Men who play games of war and soldiers born from circumstance...
MAIN
PROFILES
ALBUMS
STORIES
EXTRAS
LINKS
 |
Scroll 06 : 01
|
The pace of the white haired man’s horse slows and he pulls back on the reigns, turning the animal around to trot towards the one following not far behind. Pupiless mismatched eyes meet white as the Harbinger slows when he’s approached, metal adornments capping the winding horns that protrude from the light colored hood’s back chiming when he nods towards the direction he’d just come. “We have enough food for another day’s ride, but water is growing low. We are not terribly far from your home village if I have read the map the Mastersmith gave us correctly. I know you have not been back since your family was taken, but we are in need of supplies…” Kso’ppghiel nods. “We should be over the border by now, it is probably safe for us to stop. There are at least two villages I know of south of mine, they are wary of soldiers but will not deny them service if they are treated with respect. We may even be able to find an inn that will allow us to sleep but I do not have any currency to pay them. I have never really carried gold when fending for myself…” White eyes look up as a drop of rain hits him, the clouds above that begin rolling through come dark and grey. “The air has been growing thick over the past few hours. Since we are so near the coast, the storms can get very formidable. I would suggest we at least try for shelter. Their graves will not move in a day.” “Gold is no worry… at least for now” Bal’thial smiles while reaching up to slide his hood down a little more when another drop hits him as well. “I took enough from my own stocks to last us for an inn or two, just in case.” Pulling the reigns back once again, he turns his horse around as thunder claps loudly in the distance. “These are lands I am unfamiliar with, even when my men and I traveled here to claim you all those months ago, we only did so by way of a little blue guide… If there is shelter you know of, lead and I will follow, otherwise I think trying for the nearest village, and an Inn would be best.” Mismatched eyes slide over to meet white. “I do not wish us to be caught in a storm.” “If you stay to the east, you will always find a connecting road.” Kso’ppghiel turns his horse, attempting to gain his bearings before kicking forward to send them at a swift canter just as the rain begins to fall. They ride through trees as they slowly grow into thick forests, forcing them to slow down as they maneuver through. By the time they have reached the road, the water was falling down in sheets, the occasional clap of thunder causing their horses lose their gait momentarily. The blonde slows, looking in either direction as the heavy rain and slowly encroaching night obscure his vision. “I do not know how far we are from either village…” He shouts over the rain. “But I would suggest we head north to keep us farther from the borders.” “North it is.” The tall Captain yells out as another smack of thunder sends his steed wavering and he pulls back on the reigns before leaning over to pat a clawed hand against the soaked animal’s side. “Queen Io’fayl would have returned already, and even if they have not discovered the missing guard I killed, she will most likely have already sent out bounty on me so we will be safer the farthest from the borders as we can reach.” Straightening and pulling back once again, Bal’thial leads his horse to the right. “I do not think it is wise for us to stop until we reach either village, this storm grows worse and I have spent thirty years acclimating to desert…” mismatched eyes twinkle in amusement slightly as he smiles through the downpour. “I will be no use if I catch a cold and die.” Kso’ppghiel’s laugh is lost when another clap streaks through the sky before the white haired man kicks at his horse’s sides, moving forward as fast as the terrain will allow and followed soon after by the blonde. Mud kicks in the horses’ wakes as they ride north, darkness all but fallen when the lights of the village appear in the distance. The blonde slows his horse as they reach the outskirts, wanting to make the least presence as possible as they ride in. He recognizes this town. It’s grown since he last saw it but last he remembered this place is only a half a day’s ride away from his own village. Turning down a branching road, they make their way towards the closest place that looks like an inn, hoping there are stables nearby as well. As they reach the entrance, the sounds of laughter and drunken men filter out into the street. Kso’ppghiel dismounts, keeping his swords strapped to his back as he waits for Bal’thial to do the same, tying their horses up to a nearby hitch. The tall Captain un-straps his own weapon from its resting place at his steed’s side and twists it behind him, securing the serrated edged blade to his back beneath his cloak by its open sheath as he moves towards the entrance, the Harbinger soon following behind. Another bout of loud laughter spills out into the night as they step from the down pour and under the small ledge above the entrance way and mismatched eyes slide back to meet the shorter man’s gaze, an amused smirk forming on his lips. “Sounds lively enough.” The blonde returns the gesture as a clawed hand pushes the door open, the water streaming from both men when they step inside and their presences immediately silencing the room as all manner of sober, drunk and everything in between sets of eyes turn to them. The innkeeper looks up from his conversation, eyeing the twin longswords that blond carries as well as the demeanor of the other as they walk forward. The large man crosses hairy arms and stares them down. “We don’t cater to soldiers…” Kso’ppghiel shakes his