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Chapter Text

"Luz of House Noceda, was it?"

Luz "of House Noceda" wasn't truly her name, but aside from the haughtiness she suspected she was bound to get used to, Luz actually welcomed the title—as if it made her fit in and belong—despite being the only peasant in the castle of one the most powerful noble families around.

Lilith of House Clawthorne (now that was an actual renowned House) sat primly at the desk in front of her, writing briskly on a scroll. The lengthy beige parchment lay flat on the lustrous wood, filled almost completely with words that were too small and loopy for Luz to comprehend. The office was so quiet that she could distinctly hear Lilith's quill scraping crisply against the paper.

"Yeah." Luz replied, snapping to attention. She sat up a little straighter in her chair.

The scratching noise paused. Lilith's sharp green eyes flicked up to watch Luz across the table, an eyebrow raised condescendingly.

"I believe you mean 'yes, Guard Captain Clawthrone'." She corrected.

"Oh." Luz hastily nodded. "Uh, right, indeed."

With a silent sigh, Lilith dipped her quill into the ink pot on her right and went back to the paperwork.

This is going great.

Luz had to admit she was nervous. Granted, she was thrilled to have found the opportunity to work a job that would finally support her and her mother. Her mother was a healer, one of the most kind and knowledgeable healers there was in Luz's opinion, but finding jobs had become a daily struggle, especially in the poorer outskirts of a town like Bonesborough.

However, this was a position at Blight Castle, the main residence of the powerful noble family. The Blights had a strict hold over the neighboring lands, and their looming presence was felt in even the most distant and desolate towns. This was reinforced by posters, signs, statues, and other Blight propaganda showing up virtually everywhere; the symbolic colors of deep green and purple were feared by the poorest farmers as much as by the richer merchants. It simply wasn't possible to not know who they were, despite them seldom appearing in public.

Luz remembers finding a poster depicting the Blight family nailed onto the door of her house one day, and only then learning the faces of the mysterious nobles. High Lady Odalia Blight, the epitome of impeccable royalty, posed with her more unruly husband the High Lord Alador. They worked closely with other wealthy families, and even had ties with Emperor Belos. Their eldest twins, Young Lord Edric and Lady Emira, were seated in front of them, charming young adults who were rumored to be searching for suitors to form ties with other families. Finally, the youngest, Young Lady Amity, who seemed about her age.

Luz wasn't sure how she felt about working under the Blights. This was unfamiliar territory, especially to the likes of, well, a peasant such as her; she knew she had to tread carefully. But it was an opportunity she could not afford to pass up.

"You are rather young to be enrolling in the guard forces. One would assume you lack the necessary skill and experience." Lilith remarked, scrutinizing Luz again with that familiar piercing gaze which reminded her of a certain someone.

"I've been training consistently with a mentor, and I would be ready to prove my skills. You must know my teacher, Edalyn Clawth-"

"Right, yes, yes, my sister has mentioned an apprenticeship before." Lilith interrupted curtly. Her eye twitched. "She has...enthusiastically urged me to accept potential young candidates, and I now see that this is what she had meant."

Luz was lucky to have bumped into and begun training with Eda of House Clawthorne, a dangerously skilled rogue who was wanted by many wealthy families- not for ransom, but rather as in they wanted her to work for them. True to her independent and rebellious nature, she  never conformed to any. In fact, Luz was pretty sure Eda would steal from those very families. Sporadic as it may be, it was always a joy whenever Eda swung by their home. It would inevitably end up in an affectionate squabble between her and Camila, who would fret for the former’s health and safety, as well as try (and fail) to refuse whatever silverware or precious trinkets the rogue would mysteriously procure and insist on giving to them.

Her mentor had seemed particularly confident when they'd planned to enlist her in the Blight guard forces. "Don't you worry, I have certain connections there who I can influence to give you a job no matter what," Eda had assured her with a signature wink. Given Captain Lilith's now resigned expression as she signed the scroll accepting the new recruit, Luz reckoned Eda's "influence" had been closer to a threat than a suggestion.

"However, as you said so yourself, your age and skill should not hinder your abilities." Lilith steepled her hands, in a fluid motion which hinted that she did that often.

"I've assigned you to an early morning shift, a late night shift, and you will be assessed and trained in combat and defense in the afternoons. Sunday will be your day off if you’re lucky; you'll find the detailed schedule in your barracks. I'm sure you'll be up to the task." She challenged with a thin smile.

"Of course." Luz said, unfazed and feeling her nervousness morph to excitement. Given the flicker in Lilith’s smug expression, she suspected that wasn’t the reaction she expected.

"Make no mistake, this job is no walk in the park. You will be guarding the youngest Blight's chamber, since the-"

"Amity?" Luz blurted out loud.

Lilith frowned. "That's Young Lady Amity Blight to you."

Before Luz could utter an apology, Lilith resumed her speech.

"As I was saying, your shifts will be stationed outside Lady Amity's chamber, therefore you must be on time, efficient, and serious. You shall not interfere with or bother the nobles in any way. Everybody here- even a lowly guard such as you- plays a part in the overall organization and upkeep of Blight Castle. We must work with utmost precision, professionalism-"

Knock knock.

"It is I, Page Stephen, reporting for Captain Clawthorne!" A red-haired page peeked in from the door.

"Yes, what is the matter?" Lilith called out with a huff, visibly annoyed that she had been interrupted twice.

"We have just received a letter from Maid Amber, and she has temporarily fallen ill, so Lady Amity hasn't had her morning meal delivered yet."

"And have you not appointed any of the other thirty-six maids we have to take care of this?"

Stephen faltered. "Oh, well...I suppose- but," He meekly raised a scroll he was clutching, "The news just came in, but you see, according to protocol, I simply thought..."

"Nevermind. I have a better solution. Guard!"

The call echoed in the empty air.

Luz looked at Stephen. Stephen looked at Lilith. Lilith looked at Luz. 

"That's you, Luz." Lilith said tersely. "If we had to memorize every single guard's name, we wouldn't get anywhere. There is no time for such petty details."

" Oh - right, yes, guard captain Clawthorne." The junior guard straightened.

"I believe you're also capable of taking up this task while we sort out this mishap." Lilith shot Stephen a patronizing smile at the ‘we’. "Bring young Lady Amity her morning meal until we repair the situation. Stephen here will guide you to the kitchens, this way you can start getting acquainted with the layout of Blight Castle. After that you will directly begin your first shift."

