I do not remember. [Which is true-- it's been a while, and the days have blurred together, waking, checking on his mother, patrolling, preparing for the day (night), household maintenance, resting when the sun comes, waking once more. An endless cycle.]
I remember... that they had begun calling me all sorts of titles, and names, creatures from their books and tales. That had happened sometime after I began hunting intruders in earnest. Word spreads fast.
I cannot tell from my appearance, either. [He looks down at his hands. While his palms are calloused from hard work, the back of them are smooth. Youthful.] I rarely look at myself in the mirror since the incident, but I know that I have not aged much.
Aye. Thou dost appear youthful- mayhap a few summers younger than myself.
[Which brings an unfortunate implication with it. If Ithaqua does not age...he'll very quickly outlive Urianger. It's difficult to think about, but it's important to do so. Perhaps...at another time they'll discuss it. One difficult subject and subsequent step at a time.
For now, Urianger reaches up to place his free hand against Ithaqua's cheek, mirroring what the other had done for him. He runs his hand along the jawline as he had done when they had their first kiss. This time, however, there's a heaviness to his gaze that seeps into his words.]
No matter how drastic thy transformation becometh, I shall not leave thy side. Thou hast fought to protect alone for so long...'tis time for that to change.
[This is not Urianger saying he wants to join in the hunt, far from it. Ithaqua can probably figure that much. But he does want to be there for him in some way.]
[Ithaqua knows he passed his twentieth year sometime ago, his mother even remarked on it because she still had her mind. But how long ago was that?
Nevertheless, the single gesture from Urianger makes him feel... seen. As if he knows what Ithaqua is working through now, perhaps even better than the beast himself. Ithaqua never really stopped to think about the implications of his situation, not until now, but Urianger has made him truly think. It's a horrifying situation, but he thinks that his lover is also sharing the burden with him.
Words are not enough to describe how deeply he appreciates that.]
I adore you. You are the most empathetic man I have ever met, honourable and kind yet willing to take on this horrible burden with me. [Then he leans in, and murmurs a single word into Urianger's ear. A single name. It may just sound like a Midlander name to him.]
She used to call me that-- it's now yours, and yours alone. [No one else is allowed, basically.]
[It floors Urianger to receive such praise, and he almost shies away from it on principle.]
...Ne'er again did I expect to be called honorable after my time spent in the shadows.
[He mentioned something along those lines during the memory Ithaqua witnessed. About subterfuge no longer being necessary and how he wanted to support his friends by their sides.]
Until recently, I bore an incredible weight of guilt over my inability to do right by my friends. I lamented mine actions, for while I labored for the good of the star, I did so at the expense of those I held close. I colluded with our enemies, I held secrets, I made sacrifices that were not mine to make.
But no longer. I made this decision at the edge of existence with the fate of Etheirys at stake, as thou witnessed. I reiterated this decision to thee then, and I shall do so again now. [He gently rubs his thumb against Ithaqua's cheek.] I shall support thee with everything that I have, for as long as I have with thee.
[Then comes another big surprise: Ithaqua's true name. He repeats that whispered word, letting it settle and committing it to memory.]
Thy mother chose a fine name for thee. [...] This secret I believe I can make an exception for. I shall keep it close to my heart.
Absolving you of your since is not a choice for me to make, nor is it among any of my abilities. [Ithaqua turns his head to press a kiss into Urianger's palm and nuzzles it after like a cat.]
But as you have pledged, so shall I. I shall be there to support you-- or enforce any decision you make. I am not a creature of rigid morality, any decision you make shan't scandalize me. I am fully capable of sullying my hands, so you don't have to.
[It's quite close to being a wizard's promise, but not quite. Not yet-- Ithaqua wants his first wizard's promise to be his last, to have enough gravity that nothing else he shall attempt will be able to come close. That he won't even consider making any other wizard's promise, because the one he'll potentially make with Urianger is enough for lifetimes.
As for the name? He's finally given it to someone else, and he's glad for it. Perhaps it won't be forgotten to time, and there shall be a chance he will hear it once more.]
