We returned safely home to my tiny apartment, and Twigg went to sleep in a tree nearby neighbourhood. I sighed deeply as I hung up my coat and looked at the amulet in my hand. Julian sighed and embraced me from behind, resting his chin upon my shoulder while looking down at the charm. "I wonder what further clues this amulet will lead us? Will this answer our questions?"
"Hard to say, but I hope soon our questions will be answered and you free from the curse." I turn around within his embrace and smile while resting my arms upon his shoulders. "Although the curse has a few benefits when it comes to magic such as communicating with crows and ravens."
He leans his forehead against mine with a smile. "Nah, that was all thanks to you, Soroka. Actually, I remember learning a bit of magic to summon the major arcana, but-" Julian pauses and swallows thickly. "You made a good point this morning that had me thinking. We are indeed connected, mentally and on a magical plane or something like that, but-" Julian tried to form the word. However, something held him back, and he averted my gaze.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9snNF6d2D
I sensed shame but wasn't sure if that was right. I cupped his cheek to turn his face. As our gazes met, I smiled and said nothing, letting him finish what he wanted to say in his time.
He cups my hand with a smile, sensing my patience and understanding, yet I feel more but can't tell what. "You never cease to amaze me. Not only from getting to know you better but how you know me. That I have the ability to communicate to ravens and crows."
I smiled at Julian's wondrous gaze. "To be honest, I was following my gut."
He leans his forehead against mine, mirroring my smile.
"Are you keeping on my coat in here? I can turn on the heater if it's too cold." I noted as my hands rested upon his.
Julian chuckled. "It's comfortable and smells of you."
I felt my cheeks and ears grow warm to his response. I sense from his eyes and snigger saying clearly, 'you look so cute when you blush'. I blinked as I recalled Julian wearing a dark grey jacket with an oversized dark coat aside from the loose white shirt. "Did- didn't you used to have a large coat with you?"
Julian's smile turns to a frown, and he looks away. "Left it behind in Vesuvia, unfortunately." Soon he faces me with a mischievous smirk. "But now I have a new one, thanks to you."
"Then it's a souvenir, petit Corbeau. It protects you from rain and wind." I played with his hair between my fingers.
Julian's face drew closer to mine. "Don't you have a favourite coat?" He whispered.
I shook my head. "I wear what fits best for the weather and my journey. Which is your favourite coat?"
"Hmm, before, it would have been my large dark coat, but now I'm reconsidering."
I giggled. "Charmer."
"Aren't I?" Julian kissed me and cradled with a hand my skull.
We decided to have a relaxing evening since neither could think further about the curse or the amulet due to exhaustion. We drank tea and learned more about each other. Before the day was out, we found ourselves in each other's arms in bed. Julian rested his chin upon my shoulder while breathing in at my neck. "Despite the hardships you've faced with supporting and loving parents, you too have a knack to do things on your own." He paused. "I never thought or even dreamed of meeting someone so similar."
"Yet love is unpredictable. What can I say as a leisure writer? I never thought this would be possible, but I dared to dream. But it always went differently than this." I smirked broadly.
"Ahh," Julian sighed calmly and kissed me at the neck. "Fair point about love being unpredictable." He stroked a hand tenderly along my jawline. "As a visionary, you surely saw this coming." Julian teased and kissed me on the lips.
I savoured his kiss and mirrored his smile with an amused hum. Not long, I fell into a deep slumber within his arms, hearing his heart beating calm and regular along his breathing, feeling his warmth and breathing in his scent of musk and leather. I woke up and found myself within Julian's arms as I remembered. Yet I heard him mumble so softly under his breath it was merely a whisper and stroking my short hair and cheek gently. I strained my ears to listen carefully to what he was saying. "-what you went through, you shine with strength and life- Your soul shines with beauty, and you give me great compassion that I doubt if I am worthy for that."
Slowly I reach a hand for his cheek and cup it.
