Men who play games of war and soldiers born from circumstance...
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Scroll 06 : 04
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Small droplets of water begin to fall on the pair as they make their way along the riverbank as the sun sets. The forests had slowly begun turning into scrubland hours back, allowing them to see more of what lie around them. They would pass the occasional mercenary, pointing them in the direction of the nearest large clan that was described to them in ways that made Bal’thial think it was his old one. The blonde only hoped that was the case as he could see the day beginning to wear heavily on the Captain and he was becoming more concerned. The young girl continued to try and hold curious conversations with Kso’ppghiel but his answers were becoming shorter as she attempted to delve into his history and most other things he prefer not to remember. He was tired and only wanted to spend the night holding Bal’thial close to him, keeping all other creatures at bay. The man up ahead pulls back on his reigns and comes to an abrupt halt, blue and green eyes narrowing through the darkness to stare up ahead in a movement that causes another sharp pang to ring through his head. A clawed hand slides up to motion for Kso’ppghiel to stop as well and a moment later, Bal’thial is dismounting his steed, his gaze constant on a darkened patch of trees that lay before them. Reaching over, the Harbinger grabs for the reigns as the tall Captain is unhooking his weapon from its place on the animal’s side and he glances up to offer the other man a brief smile when he looks down in question. “Someone is there… give me a moment because I am pretty confident I know who it is…” Kso’ppghiel nods, dismounting his own horse and watching as the white haired man moves closer to the trees that hide their company. White eyes shift as a small shadow moves to his side and the young girl settles near him. He does not see the other and that worries him slightly. He will be happy once they are safely returning to the eastern coast by themselves. A small sigh leaves him as Bal’thial moves in closer. If this is a sign of the Captain’s old clan, it won’t just be those shadow creatures he will be proving his claim over the white haired man to. The white haired man’s weapon clicks into place on the holster at his back as he moves swiftly forward, his footfalls surprisingly quiet despite the rain that begins to grow heavier from above. His eyes remain trained on the shadowed trees up ahead and he smirks slightly when the tiniest of shifts tells him that his earlier suspicions were correct in who is waiting for him in the darkened shroud. The moment he steps a few paces in the figure spring at him from behind and a second later he’s unhooked his weapon and is swinging it around to counter the blades aimed for his head. Blue and green eyes meet silvery gray for an only a moment before he pushes the man back with a movement that causes him to slam harshly onto the muddied floor below and as the dual blades clang off to the side, he swings his serrated sword in a circle before pushing it at his throat. “Have not changed your tactics at all have you?” he smirks down as silvery eyes widen a bit in surprise when recognition sets in. “Do your ambushes ever actually work?” “…Thial?!” the mercenary says as Bal’thial’s weapon is sliding away and a moment later the taller man has re-hooked his sword to his back and is extending an arm that he gladly takes. “We wondered what in the hell happened to you once the general died.” He continues once he’s back up on his feet. “A lot of us thought you’d gone and offed yourself out of grief.” The tall Captain can’t help the laugh that escapes him, an action that comes to a quick halt when the pain sharpens behind his eyes mercilessly and he pulls a clawed hand up to his temples briefly before shaking his head. “Got offered a position I could not refuse.” He says while the other man is retrieving his weapons. “Queen Io’fayl.” The mercenary stops and looks quickly back, flashing Bal’thial a look of ‘you are insane’ that he smiles at. “It was a good position, despite her tactics in the field, she is a fair Queen to those who serve under her so long as you follow her rules and earn her respect.” Or… at least she had been until she’d had the Harbinger brought in… Lifting his weapons up, the mercenary shakes his head. “Only someone as crazy as you would ditch our clan without even a word said to run off and serve under that warlord and then come back looking no worse for wear.” A chuckle leaves full lips and Bal’thial begins moving back through the darkness towards the clearing up ahead. “If only you knew.” He smirks before motioning his head in a brief flick that he quickly regrets. “Come, I have a companion… one I want you to meet. That and I need to speak with Dir’ann about something of great importance.” He glances back with a half smile. “I am assuming he took over?” “Oh, he took over all right.” The other man smirks as he follows the Captain out into the rain. “And he’ll be ecstatic to see you come waltzing back in I’m sure.” Kso’ppghiel stands quiet and still as the two men slowly return. Something wasn’t right with Bal’thial, as if his head was in pain, but the Captain had not mentioned anything to him voluntarily. He will have to ask later and hope he will receive a truthful answer. White eyes glance to the side only to find the girl’s shadow gone, all traces of either creature disappeared to where he can only assume they are watching and waiting. At least this seems to be a person from Bal’thial’s old clan from how friendly they are. A small measure of relief washes over him in hopes that their task will soon be over. By the time the pair make it back to where Kso’ppghiel stands with their horses, the rain is in a downpour and soaking them all thoroughly to the bone. Silvery gray eyes sweep over the stationary man, narrowing in the slightest as he sizes the Harbinger up. The tall Captain smiles when the blonde’s white gaze meets his and he points back towards the one standing behind him, “We have found what we were looking for.” He states as he steps slightly to the side “Kso’ppghiel, this is Yu’seal, an old clan mate of mine. He is not real adept at anything worthwhile, but a good guy when the moon is in the right spot and someone we can trust. He will be taking us to the others.” “Hey now.” the mercenary says as he steps forward, reaching out to hit the white haired man’s arm with a smirk. “Thirty years you’ve been gone and you come back to prove that you’re still the biggest asshole I know.” Bal’thial laughs a laugh that he quickly stifles when the pain once again streaks