up to this."
The sentence peaked Yuna curiosity.
Was there something going on that she missed? Was this more than just a party in the wilderness?
"What are you referring to, Ini?" Yuna questioned with a tilt of her head.
"Are you performing for us tonight?"
Shrike laughed, "Now that would be something I'd pay good gold to see." She snickered at Ini's glare.
Ceasing her glare on the jungle fey, Ini met Yuna with a slightly unceasing expression.
"I...I'm performing this Solstice's sortilege." She smiled softly, shifting nervously.
"It's usually the Divine's job; the Dark Fey elder...but she has since passed. I was the only pupil she ever took on, so naturally the job falls to me."
Yuna's eyes widened at Ini's answer, as did Maleficent and Diaval's.
The look on Yuna's face turned to an astounding disbelief;
"Ini, that's wonderful!" She watched as Ini became quite surprised at the exclamation.
Yuna smiled,
"Certainly you can't be doubting yourself. You were the one who performed a divination on me, for heaven's sake! That in and of itself was practically impossible!"
Ini blinked.
"R-Right, well..." She rubbed the back of her neck sheepishly.
"It's not that easy, Yuna. I mean, a divination is quite difficult, but this is something else entirely. The amount of sheer concentration and complete control over one's magic that you must have to perform the sortilege is no easy matter. Plus, the reading holds great power of the fey is no joke...especially with everything going on right now, if I can't deliver good news to everyone, I'll-"
Ini's rant was cut short by Borra clamping a firm hand to her shoulder.
"Hey." His eyes shone with disapproval.
"Stop that. Everyone here knows that you'll probably become the next Dark Fey Divine eventually; nothing you do tonight will change how people see you. There's a reason we picked you to perform the reading tonight." Borra's voice was uncharacteristically kind.
"If we get a negative reading, then we get a negative reading. Your magic can't control the fates themselves; your only job is to report what you feel...what your spiritual sense is telling you. That's all."
Expression frozen in shock, Ini's eyes never left Borra's face. The fey hardened his gaze at her,
"Got that?" His usual rough tone soon came right back.
Wordlessly, Ini nodded.
"G-Got it." She gulped. "Thank you."
"Borra is right, Ini. Just go out there and do what you do best; put everyone else's magic to shame." Shrike smiled, though it was more encouraging than goofy.
"No kidding! I thought my powers were the real deal after I turned into a bear; you're going to kill it tonight Ini!" Diaval gave Ini a thumbs up, and Maleficent groaned.
"Bear talk aside, your complete connection to your spiritual magic sometimes makes me wonder if you're actually the more related to the Phoenix than me. You know what you're doing. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise." Maleficent chided, much like a mother.
Udo brought his and Yuna's entwined hands up for the desert fey to view, his brow quirked.
"Need I remind you how this," Udo emphasized his and Yuna's clasped hands once more, "came to be? It was because of you and your divination. That's no easy feat, Ini." Udo spoke, voice border-lining on stern as he sought to wash away the doubt from his friend.
Ini followed the hands up to Yuna's face, and the uneasiness in her eyes finally subsided as the healer spoke with a gentle smile.
"If I can manage to not completely mess up everyday with my job at the castle, I know you can do this." She laughed, and Ini joined in.
Shoulders relaxing, Ini finally relinquished a tense breath.
"Thanks, you guys. I...I must say that I'm rather excited for tonight."
Ini's hands clapped together,
"Right. I believe we all have our own quick and personal matters to attend to, yeah? Let's meet back here within the hour." The desert fey grinned up at Maleficent.
"I need to teach you how to dance. Your work at the ball...was less than exceptional."
Maleficent mirrored her own wolffish grin.
"I may be old, but believe me when I say I'll leave you in the dust."
The group of feys (well, plus a human and raven) laughed at the banter. They slowly dispersed, and Yuna and was soon striding hand in hand with Udo.
Udo spoke up from her side,
"Let's make tonight one to remember. We deserve it." He managed to still make his voice heard over the crowds, despite the fact that he was whispering.
That sounded like a good plan to Yuna.
"I couldn't agree more." She whispered right back.
Coming before the first group of fey, Yuna stood proudly at their leader's side.
She smiled, and extended a hand;
"Hi, I'm Yuna. I don't think we've had the opportunity to actually get to know each other. Are you enjoying yourself tonight?"
*
The moon was high in the winter sky, and the celebration still raged on.
