Faeratil Samuels - A Destiny Fanfic (part 9)
@morticia-4 I am very bad at transitions, and for some reason transitioning to Rise of Iron was really challenging, so I apologize that it’s taken me so long to fix this part, but I feel like I’m starting to get a little more of a grip on my story now. I’m enjoying rereading it and revising it because I feel like I can flesh it out a lot more now. I think I just really needed the Forsaken story and lore to actually solidify where I want to take this fanfic. Also includes mention of my ex-husband’s Hunter, Cassus, which I am in the process of editing out.
Knock, knock, knock. “Guardian, are you free for a moment?” I hear Zavala’s voice through the door of my apartment. I put a bookmark in the journal I’m reading, this one is one of Praedyth’s, and tuck it under the throw on my rocking chair. I still haven’t told anyone about the box of books I found when I first arrived at the Tower, and I doubt Zavala of all people would appreciate me keeping them a secret. I open the door and notice that Zavala seems more tense than usual, if that is even possible. “I was enjoying a romance novel about a Fallen Baroness and an Awoken Titan, but I guess I could spare a moment,” I deadpan.
“Very funny, Guardian,” Zavala says. “I have a favor to ask you. There is a place in the mountains nearby called Felwinter Peak. I have a… an acquaintance at the top of the peak who has need of some of our strongest and bravest guardians for a rather delicate matter. I don’t wish to say too much here so I do not create a rumor of danger around the Tower. His name is Lord Saladin. There’s an old gondola that will take you most of the way, but be aware of any enemies that may be lurking in caves as well.”
Crusoe floats over to my shoulder, “Why us, Zavala? I’m sure there are plenty of other guardians who would be better off.”
Zavala’s face contorts to annoyance for a brief moment before he resumes his natural stoic expression, “We have done a thorough investigation on every one of our most promising guardians, and while I would have gone with one of my Titans, Ikora and I have decided that someone with a knack for tactical planning and research would be better suited to helping with this particular problem.”
“Did you two decide on your own, or was Cayde part of this too?” I ask.
“It may come as a shock to you, but Cayde was against sending you. He offered up one of his Hunters, Cassus Shepard.”
“Isn’t that the Hunter that was carrying a copy of Cayde’s Ace?” I ask Cru.
“Good memory, Fae. Why didn’t you go with him?” he asks Zavala.
“We did, but in a roundabout way. It was the only way we could get Cayde to agree to let you go. We will send you up at separate times, but Cassus will be at your back in case anything should happen to you per Cayde’s wishes,” Zavala explains. He averts his eyes for a moment and clears his throat a bit before asking, “Guardian, you would tell me if there were any reasons outside of friendship for Cayde to be this worried about you, wouldn’t you?”
I almost feel sorry for how awkward he is in this moment. “Of course. Why would I keep anything secret from the Vanguard?” The lie comes out easily, but part of me wonders if Zavala has some sort of lie detecting power and will figure out about my outside relationship with Cayde sooner or later. Fortunately for me, he’s much more focused on whatever this Lord Saladin’s problem happens to be.
“Good. I’ve seen guardians break and turn dark from outside relationships going sour before, and I don’t want to see that for you or for Cayde,” Zavala says, his eyes growing dark.
“Um, thanks. I guess?” I reply. “When should I leave?”
“Right. If you could prepare yourself to make the journey tomorrow, that would be ideal. This issue is quite pressing. I appreciate you being willing to go. I should head back to the training rooms and check on the new Kinderguardians, as I’ve heard people affectionately call them. Good luck, Guardian,” he says. He turns quickly and strides down the hallway.
I close and lock the door and return to my chair, wrapping the throw around my shoulders. I open Praedyth’s journal to the page I left off on, but I can’t help but think about what Zavala said about guardians going dark. “Cru? You don’t think if anything happened to me that Cayde would go dark or something, right?”
“It’s too soon to say, Fae. I think right now you two are perfectly fine. If anyone can make it through hell and back while still holding on to their values, it’s you,” he says, resting on my knee.
“Thanks, Cru. I should probably check my weapons and armor for tomorrow. Maybe I can convince Cayde to make me some snacks for the trip…” I say, closing the journal. I adjust the throw and wrap it around me like a cape before standing up and walking to the weapons closet I built into the wall next to my bed.
“Just make sure you get enough sleep before you go so you don’t pass out at the peak,” Cru says.
“I think I’ll be fine even if I get only two hours.”
