brave_kreyu | OOM All Skate Skellig Dream Magic Weirdness -Part 12

"I have felt that it gives you quite an interesting perspective of things - the view from the sky allows you to see just how vast the world is and how small of a piece of it we are, and yet at the same time...I have found that it makes me feel quite...magnificent."

And powerful, but Skellig does not mention that outright, as it is still something he does not discuss freely, just how powerful he feels - especially now that his Light is entangled so fiercely with Kreyu's Karma.

"Magnificent, yes, that's the word I couldn't find," Ajax replies.

He grins at Skellig. "Speaking of magnificent, would you care to pose again? I might be able to finish the piece today, especially if they are gone until near evening."

Skellig flushes just faintly when Ajax mentions 'magnificent', though it is more in regards to the thought of posing to finish the sketch - especially knowing that this session will be a bit more...involved.

"From what she told me over breakfast, of their plans for practicing wards...I suspect that it will not be until close to dinner until they are back here at the House," he says, nodding. "I would think it would be enough time."

Ajax nods. "It sounded complicated," he says as he gets out his tools and paper. "I'm not sure even Koschei understands large portions of it, to be honest."

"Kreyu is a fine teacher, when it comes to the use of wards and other types of protection," he says honestly. "It will not only work to keep the Procession of the Heavens safe, but it will also aid Koschei in maintaining his own safety - and yours."

Skellig sighs softly and then moves to the couch as before, removing his amulet to allow his wings to come back into view - and then after a brief pause to steel his nerves, he glances at Ajax. "Would you have me disrobe fully, now?"

"Only if you wish to be entirely nude in the sketch," Ajax replies. "I would not have you do something you are uncomfortable with."

He could make a joke about how during the first few weeks of his meeting and relationship with Kreyu - they were practically nude together at all times, especially once they made it to the Lair! But he refrains...

"I am not uncomfortable," he shakes his head lightly. "I know you are a man I can trust, and I am not concerned. I look forward to seeing myself drawn by your hand," he says. "As I know Kreyu will also."

Skellig sheds his chiton and settles himself on the bed - using some guidance to find the pose that they had decided on earlier, with some minor adjustments here and there as Ajax works to fine-tune the drawing.

Skellig will sense a brief increase in Ajax's heart rate when he first sees Skellig nude, a flicker of desire. Ajax DOES find him quite attractive, even if he has no interest in pursuing that in any way!

But that fades into concentration, work. The process of seeing with his eyes then using his hands to capture a moment of time in ink demands a great deal from the mind and the body.

There is a faint shift in Skellig's own energy, as he takes note of the flicker of desire and surge of want that ripples across Ajax's senses. While he has no interest in Ajax in that manner, he can appreciate being desired - it is a new feeling to him, but one he is willing to embrace a bit more as he grows more comfortable with his own form and being.

(Kreyu's unconditional love and acceptance - as well as her desire - for him have played a large part in that.)

Skellig holds his pose as long as he can, relaxed and comfortable with only brief pauses for breaks to allow himself to stretch or for Ajax to move about the room and study him from a different angle.

"I have finished the sketch," Ajax says at last. "At least, as much as I ever feel I have finished a piece. I fear I will ruin it if I tinker any further."

It's quite a good likeness, all told. There's an ache in Ajax's hands, his neck, from so long spent on such fine detailed work.

Skellig can sense the ache and the weariness that is running beneath the surface of Ajax's senses, and he will handle that in a moment; he redresses after he rises from the bed - and stretches his own body and wings, silently grateful for the 'freedom' to move once more as he moves to stand beside Ajax and look at the piece.

"That is wonderful," he says, voice soft (and mildly stunned). "I...to be quite honest, for a long time before I met my Lady, I did not hold myself in the highest regard. She has changed much of that, and to view myself in such a form...I understand why I was mistaken, before."

He rests a hand on Ajax's shoulder; the transfer of Light is subtle, but the tension in the other man's neck will ease, the tightness in his hands and fingers with fade.

"I cannot thank you or repay you enough. She will be most delighted."

"Thank you," Ajax replies, very pleased that his friend likes the sketch so much.

"I have found that how others have seen me has affected my understanding of MYSELF more than I care to admit," he confesses. "I do not know if that is true for you, but it has been a...process, finding where that poison has wormed its way into my being and removing it."

"I would ask you to tell me how she responds to it, but that might not be appropriate for me to hear," he teases.

That prompts a true laugh, and a shake of his head. "No, it will likely not be appropriate," he agrees. "But I will likely be able to give you the...summarized version, after I have gifted it to her."

A faint flush rises to his ears and cheeks at the thought of it.

"I do not know if you have plans for this evening once they return; would you like to settle in for a drink, perhaps, if not? I think they will likely still not be back for at least a while," he says. (He is listening further outside the walls of the building, and it is quite a distance to where Kreyu and Koschei have wandered off to.) "They will likely both need time to recover once they have finished their practice of the magic."

Ajax laughs with him.

