grayhillaeden

[grayhillaeden]

aeden nodded, lips swollen, face flushed, thought not as much as the lord hightower's own. he made a pretty picture, a delightful conquest. a secret to be cherished and held dear so it might bear fruits sometime. but for now, he was just a man surrendering to his desires, claiming what he wished and aeden had just always found that to be spectacular to watch.

he caressed his cheek, inviting those hands to explore further as he slipped off his clothes, pants falling down as his own hands fumbled with the buttons and knots of atticus' vest. "then i shall cherish it even more, knowing i have caused such a delightful break from your usual character my lord." he whispered it against his lips, hands tangled in his hair once they were done with his shirt. lips moving lower, to kiss and nip at shoulder and chest. a nipple sucked gently into his mouth while his eyes never left atticus'.

"for tonight, you may do as you please, sate your curiosity. fulfill your desires, my lord." he whispered, pressing kisses against his skin, ridding atticus of his pants as he spoke. not yet delighting himself with the cock that was freed, but pressing a kiss upon it all the same. "something tells me you've needed that."

the hightower lord tried to think back to the last time he crawled in bed with somebody and he just now realized how long it had been, he rarely had the time to do much beyond his job and tended to hyper fixate on things. the dove concord had been the thing on his mind as of late, trying to ensure everything went as smoothly as possible and keep as many tabs on their guests as possible. he'd written notes about those glances they gave each other, the lovestruck in their eyes, and those glances they'd look from across the ballrooms.

the taste of someone else's lips against his own, the feeling of their warm flesh on his own, the scent of the mages cologne, it sent jolts of electricity through the lords body and seemed to waken him up. he'd almost forgotten how good it felt to have the touch of another man. atticus knew they shouldn't be interrupted, but he didn't want to worry about that right now. everyone else seemed to throw caution to the wind, so why couldn't he for once? as their hands moved to slip the others clothes off, atticus' moved to feel the others muscular and warm chest. "you're so handsome," atticus gasped out once he broke the kiss. "i.. i don't normally do this."

[grayhillaeden]

"yes, sweet prince," he whispered hotly against his ear, mouth trailing a teasing path on his skin towards neck, then chin then lips as his hips moved and thrust sweetly into his welcoming warmth. not gentle thrusts, but sure, certain ones that would have his head thrown back and his nails digging into his back as he showed the prince what he had been missing. "moan for me, say my name."

though it was sometimes a waste to use magic during sex, he found himself tempted to enhance even more his darling prince's experience, to make his body float and ease his movements as he welcomed his thrusts, making all of his body more accessible as he hovered over the sheets. beautiful hair falling down before aeden gripped it, arm around his back to press himself deeper inside his body, enough pleasure coursing through their bodies to make him lose his tight grip on his own thoughts and words, instead simply grunting and moaning as he carved a place for himself inside the bergian heir. this... was just a taste of a place he truly belonged.

There was no doubt that this was all exciting. He had traveled far to a far off land one he had only heard about in his history books. Danced the night away like he was the prince in some lovely bedtime story. Now falling into the bed with court mage like he was the damsel in one of the pleasure novels his mother read. His back arched a deep moan pressing into the kiss as the other pressed into him. He was not the first man of the night, but Roderick still felt the ache of his hole stretching to fit the cock. His hands found the others back and clung to him holding him as the other started to move. The memory of the first fuck of the night pushed out with each moan that left his lips. "Aeden," He moaned out legs moving to wrap around the man's waist as he did his best to move his hips in time with the other. He nails moved along the other's back.

[grayhillaeden]

aeden chuckled, he was not so transparent as to let it show how he appreciated the compliment but it did wonders to see the man next to him was smart enough to see his value. or at least to say it to his face, his thoughts were his own, unless aeden dared to step into his mind and that was not one of his usual tricks. "why, you make me almost eager to see if that person shows up..." he joked.

"that is a tight hold indeed, for you have served the king well as far as i have been able to see..." he was not above sharing in the compliments as well, let it be said. "though, one would hope your lips aren't completely sealed, it would be such a waste to not enjoy the night to the fullest."

he lets the words hang for a second, sipping on his drink before he adds, "where would we be if we could not discuss the people at court unfortunate enough to not be among us today..." his wink is open for whatever reading the lord might impress upon it. it is rather rare to have a moment alone with him, especially without the pressures of court, it would be nice to get a real feeling for the man that bears the title.

