Page 41 of The Tricksters Deception

"It's been a long few months." Gecko sighs, I thought he looked older.

"We had to postpone our time as members of the Kings Guard."

"And I died, twice." Corvu slaps him upside the head.

"Don't tell her that, you didn't die."

"I almost died, twice."

"Don't tell her that, either."

I have to interrupt, “Okay, additional question, why are you here?” I'm completely beside myself. They are flesh and bone standing in front of me in my world.

Gecko answers, “Because even if I have to wear a hat all my life, that’s okay because I rather live with you.”

I could feel my heart pounding as Corvu adds; “And I just rather not live without you at all.” I knew a reunion would be emotional, but I can't believe the effort they would have gone through to get here, not to mention tolerating each other.

“I wish you guys didn’t go through all the trouble to come here. I don’t want you here.” I say, watching their faces react in fear. “I’m packing up. I’m moving, specifically to Skiora.” I smile. Both of them react with heightened ears and wide grins.

“This is a little trippy.” Kai comments. “You’re actually, really, moving to a magical land where no one will be able to find you?” She looks at me with confusion spread across her face.

“I am. I love the country, the Daemonaria, the idea of being on the King’s Guard and yes, these two as well.” I go to give her a hug, “I've left you all the instructions you need, oh, and you should take a week off work and study, I'll bring you to Skiora – once I've figured some stuff out.” She returns my hug with a heavy sigh. Turning to Corvu she looks him up and down.

“Keep her safe. Otherwise no magical portal or time world nonsense is going to keep me from finding you and kicking your ass.” I snicker at her comment as Corvu nods, his trademark grin worn proudly.

“I’ve got a lot to do on my first day back. I hope the King’s offer still stands.”

“It does.” Gecko comments, “We checked before we left.” Taking in a deep breath I roll the suitcase over to Gecko and have him hold onto it. A hand on his shoulder and a hand in Corvu’s. I nod my final goodbye to Kai. She will receive a letter in the mail shortly with instructions on how we're going to continue communicating with each other. I've worked out all the kinks – I think.

The reunion back at the King’s Castle is an interesting one, to say the least. Nearly five months have passed in Skiora, which feels like a long time, and the King is clearly looking for a reason to throw a feast. Sandy is happy to see me; she has kept my room exactly as I left it, despite having only used it for one night.

At the table, seated next to the King, I hand over a book to Alec that I bought at a market about modern technology and how it works – it's just a children's book, and I'll have to teach him how to read it. He is very appreciative and inquisitive.

As the knights carry on with drinking songs, Corvu catches my eye and signals for me to follow him.

Walking me out of the room, we silently travel to one of the many balconies that flow out from the hallway. The hallway itself is only lit by the torches on the pillars, but outside on the balcony, the moon shines with fierce brightness.

“You seem happy.” He says.

“I am happy. I know it’s been some months for you both, but I’ve been frantically rushing to pack my things and get gifts for you guys for the last week so that I could move here with you all. I’m sorry it took so long.” He shakes his head at me.

“There’s no need to apologize. I’m ecstatic just to see you again. But finding out you wanted to move here the entire time we were trying to get to you? That’s magical.” We lean on the stone balcony together, touching shoulders since there isn't that much room.

“Well, I didn’t really want to live without you, either.” I smile, facing him. Even in the moonlight, I can see the tips of his ears begin to blush. Turning around to lean backward on the balcony, he stands up straight. I feel my heart thumping in my chest. There’s every chance I’ve interpreted everything incorrectly. There’s every chance he really does just see me as his friend. But that was a risk I wanted to take. Raising my left hand to the right side of his face he stands completely still. Through his skin I can feel him warming up, unsure what I’m doing exactly. Tracing his jawline I move up toward his earlobe and start the same action I had done a mere week ago, at least to me it was a week ago. With a quick reaction he grabs my wrist and pulls my hand a few inches away from his face.

“Tia, you probably should know that most Elves and Pixies and everything in between have sensitive ears,” He couldn’t look at me directly while speaking but I refused to look away, “, it’s hard to explain but don’t go around touching other Elf ears out of curiosity.”

"Other Elf ears?" I muse. "You mean, just yours?"

"Well, I mean," He's stuttering, and it's so amusing. "The thing is, it makes our kind react in a certain way, and it's not exactly something you want to trigger without really intending to."

"Right, not trigger on others, so again, you're telling me not to touch other pointy ears, do you mind that I touch yours?"

"I-It's probably a good idea not to do it in front of others."

"Are you being honest with me, Corvu?" I smirk.

"Not completely." He chuckles. "It really just should be between those with a…special connection, like, um-"

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