i wanted it to end in tragedy...dont ask me why,
it just felt that way to me

for some reason, i reeaallly wanted this one to end tragically...dunno why...
kinda seems fitting for me, though that might just be me...

Inkiza is so innocent. When we discover his young age, it becomes more believable, and the way you describe his slow awakening is the cutest.
I love the sketches of Ebedi's fighting stances. And I love the tragedy of them being ripped apart right when they've realized their mutual feelings.
The uncle is a generic bad guy, but he's hateful enough to work perfectly in this setting. When Inkiza cut him with his sword, I was rooting.

You scared me there for a second, and I loved it. Inkiza slowly goes crazy. With Ebedi gone, I though he would maybe strike up a friendship, however casual, with one of his servants, if only for comfort. Instead he scares everyone away and retreats in isolation. I interpret that as him going insane. No way can you grow up without a single friend and constantly grieving and still be a normal person.

"It was said that they rode with demons and wild beasts", that's epic. Your subtle foreshadowing is the best. I also like how ten years pass. It's realistic. And during those years they've both become cruel, grownup men. I like that they've grown with each other in mind. Parallelism and all. It's adorable.

What I don't like is how Kiza kills those guards, and Ebedi is like 'It's doesn't matter now, you've proven yourself.' This shows he cares little for the lives of his men. Even if it's a barbarian custom, honour and loyalty and the victory of the clan before the rest or whatever, no life can simply be replaced. Men who die have mothers, sibling, families. What I'm saying is, I wouldn't want Ebedi as a barbarian Captain-warlord. He only sees Kiza, and that's insane.

Would have really liked to see Kiza's crowning, but nevertheless, this is a fabulous story! Bloody and full of tragedy. Excellent!

A wondrous story you have written here. Even before I got to the second paragraph I already knew it was going to be a great story. The amount of detail you put into the story is quite amazing. The fact that I am able to visualize everything that has happening in the story proves my point in the matter. You are indeed a talented writer and I will definitely want to read more of your work in the future.

You write so beautifully Tygati and with such imagination. Thank you for sharing you wonderful stories.

Hey! I'm here to share some exciting news. This story was added to the slash category over on A Drop of Romeo! :)

Here's the Review:

"Helen Thinks: Well I do not know how often I tell you that I adore stories that stand alone in the busy crowd that is the fictionpress archive and boy did I hit the jackpot with “By Moonlight” by Tygati. I mean, seriously, who does not want to read a tale where the crown Prince falls in love with a half blood soldier – especially when the other half of his genetic makeup is barbarian. This story follows the friendship that forms between Inzika and Ebedi which gradually progresses into a romance that is broken apart by Inzika’s Uncle; who sends Ebedi away.

The first thing that hit me was Tygati’s beautiful descriptive writing. I swear to God, I fell in love with it from the first paragraph because it just painted a gorgeous picture in my mind. It literally felt as if I was there with Inzika; the Crown Prince; when he was sneaking out of his bedroom so that he could go to the library and could picture Ebedi; the half blood soldier; practicing his sword fighting. Writing that flawless should be really difficult but yet Tygati makes it look like a walk in the park.

Inzika, Ebedi and the minor characters are extremely realistic. You can feel every emotion that Tygati is conveying in their characters. Each character has a certain profile of characteristics that maybe cliché like that the power thirsty uncle that is trying to steal Inzika’s throne yet Tygati makes you believe it is the first time you are reading the concept.

I have only two issues with this story and one is the layout. The story takes place over several years and yet there’s no break between the paragraphs to show time change. Maybe the use of three asterisks or a line break would have made it clearer for the reader to know that a time change had taken place. My second issue is the rating. Tygati has rated it an ‘M’ but for me an ‘M’ usually means a lot more than a few steamy kisses. I think ‘By Moonlight’ would have been much better suited as a ‘T’ story.

With a fantastic plot, perfect characters and a beautiful style of writing, ‘By Moonlight’ is that slash story that has been missing from your life."

Keep writing,

Helen xo

I have no idea how you managed to fit such a detailed, well-developed story into just 10k and one chapter! This was completely amazing! I didn't feel like any of it was rushed and the entire plot is just so original and creative. I was definitely taken by surprise by the detail and just plain amazingness of this story. Thank you for posting it!

I loved the story! I've always had a soft spot for princes stories and this one was fantastic :D
It was just the right lenght and the characters were developped just right (according to me, at least)
Thanks for sharing :)

I really enjoyed this short story. One of my favorite things in stories is when characters become stronger and I loved the changes Inkiza went through as a person and a prince.

Just great!

good story. i like that ebedi never becomes seduced by power and remains loyal to inkiza. great one shot.

Cute little love story, with a bit of justified angst and real courage- very good fic.

aw! that story is so cute. I love it! The beginning kinda reminds me of Narnia... just a little. Yay. Love the story.

Wow. Loved this - I have a thing for men and swords. Especially men who are really really good at swordwork.

Heh. This one made me smile. Inkiza grew up to be pretty kick-ass XD

Thanks for sharing!