Re: Look to the East
Posted: December 7th, 2019, 8:50 pm
“Right, don’t break anything. Have fun Kessy!" Artemis half-shouted and waved excitedly. He’d gotten permission, they could be as loud as they wanted. "Hannah!" he raised his hands out as the Kerasokan woman returned with a tapped barrel and set it down on the table edge.
“Three measures each is the Foreman’s orders. Not to be given to the Craftmistress all at once, and not a drop more no matter what Boss promises, or does with his hands," she said matter-of-factly and winked at Artemis.
Artemis drained his cup of ale, burped softly, and held it out to receive his measures. "I’ll take mine and Dáire’s. Likely retire, long nigh-day and all that," he said with a barely restrained eagerness. Hannah rolled her eyes and carefully distributed six measures of the deep amber liquid into Artemis’ cup.
“Get on then, so the rest of us can have some space to breathe without catching the way you’re drooling," she said with a playful shove. "You may as well drain the tea too, you eager bastard," she added before taking another offered cup and pouring out the measure of drink to hand to Amalia. "While Boss is busy, care to play with your own elf?" The sailor asked the other woman. Artemis missed the reply as all his attention shifted to the ranger.
Dáire grinned wickedly, rising to his feet and more than ready to move on with their night’s plans. Wrapping an almost possessive arm around Artemis’ shoulders, he tugged the man to his side, moving them both away from his guests and party-goers.
“If you hear any shouting, stay away," Artemis said over his shoulder before he nestled further under Dáire’s embrace. "This is going to be so much fun," he said much softer and shivered. The pair half-hobbled their way to the trapdoor, the closeness of their bodies making any sort of normal walking difficult.
Artemis fumbled with the latch for several annoyed seconds before it relented and popped open. He lifted the door and made a sweeping motion with his hand. "Make sure the way is clear, cundo. I will watch the backside." Artemis leaned around Dáire to start his solemn duty early.
Dáire chuckled low and sultry, the man’s antics were only heightening the bone deep desire he had for him, a desire that had only continue to mount with each passing interaction of the day. Shaking his head slowly, the elf’s glossy black hair swayed rhythmically as he hopped down the stairs in a few easy bounds. He could feel Artemis’ hot gaze on him like a brand, twisting at the waist, bright silver eyes with their emerald specks sought to recapture the others gaze. "I’m almost disappointed, you didn't think to demand a strip before the show." He all but purred in the secluded quiet of the walk-way, impatiently waiting for the thief- no, his thief for tonight, to join him once again.
“This is but the appetizer, the show won’t begin for a bit longer," Artemis said, clearly a bit out of breath as he licked his lips and hopped down the hatch. He reached up and tugged the rope to pull it closed to lock. "Besides, if I got everything right at the start I wouldn’t have anything to look forward to except going again." He winked and slid past Dáire, letting his hands linger on the man before he moved them to his pocket and extracted a heavy key.
He slid the key into the lock, looked back and winked at the ranger, and then opened the door with a soft click. "Welcome to our chambers for the evening, Guardian," he said as he stepped just out of the way and motioned to the room.
The inside was slightly more organized than he’d left it. The upper bunk had been removed and placed flush with the bottom. There was now a double wide bed with a set of fleece mattresses covering it. There were several sets of sheets and pillows, clearly not made for the bed they were laid across.
The rest of the room had the boxes neatly stacked higher to fit into the smaller space as well as the rickety table and chairs moved to the opposite wall of the new bed arrangement. Clearly the crew had done more than just take down the upper bed. He wondered for an instant how long he’d spend rearranging his storage.
“We can sit on the stage, or relax in the chairs to enjoy the first sips of the brandy. I’ve got a special drink hidden away as well if this ends up being insufficient," Artemis said easily as he herded Dáire into the room, flicked open the lamp just a crack, and pulled the door shut. He locked it quickly and spun back to face his companion and friend. "Your choice."
