Tristian ran a gentle hand through his lover's damp locks. "My poor gladiator." He murmured softly before placing a butterfly kiss to the fevered brow. He then stood and slipped silently out of the room, climbing swiftly up the ladder to the deck. They had been at sea for two weeks and it seemed his lover got seasickness. So it was going to be a very boring trip for Tristian, as Gabriel slept more than he was awake and when he was awake all he did was moan and complain. At least the sea air was nice, the elf observed as he walked over to the rail and let the wind whip his hair out behind him. The fiery curls now only reached to just below his shoulders, and it was so much easier to look after, not to mention how light and bouncy it felt.
The elf frowned, suddenly realising he had been giving too much thought to his hair. Warriors were not supposed to care that much about appearance. But on the other hand nobles were, so he was kind of indecisive about the whole thing. But maybe because now he was only a low country lord it was ok not to think about presentation. So, all in all, he was happy about his new hairstyle. Of course Gabriel complained about it, that is, when the giant was coherent enough to. Gabriel had loved brushing it and running his hands through it, but he hadn't had to braid it every night and every morning, or wash the thick mass, nor did he have to pick leaves out of it. So Tristian had decided he was not going to let it grow again, no matter how much his lover whined.
So why was Tristian really thinking about his hair? To avoid thinking about everything else, of course. He sighed and leaned heavily against the rail. He had no idea how he was going to find Vali. He had been to Brantilay on several other occasions but they had been trips for enjoyment. Not to mention the fact he hated socialising with nobles, especially human nobles, and he would have to, to find Vali. Because Brantilay wasn't like Laurien, he couldn't just torture people to find out what he wanted. He would have to casually question if anyone had recently acquired an elf. He really hated this. He really hated Brandon for doing this. If not for his stubborn brother Vali wouldn't have run off, and he wouldn't have to be here now.
What he really needed was someone to talk to, someone to help him figure out how they were going to get Vali back. But all he had was an uneducated giant who couldn't even speak Brantilan. Not that he didn't love Gabriel, he absolutely adored him, and he was thankful that the giant was with him. But it was just such a huge burden to carry on his own, and one he really didn't want to. What he really wanted to do was have them turn the ship around and then go back to his small province. Maybe go hunting, have sex, laze around with some fine brandy, have more sex... Yep, that's what he really wanted to do.
"Is that all you elves think about?"
Tristian spun quickly to the side, as the lilting voice spoke next to his ear. Sitting there on the rail, her legs hung over the side, so one slight shove would send her into the cold water below, was a young woman, her short blond hair puffing around her pretty face. "Who are you?" He questioned looking at her strangely. She was dressed in the finest silks and velvets of dark blue, looking very out of place on the large sailing ship.
"You can call me Wren." She smiled and gave a little laugh at his confused expression. "I came to give you some advice."
"You are going to give me advice?" He questioned incredulously, suddenly getting the urge to shove her into the water.
"Ooo, you are naughty!" She exclaimed cheekily. "But if you did I wouldn't drown, you know. And you wouldn't have your advice."
"Fine, tell me your damn advice." He told her with a sigh, not bothering to wonder how she could read his thoughts. As far as he was concerned she was some strange figment of his imagination.
"Do as you want to. Get them to turn the ship around." She spoke very seriously, her large blue eyes filled with ancient wisdom. "Do not go to Brantilay."
"Why?"
"That I cannot tell you. But be satisfied in knowing Vali is safe and loved, you needn't find him. Go home, have the life you want. Turn the ship around." And with those final heavy words she was gone. Vanished in the blink of an eye.
Gabriel woke up to the pleasant feeling of soft lips nibbling at his own and slender fingers caressing his chest, occasionally teasing his nipples. He groaned in pleasure, pushing the nauseating feeling in his stomach away and easily losing himself in the gentle affections. The lips slowly moved to his neck then down to his chest as the fingers moved to his flaccid penis, quickly bringing it to hardness. He groaned again and lifted his hips slightly, pushing against the warm hands. The lips paused in their attentions and he heard soft laughter, the warm laughter of his beautiful elf. He forced his eyes open, wanting to see his beautiful lover. Tristian was kneeling next to him on the thick blankets, spread across the floor of the small cabin, and he was annoyingly overdressed.
"Come here." He croaked out, reaching one hand out to his lover, who had now stopped caressing his most sensitive area. Tristian simply folded his hands on his slender cotton-covered thighs and raised one perfect copper eyebrow. "Please." Gabriel added, giving the best puppy-dog expression he could in his sick state. After a few more moments of Gabriel wishing something...anything would touch his arousal, the elf finally relented. He straddled the giant's thighs in one smooth motion and leaned forward to rest his chin on Gabriel's heavily muscled chest, placing his long-fingered hands either side of his head.
Gabriel whimpered as his erection lay against the elf's toned abdomen, with the damn silk shirt layered in between. Tristian just sat there, calmly looking at his lover with his enchanting violet eyes, heedless of his lover's quiet pleas.
"You can't just wake me up like that and then just sit there." Gabriel whined, reaching out to toy with the silky curls.
"I need to talk to you, and I couldn't wake you up any other way." The elf told him logically but his eyes showed a hint of remorse.
"You wanna talk, then finish first." Gabriel commanded gruffly, hating that the sickness had left him so weak. He really hated being at Tristian's mercy, he supposed that came from being a slave all his life. Now he was free he didn't want to be controlled by anyone, not even his lover. Tristian sighed and sat up before placing his hands back on the pulsing flesh. "No." Tristian looked up from his task, a bit startled by the harsh tone in the giant's voice. "Not that way."
"Then how?" The elf questioned tiredly, removing his hands and running one of then back through his wild locks. Gabriel scowled, he had been going to get the elf to ride him but now Tristian was angering him. How dare the elf act like pleasuring him was a task! He had thought Tristian had gotten past this extreme selfishness of his, but obviously not. Well, then it was time to teach him a lesson.
"With your mouth."
Tristian's eyes widened. "But...you know I don't like doing that." He said quietly, his tone submissive.
