[You know what Anduin probably isn't expecting? A call from a mostly drunk Tim Stoker one weekend at around 1am.]
I think I'm in love with my best friend! I don't want to mess things up! Love complicates things! But we keep having sex and that really isn't helping at all!
I think I'm in love with my best friend! I don't want to mess things up! Love complicates things! But we keep having sex and that really isn't helping at all!
Peace be with you.
My Dominant has left the city. As a submissive in this city, it's always a possibility, and I hope that you would permit me to continue working while I work to find a new one.
I'd also like to make myself available for some more shifts, at a minimum on a temporary basis.
My Dominant has left the city. As a submissive in this city, it's always a possibility, and I hope that you would permit me to continue working while I work to find a new one.
I'd also like to make myself available for some more shifts, at a minimum on a temporary basis.
Hey, I sort of have a favour to ask. Are you going to be free anytime over the next couple days?
[ Jacob has carefully set up the present, the paper and ribbon the right shade of blue and gold that has he has come to associate with Anduin's Kingdom. It wasn't easy to find, especially with everything that'd been going on at the moment, but thankfully he'd found it.
Of course, the paper isn't really important. It's the contents that matter. He remembers that beautiful cloak that Anduin had worn that boiling hot day several months ago when they'd first met. The memory of Anduin stripping down keeps Jacob warm on chilly nights. But the fact is the cloak is long gone, destroyed entirely.
The reproduction Jacob has commissioned is as close as he can remember, the Stormwind logo carefully embroidered into the rich blue, the white trim as soft as could be found in the city. He only hopes it will give Anduin some joy. He knows how upset he was when the original was ruined.
He brings it into the bedroom as Anduin stirs, setting it down on the bed as he leans in to kiss Anduin's temple.]
Happy birthday sleepyhead.
Of course, the paper isn't really important. It's the contents that matter. He remembers that beautiful cloak that Anduin had worn that boiling hot day several months ago when they'd first met. The memory of Anduin stripping down keeps Jacob warm on chilly nights. But the fact is the cloak is long gone, destroyed entirely.
The reproduction Jacob has commissioned is as close as he can remember, the Stormwind logo carefully embroidered into the rich blue, the white trim as soft as could be found in the city. He only hopes it will give Anduin some joy. He knows how upset he was when the original was ruined.
He brings it into the bedroom as Anduin stirs, setting it down on the bed as he leans in to kiss Anduin's temple.]
Happy birthday sleepyhead.
Mm? Oh. What time is it...
[ It isn't like him to sleep in, and for a moment he panics. Wondering if there wasn't something he was meant to do that he'd now run short on time for. But that thought slowly withers as he takes in the weight at the end of the bed, and Jacob's calmly hovering face just above him.
Drawing himself up, Anduin lifts a hand to rub at his eye. ]
Is that...for me?
[ It isn't like him to sleep in, and for a moment he panics. Wondering if there wasn't something he was meant to do that he'd now run short on time for. But that thought slowly withers as he takes in the weight at the end of the bed, and Jacob's calmly hovering face just above him.
Drawing himself up, Anduin lifts a hand to rub at his eye. ]
Is that...for me?
She wakes when she hears him come back in, the door opening and closing, his footsteps. Not Jacob, Jacob would no doubt be starting his favourite part of the evening around this time, but Anduin would just be finishing his shift.
Half asleep, she pushes herself up. He wouldn't want her to, she knows, but she knew he appreciated someone greeting him, to make it easier for him when he was tired and worn out from the sheer pressure of running Haven.
So yes, perhaps she is groggy herself, braided hair for sleeping peaking out of her sleeping cake and skewing out in wild little angles of curls. The white lace gown falling off her shoulders, but the summer air still so warm despite the fierceness of the storm.
Instead, she goes to pour him a cup of wine, cooled with her own magic, footsteps slow as she makes her way over to him, passing him the wine and then going about helping him start to take off his clothes.
"I was not sure you would make it back tonight, my love?" Her voice is a sleepy croak, but she is smiling just the same.
Half asleep, she pushes herself up. He wouldn't want her to, she knows, but she knew he appreciated someone greeting him, to make it easier for him when he was tired and worn out from the sheer pressure of running Haven.