through, reaching up soon after to brush his soaked hair away from his face as Yu’seal offers out his hand to the blonde. “Must be a real pain traveling with this one-” He grins with a flick of his head towards the Captain. “-Though anyone who gets him is still lucky indeed. Just keep your eye on him, he has a habit of leaving people behind without bothering to say any goodbyes.” White eyes narrow as the blonde picks up on Bal’thial’s continued pain. It bothers him that something’s not right and he doesn’t know what it is. He could care less about the one in front of him and finds himself unconsciously returning to the cold distance he had when he used to travel between clans on his own, doing everything in his power not to be bothered socially. He can’t even force himself. It was only now seeming strange to him that Bal’thial is the only one he feels… normal around, or that he ever felt normal in the first place. “I am not worried.” Kso’ppghiel smirks as he stays still in the pouring rain, the other finally getting the hint and pulling his hand away when the blonde turns to remove his twin longswords from their ties on the saddle and strapping them to his back. He grabs the horses’ reins and begins walking off, wanting to remove himself from the increasingly awkward situation. “Where is camp?” Silvery gray eyes glance over at the tall Captain’s mismatched gaze, flashing the taller man a look of question that Bal’thial nods is approval before the mercenary answers. “About a mile up the river bank.” The Harbinger doesn’t answer, simply continuing on ahead while the rain beats down from above, causing Yu’seal to flash his old comrade a disapproving smirk. “Not the friendly type is he?” “Why should he be friendly to you, Yu’sa?” Bal’thial says with a quirk of his brow. “Your presence alone could anger anyone… I have not seen you in years and I already want to punch you.” The mercenary reaches out to sock the Captain in his arm in retaliation to his words, pulling a short amused laugh from full lips soon after. “You’re lucky I’m too relieved to see that pretty face of yours again to be insulted, Thial, or I’d take you down for that” Yu’seal snorts. “Take me down?” the taller man scoffs, “You always did have lofty dreams…” sliding a clawed hand up to wave dismissively ahead, his grin is slightly strained. “Now run ahead, be a good little scout and take us to your leader.” An amused smile forms on the man’s lips and he twirls his hand in a circle that sends droplets of rain spattering all around before doing an overly exaggerated salute. “Yes, sir you great white asshole, sir!” spinning on his heals as the Captain smiles at his old comrade’s words while he begins marching away, his expression straightens soon after as blue and green eyes fix on the back of the blonde’s head. He stands in place until the mercenary’s steps have become normal and he’s made his way around Kso’ppghiel and their horses before moving forward, his fingers brought to his temple in an absent try to alleviate some of the hard pressure pounding behind his eyes. It takes him little time to reach the other man and he drops his hand as he steps up behind, trailing claw tips along the line of the blonde’s spine before crossing his hands at his own back to move up enough and keep pace at his side. “I am sorry if I made you uncomfortable. It has been years but with that one-“ he nods towards the lone figure now walking ten or so paces before them. “-and a few others that I am sure you will meet once we break camp, our circle had been pretty close. They are a good lot on a whole… and I am hopeful we will find one in there willing to take our ‘traveling companions’ from us soon.” “It is not him…” Kso’ppghiel sighs as he continues to look ahead. “This was the life I lead and anything social was foreign to me. I am not… comfortable around others, conversing, drinking, laughing. These were things I avoided. I did not realize just how much being around you changed for me and I am finding it hard not to revert to old ways when among soldiers. You are the only one I find comfort in and I apologize if it makes things awkward for you with your old clan or any others we may come across. It is not intentional.” White eyes shift over to mismatched blue and green in concern. “You are in pain. Why is this?” The tall Captain blinks, caught for a moment by surprise at the Harbinger’s question and concern before a soft smile forms on his lips, “It is small.” He answers, pulling clawed fingers up and over to brush at soaked strands of white blonde. “Just a headache that has begun to persist, though I am sure that once we are out of the rain and into one of their tents where I can rest, it will go away.” long fingers travel down to trace along the Harbinger’s jawline before he pulls his hand away and far ahead, silvery gray eyes glance back in time to catch the gesture and a reserved look of surprise crosses the man’s features soon after. “Between being taken by the one and the constant guard we have both had to uphold for these days on end to keep it from happening again, I am not surprised my body is rebelling.” Bal’thial’s smile shifts just a little sly despite the spike of pain that bores deeply into his head. “Some rigorous exercise to wear me out and a full night’s sleep afterwards cradled in your arms… this will be the perfect cure-all, I am sure.” “I hope this is the case… and not another attempt by that creature to claim you. I still do not trust it will let you go freely.” Kso’ppghiel finds himself growing irrationally angry. He himself is tired and between the creatures and the forced socialization he will be doing, he does not like how little control he has over anything that happens to Bal’thial. He is supposed to be able to protect the one he loves. “I only want you safe within my arms.” Claw tipped fingers move to gasp under the taller man’s jaw, bringing him close so their lips meet. Even through the down pour that rains from up above and the darkness that surrounds them, Yu’seal can see the scene behind him clearly as the white haired man and the blonde come to a stop and the kiss that’s shared between them rapidly deepens. He furrows his brows and turns his head away, finding himself annoyed to be seeing a repeat of an old tale playing all over again with a new face. Bal’thial has appeared back after nearly thirty years of being gone and he should be angry for that alone considering the hurt the tall man caused within the clan when he’d disappeared in the first place, but instead there’s a small twinge of an old jealousy he’d thought had died years and years ago pricking inside of his chest. He shouldn’t be surprised at all by what’s happening and he wonders idly as he continues to move forward