“feh, there’s nothing lowly about you, from what I can tell.” if aedan had been aiming to get a compliment, he’d come to the right place. sindri was the type to bury a man in praise just as freely as insults, if the situation called for it. he was all about giving credit where it was due and making sure to hit the nail with a hammer until the point was securely made. there was never any doubt where someone stood with the lord of the aerie. “if anyone comes here looking for either of us for help, either they’re incredibly foolish or the greatest strategist these lands have seen in my lifetime.”

the noble leaned forward onto the table, resting his chin on one hand, and just listened to the mage go on about plans and the potentials of the night. he might be known for his way with words but he did enjoy someone who could hold his attention well. sindri only spoke up to say with a mischievous smile, “you’ll find my lips are tighter than my hold on bergia’s coin purse. all your secrets are safe with me.”

[grayhillaeden]

Luke Thompson

[grayhillaeden]

He had not expected Orion to react in such way, he knew from slips of conversion between sheets, hidden away in alcoves in the island or below deck in one of their ships, that he harbored no strong love for his brother or at least he hid it behind layers and layers of pretend deference and real defiance. He admired his ambition, and his handling of the house while his brother was away though it seemed his confidence had a shakier foundation than he'd assumed.

Truthfully, his own ambition would lead him to the lord of Blacktyde rather than the second son, the one who had the king's ears but when he found himself on the island it was Orion who'd welcomed him. It was him that shared just enough to keep him interested before he found his place in the lord's bed. It was him, with his calculating stance, and his odd company, his hidden ambitions that fascinated him. So when the heat falters, and the hold on his naked body grows hesitant he pushes himself against Orion, predatory smile on his lips. "There was only one man who kept me busy in Blacktyde, my lord," His words sweet and his lips searching for Orion's, lost again in him as he is handled roughly, perhaps claimed from the ghost of his brother. "It was your bed I sought, and your side where I remained. You made sure there was naught left for other men, didn't you?" He didn't even lie, a wrench in his plans he was, a distraction most great. At least he'd found reason to remain for longer, to visit again.

This... this was the dangerous part. Or the exciting part. How Orion focused on what he wanted, and how Aeden responded to it, letting him kiss and touch and make him forget himself. Moaning as lips and teeth close around his nipple. Reduced to a whore for his pleasure or by his pleasure... all for him. It did feel sweet, this dance of theirs, eyes meeting as he gave him what he wanted. Needed. And Orion took it like he was born for it. No insecurity now, was there? This is how he liked him. "Then take what's yours, lord Blacktyde."

There is no finesse in it, being bent over a fountain in a hedge meant to amuse. Hidden sure, but surely someone might walk in and catch them? He'd worry about hiding them if need be, more pressing was the need not to think as he looked back to catch sight of the cock he'd longed for being freed, his own throbbing in the air, dripping into the grass ignored as he spread his legs, the movements of Orion drawing near, bending to be at the right height cock teasing the entrance of his hole without pushing in. A tease he would welcome if it wasn't for the growing need inside him, feels himself pushing back, kissing his tip as he is pulled back roughly by his hair, a gasp leaving his lips as he keeps trying to welcome him in. The words send shivers through him, he wouldn't dream of it not with the command in his voice but even with his mouth dry and his body refusing to wait for Orion he can't help but goad him.

"Strong words from the lord whose cock isn't even inside the whore he claims to be his." He would be able to see the need, the desire and desperation dripping from his tone but he is hoping his illusions hold true for Orion. That he makes him pay for these words and makes him admit to the truth, with the same soothing, pleasing tone he used earlier. That he reminds him with words, and touches and cock why he'd so gladly be a whore for the regent of Blacktyde.

"Why are you mentioning my brother?" he asks, puzzled but above it, annoyed. "This is the worst timing possible for this," he complains, pulling back a little, some of the romance gone. His hands don't leave Aeden's ass, but he is put off. "I might think you're fucking me and thinking of him." He offers, as if he had thought about that before.