[He breathes out Ithaqua's true name, shaking his head.]
Thou needst not sully thy hands for me. In an ideal world, we would not need to at all.
[He appreciates the sentiment, he really does. But he'd feel bad if his lover bore his burdens for him. This can be a team effort.
With their not-quite wizard promises settled...he leans back to gaze upon Ithaqua.]
I thank thee...for telling me thy tale. Thou hast endured tragedy most unimaginable. I hope thou canst find a small amount of comfort in knowing that I shall carry this knowledge with the gravitas it doth deserve.
[A smile blooms on Ithaqua's face, slowly, softly. Then he beckons Urianger to come in.]
Here, come here and let me embrace you. You think I shall find only a small amount of comfort? Truly? You gave me your ear, and did not judge me for my decisions, that is so much more than anyone has granted me.
How am I so fortunate to find you in this lifetime?
W-Well... [It's enough to make him stumble, just a little.] I knew not how thou wouldst respond had I offered more than mine ear.
[Whether or not Ithaqua wanted any pity, that is to say. But none of Urianger's is hollow. He feels deeply emotional about what his lover went through. The past cannot be changed, but at least he can support Ithaqua through whatever may come next.
Holding out his arms, he returns for that embrace. Their tea is probably stone cold and over-steeped at this point. Oh well.]
I should ask the same. 'Tis difficult to imagine that our paths would have never crossed, had it not been for the forces that brought us here.
You already gave me your heart. [And now, his shoulder, which Ithaqua nuzzles into. He's not even thinking about tea, anymore.] You clearly listened with that as well, and I cannot help but adore you more.
[He will have to make the most of their time together, for as long as they can.]
[Ah... He smiles and closes his eyes as he takes in the warmth of this embrace- of Ithaqua's love.]
That I did.
[...]
And I adore thee.
[The L word dances upon the tip of his tongue. He knows he shouldn't rush it. But what if he never gets the opportunity to use it? The thought frightens him.
He'll hold strong. There will be an opportune moment for it. There must be.]
That's easily granted. [He delivers the kiss first, leaning in to give his lips a peck. If Urianger wants something more, he had better take it himself.]
[Then take it he shall, because a peck isn't going to cut it right now. At least, that's the conclusion that Urianger comes to once the moment has passed.
Before Ithaqua can pull back, Urianger loops an arm around to keep him in place. Though his palm is gently pressed against Ithaqua's back, there's a sense of urgency there.
Prithee, more.
He closes the distance to rejoin their lips, only this time he remains. He doesn't want to pull away, not until he needs to breathe.]
[With Urianger's insistent kisses, Ithaqua wonders if they'll be able to get to something today... or perhaps not. Ah, the waiting. There's just something about Urianger that has him imagining many, many things. Perhaps the arms. Or the face? He certainly has thought about that beard rubbing against sensitive parts before, and scraping him raw. But Urianger is shy! He has to keep reminding himself of that. He clearly has some idea of how he wants to court Ithaqua, and he must be patient.
He contents himself with this, kissing the man, licking into his mouth until he's in need of air. Even so, he doesn't pull away completely, breathing in whatever Urianger breathes out, just enjoying the closeness.
Eventually, this is not enough and he reaches for Urianger's hand, just to put it on his hair. He wants pets right now.]
[By the time they finally get to it, Urianger will be asking for so much forgiveness when he realizes how badly Ithaqua has been wanting him. But he's taking it slow for the time being, allowing himself to be more bold with each meeting.
Ithaqua's gesture is understood crystal clear. When Urianger goes in for another round of kissing, he runs his fingers through those wavy locks. It feels good. This all feels so good. So right. His racing heart urges him forward- to taste more of Ithaqua's tongue. To pull him closer. If he were to maneuver himself against the arm of the couch, would Ithaqua be amenable to lying against him? He must at least try.]
[It's almost a purr, the sound he makes when Urianger rubs his head. He doesn't solely because his lover is moving, and Ithaqua leans forward to chase his mouth, crawling right into his lap for it.
