The seventeen year old Vertumnuns walked through the forest after being upset at both of his parents. They just didn't understand that he had feelings for guys as he did for girls. Cursing, he slumped himself against a tree and slid down, covering his face. Tears started to form in his eyes. He was dressed in a potato colored long sleeve shirt with brown shorts on.
Raen, back then 18 years old, was in the forest harvesting several berry bushes and trees from their fruit. Placing everything neatly in a basket.
It was when he was at almost the half of his harvesting round he heard something. The forest was aside of most of the trees, magic. Illusion magic woven into this very place and it could escape nothing or nobody, for it had become a part of the woods themselves. But it mainly targeted those who had bad intentions. Making them lost, walk around in circles, or after a full day of walking making them end up where they had started. But they never had trouble with authorities concerning this, for they would never let anyone die.
Heck. Sometimes sought criminals fled through this woods to reach Adela. And they were always given to the authorities to answer for their crimes.
Raen listened to the sound more closely, at first unable to figure out what it was until he identified it as crying. Forgotting his initial duties, he headed towards the sound and was suprised it had lead him to someone his age. Perhaps a little bit younger or older.
He put down the basket of fruit and aproached the man. ''Hey... what's wrong'' he asked. No weapons drawn or sign of hostility came from the Moonelf. He did not feel like he had too.
Vertumnunus looked up to see the moon elf. The golden eyes seemed to have concern as well as stare into his soul. His hair was silver and came down to his shoulder blades. He didn't feel like flirting like he would after seeing a hot guy, but felt too bad.
"Nothing..." He looked down, wiping his tears away and standing to his feet. "I didn't mean to disturbed you.." The young sorcerer folded his arms across his chest, not making eye contact again.
''You are not disturbing me at all.'' Raen assured and offered his hand. ''Come. I can not leave a troubled person behind. I can bring you to my place where you can calm your senses.''
His smile was gentle. ''If you wont be walking I will carry you though.'' if it was a joke it most likely was a poor one but Raen could just not leave this person behind like this and return to his duties as if nothing happened.
He looked at the creature's hand for a second, hesitant about allowing the creature to lead him anywhere. Vertumnuns had heard stories about men getting lost in this forest. Even losing their minds to the horrid nightmares that seemed to come true.
However, he placed his hand in his. "W-what are you? Some type of...elf?" Vertmnuns asked, his dark brown eyes soft and weary.
''I am a Moonelf. I live in these woods with the rest of our kin. Secluded, hidden... not many of us leave our borders. Only a few to trade in the cities once a while. And a few were brave enough to set out on a journey so I am not suprised if you have not seen any of my kin before. Also the ones who settled here first, weaved very powerful illusion magic into these woods. It is our only protection against those who mean harm. My kin does not kill and basicly, all of us hate to fight so if a group of bandits charges in we are kind of in trouble. The illusions are sometimes horrible but that tends to mean those who see them are horrible themselves. But we do not allow anybody to die.'' he assured.
''And those who need help, we give it to them.'' still he had his hand reached out.
He had never heard of a "Moonelf" before. Well, rather seen one in real life. He, however, read a small paragraph on them we he was studing elfish magic. Another thing his parents disapproved of. They didn't like him using magic over medicine, but didn't care if they did or not. Vertumnuns took the hand of the moonelf and smiled slightly, wiping a wandering tear from his eye with his other hand.
"Anywhere is better than there.." Vertmnuns mumbled, slowly looking up.
''My thoughts exactly'' Raen said giving the mans hand a gentle, reassuring squeeze in his hand. Before he lead him to the village he picked up the basket. Dropping his duties was one thing, forgetting the basket another. The next shift could go to the few harvesting locations he would skip.
Any illusions that came on their path were removed by him. Raen figured this young man had been through enough already. Although some illusions were pleasant it was most likely not what would be appreciated at this moment.
The walk took about an hour and they reached a very large clearing with neat gardens with pleasant smelling herbs and flowers, a large temple shaped like a cresent moon of multiple stories high made of white stone. the area itself had the size of a small sized village and easily could hold a few hundred people if homes had been built on empty places that were still there.
There were children playing and the area gave of a gentle atmosphere. What was the easiest thing to notice however was that the men were all having light till golden hair, and semi tanned skin and the women had dark hair variating from black to shades of purple or blue. Their skins were paler as well.
''Raen back already?'' a moonelf girl no older then 10 dashed their way. ''Who is your new friend?'' she asked.
''This is my little sister. Livia.'' Raen said to Vertumnuns before he brought himself to her height. ''Livia, could you bring the basket to the kitchenstaff and tell my superior I found someone in the woods? I had not harvested the North part of my route yet so someone else could do it.''
''I can do it!'' the girl said enthausiasticly as she took the basket. ''You will get scolded at again though.'' she said teasingly.
''For what it's worth, I do not care another time of scolding.'' Raen assured patting his little sister on her head before she dashed off.
A few more greeted the both of them but before they would be flocked, Raen lead Vertumnuns into the cresent temple where at the second floor his own room was. It was actually rather spacious looking due to the light colors of the stone, the open windows with purple mesh curtains and light wooden tables.
''I think some peace and quiet would do you better then introducing you to everyone.'' Raen said, now letting go of Vertumnuns' hand and took two glasses. Filling it with water from a glass carafe what had raspberries and mint leaves to give the water a soft but nice flavour. He gave one of the glasses to the sorcerer figuring he might be thirsty.
Vertumnuns followed the moonelf through the woods, thankful that there weren't any illusions plaguing him. The last thing he needed was scaring nightmares and uplifting daydreams. He held onto his hand the entire time, not thinking once of letting go.
When they finally came to the village of the moonelves, a smile came across his face. He couldn't help it. The plants, little homes and the beautiful white marble temple gave him pause. He watched as little moonelves played with one another which reminded him of a time more simpler than the current one. The sorcerer saw a little girl come up to the one who brought him there, apparently his younger sister.
"Hello." He greeted awkwardly specially sense he was still holding the teenage moonelf's hand. I guess they weren't as up tight about same gender public display of...touching. The girl also had light purple eyes like lavender plant and silver hair. A little different from her older brother.
Vertmununs greeted the other elves of the village before ending up on the second story of the moon crescent shaped temple. He looked around the room after letting go of the other boy's hand. He remembered one thing from the book he was reading and so turned around to face him.
"The Sun is your God, the stars...the stars your guidance." He thought for a second before finishing it. "And the Moon is your Goddess."
''Correct.'' Raen replied as he took a sip of his own water. ''Selfishly spoken, according to the legend we are the sons and daughters of a sun God named Solos, and moon Goddess named Lunaria. They loved one another deeply but after so many tries, the Lunaria was not able to be with child. So the both of them blessed elves and some humans uncapable to have children of their own, with a little bit of their power. Giving birth to the first Moonelves. In theory the men should be named Sunelves but there was already a race named as such so we stuck with Moon instead.'' he jestered a little. ''The full story is sad and beautiful. But rather then taking things to litterly... we just accepted it as a legend from our firstborn.''
there was a handcarved wooden bench with soft pillows on it and a few toys, most likely belonging to his sister, neatly stored on a shelf. ''If I may ask. What was it that made you so sad.'' he asked as he looked at Vertumnuns. Despite he smiled it was different then before. It was not nessesarily pity. He himself hated it to be pitied if the moment was there. But his smile was comforting and sympathic.
He nodded his head slowly as he told him the story. He had read it in the elvish book, thus allowing him to understand everything. "Sometimes life is like that; bittersweet." Vertumnuns stated with a sigh before taking the glass from the moonelf and taking a cautious sip of it just in case he didn't like the taste. Oh boy was he wrong! The water had flavor, but wasn't being overrun with raspberry and mint. This made his mood a bit happier.
Well, it was until the teenager asked why he was sad. Vertumnuns decided to tell him after a moment of silence. "My parents don't understand...won't accept that I am drawn by...those of my opposite." With a deep sigh, he finished his answer. "the same gender..."
''I see.'' Raen said thoughtfully.
''Love is a beautiful thing which should not be blocked by gender, or race. My kin... we fall in love with whom we fall in love with. Some who visit here to trade or rest or are brought here not having anywhere else to go do not understand it at first either. Eventually they realise it is the personality of our partner that is most important. And my kin binds themselves to their partners forever.'' he did not go further into detail regarding that. Raen had not found a lover yet. He had a few friends but to not a single one he knew, he felt sexually attracted to.
He paused briefly. ''If... you find where you live suffocating, you can live here for a while. We have guest quarters where people can stay if they have no place to go. However. At some point, wether fortunatly or not... it has to be discussed. Things like this leave voids and pain.'' he pondered briefly. ''Maybe there is a reason they do not want to accept it.''
The wise words that came from him gave him comfort. He had offered him to take up vacancy there and was debating accepting it or not. Yes, his parents would start to worry, but at the same time, he didn't want to live there anymore if every time he had one of his male friends come over have them asked if they were his boyfriend.
"I don't care what their reasons are if I can be frank." His sadness slowly turned into anger. "B-but I accept your offer for me to stay." He looked up at him and smiled slightly. "What's your name?"
''Raen. Just Raen.'' he said. His mother and father both did not really had a last name and last names were more person bound then family, for them mainly being nicknames or titles.
''What about your name'' he asked and finished his glass of water. He went to the table and refilled it, asking Vertumnuns if he wanted a refill too.
"Nice to meet you, Just Raen." He teased a little, trying to lighten up the mood before letting Raen refill his glass. I'm Vertumnuns Armus, but you can call me Vertus." The sorcerer waited for his glass to be refilled before looking down at his lap. "So, um. I can work here too. I'm really good with magic." He didn't like sitting on his ass while everyone else worked around him.
Raen refilled the glass and allowed a strawberry to fall in with the flow of water. ''There is always work to be done. From our little infirmary, to even teaching the kids about things. Tending to the trees and flowers, weave, sow... name it and we have it. Magic here is well aprpeciated as well and we stimulate those who have it to use it however they can.''
He placed the now empty carafe down on the table. He would refill it again later. ''When we've finished drinking I will introduce you to the village elders. They will see to it your room is arranged, and make sure you have a few extra sets of clothes. Do not worry though they are friendly. To most. I think they will give me a little scolding.'' he chuckled and did not seem to mind at all. ''Me being scolded happens a few times a week... I'm used to it.''
Vertus took the glass from Raen, thanked him in Raen!s native tongue, and took a couple of gulps of it. "Well I can help with the trees and flowers." He smiled some before taking another sip of the clear liquid. Vertus listened to him explain what would happen next with going to introduce him to the elders. He prayed to whatever gods may be to let them accept like Raen had. He finished off his drink and stood.
"Well let's not waste time then." He gave the moonelf a once over, before looking to the side.
''No rush'' Raen said with a wink. The afternoon was young after all. He did finish his drink.
''After meeting with the elders I will show you around. Almost forgot...'' he finished his drink as well. ''My kin, does not eat meat or hunt. Our only exception to end a life, is to release it from pain or suffering. A few of those who stay, do eat meat and they hunt for themselves under our terms that as much of the animal, is used as possible. If you prefer not to hunt with other people, I have a direwolf whom I will show to you later.''
''Show off you mean'' a little girls voice said. Livia walked in with a smile on her face. Panting indicating she had ran a bit and removed some of her black hairs from her face. ''Brother, the elders want to see you. Now. They did not sound happy...''
''Do they ever if it is about me.'' Raen said with a chuckle. ''Oh oh! Will your new friend stay? I will make dinner! Please please please?'' she asked pleading.
When Rawn winked at him. His couldn't help, but to blush. "And I might need to hunt with that direwolf. I just like meat..." Now he felt bad about not respecting their culture completely. Livia had came back and said something about "showing me off"? Was that a good thing? Vertus felt a little less weary of staying there in the village.
"I-I can stay for dinner. Yeah, sure." The young practitioner of magic looked between Raen and his little sister, trying to have an opening smile on his face. "S-so do you want me to go with you?"
''Showing his direwolf off.'' Livia said with a giggle. ''Raen tamed it with a single touch it was amazing!'' she said with a giggle.
''I had to keep it from eating you now didn't I.'' Raen said with a calm smile.
When the sorcerer said he could stay for dinner she jumped exitedly and clapped her hands. ''I will make something good!'' she said and dashed off.
''I hope you can do one night without meat.'' Raen said with a chuckle and took a deep breath. ''Let's go. Do not worry about the elders though. If they are as cranky as they think they are they will direct none of it to you. And I will get time to explain so I should be alright. I hope.'' he did not seem to worried about these elders himself however and with Vertus he left the room, to the first floor of the temple.
In the middle were two wooden doors with carvings of the moon, sun, and what most likely were Solos and Lunaria. Also some elves holding stars, one at the moons feet holding a bright star but the woman was crying. The one who the Moonelves refered too as the Weeping Star.
Raen opened the doors and gestured for Vertus to go in first.
Oh! That made much better sense. he thought to himself before Raen said that there wasn't going to be meat for dinner. Vertus had no problem with that. He was willing to part take in the cultural beliefs; after all, it's the least he could do.
This time when they left the room, Vertus wasn't holding Raen's hand anymore. That too wasn't a problem for him so he didn't mind. After walking through the wooden doors with the moon and sun painted on them, he heard crying and quickly turned his attention to a woman holding a star in her hand. That must've been the weeping star
Raen then gestured for him to go first into the room. His heart was raising, but knew he had to walk in. So he did.
Inside, there were white marble flowerpots on pedestrials and stained glass coloring the floor as the sunlight casted its light on it. A gentle breeze made the curtains move gently and in the room where three Moonelves. One woman and two men. The men wore loose silver silken robes and the woman black. But with all three, the robes were almost transparent.
''Please. Proceed.'' the woman said kindly making a calm gesture with her hands to Vertumnuns.
Raen had entered too and softly closed the door behind him. The woman smiled although the men seemed to look at the young moonelf a bit more disappointed. Or at the least irritated.
Raen sat down on the floor and gestured for Vertumnuns to sit beside him.
---
''Livia told us you discarded your harvesting duty earlier, and that you arrived earlier with this young man. Is that correct?'' One of the male elders poke.
''Yes sir.'' Raen said
''Normally we do not lead them to the village ourselves Raen. Those who seek help and guidence while lacking bad intentions are lead here by the illusions the forest provides. You know this. Can I ask why you discarded the rules?'' the woman asked calmly.
''I found him in the woods Lady Milliana. He was upset. It was not how a bad person would behave. Feeling he most likely should not be exposed to the illusions I made sure that with this trip he was not affected.'' Raen replied calmly.
''And then instead of bringing him straight to us you brought him to your place?'' a male elder said in a somewhat disappointing tone.
Raen nodded. ''Making him feel at ease, was something I felt was a better choice then immediatly throw him in front of the wolves...''
the expressions of the male elders stiffened while the woman giggled.
''..In a matter of saying.'' Raen said finishing his scentence.
''May I ask your name and what brought you to these woods kind stranger?'' the woman asked. She at the least seemed a lot more easygoing then her fellow elders.
The inside was even more beautiful than the outside was. If it hadn't been for the three moonelves standing in front of them by a few feet. It was a bit intimidating, but he knew that he couldn't show weakness. When the woman spoke, he came forward, but stopped half way when Raen gave him a look to sit down. Vertus blushed slightly with embarrassment and went back down to sit beside him. Their knees almost over lapping slightly.
When Raen's conversation with the elders was done, it was his turn to speak. "Well, my name is Vertumnuns Armus, I'm seventeen years of age, and a learning sorcerer." That might have been too much information. Oops.
"T-the reason why Raen led me here, good elders, was because I was...crying." He cleared his throat. "My parents don't understand me and it hurt too much so I was offered to stay here and I accepted. I plan to work with the other moonelves." He glanced over at Raen. "He has made me feel welcomed and I honor that." Vertus put his hand on Raen's thigh for emphasis.
''You see? Raen is not that much of a bad person'' Milliana said. The two men seemed to soften up a little too. First had been thinking Raen just did not feel like doing his duties and slacked off, daydreaming or playing with the creatures in the forest or play chase with his wolf. But they could let him slip. This time.
Milliana with gracious steps approached them and sat down in front of them. Her black hair moving like silk threads from the same breeze that moved the curtains.
''Like everyone else who seeks help, you are welcome to stay and will be given your own quarters.'' her gaze briefly went to Raen before looking back at the sorcerer. ''I am sorry if I pry.'' she started. Looking into his eyes. If Vertus had ever seen an expression of motherly love, he'd know this was really close to it. ''What is it your parents do not understand?''
Raen looked at Vertus and gave a calm smile. ''it's alright.'' he assured him. Placing his hand on the one Vertus placed on him.
''What is spoken here will not leave this room or us.'' A male elder spoke.
Vertus smiled more when he realized that Raen was no longer in trouble for leading him to the secretive village. One last thing he had to worry about screwing up.
When the female elder, named Lady Miliana, came toward him, his heart beat started to raise and his hand that once laid gently on Raen knee now had gripped it. However, it was something about her that he sensed was...maternal.
Gulping, he answered her question after a while of slience. "They...they don't understand that I have feelings for guys, like I do for...girls." He wanted to hug his knees to his chest, but couldn't find the strength to it. "And practice magic...they don't like that either."
''I see.'' Milliana said and closed her eyes for a moment. ''you will find no negative judgement here. However your parents will need to be notified you are here. It can be done by letter.'' she remained where she sat for now.
''You said you were a learning sorcerer correct? What kind of? We need to find you a proper teacher for when you are not working.'' a male elder spoke.
''I will teach him.'' Milliana said before getting on her feet.
''Absolutely not!''
''Oh Rufus... don't be such a stiff.'' she said with a giggle causing the man to be startled for a moment. ''My last one just graduated. Besides, my feeling tells me he needs more then just a teacher.''
''You sure?''
''Yes Vigarus. I'm sure,'' the woman confirmed.
''Very well.'' Rufus spoke.
''Is there anything else? questions you might have? Things you need?'' Vigarus asked.
"Yes, Madam. I'll make sure they know I'm safe." He nodded his head once before smiling some, looking over at Raen and attempted to move his hand from his knee, thinking that Raen wanted him to move it.
"Well, I'm practicing nature magic right now, elder. Hm..I've been able to commune with plants and animals, locate bodies of water and animals, hm..." Vertus thought for a moment. "I can do little weather control? Like a shower or something, but I can control plants." That's all he knew for now. "I've dedicated my life to the Earth Mother so she blushed me with nature magic."
Vertus smiled more when the female elder offered to teach him. "No, no more questions. Thank you so much for your warm welcome."
''Alright. Would any questions come up later I am sure that Raen will not mind answering them.'' Rufus said.
''I would be delighted.'' Raen replied and looked at Vertus before getting on his feet and offered his hand to him once more.
''Raen, you can lead your friend to the guest quarters, fifth room. Vertumnuns, I shall pick you up tomorrow after breakfast.'' Milliana said.
''Fifth room... directly below mine'' Raen said.
''Really? hmm did not think of that. But you have no problem jumping down from your balcony now do you.'' Milliana replied on teasing tone.
''You two can go. Best of luck Vertumnuns.'' Rufus said with a calm smile.
Vertus stood up with the help of Raen and smiled at the elders. "Thank you again." He said after Lady Milliana stated where he would be sleeping as the time when he would have a private practice with her.
The darker skinned human raised an eyebrow when he found out that his room was right below Raen's. He smiled widely, but quickly wiped the stupid facial expression from his face.
"Thank you, sir." He bowed before opening the door and walking out. "That went better than I excepted it to go." Vertus laughed a bit. "D-do you think Lady Milliana assigned me to that room because she knew it was underneath yours?"
''I bet she did it on purpose'' Raen said after he closed the door. He was relieved that he was 'forgiven' for his way of acting.
''Want me to lead you to your room first or do you prefer a small tour.'' he asked.
He nodded slowly and thought about what they should do. "I think we should do the tour first, then we can go to my quarters." Vertus smiled a bit and let go of his hand. "So, where are your parents?" He asked as they started to walk.
''My mother and father are currently working but are in the nearest town. Trading and selling some of the things we make here. They should be back at the end of the week.'' Raen replied and thought of where to start first. He figured starting where they currently were, was the best.
''At the temple here we have one of the living quarters. Usually those who are in their late teens live here and the guests. On the left side of the first floor are the guest quarters, and on the right the temple where we have the main shrine. Also. Guest quarters, glass house, the baths and the Elder meeting room are the only places here that have doors. In the middle is this place here.'' he pointed to where they had just come from. He then pointed at two buildings against one another, not to far away. ''That is the school with our library. It is not much but for us, enough.''
He pointed out a few more living quarters for couples and families before gesturing to the garden. ''Want to take a stroll through there?'' he asked.
Vertus nodded his head slowly and listened to him speak. "Ah, I see." So his parents were traders too. That was cool, his own father worked as a fresh produce salesmen while his mother was a tavern waitress.
He looked at the temple as well as the school and library. It was all very beautiful and elegant. Vertus wished that Earth Mother had a temple that he could worship in instead of a shrine made out of sticks, stones, and grass. "Yeah! Let's look at the garden, shall we?" He grinned and headed toward the gorgeous flowers and shrubs.
Raen watched him for a moment before joining Vertus. ''The plants in this section of the garden are mainly for medical purposes and used for creams or as a base for scented oils.''
There are a lot of medicinal herbs, all neatly ordered and easy to reach by either the main marble path or some smaller paths made of pebbles. There were trees on several places as well and benches where they provided shade.
After the medicinal garden Raen lead Vertus to a different kind of garden with lovely smelling flowers. They passed a few couples as well. Two woman who shared a playful kiss after one gently put a flower in the other ones hair and were friendly greeted by a father and a child.
At a fountain in the middle, there was a male couple as well and some males and female couples. ''See? Nothing to fear here.'' he said as the mail couple resumed their walk with their fingers entwined, heading towards a section filled with many kinds of roses.
Now this is what drew his attention. He had seen the majority of the medical plants by name as well as their usage in potions, pastes, cures, and elixirs. Vertus' smile couldn't get any wilder when they went toward the scented plants. Ah, lilac, rosemary, mint, daisy, and others.
His attention turned to look at the female couple which kind of took him off guard. Then he turned to see another same sex couple by the fountain as well as some heterosexual couples. Just to see this made a tear form in his eye. It slowly slid down his dark cheeks. "I, uh." He sniffed and turned his back Raen. "W-where do we eat?"
''At my parents' place. Livia is most likely already there making the suprise meal. She is a really good cook for her age. So don't worry.'' he assured. ''She is one of those persons though that she does not want anyone to see what she is making until it is litterly served.''
Raen replied. ''Are you alright?'' he asked before standing beside him. ''Freedom like this must not be easy to get used to.Let it sink in for a while. You can stay here for as long as you wish. Or until you break rules but I do not think that is going to occur.'' he said and placed his hand on Vertus' shoulder.
''Come. There is another section of the garden you'd might like to see. We are not allowed to speak there, only whisper. But it are the relaxation water gardens. Usually people come there to meditate or a short nap on the grass.''
The young sorcerer nodded his head and smiled sheepishly at Raen. "Oh, that's right. I forgot." Vertus smiled back at the fountain area. Everything was so peaceful here, no wonder they wanted to keep this area a secret from the outside world.
"Yes, I'm fine. Let's go to that area." Vertus offered and out stretched a hand to Raen, hopping he would hold it. He only did this because he had come fond of Raen and because, here, in the village, it was okay for two males and two females to hold hands.
"Lead the way, please." He looked down at his hand, then back at his golden eyes.
Raen nodded and took Vertus' hand but instead of walking, he started to run. Not very fast of course.
A few of the others softly shook their heads but smiled. They were used to Raen's behaviour by now. He did stop running just before they reached the water gardens. As exited as he was, he did respect his people's place and the rules. This section was for peace and quiet. There were little fountains and ponds everywhere. Most containing fish, even exotic ones such as Koi. Doves, sparrows, and small sing birds whistled their songs and the humminbirds drank nectar from either the powers or small glass drinking containers. There were also butterflies and various bees, benefiting from the present flowers.
Raen did not release the sorcerers hand and had thus far always held it gently.
As the moonelf lead his new friend through the garden they passed several couples sitting in the grass. Sleeping, or meditating. And a few others were alone. Everyone here seemed so contend it almost did not seem real. Strangely enough though, it was.
Vertus was taken by surprise when his new friend started to jog toward the silent area. Once he got there, he took in a deep, quiet breath, looking at the animals and the quietness of the area. He greeted all the animals telepathically, even the fish that swam in the ponds.
As he was led through the garden, he saw how those who were there were either sleeping or mediating. He gave one more look around before he saw a spot for them to sit so he tugged on Raen's hand gently and sat down in the grass, still holding his hand. Closing is eyes, a small doe came and sniffed at him, then came and laid down in front of him. The doe rested her head on his thigh and slowly started to drift off.
''Milliana knows which student she picks.'' Raen whispered softly. He would not mind a little nap but did not want to risk missing dinner time knowing his sister was working extra hard on it. They had about 4 more hours before dinner time.
He moved his white blonde hair to one side for a moment. Thinking that perhaps he would let it to be cut again a little. He did not understand how most women of his kin could endure having their hair till their lower back, and a hand few, even their calves. Speaking of which, one of the priestesses was near too. Aluria, who was still in apprenticehood. With a silver carafe she refilled the bowls at the shrines and tended to the flowers. She then approached them and simply smiled gently rather then speaking, giving a nod to both men before resuming her duties.
''Want to rest a bit?'' Raen asked Vertus very softly.
He looked up at Raen and smiled a bit before looking at the priestess and nodded back. He turned his attention back to the doe and leaned down to kiss her forehead. Vertus was at peace here and didn't want to leave. Not now. Not ever. He looked back up at Raen and nodded his head to his question, thinking of what type of life he would have here if he stayed. He even patted the grass beside him, wanting him to sit down for a spell.
Raen sat down beside him and looked at the deer for a moment.
It had been two weeks since it had been found injured but was still able to be saved. He wondered how long the creature would stay since it was almost better.
His gaze then went to Vertus once more.
Vertus smiled and gently rubbed the top of her head. He looked her over and saw that there was a bruise on her back leg. Must've been from an arrow of a hunter or something.
The young man looked over at Raen with a smaller smile, then leaned in to whisper in his ear. "Thank you for bringing me here."
''I hope you will find peace and serenity here. A place you can perhaps even call home. Do know, you are permitted to stay and leave however you please. This is a safe and free haven not a prison. Any belongings you have will be stored if you are away for a longer period of time.'' he whispered back. He then laid back on the grass and for a brief moment closed his eyes.
"I think I'll stay here for a while. Maybe a year." He whispered and laid back, following his lead. He closed his eyes and slowly drifted off to sleep.
The sorcerer dreamed of a life where he was happy. And that place was there in the moonelf village and...and Raen was there. It was him and Raen, hugging and- no, wait. They were just friends right? Raen probably had more connections there before he got there.
Raen woke Vertus about three hours later; they had one hour left until Livia would expect them. Some who had rested here were gone, others had stayed and new ones had joined. Even a family of four, resting with two young daughters in the half shade.
''Want me to show you the rest? Perhaps we have time to bathe before dinner, if not we could do so afterwards.''
He slowly wakes up and looks over at Raen. "We can go finish the tour. I'm all rested up now." Vertus whispered before getting up and brushing off his shorts. He looked around and taking in a deep breath. "Beautiful." He whispered.
Raen helped him on his feet. ''This is basicly why the forest can be so cruel to those we really do not want here. I am sure there are some really crazy stories about it.''
