[Closing the door behind him, Urianger follows to join Ithaqua at the table. The moment Ithaqua brings up the quest, Urianger begins to understand where that uncertainty is coming from.]
Is that so? Thou hast my thanks, Ithaqua, truly.
[He would be lying if he claimed to have no uncertainty of his own for the upcoming mission. Who knows what a mission in the West will bring them? He's done enough to prepare on his own, but he's definitely not going to refuse some backup gear from his fellow wizards- his lover especially.]
[The smile Ithaqua gives in return is small. It shows how uncertain he is. He trusts the man he loves, because Urianger is a powerful wizard in his own right, but... who is to accurately predict what the Western wizards will face?
Just as Urianger sent him off with something to help, so shall Ithaqua. He opens the chest, revealing half a dozen jewels of varying colours and sizes nestled securely into the velvet compartments. If Urianger were to handle one right now, he would find them cold, like ice.]
I have enchanted each one to encase in ice whatever they come into contact with-- but only if they meet it with sufficient force, such as when thrown or released through a tool like a gun. [Not that Ithaqua's provided that...] The chest has been reinforced to keep them inert, but be careful all the same.
[Did he make bombs just for Urianger? Absolutely.]
[Urianger is glad that he waited to actually handle one before Ithaqua gave his explanation. Not that he would've been handling those beautiful jewels roughly, but...it sure is eye-opening to discover they explode by some definition of the word.
He reaches in to a compartment to pluck out a jewel, keeping his hand low to the table just in case.]
These are stunning. I would almost loath to have them destroyed upon use.
["Almost" being the key word. He knows Ithaqua wouldn't want him to hesitate, and he won't.]
It gladdens me to have combat-oriented artifacts to rely upon. [He might be a strong wizard, but he's not a DPS. This is seriously a huge boon.] I shall make sure they are used wisely.
Ithaqua could have even made a wizard promise, if he believed that would help anything. But he knows it would not. But if he lost Urianger... he might as well just go back to his forest and never return, no matter what he offered to Tatara for the exact opposite of that.]
And... one more.
[He reaches into his pocket, to pull out a pendant on a chain, wrapped simply but securely. Function over fashion. He holds it out for Urianger to take, and it, too, will feel cold as ice.
Because it is. It just will not melt.]
Speak my name to it, and it shall point to my location, wherever I am. That way, you will never be truly lost.
[Ithaqua gives a nod, ignoring the pang in his heart when Urianger breathes his true name. Hearing it from this man's lips... He might not be able to survive for too long if Urianger keeps using it.]
Go ahead.
[The icicle's function is as simple as its appearance-- upon activation, it will rise into the air and spin around before stopping and pointing directly at Ithaqua, like a compass.]
Then... no matter where you are, you should come back to me. [He plucks the little icicle from the air and sets it back down in Urianger's palm. And does not let go.In fact, he clutches Urianger's wrist with both hands.
He's not asking for a wizard promise. He just wants the acknowledgement.]
If you do not, I shall just have to chase after you.
[His eyes widen slightly as he takes in the gravity of Ithaqua's words and from the way he holds onto him. His response reflects his understanding of that importance.]
I shall. [His hand closes around the pendant, keeping it safe.] And I shall do so gladly.
[He brings his free hand to rest on Ithaqua's shoulder as he leans in for a kiss. It reflects his gratitude and desire to follow through, as well as...]
I love thee.
[He considered waiting to say it until after the Western mission. He even has more incentive to return home safely from it now. But he just can't leave this one up to fate. He needs Ithaqua to know before he leaves, lest he come to regret not saying anything later.]
[Ah... they've progressed from adore to love, and-- Ithaqua cannot find it in himself to complain. He does love this man, he's admitted it to himself over and over before. But hearing it spoken out loud, and saying it? That is a different matter entirely, as if the feeling would dissipate if he said so.
But he would be lying to himself and Urianger if he did not.]
And I love you. [A soft whisper against Urianger's lips.]
So much that I've one more thing to give to you... But you must come back to me first before I reveal it. That's your incentive to return to me, hale and whole.
[Ithaqua reciprocating his love makes Urianger feel like his heart is being squeezed. Full of elation, he delivers another kiss without a second thought.]
I know not how my departure will be carried out. [It could be out of the blue like the Northern wizards were spirited away, or it could be planned for with an escort from the Sage.] However, I shall return before thou knowest.
[As much as he wants to make a promise out of it, he knows he can't. He'll hold onto that fateful promise for something truly binding.]
But I would also have thee know...curious as I am about the nature of thy gift, thou alone art more than enough incentive to return unscathed.
I will hold you to that. [Though the waiting might do Ithaqua in. The other wizards spent at least days on their work, and the Northern wizards managed to finished quickly because of Ithaqua and Malice... What, then, of the Westerners? They have Urianger and Khun, but...?
He can't help but worry.]
When you've returned and recovered, we must go somewhere, and enjoy ourselves. [Just so Ithaqua has something to look forward to and keep himself busy with planning, rather than simply... wait.]
[Ithaqua pecks little kisses along Urianger's beard, chuckling.]
I may have lost my dignity that day, but I also gained you. [Now he pulls back to look at Urianger properly, taking one hand in his and laces their fingers together.] Watching the sun set was made all the better with you by my side, and when the night sky covered the land, you were the only star I could see.