"Moira! Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you." He nearly stuttered in surprise.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2UYG4XCkg
"Don't worry about me. What were you talking or thinking about before, if I may ask?"
"Oh, nothing, just some of my rambling to get it out of my head." I sensed his face turning away due to my hand upon his cheek.
I turned on the lamp. Julian looked at me for a moment but then turned away as if in shame. I cupped his cheek anew. "I heard the last bit about you doubting of being worthy. Did I do something wrong or hurt you?" I wondered, concerned, leaving out the detail for the moment. "Never would I want to wrong or hurt you in any way."
He faced me with widened eyes of shock. "My dearest Moira," He cups my hand and smiles. "You've done nothing wrong. It's just- Well, it's me." He looks sideways as his smile slips. "I feel like I'm not helping you enough and wish there could be more. On top of that, I feel that I am destined to be alone for the rest of my life and don't deserve this with the curse. To be with you, or it will be cut off with a terrible consequence one way or another."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡca7ph7BvJZ
"My dearest Julian," I gently lifted his chin, yet he averted my gaze. "Need I remind you who called the birds to turn the camera away? Who helped me over the tall wall of the park as we snuck in? Showing me where you first appeared, and it led us to Etus? You are helping, and I appreciate it greatly." Julian met my glance with surprise at the facts I've listed. I kissed him.
His eyes fluttered owlishly, and his cheeks and ears blushed as I drew back. Julian had his mouth open but no words formed.
"As for your curse, it is only changing forms at specific times and not your social status. If you were cursed to go alone, then all birds would have avoided you, and well, you wouldn't have met me." I spoke softer in the last few words as if afraid to hurt him, but it is true.
Tenderly Julian cups my face as a broad smile curves his lips and tears brimming. "This is what I was talking about." He whispered and swallowed thickly. "You give me strength yet provide me great compassion, patience and understanding despite what you went through." He leans his forehead against mine. "The love that you shower me feels pure, so pure that I feel to be the luckiest man in the world and that exact thought makes me wonder with doubt after what I've done. I am anything but pure." He looks sideways with a frown.
"Neither am I. I am not pure and have done things that I regret. But I believe in goodness in everyone, and my love for you is pure because it comes from the heart and soul. I give it to you because I want you to have it, share it." I whispered.
"Oh, Moira" Julian sighed and embraced me, digging his face into my shoulder. I hugged him and stroked his hair. For a long time, we held in each other embrace, comforting each other and Julian's tense body eased bit by bit within every breath. "Thank you, my dear." He kissed my forehead and wanted to open the embrace, but I held on. Couldn't help smirking at Julian's confused look until he noticed my smirk and mirrored it. "I'm not letting you go until you really had enough or said the magical word."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI10SH1L4wY
He laughed and kissed at the temple. "I've had enough, for now, thank you." I still held on. "You surely need your sleep, Soroka." Julian chuckled. I shook my head with a broad smirk. Julian sniggered and embraced me with a mischievous smirk. Before I could think what tricks he may be up to, I found myself swung over in bed, lying flat on my back facing Julian. He tickled me at the waist and ribs that loosened my arms from him and winced while laughing. "You're ticklish." He smirked as he stopped and neared his face to mine.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNBysHxr87
Quick-witted, I reached for his armpit. He winced with a giggle and fell to his side beside me. "You are too." I smiled and kissed his cheek.
He pulled me closer with an adoring smile and glance. No words needed to be said, for I sensed it and kissed him. We closed our eyes to savour it, and Julian brushed his knuckles tenderly along my jawline.
I first realized I had fallen asleep as the alarm ripped me out of my deep slumber. I heard the soft ruffle of feathers, and a dark wing stretched over my face. I laughed and searched with my hand for him. "Morning, Julian." He croaked in response.