After the garden, Vertus was shown where their small hospital was and several bath houses. ''Here there are baths. The small ones are private ones. Either for when you wish to be alone or with a maximum of two others. Make sure though you turn the sigh when you go in and when you go out that shows it is occupied. The left large one is male only. The middle is mixed, and the right only for women. The water is a contend temperature and the roofs are open. A tarp can be set up when it rains.'' he then pointed to the glass house. ''that is where we have a butterfly garden. We harvest silk from there to make most of our clothes with. And what is left now are the guest quarters regarding the commons. Further at the back, behind the family living area we have our orchards, crops and the like.''
Vertus nodded slowly and looked at the bathhouses as Raen started to explain how the bathouses actually worked. He then turned his head to the butterfly house and smiled. He liked butterflies. "Oh nice...have you tried harvesting honey from bees?" He asked with a smile. He as enjoying this tour with Raen, blushed a bit at the time he was spending with him.
"So, shall we go eat??" He asked him.
''I tried when I was a boy but the bees seemed to disagree.'' he said with a chuckle.
They still had some time but figured that as long as they would not enter the kitchen Livia would forgive them.
''You must be starving I bet.'' Raen said and nodded. ''We can head to my parents' place.''
---
Once getting here he gently knocked on a wooden plate on the doorpost. All doorposts there, were instead of having a door, thick purple curtains. It was not possible to see through these, unlike those that hang at the windows.
''Come in! But NOT the kitchen!'' Livia called. ''I want it all to be a suprise!'' she said.
''That is my sister for you.'' Raen said with a chuckle. They already had been greeted by various rich scents from those who cooked at home.
Vertus nodded his head and smiled. "Agreed." The young sorcerer followed him back to his parent's place and smiled when he heard Raen's sister telling them not to enter the kitchen. "I love that she is such a cook. I enjoy cooking as well." He looked him up and down. "So can we wait in your room...or?"
The smells were amazing which he loved, almost reminding him of his mother's cooking.
''We can wait on the balcony. Judging by the weather it is also where we will eat. Or my old room. Some things are still there.'' Raen replied. He lead Vertus through the hallway, gesturing for Vertus to look the same way he did so they would not gaze at the kitchen where Livia was most likely preparing food for an orphanage. But he would not mind as long as it tasted well. And most of the time Livia's cooking was fine.
Vertus took Raen's hand and covered his eyes with the other. He didn't want to ruin the surprise. He was so grateful that both him and his sister had taken him in. Even the elders were nice to him. If only his parents were the same way as they were.
"We can wait on the balcony." He offered with his hand still over his eyes. Vertus wasn't going to put them down into Raen said that it was okay.
Raen without peeking himself even though he most likely usually would pretend to try, gently lead Vertus through the living room and placed him on a chair on the balcony had that view over the crop fields and the forest behind it. ''It is safe now.'' Raen said as he let go of Vertus's hand and sat down himself.
''Tell me if you are getting cold. Evening air can be trecherous.''
He opened his eyes slowly when he was instructed to and smiled widely at the view. "This is...just wow." Vertus got up from his sent and gripped the railing of the balcony, gazing over the crops and forest that lay ahead.
Vertus then looked down, leaning over the rail some. "And that's where I'm going to stay?" He asked, already knowing the answer. He just wanted to hear Raen speak again.
''Nope. This is my parent's home. You will be staying in the temple at the first floor. My room is on the second. It still has a good view there though.'' Raen assured.
''Although of course if you wish to stay in a family home... I could always ask my parents if they would like to shelter you here. You will get my old room then most likely and Livia's breakfast every morning.''
''Here you go.'' Livia gave both young men a glass of murky applejuice. Her hands seemed a little sticky too from just making it. ''Big brother grew these apples. They are super tasty'' she said before quickly returning to the kitchen.
"Ah, I see. Well tonight, c-can you visit me? Just so I can be used to sleeping alone?" Vertus asked with a raised eyebrow. He hoped that he didn't think Vertus was coming on to him, even though he was a little. What? He's a teenage boy, what did you expect?"
Soon his sister, Livia came out to give them a glass of apple juice. "Thanks a lot, Livia." He smiled as she went back into the kitchen to finish cooking. He took a sip of the drink. "This is really good." Vertus nodded his head slowly and looked over the balcony, admiring the crops. "So, Rae. What are we doing after we have this wonderful meal?" He asked curiously. "The bathhouse?"
''If you want. There are towels there and such. I should go as well. And of course I can visit you tonight. First nights are often... hoe to call it. Not nessesarily scary but exiting. There are vines I can use to climb up or down. Truth be told it is usually my way down regardless.'' he said with a chuckle.
Lost kids usually ended up at the orphanage here if they were unable to go home, or in a family. Lost children who had entered the forest by accident were returned the same or following day. It was not often a single person would arrive and seek shelter so most of the guest quarters were empty. It amusied him Milliana suggested the one right under his own room.
Vertus chuckled some and had the urge to peck his cheek, but stopped quickly and went to sit back down in his seat. "Good. Plus I'll need someone to talk to and you're the only real friend I have here in the village." He explained and sat back, relaxing for a moment. The young sorcerer sighed and scratched the back of his head.
"So, um. Do you have someone in mind for when you decide to make love? I know that moonelves mate for life so that's why I'm asking.." Wait, or was it they fall in love forever. He had a hard time remembering which is correct. "Basically I'm asking if you're seeing anyone."
''Nope. I have not met a love just for me yet. Appearantly being a little bit rebelious and distracted easily does not go well with most here. I do not mind though when I find someone the waiting will be worth it.'' he took a sip of the applejuice as well. True, he had grown them on his own balcony but only his sister knew how to get the best and most juice out of it. Although maybe she should be more keen on removing he seeds, he figured as he found one floating on his drink. He took it out and put it in his pocket. The chance was small but perhaps it would grow a new one.
''I am sure you will make friends soon enough. Everyone is open for conversation. What about you though. Despite your situation, did you had someone you saw?''
He nodded his head, thinking. "I guess being that one guy who is out there isn't a good thing here." Vertus laughed lightly before taking another sip of the apple juice. "And no, not really...no boyfriends yet. Although I had one girlfriend when I was fifteen, but I broke it off." The dark skinned creature smiled sheepishly at Raen. "Hopefully I might find someone here. Like you said, moonelves don't care what gender or race you are as long as there is a strong mental connection."
Of course Vertus had crushes on guys, but he never reacted on them. Afraid that either they were straight and would tell their parents or if they did date, his parents finding out. And to him, that was a fate worse than death.
''We bind ourselves to the one we feel attracted too. if it is mutual, the two have intercourse. It is not only the the bodies that become one it is the mind as well. And when that had occured we will never love anyone else. We are not that much of an old race so couples thus far mostly stick together. Sometimes they spend time away from one another as well to find themselves but always come back. The one time I was away for a week to the capital and people asked they laughed. I still do not understand why. Being loyal and faithful to one partner is not bad. At least not in my eyes. Never understood how men could go into a brothel and become one with multiple women at the same week or even the same night. I choose it would be best if I choose not to attempt to understand it. It is a change in the races. And I don't judge them negativly about it.''
"I guess you're right, Raen. Some people just like to shake it up sometimes, you know? For some people, they would like to...taste the fruit before buying it." Vertus blushed a bit, but shrugged it off. The human looked over at the night sky and smiled to himself, thinking. He put his hand over the arm rest of the chair and studied his body before quickly looking away. "I'm starving." Vertus laughed a bit. "Oh! And instead of working in the garden, I want to help in the infirmary. I've been reading some apothecary learner's books so I know my herbs and cures."
''That is something you can discuss with Milliana. But she tends to both the orchard like I do, medicinal plants, and processing them to useable pastes and medicine. After checking the trees I usually make my round in the forest to harvest bushes, mushrooms and edible roots..''
It was then Livia came in and placed the first plate on the table for Vertus. It a risotto with green herbs and goat cheese with roasted vegetables and mushrooms and she placed down a bowl of herbal-vegetable soup as well. After placing down the soupbowls and plates, she walked a final time placing down a basked that contained slices of bread.
''I hope it tastes well.'' she said with a wide smile on her face.
''You are spoiling us to much sis'' Raen said and rubbed his sister's head. ''Well done. I am sure it tastes as good as it looks and smells.''
His sister litterly shone with pride hearing the praisings of her big brother.
"I'll talk about it with her tomorrow then." With that being said, he turned his attention to Oilvia and smiled widely when the food came out. Everything looked amazing and he couldn't help, but to take in a deep breath and admire the smells of the meat free meal.
"This is all looks very good, Olivia. Thank tou for cooking this meal for all of us." All of us as in Livia, Raen, and himself. Then the bread came out. Good Earth did the bread smell divine. He glanced back at the food. "Well you be dining with us as well?" He asked, smiling kindly at Raen's little sister.
The girl nodded and returned indoors one more time to fetch the carafe of juice and cutlery. Placing it on the table before climbing on the chair. ''there we go'' she said and dug in her meal first. seems like she was rather hungry as well.
Raen once more thanked her for the meal before he started to eat as well. The vegetables and risotto, as well as the soup tasted good. Not to salty and although Livia would need to reconsidder the amount of herbs she used, it did not ruin the meal.
''Your meals are getting better nad better that is for sure.'' he said complimenting his sister. He remembered the first soup she had made. Which was very salt and so full of vegetables the spoons could stay standing upright. But the girl loved cooking a lot despite she was not actually big enough to properly work on the counter without something to stand on.
"Good." He laughed a bit when his little friend came back to the table with more food. After both of them started eating, Vertumnuns dug into his meal as well. Surprisingly everything was good than what he thought it would be. He grabbed a slice of bread and used it to scoop up the soup.
Vertus decided to take a little break from eating and converse with Olivia. "So, have you tried using garlic and onions in your dishes? They both had quiet a tasteful punch." He took another scoop of his soup before going to the main dish, devouring it gracefully as possible.
''Yes I did.'' the girl said with a smile. ''Onions and garlic are really good for you after all. But I never use a lot of it. It makes my breath smell funny'' she jestered.
''Livia is the type of person who loves garlic. She used to eat the garlic toes whole.'' Raen said with a smile. The girl simply laughed proudly. I like raw vegetables as well though.'' she stated.
''Does everything go well though Livia. Being alone here? You know I was actually against it...''
''I need to try and it is going well. I am not afraid anymore.'' she said and pointed to the sky. ''they watch over me too and when I feel even a bit sad I hear Lunaria whispering kind words. So I am alright.'' the girl replied before looking at Vertus again.
''Are you going to live here?'' she asked.
Vertus listened to their conversation as he continued to eat his food. The conversation between older brother and younger sister was quiet interesting. He himself had an older sister that moved from the hustle and bushel of the city to the countryside. Now I know why.
"Live here? Well I plan to for a while. I have several reasons why I want to." He glanced over at Raen and smiled.
''I hope you will like it here'' Livia said. ''If you want my prepared food let me know and I will bring it to you. Although the quarters in the moonbuilding all have the materials to prepare meals with.''
''Raen can cook as well but he mainly works with fruit. He is a sweettooth.'' she said.
Raen did nothing to deny that since indeed he was. He had been told many times not to eat so many of what he harvested. Something he now actually no longer did. After all. It was their way of survival to harvest everything they had and divide it properly which was also why it was important for him to do his full harvest rounds.
Many other foods were traded for rolls of their silk which was on high demand for nobility and royalty for its quality and durability. There were even rumors magic was weaved into the cloth.
''I do hope when dinner is done you two have room for dessert.'' Livia said. Her plates and amount of food were less then what her brother and Vertus got and she had already finished her soup.
''How many did you actually make.'' Raen said with a chuckle.
Livia blushed a little. ''As much as I could.'' she admitted with a giggle. ''Do not worry I did not raid the stockroom that much.'' she assured.
The guest nodded his head. "I probably will, Livia. I enjoying cooking myself. It's mixing in things and seeing how they react." Vertus explained before being silent and listening to how Raen had a sweet tooth. That was good to know for the future. He continued eating his food until there was none left. "I know that was vegetarian, but also good." He pointed out before standing up from the table and smiled. "I want to salute you, Olivia for making this wonderful meal. You, Raen for guiding me to this wonderful and serene village, and to the Earth, Sun, Moon, and stars." With that, he sat back down, gulping down the juice.
Livia got on her feet as well, only on the chair since otherwise she'd had to climb down her chair again and bowed gracefully to Vertus.
''I am pleased my food has been approved mi-lord'' she said proudly.
''And I am glad I could help you.'' Raen spoke with a smile and calm nod.
---
when the main course was done Livia cleaned up the plates and retrieved the dessert which was a kind of pudding woth cocoa and vanilla.
"Next time I will cook for you both." Vertus finished off of his drink and simplied sat back in his seat. Relaxing and tried not to go to sleep. Raen and him had to go to the bathhouse; and then back to his guest room. Vertus remembered nights like these that jogged his memory back from the time when he would help his mother cook dinner. A small smile came across his face, but he quickly wiped it off. Those times were over.
''There you go.'' she said after placing the three small bowls with pudding on the table.
''what will you boys do after dinner?'' Livia asked.
''We will take a bath and then I will bring Vertus to his quarters. And then, talk a bit'' Raen replied.
''dont go to sleep to late'' Livia noted. ''After dinner I will clean up the mess I made, take a quick bath myself and sleep.''
He smiled and looked at the pudding that was placed in front of them. "Thank you, Livia." He took a little taste of the pudding before taking spoonful of it. This was also pretty good. Smooth and not to rich.
"I'm pretty excited to see how my room looks." Vertus smiled widely, raising an eyebrow at the two of them before taking another spoonful.
''How do rooms look like where you live?'' Raen asked.
The guest quarters were not that different from the other rooms from the temple. Only the furniture was different. And there were of course no personal belongings. But thee was always a fruitbowl, carafe of water and cups or glasses to drink from.
"Uhm, well we have a cottage styled home. I had my own bedroom so that was good. Our kitchen was of good size, connecting with a rather large living room which I barely sat in." He laughed a bit. "In all, there are...five rooms." He smiled and continued eating the pudding. "Oh! And our bathroom is outside." He added with a smirk..
''I want to see!"' Livia said xitedly. ''Maybe I will take you to the city some day to look around.''
Livia chuckled. ''As if they'd still let you in... if they see you again they'll hide in their homes.''
''I was not that bad...'' Raen objected.
''You played chase, with a mature dire wolf... in a busy street while there was a market...'' Livia replied.
''What. Kira had my pants I wanted them back... I can not help it a dire wolf is faster on its feet then I am...'' he muttered but itwas clear he could actually now see the fun of it.
''Besides it does not have to be the same city..'' he added.
"Yeah hopefully." He laughed a bit and folded his arms over his chest. "Well that sounds interesting." He grinned at Raen, not surprised that he would do something like that. Vertus decided to let the brother and sister talk so he got up and pushed in his chair, grabbed his pudding, and went to stand by the rail of the balcony. Everything was going well for him.
Vertus decided to use some of his magic and bless the fields of crops, smiling. He was going to contribute to this place.
When the pudding was done, Livia brought the rest of the plates to the kitchen. ''I will clean up. You boys should take a bath. I will head your way tomorrow Raen. Breakfast for three.'' she said jolly and started to clean up the plates, glasses and everything she had used to have made this dinner.
Raen always offered his sister to help but she refused. Today was no different. ''Shall we go them?'' Raen asked and gestured towards the door. ''Also. Do you wish to bathe alone, with me or in the big public one.''
Vertus turned and was about to offer to help clean, but it was too late. She had already gotten the place and headed inside to wash and fry them.
"Uh, well I think it'll be better if we bathe together? Just for night, then I can bathe alone." He laughed nervously and walked out of Raen's place and toward the bathhouses. "Is there a certain...ritual that you guys do here?"
''For bathing... not nessesarily. We do like to take our time. When we feel like it we use scrubsugar to remove dead skin cells. Soap for cleansing our skin and often apply caring oils on our bodies. But yea. That is when we feel like doing it.'' Raen said and headed out of the house. ''At least that is how it is for the men. The women at the other hand... especially if they bathe at night they can be a little... how to phrase it... I would not say seductive. I suppose it is more teasing but they seem to be in a sort of trance of serenity.''
The breeze was still gentle meaning it was not freezing if their wet bodies would be out of the water.
Vertus nodded his head slowly, a grin starting to emerge. "So they get a little...feisty?" He asked with a raised eyebrow as they continued to walk. He looked over at Raen and held his hand, rubbing his thumb against his fingers. "S-so what do the males usually do if they pair up in a room? Just talk?" He asked curiously.
''In the public, yes. We do seek one another out for either conversation or help wash anothers backs. On our turn we respond a little 'feistier' as you call it when we bathe if the sun is fully out. It is because we take in energy from the sun, moon and sunlight which we take in every day but somehow when we bathe it seems that we are more aware of it.'' he smiled at Vertus.
Raen did not mind holding his hand and explaining about his people. Strangely to himself he did not mind the rubbing either. ''But sometimes we like to be alone. Or just with friends or family rather then being with a lot of others. Hence the private baths. ''
They reached the bathing area and fortunatly there were two empty from the private ones. Raen turned the sign to make clear thisone was now occupied and walked in first. There was one area where people could undress. There was a large neat pile of towels and a woven crate where used ones could be put in. There were also clean robes people could wear when they had finished bathing and maybe had not brought anything clean with them to wear.
Vertus nodded his head. That made sense since the females go feistier in the moonlight. As they entered the bathouse, he could feel the steam and dampness of the room. However it wasn't suffocating, but liberating. He wanted to strip right there, but knew that he couldn't do that. For one, Vertus was a little self conscious and secondly, in his own culture, most guys didn't want to see other guy's junk.
"I'll go change then." He let go of his hand, grabbed a towel and robe, then paused. "Uh, where do I...oh! I see it." The young sorcerer laughed lightly before going over and changing out of his clothes-- with the curtain pulled of course. Afterwards, he came out with a towel wrapped around his waist, revealing his toned body and abs. "Where do I put my clothes?"
''we usually fold them and place them on the bench.'' Raen replied. He had already changed as well and was thoughtfull enough to put a towel around his waist as well. His body was muscular for one of the elven race and his skin had a light tan. His hair was bound in a loose tail so it would not get in the way. ''Normally we do not have the towels. Just saying. We purely use them for drying.'' he said with a wink and lead the way through the short hallway. There were a few wooden benches with bars of soap and washcloths. In the floor was a bath, large enough for three to four people. Above the bath though was no ceiling. Just the plain starry sky. On the walls were burning candles and crystals that gave off a soft blue light.
''we can stay here for as long as we like by the way.'' he assured and stepped into the water after undoing the towel. Placing it on the nearest bench
His heart skipped a bit when Raen winked at him. As they walked, he couldn't help, but to study his shoulders, back and lower back. Vertus blushed deeply and took off his towel as he walked into the water, his heart racing and his blood pumping through his body.
After he got in, he smiled and looked up at the night sky. "I would stay in here forever." He said in awe before looking at Raen, still blushing like crazy.
Raen's limb was not huge but certainly not small either. Concerning body hair there was nothing on his chest or at his genitals. he sighed happily as he sat in the warm water.
''Forever... that is a very long time.'' He said with his eyes closed before slowly opening them. ''To bad I am not good at staying at one place for really long.''
Vertus couldn't help, but look at Raen and his 'limb' This only caused him to blush more and cause a little bit more blood flow down in the nether region. Gulping, Vertus went over and sat down beside him, daring not to look below the surface.
"Oh? Well I guess I better not get too attached to you then." He teased, closing his eyes and leaning his head back.
''One place as in my room, or the baths. Small scale.'' Raen replied calmly. ''I do not know what it is, it sometimes gives me an uneasy feeling under my skin.''
''Also. Attached to me? Someone like you could get a person who is a lot better. I would be honored though.'' it was hard to say wether he was joking or not. ''Be careful with moonelves dear friend. Forever, is a long time. And if our partner shares intimicy with someone else... it can really hurt us.
Vertus turned to look at him. "Does that mean a kiss too?" He whispered, studying him. He didn't want to hurt Raen after all that he had done for him. His cheeks felt red and was obvious that was attracted to Raen. However he had to control himself and not kiss him. He turned foreward again, going to his neck in the water.
''Kisses are excluded. It purely involves intercourse.'' Raen replied calmly. His expression was calm and soft too.
His gaze went to Vertus. Raen was no idiot, he knew what Vertus meant. And it made him smile. ''Relax.'' he said eventually and leaned in a little closer before placing a soft kiss in Vertus' neck. ''Nobody here judges. And right now there is nobody but me and you in this room.''
Vertus blushed deeply and quickly sat up straight as well as something else. He quickly tucked it between his legs and looked at him. "Y-you kissed me." His cheeks almost seem to catch on fair. "A guy never...I mean wow.." He laughed a bit and slowly moved his arm toward Raen. "So what does the kiss mean?" He asked curiously.
''What it means huh. I am a bit puzzled myself. I'd not say impulse but I like to react to what feels right to do. Does it make sense?'' he asked.
He knew that their skin was not new to 'at first sight'. If there was chemistry between two people, it was more often then not that they would react to it. Wether they knew one another a day or a hundred years.
''A reaction to chemistry I think.'' he concluded.
"Yeah it makes sense." He smiled a bit and moved a little closer to Raen. "I just don't want to hurt you." He leaned in and kissed his temple before moving back to his original spot. Vertus questioned if he was moving too fast with someone he just met a few hours ago, but quickly pushed the question out of his head.
"Can you still come by tonight?"
''Of course.'' Raen replied.
''As for hurting me, like I said. We'd need to have intercourse first for that.'' he lifted himself on the edge of the bath and reached for a bar of soap. ''I could wash your back if you want.'' he offered,
Vertus face was now level with Raen's limb which made him blush deeply. "Uh, yeah. Sure. Then I can wash yours." He decided to stay in the water, not wanting Raen to see.
"S-so does male moonelves get...uh happy? He asked him, not looking directly at him.
''Hmm?'' It took Raen a moment before he understood.
''We do not. Intercourse wise we always share with one person. Under the view of Lunaria or Solos. In other words, outside.''
He started to wasg Vertus' bsck, gently massaging it as well.
He nodded his head slowly. "So no boners?" Vertus asked with a smirk.
Then Vertus Raen start to wash his back. Then he had to the nerve to message. "Gods, are you trying to turn me on more?" He teased, closing his eyes.
''No boners.'' Raen said with a chuckle.''sorry. Did not know a massage would do that to you. Want me to stop?'' He asked. He had just started at the neck. He had started the massage, figuring Vertus must have been having a lot if stress at home.
"No, no. Don't stop." He grumbled as he leaned forward, resting his arm on the side of the pool. He had a lot of stress around his shoulder, back and neck. "Your hands are...amazing." He snorted a bit, blushing. "Where do you like messages?" Vertus asked so when it was his turn he could do it correct.
''Lowerback is my favourite. After that, my neck and shoulders.''He admitted as he slowly and tenderly loosened a knot in Vertums' nec until it was gone and kept washing and massaging till the tension in the muscles were gone. As final he rinsed the soap and foam off with water.
''There you go.'' He whispered close to the sorcerers ear.''better'' he asked
Vertus was half sleep when Raen finished up with his message. "Uh?" The only thing that woke him fully up was when he whispered in his ear. That sent chills down his back as well as blood flow back to his external reproductive organ. "So much better." He moaned lightly before sitting up hopping into the side of the pool. At this point he didn't care that his 'buddy' was awake. It was of good size, slightly larger than average. "Now it's your time." He whispered back, almost touching his lips with his own.
Raen smiled and nodded. He could feel Vertus' breath on his skin and his mind had become slightly fuzzy. He dared giving Vertus a really brief brush over his lips as he spoke. ''Looking forward to it.'' he whispered before making a bit more distance and turning his back to the sorcerer.
Vertus got the wash cloth and soap and began to shrub down his back, blushing deeply. He sat back down in the water where the steps were and spread his legs some. "Wouldn't it be better for you to sit here?" He asked him with a raised eyebrow, trying to make this as comfortable as possible.
As Vertus worked he softly groaned. He had gotten simple scrubs before but somehow this felt so much better!
''Sure I could.'' Raen said upon hearing the question and with ease moved himself between Vertus's legs. His hair to one side of his neck so it would not be in the way.
He smiled and continued to wash and message his back, using his hand to message down the area right above his rear. "So, am I doing okay?" He whispered in his ear as he washed back up to his shoulders before wringing it out and rinsing down his back. He scooted in closer to him, his 'buddy' poking Raen some. This was nice and calm. Vertus cleared his throat as he messaged his neck, kissing it gently.
''No complains here at all.. it feels really good'' Raen spoke softly. Not sure if it was the water or something else that made his body feel warmer then usual. Other kin would know by having a boner or not but male moonelves would basicly only get hard if there was direct interaction going on. He felt Vermus's limb against his back, knowing by the way it felt it was not limb like his own. But he did not judge. It was the first time for this young man to be free in this kind of manner. Not having to fear he'd be judged or even laughed at or perhaps hated.
A breathless sign escaped his lips with the kiss though.
"Good." He planted another kiss on his neck before washing his arms, lifting them out of the water one by one. He did this to show how grateful and attracted he was towards Raen. The sorcerer smiled to himself as he leaned over and started to wash his chest. He hummed softly as he did so. After that, he put the cloth over his own shoulder and took out the moonelf's ponytail and started to wash his hair with care.
''You are good at this you know that?'' Raen spoke. Almost sounding as if he were in trace. A blush was on his face. Not asking wether he had done this more often. But the way Vertus's fingers felt. It was just good.
He released a soft moan however as while his hair was washed one of his ears got touched. The tops from Moonelf ears, were especially sensitive for touches and it was the first time he felt a bit of blood rush to his loins. It was just for a moment though.
Vertus ran his fingers trough his friends hair as he washed it, enjoying that he was actually taking care of someone. He leans forehead and kissed up his ear. "who's that? " he asked him before rinsing his hair out and wrapping his hands around his waist. Now that was done cleaning up Raen, he could have a little more fun. He started to kiss from his neck down to his shoulder blades and arms.
''Who is who..''Raen asked. His voice slightly trembling. Soft moans left his lips when Vertus kissed his ears. His body felt hotter every minute and started to feel more urges towards Vertus. They barely knew one anither and therefor he knew the risk.
But as more blood rushed to his loins, he started slowly to give into this.
He turned a little alliwing his to gently kiss Vertus' chest.
He blushed and smiled slightly. "I meant to ask "how's that?"." He laughed a bit before letting the moonelf kiss his chest. "I'm sorry if I moved to fast." He whispered, his heart pounding like a drum. This feeling was new to him and wanted to explore it more. Touched his forehead to Raen's and smiled slightly. "Can you show me to my room?"
''No need to apolagise.''Raen said with a smile.''you are good with your hands. Your kisses too'' he said and rose out if the water. Not embarrased about his half hard limb.''especially at the ears. They are highly sensitive considering touches. ''Seems like my kin can get boners afteral.''
It was however not really heard off that they messed around with someone or different people before making love. But unless they had intercourse, Raen would not m8 things like these. It was to early for himself and most likely Vertus, to bind himself spiritually to him.
--
After changing into clean robes his body had cooled off a little. And for as lokng as Vertus wanted he would stay in the mans room. Wether they would continue what they started would depend on Vertus
Vertus tried not to look at his limb before getting up completely erected and going to get to get dried off and everything.
He put on a new robe and came out, walking up to Raen. He rubbed the back of his neck in shame at his actions before finally speaking, "So, shall we?" He asked him with a raised eyebrow. He wanted Raen to sleepover just to make him more comfortable, but knew that he had a sister to take care of. By now he knew his way back to the temple and led the way, his arms swinging slightly as they walked.
