wizardmanor | Floor 5, Room 3

[Ithaqua's hand moves down to Urianger's neck to support it, his thumb gently rubbing circles on his lover's skin.]

Shh, beloved. Do not strain yourself, you only need to listen. [His tone has gone soft as he speaks directly into his lover's ear.] You brought colour and light to my life, such that I cannot bear to return to the way I once was, to the world that birthed me. And yet it's dawned on me that I have eternity ahead of me, simply because of what I've done to myself in the name of protecting someone.

[Becoming a monster, he means. He's slowly transforming and what happened to him while Urianger was away has solidified his thoughts. He wanted to wait, but then Urianger came back halfway to dead, and he just can't hold his tongue much longer.]

I shall outlive you, and I do not want to face a lifetime of being alone.

Urianger Augurelt, should you die before me, whatever the cause, I shall follow you shortly, by my own hand if I must. This is my promise to you.

[It's difficult for Urianger to just lie there and listen, but he obeys nevertheless. He remains quiet, hanging on every word that comes from his lover. Only when the inevitable topic comes up does he grip tightly against any shred of clothing he can find.

Ithaqua's thought about it too, then. If Urianger doesn't retain a long lifespan as a wizard once this is all over, then Ithaqua will have to bear the burden of immortality alone. Ithaqua will have to watch Urianger age while he remains the same, and one day Urianger will have to leave him behind to return to the Lifestream. It's almost unbearable to think about even now, but it has to be discussed.

What Urianger isn't expecting, however, is the promise. His breath hitches in his throat as the gravity of it sinks deep into his very soul. A promise of eternity...a promise made for him. He would never ask for such a thing, but how can he deny feelings so strong that Ithaqua would stake his very existence upon them?

Ithaqua's true name is shakily whispered back.]

I know not what to say...

[His emotions speak for him, however. Ithaqua's promise has moved enough to shed a few tears.]

[Ithaqua brushes away Urianger's ears, before giving him a kiss on the temple. Then he reaches down and gently pries Urianger's fingers away from fabric in order to replace it with his own hand. Hold him instead.]

You did not deny me my emotions, that is enough for me. [He's not even expecting a promise in return. Now you know I shall follow you forever, hm?

Including to your home.

[And hold him he will. His grip loosens when Ithaqua joins their hands, no longer with that anxious ferocity but something a little gentler. It takes him a moment to calm himself, but the words do finally come.]

Nor would I. Nay, I embrace them. That thou wouldst bestow unto me a promise is a precious gift that I shall never take for granted. I will also endeavor to ensure that thou shalt not need to follow through with it anytime soon. [He gives Ithaqua's hand a squeeze in lieu of lifting his head up for a kiss.] May our shared life together be a long and prosperous one.

[But the implications of it all aren't lost on him.]

Heartened as I am that thou wouldst return to Etheirys with me, thy mother...

[He's sure Ithaqua has thought about it, but he'd like to hear those thoughts.]

Mm. [He's glad that Urianger did not reject his declaration-- and he's heartened by the concern, too. He chose a good man to give himself to.

Even if Ithaqua has already been thinking of the possibilities, even from before they came to the West.]

I know. I want to take her from that forest and bring her with. I do know that requires so much power, and so much effort on behalf of the wizards who must find a way... Thus I gave my full support to Tatara, with his plans of finding ways to allow people to do this. [He just hopes that his mother is still alive after he'd been gone for months.]

Then Tatara hath also taken this into consideration… Glad am I to hear it. I shall make every possible contribution that I am able as well, to see thee and thy mother safely unto Etheirys.

[Maybe they can even help Ithaqua’s mother’s affliction once they get there. But that’s a subject for another day.]

You will need to recuperate first, Urianger. [While his voice continues to be soft, there's a tinge of amusement as well. Oh Urianger, still thinking about other people even when he's so injured that he cannot move on his own.]

You should sleep. You have had a difficult day.

I know. I am merely making my intentions clear.