"Okay!! Uh, yes m’am."

Stephen led Luz out of the office, still babbling hastily.

"Captain Lilith- I apologize for my inattentiveness again, but, truly, I was awaiting your better judgment..."

---

One job. Her maid's one job was to assemble and bring Amity meals from the kitchens. The young lady wasn't even strict, unlike her parents, who had fired someone over a slightly undercooked omelet; but this morning the service was twenty minutes late. Which was a great opportunity to get out and do it herself, Amity reasoned. She didn't want the news of the tardiness to negatively affect her maid, and any excuse to exit her chamber was as good as any.

As she walked out, the guard posted outside her tower immediately fell in line to accompany her, as if there was an invisible rope that tied him to her. They made their way to the end of the corridor, without a spoken word or sign of acknowledgement. Upon reaching the next stationed guard, he joined Amity to walk behind her, while the previous one turned around and walked back.

Amity was used to having a shadow. Faceless, nameless shadows who worked mechanically like ants to serve their queen. Odalia, she grimaced.

Which is why she was thoroughly surprised when she rounded the next corner.

"Good morning m'Lady Amit-"

CRASH!

Firstly, it was the greeting spoken directly to her, in a young and, for whatever reason, cheerful voice. Secondly, it was the fresh orange juice that now dribbled down the front of Amity's dress. But the most perplexing surprise was the young guard who was currently sprawled at her feet, the tray full of food she had been carrying (which was Amity's breakfast, she might add) now clattering all over the floor.

The other guard behind her pulled Amity back slightly, as if trying to get her out of harm's way (the harm being slices of bread, a pot of spilled honey, and fat sausages that were still rolling around).

"Oh gosh- I am so sorry!" The young guard gasped, scrambling to her feet.

Amity didn't even try to hide the disdain in her face as she stared down at that evidently new, distracted, clumsy guard. Who, aside from the typical Bight Castle gear, wore a bizarre tunic with four different colors.

"Why, I didn't know we hired a new jester." She commented drily. 

"Oh, you didn't. Clearly I'm not a jester, as I failed to make you smile." She said quickly, gathering the fallen cutlery from the floor. "I'm actually still training to be a guard!"

"Train your balance. Wouldn't want to trip in a swordfight.” Amity muttered before spinning on her heel and walking away. The spilled liquid felt cold against her skin. She heard her guard briefly chastise the younger one then run up to reach her, the sound of boots echoing in the hall.

"My Lady, I thought you wanted breakfast?" He questioned.

"I'm not hungry."

The guard struggled to keep up with her.

"But didn't you also skip last night's meal?"

Amity just quickened her pace.

---

After mopping up the mess, Luz went back to the kitchens, determined to accomplish her first task and bring Amity breakfast. At least now she knew where the cleaning supply closet was! As Luz marched through the halls once more, the tantalizing smell of freshly prepared food filled her senses. She had never seen sausages so plump and bread so white. Her mouth watered, and for a split second she even considered taking a small bite. Lilith is torturing me with this.

Upon arriving at Amity's chamber, Luz instinctively knocked on the door. Too soon. Was she supposed to say something?

"It is I." She blurted out, recalling Stephen the page. "It's the jester guard."

The door was cracked open.

"Hi!" Luz exclaimed, relieved. "Again. I'm sorry for ruining the dress. I promise to train my balance."

Amity looked at her askance. "I didn't request another meal."

"I know, but since I ruined the one you were supposed to get, I made a new one."

"...are you trying to poison me?"

"What? No! I would never- breakfast is the most important meal of the day."

"How considerate," Amity eyed her outfit dully, "my knight in dull and dented armor."

"An armor that's shining has never gone to war."

Chapter Text

Amity of House Blight always loved the nighttime.

There was a calming tranquility that came with it, whether it be the faithful stars that always dotted the sky or the silent moon that painted everything in shades of blue. Amity made sure to keep her window open, welcoming the cool gentle breeze inside, as if it could whisk her worries away.

The open letter in front of her had the opposite effect.

It lay innocently on the table, illuminated by the warm light of a lantern, unaware of the anxiety that its golden Blight sigil sparked in Amity. An official letter from her parents, High Lord Alador and Lady Odalia Blight.

Amity sunk in her chair with a sigh. She had merely skimmed its cursive contents, but that was already enough information. Her parents were soon returning from their business trip to the Hieronymus Palace, as were her eldest siblings, Edric and Emira, so a formal ball was being planned in their honor. It's not that Amity disliked these unnecessarily lavish events- she mainly dreaded her parents' imminent return to the castle. Amity felt like she could breathe more freely in their absence, and in only a matter of days that would be over.

Her chair scraped against the wooden floor as she stood up and made her way to the window. She mentally ran through her checklist of chores as she walked past the shelves filled with stacks of books, parchment and canvases of all sizes, and scrolls sticking out of spare crevices.

"Crown Princess Boscha has shown us much of her fine embroidery work here at her Palace, and we hear that young Duchess Skara's harp playing talent only keeps growing," Part of the letter had said, and Amity could virtually hear her mother's saccharine voice. "I hope you've been maintaining a public image that is worthy of our House name, dear. I expect your work to be outstanding upon our return."

So of course Amity was forced to paint as if she still enjoyed it, read ancient scrolls as if she understood them, and write about noble relations as if she cared. Yet, sword fighting with Captain Lilith was deemed unladylike by her mother.

Amity pushed her frustrations away for now and rested her chin on her arms, crossed over the windowsill, letting her gaze wander to the buildings below her. Blight Castle never truly slept. There were always guards patrolling and employees working around the clock, evident by the warm glows peeking through windows in an otherwise dark and shadowy fortress.

But at night, the frenzied hustle of day would die down to a soft, muffled ambience. If she listened close, she could hear the low hum of the kitchens, baking fresh bread for tomorrow, or the distant clinking of the blacksmiths. Up in the chamber of her tower, Amity closed her eyes. She breathed in the fresh night air, cherishing these limited moments of serenity.

Somebody was snoring.

Amity's peaceful thoughts vanished like a candle flame snuffed out by the wind. She pricked her ears to locate the source of noise; it was soft, barely audible, but strangely close by. The noble grabbed the lantern and strode to her chamber door, preparing harsh reprimands for whichever guard was incompetent enough to fall asleep during their shift. She exited her room and thrust the lantern into the night air. Warm light spilled onto the stone walls and down the steps, and onto a certain figure slumped against the wall on her left.