Seems to him that Urianger likes taking charge, likes setting the pace in more ways than one. Ithaqua completely amenable to that-- seeing a modest, shy man like Urianger attempt to pull him, the strongest of the Northern wizards, around is... There's something about it that ignites Ithaqua from within.
But he'll have to be patient... and perhaps practice on his own to prepare for the inevitable.]
[Urianger's just about as surprised at Ithaqua is in this scenario. He's usually not so assertive, but there's something about this that has him fired up. A lot of it is wanting to demonstrate his affections and make Ithaqua feel good, but there's a part of him that also really wants this enough to take it for himself.
With one arm firmly around Ithaqua, his other hand remains buried in Ithaqua's hair, stroking it gently while their kiss deepens. Ithaqua's body may run cold, but that isn't stopping Urianger's from heating up as he relishes in the weight of his lover against him.]
...I thank thee for indulging me.
[He murmurs against Ithaqua's lips when they take their next breath.]
Mm. [Ithaqua takes a moment to gather himself after losing majority of the air in his lungs like that-- not that he's complaining. Urianger's touch, especially his mouth, just lights him on fire and he loves it.] I shall indulge you any time, if you promise to always kiss me like that.
[He draws a finger down the line of Urianger's nose, coming to a rest on his lip.]
I'm your first lover, am I not? And yet you make me breathless every time... I enjoy it.
In lieu of a promise, I shall endeavor to bestow unto thee kisses with similar vigor.
[Would that he could promise, though. Alas, it's too risky. At least his intent to follow through is clearly there.
His lips curl into a soft smile under Ithaqua's touch.]
Full glad am I to hear it. Thou art indeed my first, but I have not entered these trysts blind to the possibilities of romantic engagements. 'Tis merely...my first time attempting them myself.
[Is this him admitting he's been taking notes from elsewhere? Yeah...yeah.]
Research, is it? [Ithaqua grins. Now he has to wonder what Urianger has been reading...
But there win't be any judgement here, only amusement. After all, Ithaqua has thought of doing the same. He doesn't want to be left behind, ao of course, he'll have to start as soon as possible.]
I shall have to work in order to not fall behind. Aah, look at you, miles ahead of me in terms of knowledge!
Ithaqua, thou hast already captivated me on multiple occasions. Thou wouldst likely not be in my lap this very moment, had you not.
[Urianger isn't gonna sit here and ignore all the times Ithaqua had huge game!!
Still...since Ithaqua is staying in Urianger's room tonight, he might be able to find the aforementioned reference materials lying around somewhere in a random pile of books.]
[Urianger returns that embrace in kind, running his open palms along Ithaqua's back. This is so very comfortable. He could remain like this all night.]
Thy confidence is an alluring trait, bolstered by thine ability to follow through with which thou dost set thine eyes on. [He talks the talk and walks the walk, basically.] Thou hast wielded it well.
[Ithaqua nestles his head on Urianger's chest, the way he did the previous night, and enjoyed so much that his enjoyment was cut short by sleep. Well, this time he can stay awake long enough to really soak in the warmth and attention.]
There is no reason for me not to be confident. I am a powerful, accomplished wizard, after all. Who can challenge me?
Of course, you could have said no, if you did not want me. It was a risk I was willing to take.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
no subject
I remember... that they had begun calling me all sorts of titles, and names, creatures from their books and tales. That had happened sometime after I began hunting intruders in earnest. Word spreads fast.
I cannot tell from my appearance, either. [He looks down at his hands. While his palms are calloused from hard work, the back of them are smooth. Youthful.] I rarely look at myself in the mirror since the incident, but I know that I have not aged much.
[Or at all.]
no subject
[Which brings an unfortunate implication with it. If Ithaqua does not age...he'll very quickly outlive Urianger. It's difficult to think about, but it's important to do so. Perhaps...at another time they'll discuss it. One difficult subject and subsequent step at a time.