Dáire’s gaze drifted lazily around the room as Artemis spoke, it was a small room, but tidy and somehow it suited it’s occupant he thought, Artemis hastily ushering him in before the door then swiftly being locked behind them. He smirked, lifting a brow in his characteristic expression of challenge, his eyes dancing with mirth. "Afraid I’ll escape- or that others may want to join us and divert my attention?” he said, the ever ready cocky grin returning. Normally the one to string out these games, he found impatience was now nipping at his heels.
He pulled his attention away from the ever deepening brown hues of his companion’s eyes, and pretended to consider the rickety chairs briefly, before turning back to Artemis with a rather dubious look. "There isn’t much of a decision to be made here friend."
“Oh, no choice at all?” Artemis said, placing the cup on the floor beside the bed and walking up to let his arms lazily rest on Dáire’s shoulders. "I could have sworn there was a bed and-"
Dáire promptly jerked the thief's supple body flush with his own, wrapping one corded arm around his waist and the other clasping his nape. One ragged breath later, and he was drawing Artemis in for a soul scorching kiss. His lips colliding with the young thief’s in a punishing assault, the frenzied need palpable around them as Dáires breathing came in short, sharp pants. Finally finding the strength within himself, he broke the kiss with a mournful groan. A positively sinful grin swiftly stretching his mouth wide once more. "That's what you get for being a wise ass," he teased, still not entirely releasing his thief.
Artemis gasped as the kiss was broken, his entire body shaking as he rode out the fading waves of pleasure. He groaned softly when he couldn’t quite tug away. "I can- can be a lot more if you- wannnnt meee." He shivered as the last words left his lips. Then a twinge of pain marred his face. "Damnit," he hissed, feeling his bruised ribs demanding to be recognized. "Let me… get something, and you drink some of this," he said, tugging away gently and picking up the cup to place in Dáire’s strong warm hands.
Dáire grimaced as he watched the pain wash across Artemis’ face. He’d selfishly forgotten about the man’s injury and the guilt from that fact settled in the pit of his stomach like a rock. Stepping back and dropping his arms like he’d been burnt, he released his companion and took the offered mug of liquor from him.
When Artemis was released he walked over to the crates, examining them for a marking and grinning as he found what he wanted. He scooted out a crate, second from the top, and reached into it. After a moment of rooting around that involved rustling and clinking he held up a small vial of silvery liquid.
Potent fumes hit his sensitive nose before he’d even brought it close enough for a true inhalation. It had an unmistakable homely, soothing aroma that seemed to seep into his very being. Taking a sip, he let the flavours play about on his tongue, keeping a careful eye on the rummaging Artemis across the room. The alcohol only served to fuel the fire that had ignited within him, warming him from the inside-out at an accelerated rate, while the earthy and fruity undertones helped sever some of the guilt he’d taken upon himself moments before.
“Midwife’s Helper, will keep the pain back. I think I’ll need to be gentle for a few days after," Artemis said with a triumphant grin before removing the seal on the bottle and downing the entire thing. His ribs weren’t broken, and he’d have the worst hangover of his life in the morning, but as the cool soothing settled in his stomach and radiated outward he felt the fire roiling in his chest.
“I’m going to do so many terrible and wonderful things to you cundo. You deserve to be rewarded for keeping me safe," he said, clearly firming his resolve and attempting to restore his mask of confidence as he strode back towards his guardian.
“Such wicked promises you make me, melethron." Dáire said, voice deep and playful as he held out his hand, offering up the mug of dwarven brandy to his friend. Settling himself down on the bed, he sunk into the luxurious soft mattress smiling knowingly to himself.
Artemis accepted the drink eagerly. Knowing fully how strong and soothing it could be, he took a tentative gulp and watched the elf over the rim of his mug as the soft burning moved down his throat. When he felt like he'd had enough liquid courage, he set the brandy back onto the floor and gave Dáire an appreciative caress with his eyes.
"I am worried you don't believe me. Perhaps I can show you more of my skills while the concoction does it's work?" Artemis asked eagerly, flexing his fingers and moving to the edge of the bed. With smooth movement he slid down to his knees between his guardian's legs and grinned before placing his splayed fingers onto the man's trousers and curling them in anticipation.