Yuna smiled from her spot on one of the stone stools, taking the opportunity to catch her breath. From Udo, friends, and some random fey dragging her out to dance, to entertaining the fey children to simply being in such a lively space, Yuna needed a quick break.
She waved a small hand as her eyes caught with Udo, the Fey currently tending to one of the heavily pregnant forest fey. He smiled at her, and Yuna's eyes widened significantly as she witnessed the pretty faerie's protruding belly. Udo helped the fey down onto a nearby cushion, checking in with her one more time before bounding over time Yuna.
"Feeling any better?" He prompted, clearly in a good mood from spending the night with his friends and family. He stroked Yuna's cheek, and she smiled up at Udo tiredly.
"I feel good. I don't really understand how you faeries can practically party until the sun comes up, though." Yuna chuckled, Udo's cold knuckles cool on her hot skin.
She leaned into the touch, and Udo frowned.
Hastily, his hand pressed to her forehead.
"Are you running a fever?" He worriedly questioned, leaning down so he could scan her face.
Yuna shook her head, and Udo prompted once more;
"Are you too cold then? I knew we shouldn't have left the cottage without grabbing a cloak for you...I can fly back and get one." Udo made an attempt to leave, and Yuna hurriedly caught his wrist.
"Udo, I'm okay, really." She assured her mate, rubbing her forehead.
"I'm just tired. You've all had me on my feet and partying for almost three hours now." Yuna smiled weakly, pulling the fey back so that he sat by her on a twin stone stool.
Udo still regarded her with worry, hand rubbing up and down her arm as he drew her closer.
"Perhaps you didn't sleep enough last night. Let me get you some of the spiritual fey's tonics; it should help you feel at least a bit better."
Udo eyed Yuna for confirmation, brows furrowing as he soaked in her paler than usual skin.
Instead of nodding her head, Yuna looked back to the pregnant forest fey; the faerie's brow scrunched in slight discomfort as she shifted on the cushions. Yuna spoke, eyes softening,
"Get one for her." She answered quietly, head cocking towards the forest fey. "Poor thing is practically miserable. She looks about ready to pop at any minute." Yuna sighed sympathetically.
It was then that a tall, worried jungle fey crossed in front of the pregnant forest fey. He knelt by her, smoothing down her hair with a worried expression as he gently guided a cup up to pink lips.
Udo watched them with a smile,
"Seems her heart already beat me to it." He noted with a chuckle.
Yuna watched them with a fond expression, the female fey immediately looking worlds better when her mate pulled the cup back from her mouth. She smiled up at him, and he smiled right back down at her. His hand rubbed over her distended belly, and the two of them shared a tender kiss.
Yuna let her head rest against Udo's broad shoulder, the tundra fey rubbing her thigh slowly.
"A forest and jungle fey together; I don't think I've ever seen a couple composed of two different types of fey." Yuna noted with interest.
She watched them interact, smiling softly.
"How sweet...they're going to have a baby."
Udo hummed into her hair,
"It's rare for two different kinds of fey to marry...but it does happen." He smiled,
"Though, stranger soulmates have found each other." Udo gently nudged her.
Yuna chuckled,
"So they have." She agreed inquisitively, brow cocked.
Once sure the pregnant fey was tended to, Yuna gently pat Udo's shoulder.
"I'll be okay, Udo. I just need to sit down for a minute." She looked to the worried faerie, voice almost scolding him.
"Go and be with your family, I'll be back out there in just a minute."
Udo still seemed unsure, shifting in his seat. The thought of leaving Yuna alone didn't sit right with him;
"Do you promise me that it's nothing serious?" He pressed cautiously.
Yuna huffed, hands bracing herself on the small stool.
"Doubting my medical knowledge, hm?" She giggled at the look of panic crossing onto Udo's face.
"Never!" He quickly defended.
It was then that a new figure approached the couple, her chin held high and her stature finally seeming to have relaxed as the night progressed.
She smiled down at the couple, then smoothly dragged Udo from his seat.
"Girl time, Udo. You may leave us."
Maleficent smoothly interjected as she took Udo's seat by Yuna. The girl held a look of amused astonishment, and Udo stared at the fey incredulously.
"Maleficent, I-"
Udo soon started to shake his head.
Maleficent sighed deeply,
"Udo, do you don't my ability to care for those that are ill, hm? Need I remind you I've spent over half my life looking after a child?" She tapped her scepter, feigning displeasure.
Udo's mouth shut. He looked to Yuna desperately.