For now, Urianger reaches up to place his free hand against Ithaqua's cheek, mirroring what the other had done for him. He runs his hand along the jawline as he had done when they had their first kiss. This time, however, there's a heaviness to his gaze that seeps into his words.]
No matter how drastic thy transformation becometh, I shall not leave thy side. Thou hast fought to protect alone for so long...'tis time for that to change.
[This is not Urianger saying he wants to join in the hunt, far from it. Ithaqua can probably figure that much. But he does want to be there for him in some way.]
no subject
Nevertheless, the single gesture from Urianger makes him feel... seen. As if he knows what Ithaqua is working through now, perhaps even better than the beast himself. Ithaqua never really stopped to think about the implications of his situation, not until now, but Urianger has made him truly think. It's a horrifying situation, but he thinks that his lover is also sharing the burden with him.
Words are not enough to describe how deeply he appreciates that.]
I adore you. You are the most empathetic man I have ever met, honourable and kind yet willing to take on this horrible burden with me. [Then he leans in, and murmurs a single word into Urianger's ear. A single name.
It may just sound like a Midlander name to him.]She used to call me that-- it's now yours, and yours alone. [No one else is allowed, basically.]
no subject
...Ne'er again did I expect to be called honorable after my time spent in the shadows.
[He mentioned something along those lines during the memory Ithaqua witnessed. About subterfuge no longer being necessary and how he wanted to support his friends by their sides.]
Until recently, I bore an incredible weight of guilt over my inability to do right by my friends. I lamented mine actions, for while I labored for the good of the star, I did so at the expense of those I held close. I colluded with our enemies, I held secrets, I made sacrifices that were not mine to make.
But no longer. I made this decision at the edge of existence with the fate of Etheirys at stake, as thou witnessed. I reiterated this decision to thee then, and I shall do so again now. [He gently rubs his thumb against Ithaqua's cheek.] I shall support thee with everything that I have, for as long as I have with thee.
[Then comes another big surprise: Ithaqua's true name. He repeats that whispered word, letting it settle and committing it to memory.]
Thy mother chose a fine name for thee. [...] This secret I believe I can make an exception for. I shall keep it close to my heart.
no subject
But as you have pledged, so shall I. I shall be there to support you-- or enforce any decision you make. I am not a creature of rigid morality, any decision you make shan't scandalize me. I am fully capable of sullying my hands, so you don't have to.
[It's quite close to being a wizard's promise, but not quite. Not yet-- Ithaqua wants his first wizard's promise to be his last, to have enough gravity that nothing else he shall attempt will be able to come close. That he won't even consider making any other wizard's promise, because the one he'll potentially make with Urianger is enough for lifetimes.
As for the name? He's finally given it to someone else, and he's glad for it. Perhaps it won't be forgotten to time, and there shall be a chance he will hear it once more.]
no subject
Thou needst not sully thy hands for me. In an ideal world, we would not need to at all.
[He appreciates the sentiment, he really does. But he'd feel bad if his lover bore his burdens for him. This can be a team effort.
With their not-quite wizard promises settled...he leans back to gaze upon Ithaqua.]
I thank thee...for telling me thy tale. Thou hast endured tragedy most unimaginable. I hope thou canst find a small amount of comfort in knowing that I shall carry this knowledge with the gravitas it doth deserve.
no subject
Here, come here and let me embrace you. You think I shall find only a small amount of comfort? Truly? You gave me your ear, and did not judge me for my decisions, that is so much more than anyone has granted me.
How am I so fortunate to find you in this lifetime?
no subject
[Whether or not Ithaqua wanted any pity, that is to say. But none of Urianger's is hollow. He feels deeply emotional about what his lover went through. The past cannot be changed, but at least he can support Ithaqua through whatever may come next.
Holding out his arms, he returns for that embrace. Their tea is probably stone cold and over-steeped at this point. Oh well.]
I should ask the same. 'Tis difficult to imagine that our paths would have never crossed, had it not been for the forces that brought us here.
no subject
[He will have to make the most of their time together, for as long as they can.]
no subject
That I did.
