: STAR-CROSSED SPIES AU :

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek Thelyss had been set up on a double date by his friend Jester.

He was not one who particularly enjoyed social interactions. He had enough of them both in his profession as a model, as well as his moonlight job as a spy for the Dynasty Government. Both sides of him did not have much in the way of time for such frivolities as dates. Certainly he was seen on the arm of quite a few men, but those were for publicity only and otherwise he eschewed any such interactions.

But Jester was Jester, and she was insistent.

Jester had caught him reading some tome on the intricacies of Dunamantic Technology and said that she knew just the man for him. To which case it became a Hurricane; Hurricane Jester coming in to whisk him away. So he decided to go and then at the end of the evening he would tell Jester's mystery man that he was not interested and thank you for his time. But that did not mean that he was going to show up being anything less than the model Essek.

So of course he would dress with care; even though he was sent on crushing this man's hopes he at least wanted it known that he was quite the prize, because he did have a bit of vanity to him.

A small local restaurant was selected on the seaside of Nicodranas, where he was currently on location for a beach shoot. One that specialized in fresh seafood. He wear tight white velvet pants and an off the shoulder slinky tunic, his hair was styled immaculately with little sparkly stars that still managed to hang in those waves.

Jester had told him to carry the book and so he had it tucked underneath his alongside his little beaded clutch. He walked into the cozy little seafood restaurant and glanced around as he surveyed the people to see if he could possibly guess who his date would be. That is, if his date had even arrived yet. ]

Comments

[zauberdecke]

[ In a way, with the truths they were keeping from each other, were they not perfect for each other?

But ah, they could not know that at this point in time-- and neither of them choose to look deeper into the brilliance of the other, so caught up and smitten with their narrative foils.

Essek Thelyss reached into his pocket then and pulled out a little pocket dictionary with zemnian phrases, flipping through it while he was in the other man's arms, the bit of scholarly bent more than apparent. Finally he located the word and then let out a huff. ]

Treasure?

[ausgebrannt]

[Caleb watched Essek pull out a Zemnian dictionary and look up the endearment. He stared for a moment, shoulders shaking with a silent laughter. Well, he had been bested clearly.

The faintest start of a flush at having it called out as well.]

Ja, that's right... it seemed right for someone rare and precious.

[Essek was, most assuredly, both.]

You came prepared.

[zauberdecke]

[ Keep in mind, Essek had not wiggled out of Caleb's arms.. merely shifted so he could pull out the dictionary. A flush of embarassment crept into his cheeks and then he held the book there up against Caleb's chest. It was a pocketsized dictionary after all, so it wouldn't take too much room up there. ]

I am quite simply always prepared, Caleb Widogast.

[ Though he was quite pleased with the nickname and he hazarded. ] Chathtiu means Firefly, it seemed fitting what with your penchant for fire magic, that is alright.. I hope?

[ He looked then to Caleb, the darkening sky that managed to compliment his colouring quite nicely, making the pale skin stand out, the ginger appear almost auburn, and the freckles.. ah those freckles that gave the Professor an almost boyish charm. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Blushing Essek was extremely cute. Caleb had already been so fully charmed, it was no surprise that it only seemed to be growing as he looked at the drow.]

So I can see. Can I admit that I'm impressed? And that it is quite sexy?

[But oh. That was the endearment he'd heard earlier and noted to look up later. He blinked in surprise before his expression melted into a smile.]

More than all right. I like it very much, if you want to call me that.

[Please? Please.] Hopefully you do not mind being Schatz.

[He tightened his arms more securely around Essek.] And perhaps also, mein Sternenlicht.

[Just... throwing that little mein in there shh.]

[zauberdecke]

[ He tested that word upon his lips, saying it very softly. Although, he could not look it up because Caleb's arms were now encompassing and he did not want to escape, instead he rested his head against that shoulder in a manner that only felt a little bit awkward-- and that is because he had never done something like this before. Also Caleb's shoulder was at the perfect level where he could rest his head against it comfortably.

And the scent of this man, it was very very nice and he could not describe it except that he wanted to scent mark the other man like a cat.

How could he not fuck this man? ]

I do not mind being Schatz.. or Sternenlicht, whatever that is.. I am assuming it is something nice, yes?

[ausgebrannt]

[It was nice, being close like this, having the drow in his arms. More than nice. He was hoping he would have the opportunity to get used to it. It was still a terrible idea, but his heart was having none of the logic that his head was trying to introduce into the equation.]

It means 'starlight.'

[Which was, after all, what Essek reminded him of -- clear and bright and beautiful, wrapped in an air of subtle mystery that Caleb very much wished to unravel.]

