crescentview | the dreamer has nightmares

--Right.

[ Of course. By using Adelis as support, Trahearne has inadvertently given himself an excuse to keep his "guard" down and has likely put a little more of his weight on the other than he intends. He drops his hand, rights himself, and shakes his head, as though willing his drowsiness away from him. ]

My apologies. I would like to continue this conversation, but this doesn't seem to be the right place to do so. [ He lazily jerks his head towards town. ] I was just on my way to have a coffee. You're welcome to join me, if you've nothing else to do.

[ This tree...is going through it. Not that Adelis pities him, by any means- he doesn't seem like the type of man who needs any to begin with, and that's not something he hands out generously anyway. His features don't get any more impressed even as Trahearne rights himself, attempting to wake himself up with minimal success. ]

Perhaps not, for your own sake.

[ Passing out in the middle of the road would be pretty High Cringe.

That being said, the offer does make him quirk a brow, if only because...that's a first? He's been here a month and a half, and yet he's never really gone anywhere that isn't the library or the bar. It's a luxury he's not used to, but he won't lie and say maybe, just maybe, the idea is a bit tempting. ]

...I suppose there's no harm in it. [ Maybe, a little treat...just a little one. He flickers his gaze towards town. ] Although I believe you'd benefit far more than I.

Then I'll pay. It's the least I can do to make it worth your while.

[ Maybe he just wants company, and what better company than an acquaintance who apparently hails from a land like Orr? It sucks, yes, but at least they'll find something in common by complaining about it.

And Trahearne think that maybe, by talking about it, he'll find some peace of mind and good night's rest at the end of the day.

Without so much as another word, he turns on his heel to continue the path on which he was headed when they ran into each other, coming to the little place in town where they will obtain their coffee. It doesn't take long for them to get seats, and Trahearne orders himself one black coffee. And whatever Adelis wants, he'll order that too.

It'll be a moment before their drinks come, though. Trahearne tilts his head, eyeing Adeils curiously. ]

The goddess promises that we are able to return to our homes upon marriage--many seem eager to do so, having been whisked away in the midst of important business. [ It's probably obvious where this is going. Even though Ostoya is not Orr, he thinks they may as well be the same in his mind. ] Would you want to go home?

[ Hmmm. Well, if he's offering...Adelis eyeballs the taller man for a few more seconds before finally nodding. Better company than some, he supposes, and if he doesn't have to spend anything, all the better.

Even with the barter system in place, he'll probably never stop being the miserly sort.

He follows after just as quietly, brushing his hair back in the onslaught of the afternoon sun, and only gives the building the barest of suspicious glances. It's...cozy? For lack of a better word. He's used to the only establishments doing this being beat-up old taverns, with creaks in their floorboards and chips in their bars.

He, however, takes the same- he's a frugal sort, but he's not going to up and load up on someone else's coin, either. He does have standards.

It is rather obvious where he is going, from the first few words alone- enough he's already anticipating the question before it comes. Adelis idly crosses his legs, leaning his elbow on the table as he peers across at Trahearne. ]

I would not. [ Blunt, as expected. ] I spent the past nine years scraping till my fingers bled just to finally earn my way out, and if I'm to receive that, with no effort on my part? I'll take it, regardless of the glaring issues.

[ Like the kidnapping, and the Goddess' general...everything. ]

While I detest dancing to another's tune, the pros far outweigh the cons- that much I am willing to admit.

[ Due to the simplicity of their orders--two black coffees--it doesn't take much time for their drinks to arrive. As they are set down before them, Trahearne almost immediately reaches for his, bringing the warm cup to his lips. It's nice, and perhaps it's the placebo speaking, but he can feel himself waking up already. As he blows the hot liquid, he peers up to watch Adelis as he speaks.

He nods in understanding, taking a slow sip as he ruminates on his words. Perhaps a bit slower than normal. ]

I thought as much. I would find myself hard pressed to gather the motivation to find a partner knowing my final destination would be a place like Orr.

[ He...isn't sure what the case would be for himself. It's something that needs addressing with the goddess, and...well. Another certain individual.

He places his coffee cup back onto its saucer, piercing amber eyes resting on Adelis's. ]

Would you still marry?

[ In contrast, Adelis doesn't quite automatically reach to down his- he merely wraps his hands around the cup, the warmth doing little to stave off the cold of his skin. It always feels strange, temperature so low despite how hot it is outside, but it's something he's as at least gotten accustomed to.