[...]
And I adore thee.
[The L word dances upon the tip of his tongue. He knows he shouldn't rush it. But what if he never gets the opportunity to use it? The thought frightens him.
He'll hold strong. There will be an opportune moment for it. There must be.]
no subject
Was there anything else you needed or wanted to ask of me?
no subject
I would ask thee for another kiss. And...to remain with me for the night.
no subject
That's easily granted. [He delivers the kiss first, leaning in to give his lips a peck. If Urianger wants something more, he had better take it himself.]
no subject
Before Ithaqua can pull back, Urianger loops an arm around to keep him in place. Though his palm is gently pressed against Ithaqua's back, there's a sense of urgency there.
Prithee, more.
He closes the distance to rejoin their lips, only this time he remains. He doesn't want to pull away, not until he needs to breathe.]
no subject
He contents himself with this, kissing the man, licking into his mouth until he's in need of air. Even so, he doesn't pull away completely, breathing in whatever Urianger breathes out, just enjoying the closeness.
Eventually, this is not enough and he reaches for Urianger's hand, just to put it on his hair. He wants pets right now.]
no subject
Ithaqua's gesture is understood crystal clear. When Urianger goes in for another round of kissing, he runs his fingers through those wavy locks. It feels good. This all feels so good. So right. His racing heart urges him forward- to taste more of Ithaqua's tongue. To pull him closer. If he were to maneuver himself against the arm of the couch, would Ithaqua be amenable to lying against him? He must at least try.]
no subject
[It's almost a purr, the sound he makes when Urianger rubs his head. He doesn't solely because his lover is moving, and Ithaqua leans forward to chase his mouth, crawling right into his lap for it.
Seems to him that Urianger likes taking charge, likes setting the pace in more ways than one. Ithaqua completely amenable to that-- seeing a modest, shy man like Urianger attempt to pull him, the strongest of the Northern wizards, around is... There's something about it that ignites Ithaqua from within.
But he'll have to be patient... and perhaps practice on his own to prepare for the inevitable.]
no subject
With one arm firmly around Ithaqua, his other hand remains buried in Ithaqua's hair, stroking it gently while their kiss deepens. Ithaqua's body may run cold, but that isn't stopping Urianger's from heating up as he relishes in the weight of his lover against him.]
...I thank thee for indulging me.
[He murmurs against Ithaqua's lips when they take their next breath.]
no subject
[He draws a finger down the line of Urianger's nose, coming to a rest on his lip.]
I'm your first lover, am I not? And yet you make me breathless every time... I enjoy it.
no subject
In lieu of a promise, I shall endeavor to bestow unto thee kisses with similar vigor.
[Would that he could promise, though. Alas, it's too risky. At least his intent to follow through is clearly there.
His lips curl into a soft smile under Ithaqua's touch.]
Full glad am I to hear it. Thou art indeed my first, but I have not entered these trysts blind to the possibilities of romantic engagements. 'Tis merely...my first time attempting them myself.
[Is this him admitting he's been taking notes from elsewhere? Yeah...yeah.]
no subject
But there win't be any judgement here, only amusement. After all, Ithaqua has thought of doing the same. He doesn't want to be left behind, ao of course, he'll have to start as soon as possible.]
I shall have to work in order to not fall behind. Aah, look at you, miles ahead of me in terms of knowledge!
no subject
[Urianger isn't gonna sit here and ignore all the times Ithaqua had huge game!!
Still...since Ithaqua is staying in Urianger's room tonight, he might be able to find the aforementioned reference materials lying around somewhere in a random pile of books.]
no subject
I wanted you and took a chance.
no subject
Thy confidence is an alluring trait, bolstered by thine ability to follow through with which thou dost set thine eyes on. [He talks the talk and walks the walk, basically.] Thou hast wielded it well.
no subject
There is no reason for me not to be confident. I am a powerful, accomplished wizard, after all. Who can challenge me?
Of course, you could have said no, if you did not want me. It was a risk I was willing to take.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)