[zauberdecke]

[ The most terrible idea, both of them were saying this in their own respective minds. That it was not fair to get a civilian involved in all of this and what they had to bring to the table. Essek certainly was thinking of his own life and how it may affect a Zemnian just as that was already precarious with his own position.

A Dynasty spy potentially seeing something from the Empire?

Perhaps this could be a fling, maybe it was better if it was just a fling. Pretend that there wasn't something so beautifully and wonderfully vulnerable about the other man that called out to something within himself, and made him melt. ] I think that you have caused me to lose my breath and that is not very fair.

[ That the Professor could have found that weakness. ] So should we walk around the gardens then? I do not know what else you have planned. [ but there was certainly a bit of time until the date's end.. and then Essek would likely invite the Professor back to his room, a first of course. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[It was a dangerous dance, wasn't it? And neither of them knew that the other man was also dancing it. There was, of course, some irony in this, but it would be a while yet before either one of them would come to realize this.

But then really, what could possibly go wrong anyway? A fling, yes. A fling. That was clearly all. Pay no attention to the way his heart went falling over itself every time Essek spoke.]

If it helps, my heart has decided to forget how to beat in rhythm since I kissed you. So we are something of a pair, ja?

[But oh yes, the date.] Let's walk. I have one more thing planned. There is a path at the other end of the garden that will lead us down to the seashore.

[He had a blanket and a basket stashed on the way as well.]

[zauberdecke]

[ He placed his arm within Caleb's quite trustingly as they walked through the twilight.

There were sections devoted to some of the more popular flowers, but also a little shaded bower from which some of the more night blooming plants grew, the soft scent of lotus and moon lilies floating undisturbed within a pond where koi-fish lingered and swayed.

Patches of evening primrose that was lovingly tended, enough to sweeten the musk of the other flowers around them.

Scattered around where Gardenias which were far more lovely then they had any right to be. It was a romantic evening and the garden was not crowded in the slightest to the point that they had the area to themselves.. and then talked as they strolled, just of their lives and of their plans for the next couple of days, perhaps with Essek it was to figure out how long Caleb would be in this city, dripping in a few hints here and there that he may be in for at least two more days before he left for his next shooting location. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[It was honestly a perfect evening so far as Caleb was concerned. Conversation with Essek felt effortless in a way that was rare for him. And the hints that perhaps he might be able to steal a few days of Essek's time before the drow had to leave Nicodranus was a thrilling prospect. His own sabbatical would have him here for a few weeks yet, a pre-planned meeting and study with the elusive Yussa Errenis.

As they reached the other end of the gardens, Caleb stepped forward to open a small wrought iron gate, producing a covered picnic basket from where it had been tucked in the bushes before he'd retrieved Essek for their date.]

Shall we walk to the water?

[This path would lead them down to the shore. The night was dark, but Caleb knew that Essek had dark vision being a drow, and he himself was cheating through use of his transmutation stone, so it would be fine.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek had noticed the same thing himself, the way that that nothing felt stilted the way that they talked-- there was no need to 'dumb anything' down with Caleb, nor did he feel the need to condescend or put on a barrier of airs with which to deter those with dreams of clout. He did notice the way that Caleb took up the picnic basket in something that was decidedly planned, however he wisely did not comment on it.

Perhaps it thrilled him a little bit that the Professor was putting in so much effort where he was concerned.

Authentic effort.

When it came down to it, Essek did not care about money spent or the high ticket items; he felt far more touched by the earnest gesture that this was parcel of-- and that was highly surprising to him that he had fallen hook line and sinker for such a thing (even though he was attempting to convince himself that he wasn't irrevocably smitten by this. ]

We shall.. [ And then Essek took a firmer hold of Caleb's arm, this was just as much for Caleb's benefit as his own. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Caleb was a planner, Essek. It was in his nature -- both as a civilian, and as a spy. His brain stretched his thoughts out to the future in steps and stages. It had served him well in his magical studies, and perhaps it was also serving him well in his (dangerous, ill-advised, irresistible) attempts to woo the drow.]

Good. We have the benefit of being on the outskirts of the city here. The stars will be more visible to us.

[Caleb led them down the path that took them to a small boardwalk and then onto the beach, sand soft and shifting beneath their feet. Once he'd found a decent spot, he released Essek enough to take one of the blankets from atop the basket and spread it on the ground.]

Here. I thought we could have a drink together, and a few snacks. If you are willing to indulge me.

[zauberdecke]

[ There was something endlessly fascinating about the beach as it was presented within Nicodranas; in Jigow the waters were very cold and murky due to it's northern facing orientation. Certainly not suitable for swimming-- and while a festival of merit was held in Jigow on a yearly basis, any water activities as apart of the proceedings was with the full knowledge that the contestants would not know what was in them to begin with.

