Hector (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
petcromancer) wrote2021-06-10 06:55 pm
petcromancer) wrote2021-06-10 06:55 pm
IC Inbox (Abraxas)
INBOX
text / audio / video / action
[I am probably working, but leave a message if you must.]
code credit
INBOX
text / audio / video / action
[I am probably working, but leave a message if you must.]
code credittime to break this bad boy in (around the end of November)
cointosser
2021-12-12 09:27 am (UTC)(link)
[The writing that appears in the middle of the night is far from the nicest he's ever done, sloppy with exhaustion and absolutely, overwhelming relief knotted together. He's only just woken up from after he's passed out from taking care of Geralt's wounds, post the efforts of holding his dead weight on a horse for over an hour.
The conversation with Hector over a week ago has sat uncomfortably with him all this time, and so he is the first one Jaskier reaches out to when he can grip consciousness long enough.]
Geralt is back home. Not from my doing, mind. I -- [And it cuts off as he's overcome with the truth of it. Now that he's been living nearly an entire month in a state of constant sickness, he's simply not sure how to feel now.] My apologies if I wake you. I'm not sure these messages even can. I wanted to tell you. Though, let me say, I was coming closer by the day to testing the viability of your plan.
The conversation with Hector over a week ago has sat uncomfortably with him all this time, and so he is the first one Jaskier reaches out to when he can grip consciousness long enough.]
Geralt is back home. Not from my doing, mind. I -- [And it cuts off as he's overcome with the truth of it. Now that he's been living nearly an entire month in a state of constant sickness, he's simply not sure how to feel now.] My apologies if I wake you. I'm not sure these messages even can. I wanted to tell you. Though, let me say, I was coming closer by the day to testing the viability of your plan.
Edited (me want better words) 2021-12-12 09:28 (UTC)
[Luckily for Jaskier, Hector keeps odd hours. It's not long before he responds, in his usual script.]
Good. Is he well?
Thanks for telling me. I'll save the Night Creatures plan for another day. You never know when it might come in handy.
Good. Is he well?
Thanks for telling me. I'll save the Night Creatures plan for another day. You never know when it might come in handy.
[Oh, thank Melitele's splendid sense of timing. He needs the company.]
He's alive. He's healing. "Well" is always relative for a Witcher.
[There's humor in the curls of his letters, that come stronger now that he's received an answer.]
You know, one day, I'd still love to see them, your little creatures. Perhaps we can have them for a parade. Or. Oh. Is that a misuse of your powers? I don't know. I think it would be funny to see.
[Look, he's loopy and he could use funny right now.]
He's alive. He's healing. "Well" is always relative for a Witcher.
[There's humor in the curls of his letters, that come stronger now that he's received an answer.]
You know, one day, I'd still love to see them, your little creatures. Perhaps we can have them for a parade. Or. Oh. Is that a misuse of your powers? I don't know. I think it would be funny to see.
[Look, he's loopy and he could use funny right now.]
That is probably for the best. Can you imagine what would happen if Geralt were to smile? The seas would boil, and the stars would come crashing from the sky.
[It's late, and Hector feels so relieved on Jaskier's behalf that he's reaching a similar state of giddiness.]
They can parade if you want them to. It's not a 'misuse'. It wouldn't harm anything.
Unless of course you mean to have a parade for your witcher, in which case he might hurt himself scowling.
[It's late, and Hector feels so relieved on Jaskier's behalf that he's reaching a similar state of giddiness.]
They can parade if you want them to. It's not a 'misuse'. It wouldn't harm anything.
Unless of course you mean to have a parade for your witcher, in which case he might hurt himself scowling.
[Hector can't see it, but it does make him laugh. He has, in fact, seen Geralt smile. Usually amused, and the larger ones tinged in bitterness. A full-on grin, though? He's quite sure the earth itself should split.
The bed in Sam's guestroom is comfortable, yet unfamiliar. He should go home, but he's still bone-deep exhausted. He considers asking Hector to carry him back, yet it feels a bit rude after he's offered so much help already.]
Then I should love to witness it. [Though he, of course, already has a soft spot for both the fox and Constantine -- who he has taken to making singing gently to when no one is around -- he would love to see more, truly. The extent of what he can do.
He simply wants to focus on other things. Things that are not his Witcher friend.] I should say, he would not appreciate it as it deserves, either. When I can move again, I may be dragging you into this.
[And thus it's his fault for humoring the bard at all..]
The bed in Sam's guestroom is comfortable, yet unfamiliar. He should go home, but he's still bone-deep exhausted. He considers asking Hector to carry him back, yet it feels a bit rude after he's offered so much help already.]