So yes, perhaps she is groggy herself, braided hair for sleeping peaking out of her sleeping cake and skewing out in wild little angles of curls. The white lace gown falling off her shoulders, but the summer air still so warm despite the fierceness of the storm.
Instead, she goes to pour him a cup of wine, cooled with her own magic, footsteps slow as she makes her way over to him, passing him the wine and then going about helping him start to take off his clothes.
"I was not sure you would make it back tonight, my love?" Her voice is a sleepy croak, but she is smiling just the same.
He'd been in the living room, hand to his eyes and taking a few moments to appreciate the quiet and comfort of what was now as close to 'home' as this place could provide. Not because of anything it offered, but because of who resided here with him. And right on cue--
"Gilia."
His hand drops, eyes lifting to the sight of the sleepy monarch before a cup of wine was pressed into his hands. Knowing better than to fight her when she was in a mood to tend to him, he relents with a small, tired smile, and shrugs out of the coat and vest he'd had on for the day. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to stay so late. We've had more inpatients than usual, given the flooding."
And more deaths, too. But those are harder to think about, just now.
"Gilia."
His hand drops, eyes lifting to the sight of the sleepy monarch before a cup of wine was pressed into his hands. Knowing better than to fight her when she was in a mood to tend to him, he relents with a small, tired smile, and shrugs out of the coat and vest he'd had on for the day. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to stay so late. We've had more inpatients than usual, given the flooding."
And more deaths, too. But those are harder to think about, just now.
Jacob wants to tell Anduin straight away. He almost calls him twice, and then stops himself. No. No. In person. He knows it has to be in person. But he's excited, happy and almost afraid this will just be a bad dream, that somehow once Anduin gets home Jacob will have forgotten how to speak, or Vrenille will have changed his mind, or Anduin will have morphed into a horrible combination of Roth and Ethan, who will try to stop him from going.
But he knows he's not dreaming. He knows Anduin too, loves him fiercely. He respects him too, and that is why he waits. Face to face, heart to heart, he has to wait just a few hours, for Anduin to come home.
Waiting is hardly Jacob's strong suit, but he does somehow manage it without bouncing off the walls too much. Gilia is still with her birds, but part of him knows that he has to talk to Anduin first and foremost, just like Anduin originally asked to contract with him. Maybe not exactly like that, naked and curled around each other. But together, nonetheless.
When the door opens, Anduin's gait down the hall familiar, Jacob is right there. He can't pretend he isn't excited, that his heart isn't full nor that it's beating as hard as a drum, but he doesn't ever get sick of seeing Anduin come home either.
"Welcome home love. I'm making some tea, unless you'd like something stronger?"
But he knows he's not dreaming. He knows Anduin too, loves him fiercely. He respects him too, and that is why he waits. Face to face, heart to heart, he has to wait just a few hours, for Anduin to come home.
Waiting is hardly Jacob's strong suit, but he does somehow manage it without bouncing off the walls too much. Gilia is still with her birds, but part of him knows that he has to talk to Anduin first and foremost, just like Anduin originally asked to contract with him. Maybe not exactly like that, naked and curled around each other. But together, nonetheless.
When the door opens, Anduin's gait down the hall familiar, Jacob is right there. He can't pretend he isn't excited, that his heart isn't full nor that it's beating as hard as a drum, but he doesn't ever get sick of seeing Anduin come home either.
"Welcome home love. I'm making some tea, unless you'd like something stronger?"
Usually, when he arrives home and Jacob is poised at the door waiting for him, there is a reason.
That doesn't stop him from smiling the moment the young priest sees him, the weariness in his expression fading. For all that changes in the city, there are a few constants that still manage to bring him joy.
"Am I going to need something stronger?" he teases in reply, shaking his head before moving over to place a kiss on Jacob's cheek. "Tea would be lovely, thank you. How was the Arena, today?"
That doesn't stop him from smiling the moment the young priest sees him, the weariness in his expression fading. For all that changes in the city, there are a few constants that still manage to bring him joy.
"Am I going to need something stronger?" he teases in reply, shaking his head before moving over to place a kiss on Jacob's cheek. "Tea would be lovely, thank you. How was the Arena, today?"
[It takes Tim a bit of time to construct this message, but it is one he feels will need to be sent. He's not about to let anyone even possibly consider Sasha was being lazy about going to work.]
