I run at full speed back through the outer gardens and make my way to the castle only slowing a bit when I felt like things looked different. Why was it so cold? Never mind.. I run to the castle and before I can reach the inner walls I'm stopped by a guard.
"Halt.. No outsiders are allowed in." He says in a firm voice and I skid to a halt with a frown. "I'm not an outsider... Do you not recognize me?" The man rolls his eyes and says "Yes, yes.. you..." The Fae stops mid-sentence and his face looks as if he's seen the dead.
"Lady Syn?" The Fae's voice is low and slightly shaky. I think back to how I disappeared and smile. I can see why everyone would think I'm dead.. "Yes.. I'm glad you recognized me... Can I enter now?"
The fae still looks haunted but nods his head as he steps aside. "Thank you!" I call out as I take off running again.
I easily slip through the barrier and smile at the familiar feeling. I round the corner heading to Rune's study. I only slow when I'm right outside of his office to catch my breath. I walk into the office and come to a halt. Lilith stands on the other side and she too looks as if she's seen a ghost.
"Lilith! I'm so glad to see you! Where's Rune?" I ask with a large smile as I make my way over. Lilith drops the scroll she was holding and stumbles back a few feet. "Syn..?" I freeze and my smile begins to fade. "Yeah.. I know it looked like I died and it's honestly a long story but I'm not dead... I didn't die." I say opening my arms to further emphasize my point.
"I can see that... but.. you've been dead... well not dead for two years... where have you been?" Lilith says with a shaky voice. "Two years... Two years!?" I ask in panic. I... I feel like I've only taken a nap.. how could it have been two years. I feel the room slightly spin and I find the closest chair. I sit and try to make sense of it all.
Something with the Nexus.. I guess I was out longer than I realized... I suddenly look back to Lilith and she slightly jumps. "Rune.. Where is he?" I ask with concern. If I've been gone for two years... he must have really thought I died. Lilith makes a pained look and says "He's not here Syn.. after you .. died.. he kinda just lost it and gave up."
"So where is he?" I ask with dread. She walks over looking me over before saying "He left to the human world.. after he couldn't even find your body he just gave up and left. I couldn't find him no matter how hard I looked. It wasn't until Leon contacted me and told me that he was practically living at his club. The one you used to work at.. I went to see him but he didn't want anything to do with me.. he just wants to drink.."
I frown as I think about what she told me. That didn't really sound like him but.. well things must have changed a lot while I was "dead". "What has he been doing at the club?" I ask confused. She gives me a painful look and hesitates. "What..?" I probe not liking where this was going. She sighs and says "He just goes there.. every night to get wasted while women flock to him.. he doesn't pay them any attention but he doesn't run them off either.. I don't understand what he's doing."
I grind my teeth and rub my temples trying to understand.. trying to put myself in his place.. and to some degree.. I understand. If I truly was dead... I wouldn't want him to be alone forever just because of me. Has he given up and started dating other women? Does he no longer love me? Lilith grows concerned over my silence and says "He still loves you... it's tearing him up and he doesn't know how to handle it.. so he goes to the only place he can feel closest to you."
I give her a small smile and take a deep breath before saying "I guess I need to go pick up my man." Lilith looks shocked at first but then breaks out into a large smile. "I like the sound of this but first... I think we need to give him a little pay back for his behavior... what do you think?" I return her smile liking where this was going "Sounds like a plan to me.." I feel Fig snicker on my shoulder as Lilith and I begin making our plans.