head, approaching the bar slowly as Bal’thial stands behind. “We hold no alliance, only passing through on our way to N’taiya. I have family there.” “I know most folks from N’taiya and you don’t look like any of them.” “Their graves lie there. I have no living relatives.” Kso’ppghiel tries to keep himself in check. He hates talk or explaining. It should not matter why they are here, only that they can pay. “Names.” “I do not feel that is any of your concern.” The Harbinger clenches his fists. “Fifty gold a night.” The innkeeper smirks. “That is ten times your rate.” “Then give me a name and we can talk discounts.” Large arms unfold as he stands smugly. Kso’ppghiel closes his eyes, fighting the urge to remove the innkeeper’s head in instinct. This was generally why he avoided all others, he has no patience for them and that would get him into trouble in the villages. “…Mithghiiel, he was my father.” The man regards him in silence for a few minutes, emphasized by the continued silence in the room by all its patrons as they hang on the innkeeper’s decision. “Mithghiiel’s boy, eh? ‘Wondered what happened to you.” A small grin forms on his lips. “Heard you left after N’taiya burned. It’s been what, ten years now? Your father used to help me barrel the mead and sow the wheat. You must have been seventeen last I saw you. You mercenary now?” Kso’ppghiel blinks… he wasn’t expecting that. “In a sense…” “Your friend too?” “He is my companion, also not allianced.” “Five gold a night, stable’s in the back, mead’s on me. Now get out of here…” The innkeeper smirks as the room fills with the usual sounds of its inhabitants once more. Stepping past the Harbinger as he stands just a little dumbfounded, the tall Captain reaches for the hidden leather at his waist to pull gold free and toss it before the innkeeper. Turning back once the large man nods dismissively at them both, mismatched eyes flicker at white and he nods towards the door. “We do not want them getting ill either.” His voice is low, quiet enough for only Kso’ppghiel to hear and carrying the slightest hinting of playfulness along with it. It takes little time for both men to board their animals, and once back inside the pair is led to their room by a small waif of a girl who can barely will herself to look up to either one. Bal’thial smiles at her, his thankyou lost when she squeaks and turns bright red after he’s set a gold piece in her tiny hand. A soft chuckle slips free of full lips when she runs from him, nearly barreling into the blonde as her footfalls carry her swiftly away down the hall and back towards the noisy bar beyond. Sliding the latch to the door down, the white haired man pushes it open and steps inside the room, speaking to the man standing in the doorway behind. “I think that one likes you.” “I am not the one made her turn red and lose all sense of language.” Kso’ppghiel smirks as he closes the door behind him, reaching back to unstrap the swords from his wet clothing. After setting them carefully against the wall, the blonde begins removing his tunic, setting it over the end of one of the two beds inside to dry. “It has been a very long time since I have been in rain. I have forgotten how cold and miserable it makes one.” He chuckles as he props a foot up to begin untying his leather boots. “I am hoping they have some form of hot meal here.” White eyes glance back, smiling. “Perhaps your new little female friend would be willing to bring something up for us.” Bal’thial smiles slyly as he’s peeling his wet cloak free of his body. “Once I am dry I may have to find her and ask…” tossing the soaked garment towards one of the beds along with the leather sack he carries, he slips the leather straps free of their buckles and carefully slides his own weapon away from his body before propping it against the footboard just as one of Kso’ppghiel’s boots hit the floor. “Rain was so rare in Queen Io’fayl’s land that I had forgotten much of it myself.” Turning around when clawed fingers slide to the ties on his own tunic, his blue and green gaze settles on the toned muscles of the blonde’s back as he works his other boot free. Slipping his hands away from his wet garments, the white haired man holds his arms out with a devious smile. “I have also forgotten how to remove myself from my clothing when it is in this state… perhaps my new friend might be inclined to show me…” the shorter man’s movements stop and his gaze slides back to meet the sly one of his companion’s behind him as he continues. “Unless you are willing to volunteer for this task?” Kso’ppghiel slides his other boot off with a smirk before turning around and walking towards the white haired man. “I feel that I am not given a choice in the matter, as I would have to remove the hands of anyone else who tried to touch you. I would prefer hers stay on so that she may fetch us our meals later.” Clawed fingers slide out to pull on ties as he slowly removes the linen stuck to wet skin, pulling it over Bal’thial’s head and walking around behind as the garment is slipped over long horns, stepping in close. Full lips press against the warm skin of the Captain’s shoulder as he wraps his arms around the taller man’s torso and slips his fingers down to start on the ties of Bal’thial’s pants, bringing himself in flush to the one in front. The white haired man smiles as he allows his tunic to fall in a wet heap on the floor, dropping his head in the slightest and tilting his gaze back to peer as the one who stands so close behind. “Even if that one were allowed to touch… her hands seemed much too small for this particular task… and much better suited to fetching meals…” Clawed fingers slip down to the hands at his hips just as the ties to his pants are slid free and he grasps the blonde’s wrists, pulling