if that one understands just like their general did that while Thial’s body is being given, his heart has always been closed off. A smirk crosses the mercenary’s lips and he shakes his head with a sigh, finding himself feeling sorry for the blonde at the thought and then just as he’d felt when it came to their general, a little bit of satisfaction in knowing that as well. Clawed fingers travel up to slip into wet strands of light gold as they begin to pull away, a sigh passes through full lips and mismatched eyes closing briefly as he touches his forehead to Kso’ppghiel’s. “I wish for this as well.” His blue and green gaze slips back open to meet white and he smiles. “And when this is all over, we will find ourselves a village not filled with strange magic and find someone to wait on us hand and foot.” “I look forward to this. I also feel I will be spending hours tending to your braids without the aid of a female, simply so I may keep my hands on you at all times.” Kso’ppghiel smirks slightly. “I am at least hoping there is someone within this clan capable of making a decent meal. I am growing tired of horse jerky. I feel I may be able to put my lack of social ability aside for that at least. Though you may have to forgive my possessive leaning and claiming of territory when it comes to you. I am slightly enamored.” He smiles, trying to make light of the situation. Bal’thial laughs softly, wincing in the slightest as he leans in enough to claim another brief kiss before pulling away. “Not an old comrade or new could catch my attentions and hope to hold them when my eyes are filled with you.” Slipping clawed fingers free of white blonde’s locks and reaching out to pull his own horse’s reign free of the other man’s grip, both resume moving forward as he continues. “Though I am again finding myself liking the idea of your possessiveness and do not think I will bother to contain myself in order to gain it when we are in camp.” Kso’ppghiel smirks at his words, his own expression straightening soon after as his tone shifts a little low. “I do not feel either nearby… but I have doubts that they have simply left. I do not like not knowing where they are and I will find myself… unhappy should we find a mate for them and they choose not to claim him.” “I am afraid of this myself. The older one seems obsessed with you. I had spoken with it the other night at its request in attempts to explain things to it, but I do not feel it truly wanted to understand.” A sly smiles forms over the blonde’s lips. “We will be hard-pressed to find someone more desirable than yourself.” The two continue on the rest of the way in silence, interrupted only by the occasional glance Yu’seal would give them as they draw closer to camp. Firelight begins to appear in the distance, followed by the drifting smell of cooking, making Kso’ppghiel instantly hungry. All eyes are on the pair as they arrive, some looking on in confusion while many others in disbelief. The blonde finds himself longing for the dryness of a tent and the warmth of Bal’thial’s embrace, sighing when he knows that will not be a possibility for a long while. Yu’seal leads the pair towards the center and to the larger of the tents that stand while all around them soldiers and mercenaries begin to gather in the rain to watch. Many eyes meet mismatched blue and green through the darkness, many carrying a fair amount of recognition within their depths yet the owners stand back, seeming almost hesitant in their disbelief to approach the two men as they walk. The one at their fronts slips quickly inside as they both come to a halt only to return a moment later and just as he’s about to motion an okay for them to enter, water sprays out as the flap swings open and a tall, dark haired man storms out to greet them. A look of anger tinted with disbelief is painted on his features as he moves swiftly towards the two, his bright purple eyes locked solely on the white haired man. “You son of a bitch!” he exclaims and a moment later his fist is balled as he’s making a swing for Bal’thial’s face. “How dare you waltz back in here after all this time, do you have any idea what you put us through?!” Without even blinking a clawed hand is brought up to block the hit but instead of contacting, the other man changes the path of his arm to wrap them quickly around the Captain in order to embrace him tight, catching everybody, including the white haired man off guard. “We thought you’d died you bastard.” He whispers as he turns his face down against soaked skin. “Thirty years and you couldn’t send us one word to let us know you were still amongst the living?” Bal’thial’s gaze slips to the side to meet the Harbinger’s briefly before he sighs as the blonde eases his hand off the hilts of one of his swords. “You are embarrassing yourself in front of your men, Dir’aan” He says soon after with a smile. “And me as well in front of my companion, I have been here for less than a minute and you are already acting like the female I had always suspected you to be and I have no doubt that if you continue, you will have a mutiny on you soon.” A smirk forms on the man’s lips and he pulls back. “Haven’t changed at all have you?” slipping his arms completely free of the white haired man’s body he makes a dismissive motion towards the gathered crowd. “These jokers couldn’t fight their way out of a pig pen without me and they know it-“ his words earn him a few grunts throughout as he continues. “You on the other hand, have some explaining to do. Which will happen out of the rain, come on.” Turning around, Dir’aan nods towards Yu’seal who moves to take Bal’thial and Kso’ppghiel’s horses as he makes his way back into the tent, the surrounding mercenary’s eyes still watching their every move as they begin to follow. Kso’ppghiel just blinks. He feels very out of place, he always did which is one reason he avoided conversing in the first place for all those years. Though if nothing else, he is happy to get out of the rain. The large tent didn’t contain much, mainly a nicer pile of furs a small table and a few lanterns, but it was nicer than anything they’d seen in the past few days. The blonde unstraps his swords, leaning them against the side as the other two sit at the table, smiling and laughing. “So what in the hell happened to you?” the dark haired man says as he’s sliding three embossed mugs in-between them and filling the cups soon after. “Yu’seal bawled his eyes out when you disappeared, you know that don’t you?” he shakes his head, purple eyes glancing briefly over towards the blonde and then back again. “A few of us did. No one cared when the general kicked the bucket, but you? I had a clan full of crying women on my hands when you didn’t come back