: Luck in the Shadows :

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Some nameless Inn, some nameless town.

This is an origin story if ever there was one, for all great partnerships have a definite and decided beginning and this is one such.

Jhude had been on the trail of a nobleman who had been hellbent on marrying his daughter to a highly abusive peer; it was a coaching inn on the way to one of the three major metropolis; now he'd read reports that the man on the gifted end of the bride stick had been a widower thrice times over which.. to Jhude, was a bit suspicious.

It had taken quite a bit of researcher, and he wasn't a born researcher by any stretch-- but it did not take an idiot to put two and two together and he was not an idiot; it also meant that the ladies life was hanging on a knife's point. Not now, but perhaps later-- and Jhude was enough of a bleeding heart that he could not countenance this whatsoever.

No one deserved it.

So he was in the posting house, keeping to the shadows, watching the lady and her father in question. Oh, but she looked miserable, and he looked smug. Tonight was the perfect time to act, the posting house was crowded and if there was anything that he could do, it was to perhaps sneak her out, give her a bag of gold to settle comfortably, give her the name of someone within the church who could provide her aid if needed and she'd have freedom to live her life and perhaps marry someone of her choosing.

He was sitting at a table with his hood pulled over his head, nursing a tankard of ale as he watched and listened; ever so close to the table so that he could pick up their words, their routine. Any sort of information that would make this entire process easier.

Comments

[transfigured]

Aster could feel consciousness trying to ebb away, but he held on both to the thin thread of wakefulness and awareness and to Jhude physically. He was vaguely aware they were on the ground soon, and he stumbled along as best he could, his feet on something of a delay.

"My horse 's there. She's a good horse. She's the prettiest horse and really likes apples..." He wasn't sure what he was saying. The words were just flowing as he tried to keep his eyes open. Except they weren't his eyes, they were some woman in trouble's eyes, but she wasn't in trouble anymore, he was and...

"Horse." He nodded, finally.

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"Horse.." he agreed as they stumbled their way toward the stables. It was only a matter of time and he didn't know how long he had, but time was absolutely of the essence. "Stay with me.. point me in your pretty mare's direction, else we'll be stealing someone's horse and I really don't want to add 'horse theif' to my long list of this night going wrong."

They were now in the stables, 20 minutes under the belt and another 24 minutes until the guard went upstairs and figured out that they had gone; he was shoving the last bit of his money right at the stablehand once he entered, also bribe money.

"Don't tell anyone what direction we went." 20 gold should cover it.

[transfigured]

"We're eloping. Shhhh." Aster added helpfully to the poor stablehand, still hanging unsteadily on Jhude. He at least was trying for some form of subterfuge, and clearly amusing himself since he dissolved into a giggle.

But right his pretty horse. He pointed to the third stall in, a gray mare who darkened to an almost black at her feet, though her mane ad tail were a silver-platinum that shone even in the low lamplight. "There you are my girl, my pretty Moonstone."

The horse seemed to know her owner despite the shape he was currently in, given that she whinnied quietly as they approached and did not hesitate to nuzzle at Aster as soon as he was close enough before snorting at the unpleasant smell of the drug that had been used on him.

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"I apologize for the state he's in, girl." Jhude said as he very softly patted her neck, he reached over for a handful of apple slices which was in a feed bag and he offered it out. "I am so sorry that we are going to have to curtail your rest a bit short but we really need to get out of here."

Open palm, allowing her to take a bit of a snack.

"But we're going to get all of us to safety, if you'll let me on with your..." he looked over at Aster who was clinging to him and giggling. Well alright, "..Whatever he is.. master? friend? at this time minor annoyance?"

If I hoist you up do you thing you can hold on until I mount behind you?"

[transfigured]

Moonstone whinnied again at Jhude as if to say that she had seen this sorry scoundrel in far worse states, usually of his own doing. Jhude was winning her over quickly, with the soft voice and gentle petting.

And the apples. Moonstone could indeed be bribed and her affections bought. She nibbled at the apples very delicately, not even the slightest brush of teeth to that palm. She was a very polite mare.

"I'm a minor nothing," Aster informed him, reaching out to set a hand against Moonstone's neck as well. "Major annoyance, thank you. But... mm. I can hold on. There's only one of you now, which is probably a good sign." So yeah he could do this. Probably.

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"Right then, a major pain in the ass.. its nice to see you slowly but surely returning back to the land of the living but now its time to go." Another very gentle pet to the mane and then he grasped Aster's waist and then lifted him up so that he could get his seat, the reins were handed to Aster and then up came Jhude, using a step stool to get himself up after Aster though he was careful not to startle Moonstone in any way.

"My apologies for being so pushy." He said this with a look that was wry even as he took the reins and allowed his arms to act as a cradle foe Aster.

Was he considering that for the time being they were stuck with each other? Maybe a little.

