: Saintsmourn - Nicholas & Patrick :

[dangernerd]

Nicholas Kirkland (Nicky to those who he considered friends) was at this moment finishing up the last of his reading for his college classes. In the little dorm-room that himself and Patrick shared, it was a muddle of books and random objects that they'd collected. Not only that but also bits and bobs of their friendship tied into neat little nostalgic notes.

The last rays of the sun was streaming in through the window and he was poised, feet crossed on desk and balancing barely on the back two legs-- precarious yes, and honestly he knew that he should not really be doing this. Coordination be damned, he'd never worried about it before despite the bumps and bruises he regularly got because he was perennially distracted.

It was almost time for Patrick to come home from his late evening classes and then they'd start their foraging for dinner.

After that, well the evening was still young and there was trouble to be had. All of which he looked forward to, after all Patrick had for as long as he remembered, been his favorite partner in crime.. they had grown up together and they had a special bond.

As close as brothers, except not quite-- and honestly? Nicholas was glad for that.

Comments

[eblouissant]

The hand felt warm as it wrapped around his own, he glanced over at Liam and offered a smile that was all light, perhaps overcast so as to not be glaring-- his light was not one that was blinding, but it was there in a soft glow that seemed to halo him. Fingers that twined together in a show of solidarity while around then the world went by not precisely noticing them.

"Well, I am not the best at these things as dating was something I was not truly interested in; however, think of the things that you two enjoy doing together and then perhaps propose an outing based on that?" this was perhaps not specific enough, especially for a Fae King. "I am sure that he would be thrilled that you are interested in spending time with him."

[giveanything]

That light was enough to sustain Liam, like he was some flower caught in the glow of Riley's sunshine. The thought and the smile had him feeling suddenly shy, and his cheeks were reddening as he looked down into his coffee, a soft smile settling over his own lips.

Declan hummed, a musical sound that was thoughtful if a bit confused. "We both enjoy drinking coffee and reading human literature and discussing the merits of various translations, the loss of original intent."

Liam looked up to Ducky once more. "Right, that's a start. But you two hang out here already. So maybe something a little more special, make it clear that you're asking him to do something with you, not just running into each other in your everyday lives, yeah?"

Ducky nodded, considering. So complicated. But well, his eyes lit up. "There is a Shakespeare troupe in town. I believe they have performances over the next fortnight. Would something like that be appropriate? And perhaps obvious enough that he understands my intentions?"

[eblouissant]

Did Riley think that probably Liam had better ideas than him? Well Liam did send him refurbished bookcase with which to house all of his books which had been delightfully thoughtful; and before that there had been a hike that had been obviously a date though Riley had not known that until the end of it when Liam had attempted to kiss him (and second time succeeded).

"That would be perfect, if that is something that he is interested in then he would enjoy it though your intentions would have to be spoken, though it need only be a 'I enjoy spending time with you and I am finding that I am craving more time spent with you.' which should make him feel flattered and special, that is if he has decided the same, that he enjoys time spent with you too."

Though Riley did assure Ducky, "I cannot imagine anyone not wanting to spend time with you, he would be a fool if he did not."

[giveanything]

Oh totally a date, even if Liam had known at the time it was a terrible idea generally and he had no actual plan beyond spend time with pretty blond who had stirred something in him that he wasn't aware even existed anymore. And now here they were, and Riley's hand was warm and secure in his own.

"Riley's got it right. Be up front about the fact that you're interested in him, that you mean for it to be a date." Liam was certain that, from what he had seen of Noah and Ducky interacting in the cafe, that the quiet professor was thoroughly oblivious to the hearts swirling in the fae lord's eyes every time he looked at him.

Ducky sighed again and slumped further. "This would be so much easier the old fashioned way, just a bit of glamour and enchantment and I lure him into the twilit lands." Kidnapping, the old standby. But no, consent was important, especially for the man he intended to have as his spouse and consort.

[eblouissant]

Riley frowned only a little bit at the last statement, about kidnapping-- it was kidnapping from how he was perceiving it, he knew enough of fairy lore to know that there was a bit of that which went on though he was not well-versed in it. "Well I am glad that you opted not to do it the old-fashioned way, because that is a bit archaic much like the human notion that marriage is about convenience and property, which it very much is not." a glance over at Liam to signal that he hoped this was correct.

