magically-inclined

[magically-inclined]

Fencing Practice

Rating: General Words: 1910

~~~~~~~~~~~

It had been several days since the beginning of the festival, and all the chaotic tumultuous events that had followed. Nyasho had tried his best to not let his mental state be affected by everything, but it was difficult to stay focused. Family dinners were the worst, when he had to sit at the table with Losarus and pretend that nothing was wrong. The pretending almost made it worse, but he’d used the excuse that he had a headache to avoid eating with the family once already, and he could not use it too often.

What was even worse was sitting at that same table with both Losarus and Alex. So far, the youth had kept their affair a secret, so Nyasho tried to force himself to relax and trust that it would remain a secret. That did not make the scenario any less comfortable, and Losarus was going to be staying with them for the entire duration of the festival.

Nyasho knew it was only going to get worse when Losarus’s fiancé arrived in a few days. The man had made the announcement formally at dinner the second night of the festival, and of course Nyasho had to act both surprised and pleased for his cousin. If anyone saw that a schism had formed between them, it might lead to awkward questions.

Having such drama in his life was extremely bothersome. Annoyance with the presence of drama in his life soured his mood just as much as the drama itself. He needed a way to release his stress, so during his free time he visited the practice hall as much as possible. There was always a member of the house guard who was willing to spar with him, and the activity helped him regain the mental clarity he was missing, for a time.

Four days after Alex had been in his room, Nyasho faced off against a taller, dark-skinned guard, a man named Goralli. They were well matched, and both were sweating heavily in their practice leathers. The sound of steel clashing against steel rang out again and again, and Nyasho’s world had narrowed to his sense of his own body, and his observations of his opponent’s stance and actions. Nothing else existed. It was wonderful

Alex had spent most of his time in the library for the past few days, doing his best to look studious and avoid the storm cloud of trouble he knew was brewing between Nyasho and Losarus. For his part, Nyasho looked completely unaffected by his cousin’s announcement at dinner. Alex was certain it had to be an act. No matter – he wanted to stay out of that issue. However, as well as his current solution was working, he’d grown tired of spending days and nights in either his room or the library. He felt like his eyes would fall out if he had to read another book that day.

Looking for some physical exercise, he headed to the practice hall to work on his form. He hadn’t held a sword in his hands in weeks and he missed the feel of the weight in his hands. He had pulled on his sword belt and walked into hall only to see Nyasho sparring with one of the guards.

They were already deep into the sparring session, completely ignoring Alex’s presence. Not that the blond minded. He hadn’t exactly been hoping to run into the elf any time soon. Things were still awkward after their night together, and Alex didn’t look forward to dealing with the trouble and emotions that went with it.

Even so, there was a part of him that didn’t mind watching Nyasho spar. He was graceful in his movements, and it was almost like being hypnotized as he watched from the large doorway of the hall. Alex leaned on the door frame, arms crossed, and watched quietly.

Nyasho and the guard sparred for a while longer, until finally the elf found his advantage. After a series of hard blows and a swipe with his leg, he had his opponent on the floor, sword pointed at the man’s throat. He was breathing hard, sweat running into his eyes, but there was a great grin on his face.

“Do you yield?” he asked.

With a grunt, Goralli nodded. “I yield,” he said.

Sheathing his blade, Nyasho bent to give the man a hand up, and he wiped the sweat from his eyes with a towel that an inconspicuous servant handed him. “Thank you,” he told her.

“Good match, sir,” Goralli said, wiping his own face. “I thought for a moment that I had you.”

“I did too,” Nyasho said, and he turned to get himself a mug of water from a table along the wall. He still didn’t see Alex standing there, but Goralli noticed him. He tapped Nyasho on his bare shoulder, then jerked his head towards the human.

Nyasho looked over at Alex, then took a long drink of water. “Hello, Alexander,” he said.

The call shook Alex out of internal thoughts. He smiled politely, still slightly nervous, and walked over towards Nyasho. “Hello,” he replied. “I didn’t know the practice hall was being used. I just came down here for some exercise. I hope I’m not interrupting.”

The blond watched Nyasho as he tossed his used towel over his shoulder and continued to drink. Alex swallowed, a few memories from their night together coming back to the forefront of his mind. He pushed them down, and hoped that he wasn’t blushing.

Nyasho glanced at Alex with the corner of his eye, and set his drink down. “No, we are finished here,” he said. He began to unbuckle and remove his practice gear, handing the pieces to the servant as he removed them to reveal a slim-fitting sleeveless white shirt and black pants. The shirt was stained dark with sweat down his back, with more sweat running down his neck. The sudden cool air gave him goose bumps.

With a fresh towel, he wiped down his arms, and then hooked it over the back of his neck while he held the ends. “Go on and enjoy the rest of your day off, Goralli,” he said to the guard. “Thanks again.”

“You’re welcome,” the man said, nodding. He gathered his gear and left.

Now Nyasho and Alex were alone, minus the servant girl, who was practiced at the art of being invisible. Nyasho made his way across the hall to where the blond stood, and looked down at him. He could be nice. He would be nice.

“Do you need practice leathers, or do you have your own? We can find some that fit you if you need.”

“I need some,” Alex said, his voice surprisingly even. “Though I won’t have much use for them without a sparring partner.” He fiddled with the pair of gloves he’d brought along to protect his hands while he practiced, pulling them on slowly. This had been the first time they’d interacted in days. It was more awkward for Alex than he wanted to admit, and trying to stay composed was increasingly difficult.

Something in the way Alex was holding himself, the set of his eyes, and how he couldn’t quite meet Nyasho’s gaze, told the elf that the boy was thinking about the other night. Well, Nyasho couldn’t blame him, but he himself was still feeling too good from the hard practice session to let it bother him now. Maybe the fact that he was too drunk to really remember the things he’d done helped on that score.

Besides, he could compartmentalize. He’d built his life around compartmentalizing when he needed to.

He cleared his throat. “I can help you with armor, but I can’t help you with a partner. I am quite done for the day.” In fact, if he had not beaten Goralli when he had, he would not have lasted another five minutes. He’d been up too late the night before, and had practiced against another man that morning.

“Have you asked any of the house guard?”

“No I haven’t. I didn’t want to bother them,” Alex replied. “I should be fine on my own. I just had to get away from the library for a while. I think I was developing allergies to paper.” He smiled a bit, quite certain that was actually going to happen sooner or later this summer. If he was in his own estate, he would’ve barely cracked open a book by now.

That made Nyasho raise an eyebrow, and the corner of his mouth quirked upward. He smoothed his expression quickly, however. “I see,” he said. “So… do you need the leathers, or don’t you? If you don’t have anyone to spar with.” Alex really needed to make up his mind. “I could ask young Jale if he is willing.”

“No, Nyasho. It’s fine. I don’t need them,” Alex said, feeling flustered. “Thank you.” He pulled out his sword and started to head out to the middle of the room but stopped for a moment, then turned around and sighed. He saw the servant girl out of ear shot for the moment and took the chance to say something that had been weighing on him for a few days.

“I heard about your cousin’s announcement,” he said in a hushed tone so no one else could hear. “If you, uh… If you wanted to talk about it or something, you’re welcome to talk to me.” Alex knew the elf had no one to confide in on the issue, and to his knowledge, he was the only one who had any idea of how Losarus’ engagement affected Nyasho. The least he could do was to offer a sympathetic ear.

Nyasho wondered why he bothered offering to help, if Alex was just going to change his mind like that. A deep breath helped settle him, and gave him a moment to remind himself that Alex was very young, and very immature. It wasn’t his fault that humans sent their offspring into the world at such a young age.

Mention of Losarus and the engagement brought Nyasho right back into the frame of mind he’d managed to escape during his heavy training session, and the tension immediately returned to his back and shoulders. “No, Alex. It’s fine. I don’t need it,” he said. “Excuse me.”

He had to get out of there before his good mood left him completely.

Watching Nyasho disappear from the room, Alex sighed once more. It wasn’t as if he’d expected the elf to accept his offer. In fact, he knew he’d be brushed off. Still, he felt a bit sad at the easy dismissal. Hopefully, the sword practice would keep him occupied and clear his thoughts. It had truly been what he’d been hoping for in the first place anyway.

Alex spent the next couple hours working himself into a sweat, fighting invisible opponents, and practicing his techniques. Even with the workout, he still couldn’t get his brief encounter with Nyasho out of his head. It was frustrating, and only spurred on his need for a distraction. When he’d worn himself out to the point of collapse, he gave up. In a tired, sweaty mess on the floor, he realized he would never get that damned elf out of his mind.

Sheathing his sword, he slowly made his way back to his room to clean up and relax the rest of the day away.

[magically-inclined]

Too Much Wine

Rating: Mature Words: 5631 Warnings: Fooling around under the influence. Mention of incest-by-marriage.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When they reached the estate, the gate guards came to attention when they recognized Nyasho, and then recognized the human a moment later.

“Lord Nyasho!” the shorter one said. “You found the Pentaro boy?”

Nyasho grunted and nodded an affirmative.

“Is everything alright, sir?”

“It’s fine,” Nyasho replied, doing his best not to sound as tired and buzzed as he felt. “I’ll make sure he gets back to his room.”

Into Alex’s ear he said in a harsh whisper, “Keep your mouth shut, you’re in enough trouble as it is.”

Yes, he was looking forward to drinking alone. It wasn’t depressing. He refused to think about it being depressing to drink alone. No, he was looking forward to opening up that mead.

Alex bit his lip trying not to laugh at Nyasho’s threat. He let the elf drag him past the guards and through the hallways. His grip on Alex loosened a bit when they were alone again. “Should I still keep my mouth shut?” he asked, letting a laugh escape.

“Yes,” Nyasho snapped, irritated beyond belief at Alex’s drunken little laugh. More irritated than he should have been, perhaps. “Everything that comes out of your mouth seems to be more obnoxious than what came before.”

Looking down the hallway, he let go of Alex’s shirt and pointed. “Go back to your room. Sleep it off. Drink water.”

Then he turned to go to his own rooms, quickening his steps. Now that they were inside he didn’t have to worry about the boy.

Alex ignored the command to go back to his room and focused instead on the insult. “Well, Nyasho. That’s not very nice of you. I’m not as obnoxious as you think I am.” He followed the elf down the hall, walking as well as could be expected. The drinks had hit him hard. Alex couldn’t remember a time when he’d been more inebriated.

“Stop following me,” Nyasho hissed, noticing that Alex was still behind him. “Go to your own room!”

“And leave you to drink alone? That would be rude and inconsiderate,” Alex replied, not bothering to keep his voice down. He hurried behind Nyasho, as the elf tried to quicken his pace.

“Fine, fine, just hush!” The last thing Nyasho wanted was to make a scene in public, but neither did he want to be seen arguing with the kid in the hallway. He could escort Alex back to the boy’s own room, but Alex had already run off once. What would stop him from doing it again?

Unhappy about it, but feeling as though he had no other choice, Nyasho allowed Alex to follow him. Once again, he was put in the position of babysitter.

Inside his rooms at last, Nyasho locked the door, and pointed a finger towards a couch along a nearby wall. “Sit. And try not to be obnoxious.”

In the corner, he had a cabinet with goblets, and a drawer with a corkscrew, which he used to open the mead. He poured himself a glass and took a drink, watching Alex out of the corner of his eye.

“So bossy,” Alex mumbled, but still doing as he was told. He flopped one end of the couch and looked over at the elf. He seemed thoroughly pissed off as he took a drink from his glass. Alex would’ve asked for one, but he didn’t think he could drink anymore without floating off to bed.

Nyasho flopped into an overstuffed chair and continued to glare at Alex as he drank. “You are definitely as obnoxious as I think you are,” he said. “You are a pain in the ass.”

Alex laughed. “It’s true – I am a pain in the ass. Many people have told me that, so don’t act like you’re the first.” The blond grinned over at the elf, not bothered in the least at the slight.

Nyasho shook his head, and ran a hand down his face. “Do you actually enjoy the distinction? Do you like causing your family dishonor?” Not that there weren’t times when Nyasho didn’t wish that he himself weren’t so adverse to the idea of doing so. There were reasons why he did not travel as himself when he traveled. It was easier to be just a man, than it was to be the Marquis’s son.

Then he snorted. “You’ll probably get put on bread rations or something for the stunt you pulled today.”

Alex chuckled. “Dishonor? Please. In the end, what does it matter? I’ll die long before my father, if he ever dies, that is. What I do or do not do matters little. It’s not as if I or any of my siblings will inherit. We’re not immortal like him.” He shifted in his seat, stretching his legs out. “If I did everything I was told to do, I’d have died of boredom years ago. What’s the point of living if you follow the rules? Besides, I’m quite fond of bread.” He grinned across the room at Nyasho.

What was it about Alex that bothered him so much? Nyasho couldn’t remember exactly what had soured him on the boy right then, and he had the mead to thank for that. He hadn’t had enough to eat that evening, and it was going to his head a lot more than it usually did. At least the kid was a distraction from Losarus.

Right. Losarus. Thinking about him again, the elf finished off his cup, closing his eyes and feeling the mild rush to the head as the warmth spread from his stomach to his cheeks. He poured himself another glass.

“Just because you won’t inherit, doesn’t mean you don’t have fil—filly—fillable—filial responsibillies.” Nyasho pointed a finger at Alex. “Your mother, don’t you care about your mother?”

“Of course I care about my mother,” Alex replied, shifting positions on the couch once more. This time, he slid down across the length of the cushions, staring up at the ceiling. “But in the end, whether or not I’m a ‘good son’ won’t change her position either. My father doesn’t judge her by my actions.”

He looked over at Nyasho again. “Maybe you’re too worried about your responsibilities. Hm?”

“I am not too worried about them,” Nyasho said, somehow on the defensive now. “I have to live here, I have to behave when I’m here, and I have to be here right now because of YOU.”

That wasn’t precisely true, but there were some ideas that had been drilled into him so hard from the moment of his birth, even when he was escaping those ideas to do his own thing he still could not fathom letting go of them entirely.

He gestured across the room, almost knocking over the bottle of mead in the process. “I was going to attend the festival in Rigamakash. Do you know it? It’s an island, a tropical island, with beaches upon beaches of gorgeous white sand, and little coastal villas and gorgeous—people.”

He was about to say gorgeous half naked boys who play ball games on the beach, but fortunately was not too drunk to keep himself from it. Though he was headed in that direction.

“I don’t get to inherit either, but if I anger my father, I’ll never see my mother or sister again,” he said, his tone as angry as his eyes.

At the last comment, Alex sat up, his face strangely serious for how tipsy he was. “Why can’t you see your mother or sister?” he asked, genuine worry in his voice. “Why would your father not let you see them?”

Nyasho snorted at the stupidity of Alex’s comment and tossed his head. “You think you’re so much better because you don’t care. You think I’m too serious.” He looked down at his goblet and traced the raised pattern along the side with his thumb. “You don’t know a damn thing about me. Too serious compared to what? An irreverent little shit who doesn’t care what people think?”

He hunched down, folding in on himself a little as he slurped at his mead. “You’re such a child. You don’t know anything.”

“If I don’t know anything, why don’t you enlighten me?” Alex added in, standing up and taking a few steps toward Nyasho. “How can I understand something if you won’t explain it? Seems ridiculous to think that will do anyone any good.” His voice was strangely calm, though he was a bit irritated that Nyasho was still insisting on being a stubborn mule.