"I'm not doubting you at all Maleficent...but Yuna is my heart, I need to be the one to-"
"Udo." Yuna's soft voice cut him off.
Udo obeyed and looked at her exasperatedly, and Yuna smiled;
"It's just for a few minutes. I already told you I'll meet you back out there, okay? Go on, I know everyone is looking to be with the star of the party tonight." She reassured.
With one last uncertain glance, Udo looked to Maleficent.
She finally let her fangs flash in a grin.
"Go on now; you heard your woman."
Udo sighed, shoulders sinking in resignation. One last time, he nodded firmly to Yuna.
"If you don't feel better in twenty minutes, then I'm going to go ahead and take you home alright?" He clarified.
"Okay, okay." Yuna relinquished, giving Udo a lackadaisical nod.
She sent Udo off with a reassuring smile, the Tundra Fey almost immediately getting swallowed by an eager crowd of adoring children and equally as enthusiastic fey.
Yuna let her facade drop as soon as Udo disappeared; elbows on her knees as her face fell into her hands.
She sighed shakily, face contorting as her eyes slid shut.
Maleficent eyed her, expression not betraying her thoughts.
"Awfully tired from a few hours of dancing." She noted, tone neutral.
Yuna rubbed at her forehead, eyes threatening to stay open. It was like a brick wall of fatigue had slammed her into the ground, and she couldn't shake it off.
"We've all had a lot going on lately. I think it's finally starting to catch up with me."
As Yuna spoke, Maleficent took in a small breath.
Her eyes went out to a grinning Udo a few feet away, then back to Yuna's crumpled form.
Slowly, Maleficent spoke.
"That's been your excuse for over a month now. Surely if it was just fatigue, you would've slept it off by now?" She pressed, brow raised.
Sensing a change in tone, Yuna carefully lifted her face from her hands. Her brow scrunched, trying to interpret the...weird look that Maleficent stared at her with.
"It's a mixture of overwork and stress. It won't go away until all of this is over...I'll be fine. Everyone is up to their necks with everything going on, I can keep up." Yuna mumbled, going back to rubbing her temples.
Maleficent sighed, and leaned in closer to Yuna. Her voice was an urgent whisper.
"I don't think you understand what I'm getting at, Yuna."
Yuna stiffened.
Slowly, she looked back to Maleficent once more.
"...Listen, don't scare me right now. I haven't caught some kind of horrible disease; I'm telling you I've just had a lot going on." Yuna insisted, looking about her surroundings before whispering the next part,
"I don't want Udo to worry about if I'm sick; he got enough going on with the fey. If he starts fretting over me too, he'll break, Maleficent. I promise, I'm fine." Yuna's eyes were practically begging up to the dark fey, her heart rate increasing.
Maleficent held her gaze for a quiet moment. Her eyes gleamed sympathetically.
"That's...That's not what I'm getting at, Yuna. I don't think you're sick." She whispered.
Yuna sighed with relief, the feeling spreading through her whole body.
"Good; I can't let Udo down right now. He needs me; I need to be able to be here for him." She muttered, hand running through her hair.
Maleficent took a moment, seemingly conflicted with herself. Gently, she placed a hand against Yuna's forearm; a comforting gesture.
"...What I'm getting at is I think you need to have a serious conversation with Udo...and maybe a trip to see the spiritual fey." Maleficent stated firmly.
Yuna remained quiet, but her expression creased with questioning as she continued to stare down at her lap.
Maleficent used the silence to continue,
"You're tired all the time now, you've missed multiple meetings because you can't carry yourself out of bed, you have practically no energy and you've said so yourself that you felt...different." Maleficent took a breath, and Yuna's heart began to beat even harder.
"Yuna, I think you-"
"The reading, its time to perform the reading!"
Excited cheers broke out throughout the meadow, the fey already beginning to congregate towards the mouth of the same cave Ini had performed her divination on Yuna.
Sacred ground, Yuna recalled.
Amongst all the movement, Yuna spotted Udo waving her over with a bright smile.
Yuna shakily rose to her feet.
"...I'm afraid we'll have to continue this later, Maleficent." Yuna almost toppled over once she fully stood, her voice shaky, and Maleficent quickly supported her.
"Yuna-" She hissed, sighing in relief as the girl hastily corrected.
Yuna released a shuddered breath.
Rubbing a hand down Yuna's back, Maleficent gave her shoulders a squeeze of encouragement.
"I'm here, beastie." She whispered.
Yuna didn't say anything. She didn't trust herself to speak, and her vision suddenly became very blurry.