afterwards…” Bal’thial snorts softly, furring his brows when the pain behind his eyes spikes hard as he reaches forward to pull the nearest mug towards him, his tone serious. “A lot happened to me and it is something I will have to save for another day.” Tilting his head back, mismatched eyes meet white and he motions for the Harbinger to come sit at the free stool besides him as he holds the cup out for him to take. Bright purple narrow just a little and slide over once again to size up the man moving towards them, a soft frown playing on his lips until the tall Captain turns his attentions back once Kso’ppghiel takes the cup to be quickly replaced with the expression he wore previous. “My companion and I found ourselves in the company of some …unusual creatures who are in need of our help and I thought you would be the best suited in helping us help them.” “Oh…?” Dir’aan wonders as he looks up towards the blonde in question. “What sort of creatures?” Kso’ppghiel notes the subtle shifts in the white haired man’s face. The pain he was feeling was not lessening, he needed rest but he was unsure this group would let him actually get it. They seem a little… enamored by Bal’thial and while that doesn’t really bother him beyond his normal need to clearly show where the Captain’s interest lie, it bothers him that he won’t be able to be left in peace. Clawed fingers move to grasps onto Bal’thial’s arm, showing him a measure of silent support before he speaks, earning a smile from full lips. “Female, a very powerful one, is in need of a strong mate. Bal’thial thought if there was anyone worthy enough for her, it would be among your men. We have traveled many days to reach you and the journey has not been particularly easy.” The clan leader quirks his eyebrow, glancing at the tall Captain to Kso’ppghiel and back again. “You… are joking right? I don’t see you for thirty years and you come to tell me that you are bringing me a… female?” Clawed fingers slide up to his temple absently and the white haired man sighs, his other hand shifting over to touch Kso’ppghiel’s and return the earlier grasp when he suddenly senses the creature’s presence somewhere behind. He’s about to open his mouth to answer when the flap of tent slips open, bright purple eyes and a set of white shifting back to find the very creature they were discussing stepping through. “I desire a mate.” She says matter of factly as she continues to move towards them, her deep gaze locked with Dir’aan’s. “His companion told no lie.” Slipping his hand down, mismatched eyes glance up to meet bright purple and Bal’thial offers him the softest of smirks. “The details of this are something you two can discuss while we find ourselves some rest.” Dir’aan simply stares at him, a bit dumbfounded as she stops directly behind the blonde as he’s rising up and turning, her pupiless dark gaze narrowing and sliding soon after over to rest on the white haired man’s face as he’s rising up as well. The tiniest of smiles cracks momentarily on her lips before she glances slyly back to meet the Harbinger’s white eyes. “I trust you will be able to handle it from here. We are in great need of rest for the night, your younger counterpart can relay to us any concerns in the morning.” The blonde steps in front of Bal’thial protectively, cutting him off from her view as he moves them towards the entrance. He turns back briefly to address Dir’aan, bright purple eyes still highly confused. “I apologize for the briefness this night, but Bal’thial will be a much better conservationist once he has slept. It has been a very long journey. Please forgive us.” Without waiting for an answer, he grabs his swords and directs them both out of the tent into the open night sky. The rain continues to beat down from above and the tall Captain closes his eyes briefly once the flap swings closed behind them, allowing his head to fall back in the slightest as a sigh slips past full lips. “Thank you for that, Kso’ppghiel…” he says quietly, enjoying for only a moment the coldness of the rain against the pain that pulsates throughout his head before he reopens his eyes and allows his gaze to slide down towards the blonde. “At this moment I am finding I have neither the energy or willpower to subject myself to Dir’aan’s inquires for the last thirty years of my life any more than I wished to remain in the company of that creature once she deemed fit to reveal herself again…” “You need rest… real rest. Though with you being so popular here I am sure they will make it hard for you to get it.” Kso’ppghiel looks around at the various eyes that had started to watch them when they’d emerged. “I do not mind staying for a bit to allow you to appease their curiosity of the past thirty years absence, but I will be adamant that you be well enough first.” He sighs. “I can only hope their… negotiations go well. I am not looking forward to dealing with both her apparent claim on you as well as theirs.” The blonde shakes his head. “But that is not important right now, only that you sleep.” Bal’thial smiles despite the pain and he drops his head, turning to face the other man as a clawed hand is sliding up to brush wet strands of white blonde locks away from Kso’ppghiel’s face. “And in your arms, I will…” tracing over with the tip of his finger, the taller man sweeps along the line of the Harbinger’s lips and begins to lean in before the sound of his name stops his motions in mid-track. Both mismatched and white eyes slide over and he slowly pulls his hand away, both men turning in time to find Yu’seal nearly at their fronts. “Some of the guys volunteered a tent for you two, Thial” he grins at them both, doing what he can to mask the annoyance he felt only a moment ago at the scene he’d just interrupted. “Few steps from mine, but one of the nicer ones. I’ve already saddled your horses with the rest and that big hunk of metal you call a sword and all your belongings are inside. Come on” Nodding with his head, he turns to lead them through the maze before them. “Food too and water, because I figured you’d need it.” Silvery gray eyes glance back and he smirks. “even with the pair of you looking like drowned dogs.” “It is better than we have had… thank you.” Kso’ppghiel forces himself to be polite for Bal’thial’s sake. They follow that other man through the tent lines as various men peek out to watch them pass through before finally reaching their tent. From the open flaps he can already see the dry furs and warm food awaiting them, smirking to himself when he notices that the furs that make up their beds are seated on opposite sides of the enclosure. He allows the Captain in first, white eyes looking around for signs of the creature before he enters himself behind Yu’seal