Chapter Text
Lucien strolled through this mysterious town in the moonlit night, no sound or light coming from the lampposts. No people were outside, just the street cat that he knew all too well. In his travels, Lucien had only ventured out to this town once, many moons ago. That was just a leisurely stroll, however. Today, he was on a mission. That mission? Well, it was hard to put it.
Today, Lucien needs to strike a bargain...with an elf.
In his years, Lucien had never seen an elf before. He couldn’t exactly go outside in the daytime, since he was a vampire, and elves usually are found during the day. He had no idea what one might even look like.
But, as he asked around on his way here, the townsfolk kept saying they heard rumors of an elf residing in the forest north of the town. And so, that’s where he was going; the forest to the north of the town.
This bargain he had to strike was a tricky one. He needed a place to stay. You may ask; why might an elf’s place be good to stay in? Well, one, elves' homes are protected. They are very magical creatures, and take precautions to anyone that is not of their kind. At least, that’s what Lucien has heard.
And, two, Lucien is…out of funds. He can’t afford hotels anymore.
Lucien just doesn’t know if his offering of gold will be enough. He is willing to do any physical command for this elf, but he fears no physical act will be enough for the cost of living.
Lucien was finally nearing the entrance of the forest, where he was able to catch a glimpse of light. He followed that light, assuming the elf would be awake.
As it got closer, the cottage came into view. It was a little too close to a massive tree that sprouted even higher than the two-story, elf-looking cottage. It was beautiful, even at night.
He knocked in the hopes of an answer.
…
“No answer?” Lucien thought out loud. He furrowed his brow. Might as well try again. He knocked again, this time a little louder and harder.
…
Well, that was odd. Lucien thought the elves' senses were sharp. He sighed, almost giving up on his mission. He walked around towards the window on the front of the cottage, and, to his surprise, the blinds weren’t closed. Maybe that was just a human thing? The lights were on, so he bet that the elf was home, but maybe that was another human thing.
Hope was almost completely lost, until he sighted a figure from the corner of his eye as he passed another window. He went backwards and peered into the window only to see something he did not expect..
The elf laid asleep at his desk. From an outsider’s perspective, it looked as if the elf had fallen asleep while working. That explains why the lights are on.
As Lucien looked harder, the elf’s features came into view. It was a man. A surprisingly younger looking man. Lucien’s initial idea of an elf is that they look old and have a beard, but this one looks almost majestic. Though he’s not old looking, his hair is white. And his eyelashes. To Lucien, they were kind of cute.
Lucien couldn’t help but want to get closer, at least to wake him up. So, he did something of a crime. He picked the lock of the window with a paperclip he’d received from a merchant. What am I doing right now? he thought, as he sat perched on the window trying to pick the lock. He honestly looked like a burglar, but in truth, he practically just became one. Once he finally heard it click, he pulled the window open.
The air in the actual cottage was truthfully a breath of fresh air. Lucien had sensed a warm, and definitely magical aura, and it became clear once he smelled the place. It was honestly very welcoming for a break in.
He pulled the blinds up so he could enter, and then hopped inside, trying to not make a sound, and inched closer to the elf. Now, only two feet from him, Lucien could hear his soft snores, and his calm exhales. Wow.
Were elves always this captivating?
The elf’s ears were pointy, yet dainty looking at the same time. His outfit was incredibly intricate, especially for this time of day, but fitting for an elf. All of it suited him so perfectly. His position, head laid down on the table to the side, with his arms beside him, even appealed to Lucien. He was beautiful.
Once he got incredibly close, he could see his face completely up close. He expected imperfections, but there were none, more evidence that this elf was incredibly young. Lucien was shocked to see how beautiful his skin was.
I wonder how it feels?
Lucien reached to touch the elf’s tempting cheek, and was quickly moved to another place.
He blinked, and in that instant, he was pinned to the wall by a strong force of magic. The elf’s magic. He winced at how tight the magical ropes felt on his sides. The elf did not move an inch. From that alone, Lucien knew his magic was incredibly powerful.
The elf sighed, and Lucien’s heart raced. He yawned and turned his head from where it laid, still on the table, to face him.
“Who…are you?” he managed through a raspy voice. He’d seriously just woken up.
“Lucien Lunaris, a pleasure to meet you,” Lucien blurted out, nervously.
The elf finally picked his head up, curious. Lucien couldn’t believe that an elf would be willing to take interest in him. He considered it an honor.
A smile curved on his lips, “Are you a vampire?”
Goddammit. There was no hiding that.
“I am,” he replied with a nod.