When reaching the guest quarters, Raen opened the door. A scent of fresh linnen and cotton greeted them. There was a small living room with a table and four chairs. On the table was a fruit bowl with mangos, apples and oranges. Beside the livingroom was an open kitchen and a stove. Also several cabinets where things could be stored in. Behind another door adjecent to a private garden was the bedroom. There were a few closets and a wardrope that already had various clothes in them. A bathroom was present as well.
Raen walked in first and lit a fire in the fireplace, and some candles to create light. He niticed that there was a bottle of mead as well.
The sorcerer looked around the room and smiled to himself. "This is pretty nice..." He walked up behind Raen and wrapped his arms around his waist, resting his chin on his shoulder. This just felt right, being here with him, at this moment in time. "Raen..." He whispered in his ear as he noticed the candles.
"What time do we have to get up in the morning?" He asked before turning around and sitting on the table.
''It depends on how much time you need to prepare. You will be picked up at 9. I need to leave around the same time. Livia will bring breakfast around 8. So we have time.'' He said with a smile as he followed Vertus' movements.
'' your touches by the way... were almost intoxicating. I had never felt anything like it.''
Vertus smiled and gently pulled him over and sat him on his lap. "Well, thank you. I can do it anytime you want, Raen. And I want to thank you for the back massage." He whispered and kissed his lips gently. "Where do I get new clothes?" He asked after breaking away from his lips.
''The wardrope. It has basic robes in various sizes.'' He assured breathlessly.''There is a tailor though in the crafters corner who can make apprentice robes if you would rather have those.''
Raen placed one if his hands on Vertus' cheek before giving him a slightly more passionate kiss. Would it come to intercourse he actually would not mind but wondered if Vertus knew about that ritual. As in, that it had to occur under the sky
Vertus kissed him back, wrapping his arms around Raen tightly, not wanting to let go. His hands wondered down to his ass and squeezed. Realizing what he did, he moved his hands back up to his back. "Sorry.." He whispered, leaning back on his hands. "I-I should get some rest. I don't want to hurt you if this continues." He whispered and kissed his neck. "Even though it feels so good."
''As long as our minds and bodies do not unite, you will not hurt me.'' Raen assured him.'' Also, intercourse, with my kin it must happen under the sky itself. We can go on if you wish. Although usually my kin is not the one for messing around... what yoy do, feels good. I will not regret a moment of it.'' He moaned softly with the kisses and placed his other hand on the back of Vertus' head.
He looked up at him and sighed. "I don't want to move so quickly...." He whispered and stood up from the table. "But I do ask that you stay the night." He led him to the bedroom and sat on the edge of it, slowly undressing so that all he was wearing underwear.
Raen was a little confused. One side of Vertus seemed to be want to be going and explore and the other was restrained, not wanting things to move to fast. He nodded though. ''I will stay. Do not worry.'' he assured.
In the bedroom he undressed himself as well till the point he was in his underwear. ''If you feel the need to sleepwear, you can find it all here.''
He opened a drawer from the wardrope that was present, revealing neatly folded, small piles of clothing.
With the current pleasant temperature though, Raen did not usually slept in sleepwear but he would make an exception of vertus would wanted him too or would wear it himself.
Vertus smiled softly at Raen when he came back to the bedroom. He already slid underneath the top covers with his back resting against the headboard. "Thanks for the heads up." He nodded toward Raen before moving over so that he could climb in beside him. "Remind me to write a letter to my mom, please."
Raen nodded and joined Vartus in the bad with a calm, happy sigh. ''I will. If not Milliana certainly will. Enough rumors about our woods as it is.'' he said with a chuckle. ''Milliana and the other Elders would prefer it to be sent off by tomorrow before your parents worry to much. You are not the first and certainly not the last whom we take in. But usually those who come here... have ran away from home or had nothing to return to. Only a few enter the forest with an optimistic mind about finding this village to study and learn about us.''
"Your secret is safe with me." By his secret, he meant the hidden village. Vertus leaned in and kissed his cheek before laying completely flat on the bed, now facing Raen. "I'm really excited about my magic lesson. Everything I've done has been on my own." The sorcerer explained before snuggling up with his pillow.
''Magic wise I only have my racial traits. I am not really... compatible with anything else.'' Raen said with a chuckle and placed a gentle kiss on Vertus' lips before laying down himself.
''Milliana is a good teacher but she should not push herself to much. If she is teaching slowly, she is either testing knowledge or wants to make sure that you understand why. Most of the Moonelves are calm. But there are a few who can get overly exited or want to rush learning things..''
He wrapped his arms around his waist, smiling at Raen. "Well that's good. I would actually perfer is she went slow with me. It takes me a while to learn something new. I remember when I was learning how to grow plants, I either made them shrink or get too tall. I mean can you imagine having a seven foot daisy in your backward? Thankfully I always practice my magic outside." Vertus laughed some before gripping on of his ass cheeks.
''I wish my first experience with Kira was even half as amusing.'' Raen said with a chuckle.
''My sister had been playing hide and seek and thought it was fun to hide in the forest. But it was close to a nest of wild direwolves. I heard her scream and when I reached her I saw her cornered by the mother dire wolf and jumped in between. It cost me severe bloodloss and almost lost my arm but somehow I managed to tame the creature by doing what I did and told it to sit which it did. I had Kira ever since. But she does love to mess around... like stealing my pants and running through a town with it.'' he said with a chuckle.
"That's cute." He teased, kissing his lips again. "Hopefully I'll be able to meet Kira. Vertus smiled and snuggles closer to the moonelf. "We could hunt together. That'll be nice." He exhaled sharply and looked.up at Raen. "So what else do you do here?"
''I will introduce you to her tomorrow. You said you like eating meat so it would only be proper of me to do so.''
When Vertus asked him what other things he did, he pondered a little. ''I suppose we could say I am a laborer. If someone needs help with anything I help. But I mostly forage and tend to the orchards. In my free time...'' a small blush appeared on his face. ''I.. sing. I was active as a bard for a short time when I was in the nearest city.''
He raised an eyebrow and smirked, playing with the tops of Raen's ear. "Well aren't you a man of many talents?" Vertus chuckled in a deep breath and laid on his back. "I guess I know who to call when I need some help." The Sorcerer sighed and studied every single curve and inch of his chest and neck.
Once more with the ears. Raen released soft moans.
''I do hope to find something I am really good at. And despite I love it here, most are really stuck to traditions. We can not try a lot of new things at the same time. Maybe I will travel for a bit after a couple of years. Not far, maybe the coast. A place where more exclusive goods are traded where I can then come back with seeds or animals maybe that can made my kin just a little more prosporous''
"That sounds like a good idea, Raen. I could help you whenever you decide to do that. I'll probably be an apothecary, but I don't know yet." The teenage Vertus closed his eyes in throat. "Whatever healing plants you grow here and bring them to my shop where I pay you." Vertus smirked, still playing with his ear.
His moans slowly intensified. ''I'm sure that my people and I would appreciate it.'' Raen spoke. Moving a little bit closer to Vertus and cupped the mans face before letting his hand slowly trace his neck, down to the arm until he reached the sorcerers hand. ''Careful with the ears.. what you do really makes my blood rush'' he eventually said a bit more breathlessly then he perhaps had intended.
Despite not fully erected, he knew he soon would be if Vertus would continue like this.
Vertus shivered when he felt Raen's hands go from his face to his hand. He squeezed it gently before biting his lip. "In that case..." He sat up and kissed the tip of Raen's ear. "I don't want to be careful." He whispered before licking from the base of his ear to the pointy top.
The sorcerer slumped back down in the bed, blushing deeply.
The moan that escaped Raen's mouth now, was one of pleasure. ''Simply saying because you said you did not want to move to quickly..'' he said very softly panting to make sure he could at the least control himself. He squeezed Vertus' hand before bringing it up and gently kissed each of the man's fingertips.
"That's only because I didn't want to break your heart so early in life. I don't know what I'll do in the future, who I'll meet." He stated as Raen kissed his fingers. He blushed deeply and sat up. "Turn over." He smiled slightly and continued talking. "I just don't want to be tied down so early."
''That I can understand.'' Raen assured and turned over like Vertus asked, wondering what his friend was up to. ''As beautiful as it is, it is also a chain. The whole one partner for life thing''
In his head though he was a little bit puzzled; the way he responded to Vertus and allowing the man to keep on going with him like this. He never heard any of his fellow moonelves experimenting around like this. If things felt well, as in wanting to share the rest of their days with one another. That was when these things were done. But the way this felt was just to good to stop.
Vertus smiled and took the cover off of Raen's body. "Can you move to the center of the bed?" He asked. After Raen did that, he spread apart his legs some and sat crossed legged between them. Rubbing his hands together, Vertus saying a spell to make them warm. "Alright, part to of your back rub." Vertus worked the shoulders of his moonelf friend, leaning forward as he kissed his neck and shoulders. He then slide his hands down and messaged his shoulder blades.
Raen groaned softly of the pleasurable touch. Maybe he should do Vertus again this way as well. Being able to reach everything a lot better then when they were in the baths. If he would not fall asleep from this feeling so good though.
''Part two huh'' he said with a smile. ''It feels good..''
Vertus whispered sweet nothings while he felt every spot on his back, kissing down his spin to his rear, kissing each cheek before continuing to kiss down his thighs all the way to his ankle. He then began to message his foot. "How's that, Rae?" He whispered, rubbing the back of the moonelf's thigh gently with the other hand.
''It feels really amazing'' Raen said softly although it was clear through his voice he felt hot. His manhood still near fully erected from when Vertus was toying with his ears. The kisses only made that feeling even stronger.
''You could easily give massages for a living''
"If I did that then the ones that I give you wouldn't be special." He chuckled and went to the other leg and did the same thing. He was really enjoying himself, being able to explore his body like this. One of Vertus hands slid underneath Raen's underwear and grabbed one of his gluts, blushing deeply. He wanted to have his way with him right then and there, but knew he couldn't because of the link that would form.
Raen's cheeks reddened more as well and another pleasurable moan left his lips. Whatever magic Vertus used it worked well. ''T-true..'' he said with a trembling voice. Perhaps, there would be a way for them to explore this world of pleasure further without having a bond formed. Bonding counted with intercourse alone. But the both had hands and other things.
''How much would you like to explore this..'' he asked. It was clear it was harder and harder for him now to hold back. ''There are after all many ways which would most likely not form that bond...''
The teenage sorcerer smirked, kissing up his body slowly before laying on top of him, wrapping his arms around his neck loosely. "I would be down for that. Do you have any suggestions, my little Rebel?" He asked him, playing with his ear again. Vertumnuns then rested his chin on top of head.
"Sexual Intercourse? Is that just penetration or...?"
Raen nodded. ''For men, yes. Women form the bond quicker when they do this kind of thing with another of the same sex.'' he said. ''Although it is unheard off... I am sure my God and Goddess will forgive me.'' he said with a wink. ''And would I feel it form I could always tell you.''
His length was now fully erected and truth be told Raen wondered how much teasing he could still handle.
Vertus smiled and kissed the tops of his ears. "That's a good idea. Give me a fair warning before it's too late." He laughed a bit and rolled off Raen, putting the covers back over them. With a deep sigh, up put his hands behind his head and smiled to himself.
Nothing could be better right now. "So does that mean taking each other's 'limbs'?" He asked curious.
''For example.'' Raen said with a cheekey smile before he kissed Vertus deeply. One of his hands ran over Vertus's body. From his face which he first for a moment gently cupped, to his chest, waist, ass and the bump in the underwear which he gently rubbed for a moment before moving Vertus on his back and sat on top of him.
''That is what exploring is for now isn't it.'' He gave Vertus another kiss on the mouth before dropping kisses in the neck, chest, and licked one of the nipples before moving further down placing kisses on the abdomen before he got up again placing both his hands at where Vertus's underwear was. ''Will you let me?''
Vertus could barely breathed as he felt Raen take his hand and run it over his body. It was like all of the nerves in his body sent numbing signals to his brain. "Great Earth Mother.." He groaned, covering his face as he felt Raen's hand rub his bulge some before kissing down.
"Yes, I'll let you." He stated breathlessly, peeking through his hands. "D-d-do." Stop stuttering! He told himself before taking in a deep breath. "Do you want me to help you?"
''Right now I want you to enjoy everything of this.'' Raen said as he gently pulled down Vertus's underwear and tossed it aside. First using his hands for a moment to gently pull at Vertus' manhood, and gently massaged his friends loins.
He then stopped briefly, kissing the thighs and took the hard limb in his mouth.
Well if the rubbing his exnteral organ wasn't enough to make he leak, Raen's wet, warm mouth surely did. Vertus arched his back a bit feeling him message his member with his mouth. He gripped the sheets tightly, as his 'friend' blew him. "Oh, gods, Raen..." He groaned as his heart beat quickened, almost feeling like it was about to burst out of his chest.
Raen was glad for being a moonelf at this moment; sexual activities tended to come natural to them and Vertus' response concluded that what he did, felt good. So he continued. Using his mouth and tongue for a while.
A breeze lifted one of the curtains a little, allowing moonlight to enter the room for a short time. Seemed like Lunaria wanted to peek after all. But Vertus, was no moonelf. But he did not feel regret even after the brief time he felt the moonlight reaching him before it pulled back. Almost as if their Moon Goddess approved of this despite it was not like how his people usually did things.
After a while he took the hard limb out of his mouth, pulled it again and kissed Vertus's body after gently licking the tip. He moved up slowly. Kissing each nipple and softly sucked on one before gently sucking places in the young mans neck, using his free hand to undo himself from his own underwear that had become a bit uncomfortable.
If Vertus died right now, he would be okay with it. How in the hell was this moonelf so skilled in the art of pleasure? Vertus felt like he was having an out of body experience with each suck and kiss that was placed on his body. His limb was throbbing at this point in their encounter. Wanting nothing more than to snuggle inside Raen.
He opened his eyes when Raen undid his own underwear. He couldn't help but stare at his member as the kisses continued to release pleasure bombs on his neck. "Fuck.." He groaned. He and never used the word before until now. "How're suppose to build on this?" He asked biting his lip.
''What do you mean'' Raen asked breathlessly. Stopping the kisses for a moment but did not stop pulling him.
He groaned before answering him. "Like tomorrow night..." He panted, using this time to reach for Raen's member, rubbing it back and forth gently.
Raen moaned softly and pleasurably. ''Tomorrow is tomorrow. Now is now. Remember, I live right above you. If this goes well and you wish for it, we could do this more often. Wether my gods agree or not.''
The sensation Vertus' actions gave him were indescribable. ''Your touch feels good..'' Raen whispered in Vertus' ear before he gently nibbled the earlob. His blood rushed like fire through his veins right now but remarkably he did not lose it to the extend he would not care wether bonding happened or not. He paid activly attention to it to make sure it would not happen.
Despite still rubbing Vertus' hard limb gently he did go a little bit faster.
He nodded his head and panted as he returned the favor rubbing Raen's member up and down. He could feel that Raen had gotten faster. "Next time we do this, let it be at high noon." He moaned, thrusting his hips to make it go faster. "I want to see how you are during the day." He panted, smiling sheepishly.
Soon another breeze came threw the open window. It smiled off dirt and peaches. This was The Earth Morher blessing the encounter between the two. "I guess...I guess she agrees too." He rubbed his member quicker than before.
''I will keep you to that'' Raen panted. Slowly feeling the tension increase. He kissed Vertus deeply when noticing the young man thrusted his hips.
A thin sheet of sweat had started to form on his skin and his breaths had intensified greatly. His manhood throbbing in Vertus' hand. ''Gods you feel good..'' he said after breaking the kiss and gently started to suck one of Vertus' nipples. His own hips had started to slowly move as well.
Normally releases were delayed as much as possible but if it went on like this, Raen was not sure how long that still would be. But there was still so much he'd like to do and feel.
The sorcerer gulped as he continued to pleasure him. His hand went faster on Raen's limb, wanting more and more from him. There were the lips again, sucking on one of his nipples. That by itself drove him insane. He wanted to take Raen by the hips and sit him on top of his member, but, of course, he couldn't. He would have to make do with the marvelous situation that the gods had given them.
Raen released the nipple and moved a little so Vertus could still reach his limb, and he himself once more, could take the sorcerers manhood back in his mouth. Using both his mouth and hands.
The taste of the pre fluids that came out nearly drove him insane and for a moment he felt his mind slip in a way further state of pleasure. But regained his control over it. He did not want to stop, not now.''As he licked, sucked and pulled whilest feeling everything done to him, he moaned. His muscles shifted slowly with his movements.
Gasps and groans could be heard from Vertus as his body noticed that it was engulfed in Raen's mouth again. He continued to rub up and down on his limb before coming up with an idea. Vertus turned on his side, propping one leg up as he pulled at Raen's legs so that he was also laying on his side. He took the limb and licked the pre-seed off before stuffing it in his mouth. He let his hand venture toward the entrance of Raen's love canal, rubbing his hole quickly.
Raen gasped of pleasure and arched his back as he felt his limb enter Vertus' hot mouth. This was something new for him but he did not mind. For a moment almost forgot to even breathe. His moans became a bit louder and his sucks a little bit stronger.
It took him effort though not to start thrusting further into Vertus' mouth
If he could speak now he would say how good this felt but his body would most likely soon release what it had built up. He wanted to delay it more so he could feel Vertus' touches and mouth more and longer.
''..If you... go on like this... I will certainly.. cum..'' he panted after taking the limb out of his mouth very briefly moving his head a little faster
Vertus was enjoying the taste of Raen's member. He couldn't help, but to go faster. "Is...that...a...bad...thing?" He asked every time he came up for air or to relax his jaw muscles. "Plus, I want to taste your seed." He groaned and went back to bobbing his head up and down. Very few seconds going deeper and deeper on the member.
''..n-no'' Raen replied. More and more, tension built up in his entire body. He kept sucking and pulling Vertus's length as well. The taste in his mouth was amazing and found himself wanting to have more. but eventually became unable to delay his climax any longer causing him. to ejaculate into vertus' hot mouth.
He continued to suck on him before he felt a gush of warm liquid hit the back of his throat. The taste was fantastic which made him cum in Raen's mouth. He swallowed all of it and rolled over on his back.!
"Oh my gods, Raen." He panted, licking his lips trying to get all of it. "That was amazing." Vertus sat up on his elbows and looked over at the moonelf. "Please be my boyfriend."
Raen moaned when Vertus came. And was suprised how sweet it tasted. Heavily panting he rolled on his back after making sure not a singke drop had been spilled. His body trembled a little and almost had he locked minds with his bedpartner. In his head he thanked his God and Goddess. For permitting this.
Upon hearing the question, he licked his lips and smiled.''I accept'' he said softly.
Another breeze entered the room and moonlight engulfed them both.
Vertus smiled breathlessly at the moonelf before they were covered in moonlight. This made the young sorcerer sit up straight. "What does that mean?" He asked in a slightly worried tone of voice, standing up to get out of bed and going to area where his underwear was at. He quickly put them on and sat back on the bed.
''It means it was alright in her eyes. It feels soft and comfortable.'' Raen said softly.''I think she helped me as well considdering preventing the mental link.'' He sat up as well, puting his own underwear on after he found it.
''We will certainly sleep well tonight. Also..'' he gained a teasing expression.''you taste sweet.''
"Oh gods." Vertus covered his face after slipping underneath the covers. "I wish I could put yours in my drinks." He mumbled, blushing deeply. "Now come over here." Vertus took the cover from around his face and opened his arms for his moonelf to come and snuggle.
OOC: Sorry for shortness!
Ooc: no worries
Bic
''In drinks even'' Raen said with a cuckle. The breeze had lain down and Raen crawled into the bed. Laying himself down beside Vertus and allowed his head to rest on the young mans chest.
''I was this close though condering our minds becoming one to bond.'' He admitted. Meaning that unless both of them decided they could share their hearts permanently this was their limit.
He recalled Vertus' remark about doing this when the full sun was out. Could he restrain himself then?
Vertus smiled widely and held Raen closely, pecking his neck. "I wouldn't care about bonding if it didn't hurt you." He admitted. "I would love to spend the rest of my life with you, but like I said earlier, it's too early in our lives." She whispered, pecking his neck again. As his grip around the moonelf's waist continued to tighten, his eyes got heavy. "Sweet dreams...my blaze."
''Will only hurt, if you share your body with someone else. A freedom I do not wish to take from you until we are both absolutely certain'' Raen said as his closed his eyes as well. He smiled at the nickname. ''Sweet dreams love.'' he whispered and kissed Vertus on the cheek.
--
When he woke, one of his hands had been gently placed at Vertus' chest. Judging by the amount of light it was 7 in the morning. An hour before Livia around arrive. Raen always woke up around this hour. Giving him enough time to get up slowly.
He looked at Vertus and smiled recalling their actions from last night almost giving him a new rush of heat. If last night went like this, he wondered how he'd be at full noon when men were more active so to say. Also would his Gods permit what they did last night more then once? He would not want to consult the priests or priestesses about this. Maybe one of the few in training like Aluria who went to villages and cities once a month for one or two weeks. She was more open minded. Or he would visit the shrine later.''
Vertus usually isn't a morning person which is why he slept passed seven o'clock. He would wake up around nine in the morning and go make breakfast for himself or go and buy it from one of the taverns. However this morning was different. He had someone resting in his arms. His boyfriend. Shifting slightly in his slumber, he moved his head on top Raen's and sighed, tightening his grip. A few birds landed on the window seal and started to chirp. This was his morning wake up call.
The young sorcerer's eyes fluttered open, seeing silver hairs. A large smile came across his face. "It wasn't a dream."
''''It is no dream. I assure you. It was real. All of it.'' Raen whispered and caressed Vertus' face. ''Did you sleep well? We have about 45 minutes until my sister shows. We can take it easy.''
Vertus smiled and kissed his forehead. "I slept really good thanks to you." He whispered in his ear before kissing that too. "Fourty-five minutes? A lot can happen in forty-five minutes." He sat up straight in the bed with his back resting against the headboard. "Why did you sleep, SunRae?" He asked, rubbing his han through the moonelf's hair.
''I slept like a babe in its mothers arms.'' Raen said with a smile. He had shivered briefly when Vertus whispered and kissed his ear and enjoyed the hand through his hair. It was pleasant waking up like this.
He sat up as well. The wind was calm and he felt good. No string of guilt neither a weight of that his Gods judged him for doing something that his kin would usually not do. The morning sun lit up the room softly and tenderly.
He placed a kiss on Vertus' lips. ''Tell me. What things can happen in 45 minutes.'' he asked.
"I'm glad to hear it, Raen." He smiled at him and continued to run his hands through the silver sea of hair.
When Raen asked him about what they could do in forty-five minutes, Vertus wrapped his arms around his waist and pulled him onto his lap, the covers still covering them. "Well..." He kissed Raen's lips before speaking. "We could make out, do some gardening, we could cuddle, take a shower together, I could feed you some fruit.." His hands lingered down his back and his lips to his neck. "Anything."
''What to do now..'' Raen purred. ''It all sounds appealing.''
With his hands though he gently took a hold of Vertus's face and brought his lips to his own kissing him with passion.
A shower sounded nice. Resevoirs were filled from the river but the water available for showers was limited. Most people here bathed instead or filled a bucket or basin with water.
''Which do you prefer'' he asked.
Vertus kissed him back and moaned a bit at the taste of his lips and tongue. Breaking away, he answered the moonelf. "Any of those things that I can do with your body." He whispered before kissing along his jaw line and going down to his nipple, twirling his tongue around. Slowly his boner was coming back.
"I will go get the fruit." He purred and slid from underneath Raen and grabbed the bowl of fruit.
Raen watched Vertus' every move and eyed the mans muscles and how they moved as he walked and saw the boner as well which somehow made his blood rush a little more. Especially as he recalled how he felt last night.
He sat down again and waited for Vertus to come back as he calmed his body down again a little.
Coming back with the bowl, Vertus went back under the covers and sat beside Raen just in case he wanted to get on his lap again. "We have some grapes, I see." Vertus bit his bottom and showed it to his lover, putting it close to Raen's lips. "Nice and plump for you."
With his other hand, he reached around and placed it on his lower back.
''Can not say I have ever been fed before'' Raen said with a cheeky smile and took the grape in his mouth before moving himself back on Vertus' lap.
Calming his body down had actually not really worked. Actually all the memories had stirred his blood a little more and although his length had slightly erected.
Raen took a grape from the bowl as well. To bad it was the only small fruit. He should see if he could get strawberries or raspberries for the next time.
''I should not be the only one tasting'' he said as he placed a kiss on one grape before pressing it very gently against Vertus' lips.
Vertus blushed deeply and took the grape from his lips, whipping his tongue around as he took his half, brushing it against his lips. "That's a good idea." The young sorcerer reached into the basket and pulled out a mango, taking a bite out of it, then putting it to Raen's lips, the same spot he bit off.
Raen took a bite as well. A few droplets of juice dripped down from his chin to his chest.
''You like fruit a lot don't you'' he asked. It was most likely the reason why he had tasted so damn sweet last night. But he had no complains. Raen himself ate several pieces of fruit every day. A meat free diet did its contribution too.
Vertus saw the droplets of mango juice on his chest and leaned over to lick it off, going up and licking his chin as well. The sorcerer nodded his head. "Yes, I do. I eat at least ten pieces a day. Can you tell?" He asked, taking a bite out of the mango, tasting the sweet fruit. "Let's see...you like to eat vegetables?"
''I am more of a fruit person myself.'' Raen said having released soft moans as Vertus licked the juice of his skin. ''But I will not decline vegetables either.''
He took another bite when the fruit was in range. More droplets fell off and landed on his skin. He noticed a few droplets on Vertus' skin as well. Licked them off before taking one of the mans nipples in his mouth. Softly sucking it and letting his tongue run over it in circles a few times.
"I thought so." He purred and bit lip when he felt Raen's mouth surrounding his nipple. "Gods, you're amazing." Vertus panted heavily before pushing him on his back and holding the mango over his stomach and squeezed before sucking off his body. "Aye, Raen...you're so beautifullly made.."
The juice felt cold on his skin but it was what Vertus did that gave him goosebumps.
''you are too'' he moaned softly reaching out his hand to Vertus. His slowly forming eraction was visable as a bump in his underwear now he was laying down
He took his hand and brought him back on his lap. "We must contain ourselves, love." He whispered, kissing his lips. Now he really needed a shower. Vertus stood up with the moonelf in his arms and carried him to the bathroom. "How do turn this on?" He asked, slipping out of his underwear.
''When I turn it on we have about 15 minutes until the resevoir is empty.'' he said after he had been put down on his feet as he removed his own underwear as well and pushed a lever which allowed the shower to run. The water was not very warm but it was nice and refreshing.
''Contain myself huh. With all the teasing and you the way you are, it will not be easy.'' ge said with a smile. He thought about playing with Vertus' manhood for a little bit but maybe Vertus was right and had to contain themselves.
Vertus moaned slightly when he felt Raen's hands on his member before walking into the shower and gently pulled him into the shower with him. "Here, let me wash you from head to toe." He grabbed the soap and started to wash his neck and shoulders, wrapping his arms around the moonelf's waist as he did so. His own member stuck into his back.
The water came down on both of them as the shower poured out fresh river water. He scrubbed his shoulders, kissing the area after he was down. He continued to wash his torso, even cleaning out his belly button before going down on his knees and scrubbed his thighs, down to his legs and ankles. "Lift your foot, love."