"A drink will be lovely," Ajax replies. "I had no great plans, other than dinner and farewells." There is a faint sadness in him at the thought of farewells, but he pushes it aside. "I know you and Kreyu must return home soon, and it is no short journey you must make."

The time of the ritual in Kreyu's temple is quite close, only a few more days! He can not hear either Kreyu or Koschei yet. There is SOME uproar in the city after what happened yesterday, but it's not as bad as it could be. Most people seem to be waiting for the other shoe to drop.

"It will be less of a farewell and more of...a promise to visit again, either us return here to your homeland, or you and Koschei to visit ours," Skellig offers. "I would take this to our rooms and change clothes, then I will meet you downstairs?"

Gathering the art carefully, he does just that - stopping by their rooms to stealthily pack it away in a safe place (there is no risk of Kreyu rifling through his personal bags - even in their shared relationship, there are still things they keep private) where it won't be damaged. Then after a quick change to his clothing (to better play the 'part') he moves on to meet Ajax down at one of the more private alcoves, where there are drinks waiting at the ready.

Still no 'sign' of Kreyu or Koschei on his senses, but he is not overly concerned. He would know if something was wrong, he is certain!

"That is a far more palatable thought," Ajax replies, smiling. "I would like to travel a bit, once things have settled down."

The sun is beginning to set as Kreyu and Koschei draw near the House. Kreyu is frustrated, but otherwise well.

"Hello, love," she greets him, smiling. She slides onto the couch next to him, kisses his cheek. Koschei settles next to Ajax, touching his arm lightly near the elbow, a more subtle gesture of claiming.

Skellig can sense the frustration, but she is not in any way injured, so alarms do not sound in his mind as they draw near. He is glad and grateful to see her, regardless, so his arm automatically goes around her shoulders as she presses her lips to his cheek and settles beside him.

"Evening," he replies softly, hugging her lightly to him. "I've asked for a drink to be brought for you, anticipating your return."

"Thank you, love."

"Wards collapse," Koschei grumbles. THAT must be the source of Kreyu's frustration!

"Every time," she says, sighing. "I think it's the part that would allow most people through that's causing the problem. I put more power into them, but that just caused a more energetic collapse." She's not pleased about that.

"Is okay. Tree was dead already, yes? Now in smaller chunks for firewood." Koschei murmurs.

"That is a plus, at least, even if the wards are not holding."

His fingers move slowly up and down the upper part of her arm, stroking in a soothing motion - though it is mostly an idle pattern out of habit, as he has missed her over the last several hours while she has been away. "I am sure with more work, either here or at home, you will figure out what is causing the collapse and also find a way to strengthen it."

He would lend some of his energy if needed, but isn't sure this is the right place or time to discuss that.

"Hopefully," Kreyu replies. "Another mage's perspective would be useful, but I don't know any that I would trust with this work."

She doesn't need his energy, but she appreciates his touch. She's missed HIM too, so one of her hands is tracing patterns on his arm before too very long.

Drinks and conversation lead to dinner, and dinner to their last night, for now, in the House of the Setting Sun.

They are quite practiced at packing now, although they will need to rearrange a few things once they are outside of town and Kreyu can take her draconic shape.

Skellig will hear that Ajax and Koschei are both downstairs already, waiting to say goodbye to their friends.

With their bags on his person, and with one final sweep of their room, Skellig is ready to follow her downstairs to say their goodbyes (for now) to their friends.

"I do not think there are any errands you would wish to run as we walk through town, unless there is something you need to purchase before our return trip?" He asks as they descend the staircase towards the main floor.

"No, I have everything I need for now," she replies.

Ajax waves in greeting as they descend and Koschei gives a welcoming nod. "Ah, I can see you are seasoned travelers," Ajax remarks as they reach the bottom.

"We've done a fair bit of it," Kreyu replies, smiling.

Koschei glances around, then speaks. "You will say hello to your brother for me?"

"Of course, Koschei. Although I think he still wants that rematch one of these days." She's smiling when she says it, so the 'rematch' must not be something she fears.

"There are advantages to certain aspects of our travel that lend themselves to making things slightly easier," Skellig says to Ajax. "And while this trip home may be a bit extended, we should fare well enough. Especially given such hospitality, by both the owners of this establishment and yourselves as well."

Skellig is also intrigued by talk of this 'rematch' but he will ask her about that later.

"I am glad to hear that," Ajax replies. He raises an eyebrow at the mention of 'rematch'.

"Rematch means 'brawl', doesn't it?" he asks Koschei, eyebrow still raised.

"Friendly brawl!" Koschei insists. "Is good challenge."

That mollifies Ajax somewhat. "I will have to take your word on such matters."

"Her brothers are good men," Skellig answers, smiling gently. "After all, they have accepted me well-enough so far, so that must speak for something."

Granted, he has only met one of them in person at this point, but he knows that if there was a true desire by Revenin to 'end' him it probably would have happened already - or at least an attempt would have been made.

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