Oh. It's you.

Amity recognized the multi-colored sleeves and did the dignified version of rolling her eyes, not even surprised.

The young new guard was sprawled on the floor in a rather comedic manner, with her upper back leaning against the wall, as if she had dozed off on her feet and then somehow sagged down into a heap without waking up. Her head drooped forwards, with the helmet seeming to echo the snoring rather than muffle it.

Amity cleared her throat. She reached out with her foot to nudge the guard's arm.

"Excuse me."

At first she thought she'd spoken too quietly.

Then the guard jolted awake and- CLANG- instantly clocked her head against the stone wall behind her. Amity was very glad the guard uniform included full helms.

"What are you doing?" She asked.

A beat of dazed silence passed.

"...I work here…?"

This sounded more like a question than an answer. At Amity's blank expression, the guard inhaled audibly and began to explain.

"So Lilith- Captain Clawthorne assigned me to breakfast duty to cover for the sick maid for now, and I have two shifts per day right off the bat, one being at night. You might think that just- just standing still- isn't that difficult a job, but, well," As if on cue, the guard yawned, "I wasn't expecting it. Plus I haven't even started the guard training yet- I have an assessment overmorrow, which should go well...but that means I'll be even more tired when it's time for my night shift, and-"

Amity wasn't prepared to handle such a stream of words. Especially words that were mostly mumbled and slurred from drowsiness, and accompanied with halfhearted gesticulating.

"If you can't handle being a guard you could just quit before it gets worse."

Amity advised neutrally. She meant no malice, but falling asleep on shifts was no laughing matter, and Blight Castle always strived to work seriously and efficiently.

At this, the guard was no longer slumped limply against the wall; her back straightened in determination as she stared stoically off into the distance.

"I'm not quitting." She stated, any trace of sleepiness now gone from her voice. "I need this job. I've been training with a mentor for months, and honestly I'll work as many shifts as Lilith wants- even though I can see that she's trying to overwork me and get me to quit, or mess up, so she can fire me...But no. I'll prove her wrong." 

The guard said it so simply, so confidently, that Amity believed her.

"Me and my mom, we're trying to survive. But she isn't earning enough on her own, and we almost lost the house, but with this job...we can make it. I'd take all the night shifts I can if it means mom is sleeping comfortably. She deserves it.” The guard trailed off into a mutter, ducking her head. “You wouldn't understand."

Once again, Amity watched wordlessly, keeping her distance. Truth be told, she didn't have much experience socializing; she'd had more conversation with this new guard than with all other guards in the past month combined. Generally, in the Blight Castle, you either gave orders or received orders. Competitive small talk with other nobles didn't count either. 70% of Princess Boscha's vocabulary consisted of words that would get Amity disowned if she uttered them in her mother's presence. Thus, as much as she understood the importance of the new guard's job, she didn't know what to say.

"I am aware that it is easy to doze off at night."

Amity moved the lantern around vaguely. "It is very...dark."

She realized that wasn’t quite what she intended to say the second she did. Another absurd moment of silence followed. Amity’s words hung in the air between the two of them as they were left looking at each other.

"Indeed." The guard nodded slowly.

"But you must do your best to stay awake. I care about my safety, and if anyone catches you asleep on duty, you'll risk losing the position."

The guard sighed, nodding to herself, and got up off the ground. Amity took a tiny step back. It was probably the boots and helm adding extra height, but the guard was taller than she expected.

"Here." Amity awkwardly held out the lantern, inviting her to take it. "It might help."

"Oh yeah. Yes. Thanks."

The guard reached over and took it, her larger gloved hand brushing over Amity's pale fingers. It's only because of the rough uniform gloves, she reasoned, unsure why she'd noticed such an insignificant detail.

"But if you burn down the castle, I will have no choice but to discharge you." She informed the guard as she returned inside her chamber.

"I won't play with fire, lady Amity Blight."

Falling asleep on shift wasn't as much of a security problem as most people believed, Amity thought as she got ready for bed; at least not in these inner parts of the castle. The outermost walls and towers leading up to the center were very heavily patrolled, so it hardly mattered whether the one guard in front of Amity's door was more or less alert. Rather, she had an inkling that somebody always being posted there was another form of surveillance and control on Amity herself, on her parents' behalf.

The noble fell back on her silk mattress, tired and something more. At least she wasn't standing guard for hours in the late Autumn night, right?

How perplexing. She couldn't pinpoint what she was feeling, but it refused to go away. When she would wake up the morning after, she'd wonder if that strange exchange had only been a dream.

Chapter Text

Luz was really hoping she wouldn't get fired on her second day.

She had woken up in her barracks and realized that she'd taken Amity's lantern back with her. Was that a crime? Luz was a total stranger to the noble realm; for all she knew, it might be regarded as a foolish fumble or a display of disloyalty.

So the young guard stepped into her uniform (the reason her tunic was multi-colored was because they didn't have outfits her size; she had to put parts together), rushed to the kitchens to collect Lady Amity's meal, and speed-walked up to her chamber with the lantern hanging from her arm. With it clunking every time it knocked against her plate armor, coupled with the clinking of the cutlery on the tray and the echoing of her boots against marble, Luz reckoned she was the noisiest guard to ever walk these halls.

"It is I," She announced at the chamber's entrance, "...your knight in dull and dented armor."

The door soon opened to reveal Amity, looking as composed and indifferent as ever. Her hair was neatly tied back in that iconic half-up ponytail, not a strand out of place, unlike Luz's ruffled locks that stuck out in strange places (she was relieved Amity couldn't see her face right now).

"Hi!" Luz greeted cheerfully.

Amity just delicately took the tray and set it somewhere inside her chamber, her gaze somewhat unfocused.

So when Luz prompty removed the lantern from her arm and brought it to Amity's face, the latter flinched, as if Luz had been holding a dagger rather than a dull, slightly rusty metal lighting object.

"Also, I accidentally! stole this when I went home after my shift last night. I wasn't trying to steal it! It was just late and all I wanted to do was get to bed. I'm  not in trouble, am I?"

For the first time, Amity looked right at her—almost peering through the helmet—and Luz's breath caught in her throat at the direct contact with those golden eyes, searching for her.

"No, it's nothing." Amity clarified, bemused.