Raen was glad that there was a wall he could find support against and was glad he was not ticklish either. He lifted his foot as spoken. ''Will you allow me to wash you when you are done?'' he asked although judging by the tone he spoke it was easy to hear he was up to something.
Still if Vertus indeed would not want him to then he of course would honor it and not do so. Damnit why did the sorcerer have to touch his ears earlier.
He washed his foot and in between his toes. "We'll see." Verrus washed the other one the same way befor sucking on his big toe. He moved his kisses up before washing his member, taking his time. He then moved to washing his inter thigh, blowing on the wet spots. "Now turn around." He purred, looking up at him with his dark brown eyes. "I got a special way to clean this part."
Raen turned around. ''Are you trying to make me lose it?'' he asked with a smile and placed his hands against the wall. His partially hard member very slightly throbbing as more blood started to rush to his loins.
"Now spread your legs." He panted, not responding to his boyfriend. "Prepare for pleasure." He whispered before lightly smacking on of his cheeks. His heart pounded through his chat before running his tongue through his gluteus Maximus, groaned at the taste. "That was better than excepted." He purred before going back to work, twirling his tongue around his entrance.
Gods Raen was glad he had the wall for support. Moans escaped his lips and his legs trembled a little. His manhood throbbed a little bit more too becoming slightly harder. ''Vertus... whatever you are doing... it feels good..'' he groaned
The sorcerer kissed his hole before sucking on the left glute. "I'm just having a little snack." Vertus went back to enjoying his rear, reaching his hand around to slowly rub him off. "I'm almost done with your washing." He whispered before kissing up to his ear, licking own of them while rubbing the other one. "Done." He whispered with a smirk on his face.
Raen had moaned a little harder when his ears once again endured stimulation and his length was almost fully erected. ''My turn..'' Raen said breathlessly but needed a moment until his legs stopped trembling.
He washed Vertus' back first from top to bottom and let his fingers play a little with his hole by rubbing against it and gently pushed his finger against it. But not hard enough to actually push it in.
He then washed the front, teasing Vertus's nipples on his way down. Washing every inch of his love's skin till the feet. But he was not done yet. ''A bit of punishment for stimulating my ears'' he said very softly panting and took Vertus' length deep in his mouth.
Vertus was about to say something until he felt Raen's finger pressing against his anus. "Holy Sky." He gasped, never experiencing that before. He looked over his shoulder at his moonelf before speaking, "Well aren't you a dirt elf?" He asked in a breathless tone.
Then he turned around and experienced those lips of his against his nipples and down his body. "You better n--ahhhh Raen." Vertus called out when he felt his warm wet mouth wrap around his member. He put his hand on the back of his head, egging him on to continue.
''Better what'' Raen asked teasingly after he for a moment took the hard limb out of his mouth. ''Let me know when I need to stop'' he said slightly panting. Gently he pulling the skin back a little revealing the head which he placed against his soft moist lips before slowly opening them taking it back into his mouth. Starting with the tip taking that part only in and out of his mouth before he took the whole cock back in his mouth again, being carefull so it would not hurt.
With his hands he helf Vertus's hips until he was sure he could stay in place by just holding him with one and reached with his other hand again to stimulate the anus once more, very gently still not pushing his fingers in.
Vertus would know what the consequences were for touching his ears. Raen knew his own limb was hard and throbbing but now, Raen wanted to please Vertus in the time they now had.
Vertus felt like he wanted to bond with him right then and there. His mouth was moist and soft and every time his mouth pulled back, he wanted to scream. He kept his hands on the back of his neck until he came with out warning, he came into his mouth, groaning loudly.
"I'm sorry. I just...it felt so good." He slumped down to the button for the shower, covering his face as he tried to control his breathing.
Like the night before Raen took it all in and gently released Vertus from his soft grip. He had at the least help his love to not fell down hard.
''No need to say sorry'' Raen assured him. Raen wondered himself too where his current behaviour came from. Was it just from his ears being stimulated? It was also day but if he was like this in early morning how the hell would he be when the sun was on its highest and fullest of the day when they would be doing things like this.
''Are you alright though?'' he asked
Vertus nodded his head and slowly go up. "Y-yeah I'm fine." He laughed some and propped himself up against the hall for support. "Let's just get dressed." His heart beat was quickening as he stepped out the shower. He couldn't help, but to slightly slap Raen's ass before walking into the bedroom and opening a drawer to get out some clothes.
Raen chuckled and left the shower as well, drying himself off and put his clothes on. He put the fruit bowl back and with a knife cut up the rest of the mango so it could be eaten and would not spoil. Remarkably no juice had leaked on the sheets and he had just finished making up the bed when there was a soft knock on the door.
''You two better be ready and dressed for I bring breakfast!'' Livia said. ''Don't make me catch you two still sleeping''
Vertus chuckled and kissed Raen's cheek before quickly getting dressed in a sorcerer's robe. "I'll get the door." He smiled and opened the door for Livia. "Good morning to you, too, Livia. How was your night?" He asked, stepping a way so she could have full access.
''My night was good. Did you enjoy your first night here'' the young girl asked blowing some black hairs out of her face as she entered the room, carrying a large basket braided from willowbranches. By the way she was carrying it, it was not light weighted but damn the scents of fresh bread was a very welcoming one.
''A simple breakfast would've sufficed Livia..'' Raen said with a chuckle.
The girl simply gave him a wide smile. ''It is not just breakfast, I packed lunches too!'' she said as Raen took the basket, placing it on the table.
''You can freshen up a little if you like..'' he said refering to the shower since the girl must have been sweating like crazy carrying the basket.
''I'm good.'' the girl replied. ''Besides I have no clothes here''
"Ah, yes. My first night here was great. The bedding was comforting and the sheets were to die for." He left out he part about having oral sex with her brother for obvious reasons.
Vertus leaked into the basket and smiled. "Well it smells amazing, Livia. You're an awesome cook." He complimented. Usually what he would eat for lunch was a simple sandwich with some form of meat in between, but whatever she had would do.
He sat down in a chair and smiled slightly. "So? Are we ready to eat? I have to meet my teacher in about an hour or so."
''Yes yes of course.'' Livia said as she sat down. Raen unpacked the basket and found three wooden boxes that contained lunches.
''The one with the green ribbon is for Vertus. I did not have experience with preparing meat... I had Kira share a fawn with me...'' her cheeks were a bit red. ''If it does not taste nice I apolagise beforehand..''
''You prepared meat? ..'' Raen asked. It was not a judgemental remark.
''I know we usually don't but... since Vertus is used to eating meat, suddenly cutting it off is really unhealthy so... I just tried.'' she said.
''I wonder if strange behaviour runs in the family..'' Raen said with a chuckle and patted his sister's head before sitting down himself.
''Well the best teacher is you'' she commented.
There were small buns, crackers, butter, a bottle of milk, a bottle of juice, honey, marmelade, cheese, a paste made of various nuts and there were strawberries and cream.
''Vertus, honor is yours.'' Raen said offering his friend to take food first as he poured juice in everyones cups.
Vertus was touched that Livia prepared meat for him even though meat wasn't in the diet of the moonelves. "You didn't have to do that, Livia." He smiled at her before looking back down at the food that was in the basket.
He grabbed a plate and placed two small rolls, a bit of better, cheese, and some strawberries. "Thanks again, Livia." He then turned to Raen and smiled wider. "And thank you for making me feel welcomed." With that being said, the teenager went to smear his butter on top of his rolls, taking a bite out of it. "This is amazing!"
''Sugar and spice makes everything nice'' Livia said proudly. Raen placed a bun on his sisters place and one on his own which he cut open with a breadknife. It was even still a bit warm.
He put on some butter and cheese.
''Approved'' Raen said.
Livia gained red cheeks from all the praises. ''I'm glad it is appreciated'' she said with a smile and put some of the nut paste on her bun.
'' Oh oh something strange happened last night.'' the girl said after swallowing her first bite. ''All the women and some of the men seemed to have noticed but Lunaria was exceptionally motherly last night. A really calm, safe and accepted feeling. As if nothing, absolutely nothing felt wrong. It was a bit strange.. but felt really good'' the girl said and took another bite after taking some sips from the juice.
Vertus nearly chocked on his roll when Oilvia mentioned Lunaria. "Oh, yeah. I felt that too. Raen and I were just...talking about...crops when we felt a breeze as well as the moonlight coming into our room. It was quite rare and wonderful at the same time." He blushed deeply and got up. "I'll go write my letter. I'll be back in five minutes." The sorcerer grabbed his plate and hurried off to his bedroom where his desk was.
Finding the quill in fresh ink and a sheet of paper, Vertus began writing to his parents, telling them that he was great and not to come look for him. He also told him that he loved them and would be back whenever he felt like it. Calling out to a pigeon, he rolled the letter up and tied it to its leg. A tear rolled down his face as the bird took off.
''Is he alright?'' Livia asked. Raen nodded although he was not sure himself. Considering his reaction to the mention of Lunaria though, he did figure Vertus played that well. Talking about crops. He wonderered if rather then his own strength, Lunaria prevented the bonding since he had been so close to melt his mind with that of Vertus.
Raen poured the milk in some cups as well so Livia had not dragged it all with her for nothing, but the two waited with eating further until Vertus was back.
Vertus quickly wiped his tear away before getting up and walking back over to the moonelves. "Well that's one thing I can mark off my list." He smiled at the two of them before sitting back down. Crap, my plate! he got up and walked back over to the desk to grab his food and came back. He placed the plate back down and chugged the milk. "Hm..that's pretty good." He placed the cup down before taking a bite out of his roll again.
"So, Livia, what do you have to do today?" He asked, changing the subject.
''I will have school soon. Till about two in the afternoon. After that I am free.'' the girl replied. ''I am not sure what I will do yet. Maybe I can play with you when you are done? Raen has to work both in the morning and most of the afternoon today.''
''Ahh you're right... my turn for chopping the wood.'' he said and sighed. ''Oh well. Two shifts is usually twice a week. Can't complain.'' he said
''You had totally forgotten hadn't you.''
''Completely..'' Raen said causing Livia to giggle. ''I know, for your birthday I will just give you a book with a timetable so you will no longer forget things with that dreamy head of yours.''
''You are in tickle range Livia, you know that''
''Eek!'' the girl got up from her chair and hid behind Vertus. ''Dont let him tickle me'' she pleaded.
Vertus chuckled. "Sure. I'll play with you. It'll be fun." He answered before listening to the conversation between brother and sister. It was quite comical to see the two. However, Vertus a bit sad to know that Raen had to work two shifts today.
He stood up, blocking Raen from tickling Livia. "Oh, don't worry. I wont let him do that because if he does, then I'll just have to punish him when we have lunch at noon. Isn't that right Rae?" He asked, crossing his arms over his chest and licking his lips slowly.
''Punish me?..'' Raen said with a smile and looked at his sister who dared to peek from behind Vertus and stuck out her tongue briefly.
''Alright Livia you win this round.'' Raen said causing the girl to cheer and hug Vertus briefly before returning to her seat. Raen looked at Vertus a moment with a seductive smile. Of course he now could not tickle Livia, if she would spread around Raen would be punished by Vertus... what the heck would the elders think? Also Livia did not understand a lot of things yet and tended to explain things sometimes in the wrong context. Such as that Raen was playing by himself once. Gods that was awkward. He was just playing games with Kira.
he was curious though what kind of punishment Vertus would have in stock for him would it occur.
----
When breakfast was over and most of what Livia brought had been eaten, Raen helped his sister to pack what was left in the basket and placed the lunchboxes on the table. The small one was for Livia, and had a black ribbon. His own had a golden ribbon and Vertus as said before by Livia had a green one.
It was then, that there was a knock on the door. Livia took the basket and dashed to the door. ''Oh good morning Milliana'' the girl said cheerfully and looked back at her brother and Vertus. '' I need to bring this basket back and go to school. See you soon Vertus! And Raen, do not slack off or you won't get dinner from me'' she said and left after quickly dashing in again to grab her own lunchbox.
Milliana chucked softly before looking at Vertus and Raen wishing them both a good morning.
''Looks like you already found the sorcerer garb. Perfect. We can get started. We will start at the citrus orchard, then the medicinal garden, and then the physician area. Does that sound alright with you?'' she asked Vertus.
The citrus orchard. Pity. It was not where Raen had to be in his first few hours of work. He had the apple and pear orchard. Most likely this was on purpose so they would not distract one another.
Vertus hugged her back before looking at Raen with a smirk on his lips. He knew what Raen's meant and quickly turned around to avid it
----
When there was a knock at the door, Vertus craned his neck around to see Lady Miliana at the door. "Good morning, Lady Miliana." He bowed slightly at the elder. "Ah, yes! It's really comfortable. "That sounds perfect. I'm honestly thrilled about finally having a teacher to show me how to use my magic correctly." He smiled and looked over at Raen. "I'll see you at noon?" He asked, lightly touchin his hand.
''I will try to make it.'' Raen said with a smile. If not he would not be able to after at least three in the afternoon. Damn today's shifts. Then again. he could not just let them be this time. The way his kin lived, relied on everyone doing their part.
Raen took his lunchbox with him in his bag and exited the room. Casting another smile at Vertus and wished Milliana a good morning. ''I recommend you go to the apple and pear orchard Raen, it is the one furthest away.''
''Yes... of course lady Milliana'' Raen said with a bow and wished Vertus good luck and said he looked forward to see him again this afternoon.
''My my is he not exited.'' Milliana said with a chuckle before offering her hand. ''Shall we go?''
Vertus smiled back as his secret lover left and looked back at Lady Miliana. "I'm sure he's trying to contain his zeal for the job." He laughed a bit and took Miliana's hand. "Yes we shall, oh wait!" He let go of her hand and grabbed his lunch box before going back over to Miliana, taking her hand again. "Okay, now I'm ready."
''Spoiled by Livia's food I see.'' Milliana said and lead Vertus to the orchards.
They crossed several, from cherry till plum and they eventually reached the citrus gardens. There were many colored variations. The common orange, lemon, and manderin but also lime, grapefruits and even blue citrus.
''Here we specificly grow citrus fruits. Bees and butterflies spread the pollen, and some trees even on occasion grow hybrids. We tend to the trees, branches, leaves and fruit, and make sure that no deceases will grow. If a decease or plague forms, we deal with it. But sometimes illnesses can not be seen from the outside. We as those who have been blessed with nature, sense every tree, and branch to make sure everything is alright. We do however, not intervene with the grow process. Things should go as natural as possible. Using magic, could on long term wear out the soil or the trees.'' She stopped at a tree that was in full blossom and gently touched its petals. ''Do you know the story of the Wolf goddess? A boy asked after several failed harvests if the wolf could bless the soil. She did. But once in a while she had to deliberatly make the crops fail to prevent the soil from being worn out.''
Vertus looked at the beautiful, flowers, fruits, and trees. He felt so at home in around all of the plant life. "No, I don't know the story." The sorcerer looked at the soil and smiled as he heard the whisper of the plants. Thankfully he was able to organize the voices so it was confusing. He smiled slighty, laughing. "Well, they say the soil is perfect." He turned his attention back to Miliana. "So this Wolf Goddess is your Earth deity?" He asked
Milliana shook her head. ''I read her legends when I was researching other cultures. Unfortunatly though... her having to let the crops fail once in a while made less and less people honor and respect her. So she left, deciding she wanted to return home. She did reach home with the help of someone else. But the villagers who wanted to be deity free hunted her down as well. Wanting to only get succesfull crops.'' she paused a moment. Recalling the story so she would tell it properly.
'' sing methods of combining various kinds of grain to make it more durable. Stronger. More benefitial. Several years later, after many succesfull crops the soil started to die out and was no longer capable of growing crops for a very long time. But the wolf, who had once blessed their crops and soil was long gone.'' she gently let a butterfly crawl on her finger. When it opened its wings it was almost as big as her hand. Then gently pulled her finger back so the creature stayed on it. It had beautifull red wings with black linings and silver spots.
''Deity wise, we moonelves uaually have one of the Sungods, Solos. And one of the Moon Goddesses, Lunaria. The stars, guide our ways in the dark. Guide us out of trouble and bring us together. But just because we only worship them, does not mean we do not honor or do not acknowledge the other. Like with our ways of growing crops, we make sure we do not tire out the soil, or its surroundings. But living like this, is very fragile. Which is why we put such heavy enchantments in the forest around us. Nothing can see us from the sky. An invisable barrier makes sure flying creatures do not attack us in the same manner people can not reach this place if there are bad intentions. Wether they know we are here or not.''
Milliana released the butterfly and watched it go. ''Come. Let us tend to these trees. I would not want to make you miss your promise with Raen. I'm sure he is doing his best.''
Vertus turned his head back to Miliana, listening to her tell the whole story. He thought about how the villagers stopped knowledging her presence as a goddess. "So I guess, The Wolf goddess kept everything in moderation, then? Not wanting to overdo the crops..." He crossed his arms and looked at the butterfly that had landed on the elder's finger, now flying off.
His cheeks got red when she mentioned Raen. "Yeah, I'm sure he is. I just don't want him to burn himself out, rushing to get to our meeting time." The young sorcerer smiled some and looked up at her. "So, do I get to use my magic now? With the trees?"
Milliana nodded and stood close at the tree placing both her hands on it before closing her eyes. ''We usually check at the stem daily and pick the fruit that is ripe. The base of every brach is done once a week. Sooner if we suspect something is wrong. If our crops are good enough or we need a variation in the food we consume we trade in Arca, or one of the smaller cities. What we have to much off, is either dried or turned into marmelade. so that when Winter comes, we still have nutritionous and healthy goods.''
''Npw. Back to the tree.'' she looked up at it as if she would with another person. ''Everyone does this differently. I for one, close my eyes and let myself sense through the tree as if being slowly taken away by a river.''
Vertus raised an eyebrow and walked toward a tree and placed both hands on it. He closed his eyes, trying to imagine the going down a river slowly. Then his eyes suddenly shot open and glowed a bright green. "Woah..w-what do I do now?"
''Calm down and take deep breaths.'' Milliana released herself from the tree she was working on. ''Keep your eyes closed and feel. Feel the wind in the leaves. And the roots in the earth. Do you feel at ease? Or is there a place that does not feel so right. Wether you can place that feeling or not, does not matter. We are only here to find things that are not right.'' she placed her hands on Vertus's shoulder first and then placed them over his own hands. Seeking for him so she could guide him through easier. ''If everything feels calm and easy, find yourself and release the tree. It gets easier the more often you do it.''
This was on thing he disliked about himself; he was a bit inpatient. He wanted things right then, but that's not how magic works. Practicing magic was dangerous if not done correctly. Vertus closed his eyes and focused hard on what he was doing. He closed his eyes and searched if the tree had anything wrong with it.
The young sorcerer felt at ease and calm so he brought himself out, his eyes ceased to glow. "The tree, it's healthy."
''Good. Then you can pick the ripe fruit and put it in the basket close to it. Every tree, has it's own basket. That way we can always find out which tree bore which fruit'' Milliana said and went to the one she had checked before.
''Be patient like the breeze, young Sorcerer. Doing anything to quickly can be dangerous if not fatal. And not just for yourself.'' she smiled calmly and picked the fruit that was ripe. She handled it as if it was severely fragile but that was simply because of her calm nature.
Vertus nodded his head and started to pick the tree from the tree that he checked. He gently snapped the fruit off its branch and placed it in the basket. "But for others as well..." He paused for a second before continuing to harvest the fruit. "Lady Miliana? Do the gods speak to you?" He asked curiously as he finished up the tree, going over to another one.
''Sometimes.'' Milliana replied. ''Although we tend to have the priests and priestesses for that.'' she replied. ''Why do you ask'' she went to another tree when she was done plucking.
He sighed and decided to come out and say it. "Well while Raen and I were talking last night, moonlight flooded the room along with a breeze. It was quite calming actually." He put his hands on the tree and concentrated, checking to make sure the tree was good. Once it was approved, she started to pick fruit off of it.
''If it is calming and soothing I suppose she liked what she saw. Lunaria is a really good mother. Even though she is far away she and Solos both always make their presence known. Also when they do not approve of something, or when they do. The wellbeing of their children is highly important to them.''
She started plucking the fruit and moved to another. Until she found a tree that seemed to be less fortunate. She did not mend it however, but instead she turned the basket that belonged to that tree upside down. ''When a tree does not feel right you turn the basket upside down. Regardless of wether there is fruit in it or not. Do make sure the fruit in that case is underneath the basket.''
She moved then to the next tree.
"Good." Vertus nodded his head and went back to work. He listened to the instructions that Miliana gave him about if the tree wasn't good. The young sorcerer did two more trees before coming across a tree that was bad. He turned the basket over and sighed. "Poor tree." He went to another, concentrating. This tree was good, so he plucked the fruit off of it.
''Most of the trees can be mended. Some however just become to old and grow weak no matter how hard we try.''
After several more trees, Milliana looked at Vertus. ''If you get worn out, feel free to take a bit of a break. I do not think your energy can be replenished by our crystals.''
Vertus bodded his head. "So what'll happen to trees then? Do you cut them down so they don't fall or do you let that happen naturally?" He asked before finished up the tree is was on.
"I think I'll take a short break." He smiled and walked over to the flowers, sighing in relaxation. He leaned back on his hands, closing his eyes. He started to focus on the earth beneath him and the sky above. The energy that bounced back through it.
''We cut them if they are not capable of being saved. That way we prevent whatever ails it, to spread to the other trees. New saplings will be planted after a part of the soil has been replaced as well. The soil we remove is cleansed and used elsewhere. The wood from the tree, if still able to be used, is used as firewood or crafting wood.'' Milliana replied. Passing the rest of the trees. There were about 50 citrus trees in the entire orchard. Three however needed better care.
"I thought so. It's good that this village uses everything from the trees and animals around them." He smiled at the elder and soaked in the energy of the Earth. After he was finished recharging, he stood up from the ground and stretched. "Okay, I'm ready to go back to work." With that, he walked over to a tree and started the process over again.
After they were done, Milliana allowed another short break in which she sat down neatly in the sun. But even an elder such as herself could mask she enjoyed the feeling of the sun on her skin which, now she sat in the direct sunlight, was visable to be a very light shade of purple.
After both had rested well, a few others joined in the orchard. Picking up the baskets and placed empty ones while others sought out the ill trees.
Milliana then lead Vertus to the medicinal herb garden with a note. It all had names and amounts. ''Can you name all the plants and identify them for me please?'' she asked. Wanting to know how far his knowledge extended over these plants.
Vertus took the note and studied it as they walked toward the medicinal herb garden. Once they got there, he started to name the plants that he saw. He pointed to a plant that was green with red trimming around the leaves. "That is Devil's claw. It aids with subsiding headaches." He clicked his tongue, looking over the list. "Ginger...helps with soreness in the throat..." He named the majority of the herbs, missing a few.
''In overal, very good.'' Milliana said with a nod. ''When you have the time I recommend the library though. We have several herbarium of everything we grow, and a seperated one of everything we also use. Including what they are used for. For a while you wiill only be permitted to pick herbs with assistence of someone else. For now, we are requested to bring with us one ginger root, handfull of chamonile, Feverfew and Valerian.'' Milliana very gently started with the ginger root and allowed Vertus to take the rest.
"Yes, Lady Miliana." He nodded to her before squatting and picking the herbs that they needed. "So, Lady Miliana, are you bonded with someone?" He asked as he continued picking it. "I hope that's not too personal." Vertus glanced over at him.
''I am bonded yes.'' Milliana said with a pleased smile. ''It took me a while to find a mate but I am glad I bonded with my lover. I will give birth when Winter comes for the second time.''Her hand automaticly placed itself on her belly.
''I'm sure that the whole bonding thing must be strange for you. Something equal happens to various animals. But those none moonelf, experience it as something truely blissfull as well when they get a moonelf partner.''
A wide smile came across his face when Lady Miliana said that she was pregnant. "Oh! I know you're excited about that." He finished picking the herbs and stood back up straight.
"It is, sort of, Lady Miliana. I-I want to.." Vertus took in a deep breath before continuing. "I want to bond with Raen so bad, but I don't want to ruin him if I leave for some reason and have "relations" with someone else."
''We can only bond once for as far as we know. And therefor most of us are really careful with who we bond. Raen will know the risks and knowing him, he would not want to hold you back either. And when a situation would arise where bonding happens, he would fight it as much as he can no matter how strong any feelings he has for you are. But I do know this, and I am not saying this to frighten you or him.'' she got on her feet.
''It breaks our heart if our mate makes love with someone else. It tears us apart. To such a degree it can destroy us. The only one who can cure it, is a first born. I am one of them but I prefer never having to cure a shattered soul again.''
Her gaze went to the sky for a moment and closed her eyes. ''Would you have interest in someone else, it could be possible to let Raen join in to perhaps ease the pain but I honestly would not know how it could affect him.''
Vertus listened to her words and nodded his head. "So I have make sure I am careful with Raen. The last thing I want to do is destroy someone I care so much about. " The young sorcerer sighed and looked at Lady Miliana, placing the basket on top of his head, holding it steady with one hand.
"I don't like sharing.." He laughed a bit. "I would rather stay with Raen for the rest of my life than to share him in bed."
Milliana chuckled. ''Just make sure, that the both of you know what the consequences will be. Regardless what happens, you are always welcome here as long as you keep yourself to the obvious rules considering keeping this place secret, respect our ways, and assist when you can.''
She started to lead Vertus to the physicians post where ailments were treated, and medicine was made.
''I do know of moonelves who in a fraction of a second can decide wether they want someone as a mate. Never really experienced with someone of a different race. But, it is not unusual to live apart for a while either. I know my own mate for over a hundred years. Right now, he is away. But will be back before the baby arrives. The most serene person can get annoyed if they are around the same persons for a long time in a row. But... my message for you both. Follow your heart, be aware of the consequences, and learn from whatever happens.''
---
She opened the door of the building where the physician's post was but she did not lead him there yet. Instead, Vertus was lead to one of the rooms were a few people were working. Crushing herbs, making extractions, making salves, syrups and creams.
''Lady Milliana good morning'' one spoke looking up from his work. He was just as handsome as Raen, if maybe not even a bit more. Only Raen was more tanned and showed more muscle while this male moonelf looked more delicate.
''Michael, good morning.'' Milliana said. She looked at him hopefull but the man shook his head. ''No remedy has found for the serpent vine yet. For now all we can do is remove it when we find it and fight the sympoms of those who got exposed to it.''
''I understand. As long as we can keep the symptoms at bay... we should have no more fatal casualties.'' Milliana replied. She seemed troubled for a bit but took the basket from Vertus' head and handed it over to one of the girls, whom had short hair just above her shoulders with piercing violet eyes. She thanked the two kindly.
''Michael will be your teacher concerning making medicine. Right now, he is attempting to develop a remedy against Serpant vine. It is a weed that showed up several months ago. As much as a scratch... and the person will be in great pain after a few hours. It then advances to more sympoms that when not treated, are deadly.'' she explained.
Vertus followed the elder into the where the physicians were. He looked around, admiring the workers who were there. This was one of his favorite part about the tour. He had a real passion for learning about medicine even before the time his father introduced it to him. This, of course was to deter him from practicing magic.
The teenager turned his attention to the moonelf named Michael and smiled. "I'm Vertumnuns. It's very nice to meet you." He introduced himself before the two started to talk about Serpent Vine. That was the first time Vertus had heard about the horrible plant. "That's aweful! I wouldn't wish that on anyone...well." He raised his eyebrows, but quickly shook his head. "Anywho, it'll be an honor to work with you, Michael. I'm actually training to be an apothecary.