"I will not tell you again." Gabriel stated gruffly. The elf gave a moment's hesitation before leaning down again, his lips almost touching the giant's weeping head. He flicked his tongue out gingerly, and a rush of pleasure ran through Gabriel at the light touch, but it was not enough. He buried his hands in the fiery hair and forced the elf's head down, forcing Tristian to take half of his length into the blessed heat. The elf made a small choking sound and tried to force his head back but Gabriel wouldn't relent his grip. He shut his eyes and let his head fall back as he drowned in the wonderful sensations the elf was causing with his tongue and throat.
He opened his eyes slowly as he felt something wet fall near the base of his penis. He lifted his head, forcing his eyes to focus as he felt another small drop fall. He noticed Tristian's shoulders were shaking and he moved his hands, gently lifting the elf's head up. Tristian turned his head away, wiping his mouth on his sleeve, his movements silent and deliberate. Gabriel sighed and wrapped his hands around his own erection, pumping it quickly, and catching his semen in his hand before wiping it on the sheet. The whole time he did this the elf sat silently, his head down, his eyes hidden by the soft fall of silky hair.
"Tristian."
"What?" He heard the tears in the elf's voice and held out his arms.
"Come here."
Tristian lifted his head slowly and Gabriel saw tears running down the pale cheeks, just as he had expected. But it was the cold distant look in the amethyst orbs that told him he had pushed too far. It was strange that Tristian took physical pain so well, even enjoying it, but something, which he thought threatened his pride, had him running scared.
"I'm sorry, love. Forgive me?" Gabriel offered, relieved when Tristian finally leaned into his embrace, collapsing softly against the giant's body, his cheek and hands resting against the golden chest. The elf then sighed and shut his eyes before whispering his customary answer.
"Always."
"What is it you wanted to talk about?" He questioned as he slid his hands up under the silk shirt, to run them over the smooth back in a soothing fashion.
"I saw..." His lover paused for a very long time, but Gabriel waited patiently for him to finish, knowing Tristian could never be rushed. "Do you want to go home?" He suddenly asked, sitting up to look at Gabriel intently.
"Not yet." He saw something strange flicker in his lover's eyes at that answer but he hadn't a clue what it was. And when the elf didn't speak he added. "I owe this to Vali. I know you've said it's not my fault, but I can't help feeling at least a little responsible. If Vali didn't fear me so much things would be different. Brandon wouldn't have sent us away, and Vali would still be in your army. This wouldn't have happened. I know it wasn't completely my fault, but I need to make it up to him. I need to do this."
Tristian was silent for a long moment, looking at the giant with what seemed like wonder, as if Gabriel had startled him into silence. Then he breathed in a deep breath and blinked his eyes, as if waking from a dream. He then smiled and came to rest comfortably against the giant again. His elegant hands caressing the well-muscled arms and shoulders. "We should talk more often." The elf told him quietly, admitting to not knowing Gabriel as well as he had thought, but also admitting he wanted to know more about him. He wanted to know everything about Gabriel, and that made the giant feel very happy. Happiness, he was beginning to realise, only his beautiful elf could give him.
The clear water rippled, but she paid no attention to it, looking instead at the image reflected in the surface. She watched silently and motionlessly as an elf and a half giant walked through the crowed market streets of Brantilay's main port city. As they continued on their way to the most expensive inn in the city a tear slowly slipped down her flawless cheek to splash in the cool waters, and the vision slipped away. Strong and gentle arms slipped around her waist and she lean back against her companion.
"I know I was not meant to warn them." She sighed wistfully, "They did not listen anyway."
"It is not their time." A gentle voice told her before a kiss was placed to the top of her head.
"Why? Why can't they have one lifetime in which to grow old together?" She questioned, knowing how childish her words sounded.
"They will have, but surely you know it cannot be this one. Elves live too long, even half-elves. They would have to bury their lovers anyway."
"They still have a chance." She whispered in determination, ignoring his words.
"You will never be happy." He told her quietly, sadly. Then he was gone, and she was alone again with her thoughts. She waved a hand over the water and a vision returned, showing her two beings walking happily along a garden path, hand-in-hand, the shorter one's hair glistening silver in the sunlight.
"It's so beautiful!" Vali exclaimed as he bent to inspect the thousandth flower that day. William smiled and shook his head at the elf's strange behaviour. The elf then spun, releasing the delicate blossom and taking back the human's hand. William lifted the slender hand and placed a soft kiss to the pale skin.
"Not as beautiful as you." Vali blushed at the complement, looking surprised, as he always did when William said such little things. It made him wonder if no one had ever given him a kind word of praise before he came to William. He hoped not, such thoughts were truly sad, that his beautiful elf could have suffered like that.
"What's wrong?" Vali questioned softly, moving so they were barely apart.
"Nothing." He answered easily, looking down into those magnificent eyes, so full of concern and love. "I merely find it endearing that you insist on bringing every flower here to my attention." William's smile faltered as the elf's expression turned sad and pained. The pale hand slipped out of his grasp as Vali moved away, his eyes shifting to the stoned path. He frowned looking the elf over, puzzled as to what he had said wrong to upset his love. Realising he wasn't going to figure out the answer anytime soon, he questioned. "Vali, what is it?"
"Nothing, my lord." He answered softly, his fair voice barely a whisper. "I'm sorry, I will be silent." He then moved to continue along the path but William grabbed his arm with one hand and the elf's chin with the other, gently forcing the elf to face him.
"Why would you do that? What are you apologizing..." He trailed off as he realised his mistake. Warm laughter rose and he stroked the elf's face affectionately. "Oh, my pretty angel. You speak with so little an accent I forget you have only just learnt Brantilan. You don't know what 'endearing' means, do you?"
Vali's eyes studied him hesitantly and a hot blush covered his smooth skin. "What does it mean?" He questioned with faint hope, as if he thought William was making fun of him.
"It means charming, appealing." He answered, his arms moving to circle the slender waist and pull their bodies close. "You are far too adorable for your own good." He commented before placing many soft kisses to the fiery skin, not able to resist the elf's allure. He laughed again and this time the elf's soft laughter joined his own, and they simply embraced loosely, just enjoying being together in a peaceful place.