Dáire’s pulse jacked up another few notches as the blatant eagerness shining through the fiery eyes of the man currently between his legs clawed at his control. Gaze locking with Aremtis’, he put two cool fingers under the man’s chin, laying a softer, more reverent, kiss upon him. Pulling back he gave an easy smile, one that made him look as young as the human before him, "I’m yours to do with as you wish in this."
Artemis felt the warmth of the brandy and soothing cold of the potion combining in his chest. He felt the heat of Dáire's lips and the cool comfort of his strong fingers on his chin. He even felt the heat in his ears at the open permission tingling across the cool worry of his thoughts. There was always this moment of concern mixed with excitement. To be accepted, wanted, needed, it tugged at his very soul.
“As you say, Guardian," he let out in the faintest whisper as his hands crept forward along Dáire’s legs. He reached for the bindings and took full advantage of his professional skill to still his hands from shaking with overflowing desire. He was clean, precise, and quicker than he expected. His fingers fumbled as the final button released with a pop.
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Smouldering green flecked eyes locked with those of the elfs chosen lover, the silvery depths seeming to glow from within as he took in the man before him once more. He couldn’t recall the last time he’d felt like this; for when he affectionately took in his satiated and content looking friend, the compulsion to leave that had always followed- was now absent.
Loosening his grip on this thief’s hips, he allowed himself to slide free with a deep sigh. Rubbing the red marks left by his fingers tenderly, Dáire remorsefully acknowledged that they would most likely bruise. Dropping down, he crawled up the length of his lovers body, bracing himself on his elbows as he brought his face low enough for their lips to touch if only he moved forward that little bit more. A wickedly lazy smile twisted his mouth as he spoke, "And you say we need practice melethron. I must say, I’m more than a little eager to see what you believe we are capable of doing together."
Artemis wrapped his arms around his ranger’s back and pulled upward to meet his lips in a long slow kiss. When he finally broke he simply let himself fall back to the bed with a idiotic grin. "There’s always more to learn when it comes to art," he said softly, caressing Dáire’s face.
“Three measures each is the Foreman’s orders. Not to be given to the Craftmistress all at once, and not a drop more no matter what Boss promises, or does with his hands," she said matter-of-factly and winked at Artemis.
Artemis drained his cup of ale, burped softly, and held it out to receive his measures. "I’ll take mine and Dáire’s. Likely retire, long nigh-day and all that," he said with a barely restrained eagerness. Hannah rolled her eyes and carefully distributed six measures of the deep amber liquid into Artemis’ cup.
“Get on then, so the rest of us can have some space to breathe without catching the way you’re drooling," she said with a playful shove. "You may as well drain the tea too, you eager bastard," she added before taking another offered cup and pouring out the measure of drink to hand to Amalia. "While Boss is busy, care to play with your own elf?" The sailor asked the other woman. Artemis missed the reply as all his attention shifted to the ranger.
Dáire grinned wickedly, rising to his feet and more than ready to move on with their night’s plans. Wrapping an almost possessive arm around Artemis’ shoulders, he tugged the man to his side, moving them both away from his guests and party-goers.
“If you hear any shouting, stay away," Artemis said over his shoulder before he nestled further under Dáire’s embrace. "This is going to be so much fun," he said much softer and shivered. The pair half-hobbled their way to the trapdoor, the closeness of their bodies making any sort of normal walking difficult.
Artemis fumbled with the latch for several annoyed seconds before it relented and popped open. He lifted the door and made a sweeping motion with his hand. "Make sure the way is clear, cundo. I will watch the backside." Artemis leaned around Dáire to start his solemn duty early.
