OOM All Skate Skellig Dream Magic Weirdness -Part 12

[brave_kreyu]

They wind up staying two full cycles of the Moon with Tyr's tribe.

Time enough to learn the various dances, share recipes, race through the Teeth, make friends, share stories, BELONG.

It might even be enough time for Skellig to sort out how he feels about being among other people with wings!

Tyr clasps Skellig's forearm in farewell. "I would call you my brother, if you would permit it?" he says, voice soft.

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[27_53]

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."

[brave_kreyu]

"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.

[27_53]

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."

[brave_kreyu]

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.

[27_53]

"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!

[brave_kreyu]

"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.

[27_53]

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."

[brave_kreyu]

"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.

[27_53]

"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.

[brave_kreyu]

"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.

[27_53]

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.

[brave_kreyu]

"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.

[27_53]

"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.

[brave_kreyu]

"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."

[27_53]

"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.

[brave_kreyu]

Kreyu sniffs. "Of course they did, you're wonderful." Revenin has resigned himself to Skellig, at least. That counts!

Ajax and Koschei both clasp Skellig and Kreyu's forearms in farewell. "Travel well and safely, my friends. I hope that things will settle here soon and I can pay YOU a visit," Ajax tells them, sincere.

"Fair winds and fair seas," Koschei rumbles.

[27_53]

"We appreciate you both, thank you." Skellig replies honestly. "And yes, we would most definitely desire for you to visit us. I am certain will will manage to arrange it, once things have settled."

Yes, there are many factors that will have to come into play and many pieces that will have to fall into their proper places - but it will happen!