...It smells good, however. A bit better than the stuff Ryuki makes at home, but he's not particularly an expert on different kinds of coffee yet.

A pale finger taps against the cup, the question not earning anything more than a dismissive snort. Trahearne certainly wouldn't be the first person to ask, but he's getting the same answer. ]

No. [ Fairly resolute in that answer. ] I never had intention to wed back home, and my opinion hasn't changed. I see no point in it.

[ He does not have...the strongest opinion on marriage itself, evidenced by the way his gaze shifts as he takes a small sip of his own drink. Hasn't worked out for anybody he's known.

That, and imagine having feelings? Lol. ]

There are other people better suited for such things. I am not one of them.

[ At first, Trahearne is content to accept what Adelis says at face value. He gives a nod of understanding--he was much the same. Sylvari don't really do weddings, not in the way of humans, and likely not in the way the goddess intends. A promise to stay together can easily be broken by one reason or another--Caithe and Faolain immediately come to mind. But more importantly, his Wyld Hunt, his position as marshal left him much too busy and too concerned with the weight of the world to think about romance, much less staying with someone for good.

Despite how much he would've liked to have the time to think about these things.

But when the other declares how he is not suited for marriage, he pauses. A multitude of reasons cross his mind, but they don't quite add up to him. Adelis may be prickly, but he certainly isn't bad looking. He has seen worse people in relationships, both looks- and personality-wise.

He leans back in his seat, head tilting curiously. ]

What makes you say that?

[ Not to say Ostoya does not have it's fair share of marriages- some people are lucky, finding someone in their limited youth who makes them happy. Others are content for convenience, for their arranged marriages or otherwise. From his personal experiences, however, neither the former nor the latter hold any appeal. Neither have any guarantee of working out, after all.

The question, naturally, earns an eyebrow- he figures that should be obvious, but then again, Trahearne doesn't know exactly who he is. Doesn't know what he does for a living, the jobs he's taken for a few errant coins here and there. Naturally, it wouldn't seem so bad to someone not in the know.

Adelis peers over the soft wafts of steam emanating from his cup, expression unchanging. ]

People in my line of work don't oft live long. [ He has intentions of living past that, of course, but it is a fact of life. The beginning of a hawkmoth tattooed on the back of his hand says enough. ] And the average lifespan of an Ostoyan is around the age of 30. Love and romance are not at the forefront of our minds, when scraping for our survival is far more important.

[ He speaks this with a clinical coldness, like it's nothing more than the weekly weather. ]

And I am not the type of person most would wish to tie themselves to permanently, regardless. Of that, I am fully aware.

[ For long moments, Trahearne stares at him, amber eyes prying at the seams of his layers, trying to get a peek into the depths of who Adelis is.

He understands. He really does. The choice to set the option of marriage aside is a pragmatic one, but things are a bit different now. And it was only a handful of years ago that Trahearne was of the same mind, deciding that he was simply undesirable. That it would be unwise for him to tie himself to another. Yet now, more than ever, he finds himself hoping. ]

But the circumstances of our home hardly matter here, do they not? With love and romance at the forefront of every activity and interaction, and survival essentially guaranteed in such peace, would you still discount such partnership?

And besides, [ He reaches for his coffee again, giving it a little sniff before he takes a sip. ] I wouldn't say that. I'd like to think there's someone out there who thinks of you as a suitable match.

[ he is tired and Saying Shit ]

[ He knows fully well what being dissected with one's eyes feels like. He also knows that's what's happening right now, the piercing gaze of the other rather obvious to someone used to a lifetime of cataloguing even the most minute of reactions. Adelis does not comment on it, of course- taking another sip of his drink , instead.

Certainly, as he listens, this is not Ostoya. There is peace, and no things to steal you away in the night. However, the appeal to him has not increased any, and he finds himself continuing to stare with little twitch of his expression.

Although, the comment about him having a suitable match does garner some form of disbelief. ]

I would. [ Discount it, that is. He's brutally honest, on that front. ] It was hardly ever a prospect that even crossed my mind. I have gotten by alone thus far, and continuing to do so only feels natural. There are far bigger priorities on my mind than searching for a match.