Dáire chuckled low and sultry, the man’s antics were only heightening the bone deep desire he had for him, a desire that had only continue to mount with each passing interaction of the day. Shaking his head slowly, the elf’s glossy black hair swayed rhythmically as he hopped down the stairs in a few easy bounds. He could feel Artemis’ hot gaze on him like a brand, twisting at the waist, bright silver eyes with their emerald specks sought to recapture the others gaze. "I’m almost disappointed, you didn't think to demand a strip before the show." He all but purred in the secluded quiet of the walk-way, impatiently waiting for the thief- no, his thief for tonight, to join him once again.
“This is but the appetizer, the show won’t begin for a bit longer," Artemis said, clearly a bit out of breath as he licked his lips and hopped down the hatch. He reached up and tugged the rope to pull it closed to lock. "Besides, if I got everything right at the start I wouldn’t have anything to look forward to except going again." He winked and slid past Dáire, letting his hands linger on the man before he moved them to his pocket and extracted a heavy key.
He slid the key into the lock, looked back and winked at the ranger, and then opened the door with a soft click. "Welcome to our chambers for the evening, Guardian," he said as he stepped just out of the way and motioned to the room.
The inside was slightly more organized than he’d left it. The upper bunk had been removed and placed flush with the bottom. There was now a double wide bed with a set of fleece mattresses covering it. There were several sets of sheets and pillows, clearly not made for the bed they were laid across.
The rest of the room had the boxes neatly stacked higher to fit into the smaller space as well as the rickety table and chairs moved to the opposite wall of the new bed arrangement. Clearly the crew had done more than just take down the upper bed. He wondered for an instant how long he’d spend rearranging his storage.
“We can sit on the stage, or relax in the chairs to enjoy the first sips of the brandy. I’ve got a special drink hidden away as well if this ends up being insufficient," Artemis said easily as he herded Dáire into the room, flicked open the lamp just a crack, and pulled the door shut. He locked it quickly and spun back to face his companion and friend. "Your choice."
Dáire’s gaze drifted lazily around the room as Artemis spoke, it was a small room, but tidy and somehow it suited it’s occupant he thought, Artemis hastily ushering him in before the door then swiftly being locked behind them. He smirked, lifting a brow in his characteristic expression of challenge, his eyes dancing with mirth. "Afraid I’ll escape- or that others may want to join us and divert my attention?” he said, the ever ready cocky grin returning. Normally the one to string out these games, he found impatience was now nipping at his heels.
He pulled his attention away from the ever deepening brown hues of his companion’s eyes, and pretended to consider the rickety chairs briefly, before turning back to Artemis with a rather dubious look. "There isn’t much of a decision to be made here friend."
“Oh, no choice at all?” Artemis said, placing the cup on the floor beside the bed and walking up to let his arms lazily rest on Dáire’s shoulders. "I could have sworn there was a bed and-"
Dáire promptly jerked the thief's supple body flush with his own, wrapping one corded arm around his waist and the other clasping his nape. One ragged breath later, and he was drawing Artemis in for a soul scorching kiss. His lips colliding with the young thief’s in a punishing assault, the frenzied need palpable around them as Dáires breathing came in short, sharp pants. Finally finding the strength within himself, he broke the kiss with a mournful groan. A positively sinful grin swiftly stretching his mouth wide once more. "That's what you get for being a wise ass," he teased, still not entirely releasing his thief.
Artemis gasped as the kiss was broken, his entire body shaking as he rode out the fading waves of pleasure. He groaned softly when he couldn’t quite tug away. "I can- can be a lot more if you- wannnnt meee." He shivered as the last words left his lips. Then a twinge of pain marred his face. "Damnit," he hissed, feeling his bruised ribs demanding to be recognized. "Let me… get something, and you drink some of this," he said, tugging away gently and picking up the cup to place in Dáire’s strong warm hands.
Dáire grimaced as he watched the pain wash across Artemis’ face. He’d selfishly forgotten about the man’s injury and the guilt from that fact settled in the pit of his stomach like a rock. Stepping back and dropping his arms like he’d been burnt, he released his companion and took the offered mug of liquor from him.
When Artemis was released he walked over to the crates, examining them for a marking and grinning as he found what he wanted. He scooted out a crate, second from the top, and reached into it. After a moment of rooting around that involved rustling and clinking he held up a small vial of silvery liquid.
