I've learned to live with these fatal gifts
and still you're mine
There had been a time when the shadows had been his only companion, holding him close when no one else seemed to understand. He had never doubted his own parent’s love for him, but his father had never embraced the darkness as he had. Had always been ashamed of the way the shadows had clung. Had wallowed in guilt when seeing his children in those same shadows. It had eaten at Ether to know that he loved so much what his father had loathed.
For so long he had hated that part of himself. Even more when it had swallowed him entirely, leaving behind the creature he is now.
She had been the one to show him it was not something terrible, that he was not terrible because of it. Watching her fear abate had finally allowed him to accept himself. And though he could not possibly love her more, he did. For everything she had gifted him, he did.
Now the shadows are home. There is nowhere else he would feel as at peace as he did when he wrapped them together in their comforting cloak. Nowhere else in the world he would rather be. Which is why her question catches him somehow by surprise. He had never even thought of missing the rest of the world. Not when his entire world (the only one he cared about) is right here beside him.
His frown is brief, quickly chased away by the wonder in her voice. Pressing his lips warmly against her dark satin skin, he breathes deeply, finding comfort in the familiarity of her scent. “Never,” he whispers softly, though a surprising vehemence colors his voice. “There is nowhere in the world I would wish to be if you’re not there.”
He pauses then, a sudden uncertainty gripping him as he considers where the question might have arisen from. Slowly, he asks, “Do you miss it?” He hesitates. “The world or… the light?”
@[Briseis]