and pulls his swords off his back. “We are in need of rest…” Kso’ppghiel says pointedly at the man who grins at them, staying just a little long for his comfort. Silvery gray eyes shift over towards the taller man, a slight tint of a hopeful look painted on his features before Bal’thial sighs to himself when he realizes that the mercenary isn’t taking the hint and turns around to face him, motioning towards the entrance with his head and regretting the action immediately after when the pain spikes hard behind his lids. “Unless you plan on watching us sleep, this would be the time you took your leave Yu’sa. We will speak again tomorrow” Yu’seal blinks, caught for a moment off guard as the disappointment flashes across his face, he quickly smiles to hide it and nods. “Ah, sorry about that ‘Thial. Right. Tomorrow then.” Glancing over at the Harbinger, he nods just a little quickly before moving towards the tent’s threshold. Reaching the flap, he begins to open it up and step through but stops and turns back to address them again. “If you need me, both of you I mean, if you need anything, I’m just a tent over.” “Goodnight, Yu’sa” the tall Captain insists with a smirk. “Right. Okay.” Yu’seal smiles in the slightest and turns away “Good to see you again, Thial. Really… I’ve mis- we’ve all missed you a lot.” And with that he steps outside and into the rain, the leather flap slapping closed soon after. The instant they are alone again, the white haired man’s hand is brought up to his head and metal adornments capping long winding horns chime as he begins to double over when he loses the composure he’d been working so hard to maintain. Wet braids slide forward and spill across broad shoulders moments before he finds himself caught by Kso’ppghiel’s hand, his face sinking against wet skin soon after when he touches the place where shoulder meets neck, strained words whispered through gritted teeth. “This pain… is growing unbearable.” The blonde eases them down towards the floor of the tent, steadying Bal’thial until he is seated. “This is not the normal pain of rough travel and poor sleep.” He rises, ignoring his pangs of hunger as the smell of warm food reaches him and walks over to grab a set of furs and dry clothes, dragging them close to the other before returning to the Captain’s side. Kso’ppghiel eases the white haired man over. “Lie down and rest. I will discover the cause of this.” He sighs before speaking out into the empty part of the tent. “Child… I need to speak with you.” There is no answer for a few moments and only the sounds of the rain beating against the tent’s surface fills the air as Bal’thial slides a long leg up and sets his forehead against his knee. The Harbinger repeats the demand and again he gets no response, mismatched eyes working their ways open to stare down at the furs beneath him as he gathers himself enough to speak but before words can leave his lips his attention is drawn soon after as both find the shadowy form of the younger creature wavering softly at the corner of their tent, her glowing eyes fixed solely on the blonde. …she does not like the one she is speaking to. She does not want him as our companion… “I do not care what she wants, she does not have to have him as her companion, there are many others. That is not the point.” He looks down at Bal’thial briefly before his eyes return to the glowing orbs. “He is ill, this is not a normal sickness, this is not from travel or lack of sleep. What has she done to him? She must stop or she will kill him.” Kso’ppghiel cannot help the edge that creeps into his words as he speaks. “He is not hers to do as she pleases with. I am tired of this game. I am tired of having the one I love in pain, claimed by creatures and men that do not own him. I care nothing for what she wants. We are doing this as a favor to you both. She stops or we leave beyond her reach right. now.” The shadowy figure wavers momentarily at the Harbinger’s words before she answers. She… is not hurting him on purpose. She wants… to show him her name. It is his denial of it that causes the discomfort. Metal adornments chime as the tall Captain lifts his head free of his knee, blue and green eyes sliding over to stare at the glowing orbs that shimmer inside the shifting mass of shadow. “Bode his words well, little one.” he starts in a tone that is low and strained, every edged word he manages worked through gritted teeth. “I do not wish to know her name and I grow just as tired of being claimed as he does. My patience for these games has run out. You are obviously the more reasonable of the two so I suggest you find a way to convince your other to cease this invasion or there will be no further assistance on our parts. It will not be said again.” Glowing eyes shift back and forth between the two even as Bal’thial’s pained gaze is sliding back closed before she flicks out, her final words echoing softly throughout. I… will make her stop. I promise. Kso’ppghiel sighs as he looks away, arms holding the Captain close while he buries his face in wet white braids. “If she does not stop, we will leave. I do not care if the men do not understand.” He spends several moments simply listening to Bal’thial’s breathing as it relaxes slightly from the strained pants of pain. “You will need food and dry clothing before you actually become sick.” Clawed fingers reach for the dry articles, pulling them close as he moves wet braids away from mismatched eyes and a small smile graces his lips. “Besides, how are we to make the other men jealous if I am not able show my affection publicly.” He begins helping Bal’thial from his wet clothing. The tunic he wears is slipped carefully over his head, sliding past long horns and snow colored braids soon after to allow mismatched eyes to meet white. A soft smile graces the taller man’s lips and he leans back, clawed hands coming to rest on the soft furs below while his gaze remains locks with the man at his front. “Yu’sa seems well aware of our affections…” he begins as Kso’ppghiel slips in between his upturned legs and begins tracing the tips of his claws down the line of his torso to mark a path to the leather ties of his pants. Blue and green eyes slide back closed and the Captain allows his head to fall back as he continues. “and intent on preventing them further judging by the arrangements we were welcomed to.” A sly grin crosses Bal’thial’s lips as the Harbinger’s hands reach his waistline. “Pain or no, I feel we will have little issue in attaining the jealousy we seek…” “His intent means nothing to me and will not keep me from the one I love both emotionally or physically.” Kso’ppghiel’s clawed fingers begin sliding wet pants over structured hips, backing away slightly as he leans down