Then I should love to witness it. [Though he, of course, already has a soft spot for both the fox and Constantine -- who he has taken to making singing gently to when no one is around -- he would love to see more, truly. The extent of what he can do.
He simply wants to focus on other things. Things that are not his Witcher friend.] I should say, he would not appreciate it as it deserves, either. When I can move again, I may be dragging you into this.
[And thus it's his fault for humoring the bard at all..]
Are you alright?
[Hector isn't sure what trials Jaskier had to go through to retrieve his friend, and this 'when I can move again' has him worried. Perhaps just Jaskier being melodramatic, but...
...but he saw how ragged Jaskier ran himself before Hector began forcing food down his gullet.... So best to check.]
[Hector isn't sure what trials Jaskier had to go through to retrieve his friend, and this 'when I can move again' has him worried. Perhaps just Jaskier being melodramatic, but...
...but he saw how ragged Jaskier ran himself before Hector began forcing food down his gullet.... So best to check.]
Me?
[Perhaps the genuine surprise in being asked comes through: the letters appearing smaller, less cursive.]
Well, my arm feels as if a particularly obese frost troll's sat on it, I've been dizzy for three hours and barely made it to bed where I promptly tangled in the blankets and fell out, and I'm rather sure I've got a saddle rash, and... none of that is your fault or remotely interesting to hear about.
[A small pause, and then again, smaller.]
I'm heartsick and very much alive, to the detriment of many. I think I'll be fine. I simply wish to... not be here. For a bit.
[Perhaps the genuine surprise in being asked comes through: the letters appearing smaller, less cursive.]
Well, my arm feels as if a particularly obese frost troll's sat on it, I've been dizzy for three hours and barely made it to bed where I promptly tangled in the blankets and fell out, and I'm rather sure I've got a saddle rash, and... none of that is your fault or remotely interesting to hear about.
[A small pause, and then again, smaller.]
I'm heartsick and very much alive, to the detriment of many. I think I'll be fine. I simply wish to... not be here. For a bit.
Edited 2021-12-18 01:20 (UTC)
Think you could make it to the Horizon for a bit? I could draw you a bath.
[More accurately, he will have to create a tub in his Domain, since he's neglected some basic amenities that it simply hadn't occurred to him to add. Not that soaking in the Horizon will actually affect Jaskier's real-life pains, but short of tracking the bard down in the middle of the night and trying to drag him home, this is the best Hector can offer.]
[More accurately, he will have to create a tub in his Domain, since he's neglected some basic amenities that it simply hadn't occurred to him to add. Not that soaking in the Horizon will actually affect Jaskier's real-life pains, but short of tracking the bard down in the middle of the night and trying to drag him home, this is the best Hector can offer.]
[Again, Hector surprises him. Honestly, he should start keeping a tally.
It's possibly the kindest offering he's been given in... oh, fuck. Who even knows? Theoretically, he could go to a very real bath in Sam's washroom, but the very effort of even making it there and undressing is a tiring thought. In the Horizon, he will not recall this exhaustion, or this pain in his arm.]
Have I mentioned before how absolutely brilliant you are? It bears repeating, if so. [That is a resounding yes. He's already in bed, and slipping in there to find Hector's domain will be effortless.] Make it rather large, please. I must insist you join me.
[And those are the last words he gives before closing his eyes, letting his mind slip to a place it'd much rather be right now, anyway. Right at the edge of Hector's lands, with the golden bird, Hector's gift some time ago, behind him. (He only thinks it fair it return to see its creator from time to time.)]
It's possibly the kindest offering he's been given in... oh, fuck. Who even knows? Theoretically, he could go to a very real bath in Sam's washroom, but the very effort of even making it there and undressing is a tiring thought. In the Horizon, he will not recall this exhaustion, or this pain in his arm.]
Have I mentioned before how absolutely brilliant you are? It bears repeating, if so. [That is a resounding yes. He's already in bed, and slipping in there to find Hector's domain will be effortless.] Make it rather large, please. I must insist you join me.
[And those are the last words he gives before closing his eyes, letting his mind slip to a place it'd much rather be right now, anyway. Right at the edge of Hector's lands, with the golden bird, Hector's gift some time ago, behind him. (He only thinks it fair it return to see its creator from time to time.)]
That, you can never say too often.
[Hector hurries to the Horizon too, to prepare it and pretend like he isn't a barely functional adult who is only now installing a bathroom in his domain.
He models it off of one of the baths in Dracula's castle, a large tiled pool filled with steaming water pouring from a water feature. Alucard would probably weep to see it; Hector doesn't know how to pipes should work, so he doesn't bother with them. The structure is purely populated by domain magic, with no actual plumbing to support it.