"Okay! I just..I'm new. Nobles are weird."

As soon as this left her mouth Luz remembered who she was speaking to. She mentally gasped, but before being able to apologize—

"Yes, they are." Amity muttered.

Luz just stood there with her outstretched arm offering the lantern, deciding it would be wisest to keep quiet.

"When's your night shift?"

"10 pm to 2 am." Luz groaned. On the one hand, Lilith had done her the mercy of splitting the typical 8-hour shift into two separate sessions. On the other, of course she'd placed one of them at the dead of night.

Amity raised an eyebrow, almost imperceptibly, in mild concern. She glanced down at the lantern, and back up to the guard holding  it.

"Then I think you ought to keep that." 

With this, she retreated back into her chamber.

Well, despite the rough start, this was a win in Luz's book. These were only her first few days, she reasoned, so things were bound to get better. Next time she'd begin armed combat, and that would be sure to lift her spirits! Sword training with Eda had been one of Luz's favorite activities, and she taught her quite well, if Eda did say so herself.

But Luz was determined to pull her own weight no matter what. Also, she just noticed, she wasn't used to swordfighting in much armor. Luz bent her torso around, and experimentally made large circles with her arms to test mobility. She shifted on her feet slightly, feeling her weight. Well, not that bulky, but the boots were a bit clunky.

Luz entered an offensive stance, pretending there was a sword in her hand. Step to the left, then to the right then lunge- and back again. Nimble but solid on her feet, Eda always told her, as footwork was the foundation of everything. She was certain  she'd get a hang of this in no time. Dodge at the last second here- ooh that was close, Luz imagined, twisting her upper body away from the possible attack. Then feint over here, counter there and that would be a solid strike to the shoulder!

She was so concentrated in her mental swordfighting she didn't realize how much time was passing, and much less that Amity had opened the door to stare at her.

"Excuse me? Guard" 

"Oh, uh, yes?" Luz whipped around to face her.

"I'm reading.” She lightly tapped the scroll she was holding against the wall. “Your...fidgeting is rather noisy and disruptive." 

"Oh, sorry! My apologies, I'll stop. I have a training assessment tomorrow...anyway, what are you reading?" Luz asked.

The now closed door stared back at her. A hefty wooden slab, crossed with golden bands and dotted with dulled spikes. Thinner, loopy decor swirled from the corners.

"...The Ecclesiastical History of the Boiling Isles People." Came Amity's late reply from behind the door. 

"Oh?...I thought—I thought I recognized the signature purple of The Benevolent Sorceress Azura scrolls?"

Luz heard a brusque shuffle. She assumed it was what a double take sounded like. 

"How did you recognize that?" Amity asked quizzically.

"I'm a big fan!" Luz exclaimed proudly to the door.

"I... take delight in reading it, too." Amity sounded restrained.

"Really?!"

"Yes." 

After a moment's hesitation, Amity added,

"I have the entire collection of scrolls signed by the author." 

"Woah! Gosh, I would do anything to meet the author, or even just to have the complete collection! I've read almost all the scrolls, but I couldn't find the last one anywhere. I even went to the black market at the edge of Bonesborough, but no one seems to have the final scroll. I'm dying to know how Azura and Hecate team up and get together, you know? That's gotta be the best–"

"Guard!" A familiar voice barked from behind her. Luz nearly jumped out of her armor. Whipping around, she was met with Captain Lilith's disapproving face, which was turning out to be a rather standard expression of hers.

"Why are you staring at the door? You are to face the opposite direction. And it means actually being on the lookout, not disturbing the nobles with small talk." Captain Lilith chided condescendingly.

"Right, Captain, sorry!" Luz bowed her head apologetically and saluted a few times for good measure. 

Lilith strode past her without a second glance and knocked on the chamber door. She leaned towards it and completely changed her tone of voice.

"Lady Amity, I hope you haven't forgotten about the tailor fittings in preparation for your parents' return."

"Of course not, miss Lilith. I was actually planning to go to the dressing rooms in a minute."

"Very well. Your mother has already ordered several new gowns to be tailored."

"Lovely." Amity replied, in a tone suggesting she didn't think it was lovely at all. 

Lilith left briskly, walking with her I'm important and am needed elsewhere gait. Luz kept standing stiffly just in case, hearing Amity exiting her chamber and make her way past her...until she stopped in her tracks a few feet ahead.

"Excuse me. Guard?" Amity said tentatively.

"Yes, my Lady."

"...so you've never read the series finale?"

Luz tilted her head. "No."

Amity glanced around surreptitiously, then took out a purple tinted scroll from her pocket and handed it to Luz, who couldn't refuse.

"Read it." 

"Oh." Luz gasped, slightly stunned. "But no, you were reading it, this is yours I can't..." 

"I've read it many times actually. I was only rereading...some parts." 

"Really? Like which parts?" 

Amity pointedly ignored the question.

"Dress fitting takes hours, and no one will come around to check here if I'm somewhere else. You can leave it at the door when it's time for the guard change."

She paused, then added: "And don't even think of stealing it this time."

"Do I look like a thief to you?" Luz raised her hands in mock offense, "The lantern was an accident, why, I'm as well-mannered and rule-abiding as they come."

Amity crossed her arms, clearly not believing her. But there was a twinkle of amusement behind that skeptical gaze.

Once the young Lady had walked out of sight, Luz could finally let loose her excitement. The final installment of her favorite series! Gifted to her by a Blight, of all people. She couldn't believe it. Finally! She thought giddily, sitting down on the stone steps.

She unfurled the scroll, slowly and delicately at first, revealing the title "The Benevolent Sorceress Azura: The Final Fates" in beautifully intricate lettering. Then she unrolled faster (she liked to read her scrolls fully unrolled, it was more fun to see your progress with the entire scroll laid out in front of you; apparently her mom said wasn't "normal") until a piece of parchment fell out and fluttered to the floor.

Luz's heart jumped in her throat- had she ripped it? Had she ruined a rare, signed scroll which belonged to the most powerful noble family in Bonesborough?

But then she looked a little closer. It was a different piece of paper, folded over itself a few times, and there was a face drawn on the top visible square that was curiously familiar. Setting aside the scroll, Luz picked up the paper and unfolded it, revealing...

She gasped.