''Then you have come to the right place.'' Michael said as he got up from his work, cleaned his hands and aproached them offering Vertus a deep polite bow.
''Me as your teacher, also means studying from books. Not only making and brewing. I hope you understand. We do not only make the medicine, depending on how much you study we also diagnose people. If you'd rather not want to do that, then of course we will not force you.''
Michael looked at Milliana. ''When will he begin?''
''Tomorrow or the day after once he has settled in properly. I will take him to the crafters corner for robes, and he will be your student on a daily basis. He can pick which two days in the week he wishes to have a day off. In the early hours for as long as he wants, he will be assisting me with the orchards.''
Her gaze went to Vertus. ''You can decide what you would like to do. Not working with me, means you can get to sleep in though.'' she said with a wink.
''I do not work with most herbs right now due to being pregnant. But normally I work here as well both at the infirmary as preparing various pastes. Erica, the girl with the short hair was my former apprentice.'' the girl was to busy right now documenting the herbs as they spoke though so she did not hear it.
Vertus thought for a moment before speaking. "Well what books would I need to get from the library because not only am I interesting in making cures, but also diagnosing them as well." He bowed back with the same amount of respect before turning hid attention to Lady Miliana. "I would like to continue working with you, sense Raen works mornings." He stated. Vertus then folded his arms over his chest lightly. "And my two days off? I'll have to see what Raen schedules like so I'll be able to spend time with him. " He smirked at the both of them.
Raen rarely has the same days off in the week but you can discuss with him if you want.'' Milliana replied. ''We could head to the crafters corner, have your sizes being measured for your personal robes, and by the time we are done it should be time for your lunch break. I will show you the books which you need to read. How does that sound?'' Milliana asked
"Ah, I see." Vertus nodded his head slowly. He had forgotten that Raen wasn't a guest here and actaully had to work full time. "Robes, books, then lunch? Sounds good to me, Lady Miliana. " He answered with a smile.
''Alright. See you tomorrow then.'' Michael said. The others wished him a good day as well from their work they were so dedicated too.
Milliana lead Vertus to a place Raen had not shown him before; the crafters corner. There was a large cooking area where if wished people could eat in large groups or cook together. Also some of the citrus they had plucked, was there. Being carefully cut and turned into marmelade. There was also an armorsmith, weaponsmith, tailor, huntsman, jewelery and even a place where wants and staves were made.
''If you wish for meat in your meal, I recommend you make it here.'' Milliana said. Not everyone at the cooking area seemed to be moonelf; there were humans, and other kinds of elves. Even mixed breeds whom elsewhere were most likely to be rejected.
Milliana lead him to the tailor. ''Uriel, good morning.''
A woman with deep purple hair, almond creme skin and soft raspberry lips looked up from her work. ''Lady Milliana'' Uriel replied as she got on her feet and looked at Vertus. Her figure was nearly perfect. Her ears, did not seem as long as the other Moonelves Vertus had seen indicating she was a half breed. ''Got a new apprentice?'' she asked with a wide smile.
''I will have him in the early mornings for a few hours, and then he is under Michael's care.'' Milliana replied.
''Sounds like fun. I do take it then it will be two robes.'' she got a measuring ribbon from the table. ''Could you follow me to the back please? I will need to measure you in your undergarments.'' she said with the kindest of smiles.
The young sorcerer waved goodbye to those that had said "bye" to him earlier. He could tell that living here was going to take some hard work and delication. Which, he didn't mind. As they walked, he admired all the Smith shops and especially the place where could cook. He had ideas of the meals that he would make once he went hunting with Raen's direwolf.
Vertus nodded his head in agreement and headed back with Uriel. He could tell that's he wasn't a full blooded moonelf. He wondered if it would be rude to ask so he decided to keep his mouth closed. Just to be safe than sorry.
''Something on your mind?'' Uriel asked as she tied up her hair a bit so it would not in whe way when she would measure Vertus. Her voice was soft and kind as she waited patiently for Vertus to undress once they were at the back and she put up a screen.
Despite she would measure him nearly naked she did look away when he was undressing.
''So I take it you will be living here for a while. Welcome to Astoraea. ''
After taking off robe and only having on his undergarment, he finally spoke. "W-what are you composed of? Genetically speaking?" That sounded much better than just saying "what's in your blood?"' or "what's in you?". Vertus has always had a way with words. Especially in both right and awkward situations.
''Composed off?'' Uriel asked and laughed briefly. ''My my is that not a polite way to ask what I am'' she measured his arms. Both their length from shoulder to fingertips, shoulder to wrist, and shoulder to ellbow before measuring the thickness of his arm at several muscles.
''My mother is half moonelf, half human. My father, a half moon elf, half dragon.'' she replied as if it was the most normal cause of the world.
She then measured his neck, and other arm and then Vertus's torso. ''What about you. What is hour genetic heritage.'' each time she moved, Vertus would be able to pick up a scent of some lovely jasmin and sandelwood perfume. Her touches were delicate as well but fluent.
Vertus bit his lip nervously. "I didn't mean it to be in a rude matter." The young human tried to laugh it off a bit before she answered him. Vertus wondered how a moonelf and dragon got together, but decided not to ask any questions. "Oh, that's unique. I'm just a special human. Athough there are rumors that my grandmother on my mom's side was half forest elf." He stated, sniffing the air nonchalantly. She smelled pretty good.
''Special human huh?..'' Uriel said.''Is basicly not every being special? Except for those who have no regard for other life.'' After measuring his chest she measured his waist, hips, legs and feet.
''That should do it.'' She said as she wrote the final numbers down.''It are two robes, you can pick them up tomorrow morning or tonight around 9. Oh by the way, it did not sound rude at all. It was amusing.'' She said and smiled.
Vertus chuckled lightly. "Special humans are those who can practice magic." He stated and turned smiled at Uriel. "And yes, every race and spieces are special. Well in my book they are." Vertus nodded his head to her after she told him what times he could come back for his robes. "Thank you so much. Have a good day!" Wirh that, he turned and headed back to the front where Lasy Miliana was. "All ready to go!" He exclaimed.
''Alright. We can get your books and then it should be time for a break. After the break though I will have some other things to take care off. Normally I would've made medicine and the like but since some herbs are not safe to work with, that is on hold until my child is no longer breastfed. But there was something of you and Livia right when she is done with school? Let's just hope Raen finished his morning duties on time.'' she smiled. If it were the other elders, they perhaps would have doubted he would.
Vertus nodded his head. "Books sound fun." He chuckled a bit as they walked toward the library. They both had done a lot of walking today. "Oh yes! Livia and I are gonna have some fun." He answered, nodding his head a couple of times. Vertus was actually looking forward to spending time with Raen's little sister. After all she did make him dinnrr, breakfast, and lunch. In that order.
"Yeah I hope Raen will be finished on time."
Milliana picked several books about anatomy of every kind of sentient being present in the Moonelf village. Books about herbs, plants and fungi, and also how various illnesses manifested and how they were diagnosed.
''Knowing Michael, he'd want you to start with the herbs and plants. How you process them, and which things you can mix and what things certainly not. Weighing things really carefully is also something he looks at. After all. Some things have healing properties but are poisonous at the same time.''
''Yo'' Raen said softly panting and a bit of sweat on his brow. His hair was a little messy as well from running and he had a smile on his face.
''You made it. Good. Then for today I think I will leave you in Raen's hands until he has to do his afternoon duties. If you need me you can either find me in one of the orchards or in the water garden.'' she said and offered Vertus a polite bow.
He nodded his head and grabbed the books that she had picked out for him to read. "Ah, thank you." Wow this was beginning to get a little heavy for the human teenager, but nothing he couldn't handle. His eyes lit up when he saw Raen rush into the library. "Hey, Raen." He saw how messy he looked and couldn't help but laugh a bit.
Vertus bowed to Lady Miliana and thanked her for everything she had done for him before turning his intention to the other moonelf. He walked up to him and rubbed the base of his ear. "How was your shift?"
''Busy'' Raen said with a smile as he approached Vertus and wished Milliana a pleasant afternoon. ''All the bushes are in full bloom but plucking the fruit has to be done with care. Or they end up way to squashed.''
His fingers however were just a little bit colored from the blackberries.
''How has your morning been?'' he then looked at the books. ''I can help you carry these to your quarters if you like.''
"Blackberries? I enjoy those." He smiled as he handed two of the books from his pile and placed them in Raen's hands. "We went to the orchards to deer if the trees were healthy, then we headed over to the medicine herb garden, went to the physicians building, got me two new robes, and now here." He said with a smile as he started to walk out of the library and to his place.
Once they reached Vertus' apartment, he placed his books on the table, went to his bed and flopped on it, sighing at how soft it was.
''Going for an afternoon nap?'' Raen asked. He put his lunchbox next to the one Livia gave to Vertus. ''Shall we eat a bit? I have an hour and a half until I need to chop wood.''
He had not forgotten what Vertus said the night before, about the next time at full noon but he wondered if it was a good idea.
"After I get done with you." He stated, sitting up and taking his lunchbox out. "But yes, we should eat first." He smiled warmly at the moonelf before parting the spot next to him. "I got some reading to do." He gestured over to the pile of books that were on the table.
''I am sure though it will not be expected to memorize them all by tomorrow.'' Raen said as he opened his box. It had an apple, mandarin, and some sandwiches with herb cream cheese, lettuce, young regular cheese, tomato, cucumber and several herbs including parsley, rosemary and thyme.
Vertus´s lunchbox also had two pieces of fruit, sandwiches with slices of what seemed to be cranberry meatloaf. One sandwich was vegetarian like that of Raens and packed in special coated paper was a cinnamon roll with a note ´Don´t tell Raen´ on it.
''She knows how to treat someone. I think I will make them tomorrow so she can sleep in for once.''
He took one of his sandwiches and took a bite. ''What did she get you? She treated you with meats right?''
Vertus sighed a bit. "Yeah, but I want to know at least five more, if not ten, herbs and what they're used for." He stated as he untied his lunch box and opened it. Inside he noticed that she had made him some short of meatloaf. The young sorcerer couldn't help, but to touch his chest at the thought of her doing something so special just for him.
"Actually she did!" Vertus lifted the cranberry meatloaf sandwich for his boyfriend to see. "And...something else that I'm going to tell you about." He teased before taking a bite out of the sandwich. It was actually pretty good.
Raen smiled when Vertus showed him the meaty sandwich although despite it was most likely tasty, knowing it once had come from a live animal made his stomach turn a little. ''She did do her best that is for sure.'' he said.
''What else is it though you are going to tell me.'' he asked. He was curious, and despite he enjoyed people having suprises for him, considering that he could seem like a rather spoiled child if the game went on for to long.
He took another bite out of the sandwich before glancing back at the cinnamon roll. "Uh, nothing. Nothing at all." Vertus gave Raen a toothy smile before pulling out an already shaved kiwi. "Oh, I love these." He took a bite out of it, some of the juice getting on his robe. "Oops."
''Do not worry they are not your personal robes. Although we may need to eat properly at the table next time.'' Raen said with a smile.
After finishing his first sandwhich, he ate the apple. ''Sure that there was nothing else you wanted to tell me though?'' he asked
"Oh, I don't think so...just that I'm glad to be here with you." He finished off his kiwi and sanwhich before taking out the bun. "And that I've been craving you."
''My my aren't you foxy'' Raen said with a seductive smile. ''I would almost think you want more then I gave you this morning.'' he teased. He noticed the bun though and that Livia had not given him one. He did not mind though, that was how his sister simply was.
"I do want more. Why else would I want to make love to you turning the day." Vertus grinned back, a boner already forming in his robe. The young sorcerer moved his lunch box back to the table and opened up the window so that more sun was getting in. "I miss your mouth, tongue and...limb." He crawled on the bed, pulling at Raen's robe collar with his teeth.
Raen put his lunchbox aside as well and gently wrapped his arms around his lover.
''I miss you too... your skin... your scent... touch... taste..'' he whispered softly in his ear before licking it's edge. ''And the sounds you make...'' the sunlight hit them both warm and gentle. This was all the approval from his Gods that Raen needed. It was not outside but still in the light. But was it wise to proceed like this.
He loosened Vertus' robe as well and pulled it a bit over the mans shoulders. Gently scratching the exposed skin on the mans back and kissed his neck.
Vertus groaned lightly when the moonelf started whispered things he missed. The lick on his ear made him even more fiesty. "I missed the feel of this." He whispered after taking off his own robe and grabbing a handful of Raen's ass. "Scratch me harder." He whispered, taking off Raen shirt with his free hand.
The moonelf although still carefull scratched him harder over his back and gently sucked the skin in his neck. Lust started to run thickly into his veins and his limb started slowly to harden as well.
He then however gently pushed Vertus aside and made him lay down on his stomach before he sat down just below the rear. Squeezing his ass before taking off the rest of his own and Vertus' clothes. He did take off the rest of his love's clothes with care though.
He bent over softly digging his nails in the skin from his lover's back. ''Let me show you how I am at noon with this..'' he whispered breathlessly before giving suckles on Vertus' ear, neck, and then moved to his back. Giving small soft licks and suckles on the skin while scratching other parts of the skin.
Vertus groaned more as he felt the nails and lips on his dark skin. He take on his back as his boyfriend disrobed him. This was amazing and to make matters better, he felt him grab his ass. "That's good..." He whispered when Raen leaned over and whispered that he was about to show him how he was in the sunlight. "Go for it." He panted, feeling more scartches and kisses on his back and skin. "You're amazing."
Raen grinned for a moment. ''Good. You will be in for a lot more'' he said. Not hiding the heat in his voice. His kisses reached Vertus's rear and he took both his hands full before gently moving his hands towards his inner thighs before moving down a little and kissed him there, down his leg before moving up again licking the skin.
He then turned Vertus on his back. He wanted to see his lover's face.
He placed his hands on Vertus' hips and kissed, licked, and sucked his love's skin as he made his way up. Dropping one teasing kiss on the tip of his manhood.
After his abdomen and chest Raen sucked and licked one of Vertus' nipples while very gently massaging the other with his fingers.
He gasped lightly, feelings his kisses on his thighs and legs. It was like he was at the gates of pleasure.
When Raen flipped him over, his external reproductive organ was throbbing like mad. Especially after he missed the tip. "Gods, Raen." He whispered, trying to keep his voice down as Raen continued to pleasure him. He placed his hands on the moonelf's ass as he sucked on one of his nipples while playing with the other.
''Make all the noise you want. Nobody will hear. Heck we can move to the garden and nobody would hear or see..'' they had illusion magic to thank for that though.
Raen proceeded to Vertus' neck, ear and after that kissed him passionatly.
His own manhood was fully erected as well and throbbed lightly occasionally it hit Vertus' skin at the thigh.
As he kissed, his hand traveled down towards Vertus' limb and started pulling it back and forth.
Vertus panted heavily. "I-I'll take that into consideration." He smiled slightly, moaning as his kisses bombarded his neck and ear.
He felt his hand around his member and groaned through the kiss they were having. He shoved his tongue into his mouth, wrapping his arms around his neck, holding his face closer to his. "I don't think you can top this morning." He said through kissing, biting on his bottom lip some.
Raen let his tongue play with that of Vertus. It caused his own limb to throb slightly more for a moment. For a brief moment he stopped the kiss to look at Vertus. ''And I am far from done'' he said before kissing him passionatly again and let their tongues meet again.
While he rubbed the hard limb he occasionally would let his hand touch the tip as well or gently cup and massage the balls. It had caused his hand to be a bit moist which actually made the running easier.
''How far do you wish to go love..'' Raen asked softly. Already very slowly he noticed he could feel the pleasure he did to Vertus which were the first signs of a bond starting to form. He could stop it for now but most likely not a lot longer.
He groaned as their tongues wrestled with one another again. He loved the tastes of Raen and with every passing moment, carved of more.
Vertus bit his own lip, arching his back as he felt Raen's precum on his member. It felt so good. "A-as far as you can. Because tonight, you're mine." He whispered before moaning again.
Raen looked at him with a smile. Gave him another passionate kiss. He would not connect their bodies yet. Instead, he turned a little.''Do me too'' he whispered after making it so vertus could reach him and took the hard throbbing length in his mouth
Vertus groaned when Raen started to suck on his member and quickly did the same thing, moving his mouth up and down on the limb. The sorcerer wrapped his tongue around the base of hisb before moving his head up and down on it.
For Raen, it almost felt as if he were in heaven. Not only did he feel his own pleasure but somewhere he felt that of Vertus too and he would not be suprised if his lover would notice it as well. He moaned of pure pleasure
The hot member in his mouth and the juices escaping from it were intoxicating and as he moved his head up and down he used his tongue to lick the shaft and tip.
''Gods Vertus... you... are amazing..'' he moaned as he released the hard limb fom his mouth briefly. He gently kissed and licked Vertus' balks as he used his hands to pull him before taking it back in. He felt tension build in his body. But was not clise to a climax yet. He activly had to remind himself not to let the mental bridge form further.
After a while more of giving oral, he came up for air. "You have no idea." He panted and opened Raen's legs more, kissing down his member, between his legs and to his entrance where he started to lick and lightly bite on the cheeks. This was his favorite part.
''V-vertus...'' Raen gasped.''feels good..''
He was certain though his lover would feel the sweet beginnings of the bonding soon. Raen found himself wanting more. But had to be patient. And certain that Vertus really wanted him.
Ge took Vertus' length in deeper until he took it out for a moment to breathe properly. He wanted to taste his seed like last night and this morning. The thought made him smile. He had never wanted anything so bad before.
"Then I'll continue." He stated in a breathless tone before going back in, digging his tongue in deeper as he used his hand to rub on the moonelf's limb. He tastes so good, he couldn't deny that for a moment.
Vertus seemed to be on the verge of climax, not knew he had to contain himself just for the fact that he wanted it to last longer.
With Vertus being so close, it did not take long for Raen either. He almost reached his limit.
He moaned his live's name.''I'm going to cum soon..'' he panted before licking up some more precum and took the hot hard limb in his mouth.
That was his cue to go back to the limb, letting it in his mouth. He sucked on it hard and fast as he wanted to taste his boyfriend's seed. The thought of it made him explode inside Raen's mouth. "Dear gods, Raen!" He exclaimed before pushing his head down over his member, letting it fill his mouth:
Raen came with a muffed cry. His body trembled as he filled Vertus' mouth with his seed and he himself took in what Vertus let out. He would never grow tired of this taste for sure. He swallowed it all and licked off what was left before he took the limb out of his mouth, softly panting.
Vertus swallowed his seed before getting sitting up on his knees, wrapping his arms around his waist, and laying back. He did this so Raen was sitting over his member, but facing away at him. Vertus put his own hands behind his head and enjoyed the views. "Gods, Raen...you're so beautiful."
The compliment made Raen blush. Normally hearing those words, they were often combined by the fact that he just like many other elves had a few female features. And normally he would brush the compliment off nonchalantly.
But with Vertus his cheeks colored and a smile formed on his lips before he let his head rest against Vertus' body. The two were still engulfed in the sunlight.
''you are attractivly handsome as well.'' he whispered. His breathing steadied. By the Gods this had felt good.
''Did you feel it... the beginnings of bonding...'' he said softly. Having to make sure it would not happen actually took a lot from him as well.
"I felt it a little. I wanted to bond with you so badly, but I knew it couldn't." He admitted, rubbing his side. "I want to know what it feels like to be inside you..." Vertus started to tear up a bit, thinking that he would never fully experience his Raen. Well, not now at least.
He let him turn around so that he could face Vertus. "I-I want to be all yours."
Raen moved himself a little so he lay against Vertus and could look at him as he caressed his lover's face. ''shhhh...'' he said softly. ''I will not mind to be yours and let you be mine. I want to know you fully even though I know the risk it can give me. Whatever happens... I will with deal with it. You are... intoxicating. Letting lust crawl through me like honey through my veins. I do not think I am capable of stopping the form of a full fledged bond another time.'' he admitted.
He gave Vertus a kiss on his forhead. ''For you, I will risk me.'' he said before taking Vertus in his arms and held him close.
Vertus looked into his lover's eyes and the tears in his eyes escaped onto his cheek. "I just don't want to make such an important decision in my teen years. Hopefully when I'm older...I'll have you."' He answered before interlocking his fingers with his. "I-is there a way for the bond to be broken?" He asked with a raised eyebrow. He kissed along Raen's hand, wrist and arm; still trying to taste him.
''Firstborns have the ability to break the bond.'' Raen said. Milliana was a first born. There were about 10 of them in this village, and more in other small settlements scattered around the world.
The process itself however was far from pleasant and truth be told he had thought it over wether he was capable of handling it. Perhaps he was capable of handling Vertus not just having him alltogether. He had seen the pain with a few of the others. Those who had a none moonelf mate who later on betrayed them. But Raen, knew Vertus would perhaps do these kind of things to someone else as well. And not wanting to hold back his friend in life which had so many options left for him. Perhaps it would be enough.
''We have several firstborn here.'' he assured.
"Oh, that's right. I remember Lady Miliana mentioned that, but she said that it was painful." He thought for a moment, but shook his head. "I would never hurt you like that. " Vertus looked into his eyes. "I can settle for your sucks, Raen." He said with a half smile before cuddling up with him.
''I can handle a bit of pain..'' he said softly. ''I am sure you are worth it. But... if you for now are satisfied with rubs and sucks, then that is fine too.'' he just hoped he did not offend Lunaria or Solos with his words. ''I just hope I can keep the bonds from forming...''
He let his hands join Vertus' again and let their fingers entwine. Gently pressing himself against his love. It was warm and comfortable. ''I'm sorry... that it is so inconvenient for my kin with the whole bonding thing..'' he whispered.
Vertus sighed and kissed is hand. "Still, hurting you isn't going to be worth it. I'll try some other things."' He smiled some before grabbing a hand full of his ass. "I don't mind. It makes having sex with you even more enjoyable." He admitted before tilting his head up slightly.
''I must say, there are no complains from me. From how your muscles shift beneath your skin... till the way you sound and taste. Not to mention your scent'' Raen spoke in a soft husky voice. ''And the way how sensitive you can be when I kiss, lick or nibble your skin.'' he teased.
Vertus blushed deeply. "And I love your taste and smell. The way your hair feels along with the nails that go down my back...I love it." He teased back. "And the way your we tastes is unreal." He whispered in his ear, licking it from base to tip.
A soft gasp escaped Raen's mouth and he felt his manhood harden slightly. ''You know what happens when you stimulate my ears right?..'' he asked.
"Hm...I have an idea." He teased before sitting up in the bed. "Looks like we have fourty more minutes." He pointed out with a smirk. "I wish it was fourty hours.." Vertus rubbed on his ear again as a tease.
A cute moan left Raen's lips. He wondered what his love was up to but whatever it was, he would be completely open to it.
''Tell me love. What plans do you have. Going to tie me up and blindfold me?'' he asked.
"That's a rather good idea...I'll do that tonight." He kissed his cheek, rubbing the tips of his ears. "Then maybe tomorrow you could do something special for me."
Another pleasurable gasp left Raen's lips and his limb hardened a little more.''S-Something special huh. Anything in particular you had in mind?'' he asked. He wondered what Vertus was up to with him now if he would leave tying him up for tonight.
Vertus thought as he rubbed the tip of Raen's ear, twisting it some. "Hm...let's just say...you'll own me." He whispered before licking his nose.
Raen arched his back with another moan ''Me owning you? Raen asked. ''I do not think I will make a good dominator'' he jestered. ''Besides... are you not the one now teasing me?''
"true." He hugged his body close to his, licking the ears "I just love to see you squirm and I love to hear you moan.." He whispered inside his ear.
''Ahh!'' this moan was louder and was from pleasure like he released when Vertus had been working on him with moments before. With reddened cheeks he brought one of Vertus' hands to his almost fully hardened manhood. Despite he had climaxed not long before ''Not just moans... this happens then too..'' he said a bit breathlessly.
"Hm....let's see what I can do then." He started to rub both of his ears hard. "Like that?" He whispered in his ear as his pace quickening.
''G-Gods... Ve-Vertus..'' he moaned. His body trembled and so did his breath. Vertus had no idea how sensitive it was. His back arched and his body movement wise became almost uncontrolable. ''You-you're driving me... crazy..'' he moaned.
Vertus kissed along his neck as his pace quickened. "I want to see you cum." He whispered in his ear as he kept the pace up.
No single thought other then becoming one with the man at his side rushed through his head and his manhood throbbed from lust and intensity. Raen took a firm hold with both his hands on the sheets and moans and gasps were basicly the only things that escaped his mouth. On occasion though Raen managed to speak out his lover's name.
''Y-you will if... you k-keep thi-is up..'' he managed to bring out. Slowly he had started to thrust his hips. Gods this was insane. It felt so good even a bit of drool escaped his mouth.
The young sorcerer reveled in pleasuring his boyfriend. His hands went faster, tightening his grip around them. Vertus licked across his neck, loving the smell and taste of it.
''Ama-zing..'' Raen panted. His hands still grabbing his sheets tightly until he could not take it anymore and wanted to taste his lover's mouth. Using his trembling hands to bring Vertus' head close to his. ''I want you... so badly..'' he said softly and kissed him passionatly brushing his tongue against that of Vertus.
Vertus smiled impishly and began to kiss him back, wrapping his arms around his ways while he madeout with him. He squeezed his body close to his, letting the ears cool down befor we want back to messing with them.
It did not take long for Raen to feel the familiar pressure build up within him again and managed to warn Vertus when he was about to climax once more.
Vertus kissed down Raen's body until he came to his limb. He put it in his mouth and started to suck on it, moving his mouth back and forth on it. The young sorcerer was now addicted to the taste of his moonelf lover.
After a few more moans, Raen once more came in Vertus' mouth. It was not so much as before though and when climaxed, his body trembled.
''Gods... Vertus...'' he panted and smiled.
He swallowed and laid back down beside him. "I just wanted to give you something before you left for work again." Vertus laughed lightly before kissing his cheek. "How long now?" He asked, panting as well.
''fifteen minutes until I should get my clothes on and move to the edge of the woods to finish what the morning shift started'' Raen said after having had calmed his breath.
He turned to Vertus and caressed his face. ''You did make me cum twice in a short amount of time. Would I tie you up, or you me I wonder what will happen then.'' he whispered.
"Well I did make you cum twice like you said earlier..." He stated, running his hand through his silver hair. "Maybe you could tonight and then tomorrow morning you'll wake up to something...rare. How about that?"
''Very well.'' Raen said with a mischievous smile on his lips as he cupped Vertus' face and kissed him softly and tenderly. ''there should still be some water in the shower. Lets refresh ourselves a bit alright love?''
"Alright." Vertus nodded his head and got up from the bed. He took Raen in his arms again and carried him to the shower before setting him down and turning it on. "Livia and I are going to have some fun of our own."
The water felt amazing and cooled his body off a bit. ''Would the both of you play outside please do not let her run into the woods. Most got cleared out but there could be serpentvine left somewhere. I do not wish anybody under the effects of its poison.'' he said with a soft smile.
Livia tended to often dash away to play hide and seek or chase. And she did not know all the different plants yet that were venomous. Also Serpentvine looked a lot like a very innocent plant.
Vertus nodded, heeding the warning of Raen. "Aye, I will make sure she doesn't venture into the woods." He smiled back and started to wash himself. He knew they didn't have time to fool around in the showers again so he simply decided to get in and out without any "distractions".
Raen managed to wash himself quickly, rinsing his skin with soap and washed the foam off. Done just in time too as the water stopped due to the resevoir being empty.