Hey, Anduin. Sasha can't come into work. She's fallen into one of those comas. If you need an extra hand while she's out I might be able to help. Let me know.
Tim S.
Hey, Anduin. Sasha can't come into work. She's fallen into one of those comas. If you need an extra hand while she's out I might be able to help. Let me know.
Tim S.
[ It is important, always, that just because she is needy and desperate for all the love she can ever have, that she does not let her own nature get the better of her. So she always checks everything with him first, when it matters. ]
My Dominant, are you coming home again this evening? Or will Haven be keeping you tonight?
My Dominant, are you coming home again this evening? Or will Haven be keeping you tonight?
Edited 2021-09-26 05:28 (UTC)
— My husband, my love, Anduin Wrynn, my first light of dawn,
All others I gift with the harvest-tidings, and the wish for warmth, but what warmth can I give that you do not already give me a hundred times? To burn a wreath for good omens in the winter, when I know of fire like the one I feel when you are near? What word can I say, but to say that I love you? From the first breath, to last, I love you and I shall always do so. I long for you when you but a step away from me, and I ache for you in my arms the moment you are gone. I know not what your Gods and my Spirits may say to each other, but I know if they do, it shall be the simple truth that I cannot be parted from you. I will plead with them when it is time, and if they grant me only the simplest of things, where I am nought but water upon your lips, it shall be enough.
For the truth of it is simple, I know now, my soul shall have no rest if it cannot be with yours.
In love,
Your Wife, Your Gilly.
[ With the note comes a box that has been carefully packaged, scented faintly with lavender and rosemary. On the top is the wreath of leaves, flowers and berries, bound together with twists of herbs and ribbons that make it faintly sweet, with how it has all been carefully dried. His, however, is especially, a mix of wheat for the growth of the year, and woven not with any flowers, but the ones of the wedding crown she wore, gifted to him and him alone. Below it is the main gift itself. A complete suit, that is matched exactly to the colours of the alliance, blue as bright and gold to pick out on the edges the Stormwind Lion, all of it all her own embroidery, cut and tailored to fit him exactly. ] All others I gift with the harvest-tidings, and the wish for warmth, but what warmth can I give that you do not already give me a hundred times? To burn a wreath for good omens in the winter, when I know of fire like the one I feel when you are near? What word can I say, but to say that I love you? From the first breath, to last, I love you and I shall always do so. I long for you when you but a step away from me, and I ache for you in my arms the moment you are gone. I know not what your Gods and my Spirits may say to each other, but I know if they do, it shall be the simple truth that I cannot be parted from you. I will plead with them when it is time, and if they grant me only the simplest of things, where I am nought but water upon your lips, it shall be enough.
For the truth of it is simple, I know now, my soul shall have no rest if it cannot be with yours.
In love,
Your Wife, Your Gilly.
[ His expression softens when he sees the gift, knowing full well who it must be from before he even reads the note. He'd remember those flowers anywhere. The gift itself is marvelous, of course, as thoughtful as she is.
The note, he reads twice over before storing it in his desk. A reminder when the days grow difficult that such love exists, that it is returned wholly.
And his wife will be receiving ardent thanks when he returns home that evening. ]
The note, he reads twice over before storing it in his desk. A reminder when the days grow difficult that such love exists, that it is returned wholly.
And his wife will be receiving ardent thanks when he returns home that evening. ]
[ the day after the yule party at birds of paradise, anduin will receive a package at his office, delivered sometime in the morning with a thermos of wassail, and a collection of other items, much like gilia had received. and just like her gift, a letter is attached. ]
𝐷𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝐿𝑜𝑟𝑑 𝐴𝑛𝑑𝑢𝑖𝑛,
𝐼 𝑤𝑖𝑠ℎ 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑘 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑠𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑓𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑝. 𝐼𝑛 𝑠𝑢𝑐ℎ 𝑎 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑡 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑖𝑡 𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑒𝑠 𝑚𝑒, 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑏𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑑 𝑤𝑖𝑓𝑒 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒 𝑛𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑑𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑡𝑜 𝑚𝑦 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑡. 𝐼 𝑤𝑖𝑠ℎ 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑖𝑑𝑎𝑦 𝑠𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑜𝑛, 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑡ℎ𝑒 ℎ𝑜𝑝𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑌𝑢𝑙𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑢𝑝𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑠 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑙𝑦.