"William?"
"What is it, my love?"
"May we go sit on the grass?"
"Of course." He answered without thought and led the beautiful elf over to a large grassy area, the lawn cut to perfection and the purest green. They sat on the soft, sun-warmed grass, Vali sitting cross-legged as he never could have if he still had to wear dresses and pretend to be a woman. William smiled at the memory of when he had first seen the elf, in that magnificent dress of purple and pink. It was strange but the vision of Vali, as he was now, in his plain and masculine clothes, was infinitely more appealing. The simple way his long hair was tied back, shorter strands fluttering around his face in the soft breeze. Simpleness suited the elf, so nothing would detract from his natural beauty.
"Why do you stare at me like that?" The elf questioned curiously, his head tilting slightly to the side in contemplation.
"Why should I not?" He retorted with barely a thought, a smile tugging at his lips.
"Do you want me?"
"What?" He looked at the elf in surprise, caught off guard by the blatant question. He then shook his head free of his surprise and added. "I thought I already had you."
The elf laughed, the sound soft and musical. He then unfolded his long legs and leaned back on his elbows, spreading his thighs enough for William to get the implications. The silvery eyes looked at him with clear desire and a pink tongue darted out to wet the full and very kissable lips. The human swore he felt drool run down his chin.
"N-now?" He questioned, wanting to glance around to check if they were the only ones in this part of the massive garden, but he couldn't tear his eyes from the sultry vision before him.
"Do you want me?" The elf repeated, his voice low and rich with want. His only movement to flick the tie from his hair and shake the strands loose.
It was too much. As the soft waterfall framed the angelic face and spilled to pool on the grass, he was suddenly kneeling between the slender legs, leaning forward to claim the delicious lips. Conscious of only one thing, the feel of the silky hair caressing his hands and the taste and warmth of the slick cavern that was his lover's mouth. For the moment, Vali was his world. And if there were any witnesses, let them be damned, for right now he couldn't care less.
He moved to kiss the pale throat, as he lowered the elf to the ground completely, so his hands were now free to undo the ties of his shirt. Just as he was pushing the fabric over the smooth shoulders, Vali suddenly rolled away from him, coming to his feet in one smooth motion. Once William had recovered from the shock of suddenly being elfless, he looked over to see Vali staring intently at something, his eyes narrow in suspicion and wariness. He followed the elf's gaze to see a rather harmless looking young woman. The fact that the woman had seen them kissing didn't warrant the hatred for her burning in his lover's eyes. So he had to wonder what was going through Vali's mind.
As for the woman, for her part she looked as shocked by this reaction as William felt. She held up her hands no-threateningly. "I mean no harm." She told the elf sincerely, her eyes flickering to William for a moment.
"Like hell, you bitch!" He hissed angrily. "You may have thrown away your illusion, but I know who you are."
Her eyes widened in surprise. "How?" She whispered the question and William continued to watch both of them stunned, who was this strange woman, and how did Vali know her?
"You reek of death magic." He then moved towards her, and for the first time William noticed the long knife in his slender hand. "Give me one reason not to kill you." He dared her, his eyes gleaming dangerously.
"You never would have met your soul-mate. You would have passed each other by, for another lifetime." She told him calmly, headless of the weapon poised to strike and end her life.
"Never let me see you again." He told her coldly and calmly, but William could see his slender frame shivering with barely suppressed rage.
"But I came to-"
"Leave!"
She flinched back from the harshly spoken word before vanishing in a swirl of blue.
The knife slipped from the elf's fingers and he sunk to his knees on the soft grass, his whole body shaking with his soft sobs. William moved to him quickly, pulling him close and whispering words of comfort, having no idea what was going on. Knowing only that his lover needed comfort desperately, comfort he was more than willing to give.
When Vali was finally silent he pulled back, wiping away the tears on his sleeve before looking up at William apologetically. "I'm sorry." He whispered quietly, his voice still choked with tears. William shook his head and ran his fingers through the silky hair.
"You have nothing to apologise for. Though I wouldn't mind knowing what that was all about." He told him kindly before placing a kiss to the soft and moist lips, tasting salt as he withdrew.
"The slaver... she was there. She helped the slaver force Gabriel to rape me." The elf spoke almost too softly to be heard, he then drew closer to William, leaning his head against the human's shoulder.
"You said she smelt like magic? Is she a witch?" William questioned not being able to help his curiosity, he had never met anyone with magic before. Vali's shoulders started shaking, though the elf remained silent, and William feared he was crying again. But that fear vanished as he heard the soft snickering. The snickering then became soft laughter and William watched in surprise as the elf lay across his lap, as if his laughter had taken away all his strength. When the elf was finally finished he folded his arms on the grass, resting his head on them, and making no move to remove himself from across William's thighs. William ran his hands over the smooth back, before sliding them up under the shirt to caress the soft skin.
"What is so funny?" He questioned finally, not knowing how the elf could change moods so quickly.
"You can't smell magic, silly." Vali told him in a teasing fashion.
"But you said... Never mind." William sighed, knowing this was one conversation he hadn't a hope of winning. "Do you want to go home, love?" He questioned instead, his hand straying inadvertently to the deliciously firm bottom. Vali rolled over and sat up, looking at William thoughtfully for a moment before smiling beautifully.
"Yes, love. I want to go home."
The massive and elegant ballroom was decorated tastefully, and food tables with exotic and expensive foods spread over them were to one wall, leaving plenty of room for dancing and talking, as the noble and the rich hovered in groups, enjoying their idle chit-chat and meaningless drivel. Each trying to stand out with their fine and unique garments, which had been especially made for the occasion. The less noble or wealthy spent even more on their outfits for the evening, hoping to draw in someone to support them for a few years of luxury. And the truly wealthy stood around waiting for some beautiful thing to appear and take their fancy, so they could shower them in gifts, in return for fake love.