Here though, the waters were inviting and warm-looking. He'd dipped his toes in during one of the shoots and had marveled at how crystal clear and blue the waters were, like a sparkling ocean-hued topaz.

Once the blanket was spread out on the sand, Essek removed his sandals and then sank down to the ground cover, a very coy smile that lit the corner of his mouth as well as backlit his violet eyes. ]

I cannot imagine very many people who would not be willing to indulge you, Professor Widogast.

[ This was a candid observation; as this man's charm had worked so effortlessly on him.. he thought that everyone else must surely be easy targets. Which made him wonder why this man had not been snapped up yet? He was clearly single and also in a point in his life where dating was an option? ]

[ausgebrannt]

Ah well... perhaps you would be surprised. I am not the most socially adept person. Ask Jester about that.

[He was Jester's friend because she was aggressively friendly and had decided that they were going to do a friendship, and Caleb -- like most people caught in the little blue tiefling's wake -- had found himself with no defense against her charms and persistence. And he was grateful for it.

Since truly, social anxiety often got the better of him. Something about Essek though, about how effortlessly they connected, something that went far beyond charisma or charm, something about the drow's essence. Caleb was well and truly captured.

He stepped out of his shoes as well and settled on the blanket beside the other man. He reached into the basket and set out the rest of what he'd brought: a couple smaller blankets in case Essek caught a chill in the evening air, a bottle of wine and two conveniently plastic cups, and a container of fruit (cut strawberries, blackberries, cheese, all spelled to keep them chilled, along with the blush wine).]

[zauberdecke]

[ That was hard to believe with the way that Caleb talked to him so readily-- even asking if he could kiss him; those sorts of things that he could not imagine a shy person doing; or perhaps he saw just underneath the surface at the confidence that was an after-effect of the scourger, perhaps the only part of the scourger he recognized, a small thing and one that he would not be able to connect to his arch-nemesis.

He reached for a blackberry and popped it in his mouth, the layout was not one that anyone had ever tried when attempting to (unsuccessfully) woo him, but here he was-- not minding in the slightest. ]

I am very rarely fit for human consumption, it has been said. [ Essek said as he took up one of the blankets to spread it over his lap. ] The sea is so beautiful in Nicodranas.. I cannot imagine it is easy to leave, with the warmth evening in the evenings.

[ausgebrannt]

[One day, perhaps, if they both survived that long, they would laugh about all the ironies of two arch-nemeses encountering each other in their civilian identities without knowing and winding up immediately smitten with one another. Totally a story to tell their grandchildren.

Unless they murdered each other in the line of duty before they got to that point.]

That can't be true. You look entirely delectable.

[Awkward nerd was earnest enough that it was flirting but also the truth.]

It is difficult to leave, ja. Where I grew up we had small lakes and creeks, but nothing so majestic as the ocean.

[He opened the wine then and poured a cup for each of them, handing one to Essek.]

The sky though, it is the same.

[zauberdecke]

[ That was the crapshoot wasn't it? The fact that at any moment they could find out each others identities? Perhaps it was unlikely though because they were completely blind to anything but this moment and no other logic synapsis was firing in the brains, no logic.. nothing- just a 'wow, this man is hot' when it came to the other.

With am elegance, Essek took the cup and then brought it to his lips while he glanced upward at the sky that was spread out before them. The edges had darkened though there was still a faint rosy glow in the distance that spoke of sunset leaving night in it's wake.

"You are right, the skies are the same.. just positioned a bit different due to axis and axels." a nod then to Caleb. "Are you interested in the night sky?" while he tried not to focus too hard on how delectable this man thought he looked.

[ausgebrannt]

"I find them fascinating, ja. The constellations peoples have seen fit to draw among the star scape. And then of course, the thought of worlds far beyond and what they may be like, so far from us that we are only barely aware of their existence."

He was a nerd, Essek, full and completely. But he was also, at heart, a romantic. He'd grown up loving fairytales and folksongs, and even in his pursuit of the arcane in a very academic -- and espionage flavored -- bent had not shaken that from the foundation of him.

A hand lifted and he leaned in to point so that Essek could follow his line of sight. "Those stars just there, that bright group of them, in the Empire, that is the Great Stag."

[zauberdecke]

"Oh." Essek murmured as he glanced upward at the constellations where Caleb pointed them out, saw the pathway clear from the point of fingers to the glimmering stars in the horizon. He shifted a little bit closer so that he could look down the same vista, and slowly the image came alive for him. "Those are the antlers.." his fingertip tracing where he thought they were, though this was speculation of course.