After washing he gave Vertus a gentle kiss on the cheek and dried off before putting his clothes back on. ''Unfortunatly I need to go. But when I'm done, and washed myself again, you are in for a treat.'' he said with a mischievous smile on his face.
He got out the shower and dried himself a few seconds after Raen did. Vertus wrapped the towel around his waist and walked into the bedroom to put on another relaxing robe. "A treat, huh? Does that mean I get to taste something?"
''Maybe'' Raen replied with still the same smile. He removed the covers from the bed and pillows, placed them in a basket and put on new ones. He then walked over to Vertus embracing him from behind and kissed Vertus' ear and neck softly before he let go. ''I will see you in a few hours.'' he assured. Gave Vertus one more kiss on the mouth before he left.
It was about fifteen minutes later Livia knocked on the door.
Vertus smiled and gave Raen a hug before he left to start his next shift.
"That must be Livia." He said to himself as he closed the book on herbs and went over to the door to open it. "Hey, Livia! Come on in. Have a seat." He offered, moving out of the way for her to come in. "How was school?"
''School was fun'' Livia said with a smile. ''Passed the test for common language so if I ever go outside of this village I can talk to people properly.'' she said clearly proud of the little accomplishment. ''Only math... I am not really good with numbers.'' she admitted.
''Oh yea...'' she removed a hollow wooden tube from her back and took out a painting with a woman in the left down corner, whose hair gently turned into a river flowing through the mountains. ''For you'' she said as she held it out to him. ''This morning I figured that maybe it would be fun to live up the walls a little.''
"Oh? That's really good, Livia. I've never been that good at math myself." He stated as he took the painting, his smile growing in size. "Thank you! I'll hang it up in kitchen." The young sorcerer walked there and place it on the wall while he looked around for any nails to stick it with.
''There should be pins in the drawer I think...'' the girl said as she went to the kitchen and opened a few drawers until she found a small box with pins. Fortunatly inside the rooms, the walls were made of soft white sandstone. It looked a lot like marble but it was warmer to the touch.
''Did you enjoy the lunch I made? Was the meat alright?'' she asked as she handed over the pins.
Vertus took the pins from her hand and put four on each corner of the picture. "The lunch was amazing, Livia and the meat was excellent. Thank you so much for making that for me. Did you do it in the crafting corner?" I asked before walking backwards to make sure the painting was on the wall straight. Perfect.
Livia nodded. ''The crafting corner is the only place here were meat is actually processed and eaten. They were suprised though a moonelf showed up.'' she said with a giggle. ''I made thisone... ehm... what to call it again. Meatloaf. Allthough next time I will not be the one making it. Sorry it is just to strange for me'' she spoke with honesty. Despite she had gloves and did not touch anything directly it still felt weird to her.
The meat had been put through a grinder and was not even regocnisable of once having been an animal but it was just weird. And somehow also felt wrong.
''What would you like to do? Want to do something indoors? Outdoors? A stroll through the forest is always fun. I am capable of neutralise the illusions for you.'' she suggested.
Vertus laughed a little. "Yeah I understand. I'll be the one making it." He gave her a friendly smile before walking back to the livingroom. "And it all depends on what you want to do, Livia. Going outside would be fun, but we can't go into the forest." the young sorcerer stated. He crossed his arms, thinking. "Isn't there a butterfly garden?"
''There is'' Livia said. ''Well it is more of a greenhouse. Otherwise they would all fly away. We can go there.'' she said. ''Since Raen will not allow me into the forest.'' she was a bit sad about it but she knew the reason.
''Let's go shall we?''
Vertus nodded his head. "Yep! Ready when you are." With that, he walked out of his apartment with Livia behind him. Soon they were in the butterfly house. There were benches for people to sit and watch the beautiful butterflies flutter around.
It was actually rather spacious. It hosted several kinds of trees and many plants., neatly ordered and paths had been put down so it was easy to walk. Other then butterflies whose caterpillars produced silk, there were various exotic butterflies as well. Blue with on top of each wing a red dot, and black lining on the side. Green, yellow, red even purple.
''Often with harvesting silk people kill the pop so they can harvest more proper thread. We gently unspin the cocoons just before the butterflies get out themselves instead.'' she explained.
As they walked she had eventually started to hold Vertus' hand so she would not fall behind to much. She was, after all a lot smaller and did not walk very fast yet. But now, she let go and walked to one of the bushes were a large green butterfly was drinking nectar from some flowers. ''We rely a lot on the silk we make. People from noble houses like ours and some even think we enchant the fabric''
Vertus smiled when he saw the beautiful flowers and butterflies that were around. It was simply spectacular with the many colors that were present inside the greenhouse. "Ah, I see. I'm guessing that's a bad thing, huh?" He asked with a raised eyebrow. Once they got to the rather big butterfly, Livia continued to explain why the silk was so important. "So what exactly is it used for?"
''We use it for medicinal purposes for example, when someone needs stitches. And we weave it into cloth which we dye and make most of our clothes from, or we sell it for food at the nearest cities.'' Livia said as she gently lifted a butterfly from a flower with her fingers. ''I do not know what makes our silks so special though.'' she admitted. ''But the fabric is strong, does not easily tear and is really soft and comfy. Also very durable.'' she gently walked towards Vertus although the butterfly did leave her finger when she walked.
''Have you ever drank nectar?'' she asked.
The young sorcerer nodded his head with a grin. "That makes sense then. Silk is a demanding fabric." He stated before looking at the butterfly flutter off of Livia's finger. This caused Vertus to smile more. "Actually, I have drank nectar before. It was from a honeysuckle bush. Very good." Vertus laughed some, folding his arms loosely over his chest.
''Want some more? We have honeysuckles growing here and they produce enough. So people are allowed to have a bit when they come here.'' Livia said with a smile. ''Edible flowers grow here as well.''
She grabbed Vertus' hand with both of hers and took him along with her. Most likely this was what Raen meant with her being enthausiastic.
"Sure I would love too." He chuckled when she led him over to the honeysuckle vines with both hands. She was so adorable! Once they came to the honeysuckle, he used his other hand to pluck one off of its stem. "These are so amazing." Vertus looked down at they young moonelf. "I would love to try some edible plants too."
Livlia nodded as she took one as well. There was a basket nearby where people could deposit the empty flowers. ''I will have to see what they grow this time though, it varies. I am growing some myself as well.'' she admitted.
She drank the nectar and a blush of delight appeared on her cheeks. To bad it was only one per person but it was enough. ''Raen and I are both sweet tooths.'' she said with a giggle.
After taking the nectar out of the flower, he used his magic to break it down turn it into small green orbs. The orbs went toward the honeysuckle bush, fertilizing the remaining flowers. "There." Vertus smiled, turning his head toward Livia.
The young sorcerer fought back a laugh. "Oh yeah, your brother sure does like anything sweet." Thank the gods Livia was too young to understand what he was talking about.
''I warned him once that if he kept eating sweet things only I would not make him bakerscream buns ever again. Not to mention that it would make him fat.'' She giggled
''Do you have a favourite food?'' She asked him
Vertus laughed some. "Yeah we can't have Raen getting fat can we?" He asked in a raised eyebrow before sitting down on a bench, patting the spot next to him for Livia to sit. After some thinking, he answered. "No, no. Not really. Well, I do like fried dough with powdered sugar on top." He answered, relaxing some.
Livia climbed on the bench, her feet barely reaching the ground. ''Fried dough?'' she asked. ''What kind of dough? We do not fry stuff here actually either.'' she admitted. That did not mean it was not possible though, it was often seen as a waste of resources. But maybe it was possible to do it on a smaller scale too.
"Bread dough." He answered as he reached his legs and resting his arm on the back of the bench. "What about you? What's your favorite dish?" He asked her, loving how her feet barely touched the ground. Vertus always wanted children, but obviously if he couldn't commit to Raen there was no way he could become a father at such an early age.
Livia pondered. ''My favourite...'' she had to think for a bit. ''Chocolate.'' she said after a bit. ''Unfortunatly it is really expensive. Raen got me some for my birthday when he returned from his stay at the city.''
"Chocolate?" He asked, then nodded slowly. He had to make sure she had some chocolate before he would depart, whenever that would be. "I'll have to keep that in mind. Do you guys make caramel here?" The young sorcerer asked. "Or grow sugar Kane?"
''We can make it since we have the ingredients.'' Livia said. ''We do not grow our own sugarcane though. Not yet. Maybe within the year if we can make the proper conditions. For now we get sugar in trade for our silks. Or at least from the gold we get for it.''she moved her legs a little. It was the positive side of not being able to touch the ground with her feet when she sat down. She then noticed something and giggled as a lot of butterflies had gathered around them.
''Theehee looks like they like you.'' she noted.
"Ah. I heard caramel and chocolate go perfect together. Maybe I'll be able to make you and Raen some later on." Vertus offered, before watching the butterflies surround them. "I guess they do." He laughed some as they came closer, resting on his lap, arms and face. "My mom loves butterflies..."
Livlia looked at Vertus for a moment. Wondering if he missed his parents. He had left without a word and most likely had not even counted on being able to stay here. None of his belongings were here either.
A thought then struck her and she tapped him once on the shoulder before jumping of the bench. ''Tag your it'' she said with a giggle and then dashed away.
"Aw man!" The young sorcerer let the insects fly off of him before chasing after Livia. Of course he didn't go full spread considering she was shorter than him, thus, couldn't run as fast as he could. "I'm gonna get you!" He exclaim, having his hands up like a cat about to pounce.
He missed this type of harmless fun that he used to have with his friends back when he was younger.
Livia giggled. Raen often did the 'cat stance' as well. ''Let's see about that, I am the fastest in my class.'' she said. She won tag often. Most likely not to her knowledge was that especially adults simply let her win on occasion. But she had learned how to lose too. But she simply wanted Vertus to not think of sorrowfull things.
''Normally I would cast illusions but I will lay off cheating thistime.'' she assured and started running before Vertus would get in range again.
Vertus continued to chase Livia around. "Well I'm not in your class now am I?" He teased, forgetting his problems that were weighing in down just a few minutes ago. "And thank you for not using the illusions. I appreciate it." He teased before reaching out to grab her. If he succeeded, then he would pick up her up and tickle her lightly before putting her down and running away. And by run, I mean jog.
Livia seemed rather cunning and agile, and seemed to be able to dodge Vertus a few times until he had managed to grab her. She giggled and laughed as he tickled herand when that feeling became to much she did bring it out kindly. She would then get up and chase him again until she was exhausted. Everywhere they had went the various butterflues flew up creating a colorfull ballet in the air.
Vertus was too busy laughing as Livia chased him around. He did, however, so down when he not use Livia slowing down. "Hey, you okay?" The young sorcerer asked walking over to her, but stopping out of her reaching range. She wasn't gonna win the quickly.
''Yea. Just tired.'' The girl assured. They had been chasing one another for quite a while and her endurance was not that great yet.
A butterfly landed on her nose causing the girl to giggle softly due it tickled.
The seventeen year old smiled and sat back down on the bench, watching as the butterfly landed on her nose. "Looks like that one likes you." Vertus chuckled. "Where do you want to go after this, Livia?" He asked, knowing that Raen was probably still be working on chopping wood.
Livia thought for a moment. ''Not sure. Is there any place you'd like to see? Did you see the inside of the temple yet?'' she asked as she got up slowly after the butterfly left her nose.
''Or if you like, we could cook dinner together to suprise Raen.''
Vertus ' smile not only stayed on his face, but increased in size. "I think that would be a good idea, Livia. We could make his favorite meal." He added standing up and straightening out his robe. He really wanted to do something special for his boyfriend and with the help of his little sister, it can be done.
Livia nodded and when she cought her breath, she brought Vertus to the storage shed which was a bit more to the back in a marble building with small windows. Inside were pots with marmelades, jars of honey, cloth, baskets of fruit, bags of flour and grain, everything that was harvested was brought here.
''Good afternoon Livia'' A male voice sounded. ''Hello Yurei'' the girl said. The man came out of the shadows with some parchment and a pen made of glass. ''What do you wish to take along today.'' He then noticed Vertus. ''I see you made a new friend. Pleasure meeting you.'' Yurei spoke as he bowed.
Livia nodded enthausiastic. ''His name is Vertumnuns. He will be living here for a while.'' she said before she looked at the sorcerer. ''What kind of things would you like to make?''
"Hello it's nice to meet you as well." Vertus said to the male after Livia had brought them into the back of the marble building. "Well....I could make a potato and cheese soap with some herbs, then for the main course grilled onions, garlic, lettuce, tomato, and beans wrapped in a flat beard and for desert I can make some apple and peach tarts."
The young sorcerer looked over at Livia with a raised eyebrow. "Sounds good?"
''Sounds yummy'' Livia said approving of what Livia suggested. She hoped that they would be able to make all of it in the time they have left.
''So that would be cheese, potatoes, flour, yeast, milk, butter, water, a bouillon package, onions, garlic, a lettuce and tomatoes. And some apples and peaches. Which herbs and which kind of beans would you need? And do you with for the apples and peaches to be fresh or as a marmelade'' Yurei asked moving his hair behind his ear during writing some things down.
Vertus tapped his chin in thought. "Hm...pinto beans would do just fine." He answered, putting the hand that he was tapping with and placed it on his hip. "Let's get fresh apples and peaches."' Vertus suggested, looking over the list and smiling. "This is going to be good."
''Give me a moment to gather everything up.'' Yurei said with a smile. First opening a door in the floor that lead underground where appereantly more things were kept.
''Oh no..'' Livia said and sighed. ''I forgot to let you taste some of those edible flowers...'' she smacked herself lightly against her head. ''Sorry... next time maybe?'' she asked.
He nodded to the man with a returned smile and looked over at Livia. "No, no! It's fine. That'll give us another reason for us to hand out." Vertus smiled warmly at Raen's little sister before turning his attention baco to the desk, waiting for the man to come back with the food items. If need be he could go down there and help.
It took a good five minutes for Yurei to come back with two baskets. It was enough to prepare the meal with that Vertus had mentioned without having to many leftovers.
''Will you return the baskets tomorrow?'' Yurei asked. ''Livia nodded. ''I will.'' she assured as she took one of them. ''I am sure that the meal will be good. Have fun sweety.'' he said before giving the other basket to Vertumnuns. ''Good luck. And see you around. Hopefully you will enjoy living here.''
Vertus took the basket from the man and smiled kindly. "Thank you so much for your help." He headed out the store, saying goodbye before leaving. As they walked, he looked over at Livia. "Do you need any help, Livia. I can carry both if you want."
''I'm good'' Livia assured. ''I want to be able to do as many things myself as I possibly can. With luck I can perhaps go to school in the capital and meet a lot of different people. But most of my kin stay here and I do not want to be a bother to someone. So I work hard to grow independant quickly so I can perhaps learn many new things elsewhere.'' Livia replied. The basket was big though and it was night light weighted either for a girl her age. Still, she did her best.
''Would you like to cook at my parents place or your own'' she asked.
"That would be an amazing opportunity. Going to the capital and meet all the people there." Vertus had taken several trips to the capital and knew how wonderful and beautiful it was. People all across the land came to Sperendipity's capital to see the sites and different things.
"We can cook in my place." He smiled warmly as they reached my apartment home.
Livia did not put the basket down until she was in the kitchen and rubbed her hands a little. Out of habit she took out the pots and pans they would might need. ''Now I hope he will finish a bit later so we can finish it all before he arrives.'' Livia said with a giggle.
''We should make the bouillon for the soup first and then the dough for the flatbread and the dough for the tarts.
The flavours from the bouillon herbs needed time to move from their source into the water after all. And dough needed a bit of time to rise.
She started to prepare the stone oven as well where the bread could be baked in so it could heat up. ''It is your call, you are the chef this time. Me the little proud helper.'' she said with a smile.
Vertus nodded his head and started to unpack the produce from the baskets, arranging them by meal course. "Sounds like a plan to me, Livia. I'm going to take your word on what to do in the kitchen especially sense " The young dark skinned sorcerer started to work on the dough. He mixed the flour, water, yeast and salt together. This was going to be very important to establish a good relationship with Livia. Seeing how she is Raen's sister and all.
''Yes sir'' Livia said with a smile. She quickly left with a bucket to fetch enough water for the soup and when back she gently poured some of it in a pot which she allowed to heat on the stove with some cloves, bay laurel, onion, leek, carrot, Celeriac and a bundle of herbs that already had been portioned to give enough flavor for the amount of soup they were going to make.
She then peeled the potatoe and cut it in small cubes she would add when the water of the bouillon.
Vertus finished up the dough. He then walked over to one of his drawers and pulled out a medium sized piece of cloth. He walked back over to the bowl and laid it over the top to give the dough chance to rise. "That's one thing down." He smiled over at Livia as she was making the soup. Now came the slicing and dicing for the main course. The young sorcerer grabbed the tomatoes, onions, garlic, and the other vegetables, putting them on a cutting board. He got a knife out of a different drawer before he starting cutting.
''Vertus... what kind of person would you like to become? Like... job or specific goals maybe?'' Livia asked.
After finishing up cutting and dicing the potatoes she started to grate the cheese.
Vertus thought for a moment before answering. "I would love to be an apothecary." He answered after he finished up the vegetables and put them in one of the pans to cook. "I just love medicine." He said with a smile
''It sounds like something that would suit you. I suppose Milliana saw it in you too. '' Livia said. ''Would you like to have your own store? Maybe... if I am able to leave I could work for you. I am really good at mixing things carefully.''
The teenager looked over at Livia and smiled. "Yes, I plan to get a shop up and running by the time I'm twenty-two." He grinned then added. "And I would love for you to come and do that." Vertus knew that he would probably need some help in his store plus if Livia was around, then maybe Raen would be too.
A big smile appeared on the girl's face. ''I will work hard.'' she said. She would have to though, she was still young and leaving on the young age she wanted to would not be easy.
''I am sure my mother and father, and Raen as well would find it safer for me too if I could study and work and perhaps live with you then staying in a tavern.'' she giggled.
Vertus smirked. "I wouldn't except anything else than that, Livia." Next he started on the beans, cocking them until they softened, them mashing them together to form a paste. He worked on the apple and peach starts while the sliced and diced vegetables and beans cooked in the oil.
"I think so too." The young sorcerer agreed.
Livia remained working on the soup and it was a few hours later, when dinner was almost done there was a knock on the door. Raen had finished working and after washing up he had went to Vertus' room.
He was wearing loose brown pants and a tunic which he had not fully buttoned up. His hair for a change was loose and despite having bathed it was clear he had delivered hard work
"I'll get it." He said before sliding the apple and peach tarts into the oven to bake. Going to the door, he opened it and smiled. "Well, well, well. Look who it is." Vertus quickly snuck a kiss on Raen's lips before getting out of the way. "Raen." He stated loud enough for Livia to hear.
''Hey brother!'' Livia called from the kitchen. Right now she was stirring the soup and had to continue doing so so the cheese melted properly.
''Whatever you two are making, it smells heavenly'' Raen said with a smile. He placed another kiss on Vertus' lips as he passed him as he entered the room and turned around. ''I brought a friend.'' he said and whistled once. A large wolf, easily reaching above Raen's waist came forward. Heck. Both young men could even ride the animal. It's silvergrey fur glinstering healthy in the sunlight of the aproaching dusk.
''Vertus, meet Kira. My direwolf.''
"It's a special meal that I decided on having and your sister was more than happy to help me prepare it." Vertus smiled and looked behind him when he said that he brought a guest. "Oh really who is i- oh heavens above." When Vertus saw the wolf, his first instinct was to run, but luckily Raen explained that she was his direwolf. Kira.
The young sorcerer greeted the Kira telepathically before looking up at Raen. "How was work today?" He asked him gently petting the top of the wolf's head.
''It went well. Sweating in the forest while chopping wood. At the least I was not alone.'' he said with a chuckle. Kira had kept him company the last few hours and there were always a few others who chopped the pile of logs into firewood as well. ''We slowly but sure are going to prepare the stockpiles for Fall and Winter.
Kira did not mind the attention at all and wagged her tail after releasing a friendly bark.
Livia could finally leave the pan and joined the two men and the wolf. ''Yay Kira'' she said with a smile and hugged the animal. She looked at Raen though. ''Do not worry she had already eaten.'' he assured her before she could ask.
"Well I'm glad you're here. Are you going to shower before you come eat?" He asked him out of curiosity. He didn't mind the scent that came from Raen. Actually he thought it rather intoxicating. Vertus took his hand off of the top of Kira's head when Livia came into the living room.
"I'll go set the table." He gave them a smile before going into the kitchen, then the eating area to set everything up. Soon the place area was set.
''I bathed before I got here...'' Raen said with a chuckle. Livia sniffed a bit. ''True... I smell lavender soap... and he has other clothes. '' the girl said who mounted Kira and hugged her there once more before they all went to the livingroom. Raen closing the door behind him.
Back in the livingroom though Liva slid herself off Kira again to return to the kitchen and check on the food. ''It is almost done.'' she said exitedly. Although made sure her big brother did not yet peek.
The young sorcerer smiled as he started to head back into the living room. "You're gonna be so happy once you see what we've got in the kitchen for you." He smiled and sat down beside Raen. "I stil haven't gotten a letter back yet." He exhaled sharply, looking down at his shoes.
''Give it time. Did you use a bird or did a messagerunner take it.'' Livia said as she stirred the soup a bit again. ''They maybe need time to think of a reply which is not to rushed.'' Raen said calmly as he helped his lover to set the table.
''The soup is done.'' Livia said with a smile. She took some bowls from the cabinet and put them on the counter. She did wait with putting it in the bowls until the two young men were finished with the table.
After putting the soup in the bowls she topped them with some fresh chopped herbs and brought it to the table.
"I used a bird." He answered, still feeling a bit upset about it. You would think that his parents would want to to respond as soon as possible. Maybe they didn't care because he said not to worry about them. Vertus didn't let himself get upset over it or let how he felt on the inside show on his face or body language.
Vertus sighed. "I guess you're right though." He shrugged his shoulders and took a seat in front of bowl of soup.
''Worry not.'' Livia said pressing a gentle kiss on Vertus' cheek after placing the final bowl down. She then took a seat herself.
''What heavenly foods are we having today?'' Raen asked.
''This, is cheese and potato soup with some herbs.'' Livia said with a smile as she took one of the napkins and placed it on her skirt. ''What will be put on the table after this is still a secret.''
''It sure smells good.'' Raen said and patted his little sister on her head. Vertus, if the man was still interested in it and worry did not consume his mind to much, could get his reward later.
Kira on her turn simply laid herself down not to far from them.
Vertus smiled some. "It was a pleasure to cook with Livia today, Raen. She even taught me a few things in the kitchen." He smiled over at Livia before picking up his spoon and taste the cheese and potato soup. It was amazing! They really did a good job on the food.
''It is good!'' Raen said after he had his first mouth full. The texture was soft and the flavour was amazing.
''I am sure that he is a better cook then you are.'' Livia said.
Raen chuckled. ''I did not know it was a contest.'' he said with a smile. ''I am sure he is though.''
"Something to look forward to." He gave Raen a playful slash flirtatious grin before he continued to eat his soap."Usually bacon would be added to the soup, but I had to take that out." He chuckled lightly before he finished up the soup
The mention of bacon made Kira's ears move with interest but other then that did not respond. ''The day after tomorrow is one of my days off. I will make sure to make something nice.'' Raen assured. ''I will see if I can get some meat for you as well. I am sure Kira won't mind.'' he said with a smile.
The rest if dinner had been enjoyable too and it had tasted great. After dinner Livia brewed a bit of lavender tea. It was late and the sun was gone already by the time she settled herself on Kira's back. She was tired and certainly had trouble staying awake. ''Thank you Vertus it was fun.'' she said with a tired smile. Fortunatly most of the dishes had been done and only the used plates and cutlery were left to be cleaned.
"Great. Something else to look forward to." Vertus smiled.
-----
Vertus rested himself on the couch, excited for his reward that was about to come. He just hoped that it was gonna be erotic. "Yes it was. Very fun, Livia." The young sorcerer stood up and walked Raen's little sister out. "We should do it again sometime."
Livia nodded and yawned. ''We should'' she said softly
''Sleep well little sister'' Raen said placing a kiss on his sister's cheek. ''If you need me let me know alright?''
the girl nodded and Raen bad Kira a good night as well. He watched them go and after a while he closed the door.
He then looked at Vertus with a smile. ''Dinner was good.'' he said calmly. ''I can not cook as well as you or Livia but I will do my best.'' he said with a wink.
"Hm...I know you will." He teased before going back over to one of the chairs . "So, since I cooked a great meal, do I get my reward?" He asked with a devilish grin.
''I have a reward in mind.'' Raen replied as he walked over to Vertus. ''But you might want to lay down on the bed for that.'' he whispered in his lover's ear when he was close enough and dropped a kiss in the neck.
A shiver went down his spin when Raen whispered in his ear and then kissed his neck. "Yes sir." Vertus slowly got up from the chair and walked over to his bed and lay down in the middle. The sorcerer took in a deep breath and looked over at Raen. "Do you ever want to go on a wild adventure?"
''Am I not already in one?'' Raen asked as he climbed on the bed as well, hovering his body over Vertus. ''But if you know another and you are in it, then I think I will not mind going.'' he seated himself gently on Vertus and started to unbutton his lover's shirt before he started to softly drop tender and moist kisses on the skin from the neck to the chest and then abdomen but then stopped. Taking a dark silken scarf he had hidden away in his own shirt.
''I will not make it to tight.'' he promised. ''If you say Abjure, or if I notice any discomfort, I will release you.'' he gently took Vertus' hands and bound them on the bed using the scarf. Making sure that if he wanted to turn his lover around, he could without causing any form of discomfort. But he was not done yet, he wrapped another piece of cloth around Vertus' head to cover his lover's eyes.
When done, he placed some more kisses on his lover's skin and paused briefly. Summoning a bit of water from a nearby source which he turned into an icecube. Placing it between his teeth and softly let it pass over the skin on Vertus' chest.
"I just can't sit for long. Like I want to have a chance to explore my abilities and use them against my enemies and such." He stated, looking up at Raen as he unbuttoned his shirt and kissed his revealed fresh gently. That was amazing to say the least. Then he saw the scarf and his heart sank in his stomach, knowing what that was going to be used for.
The young sorcerer nodded his head and allowed his hands to be tied above his head. He didn't mind this too much. "Okay." Vertus whispered. Then the other scarf that came in and took his sense of sight away. Kisses continued to land on his body, but then there was a pause. He was going to make a joke, but something cold on his skin made him shut his mouth. Well, shut him up with words. His body seemed to contract and a gasp escaped his lips.
Briefly Raen took the small ice cube between his fingers. ''be honest if you do not like it'' he whispered before continueing to gently run the ice cube over Vertus' skin. The abdomen first, and then the chest towards the nipple although he did not brought the cold sensation to close to the sensitive spots. It had to remain pleasurable after all.
When the ice had completely melted, Raen smiled and kissed and gently licked one of the nipples. ''I would not mind such an adventure with you. I will need some more combat training though.'' he said softly. His hands loosened the bindings of the young sorcerer's pants so they would not be in the way. Briefly sneaking his hands beneath to get a good squeeze of Vertus' ass before he brought his mouth to his lover's neck and sucked the skin there lightly.
He nodded his head and answered breathlessly, "O-okay. I will." Vertus wanted to grip the sheets, but he couldn't since his hands were tied. Vertumnuns' nipples got hard when the ice cube traced over them.
Then Raen's mouth found it's way to those same nipples, sending waves of pleasure through his body. He was started to get an erection from all of this excitement. "I can wait till then..." He panted a bit when the kisses came to his neck. He gasped again in shock. "H-hey, that's my job, moonelf." He whispered.