his arms just far enough away from his body to turn himself in his grip. Without relinquishing his hold, the tall Captain pulls Kso’ppghiel back against him, smiling down at him slyly as the clawed hands he holds find their ways beneath the back waistband of his pants to begin slipping them down while pupiless white eyes stare up and lock with mismatched green and blue. “I am finding that I like the heat your body provides and seeing as there is no fire to warm us…” leaning down and tilting his head in, he kisses the Harbinger softly before pulling back just enough to speak directly against his lips as amusement dances through his gaze. “…it might be best to find ways for us to warm ourselves…” “I believe this may be a wise idea.” Kso’ppghiel smiles in the slightest, tilting his head in to meet the other’s lips while backing the Captain up until the back of his knees hit the small bed. The white haired man falls back, pulling the Harbinger with him as he lands on top. Pulling clawed fingers from Bal’thial’s grip, he resumes his task of undressing the taller man, taking time to follow down the curves and indents of muscle on his chest with full lips. His mouth follows wet linen as it slides over structured hips, pausing to brush over hard flesh as he passes and smiling at the soft moan that leaves the one below. Kso’ppghiel lingers, warm breath washing over his length as he barely touches with his lips. “If you continue to tease,” The white haired man breathes as he props himself up onto his elbows while the Harbinger’s hands continue to slip the wet garment from long legs. “I might not be able to control myself for very long.” Another soft moan slips free of his lips, mismatched eyes closing and long wet plaits spilling farther down across the bedding below as Bal’thial’s head falls back just a little. A smile forms on Kso’ppghiel’s mouth when he tosses the other man’s pants behind them, tilting his own head in to skim along hard flesh moments before he wraps his lips around the tip and sinks down deep. And just as a clawed hand is flying towards wet strands of white blonde and another low sound is ripped from the taller man’s throat, a soft knocking at the door to their sides resonates throughout. Kso’ppghiel smiles as he pulls away. “I guess the teasing will have to continue in the form of waiting.” He smirks, picking up a folded blanket and tossing it over Bal’thial’s waist before standing and walking over to the door in his wet shorts, picking up the hilt of one of his swords and hiding it behind the wood as he opens the door. A small smile forms on his lips as the innkeeper’s daughter holds out a tray of roasted meat and potatoes with fresh bread, unable to fully make eye contact with the one who stands in front of her. The blonde sets his sword back up against the wall and kneels down, taking the tray from her and setting it on the floor before taking a hold of one of her small hands and bringing it up to his lips. “Your kindness is very much appreciated.” Big green eyes grow wide as he kisses the back of her hand and she blushes hard. “Very much appreciated.” The white haired Captain chuckles softly, pulling the girl’s gaze to the bed behind and causing her to turn an even brighter shade of red as he sits up while adjusting the blanket around him. Green pupiless eyes move from one man to the other and she nods a little quickly when Kso’ppghiel allows her hand free. The words she manages to get past her lips almost lost against the hard drum of rain beating against the inn outside. “I- I can kindle a fire for you.” She stutters while pulling her hand in close, refusing to look up as the blonde rises to his feet to tower over her. Both of them were so handsome, she hasn’t seen any like them pass through in so long. “i-if you two are cold.” A smile forms on Bal’thial’s lips as mismatched eyes meet white, the taller man quirking an eyebrow towards the Harbinger. “Personally, I prefer body heat but... who am I to turn down a kindness?” he laughs softly. Kso’ppghiel laughs at the words as he opens the door fully, allowing the girl in. Dirty sandals walk over creaky wood as she makes her way to the fireplace, trying hard not to stare at either man for too long. As she fiddles with the wood and kindling, the blonde picks up the tray and sets it down on the bed next to Bal’thial, picking up a piece of fresh bread and biting down. “Do you help with the cooking?” The young girl nods hesitantly while striking at the tinder to get it lit. “I help my mother…” “The food is wonderful and you have a fine talent, your mother is teaching you well...” The girl doesn’t need to turn around for Kso’ppghiel to see the little smile form across the girl’s lips. “T-thank you sir…” Bal’thial jabs the blonde in the ribs lightly before taking his own piece of bread as the fire begins to burn. The girl stands, walking over to stop in front of the two men without lifting her gaze. “I-is there anything else you would need?” “You have been very helpful. Thank your mother as well for me.” “For us both. She is raising a fine young woman.” The Captain grins before biting off a corner of bread, both their words causing the bright flush to re-stain her cheeks. She nods quickly. “I will!” a smile she can’t help forms on her mouth and she turns swiftly towards the door. “i-if you need anything, please sirs, call me any time and I’ll help you!” with that she runs for the door, wrapping small hands around the latch as she slips into the hall and closes it behind her. The white haired man chuckles softly as eager footfalls sound throughout the hallway beyond while leaning back again and propping himself up on one elbow, amused mismatched eyes meeting pupiless white as the blanket slips softly down structured hips from the