Floor 5, Room 3

[leewards]

ITHAQUA

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timeskip uwu

[leewards]

[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.]

[divineth]

[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.]

[leewards]

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

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

[divineth]

[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.

[leewards]

[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.]

[divineth]

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.

[leewards]

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.]

[divineth]

[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!]

[leewards]

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.

[divineth]

[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.

[leewards]

[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?

[divineth]

[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...]

[leewards]

[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.

[divineth]

[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.

[leewards]

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.]

[divineth]

[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.

one more timeskip huhuhu

[leewards]

[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.]

[divineth]

[It's hard for Urianger to not be at least a little embarrassed by how much he's being fussed over, but he doesn't let it show. He cooperates perfectly well as Ithaqua guides him along. His robes, caked with dried blood, are peeled off with Ithaqua's assistance and his smallclothes follow after he sits to remove them.

He takes a few careful steps down into the bath and allows himself to sink into the soothing warm water with a sigh. This is exactly what his stiff body needed.

Without really thinking about it, he watches Ithaqua undress while he waits for him to join him. Much to his surprise, something unfamiliar appears from the tufts of his lover's hair. He sits up in the bath with a start.]

Ithaqua, thy head... Are those horns?

[leewards]

[Oh... oops. Ithaqua forgot about those. He reaches up and pats them, and he can tell they're definitely visible over his hair. Ithaqua has to cringe.]

They may be-- but they are velveted. [Now completely undressed, he enters the bath next to Urianger and gently pushes him back down so he can relax.]

Only antlers are velveted, so it's safe to say that these are less horns, and more those.

[divineth]

[He doesn't put up any resistance, but he also doesn't take his eyes off of Ithaqua's new appendages.]

Antlers... [Hmmm.] Are they a sign of thy continued transformation?

[Ithaqua did say his monster transformation wasn't anywhere near complete, making the appearance of those tiny antlers most auspicious.]

[leewards]

That is what I can only conclude at this time. [Ithaqua reaches for the water dipper, filling it up and holds it out, silently offering to wash Urianger, and asking permission to do so.]

They appeared suddenly while you were away. It was a surprise, when I hadn't changed in so long.

[divineth]

[Urianger nods in response to the offer, smiling.]

...They are quite cute at this stage, I must admit.

[Sorry Ithaqua, he can't help himself. They'll surely be more fitting of an intimidating monster at some point. For now, though...they're cute, like that of a young buck.]

I don't suppose thou wouldst allow me to touch them?

[leewards]

[Ithaqua makes a face at Urianger, one that says he's about to sulk, he wants to sulk, but he's holding back because that would simply make him look like a child just because they're called... cute. He's not cute! Urianger is silly and biased.

Instead, he buys himself some time by pouring water of Urianger's hair to get it wet. Eventually...]

Once we're done bath, Urianger.

[divineth]

[The mortified expression and subsequent stalling tactics only serve to make Urianger laugh, full of affection. Curses, he's been denied for the time being...whatever will he do...]

Shall I hold thee to thy word?

[He pushes his wet bangs back behind his ears to help Ithaqua along.]

[leewards]

[Ithaqua gives a put-upon sigh.]

Yes, dear. Now let me bathe you properly.

[He pours more water over Urianger, really soaking his hair, then moving onto the rest of his body. It's clear he's accustomed to this. Caretaking as a whole.]