(no subject)

[thewidewideworld]

{from here}

To the east of the garden, hidden between the trees is what looks from the outside like small and simple marquee.

But inside it is something very different. Large as any room inside the bar, the floor is covered with richly patterned carpets, as soft underfoot as grass. The walls are draped with the finest silks. Silver lanterns hung from the roof cast geometric patterns from their cut work sides, coloured rainbow hues by glass inserts.

At the room's centre is a raised dais spread with silks and furs, cushions and bolsters; a bed worthy of a king.

Sinric waits by the door, dressed in a flowing silk robe of rich gold and scarlet, his hair elaborately braided away from his neck and a mask of lace covering his eyes.

Comments

[thewidewideworld]

It's a reflexive gesture borne of old trauma but that's not something he feels like explaining to Eric. Instead he dips his lashes apologetically.

[onceaviking]

That's a wise choice as Eric wouldn't care.

"Your heart rate is stabilising, so you should be fine on your own soon."

[thewidewideworld]

"If you think best." In truth he is ready to be alone, knowing Eric had no interest in him.

[onceaviking]

"So meek and demure."
Eric smiles at him.

"How often do people figure out that it is an act?"

[thewidewideworld]

A small smile leaks through. "Less than you would think. But it isn't always an act. I enjoy being delicate for some people. For others, it's the only way to be safe - to be no threat to them."

[onceaviking]

"Mmm, and who would admit to being threatened by a gelded and pretty little thing like you?"
It's a rhetorical question.

[thewidewideworld]

"I am the ears, eyes and touch of a powerful man. Some people fear that, some people lust for that. And some people forget, because what they see is the mask."

[onceaviking]

"Masks are clever that way," Eric agrees.

[thewidewideworld]

"And useful. As too is your mask of genteel control. You play the part well."

[onceaviking]

"Why, thank you," Eric replies.
Genteelly.

[thewidewideworld]

"It must serve you well, outside here where you cannot be so true with your nature." Not that he was all that true to his nature with Sinric.

[onceaviking]

"Trust me. I am not even close to acting according to my own nature here," Eric purrs.

[thewidewideworld]

"Because the rules of this place prevent it?" He asks curiously, "Or do the benefits outweigh the costs of keeping yourself caged behind a mask."

[onceaviking]

"I choose to follow the rules here, because yes, the benefits do outweigh the downsides," Eric says. "Where else would I be able to get blood that's clean and pure?"

[thewidewideworld]

He tilts his head. "Mine and Athelstan's blood is so pure? Compared to others?"

[onceaviking]

"You taste the way people used to taste," Eric says, sounding almost nostalgic.

[thewidewideworld]

"A taste of a lost time." He nods and sits up a little straighter. "I understand."

His heart is steady and even now although he looks tired.

[onceaviking]

"Yes," Eric says, and then he suddenly moves away. Abruptly.
"You can order something to eat on my tab. Red meat, dark greens. Wine."

[thewidewideworld]

He nods, understanding that this is the end of their evening. "I will, thank you sir."

[onceaviking]

And suddenly, Eric is standing very, very close.
"You're a pretty, little thing," he says. "Like a little kitten. With sharp teeth and vicious claws. Should anybody ask, I hope you'll remember that you came along quite willingly."

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric blinks in shock at Eric's sudden neatness.

He blinks and nods. "Sir, I'm no threat to you. I came willingly and out of desire. There is no man here to whom I owe explination of my actions to but myself."

[onceaviking]

"But there are plenty here who would take it upon them to fight for you, should you need it or not. But it is good to know that we are in agreement."

He runs his fingers through his hair.

"Perhaps, I will see you again."

[thewidewideworld]

"There are plenty who have no reason to know my business. As I am reminded often, I am no slave here and answer to only this place's laws. Which have not been broken."

He can't help but sigh at the touch. "Perhaps."

[onceaviking]

He hears that sigh.

And so he puts a finger beneath Sinric's chin and tips his head back. Just a little.

And kisses him.

It's. Featherlight kiss. And cold.

[thewidewideworld]

He sighs again, warming to the kiss but holding himself back, knowing this is a parting. "Thank you for that, for keeping you mask on for me."