[spoiler]wOw 40 pages of this dumpster! Thank you so much for continuing to read ! 💕💕💕[/spoiler] [spoiler]1 https://www.bungie.net/en/Forum/Post/251593492/0/0 2 https://www.bungie.net/en/Forum/Post/251765519/0/0 3 https://www.bungie.net/en/Forum/Post/251824034/0/0 4 https://www.bungie.net/en/Forum/Post/251955299/0/0 5 https://www.bungie.net/en/Forum/Post/252015551/0/0 [/spoiler] “Variks is a fool if he thinks he can hold Malok in his flimsy prison.” Shadow slams her teeth down on her tongue, biting back a more than sharp retort. Typically observant Eris seems to miss the sign of anger. “I no longer suffer fools.” White hot heat rushes through Shadow’s chest. Variks hadn’t anything negative to say about Eris. As usual, he was polite and even perhaps complimentary before he had sent Shadow to speak with her. Why was the eliksni always repaid with some sneering comment? Some insult in return? Suddenly, all the nights as a young guardian Shadow had spent keeping Eris company seemed regretful. “Seek Malok on the moon, and kill him.” Shadow’s amber gaze turns cold as she gives Eris a nod of acknowledgement. In her ship on her way to the tower, Shadow takes a moment of silent contemplation. Regardless of Oryx having been defeated, she has continued to push back against the Taken threat. However much more difficult being a guardian has become. Her ghost has pleaded with her before to stay in the city more often, now that he has been damaged by the darkness. But Shadow knows he can still bring her back. A slower healing process wouldn’t stop her- especially not from continuing to aid Variks the Loyal. He had branded her as brave when she finally returned to the reef. Foolish, yet still very brave, for facing Oryx. Shadow had begged him to tell her again of the story of Chelchis, Kell of Stone. To be compared to him by Variks himself was a reward of the highest honor to Shadow. She rests her chin on her knees, folded up against her chest. Her face flushes lightly. *** Shadow flicks some ash off her shoulder as her feet touch the reef. She swallows nervously. Variks had requested Malok very much alive. Eris wanted him dead. “Malok is dead.” Shadow offers a half hearted, awkward smile. Variks creeps from the shadows of his little hut, blue eyes penetrating the dark, and Shadow’s heart, like an arrow. He grumbles, slamming his staff frustratedly. “Wanted Malok for Prison of Elders...” Shadow stiffens at Variks’ endearing expression and whining voice, half amused, half guilty. “Oh, Variks... I’m sorry.” She inches closer to him. “I would have brought him to you if I could have, I promise. I wanted to.” “Would have learned much judging him.” Shadow shrinks down guiltily. Noticing this, Variks shakes his head slightly before Shadow can respond. “No matter. There are other taken.” “Yes... but this is the one you want-“ “Prison cells are full, Guardian...” Variks turns to pick up a beautiful, gleaming sword behind him. “Taken hunger for your light.” Variks holds out the weapon to her. Shadow’s golden eyes stretch wide as she takes it from him, captivated. This was the most magnificent weapon he’d ever gifted her with. “Greater challenges, yes...” His hand ever so slightly brushes hers at the hilt of the sword. She looks down shyly. “But greater treasures for the worthy...” He gestures to her as he says this. Warmth creeps into her face. “What... what charge?” “Take it.” His sharp tone suggests there is no room for argument. He knew the guardian well. She bows ever so slightly. “Thank you, Variks.” A warm, pleased feeling fills shadow’s chest. Though she was only playing a small part, her city was safer now, and so was Variks, now that Oryx was gone.