While the notion was disturbing, he doubted Aeden would be the first. Being the second son came with perks, yes, but it came, most of all, with the humiliation of being the second son. He had been haunted by that notion his entire life, and perhaps a little paranoid that people always preferred his brother instead of him.

"Leave him be," he says, hands grabbing his ass roughly, trying to rebuild the intimacy destroyed a moment ago; "I'm more than enough for you," he says, and it is part to convince himself of that.

"You are-" and his arms tight closer around him, pulling him hip to hip "But I like when you're not," he wasn't attracted to his brain, even if he knew it was the most interesting part of his anatomy. Maybe he was a lowly lord, easily convince by a pretty piece of ass... "When you're..." he kisses him on the lips, and then the neck, opening his shirt, "Here..." he's crocuhing himself until he has a nipple in his mouth, between his teeth, "all for me..."

He doesn't wait to be told that twice. Quickly, he turns Aeden around, glad that he's leaning back against the fountain in the middle of the glade. His ass is exposed to the night, and Orion works quickly with his trouses, undoing the complicated laces — why the fuck he had to wear these fancy clothes? It was much easier back in Medes... — and pulls his cock out. He rubs the head, spreading the moistness along the shaft and then spits in his own hand, lubing his hand up.

He positions himself, head on the edge of his hole, cock just teasing his entrance. Orion pulls Aeden back, to whisper in his ear: "And remember: whores don't complain. Nor beg me to stop."

[grayhillaeden]

aeden chuckles, seeing him bloom before his eyes. a pleasant surprise that he is eager to watch unfold further. "they have certainly blessed you, darling." he whispered back, letting him explore and venture, trace the muscles he was seeing for the first time.

bodies did as bodies wont, there was no secret here, it was an old dance and neither of them was so inexperienced at it that they needed much guidance, exploration lead to pleasure, to kisses and brushes, to thrusts and moans as their bodies met. cock testing the resistance so recently fucked out of him, a pleasing thrill of not being the first of the night but if he had any say in it, the best.

he was about to tease and admonish the prince, but his lips silenced his voice, leaving him no other choice but to claim back what had been taken from him. his head, teasing, pressing, rubbing. making him wet with precum, finally pressed past his entrance, tasting the warm embrace of the prince's body with an eager grunt into his lips beofre he started to push more.

he could feel the evidence of the last coupling, could feel the ease in which his body accepted another cock yet still gripped him firmly, the erotic thrill that made him press hungry kisses not just to his mouth but whatever part of him he could reach. all the while he fucked whatever memory he had of the other man out of the prince's mind.

his voice was barely a whisper when he answered. Still, he knew the other was close enough to hear him, "Thank the gods i'm beautiful then." The innocence of his smile cut by the way he said those words in the same cocky tone his brothers held. The shell of his innocence starting to melt away. It was nice to see the man naked. Far from virginal, yet his touches where still timid. Taking his time to trace the muscles, wondering what exactly a mage did to get a body like this if all they did was study. Roderick kissed his neck and collar bone taking in his scent and how it felt to be touched by him. Committing as much as he could to memory as they pushed their bodies together. His body moved on instinct following the command of the other's touches. His longer slender legs wrapping around the waist pulling him closer to him. He loved the way it felt when the other's cock pressed against his. "I did" he spoke as he looked up at him. There was no need to lie. You could still see the stretch in his hole. His breath hitching as the man's cock pressed to him. Not slipping but teasing him as he let his head fall back for a moment. "show me the pleasure that is hidden in my very own home" He spoke as he pulled him in for a kiss hoping the other would just slip in before they broke to catch their breath.

[grayhillaeden]

A smart question, and not one he expected so brazenly but he admired that in the apprentice and made sure to show it with a side smirk and a nod of approval. "To be admired is good, and it feeds the ego, fear keeps people in line... for a while. Need, is the best answer in my humble opinion. Where admiration will fail you and fear create enemies, need makes allies, even friends." It wasn't always he revealed cards like that, easy as that, perhaps Halastar had reached a soft spot reserved for pupils he would likely never have. Not until he rose up in his rank, at least.

