Sunset - the glorious period of time where the skies are ablaze with fire. A breathtaking fusion of warm and cool colours casting out soft rays of light across all that existed on the earth. As the sun set across the dunes the shadows unfurled like flowers, stretching out, forever shifting in a perpetual dance with the moving sands as the wind ebbed back and forth across the land.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the last rays of light caught white marble, reflecting off the stone and illuminating the large structure that rose up from the middle of a sprawling city tucked away in the expanse of desert. The structure was a sight to behold, created with the intention of showing off wealth with its twisting curvatures of stone and marble bordered by ornamental golden trim. Large spires rose up high above the ground, supporting the palace walls and large ornate metal domes that, not only were a marvel to look at, but doubled as beacons to those traversing the vast deserts. Able to be seen for kilometres and catching the light of the rising and setting sun.
A soft breeze blew across the arid landscape, bringing with it sweet relief from the harsh heat of the day that had just passed, almost like soft icy fingertips caressing across one’s skin. Atop one of the many palace balconies that overlooked the city and the eastern desert, a young man stood quietly, relishing the moment of peace and quiet that the twilight brought, the sheer fabric of his robe and loose tendrils of long brown hair lightly moving with the wind. His golden eyes peered out across the vast expanse of city and desert, watching the civilians in the marketplace in the distance as they began to pack up and retire to their homes for the evening; a look on his face that was halfway between apathy and disdain. They were so carefree.
The young man’s gaze slowly drifted upwards once more, moving to the horizon where they remained, watching the sky move through the colour changes that occur during the glorious time between sunset and night; always different, never the same. The first star finally became visible to the human eye, they always looked so delicate from where he stood. Star light star bright - a much younger version of himself would’ve recited the rhyme with vigor before fervently wishing for something that was very much impossible. He of course knew better now. He knew that wishing upon a star was foolish. He knew that no amount of wishing could change what has happened or would...bring his mother back.
He found himself staring at the outline of the mountains in the distance, and even when they were rendered invisible against the night sky, he still stared, caught somewhere between a myriad of thoughts and listless daydreaming.
“Kyzaghan…” a soft spoken voice broke the silence, coming from behind him, though the young man didn't seem to notice, too distracted by what ifs and could bes.
“Kyzie,” it came a little firmer now, but in the form of a loving nickname, pulling him from his moment of musing. Kyzaghan turned around, the scowl on his face melting away to something akin to fondness when he saw who was standing there. A soft smile creeping onto his lips, a rare sight. Then again this man could always make him smile regardless of the situation or circumstances.
“Thaloyss, what are you doing? You know you shouldn't be here,” Kyzaghan chided playfully, his voice smooth and mellow. He folded his arms lightly across his bare chest, a small disapproving frown flickering across his lips as he lightheartedly teased the other man, though it didn’t remain there for long. But despite the jesting, his words held truth. Thaloyss was a nobleman from a neighbouring kingdom, a Lord, and one of considerable standing at that. Though unfortunately the kingdom he was from and the kingdom that Kyzaghan’s father ruled over were not on good speaking terms with each other. The two kings were bickering like children and they were teetering on the brink of war over such petty things too.
“Hmhm I know, makes it all the more thrilling, besides, I wanted to see you again,” came the soft response, the man purposefully keeping his voice quiet so as to lower the risk of getting caught. Slowly Thaloyss walked over to Kyzaghan, his heeled boots lightly tapping on the marble floor, his dark blue silken khalat rippling across his tall lithe body, the moonlight catching the intricate detailing and ornate stitching. His long dark hair was tied up into a messy bun, delicate strands framing his face, the rows of diamonds threaded through his hair reflecting the pale light like shimmering stars. As he reached the other man he moved his hand up to cup his cheek, gently ghosting his thumb over the soft caramel skin. His ice blue eyes gazing quietly into the golden ones before him; every time he stared into them they drew him in like quicksand, captivating and beautiful yet dangerous nonetheless.
“Aziz-am,” Kyzaghan breathed softly, leaning into the other man’s hand as his own came up to press against the back of the one against his cheek, before gently pulling it away and entwining his fingers with the other’s slender ones, caramel and ebony almost fusing together. Leaning forwards he pressed his lips to his lover’s cheek in chaste affection, before pulling away ever so slightly, ghosting them across the curve of his flesh. “It is good to see you again.”
Full ebony lips parted to reveal pearly white teeth as Thaloyss couldn’t help but smile, a soft mellifluous chuckle escaping him in response, “I know I should not be here, but I am in town as part of delegations and just needed to see you again.”
Kyzaghan’s lips quirked, his eyes glinting with slight mirth as he shook his head slightly, breathily chuckling. He stepped in closer to the other man, ever so gently placing his arms over his shoulders, tilting his head forwards to gently rest his forehead against Thaloyss’, exhaling ever so softly. “You truly are aatashé del-am,” he trailed off into tranquil silence, the two of them simply enjoying the moment that they were able to share under the pale light of the moon.