to run his lips over the muscle of Bal’thial’s abdomen. “I would have you take me in the rain if the privacy of a tent was not provided, though I am sure it will amount to little in the way of privacy as is.” Fabric slips down over well muscled thighs and the blonde pulls them away, tossing the pants to the far corner. White eyes return to the one before him as he spends several moments staring at the naked Captain. “Their jealousy is well founded. If I was not with you I would do all in my power to seek that your eyes reflect only myself.” Pushing up and sliding himself forward, clawed fingers slip beneath the hem of the blonde’s own tunic as full lips nearly touch. “For that, my Harbinger, you would not have to work very hard…” tilting his head in the slightest, Bal’thial brushes his mouth briefly while he begins sliding the wet garment up, pulling back long enough to slowly tug the tunic over his head and pull it free of spiraling horns before tossing it towards the growing pile somewhere behind. Kso’ppghiel’s fingers grip just beneath long ears to lock him in place as their lips meet for a fire tinted kiss, and soon he slides strong arms down while it deepens to stop just beneath toned thighs and lift the other man up onto his knees. Mismatched eyes slide back open as he pulls the blonde against him, long fabric covered legs straddling his naked form soon after and he smiles a slightly pain edged smile. “No matter what creature attempts to lay claim or manner of man that tries it as well…” he whispers directly against Kso’ppghiel’s lips as he pulls his hands away from his thighs and slips them around to begin working the ties free. “You are the first and the only I have or will give my heart to.” “The same is returned…” Kso’ppghiel smiles as the shuffling of feet is heard just outside the back of the tent. “It seems our privacy has been interrupted. I see no reason to keep our voices contained when they will already know what is happening within.” Wet fabric is slid off his own hips, the Captain pulling him forward and into a deep kiss that nearly drowns the loud moan that leaves full lips as he is pulled down onto waiting flesh. Bal’thial shifts himself, laying the Harbinger back against the soft fur below, their lips never parting as he nearly pulls free before driving in hard once more. The heat from their bodies nullifying the cold and damp air of the rain filled night. Snow colored braids cascade down to pool around them both as one clawed hand settles near the blonde’s head while the other moves swiftly beneath his body to lift his lower back up just as they snap together again, the resulting moans loud enough to drown the steady drum of water falling from above. Kso’ppghiel’s fingers slip up to wrap around the other man’s structured jaw once more and he yanks Bal’thial’s head down when another hard snap of their hips that drives hard flesh far inside threatens to send him spinning, the kiss they share only managed in between their panting breaths. The pace begins to quicken as the white haired man drives in deeply time and time again to send the Harbinger arching with every movement and ripping low moans from them both. Mismatched eyes open to stare down as the sweat that soon slicks their skin intensifies the friction their colliding bodies provide, the horizon before them clear in the pale features of the one he loves as each new thrust pushes them closer and closer towards a swiftly approaching edge. Clawed fingers thread into wet braids, twisting Bal’thial’s head to the side as the Harbinger’s full lips skim across long ears. Fangs part and he bites down very gently, the sensation increasing the Captain’s thrusts and ripping a strangled cry from within. Kso’ppghiel’s eyes close, the heat of the one above is a feeling he never wants to be without. It does not matter to him who knows or who cares, all that is important is that Bal’thial knows his feelings. Their bodies continue to snap together as the commotion outside the tent increases, neither man aware of the growing audience as loud moans of release leave them both, their lips seeking the other out to create as much contact between their bodies as possible. The taller man slowly slips away without breaking the kiss, the quiet gasp from Kso’ppghiel when he does so interrupting for only a moment. Pulling his hand away from the furs, Bal’thial slides it down to join the other and lift the Harbinger up into his lap as he’s sliding them both back. Clawed fingers travel just beneath his chin, their panting breaths nearly matched when they finally break for need of air. Blue and green eyes tinged in only the slightest traces of pain meet white, an amused sort of smile gracing his features when he realizes they have company failing to mask themselves somewhere outside. “It has eased…” he says just loud enough to carry above the rain. “You, as always my Harbinger, are able to sooth over any wound with this body of yours and for that...” leaning up, their mouths meet once again for a brief kiss before he pulls back enough to whisper. “…I am grateful.” “I am glad.” Kso’ppghiel smiles. “Though I still require you both eat and sleep. Ease of pain does not negate the need for ease of travel.” His eyes flick towards the whispering voices beyond the tent walls. “And in my arms I will make sure this happens…”
 Kso’ppghiel’s expression turns cold in return and just as he’s turning away, a soft sound catches his attention off to the side. A younger mercenary with dull orange eyes motions towards him, the look on his face that of mixed curiosity and contempt. “Hey.” He says as he starts to move closer. “You’re the one traveling with him aren’t you? Is it true? What they’re all saying? He’s coming back right? You joining too then?” The blonde looks at him incredulously, Bal’thial had given no indication of any such thing the entire time. White eyes just stare at the younger mercenary until he shifts out of discomfort, Kso’ppghiel’s gaze turns out ahead into the sunrise as he answers. “No. Your information is incorrect. Bal’thial will not be rejoining your clan as I will not be joining with him. He as a common soldier would be an insult to his leadership and skills.” A hard look of annoyance flashes across the mercenary’s face, mixed with a fair amount of disappointment at the Harbinger’s words. “Who do you think you are?” he starts as he balls his fists ”talking like you know anyth-“ “You’ve got no sense in you at all, do you?” Yu’seal interrupts the man in mid sentence and both sets of eyes turn to find the other mercenary standing a few paces away, his silvery gray gaze locking with dull orange. “Leave or you’ll be on cleaning duty for the next week.” The younger man’s face flushes bright, dull