During work, I played the amulet in my fingers while figuring out the next clue with it. I feel clearly its magic humming; it's strong yet distant as if from another world-
"Are you alright, Moira?" Asked Julian softly as he hopped onto my arm. "You looked very sternly at the amulet as if cursing it."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEw2dqytxHd
"Was I?" I raised my eyebrows. "I was just trying to feel out the next clue from this thing. You feel it too; it's strong yet somehow distant."
"Hmm," hummed Julian and eyes the amulet. He soon opens his beak but closes it and shakes his head as if to disagree.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYCfQu9rbx
"What are your thoughts?" I asked curiously.
"It's not possible, but its magic feels like from my world."
"Why not possible? You are proof to be here." I stood up. "Food for thought, need to get a quick bite. Maybe along the way, we'll have an epiphany." I winked and shrugged on my coat. "Care to join along?" I asked.
Julian flew onto my shoulder. "Thought you'd never ask." I heard a smirk in his tone and nibbled at my ear.
Along the short stretch to the supermarket, the street was crowded with people due to the lunch break. I avoided a few with my agility, but one came running straight at me at the last second. It was a man in a dark suit with a tie, briefcase, trench coat and homburg hat.
"My sincerest apologies, luv. Didn't mean to run into ya." Huffed the man and was quicker on his feet than me. He smiled and offered his leather-gloved hand to me.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEECFgso9qm
I took it and got up to my feet. "That's alright." I pulled up his briefcase.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL01aHiliHO
"Thank you. Sorry, I must dash on, Are you sure you are ok, Moira? Nothing hurt?" He asked.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEb3mBsfBi
"I'm fine." I smiled.
He sprinted off, and Julian flew back onto my shoulder. "He was nice but a bit too nice if you ask me. Are all Irish people this friendly?"
"Now that you mention, the Irish are friendly, but not all are that friendly, and he was too friendly-" I froze in terror as I searched through my pockets. "He knew my name and took the amulet as well as my wallet!" Immediately I sprinted off, hoping to catch up with him. My keen eye soon spotted him from the crowd, jogging deeper into the city centre. Julian flew ahead and croaked furiously around the thief; soon, Twigg helped along.
"Someone stop that man in the grey trench coat! He's got my wallet!" I shouted to try to get help from other people around. We can't lose that amulet. I ran as fast as my legs could carry me, but the man was a good stretch ahead of me. Julian remained at his heel. All the people on the street didn't even turn their heads to my words or my running. No-one stopped him, not even the police noticed or eyed in my direction. I grunted and ran on; I will get him even with magic if needed. Soon I followed the man in a labyrinth of streets and alleys in the city centre but gained a bit closer to him although my lungs began to burn. At one turn, I knew I couldn't go on but was able to muster strength in magic to build a barrier at the other end of the alley. Immediately a shimmering rainbow barrier of light grew from the ground.
The thief skidded to a halt and stared at the barrier. Soon he chuckled and turned round to face me as I approached. "Impressive magic you have there, luv."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2Ipqev5pv
I reached out an open hand. "Give me the amulet." I panted. "In exchange, you may keep my wallet." Julian and Twigg circled above with a watchful eye.
The thief's smirk broadened. "Maybe a fair trade to any other thief, but I am not like them. Same can be said of your pet raven, hidden behind a curse." He chuckled as I stared at him, surprised. "Shouldn't this be your element as things don't appear as they seem?"
"Why do you want the amulet?" I asked sternly as I recollected myself.
"Ah yes, its strong and unique magic made my hands itch with excitement." He twiddled his fingers as a playful gesture. "You, of course, are irresistible with your magic too." He approaches me with a broad smirk. "Ah, those born with magic are indeed unique but yours," His gloved hands hover over my arms and shoulders as if yearning to touch me while walking around me. "Is strong as the full moon you were born under. Even the time you were born makes it all the more strong and intense, if I may be so bold. Many feel pulled to you like a moth to light while some feel intimidated, but I dare say you have a magnitude accompanied by charm and beauty."
"What are you playing at?" Hissed Julian and perched upon my shoulder.
