The Mirevan Manor stood, quiet in the morning sun. There was little activity save for the occasional citizen walking by the large gated building. Made of mostly stone, the estate had been in family of the composer for decades. It once housed the entire family. These days, it housed only two half-elves. Lukas Mirevan and his husband, Alric. Lukas had bought his sisters out, giving the two free reign of the family home. The two lay in their bed as the sun's light streaked through the windows of the large room. Lukas was the first to wake. He stretched and poked the form with it's whole body under the covers. It moved and groaned.

    Lukas smirked, “Hiding under the covers isn't going to keep the morning away.”

    The shapeless mass shifted and a muffled, “It should.” came from under the covers.

    “C'mon, we have a busy day today.” he cooed.

    With a sigh, the creature imprisoned by sheets said, “Give me a minute.”

    Lukas leaned over the mass of cloth, “You don't have to hide from me.” He said, playfully as he pulled the blanket down to reveal the other half-elf to the sun. Alric shielded his eyes from the sun as he adjusted himself. Out of the two, Lukas looked most elvish where Alric decided he looked rather more like a human than an elf. Lukas stared at Alric for a moment before giving his a smile.

    “Always got to be the handsome one, huh?” Lukas leaned in to kiss his husband, brushing his dark brown hair away from his face.

    Alric nodded into the kiss, “If I could take on a thousand faces, I would forever fall short of your beauty.” He recited, like he was in a play.

    “Only a thousand?” Lukas grinned, straddling Alric's waist, his arms around his lover's neck.

    Alric smiled, “Would you prefer I were a goblin? Maybe a Minotaur?” He embraced Lukas.

    “I would love you the same no matter. Just be yourself.” He kissed Alric's forehead, “But if you could make me look good tonight, that'd be nice.”

    “By tomorrow,” Alric grabbed his husband's sides, “Everyone will know your name.” He grinned, pulling his lover close. They stayed in bed for a time, taking advantage of their empty house as a couple does. They were at peace until the letter arrived.

    With the morning turning into afternoon, Alric had finished dressing for the premiere of Lukas' latest symphony. They were to leave for Baruvia as soon as they were ready. Alric walked the long halls and made his way into the dining room where he found Lukas' breakfast half eaten. Left out on the table as if he had just decided to stop his meal.

    “Lukas?” Alric asked, his voice echoed through the ornate room. He heard a crash coming from upstairs. It sounded like it came from the third floor Alric thought as he made his way upstairs. By the time he had reached the landing he heard Lukas call out to him. Something was wrong. There was a shrill terror in his voice. Alric followed the voice to Lukas' study, running over to see the room had been torn apart.

    “I'm ruined.” Lukas stated as tears filled the half-elf's eyes. He read the letter in his hands over again, wishing the letters would rearrange.

    Alric had just burst into the room, “What is it? What happened?!” he said between heavy breaths, nearly tripping on an overturned music stand.

    “My show's been canceled!”

    Alric stood there, dumbfounded, “Why?”

    With tear filled eyes, Lukas turned his head towards his husband, “Borius stole my symphony.”

   “What?”

   “It's note for note.” he shoved the pages into Alric's hands.

   Alric read the note. It was a letter of termination. Lukas was being removed for trying to pass another composer's work as his own. The orchestra complained that the sheets they received, they already had copies of. The other page was Lukas' sheet music, which read, “The Moon's Grace by Borius Vok”

   Alric sat beside Lukas, “We have the old notes, right? We can fight this.”

   “The notes are all gone.” He gestured around the messy room, “Someone replaced everything with blank sheets.”

   Alric's heart sank, “How did he do this?”

   “Someone must have been here.” Lukas' face was expressionless.

   Alric stood up, looking around the room, “When? How?!”

   “What are we going to do?”

   “I don't know.”

   Lukas stood up, facing Alric, rushing to hold him tight, “I had that song in me for years.” He sobbed.

   Alric embraced him, “We'll find out who did it.”

   “We know who did it!”

   Alric sighed, “Then we will find him, okay”

   Lukas was silent.

   Alric kisses the top of his lover's lowered head, “See what you can figure out here. I'll go into town and see what I can turn up.”

   Lukas looked up at him, “Don't leave, please.”

   Alric pressed his forehead against Lukas', “We need to sort this out.”

   Lukas sighed, “I know..” He slumped down, stepping away from Alric.

   “What is it?”

   “It's just..” He shrunk, “It's just a song.”

   “It is your song.”

   Lukas nodded, “This going out and getting revenge.” he sat back down, “I'm scared.”

   “It's not revenge, I'm just going to get some information.” Replied Alric.