orange eyes flicking back towards the blonde before he nods a quick nod, turning on his heels and storming off soon after. Yu’seal shakes his head. “You’ll probably be getting a lot of that while you’re here… pay it no mind. There’s a bunch of new ones that’ve joined over the years, after he up and left and they’ve only heard stories. But there’s a lot who remember him as well… and miss him. Those ones aren’t too happy about the ‘show’ they got treated to last night.” He laughs a bit to himself. “Their own fault for spying really, but you being with him has dashed a bunch of new hopes that’d sprung up when he walked back into camp.” His included, as much as he dislikes that fact. “Bal’thial has told me this would be the case.” Kso’ppghiel smirks to himself. “He has informed me of his history with this clan and a few members within it, including the one who gave him his sword. I am… not concerned. I know there are many who do not think I am worthy or capable of understanding him. I know the eyes that follow him, more than you may be aware. I am still not concerned, I know where his heart lies.” White eyes move back to silvery gray. “And those that continue to come for a show will get one.” Yu’seal smirks. “Pretty confident, but I guess you’d have to be in order to work him into bed.” Shaking his head, the mercenary sighs as he crosses his arms beneath his chest. “Honestly, don’t take this the wrong way because I’m not trying to start anything with you. Thial’s my friend and while he may have been gone a long time and I’m not up to date yet on his life during the time he’s said he’d spent in the southern territories, don’t get too attached to him. He’s got a way about him, pulls people in and always has. He’s never been lacking in potential suitors, male or female as I’m sure you’ve already found, and while he’s real good at taking, he’s not too good when it comes to giving back. Our previous clan leader tried for years with him, years, and Thial still never opened that heart of his up. In the end he got himself killed for it… went soft in a way chasing an impossible dream. Thial’s got a habit of doing that to people without meaning it and while I know that you’ve got to be something special or you wouldn’t be with him, I can tell you that it’s not going to last so just… don’t let it ruin you the way I’ve seen it ruin others.” Kso’ppghiel laughs aloud. “I tried to kill him from the moment he showed his face to me. I was dragged around like a dog on a leash, beaten by his own hand because of orders. I pushed him away, wanted nothing to do with him, nothing to do with anyone. He made the first move, he chose me over a Queen, risked his life to free us and continues to risk it this day. He is a good man by nature but good does not explain that level of devotion, there is heart involved. He is also not a liar. If Bal’thial professes his heart and his love to me, then I have little choice but to believe him, and it is returned. You may ask him yourself, I am no suitor and this is no dream.” In fact, the Captain woke him up from a dream, and he will be forever grateful. He would honestly prefer that mercenary ask Bal’thial, if only to make the truth known. “Sounds…” Yu’seal starts as he unfolds his arms, not quite sure of what he should make of the words the other man has said. “Sounds like you two have some interesting history and I gotta admit I am curious… so I guess I’ll be asking him to elaborate la-“ “You have not changed much have you Yu’sa?” a familiar voice interrupts from behind and both men turn to find a slightly disheveled, sleepy Bal’thial standing at the corner turn of the tent, a clean pair of linen trousers hanging low on structured hips and the tunic he wears untied and partially off a broad shoulder. Haze filled mismatched eyes find their ways to silvery gray, a smirk forming on his lips as a clawed hand is traveling up to push long braided plaits back. “Loud enough to wake the dead… Not everyone begins their day before dawn has broken.” Turning back towards the taller man, his silvery gaze sweeps over the Captain before he can stop it before he shakes his head. “Well sleeping beauty, I’d always said that you get too much of it and it’d make you silly…” pulling his eyes away from the white haired man and allowing them to slide over to meet Kso’ppghiel’s gaze, he smirks. “Guess I wasn’t too far off there.” Turning back, he begins walking away and just as he reaches Bal’thial’s stationary form he reaches out to touch at his shoulder. “We have things to discuss when it suits you.” Slipping his hand away, he continues on and disappears into the maze behind them to leave the pair alone. Blue and green eyes slide back to meet white and he smiles a little slyly, ignoring the few that have slowed behind to watch both he and the one he loves. “The furs are no substitute for your warmth. But… now that Yu’sa’s woken me up with that loud voice of his, I am finding I am in need of a bath. Care to accompany me to the river?” Kso’ppghiel smiles as he moves in close, full lips brushing the Captain’s. “I would love to.” Claw tipped fingers reach out to grab one of Bal’thial’s larger braids to drag him along playfully as he begins walking. “It seems rumors have already started. A younger soldier was under the impression you were rejoining the clan and I was joining with you. He was very upset when I told him the truth of the matter. Your friend there also felt the need to warn me about your bedroom habits and not to get too attached as your heart is never given despite the long line of suitors you have. I told him I was not concerned.” He smirks. “I feel I am enjoying their scrambling to try and convince me of how closed off you are. I must be a poor, delusional fool to think otherwise.” White eyes slide back to meet mismatched blue and green. “How is your head faring?” “It is much better.” The taller man answers as he reaches out to flick at strands of white blonde while he continues to be led by his own braid. “Not quite what it was, but better. Though I did have some dreams I am not too fond of and I am not convinced they were entirely innocent as far as our traveling companions are concerned…” Mismatched eyes shift to the side when a face he used to know stops to gawk at them both and he smirks while they move past. “I have to say that I am not surprised Yu’sa would take it upon himself to ‘warn’ you of my habits. He had been vocal in his displeasure of me finding my way into Eer’sanel’s bed back in the day, made it his duty afterwards to educate anyone and everyone of my cold hearted ways.” A small chuckle slips free and he shakes his head. “Personally I felt he had been trying hard to scare them all so that he would get his own chances. But whether