movement. “Quite enamored it seems. She was cute enough that I can almost forgive the interruption.” “I feel it is hard not to be enamored with your charm.” Kso’ppghiel smiles as he brings the bread up to his lips. “Though I am thankful for the hot meal, the food served by that woman left much to be desired when compared to that from the villages.” Finishing off his bread, he picks the tray up, placing it over by the burning fire to keep it warm before walking back over and undoing the ties to his own pants, letting them slip to the floor before crawling under the blanket falling off Bal’thial’s hips. “Though I do agree with your preference of body heat over all else.” “I am glad we are in agreeance.” He laughs softly while reaching down to lift the hem of the blanket up just as the blonde’s horns come into view, a sly smile forming on the Captain’s mouth when the other man begins kissing up along the line of his abdomen. “You do have a fair amount of charm yourself when you wish it… that girl seemed enamored with more than just myself” falling further back, wet braided plaits spill over the edge of the small bed as the Captain’s back touches the bedding below, Kso’ppghiel moving to straddle him beneath the wool covering and he lets go to trail the very tips of his claws along structured legs as full lips skim over the line of his collar bone. Lifting his back free again just enough to meet the Harbinger’s mouth with his own as his hands settle on the blonde’s hips, words spoken quietly against. “But unfortunately any dreams she may have for either of our attentions will be broken because I will not share.” “I have already stated the desire to remove the hands of those who attempt to gain yours as well.” Kso’ppghiel nips as the Captain’s lower lip with a smile. Clawed fingers travel up Bal’thial’s thighs as their renewed desire meets in front, white eyes closing as their hips press together. As they open, a wicked grin forms over his lips. “Although… we are in my home territory…” He moves his legs between Bal’thial’s own, grasping on to structured hips and pulling them up to meet his, teasing against sensitive flesh as they connect. “Perhaps I should take charge for a little while…” Clawed fingers slide quickly up to wrap around the Harbinger’s jaw to yank his face down as hands slips along his inner thighs, their mouths almost meeting as long legs spread farther apart to heighten the teasing of hardened flesh against his sensitive own. “I …quite like the idea of this.” He whispers as a fiery lust dances in mismatched eyes, outshining the flickering flames that crackle behind them before he rocks his hips up just enough to contact to rip breathless moans from both at the touch. “And so long as we remain within your homelands, I expect you to continue taking your control“ Yanking Kso’ppghiel’s face further down, their lips meet for a passionate kiss that rapidly begins to deepen as claws sink deep into Bal’thial’s thighs, the blonde gripping down to brace moments before a quick shift of his hips sends his body deep inside the Captain’s own. Tight heat wraps around him, causing a low moan to leave his lips as it drowns out Bal’thial’s softer one. White eyes close as he grounds himself, reopening when their bodies slowly begin to rock against one another. Words leave him between short pants. “I believe this is something… I can accommodate…” The clawed fingers of one hand slip away from the Captain’s thigh, barely grazing over toned muscle as Kso’ppghiel makes his way to the hardened flesh between them. He uses the barest of touches as he strokes gently combines with his thrusts, slowly and torturously building the tension as their eyes reflect the burning desire they have for each other. Mismatched eyes slide closed, braided plaits spilling across the floor below and metal adornments chiming through every purposefully slow movement that pulls their bodies away and brings them flush again as the white haired man’s head falls back. Full lips touch at the long line of his neck, heated breath of panting moans washing across pale skin as the pace of each new thrust and every stroke begins to increase in speed. Bal’thial’s hips soon snap in tune, the sweat that beads slicking their skin and increasing the friction between them as his deep moans spill out into the thickness of the surround air. Kso’ppghiel’s fangs scrape lightly against the Captain’s neck before biting down in the slightest, the white haired man arching up against them and pushing them closer together. The Harbinger thrusts in deep, combined with the grips of his hand sending Bal’thial over the edge in a hard wave that brings Kso’ppghiel over soon after. Their lips seek each other out and they press in for a desperate kiss as the after effects of release still linger, neither man seeming to get enough of the other. The blonde’s hand thread beneath white braids, holding the Captain close as he pulls free and settles to his side while they both still calm. Blue and green eyes remain closed as a smile forms on full lips when the blonde turns in towards him, draping his head across a broad shoulder while his fingers remains tangled in long braided plaits. Bal’thial slips his arm up along the other man’s body to hug him in close, turning his own head over to touch his mouth at the tip of a spiraling horn. “If this is the result of your charge…” he says quietly, his words nearly lost against the drum of rain outside and the crackle of fire in as he tilts his head enough to maneuver in-between the horn he’d just touched to nose is damp strands of white gold. “...I will eagerly await it to happen again…”