"Smart lad." He praised, "You keep doing that, and putting out your charm. It'll go a long way of making you wanted not just by the court you serve but by others." A sly wink at him, the tonne used not betraying how serious the conversation was, below the easy banter. "Who knows, you keep it up and we might even come out of this a lot closer than either of us could have imagined." A hand on his back as they continued their walk, who better to understand the plight of court mages but themselves? Kings would come and go, realms rise and crumble, their position however was much more lasting.

“Which do you prefer?” Halaster asked without preamble. “To be admired, feared, or needed?”

Some might be unnerved by that question but those people wouldn't be mages, most likely. To have the power at their fingertips and not come across those who greet you with awe, wariness, or an ulterior motive only means they aren't good at what they do or they're terrible at selling themselves. Halaster was neither and he highly doubted Aedan would be, hence the question. It would be very informative of who he was speaking to.

"I'm... still working on the allies part." It pained him to admit that his wit and charm hadn't gotten him far enough on their own. "But! It's only a matter of time. If I've done anything so far, it's show the court how useful I can be." With usefulness came those who wished to use you, surely.

[grayhillaeden]

aeden chuckled. "me? a lowly apprentice?" he only ever did put himself down when it suited him, but sometimes it worked well. "it's true they are in need of such expertise, but i can help in different ways, from different places..." he met the other's eyes, "maybe even from here, who knows who else might surprise us yet."

he did enjoy a man who could amuse himself, nothing to gain from being all serious, even if circumstances were graver than they had been merely weeks prior. mortals... "intrigue is something the court never lacks my dear," he whispered back, "there is much we could be doing, away from the prying eyes at the castle, mingling with peasants... spying perhaps? or drafting secrets plans..." he takes a sip of his drink, "let's see where the night takes us. we can make a list out of it."

he didn't ask yet what the other was doing here just yet, but his mind wondered. "as long as you can keep a secret as well."

"...and it's always where you least expect see them, too." Sindri spun in his chair to face the man and the mug sidled up near him. He'd recognized the voice fast enough that the noble didn't miss a beat with it. "I would've thought someone of your level of importance would be stuck near a certain family's side for the foreseeable future. It was a rather eventful trip for them, after all."

He'd meant to be incognito but, when addressed so directly, there was no reason to pretend. The jig was up. He could still have a little fun with it, though. That's why he was leaning in all conspiratorially and whispering. "Is this a secret meeting? Are we scheming? Colluding? What bits of intrigue have we gotten into?"

He knew how to ham it up for a good laugh.

[grayhillaeden]

aeden smiled, "i've had the same questions once." he said gently, "and then many more when i was out of those walls. there is no shame in not knowing when one is trying to remedy that." he lets the words, the touches, the trading of looks linger between them. "we learn all of them, but each can take a lifetime to specialize on. so that's what we do..." his grin turns just slightly overconfident, "i've an aptitude for illusion. much as i would like to think i could do a lot more if it had been allowed."

it would be a lie to say he had not thought of those lips meeting his own, of tasting the lord of hightower and getting a better glimpse of what was hiding underneath those clothes, behind those clever curious eyes. in the end he hadn't needed to take the first step, and that brought a grin to his lips even before he eagerly welcomed the kiss, hands moving to his hair, not allowing him escape after the initial encounter. if atticus started a fire, aeden would made sure it caught.

"to selfishness." he whispered in a fake toast as their lips parted, only to lean in and devour him once more. hands trailing down to first feel, then expose his skin to the quiet library. a secret world for themselves... at least that was easy to assume. aeden did not worry, it would be easy to hide themselves from prying eyes with magic but... there might also be something to be said to being caught like this. most importantly, his lips turned to the lord's neck, claiming them with kisses and teasing bites, slowly but surely undoing any buttons and straps needed to get him bare.

fighting had never been one of atticus' gifts, his mind had always been his greatest weapon. in the midst of the war, the hightower lord was brought out as a tactician for the significant battles. collaborating with the king and prince sirius, who had the experience up close and personal. his father never trained atticus with the way of the sword like most valtolian boys were taught, no he was locked away in the hightower to study for years. the one weapon at his disposal was the hightower blade he always kept on him, sharp enough to tear through flesh and bone but something only necessary upon last resort.