Lord Fenair was one of the truly wealthy. It wasn't that he disapproved of the strange mating habits of the elite of Brantilay, in fact he was all for it. The problem was no one could take his fancy anymore. None of the beauties attracted him anymore, they all seemed so pathetic, with their heavy make up and fancy clothes, trying desperately to hide their plainness. It was truly depressing that there was no real beauty left. Then he saw a new entrant to the gathering and his thoughts were proved wrong. There was real beauty left after all, and he was absolutely exquisite.
He was simply dressed in sleek, dark-green velvet. His shoulder-length curls were styled neatly and framed his exquisite face perfectly. He wore very little jewellery, including an amethyst stud in his belly-button, and his hair was only adorned with a dark-green scarf, which covered most of his hair and was wrapped loosely around his slender neck to secure it. As Lord Fenair approached the beautiful stranger he was surprised to notice his eyes were a startling violet and showed the years of experience and wisdom that his young body concealed. Could this gorgeous creature be one of the ancients? Could he be an elf?
He subtly pushed some less important fawners aside as he sidled up next to the beautiful stranger. He took one of the slender gloved hands and bowed over it, placing a soft kiss to the velvet.
"May I introduce myself? My name is Lord Edward Fenair and I would very much like you..." He paused meaningfully, locking his gaze with the stranger's to make his point clear before adding. "...to tell me who you are."
"My name is Tristian." He answered with a pleasant smile, letting Fenair keep hold of his hand. "I fear it is a bit stifling in here." The slender man said, obviously skilled at this game.
"It is truly. Perhaps a breath of fresh air would do you good. May I escort you to the garden?" Fenair questioned politely, keeping his growing lust from his voice.
"That would be lovely."
Once they had made their way outside they wandered to a more deserted part of the garden before stopping. For a few moments Fenair simply stared at the beautiful man, admiring the way the moonlight glistened off the pale skin and showed soft highlights in the fiery tresses. He eventually reached out and slowly removed the dark scarf, setting the strands free to shift lightly in the cool evening breeze. He let the scarf fall to the ground as he noticed the delicately pointed ears, which confirmed his assumption.
"You are an elf." He whispered, slightly in awe. He had never seen an elf before but this one was just as perfectly beautiful as he had expected the ancient creatures to be.
"Yes." The elf turned his violet gaze to the human, a sad look crossing his face for the barest of moments. "And I need your help, dear lord."
"Anything." He spoke without hesitation, as he would give anything if it meant just one night with this exotic creature.
"My poor little brother was kidnapped and sold as a slave to one of your nobles. I cannot return to my homeland without him and I don't know where to look." As the elf spoke his beautiful eyes filled with tears and his voice wavered ever so slightly. "Please...can you help me?"
The poor creature looked so distraught he pulled the slender elf into his arms and ran his hands down the smooth back. "Do not cry, fair one, I will help you." He told the elf kindly, not able to keep all the lust from his voice as he carefully trailed fingers over the exposed flesh of the elf's lower back. He was more than willing to comfort the appealing creature and he was sure if he did help him find his brother, the elf would be very grateful.
"Do you know where he might be?" The elf questioned as he pulled back slightly to look once again into the human's eyes. Fenair sorted through his memory trying to remember if he had heard of any elven slaves recently.
"Well..." He started thoughtfully. "Lord Vatigar just purchased a female elf, perhaps she would know where your brother may be?"
"Lord Vatigar?" The elf questioned hopefully. "This elf...do you know what she looks like?"
"No, I have not seen her. But I have been told she is very beautiful, with long silver hair and strange eyes." He said trying to remember all the rumours he had heard about the elven slave. He was a bit surprised when Tristian suddenly pulled back away from him. The elf then picked the scarf up and replaced it in one smooth motion.
"I thank you for your help, Lord Fenair." The elf commented noncommittally before turning to walk off. Fenair was shocked, the elf didn't seem upset at all anymore and he had the feeling he had just been scammed. If there was one thing the lord didn't like it was being made a fool of. He reached out quickly and grabbed one slender arm in a strong grip, forcing the elf to stay and face him.
"I believe you should reward me for my help." He said coldly as he forced the elf back against the tall stonewall, which surrounded the garden.
"I think not, human." The elf said narrowing his eyes in irritation as he looked meaningfully at the human's hand on his arm. "Let me go." Fenair couldn't help feeling a shiver of fear at the command, though he didn't lessen his grip.
"No." A second after he had spoken he found himself sliding down the wall in pain, the elf standing over him calmly. His mouth opened in shock, for he hadn't even seen the elf move.
"I owe you nothing." The elf stated finally before turning on his heel and walking back to the party.
He watched the beautiful and graceful creature vanish from sight before using the wall to get back to his feet. He rubbed his shoulder and arm where the elf had hit him, ignoring the ache in his back; the elf would pay for that. So the elf could defend himself against one aristocrat; that meant nothing. Fenair would simply hire the best mercenaries in Brantilay, which he could easily afford to do, and the elf's beautiful body would be his.
Vali sang softly under his breath as he washed the dirt off his hands. He had finished his morning gardening and was looking forward to breakfast with William. He couldn't believe how generous his new lover had been. All he did was mention that he missed the elven gardens of his homeland and William had given him his own garden to plant in it what he wished. He had bought important plants from Laurien, at astoundingly high prices without a single complaint. The human was so wonderful and kind and Vali absolutely adored the man. He was also really good in bed, for despite his lack of experience, he had wonderful intuition.
As he was heading up the path to the house he was surprised to see Urtha come hurrying along the path to meet him, a huge smile on her face. He stopped as she reached him and waited patiently for her to catch her breath, wondering what she could be so happy about.
"Your brother is here!" She exclaimed with a grin, "Says he's come all the way over the sea just to see you're alright." Her smile then faded slightly as she saw the confused and slightly fearful expression on the elf's face. "What's wrong? Don't you want to see him?" She questioned looking at her master with concern.
"I...don't have a brother." He told her carefully. "Did the elf give his name?" Oh, god, please don't let it be Brandon, I couldn't possibly choose between him and William.
