A New Moon

Freyr sat across from Macha. Today was her birthday and he offered to take her to eat and dance at the White Rabbit. Sierra had been furious with him when he informed her of his plans. Although he understood it was dangerous, he still wanted the woman he loved to not be lonely on a special day like today.

Macha looked around the empty restaurant. Her lips moved to the side with disapproval before she asked, "Did you ask for them to close for the day?" It was unusual for this establishment to have a table open, let alone all the tables.

He propped his elbow on the table and rested his chin in his hand. Freyr admired how the warm lights made her skin glow. He felt so relaxed being around her. "Yes. I had to in order to keep Sierra quiet."

His ever responsible Captain of the Guard had scolded him for over an hour, explaining the many things that could go wrong. To save his ears, he paid for the entire restaurant to be closed today. His old friend took her job seriously, but he believed she knew how to nag too well.

Macha lowered her lashes and giggled. "I bet she was really upset with you."

After a short pause, she asked in English, "Is it all right for you to be out like this? It has only been a year since you know..." She now looked him in the eyes, concerned about his safety. Jarnvid's trial was about a year ago, but she understood many people were currently displeased due to the investigations that followed.

Freyr sat up and picked up his fork. He also replied in her native tongue, "It should be fine. The building is protected. Please, do not worry. Relax."

He did not want her worries about his life to overshadow the evening. Tonight was one of the few times he got to spend alone with her while eating. Although it was not a romantic date, he would still be able to remember tonight for many years.

Switching back to Yenafocee, he added, "Are you enjoying the food? I've never eaten here before, so I wasn't sure what to request. I based the meal off of what I remember about your preferences. I hope I haven't disappointed you."

His blue eyes looked so concerned that Macha was startled. He had chosen all of her favorite foods from this restaurant without ever having come. It was a feat which left her impressed. "Yes, you actually picked my favorites," she smiled. "I really really like the salmon here. The glaze is delicious. How did you know I would want this?"

Freyr blushed slightly as he cut the lemon covered white fish which he ordered for himself. He spent a moment calming his heart. Since she gave her approval of his choices, he could relax.

He did not want to appear like a know-it-all but also wanted to answer her question. Clearing his throat, he humbly explained, "I remembered when I first dined with you at the Valois estate, you ate more of the salmon than any other dish. You also enjoyed the bagel the morning you had breakfast with me after the Masquerade which had a smoked salmon on top. From those memories, I hoped you liked that fish. Besides that, I realize you hate spicy food and enjoy sweeter foods. All of that led me to choose that dish."

These were insignificant details that she did not think he even noticed. In an uneasy voice, she replied, "Oh, well, thank you for being so attentive. You really understand my likes and dislikes well." Now she regretted asking because it reminded her that he still loved her. She was not sure if Tyr recognized her preferences for food as thoroughly as Freyr did.

He realized by her expression that he unsettled her. In a hurried voice, he said, "Don't be upset. I'm just very observant. In order to rule, it's important for me to notice these sorts of details." Freyr wanted to smooth over Macha's worries. He understood that everything he concluded was only because he cherished every moment with her. It would, of course, seem unnatural for him to know so much with such limited interaction.

Their evening progressed and both of them enjoyed dancing and conversing about various subjects. For a few hours, Macha forgot how stressful the past year had been. She constantly missed Tyr, Ullr's attention made her nervous, the workload weighed down on her, and the loneliness ate up any happiness she had left.

It was getting late and Freyr realized he needed to take her home. He did not want her to miss out on any sleep. Her health was more important than his own selfish desires.

In the distance, a lithe figure stood on the top of a building. He watched the King and Macha exit the White Rabbit. The two appeared as if they had a good time and wide smiles were on their faces.

A sinister grin spread upon the man's face. He loved his line of work. In his life, he hunted many animals and creatures, but found there was no better hunting than the hunting of man. Only the men gave him the look of surprise and regret that he enjoyed seeing.

He drank a potion and hopped down from the roof. His figure disappeared as his body descended to the ground. Only the faint sound of his cape dropping to the cobblestones sounded through the streets when he landed.

The moons were currently new moons, the perfect time for an assassination. He loved how the absence of moonlight seemed to reflect the lack of life that he would soon see in the King's eyes. It was also fitting that a new era would begin on a new moon.