"i know my questions must be elementary to you," atticus admitted, looking over to the fire that aeden had started with ease. "the concept of being able to manipulate aspects of the world around us, to channel magic within oneself... it's fascinating." this was the fullest extent of what atticus could grasp, so be it. "i know there are different branches of magic, can you just.. explore them all? or do you pick one?"

there was that part of atticus knew he deserved to find a partner, not only was the lord of the hightower but he'd put so much work into helping valtolia become a better kingdom than it was before. perhaps he needed to take charge more, seize a moment when it was looking him in the eye. like the one right before him. looking at the mage and where his hand was, atticus nodded. "perhaps you're right." he said, leaning in to steal a kiss from the bergian mage.

[grayhillaeden]

"so superior, dear professor... mortals can offer much more than annoyance and needless gore, if you care to delve deeper..." he mused, he had always been restless, always fascinated by what he couldn't have. to seek it out after decades locked away, there was a reason aeden (almost) never looked back. "one could say that i do. mayhaps one day it will tire me, seeing them suffer and rise, dream and fail, wither away like a flower's bloom that leaves behind only the barest scent before it's gone again... but for now they still hold their own appeal. there is an urgency, a drive to them, knowing their days are numbered. it's fascinating, if not to say admirable." did he pity them? envy them? he could not truly say. worse perhaps, were the ones close enough that he knew he'd one day miss. inevitability was not something aeden handled well.

his smile was a little less guarded, now that they were alone. his movements a little less flowy, "perhaps." he said, with the tone of someone who meant always.

"you are too old to have such a dirty mind professor," he whispered with a teasing brush of his lips to hectar's ears, "have you thought i meant discoveries? magic we have not studied in ages? secrets from kingdoms you have scarcely visited but that i now have?" he laughs, "or did your mind jump right away to how i might miss your arms holding me as you remind me where i belong? how on cold nights i reach for you, and dream of your taste in my lips, how i wish to push you down and remember how you taste like under me, how you sound like falling apart before you fill my mouth with your seed?" his breath is shallow, his mouth dry, fingers holding his teacher's head in place as a bite is placed none too gently on his neck. "is that what you wish me to write, hectar? would you spill for me as you read those secret letters?"

hectar had thought about stepping down from the council and school in the many, many, many winters he had been working and living there, he had thought about dedicating himself to one of the kingdoms, or becoming a wander mage. but he knew he couldn't do that. not yet, at least. he would miss teaching too much, he'd built a life, was that all worth giving up for only a bit of freedom "why do you think we only live among other mages at home? mortals and their... little squabbles are so tiresome to us that live as long as we do." it had been so long since hectar and aeden had been teacher and student and yet their connection felt just as strong as it did all those years ago, it felt like it was just yesterday. "do you enjoy living among the mortals?"

being led into the private room, he let out a soft chuckle under his breath, accompanied by a shake of his head at aeden's magic thetrics. "trying to show off for me, love?" hectar found himself being thankful that he ran into his old student and mischief partner, cause he really wasn't too fond of these kind of parties, so he would have been miserable all night. "oh yeah?" the professor asked with a soft hum in his tone, clearly curious as to what aeden's letters would have said. "i have ways of protecting my mail from prying eyes, darling." he gave a coy smirk, eyes trained on the younger mage carefully. "and what would you have told me in these letters?"

[grayhillaeden]

"then it's too bad we won't get to see that happening anytime soon..." or ever, most likely, he would live long enough but he doubted anyone would step down much less allow him to replace them... well, more's their loss. "perhaps you need a high opinion of yourself to live that long, yes. mortals are so curious, their pettiness, their squabbles, their short memories. i wonder what is it that makes us able to not destruct ourselves as they do... perhaps it is our numbers?"

he chuckled, eyes falling onto his professor, the dynamic was different now. yes the lines were blurred long ago, far before his fiftieth anniversary but they were there, academic pursuit, mentorship. now they were peers, or as close as they'd get in their different positions.

"whipped?" he raised his brow, "that was only once or twice, who's to say i was leading you where i wanted?" his grin was wide and daring, "you can admit they do not live up to me. i'd think few would be able to, either way. perhaps you can make decent mages out of them though, you have a talent for that."