It's amusing you would say such a thing... You, a man who speaks the way you do solely because you enjoy it. [He slowly squeezes Urianger's hand. He loves his man so much, though this is something he'll have to argue about, because Urianger has a way with words that Ithaqua does not.]
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no subject
Is that so? Thou hast my thanks, Ithaqua, truly.
[He would be lying if he claimed to have no uncertainty of his own for the upcoming mission. Who knows what a mission in the West will bring them? He's done enough to prepare on his own, but he's definitely not going to refuse some backup gear from his fellow wizards- his lover especially.]
no subject
Just as Urianger sent him off with something to help, so shall Ithaqua. He opens the chest, revealing half a dozen jewels of varying colours and sizes nestled securely into the velvet compartments. If Urianger were to handle one right now, he would find them cold, like ice.]
I have enchanted each one to encase in ice whatever they come into contact with-- but only if they meet it with sufficient force, such as when thrown or released through a tool like a gun. [Not that Ithaqua's provided that...] The chest has been reinforced to keep them inert, but be careful all the same.
[Did he make bombs just for Urianger? Absolutely.]
no subject
He reaches in to a compartment to pluck out a jewel, keeping his hand low to the table just in case.]
These are stunning. I would almost loath to have them destroyed upon use.
["Almost" being the key word. He knows Ithaqua wouldn't want him to hesitate, and he won't.]
It gladdens me to have combat-oriented artifacts to rely upon. [He might be a strong wizard, but he's not a DPS. This is seriously a huge boon.] I shall make sure they are used wisely.
no subject
Ithaqua could have even made a wizard promise, if he believed that would help anything. But he knows it would not. But if he lost Urianger... he might as well just go back to his forest and never return, no matter what he offered to Tatara for the exact opposite of that.]
And... one more.
[He reaches into his pocket, to pull out a pendant on a chain, wrapped simply but securely. Function over fashion. He holds it out for Urianger to take, and it, too, will feel cold as ice.
Because it is. It just will not melt.]
Speak my name to it, and it shall point to my location, wherever I am. That way, you will never be truly lost.
no subject
...
Ithaqua's true name is breathed out with the slightest hint of wavering in tone. To say he's moved is an understatement.
He takes the necklace into his hands, gently running a finger over the icy surface. Eventually he lifts his gaze up to his love.]
May I test it?
no subject
Go ahead.
[The icicle's function is as simple as its appearance-- upon activation, it will rise into the air and spin around before stopping and pointing directly at Ithaqua, like a compass.]
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He holds his hands underneath the icicle as it spins, watching it with silent wonder. Sure enough, it works as intended.]
I thank thee for this precious gift. I shall go nowhere without it- Western assignment or otherwise.
[Ithaqua can hopefully rest a little easier knowing that Urianger will always be able to find him.]
no subject
He's not asking for a wizard promise. He just wants the acknowledgement.]
If you do not, I shall just have to chase after you.
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I shall. [His hand closes around the pendant, keeping it safe.] And I shall do so gladly.
[He brings his free hand to rest on Ithaqua's shoulder as he leans in for a kiss. It reflects his gratitude and desire to follow through, as well as...]
I love thee.
[He considered waiting to say it until after the Western mission. He even has more incentive to return home safely from it now. But he just can't leave this one up to fate. He needs Ithaqua to know before he leaves, lest he come to regret not saying anything later.]
no subject
But he would be lying to himself and Urianger if he did not.]
And I love you. [A soft whisper against Urianger's lips.]
So much that I've one more thing to give to you... But you must come back to me first before I reveal it. That's your incentive to return to me, hale and whole.
no subject
I know not how my departure will be carried out. [It could be out of the blue like the Northern wizards were spirited away, or it could be planned for with an escort from the Sage.] However, I shall return before thou knowest.
[As much as he wants to make a promise out of it, he knows he can't. He'll hold onto that fateful promise for something truly binding.]
But I would also have thee know...curious as I am about the nature of thy gift, thou alone art more than enough incentive to return unscathed.
no subject
He can't help but worry.]
When you've returned and recovered, we must go somewhere, and enjoy ourselves. [Just so Ithaqua has something to look forward to and keep himself busy with planning, rather than simply... wait.]
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I would like that very much. Mayhap we can view another movie, or attend a musical performance.
no subject
[He's coming around to the thought of the beach... As long as they visit at night, and definitely not during the day.]
Perhaps dinner on the beach.
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Oh? Thou art amenable to the beach? 'Twould be enjoyable to visit under more favorable circumstances.
[Not that the last beach adventure was all bad for Ithaqua. It ended on a good note!]
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I may have lost my dignity that day, but I also gained you. [Now he pulls back to look at Urianger properly, taking one hand in his and laces their fingers together.] Watching the sun set was made all the better with you by my side, and when the night sky covered the land, you were the only star I could see.
no subject
Well said, dearest Ithaqua. 'Tis little wonder how I fell for thee, and so heavily. Thy words never cease to capture my heart.
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You, who speaks the way a poet of old wrote.
no subject
Then mine experience with poetic speech should make me all the more qualified to identify beautiful language when I hear it, should it not?
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And leans into Urianger again to nuzzle him.]
If you claim to be an expert, then I have lost this argument. But you must praise me more for managing to impress you, mmm?