Page 26 of Zel
Perhapsthatwas flawless double-speak. Zel needed to hold back, draw things out until he knew more, knew enough, but a part of him wished that his two large lies to Ulrich did not have to be so.
“Breakfast?” Ulrich turned to the door. “And then, afterward, shall we take a walk?”
“Through time and memory again, my lord?”
“No. This time, we will be leaving the tower.”
ULRICH
It seemed Zel had been prepared to be kept like a prisoner, for being led to the tower wall, which parted for them like curtains drawn aside, filled that lovely face with wonder.
Ulrich had reminded Zel to dress for autumn, and while temperature hardly affected Ulrich, he dressed in kind. He also donned one of his many guises to dull the sparkle of his hair, his skin tone a more even brown rather than tinged with indigo, and his eyes less aglow. He could have been any free elf out fora stroll with a charming companion on his arm, and it was very much how he had once looked before amassing his power and immortality forever changed him.
Of course, few people went out for casual strolls in this wood, for it was a place traversed only with necessity or ill intent. It meant the forest was quite empty of distraction and rather peaceful most of the time, since Ulrich feared nothing.
“You are staring, Zel,” he said, noting the constant flicks of Zel’s eyes up toward his changed appearance.
“My apologies. You are still handsome, but it is strange to see you muted. This is how you looked in the memories you showed me. Why not look this way all the time if you can?”
“It would be a waste of magic when I am in my own home, and in truth, I rather like that other appearance. It's distinct, boldly declares my power, and is a reminder of all I have become.”
“As well as adds a mystique of ethereal beauty.” Zel smiled, seeming quite genuine with the compliment. “I suppose glamours to trick the eye come easily to you?”
“Do you assume I trick you too?”
“I was raised to take nothing for granted, my lord, and to always assume a smile hides something sinister. For in this world, it usually does. But I believe the version I see of you in the tower is the real you.”
“It is. Although, the truth of someone goes much deeper than what one sees on the surface, does it not?”
Barely a waver of lost confidence betrayed itself on Zel’s face. “I couldn’t agree more.”
Such a talented liar, but lies alone were not enough to condemn Zel. Ulrich had more to learn over the month ahead before he decided Zel’s fate for certain. “Had you been in the wood before your trip to my tower?”
“A few times,” Zel said. “Never unaccompanied, and I never felt quite so at ease in them as I do with you, but an all-powerfulimmortal does soothe the nerves. Did you have a destination in mind, or shall we—”
“Not that way.” Ulrich blocked the step Zel had been about to take down a path to their left. “Oh, youcanbe at ease with me, Zel, but certain territories within this wood are respected between its denizens. No need to stir the wrath of anyone who otherwise leaves me in peace, and I leave them in peace as well.”
Zel peered around Ulrich cautiously, where distantly down that path could be seen a thicker density of trees with a shroud of darkness about them as if no light could penetrate. Even in autumn, with many of the leaves turning colors and falling at their feet, bare branches themselves were thick enough to hide most of what might be stumbled upon in there, with additional thick and dark fir trees.
For most mortals, to go that direction would not end well.
“The Dark Forest?” Zel whispered.
“I am sure you have heard many tales of it.” Ulrich leaned down to whisper as well. “And yes, nearly all of them are true.” His breath must have been warm on Zel’s skin amidst the cold around them, for gooseflesh prickled the pale skin near where Ulrich exhaled.
“Well then,” Zel said with a shiver, “I certainly do not envy anyone foolish enough to head that way on purpose, unaware of the dangers.”
“Agreed.” Ulrich led them forward instead.
Zel was on his right. Ulrich had not specified it that way, but Zel had naturally gravitated there and held onto Ulrich’s right arm. Now, leaning a little closer, Zel slid the hand nearest to Ulrich down his arm until their fingers entwined—Ulrich’s blackened and pained ones, and Zel’s soft but strong.
The comfort throughout Ulrich’s usually aching veins was instant.
“Are all denizens of the wood, the Dark Forest in particular, immortal like you?” Zel asked.
“Some, I believe. Others with stipulations. I am not friendly enough with any of them to know all the details.”
“Do any of them know your details?”