Plenty large enough for two people, and also the dogs who peek their heads into the new room and lounge about on the pool's edge to bask in the warmth. Hector conjures some towels, sets them to the side, then steps out of his cottage to await Jaskier's arrival.]
[Hector hurries to the Horizon too, to prepare it and pretend like he isn't a barely functional adult who is only now installing a bathroom in his domain.
He models it off of one of the baths in Dracula's castle, a large tiled pool filled with steaming water pouring from a water feature. Alucard would probably weep to see it; Hector doesn't know how to pipes should work, so he doesn't bother with them. The structure is purely populated by domain magic, with no actual plumbing to support it.
Plenty large enough for two people, and also the dogs who peek their heads into the new room and lounge about on the pool's edge to bask in the warmth. Hector conjures some towels, sets them to the side, then steps out of his cottage to await Jaskier's arrival.]
[He's about to repeat it for a few hours if Hector is really meaning to ply him with a bath.
He is so incredibly thankful for the first time that he cannot bring anything out there in here; as his mind slips out of his body, so too does the exhaustion, at least for the most part, leave him. The ache he feels in his arm is now a dull thud he can ignore, like an old bruise nearly healed.
Though Hector's cottage reminds him of Geralt's, he's certainly not allowing himself to give a thought to his friend at the moment. Once Hector is in eyesight, the bird gives a little croon -- though it's hard to say whether it's excitement at seeing Hector again, or a reflection of how Jaskier's heart skips a beat.
He gives him a wave, and when in arm's length, pulls him into a too-tight embrace, in which he also kisses his cheek.] Hello again, my handsome little devil. [And for a moment, where he hides his face against Hector's hair, his tone takes on the fact he feels too much, all at once, relief and fondness and an overwhelming affection for Hector's quiet offering.
And by the time he pulls away, he's pulled himself together again. Luckily the Horizon does not reflect him as he is right now in that bed, neither fucked up hair or baggy eyes or a dreadful pallor he's held for a week. No, here, he gets to be as bright as a spring chicken, with a bright blue doublet and warm cream chemise that he intends to take off very slowly.] Not that I mean to rush things along, but I must see what you've come up with.
He is so incredibly thankful for the first time that he cannot bring anything out there in here; as his mind slips out of his body, so too does the exhaustion, at least for the most part, leave him. The ache he feels in his arm is now a dull thud he can ignore, like an old bruise nearly healed.
Though Hector's cottage reminds him of Geralt's, he's certainly not allowing himself to give a thought to his friend at the moment. Once Hector is in eyesight, the bird gives a little croon -- though it's hard to say whether it's excitement at seeing Hector again, or a reflection of how Jaskier's heart skips a beat.
He gives him a wave, and when in arm's length, pulls him into a too-tight embrace, in which he also kisses his cheek.] Hello again, my handsome little devil. [And for a moment, where he hides his face against Hector's hair, his tone takes on the fact he feels too much, all at once, relief and fondness and an overwhelming affection for Hector's quiet offering.
And by the time he pulls away, he's pulled himself together again. Luckily the Horizon does not reflect him as he is right now in that bed, neither fucked up hair or baggy eyes or a dreadful pallor he's held for a week. No, here, he gets to be as bright as a spring chicken, with a bright blue doublet and warm cream chemise that he intends to take off very slowly.] Not that I mean to rush things along, but I must see what you've come up with.
[Hector smiles at the sight of bard and bird together, and he lets himself be drawn into Jaskier's embrace. He's starting, little by little, to acclimate to Jaskier's readily offered affection, but he's still greedy for it, the way his dogs always want more belly rubs, no matter how often Hector indulges them.
In spite of how tired Jaskier proclaimed to be in his physical body, here he looks as if a weight has been lifted off of him. A peacock in a fancy blue jacket, which suits him.
Hector motions him to his cabin door.]
I can't take credit for this. The castle where I worked had an exquisite bath, and I copied it quite liberally.
[The rough wooden door of the cabin still opens up to Hector's library, but he leads them to a new door within it. The carpeted floor gives way to mosaic tiles as they cross the threshold.]
It's big, as requested.
In spite of how tired Jaskier proclaimed to be in his physical body, here he looks as if a weight has been lifted off of him. A peacock in a fancy blue jacket, which suits him.
Hector motions him to his cabin door.]
I can't take credit for this. The castle where I worked had an exquisite bath, and I copied it quite liberally.