The elf stood, and walked towards Lucien, clearly still sleepy. Lucien admired his magic ability, since he could pin him with a magic rope to his wall in the blink of an eye, while just waking up.
“Why are you here, Sir Lucien Lunaris?” he tilted his head, grinning.
Lucien’s heart fluttered hearing his name through the elf’s voice. This feeling was not magic; that much was apparent.
“Sir…um,” Lucien made a gesture. He still didn’t know the elf’s name.
“Cassian Floros.” Cassian tilted his head in the other direction, twirling his long braid on his finger.
“Sir Cassian Floros, I’ve come to make a bargain with you,” he tried to sound confident. It quite honestly failed.
Cassian looked a little surprised, but quickly fixed his expression, and darted his eyes to the floor. “Go on, vampire.”
“I need a place to stay for a little while, until I can save up more money for another place. I have some gold to offer, but I doubt it will be enough. I-I’m willing to offer a physical task if you wish that of me, if this isn’t enough.”
Cassian was puzzled. “You want to stay with an elf?”
“Yes,” Lucien quivered. Uh oh.
Cassian turned his gaze back to Lucien, “You are aware of our reputation, yes?”
Lucien gulped. “I am.”
A smirk grew on his face, “Where is the gold on you? I’ll fish it out, because I won’t be letting you go yet.”
“It’s in my suit pocket..”
Cassian did not hesitate to reach inside his jacket, sending a spark through Lucien’s body, to grab the gold. But, God, his heart was beating fast, and he hoped that Cassian couldn’t hear it.
He then found the gold pouch and slithered his way out and made his way to the table. He dropped the pouch on the table.Then, he slowly counted, his eyes off of Lucien.
“Are you poor? This is definitely not enough, vampire,” he stated honestly.
Cassian turned back to see Lucien staring intently at him. Lucien didn’t answer right away, so Cassian became flustered at his attentive gaze. All eyes were on him. It wasn’t unusual for him, but when Lucien stared at him, it felt different. He felt as though his whole entire being, every flaw, was being stared at.
He turned away to try and hide his flushed face, and quickly resurfaced himself. When he turned back..he was still staring.
Cassian cleared his throat, “You’re staring, vampire.”
“Was I? My apologies..” Lucien replied shyly.
“I’m quite used to it. Humans don’t often come across an elf as beautiful as I,” Cassian stated matter-of-factly.
“You are,” Lucien barely whispered. With Cassian’s sharp hearing, he heard it. He let that go, too nervous to retort.
Cassian concluded that this vampire was not like the others. He stumbles into his cottage, in fact, he literally broke in, demanded that he live with Cassian, and on top of that, he’s unfairly attractive? My, my, this would be doing a number on Cassian’s emotions.
Along with his actions, he can tell that Lucien is powerful. It would be helpful having a vampire around to protect the cottage while he was away. He could also help with spells and potions…
“I have decided, vampire. I have a physical task you can live up to,” Cassian boomed.
“Your wish is my command, sage,” he nodded.
Okay. Wow. So this vampire knows he’s a sage, and he used some interesting wording that may or may not have made Cassian’s heart flutter. But he decided to ignore that.
“You may live with me for one month,” Cassian went on, “and you will assist me with my work, and guard the cottage.”
Lucien beamed, “That’s all? I can do that!”
Cassian blushed, “Well, there’s one minor thing..”
Lucien titled his head, “What else, sage?”
“I want you to…” Cassian hesitated, “keep me company.”
Lucien’s face softened at his silly request. He smiled, delighted to be living with this elf, even if he seemed a little intimidating at first. Okay, maybe really intimidating.
“That’s what I’m here for, of course I can do that,” he smiled. “But if you want me to keep you company, and maybe even be my friend, you might wanna untie me first.”
Cassian gasped, and he quickly released the magic ropes, allowing Lucien room to breathe. He rushed over to aid him.
“Oh my goodness, you’re not hurt, are you?” Cassian placed his hands on Lucien’s shoulders. “I have healing ailments. Even pain killers.”
Lucien chuckled, “No, I’m okay. Thanks for asking, Cass.”
Cassian flushed at the nickname Lucien had given him. Tears formed in his eyes, but he managed to push them back, overcome with emotion. Finally, after centuries, a friend could be made. He didn’t have to be afraid of a short life. Human lives were less valuable to Cassian in the past. He tried not to bond with them, for they would only be a tenth of his life. But a vampire could be half, and so he took this chance. Cassian was ready for a bond. He deserved it, after years of loneliness.
“Finally, I have a friend…” Cass whispered.
Lucien smiled, “That you do, sage.”
Cassian sighed. He could get used to this.
And he will.