Since a good deal of what was bothering the elf was something that he was in no way going to elaborate on to Alex—that he’d been having a secret affair with his cousin for years—he was finding it difficult to come up with reasonable-sounding excuses for his own irritation.

“Because I don’t trust you, that’s why,” Nyasho said into his cup, looking up at Alex through his dark eyebrows. “Do you HAVE to know everything about everyone before you respect the way they have to live their life?”

Sighing, Alex sat down on the chair next to Nyasho. He leaned to one side. The blond tilted his head and looked over at Nyasho’s flustered face. “No, I suppose I don’t have to know everything,” he admitted. Secrets, secrets, and more secrets. Would the elf ever open up?

It was then that he remembered the events earlier in the night, when he’d secretly caught Nyasho and Losarus kissing in the secluded darkness of the gardens. The incident had completely slipped his mind until just now. Alex suddenly wondered if the elf was stymied, and that was the source of his frustration. He hid an amused smile behind his hand. Perhaps he should say something?

There was a short pause before he spoke again. “You know, Nyasho… You say you can’t trust me, but I haven’t said a single word about what I saw tonight.”

Nyasho had taken advantage of Alex’s moments of silence to refill his glass. He had reached the point where he felt like he was floating, and was about to make the decision to destroy the painting he’d been working on and cover the canvas with something else when Alex spoke again.

And he froze.

“I—what did you say?” The moment was enough to sober him just slightly.

Alex continued to lounge in the chair, pleased at catching Nyasho off guard. Still, the amusement didn’t last long. His reasons for revealing what he knew wasn’t to hold it over Nyasho’s head, even if that was what the elf would probably expect of him. “While I was at the festival, I saw you and your cousin,” Alex slightly clarified. He specifically kept his words vague. The dark blush that ran over Nyasho’s face made Alex smile. Even though his personality needed some work, in Alex’s opinion, the elf was very handsome.

Nyasho felt his cheeks grow hot, picturing Alex watching him and Losarus while they—well never mind. Along with that, he was angry. The boy was baiting him, and reminding him of the very thing he was trying to avoid thinking about. Was that why Alex had appeared so soon after he’d left Losarus behind? Because he’d been following him?

“You’re trying something,” Nyasho said, pointing a finger at Alex. His words came out not quite slurred. “You didn’t see anything.” He was aware that he was sort of incriminating himself with his reaction, but he wasn’t sober enough to keep his mouth shut.

Alex gently took hold of Nyasho’s pointing hand, moving it out of face. He looked up at the elf, not letting go of his warm hand. “Ah, so I didn’t see you and Losarus kissing in the garden? Silly me.” Alex’s green eyes stared calmly at Nyasho. “And here I was thinking this was why you were especially ill-tempered tonight.”

Nyasho jerked his hand back, and felt a bit dizzy for doing so. He felt vulnerable, and he felt like he was being put on the spot. Well, he was being put on the spot, and he didn’t have the ability to ward off this attack right then. That Alex was correct about his mood made things worse. At his most vulnerable moment, the biggest secret of his life was in the hands of this snot-nosed, disrespectful, irreverent scamp.

“It’s none of your business!” the elf said. He’d shouted the first syllables before clamping down on his volume so that no one would overhear.

Highly embarrassed, he couldn’t look at Alex’s face anymore, so he stood up to stalk across the room. Unfortunately for him, he was too tipsy to stand up in such a rush, and he had to balance himself on a wall lest he fall down. No, no, this was all going wrong. SO wrong. Why did Alex have to bring this up when he was drunk and couldn’t speak properly? Then again, why was Alex bringing it up at all?

“If you’re trying to prove your trustworthiness by teasing me, you’re doing it wrong,” Nyasho said.

“I’m not teasing you,” Alex replied, standing up and nonchalantly following Nyasho. He helped steady the elf, who was looking to be quite tipsy. Alex’s own inebriation was waning, but only enough to not make him trip over his own feet. His tongue was still as loose as ever. “Well, unless you want me to, that is.” The subtle innuendo would’ve startled Alex had he been sober. He wasn’t innocent when it came to sex, and had had a few partners, male and female. No, what would’ve startled him – had his mind been more sober – was that this elf who’d been nothing but belligerent and cold to him since he’d arrived was looking more and more delicious as the night drew on.

“Don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone, if that’s what you’re worried about,” Alex added, grinning at Nyasho. “It’s just nice to know you’re not always so rigid and proper.”

Nyasho didn’t catch the innuendo. It didn’t even occur to him that Alex would throw innuendo at him in the first place. Yes, he was worried about Alex revealing his secret. Even now, when things between Nyasho and his cousin were over. It would cause problems, problems Nyasho didn’t need in his life.

Twisting away from Alex, Nyasho turned to flop down onto some cushions on the floor near the fireplace, the bell in his hair jingling. “There’s nothin’ to tell. Just—just go, get the hell out of here.”

Ignoring the plea for him to leave, Alex shrugged. “Nothing to tell? What – Did he break up with you or something?” He’d meant it as a joke, but when Nyasho didn’t say anything right away, Alex suddenly wondered if he’d accidentally figured out what the two cousins’ parting argument was about.

Alex was starting to feel as if he should’ve kept his mouth shut. He sat down on the floor next to the elf, knowing full well he would just get yelled at again.

Nyasho glared at Alex sitting down with him. He was running out of steam to be so angry, and he just wanted to be left alone to avoid his problems. The human had no business keeping the subject alive. “Why won’t you leave me alone? Don’t I upset you?”

He started to sit up again and go back to his chair, but he was too lightheaded, and he fell back once more, throwing his arm across his eyes. “You’ve got me ALL figured out now, just go and let me drink in peace.”

Alex rolled his eyes at Nyasho’s fit, then stood up and grabbed the bottle of mead and two glasses. Sitting back down, he poured the liquor into the glasses. Silently he nudged Nyasho’s arm. When the elf huffed and looked back, Alex handed him one of the glasses. “Here.” As Nyasho was drinking, Alex grabbed the other glass and drank down the mead in one, long gulp. When he’d finished, the blond looked back down at him. “Nyasho, your cousin is a fool.”

It was a moment before Nyasho took the goblet from the human, and he glared—albeit his expression was a bit blurry—at Alex before he began to drink from it. Without saying thank you, of course. The kid was still an intruder. The wine, though, had made him feel as if he were floating, and it was a preferable sensation to the pain that had clenched in his chest before.

“No, he’s not. Shut up about things you don’t know. He’s just… getting married.” Nyasho spoke around the lip of the glass, muffling his words. He didn't sound as angry anymore— he was tired of feeling angry. He was not inherently an angry person, though he was easily frustrated in some situations.

“Ah, now that makes sense,” Alex replied softly, filling Nyasho’s cup when it was empty again. “But no, I stand by my statement. Losarus is a fool. Only a fool would let someone as handsome as you get away.” He looked away, filling his own cup with a bit of the mead. He could feel his cheeks grow a bit red, though if it was from embarrassment or the wine, he couldn’t say.

Nyasho looked hard at Alex, brow furrowed, bemusement written all over his expression. “First, I’m too serious, then I upset you, and I’m a pretentious snob, and now I’m handsome.” He took another swallow, feeling like there was some information that he wasn’t processing, something that was right in front of his nose. “You’re—you like men?”

Then he blinked. “I’m—I’m more than twice your age you know.” But somehow, Alex’s compliment, though it’d taken him a few moments to recognize what it meant, was reminding him of what he hadn’t been getting from Losarus, and he felt his heart beat a little faster.

Alex chuckled into his glass, then pulled it away to speak. “Yes, I like men. I also like women. I’ve dabbled on both sides of the fence.” He grinned down at the elf who was still lying in front of the fire. “And as for your age, what does that matter? Why would I, or anyone for that matter, care how old someone is? Why don’t we judge each other on the important things, like how attractive you are, or your proficiency with oral stimulation?” At that last bit of over sharing, Alex quickly drank more from his glass. Did he really have no filter while inebriated?

Still off balance from the turn the conversation had taken, Nyasho narrowed his eyes at Alex, brow furrowed. Then his mouth twisted into something of a grin. “Oral stimulation, huh?”

Without further prompting, he slipped his hands on either side of Alex’s face and dragged the boy down on top of him, smashing their lips together. Why the hell not? This would definitely be a distraction from thinking about Losarus, as well as satisfying the ever-present frustration he’d lived with whenever the two of them had gotten as far as they were willing to go with each other.

There were no rules here. Alex wasn’t his cousin.

The blond had gasped as he was pulled down, not expecting the sudden contact. Of course, he wasn’t expecting Nyasho’s lips on his either, but that was another matter entirely. The elf kissed him hard, almost bruising in his insistence. The glass of mead in his hand clinked to the floor and spilled what little alcohol was left in it as Nyasho dragged him close. Alex had to plant his hands on either side of the elf’s shoulders to steady himself. He was off balance, not only from the alcohol, but from the sudden jolt to his body.

After a moment, the kiss softened, and Alex relaxed. He hadn’t expected Nyasho to react to his prodding in such a way. Really, he’d only been hoping to get the elf to blow off some steam. Well, Alex supposed this certainly would do it. The blond had to admit he found the spontaneous aspect of it arousing.

Besides, maybe Nyasho just needed a proper roll in the hay to loosen him up?

Shifting his weight, Alex slid over Nyasho, straddling his waist as they continued to kiss next to the heat of the low burning fire. With a less precarious stance, Alex moved his right hand down, fingers brushing over the fabric of his shirt, until he found the edge of the cloth and pushed it up. Alex then ran his hand over Nyasho’s skin, testing how far this was going to go.

Nyasho tasted the mead on Alex’s tongue in a way that he did not taste it in his own mouth. He tilted his head to deepen the kiss, and did not let go of the boy’s face while they shifted around, though he was not rough about it. Alex was certainly willing enough, and after that first surge of passion it was pleasant enough to relax into the contact. No pretending here, that wouldn’t do anyone any good if he pretended it was Losarus he was kissing, but aside from that, it had never been too important for Nyasho who he was physical with. If it felt good, he did it.

Though he had never been so naughty inside his family’s house with a guest that wasn’t really his. Not for a very long time, anyway.

With Alex straddling him, Nyasho tilted his hips, shifted on the cushions to invite Alex to continue what he was doing. As well as to get some pressure on his groin through his clothes.

He broke the kiss for just a moment to catch his breath and lick his lips, then he placed his mouth over the boy’s throat and pressed his tongue against Alex’s pulse point, stroking Alex’s neck with his left hand.

The blond’s breath caught in his throat as Nyasho pressed up against him, the friction sending a wave a pleasure through him. He easily felt the hardness in the elf’s pants brushing up against his own. With Nyasho’s lips on his neck and Alex’s hands up his shirt, he suddenly felt like this night had escalated quickly. He certainly hadn’t started the day thinking he’d be straddling the surly elf who’d been the source of his frustrations since he’d arrived.

Even so, he wasn’t about to stop what he unknowingly started.

Alex pushed Nyasho’s shirt up further, running his fingers over the warm flesh he found there. Without a second thought, the hand roamed down, slipping into the edge of the elf’s pants. His long fingers played with the more sensitive skin and he smiled as he pressed his face into Nyasho’s shoulder, his dark hair tickling Alex’s face.

Nyasho had drunk too much to have an accurate perception of time, so he had no idea how long he and Alex petted and pawed at each other, how long they’d been kissing, and how long it had been until they’d passed out together on the floor by the fire. What he did know was that he woke the next morning only reluctantly, his mouth tasting nasty and his head throbbing. There was too much sunlight coming in through the windows, and he wished he could shut them without getting up.

Then he saw Alex, and he felt the dried mess on his stomach, and he remembered.

Oh, shit.

It was going to take him a few minutes to get himself off the floor again, and he hoped he could get to the chamber pot soon enough to not soil the carpet with vomit.

The soft sound of shuffling next to him disturbed Alex’s sleep, pulling him from the fabulous dream he’d been having. Creaking his eyes open, he realized he wasn’t in his room and he wasn’t alone. The taste of last night’s mead still hung in his mouth and the wished he had water right then to wash it out.

Groaning, Alex sat up and looked around the room. His green eyes quickly fell on Nyasho’s prone body next to him. Ah, yes. The memories of last night’s drunken antics hit him like a mallet over the head. Running his hand through his hair to untangle it, he sighed.

“Um, good morning?” Alex said to Nyasho awkwardly.

Nyasho pressed his eyes shut and then opened them again as Alex addressed him. He groaned, rolling to his side, then pushing himself up on hands and knees. “Morning,” he said, voice coming out in a croak. He was about to say something else, but the motion of getting up had stirred things in him that should have been left settled.

The wave of nausea that washed through him gave him the burst of energy he needed to get himself halfway into his bedroom before he lost his stomach contents into a potted plant.

The sounds of retching made Alex wince. He silently thanked whatever god saved him from such a fate – that he hadn’t been so drunk as to wake with a sour stomach like Nyasho. Still, his head ached and he felt like he should spend the rest of the day tucked away in his bed. Slowly, he stood himself up and looked around. He spied a towel on a nearby table and grabbed it.

Alex followed Nyasho, finding him curled over himself after having emptied his guts. He handed him the towel, his lips twitching into the hint of a smirk. “Now, don’t tell me it was that bad? You’re going to hurt my feelings.” He was joking, of course, in hopes to lighten the mood. He only realized a few seconds after the words left his mouth that Nyasho probably wouldn’t find it very amusing.

Nyasho’s eyes were red and watery after his efforts, and the inside of his throat and nose were burning from the vomiting. Alex’s comment was certainly not amusing to him in that moment, and he turned a bloodshot glare in the young man’s direction. Then he was overcome with a few moments of dry heaving, while he groped blindly to snatch the towel from Alex’s hand.

When he finally felt the nausea ebb a little, he wiped his mouth on it, not caring that it was stained with color from cleaning paint brushes. “Shouldn’t have happened,” he croaked.

“No, I suppose it shouldn’t have,” Alex mumbled, looking around the room again. He spied a water pitcher near the elf’s bed and walked over to grab it. Taking the pitcher, along with a clean glass, he walked back to Nyasho. The blond poured the water in the cup, filling it to the top, then handed that the sick elf. “Here.” He was strangely tolerant of the comment, even if it hit a nerve. Perhaps it was because he partially blamed himself for Nyasho’s current state, as he did keep pouring the elf drinks well past reasonable consumption last night.

“Thank you,” Nyasho said, taking the water. He brought it to his lips to wet them, then licked them to moisten them before he actually drank. The water was not cold enough for his liking right then, but he was in no position to be particular about it. He also knew better than to drink too fast, no matter how thirsty he was. It would come back up again, and he had no desire to go into another heaving fit.

“I won’t speak of it if you don’t,” he said. It had felt good at the time, and he’d wanted it, but here on the other side of morning it didn’t seem like such a good idea.

“Well, I wasn’t planning on announcing it to the entirety of the household,” Alex replied. Although it was meant as a joke, there was little humor in his voice. “Don’t worry. I won’t say anything. I wouldn’t want to embarrass you, would I?”

Nyasho squeezed his eyes shut for a moment, his entire face scrunching. His eyes felt itchy and swollen, and he started to wipe them with the towel, then thought better of it. There were things on the towel he did not want to transfer to his eyes. So he pulled a hand back into one of his oversized sleeves and wiped his eyes with the clean underside of that instead.