"He said his name was Tristian, you don't know him?" "Tristian." Vali's relief was visible but if Urtha noticed it she chose not to comment, she simply waited for Vali to decide what he was going to do. After a few moments more thought he continued on the path towards the house as he questioned, "Where is he?" "He is waiting in the main den, with William." "Thank you." He told his maid absently, thoughts of what he was going to say to the warlord running through his mind. He really didn't know why his old leader had come to find him, surely Tristian wouldn't do such a thing on Brandon's behalf, would he? And he surely wouldn't travel all this way to get Vali to rejoin his army. Besides, it had already been disbanded, hadn't it? When the red-haired elf moved to Ansur. It was all too confusing and uncertain, the only thing Vali was sure of was that he wasn't going to leave William, not for anything...or anyone. He finally reached the large comfortable room, and as he stepped through the doorway his eyes instantly settled on the slender elf sitting on a couch opposite his lover. He thought fleetingly of how good Tristian looked with short hair, as the soft curls framed his angelic face perfectly, making him seem even more deceivingly innocent. Tristian noticed him and stood, walking over to the unsure elf, he then surprised Vali by embracing him warmly before pulling back to look the silver-haired elf over. He smiled and his violet eyes sparkled with joy. It was then Vali realised just how much having Gabriel as a lover had changed the ex-warlord. He seemed so warm and genuinely friendly, not at all like his old cold and uncaring self. "You look good, Vali." The older elf then casually brushed some silver hair back behind a pointed ear. "You even have some flesh on you again, and I must admit your hair looks good like that." He ran an admiring hand over the long braid. "So does yours, Tristian." Vali commented quietly, returning the favour and noting with slight envy that the older elf's hair was softer and silkier than his. His eyes then flickered to lock with dark violet and he wondered how he had never noticed how attractive Tristian was before. Perhaps it was because he had always been a cold killer before, but now...now he was a changed elf, that was obvious. He could even imagine Tristian smelling flowers and patting dogs, things the lord would have only sneered at before. Yes, Tristian was definitely attractive...and very close. He was pulled out of his surprisingly lustful thoughts by a polite cough. He turned quickly to see William looking at him with a slightly jealous expression. His eye flickered to Tristian for a moment and he commented with a smile. "It's a good thing you two are brothers." He pulled away from the older elf and sat down next to William before mumbling, "We're not." "What?" William looked at Tristian with a very cold expression, as the elf sat down again, "You would dare to come into my house and lie to me blatantly? You had better explain your actions very quickly, elf, or I will have you thrown out." The elf merely smiled disarmingly, and spoke apologetically, though Vali could tell he was angry himself. "I had to lie about it to find Vali, and I thought it best to be consistent. Besides, I couldn't very well come to your land and declare my noble status, and just expect you to hand him over to me." "Who are you then?" William questioned, his anger showing clearly, as he wrapped a possessive arm around the half-elf's waist. "He is Brandon's brother, and Gabriel's lover." Vali answered the question a tad submissively, before Tristian could say anything. He didn't like that his lover was so angry, for some reason it made him fearful, and the jealously he could feel emanating from the man only made his fear worse. "Please William, calm down, he meant no harm." "Oh, so now you are defending what he did?" The human said turning to glare and him and tightening his grip around the slender waist. "I...I just meant that..."
As the pretty half-elf pleaded with the human not to be angry Tristian felt his fury increase. To see Vali looking so submissive; and he could clearly see the fear in the silvery eyes. He had thought Brandon had been bad enough to the poor elf but to come here and see that someone else was treating Vali like a possession was very infuriating. He stood quickly and smoothly and in a second he had pulled the shorter elf from the human's grasp and stood between them, standing in front of Vali protectively. "Enough, I will not stand by and have you treat him this way." He told the human commandingly, "Despite what you think, Vali is neither a slave nor a possession. I thought from what I heard of you and from talking to you that you were a decent man, and that you were treating my friend as he should be. But I was wrong. You think of him as only a thing for you to fawn over and keep locked away. I am taking him back to Laurien with me, and if you try to stop me I will kill you." "No!" Vali exclaimed and moved to stand away from both of them, "There will be no killing!" His beautiful eyes started filling with tears but Tristian noticed the younger elf trying to hold them back, obviously very annoyed at himself, and them. "I've had it with both of you. Do either of you have any idea how selfish you are? You stand here and yell at each other as if this is all about you. It's not." Vali shook his head and spoke barely loud enough for them to hear. "It's my life you are arguing over. Tristian, I am grateful that you think to defend me but I am not yours to protect. And I don't recall you doing anything when your brother treated me as a possession. I really do appreciate you coming all the way here but I am not going back, I am happy here." He then turned his attention to the human, "I love you William. But you are acting jealous and possessive and I don't like it. You scare me, acting this way. And it tells me you don't trust me enough to be faithful to you. Why don't you believe how much I love you?" "Vali...I...I'm so sorry." William said walking over to embrace the elf, but Vali pulled back. "Don't." He shook his head, his braid slipping over his shoulder. "I need to be alone." He whispered before turning and running out of the room, leaving behind two stunned and guilt-filled beings. Tristian started to head after the younger elf but William grabbed his arm. "What are you doing?" The human questioned indignantly, "He said he wanted to be alone." The elf snorted in disgust, "And how well you think you know him. He never wishes to be alone when he is upset, it only hurts him more." "Then I will go to him." William said angrily moving to pass the elf. "You will never catch him. William, there are things I must discuss with him, about Brandon, surely you know this? Vali will not be happy until this business is done. Let me talk to him, please." Tristian surprised himself with the sincerity in his voice; he wondered why he was actually being nice to this human. But he didn't worry about it for long as William decided to agree and he went in search of Vali.
"No..." Wren whispered in despair as she watched Tristian run after Vali. "I have to stop it." She declared before preparing to travel, but slender hands lay on her shoulders and she was turned around to face her eternal companion.
"You cannot interfere." He told her, a hint of sadness in his voice.
"Like hell I can't." She tried to pull away but he was too strong.
"If you interfere the mother will destroy you. You have already betrayed her twice, three times means death, you know this."
"I don't care!" She then stopped struggling and gave him a hateful look. "Besides, it is none of your business, you have no right to stop me from doing anything."