 Slipping his hand away from his horse’s saddle, Bal’thial reaches out to touch at the shorter man’s cheek, pulling his white gaze up to meet the Captain’s mismatched own. “They will be there…” he says softly while trailing fingertips down along Kso’ppghiel’s jaw. “And if not, you are no longer alone Harbinger so whatever truly awaits us there, we will fair together…” the blonde nods in the slightest, trailing his own hand up to wrap around the one that lingers at the side of his face before a soft smile forms on the Captain’s lips as both spend the moments lost in each other’s eyes. The banging of the Inn’s door behind them pulls both men’s attentions and Bal’thial turns his head in time to see the innkeeper’s daughter taking a tentative step out onto the stone step below with a bundle held up in her hands. Turning back towards the blonde, he smiles an amused little smile before slipping his hand away from Kso’ppghiel’s face and shifting towards the girl to move in close. Wide green eyes plaster to the steps below as the tall white haired man stops before her and she quickly holds out the package she’s brought while trying hard to get near whispered words to move past her lips. “I-I made some bread… for you both…” “Thank you.” The Captain grins, reaching out to take the offered bundle and causing the girl to flush bright when a clawed hand grazes her own. “You are a very good girl.” “W-will I see you again?” she stutters shyly as she pulls her arms back in, cupping the hand Bal’thial had touched against her chest. “F-father says your companion’s f-family was known well.” Pupiless emerald finally manage to lift and her gaze flicks between both the one at her front and the Harbinger standing a few paces behind. “S-so I hope … I can see you… both again?” Mismatched eyes slide back to meet the white gaze behind him and he motions towards the young girl with a nod of his head, mouthing a word he doesn’t say –“Enamored”- Kso’ppghiel smirks, walking over to the young girl and kneeling to her front. White eyes look up into blushing green. “I do not know where our travels will take us, there is always a chance we could return but I cannot make any promises.” A small, disappointed expression crosses her face and he smiles. “Though if we do return this way, it is obvious we will come to visit you and your family.” The blush returns to her features from his words and Kso’ppghiel ignores the Captain’s smirk as he stands. “We must leave now, but thank you for all your kindness. It will be remembered.” He places a clawed and on her head, ruffling tawny-brown hair before turning away and walking back towards his horse. Bright green eyes slide over to the white haired man and the girl grins wide while her skin practically shines bright with the flush that paints it, nodding her head when she’s thanked once again before she turns to throw the inn door open and run back inside. Turning away as the door slams behind her, Bal’thial can’t help the chuckle that slips past his lips as he throws the small bundle at the blonde before he returns to the straps that secure his weapon to his horse’s saddle. “I think we may have found ourselves a wife.” Pupiless white eyes shoot up to meet his amused gaze, the look he’s given causing him to laugh a little harder. Pulling the reigns free, he grasps onto his horse and mounts soon after. Walking his steed towards the Harbinger and moving in close, long braided plaits spill over his shoulders as he leans down just far enough to steal a light kiss. “Sweet as the girl may be though,” he grins and pulls away, straightening to pull his horse back enough to allow Kso’ppghiel some room besides his own. “She could never compare to the one that holds my heart.” The blonde swings himself up to mount the saddle, attaching the bundle in back. “Perhaps we should avoid this town when she is actually old enough to take on a mate or we may never be allowed to leave.” He chuckles as they begin to walk their way out of the village. “At one time I had planned to find a wife… raise a family. I would have built a house near my father’s. My sister would have stayed close too. She would have had many children, she always wanted them.” Kso’ppghiel smiles distantly as he remembers. “Between the two of us, we would have probably never allowed our father a moment’s rest. But he would have been taken care of like royalty until the end of his days. I cannot imagine a future like that now. I could not imagine a future at all for a long time.” White eyes glance up to meet the Captain’s mismatched blue and green as they leave the entrance to the village. “Now all I can see is my future with you.” Bal’thial nods with a smile as their horses carry them farther away from the village and further into the forested area before them. “The only future I want before me is a life filled with you.” The smile begins to fade from his lips as he continues. “Though had you continued on the path set before you and become one not akin to war, and had I continued on mine and become the farmer my father wished me to be, I have a feeling we would have met eventually anyway.” Mismatched eyes slide over to his side to meet white, the slightest traces of a sly smile reforming on his lips. “We would have found wives, had many children and our wives would gather and socialize during trades while our children became friends… your sister and both of mine would be close as well, as would our parents… and despite the peaceful life I would have been leading, I know that I would still have lost my heart to you eventually.” The Captain’s amused gaze slides back to their fronts and he grins. “I would have suddenly found my mate lacking and not understood why until one day that we were alone. I would kiss you before I could stop myself… you would of course, find yourself smitten as well and then we would begin a secret affair, constantly in fear of being caught by our women yet unable