"Now Miss Moonstone if you would do the honours, we will give you a proper rest as soon as we are out of trouble, and plenty of apple slices."

[transfigured]

"That's more like it," Aster agreed. Major pain, yes. Perfect. He reached up to grasp the saddle to help Jhude help him up. He curled his fingers around the reins, swaying far, far too much to the left for a moment. He would've tumbled straight off the other side if Moonstone wasn't quite so good at what she did, sidestepping so that Aster merely thunked his head against the wooden post by the stall wall.

"Ow."

But at least he was still on the horse.

And once Jhude had joined him and those arms were around him he didn't bother trying to hold back from leaning back against him. Partly for balance, yes, but also because Jhude was pleasantly warm and, as previously established, smelled very nice.

Moonstone tossed her head just a bit as if to say here we go and then started out towards the road.

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"That's a pretty girl." Jhude said when Moonstone had done some quick thinking, there was admiration in his voice that stated that he was maybe a sucker for animals? But as he took up the reigns, he allowed for Aster to fully rest back.

"Just sleep a little bit.. I got you." Jhude said in such a caring and gentle way, and he was strong enough that he could support the other man. He was not tired in the slightest and maybe they would find a barn somewhere to hole up after a bit of riding-- not glamorous but would do in a pinch.

[transfigured]

Moonstone nickered again, pleased with herself and with the compliment, but then fell to quiet, letting Jhude guide her as he wished. She was a cooperative horse, so long as she had decided her rider was someone who merited that cooperation. Jhude had clearly passed the test.

Aster meanwhile, was quietly trying not to be smitten at how good his new friend was with his mare. He did get the sense that this was probably a man who had a way with beasts in general.

For a few moments he tried to be stubborn about sleeping, but the drugs were still in his system and Jhude saying I got you did something very funny to his heart. Thinking about that was too complicated, and letting himself doze off meant he didn't have to worry about thinking. Much better.

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"Its just us, Lady Gem." He said once he heard the slight snore coming from Aster. He followed the road however he also opted to go left at every crossroad they got to until he decided on right, moving away from the city-- he figured that they would not want to go too far afield, any potential pursuers and at this very intricate point it was anyones guess but he would ride through the night and avoid stopping at inns.

Finally at dawn he found an old abandoned barn in the middle of a field, he decided it would do as a resting point until Aster could become more with it and they determined what their next course of action was.

Also it may help that they were looking for a young redheaded woman and not a dark haired bard.

Maybe things had worked out for the best after all.

[transfigured]

Moonstone didn't seem at all put out by the fact that her usual rider was passed out in the arms of someone she'd only just met. After all, the someone she'd just met had talked sweetly and pet her and fed her apples. If that didn't make Jhude trustworthy she didn't know what else did. She was a good judge of character. Or easily swayed by snacks. Perhaps both.

Aster, however, dozed, occasionally opening his eyes long enough to see they were still moving before cozying himself right back in against Jhude. Warm.

When the horse eventually drew to a stop, he lifted his head slowly to look around. "Did we make a clean escape?"

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Jhude had been pondering how to wake up Aster without startling him (could not have the other man falling off the horse, because he'd likely follow suit. However a sigh of relief when he woke up organically, much easier to explain everything and also to hopefully get off Moonstone with too much shenanigans.

"So, we did not make a clean escape. It was actually very messy, so the best bet is to camp it out here for at least a day; I don't think they have to worry about recognizing you so you'll probably be safe enough."

But Jhude hasn't disguised himself with anything but his cloak and it was likely they may have gotten a bit of hint of him.

"No use worrying about it now though.."

[transfigured]

Aster's brow furrowed at this bit of information. No, it would not be an issue for him. No one other than Jhude had seen so much as a hint of the face he normally wore. He'd probably let the Cyprus persona retire for a while just in case, but he had more than one character in his repertoire.

But Jhude wasn't quite so lucky. He'd apparently been seen.

And he'd apparently been seen rescuing Aster. And why the hell had he done that? They barely knew each other, and Jhude's goal of doing the right thing in saving the damsel in distress had been accomplished. He didn't have to come back for the sketchy changeling bard he'd only just met, no matter if said changeling had gotten himself in a bit over his head.

But Jhude had come back from him. It didn't sit right with Aster at all to know the other man would have that shadow of trouble hanging over him for his sake. "Too late, I'm worrying. But it sounds like we'll have some time on our hands, so may as well put it to use." With the worrying.

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"I am sure that Moonstone here would like some apples, and we did pass an orchard on the way here, just a hop skip and a jump, we can filch a few apples and there was a stream where we can get water." he was better served thinking about their survival, Jhude did not have time to worry overmuch about such things.

"Now, how are you feeling? Will you be able to get off Miss Gem unassisted? Wouldn't want you to take an inelegant tumble."