"in the meantime, let us reminisce about old times together, shall we?" he leads him to a private room, where the drinks are kept and with a flair of his hand, exaggerated for his professor's benefit the fine glass is lifted into air, expensive drinks poured as if unseen servants were attending them. "there are things i wanted to tell you, but i wasn't sure my letters wouldn't be read by others."

"hmm, i can see it now, longtime teachers and his ex protege burns down the oldest school in the realm days into taking over," despite his teasing words, he didn't believe that was how it would go down at all, quite the opposite, actually. "but i don't disagree that you and i would do a fantastic job, we make a great team." maybe they'd need someone to who could handle the pair of them and their chaoticness. but it wasn't just meaningless words between two old... friends. he genuinely believed that he and aeden would do a great job at running the school and nurturing the next generation of mage's. "of course i think high a high opinion of myself, i'm fantastic, darling. you don't get to my age without a lot of confidence."

"some of our latest batch are lacking a little. but i'll whip them into shape, don't worry, love. " maybe they weren't lacking as much as he said, but he had been doing this whole teaching and mentoring thing for a long, long time, after a while if they didn't show some remarkable skill, they all seemed to blend in a little. he loved his job, he really did! he loved training the next generations of mage's, but sometimes he felt like he needed more. "just like i whipped you into shape." he teased the other as he walked along side him, feeling at ease for probably the first time since arriving here.

[grayhillaeden]

A master of illusion was only as good as his ability to see through those, when it was his turn and seeing nobility through a disguise, hiding himself among the people after such an event well... it would have wounded Aeden's pride to be fooled by it.

"Isn't it peculiar, the ones we run into when we want to get away?" He asked, voice low and gentle as he took a seat next to the master of coin. A mug of ale slid his way, it was not often Aeden bought someone else drinks but there were exceptions to be made.

"I imagine you did not come here for company you could keep in court, but if you don't mind sharing ale with me know that I can keep a secret meeting better than most."

to: any bergians or anyone visiting where: a hole in the wall alehouse, some small bergian town when: after the concord

Drinks were needed. Many of them.

The events in Valtolia had gone poorly for the royal family but the master of coin had used the opportunity to squeeze the bleeding hearts for all they could spare in their coffers. While he'd made good on a bad situation, this wasn't a celebration. He was just craving something he had very little of at the Dove Concord: companionship with his fellow Bergians. While they had all rallied around Iskander and the rest of the Pryors, it was a defensive stance, not something friendly.

So Sindri was somewhere far from the Aerie, where he would most likely not be recognized. He'd returned home soon enough. For now, he just wanted to be faceless while getting a taste of home.

[grayhillaeden]

aeden cocked his head, nodding slowly. "perhaps there is some similarity. practice enough and it becomes like another limb... though, in my pride i would say it is much of a closer relationship, i have never been one for swords though." there were a few men, strong, deft, who'd taught him to carry one, to wield it. in more ways than one. still, that was not and would never be his weapon.

"you are correct. magic is a rare gift, and it's use is no simple matter. to master it requires most of your lifetime. some of it never becomes natural," he explains, "but if you're good, and if you apply yourself a lot of it can come more easily with enough practice. somethings will always require a lot of any mage, though. otherwise i'd gather we would be a much bigger problem."

"a worried brother," he smiles gently, tempted to pat him just for that. yes, matches were difficult things, especially if one was concerned with the comfort of the parts. "if you'll allow me though," he approached, leaning into the young lord. "in my hundred years i've learned every man should have the right to be selfish once in a while."

there was no bitterness in his voice, though the matter drove an old knife into an even older wound. aeden would never give up magic, but he resented all that he was forced to give up for it. titles, lands, marriage. he smiled through it, hand reaching just above atticus' knee, "if there is desire for it, you should allow yourself to find the same comfort you seek for your brothers. i'm sure there are no shortage of men wanting your hand, and not because of your influence dare i say."