to deny our feelings.” A laugh spills free of full lips as Bal’thial shakes his head. “I think it is easier this way in all truth and while I will never have the children my mother and father wished me to have… my brother, if he has not already found a mate had wanted many and probably will in my stead. Much like your sister I would guess, but as for myself, a child was never in my own thoughts. I have seen far too much to risk bringing a life into the brutality of this world.” Kso’ppghiel shakes his head, still amused by the Captain’s story. “I would have had children simply because it is what one does when they live in a village, raise a family. It never would have occurred to me to actually think on the act. I would not have thought better of it. To think of children now… it is not feasible.” He smiles. “Though I think running the risk of our ‘wives’ suspicion may be more dangerous than running from that woman. So perhaps this is the easy way out for us both. Maybe your brother will find, after seeing us, that his life would have been better served away from farmlands and children. You share the same blood, the desire to be free must run within you both to an extent.” “My brother and I shared everything in common until the day our village was ransacked.” Bal’thial says as the smile fades again from his mouth, a distance soon creeping into his tone. “When we were younger, there were times it felt as if we could read each other’s minds. He was everything to me and I was everything to him … or so I had thought.” The white haired man smirks. “When they attacked us, he’d just stood there with a blank look in his eyes, cowering along with the rest of our family while I rose to fight… after that day, nothing was the same between us. I saw him differently, and he seemed to do the same in return.” Mismatched eyes narrow and he looks away, his words almost lost on the wind. “I realized how different we really were then, despite our faces being the same…” Trailing momentarily, the tall Captain remains silent for a few steps longer before he shakes his head in the slightest and turns his head back to meet the Harbinger’s gaze. “Perhaps he will finally see, perhaps he will not… I expect nothing from him though, or any of them than the same hatred I saw before.” “They are fools if they do not see the kind of man you have become… and they are fools to cast out family based on wanting to live your life according to your own wishes.” Kso’ppghiel shakes his head as their horses step around a tree felled by the storm. White eyes look down towards the mud as they walk. “But… I cannot blame your brother for his reaction. When soldiers came to my village, I knew how to fight, my father had spent years teaching me but I froze. I could not move and could not bring myself to defend. It was only after my sister and father were slain did that fear leave me and turn to anger. Only then could I fight…” A soft frown forms on the white haired man’s lips as his companion’s tone carries an underlying measure of regret. “It would have been impossible to prepare yourself for something such as that,” He starts quietly, mismatched eyes sliding over to meet pupiless white only to find the other man’s gaze still cast at the muddied ground beneath their horse’s feet. “If there is one thing I learned in all my years as a soldier, it is that no amount of training, no amount of preparing, conspiring, drills, sparring… nothing you do in set situations where the outcomes are far from life or death can prepare you for the reality of a true fight. When your thoughts are rational, they tend to betray you in those moments, escape you when you need them the most…” The Harbinger’s gaze slowly rises to catch his and he offers Kso’ppghiel a gentle smile. “I am sure they would understand this and could not blame you for it…” The blonde shakes his head. “I had the ability to stop them before they killed the ones I love. I slaughtered them all after. My father was taken down by a few soldiers and a ranga through an attack he did not see because he was trying to buy time for me and my sister to escape. I killed all the ranga sent to the village I could find after. E’nerii was killed by a small pack of subordinates that I also later took care of. I could have stopped them. I could have saved my family.” He sighs, taking another few moments before speaking to calm his emotions. “This is why I turned to war. I was too involved in mindless bloodshed to think about the past. Now I have no choice but to face it. I did not believe I deserved anything for myself after letting them down. They should have never had to pay for my incompetence.” “And now?” the tall Captain starts quietly. “Do you feel you deserve what you have now?” mismatched eyes slide over to meet white, his expression as serious as his tone. “It was not incompetence that took your father and sister from you, it was circumstance. Queen Io’fayl sent a campaign to do what she is known for doing; acquire more land. You and your family just happened to be in her path and your youth and inexperience overrode training you had never put to use before that day.” Bal’thial’s eyes slide back to their fronts as her steers his horse around a deep muddy patch of ground before turning towards a narrow path to their rights. “And even after it happened, it was simply anger and rage that blinded you to push you into the actions you would have otherwise been unable to attain. One who thinks rationally would be unable to take on five of her rangas and live to speak of it so while it was unfortunate that those particular men took the life of an innocent… had it not happened, you would most likely not be here now.” blue and green eyes narrow and his voice falls low. “Though I am sure it is a small consolation