[ Adelis would take the loneliness he buries at times straight to his grave, rather than admit it aloud. As for the second part...he lets his gaze slip to Trahearne's cup before back up to his face, the shadows on his face still obvious. ]

Perhaps you require more of that then I thought. [ Wake up, sir... ] And if they did, I would feel sorry for them. They can certainly choose to chase someone else and not waste their time.

[ Who the hell looks at an assassin and thinks that would be a good husband, anyway. ]

[ Trahearne only hums as he concedes, bringing his cup to his lips for a thoughtful sip. In his own personal experience, he finds little more lonely than insisting on getting by on one's own. He did so for so long, after all, reasonably using Orr as his excuse. He isn't sure if he could do the same now--not after Syrlya. And so in a way he both empathizes and pities Adelis.

In his defense, though, he doesn't see Adelis as an assassin. Just a very good-looking (albeit irritable) person. ]

I suppose it aligns with your intentions to remain. [ He's going to keep his opinions that Adelis could definitely get it if he put his mind to it to himself. He doesn't seem to like that, anyway, and he has no intentions of irritating him further. ] In which case, you're in luck. I can't imagine what it must be like to want to go home but have no prospects of marriage, or vice versa.

[ Trahearne wonders if he sits in the "vice versa" category. He has too many unanswered questions.

Anyway, ]

Regardless, I must offer you my apologies, Adelis. [ He sets his coffee down. ] I did not intentionally subject you to my nightmares.

Edited (no wait i remember what the point of this all is) 2023-02-05 20:44 (UTC)

[ He is aware how some people might view it- he could honestly care less. If Adelis cared much for people's opinions beyond a bit of aggravation, he wouldn't have survived very long. He grew up with the harsh, judgmental sensation of other's eyes on him night constantly, and at this point, he's used to it.

Albeit, this is far less hostility. Trahearne, at the very least, seems to be far too good-willed of a man for that. ]

I suppose they'll simply have to come to arrangements. [ Which is not his problem, because he sure as hell isn't doing so. ] If they're lucky, they can simply wed themselves to someone else in the same situation, and nary spare a thought after.

[ Vice versa does earn a mildly curious look, but he doesn't speak on it. He can't really imagine anybody wanting to do that himself, but power to those who do, he supposes.

The apology is met with another piercing gaze, before he sighs. ]

As I doubt most would. I would hardly wish anybody to see the things I dream of.

[ For private reasons, of course- although he's become somewhat more aware what he considers 'normal' is relatively horrifying for most people. ]

I need not your apologies, but if you insist, then I won't refuse it.

[ Trahearne is much too curious, much too willing to give another the benefit of the doubt to be hostile in his prying stare. Even if it can be a bit overbearing at times, rarely does he ever mean ill by it.

Another sip, and Trahearne realizes how close he is to the bottom of his cup. Does he feel any more awake? It's hard to tell. The sun coming in through the window and hitting his skin seems to help a bit, but not by much.

To pace himself, he sets his cup down. Maybe it just needs a second to kick in. ]

I do. And count the coffee as part of my apology as well. I sincerely hope what you have seen does not linger in your thoughts.

[ Even if his home is much worse. He'd hate the thought of people thinking about the horrors of Orr because of him.

There's a pause, gaze lingering on Adelis before he speaks up again. ]

And I hope your burns have been doing better.

[ He certainly doesn't look more awake, at least to Adelis- who is still eyeballing him over his own half-empty cup. The coffee does him wonders, usually, but even he knows only so much can be done with little boosts here and there- nothing is ever truly a replacement for proper rest.

Adelis merely gives a dismissive shake of the head at that. ]

As I said, I have seen similar, and perhaps worse. It will not haunt me anymore than the usual happenings of Ostoya do.

[ Which is to say, not much. You see a few people's heads explode or become warped and melted of flesh and truly, you've seen them all. The dragon was a bit much, but, well, by far not the most horrifying thing he's seen in his short life.

Adelis avoids his face souring completely at the question, but he turns with a lightly noticeable huff. ]

They are fine, thank you. It will take more than a bit of sunblight to hurt me- it was more an inconvenience than anything else.

[ Sunburn, sunblight, same principal. ]

[ It would be nice if Adelis would not be haunted by anything, even the horrors from his own homeland, but there's only so much of that sentiment that comes across in his sleepy haze. It's fine, though. It's not like Orrian corruption can seep out from the realm of dreams and touch people here (don't go undead adelis!!).