[The rough wooden door of the cabin still opens up to Hector's library, but he leads them to a new door within it. The carpeted floor gives way to mosaic tiles as they cross the threshold.]
It's big, as requested.
Please, Hector. I wouldn't know any wiser. You must take credit where you can! Besides, the real work is remembering all the finer details.
[He takes his time walking through Hector's space, indulging in the warmth of it. Books upon books upon books, of course; exactly the man so inclined to discuss science as he'd been the first time they'd met in the Horizon. He peeks around simply to see if anything has changed, noting the finer details, and perhaps pausing a few times as they walk through to give a few dogs a good scrub on the head.
After all the new compatriots he's found nesting and housing and digging about in his own space, he can't fault the man for having so many critters around. Their presence, even if they are far from real, is a comfort. Look, he even has friends that change into beasts. It's like he attracts them now.
Stepping in, the air turns thick with humidity, the sound of splashing water filling the quiet. His brows raise, and he laughs.] Why, Hector, it's a veritable pool. Nearly a bath house. Not, of course, that this is a complaint.
[It's certainly not, because as Jaskier steps carefully over a pup, he's already unbuttoning his doublet, letting it fall to the ground behind him. And there goes his chemise. He is, in fact, more eager to get into this pool than he has been for anything in weeks.
Even if he pauses, once his top half is nude, to bend down and rub the ear of a dog currently sticking its nose in his pile of clothing, ties of his trousers hanging loose between his legs.] You are very lucky, my friend, that canine drool does not stain so easily here.
[He takes his time walking through Hector's space, indulging in the warmth of it. Books upon books upon books, of course; exactly the man so inclined to discuss science as he'd been the first time they'd met in the Horizon. He peeks around simply to see if anything has changed, noting the finer details, and perhaps pausing a few times as they walk through to give a few dogs a good scrub on the head.
After all the new compatriots he's found nesting and housing and digging about in his own space, he can't fault the man for having so many critters around. Their presence, even if they are far from real, is a comfort. Look, he even has friends that change into beasts. It's like he attracts them now.
Stepping in, the air turns thick with humidity, the sound of splashing water filling the quiet. His brows raise, and he laughs.] Why, Hector, it's a veritable pool. Nearly a bath house. Not, of course, that this is a complaint.
[It's certainly not, because as Jaskier steps carefully over a pup, he's already unbuttoning his doublet, letting it fall to the ground behind him. And there goes his chemise. He is, in fact, more eager to get into this pool than he has been for anything in weeks.
Even if he pauses, once his top half is nude, to bend down and rub the ear of a dog currently sticking its nose in his pile of clothing, ties of his trousers hanging loose between his legs.] You are very lucky, my friend, that canine drool does not stain so easily here.
[The library is largely the same; filled with books of science and magic, though now the sections on bestiaries and vampire literature are more robust. A new couch, from the sole comfortable nook in a frigid Styrian castle. The workshop has more changes; magical trappings and a large operating table with Hector's forging hammer set upon it.
The domain is still devoid of people. The only ones Hector trusts are the ones he occasionally brings here.]
I take credit for what I do. But I'm no architect. That sort of thing's never held much interest for me.
[He takes a moment to breath in the steam, admiring the stolen design. Yes, he did manage to get the details right, in spite of that lack of expertise. After a few years of cold baths in a rickety wooden tub in his cottage back in Rhodes, Hector had indulged in the room that inspired this one in his rare free time.]
It's nice, isn't it? Plenty of room to stretch out. [This is a magical domain, there's no reason not to treat themselves.
Speaking of, he takes a moment to appreciate the improved view as Jaskier shrugs out of most of his clothes. Jaskier pauses from the pool to pet his dog, and Hector feels something melt inside of him. Oh. He swallows. Jaskier had said he adored Hector before, but while Jaskier coos over one of his pets, Hector realizes that the reverse is true as well. Well, fuck. He just stares, one hand at his shirt with the first few buttons undone.]
The domain is still devoid of people. The only ones Hector trusts are the ones he occasionally brings here.]
I take credit for what I do. But I'm no architect. That sort of thing's never held much interest for me.
[He takes a moment to breath in the steam, admiring the stolen design. Yes, he did manage to get the details right, in spite of that lack of expertise. After a few years of cold baths in a rickety wooden tub in his cottage back in Rhodes, Hector had indulged in the room that inspired this one in his rare free time.]
It's nice, isn't it? Plenty of room to stretch out. [This is a magical domain, there's no reason not to treat themselves.