Here he was sticking around instead of going anywhere, making plans to hunker down for the next day if needed. "And really, you don't have to worry, it's not the first time I've been in a spot of trouble and it won't be the last. If I ride further toward one of the main cities, I'll be fine.. easier to blend in cities, though I like them a lot less then small towns."

[transfigured]

Moonstone tossed her head because apparently she knew the word apples and knew it well. Aster chuckled, leaning forward to pet the horse's neck lightly. Good girl.

"I may need a hand. I'm feeling more securely attached to this consciousness thing, but the world is still a bit... topsy-turvy." He felt unsettled in his body, and that was strange for him, given that he was used to his body in all sorts of shapes. It was a vulnerable, terrible feeling, but he was trying not to let on -- or really, to admit it to himself -- and instead glanced over his shoulder at Jhude.

He batted his borrowed eyelashes at the blond man. "If you don't mind playing gallant rescuer a moment or two more. I'll let you off the hook for it soon, I promise."

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"Of course I don't mind, now hold on to her while I dismount then you can slide off safely where I can catch you." And then with a bit of practiced ease he did manage to dismount, then once two feet on the ground he offered up his arms to help. "No spills to the ground on my watch."

It wasn't that he was immune to sweet-talking but also he rather thought that Aster was very teasing and flirtatious so he was going to take everything with a grain of salt.

"When I found you, you were a crumpled heap on the floor, I really shouldn't have let you go alone with them-- but she's safely escaped and its likely they will be looking for her and me, not her on their own."

Also Jhude figured he hurt a few prides there and they were likely more fixated on that then the girl in question.

[transfigured]

Oh Aster was teasing and flirtatious, but that sure as fuck did not mean it did not have its genesis, currently, in very genuine attraction. It was less the physical side of things -- though holy fuck he had now been in those arms and they were, yeah, they sure were, and Jhude was also just pretty -- and more the way that his new acquaintance seemed so hell bent on doing the right thing for no discernible personal gain? And also the undercurrent of something gentle in him. Kind.

Nothing hotter in this world or any than a kind man with pretty face and biceps that really ought to be illegal.

So Aster waited for Jhude to dismount and let himself be helped down from Moonstone's back.

Once his feet were on the ground once more, he lingered closer to the other man than he probably needed to. "That's... the thing I'm a bit mixed up on. Why did you come back for me? You didn't have to, and you earned yourself a lot more problems for the trouble."

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Jhude was absolutely aware of the proximity as Aster slid down, and now there was a very beautiful woman in his arms-- since the form was still there, still effervescent and shimmering with something that felt beyond his comprehension.

At this moment Jhude was absolutely looking down at Aster though that wouldn't last once he changed forms.

"You were unconscious. I could not live with myself if I left you like that, especially when you'd been kind enough to help me with getting the girl safety; it wouldn't have been right even if you retroactively told me you'd been able to handle yourself."

Jhude wasn't like that, never would be. He tended to work alone, but the times he'd been with a group, he advocated for teamwork generally.

"As for problems, I hurt their egos.. but they deserved it-- and I'd do it again."

[transfigured]

Aster was not entirely certain what the sudden fluttering in his stomach was, or he really didn't want to let himself be certain of it. But here he was watching Jhude say something so incredible as if it was simple and casual. As if it hadn't been an outright heroic act.

As if anyone had ever done that for Aster before. Oh he had people he trusted, who trusted him, who he knew he could rely on in a spot. But he'd also been betrayed before, more than enough to realize that true loyalty and displays of kindness and bravery without reward were rare things, far more precious than any treasure. And in his case, well, changelings weren't exactly the most welcome or trusted people. Most of his kind kept their true nature a secret, and they were rare to start with.

"I see." He saw and he felt, and fuck everything he needed his heart to remember how to beat normally. "I would have, you know, been able to handle myself." But he wasn't trying to dismiss the gravity of what Jhude had done.

"But it wouldn't have been easy. Or pleasant. And it might've been a painful while before I figured a way out." The words were spoken quietly, earnest and plain. "So I'm grateful. Thank you, Jhude." And since he was shorter currently, he leaned up on his toes in order to press a kiss to the other man's cheek.

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Jhude may have flushed at the kiss to his cheek, denoting that he was still green around the edges it would appear; a kiss was a kiss was a kiss regardless of if it was to the cheek or the mouth, primarily when administrated by someone who was not his mother or any direct familial relation.

"I am sure you would've if you had been conscious, but you were not so... well you should humor me a little bit; I was not sure and you would not have been able to stop anyone if they had tried anything."

Oh no, he was also bringing matters of consent into this.

