Souls of Aeon
   by: [IceFae]

In the Eternal forest, whilst humans were just beginning to comprehend their own existence, and understand the war of the servant races, a couple converse silently, regret and mourning in their demeanor…..
"Is it true? Was that really what they said" are the only words spoken as the two Vampires stood, their faces turned from each other in denial. The reply is a nod, and they twist, letting their eyes meet for the first time. Wordlessly, they study the others features, committing every curve and dimple to memory. Tiala, servant of Czeda, and daughter of laughter, touches a finger to the lips of Landon, servant of Olaeran, son of Sorrow. Turning away she says " It cannot end this way, there is no joy in life or death for one of us without the other." Landon places a hand on her shoulder, echoing her feeling, but adding reason to the thought " It is inevitable, and decided for we are not meant to be, this was not their design." He adds bitterly, spitting the words out vehemently. " It is done, we are to be parted. One will remain, the other will depart to Shretrah’s realm. One or both is the choice, and if one, which one."
"I’ll make neither choice"
"You would leave that impossible choice on my shoulders alone?"
" I…. I know not what to do, this is a fate which is…. inconceivable…. I must" She breaks off, the pain of parting already surfacing.
"I have spoken with Shretrah, he will accept both of us, and he made a suggestion" he leans forward, and whispers in Tiala’s ear. Tiala smiles wanly, but nods. Together they walk towards the building in the centre of the eternal forest, arms entwined, and moving as one being, they enter the courtyard. Before them are three doors. The centre door is one that is familiar to them, the door to the great hall. The left door is the world of the Lysha, and none of the vampires may enter. The door on the right is the gateway to Shretrah’s realm, which is eternally Open. A never-ending stream of mortal souls flows through it, punctuated here and there by the silvery souls of Dragons, Gryphons, Tolfari, Shekari, Setanau and Unicorns. Hand in hand, the vampires join the river, their immortal bodies becoming as translucent as the souls around them. Slowly they fade from the watcher’s sight, as they are lost in the crowd.
The watcher scowls, and enters the middle door, a small insignificant vampire against the presence of the Vampires of Carindia. He relates what he has seen, and is swiftly dismissed, as are many of the lesser vampires. The remaining ten sit silently, watching each other, looking for a sign of what is to come. Eventually, the watcher speaks.
"It seems that the pair defies us even when they are parted, can their loves be that great?"
"It appears that we wrought amiss when we created that pair, they are opposites, servants of opposites, and born of opposites. On the one side, Laughter, Shadow and Thievery, and the other Sorrow, Light and Law." replies Shalishima, vampire of Time.
"There is one possibility, that shadow cannot survive without light, that law cannot exist without thievery, and that sorrow cannot exist without laughter, such are they, and such may they be" interrupted Quela, his voice quiet, but unavoidable.
"They have chosen to remain together in death, but I perceive that they shall not remain in death" offered Shalishima " Their will is too strong, and they have a power which we as Gods cannot understand"
" Which is?" asked Dythran
" Love"