atticus wasn't close with the mages within his own court, they were colleagues who gave their input when it was necessary but other than that, he rarely spoke to any of them. aeden was a stranger, though he had a curious thirst for knowledge like atticus... so it felt more natural to ask these sorts of questions with him. "interesting, reminds me of a swordsman who sees his sword as an extention of himself." atticus couldn't imagine something like that coming so natural to someone. he'd spent his entire life working to get where he was now, was it like that for mages? "i can't imagine it was always like that, you attend solanis for decades. most of a man's lifetime.

feeling the warmth of the fire feel as though it surrounded him and the scent of leather bound books, atticus closed his eyes and his face eased in relief some. it was oddly comforting, even if he knew it was some kind of an illusion. "my house has a lot of prestige within valtolia. i don't want to squash my brother's potential with unworthy matches who throw themselves at them.. it's my job to take care of them and ensure they have comfortable lives." atticus sighed, sitting back in the chair. "i wish i could find someone for myself, but the voice in the back of my head tells me that it's selfish to think of myself before them."

[grayhillaeden]

Aedan chuckled, the honesty didn't exactly surprise him but it was a welcome respite of having to dig his way into anything truthful. It was also refreshing to see the fire in someone else's eyes when it came to the place they felt they had earned.

"You don't have to tell me about it." He smiled, "I'm a few decades older and here we stand, with the same title, given to us by those with a lifetime that can be just a blink of the eye for us." He patted Halaster's hand. It's true he didn't intend to be 'apprentice' for long, and he shouldn't, but he understood deeply the gripes his fellow mage had with it.

"If you want my advice, don't let them forget how good you are. How essential you are, even the lowest titles can demand respect if people admire, need or fear your abilities enough." That was not a lesson he would ever forget, anyone that underestimated Aeden did so at their own peril. "I should also mention to find yourself allies, in your court and in others. You'll never know when you'll need them," he leaned in, watching around them for any curious ears before he continued, a hand on his back in a movement that attempted to bring some comfort. "we are not in Solanis anymore, you can't get by on your brilliance at magic alone."

Halaster’s brows rose immediately at the question, though it took him a little longer to find the words to answer. When was the last time someone had asked him that question? He didn’t hold any contempt against those he was around for not thinking about asking it. The mage was loud, always smiling and, by some standards, rather flamboyant. It’s understandable for people to assume that he was doing fine. Halaster himself might even say just that to most people.

But Aedan wasn’t most people. He was someone of a similar power with similar status. He could be a little more forthcoming with him. And that’s why he sighed, rolling his shoulders as he willed them to relax. “It’s been a bit of an adjustment, going from being lauded the way I was back in Solanis to being called an ‘apprentice.’ Lowest rung even if we’re far off the metaphorical ground." It wasn't just an ego thing. He hated having to start all over.

[grayhillaeden]

"i would never wish any harm to that dear old, boring man," he said with a grin, hand moving towards his chin. caressing the youthful face of his mentor, time had not touched him it seemed. "you and i would possibly do a better job, though." he whispered, nothing he hadn't said in his ear late at night. and nothing he would seriously say in the light of day. probably. he had no intention of coming back to solanis at this time, so the question was meaningless. "see you everyday? that's a high opinion you have of yourself. how do you know i don't just want power?" he refused to admit such a baseless thought. yes he missed him, no he did not need his presence or was busied with silly considerations of being by his side, ruling over solanis like kings.

"i just have a good grasp of my own strengths, professor." he shrugged, a smirk, far more comfortable discussing this. "then you'll probably love this," his grin only widened as he pulled his hand, dragging him away from nobles, from their fellow mages. yes they were both busy busy mages, in official business, and he delighted in knowing they'd make time where there was none for each other.

"so, have you replaced me yet, or are the new batch of pupils disappointing you?" he asked as they walked, "i could be persuaded to teach a few lessons if you old men are struggling."

"are you planning to assassinate our dear old headmaster and take over?" he couldn't exactly say that he disagreed with aeden's words, he had thought about how things would be different, if he was running the show, he would like to think the way he taught and cared for students and protege's and his openness for different forms of teaching would make him pretty great at the job. but that had to be some form of treason, right? he shouldn't publicly talk about how he would be better at the job. "awh, you miss me that much, aeden? that you wanna take over just so you can see me everyday?"