"Bring him something, perhaps his favorite flowers or a book that he's been wanting to read but has not gotten around to yet, something thoughtful. I think that it would be very romantic if you said that you would like to discuss it over dinner sometime." it was best to give the Fae King many options. "I can assure you that none of these options are boring in the slightest."

[giveanything]

"Yes, I realize it is not exactly the human standard or expectation. And I... I wish for this to be his choice, and not just the result of my own desires." So much more complicated, but this mattered entirely too much. Also the idea of marriage being about property was not a pleasant one either. The Fae had their marriages for alliance and politics, for war and for peace, but he had never been a fan of those either. Declan Eladan was too much of a romantic for most things honestly.

But gifts, yes, he could do gifts. A book. In fact he had something that would work for that quite well.

Liam could see Ducky's mental wheels turning. It was kind of cute, actually. Really quite cute, as far as terrifyingly powerful Fae creatures could be anyway. He planted his elbow on the counter, chin in his hand, looking at Liam. "What's your favorite flower, Angel?"

[eblouissant]

"My favorite flower?" A half-smile half-smirk seemed to lightly flirt over his lips. "Well I have two, I have always wanted a little garden with flowers, but I would probably plant some Iris, as well as some Peonies."

He pressed a finger to Liam's lips. "You do not have to bring me flowers, if anything you can make sure that in our future there is a plot of land where I can grow them for us." Sickening sentiment, really.

[giveanything]

That finger pressed to his lips and Liam, pinnacle of maturity that he was, nipped at it. "What if I want to bring you flowers? What if I think the prettiest man in Saintsmourn deserves flowers?"

But still the thought of a future with Riley had him smiling wistfully. "A little house with a garden out back. A yard for a dog." And children and dreams so many dreams.

Declan was watching this play out with the look of a man enjoying his favorite romantic movie playing out in front of him. "So the wedding planner I know does amazing things with peonies."

[eblouissant]

"I think that we can have that, if we get through it-- but we need all the resources we can take to obtain that future and I am sure that.." see, Ducky? This was absolutely premeditated, Riley was possessed of a sharp and convincing mind when he decided something was worthy of it, "His Majesty wants us to have all of that, he is even recommending a wedding planner."

See what he was doing Liam?

Riley was always going to want, no need something and someone to protect, something to stand for. He was driven like that. But he also wanted the beautiful ever after, and he would rather defend someone who championed that HEA for him. "I also do not think I would be serving anyone, it would be a mutually beneficial partnership." arm around Liam's waist, head against shoulder-- blonde locks on the longish side tickling against his cheek

[giveanything]

Declan was all the more certain about Riley being his champion after witnessing this. The brave knight protector could battle with wits and words as surely as any weapon, couldn't he? Yes, Riley was the exact sort of human -- sort of person in general -- who would thrive living with one foot in the Fae realm.

"This is true, of course. I am very much rooting for your success. True love is too rare and precious a thing not to be ever on its side." And also Gregory was an odious, unpleasant creature and Ducky thought he deserved whatever comeuppance was coming and upping in his direction.

Liam could indeed see what Riley was doing. He was quickly realizing that he was destined to never win an argument ever for the rest of their lives, and maybe that was okay. That soft golden hair was ticklish and distracting and he turned towards him to fully rest his cheek against the other man's head. "What will it cost you, Angel? I've already cost you your calling."

[eblouissant]

And Riley slowly pressed his lips to the ear and then he whispered so that only Liam could hear (well it was likely Ducky could hear but he probably wouldn't say anything) "My calling is to love you.. and Ducky is not asking that of me.. he wants me to become a Knight who is charged with protecting his people in case he should need it, and I do not consider it a hardship."

Riley did not mind getting cozy in this half-space.

"I will become a little bit Fae in nature however." he looked up at Liam then to let that set in. "Because of the pact, to which I think that is not so bad of a deal, it is also I believe fair."

[giveanything]

Liam's eyes widened both at the way those lips shaped the words so intimately close to his ears as well as the words themselves. Somehow Riley was saying those words to him and somehow he meant them. He really meant them, that Riley loved him that completely.

He still wanted to shake the blond until sense settled into place in that pretty, noble, brave head of his. But wasn't that who Riley was? Brave and so intent on taking care of others, protecting them, as a priest and maybe now as a Fae-touched knight.

It tore at something inside Liam, but he could see it in him, could see the shape of that future writ already on the other man's soul. He lifted a hand up to brush against Riley's cheek, brush back some of that soft sunshine gold hair.