Brow creased, he turned to Alex and gave him a long, hard look. Well, as hard as he could anyway, with how bleary he felt. “Alexander,” he said, “it is not a matter of embarrassment. It’s… it’s…”

He groped for the right word, running through multiple synonyms for “propriety” and not finding any of them suitable. Alex would take badly to all of them. So he sighed, shook his head, and took another drink of water, a larger one this time.

Alex watched Nyasho for a long moment as he tried to find the right words. When the elf gave up and started drinking his water, Alex sighed and got himself some water as well. It cooled his throat and washed away some of the stale alcohol taste. He turned his green eyes to the window, watching as the bright light was barely contained by the curtains. It had to be mid-morning by the look of it, and he probably had to go to his studies soon. At that thought, he held in a groan.

Setting his empty glass down on a nearby table, Alex decided he’d overstayed his welcome. “Well, I should probably go,” the blond said, walking towards the door. His chest constricted, suddenly anxious, and he needed some fresh air. “I’ll, um, see you around.” He hurried out the door and towards his room.

Some hot tea would be most welcome, Nyasho thought. Once he could get himself off the floor, that is. That would be his plan. Off the floor, and then hot tea. Though that would also require ringing a servant to go get it for him, since there was no chance he would feel up to going to the kitchens himself for some time.

“All right,” Nyasho said, knowing better than to try and stop Alex. He had no reason to, either, so he had no explanation for the sudden urge to do just that. He couldn’t think of anything to say, and it would be best for Alex to get his ass to wherever he should be.

Hurry up for his punishment? Nyasho sighed, and went over to lock the door behind the human. Then he pulled the rope that would alert the staff that he needed something, and he sat down to wait until he could get his tea, and something to eat that would be easy on his stomach.

Alex blissfully made it to his room without running into too many people, only a few of the servants working. They all looked at him, no doubt because they’d heard he’d run off for the night, and he tried his best to ignore their stares. When he reached his room, he sighed in relief. Stripping out of his dirty clothes, he quickly cleaned himself up. The clock on the desk told him he only had half an hour before his studies were to begin. Once he’d cleaned and dressed himself, he drank down another full glass of water before heading to the library on an empty stomach. The blond didn’t think he could handle food at the moment, and anything he really wanted he’d have to go to the kitchen for, which was out of the question. He didn’t have the time.

The walk to the library gave him a chance to clear his head. The blond pushed last night’s events far out of his mind, not wanting them to affect his concentration. Of course, that only made him think on the subject all the more.

His professor seemed surprised to see him at class, but did his best to hide that fact. Alex silently wondered if he wasn’t expected to show. He felt a bit of smugness then, bucking the expectations of him, but it didn’t last long as his stomach started to gurgle and complain over its emptiness a mere hour after studies started.

By lunch time, he’d finally managed to get some food and the studies continued on after lunch for another few hours. When he’d finished and collected his books, some of the upper staff were waiting for him just outside the library doors. Two elves, head of staff, escorted him back to his room, informing him of how distressed the house was while he’d disappeared last night and that such acts of childishness were unbecoming of a young Pentaro.

Alex had heard this all before and barely listened as he was given a polite lecture on proper etiquette. The long and short of it, and all that Alex really even registered after a while, was that he was to stay on the house grounds unless specifically allowed to leave with an escort. Also, he’d be served dinner in his room for the night, and was asked to reflect on his actions of the past day.

When they dropped him off at his room and left him alone, Alex sighed in relief. Really, he wanted to be by himself for the rest of the day, nursing his hang over and trying not to think about Nyasho, however hard that was to do. Flopping on his bed, the blond rubbed his hands over his face, trying to clear his thoughts. Of course, his mind was not cooperating with him. Grabbing a book off of one of the shelves at the foot of the bed, he immersed himself in a story. Even though he’d been reading all day, it was better than staring at the ceiling, in any case.

[magically-inclined]

The Lily Festival

Rating: General Words: 4019

~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Lily Festival, held every year in late spring, was a favorite for the elves of Handross, and because Taramakash was the capitol, the crowds there were larger than in other towns and villages. The floral decorations were delicately scented, and in addition the aroma of special dishes prepared for the occasion could be detected everywhere. Common children ran around with little sticks with ribbons tied to the end, while those of the upper classes remained respectably with their families. The center of town had become a corridor for the procession, and vendors were everywhere, selling festive garments, wall hangings, decorations, drinks, and food.

In addition to groups of families and friends, there were many couples about, holding hands or walking arm-in-arm. It was a great occasion for couples, and marriage proposals before or during the Lily Festival were very common.

For his part, Nyasho was privately relieved that Alexander had decided to play a disappearing act. No one had blamed Nyasho for it—after all, the boy was known to be a problem—and it also afforded him the chance to spend more of the evening with Losarus, after he was done with his obligations to the rest of his family.

One of the best things about the festival was getting lost in the crowd. The best place to watch both the parade and fireworks was in a public space, and the best time to hide in public was the Lily Festival.

The sun had finally set and Alex had wandered out into the crowded town, keeping with his plan to traverse the festival on his own. He easily lost himself in the throngs of people, moving with ease among them. There was a hint of smugness as he walked around, deliberately breaking the rules that had been explicitly explained to him upon his arrival. There was always a thrill, even a small one, when he did something he knew was wrong.

Grabbing some food and drink from the various vendors, Alex ate and walked about the town, admiring the flowers that decorated every building and person in sight. Lilies and other flowers covered the entire town in a beautiful fragrance. It was almost dizzying. Alex continued to walk around town, enjoying the sights. In the back of his mind, he wondered if he would run into someone who knew him and would drag him back to the estate. However, he was having too much fun wandering freely to really have it bother him.

Wandering near the temple, where the procession was to both start and end, Nyasho and Losarus gossiped and ate treats. Nyasho’s favorite was hibiscus and guabana sorbet, and he enjoyed it despite his cousin teasing him for how sweet it was. Together, they found a spot to watch the goings on as the priests and high priestess, and all the attendants and performers left the temple amidst music and streamers and confetti.

While they watched, Losarus nibbled on his caramel nut treat, which was served with powdered sugar in a cup. He was his usual talkative self, teasing Nyasho and making sharp comments about everyone they saw.

When they were done with their food and the fireworks were about to start, however, he got up and tugged Nyasho with him. Laughing, Nyasho followed, thoroughly at his ease and relaxed, not worrying about anything at all. This event was really doing him some good.

They weaved through the crowds, behind fences and between bushes, and made their way to the fancy garden behind the temple. It was open to the public, but there were places one could slip off to and hide when it was dark and with so many distractions around. Nyasho knew where Losarus was going, and followed willingly.

So, hidden tucked behind a statue and amongst leafy, flowering bushes, Losarus pulled Nyasho close and kissed him hard.

Feeling a lurch in his belly, the kind he could hold on to forever, Nyasho kissed him back, a soft moan escaping his throat. But it didn’t matter. There was so much noise outside in the city, no one would catch them. No one ever had.

Still on his own, Alex found his way to the procession, watching the celebration unfold in front of his green eyes. He’d never seen such a beautiful spectacle in his few years of life. Stuffed with delicious food and tired, he started to walk back to the estate. However, when he turned around, he noticed Nyasho and Losarus, nearly half a block away. He froze for a second, thinking he’d been found out. However, the two elves were completely distracted with each other.

Deciding he’d been off on his own for long enough, he figured he should give up and get himself home again. He started to walk towards Nyasho and Losarus, with the intent on giving up on his mini disappearance, but the two got up and headed away from the crowded area. With a sigh, Alex followed, but had a hard time getting through the groups of people waiting for the fireworks display to start.

Once he’d squeezed through the wall of elves, Alex thought he’d lost the two. Walking back where he’d seen Nyasho and Losarus headed, he followed the road back. When he hit the dead end, he noticed a long tree branch bobbing back and forth. Raising a blond eyebrow, Alex followed the disturbance of bushes and trees. He could barely hear Nyasho’s laughter ahead of him, letting him know he was still on the right track. It wasn’t long before he realized he was in a beautiful garden.

He moved through the winding paths, not hearing the laughter anymore. It was partially relieving, considering Alex wasn’t sure he’d ever heard Nyasho genuinely laugh. As the blond quietly turned a large line of bushes, he caught sight of the two cousins by a large statue. He was about to call out to them, when he realized exactly what they were doing. He blinked, standing still for a quick moment, then hurried behind the bush he’d just passed by to hide his presence. They were kissing. Alex’s face flushed as he realized the private moment he’d walked in on. With a silent sigh, he decided to go on his own back to the estate.

He took one step, then paused. Shit, Alex thought to himself. He had no idea where the hell he was. He’d taken so many turns, intent on finding Nyasho and his cousin, he’d completely lost track of which way he’d gone. When a soft moan fluttered on the air and into Alex’s ears, he blushed harder. Ugh, so embarrassing.

It was wrong, and they both knew it. Neither of them could remember exactly how it had gotten started; maybe it had been a stressful family party, maybe they had been far too drunk, maybe there had been a dare involved. No matter how it had started, the two of them did their best to enjoy each other’s company without crossing the line. Too far, anyway.

“Shush, you’re so noisy,” Losarus whispered, pulling back. They had been in their hiding spot for a little while, alternating between kissing and watching the fireworks.

“You’re the one talking,” Nyasho grumbled, but he smiled to take the sting of his words away.

Losarus rubbed his thumb over the back of Nyasho’s hand, and tilted his head to look up at the sky. “Well, I do have to tell you something.”

Nyasho tilted his head and frowned, something in his cousin’s tone bothering him. Losarus was not a serious man, almost by definition, and he was not the type to dampen any kind of mood. Certainly not the mood they’d just been sharing. “What?” he asked.

The other elf ran a hand back through his hair. “I’m getting married.”

For a moment, Nyasho thought that Losarus might be joking. The man occasionally told bad jokes, and if he were joking, that would be a very, very bad joke. Except after he sat there frozen, as the seconds ticked by, he realized with dismay that Losarus was not.

“I see,” he said, his tone mild, but only with effort. “And you have waited until now to tell me?”

With a heavy sigh, Losarus shook his head. “I’m sorry. I just… needed the right moment to tell you.”

“You mean you wanted some last fun.”

Lifting his hand to Nyasho’s face, Losarus stroked his cheek softly. “Can you blame me?”

Nyasho scowled and jerked away. “Awfully selfish of you,” he hissed.

“Come on,” Losarus frowned. “Be fair. Didn’t you want to, too?”

“Not if you’re—!” Nyasho began to raise his voice, but hushed himself. They were decently hidden, but only for being quiet. “Not if you’re engaged,” he finished in a whisper.

Alex wasn’t sure if he was unnerved or relieved that they were now talking, though he couldn’t make out the conversation from his shoddy hiding spot behind the wall of bushes. All he could hear were snippets of words, and nothing he could quite string together.

Sighing, he ran his hand over his face, wondering exactly what he should do. The situation was mortifying to say the least. He’d never almost interrupted such a scene before. The last thing he wanted to do was wait around, but he didn’t know where he was or which way to go to get back home. Perhaps if he just waited and hid until they left, then followed them back to somewhere he might recognize?

Alex heard Nyasho’s voice raise for a moment, in what sounded like anger. Now there was something he was used to hearing. He turned around and tried to peek through the bushes, but couldn’t make out much. The foliage was too thick and well maintained to get a decent view. Curiosity was starting to get to him. What the hell were they talking about?

“What we’ve been doing isn’t exactly proper anyway, what does it matter?” Losarus said, adjusting his clothes after Nyasho had mussed them while they were kissing.

Nyasho went silent. Losarus knew him better, and knew that he knew better as well. “Later,” he said, leaving it at that one simple, resentful word. He didn’t want to talk about the issue here. They would talk about it later, once Nyasho got his heart to stop hammering and his ears to stop roaring with his sense of betrayal.

Well, that was an exaggeration and he knew it, but for the time being he wasn’t interested in controlling his thoughts, only his words and actions. He didn’t like that his cousin had withheld this information.

“I’m going back to the house.”

Without waiting for a reply, Nyasho stood and pushed his way through the thick bushes. It would take him some time to sort out his feelings, and he wanted to do it on his own.

Alex pressed against the wall of bushes when he heard the footsteps approaching. Squeezing his eyes shut, he hoped he wouldn’t be found. He opened one eye long enough to see Nyasho’s back as he retreated out of the garden, obviously not seeing him. Perhaps the darkness decided to grant Alex a quick reprieve from further embarrassment that night.

Realizing he was losing his guide back, Alex hurried after the elf, keeping a safe distance and trying to be as quiet as possible. It wasn’t until he got back to the main street that he caught up to Nyasho. While Alex had been hiding, the fireworks display had ended and most of the people on the streets were dissipating to head home for the night.

Shaking loose his apprehension, Alex decided to call out to the elf. If he didn’t keep up, he’d lose his way again and didn’t want to spend the night outside. “Nyasho!” he called out, wondering if he’d even be acknowledged. They had left each other before on not so good terms and Alex wouldn’t blame the elf if he just ignored him.

As if things could not get any worse, while he was storming off to find himself a strong drink, Nyasho heard a voice that was both familiar and unwanted. Well. They weren’t on his family’s estate, now, and Alex was in a world of trouble, so no one would care if Nyasho wasn’t polite, right?

Stopping in his tracks, Nyasho turned on the balls of his feet and glared at the blond. “What the hell do you want?” he asked, his tone biting. He was in no mood for the boy’s insolence, not at all.

Alex nearly jumped back at the tone in Nyasho’s voice, startled. He was sure the look on his face showed as much. Before he’d followed after the elf, he’d gathered as much that Nyasho and his cousin were arguing. Whatever it was about, it had angered him quite a bit.

Swallowing back his apprehension, Alex spoke up. “I, uh… I was headed back. I thought you were going as well.” He didn’t know what else to say. The frustration on Nyasho’s face had his tongue tied in knots.

Nyasho looked left and right, trying to hold onto his ire as best as he could, and finding it difficult. He was overreacting, maybe. Alexander wasn’t the cause of his resentment. It was being lied to—not in words maybe, but in actions—that did it, more than anything else. It wasn’t as if he were in love with Losarus.

Brushing a hand back through his hair, he stared down at Alex, brow furrowed. “Back? I thought you’d scarpered. What do you even want to go back for?”

Alex's face showed obvious confusion. He looked up at Nyasho and set his hands on his hips. "What? Why would you think that? I just needed a break from everything." Now he was certain Nyasho was flustered, with how directly he was talking to him. Hazarding another brush off from the usually stiff elf, Alex turned the questioning around. "Nyasho, are you all right?" He couldn't keep from asking, even if he didn't expect a direct answer. Strange as it was, the blond was actually worried about the elf.