"still have a big head, i see." the mage hummed, fingertips stroking over aeden's temple ever so gently. hectar's eyes flicked around the room briefly, he was supposed to be here on official business, but he did always have a soft spot and the trouble they used to get into. "i do love myself some rum," he mentioned, eyes moving back to meet the younger mage's own eyes. "lead the way, handsome."

[grayhillaeden]

Aeden chuckled, Orion was not as mysterious as he'd like to be--at least, not to him, certainly not for his brother from what he knew of their relationship. And yet, he could be as difficult and challenging to navigate as the tides his house was famed for. It made him all the more intriguing, all those secrets, all those thoughts hidden away behind deep eyes and a mouth that savored each kiss like a secret oath.

His face up, neck bared as fingers spread, searched, explored. Fingers scratching at the back of his head as pleasure climbed through his spine. He felt young again, ignoring whatever else was going on in favor of responding to the provocations whispered against his skin. "Do you think I'd enjoy a lord that can't rule? Wouldn't you suggest your brother for that?" He asked, smirk on his lips, even as he hardened further with his attention. With his focus, vanity was a sin he had never been above. His reply was bitten off with a hungry moan as a single finger slid its way inside him, it went in smoothly, eagerly swallowed as he guided Orion into another kiss. "You may treat me however you wish," He whispered, giving him more than he gave most men as he pushed back on his finger while his own hand moved. Orion's cock was a thing of beauty that he still remembered fondly, and for once he did not try to hide away the eagerness he felt to have it back on his hands; inside him, "as long as you remember I am much much more than that."

Perhaps that was the appeal of it, how for all both their ambitions, their secrets and plotting, the things he whispered into his ear, the things he hid and gathered on Medes, on the Blacktydes, his very age... in these private moments, they were just men reveling in each other; he could be Orion's whore if he so wished, he could be anything, as long as their bodies were put aflame with pleasure and desire. And that... well, they did that very well. "So go on my dear, show me what the lord of Blacktyde does to a whore." His whisper was hot against his ear, mixed with moans that drowned out anything else. He would allow no interruptions, not anymore. After all, just one finger could hardly satisfy him for long.

He smirked at Aeden and his sharp and clever tongue. "Do not ask questions you do not want to know the answer to." Orion didn't have an answer to that, but Aeden didn't have to know that. Their relationship had always been hidden away, secretive and furtive, like kisses on a maze. He preferred that way. And he would not give him any more information than necessary, because he knew how dangerous was to trust that mage. He was better off on his knees with his mouth full, and then on his merry way back to the continent. Orion had already learned that lesson.

"Do you want me to say yes?" he asks, brushing his nose against his jawline, hands spreading his ass, finger searching for his hole, "Does that turn you on?" he wasn't above lying for his benefit. Aeden deserved more than just a fuck. "I thought you preferred me less sentimental, treating you like a common whore in a brothel" he slips a finger inside of him, "Or am I wrong?"

[grayhillaeden]

Aeden smiled, a little grin of agreement that he expressed silently as he waited to take his leave with his fellow mage. "Thought so..." he muttered, amusement still in his tone. He offered the other mage a hand as he guided him away from curious nobles.

Once they were comfortably away he relaxed, eyes turning to Halaster. "So, now that we are on our own and mortals can't beg you for more tricks," he started, "how are you faring? I believe you are new at court, are you not? I spent my first years away from Solanis wandering, researching magic on my own. Court life was a bit of a challenge when I accepted the position."

He invited the younger mage to share his own experience, always good to make connections with his peers. You never knew when it would be needed, or when you might need a weapon against them. Peace was such a fragile thing after all.

Halaster raised both hands in a comical flourish, trying to show he was guilty as charged. "One must always use every instrument available to be successful."

Aedan was observant, good to know. He should've expected as much but the bar for a reasonable conversation had fallen significantly since the start of this event. The tricks had served to entertain and pass the time in a more tolerable way than dull chatting. But his fellow apprentice was already showing he was worth shelving that plan.

The mage was about to say that he was always entertaining enough but refrained. It was better to prove it. He nodded, more than amiable to the idea. If they stayed where they were, no doubt someone would come over and make a request, not realizing the show was over. "A solid plan if I ever heard one."