Potent fumes hit his sensitive nose before he’d even brought it close enough for a true inhalation. It had an unmistakable homely, soothing aroma that seemed to seep into his very being. Taking a sip, he let the flavours play about on his tongue, keeping a careful eye on the rummaging Artemis across the room. The alcohol only served to fuel the fire that had ignited within him, warming him from the inside-out at an accelerated rate, while the earthy and fruity undertones helped sever some of the guilt he’d taken upon himself moments before.
“Midwife’s Helper, will keep the pain back. I think I’ll need to be gentle for a few days after," Artemis said with a triumphant grin before removing the seal on the bottle and downing the entire thing. His ribs weren’t broken, and he’d have the worst hangover of his life in the morning, but as the cool soothing settled in his stomach and radiated outward he felt the fire roiling in his chest.
“I’m going to do so many terrible and wonderful things to you cundo. You deserve to be rewarded for keeping me safe," he said, clearly firming his resolve and attempting to restore his mask of confidence as he strode back towards his guardian.
“Such wicked promises you make me, melethron." Dáire said, voice deep and playful as he held out his hand, offering up the mug of dwarven brandy to his friend. Settling himself down on the bed, he sunk into the luxurious soft mattress smiling knowingly to himself.
Artemis accepted the drink eagerly. Knowing fully how strong and soothing it could be, he took a tentative gulp and watched the elf over the rim of his mug as the soft burning moved down his throat. When he felt like he'd had enough liquid courage, he set the brandy back onto the floor and gave Dáire an appreciative caress with his eyes.
"I am worried you don't believe me. Perhaps I can show you more of my skills while the concoction does it's work?" Artemis asked eagerly, flexing his fingers and moving to the edge of the bed. With smooth movement he slid down to his knees between his guardian's legs and grinned before placing his splayed fingers onto the man's trousers and curling them in anticipation.
Dáire’s pulse jacked up another few notches as the blatant eagerness shining through the fiery eyes of the man currently between his legs clawed at his control. Gaze locking with Aremtis’, he put two cool fingers under the man’s chin, laying a softer, more reverent, kiss upon him. Pulling back he gave an easy smile, one that made him look as young as the human before him, "I’m yours to do with as you wish in this."
Artemis felt the warmth of the brandy and soothing cold of the potion combining in his chest. He felt the heat of Dáire's lips and the cool comfort of his strong fingers on his chin. He even felt the heat in his ears at the open permission tingling across the cool worry of his thoughts. There was always this moment of concern mixed with excitement. To be accepted, wanted, needed, it tugged at his very soul.
“As you say, Guardian," he let out in the faintest whisper as his hands crept forward along Dáire’s legs. He reached for the bindings and took full advantage of his professional skill to still his hands from shaking with overflowing desire. He was clean, precise, and quicker than he expected. His fingers fumbled as the final button released with a pop.
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Smouldering green flecked eyes locked with those of the elfs chosen lover, the silvery depths seeming to glow from within as he took in the man before him once more. He couldn’t recall the last time he’d felt like this; for when he affectionately took in his satiated and content looking friend, the compulsion to leave that had always followed- was now absent.
Loosening his grip on this thief’s hips, he allowed himself to slide free with a deep sigh. Rubbing the red marks left by his fingers tenderly, Dáire remorsefully acknowledged that they would most likely bruise. Dropping down, he crawled up the length of his lovers body, bracing himself on his elbows as he brought his face low enough for their lips to touch if only he moved forward that little bit more. A wickedly lazy smile twisted his mouth as he spoke, "And you say we need practice melethron. I must say, I’m more than a little eager to see what you believe we are capable of doing together."
Artemis wrapped his arms around his ranger’s back and pulled upward to meet his lips in a long slow kiss. When he finally broke he simply let himself fall back to the bed with a idiotic grin. "There’s always more to learn when it comes to art," he said softly, caressing Dáire’s face.