''Right now, it is mine..'' Raen said breathlessly as he placed suckles from the neck towards the shoulder before letting his tongue run back over the path.
''You are intoxicating you know that?'' he said softly. ''I want to know everything what is possibly there to know about you.'' he leaned forward briefly taking one of Vertus' fingers in his mouth. ''Your fingers...'' he gently suckled on the nipple. ''Which spots turn you on the most. He went down further to his abdomen. ''your skin...'' he went down again gently pulling the pants and underwear along placing another gentle suckle at his lover's thigh before coming up again and kissed him softly on the lips. ''your mouth...'' he then kissed Vertus passionatly letting their tongues brush.
"And you're...addicting. I gotta have more of you every day." Vertus panted gently and wish he could see where his lover was doing. Then again, he could feel his mouth on his fingers, shoulders, stomach, and inner thigh. "I-I love having my neck sucked on." He admitted, letting a groan escape his thick lips. He then savored the kiss that Raen had planted on his own.
''Alright'' Raen whispered after he broke the kiss. He nibbled a little on the earlob before planting gentle sucks in his lover's neck. One of his hands traveled over Vertus' chest and stomach. Briefly making it seem for a moment he would bring it to Vertus' loins but he let it come up again gently playing with his love's nipples using his fingers.
''I know something else you might like'' Raen whispered into Vertus' ear after having suckled most of Vertus' neck. Hovered himself again a little and gave the tip of Vertus' manhood a soft kiss and a brief suckle before turning him gently on his stomach.
Again he created a small cube of ice as he kneaded Vertus' ass and placed the ice in his mouth. Placing it just beside the spine before going up.
His body was being bombarded with pleasurable sensations starting with the suckles on his neck. His body squirmed while his mouth allowed moans to escape. He felt the fingers of his lover trace down to his body, stopping just as he got to his manhood.
Then his mouth started to linger on the head of his penis. "Tease." He exhaled when Raen left that area alone and turning him over on his stomach, pressing his erect manhood between the bed and his abs. Vertus felt the moonelf's hands kneading his ass which was a new feeling for him, but he didn't mind. "Gods..." His back arched when the ice touched his back.
''I suppose you like that'' Raen said softly after the ice had melted and licked some water from his love's skin. He noticed his own body had become exited well. But for now, he wanted to know more about the man laying naked underneath.
He parted Vertus' legs for a moment so he could gently knead what was between them. ''You know...'' he said breathlessly and took his own tunic off before letting his torso rest on Vertus' back. ''I like the noises you make...'' he then nibbled on the earlob once more.
Another groan came out of Vertus' mouth since Raen had decided to play with the inside of his cheeks. The teenager whimpered, feeling the moonelf's skin against his own. "I-I'll keep that in mind, Raen." He whispered in pleasure when he felt his earlobe being chewed on.
It was possible for Vertus to feel Raen had become hard in the meantime as well. But after toying a little more, he rolled Vertus on his back again so he could kiss him passionatly. One of his hands making a trail downwards and closed around his manhood which he started to rub.
Vertus panted when he was turned over, finally being able to breathe fully. He felt his lips again and reacted on instinct. His lips tasted so good! Then he felt his hand on his throbbing cock. He moaned, calling out Raen's name every chance he got.
Raen smiled and soon went down with his head. Taking the hard throbbing limb in his mouth after licking the juices up that had leaked out already. ''You taste good'' he said softly before he let his tongue run down the shaft and gently started to lick and suck Vertus' balls before taking the cock in his mouth again.
His own mind now started to go a bit crazy as well as he started to feel Vertus' pleasure as well. But it was far from enough to make a bond form, to his relief.
His panting only seemed to increase with every head motion that Raen did. "Don't stop." Said Vertus breathlessly, arching his back in response. It was a weird feeling since he had the blindfold on. The sensation was more intense than normal. He tugged at the scarf that was holding his hands above his head, wanting to touch the top of Raen's head.
"You're so amazing..." He purred.
''Want me to release you love?'' Raen asked in a moment he needed to catch an extra breath. He felt his own length throbbing in his pants and loosened them a little so it would not become a discomfort.
He shook his head. "N-no. Don't release me." He raised his head a bit before putting it back down, waiting for his boyfriend to finish what he started. Then again, waiting was the best part.
''Alright'' Raen said with a mischievous smile and took a good hold of Vertus' cock. Moving his hands up and down before taking it deep into his mouth once more. Releasing soft moans and breaths as he continued. Doing this exited him more then he would admit.
For a moment he cursed his moonelven heritage; not being able to make love to the young man that lay here. But he would have to restrain himself until Vertus as well as himself were certain to take the risk.
When he took the hard hot limb out of his mouth again to give his jaws a short break he kissed Vertus' body. He continued with his hands however. ''I want to taste you more..'' he panted softly taking the cock back in his mouth. His movemts were however not rushed. He wanted Vertus to enjoy every second of it.
Vertus tried to keep his breathing under control, but was unable to do so. Especially with Raen's mouth around his throbbing sex organ. It felt like he wanted it to last. "I'm all yours." He whispered breathlessly, arching his legs as his body squirmed.
''And I am yours ''Raen said and started to pace things up a little. Moving his head up and down quicker and let his tongue run along the shaft and over the tip. For a moment giving Vertus the 'butterfly' by taking the hot hard cock out of his mouth and quickly flicking the tip with his tongue like fluttering butterfly wings before taking it even deeper into his throat
The young sorcerer bit his lip, groaning out in pleasure. "W-where did you learn all this?" He asked, wanting to know what Raen was doing. He tried peaking through his blindfold, but he couldn't do so. Vertus thrusted his hips to make his limb go deeper into his boyfriend's throat.
Raen sucked the tip gently before taking the whole throbbing limb out of his mouth. ''Sexuality is important to my people. I suppose you can say we're naturals. But of course, we always need to find out what our partner likes. He pulled with one hand as he spoke and with his other he removed his own pants which had started to really get in the way. ''How much I wish to feel even more but that will need to wait.'' the moonelf said breathlessly before he licked more juices off. ''You taste good..'' he moaned before taking his love's manhood back into his mouth.
"Well I like it." He whispered as he continued to squirm. The best part was that he had to experience this all by touch. Vertus squirmed more when he felt Raen's mouth back on his member. It was unbelievable. "It's from eating fruits." He panted, arching his back.
Any minute was he about to climax in his boyfriend's oral cavity. "Gods!"
Raen kept on going even a bit after he felt and tasted Vertus' seed in his mouth. After he swallowed it he licked Vertus' member clean and leveled himself with his lover. First releasing the bindings from the hands and then removed the blindfold. Raen himself was still hard though but he would not mention it and just let it go with the passage of time.
He panted, waiting for him to be released from his bonds. His eyes had to adjust to the moonlight to see his lover. "Words can't express." He panted and rolled over on his side, snuggling with his pillow as he tried to calm down. "I-I take care you..."
Raen wrapped an arm around Vertus. ''Words are not always needed.'' he whispered and placed a gentle kiss on the young man's shoulder before he allowed himself to crawl against Vertus and feel his body against his own. Despite still having a boner.
''You will be safe with me.'' he whispered. He closed his eyes but was far from sleepy still.
Vertus buried his face in his chest and moved his hand down to rub Raen's manhood. "I just...I want to bond with you so bad..." He whispered with his eyes still closed.
''We could...'' Raen whispered. ''Would at some point the bond having to be broken then so be it. I will not regret it.'' he moaned softly when Vertus reached his own hard limb.
"But I might have to leave you here..." He whispered, finally looking up at Raen. "But I don't know until I get my letter back from my parents." Vertus continued to rub his member. "Because I don't want to be here and something bad happen to my parents while I'm gone."
''I could always come with. Or visit would it come to the point you will have to go. There are plenty who do that.'' although that usually was done amongst those who had been together for already quite a long time.
He caressed his love's face. ''Nothing should bind you here from staying or going. This is not a prison.'' he released some soft moans again and his breath shivered for a moment.
"I don't want you to feel uncomfortable around my parents.." He whispered and quickened his pace with his hand around Raen's member. "But I want to be in prison here if it means being with you for the rest of my life.
''I'm rather headstrong... stubborn...'' Raen gasped. ''I will be fine'' he said and groaned of pleasure. He had already came twice today but it had been several hours. ''I would not mind to join bodies and minds. If you do not feel ready yet though I respect that...'' he placed soft kisses in Vertus' neck again.
"I don't know, Raen." He whispered breathlessly when he felt the kisses on his neck. Vertus increased his speed until he felt Raen about to cum. He stopped right then, wanting his boyfriend to last as long as he could.
''I will not force you to stick with me. That is not the kind of person I want to be..'' Raen said. His body trembled and moans and gaps were released from pleasure.
''M-meanie..'' he panted and trembled when Vertus stopped but smiled none the less. He did not mind this kind of play. He had teased vertus before with the ice after all.
Vertus thought it rather comical that he was having a serious conversation with Raen while also pleasuring him. "I'm afraid, however, if I leave it would be for quite a long while and you might find someone else...I might find someone else." The young sorcerer smirked and pecked his boyfriend's lips before rubbing him off, but not letting him climax.
His moans intensified and with his nails he started to scratch Vertus' back. It was hard but not enough to be painful..
''When bonded, I will not find someone else until the bond is broken..'' Raen said breathlessly. ''If you find someone else then... so be it. Like I said. I will not regret it...'' he moaned
Vertus shivered when he felt the nails go down his back. He paused again before he came. "But that's the thing. I don't want to hinder you. I know that you wouldn't care if you got hurt, but I do, Raen." He whispered.
''I will not see it as a hinder.'' Raen groaned. ''Rather then being hurt... I could always keep on longing. That is alright with me too. Besides. I find it selfish of my kin to claim someone in this fashion. Especially if the partner is not himself him or herself.''
He wondered how many times Vertus would remain teasing him like this. Would he go on until he begged to be permitted to cum?
More precum had started to come out as well.
It was then though he noticed something in the moonlight that had come into the room. It seemed like a woman. Ethereal. Long black hair with small flowers and clothes that were certainly not from this world. ''Twice. I will prevent bond forming, twice. You can play with one another all you wish. But two times without any permanent bonding, is what me and Solos grant.'' the voice was gentle, soft and caring. And before Raen could even as much say the name Lunaria, the figure faded in the moonlight. Still though. Raen could feel her presence.
Vertus sighed and was about to say something when he saw the woman appearing. This must've been the goddess of the moon, Lunaria. Both she and Solos had given them permission for them to have official intercourse. His limb got erect when she left. "Oh gods, thank you." He released his hand from aorund Raen's member.
Raen was still speechless. ''Twice...'' he said softly. What a blessing this was. They should make it count. He wondered if Lunaria shared the same views regarding of what he said earlier. It being unfair for non moonelves. Even so. It was a blessing and gift they could not just throw away. They had to make it count.
He saw that Vertus had become hard again. ''We should make it count.'' he said his voice still being a bit breathless from being actually still rather close to climax himself.
Vertus looked over at his boyfriend and nodded his head. "S-so when are we going to do this?" He asked curiously, rubbing his lover's ears. "It should be special." He whispered and kissed his lips gently.
''Every moment is special you know.'' Raen moaned. The rubbing of his ears made his cock throb. ''We could now, or tomorrow... whenever you wish... I do know that if you keep dong this...'' he moaned again. But most likely Vertus understood what he meant.
He thought about it before he leaned in and started to suck on the tops of his ear. "Let's do it on your day off so that we can experience it in the daytime again." He said through the licks. "Before he could have lunch and everything." Vertus chuckled deeply.
''Alright'' Raen said with a shivering voice and dug his nails in Vertus' back a bit deeper before he took hold of the sheets. He would make sure though, that it would be special for the both of them.
''Vertus... you are driving me crazy...'' Raen panted. As so much sensation came from his ears being licked. ''You may want to tie me up before I lose it'' from the sheets, his hand went towards Vertus' erected limb once more.
"Good idea." He whispered in his ear before giving it one last lick from top to button. He turned Raen into hiis back and grabbed the scarf that he was tied up with and used it to do it to his boyfriend. "Have I ever told you that I love your nails in my skin?" He whispered before doing the blindfold as well.
"Such a hard working moonelf." He purred, dragging his finger from his collar bone to his belly button.
''Y-you did'' Raen moaned softly.
Hard working. There were many who thought Raen lacked the discipline to work hard. He gasped at Vertus' touch and his hard cock throbbed slightly.
Vertus smiled some and kissed his boyfriend's neck, then down to his body, stopping at his limb. "Gods I love your skin." He whsipered and spread his legs some before hovering over him and kissing his forehead. "And your hair that glows like the moon and your eyes that burn like the sun." He whispered and chewed on the tips of his right ear.
The sounds Raen made now were different. It was still of pure pleasure but he now seemed to have a bit more submissive side.
''Did you know... I find you intoxicating?...Your touch, the feeling of your skin, scent, taste. I feel actually very happy with you despite we have not known one another long.''
He chuckled and kissed his chin before going back to his ears for a while. "Yes you did. Now shhh." He whispered and kissed his lips briefly before dragging his tongue down his body, going to his thighs, knee, and leg. Vertus kissed his toes.
"But did you know how much I enjoy hearing the noises that come from you and know that I'm the cause for it..." He whispered and laid in between his legs, kissing his inner thighs. He then wrapped his arms underneath thighs and pushing his legs up so that he had access to his anal cavity. "So beautiful." He whispered before kissing it.
Raen could not see what Vertus did but he certainly felt it. 'Ahh's' and Vertus' name escaped from the moonelf's lips.
Another moan left his mouth. Before he could even ask what his boyfriend was doing he moaned due to the kiss given to the hole.
Vertus chuckled and started to lick around it, going from that to his thighs and the bass of his limb. "Are you enjoying this?" He asked and went back to work on Raen's hole.
''I am'' Raen said with a moan. ''It feels strange but... so good'' he said and smiled before releasing another gasp. More and more Raen wished to become one with Vertus. But this, this was fine too.
After he finished up there, he kissed up his body, making sure to bless each and every muscle with his full lips. The young sorcerer kissed his lips slightly before going to his ears, pleasure them. "Your squirms and moans are so cute, Raen." He whispered
''V-Vertus... if you play more with my ears I do not think I can hold it in...'' Raen moaned. His body trembled and moans uncontrolably left his lips. And the fact that Vertus had pulled him before continuesly to the point where he almost came, had helped to.
But he actually did not yet wanted to. He wanted to feel more. His reddened cheeks were visable in the moonlight and what Vertus did was so delightfull that drool escapedfrom both sides of his mouth.
Vertus chuckled and kissed his neck. "I think I'll keep you like this till morning..." He purred before kissing his cheek. He made it so that the covers covered both himself and Raen. "Or I'll sneak sucks and nips. Who knows?" He growled and licked his neck. "Or maybe I'll untie you." He whispered and moved his hand down to his member, rubbing it slowly.
''You like these games don't you..'' Raen said with a chuckle followed by a pleasurable moan. His back arched briefly. ''Whatever game you feel like, I do not mind playing. But maybe at some point... I might even beg for you to let me cum..'' he moaned.
"Well that's the only why you're gonna climax." He whispered and went down under the sheets, sucking slowly. He stopped before he came and kissed his tip, then to his thighs. He came back up from the sheets and snuggled close to his boyfriend. "Would you rather see or feel?"
out of response he tugged a little at his bindings. With no luck though; the silk was strong and would basicly not tear by pulling it apart with normal strength.
''I... don't know..'' Raen moaned. ''I like looking at you but I also like how it feels.'' he panted softly.
"Let's go with..." He took the blindfold off, allowing his boyfriend to see. "Now isn't that better?" He purred before licking his ear slowly. Vertus then wrapped his arms around his waist and rested his head on Raen's chest. "You're amazing. You know that? I think I'll keep you." He teased, kissing his collarbone.
'' glad to hear you wish to keep me.'' Raen moaned
The teasing went on though. ''Please love... make me cum.. '' he started to plead
Vertus chuckled and rubbed his member until he came. "Your wish is my command, love." He whispered before going to untie his hands. "There. Isn't that better, babe?"
''It is easier to touch you this way.'' Raen said as he wrapped his arms around Vertus to pull him in closer for a deep passionate kiss. Using his nails to scratch his love's back.
Vertus groaned a bit and kissed his lover back, resting one of his hands on his waist. "Y-you can scratch me harder.." He whispered as his lips traveled down to his neck. "Are you cutting wood tomorrow as well?" He asked between kisses.
''Y-yes...'' Raen moaned. ''Both morning...'' he released another ahh as moan. ''And afternoon'' he scratched Vertus' back harder although fortunatly not enough to draw blood or hurt him.''I will have a long break though..''
Vertus took great delight in Raen's mouth. He stopped after a while and laid back, facing the ceiling. "I'm working with the orchards tomorrow and then in the physician place in the after noon. I'll probably come here to do a light wash up and change my clothes."
''Is that an invitation?'' Raen teased. He was able to catch his breath now and took one of his undershirts to wipe away the mess he had made. Tomorrow morning he would grab a new shirt before working.
Lunch wise he normally ate in the forest if bith of his shifts were there. But he would nit mind coming here instead.
Vertus chuckled and looked over at Raen. "Maybe, maybe not." He teased before turning over on his side and facing his boyfriend. He gave him a once over and smiled. "I just--all I can think about is you." He whispered, then brought the young moonelve's hand to his lips and kissed them softly.
"Only make it here if you can. I don't want you getting in trouble because my...horomones."
''I will try to make it. I have a one and a half hour break, so it should be alright.'' Raen whispered. He smiled and after he had cleaned up his seed from the sheets he laid down beside Vertus again. Tossing his shirt aside. He would wash it after work tomorrow along with his other clothes. The sheets too.
''I am glad to be your boyfriend Vertus. I am glad too Lunaria and Solos approved of what we do.''
"I'm glad as well, but when we do decide to do that, it must be romantic the first time." He whispered, kissing the top of his head. "But the second time around..." Vertus chuckled and nipped at his neck. "Things will be different." He whispered with a smile.
''I will make the first time an event you will not forget.'' Raen assured. ''Right now though we shouldget some sleep don't you think?' He asked. Soft gasps leaving his mouth briefly
Vertus nodded his head. "Yes, we should get some sleep. We don't want to be tired for our duties tomorrow." He smiled and kissed his boyfriend's forehead. "Good night, Raen."
Raen woke up early and after pressing a kiss on Vertus' cheek he headed outside to the small garden. Using the vines to climb up to his own room to fetch some clean clothes. He was back quick. Having brought a few pieces of fruit he was growing on his balcony and after placing them on the table he sat on the side of the bed to look at Vertus.
Vertus continued to sleep even after Raen came back down with the fruit and new clothing. He knew that Raen was now sitting on his bed which meant that it was time for him to wake up. His eyes fluttered open and saw his beloved boyfriend in front of him with a bowl of fruit. "Hey, handsome." He yawned out, stretching before crawling over to the moonelf and putting his head in his lap. "I see you brought breakfast."
''A part of it.'' Raen whispered and placed a sweet kiss on Vertus' lips. ''Livia will be here in fifteen minutes.'' he caressed Vertus' face with his hand. ''Did you sleep well?''
He kissed him back and nodded his head. "Yes, I slept pretty well. Can't wait till tomorrow when we can sleep in." Vertus yawned and burried his head in between Raen's thighs. "I need to read up on my medical herbs."
''I should not distract you further then.'' Raen said softly. ''I will make something to drink. You can look through the books until Livia is here and the table is set. Does that sound like a plan?'' he asked.
After a while he sat up and looked at Raen before picking up a orange slice. "I just want to spend time with you..." He whispered and ate the orange slice before taking the bowl away from him and placing it on the bed. "But if you want to make me something to drink, that's fine too."
''I will not be going anywhere. Do not worry. We are able to spend a lot of time together. But when you will study I should not distract you to much.'' Raen said with a smile and got up. Took the bowl of fruit with him and started to process some of the soft fruits and orange into juice.
"But I like it when you distract me." He whined before getting up from his bed and over to the chairs to sit. He leaned over and retrieved his book from the table and opened it up to the first page. "Could you at least sit on my lap." He teased.
''That should be fine.'' Raen said smiling as he took the bowl and a carafe where he put the juice in. And brought the knife which he used to cut the peels off. ''Be careful though. If you whine to much I may need to teach you a few things. Nobody can always get what they want.'' he teased back.
""Teach me a few things"? Like what?" He asked, glancing up from his book. A impish smile came across. "I like it when you teach me things." He winked and went back to reading.
''Teach you that... rewards should be given when you've done a good job'' Raen said with a smile. And those who are whining to much... should be disiplined. I could tie you to a bed, heat up your body and then go without finishing it. Or maybe tease you more with an icecube while rehearsing what you know. For every good answer a reward. A wrong answer, a tease''
He cut some pieces of fruit and turned it into a fruitsalad after finishing the juice.
Vertus thought for a moment, then smiled widely. "Actually. That's a good idea, Raen. It'll help me learn things faster." He stated with a smirk, reading up on his herbs. "Just keep in mind I love those nails of yours. I swear I have marks on my back now." He treased
''I noticed you like them. Any harder and I will draw blood for sure. Not something I wish to do truth be told.'' he said with a chuckle. ''But teaching you in those kind of ways... you might get hard recalling the lessons.'' he turned his head and smirked before pressing a small bit of apple against Vertus' lips.
Vertus ate the apple. "Would that be such a bad thing?" He asked after chewing the piece of fruit. "And I don't mind getting hard during my lessons." He chuckled and kissed his boyfriend, going back to read his book. "I should probably go get dressed before Livia comes over with breakfast."
Raen stood up from Vertus' lap so the man could stand up. The fruit salad was done and by the time Vertus had finished to get dressed there was a knock on the door and Livia's cheerful voice accompanied by a familiar bark.
Raen opened the door and immediatly got pouched on by Kira who seemed more then happy to see him. It did caused him to fall on the ground. ''Good morning'' he said with a chuckle.
Hello brother, morning Vertus'' Livia said with a smile.
He was dressed in the robe that he would be wearing to the orchards. "Oh, hey, Livia." He smiled, then chuckled with Kira pounced on Raen. "And good morning to you too, Kira." He walked up to Raen. "The fruit salad looks amazing." He smiled before turning to Livia. "How did you sleep?"
''Really good. Had to share my bed with Kira last night though.'' Livia said with a giggle.
The wolf barked cheerfully to Vertus before licking Raen's cheek and happily walked to Vertus after that. Raen got back on his feet and took the basket from Livia. The two together unpacked the basket that contained hard and soft buns, a few slices of cheese, little pot of honey, juice, milk three lunchboxes again and some fruit. Also three cinnamon roles and three oranges.
Vertus chuckled. "I bet that was interesting." He grinned, looking between Kira and Livia. He knelt down when the dire wolf came over to him. "One day we're gonna go hunting together." The young sorcerer smiled, rubbing the top of her head.
Kira barked loudly and laid down on the ground again like last night after giving Vertus a gentle lick on his hand. ''Come lets eat.'' Raen said as he helped Livia to sit down before he did himself.
''You seem to have good influence on him Vertus. Raen would normally either still be sleeping or daydreaming somewhere'' she giggled.
After Vertus got up from the floor and went over to where Livia and Raen was. He took his seat and smiled. "Well, thank you. I try to keep this guy entertained as much as I can so he'll have a reason to get up earlier." The young sorcerer smirked, tapping his boyfriend's shoulder.
''Where were you all my life'' Raen said with a wink. Oh yes. Tomorrow I will make breakfast, lunch and dinner.'' he added.
''Not there is anything wrong with your cooking but... why telling it now?'' Livia asked as she placed some buns on each plate.
''You have that birthday party tonight remember?''
Livia flustered. ''Oh yes you're right. Wait....'' she paused for a moment. ''You're right... you usually only remember what you want to remember...'' she looked at Vertus with big eyes. ''No idea what you did to my big brother but you saved him!'' she said cheerfully.
Vertus blushed deeply, looking down at his lap. "Let's just say, Raen just needed a taste of something good." He bit his lip before looking over at Livia. "And today's your birthday? Why didn't you tell me earlier?" He asked with a wide smile. "Happy birthday!"
''Oh no no no. Not mine. But a friend of mine. But a friend of mine. I had totally forgotten. Although he would've reminded all in class today though.'' Livia said and giggled. ''Mine is the 16th of next month'' she assured as she opened her bun and put honey on it.
Vertus gave himself a mental facepalm. "That makes more since." He laughed to himself before he started to eat. "Hopefully I'll be able to go to yours, Livia."
''Hope so too. It will be fun,'' the girl said delighted.
''When did you had to pick up your custom robes from Uriel again Vertus?'' Livia asked.
"Uh...oh shoot! I almost forgot I had to pick that up. Thanks for reminding me!" Vertus scuffed down his food and kissed Raen on the cheek. "I see you three later!" He shouted before heading out the door.
''And off he goes...'' Livia said and sighed. ''What about his lunchbox...''
''I am sure he will come back for it. You should finish your meal. I will clean everything up alright?''
Livia nodded. Raen quickly finished his meal and packed what Vertus had not yet finished on his own in a piece of cloth after topping them in case he would be back. Raen left his own lunch there as well. He intended coming back for it, and of course for Vertus. He would make it. Even if it would be for just fifteen minutes, it would be worth it. After Livia had finished and he had finished cleaning up the two siblings parted ways. Kira joined with Raen for now to the woods and Livia headed to school.
Vertus made his way to the crafting corner to look for the lady who had measured him the day before. Unfortunately he had forgotten to pick up his robe from the shop earlier in the morning so now he might be late for his morning teachings with Lady Miliana. Once inside the shop, he walked to the front counter and waited for the woman to come.
Uriel was in the back and after a few minutes showed up with two rolls of dyed wool which was bright blue and one was sunset yellow. ''Good morning Vertus'' she said with a smile. ''I know what you're here for. One moment.'' she put the fabric down and quickly fetched two jutte packages. ''The top one is for when you are with lady Milliana. It is deep green with silverthread. The other is for when you study with Michael. Grey with black thread. I will have a second set for it finished later. Michael likes it if the students wear clean robes. When processing the herbs it happens they get a bit dirty.''
Vertus smiled widely when he finally received his robes. "Thank you so much, Urie! I had to come and rush out and grab it before my lessons start." He gave her a laugh before he took the robes from her. "Do you mind if I go change into my robe now?" The young sorcerer asked her. He was honestly grateful.
''By all means. You can use the room I measured you in yesterday.'' Uriel assured.
She rolled out the yellow wool and started to cut it in smaller pieces of later process.
Vertus gave her a nod of thanks before rushing to the room where he was measured at. He quickly slipped out of the robe he was wearing currently and into the green robe with silver thread. Once he had it on, he looked at himself in the mirror, feeling good about how the robe made him feel. After he admired how the felt on his body, the young sorcerer went back to the front with the robe he'll use working with Michael on top and the one he just took off on the bottom. "Thank you, Urie!" He called before exiting.
Soon he was in the orchard, looking around for his teacher. He prayed that he wasn't late.
''Wow five minutes early. Raen should pick that up as well. The robes look good on you.'' Milliana spoke as she arrived at the orchard too. ''Come. We had citrus yesterday. Today it will be Apples, pears and their hybrids.''
Five minutes early?! Vertus gave himself another mental facepalm. Inside he was screaming and cursing, but on the outside, he was smiling. "Oh, awesome." He looked down at his robe and smiled. "Thank you. Urie did a wonderful job on it." Vertus smiled and looked back at Lady Milliana. "Apples and pears huh? Sounds fun." He put his robes underneath his arm.