𝐴𝑠 𝑎𝑙𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠,
𝐽𝑢𝑙𝑖𝑎𝑛 𝐴𝑙𝑓𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑃𝑎𝑛𝑘𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑧, 𝑣𝑖𝑠𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝐿𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑛ℎ𝑜𝑣𝑒
(𝐽𝑎𝑠𝑘𝑖𝑒𝑟)
Congratulations on winning a prize from the Haven Hospital Fundraiser Silent Auction! I look forward to our evening together. I work at Fangtasy and we offer private rooms there, or we can spend the evening elsewhere if you prefer, anywhere you like.
Fangtasy? I'm familiar with it, though admittedly I haven't been by since the flood. If you'd prefer to pass the evening there, I'd be happy to oblige whatever accommodations would make you most comfortable.
Also, I wanted to be clear that you're under no obligations as far as 'companionship' goes. It's a rather broad term, after all. If it turns out to be nothing more than an evening spent in pleasant conversation, I won't feel it would be an evening wasted.
Also, I wanted to be clear that you're under no obligations as far as 'companionship' goes. It's a rather broad term, after all. If it turns out to be nothing more than an evening spent in pleasant conversation, I won't feel it would be an evening wasted.
[There's a delivery made to Anduin's office with a small tag attached to the parcel that features a picture of a raven and a small note:
You said it as pretty as I ever could. Take care of yourself, but when you don't, I'll be here too. You're stuck with me now.
Happy Candleglow, may your path remain illuminated through the year.
-Chris
[Once unwrapped, the present appears to be a gift basket of herbal remedies, a lot of them featuring poisons that can double as a numbing agent when put into bath water, some for headaches, some for rest or dreamless sleep, and some for anxiety, each come with a description of it's use and the recommended dose.]
You said it as pretty as I ever could. Take care of yourself, but when you don't, I'll be here too. You're stuck with me now.
Happy Candleglow, may your path remain illuminated through the year.
-Chris
[Once unwrapped, the present appears to be a gift basket of herbal remedies, a lot of them featuring poisons that can double as a numbing agent when put into bath water, some for headaches, some for rest or dreamless sleep, and some for anxiety, each come with a description of it's use and the recommended dose.]
[On Christmas day Anduin will have two packages in his mail. One labled to share and the other says private.
In the to share gift is a box of assorted chocolates plus a bottle of both red and white wine.
The private box holds a long coil of silk rope of a deep red colour, gingerbread flavoured lube, and a hand written IOU that simply says: Redeem for one good hard fucking session with Timothy Stoker.
The included card reads.]
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
I hope you enjoy your gifts. You don't have to use them with me, but I do owe you so feel free to bring them around some time.
Happy Holidays,
Tim
In the to share gift is a box of assorted chocolates plus a bottle of both red and white wine.
The private box holds a long coil of silk rope of a deep red colour, gingerbread flavoured lube, and a hand written IOU that simply says: Redeem for one good hard fucking session with Timothy Stoker.
The included card reads.]
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
I hope you enjoy your gifts. You don't have to use them with me, but I do owe you so feel free to bring them around some time.
Happy Holidays,
Tim
You know what I miss? I miss kissing up the inside of your leg, feeling you tremble, all the way up to the top of your thigh. I love the way your cock twitches when I'm between your knees.
And I really miss sinking my teeth into your skin and leaving a big red bite for someone to find the next day.
And I really miss sinking my teeth into your skin and leaving a big red bite for someone to find the next day.
[ Their bedroom is quiet where Anduin lays quiet, breathing, rising and falling. Gilia sits beside him. ]
Good afternoon, my love. [ She murmurs it like it was any other day, any other evening. ] I know, I know, I cleaned too much. But I made such a mess... what should people think of us and you if I do not keep your holdings clean?