"You're really decided about this, aren't you? You really..." He shut his eyes and took a breath. "I trust you, Riley. I trust you to know what is fair and what isn't. I hate that you have to make this choice because of me, but I love you so much... I want to make it through this so that we can be together, so that we have to take Ducky up on his wedding planner recommendation. I want to grow old with you." He wanted all the things he'd spent his adult life telling himself he had no business wishing for because he'd never have them, because he didn't deserve them. "Even if your ears wind up a little pointy."

[eblouissant]

Riley was at his nature a good and noble soul and nothing could change that, not even a fall away from God. Was it really a fall though? Especially if he was doing good somewhere and somehow, that was the same and he'd done something, and it did not matter if it was good in the Heaven's eyes as long as it reconciled with his own conscience.

He pressed their cheeks together and then pressed a kiss to that earlobe. "I am only decided if you are in it with me, and I want you to understand why I do this.. for us and so that no one else is taken advantage of by Gregory ever again-- and if I have a chance to serve in a capability that I am able to? I will be happy and content, even more so if I can have my cake and eat it too."

The cake being Liam.

"Who knows, we can have Lord of the Rings roleplay sex..." because ultimately they were both nerds who had read many books in their life. "I can be your Elf Prince." a quirk to his lips, then another kiss to that bearded jawline.

[giveanything]

Liam did hate the idea of being the reason for Riley's fall, but also he would be there to catch him and make sure the landing was soft and attended with love, if that was what it came to. His angel come to earth, so achingly human that it made Liam breathless in the beauty of it. Riley had cautioned him not to place him on a pedestal, and he would not, but he would also not devalue that nobility and that clear desire in the other man to help others. The best of humanity, really, for all its flaws and shortcomings, was that desire to simply do good for other people.

And he doubted even an influx of Fae blood or magic could shake that foundational human part of his Riley.

Also Riley was still playing unfair with the sweet, tender touches. Liam had no defense against it. "I want to throw a tantrum and forbid you from even thinking about it. Maybe break a glass even." At least he was honest, but there was a resigned sigh and a smile as he leaned up to press a kiss to Riley's temple. "I'm with you. If you want this, I understand why. And I trust you to know what is right for you. And for us."

A flicker of his eyes to Ducky who was trying to look like he was not eavesdropping, wiping the same spot on the counter which had been clean to start with and was now extra clean. The Fae king just smiled at Liam with a shrug of his shoulders. Fate was funny, Liam Leary.

Liam's attention swung back to Riley abruptly and he choked on a laugh. "Oh my god you huge sexy nerd. ...but yeah, we could do that. Riley Undómiel."

[eblouissant]

A smile managed to tug at the edge of Riley's lips and then he very carefully drew up that hand so he could press a kiss to the back of it, not caring if he was a little bit sappy around Ducky; the other man had created a safe spot for them. "Then it is a deal... and I will accept, because you know I cannot resist doing good for others, no matter what."

His calling was still there.

It just had metamorphosed like a cocoon into a glorious butterfly.

He then turned to give Ducky a nod of assent. "Then I accept your offer of protection, and in turn I will lend you my aid whenever you have need of it." he had accepted his role as Knight of Eladan.

[giveanything]

There was Riley being tender and romantic again. Liam continued to be defenseless against it. Sappy indeed, but Liam unabashedly loved it. It was still new and still hard to believe it was really okay for him to have this, but it was comfortable too, everything about being with Riley -- even if the other man was going to give him gray hairs worrying about him. Damn heroes, always so noble and selfless and magnets for danger.

But it was also who Riley was, and Liam wouldn't ask him to change a single fraction of himself. Liam did however look at Declan with a level, steady gaze. If Ducky was playing games, he'd rain hellfire down on the fae court if he had to. But he truly didn't think he was.

Ducky looked over as Riley addressed him, a smile brightening his features, warm and welcoming but with a weight to it, a solemnity that was somehow not divorced at all from the joy that seemed to radiate off the Seelie monarch most days. "Good. This path was meant for you, I think, and I am honored to be the one to invite you to walk it."

With a nod, Ducky set aside the cloth, wiped his hands on his trousers and then inclined his head towards the back of the cafe. "There is, as there always is, some ceremony to this to effect it. Will you come with me now? The both of you, as it is best to have this witnessed. In fact..." In a completely anachronous juxtaposition, the ancient fae man slipped his phone from his pocket and shot off a quick text to his neighbor.