"I do." He looked at her for a long moment before a single tear slipped down his flawless skin and he released her. "Do you not care for me at all? Do you not care that you death means mine as well? It is not fair that you would throw away my life so needlessly, is it not enough that you have already done so with my love? The mortals, they are reborn...we are not. You would destroy us both for one of their lifetimes?"
She gasped in shock and raised a hand to her mouth, shaking her head in denial. I didn't know, she thought very softly as she looked at him. She saw the ancient sadness in his pale eyes and cursed herself for being so ignorant. She had been so busy running around after mortals that she had never even noticed, she had never even noticed when she broke his heart. She was sure it had happened a long time ago, perhaps when he had told her he loved her as they held each other, and she had neglected to say the words back.
"You didn't know your death means mine?" He sighed and moved away from her. "Now you do. But you are right, I cannot stop you." He then vanished before she could say or do anything.
"Wait." She said it quietly, yet the word still echoed in the empty darkness, but he didn't return. And she knew she would never find him, not until all of this was over. She looked around the empty room and felt lonelier than she had ever felt in her long existence, before she made the hardest decision of her long life.
He was very surprised when he felt a gentle hand on his shoulder, and he nearly fell. He looked up to see Tristian crouched on the branch in front of him, and he hadn't even heard the older elf approach nor climb the tree. Tristian gave the startled elf a reassuring smile and made himself comfortable on the branch, his long legs swinging over the side to dangle in mid-air.
"I'm sorry if I upset you." The redhead said sincerely, "It was not my intent."
"It's ok." Vali shrugged, wishing the older elf wasn't studying him so closely.
"You really do wish to stay here?"
"Yes."
"And you are happy?"
"More than I ever was with Brandon."
"He wanted me to 'fetch' you back for him."
"Is that why you are here?" He felt a sinking feeling in his stomach, if Tristian was going to force him to go back there was nothing he could do, Tristian was a lot stronger and far more skilled in combat.
"No. I told him off actually, said if he really wanted you he would go himself." Tristian then ran one of his elegant hands over the half-elf's thigh in an oddly comforting gesture. "I'm sorry Vali, even if you are happy here. I know you did care for my brother."
"I did...I still do. Is he happy?"
"I believe so. His province always did come first."
They were silent for a long time and as Tristian gazed off into the forest Vali couldn't help staring at the older elf. It was just so puzzling, how much he had changed. Not only had his manner changed but he had changed visibly as well, it wasn't anything drastic, just a softening to his features. It made him seem far more approachable, the elf actually looked happy, like he had the world to live for. Tristian turned to him and raised one perfect eyebrow in inquiry.
"Why do you stare at me like that?"
Vali pulled back in surprise, those had been the exact same words he had said to William when the lord had been admiring him. Had he been admiring Tristian? He felt guilty for the strange attraction he seemed to feel for the older elf. Was he betraying William by having lustful thoughts about Tristian? Surely not, besides everyone was attracted to Tristian, he was perfect, after all. He was sure William must be attracted to him as well, it was only natural. It was nothing to feel guilty about, nothing at all.
"Vali? What's wrong?"
"N-nothing." He stood, taking a step back and his back bumped into the tree trunk. "We should go back." He said quickly before dropping to the ground. Tristian jumped gracefully to land next to him on the ground and he couldn't help but notice the play of wiry muscle under the elf's snug clothes. He had to get away from this bewitching creature, now! He turned and went to run off again but a slender and strong hand wrapped around his arm. He was pulled to an abrupt halt and was shocked to feel something whiz right passed his nose. Something, which would have killed him if Tristian hadn't stopped him.
He was then quickly pulled behind a large tree, as more arrows flew passed, embedding in the nearby trees with audible thuds. He crouched down and peered around the tree for a moment, his warrior instincts finally kicking in. "There's at least twenty." He told the older elf with slight fear.
"I know." Tristian drew one dagger from each boot and handed one to Vali. "We should take to the trees."
An instant later the older elf was gone and he was left to scramble up the tree he was hiding behind. He made his way stealthily towards their attackers as more arrows were fired at where they had been. As he leapt into a tree above them he saw a flash of copper and six of them were dead in an instant. He hesitated and Tristian killed another five. He then jumped down, feeling guilty for not doing his share and he made quick work of several of the human archers. Soon they were all almost dead but before he knew what was happening his weapon was knocked from his hand and a sword was placed to his throat.
"Halt elf, or this one dies!" The man with the sword commanded Tristian as he let the sharp blade bite into Vali's flesh until a thin trickle of blood ran down his neck. He whimpered and couldn't help looking at the older elf with pleading eyes as Tristian took in the scene. Tristian dropped the human whose neck he had just broke and stopped where he was.
"What do you want?" He questioned coldly.
"You. I get a shitload of gold if I bring you in alive, but this one." The man deepened the cut further eliciting another pitiful sound from the elf. "He can die, but it's your choice. Come peaceful-like and I'll let this one live, if not." He pushed the blade too close and Vali knew that he was dead anyway if he did nothing. He slammed his elbow into the man's stomach, but unlike the elf had expected the man held tightly to his weapon and Vali felt the blade sink in to make the cut a fatal wound. At the same moment Tristian threw his dagger, and it hit the man square in the forehead.
The next few seconds seemed to last forever for the elf as he was released from the cruel grip. He collapsed to the ground and made a pitiful choking sound as his blood spilled everywhere, he couldn't believe he was going to die. Not like this, not killed by some stupid human bounty hunter. He struggled to push the haze away and keep his eyes open, it was then Tristian reached him. The older elf knelt over him and pressed warm hands to the wound.
"Hang on Vali, this will only take a second." Tristian told him calmly, though worry shone in his eyes. But then the healing warmth began and he felt his cut sealing shut. Warmth and relief washed through him as the wound shut completely and he felt most of his blood restored. He felt much better, in fact he felt like he could take a quick run he was filled with so much energy. But as he went to sit up the older elf collapsed against him with a few mumbled words. He wrapped his arms around the exhausted elf, intending to lift him off but once his arms were in place he realised he kind of liked the feel of Tristian in his arms, and vulnerable. He then toyed with the idea of being the dominant one for once; it might be fun, especially if it was with the beautiful elf.