   Lukas rested his elbows on his knees, shaking his head into his hand, “I don't like it, someone's going to get hurt.”

   “I just need proof, then we can expose him. No one will be harmed.”

   Lukas sighed, “Someone broke into my home! While we slept!”

   “That's why we need to act fast.”

   “What if it's some kind of trap!?” Lukas choked out.

   Alric looked down at his husband. He looked terrified. Alric knelt down in front of him, “You're not... Wrong.” He paused, “But I can't just sit here and do nothing.”

   “You will not be doing nothing.” Lukas sighed, “You will be here, with me.”

   Alric hugged Lukas tight and kissed him, “We will be together again, tonight.” He stood up, heading for the door, “But I need to do this. I can't just let this go on.”

   “I..” Lukas looked over to Alric, “I supposed you are right, I just don't like it.”

   Alric nodded, “There's nowhere else I want to be than right here, but-”

   “But there's a wrong to right?” Lukas cut in.

   Alric smiled, “And I will make it right, for the both of us.”

   Lukas frowned, “I just wish you could wait a little longer.”

   “Would if I could. I can promise you that.” Alric frowned, “I love you, I'll see you later, okay?”

   “I'll be here.” Lukas nodded, “Love you, too.”

   Alric forced a smile as he headed downstairs. He headed on horseback, into and through the city. The first place he stopped was the opera house where they were scheduled to play tonight. The windows were dark exposing the empty lobby with it's displays and art pieces. The large wooden doors were locked when he tried pulling on them. Even walking out back to the staff entrance yielded nothing but locked doors. He had a spare key he'd gotten from Lukas. However the inside of the building had nothing for him. There was the display with Lukas' first violin, his name scribbled on the face of it. The same instrument that played the young composer's first love song to Alric. He glanced into the dressing rooms for any sign of life, but no one was there. He left in a hurry, locking the door behind him.

    He'd try the taverns next. He questioned everyone as to the whereabouts of Borius Vok. Other than at his showings at the opera house, no one had seen him. There were stories that he had partied with nobles and played his magnum opus for them. However, nothing was out of the ordinary, no sign of foul play. Even as Alric knew the truth, but the lie was well orchestrated. Frustrated, Alric stood in wait at the opera house. Hoping for one of Borius' friends or one of the other musicians. Anyone who might know something, anything.

He waited, watching the streets vigilantly for some time before he saw a half-orc, one of Borius' brothers. Alric put the hood of his cloak over his head, shrouding his visage in darkness. The orc's face filled him with an anger he had never felt before. With a deep, calming breath, he followed him down a few streets before the man stopped, looked back briefly and ducked into an alley. Alric sprinting to catch up to him, a plan of attack forming in his head. The orc was half way down the alley before Alric's steps made his presence known. The half orc turned around, looking ready for a fight. He drew a short sword from his belt and held it up, inching towards Alric.

   “You wanna fight, ey? Have at it!” He laughed.

   Alric stepped forward, uttering something the orc didn't understand and then clapped his hands. The sound echoed violently off the walls, rattling the droppings and trash. The orc dropped his sword as the sound overwhelmed him. Alric tackled the man, whispering another spell, causing the half-orc's eyes to grow wide, his body shaking in fear of some unknown force.

Alric removed his hood, showing the youngest Vok Brother the face of a creature he had only ever heard of in books of horror. Tentacles dropped down from around his mouth, his large bulbous and smooth head reflected the light of the moon. His cold, black beady eyes started into deep into the terrified half-orc.

   “Where is Borius.” The creature asked, still getting used to his new mouth.

   The man stammered, spitting out gibberish.

   “Borius! Where is he!? Tell me!” The being demanded.

   “They, uh they rode to the Mirevan Estate!” Borius' brother choked out, “To talk to somebody, I swear that's all!”

   Alric shoved the orc to the ground, picking up the other man's sword before backing away. He put the hood up on his cloak as he ran back to his horse, he features slowly morphing back to his half-elf head. He could ride as fast as his horse would take him, but he'd still be late. If they were going to hurt Lukas, he'd be defenseless. He ran to his horse, trying not to think about anything but getting home in time. The shame and despair crept on him. He rode faster, trying to outrun it. Trying not to think of his husband's plea for him to have stayed with him.

    Alric reached the streets he lived, everything felt wrong to him. It was as if he were on an identical street in some bad dream, or some other plane. Even the air felt thinner, as not a single breeze comforted him. Streaks of shadows from the moon lit branched looked oppressive, reaching along to ground, threatening him. The familiar faces of neighbors grew unfamiliar to him. Or perhaps he grew unfamiliar to them. Was his facade fading from him, he thought. He closed his eyes and shook the thoughts from his head as he made his way onto the estate.