Speaking of, he takes a moment to appreciate the improved view as Jaskier shrugs out of most of his clothes. Jaskier pauses from the pool to pet his dog, and Hector feels something melt inside of him. Oh. He swallows. Jaskier had said he adored Hector before, but while Jaskier coos over one of his pets, Hector realizes that the reverse is true as well. Well, fuck. He just stares, one hand at his shirt with the first few buttons undone.]
Extremely nice. [Some men make it almost impossible to compliment them. Then again, the things he is quite sure Hector would love to hear him harp upon -- blacksmithing and, er, little demon-y things -- are not points he has much experience with.
In time. Surely. He's still enamored with the idea of a parade.
All right, so apparently the pup is quite enamored with the cologne he's given himself in the Horizon. Instead of wrestling the chemise from the dog's mouth, he gives it a scratch behind the ear and lets him at it. Why not? He can make a whole closet of them.
He looks up just in time to see Hector's eyes on him. And Jaskier, far from new at being admired, gives him a smile and a wiggle of his brows, back on his feet as he saunters to close the distance. You know what? After a month of shit, he deserves to be appreciated, even if it's only for his body. A body that Hector now knows he does not exaggerate. (Why mess with perfection?)] Now, Hector, you're looking at me as if it's your first time watching me undress. Delightful and flattering, to be sure, but I'd hate to distract you so. [He tugs at his shirt, then helps him along with a few more buttons undone.]
Unless... I don't mind helping divest you of your clothes, either. [They could all use a spot of help these days.]
In time. Surely. He's still enamored with the idea of a parade.
All right, so apparently the pup is quite enamored with the cologne he's given himself in the Horizon. Instead of wrestling the chemise from the dog's mouth, he gives it a scratch behind the ear and lets him at it. Why not? He can make a whole closet of them.
He looks up just in time to see Hector's eyes on him. And Jaskier, far from new at being admired, gives him a smile and a wiggle of his brows, back on his feet as he saunters to close the distance. You know what? After a month of shit, he deserves to be appreciated, even if it's only for his body. A body that Hector now knows he does not exaggerate. (Why mess with perfection?)] Now, Hector, you're looking at me as if it's your first time watching me undress. Delightful and flattering, to be sure, but I'd hate to distract you so. [He tugs at his shirt, then helps him along with a few more buttons undone.]
Unless... I don't mind helping divest you of your clothes, either. [They could all use a spot of help these days.]
[If Jaskier compliments him on something he takes pride in, he'll find Hector quite receptive.
He blinks his eyes and tries to resume his unbuttoning. His fingers feel leaden and clumsy, stunned with the realization that has been building for a while now. Hector is in love. If Jaskier were to offer him a ring, he'd take it, even if it meant being enslaved.
He swallows, unsure of what to do in the wake of that revelation.]
I... I'm supposed to be taking care of you. Get in, you're due a soak and a massage.
He blinks his eyes and tries to resume his unbuttoning. His fingers feel leaden and clumsy, stunned with the realization that has been building for a while now. Hector is in love. If Jaskier were to offer him a ring, he'd take it, even if it meant being enslaved.
He swallows, unsure of what to do in the wake of that revelation.]
I... I'm supposed to be taking care of you. Get in, you're due a soak and a massage.
[Okay, he really is acting a bit odd. It's not the first time Hector's seen him nude, nor seen his scar, so now he's -- has he said something a bit odd? Doubtful. All he's done is compliment his bath.
Jaskier tips his head, watching him. Unsurprisingly, there is no explanation.
You know what? This time, he's letting it go.]
Ah. Right, right. You're supposed to be spoiling me. I am very glad to see the return of your bullying. [He gives him a teasing tug of his shirt, stepping away to all but slip out of his trousers, which get tossed quite haphazardly near the bundle of other clothes. He's lost his boots somewhere, which he suspects one of the hounds has stolen and taken off to chew. Well. He can't blame them. They are a lovely sort of leather.
He slips into the water, which as the steam and humid air promised, is about as hot as it can be without being uncomfortable. He sighs, lets his shoulders fall, just a little, with the weight of everything he has been carrying. As he turns, he stretches out his arms along the tiled side of the pool.] How have you been lately? I know we see each other plenty, but... well. My head's been in a fog. [He props his head up on an arm, watching steam rise from his skin.] Your soups have proven to be quite the bounty.
Jaskier tips his head, watching him. Unsurprisingly, there is no explanation.
You know what? This time, he's letting it go.]
Ah. Right, right. You're supposed to be spoiling me. I am very glad to see the return of your bullying. [He gives him a teasing tug of his shirt, stepping away to all but slip out of his trousers, which get tossed quite haphazardly near the bundle of other clothes. He's lost his boots somewhere, which he suspects one of the hounds has stolen and taken off to chew. Well. He can't blame them. They are a lovely sort of leather.