"Not much else underneath the antlers because I have found though that most relied on symbolism within the trappings of history." he was so very close to just resting his head against Caleb's shoulder though he did not do it just yet.. perhaps he was choosing the most innocuous moment to do so.

"Though the two stars toward the bottom look somewhat similar to nostrils... almost as if the Stag is annoyed that he was placed up in the sky."

[ausgebrannt]

"Ja, exactly," Caleb agreed with a hushed enthusiasm. Essek had it exactly right. He also would not mind the drow resting against his shoulder at all. It would be, undoubtedly, the best thing to happen to him in ages.

The next observation earned a laugh. "It does, doesn't it? Perhaps he is upset at being up there without his herd. It seems a lonely spot to be a stag." Away from the forests and the rest of the deer.

It was a strangely magical moment, despite the fact that not a single spell had been cast since they'd settled down on this blanket together. This was the sort of magic that manifested itself between people without a single sigil or word of the spell.

[zauberdecke]

"Perhaps we should make up a companion for him in the stars." Essek said as with infinite gentleness, he settled in close to rest shoulder to shoulder with the other man. The skin of his cheek brushing the shoulder lightly as he continued to speak with the same hushed voice as Caleb-- so as to not disturb the spell between them that was being cast with synergy. "A stag is very majestic, so perhaps something to suit his own grandeur, such as a gazelle leaping across the night sky?"

"There.. that could be the curve of it's back." and then he took Caleb's hand and linked their hands together and then with such a casual grace he started to connect the starry dots with his fingertips, a very soft whisp of purple energy floating from his fingertip to follow the trail and to somewhat illuminate.

"Perhaps there is a constellation that already exists that it is a part of, but I have found that the process of creation comes from the end of something else."

[ausgebrannt]

Someday in the future, Caleb would likely to be able to pinpoint right to this exact moment, as when he truly fell past the point of no return for the drow. It was the way Essek's voice stayed soft and hushed like they were indeed sharing secrets here, alone on the seashore. It was the way the other man traced a new image in the sky, a constellation that would forever be a part of Caleb's star charts. The way his hand was taken and that little tickle of magic.

"Ah, ja. Perfect. There, proper company for the lonely stag. They can enjoy the sky together now."

Creation coming from the end of something else, birth and death different sides of the same coin. Yes, that was exactly it. Life was born from the embers and ashes of death.

[zauberdecke]

Essek knew nothing about Caleb's past but he did know the laws of equivalent exchange and how they applied to the world in which they had a stake in, how life and death were balances and ate of each other like the great Oroborous twined high above-- a separate constellation. He flushed only a little, soft darker lavender shimmering against his high cheekbones.

"You must not tell anyone that I am like this in private-- I have a reputation to maintain, Caleb Widogast." Essek reprimanded with an arch look that brooked no contest, though his eyes softened considerably just after the words were uttered. The perfectly poised and flawless model dripped away until all that remained was this rather vulnerable drow underneath the lighted path of constellations.

And then that same drow slipped willingly to resting his head against a broad shoulder, could scent the spiced body wash and a hint of cologne against that neck, as he merely succumbed to the pull between them that was nurtured by the talk of the birth of stars and the death of old ones.

[ausgebrannt]

"You have my word, Schatz. I am very good at secrets," said the secret agent. His voice a low whisper, conspiratorial even. He felt more than a little honored to be allowed this glimpse at Essek Thelyss, beyond the perfectly put together model persona that the other man wore so well.

The head against his shoulder continued slowly reducing his heart to a roiling little puddle, and he slipped an arm around the drow, hand settling gently against his hip. Something about the moment felt right, as if he'd stumbled into the place he belonged, right by this other man's side, like there was some connection between them that had already existed and he'd finally discovered it.

If only he knew.

[zauberdecke]

"So am I..." which was why it had previous-to not been discovered his weak points, but there was something about this man that felt safe as if he could entrust all of his secrets to and not fear for them. Not that he would do that of course, that would be highly ill-advised and he did not want this innocent man to be dragged into what he had going on with his life.

Better to enjoy the moment right here and right now.

A sip was taken of the wine in his cup, a sweet vintage that he'd never tasted before. It was quite unlike the ice wines of the north, which he'd partaken of in abundance-- this one had a brightness to it that was pleasing to the tongue but also each sip made him feel a little bit more intoxicated, a bit more reckless.

And cemented a thought that he'd had before the sips of wine. That he was going to take Caleb back to his lodgings, just casually invite him himself and then proceed to ruin the unassuming Professor until he could not see anything but him.