[ The silence went on. The crack of branches laden with snow. The soft call of winter birds looking for someone to wrap themselves up with. She pauses still, waiting, waiting once more. ]
- Of course, it matters. You know I cannot bear to have anyone think less of you than you deserve. Besides, it is nice, to lay down with you on clean sheets. [ She gives a bubble of laughter for the next break. ] Even if Jacob insist we should dirty them as quickly. Jacob? Oh yes, he will be back soon, my love, I promise, he is gone out to fetch me food to prepare. He is worried about me. They all are. They mean us so well, I wish I knew how to tell them that grief is the natural state for rulers. But perhaps that why we are so well suited, you have never asked me why I find myself in tears when I wake, you simply hold me. I feel like the little birds that shall be born when this winter ends, cawing for you to come back. I know I must seem wretched as they. A poor flightless thing, half made with no wings to carry me.
[ She gives a choked laugh. ] Even Duke does not let me go outside without him. He is worried too. So I keep him busy.
[ She lets go of Anduin's hand, across to touch Duke's head, scritch him behind his long ears, as he looks up at her, attentive as ever. ] Watch Anduin, he almost has this one. Duke? Duke? Ateik. Yes, good boy, now, stand! Stand! Up, almost! Good boy, yes? See - Anduin? He's doing so well he's -
[ But silence answered her. As it had every other day. Duke dropped back down on his feet, and sensing her own change, moved to jump up onto Anduin's bed, curling up on his side. She leant forward, laying her head on his chest, for that second, that one, one second where she could hear his heart. Beating steadily as all she had to cling too, where all the words of assurance had felt so false until the tears came again, and she hid her face into him. ]
Please, my love, please promise you will wake soon, we must watch the new birds when they take flight in spring, please? We will give them names, and you shall tell me not to feed them too many seeds, but smile and not stop me when I cannot help myself, and I shall tell you that they have whispered to me they think you the loveliest man they have ever seen and have sworn themselves to your service. Red-breasted Knightly Robins to serve the King of Stormwind in his garden realm. You will kiss my hair and I will tell you again and always how I love you.
[ There is a soft creak, and the snow above the awnings fell, and this time, not with a scream of pain, nor rage and confusion, she curled up next to him on the bed. Tucking herself into the blankets beside him, and there, as silent as still as she could, she clung to him and took the best of the broken nap she could manage in the half made up daydream, hoping that this time, maybe this time, he will have heard and come back. ]
Good afternoon, my love. [ She murmurs it like it was any other day, any other evening. ] I know, I know, I cleaned too much. But I made such a mess... what should people think of us and you if I do not keep your holdings clean?
[ The silence went on. The crack of branches laden with snow. The soft call of winter birds looking for someone to wrap themselves up with. She pauses still, waiting, waiting once more. ]
- Of course, it matters. You know I cannot bear to have anyone think less of you than you deserve. Besides, it is nice, to lay down with you on clean sheets. [ She gives a bubble of laughter for the next break. ] Even if Jacob insist we should dirty them as quickly. Jacob? Oh yes, he will be back soon, my love, I promise, he is gone out to fetch me food to prepare. He is worried about me. They all are. They mean us so well, I wish I knew how to tell them that grief is the natural state for rulers. But perhaps that why we are so well suited, you have never asked me why I find myself in tears when I wake, you simply hold me. I feel like the little birds that shall be born when this winter ends, cawing for you to come back. I know I must seem wretched as they. A poor flightless thing, half made with no wings to carry me.
[ She gives a choked laugh. ] Even Duke does not let me go outside without him. He is worried too. So I keep him busy.
[ She lets go of Anduin's hand, across to touch Duke's head, scritch him behind his long ears, as he looks up at her, attentive as ever. ] Watch Anduin, he almost has this one. Duke? Duke? Ateik. Yes, good boy, now, stand! Stand! Up, almost! Good boy, yes? See - Anduin? He's doing so well he's -
[ But silence answered her. As it had every other day. Duke dropped back down on his feet, and sensing her own change, moved to jump up onto Anduin's bed, curling up on his side. She leant forward, laying her head on his chest, for that second, that one, one second where she could hear his heart. Beating steadily as all she had to cling too, where all the words of assurance had felt so false until the tears came again, and she hid her face into him. ]
Please, my love, please promise you will wake soon, we must watch the new birds when they take flight in spring, please? We will give them names, and you shall tell me not to feed them too many seeds, but smile and not stop me when I cannot help myself, and I shall tell you that they have whispered to me they think you the loveliest man they have ever seen and have sworn themselves to your service. Red-breasted Knightly Robins to serve the King of Stormwind in his garden realm. You will kiss my hair and I will tell you again and always how I love you.