The elf noted that Alex put his hands on his hips quite a lot. In the unoccupied bit of Nyasho’s mind, he wondered if the boy spent most of his time around girls, and maybe that’s what his problem was. He blinked. “A break? From problems you caused yourself? That’s nice.”

Then he blinked again, and that anger he was trying to keep in check found a valid target in Alex, so it was harder to suppress it. Even if he’d been obvious in his irritation, it wasn’t the boy’s business. “I’m fine,” he snapped. “What do you care?” He looked around them quickly to see where they were. He supposed he would have to get the kid home, no matter how badly he wanted a drink.

Alex sighed, deciding he'd had enough of being upset over the insults the elf slung his way. There wasn't much of a point to it. "Despite what you might think of me, I'm not completely self-centered. I do care about others," the blond began, slight exasperation in his voice. "And you seem upset to me." There was no negativity in his voice; only a tiredness to it. It wasn't that he was physically tired, just mentally, and he was done with whatever animosity seemed to breed between the two of them.

“Oh, I upset you, do I?” Nyasho snorted and was halfway to folding his arms before he let them drop again. “Well excuse me, young master Pentaro, I didn’t realize. I’ll just get out of your way then.” Taking the opportunity, he turned and pointed himself in the direction of a mead vendor. Dealing with this kid wasn’t what he wanted right then when he was upset over something personal, and he didn’t quite believe that Alex really cared about him specifically. Especially if he upset the kid.

As Nyasho walked off, Alex followed behind, keeping his frustration in check. He quietly wondered how he managed to do so with Nyasho being so belligerent. Perhaps he was channeling his sister's calming personality at the time. In any case, he watched as the elf grabbed and paid for a pint of mead.

"I'm just expressing my concern for your well-being. You don't have to attack me for it," Alex added in, then quickly paid for his own mead. If he was going to have to deal with a cranky elf, he might as well have something to take the edge off.

Lifting the decorated clay mug to his lips, Nyasho looked at Alex over the rim of it. “I don’t want you to care. You’re nosing into my business, and I don’t appreciate that.” He lifted his arm and waved it vaguely in the direction of his family home. “Can’t you ask directions?”

"Against my better judgment, I think I'd rather stay with you." Alex took a quick swig of his drink. Really, now that they were back on the main road of town, he was sure he could get himself back if he wandered for a while. But something nagged at the back of his mind and it wouldn't leave him alone. He felt like he should stay with Nyasho until the elf made it home safely. Maybe he was overreacting, but his gut told him not to leave Nyasho to his own devices. Besides, he was a bit of masochist. Why not let the stuffy elf criticize him more? With that thought, the blond downed the rest of his drink and asked for another.

That was going to drive Nyasho mad. He couldn’t very well tell the kid to shove off, because since he’d “found” him, he really should make sure that he got back in one piece. Damn it all. If it wasn’t one thing, it had to be another, didn’t it? If it came down to it, though, if Losarus tried to find him and talk to him, he could use Alex as an excuse to avoid that conversation for a bit longer.

“Suit yourself,” Nyasho said, half growling, “but don’t blame me if it upsets you too much.” He started walking, then, drinking his mead as he visited one stall after another, trying to keep Alex on his toes. He’d make it back to get another drink in good time.

Following Nyasho, Alex felt like a duckling trailing behind its mother. Or perhaps it was more like a puppy following its owner. Either way, he kept up with Nyasho, managing to grab another mug of mead as they walked the street. He’d downed the first mug of mead so quickly that the second was going to his head more quickly than he realized.

Nyasho liked this variety of mead, and it wasn’t because his family owned the winery that produced it. It was good enough, in fact, that he didn’t avoid it for that reason, the way he avoided some of the products of his family’s other businesses. He still had to pay at the vendor, though; he didn’t get the stuff for free. Being familiar with it, then, he knew how strong it was, and how much it would take to get drunk.

When they had made the rounds and were back at the mead stall, Nyasho was disappointed that Alex hadn’t given up and found his way back to the estate. That was too bad, because the elf’s bad mood hadn’t improved any, and he hadn’t managed to keep the scowl off his face.

“Are you really going to follow me around the whole damn night?” Nyasho asked as he had his mug refilled, and drank it down almost too quickly to taste the stuff. The vendors were going to be closing up soon, as the parade was over and the last fireworks were about to be shot off, and people were going home, so he bought a full bottle of mead to take home. Just for good measure.

“Well, I don’t have anything else better to do,” Alex replied, a grin on his face. He still had half a mug full of mead, but it was hitting him harder than he wanted to admit. Luckily, the effects of the alcohol were dulling and Alex didn’t much care how rude Nyasho was being.

“I think you should FIND something better to do,” Nyasho said, feeling the alcohol starting to fuzz behind his eyes. “What the hell did you expect when you came out here? I don’t want to be your babysitter. You’re not a damn child.”

Clearly, he was still not in the mood to be charitable after what happened with Losarus.

“I’m going home,” he declared then, getting up from the table, not caring if Alex was done with his drink or not. “The ceremony is over.” Not that he’d gotten the chance to enjoy it at all.

Bloody hell. Home was two miles away through the city.

Alex quickly downed the rest of his drink when Nyasho stood. He nearly fell over sideways from the upward movement and laughed as he righted himself. Nyasho’s words meant little. He was starting to really feel the effects of the alcohol in his system. It went right to his head.

“You want to go home already? I thought you wanted to drink,” Alex replied, looking at Nyasho. He smiled, his face flushed. Perhaps it was the alcohol, but Alex was starting to find Nyasho’s cranky face strangely cute.

Although Nyasho didn’t feel any obligation to take care of Alex, he wasn’t going to allow the boy to fall flat on his face and injure himself, so he reached out to catch the boy by the arm just as Alex caught his own balance. Seeing how drunk the blond was, however, he did not let go. He only glowered at him, wishing that he—

Well, he could wish a lot of things. He could wish that Losarus weren’t his cousin, which would’ve solved a lot of problems a long time ago, but wishes didn’t do anyone any good. What he had to work with was what was in front of him.

“I do want to drink.” Nyasho swallowed a hiccup. “I’m—I’m going to drink in my rooms.” He tugged on Alexander’s arm, pulling him in the right direction as quickly as he could make the boy walk without falling down. “And I’m taking you home.”

Alex laughed softly, letting Nyasho pull him along down the road. He wasn’t even paying attention to where he was going. “Drinking in your room? That sounds quite depressing.” He walked next to Nyasho, leaning on him a bit as they moved through the city. “Didn’t you know you shouldn’t drink alone?”

At any other time, Nyasho would not allow Alex to lean on him like that, but he was too determined to get home and drink the rest of his night away that he figured it would be faster to not fight the boy on the walk back to the estate. He had to save the boy from toppling into another person now and again, and they drew some looks. It was too dark and he was too buzzed to see if they were people who knew him, however.

Maybe he would get some kind of acknowledgment for having found the boy and getting him home safely.

“I can drink alone if I damn well please,” Nyasho said. “What are you, my mother?”

“Of course not,” Alex replied, not even noticing when he was tilting one way or the other. “However, it’s no fun. Don’t you want to have fun, Nyasho?” He smiled up at the elf and held onto his arm a little tighter as they walked.

“Well you’re certainly not in charge of my fun,” Nyasho said, trying to both hold onto Alex and keep his distance at the same time, which was extremely difficult. Either Alex was stepping on his toes, or he was stepping on Alex’s. It would just be better to focus on reaching their destination.

[magically-inclined]

In the Gardens

Rating: General Words: 4927

~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next morning, Nyasho was in a better mood. He’d gotten more of his painting done despite the interruption, and had forcibly put Alex out of his mind. The kid wasn’t his concern, wasn’t his student, wasn’t his problem.

There were extended family members coming to visit for the festival, due to arrive that day, and he was looking forward to it. He might not have a smooth relationship with all his immediate family, but he had good memories of spending time with his cousin when they were younger.

Breakfast was the usual quiet affair in the private courtyard, under the translucent awning and surrounded by flowering bushes. Fruit juice, eggs, fresh sliced fruits, and sweet quinoa raisin bread. This breakfast was for family and guests, and some of the higher level staff members.

Nyasho’s plate held a modest selection of his favorites, and he sat down with it next to his mother under a tree blooming with blue and pink flowers.

Alex skipped breakfast, not feeling hungry at all. He wasn’t sure if it was the heat or the terribly botched interaction with Nyasho the day before that was sapping any hunger pains he might’ve had. Instead, he lazed about in his room before his studies started in the morning. Even though the sun had already risen and was glaring angrily at him through the large window of his guest room, Alex didn’t want to get up.

Finally, he couldn’t postpone the inevitable any longer. Alex got ready for the day and headed down to the library for his studies. The tutor was already waiting for him when he arrived and he was thrown headfirst into his magic studies.

It was proving to be a marvelous day, with perfect weather for the start of the festival. The two weeks of celebration would begin that evening with an elegant parade and fireworks in the sky above the inland sea. It was never very cold or snowy in these parts, but in years past it had been uncomfortably hot on this day, or rainy. This year, that would not be the case.

Nyasho had his bangs pinned back today, his hair in a long narrow queue tied with a leather thong from which dangled a little brass bell. He was dressed in fine clothes, shades of green and black in draping silk and wool blended fabric. Small gold hoops adorned his ears. It was not his normal attire to wear robes such as these, but it was a special occasion and he was expected to look his best.

Formality notwithstanding, he had his own reasons for wishing to do so.

"Mid-afternoon found the elf out in the gardens strolling with his cousin Losarus. Losarus was Nyasho’s aunt’s eldest son, by way of marriage. His father’s sister had married a widower who already had two children, so Losarus had much fairer skin and hair than the rest of the family. His hair was a warm honey brown, and his blue eyes danced with infectious good humor. Unlike Nyasho, he wore lighter colors, white and yellow being the predominant hues.

They both held glasses of juice, and were talking and laughing softly together. Nyasho was happy to spend time with Losarus. In his opinion, he didn’t get to spend enough time with his cousin, who lived two days’ ride to the northeast. They had been much closer in their earlier years, but circumstance had taken Losarus’s family away.

No matter, today was a special day.

“So, ‘Yasho,” Losarus said, turning from the center of the path to lean an arm against a marble statue that faced a series of small fountains. “I hear you just got back home from Pentesh. How was the city?”

Nyasho stepped up next to him, bending to grab a small stone from next to the path and toss it into the nearest fountain. “I could not say. We were not there long enough for me to form an opinion.”

“It really was just a quick pick up, then, of your new guest?” Losarus raised his eyebrows.

“Yes,” Nyasho replied, not sure how much he was willing to say on the subject right then.

With his studies completed for the day and the afternoon free, Alex decided to do more exploring of the grounds. Changing into some lighter clothing, as the day was fairly hot, he headed out to the gardens to wander around and kill some time until the festivities began that night. The young blond was looking forward to getting lost in town and hoped to run off on his own for a while without supervision. There were so many servants at Taramakash that he felt he’d been watched constantly since he’d arrived. It was almost as bad as being at home in his Father’s estate.

However, as soon as Alex arrived in the gardens, his worries for the day drained away. The flowers were in full bloom on the trees and bushes. There were endless walking paths to make use of, tiled with beautiful stone work. Birds chirped in the trees, creating a melodious din that surrounded the garden in song. For a moment, Alex felt a twinge of regret for being away from home. He missed his sisters terribly, especially Andaria. As his twin, they’d been together since birth and whenever they were separated, Alex could feel an emptiness in his chest.

The thought dulled his good mood, leaving behind a light melancholy. With a sigh, he continued to explore around the garden. After a while, he found a stone bench and sat down to enjoy the solitude. It wasn’t long before he heard voices on the other side of a large shrubbery.

Losarus nodded, and searched for his own stone to throw into the fountain. Nyasho saw him select a flatter one and try and skip it, and he was marginally successful. Though he was more successful at disturbing the fish than bouncing the stone. “You got to meet the Immortal, didn’t you?”

“He’s… interesting,” Nyasho said, crouching to sit on the edge of the fountain. Trailing his fingers through the water, he watched as white and gold scales flashed under the surface in response. “I didn’t speak with him enough to form a personal opinion beyond what everyone knows about him.” He drank some of his juice.

“What about his son? Miloka told me that everyone says he’s known to be trouble. Did he give you any trouble along the way?” He sat next to Nyasho.

Nyasho took a deep breath, and let it out slowly. “No, he was no trouble. But…” A frown creased his forehead and he tilted his head as he regarded his cousin thoughtfully.

The other elf raised a graceful eyebrow and returned the look. “But what?”

“He has no manners. I am not sure if he really wants to be here,” Nyasho replied. “It’s made him rude.”

At that, Losarus burst out laughing, and draped an arm over Nyasho’s shoulders. “Manners? Says the man who tossed his wine in a priest’s face last Feast Day!”

Nyasho straightened. “I had cause. He made a comment about my sister.”

“Uh-huh.” Losarus snorted and tilted his head against Nyasho’s. “Tell me another one.”

Clearing his throat, Nyasho glanced around them, then pulled away and stood up. “He told me I was too serious”

Losarus snickered. “You?”

“Well.” Nyasho bristled a little. “I don’t know him.”

“Fair enough.”

As the conversation on the other side of the hedge continued, Alex realized that one of the voices was Nyasho’s. The blond couldn’t hear all of the dialogue as it was masked by the running water of the fountain, however, he could make out most of it.

Alex almost laughed out loud when he realized they were talking about him and his interaction with the elf the other day. So, Nyasho had been angry because he’d pointed out the elf’s serious attitude? The fact that he’d been so bent out of shape over the comment only proved the truthfulness in Alex’s observation. At least he knew he hadn’t committed some grave sin against the elf’s honor.

Well, at least not yet anyway.

Finished with eavesdropping, Alex got up off the bench and walked around the hedge that hid the fountain from view. The conversation had changed from him and back to the festival as he rounded the corner and came into view. The two turned to him once they’d noticed his presence.

“Good afternoon, Nyasho,” Alex greeted as he walked towards the fountain. “I see you are enjoying the gardens on this fine day as well.”

Speaking together quietly and grinning about a joke that Losarus told, both elves looked up when Alex appeared and addressed Nyasho. The darker man stood up in a rush, startled by the intrusion, hastily brushing at his robes to remove invisible dirt. Losarus tilted his head up at Alex, then quirked an eyebrow at Nyasho, a smile tugging the corner of his mouth. He stood also, and straightened his robes.

“Hello, Alexander,” Nyasho said, his voice slightly rushed as he finished regaining his composure. Brushing a stray lock of hair back behind his ear, he gestured to his cousin. “I am, uh, as is my cousin. This is Losarus al’Galai. Losarus, this is Alexander Pentaro.”

Losarus stood up and put his hands on his hips. “I’ve heard so much about the Immortal and his family, but I’ve never met any of them before.” With a grin that made his eyes sparkle, he gave Alex a half bow. “A pleasure, young human.”

“Same here,” Alex replied to Losarus, bowing back to him. “Though I’m sorry to disappoint you. Even though my father is a powerful man, I’m not nearly as interesting.” He smiled at the two elves, his mood improving. “I hope I haven’t interrupted anything. I was just wandering around the gardens to enjoy the nice weather.”

