Blacken by Alandra Rankin (i love reading books txt) 📕

In drawing out various items from Celisc, he sketched a rough outline of an outfit; the block pattern on the chest detailed from his pen more than the feathers on his fictional truxen—adding in a quip that it stood for family. Avie saved all his drawings, admiring them, learning everything about him, his culture and even history. She worked off of the details he drew day and night, trying to get everything perfect.

“Mrs. Harris let me borrow her sewing machine. I made it a little bigger just in case my measurements were off, I had to guess a lot, but I can make it fit nicer now that you can actually put it on. I know it isn’t the same as the ones on Celisc, I made some adjustments for your new life here on Earth instead.”

“I renounced them. All of them. My whole race the night I crashed into the forest here. The old clothing that fastened my ties with them, I stripped and buried somewhere out there to be forgotten. For years I lost who I was, not knowing my identity outside of the colony I grew up in. But this? It only shows that you are supposed to be my family, that I truly can start over with a new life. Darling, this is the most amazing gift, would you be willing to dress in one as well?”

Her fingers steepled over her mouth, reveling in his appreciation, for weeks she fought over the conflict of it being a terrible idea or a fantastic one.

“Look again,” she whispered.

Rhulle looked down, back into the box, finding another feminine matching garb in a smaller size. He hiccupped, “Family. My family. My vovii.”

He pulled her into him, kissing with passion, leaving delicate pecks over her face and crown.

“Would you try it on? See how it fits?”

He was up in a flourish, threading his wings through the gap and lowering the cotton material onto his body as he stepped into the matching shorts with their hem reaching just over the knee. The tunic was a bit loose, but she was glad to see it could be easily adjusted to fit properly.

“How do you like it?”

He spun once, trying to see all the detail in the yellow lighting. Rhulle moved to the full-length mirror in the bedroom, seeing most of himself and the outfit as Avie trailed after him. “It is stupendous, it is the best gift I have ever received! I love you, dear Avie. This is so exciting; we need to celebrate every year.”

“I love you too, Rhulle. We will then, every year together, forever. You have made Christmas truly feel like Christmas, thank you.”

“Y’all are eloping away, aren’t ya?”

Sandra’s question hit Avie from left field. She was over at her house for coffee, the first signs of sunshine and warmth showcasing in the late February month and the young woman was conversing pleasantly with her friend until the out of the blue statement.

“Excuse me?”

“You and Rhulle. The both of you are moving away, aren’t you? A few of the townsfolk were startin’ to. And you kids are all but married on paper, it makes sense you’d be leaving to go somewhere better than Blacken.”

Well… she was right, in a way. “I haven’t even mentioned anything about it, how did you know?”

Sandra had a knowing grin on her features.

The residents of Blacken slowly came to the realization that those who travelled here, were no longer bound to stay. They could leave without the overwhelming affliction plaguing their blood and body, and a fraction of those with the affected blood type decided to return to the cities they left—or move on to bigger and better things. A majority still stay in town, becoming accustomed to the lifestyle over the bulk of years.

“Sugar, I can see it all over your face. You’re movin’ on from this small town, starting a life with Rhulle probably somewhere that I won’t be able to see ya. That’s why you look guilty, you don’t want me to know.”

“It’s not like I didn’t want you to, Sandy. You have been amazing to Rhulle and I, but you know he can’t stay out there forever.”

Sandra took a sip, agreeance in her nod and twinkling eyes.

It had been a full month since Sandy officially met Rhulle. The couple had lengthy discussions about the event and if another person learning of his existence would have any benefit. Her vovii finally gave his answer; agreeing to meet the Sandra he had only verbally communicated with and finding that there was indeed value in their meeting.

Avie asked if he had been absolutely certain in the decision, he nodded.

“She will meet me with a proper introduction and plenty of precaution. Sandra is a kind and understanding woman, having the preconceived notion of me from your actions and words. She knows of my character before meeting me properly, I think that will help a majority of the shock.”

And the brunette was incredulous when they wandered the woods a sunset, coming up to the abandoned manor, thoughts and cognitive connections written over her features as Avie once again made sure she was alright, and to subvert her expectations.

“Sugar, it’s fine, I’m fine. If I was worried, I would have turned back before you led me into the woods and to this place. I’m excited to meet this mystery man, honestly. Y’all are lettin’ me in on whatever it is you gotta keep hush hush. I trust you.”

They entered, seeing the fire lit and casting warmth into the room.

“Rhulle? It’s us. Sandra’s here to meet you.”

He rounded the corner from the dining room, walking into the light for Sandy to properly observe. She gasped, grasping the forearm beside her, but she wasn’t frightened, she didn’t scream, she didn’t run, she didn’t try to hide; she simply observed.

“It is nice to finally make your acquaintance, Sandra.”

Sandy breathed out, heavily. Turning to stare wide-eyed at Avie, and then back at him. She