[ There is a soft creak, and the snow above the awnings fell, and this time, not with a scream of pain, nor rage and confusion, she curled up next to him on the bed. Tucking herself into the blankets beside him, and there, as silent as still as she could, she clung to him and took the best of the broken nap she could manage in the half made up daydream, hoping that this time, maybe this time, he will have heard and come back. ]
Edited 2022-02-17 14:24 (UTC)
[ He dreams.
But he does not dream of Duplicity, of his sweet wife and loving home, of his friends and the bonds he's created in the city. He does not dream of its cruelty, its barbarism, nor of its strange brand of freedoms. Those memories turn to ash, scattering at the barest breath of recognition.
Anduin dreams instead of an impossible tower, piercing upwards like a cruel spike of twisted metal through an unending maw of darkness. He dreams of ascending towards a tear in the veil of reality itself with such speed that it feels like falling.
The young king dreams of cold chains stifling what warmth and light he can bring to bear in his bones. Of air so laden with misery every breath feels like drowning, clawing at his chest, rushing in his ears.
He dreams of nights in a cold cell, the air filled with the shrieks of damned souls, those condemned to an eternity of torment, wrung of every last strip of spirit left to them. He dreams of those horrors that invoke those screams from them, day after day after day, and he prays for the strength to continue to endure. The Light must hear him still, it must--
And he dreams of the Jailer, the architect of this terrible place, and the banshee who stands at his side with all the certainty of a righteous cause at her back. Who against all reason and sense sees fit to ask him to join them, to end the torment, to serve willingly...or else be compelled against his will.
The threat of it is there, pointed at his chest, the pull of something terrible and inevitable scrabbling at his very soul, and for just a moment he closes his eyes --
When they open, the sight is not one he immediately recognizes.
Moments slip past before the familiarity of it finds hold in his mind. His home. The comforting warmth of Gilia's frame pressed against his in fitful dozing, the heat of Duke's long lanky body tucked against his legs. The scent of lavender and sea salt clinging to the sheets.
Is this another dream? Another vision, some torment meant to break him further? He isn't sure, and he remains still as his mind whirls to try to comprehend what has just transpired. He doesn't trust him self to move an inch just yet, but the heartbeat under Gilia's ear has unmistakably quickened.
Awake, at last. ]
But he does not dream of Duplicity, of his sweet wife and loving home, of his friends and the bonds he's created in the city. He does not dream of its cruelty, its barbarism, nor of its strange brand of freedoms. Those memories turn to ash, scattering at the barest breath of recognition.
Anduin dreams instead of an impossible tower, piercing upwards like a cruel spike of twisted metal through an unending maw of darkness. He dreams of ascending towards a tear in the veil of reality itself with such speed that it feels like falling.
The young king dreams of cold chains stifling what warmth and light he can bring to bear in his bones. Of air so laden with misery every breath feels like drowning, clawing at his chest, rushing in his ears.
He dreams of nights in a cold cell, the air filled with the shrieks of damned souls, those condemned to an eternity of torment, wrung of every last strip of spirit left to them. He dreams of those horrors that invoke those screams from them, day after day after day, and he prays for the strength to continue to endure. The Light must hear him still, it must--
And he dreams of the Jailer, the architect of this terrible place, and the banshee who stands at his side with all the certainty of a righteous cause at her back. Who against all reason and sense sees fit to ask him to join them, to end the torment, to serve willingly...or else be compelled against his will.
The threat of it is there, pointed at his chest, the pull of something terrible and inevitable scrabbling at his very soul, and for just a moment he closes his eyes --
When they open, the sight is not one he immediately recognizes.
Moments slip past before the familiarity of it finds hold in his mind. His home. The comforting warmth of Gilia's frame pressed against his in fitful dozing, the heat of Duke's long lanky body tucked against his legs. The scent of lavender and sea salt clinging to the sheets.
Is this another dream? Another vision, some torment meant to break him further? He isn't sure, and he remains still as his mind whirls to try to comprehend what has just transpired. He doesn't trust him self to move an inch just yet, but the heartbeat under Gilia's ear has unmistakably quickened.
Awake, at last. ]
Can I ask you a personal question?
Did you and Gilia actually get married here? Or do you consider her your wife due to the contract between the two of you?