[It’s important!! Not that Ithaqua doesn’t have a point, though. As nice as it feels to make plans for the future, he should probably focus on the present…such as how exhausted he is.

A thought occurs to him when he nods along to what Ithaqua’s saying. His eyes drift closed.]

To think we would find ourselves like this again, with our positions reversed.

[And with major developments in their relationship, no less.]

[Part and parcel of being a wizard, is it not? Fighting, being injured, returning home-- Ithaqua is no stranger to having someone at home waiting for him, but there's a vast difference between a mother he must care for, and a lover whose heart would surely be broken if he came home broken.

It makes Ithaqua hold Urianger tighter, until his lover falls asleep. he doesn't move until morning, even when his limbs go numb from holding his beloved still. At least he manages to doze despite everything?

Though he returns to alertness when he feels Urianger stir, and not a simple twitch one would make in their sleep while dreaming. He tilts his head best he can to check Urianger's face.]

[Urianger barely remembers anything after closing his eyes. The culminated injury and exhaustion from the day, and the warmth from his lover sends him into a deep, dreamless sleep.

The next thing he knows, his eyes flutter open and the light of morning is filtering in through the window. Tentatively, he shifts his head slightly. To his relief, the pain has diminished substantially, as has his injury in general. Ithaqua’s healing potion did wonders- the sealed wound is almost completely gone now. His head and hearing are also much clearer.

He lets out a sigh of relief and allows himself to shift more…]

…Oh.

[He murmurs, surprised. Ithaqua is still here, holding him. He tips his head up to meet Ithaqua’s gaze and smiles.]

Good morning, dearest Ithaqua.

[Imagine he’s using Ithaqua’s real name instead.]

Good morning, beloved. [He flexes to feel his neck crack.]

How are you feeling? Still in pain? Still tired?

[Yeah, a big stretch sounds like such a good idea right now. After doing so, he repositions so he’s more level with Ithaqua but still snuggling close.]

I feel stiff, but well-rested. Thy potion was potent indeed.

[Something in Ithaqua's chest eases, and he presses a kiss to his lover's temple. Urianger will be fine.]

If you feel like having some food, let me know.

[Now he arranges them so they're facing each other in Ithaqua's bed. Truthfully, he'd be happy to just lay here and look into his elf's eyes the whole day, but he knows that's not realistic.]

Mayhap soon. For now, I would lie with thee.

[And the first order of business while he does that is leaning in for a proper kiss. He didn't have the opportunity to do that after Ithaqua's promise last night, so it needs to be rectified immediately.]

I thank thee for thy care.

Mm... Caring for you was the least I would do, when I've entrusted you with everything.

Heheh. [Ithaqua indulges himself in the kiss for as long as he can-- ideally, as long as he would like. Even if Urianger had only been gone for most of a day, Ithaqua was beside himself with worry and having him here is enough for him to feel like doing whatever he wants.

In fact...

He deepens the kiss enough that he hopes Urianger will be distracted as he moves his hands, reaching into his cape and then clasping around Urianger's wrist. When they part, Ithaqua has a silly smile on his face, and Urianger has a simple, silver chain bracelet with a cluster of charms and yellow stones on his wrist.]

[Urianger isn't quite so distracted as to not notice his hands being manipulated, but he's content to keep up the illusion for whatever surprise Ithaqua has in store for him.

And what a surprise it is. When he pulls away for a moment to breathe, he takes the opportunity to see what Ithaqua has put on his wrist.]

My... [He murmurs, pleasantly surprised. His yellow eyes twinkle as he pours over every charm. It's going to pair nicely with his usual attire.] This is stunningly beautiful, Ithaqua. I thank thee, truly.

[And he doesn't even know the significance of the color yet!]

Mm~ [Urianger's reaction tells him that he doesn't know the exact significance of this gift, and he will take great delight in watching his expression when Ithaqua does enlighten him.]

Did you know? In this world's culture, if a wizard or witch were to gift someone a stone with the colour of the recipient's eyes, it is considered a romantic gesture.