to have this knowledge ... but it could not have happened any other way.” “It is something I will always regret and always feel I could have stopped in some way. Being unable to protect the ones you love… changes you. However, I would have never come out of that spell if I had not met you. You fixed much of what that woman damaged, but the stains will always linger to some degree.” Kso’ppghiel reaches back with one hand, clawed fingers grazing over the hilt of his own sword that contain pieces of his father and sister. “I imagine feelings similar to those you had when you left your family to set out on your own will arise as we move to see them as well. I am in some ways afraid to see my old life, the things I left behind and face what I once was. This much I am sure you can understand.” Bal’thial nods. “It is something I understand all too well.” Mismatched eyes slip over again and he smiles in the slightest. “Though as I stated before, whether you are afraid or not to face what you once left behind, you will not be doing it alone. What lies before you… now lies before us both…”
 Kso’ppghiel smiles. “There will be people left, that village was a strong one with very fertile land. I would be surprised if at the very least a new one was not built on top of it. Any inns we find in this area will probably not have bathing accommodations. The water is probably not as desirable to soak in just after a heavy rain anyway.” A small, slightly devious smile forms on his lips. “However, the small river that runs parallel to the coast is quite deep and always runs clear, even after the rain.” He steers his horse to the east without fully waiting for an answer. “Perhaps we should bathe before heading into the next town. I am sure it’s residents would appreciate it.” Mismatched eyes watch as the other man moves away for a moment in stillness before an amused smile forms on his own mouth. “I am sure they will be more apt to allowing us board when we are clean.” Kicking into his horse’s sides, he moves forward as well, grinning wickedly as he pulls alongside while reaching out to grab onto a lock of white blonde hair. “Though to be sure I have been thorough, I do expect a fair measure of help with my own cleansing…” laughing lightly, he continues forward while allowing the other man’s hair to slip through clawed fingers, a soft kick later and the steed he rides begins trotting ahead. Kso’ppghiel smirks, racing slightly to catch up. Both men work on out pacing the other until they finally reach the riverbank, driving their horses into the cool water a ways before stopping. The blonde reaches out, grabbing on to white braids and pulling the Captain’s head closer as he leans in. He smiles as he speaks into the other man’s mouth. “I will be happy you make sure you are thoroughly clean before we depart.” Just as they are about the meets for a kiss, Kso’ppghiel smiles, reaching out to push hard against the other man and sending Bal’thial falling off his horse and splashing into waist-deep water. “After I tie the horses up.” He laughs at the soaked figure below before taking the reins of both horses and heading back to the shore. “You will owe me for that, Harbinger.” Bal’thial chuckles with a shake of his head before rising as he watches the other man dismount at the shore and tie reigns to the nearest tree. Mismatched eyes slide down to his wet garments before he smirks and begins stripping down, removing his tunic and tossing it behind him. Wet plaits spill down his back as it lands in a heap half in and out of the water, a little time longer spent on his pants and boots before they land near as well. The blonde’s own boots are removed and he sets them down by Bal’thial’s before taking off the rest of his clothing, smiling as he feels mismatched eyes follow his every move. White eyes lock with the taller man’s as he wades over, clawed finger reaching out to touch lightly at soft skin as he pulls himself in close to the Captain. Full lips brush over built shoulders as they embrace, both men simply holding the other as the quiet sounds of the river filter in around them. Kso’ppghiel whispers into warm skin. “You, like this water, are capable of washing so much away.” A smile forms on the white haired man’s lips as he leans down to touch his mouth to the junction where shoulder meets neck and he nips softly before pulling back enough to speak directly against warm skin. “I will always be here for you… willing and eager to wash the pains of your past away…” Kso’ppghiel lifts his head at the same time the Captain does, white eyes half lidded as he turns his head enough to meet the other man’s mouth with his own while clawed hands slide down the blonde’s structured body to rest on his hips, the kiss shared deepening with every second that passes them by. Kso’ppghiel pulls them further into the river, slowly walking until the water reaches their chest and speaking into the kiss. “Thank you… you know it is returned…” He brings their hips in close, body making full contact as their lips meet once more for a kiss that drowns out the rest of the world around them. The blonde breaks off for only a moment as he reaches below well muscled thighs to lift Bal’thial up to straddle his waist. “For all our years.” He suspends the taller man above hard flesh before lowering him slowly, their eyes closing as soft moans leave them both. Long arms slide quickly over broad shoulders to wrap around the blonde’s neck, Bal’thial’s head dipping down while the Harbinger remains deep inside for the space of a few heartbeats longer before he’s slowly lifted away. Clawed fingers tighten their grip around his thighs as he nearly pulls free before dropping the taller man against him to thrust in again, the water rippling out around them and long