He slips into the water, which as the steam and humid air promised, is about as hot as it can be without being uncomfortable. He sighs, lets his shoulders fall, just a little, with the weight of everything he has been carrying. As he turns, he stretches out his arms along the tiled side of the pool.] How have you been lately? I know we see each other plenty, but... well. My head's been in a fog. [He props his head up on an arm, watching steam rise from his skin.] Your soups have proven to be quite the bounty.
[Jaskier strips with his usual, flirtatious panache. Hector, by contrast, snorts and magics his clothes away so he can follow Jaskier into the water.
He settles on the bench that runs along the pool wall, close enough to take Jaskier's stretched hand and begin to rub his thumbs along the bard's palm. A lutist's hand bears different callouses than a forgemaster's, another fact to file away about his lover.]
I've been fine. You haven't missed much. Work and study, and trying to teach the fox to shake paws.
[Hector really does need to get a dog as his next pet. He has plenty here in the Horizon, but hasn't found one for the physical world since his living situation hasn't been figured out yet.
He smiles at Jaskier's mention of his cooking. He's no great talent in the kitchen, but he made an effort, and he's pleased it was noticed through that fog.]
One of my hidden depths. I've lived alone most of my life, and unlike my pets, I require food to live. Had to teach myself to make something worth eating.
He settles on the bench that runs along the pool wall, close enough to take Jaskier's stretched hand and begin to rub his thumbs along the bard's palm. A lutist's hand bears different callouses than a forgemaster's, another fact to file away about his lover.]
I've been fine. You haven't missed much. Work and study, and trying to teach the fox to shake paws.
[Hector really does need to get a dog as his next pet. He has plenty here in the Horizon, but hasn't found one for the physical world since his living situation hasn't been figured out yet.
He smiles at Jaskier's mention of his cooking. He's no great talent in the kitchen, but he made an effort, and he's pleased it was noticed through that fog.]
One of my hidden depths. I've lived alone most of my life, and unlike my pets, I require food to live. Had to teach myself to make something worth eating.
[He snorts in a way that is very undignified, and even if Hector doesn’t know it yet, in a way he only allows in very close company. He leans back against the wall, Hector’s fingers gentle, yet persistent.
It pings him as similar to how Geralt had forced the knot out of his injured arm. In a Cadens bathhouse, too. Except where he used brute force, his forgemaster now leans towards a patient cajoling. He certainly prefers that right now.]
The very idea of a fox shaking hands — er, paws — is beyond poetic. And adorable. Though I must insist we name him, lest he develop an identity crisis.
[He moves a bit closer, the water shifting with him, giving a wiggle of his brows. He’s definitely listening, but.] There are depths in you I haven’t plundered yet?
[He can’t help himself. Even if it is far more likely that Hector has, ahem. Plundered his.
His fingers curl as Hector presses into a pressure point. Not uncomfortably, but real enough that he swears he feels it in his scalp. When next he speaks, it isn’t quite so teasing.] You know, sometimes when you speak that way, you make living sound as if it’s a chore.
[Unfortunately, he can picture it. Lonely years with only the reanimated animals he finds in the street… echoes of the hound that led to the death of his parents. Jaskier understands it, in a distant way, but to him it sounds like a prison sentence. Like a punishment. And yet, he never seems to speak of it like a regret.
He lifts his free hand from the water, idly traces his fingertips over Hector’s shoulder, down to his collarbone.] I suppose it is oftentimes.
[Who would he be to judge? Truthfully, the last month could be described that way, settling him into a frame of mind where he did nothing but sleep, and in his waking hours wish he could sleep more.
Maudlin. Ugh. Unattractive, and sure to turn some of his hair white. The horror!]
It pings him as similar to how Geralt had forced the knot out of his injured arm. In a Cadens bathhouse, too. Except where he used brute force, his forgemaster now leans towards a patient cajoling. He certainly prefers that right now.]
The very idea of a fox shaking hands — er, paws — is beyond poetic. And adorable. Though I must insist we name him, lest he develop an identity crisis.
[He moves a bit closer, the water shifting with him, giving a wiggle of his brows. He’s definitely listening, but.] There are depths in you I haven’t plundered yet?
[He can’t help himself. Even if it is far more likely that Hector has, ahem. Plundered his.
His fingers curl as Hector presses into a pressure point. Not uncomfortably, but real enough that he swears he feels it in his scalp. When next he speaks, it isn’t quite so teasing.] You know, sometimes when you speak that way, you make living sound as if it’s a chore.