“It is quite nice weather today, isn’t it?” Losarus said before Nyasho could comment, running his fingers through his hair and smiling up into the blossoming foliage of the nearest tree. “Don’t worry, we weren’t discussing anything of earth-shattering import. Unless you count what the high priestess will be wearing in the procession for the festival’s opening ceremonies to be important.” He threw Nyasho an impish wink, to which Nyasho’s response was a grunt.

“Some would think it is, I’m sure,” Nyasho said wryly, folding his arms.

“Fun fact,” Losarus said, holding up the back of his hand and speaking in a conspicuous whisper. “The dress is pink.”

“It’s always pink,” Nyasho snorted.

The other elf frowned dramatically. “What’s wrong with pink?” he asked in a sulky tone.

“Oh, for—”

Slapping Nyasho on the back, Losarus took a step towards Alex. “Anyway, well met. Would you care to join us for the festivities this evening?”

Nyasho blinked, but his expression betrayed nothing. He’d been told that he was to see to that detail, and make sure that Alex was fully able to experience the festival while he was here, but he wasn’t expecting his cousin to take this kind of initiative.

“I would love to,” Alex replied with a grin. “I was hoping to go to the festival tonight. It would be nice to have company. As long as Nyasho doesn’t mind me accompanying you both, that is.” Alex then looked to the elf in question, his green eyes lighting up with mischief. Nyasho’s cousin seemed to be more laid back than the stuffy elf was, and perhaps he’d be able to cut loose a bit at the festival. There was something about Nyasho that intrigued Alex, and he wanted to get to know the elf better. He’d had nothing but failed attempts so far. With any luck, he’d get the elf to be less confrontational.

Nyasho gave no indication that he had noticed the gleam in Alex’s eyes, instead lifting his hand to examine his already perfect fingernails. “I have no objection,” he said mildly. “As long as you can educate yourself on proper etiquette during the ceremony. Not being of the priesthood, I am not qualified to teach you. I’m sure if you pay a visit to the temple you could get some advice.” He flicked his eyes up to the blond’s. “Or find a book in the library.”

“Oh, yes, the library!” Losarus said, his tone and his expression sincere. “Have you seen it, young Alex? It is an excellent library. Far superior to the one at my home.”

Alex gave Nyasho a strained smile at the mention of the library. He’d already spent half his day stuck in the enormous room, choking on dust and old books. He didn’t relish spending more time in there than necessary. It wasn’t that he exactly hated reading or libraries, but he could only tolerate so much literature before he became bored.

Either way, he decided to play nice. “Yes, I’m well acquainted with the library. It’s most impressive,” Alex answered Losarus. “And if you think it would be appropriate, Nyasho, I’m sure I will be able to get in some quick instruction on proper etiquette before the festivities.”

Losarus gave Nyasho a quick look, and cleared his throat. “Oh, I’m sure it’s not absolutely necessary, is it? Who would expect him to know anything about that, having just arrived? I’m sure you’ll do fine, Alex.” He smiled at the human, and threw an arm over Nyasho’s shoulder. “You’re just a boy, in any case! Anyone would be far more interested in your race and your pedigree than, say, if you put your hand over your heart flat or in a fist when the high priestess goes by.”

With a shrug, Nyasho deftly extricated himself from underneath his cousin’s arm. “Well it matters not to me if he embarrasses himself. I’m not his mother.”

“I wouldn’t worry about it too much,” Losarus said to Alex with a wink. “Tell me though, have you ever seen fireworks?”

Seeming to have dodged the library and Nyasho’s ridiculous suggestion, Alex felt relief flow over him. He didn’t really want to do anymore studying that day. He was certain Nyasho was only bating him. Well, at least his cousin was easy enough to converse with. The blond smiled and answered. “I have a few times at my father’s estate. I’m quite fond of them.”

“Ah, you will be so pleased, then, by the fireworks we have here,” Losarus said, stepping forward to put his arm over Alex’s shoulder this time. He leaned in and spread an arm out, gesturing outward as he spoke. “And by here, I mean our nation of Handross. You see,” he held up one finger and tapped the side of his nose, “there are ingredients that we elves have access to that do not exist in your human lands. It’s all very alchemical, but some compounds burn more fiercely, or in many colors instead of just one.”

Across from them, Nyasho crossed his arms and gave his cousin a dubious look, more for his theatric behavior than what it was he was saying. However, he made no comment, instead walking across the paved area around the fountain to pluck a piece of green fruit from a tree. He sat down with it on a carved marble bench and took a bite, crossing his legs casually.

“Please forgive my enthusiasm,” Losarus said, gracing Alex with a cheeky grin. “I adore alchemy. It is my primary training, you see. I could give you all sorts of details if you wished.”

“You could even find a book with big pretty pictures,” Nyasho threw in sardonically.

Alex chuckled, waving off Losarus’ apology. “Actually, your enthusiasm is refreshing. It’s nice to know that Nyasho’s stiff personality doesn���t run in the family.” He looked over at the elf in question, and smirked. He couldn’t help but make the comment, even if it was probably going to cause trouble. What the hell, Alex thought. If Nyasho was going to be as stiff as a board, the least he could do is have some fun with it.

At that, Losarus shook his head, a forlorn expression on his face. “No, no it doesn’t,” he said. “It is a genetic defect, sadly. The nanny dropped him on his head as a child, too, poor thing. You can’t blame him, truly.” He let out a heavy sigh.

The look Nyasho gave his cousin then bordered on murderous, and his fingernails dug into the fruit he held with how hard he squeezed it. Standing abruptly, he turned and stalked off, juice dripping from his fingers unnoticed. Or perhaps he simply did not care.

“Hmm, I may have overdone that,” Losarus said, pursing his lips and looking after his cousin. He dropped the arm from Alex’s shoulder and wiped a hand down his face. This time, his frown was more genuine.

Alex sighed, watching as Nyasho stalked off in a huff. He had to admit he felt a little bad, as did Losarus. Every time he tried to loosen up the atmosphere around Nyasho, something terrible seemed to happen. “Is he always like this?” the blond asked, sending a glance at the elf, “Or is it just me?”

After a few moments regarding Alex quietly, Losarus rubbed the back of his neck. “Unfortunately, to answer your question I would have to say things that are not my place to speak of to you.”

He studied Alex, rubbing his chin as he appeared to think something over, or come to some decision. “If I were you, I shouldn’t feel obligated to come to the festival with us. You’re welcome to, no doubt. It is my understanding that, to provide for your safety during your stay here, you’re expected to have an escort whenever you leave the grounds, is that correct?”

“Unfortunately, yes. I apparently can’t be trusted to take care of myself,” Alex answered, the reminder frustrating him a bit. He turned his attention from Losarus to the path that Nyasho took to escape their jibes. It irked him, the way the elf had treated him since he’d arrived. He was stuffy, pretentious, and so high on his horse that Alex swore he couldn’t even see him from the ground. He’d been hoping the two of them would be able to get along and have some fun in between his study sessions, but that was looking to be less and less likely as time went on.

The blond had enough of the tension. “Excuse me, Losarus. There’s something I need to do.” He left Nyasho’s cousin behind as he followed the path the he had used to escape from them. The wind picked up and tossed his hair in his eyes as he tried to catch up to Nyasho. The elf was faster than he thought.

After a few minutes, he managed to catch up to his quarry. Nyasho was still walking, the fruit in his hand crushed and dripping juice and he walked with angered purpose. Just as Alex was catching up to him, he called out. “Nyasho!”

He hoped the elf wouldn’t simply walk faster in an attempt to avoid him. It wasn’t difficult to detect the footsteps following after him, but Nyasho kept walking until his name was called. Then it was all he could do not to whirl and glare at the offensive little brat. Instead, he stopped and turned around to face the human, and it was all he could do to keep from crossing his arms and retain a neutral expression. The look in his eyes was far from neutral, however; he was angry.

“Yes?” he said, his voice displaying the same tension that the rest of his posture held. He was going to remain polite with Alex if it killed him.

Alex stopped just a few feet from Nyasho, not missing the anger radiating from his whole body. He took a breath before he started in, knowing he’d probably need it. “Look, I’m sorry I teased you earlier. I’m not trying to offend you, but it seems to keep happening.” He watched Nyasho, unsure of how the elf was going to react. So far, his instincts were not working and he wasn’t sure if it was the cultural differences or if Alex was simply off his game. Either way, he wanted to patch things up.

Nyasho’s mouth pressed into a thin line, and although his expression relaxed slightly, he still looked as if he would rather walk away again. “I am not offended,” he lied. “Is there something I can help you with?”

There was some defense to be had hiding behind protocol, though Nyasho knew that he wasn’t going to be able to do so forever. He had to live here, and Alex was going to be a guest for several months. If the boy was going to be an inquisitive bother the whole time, he didn’t know what he was going to do.

Alex huffed, obviously not taken in by Nyasho’s false proclamation. “Nyasho, I know you’re mad at me, and I honestly don’t know why you’re this irritated. Have I caused you some great offense that I’m unaware of?” the blond asked, point blank. He was done screwing around and was tired of whatever games were being played. “If you’re simply adverse to my company, please let me know now so I don’t waste your or my time.”

“If you know with such surety that I’m mad at you, then clearly you have,” Nyasho said, unable to hold his tongue on that point. Everything the boy just said was so obvious he couldn’t help himself.

“You have readily formed opinions about me and my life without knowing a single thing about me. It is my experience that it’s useless to explain things to people who do that.” In fact, Nyasho was angrier at his cousin right then, but like a self-centered brat, Alex was making it all about himself.

Alex raised an eyebrow at Nyasho’s comments. “You’ve given me nothing else to form an opinion with,” he replied. He was surprisingly calm considering the situation. “If you want me to find someone else to go to the festival with other than you and your cousin, I will do so. I’m not going to be where I’m not wanted.”

The elf folded his arms and looked down at Alex, thinking about what the boy said. He was under no obligation to give him anything. He’d tried to make things smoother between Alex and the steward, and Alex had seemed more interested in acting like a child and rolling his eyes at the man’s back. Right in front of Nyasho, too. Nyasho wouldn’t have been surprised to see him sticking his tongue out at that point, and he certainly resented being made to feel like a babysitter.

How could he see Alex as anything but a child? The boy had assumed that Nyasho automatically felt comfortable being informal with him, and had teased him about things he knew absolutely nothing about.

“You have assumed that you and I are social equals, and we are not. Around my father’s men, and on this estate, that matters.” He wasn’t going to elaborate more than that. He suspected he could talk until he was blue in the face and Alex would not possess the maturity to understand it.

Straightening, he let his arms fall to his sides. “I was asked to make sure you were given the opportunity to enjoy yourself at the festival. Since your assumptions about me seem to cause you some distress, I shall find someone else to accompany you.”

Alex’s blond eyebrows furrowed at the comment. Not social equals? What exactly did he mean by that? He wasn’t sure if he wanted to get into the mess of social status right then. “My only distress is with being treated like I’m an unwanted nuisance. I would still like to go to the festival with you and your cousin, but only if you don’t mind my presence. I don’t want to be where I’m unwelcome.”

Folding his hands behind his back, Nyasho looked away from Alex. “It’s your attitude of familiarity and your assumptions that I mind.” If circumstances had been different, maybe he would have elaborated further for Alex, but as it was, he did not trust him. He had already tried talking to him normally, and Alex had laughed at him, told him he was too serious, and had insulted Nyasho’s family. Albeit unknowingly, but that was no excuse.

Nyasho felt that if he gave Alex any more information, Alex would either use it against him or would ask for more details, which he wasn’t about to give. Besides, he had never treated Alex as if he were a nuisance, had he?

Returning his gaze to the young man, he said, “Is that something you can at least try to understand?”

“Assumptions aside,” Alex began, his hands on his hips as he spoke. “What you might call an attitude of familiarity is simply my way of being friendly. I didn’t realize being nice was so improper.” There was attitude in his voice, and it was clear the blond was frustrated with the way the conversation was moving.

The boy’s entire attitude was dripping with youthful arrogance, and Nyasho wondered what Alex could have thought would come of confronting him like this. If he wanted to make friends, he was going about it in the wrong way with making excuses instead of trying to understand where Nyasho was coming from. Alex was obviously not capable of adapting to new social situations.

“You have a lot to learn about living with elven nobility,” Nyasho said with a wry twist to his lips. In his mind, this was evidence that either no one had told Alex he would have cultural differences to deal with, or Alex had ignored that advice. “In any case, my cousin was the one who insulted me, so I cannot help but wonder what could possibly have possessed you to take my departure personally,” he added.

“Well, if being proper with elven nobility means turning into a pretentious snob, count me out,” Alex shot back, suddenly fed up with the entire conversation. He turned quickly seeing the nearest exit and headed towards it. The blond needed to get away from everyone and calm down. He’d already said too much as it was.

That was a predictable response, to be sure, but it didn’t answer Nyasho’s question. If he had phrased it as a question, there was no guarantee Alex would have answered anyway. He doubted even Alex himself knew. “Come to my father’s house and get angry with me for behaving as my father expects,” he muttered to himself. As if Nyasho himself wasn’t aware that elven nobility was very serious, but simply wishing or pretending that the expectations placed on him were not so severe would not make it so.

There was almost a rule in this household that you were not supposed to show that you had a sense of humor. Losarus was the only exception, because he was family, but not immediate family. Were it not for his cousin’s presence here for the festival, and being required to “babysit” Alex, Nyasho would have left home to enjoy the holiday elsewhere. Somewhere he could relax would be better than this, better than being tied down by special circumstances.

“Sorry about that.”

It was Losarus, approaching from the other direction. Nyasho scowled at him, not appreciating the interruption of his private thoughts. “You damn well should be,” he snapped. “You are going home after the Lily Festival, and I will be stuck with that human in my house with my father expecting me to play host. You could try to care how much trouble you cause me.”

Losarus sighed, and stepped up to him. “I know, I know. I really am sorry. Could you forgive me?”

Pursing his lips, Nyasho glanced at his cousin’s upturned palms, then back at his cousin’s face. “I don’t know if I want to.”

Without asking, Losarus took Nyasho’s hands in his. “I’ll make it worth your while, mm?” he said, voice barely above a murmur.

Nyasho narrowed his eyes, and pulled his hands back. “Don’t.”

Losarus shrugged, then grinned. “Suit yourself. Shall we go find your sister now?”

“Sure,” Nyasho agreed. He wasn’t looking forward to fending off Alex’s immature behavior later, but… Well, that was later.

Alex ran off into the nearby wooded areas, leaving the main area of the estate. He wasn’t sure if he was even still on the grounds, but he didn’t much care either way. He needed the fresh air to clear his head and keep himself grounded. When he was sure he was totally alone and no one had followed him (not that anyone, especially Nyasho, would) he found a comfortable patch of grass to sit down on. Surrounded by trees, Alex closed his eyes and relaxed, the sounds of birds and the wind lightly echoing in his ears.

He knew he shouldn’t run off like he did, but he needed the alone time. Even staying in his room was too stifling. There was always someone checking over their shoulder to make sure he wasn’t getting into trouble. He’d only been here a short time, how was he going to survive the long summer? With a deep sigh, he decided to hide out in the woods until the festival began then head into town. Even though he was told not to leave the grounds without an escort, he really didn’t care. He’d go to the festival alone and they could punish him later for it.

[magically-inclined]

Bristly Encounter

Rating: General Words: 1940