"You are welcome." and then he started to see toward making the abandoned barn a place that was semi-comfortable while they were waiting the day out. Distracting with his hands to keep the flushing from rising-- best to survey the offerings. He found an old bale of hay that once he slashed at the strings with a knife and got to the middle, the bale had been wrapped so tightly that the middle would be eatable for Moonstone, not the most quality but he figured that if it was interspered with apples, it'd do well enough.

There was also an old bucket that could be used to fetch water as long as it was rinsed out.

He wasn't afraid of hard work, especially if it meant being somewhat comfortable. "Do you think you could go to the orchard and fetch some apples once you change your form. I don't really want to go out more than I have to and I have to fetch some fresh water for Miss Gem, as well as ourselves."

[transfigured]

Was that a blush? Well, that was something wasn't it? It was kind of adorable, endearing. More and more.

But Jhude also had a very good point, didn't he? One that Aster had not considered. He followed after as Jhude headed into the barn, leading Moonstone with him. Well, ostensibly leading Moonstone. She needed very little leading more often than not, and was quick to decide that the hay was meant for her.

"Of course."

Aster glanced around the barn, finding a stall wall that would sufficiently hide him away for his shifting so he didn't send Jhude into a dizzy spell again. Really, he'd prefer that the other man not be freaked out by him in general. Here he was wanting this man he just met to like him. And not in the 'find him charming and play into his current scheme' sort of way either.

Once he was out of sight, he let his form properly melt into the face that felt like his, the pale, blue eyed, dark haired man that Jhude had already seen when they'd been brainstorming their plan back at the inn.

He stepped back out. Of course, he was still wearing a very fetching dress and travel cloak. He no longer had the bosom for it, so now the neckline left his shoulders mostly bared, a deeper peak at much more masculine cleavage. The skirts also no longer hovered just above the ground but instead bared a scandalous amount of ankle and, dare we say it, calf.

"All right. I'll be back with apples."

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Oh no...

He did catch sight of calf, and he quickly turned away. The tell that this was happening was that the flush that managed to reach his ears, those ears that were tucked against his face like shells, very very human. He was already grabbing up the bucket and then scurrying outside so that he could test the water pump that he'd seen outside; there was a stream but after seeing the pump he had a little bit of hope that it would be tied to a well of some sort, preferably one that hadn't been dried up.

However to his surprise me managed to coax some water out of it, though it took a lot of arm strength considering that it was like sucking a thick milkshake through a straw. So it probably took a bit more time then he would've wanted to spend, but the plus side was that if he worked it hard, he'd be able to make each successive pumps easier.

He came in with the first bucket and set it in front of Moonstone, then he took another bucket and filled that up too. Going back and forth several times, he'd go out when needed but at least that was a little bit better. The exercise also kept him from thinking about Aster's ankle.

[transfigured]

Entirely unaware of the turmoil that his ankle had thrown Jhude into, Aster snagged up what looked like a burlap sack still hung by the door. He shook the dust off it and slung it over his shoulder. And he did find quite a few apples that looked delightfully ripe, filling the sack with them, he also spied a rather overgrown thicket that, upon closer inspection, turned out to be a long neglected blackberry briar, with enough berries that he decided risking the thorns was worth it.

So when he returned, he had apples in a bag slung across his body, and had used his skirt lifted up as a place to keep the berries. Foraging successful, he noticed Jhude working hard at a water pump.

Oh. Clean water then. That really was good luck. "That poor handle looks like it hasn't had a decent pumping in years." Why did that sound vaguely dirty? Huh. "Hopefully it's not giving you too much trouble?"

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The innuendo caught him square in wherever it was that one processed such, however he was able to keep his wits about him aside from the flushing of his face which had grown that much more heated. "No, it really hasn't." because he had to keep himself with it. Why was it that this man seemed to creep underneath his skin? He'd really had no time for anything in his rather eventful life, and now that he was out of a potential dangerous situation suddenly it all smacked him rather spectacularly.

Maybe that was why he did not think that it was a big deal to be chased by some people up in arms, because he was used to the horrors?

He moved that particular bucket to a very precariously stabled table and then scooped his hands into the water so that he could wash his face. Unfortunately for Aster, this resulted in Jhude getting a little wet by the handful of water, which managed to pour down his shirt. "I can ah.. pump more for you, you don't strike me as the type to like to go without a bath."

[transfigured]

"Oh... darling... that is not a bath," he sighed in so much dismay. "But you're very right. I'm very fond of cleanliness, so I'd be grateful."

Aster did not even have to make a roll to see if he noticed the way that shirt was starting to get wet and stick to the other man's chest. nope, there was not a world where he would ever miss that. His eyes lingered longer than they had any appropriate business doing.

He did however, swing his way closer to Jhude. "That has to be freezing though. Here..." Reaching over, a soft little humming tune and a wiggle of his fingers, and Jhude would find the water pleasantly warm. Prestidigitation was, so far as Aster was concerned, a very underappreciated spell.