But he does give a satisfied nod at the other's affirmation, though no smile crosses his face this time. Is his incessant talking grating on him? It's hard to filter himself when he's this tired. ]

I'm glad to hear it. If you ever need my help with anything else, never hesitate to reach out.

[ And reach out he does...to his coffee. He contemplates the cooling brown liquid for a moment before he takes a sip. It tastes more bitter like this. Maybe he likes that. ]

Even for bingo, for example.

[ Regrettably, haunted is the default for those born of Ostoyan soil...and he himself, is haunted more than most. In more ways than one. Not much we can do about that one, chief.

While it's a bit more than he's used to, it's hardly the most rambling Adelis has heard thus far, and he can deal with it. ]

There is little I cannot handle myself, but I will keep that in mind.

[ He is, after all, not a fool. Even he knows he can't do everything by himself, try as he might, so he might as well take whoever offers it without needing to seek it himself. His own drink has cooled considerably as well, but the sharp bite is more appealing to him anyway.

He pauses mid-raise of the cup at the offer, before slowly tapping it down. Hm. ]

And is that an offer, then?

[ He doesn't mind the idea of knocking another out of the way, if it is on the table...albeit, he somewhat doubts the other's ability to handle anything particularly tedious right now. For all Adelis knows, Trahearne might fall asleep once that coffee wears off. ]

[ Of course. He doesn't expect to be attending to another's every need at every moment, but he knows not everyone can do everything themselves. And he's always happy to lend a hand to those he cares about.

At least, though, it seems the suggestion has been well-received. ]

It is.

[ Trahearne mirrors Adelis by setting down his cup and reaching...somewhere to produce his bingo card. He idly observes it for a moment (sleepily making sure it is the correct item) before sliding it across the table, facing Adelis. That he doesn't bother asking to see Adelis's means he's more than happy to do whatever the other suggests. ]

Let me know if there's anything that strikes your fancy.

[ He slowly feels the coffee working. Whatever comes of it, he'll manage. Probably. ]

[ Hm. Well, a familiar face is welcome more than most when it comes to his squares, and it's not like he dislikes Trahearne- he's more tolerable than some, even if he has a tendency to get...carried away. Clinic incident, point one.

...Anyway.

Adelis watches him dig out the card in question before letting go of his drink to take it, pulling it over and holding it up for a better look. Blue eyes rake over the options for a moment, pausing on one in particular with the quirk of a brow before he continues his perusal. This is...almost completed, isn't it. ]

You've been rather busy, haven't you. [ Moreso than him, at least. There's not an awful lot of spaces left, all things considered. ] There is certainly few options.

[ Baking is definitely not his forte, and does Trahearne even wear clothes...? Normal ones, like Syrlya. A moment passes, before he hums in thought. While he's not the type to suggest such things off the bat, it is a mutual benefit...might as well offer. ]

Of your remaining, there is one we happen to share. It depends, however, how you feel on the matter.

[ Although judging by these other squares he's already been busy- ]

[ Busy, yes, but at least the little farmhouse in the woods is shaping up nicely. Much better than when they first arrived on the island. Handholding might not be hard work, but it's honest work.

Trahearne slowly finishes off his coffee as he observes Adelis; he's pretty familiar with his own card at this point, he knows what needs to be done, and he's quite honestly not bothered by any of his remaining squares. Not even the more salacious ones.

It's really only been a few weeks and he scarcely blinks at the thought of sex. To think he was so flustered by flirting and handholding on day one. ]

Name it. [ Considering Adelis did not outright say what it was, he has a feeling of which ones it might be. ] Whatever it is, I'm likely all right with it.

[ everything except wearing clothes. ]

[ God, if only handholding was a square of his. It would have practically been free of charge.

He hadn't expected the other to be the sort of man to be so comfortable with that sort of thing, all things considering- Trahearne didn't have the vibes of a man fully steeped in that level of comfort. But perhaps things have changed, or he's simply good at hiding it. Either way, the lack of curiosity has him humming under his breath before he finally picks up his drink again.

Well, he thinks between polishing off the rest, if he's so confident in himself. Who is he to deny a free opportunity?

The empty cup is placed down again, and he meets the other's gaze as he slides the paper back across the table with the tip of a gloved finger. ]

If you're so confident, then. [ So be it, tree man. ] How experienced are you with the prospect of blindfolds?

[ ...If he was a lesser man, he might be questioning why the trees have both been handed specific slots regarding flavors of BDSM, but that's none of his business, really. ]

[ Adelis was obviously put on this island to give them their kink awakening.