A painting of Azura and Amity. The Benevolent Sorceress struck a pose with her magic staff, dispelling evils with her radiance. The brushstrokes were fast and confident, flowing into Azura's green hair and creating halos of warm light. The light will find you, a quote from the series, was written in cursive. And a small figure of Amity herself was painted in the bottom right corner, looking up at Azura with admiration (and were those hearts?) in her eyes.

Luz grinned. Her feet tapped in excitement at the unbelievable but thrilling piece of information. Maybe all these shifts with Amity won't be so bad after all.

Chapter Text

Normally, Amity was very productive at night. It was a time to clear her thoughts (well, clearer than they usually would be) and feel awake when the sky was asleep. Normally, this was an opportunity to work on tasks at her own pace, or even do something she enjoyed while no expecting eyes were watching.

Instead, she found herself waiting. For the guard shift. Hoping that a certain guard would show up, try to keep watch, and then fall asleep. And then Amity could go out, sympathetically wake her up, and then...? She could never predict what would happen with that new guard. And she couldn't decide if that made her more anxious or excited.

So when there was a slow succession of footsteps approaching her chamber, Amity could finally stop reading the same paragraph she had re-read for the last seven times. In her quiet eagerness, she forgot a crucial detail.

As soon as the door behind her opened with a creak, the guard stationed in front of it jumped with a yelp and almost drew a knife. Then apologized profusely once out of that door emerged an equally startled Amity.

"Oh- Amity - my lady! 'Tis only me, I apologize for the fright. Well uh, good evening, lovely night isn't it?"

"Yes, yes it is." Amity began, blinking slightly against the cool wind or something else.

"By the way, you don't usually have to announce yourself in such a formal manner when you approach. Or use big fancy words. "Sorry" is still synonymous to "I apologize", after all."

Amity hesitantly closed the door behind her, then scooted to the other side of the wall, opposite to the guard. She smoothed her dress out with her hands, eyes on the floor.

"But I do appreciate the effort. You're improving. "

"Really? I knew I was getting better at it. Also, I always hear Captain Clawthorn and Page Stephen being so formal."

Amity rolled her eyes.

"That's only Miss Clawthorn. And Stephen does it to try to impress her, because he has a cr—he greatly admires her. And she secretly loves it."

"Oh. Ohhhh." The guard whispered conspiratorially.

"I wonder if I can bring it up in our next meeting." She added with a mischievous laugh.

For reasons unknown to her, that caught Amity off guard. Perhaps it was because she couldn't recall the last time she'd heard anyone laugh- much less the last time she herself had laughed. Or maybe because that warm, bubbly chuckle was still echoing in Amity's mind, and she held onto the sound.

"So how did you like the Azura finale?" She finally turned to observe the guard, gaging her reaction and subconsciously hoping for a positive one. She didn't have to hope much at all. The guard's entire body language changed, straightening her back and bringing her hands to the side of her face.

"IT WAS EVERYTHING I EVER WANTED." She whisper-shouted. "The final battle was being prepared for since at least two tales ago! Plus we finally got that reveal about Hecate's backstory- I love dramatic backstories."

So Amity listened in quiet contentedness as her fellow fan raved on about both their favorite series. She heard her words but more than that she heard the joy and excitement in her voice; she saw the way her hands gesticulated to emphasize emotions. She could listen to her all night-

"By the way, I really liked your fanart that you kept in the back of the scroll-"

"My what?!"

"You know, the painting of Azura with her staff, and you admiring her? I love it. You're so good at painting. And let's be real, we all kind of have a crush on Azura. Hecate also is just so...cool."

Amity's heart accelerated. Did she hear correctly? Did this guard...did she... Amity mentally shook her head, but the question remained.

"Guard?" She tensed.

Luz turned to look at her, curiously tilting her head, much unlike how typical guards would mechanically snap to attention like indifferent robots. And Amity took a slow breath, before asking something much unlike typical orders.

"What is your name?"

"I never introduced myself, did I? These days have been a blur. I'm Luz! Luz Noceda." Luz proclaimed.

Luz, Amity repeated in her head over and over. It was on the tip of her tongue, but she was afraid to say it out loud.

It just occurred to Amity that Luz had been holding her hand out, offering a handshake. The guard must've mistaken distraction for hesitation, and wondered aloud: "Sorry, are we not supposed to shake hands with the nobles? Are we even allowed to touch the nobles??"

"Technically, no. Only if you have their permission."

"Oh, wow."

Amity noticed- with a skipped heartbeat- that Luz was retracting her hand, so she quickly clarified, "And you have it. My permission."

She hastily reached out and shook it. Cold fingers met gloved ones. Luz's grip was enthusiastic and warm. Amity let go a bit later than she realized, and felt her hand now too empty.

"So..." She instinctively tucked her hair behind her ear, not caring if there was actually a strand askew. "Where is the House Noceda from?"

"Oh, we're not an actual established House. But at least we do have a house. Of course, it's nothing compared to...this."

Luz gestured around in awe.

"No no, I want to know. Tell me about your house."

"Okay. We call it the Owl House. It's me, my mom and two cute owls! Well, one of them is cute. He's called Owlbert. You know, Al-bert?"

"Owl-bert, yes!" Amity nodded.

"Yup, I came up with that." Luz sounded proud. "Owlbert is a really good messenger owl, he's very intelligent. Our other owl is Hooty."

Amity looked at her expectantly. Luz only chuckled and said, "We do not talk about Hooty."

And so went the night. Quiet questions and lively answers, two figures huddled on stone steps under the light of a moon and a lantern.

After who knows how long, Amity unfortunately had to say: "I should go back inside."

"Yeah...Well, good night!" Luz couldn't help but wave. "See you tomorrow, Amity!"

"...See you tomorrow. Luz." And Amity entered her room, feeling more alive than ever.

Chapter Text

"For your information, it's your last day."

Lilith Clawthorne announced from behind a stack of books.

"It's- what?!"

"Your last day of breakfast duty." The Captain added, unfazed.

Luz heaved a sigh of relief, a chuckle escaping her. Why was she like this?

As her own way to make up for that whiplash of a message, the young guard took her sweet time traipsing through the kitchens.

The cooks paid her little mind as she watched them chop carrots and other strange colored vegetables.  A warm, delicious vapor filled the room and she followed her nose to the ingredients. She weaved between cooking pots so wide she could fit in, and passed knives so large she thought she'd accidentally stumbled into the armory. The eggs were sizzling, the fires crackling, utensils clinking and scraping; truly a delight for all the senses. Luz picked up her food items and generously rescued an extra sausage that was about to roll off a table (gosh, it was exquisite!)