"How about offering you a different trade but before that, allow me." The thief took off his dark homburg hat, and within a twirl of his wrist, the hat changed into a violet top hat wrapped with a teal blue silk sash. His black leather gloves changed colour to similar violet as his hat. The thief's attire reminded me of the Mad hatter from Alice in Wonderland with his long marine blue cord frock coat accompanied by a silk violet waistcoat and dark grey trousers. Before Julian could remark, there was a sharp sound of jitter, and I felt something resting on my right shoe. I looked down and saw a dark brown rat with snow-white paws and the tip of the tail. Oddly, I felt this rat belonged to the thief and slowly crouched down to let it sniff my hand. Soon the rat crawled onto my hand and began to clean itself. I smiled adoringly at it, remembering my childhood time having rats as pets. Such clever and clean pets despite what was said about them.
"Impressive that you're not afraid of rats, and it appears Luna likes you." The thief has pulled out of his hat a long cane made out of what appears to be wood but shimmers as if alight with amber and perhaps even magic.
"Luna, is she your familiar?" I wondered.
"If I said yes, then I would be a magician of sorts, but officially I am not. She's my trustee companion, and I am a thief, as you've surely noticed." He smiled broadly and made a bow from the waist as if on stage. "Majick thief extraordinaire, at your service. The name's Samson," He stood upright and took my right hand gently to plant a kiss while his gaze was locked to mine. "Your name is Moira and your pet's name is Julian."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fEZhk1lNU
"I'm not a pet!" Sneered Julian with ruffled feathers.
"Oh, I know just the trick to ease that." He opened his other hand, immediately Luna hopped over and climbed her way up to his shoulder. Samson pulled a small triangle-shaped lapis lazuli stone from his waistcoat pocket with a hole in the middle and placed it in my hand. "Give this to Julian, and you will see for yourself the result."
I felt magic emitting from the stone. "What sort of result is there to expect?" I asked cautiously.
"Would you take my word if I told you the truth? The very fact that you're holding it and nothing happened is a mere shred of proof it is nothing foul, no?" Samson smirked. There was a twinkle in his honey brown eyes.
I looked over to Julian. He hopped down to my arm and picked with his beak the stone.
Immediately grey smoke engulfed him, and before I could step away, the smoke had dissolved. I found myself staring at Julian in his natural form. "Julian! You're human!" That was all I could muster to my amazement.
Julian blinked and looked down at his hands.
"Keep the stone well in hand or pocket, Julian. It fools the curse is it nighttime hence with your appearance. You can still change form at your will-"
"To what price must I pay for this?" Hissed Julian; his expression was a mixture of hate and disgust.
Samson smiled. "I see you know your ways. If it burdens you so, simply hand it over to me." He reached his hand out.
Julian remained silent and glared.
"Hmm, let us play a game. If you win the amulet, the stone and wallet are yours, but if I win," Samson's eyes pan to me. "I'll keep the amulet and a date with you, luv."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPZccp7ndn
"Are there other options in this game of yours?" Questioned Julian cautiously.
Samson gives an unamused frown, "well, both of you can walk away and forget the whole thing, but the stone will be staying with me." He suddenly holds it up between his fingers.
As I looked over to Julian, he flapped his wings in raven form and perched upon my shoulder. Samson has a teasing appearance, but everything he said was the truth till now. I felt a pit in my stomach as I thought of partaking in his game, but what choice do we have to retrieve the amulet? I looked down at Julian.
He shook his head. "Please don't do it. There's too much at risk."
"But don't you want the amulet to figure out how to undo your curse and return home? What does your heart or your gizzard say?"
"What matters the most is you, Moira. I can't even bear to think if we lose in his game, no matter playing fair or cheating." Julian ruffled his feathers. "I have a feeling his intentions are anything than they appear and don't like it how he treats you."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7m994vntHO
I stroked his head and smiled. Soon an idea passed my head and faced Samson. "Tell me, what sort of game do we need to play?"