He then cursed his straying mind and pushed Tristian off gently, helping him sit up. "Are you alright?" He questioned as he stroked a hand through the coppery hair.
"Fine..." The violet eyes closed lightly for a moment. "I just need to rest for a minute."
"Thank you Tristian. For saving my life."
"You're welcome." The elf then struggled to get to his feet, "Will you help me?" Vali wrapped an arm around the taller elf's waist, as Tristian put his hand on his shoulder. "I can't remember the last time I was this tired." He said absently as they slowly made there way back to the mansion.
He was very glad when they reached the front path, it would only be a few more steps and they would be inside, and he could sit down. His eyes kept trying to close on him and it was a terrible effort to keep them open, yet that wasn't what he was most worried about. Nor was he that concerned about the fact they had just been attacked by bounty hunters. He was worried about Vali. Not about him not being healed, but about the strange looks the other elf had been giving him. Not to mention the fact Vali's steadying hand had slipped under his shirt and his thumb caressed his side. He wasn't sure if the young elf knew he was even doing it but it was disturbing Tristian. He wasn't sure how to get the other elf to stop, he didn't wish to hurt his feelings in any way.
As Vali pushed the door open they heard a very loud crash come from inside. The half-elf jumped forwards into the room and Tristian stumbled from the lack of support, falling to his knees. He squeezed his eyes closed as he became dizzy, and he vaguely heard Vali's panicked voice in the distance. Not long afterwards he heard the loud tramping of human servants come to see what the problem was, it was then he finally managed to open his eyes again and see what was going on. His heart jumped into his throat as he stared in disbelief.
The second-floor banister had been broken and amid the wreckage on the lower floor were two unmoving bodies and one elf crying over the smaller of the two. He saw the blood pooling around them and knew it was too late, neither was breathing. They were dead... Gabriel, the most important thing to him in the world was dead. He struggled to his feet, feeling tears blur his vision as he dropped to his knees next to his lover's corpse. There were gashes over his golden skin, cuts from a slender sword, and a fatal wound to his heart. Tristian glanced over at Vali and his dead lover and wasn't surprised to see a thin sword in the human's limp hand. William had given Gabriel the fatal wound and the giant had thrown them both off the balcony.
He reached out, tracing the lines of his lover's face, thinking numbly that he should have foreseen this. After how possessive and jealous William had acted merely from his presence, he should have known he would wish to kill the man who raped Vali. He couldn't believe it was over, as he stared at the slowly paling body he wondered how his giant could be so fragile. How could someone so strong and alive leave so quickly? He had been alive mere minutes before, and now...now he was gone forever.
He felt tears spill down his cheeks as it all finally sank it... Gabriel was dead. He stumbled back away from the corpse and ran out of the room, leaving Vali to cry over the one who had killed his lover. He ran out the door and back into the forest. He didn't care that he was so exhausted he would drop any moment, he didn't care that he was running back to the corpses him and Vali had left, he just couldn't stop running. It was as if he was trying to run away from the truth, as stupid as that notion was.
"It's over." She whispered letting the image fade from the water. She had made her choice, no matter how much it pained her, he had been right, it was just one of their lifetimes. They would be born again, and though she would have gladly given her life up for their happiness, she had no right to take his as well.
"They will be happy again."
She turned at the soft voice and was surprised to see him looking as sad as she felt. She sighed and moved to him, leaning her head against his shoulder and wrapping her arms around his waist. "I know... I just wish they could always be happy."
"Then would you be happy?" At his question she looked up sharply, so that was what he was so sorrowful about. "You should have gone into the cycle with your brothers."
"I'm sorry." She tilted her head up slightly to place a kiss to his soft lips, but to her surprise he pulled back as if stung.
"What for?" His voice was passive but she could see the hurt in his eyes, what was it he thought she was apologising for? Did he perhaps think she was now leaving him? To go and join her brothers?
"For neglecting the reason why I stayed." She moved forward, reaching up to lay her hands to either side of his perfect face. "For neglecting you, my love." His eyes widened in surprise and she claimed his sweet lips, needing desperately to make it up to him. Because if she couldn't make her brothers, dear Tristian and Vali happy, at least she could make her soul-mate happy.
Vali lay on his bed, he could feel the dried tears on his cheeks. His lover was gone... his love. He felt strangely distant from everything. Urtha had tried to comfort him but nothing she said helped, so she had eventually left him alone. He stared up at the ceiling, looking over the intricate pattern painted on the plaster. He wondered if William had picked out the design himself, or had it been like that when he bought the place? He heard the door open but continued to look at the ceiling, figuring it was just Urtha come back to check on him. Almost silent footsteps crossed the room hesitantly before he felt the bed shift lightly. What was she doing?
He sat up and was shocked to see Tristian kneeling on the bed next to him. It was then he remembered seeing the older elf run off after it had happened. Vali had at least had Urtha but Tristian had no one in his grief. They sat looking at each other for a long time and Vali felt terrible shame for thinking how gorgeous Tristian looked with his hair dishevelled and his body exhausted. Why did he have to be so attracted to the elf? Their lovers had just died, for crying out loud, he should have been able to keep his hormones in check.
"Vali." The word was a whisper and full of pain and it made his heart shatter into even smaller pieces than it was already in. He really didn't want to have his own grief and see Tristian suffering such grief as well. As he noticed tears slip down the milky pale skin he suddenly wondered what the older elf's tears would taste like. On impulse he leaned forward quickly and claimed his unresisting lips. To his surprise Tristian melted into the kiss, letting Vali's tongue slip into his mouth with no resistance.
As he pushed the redhead back, laying him carefully on the bed he wondered if this was the best way to alleviate their grief, at least for a short while. Tristian whimpered under him and his hands moved to weakly push at Vali's chest. He broke the kiss reluctantly and traced gentle fingers along the damp porcelain cheeks. Tristian looked up at him with shimmering violet eyes and he parted his lips lightly, as if about to speak. But after a few seconds of silence he merely closed his eyes and gripped Vali's shirt, pulling him back down into another sweet kiss.