It's just as he thought, however. A sly smile crosses Trahearne's face as he leans comfortably back into his seat, crosses his legs, and rests his jaw lightly on his fist. Trahearne's piercing gaze is already settled on the other when he looks up at him, as though expecting this outcome. If this is their shared square, then so be it. At least Adelis isn't a stranger. ]

I can't say I have much experience at all, much less with blindfolds. [ At least he's being honest! ] The prospect does not intimidate me, however.

[ He pauses, eyes beginning to roam Adelis's person. If they're going to do this, then he has to start looking at the other as...not an acquaintance. At least for the time being.

When his eyes lift to Adelis's again, they remain there as he leans forward to retrieve his card and place his empty cup back in its saucer. ]

Will I be blindfolding you? Or do you consider yourself audacious enough to even entertain the thought of blindfolding me?

[ two doms... ]

[ A man's true calling...

The answer earns a blink, but not much else. Perhaps Sylvari really are a more adventurous sort than anticipated, from what he's seen so far. Still, he's not going to complain if there's he's getting none in turn- better for the both of them, then. ]

I would hope something so little could hardly intimidate a man of military status.

[ Honesty is good! He's of a more brutal flavor himself, but this works, too.

Adelis is nothing if not a bit surprised at the suggestion, eyebrow quirking at both the smile and the words in question. Audacious, he says. That isn't the first time he's heard that, but he wasn't quite expecting it from Trahearne's mouth.

There's a shift, leaning forward in opposition to the other leaning back, resting comfortably on the table itself. ]

As I've seen fit to warn others before, you'll find I'm rather difficult to keep down. [ This is the second time he's delivered that warning, but he's being challenged, so he'll humor it. ] But if you think it within your abilities, you're more than welcome to try.

[ try it.mp3 ]

[ There are a few things that scare Trahearne, but none are present in Crescentview. He is safe, generally. Getting blindfolded during intercourse hardly makes the list.

He watches, satisfied, as Adelis leans forward. Nothing was better than a verbal "yes" than a physical one, and he likes that. The corner of his mouth quirks upward further. ]

I would say the very same to you. [ He shifts again, placing the bingo card back in his...putting it away. The air about him shifts as well, as he mentally places himself in roles he has not thought of since arriving here. No one tells him what to do. But Adelis is, as he put it, "more than welcome to try."

He stands, and he feels more awake. The coffee should at least carry him through the activity. And who knows? Maybe he'll actually fall asleep afterwards.

And with that in mind: ]

Come. I will take you to mine.

[ Well, this is a side of Trahearne he didn't think existed. Not that he minds it, of course- it's an interesting development. Perhaps more than interesting, seeing where this is going. A smile of his own quirks his lips, albeit far more smug in nature. ]

Hah. Getting rather bold, aren't we?

[ An off comment, as he watches Trahearne put the card away. He does like bold, when it isn't getting on his nerves, anyway. Adelis is paying rapt attention to the barest shift in the other's posture, in the look in his eyes, and the idea he might be getting more out of this than he originally thought crops up rather fast.

Trahearne stands, and so does he, after slowly uncrossing his legs. ]

If you insist. [ That's a first as well, but not unwelcome, as he moves to follow after the other once he starts to leave. ] I'm certain my roommate grows rather tired of being kicked out, anyway.

[ Congrats on not being #sexiled for the third time, Ryuki. ]

[ Hah. Trahearne gives a quiet chuckle at that. It's a coinflip as to whether or not Kaspar will be home, but--well. It won't be the first time he's brought someone back, and they're generally open with one another, anyway. It'll be fine.

After depositing the money for their drinks, Trahearne turns to leave, the glance over his shoulder being the only signal for Adelis to follow. Is he getting bold? Perhaps in the first weeks of his stay here, he would have been much more flustered, more awkward about this. But he has learned, grown comfortable, and now he has...sort of come to understand that the authority he trained himself to exude at home has a similar effect on people here. Some people, at least.

As he steps into the light and sets the course for the farm in the forest, he slows to allow Adelis to match pace beside him. ]

I have one request of you. [ His tone is serious, his gaze set straight ahead. Despite his polite language, the way he speaks suggest this is non-negotiable. ] I am injured. The wound was serious, but it slowly heals. I ask you do not aggravate it.

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