'To His Majesty Nyx Vensalor, Monarch of the Unseelie Court, Lord and Master of the Shadows - Declan Eladan, Lord of the Seelie Court begs your presence to bear witness to the naming of a Champion of his Court, as is right and proper: thrice witnessed, thrice acknowledged, thrice blessed and once and for all bound.

Bring your warlock please. I have the third witness on hand. Meet us in the Borderland Glen at your earliest convenience. Refreshments to follow the ceremony.

[eblouissant]

This was quite a bit more ceremony than he thought he would get, so he sort of cast Liam a look. There wasn't fear in his eyes but just an unprepared for this level of pomp and ceremony; this felt formal and almost like a wedding but it was not precisely a wedding.

"So this is like a knighting ceremony then?"

He would've done anything at this point in gratitude for the trust that Declan displayed toward him, and he could vibe with a ceremony. "And .. now?" he said this with a tilt to his head. "Are you not working?" he had to think about it for a moment; The Teabog was not terribly crowded but there were still people spotting at places randomly within the Coffee Shop.

--

A response was received rather quickly.

To Declan Eladan, Lord of the Seelie Court; as per standard procedures both myself and my Warlock are not otherwise occupied and shall meet you at the time of the Night's Transition to Dawn when your Court is at it's waxing power. As to be witnessed by myself as well as my own Champion.

Because Graham was totally Nyx's champion.

[teabog]

Riley was not prepared at all. There was a dresscode even, and not one that Ducky was disclosing, so he'd clearly take care of that for everyone invited. Fae King prerogative.

He glanced up at Riley's question, eyes twinkling. "Of a sort, yes. Very similar to that, though with perhaps a bit more magic than you would expect in human tradition." He shook his head and gestured around. "I could have a barista here to takeover without much trouble."

There was always some retainer or another nearby. Or the various human college kids he employed. But as his phone rang, he looked down. "Ah, it would seem our other witnesses will meet us in the Glen at dawn, so we have some time yet."

[eblouissant]

"Oh yes, magic." a concept that Riley was still trying to reconcile as being a natural part of the world order; not just God and Demons, but Fae and Magic. It was everything that appealed to his nerd heart and therefore made the world infinitely larger in the process. "So is it customary for a Fae King to take a champion then?" which Riley wondered if he was the first or rather the first in a long line.

It would be interesting to understand if he was the first in a long line of Champions.

A glance over at Liam to see how he was taking it, since Liam had been the most resistant to making any deals with the Fae. Though Riley had been decided, he just had no clue that there would be so much pomp and circumstance surrounding the whole thing.

[teabog]

A concept that would soon flow through Riley's veins and that the priest-turned-paladin would be able to wield. God, Demons, Fae, Magic. Shapeshifters and Vampires. So much in the world unseen that would become seen more and more, bit by bit, for Riley Walsh.

"It is, yes. They are not always human, but that is not uncommon either, for us to find a worthy mortal to stand by a Fae Court. You will meet the ruler of the Unseelie Court and his own Champion as well." Ducky did wonder if Nyx had explained to Graham that he was technically his Champion, because from what he could tell in Graham's demeanor as he bustled back and forth from cafe to bookshop, the warlock believed he was a devoted pet more than a knight of Nyx's court. "You will be the first Champion in my court since I took the throne."

He'd been fortunate to rule over a great deal of peace, but energies were stirring in the world, and no evidence of that clearer than Riley arriving here at his door very clearly meant to be a knight.

Declan turned to his phone, 'Have you informed your Champion that he is your Champion? I do not doubt his prowess or abilities, but he seems to doubt himself enough for the rest of the world combined. Also when is your wedding?'

Liam had gone quiet during all of this. He was still resistant to the idea, and the ceremony of it added weight that had him worrying all the more. Fae bargains were as binding as demonic contracts, and well, his experience with the latter had been, appropriately enough, hellish. He spoke up, but his voice was quiet. "What's the usual fate of these Champions?" Did they die in bloody battle, fall on some glorious battlefield? "Dulce et decorum est pro rege suo mori?" Don't mind him bastardizing a paraphrased Latin and poetry in the same breath, Ducky.

[eblouissant]

That response came straight away to Declan.