   There was no one on the grounds. The lights in the manor were on and nothing seemed to have changed. For a moment he thought that he made it in time. He beat them here somehow. Even as he entered their home, nothing was out of place. He walked straight up to the study, where he has last seen his lover.

    “Lukas? Are you in here?” He said as he entered the room. There was no reply. Even with the windows wide open Alric struggled to find a breath. He scanned the room only to find a note, neatly folded on an empty desk. This was the deck he had written his music, but not only a solitary piece of paper lay there. It was a small note, though there was a weight to it. He unfolded it and read only the first line, “To my dearest Alric.” He smiled.

    There was a thud as something rolled off the note as he unfolded it. He looked down on the desk to find a ring, still vibrating from the impact. He picked it up, finding an inscription on the inside. Was this Lukas' plan? A proper proposal? He thought, relief beginning to ease into him. As he read it, there was a violent gust from the window. He put the note in his jacket pocket with the ring and walked over to the opening. As he reached out into the clear night sky, he saw a form on the ground below. The body was unmistakable in the bright moonlight. Alric stepped back. He felt himself scream, but heard nothing but the wind picking up outside. He shook his head, the room becoming a blur.

    It felt like no time at all had passed as he was downstairs, kneeling over Lukas' body. He pleaded, exclaimed, uttered words, prayers and promises to every god that crossed his mind for this to be a joke. Some bad dream. He wanted to tear through this vale, awaken back home, where Lukas was waiting for him. Not this lifeless thing that he held in his shaking arms. It was still warm, the tears in his eyes had not yet evaporated, but there was no breath in his body, nor a heartbeat in his chest. He remembered the note. He shoved his hand into his pocket, taking the note and ring out of it. Maybe it would explain what happened.

    There were noises coming from the front of the manor. He held the note in his hand, brushing his white hair away from his teary eyes. There were men coming towards him. He lowered his hand and saw who they were. He didn't have the will to react. He just stared, frozen in place as a small group of people approached him. It was Borius, the reason all this started. Some of Alric's neighbors were there, coming to see the commotion. Alric must have screamed earlier. They stared at his face, his true face. The moon's reflection in his blank pale white eyes, his featureless ivory face. He wanted to hide it, but the confused and angry faces filled him with fright.

    “What do we have here?” Darius spoke, the half orc looked grim.

   Alric tried to speak, but his throat hurt, nothing be a small squeak could come out. There was a spear on him.

   “Get the guards! Monster!” Someone yelled from the back of the group as they ran off.

   A man pulled a sword, pointing it at Alric, “Where is Alric, fiend!?”

   “I..” Alric pushed passed the pain, “I am Alric.”

   The man shook his head, walking towards him, the blade's tip at this neck as someone rushed behind him, kicking the sword he has stolen from Darius' brother away. Darius walked over to Alric, taking the note and ring from him. He read it slowly, shaking his head.

   “A suicide note? Really? Is this your plan, changeling?”

   “I.. Am Alric.” Was all he could say. Tears flowed freely down his pale face.

   A couple guards were yelling at the crowd not to get too close or let the thing leave their sight.

   “Don't keep your eyes off it for a second” He heard of of them say as he was prodded by a spear. The guards grabbed him roughly.

   The guards looked at each other, “Where's the other elf?” one said.

   “I am.”

   Another guard nodded, “I'll check the manor.”

   “I am” Alric was pulled away from Lukas, onto his feet as his hands were shackled.

   The guard shoved Alric, “What did you do with Alric?”

   “I am Alric.” He said weakly. As if he didn't even believe it himself.

   The guard laughed, “Sure you are.”

   Alric was scrambling for a spell in his memory, feeling his front pockets for the right reagents. Something, anything. The guard kept poking him in the back, keeping him at a distance with that spear as they walked down the street. He kept his gaze on the ground, trying not to look as his friends and neighbors looked at him in horror. He'd try to reach into his pocket, but would be stopped every time by another poke into his already blood soaked back. They had reached a small shack beside a pond. It had been used as storage, mostly by the local kids while they swam. The guard shoved him into the small room and slammed the door.

    The guard spoke to someone. Alric tried to listen through the thick wooden door. All he could hear was something about the sheriff in the morning. There was only standing room in the small shack, so he could do nothing but stand there, waiting for the sun to rise and the sheriff to come collect him. He reached into his pocket, palming every reagent he could carry, hoping he had the right ones. He tried pleading with the guard, but their minds were already made up. They would never trust him.

