Immortality Part IV - Reclaiming Sunlight

Fortunately, not only did the clouds remain overnight, they had grown more dense, threatening more rain, though it had yet to fall. It was odd, being able to walk so openly during the day without searing pain. It always was. In fact, Aethon was beginning to forget what day time used to be like.

They wended their way through their old village, conveniently looking aside or ducking out of view whenever anyone who might recognize them grew near. That they were able to do this without appearing suspicious spoke to how much they had learned in the past ten years. Ethon followed his brother to the home belonging to the girl Aurmerle was still smitten with. His unease was coming off him in virtual waves.

The sound of light footsteps winding through the small house preceded the opening of the door. Elizabeth stood there, blinking in surprise. Though the intervening years had clearly been hard on her - as they were on everyone in those days - she was still beautiful to behold.

"Aurmerle?" she breathed incredulously, after a moment. She didn't seem to notice Aethon at all as she cupped Aurmerle's face between her hands, wide eyes drinking him in in wonder. "It is you. You're alive. Why, you haven't aged a day..." Elizabeth abruptly jerked away, her expression turning from wonder to alarm. "But why? It's been years - you can't not aged. Not unless-"

Before she could take to screaming, Aethon had darted forward and clapped a hand over her mouth. He turned a weary look to his brother. "Well," he remarked, "I think the reunion's going well, so far."