~~~~~~~~~~~~

When he was home at last, Nyasho felt some of the tension he’d been feeling ease its grip on him. Here, at least, he knew where he could go to be himself, and not have to worry about the visitor. Alexander wasn’t his guest, wasn’t his pupil, so he didn’t have to play babysitter.

Although Nyasho was always glad to get away and have some breathing space on his own, there was something about coming home that was good. No matter how far he traveled—and no matter how quickly he wanted to leave again—the moment of homecoming was something he sought after. Not when he rode through the gates, not when he greeted any family members who deigned to say hello, but when he settled his mare in the stables, and when he went back to his rooms and pulled out his paints. Even if it was just a few minutes adding color to this or that, it was the only thing he had that was all his own.

Until he was interrupted, that is.

They arrived at Taramakash just after midday, in the dead heat of summer. Alex was certain he’d sweat through his entire shirt if they had arrived any later. The welcome was subdued, to which Alex was grateful for, and before he could figure out which way was up, he was whisked off to his room for the duration of his stay. One of the servants led him through the elegantly decorated corridors. Elaborate tapestries hung on the walls and sculptures were present in almost every corner.

Alex’s temporary room was on the main floor, near the edge of the estate’s central building. Most of the outer rooms had large, open designs, allowing for breezes to cool the rooms. Windows were large and inviting. The main window in Alex’s room had a large ledge which one could sit or sleep on, and the stone used was cool to the touch. It wasn’t too luxurious, but it was nice and suited his purposes.

After cleaning up at the bathhouse, Alex found himself at a loss for what to do. He wouldn’t be starting his studies until the following day, not that he was particularly thrilled to shove his nose in a book so soon. But at least it was something to do. There was no formal dinner tonight, and the servants had already brought him something light to eat after the long journey.

Unable to find anything of interest in his room, Alex decided to wander around and get acquainted with the estate. He started off in one direction and continued to meander through the various halls and rooms open to use. After a while, he got turned around and had to ask for directions back from one of the maids. On his way back to his room, he noticed a room open and peeked in.                The room was apparently Nyasho’s, and he’d left the door ajar enough for Alex to let his curiosity get the better of himself. He peeked inside and saw the elf working on a painting, his back at the door. Alex blinked, surprised at how talented he was.      He waited until the elf took the brush off the canvas to comment and make his presence known. “That’s beautiful,” he said as he stood at the threshold, leaning against the doorjamb.

After setting his brush down from his flowered landscape painting, Nyasho had been about to reach for the glass of fruit juice sitting on the table next to him when he heard a voice behind him. For only half a second did he freeze before he recognized who the voice belonged to, and he viciously stamped down an irritated reaction. Then he stamped down the next reaction, which was instinctive alarm. This was his private pursuit, something to relax after the long trip, and here came the reason for some of his tension bursting through the door. Except… had he left it open?

It was time to slide into a socially appropriate mask for this situation. Without turning around, he finished taking a drink and said, “You are most kind.” He set down his glass and turned his head just enough to look out of the corner of his eye at Alex. “It is a hobby I enjoy.”

And one step further, “Would you care to join me for a refreshment? I can send for more chilled juice.”

“No, that’s all right,” Alex replied, feeling like he’d intruded. “I was just passing through and saw you painting.” Even though Nyasho was being cordial, he could tell he was interrupting his time. Still, he couldn’t help asking a few more questions before he left.

“How long have you painted? By the looks of your current work, I’d say you’re quite talented in the art.”

Nyasho stood from his cushioned stool, and picked up his paintbrush again. “Thank you. I have painted most of my life,” he said. He stuck the brush into the jar of cleaner and swished it around, then took a rag and wiped it gently.

The canvas in front of him was as wide as the elf’s arm span, and half as tall. It was only half finished, but it depicted a lush garden in the foreground with flowers, bushes, and grape vines, and hinted at in the background were mountain peaks framing the valley. Nyasho had been working on some general shapes in the bushes, using a pale shade of green, a pigment that lingered on his fingertips and on the heel of his left hand, though it did not stain his dark clothing.

“It is merely a hobby,” he said. “It means nothing.”

Which wasn’t precisely true. The painting he was working on was a gift for someone.

Alex smiled at the elf’s comments on his own work. The work spoke for itself in how gifted Nyasho was at his brushwork. The blond had always wanted to be so artistically inclined, however his sister Andaria took all the skills when it came to art.

“I wouldn’t say it was nothing,” Alex replied, stepping into the room a bit more and looking over the work. “My sister dabbles in art as well, but her paintings don’t really compare to this.” His smile faltered a little and he laughed. “Oh dear. Please don’t tell her I said that. It might break her heart.”

That statement made Nyasho blink once in surprise. “I believe it is unlikely that I should have the opportunity to do so.” He straightened a little and his expression grew a bit serious. “I would never do such a thing anyway.”

He shifted back towards his painting and then stopped. “Unless that was a joke.”

Nyasho’s last statement sent a chuckle through Alex. He held his sides as he laughed, not quite sure why the elf’s words struck him as so hilarious. Perhaps it was his serious tone and demeanor, or the fact that Alex had been half joking anyway. Whatever the case, he found it too amusing.

When he’d gathered his wits and managed to stave off anymore laughing fits, he replied. “Yes, it was a joke.” Even if the laughter stopped, the blond still couldn’t keep the smile off his face. “You are much too serious, Nyasho. Has anyone ever told you that?”

Alex’s amusement and his comment made Nyasho frown. Nyasho’s manner was none of the boy’s business. Furthermore, he knew he was generally not serious enough for his father’s liking.

The corner of the elf’s mouth twitched, and he gave a disdainful sniff. “In fact I’ve been told the opposite.” He was far less serious when he was able to mind his own business.

He turned away from Alex and sat down again. “Anyway, I’m sure once your sister has ‘dabbled’ for as long as I have, she will achieve a greater level of skill. I’m far older than a human of my appearance would be.”

“That’s true enough. I have no doubt her skill will improve with time.” Alex’s laughter subsided. Nyasho’s stiff attitude completely killed the blond’s mood. “However, whoever told you to be more serious must be the biggest stick in the mud.”

The stool skidded on the marble floor as Nyasho stood abruptly and whirled on the boy. Just because what he said was an observation that the elf had made himself, it didn’t mean that this little brat could come into his house and say such things.

Nyasho slipped two slim peppermint sticks into the sides of his flan and placed a pair of raisins on top. He proudly showed it to his mother. “Look, mama, it’s watching you!”

The woman, her dark curls bouncing as she turned to look, smiled softly. “I can see that.”

His father, Tyronis, scowled. “Asteria, don’t encourage the boy. I won’t have such frivolity at my table!”

Asteria sighed, and then she nodded. “He’s right, dear. Listen to your father. Apologize to him.”

Nyasho’s face fell, and he pulled out the peppermint sticks dejectedly. “Sorry, father,” he mumbled.

Nyasho was nine.

“What do you know?” Nyasho couldn’t help the anger rising in him. This kid, this brat, had no concept of social niceties, had no sense of subtlety. All during their journey here, he had missed every single hint Nyasho had ever dropped, had been unaccountably rude, and had generally behaved like a commoner. That wasn’t to say that Nyasho didn’t usually prefer the company of commoners, but when he was around his family or those in his father’s employ he had to behave in the manner expected of someone of his station.

There was little boy Alex behaving as he damn well pleased regardless of those around him. Was that a human trait, blundering forward like an angry bull, or was he really just the brat everyone said he was?

Nyasho had more words in him. Angry words. He wanted to tell Alex just what he thought of him. Barging in, invading his privacy, mocking him. It took a moment for him to clamp down on those words so that he wouldn’t say them.

“Excuse me, I am tired from the journey,” he said, all his effort going into keeping his voice calm. “If you don’t mind, I am not very good company at the moment.” Stepping towards the door, he opened it wide and stood there, obviously ushering Alex out.

Alex would’ve had to been blind and deaf to miss the anger radiating from Nyasho. It was obvious that he’d hit a nerve, though he didn’t quite know what sore subject he’d prodded. Knowing when to take an exit, he sighed, defeated yet again in his attempts to get to know the elf better, and walked through the door.

As he exited the room, he turned before Nyasho could completely close him out. “Sorry for bothering you,” he said, his tone even and calm. “I didn’t mean to intrude. I’ll just be on my way.” The blond turned and started walking down the hallway, back towards his room.