those chances were with myself or the general, I had never quite worked out. Seems more habit for him now if he has had that ‘talk’ with you as well.” “I have no doubts that creature will continue to try and stake her claim.” Kso’ppghiel shakes his head. “There is a longing in Yu’seal’s words and actions I am not sure he realizes. He spoke with little emotion when it came to your previous leader, yet much when it came to the warning about you. I think it is rather safe to assume his sights were on you the entire time. It seems in poor form to start rumors about the very person he wants in order to drive others away. Friendship or not, thirty years have passed, longer time than I have been alive. Much can happen to a person to change their ways if I am any indication. He is wrong to assume anything about you, good or bad, at this point.” “Ah, but most in this clan run on assumptions…” the tall Captain smile as Kso’ppghiel leads him out of the encampment, both men continuing on towards the river. “If the rumors of my return are any indication there. One night I have been back in and already there seems to be plans for my rejoining, as well as yours…” shaking his head, Bal’thial smirks. “The sad thing about that is I am mostly sure of who started that particular rumor and I will have to speak to him about it later…. Considering I will have to speak to him anyway of the meeting that took place after we took our leave and left both he and that creature alone.” Mismatched eyes glance back towards the camp even as the sounds of rushing water begins to reach their ears. “Speaking of those creatures… I do not trust either have gone, despite the fact that I cannot feel their presences. I suppose it would be too much to hope that they had found a companion already in that group.” Kso’ppghiel lets the braid fall free of his fingers before slipping his tunic over his head when the river comes into view. “No, I feel this will take a bit of time. The creature did not like the clan’s leader apparently. I am hopeful it will find another in this encampment that it can come to mutual agreement with.” He smiles slyly. “I do wonder if Yu’seal would find her desirable. Either way, I feel the younger of the two would inform us if they have found a compatible mate. I also feel the inquiries will not stop towards my person and I will have to repeat myself many times.” The two men reach the water, clothing tossed in a pile near its edge as they slowly walk into the cold river, ignoring the shuffling of leaves in the trees behind them. A clawed hand slides up behind the Harbinger a few paces into the water and he stops as the taller Captain steps in close to bring their bodies near flush. Sweeping strands of white blonde over a broad shoulder and leaning in as he slips his arm beneath Kso’ppghiel’s to wrap it around his built frame, full lips touching near the nape of his neck and amused words spoken directly against pale skin. “We do seem to have once again, found ourselves with an audience.” Leaving a soft kiss just beneath his hairline, he slides his mouth over to graze sharp fangs at the junction where shoulder meets neck. Clawed fingers reach back to wrap around his thigh and tug his body a little closer, mismatched eyes traveling up to meet the other man’s half lidded gaze as he’s tilting his head down to the side. “Apparently, last night was not enough as they are acting as if they have never witnessed a coupling before…” He grins moments before he twists his head enough to meet the Harbinger’s lips with his own, the kiss they share slow and deep.
 The tall Captain laughs out loud at the scenery with a shaking of his head. “It appears so…” sliding the meat in his hand up to take another bite, he moves towards one set of furs and leans down, long wet braids slipping forward as he lifts them up and throws them towards the other set. “Though which ‘someone’ it is, we have yet to find.” The moment the bedding settles he moves to sit down, sliding a leg up to rest his arm across it while pushing his hair back with the other. “It seems as if more than one in this clan has intent to separate us in some way.” Tilting his head back to meet the Harbinger’s gaze as he lingers near the entrance, he motions for the other man to join him. “I am not sure whether I find it amusing or pathetic in all truth.” Dropping his head with a chuckle, metal adornments capping his horns chime in the moment and soon mismatched eyes fall to his own hair, a sigh leaving him immediately after. “If we do not find peace long enough for these to be redone, there will be no saving them… yet somehow I do not foresee that peace happening any time soon…” Kso’ppghiel moves in to settle down behind the Captain, clawed fingers moving over the ties and metal adornments of his braids. “The least that can be done is to take them out to make it possible to redo them. I believe I would enjoy dismantling them as much as watching a female redo them at a later time.” The blonde begins on the ties that hold together a larger braid, carefully removing the dangling charms and slowly un-piecing it. “Though I would suggest you keep these items close, otherwise there may be a few that will want to take a small piece of you to keep.” He smiles as his claws comb through tangled white hair before starting on the next braid, enjoying the closeness he has with Bal’thial that in the end requires no claim or marking of territory, only the emotion they share. Various colored pupiless eyes peek through the opening in the tent flaps as the two men remain lost to the world around them. Mismatched eyes slowly slip closed and Bal’thial spends a few moments enjoying the feel of the other man’s hands in his hair before he answers, a smile gracing his lips. “Hmm… you are probably right.” Another metal charm clinks in the slowly growing pile at their sides when another larger braid is loosened. “I almost shudder to think about what would be done with them should one of those-“ he nods blindly at the entrance with a smirk. “-were to get a hold of these.” His blue and green gaze slides back open and he drops his head a little, his expression turning serious and his tone thoughtful. “There was a time before that I did not care who touched me or who I touched in return as the meaning behind those touches were never deeper than the surface skin. And now…” the taller man glances back across his shoulder to meet the Harbinger’s eyes with his own. “…I find I am being spoiled by your hands and your touch and I do not wish for any other.” Turning back to close his eyes once more, he laughs just a little. “This was not what I imagined to transpire between us that day I was ordered to bring you in.”
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