A small stream of light cut through the blinds of the cramped living space, dust in the air lit its path, across the floor up the side of the bed and into the sleeping eye of the elf laying there. He squinted hard for a moment, then shifted his back to the light. A moment later he shot up with a start, hitting his head on the bunk above, where his unseen roommate grumbled incoherently. Swinging his feet out the elf sat on the edge of the bed a moment then stumbled to the bath room cupboard. Closing the curtain he turned on the light and large blue eyes squinted hard, and tried to focus on the reflection in the mirror. His purple complexion was greyer today, a night of drinking had done that, the long features seemed hollow today, not full as they should be for an elf his age. Splashing cold water on his face to wash away the cobwebs he glanced at the digital clock on the mirror, no time to shave or clean up properly, she wouldn’t wait no matter what.
He burst from the bathroom leaving the light to pour into the room, and began to get dressed pulling clothes without care from the tiny dresser at the end of his bed next to the kitchen. He knew if he didn’t get to his former mates house before the red dawn was complete he would miss seeing his daughter before they left for the festival, a festival he would miss because of work.
Hurriedly he finished dressing, grabbed a half-eaten protein bar from the counter, unsure if it was even he who had eaten the first half, and left the apartment. Outside the light blinded him for an instant, and he climbed down the ladder from his apartment. His was one of hundreds, a seemingly solid block of living space for workers, not enough space for families, only single people lived here in assigned spaces. A few others mulled about in the early morning air, there was a chill in the air but that would pass. He hurried down the narrow path between complexes and crossed into a back alley as a short cut, he would hopefully make it in time to see his daughter and then grab some real food before heading to work.
The yellow dust kicked up around his feet, as he made his way to the main part of the city, as he approached the final part of the alley he saw a figure sitting wrapped tightly in a cloak, at first he though the poor beggar was asleep but as he approached a hand poked out toward him. The tall elf had known this kind of desperation, he had been in that same position before. He reached into his pocket a produced a few coins, and dropped them into the hand, the figure grabbed his hand for a moment then let go.
“Head into the city, the money is better friend,” the elf called out as he moved away from the figure, “just watch out for security they will chase you away!”
The cloaked figures head dipped slightly in a nod, and as the elf disappeared around the corner the figure dropped the coins into the dust and stood up and walked away.
“Mil’com, there is no time!” Shouted the tall female elf at her former mate.
“Drina, make time.” He replied.
She had already been halfway down the street from her house when he came bounding down, disheveled and out of breath. Daughter and servants in tow, she had initially ignored him but then relented when he started shouting her name.
“Really, shouting at me like some common woman, what will my neighbors think?” she said in a whispered angry tone all the while glaring her big green eyes at him.
Mil’com had lost himself in those eyes many years ago, so much so that he had become blinded to the rift that had grown between them since.
“Father!” A small voice exclaimed, and ran towards him. Despite all else and everything that had transpired in the separation from his mate the child adored him and was always happy to see him, which only angered Drina more.
“Sefi, how are you love” Mil’com asked his daughter.
She beamed a big smile, “Mother purchased us a great spot at the festival, and we will feel the breath of the gods first!”
Mil’com looked up towards Drina, “No doubt with the money from my last support payment.”
Drina shot a sarcastic grin his way but said nothing.
“Come along Sefi, we want to get breakfast before we find our tent.” And reached out her hand to her daughter.
Sefi paused and gave her father a quick tight hug around the neck and a kiss on his cheek, then took her mother’s hand.
“I haven’t had breakfast yet Drina, perhaps I can join you?” Mil’com said as he stood up.
Drina looked him over, “Really, dressed and looking like that? Know your station Mil’com.” She replied coldly.
Mil’com felt the chill in the air and stood there quietly, as his daughter and former mate walked away. He stayed there an extra minute to watch Sefi dance down the street and his former mate stride in her matter of fact way, her outfit glowing against the morning light in an approving and unapprovingly way showing her tall dark figure beneath.
Mil’com looked towards the rising red star in the sky, and sighed heavily. He would miss breakfast and have to grab something at work, and quietly he wandered towards the inner city.