"All in good time once you agree to play." He offered his hand to shake on it with a broad smirk.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQrZPC3a4M
I took a deep breath to square my shoulders. "This is for you, Julian." I shook Samson's gloved hand. "And for his world. In case I lose, don't expect the date to be anything easy." I squinted my eyes at him and held his hand firmly. "No cheating from either side."
"What? No! Stop-" Julian fluttered his wings.
Samson sniggered and neared his face to mine, ignoring Julian. "You drive a hard bargain, and I know with you around, it won't ever be tiresome. I must say, your devotion is admiring." He pauses. "I don't doubt your intellect but fear your intensity and charm will go lost in a complex game, so I shall maintain it simple." Samson walks up to the magical barrier I've created, and with a single touch of the cane, the wall shattered and fell to pieces like glass. Behind the wall emerged a red-painted two-winged door with brass knobs. "Behind this door, the game begins, but before I forget, I leave this to your advantage." He threw me the stone. "I'm sure you're familiar with the game of tag, but it will be in various worlds and dimensions. Whom you must catch is me, two against one seems fair on your side, no?"
"Why do I have a feeling this game of tag will be anything but easy?" Noted Julian sceptical and picked the stone, rapidly transforming into his human self. He crossed his arms but held a hand firmly upon my shoulder while glaring at Samson.
"Sounds like you know me, Julian. Indeed this game of tag will be played on a higher level with disguises, illusions, distractions, and on top of that, you have limited time to catch me." Suddenly an old black forest cuckoo clock stood beside Samson. Towering his height is made out of massive wood, but its carving is intricate and detailed. "I give you three days time, that is 36 hours-"
Julian sprinted to Samson and held him up by the collar against the brick wall. Samson's feet dangled off the ground. "How about I hold you right here pinned, and the game is over for you." Julian snarled.
"I like your thinking, but the game hasn't started, and Moira made it clear about cheating. Once you step through that door, the game will commence." Samson morphed with the bricks and dissolved out of Julian's firm grip.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5KxvMpLGA
Julian grunted. "That conniving baboon-faced, lily-livered, two-legged turd! Bastard!"
Cogs and wires of the cuckoo clock whirred while its face showed 36 hours. The pendulum swings regularly, emitting the soft tick-tock sound as silence fills the alley.
Julian sighs and walks up to me; his expression looks stern but hard to tell if angered, concerned or both. "Moira, what are you doing? You know you are playing right into his hands."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdQSPN10Dw
"What choice do we have to retrieve the amulet? I'm doing all this for you." I held his hands in mine.
"But I never asked for this!" He blinked. "Not like this." Julian looked to the ground with a softer tone. "If anything happens to you, I don't think I can bear it." His hands trembled in mine and gave a shuddered sigh. Julian opened and closed his mouth a few times but no words formed. He held tighter to my hands.
From that moment, I realized how much I meant to him. "I mean that much to you?" I whispered with a small smile.
Julian swallowed thickly. "Yes and more that I can't find the words to express." Our gazes met, and he smiled, brushing with a hand through my hair.
"I am willing to go as far as you do. You mean everything to me. I've faced hardship, and they all made me stronger, and for you, I'll face them without second thoughts-"
Julian threw his arms around me. I embraced him without second thoughts and sighed. We opened our embrace after a long moment and met our glances with smiles.
"We'll stick together, no matter what happens." I smiled confidently and interlocked my fingers with his.
"Always, my love." He kissed me.
Slowly we turned to the red-painted two-winged door, walking hand in hand to it. Both of us were nervous and scared of what was to come. We each took a knob and turned it. Bright white light stung our eyes, and a strong gust of cool wind tossed our hairs and made our clothes flutter. I drew in a deep breath to square my shoulders and felt Julian squeeze my hand gently; I looked up to him. Our glances met; we nodded and stepped over the threshold into the unknown. I heard the cuckoo clock chime the full hour and the cuckoo bird cooing as we fell into the bright light...
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