Painfully slow hours passed until the sunlight began to fill the sky. But no one ever came. After a few hours another guard took over to watch Alric. The sun beat on the small shack, causing the small room to cook the changeling. As the sun reached directly above them, the guard threw a bucket full of water at Alric through the small slit of a window. It was a small mercy, but he took what drops of water he could to sate his thirst. Alric could barely hold himself up, leaning against the door by mid day. A soldier took the place of the guard and a well dressed man made his way to the small shack.

   “Is this it?”

   The guard nodded, “Yes, sir. It's in there.”

   “Did anyone find anything at the estate?”

   “Not that I know of.”

   “Get some rest, we'll take it from here.”

   “Thank you sir.” The guard then ran off.

   The door jolted open and Alric was shoved to the other wall of the building. The soldier took his shackled hands and tied them to a fixture in the ceiling. He sunk down, letting himself hang from the old shackles to give his legs a small amount of relief. It didn't lost long however, before the sheriff punched him hard in the gut.

Alric was dazed, lowing his head. His hair was pulled up and the man looked him in the eyes. The sheriff was a stern human man named Donovan. Alric knew him. They had shared a few pints. But there was no recognition in his eyes.

    “Don.. Please...” Alric pleaded.

   Donovan's eyes narrowed, “Know my name, eh?” He smirked, punching the changeling again, “how long have you been here?”

   “I am Alric..” He gripped whatever was his his hands tight, knowing he would need them any moment now.

   “Uh huh.” He gave another blow, “For how long were you?”

   “Please, it's really me.” His eyes darted around for an answer before he was hit again. Something he can use.

   Another punch. He felt a crack in his chest, causing him to yell out. Donovan spat, “Not so loud!” He then gripped Alric by the throat. He grinned, “How long have you been hiding?”

   “My whole life.” He replied.

   Donovan shook Alric, “I can do this all day, just tell us where Alric is and it will all be over.”

   Alric felt a drop of blood come from his hand to his face, looking up to see the shackles he had been wearing were broken. He looked down to Donovan's belt, seeing a better set. It was what he was waiting for.

   He mumbled a spell, causing Donovan to inch closer, “What was that?”

   “I think you should replace my shackles.” he stated as confidently as he could muster. Preying the spell worked.

   Donovan looked up and saw them. He nodded, “You know, you're right, I should.”

   Alric felt a rush as the sheriff did as he suggested. The moment the bindings were undone, Alric dropped his handful of reagents, blowing any dust and debris right into his captors face. Donovan took a step back trying to get his eyes cleared. Alric shoved the man, as hard as he could, sending him to the ground. He rushed out into the open, dodging the soldier and running as fast is he could into the nearest bit of woods. He changed into someone, some random human. It didn't need to be anyone specific. He undressed down until he looked like any peasant that could be walking down the street. He tried avoided people as he limped towards his home.

    Alric was exhausted when he finally made his way to the Mirevan estate. The gates were closed, locked up with chains. He could see movement from inside the manor through the windows. He leaned against the gate, pressing his head against it. He tried what keys he had on the lock, but none of them worked. Then he saw the key to the Opera House. It was the only place he could go. He breathed deep, trying to will his body to move towards it. He was careful, slow as he walked towards the city. There were soldiers walking the streets when he reached Baruvia. They asked him if he had seen anything suspicious. They didn't know who to look for. Alric had the advantage here.

    The opera house was closed tonight, too. There were signs for Borius' symphony across the outside. He walked towards the back of the building, unlocking the door and entering it when there was no one around. He made sure to lock it behind him. There wouldn't be a show for another few days. He could rest here for the time being. He walked the halls, finding Lukas' violin on display. There was a note under it, something Lukas' struggled to write when they asked him to write about himself. That was years ago, but the memory was now vivid in his memory. Alric's heart sank, it never really had a chance to feel before the full force of it. It was like he was finding that body all over again. He took the violin, holding it tight, as if it were Lukas himself. He walked deep into the opera house, into the largest dressing room. Instruments and papers littered the practice space. In the corner of the room were a pile of clothes, unwashed from whatever last performance was had. He looked at the papers on the ground and saw that they were Lukas' symphony. Trash left behind when they instrumentalists realized they had played it already, days before. He grabbed one, sitting down on the soft dirty clothes.

    The title read “The Moon's Grace By Lukas Mirevan. Devoted to Alric, my Love, my life and my muse.”

Alric fell onto the pile of cloth, clutching the violin and the paper tight. Exhaustion took it's toll on him. He could stay away no longer as he closed his eyes, falling asleep.