Uniana (prime)/Addicted To Your Light

It was the sixth evening of their honeymoon in Ta’Nalfein and everything in her soul called to Uniana to remain in their shared bed. Yet, who knew when they would return to Ta'Nalfein again. At least some business would require her attention before more pleasure. She had made time to dive deeper into the organization known as the Sparrows of the Night Queen, she and her new husband had visited some family and prominent shops and that left one final distraction.

She had barely put her feet on the floor when her husband asked with a hint of disappointment, "you still mean to go then?" Her dark curls shifted subtly around her face as she nodded wordlessly which prompted him to rise as well. They dressed in cloaks with encompassing hoods and made their way to the distant side of the city to a small domed basilica trimmed in ivory marble.

The curved doors were open allowing for the quiet interior to be cooled by the sea air. Uniana stepped in first followed by Teveriel who narrowed his eyes as he studied the dim sanctuary. Uniana had no sooner pushed back her hood when a robed figure approached, arms outstretched. "I was hoping you would pay us a visit," the older elf's voice was warm and his demeanor full of familiarity. Uniana embraced him and he put an arm around her, nodding over to Teveriel. "You are very welcome here, Lord of Vaalor."

The older elf and Uniana began to walk down the aisle that led to the altar. Teveriel shifted a moment and considered following them but opted to sit and allow the two a private reunion. Teveriel watched them as they whispered back and forth with smiles, his own lips set firm with displeasure as they drew closer to an ivory statue of an elf with rose vines binding his wrists, the thorns piercing into the stone with such detail that it appeared as pliable flesh.

The duo bowed their heads before the statue and continued in muted conversation. The priest disappeared and returned, taking Uniana by the arm as he escorted her back to Teveriel who could now hear some of their conversation.

"We didn't win," the priest said emotionlessly, "and yet we did not lose. You are a good ambassador, you could have been a good scion but that was not your path," and the priest looked out into the pews to Teveriel who sat in a terse silence. "You are in a cycle of pleasure and beauty, doesn't the pain and loss you felt make it all the sweeter?" He did not let Uniana answer, "I have something for you. You earned it. You can walk in the light but the shadow of Lornon will always welcome you."

He opened a small box of night-dark glass rimmed in pearls that were just as black. Even as he opened it the jeweled item inside sparkled in the sparse light. His aged hands held it reverently and he lifted it to crown her. As it blended into Uniana's dark cherry curls the blazestar halo began to fade away and her form was bathed in a muted crimson essence. Watching the scene, Teveriel took in a deep, steading breath and forced out a bitter exhale.