[Then he plays with the bit of sea glass, the larger stone. He was glad he managed to find it on a vendor's stall. It's the perfect stone to represent Urianger's eyes, and he just added the smaller one for a bit of extra flair.]

And yellow happens to be my favourite colour. It always has been, before I met you.

[The reveal throws Urianger for a loop, that's for sure. His eyes widen, even more than they did toward the reveal of the bracelet itself.]

Verily...? [His expression immediately softens and he lets out a chuckle. Ithaqua has moved him once again.] I had no idea. Thy diligence in learning the culture of this world is most commendable, to say nothing of thy thoughtfulness...

[He almost feels spoiled by this level of romantic affection, which is an incredibly unfamiliar feeling. Does he truly deserve something like this?

...No, he can't possibly think like that when Ithaqua has gone so far as to pledge his life to him. Ithaqua believes he deserves this, so he'll accept it fully.

He shifts his hands to clasp Ithaqua's, warm and gentle to match his eyes.]

How fortuitous, then, that thou canst view thy favorite color whenever it doth please thee. These eyes shall never stray far.

[He looks like he's going to cry, and if he does, Ithaqua thinks he might not survive that. So he'll simply stop trying to flatter Urianger, like say something about how he liked the colour for the moon and whatnot but due to its role here in this world... Ah, nevermind.

Ithaqua rubs their hands together, warming them both up in a way that he does not mind at all.]

I should hope not... or at the very least, you shall always come back to me, hm? [He leans in to give Urianger a nuzzle.]

Though, you did come back to me this time in a mess. Are you hungry yet?

[He's not going to cry on Ithaqua again, it's fine... He's a little misty-eyed though. Can Ithaqua blame him for it?]

I shall, without fail.

[Even if he comes back a mess, yes... His smile turns sheepish at that. He really did just sleep in his bloody clothes all night, huh? He'll have to clean Ithaqua's bedding later.]

I would bathe before locating something to eat. Wouldst thou join me?

[Couple's first joint bathing experience...]

[Ithaqua's eyes grow wide at the invitation. They haven't even done that yet... But he wants to. What took them so long to get to this?

He nods quickly.]

Yes-- [Then, a clearing of his throat. Play it cool, Ithaqua.] I would love to.

[Ithaqua's excitement over the prospect is endearing, earning a light chuckle from Urianger. He might've been more embarrassed to ask if they hadn't participated in some more salacious activities prior to this.]

Very well. [Somewhat reluctantly, he releases himself from Ithaqua and begins to ease himself out of bed.] Then let us make way to the baths. I shall need to make a stop to my room for clean garments on the way.

Give me a moment to gather a change of clothes here, then I shall escort you to your room.

[Ithaqua gives him a peck on the cheek,then crawls out of bed so he can hold out his arms to assist Urianger up into a standing position.]

[The assistance is greatly appreciated, because Urianger finds himself to still be a little wobbly after yesterday's mess. He's able to get his feet firmly planted and stabilize himself while holding onto Ithaqua, though. He should be okay to walk.]

By thy leave, then.

[They do manage to get to the baths without incident, even with all the stairs they had to navigate. Ithaqua almost suggested just flying, but... Well, that wouldn't be a good idea either, he has no idea how brooms can handle two grown men-- because of course he wouldn't just allow Urianger to fly in this condition.

He fusses a little more as he helps Urianger undress-- thankfully no attempts of his surprisingly robust libido to rear its ugly head near Urianger. They're just going to bathe after all.]

Get yourself situated, while I undress myself.

[It's as if they've returned to daily life, and added a new item to their routine.

Though... Ithaqua's forgotten that while Urianger was away, something happened to him. Something that left quite the obvious mark in the form of two short, knobby horns-- antlers?-- on his head, just barely poking through his hair. They become visible when he tugs his clothing off and tamp his hair down after the movements of his hood fluffed it up.]

Floor 5, Room 3

cw: suicidal ideation

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timeskip uwu

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one more timeskip huhuhu

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