[Unfortunately, he can picture it. Lonely years with only the reanimated animals he finds in the street… echoes of the hound that led to the death of his parents. Jaskier understands it, in a distant way, but to him it sounds like a prison sentence. Like a punishment. And yet, he never seems to speak of it like a regret.
He lifts his free hand from the water, idly traces his fingertips over Hector’s shoulder, down to his collarbone.] I suppose it is oftentimes.
[Who would he be to judge? Truthfully, the last month could be described that way, settling him into a frame of mind where he did nothing but sleep, and in his waking hours wish he could sleep more.
Maudlin. Ugh. Unattractive, and sure to turn some of his hair white. The horror!]
Edited 2021-12-23 09:10 (UTC)
[Hector raises an eyebrow. He is absolutely thinking the same thing Jaskier is regarding his depths and the thoroughness of their plundering.]
You're welcome to try and delve them deeper whenever you'd like.
[It's a little easier to breathe when they fall into joking like this. His feelings don't feel as dangerously serious when they're grinning at one another.
His massaging fingers slide to Jaskier's wrist.]
Do you have thoughts on what he should be called? I haven't settled on one that suits him yet.
[Jaskier's voice goes more serious, but Hector's stays light. Why shouldn't it? Life is good now, with a lover who genuinely wants the best for him, a safe place to keep his pets, and a workshop where he can experiment without attracting an angry mob.]
It can be, but you know me. I like my work. And I can't complain about the company, either.
You're welcome to try and delve them deeper whenever you'd like.
[It's a little easier to breathe when they fall into joking like this. His feelings don't feel as dangerously serious when they're grinning at one another.
His massaging fingers slide to Jaskier's wrist.]
Do you have thoughts on what he should be called? I haven't settled on one that suits him yet.
[Jaskier's voice goes more serious, but Hector's stays light. Why shouldn't it? Life is good now, with a lover who genuinely wants the best for him, a safe place to keep his pets, and a workshop where he can experiment without attracting an angry mob.]
It can be, but you know me. I like my work. And I can't complain about the company, either.
[Gods, he does love a good flirt. There's nothing that makes him feel more human and less a wreck. Or more, he thinks, it comes from that Hector's tone remains so light. Oh, ugh. When has he become the more morose one of any pairing? He feels he must be akin to dragging about a whining child.
He closes his eyes, leaning back, and simply focuses on the fingers at his wrist. A twitch of his lips turns into a smile.]
I have been told my company is exemplary. [He peeks an eye open.] And your work is as well.
[Hmm. A name for the fox. A fox, reanimated by a smith of souls. Ah!] Where I come from, the people there -- and a few dwarves -- worship a god called Telawel. Er, I say sometimes, if only because it still comes off a bit cult-y. He's said to be a divine blacksmith, whose followers preach a life of honest work. [He gives him a smile, shifting his leg against Hector's.] He may sound like someone I know.
He closes his eyes, leaning back, and simply focuses on the fingers at his wrist. A twitch of his lips turns into a smile.]
I have been told my company is exemplary. [He peeks an eye open.] And your work is as well.
[Hmm. A name for the fox. A fox, reanimated by a smith of souls. Ah!] Where I come from, the people there -- and a few dwarves -- worship a god called Telawel. Er, I say sometimes, if only because it still comes off a bit cult-y. He's said to be a divine blacksmith, whose followers preach a life of honest work. [He gives him a smile, shifting his leg against Hector's.] He may sound like someone I know.
[Well, the key, Jaskier, is to hit complete rock bottom, then have to scrape yourself back up and keep going. Everything after that seems doable.]
Oh?
[His work, exemplary? Yes, it is, but he likes to hear it from other people. His pulse quickens, and his massage slows a little, the focus now less on soothing and more on touch.]
'Telawel'... I like it. Though, I've never been accused of being an 'honest worker' before.
[Jasier's leg rubs against his, and Hector can't help but scoot in closer, skin brushing wet skin, to kiss him. It's Jaskier's fault for sweet-talking about his skills, Hector is so, so weak to that.]
Oh?
[His work, exemplary? Yes, it is, but he likes to hear it from other people. His pulse quickens, and his massage slows a little, the focus now less on soothing and more on touch.]
'Telawel'... I like it. Though, I've never been accused of being an 'honest worker' before.
[Jasier's leg rubs against his, and Hector can't help but scoot in closer, skin brushing wet skin, to kiss him. It's Jaskier's fault for sweet-talking about his skills, Hector is so, so weak to that.]
[Oof. Good advice, hard execution. That will definitely not be relevant in the future.