Nyasho wrestled with himself for a few moments, wanting to tell Alex that he was a presumptuous twat who said things he had no business saying when he didn’t know Nyasho. He didn’t know anything about him, and obviously had no sense of propriety whatsoever. When Nyasho had had manners and proper behavior drilled into his head his whole life, he didn’t appreciate this young guest coming in and telling him he was wrong.

Well, fretting over it wouldn’t do him any good. So, wishing to preserve his privacy, he shut his door, making sure it was locked this time.

[magically-inclined]

Uncomfortable Travel

Rating: General Words: 1,837

~~~~~~~~~~

        So it was in the morning that Nyasho was mounted and ready to go, waiting for the rest of his party to be ready, waiting for Alexander to have his goodbyes with those of his family who cared to do so.

        Alexander’s family had gathered to see him off on his trip just outside of the main entrance to the estate. His mother hugged and kissed him multiple times, making him flush with embarrassment as she fretted over every little thing. His youngest sister, Talia, hung close by holding onto his shirt sleeve until he gave her a hug and promised that he’d come back soon.

        Andaria hugged his as well, though not making quite as much of a scene as their mother had. “Be safe on your trip, Brother.” She pulled back from the hug and smiled. “And remember to not have too much fun without me.”

        “Of course,” Alexander replied, grinning back. He then turned to his father and nodded politely at the older man.

        Roheim regarded his youngest son. “Remember Alexander, you are representing this entire house while you are away. I will not be pleased if I hear of any trouble you might cause Marquis Tyronis al’Makkar.”

        “Yes, Father,” Alexander replied obediently. “I will be on my best behavior.”

        With that Roheim nodded and headed back inside. His mother and sisters, however, stayed out to watch as he left. Alexander walked down the main road a ways to where his horse was already packed and ready to go. The elves were patiently waiting for him, as well. Once Alexander had mounted his horse, they were off.

        For Nyasho, waiting while Alexander said his goodbyes was painful. The gushing of the boy’s mother and the clinging of his sisters were an overly emotional display, and it made him feel impatient in a way that he couldn’t describe. The attitude of Lord Roheim was more what he was familiar with. Some might call it cold, but he saw it as refreshingly pragmatic. The man’s words weren’t a surprise, either, considering what Nyasho himself had heard from his own father about the boy.

        The young elf liked being left to mind his own business, for the most part, which included being free of maternal meddling like he saw Alexander’s mother display. His own mother was a lady. She didn’t fuss and fret. Not anymore, anyway.

        Nyasho realized that he was being uptight, and wondered why.

        The first few hours of the journey were filled with Hyrume telling Alexander all about Taramakash, the Al’Makkar estate, some of what his studies would be once they arrived, and the festival. It was clear that the steward was proud of his position in the Marquis’s house.

        With how he’d been warned about the boy, Nyasho couldn’t help but be mindful of Alexander’s demeanor. It wasn’t long, however, before he suspected that the reports of the kid’s rebellious nature were exaggerated, and he was able to relax a little.

        He did not, however, know how to begin to make conversation, even after Hyrume had finished all his talking.

        Hyrume’s constant lectures on the Marquis’ estate and the hours of nearly one sided conversation almost had the young blond noble falling asleep in the saddle. As excited as he was to leave his own father’s estate, it seemed that he’d be subject to the same boring dilemmas in his new surroundings. Most everyone would be rich and pretentious, going on and on about who they knew and how they were connected. He only hoped it would be less stifling than his own home. Of course, at home he and his sister kept each other entertained, usually by playing pranks on some of his more insufferable half siblings. On his own, though, he would be far more bored than usual. With any luck, he’d find someone who would be fun to interact with.

        This thought brought Alexander back to the present, where Hyrume’s conversation had ceased, though Alexander wasn’t sure it if had to do with lack of topics or a parched throat. The blond looked over at Nyasho, who was officially the leader of this little venture, even if Hyrume seemed to be taking over any real leading responsibilities. Being the son of the Marquis, Alexander figured Nyasho would be more inclined to talk freely with him than anyone else would on this trip. They were on the same basic level, socially speaking – not that Alexander cared either way. Social hierarchy and the intricacies within always gave him a headache, so he tended not to worry about such things.

        The elf’s horse clomped along next to his own, though Nyasho seemed to be quite tight lipped so far. Even so, there was something about the elf that sparked an interest in Alexander. He wasn’t sure if it was his elusive, quite nature, or just the fact that Alexander knew nothing about him and was curious to a fault. Either way, the blond felt something draw him in. He couldn’t help himself.

        “So, Nyasho,” Alexander began, smiling at the elf next to him. “Hyrume’s told me practically everything I need to know about Taramakash. But, since the Marquis is your father, you would best know what the most exciting things to do are. Any suggestions?”

        Nyasho raised an eyebrow and looked sideways at Alexander before turning to regard him. “Hmm,” he murmured. He rubbed his thumbs over his reins and thought of how to answer the question. Of course, he knew how Hyrume and his father would want him to answer.

        Clearing his throat, he said, “I merely act as escort from your home to mine. I am not in control of your itinerary, neither now nor later.” After living his whole life in the same place, Nyasho did not find anything there to be especially exciting. He found excitement elsewhere, during his traveling—or he simply went without.

        “You’ve been told about the fencing,” he said, assuming the steward would have mentioned it, though he had quit paying attention after a while. Fencing was the most exciting you’d get on the estate, aside from learning some kinds of magic. He didn’t know what kind of magic Alexander would be learning

        Tapping into his naturally friendly personality, Alexander grinned at Nyasho’s response. “Do you fence?” he asked, pushing the dialogue further. Even if he didn’t get quite the response he wanted, he was tired of the conversation being monopolized by Hyrume. Of course, Alexander should’ve known the answers he’d receive at the moment would be the censored version. Nyasho didn’t really know him at all, nor did he know the elf either. However, something got into Alexander’s mind that he wanted to change that.

        The boy sure was determined to be friendly, wasn’t he? “I do,” Nyasho said, nodding in response. He was raised not to be rude, even if his preference around family and filial associations was to remain taciturn. “My brothers and I were instructed in our youth by the captain of the guard, and on occasion we practice with one another.”

        It was only rarely that they did anymore, since his brothers enjoyed far too much scathing banter while sparring, but he didn’t make that comment. When he was home, Nyasho preferred practicing with some of the estate guardsmen to his brothers. That is, when he wasn’t engaged in more sedate activities. Such as the painting he was working on for his cousin’s wedding gift.

        “I’m fairly decent with a sword,” Alexander replied, adjusting his position in the saddle. “Perhaps we could have a match sometime? I haven’t had a new sparring partner in a while. That is, if you’re amenable to the idea.”

        “As a guest in my house, it would be my pleasure,” Nyasho said, inclining his head to the boy. It wasn’t obligatory that he accept, but it was also clear that he did so because he thought it was the polite and appropriate thing to do. Yes, outwardly Nyasho always had to be polite and appropriate whenever it was related to his father’s wishes and endeavors, or when it would affect his father’s affairs in some way or other.

        “I’m sure your tutor will be able to schedule some time for it,” he added. Not that he personally had much use for his father’s mage.

        “I would hope so,” Alexander replied with a laugh. “I don’t want to be cooped up inside the entire time. That would make for a fairly boring trip.” The blond was hopeful that he would find time for something other than the magic studies that his father had planned for him. Not that studying magic was the most boring subject, but Alexander could only handle so much studying at once. He would much rather be outside, doing something physical.

        “Young Alexander,” Hyrume interjected, “while I am certain that fencing will not be prohibited you as an extra-curricular activity, I must remind you that your father has sent you with us for your edification, not for your entertainment.” Nyasho pursed his lips and looked over at the man, who cleared his throat before continuing. “You will have diversions, that I can guarantee, but you mustn’t forget your purpose.”

        “I’m sure he won’t,” Nyasho said, coming to Alex’s defense.

        Alexander held in a sigh. He had a feeling he’d have to fight for any time to himself. If he knew his father, everyone would’ve been warned to keep him in line and make sure he didn’t shirk any of his studying duties. Alexander had a habit of sneaking off so he wouldn’t have to bother with his lessons.

        Still, he’d best put on his most obedient face. “Of course, my focus will be on my lessons,” Alexander added. Even though he sounded compliant, he rolled his green eyes when Hyrume wasn’t looking.

        Nyasho had been on the verge of suspecting that reports of Alexander’s misbehavior were spurious at best, until he caught the boy rolling his eyes at Hyrume’s back. After Nyasho had defended him, he still went to the trouble to be that disrespectful. Well, Nyasho thought the man was a little puffed up sometimes, too, but he wasn’t about to let it show. Besides, Hyrume wasn’t a bad sort; he was just very devoted to his duties.

        “Excuse me,” Nyasho said, and without any other notice he turned his mare in a graceful pivot to move next to the rear guard and begin conversing with him instead. Alex’s childish action was inconsiderate of Nyasho’s speaking up for him, and he was a little offended.

        Left to his own devices, Alexander took a deep breath and looked off into the woods. They’d been riding for hours and he was starting to feel out of his element. Nyasho abandoned him, though Alexander wasn’t sure exactly why. He gave his horse a quick pat on the neck to distract him from his troublesome thoughts. He was starting to worry that this trip wouldn’t be as enjoyable as he was hoping it would be.

[magically-inclined]

Meeting

Rating: General Words: 4,075

~~~~~~~~~~

        The sun shone down brightly on the gardens of the Pentaro Estate, light gleaming through the branches of the trees. It was the perfect early summer day and a cool breeze filtered through the foliage. Alexander sat on the cool stone benches under a few of the lilac trees that surrounded a small fountain. The plants were in full splendor and the smell of the blossoms on the air surrounded Alexander and he couldn’t smell anything else.

        The blond young man stared out over the yards, towards the main entrance. He felt his twin sister playfully slap his shoulder, bringing his attention back to her.

        “Sorry,” he said, distractedly as he turned around. “What was it you were saying?”

        Andaria sighed. “You’re not even paying attention, are you?” she asked, though she still had a smile on her face. She brushed her long blond hair over her shoulder.

        “I am a little distracted,” Alex explained, giving his sister an apologetic smile.

        “You’ll be leaving soon,” Andaria remarked, her voice a bit sad. “Don’t you want to spend time together before Father sends you off for your studies?”

        “Of course,” Alexander replied, looking torn. “But I can’t help it. I wonder when they will arrive.”

        “You know,” Andaria began, “I heard the Elven lands are beautiful. You’ll have to tell me all about it when you come home.”

        “Perhaps you’ll be able to come visit with me while I’m there?” Alexander offered, taking her hand in his. His green eyes looked at her with mixed emotions. They were twins, and had never been apart for more than a day. He wasn’t sure how well either of them would handle being separated for longer than that.

        “I hope so,” Andaria replied, sneaking her arms around her brother and hugging him tightly. “I will miss you terribly.”

        “I’ll miss you as well,” Alexander added, hugging her back. “But I suppose I should get back inside and finish packing.”

        “You haven’t finished yet?” Andaria exclaimed, standing up and pulling her brother up with her. “You are impossible.”

        Alexander laughed and followed her back to the estate. “What will I do without you?”

        Andaria giggled. “I just don’t know, brother dear!” They weaved their through the various gardens and back to the estate.

        The day might have been considered pleasant. The sky was unmarred by clouds, and the heat was mitigated by cooler air coming in off the ocean. Unfortunately for Nyasho, traveling with several of his father’s men—including three guards and a steward—the road was dry and through the farmlands, and once inside the city of Pentesh the flagstones of the main thoroughfares radiated heat back from the sun. The breeze only made him thirsty and dusty, and because a damaged bridge along the way had caused them some delay, he did not feel free to stop and have a rest before they reached their destination. They would have to rely on Roheim Pentaro’s skills as a host to take care of them quickly.

        The second son of Elven lord Tyronis al’Makkar left it to his father’s steward to ask final directions to the Pentaro estate, patting the neck of his black roan mare. Irritated. A representative should have met them at the gates, he thought, even though the steward was supposed to have been here before and should have, in theory, known the way. Also irritating were the looks they were attracting, being a group of elves in a predominantly human area. At least he got to do a little traveling outside his usual “territory”. Hopefully he would have the opportunity to see what there was to see here before they left for home with their extra passenger.

        Nyasho had not met the boy and did not know anything about him, so he was not at liberty to make an informed pre-judgment, but as he would rather not have made this trip in the first place he was more inclined to bracing himself against a nuisance than to feeling welcoming.

        Finally they arrived, approaching tall carved marble pillars looming over the elaborately wrought iron gates attended by guards who called out asking about their business.

        “I am Nyasho al’Makkar,” he called, voice loud and firm, “I am here on business between my father, Lord Tyronis al’Makkar of East Handross, and Lord Roheim Pentaro.” He allowed his mare to restlessly sidestep a few times, hoping the drama would get them the attention he wanted. Bloody thirsty, he was. Let the horse express the impatience he was too well-mannered to show.

        “Yes, you’re expected,” the superior guard said. “Enter, and I will call on my lord.”

        The house was a few hundred yards down a road bordered by tall, thorny hedge bushes, paved with something white and crunchy. Was that shells, or limestone? Or both? Either way, expensive. Pentaro liked to show off wealth as much as his father did.

        As they approached the house, the road curving around a large fountain and splitting off to either side towards the stables and other outbuildings, Nyasho could see activity in the front windows. Their arrival had already been noticed, and no doubt the house would be in a stir before they even put their feet on the ground.

        Shoving the last of his items into his pack, Alexander sighed, then tied the pack up. “There, finished,” he announced to his sister, glad to have the task done.

        “Should I clap for you?” Andaria asked, laughter in her voice. She closed the book she’d been occupying herself with while her brother finished his packing. He had a few bags, packed to the brim with clothes and other items he would need.

        Alexander rolled his eyes and walked over to where she was situated at the window. “Haha, you’re hilarious,” he retorted, sarcasm heavy in his voice, but he still smiled in spite of himself. He looked out the window out of habit, then noticed from his view on the second floor of the estate, that there was a group of riders on horseback entering the front gate. “Looks like my escorts are here.”