I do not think that in the storied pasts of our civilization did a Fae Ruler ever marry their Champion. And no, I have not informed him yet though we have enacted the blood rite. Witnessless for the moment, though he knew that there would have to be an official ceremony, but he was not in a hurry to do that-- also, he was correct in the fact that no Unseelie had ever married their Champion, but also the Unseelie were very resistant to romance and such, not so easily moved.

Unless they were impressionable young Princelings who did not know what was good for them.

Everyone had their kryptonite, so to speak.

Perhaps that reassured Riley that Liam was going to ask the difficult questions, and that was indeed a good question so he allowed Liam to speak out his concerns, it was best to get it out in the open all of the technicalities, and Liam was good at seeing things at a contract level whereas he was not so much.

[teabog]

You have not heard nearly enough stories of the Seelie Court then. I will happily regale you. Congratulations on the blood bond though. Your Champion certainly seems devoted. And a little like a lost puppy who'd finally been found, but no need to say that in text.

Instead, Declan turned his attention to the questions that Liam has asked. They were valid inquiries, and the answers were not what Liam wanted to hear, in all likelihood. "Champions are entrusted with the defense of the Court. They are meant to take up arms to protect the lives and wellbeing of the people. Some have fallen in battle, yes, on the ends of the swords of their enemies. Others have come to old age and laid down their own weapons and faded into memory. I cannot say what Riley's fate will be, but I can promise that if there is to a battle, that as King I will take the battlefield at my Champion's side. I will ask nothing if him that I do not also expect of myself. ...except sometimes he will have Maduin wrangling duty. That is part of being Champion of the Seelie Court." That was the worst part of being Champion of the Seelie Court.

He turned to Riley. "Our fates will be bound in this way too. If you fall, then I fall. But I do not intend that to be the end for either of us." His attention once more slipped to Liam. "So closer to paraphrased poetry, let us say 'Dulce et decorum est regi suo vivere' yes?"

Liam frowned. It was annoyingly clearly stated and unnervingly fair. He knew well that Fae played games, they twisted words and walked in shades of gray. He also knew that they did not lie, not outright, and Declan had put all of that quite plainly.

[eblouissant]

The rest of that text message was left on read, because this was Nyx and he was polite at the best of times, and anti-social at the worst. So this really did track on all the levels for the very serious ruler of the Unseelie.

But Declan did give him something to consider.

"That is very fair, it means that you will fight just as hard as I will though I can tell that you love your people a great deal, else you would not care to name a Champion." he knew that Liam was not happy with it but that he would accept it; the stakes being even and fair though he knew that would go a long way.

"Maduin is the one that spilled the coffee on Gregory, correct? I am thinking that is perhaps even more frightening having to wrangle them then the thought of actual War." Riley was being honest here, the person had the absolute vibes of being exceedingly difficult.

[teabog]

MARRY YOUR MAN, NYX. Declan was biased and loved love and loved weddings though so really of course he was a proponent of this.

He inclined his head in a nod of agreement with Riley. "And I will do all I can to keep my Court from ever seeing war or battle coming to our borders. I much prefer peace and revelry." Especially revelry. Ducky might have been the more level-headed and mature out of his siblings, but he was a joyful creature at heart, far more interested in singing and playing music dancing beneath the stars. He was only mature by comparison to the rest of his family.

Liam was still subdued, though he looked curious at the mention of Maduin, a name that he hadn't heart before. He looked extra curious at the spilled coffee on Gregory bit of information. "...if they dumped coffee on Gregory, I'm sort of inclined to be a fan of them."

What a dangerous thing for anyone to say. But Declan laughed anyway. "Mm, well, every now and again Maduin's trouble-causing seems to be aimed in a decent direction. But you are indeed correct. Wrangling my younger sibling is far more terrifying than outright war. Mads is... the sort of creative that ought only be spoken of in hushed whispers with a handful of salt thrown over the shoulder, for good measure."

[eblouissant]

"Really they came in while Gregory was doing the majority of threatening against me, and just started sowing chaos, it was both alarming as well as magical and I have no words to describe it."

Maduin was one who was far more terrible when they were bored; when they were focused on something they were exceedingly delightful to watch only if it did not involve the person watching to become anywhere near involved. But the bonds of sibling was strong between tbe four despite their varying personalities.

The next reliable was also whimsical and frivolous but could be easily distracted by shinies, or his own Fey Champion.

"So should we meet back here before dawn then?" He was uncertain of how to proceed with the ceremony. "I take it that the Dawn holds power for the Fae Court then."