Slowly, Yuna walked away from Maleficent; her expression completely blank.
Her feet carried her to Udo, almost like she wasn't controlling her own movements or like she wasn't totally cognitively aware.
She cane before Udo in a matter of moments, and Udo's smile soon became an expression of worry once more.
"Yuna...are you alright?" He scanned her over, the panic already beginning to rise in his voice-
"I'm fine."
Yuna smiled tightly, latching onto Udo's elbow.
"Come on. The reading is the most important aspect of the solstice, right? Let's make sure we get a good spot."
Unsurely, Udo nodded. He looked past Yuna's shoulder and to Maleficent. The fey refused to meet his gaze, and he slowly rescinded.
"Okay. Let's go." He agreed, a small and forced smiled on his lips. When Yuna wrapped her hand around the crook of his elbow, he kissed her head.
"Here's to good fortune, hm?"
Stringing through the crowd, the sight before Yuna became greatly familiar. The mouth of an old, ancient cave; let with warm flames and painted in scriptures and drawings.
The couple easily made their way to the front, taking a stand by Borra and Shrike, and Yuna felt a wave of nostalgia rush over her.
"It was here that I learned everything..." Yuna beamed, hugging Udo's arm tighter.
"That same night we got together."
Udo patted her hand, squeezing it tightly. He looked his arm around her shoulders, bringing Yuna into a warm and close side embrace.
Yuna could feel Udo smile against her temple;
"Ini's magic is a wonderful thing, isn't it?" He whispered.
"We have her to thank for a lot of this...I only pray that we get a good reading. The fey need this right now...I need this right now."
Ini soon stood before the grand crowd of the Dark Fey, and Yuna hugged Udo's waist tightly.
"It'll be okay; I know it will." She assured him.
Yuna could feel Maleficent's eyes on her back, and she prompted to not turn around.
Ini's eyes met Yuna's, and she could see the nervousness residing there.
Encouragingly, Yuna gave her the brightest smile she could. Borra own fang-filled smirk spoke volumes, and Ini offered her friends a small wave.
"Come on Ini... don't be so nervous." Shrike sighed.
The roar of the faeries quieted as Ini took a deep breath, standing before the mouth of the sacred cave. The moon blared brightly behind her, and Ini slowly closed her eyes.
Her hands clasped together tightly against her chest, head bowing in something like a prayer. With wonder, Yuna watched as her friend's whole being began to emit a soft white light.
Yuna held her breath as the ceremony commenced; watching as Ini reached a level of intuitiveness and meditation that practically shut her off from the rest of the world. The aura around her began to glow even brighter, and Yuna heard whispers around her.
"Oh, thank heavens!"
"That's a good sign, right?"
"Ini is simply magnificent. The elder must be so proud, watching over her..."
Yuna shared a proud smile with Borra and with Shrike, before looking up to Udo.
"See? I told you it would all be alright." She whispered.
Yuna was surprised to see the deep crease in Udo's brow, his eyes watching Ini with a deep and petrifying worry.
"Something's wrong."
Udo's statement made Yuna do a double take, and soon enough her own expression matched Udo's.
The glow around Ini turned into a sickening black shade, and the hands Ini had clasped in front of her her now squeezing painfully into her chest.
The desert fey let out a short but sharp cry, and fell to her knees in the grass.
"Ini!" Borra roared, going to the fallen faerie.
The crowd's murmurs became anxious, and Ini let out another painful cry.
"Something...isn't right..." She gasped out, latching onto Borra's strong shoulders as soon as he knelt by her.
"M-My magic...!"
A gasp sounded, and then all of the fey let out a horrified yell.
"The cave!" Yuna could make out a child's frightened voice.
Yuna covered her mouth as she saw what the child had referred to, eyes widening in fright.
From Ini's crumpled and pained form, the grass around her had withered and browned; like all of the life had been sucked right out from it. It spread all the way to the entrance of the cave; the fires put out and the walls covered with a horrid type of rot.
Panic began to break out, and Yuna winced when Ini let out another pained yell; this time border-lining on an agonized scream.
"INI!" Yuna couldn't stand to see her friend in distress any longer, making an effort to go out and help her. Surely there was something she could do, right? What kind of doctor would she be if she could save her own friend?"
"YUNA! Don't!" Udo harshly yelled, immediately pulling Yuna back and close to his strong body.
"Udo-" She struggled to pull away.