Finally arrived at her destination, she rapped the door and gave her standard greeting.

"It is I. Luz!"

Within mere seconds, young lady Amity opened the door. She looked as composed as ever...except for a strand of hair that had come loose and curled above her eyebrow. Luz wanted to point it out - that was rude, right? But it was right there and she just wanted to fix it, to reach out and-

"Good morning. Yes, I know it's you...Luz."

Amity cleared her throat. Luz's eyes snapped back down.

"Oh, morning! Sorry but I really want to be on Lilith's good side. Speaking of, she told me today is my last time bringing breakfast actually, so I thought I’d-"

"It’s your last time?"

"Yea, uh, your maid is back. Honestly I’m kind of glad because having to smell all this delicious food without being able to eat it is torture." Luz laughed. "Anyways, I made this."

She proudly lifted the tray to show her handiwork.

"The fried eggs are the two eyes and the sausage is a smile, do you see it? It's a smiley face! I always like to start my mornings with some fun. So ta-da!"

Amity gingerly took the tray into her hands, staring at the food art. Her eyebrows raised for a moment, before softening.

"Thank you. I..."

She trailed off and nodded, retreating inside the room. But right before the door closed completely, Luz caught, for a second, a tiny smile on Amity's face.

Underneath her helmet Luz could do anything- not that she wouldn't do it with an unmasked face, she was always very expressive anyway- but at least now Lilith couldn't see her sticking her tongue out or rolling her eyes at her. Luz suspected the guard Captain would take it very personally. Meanwhile Amity had to keep a noble image and calm composure at all times.

Was it rude to want to break that composure?

In Luz's opinion, everyone deserved someone or someting that made them smile. She had to wonder if Amity was even allowed to do such a thing. Especially now, after catching a glimpse of her...she really wanted to make Amity smile again. Wow. She really wanted to see her smile again.

A faint metal clatter jerked Luz out of her thoughts. She looked back to see Amity setting the breakfast tray on the ground beside her. “I’m not that hungry.” Amity looked at the floor. “You can have it.” Then she scurried back inside and shut the door.

Luz’s stomach growled, and as she eyed the remaining sausage, half-bowl of oats she had to grin. There was a new, wobbly smiley face carved in the oats smiling right back at her.

---

Some days start out great, especially ones that start with a smile. That must be why Luz performed so well in the beginning of her first training session with Kikimora. She had been itching to properly train, and now that she found herself in a playground equivalent of a sparring field, with a dynamic trainer, she was absolutely jazzed. Her footwork was confident, her strikes energetic. Kikimora didn't hold back on her snide remarks, but Luz just knew she was appreciative of the abilities she was displaying. Eda trained her well and, honestly, Luz was proud to be representing her instructor.

That area of the castle was rather quiet, with only swishing sounds filling the air. So when the fourth sparring round started and an unusual commotion drew Luz's attention, she risked a curious glance.

Running beneath the archways, a gaggle of maids and tailors followed...

Amity in a red dress.

Now, from Luz's sparse encounters with Amity, she'd appeared to always look a little tired and wore the same dark outfit (which was still probably worth more than Luz and Camila's house). But now, in that vibrant dress, Amity actually looked... royal. Proper. Elegant. Important.

Stop trying to find substitutes for 'pretty', said part of her brain.

Luz physically shook her head, startled by that thought. She might've proceeded to have a mental battle with herself on that comment, had Kikimora not just struck her soundly in the head with the flat part of her sword.

"Oh crap!-"

Luz squawked in surprise as she reeled off balance and crashed heavily on her back. Her sword slipped from her grip and clattered out of reach. Luz lay sprawled on the ground, yielding to gravity and fatigue as the dust swirled up around her. Her heart thundered in her chest and she gasped for air, winded from the blow and something more.

Was it always this hot? Sweat beads rolled down her forehead and for a moment she squeezed her eyes shut, blocking out the light that glared through the slits of her visor.

"Aaaand you're dead." Kikimora's voice came from somewhere above her. This further disoriented Luz since she was used to looking down at the short soldier. "I was impressed up to this point."

"Enemies won't care if you're a prodigy or not, so I don't care. Get up."

Unfortunately, she would remain unimpressed for the rest of the sparring session. Maybe Luz fell too hard that time, maybe there was dust caught in her visor. She knew Kikimora's specialty was confusing and disorienting her opponents, but somehow, Luz felt a different level of confused.

Because her gaze always happened to wander far outside the training field, under the arches and up the tower windows, searching for another hint of red.

Chapter Text

The next time Luz presented herself at the door, Amity told her that Luz doesn't actually have to announce herself like that when she knocks and be all formal and courteous.

"Really? I thought I was getting better. Captain Clawthorn and Stephen are always so formal." Luz pointed out.

"That's only Miss Clawthorn. And Stephen does it to try and impress her, because he has a- greatly admires her. She secretly likes it."

"Oh. Oohhhhh."

"So how was training?"

Amity was glad to see Luz's mannerisms light up with excitement at the question.

"Oh, awesome! Kikimora is a beast. Can't wait to learn from her!"

"I noticed that you've already learned a lot about falling."

Luz smacked her hand to her face, momentarily forgetting she had a helm on.

"Look, it's not my fault I got distracted! In fact, distracted by how you- uh, how the light reflected off Kikimora's armor. I've never seen armor that shiny."

Amitt nodded. "It's only for show, and reserved for the higher-ups. They always gave them to me and my brother when we did sword fighting. All the other pieces of armor are vastly deteriorated- not that we can't afford to forge new ones, but my parents don't care."

Luz nodded slowly. Then she did a double take.

"Wait, you did sword fighting!? I have to challenge you to a duel."

"I'm not allowed to anymore." Amity said, more bitterly than she should have. "And my parents are returning tomorrow. I must be perfect for them."

Luz retorts saying they would be super busy.

"Super busy making sure every part of the castle is functioning at optimal efficiency. That includes me. It could be nice to go out, but now is not the time."

"Have you ever been outside the castle at all? Oh no." Luz gasped and put her hands to the side of her head somewhat comically. "Don't tell me you're like Azura's cousin from the spinoff series Entangled , who was locked in her tower since childhood!"