Ah, he's definitely learned the sort of things that affect Hector by now, and yet how delighted he is to see the reaction every time. He's so... easy. It's not meant to be a bad thing. He responds to compliments, to flatteries, with nothing but genuine pleasure.
And, mm. He has lovely kisses.]
Perhaps not honest. Hard working, then. Clearly you did something right, being a general. [He ducks down to kiss under his jaw. He can't say he really minds Hector paused his massage. Jaskier is quite flexible with how his encounters go, and touch is all he craves.] I'll make sure I stick to something like... hmm. What do you think of assiduous artisan? In your song.
[It's the least he can do. Stick to the most accurate, but complimentary, descriptors.]
Ah, he's definitely learned the sort of things that affect Hector by now, and yet how delighted he is to see the reaction every time. He's so... easy. It's not meant to be a bad thing. He responds to compliments, to flatteries, with nothing but genuine pleasure.
And, mm. He has lovely kisses.]
Perhaps not honest. Hard working, then. Clearly you did something right, being a general. [He ducks down to kiss under his jaw. He can't say he really minds Hector paused his massage. Jaskier is quite flexible with how his encounters go, and touch is all he craves.] I'll make sure I stick to something like... hmm. What do you think of assiduous artisan? In your song.
[It's the least he can do. Stick to the most accurate, but complimentary, descriptors.]
Edited (I decided to make it dumber) 2021-12-29 09:10 (UTC)
[Hector pauses, frowning.]
...I don't think I did. Do right, that is. I should have stayed out of it.
[Self-reflection isn't his strong suit, but there is nothing like having been tricked into mutiny, kidnapped, and then enslaved to make a man look at his life and look at his choices and think maybe, just maybe, he could have done some things better.
His hands start moving again, massaging up Jaskier's forearm, feeling muscles that must come from playing his lute.]
I suppose songs can be cautionary. The... assiduous artisan... who spends his days bringing animals back to life isn't much meat for a tale, not like the fool who raised an army for a dead man.
[Jaskier's flattery would be a kindness, but Hector's story is a tragedy, one that a bard could turn into a warning that might benefit people. He's not sure how relevant 'don't be swayed by insane vampires' is in this world, but surely it would put some coins in Jaskier's purse nonetheless.]
Before, I wasn't sure about you advertising what I can do. But, if you want the story, it is yours. Even if you do say things like 'assiduous artisan'.
...I don't think I did. Do right, that is. I should have stayed out of it.
[Self-reflection isn't his strong suit, but there is nothing like having been tricked into mutiny, kidnapped, and then enslaved to make a man look at his life and look at his choices and think maybe, just maybe, he could have done some things better.
His hands start moving again, massaging up Jaskier's forearm, feeling muscles that must come from playing his lute.]
I suppose songs can be cautionary. The... assiduous artisan... who spends his days bringing animals back to life isn't much meat for a tale, not like the fool who raised an army for a dead man.
[Jaskier's flattery would be a kindness, but Hector's story is a tragedy, one that a bard could turn into a warning that might benefit people. He's not sure how relevant 'don't be swayed by insane vampires' is in this world, but surely it would put some coins in Jaskier's purse nonetheless.]
Before, I wasn't sure about you advertising what I can do. But, if you want the story, it is yours. Even if you do say things like 'assiduous artisan'.
[He pulls back, sensing a bit of. Tension. To put it nicely. Ah. Fuck. He was only trying to be coy and cute, and this is what happens. He really needs to put a lid on it sometimes. (Will he follow that advice? No. Not a chance.)
Jaskier doesn't answer. He watches his face, places the hand of his free arm on Hector's leg.
When he finishes, Jaskier huffs softly. Of course he underestimates what Jaskier can do to a man's name with either ugly words or pretty ones, but that's far from the topic at hand.] Would you prefer it to be cautionary? I could do that. The question is, did you learn? From what happened to you? [He purses his lips.] And it's called alliteration, thank you. I happen to like using it. Occasionally.
[The point of the matter to Jaskier has never been whether he wants the story. He always does. It's whether the story's protagonist wants to tell it. They so rarely do.]
Jaskier doesn't answer. He watches his face, places the hand of his free arm on Hector's leg.
When he finishes, Jaskier huffs softly. Of course he underestimates what Jaskier can do to a man's name with either ugly words or pretty ones, but that's far from the topic at hand.] Would you prefer it to be cautionary? I could do that. The question is, did you learn? From what happened to you? [He purses his lips.] And it's called alliteration, thank you. I happen to like using it. Occasionally.
[The point of the matter to Jaskier has never been whether he wants the story. He always does. It's whether the story's protagonist wants to tell it. They so rarely do.]
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