Only the friends seemed to remain so close to the ensuring catastrophe, Shrike pushing back her kin with her large wingspan.
"Borra! Get away from her, now!" The jungle fey yelled, uncharacteristically frightened.
Borra refused to do anything of the sort, hugging Ini closely to his body. He frantically tried to stop her flailing limbs, hush her screams.
"Ini, INI!" Borra's face was so unusually pained and fearful; he appeared so close to actual tears.
The rot spread up even higher onto the cave; flora withering and dying. Fires raging them fizzling out; a harsh and bitter wind slicing through blades of grass.
Udo hugged Yuna tighter, shielding her from the chaos with his winged back as he turned them away from the unconfined magic.
Yuna's eyes prickled with tears as Udo held her so tightly against his chest; hearing the fey's pounding heartbeat as he protected her from whatever hell had been unleashed.
The cries, the screams, the panic and the fear...
Yuna suddenly felt like she was back at that night on Miyagata all over again.
She whimpered, Udo falling to his knees and pulling Yuna with him so he could shield her better.
"Everyone, take cover, NOW! Take the children away to find shelter!" Udo yelled, watching as his kin scattered across the open meadow. 
"Udo...!" Yuna cried over the screams and raging winds.
Udo held her tighter,
"Shhh. It's okay. I'm here, I'm here." He spoke as steadily as he could into her ear.
That was when it happened;
Ini's back arched, a straggled cry escaped her throat, then the magic surrounding her body practically shot out like a lighting bolt across the landscape.
The action made Ini release a breath, like she'd just been punched in the gut and the wind had been knocked straight from her lungs.
She stiffened, then went completely limp.
Borra threatened to shake as Ini's head lulled to the side, his large hand cupping her cheek.
"Ini...wake up, dammit! Wake up NOW!"
Yuna could just barely register Ini's unresponsive form. Her eyes threatened to spill over with tears, immediately looking to her side upon another cry.
"MALEFICENT!" Diaval's sharply yelled, just barely catching the fallen Phoenix.
Yuna watched in horror at the pain and detachment scrawled on Maleficent's expression.
Weakly, she reached out for Diaval, her green flames burning around her as her mouth sought to form words...
Her hand fell to her side in the grass, and her eyes shut.
Slowly, her green flames burned out into a fizzling nothing.
The wind ceased, and the sight left behind was horrendous.
Borra held Ini, Shrike immediately running to them. The area of the Moors was just...black. Rotted. Dead. No magic or life flowed through the flora any longer. Maleficent was limp in Diaval's lap, and the raven cried tears of anguish as he tried to awaken his mistress.
Udo held Yuna even tighter, heart still pounding from the events that just transpired. He hugged Yuna like he was worried she'd be the next to fall victim to whatever terrible curse had just been unleashed.
Yuna clung to him with the same fear, every nerve in her body going completely numb.
'What...What is happening?'
A cry of anguish and sorrow broke out into the night air, and Yuna didn't even register it as her own.
                                              *
The sea was wild, like someone had managed to piss off Poseidon himself.
"Woaaaaah!" Mina gripped onto the mast tightly, eyes screwing shut as wind and sea water splashed over her.
"Captain!"
A cry called from below, and Mina opened her eyes.
"LOOK!"
Mina looked back to the nearing land, the clouds surrounding it blown away as an emerald green fire seemingly shot out into the sky above.
Mina's eyes couldn't believe what, they say;
'Yuna...!!'
"Kick it into high gear! Something is going on in Ulstead!" She bellowed, voice like the raging sea.
"Aye!" The cry resonated as the crew-mates scattered below.
Mina looked back to the land; the green hue still dying the night sky.
Her chest tightened, and she punched the mast angrily as a maelstrom of rain began to pour down onto the ship.
'You better be alive, idiot!'
Her gaze hardened over Ulstead, worried.
'I know where Leo is! I know; and I'm bringing you with me to find him!'
Another rock of the ship sent Yuna stumbling, and a green hellfire that Mina immediately knew as Maleficent's scorched the east side of the land;
Right where the Moors was.
Mina's eyes went wide, and her skin turned white.
"Oh shit."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yay, new chapter and a cliff hanger!
Things really start turning dicey; and of course Yuna is slowly starting to realize there's more going on with her than she originally thought...
But that's all for the next chapter!
I can't wait for you guys to read the next couple of chapters; thank you for your patience an I hope you enjoyed!!
Let me know what you thought and show your support if you'd like;
See you in the next chapter!! <3
~Akahana