plaits streaming along the surface as another set of soft moans slip from them both. Metal adornments chime as he tilts his head to the side, trailing full lips along the side of the blonde’s neck as he marks a path towards a pointed ear to rip the softest of strangled cries from Kso’ppghiel’s throat when sharp fangs bite down moments before he whispers directly in and another hard thrust brings their bodies together again. “Death will not even be able to keep me from you…” The warmth of their bodies in contrast to the cool water around them heightens the sensations that move through them. Kso’ppghiel turns his head to claim Bal’thial’s bloodstained lips in desperation of needing to claim all of this man in his arms. The Captain’s clawed fingers thread into blonde plaits, gripping harshly as the thrusts increase in speed. The blonde’s fangs nip lightly at full lips as his own claws sink lightly into the warm flesh as his grip on Bal’thial’s thighs tightens. Both men loom over the edge that draws closer with each meeting of their forms. The tall Captain’s head falls back, clawed fingers gripping even tighter in strands of white blonde as their bodies snap together beneath the water’s surface, the pain and pleasure combining to force him into release. Kso’ppghiel’s mouth touches the warmth of the other man’s neck, the low sound spilling into the air above reverberating against his lips and with one final bone jarring thrust inside he falls quickly as well. Bal’thial’s legs tighten around his waist as harshly as his own grip, his own moan muffled by heated skin as it washes over his entire body while he remains deep within. Combined heavy breathing soon replaces their moans as they stay locked together tight for many long moments after before the white haired man’s head slowly drops to meet the Harbinger for a soft and gentle kiss. Pulling away just a little when they manage to break, the smile that graces the Captain’s mouth is wide as he speaks directly against full lips. “For a man who had no desire for physical contact before the day we met… you do well…” Kso’ppghiel smirks as his lips meet Bal’thial’s once more. “I suppose I am making up for lost time. It is quite easy when the one I am bedding is so desirable, however I want no other touching me.” Both men’s eyes close as they lean against each other, letting their worlds be drowned out by the sounds of the river around them. After several long minutes, they pull free, attempting to bathe as originally intended before wading back to the shore. The blonde smiles as he watches the taller man take a fresh set of clothing from his bag, white eyes moving over every detail of muscle before settling on his hair. He reaches forward, pulling gently on long, white braids. “These will need to be redone soon.” Slipping the ties to his pants together, Bal’thial smiles while clawed fingers continue to trail over his braids. “Yes… perhaps in the next village we will find another female willing to take on this task, unless you would volunteer.” Mismatched eyes slide back to meet white as the pull away and up to his gaze as his smile turns a little wicked. “I do have a lot of hair and it will take hours to reform… so it means their hands will be on me for a while…” “Perhaps you should have allowed that young girl at the last village to do it.” The blonde muses as he throws a tunic on. “I am sure she would have been blushing the entire time.” Kso’ppghiel turns away, reaching down to pick up their wet clothing to wring the linen out. “I believe I am capable of the task, though I think I would enjoy possessively staring you down as I make some female uncomfortable by my looming presence.” He laughs. Pulling his own tunic over his head, the white haired man laughs. “I think I would enjoy this as well.” Turning towards the Harbinger as he continues to wring their clothing free of the excess river water, Bal’thial moves to step in close behind him. Touching the tip of a clawed finger to the base of his neck, mismatched eyes follow his own movements as he begins pushing light blonde strands off to his side. “So now I find myself torn between allowing another to play with my hair simply to see the reactions given at your presence…” layered locks fall over a broad shoulder and Kso’ppghiel’s movements slow as the Captain leans down speak near his ear. “…or relish the feelings of your own hands tending to this matter because I might not be able to control myself while you do it.” A sly smile forms over the blonde’s lips. “I do not have the proper brushes and combs to remove your braids nor the ties and adornments to place once they are redone. We may have to enlist the help of a female for this.” He turns his head back, brushing the Captain’s lips with his own. “Once this is done I would be able to properly tend to your hair in the privacy of our room as I feel a fire sounds really beneficial to our current state.” Kso’ppghiel bundles the clothing in his hands as he turns to face Bal’thial. “But if we do not hurry, the sun will have set before we reach the next village.” Reaching forward, the tall Captain pulls the bundle of damp clothing free of the other man’s hands with a smile. “If I did not know better Harbinger,” he starts while turning to move back towards his steed. “I would say you were afraid to travel in the dark.” Laughing softly when the blonde reaches out to hit in long white plaits, Bal’thial makes his way over to deposit the clothing into the leather sack before mounting his horse, mismatched eyes meeting white as he pulls back on the reigns to allow the one below access to his own. Within moments, Kso’ppghiel has mounted as well and a soft kick later, both men are moving away from the river’s bank and back onto the trail they’d been traveling before.
|