"That series is overrated- and no, no, I am allowed to exit. But usually it's Mother who plans when and where to, so they're mostly business." She couldn't help but sigh.

"Although, I used to go horse riding with my sister quite often, and that was really..."

Flashes of trees flying past. Golden colors blurring by. The pounding of hooves and hearts as two young nobles raced through the fields. Emira had always been the better rider, but her liberated smile was the only thing that mattered. And it mattered especially now that she never smiled like that anymore.

Amity shifted on the cold stone, averting her gaze. "That was really pleasant." She finished quietly.

There was a lull of silence.

"Can I ride the horses-"

"You cannot ride the horses."

"Ugghhh." Luz threw her head back in an exaggerated manner, but her tone was bubbling with mirth.

"How about...a pic-nic? Is that possible?"

"I- beg your pardon?"

"You've never had a pic-nic? My mama and I used to do that all the time. Literally, because, well, we didn't have a house back then." Luz rubbed the back of her neck with a chuckle. "So technically every meal was a pic-nic! You know, bringing food outside to eat in nature?"

"That sounds...unhygienic."

"But it's fun! Come on, give me something to work with. I gotta take you out sooner or later!"

Amity rolled her eyes. Despite this all being very sweet, the guard couldn't really be serious. It was never going to happen, not under her parents' watch. But hope, even only a speck of it, is the darndest thing, so she played along.

"Take me out how- of the castle, in a duel, or on a date? We value precision here at Blight Castle."

"Maybe all." Luz challenged, not missing a beat.

Amity fumbled. She had hoped to end the discussion by flustering her, but her attempts were rebounding like arrows against Luz's armor.

Luz jumped to her feet. "Alright, alright, let's make a deal. Nay, let’s make a duel! If I win, we go out for a picnic."

"Excuse me, what duel? You know I'm not allowed to do either of those things."

"I also reckon you don't truly care about what is allowed or not." Luz leaned down at her with arms crossed confidently. "You chicken?"

Amity got to her feet with a small smirk, stepping up so close to Luz that they almost bonked heads. She peered into the dark slits of the helmet with as threatening a gaze she could muster. "In your dreams."

Amity shoved the guard's shoulders playfully. "In fact, I thought you had enough dents in this armor. But I'd be glad to provide some more."

Luz didn't back away, and actually stepped in closer.

"I'd love to see you try." She retorted, a grin evident in her voice.

Chapter Text

The usually tranquil hours of the evening had been stirred by Amity's worried thoughts.

Her parents had returned to the castle that day. The Blights had had a customary lunch together, which was filled with a customary tension and awkwardness.

Lilith was present as well, and spent most of the afternoon giving the nobles a very thorough, and much too boring, rundown of the castle activities and notable events that had occurred in their absence. That, alternated with Amity's mother's obnoxiously critical voice and her father's frustrating passiveness, really got Amity itching to leave as soon as possible.

But her attention focused back to conversation as soon as Lilith started expressing her concern over a particular new guard. A young guard, naive and clumsy and informal.

At that, Amity spontaneously requested for Luz to become her personal guard. She explained that she wanted to keep an eye on her at all times to discipline her, or else be the first to report her ineptitude and fire her. Although her parents’ disinterest hurt her slightly, she was glad they approved it, to Lilith's chagrin.

A familiar sounding clank rattled from outside. A smile crept onto Amity’s face. Only one guard could be this clumsy.

Amity exited her room, hiding a neatly folded cloak behind her back. Luz sat on the first step, the lantern glowing on her left.

"It's getting cold." Amity observed aloud.

Luz looked up at her, greeting her with an eager wave. "Hey! And oh yep, it’s gotten real chilly indeed."

Amity took a step closer, as nonchalantly as possible.

"Good thing you have your new cloak."

"Yeah..." Luz agreed absent-mindedly. "Wait, huh? What do you mean?"

"Your new cloak."

Amity pulled out the cloak from behind her back and unfurled it with a flourish. The heavy cloth rippled in the night breeze, its rich purple color tinted with moonlight.

"In honor of your promotion to the position of personal escort." Amity announced, bending down to wrap the cloak around Luz's (broad? but it was probably just the padded armor) shoulders.

"Really?" Luz marveled at the fabric. "I, I thought it would've been a cloak of shame, as in I had better pack my bags cuz I got fired or something." Luz shook her head with a laugh. "I mean, who'd even want to promote me of all people?"

Amity sat down next to her. "No idea." She shrugged, trying and failing to keep the smile off her face.

Luz just stared at her for a moment. She gratefully threw an arm around Amity's shoulders and pulled her closer, letting the cloak envelope both of them.

"Aw, Amityyy..."

The girl in question was struck by a wave of unexpected nervousness at the way Luz said her name. The cloak must work really well because Amity was definitely feeling warm.

"But that means you're gonna be stuck with me a lot, you know." Luz teased, tilting her head closer.

"That truly sounds awful." Amity deadpanned, staring straight ahead.

"So I'm a Blight Castle guard, a jester, a knight in dull and dented armor, and now, your personal escort."

"Impressive resume." Amity commented softly. She averted her eyes to the hem of her sleeve which she was fidgeting with. Get a grip, this is such a simple thing to ask, coward. She glanced over at Luz.

"Could you also be...my friend?"

Amity's avalanche of fearful thoughts was fast, but Luz was faster.

"Of course!" She replied as naturally as if Amity had asked her if the sky was blue. While also sounding oddly gleeful and enthusiastic about the sky being blue.

Before Amity could reply in relief (but what was she supposed to say? "very well"? "good to know"?) Luz hugged her. Well, she realized that's what it was nearly after it was over.

Luz had rushed directly towards her with her arms outstretched, and Amity would be lying if she said she hadn't instinctively flinched. But Luz's arms wrapped safely around her and pulled her close in an almost crushing embrace. Almost bonks her head with the helmet. Amity melted into the hug and tentatively hugged back. Her fingers brushed, trembling, over the cold metal and various leather straps of the back of Luz's chestplate.

It was a bit like hugging a suit of armor. And yet it was the warmest hug she'd ever experienced.

It dawned on Amity that she didn't know anything about Luz. All she knew about her was her name, her voice, her winsome laugh that made Amity's heart swell and flutter-

-ahem, her nice laugh. That's all she had meant to say.