        Andaria set the book on the armrest of the chair and stood to join her brother at the window. A frown marred her pretty face. “Seems like you’ll be leaving then.”

        “Looks that way,” Alexander replied, setting his hands akimbo. “I probably should head downstairs. Father will most likely want me there to meet them.”

        “I’ll come with,” Andaria said, following her brother out of his bedroom.

        Alexander smiled at her as they made their way downstairs. Yes, it would be very difficult to be parted from her.

        Despite Pentaro’s reputation, Nyasho felt more comfortable sending along one of the guards as their horses were taken. He gave his mare an affectionate scritch under the chin and a slap on the rump before he followed their guide to the front entrance of the mansion. All he could think about was something to drink and somewhere comfortable to sit

        A man with red hair, graying at the temples, approached and bowed to Nyasho and his father’s steward Hyrume.

        “Good day,” he said, straightening and folding his hands together behind his back. “I am Lord Pentaro’s estate manager. He wishes me to express his welcome, and inform you that he shall be with you shortly. I may escort you to where you may wait for him, if you wish.

        “Yes, we have had a long journey,” Nyasho said, his tone even and showing none of his impatience. “That would be greatly appreciated.”

        “Very well,” the man said, and bowed again. “This way, please.”

        Roheim Pentaro, while his guests were being shown to a comfortable spot where they could sit and have refreshments—because he was a good host—went to locate his son. This day, of all days, he could indulge in a personal touch instead of simply summoning the boy with a servant as was his usual habit.

        Deep violet robes swishing about his ankles, the Lord Warlock strode down the wide hallway through the north wing of the mansion purposefully, his feet making hardly a sound on the elaborate floor rugs that ran the length of the hall. He lifted a hand and knocked sharply on the entrance to his youngest son’s rooms.

        “Alexander,” he called, his voice strong even halfway through his eighth century.

        The young blond was just about to open the door of his room as he heard his name being called just outside by his father. He chuckled at his timing and opened the door, Andaria just behind him. Alexander stood straighter when he saw his father just outside the door.

        “Yes, sir?” Alexander replied to the call. His father always had a commanding presence, which sometimes unnerved him. He felt like he always needed to be on his best behavior.

        Roheim turned his head slightly when he noticed Andaria standing behind and to the side of Alexander, and gave her a nod. “Daughter,” he said. Then he returned his attention to Alex.

        “Your escort has arrived, my son,” he said, stepping past them into the sitting room. “Have you finished packing, or do you wish to reconsider sending away the assistance I sent you?”

        “My packing is finished. There’s no need to bother anyone with it,” Alexander answered, simply. Why he needed someone to pack his bag was beyond him. He wasn’t a child, but there was no use arguing that point with his father.

        This was one of the reasons Alexander was excited to leave. He wanted to get away from home, experience life outside of his father’s estate. The young blond had barely traveled any of the surrounding lands, let alone by himself.

        The boy’s insistence on packing his own things, despite his station allowing for the chore to be assigned to the servants, had not irritated Roheim overmuch, but his defensiveness on the issue was unwelcome. It did not, however, warrant more than a sidelong glance and an arched eyebrow of mild disapproval, which were what Roheim gave his son. A reminder of their conversation about station and privilege, and all of those things that must be considered since he was part of this family.

        Clearing his throat, Roheim folded his hands behind his back and looked down at Alexander. “Your escort has arrived,” he said. “The Marquis’ son will be dining with us tonight, as will his steward. You’re to dress appropriately. You too, Andaria.”

        Turning to face his children, he added, “This is to be treated as an important diplomatic visit. You’ll leave in the morning.”

        Stepping for the door to leave, he said, “Do you have any questions?”

        “None at the present time,” Alexander replied politely, and at the lack of queries, Roheim took his leave. The young blond watched as his father disappeared down the halls. When he was certain his father was out of range, he turned to his sister and rolled his green eyes. “A diplomatic visit,” he repeated Roheim’s words. “Just what I was looking forward to – a stuffy dinner with even stuffier people.”

        “Be nice, Alex,” Andaria warned with a smile. “You’ll be with these stuffy people for quite a long time. You’d best find yourself in an agreeable mood, or Father might not be the only one mad at you.”

        Alexander turned from the doorway and headed back into his room, moving to the closet to find appropriate attire for the dinner. No doubt he’d need to be on his best behavior tonight, and behaving meant dressing up when asked. He was sure his plain pants and tunic would be most unwelcome at the pompous event.

        “Oh, I’ll be nice, Andaria. There’s no point in causing trouble just before I leave. If I did, Father might cancel the trip altogether.” He grabbed the first outfit from the closet he saw, then threw it on the bed haphazardly. The maids organized everything, so it was sure to match. He probably could dress himself blind and still be presentable in polite society.

        Andaria shook her head. “Don’t be so agitated, brother. It’s not that big of an inconvenience, you know.” She blew a kiss to him as she left the room. “I’ll see you at dinner!”

        Alexander grumbled noncommittally, and looked over at the clothes he’d tossed on the bed. He sighed and closed the door to change.

        The refreshments that Nyasho and his group had been offered were just what he’d wanted, which had sufficiently mitigated the anxious feeling that had, to his surprise, come upon him while they waited. As used to travel as he was, the trip here hadn’t meant a lot, but once actually here, it was a different matter. Though why he should feel anxious, he hadn’t a clue. Maybe he was confusing it with his impatience, or how much he wasn’t looking forward to babysitting the spoiled brat he’d been warned about.

        Well. He’d be meeting the kid—Alexander, he reminded himself—at dinner that evening, so he had a couple hours to have a nap in the guest quarters he’d been given before he had to worry about that. After the tour of the grounds, of course, which was unfortunately obligatory. Roheim himself, after greeting his guests formally, was to give the tour, which was appropriate. He and his steward, Kennefor, led Nyasho and the steward Hyrume through the general areas of the mansion. It was clear to Nyasho that he’d done the same tour hundreds of times.

        After the tour of the mansion, which took a substantial amount of time, Roheim and Kennefor led the group to the dining hall, where the food was already set out for dinner. Many of the other residents of the estate were already gathered around the enormous table. The dinner was light, considering the heat of the day. Salads and cooled meats were a prevalent theme of the menu.

        By the time Alexander and Andaria walked in, they were nearly the last two there. They quickly found seats next to their mother, Kalina, and their younger sister Talia. Everyone was waiting for Roheim to start the dinner, as he usually did. Alexander felt hot and uncomfortable in the stiff, stifling clothes, but he hid his irritation well. He looked over the table at the group of elves that were to escort him. They looked to be in good spirits, considering how long they had been on the road.

        It took a great deal of effort for Nyasho to hide how disappointed he was that they were keeping him occupied the entire time until dinner. As used to formal situations as he was, he didn’t think he needed to see the grounds quite so thoroughly, and would rather have had some time to himself before he had to put on his table manners. It was fine; he’d just beg off early and make sure he got a long night’s sleep before they left in the morning.

        Roheim’s table was as richly set as he could expect for the occasion. It was both a welcome and a goodbye affair. He was sure it would have been fancier if his own father had been in attendance, but he wasn’t the least bit insulted. Not only that, but he had gotten an inkling that Lord Pentaro had more of a sense of humor than he was letting on. That could have been his imagination, though sometimes he thought he caught a twinkle in the man’s eyes. How old was the guy, anyway? Nyasho didn’t even know. It didn’t need thinking about—it was unnatural for a human to live that long.

        Being something of a guest of honor, Nyasho was seated to the man’s right. It wasn’t so much of a chore, because the Lord Warlock, or whatever they called him, the Immortal, was a very intelligent man, so he was a good conversationalist.

        When everyone was seated, Roheim cleared his throat and stood up. The obedient hush that fell over the crowd, taking place of the hum of conversation that had filled the air before, astounded Nyasho.

        “Good evening, everyone,” Roheim said. “I am ever so pleased to welcome Nyasho al’Makkar to my table, as well as Hyrume Jestaal, steward to his father, Marquis Tyronis al’Makkar.” He gave each of them a respectful nod. “The Marquis is a dear friend—“

        Nyasho privately doubted this.

        “—And it is my further pleasure to send my son, Alexander, to stay with them and be tutored. Tomorrow, he leaves with them. Now is your chance to say your goodbyes and enjoy one last meal together for some time.” With that, the old man with the attractive middle-aged face nodded once and sat decisively.

        It was then that it seemed like everyone looked in Alexander’s direction, and Nyasho also took the opportunity to examine the boy critically. For indeed, he was still young by even human standards, and even though Nyasho was several decades his senior, by elven standards he was young.

        Well, the only thing besides his youth that Nyasho could tell at the moment was the look on his face that reminded Nyasho of a startled animal. The elf let out a long breath through his nose and reached for his wine cup to take a gulp.

        Alexander mentally groaned at the attention that was being paid to him. He had figured his father would make such an announcement at the last dinner he’d be participating in for quite a while, but it still drew much unwanted attention, especially from some of his less friendly half siblings. His father had been alive longer than any human should’ve been, being immortal and all, and as such had various wives. His own mother, Kalina, was the current wife. Many of the other offspring of Roheim still lived at the estate, and it created a strange environment for everyone in the unconventional family.

        To be honest, Alexander didn’t enjoy his half sibling’s company, as they either treated him with distain or annoyance and he didn’t much like either one. The young blond therefore mostly stayed with his two sisters. Any affair where the whole family was expected to participate left him with a sour taste in his mouth.

        Alexander noticed the elves who would be escorting him appraising him after his father’s statement that preceded the actual start of dinner. He was used to being stared at and talked about, as his father was immortal and everyone was aware of who his father was. Visitors were always in awe of his father, and Alexander hated it. Sometimes, he’d wished he had a normal family and not one that was always looked at as a side show attraction in a carnival. Of course, no one would ever say something to that effect out loud, especially in Roheim’s presence, but Alexander knew they were thinking it.

        Most everyone started gracefully digging into dinner after Roheim began to fill his own plate up. It was at that moment, Alex noticed one of the elves’ gaze stay longer than the rest. It was the one introduced as Nyasho, who as Alexander understood, was the leader of this little expedition. Alex stared back at him for a long moment, before his twin sister elbowed him lightly.

        “Aren’t you going to eat?” she asked, quietly, her words getting drowned out in the light din of conversation circling around the table.

        “Ah, yeah. Sorry.” He grabbed a roll out of the first bowl he saw, then scooped some leafy salad of sorts, not really paying attention to what he was grabbing. “Just distracted.” When he looked back up at the elf, he was engrossed in some conversation with his father. Alexander shook his head. He just had to get through dinner, then he could escape to his room for the remainder of the night.

        It was preferable to Nyasho to forget that he was dining at table with a man who had the magic to make himself live forever. By the look of things, he was still healthy, still… virile, even. Someone had pointed out the youngest of his children, a sweet-looking girl aged only ten. She looked to be well mannered enough.

        Still, it was impossible, without being told who people were, to discern which were the Immortal’s daughters, and which were his wives.

        How did the man even want family anymore? It was best to put those thoughts aside, and when he was able to do so to a certain extent, he tried to enjoy himself a little more.

        It wasn’t Nyasho, but Hyrume who decided to address Alex first.

        “So, young Alexander, how do you feel about visiting our fair Taramakash?” The city where Nyasho lived was indeed known for beauty and wealth, and the steward had no doubts whatsoever that Alexander was going to enjoy himself.

        Alexander looked up from his dinner and at the Hyrume. He was a little surprised to be addressed, though he shouldn’t have been. He smiled politely, as he was trained to do, and replied. “I’m very excited. I’ve never been to Taramakash before. I’ve been told it’s quite lovely, especially at this time of year.”

        “Yes, yes indeed,” Hyrume said, nodding and taking a sip of his wine. “You are a privileged young man. Not many have the opportunity to study as you shall, and the Marquis al’Makkar has one of the finest libraries in the land, as well.”

        If he’d even want to spend all his time in the library, Nyasho thought. What he said was, “The library doesn’t have to be a selling point, Hyrume, when the boy’s own father has one that is also one of the finest.” A respectful nod to Roheim.

        Hyrume waved aside that disclaimer. “Immaterial. The subjects to be found in an Elven library shall be different from those of a Pentesh Lord.” The steward didn’t look the bookish sort, but he did seem to be fond of his master’s library.

        “To a certain extent, I’m sure,” Nyasho said, pulling off a piece of a sweet roll and sticking it in his mouth. He tried not to study Alexander too hard, instead giving him the occasional short look while paying more attention to his food and the more dominant individuals at the table.

        “We shall be arriving in time for the Lily Festival, as well,” the steward said to Alexander. “Have you heard of it?”

        Alexander nodded as he grabbed another roll from the bowl in front of him. “Yes, I’ve heard of it. If I recall correctly, the Lily Festival lasts two weeks. I’m looking forward to experiencing it for myself.”

        In the excitement of preparing for his trip, Alexander had completely forgotten about the Lily Festival and that it would coincide with his arrival. He couldn’t care less about the library Hyrume seemed intent on blathering on about. He could read books any time. What he wanted most of all was to experience life outside of his father’s estate. He’d been in these walls for as long as he could remember. Alexander wasn’t going to spend his time away from home inside a dusty library. He didn’t need to leave his father’s estate to do that.

        Alexander’s response apparently pleased the steward, for he nodded and made a noise of approval in his throat. “Good, good. A healthy mind needs a variety of stimuli to thrive.”

        Where neither the steward nor Roheim could see, Nyasho gave the man a sidelong look and a raised eyebrow. He schooled his expression quickly, however, and went back to his meal. It was his strong hope that he would not have to escort the boy around at the festival in addition to picking him up here, but that might be a vain wish on his part.

        The rest of the evening passed uneventfully, aside from some skilled musicians who came in to play softly over their wine when the meal was over and the extraneous individuals in the hall had retired. That included Nyasho, for Hyrume had matters to discuss with the Lord Immortal that concerned Nyasho’s father more than himself.

        He went to bed, to make sure he got a good night’s rest. If only they hadn’t been delayed on the road on their way here, they could stay for another night or two and he could see the city on his own. Oh well. Maybe when the boy was sent home, he could.