“the night had been won, and the dawn was his again” - Krisyeol

Art by me, fic (under cut) by Stacy! Click image for full res.

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Dawn.

Kris squinted across the landscape as dawn broke over the battlefield. The first rays of light came down from the hills and stretched across the plain, reflecting off armor to blind tired eyes. Fighting had ceased more than an hour ago, but only now could Kris see the full extent of the damage. He closed his eyes against the stinging light. Mangled bodies lay hacked and steaming in the brisk autumn morning. It was difficult to tell just who was friend and foe when the dead were missing pieces, trampled into the poppy field along with the flowers. The ground was slick brown and tainted with vibrant reds.

“Sir,” Suho approached, stepping over the fallen to reach the leader of their charge, “word must be sent to the castle immediately. The king will want to hear of your victory.”

Kris’s breath caught on the cold as he sagged into exhaustion. “Our victory.”

“Yes, which we were able to manage after the Schatten’s ranks started to crumble. A direct result of their prince falling at your hands.”

Kris glanced back to the onyx and gold helm lifted above the center of the battlefield—the proof of their success. The Schatten’s crowed prince, beheaded and impaled on a pike. Kris found no joy in the kill. Not when his thoughts drifted to his own prince.

“Shall I have a messenger deliver the news?” Suho eyed him, knowing what the answer would be.

“No, I wish to deliver word myself.” Kris scanned the field a final time before beginning his walk back to the tents. “Have the men prepare mass graves.”

Suho called out behind him. “Should we separate the humans from the elves?”

“Our ranks died together. They should be buried together.”

Kris walked with his back to the sun, blade at the ready to finish anyone still writhing in their painful journey toward death.

Their camp was at the edge of the Eastern woods, a full day’s ride from the castle. As he reached the horses, Kris allowed a moment for relief to settle in. They had kept the Schatten at bay. Their resilience through the night ensured their capital’s safety. At least for now.

“Kris!” It was called out from across the camp, loud enough to carry over the sound of a trotting horse. He didn’t need to look up to know who it was. Only one person addressed him so informally on the battlefield: his second in command, Kai. The general dismounted and Kris’s eyes caught on the gash down his cheek. It would need stitching. “You’re abandoning the post early. Where are you going?”

“To inform the court of the battle’s outcome.” Kris spoke as he readied his mount.

Kai’s gaze was nearly as strong as the rising sun. “Why you though? Just send a messenger.”

Kris rounded, hating every wasted moment. “You know fully well why.” There was a smirk, and Kris grimaced. He had been played.

“You should remain with the troops.”

“No.” He left no room for further discussion as he pulled himself up onto the horse. “I am going and you will lead the men back in my place.” Kai frowned. “Play well with Suho, and I will relay word of your safety to that royal attendant you are so fond of. What was his name?”

Kai was clearly displeased but in no position to argue, “Kyungsoo.”

With a final look, Kris departed, steering the reins toward home.

The sun rose higher, casting light through the trees to scatter across the forest floor. There was an air of urgency, crisp in his lungs as he rode. The adrenaline of victory had drowned in the ocean of their loss. The faces of his men, frozen in death, were imbedded into his mind. It was too fresh to blink back. He saw them with every flash of closed eyes. His stomach twisted, ready to empty itself as he sucked in cold air. He forced it down with gritted teeth and a swallow.

Kris reached the castle at dusk, tossing his reins to the stable boy without a glance. He navigated the halls with thoughtless memorization, letting his feet carry him to where his lord was left waiting.

“The Royal Knight, Head of the Order of the Dawn.” His arrival echoed off high ceilings even as he knelt before throne. There was a deafening silence in the wake of the introduction. The hall was completely still save Kris’s pounding heart and the slow rise of the elven prince from his set of power. A hand was extended in trust and the highest honor of greeting. Kris accepted it, kissing warmth and avoiding rings in an intimate show of allegiance.

“Kris.” It was relief, raw and too familiar. Chanyeol’s eyes danced across Kris’s frame to finally linger on the clotted slash above his brow.

“My lord, the day favors the Morgen, we kept the Schatten at bay.”

“You’re hurt.”

“As are many of the soldiers. Many elven lives were cut short today, and human lives even shorter. Those who remain will be back within the castle walls by tomorrow evening. The Schatten will not strike again so soon.”

“How can you be sure?”

“Their crowned prince is dead. Killed by my hand.”

Chanyeol appeared young in both looks at action, but he had lived nearly three of Kris’s lives. It was times like this when his true age became apparent. The light fell soft upon his features and gave the ornate robes of his position a divine glow. “He was young but ruthless. You did well.” Fingers brushed aside bangs to drag on crusted blood.

Kris flinched away. His eyes drifted to the attendants waiting in the wings before falling shut. He saw the dead, too many of them. “I’m unworthy.”

Chanyeol spoke softly. “No one is more worthy than you.”

Kris looked up to find a smile bright enough to chase away doubt. Love poured through him, running rampant over weakened restraints to overwhelm him. In a thoughtless rush, Kris stood, finally feeling his victory as he kissed the one he risked everything for.