As Vali removed clothing and used his hands and lips to cover every part of the older elf's smooth skin he was very conscious of the elf under him. He hadn't been this aware of his bed partner's pleasure since he had been with Brandon, though this was for a different reason. Tristian through it all made barely a sound, and the only movements he made were to occasionally reach out a pale hand and touch Vali's arm or hair. It made Vali wonder if the lord was merely tolerating his touch, but if so he couldn't think why Tristian would do that. Unless he didn't want to hurt Vali's feelings? He pulled back and looked down at the beautiful elf. His eyes were closed and his perfect thick lashes rested against his pale skin, the dark strands glistening with tears. He was so beautiful it almost hurt to look at him.
"Tristian."
His eyes fluttered open and he looked up at the younger elf with such a weary expression Vali pulled him into his arms and just held him, all thoughts of sex gone from his mind.
"I don't want to be alone... not again." He whispered quietly, clinging to Vali weakly. "But he's gone."
"Shh, you're not alone." He placed a gentle kiss to Tristian's cheek, removing some of the fresh tears. "I'm here. And even though my grief isn't as strong as yours, I suffer it too. But we still have each other."
"It's my fault...I should have listened. She told me, but I didn't listen... If I'd just-"
He kissed the elf again to silence him, slipping his tongue passed the soft lips, how could Tristian possibly blame himself? He was more determined now than ever to ease the redhead's pain. He caressed damp cheeks carefully and wondered if Tristian would ever stop crying, how could he be suffering such an incredible amount? It seemed unbelievable that someone so strong and warlike could suffer so greatly just from one death. But Gabriel had been the one to teach him to feel again. It was then Vali had a dreadful thought, what if he goes back to how he was; cold and uncaring?
He shifted to kiss the pale neck before slowly kissing and caressing a gentle path across his shoulders and down to his stomach. This time Tristian responded better, making a few small pleasured sounds and running his fingers lightly across Vali's back. As he traced light fingers along the older elf's erection Tristian let out the sweetest sounding moan Vali had ever heard. He continued to tease the sensitive flesh, receiving many more of the delicious sounds for his efforts. It was soon evident that the redhead was going to release and Vali couldn't resist slipping down the slender body to replace his fingers with his mouth. As the slick warmth surrounded Tristian's member he gasped before his back arched and he came, the warm seed spilling down the half-elf's throat.
Tristian then collapsed back against the soft mattress, as Vali sat up, licking the last of the juices off his lips. His own erection strained for release but he wasn't sure whether to expect the exhausted elf to do anything or not. In fact he wasn't even sure he was still awake. But after a moment he blinked his eyes open sleepily and gave the younger elf a soft smile of encouragement before taking one of Vali's hands in his and directing it towards his opening. Vali gladly leaned over him again, slipping one finger in first and a moment later a second. He claimed his lips again, though this time the kiss was deeper and more lethargic but oddly pleasurable. The older elf was soon ready, and Vali gave a minute shudder as he realised that was because he was used to Gabriel's size. But the warm plaint body under him soon banished the horrid memory from his mind.
He shifted, kneeling between Tristian's legs, spreading them a bit wider before gripping his buttocks and lifting him enough off the mattress to slip inside. He pushed in smoothly and slowly as Tristian turned his head to the side and gripped the sheets weakly, but Vali wasn't sure if he was in pain or pleasure as his expression was unreadable, as was his soft whimper. The half-elf pulled back before pushing in again, harder this time, and Tristian gasped in a choked breath as Vali touched that magical spot. That was all the encouragement Vali needed as he moved inside the sultry passage, ducking his head down to continue the deep kiss. After several more minutes of shared pleasure they came in unison, collapsing together onto the soft blankets.
Once his breathing was back to normal he pulled away from the older elf, intending to get a drink, but Tristian sat up, grabbing his arm and staring at him with wide eyes. "Don't leave me." He begged quietly, tears shimmering again. He quickly moved back again, taking the thinner elf into his arms, and stroking his soft wavy hair, as Tristian clung to him.
"I won't, I promise. I was just going to get a drink. Do you want one?"
"Ok."
Vali was reluctantly let go and he stood getting a bottle of wine from a nearby table, that Urtha had thoughtful left for him. He didn't bother with glasses, simply taking the bottle back to the bed, tossing the cork aside. He took a long drink of the cool liquid before handing the bottle to Tristian. They then sat in silence as they finished the bottle and occasionally caressed or kissed one another. When the bottle was empty Vali tossed it aside and it hit the carpet with an ominously loud thud in the silent room.
"Tristian?"
"Yes." The elf turned his sleepy gaze to him, giving him his full attention.
"Do you regret it?"
"Should I?"
"Maybe." Vali shrugged, noticing the wistful look in his 'lover's' eyes. "Did it mean anything to you?"
"Should it have?"
The sound of a harsh slap echoed in the room for a spit second before all was silent again. Then a few seconds later the sound of soft crying could be heard.
"Why are you crying? You're the one that hit me." Tristian said a bit testily. "Honestly, Vali, I don't know what you expect me to say. It's true, I don't want you to leave. I don't want to be alone. But surely you understand that I can't feel anything towards you but friendship."
"Then why did you have sex with me?" Vali questioned, defeated.
"I don't know... It just... it felt good." Vali's mouth dropped open in shock at the older elf's words, but Tristian wasn't finished. "Oh, don't give me that look. I've lived a long time, Vali, I know what lust is and I see it in your eyes when you look at me, I felt it in your lips as you kissed me. Not love, but lust. Pure and simple."
"And is that all you feel for me?"
"No. I already told you I care about you, but you are asking for more than I can give." He pushed Vali back onto the bed before snuggling up against him, nuzzling his neck lightly as Vali lay, stunned. "We have both lost so much, let's just keep each other company for awhile. Then maybe..." The older elf shrugged before placing a kiss to Vali's shoulder and preparing to sleep.
"Maybe we can love again?" The young elf questioned hesitantly.
"Maybe..."