And until recently, she hadn't cared to know, which was the standard. It was always Courtyard Guard Number 2 or Escort Guard With Wide Shield; nameless soldiers just doing their job in the background. It was so easy to see them as walking suits of armor, Amity had forgotten they were human. Sometimes it seemed the Castle forgot everyone was human.

But now there was Luz. And when this particular guard spoke, Amity wished to hear anything but "Yes my Lady." When this guard stayed silent, Amity wondered what she was thinking. When this guard looked at her, Amity was more than certain that behind the visor there was not a passive and uncaring facade, but a curious and kind expression.

What do you look like?

The thought had crossed her mind before, faintly, vaguely - but now it came back with an intensity she didn’t expect.

Amity wanted to know Luz’s face; how her hair curled and framed her; if she had any freckles or moles; how her eyes truly looked when she spoke to Amity. She had half a mind to pull back the guard’s visor right then and there, but didn’t dare - that would be severely unlike a Blight lady’s behavior.

Yet, the questions danced on her tongue.

Will I ever speak to your face and not to your visor?

Will I ever get to hug you, not your suit of armor?

Chapter Text

In today’s training, Kikimora had assigned Luz a circuit of exercises to practice. She had participated in the general sparring session with a dozen other guards, in which she admitted she was struggling slightly, as the guards she was getting paired up with were considerably larger and bulkier than her. Kikimora seemed displeased overall, and took the decision to leave Luz to practice more basics near the barracks while she took the rest of the troop outdoors for a patrol session.

At first disappointed, Luz was halfheartedly slashing the training dummy until a thought struck her.

“Wait - this is perfect!”

Now grinning, Luz glanced around quickly and bolted (at first, then she walked normally “Cuz that’s way too suspicious!”) towards her favorite tower in the castle.

The guard posted in front of Amity’s door seemed bemused to see Luz. The change wasn’t due for another hour roughly, but the guard certainly didn’t mind leaving the shift early, and walked away with a shrug.

Once the coast was clear, Luz leaned close to the door.

“pssst. Amity.”

She knocked quietly.

“Amity!”

The Blight in question cracked open the door, her golden eyes wide with curiosity. Luz whispered her idea to her ear, and Amity let out a small gasp - before smiling mischievously.

“I know the perfect place.”

Entering the Blight Castle ballroom was like uncovering a hidden gem at the core of a mountain. After picking up an extra sword at the barracks, Amity had led Luz through various hallways and staircases (taking the long way to avoid being seen) until they arrived at a fancy-looking pair of doors.

“Are we allowed to be here?” Luz breathed in awe.

Amity waved her set of keys and winked.

The ballroom had a high ceiling from which lights and chandeliers hung, reflecting brilliantly on the marble floor. Tables and chairs were arranged in an orderly grid across the entire floor, but apart from the furniture and decoration, it was a completely empty and private space.

“It’s alright, I know my parents’ schedule; no one’s meant to be here until next week, when the planning for the annual ball will start.”

Amity said as she pushed a few chairs away to create more space in the middle. Luz ran a finger on a tablecloth, surprised to see a thin coat of dust on her glove.

“This is so COOL!” She blurted. Her voice echoed slightly in the large hall. Since Amity had assured her that this was a secure and secret place, Luz gained back her confidence and competitive spirit. She handed over the extra sword to Amity, took a few steps back, and bowed.

“Let the duel…begin.”

And almost immediately, Amity lunged at her. Luz was pleasantly surprised and parried with a stumble and a laugh. A dance of steps and sword clashing began echoing in the ballroom.

Luz held back in the beginning, as she was genuinely curious about Amity’s swordsmanship skills and attack style. The noble was swift and had impeccable footwork, but her strikes were not at full power. Luz put some space between them and hit her own helmet with her sword. It made a funny clanging noise.

“Don’t worry, you can’t hurt me! See?”

“You should stop holding back too, then.” Amity huffed, pushing strands of hair out of her face.

Luz stepped towards her with a big sweep of her sword, and the dance resumed. She was showing off slightly, making extravagant moves and dodges, enjoying the back-and-forth and hoping she was impressing Amity at least a tiny bit. But Luz couldn’t really commit to her blows; Amity had zero armor on, unlike her, and she wouldn’t dare harm a royal.

Besides, it was fun to watch Amity in motion; it was almost mesmerizing. She could totally picture Amity, dancing and twirling, not with a sword but with a beautiful dress, under the sparkling lights of the chandeliers…

THUD

In an all too familiar moment, Luz found herself tripping and falling onto the floor. Her armor reverberated comically, and Amity giggled. “Still not improving your balance, I see.”

"I keep falling for you, don't I?" Luz joked as she got back up.

"What?"

"What?"

Amity blinked and held up her sword. "You're still not taking me seriously. Kikimora had you practice a certain combo, right? Pretend I’m the training dummy."

Slightly out of breath, Luz nodded. It was time to finish this.

She circled her target, slowly approaching closer with each strike and jab, until she feigned a step and immediately attacked from the other side. Amity spun around, misdirected, and Luz weaved closer—at the last moment, she turned her sword so that the flat of the blade hit Amity’s side, an otherwise critical blow.

Luz wanted to say something cool, but adrenaline was still rushing through her brain and she was breathless. So what she ended up saying was—

“Ha! Gotcha!”

Amity’s face was flush from the exertion.

“Well, I sure am lucky to have you as my personal guard.” She remarked with a small laugh.

Whatever rebuttal Luz had in mind vanished when she noticed bright red drops on Amity’s hand.

"Oh my gosh!”

Amity looked down. There was a small bleeding cut on the center of her hand.

“Did I hurt you?? I’m so sorry Amity!”

“It’s quite a superficial cut, don’t worry about it.”

Luz scrambled to pull out tissues and bandages from one of her pockets.

"You carry your own medical kit?"

"Oh I always get lots of scratches and stuff during training. My mom's a healer and she taught me."

Amity looked concerned. "We have a hospital wing for that."

"I know, but it's no biggie, really, I don't want to inconvenience them..."

Luz got down on one knee to get a closer look at the cut. She wiped the blood off, applied a bit of ointment, and placed the bandage. Amity looked away, not out of queasiness, but hiding her reddening face.

"Look, now we match!" Luz took off one glove to show her hand which was bandaged as well.

The two headed back towards the entrance.

"Well, you won.” Amity sighed. “I suppose we have to go on that pic-nic then."

Luz rubbed her hands together excitedly. “YES!”