[Not that he's asking because he's suddenly thinking about proposing all of a sudden.]
Did you and Gilia actually get married here? Or do you consider her your wife due to the contract between the two of you?
[Not that he's asking because he's suddenly thinking about proposing all of a sudden.]
Of course, you're always welcome to.
We had no ceremonies like the ones we have at home. But it isn't just a matter of our contract. When the city arranged those wedding rituals, as farcical as they seemed to be meant, we simply determined that those vows were in earnest.
I meant all that I said, all I vowed, as did she.
We had no ceremonies like the ones we have at home. But it isn't just a matter of our contract. When the city arranged those wedding rituals, as farcical as they seemed to be meant, we simply determined that those vows were in earnest.
I meant all that I said, all I vowed, as did she.
[His head was a mess. An hour of picking those mushrooms for Nate and any thought of using his own magic to help himself had fled his reasoning, he just knew he was flushed and heated and his hands ached to touch.
He also knew, logically, where to go for help.
Of course, striding into the halls to find Anduin just outside of his office, he'd had every intention of asking for that help, of saying anything besides the man's name in too much of a relieved whisper as green eyes finally fell on him.
Instead, those aching hands curl into Anduin's shirt as Chris leans in to press their lips together. Assertive, needy, but not so aggressive to push Anduin or to prevent being pushed away. He just...needed.]
He also knew, logically, where to go for help.
Of course, striding into the halls to find Anduin just outside of his office, he'd had every intention of asking for that help, of saying anything besides the man's name in too much of a relieved whisper as green eyes finally fell on him.
Instead, those aching hands curl into Anduin's shirt as Chris leans in to press their lips together. Assertive, needy, but not so aggressive to push Anduin or to prevent being pushed away. He just...needed.]
[ Distracted by work as he usually is, it takes a moment before he realizes the approaching footsteps belong to Chris. It was the breath of his name on the other man's lips that drew his attention upwards, brow furrowing at the flushed look on his face.
Oh. He's seen that look a fair few times already today-- ]
Chris?
[ Too late. Lips are pressing to his, hungry and warm, and there's a panicked flutter in his chest as he wonders if this wouldn't be considered taking advantage. After all, the cleric is clearly under the influence of the mushrooms that had been springing up all around the city. Half the population seems to be.
But then a hand falls instinctively to his hip to help steady him, and that initial panic eases. He pulls back but only just enough to look into those beautiful green eyes of his. ]
Are you with me?
[ Just to be sure. ]
Oh. He's seen that look a fair few times already today-- ]
Chris?
[ Too late. Lips are pressing to his, hungry and warm, and there's a panicked flutter in his chest as he wonders if this wouldn't be considered taking advantage. After all, the cleric is clearly under the influence of the mushrooms that had been springing up all around the city. Half the population seems to be.
But then a hand falls instinctively to his hip to help steady him, and that initial panic eases. He pulls back but only just enough to look into those beautiful green eyes of his. ]
Are you with me?
[ Just to be sure. ]
Voice | un: ShowStopper | Early Evening on a Friday Night
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alwayskayaking
2022-03-23 11:19 am (UTC)(link)
Hey, what are you doing this evening?
And follow up question; what is your tomorrow looking like?
And follow up question; what is your tomorrow looking like?
[He could just check Haven, but he could also just message him. So he's going to.]
You busy?
You busy?
Pardon this message from a stranger,
My name is Lord Erik Osborne and I am acquainted with Wolf. He mentioned you are the man to talk to if I want to seek employment at the Haven Hospital. I have some unique skills that may be useful there. Aside from Wolf, I also have Caitlin Snow who will gladly vouch for me.
When it is convenient for you, I would happily provide more information on the matter. If you are interested, we can meet at the time and place of your choosing.
Thank you for your consideration,
Lord Osborne.
My name is Lord Erik Osborne and I am acquainted with Wolf. He mentioned you are the man to talk to if I want to seek employment at the Haven Hospital. I have some unique skills that may be useful there. Aside from Wolf, I also have Caitlin Snow who will gladly vouch for me.
When it is convenient for you, I would happily provide more information on the matter. If you are interested, we can meet at the time and place of your choosing.
Thank you for your consideration,
Lord Osborne.
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