Milliana giggled. ''Urie huh. Even nicknaming her already?'' Milliana asked as she started to lead Vertus to the orchard. ''I hope you slept well. Oh before I forget. Apples and pears are a bit more difficult. Every piece of fruit you pluck needs to be checked for punctures. Spiders love laying their eggs in the fruit and other bugs occasionally eat themselves into it. Remember to take it easy when you check the health of the tree.''
"Oh, I mean 'Uriel', sorry." He laughed a bit before looking over at Lady Millian. "Great." Vertus smiled warmly and took in a deep breath. "So, I have a question; when do I actually start...doing offensive magic? I-I know you like to take things slow, but I was just wondering." Vertus scratched the back of his neck, hoping him asking wasn't being rude or seen as being imprudent.
''Offensive magic is what I can teach you as well but I figured that maybe you'd like to get used to your new surroundings more. We will need to see when we can fit it in your scedule though I think we could practise it after checking the trees.'' she suggested.
Vetus nodded his head. "Yeah, I'll settle for that plus I need to get the tree checking thing mastered." The young sorcerer was just happy that he had a chance to practice his magic without having to hide it from anyone.
"So, shall we?" He asked with a wide smile.
''You will be fine.'' Milliana assured. ''When you are accustomed to the feeling, I will take you to the woods as well. There we on occasion check the trees as well and work on the illusion magic. But the Serpent Vine made us having to make a rule, no new or young apprentices may do so. Of course if anybody wishes to leave or head out, then they can. But I can not risk the vine getting to you. I am sure Michael will tell you more about it since he is attempting on making an antidote.''
The orchard was the same size as the citrus one. And were in neat rows. Only there were indeed, like Milliana pointed out, hybrids. Between both apple species, pear species and even occasions apples and pears had mixed.
Vertus waited for Lady Milliana to finish talking before he spoke. "That's the thing though, Lady Milliana. I'm immune to any forms of plant poisons and animal venom. Maybe I can help in some way..." He hated that such a plant kept people out of the beautiful forest.
He looked over at the orchard, smiling at the neatness of the orchard. Vertus liked things to be in order.
''I do not wish to risk it though. Even so for me it is not a good idea to look for Serpent vine. I am not just risking my own life. Some are against me even going into the forest.'' she patted her belly. ''Regarding the poisonous plant you will need to restort with Michael.'' she winked before rolling up her sleeves. ''Let's get started.''
She picked the first tree at a corner of the orchard and started to use nature magic to see if the tree was fine.
He could understand where the female elder was coming from. With a nod, he agreed to get started. "Okay, so..." Vertus quickly went over to the nearest apple tree and started to work his magic. The young sorcerer closed his eyes, imaging the tree going down a water. He made sure that the tree was healthy before plucking the apple from the lower branches first, checking to make sure that no spiders or any other pests had made it's way inside the fruit.
''Out of curiosity.'' Milliana said as she checked the apples. ''What kind of offensive magic would you like to learn? Growing toxic plants? Suffocating vines? there are many ways how to use nature to the offensive.''
"Yes, ma'am and maybe a little weather magic as well." He answered, using his powers to telepathically pluck the apples off of the higher branches. He made sure all of them were good before putting them in the basket. Once he was done with this the apple tree, Vertus moved on to a pear one, doing the exact same thing.
''Should be able to be arranged.'' Milliana replied. ''We will start however with various vines. You may be immune to poisons as you say but I am not. Accidents happen. We will need to do it as safely as possible and make sure neither nature, animals or people are harmed. We will most likely practise outside of our woods.''
There was also more space there and no illusions which would make things safer for the both of them.
"That sounds perfectly fine with me, Lady Milliana. However I do not wish to put you or your unborn child in harms way." Vertus didn't want to be the case of anything bad that might occur just because he wanted to learn offensive nature magic. Shaking his head, he finished up the pear tree and now was focusing on the next one which was a hybrid.
''If we start with the vines it should be fine. You also do not seem like the type of person who would resort into using toxic plants. There are various other methods regarding offensive nature magic that can be used. Plants that hold an ememy or one that releases spores that make someone fall asleep.''
There were plenty of things that Vertus could use for the offensive.
Due to the pears and apples needing more time then the citrus, they were just but done when it was time for the one and a half hour break. Milliana assured though that this orchard and theones where plumbs, peaches and nectarines grew on often took the longest.
Just when she asked if he wanted to practise offensive magics now she saw Raen on Kira's back at the edge of the orchard. Barechested. Chopping wood was a hard job and it was rather warm
Vertus smiled to himself and Lady Milliana when they both finished up the apple. pear, and hybrid trees. It had taken them a while and before he knew it, it was time for his hour and a half break. Turning around, he saw his boyfriend chopping up wood. He couldn't help, but to smile. Vertus contained himself from licking his lips and instead, made some of the wood float in mid air.
''Your eyes betray it all you know.'' Milliana teased. It was not accusive at all though. ''I never really got it either. Raen always had something about him that I do not quite understand. But you know, he does respect the rules, he simply needs someone to anchor him once in a while.'' she gave Vertus two pinkish apples. ''Here. You should make good use of your break.''
Kira gave an enthausiastic bark before bringing the topless Raen over to Vertus. ''Come.'' Raen said with a smile and patted behind him on Kira's back. ''She will give us a lift.''
Despite he had worked hard the whole morning in the woods and had been sweating for sure he at the least did not smell bad.
He took the pink apples and got on the back of Kira, his smile growing in size. Very is wrapped his arms around his waist. "Where are we going?" He asked curiously, pecking the top of his elvish ears.
''You can choose. Our lunchboxes are still in your room though.'' Raen replied and greeted Milliana who game the two young men a cheekish grin.
With a soft command Kira started to run off towards the guest quarters.
Vertus tightened his grip around Raen as they sped off to his room. He was excited that he was once again in the presence of his wonderful boyfriend. The young sorcerer rested his chin on Raen's shoulder as they continued on. "How was your morning?"
''Busy. Chopping wood none stop. Fortunatly I was not alone but I'd rather have you by my side anytime.'' Raen replied.
Kira despite carrying two people reached the guest quarters rather quickly and rushed off once the two young men got off. Raen explained that she would be teaching younger pups how to hunt.
The little peck on his ears had been enough to had made his blood rush very slightly but Raen did contain himself. He had an idea for tomorrow as well. Vertus would be in for something good. Fortunatly he had the whole day to prepare.
''Would you like to eat indoors or outdoors'' Raen asked.
"Aw." He cooed with a light chuckle at the end. Once they reached the guest rooms and got off Kira, he led the way up to his room. "We can eat outside if you would like, Re." He stated, going over and picking up his lunch box along with his boyfriend's. "Today I worked on pears and apples in the orchard."
''It is one of my favourite orchards.'' Raen replied. He guided his boyfriend to the edge of the forest near the garden that belonged to Vertus's quarters and sat down against a tree, patting the ground next to him.
''I saw Milliana gave you some of the harvest too.'' he said with a smile.
Vertas sat down beside Raen with a grunt and tested his back up against the tree's trunk. "Yeah, she did. Two apples." He chuckled a bit before holding out his hands revealing them. He smiled as he made them hover about two inches above his palms. "Wisdom and health."
''So many legends about apples and other fruit. I should perhaps read them again.'' Raen opened his lunchbox and smiled, seeing what his little sister put in it. He started with a tomato basil and creamcheese sandwich. ''One and a half hour of break. Other then eating how would you like to spend the time?'' he asked Vertus.
''Or were you going to proceed more then just the slight tease with my ears.''
He wished though he could let Vertus feel how it felt like.
"We could eat first...then let me eat you after." He let loose a little growl before opening his lunchbox. "Unless you have something else in mind." The dark skinned teenager slowly put his leg over raen's before leaning over and lightly biting his earlobe.
''Oh I have grand plans with you but will not execute them until tomorrow.'' Raen moaned softly. ''And you may eat and taste every bit of me you wish. Be aware though my skin might taste a little salty now.'' he teased and ate the lunch Livia provided. He finished with the apple Milliana had given Vertus, planting the seeds afterwards.
He did the same, consuming the food that was in the lunch box. "I don't mind a little salt." He winked at his boyfriend, dragging his tongue from his ear all the way up to the tips of his ear. "Do you want me seeds?" He whispered, handing them to Raen.
The feeling of his tongue made Raen release another moan. It was not loud but was certainly to be heard. His pants betrayed he had become hard as well but still he took the seeds and planted them before sitting on top of Vertus' legs. ''They are not the only seeds I want.'' he teased.
''I really hope that in some way I could let you know how it feels like when you give that kind of attention to my ears'' he said softly before kissing his boyfriend. He could still taste the apple on Vertus's lips.
"You're right, you are salty." He teased back, wrapping his arms around his waist. He allowed them to wander down to his ass, squeezing some. Vertus grin increased in size. "Is that right? Well ill be more than happy to give it to you." The young sorcerer winked before he started to think.
"There's a spell that I can enact to increase sensitivity...maybe I can do that?" He offered after he kissed Raen back.
''Sensitivity is only a part of it. I do not think I can make you climax just by rubbing your ears'' Raen whispered. At the least his own shirt was still off, since he felt to warm to put it on even after chopping wood.
He allowed his tongue to play with Vertus's and gently opened his robes. ''But maybe using that spell can be fun.'' he said after breaking the kiss for a moment. Raen actually felt desire and longing for Vertus. Tomorrow. The two of them could make it into something special. No matter how much he craved, he was still patient.
After opening Vertus' robes he kissed his boyfriend's neck from the ear to the shoulder before licking the trail back.
Vertus smirked. "At least it would be something." He stated with a shrug before wrestling tongues with Raen, loving the taste of his boyfriend. He allowed him to open his robes, sending shivers down his spine as well as hardening his member.
"Gods." He whispered when Raen attacked his neck and ear with kisses and licks. Vertus mumbled the spell, his eyes glowing green and the side of his neck doing the same. He made it so that it would be the same as raen's ears with the amount of pleasure and sensitivity. Vertus also made sure only his boyfriend could hit that spot. After the spell was done, his eyes and neck stopped glowing.
Raen was curious wether it worked or not and there was one way to find out. He sucked on Vertus' earlob and let his tongue run slowly from there to the tip. But he did not just keep it with that. He made the way down again giving soft nibbles. He made sure though Vertus would not climax yet. Since to his lover, the feeling was new.
His hands released the rest of the robe while he was working on his lover and started to rub Vertus' hard length with his hand.
The tease only made Vertus squirm. "Wrong spot, love. My neck is where you should be..." He whispered, still enjoying the rub that he was getting from his boyfriend. He closed his eyes and leaned back while squeezing his ass tightly.
''You know me by now, I do not often linger long at the same place.'' Raen whispered huskily before he assaulted Vertus' neck with soft moist kisses and suckles.
''Just beware tomorrow.'' Whilest kissing his lover he was working on taking off his boyfriend's underwear to make rubbing and pulling a little easier. He felt his own throbbing in his own.
''Every time... you make me want you more and more'' he whispered
He shivered at his words. "How could I forget?" He asked in a whispered back before gasping, not being used to sensitivity. Vertus but his lip to try and fight back the moans and such. The feeling was out of this world.
"Why should I beware?" He asked breathlessly, his chest contracting and compressing rapidly. "Make sure not to behave yourself." Vertus squeezed tighter on Raen's ass. "I wanna taste every inch of you. Every. Inch."
''You will, and I will taste you.'' Raen assured him. ''Your skin...'' he licked his lover's neck. ''Mouth...'' a passionate kills followed. ''your fingers...'' he took one of his boyfriends hands and took each finger individually in his mouth. ''And everything else.'' He released his lover's hand after kissing it on the palm.
''No need to hold back your noises. I like hearing them.'' he whispered. Sucking vertus' neck at multiple places before he made his way down to his chest. Licking each nipple before sucking it gently and went down further South. He took Vertus' member in his mouth and started to lick the tip and shaft before taking it in his hot wet mouth. With one hand he loosened the bindings of his own pants, finding his own length restricted to uncomfortable.
Vertus pushed Raen away gently when he started to work on his member. "W-wait. It's too much." He exhaled, staring up at the sky. "I just need a moment." He laughed a bit. "O-okay. You can do it now.l"
''Was it that sensitive?'' Raen asked before taking Vertus' member in his mouth once more after repeating what he did with his tongue earlier. Soft muffed (horny) noises came from his mouth as he moved his head up and downn
Vertus nodded his head before letting out a moan of pleasure. He rested ok hand on the back of Raen's forehead, forcing him down little by little. He tried his best to hold back fro exploding in his mouth for as long as he could. "You're next you know that right?"
Raen took Vertus' cock out of his mouth briefly to reply and relax his jaws. ''Looking forward to it'' he said softly as he started pulling him and licked a drop of precum off. ''I want you so badly..'' he said huskily licking off a second drop and took the whole thing in his mouth again as deep as he could.
The young sorcerer bit his lip, enjoying his boyfriend's mouth. With a grunt, Vertus came inside Raen's mouth. He panted and laid back away from the tree trunk. "Gods, Raen." Vertus moved his hands from his head and placed them by his sides. "Y-you're next after I catch my breath."
Rean moaned softly as Vertus shot the hot seed at the back of his throat and panted softly too. He licked his liver clean and smiled at him. ''Catching your breath already? I wonder how you will do tomorrow'' he teased
He chuckled breathlessly before slowly sitting up and cracking his neck. "Okay,'I'm ready. Stand up and lean against the tree. He instructed before getting up and zipping his robe back together. "Now."
''Alright'' Raen said softly as he got up and moved his face close to whisper in his ear. ''Master'' he teased before leaning against the tree
Blush filled his cheeks when he whispered "master". No one had ever called him that before. He flipped Raen over so that his stomach was against the bark of the tree. He spreed his legs and got down on his knees. Vertus started to kiss his lower back, teasing him. "So, what are we gonna do tonight?"
''Whatever we want. Livia has her friends birthday party so it will be you and me.'' Raen moaned softly. The kisses gave him goosebumbs all over his skin and he shivered from delight. ''Tell me. What would you like to do''
"Spend time with you." He whispered before taking his boyfriend's member from the front and started to suck on the head a bit. Vertus did that for a couple of minutes before kissing up to his ass, taking a light bite of it. His tongue swept across his hairless skin before continuing. "Anything really. Perhaps...perhaps you could help me study."
Raen gasped and moaned when Vertus sucked the head of his length. ''By Solos' name...'' he gasped.
''I-could help you study..'' Raen said softly.
"I just said that, Raen." He stated before biting down on the cheek lightly. He knew that it might've left a mark so he dragged his tongue across it. The young sorcerer took in a deep breathe before digging his tongue inside his boyfriend.
A bit of a louder moan left Raen's mouth.
His cheeks were flushed and he wanted to speak. But the current sensation made him incapable of speaking. He spoke his boyfriends name, and his cock twitched slightly. Eager to feel hot flesh. Though not that of a woman, but that of the men who made his blood rush like crazy and could make his mind melt.
After a while he broke his lips away. "That tastes amazing, but this taste better." He whispered, kissing down until he reached his member. Vertus took in his mouth, sucking on it hard and slowly. His tongue twirled around the head before he popped off of it.
"And then tomorrow we can make breakfast together if you would like."
Raen's body trembled and lust as thick as honey ran through his veins. Feeling Vertus' mouth giving attention to his member again, almost made him incapable of remaining standing and he felt his length throbbing.
''S-sounds like a plan...'' he spoke trembling
He continued to massage his limb with his mouth before kissing the tip of it. "Maybe I'll make dessert if you want, Raen." He suggested before putting it inside his mouth completely. Vertus closed his eyes, savorijg the taste of his boyfriend.
''Ahh!'' Raen released a loud pleasurable moan. His hips moved a little too. He couldn't help it since it just felt so damn good.
''A dessert from you sounds... good'' he spoke between moans.
What Vertus did to him felt like pure pleasure magic and his legs trembled more. The tree offered enough support for him now but he felt as if his whole body was on fire.
''You feel so good... I can barely stand..'' he admitted eventually. Pressing himself more against the tree.
Vertus nodded his head. "Good." He went back to sucking him before slipping his index finger inside him. The young sorcerer loved the taste of his boyfriend. Another finger slipped inside Raen as his sucking became harder, faster.
More pleasurable moans left his body and louder moans as Vertus put fingers inside of him. ''I can... barely.. stand..'' he moaned and arched his back. He started to slip a little. But he was reaching his peak moment slowly too and would only be a matter of time till he would release what had been built up.
Vertus continued to pleasure Raen. He spread his legs a little more for better access to his ass. He moved his fingers out and continued to swallow his throbbing limb. The good thing about having a moonelf as a boyfriend was for the fact that it took them quite a while to climax. His mouth ventured to his hole again and allowed his hand to play with his member.
No matter how Vertus touched or pleasured him it always seemed to take him to a new level. It felt so good he basicly drooled a bit.
After Vertus was working on his hole with his mouth again for a short while and his lovers hand on his hard throbbing member, Raen did warm Vertus he was close to cumming.
The dark skinned human heard the warning and quickly moved his mouth back to his member, suckling on it as hard and fast as he could. His hands went to his ass, gripping it hard as he shoved the hot limb in his mouth deeper.
It indeed took not long anymore for Raen to cum and he released another pleasurable moan as his seed got shot into Vertus' mouth. Despite climaxing though his member still stayed hard. Still caught in the moment of climaxing though Raen panted softly. ''Gods... you are... amazing...'' he said softly. His body trembled and now indeed lost his strength to remain standing. Allowing himself to slowly descend from standing to sitting.
Vertus choked a little before completely swallowing his seed. He moved his mouth from the member as Raen laid down on the ground. He couldn't help but to chuckle at his moonelf boyfriend. Vertus cleared his throat and laid down beside him. "Do you like me?" He asked, glancing at him
Raen moved a little and placed Vertus' head on his lap. Regardless of his member still being semi hard. He simply pushed the thing down a little. ''If I did not like you we would not be doing these kind of things.'' Raen assured him and gave vertus a kiss on his lips. ''I would not mind spending my days being yours.''
Vertus looked up at his boyfriend, gland that his head was by Raen's member. He smiled a bit. "What about love?" He asked in a whisper. His tongue licked the tip before kissing his boyfriend back. "How long do we have left?"
A muffled moan left his lips. ''A bit more then half an hour of playtime.'' He said softly. ''That would give me enough time to return to my workspot and you enough time to change and head to the hospital.'' He assured.
''As for love...'' Raen raised Vertus up a bit and kissed him passionatly. ''If a moonelf tells a person, they want to share the rest of their days with them, then that is love.'' he assured.
Vertus nodded his head. He didn't want to be late for his first real day of working with physician Michael. "Perfect. Like you said, that should give us plenty of time to freshen up." He smiled and licked his member another time.
He kissed his lover back, moving his hand to his face. Vertus stared into those golden Suns and smiled. "I think I'm falling in love with you."
Every time Vertus licked him, Raen released a soft moan and his limb would twitch a little. ''If you keep going it will be fully hard again. You know that right?'' Raen said with a chuckle.
''I'm happy though. You falling in love with me.'' he caressed his boyfriend's face before giving him another passionate kiss.
"That's the plan." He smiled a bit before looking down up at his boyfriend. "You're just so good to me...I don't deserve it." Vertus laughed, before kissing Raen back, placing his hand on his chest.
''You do deserve it.'' Raen assured him. The kissing and touch made his dick fully hard again.
''You got me hard again. What is your plan now?'' he asked with a smile.
Vertus took in a deep breath and went down on Raen, moving his head up and down quickly to get rid of the boner. He looked up at Raen innocently as he continued.
Gasps left Raen's mouth. If Vertus had not licked his member after he had climaxed it would've calmed down on its own but he did not mind this, at all.
The way Vertus looked at him was mesmerizing and it did not take Raen long before he moved his hips although more thoughtful then before.
''Gods... Vertus..'' he moaned. His hands reaching for his boyfriend's head but he did not force movements.
Vertus looked up at his boyfriend as he did so, making sure to pleasure his boyfriend as best as he could. "Sorry for getting you hard again." He muffled with each bob of his head.
''I do not mind.'' Raen assured moaning pleasurably.
It felt so good he came another time. With a lot less force and amount but a good moan left his mouth. His heartbeat was fast but was soon to calm and he had a satisfied smile on his face. He then held Vertus close to him. ''The reason it feels so good is because it is you.'' he whispered.
After the young sorcerer swallowed Raen's seed, he moved so that he was resting his head on the moonelf's shoulder. Exhaling sharply, he turned to look at him. Vertus let a tear trace down his face before looking away. He relaced his pants and tried his beset not to seem weak. "I honestly don't deserve you, Raen."
''Why are you saying that?'' Raen asked as he took his clothes back on as well and embraced Vertus from behind. ''What bad did you ever do? Did you ever harm someone for selfgain? Made someone diliberatly suffer?'' he whispered kindly. Letting his head rest on Vertus' shoulder.
''Why in Solos' name would you not deserve happiness and love of your own.''
"No, no I've never done anything like that it's just." Vertus sighed, holding his head in his hands. "It's not right that I'm falling for a guy." Vertus could hear the voices of his parents telling him that over and over again.
''Not right because others say so?'' Raen asked calmly. ''Did you know that even in the animal kingdom animals stay with the same sex and treat them as if they were mates? It is a natural course of things. Surely their feelings of love may be different then ours but if animals do it with nobody telling them it is right or wrong. Do you not think it is a way of how things naturally go?''
He held Vertus close to him as he spoke. ''What is important is what you feel. And after recovering from the suprise and their realisation there will not be offspring from your side of the family, maybe your mother and father will put your feelings to a higher position. Is it not a parent's job to make sure their children are happy?''
Vertus stared down at the forest floor as his lover went on about it being natural in six animal species. He was true of course, but he didn't want to here that; whether is parents didn't want to hear that. The young sorcerer turned his head to look at Raen before saying something, "I don't know. I honestly don't." He whispered before closing his eyes. "But you...us feels so good."
''If it feels good do not let it weigh negativly on your heart love. It is your life. Only you can live it.'' Raen whispered. ''Come lets quickly refresh ourselves. '' he said calmly giving him a soft kiss on the lips.
Vertus nodded and wiped his tears away form his eyes. "You're right. It is my life." The young sorcerer got up with his boyfriend and gave him a tight hug. "Thank you so much." He whispered in his ear, kissing it.
''That's what I'm here for too.'' Raen said calmly.
Without warning though he picked Vertus up and carried him to his quarters. Not putting him down until they were at the shower where they both could freshen up. Raen was, a little in a hurry though but after he was dressed again into his attire he heard soft scratching at the door.
It was Kira carefully carrying the bundle of clothes meant for Vertus which was meant for his afternoon classes.
Proudly Kira walked inside and presented the clothes to Vertus.
Vertus turned around to see Kira with his clothes in her mouth. "Ah, thank you!" He exclaimed before gently taking it from her and going into his room to change. Vertus was excited about being able to work on finding a cure for the serpents vine as well as brushing up on his medical skills.
Raen, before he left went to Vertus and embraced his lover after he had finished getting dressed and fixed a few things like his collar and sleeves. ''There... all good to go.'' he whispered and gave a loving kiss on Vertus' cheek. ''I'm sure for both Milliana and Michael you will be a fine apprentise.'' he said before he really, really had to go. Fortunatly Kira was fast and Raen bad Vertus good luck followed by the words he would come as soon as work was done.
Kira then brought the moonelf to the woods to resume his work.
Vertus smiled and watched as his boyfriend and Kira hurried off to his next and last shift. Taking in a deep breath and admiring the moonelf for a bit before going off to see Michael. He walked into the building, looking around to see if he was in the right place. "Michael?" He called.
''Yes. Right here.'' the man said. Walking down some wooden stairs that were against a closet filled from floor to ceiling with pots, jars and boxes of herbs.
Having two small boxes in his hands which he gave to a fellow student.
''There you go'' he said to the girl and he walked to Vertus. ''Glad to see you are on time. Before we get started, I would like to go through the rules of this place and walking around so you get familiar with the place. After that, you can tell me what skills you already have and show them to me.''
Michael started to lead him to the large closets which had all the stock.
''First off, when doing practical work, wear gloves at all times and a protective coat. Replenish the gloves as often as you wish, disposing them in the large basket. Same goes for the coat. The small wooden closets, are off limits although there is a list of what is stored in it. If you wish to use anything from there, you ask me. If I'm not here, resist temptation of taking anything. The large ones..'' well larger... they were wider and contained more. But all of them were from floor to ceiling. ''You can take from the large ones what you need. Write in the book what you took. How much and what for. Everything is in first ordered by kind. Like dried herbs, Paste, liquid, powder etc, and then alphabetical order and I do sincerely beg of you to keep it that way. Other rules, always finish your work before leaving. It could mean you will be here overtime. Also never be in this room alone. Last but not least, no running, unless freshly made medicine needs to be delivered right away. No shouting. Not unless you have a serpentvine breakthrough.''
Michael then showed Vertus another cabinet filled with journals. ''These are unfinished researches regarding medicine. You can choose one of these to finish or start up your own. Are there any questions thus far?'' Michael asked.
He turned his head to see the physician Michael coming down the stairs and give a girl two boxes. "Of course. I didn't want to be late on my first official day on the job." Vertus smiled warmly at him before he listened up to the rules.
The young sorcerer made sure to store all the information about what not to do in the store room. "I understand. No questions thus far. Hm, one thing, however, when do i punch out?" Vertus asked the moonelf.
''Punch out?'' Michael asked. ''Can not say I am familiar with the meaning of those words.'' he spoke with a soft chuckle
"Oh, ahaha, I mean, what time of day do I leave from work?" Vertus asked. Perhaps he should've said this the first time. "Sorry for the word usage."
''No need to apolagise. We live rather secluded here so there are words or scentences that we do not quite understood. Around five in the afternoon officially, work hours are over. Unless there are sick people who need fresh medicine. I occasionally keep apprentices a little longer in that case although many finish up around six because they need to finish a cure. Some things need to be made in one go like some medicine. If you work on a medicine, a calculation, cure and are not finished before five just say so. I will always be the last one to leave and will not be angry if it happens. Just... always clean up your workplace.''
He lead Vertus at an empty workplace. It had a set of tools, cuttingboards and a scale. Also a seperate bookcase which now was empty. ''This workplace is yours and yours only. Your findings can be stored here as well as your own books. Books you need from the library or shelf, ask permission if you wish to have it in your own bookcase.''
Vertus nodded his head when he question was answered. He could work with that. Perhaps that would be the same time that Raen would be done with his shift. Hopefully one day he would be able to cook for him.
The young sorcerer followed Michael this an empty work area that was apparently his. His mind started to race with how he would personalize his workplace. Of course he would add in his books of plants, herbs, and spices. "Oh, this is nice." He smiled and went to sit down at his desk. "I know just how to set my workspace up."
''Perfect.'' Michael replied. He went to the bookcase and got a few books out of it. On top of it a piece of parchments. ''Here are some simple things you will need to do. Rejuvinating potion, sleep potion, sleep antidote, cold paste to reduce fevers and wound paste to prevent infection and stimulate better healing. Make these first and I will judge them on quality. I will watch you how you work and feel free to ask questions any time. The recipes are in the books along with the list of tools you will need. Also no need to finish it all in one day but before you make anything else, I'd want you to have made these. You may personalise your workspace first too of course.''
Vertus looked at the books and parchment that was given to him by Michael. "Oh, I've made a couple of these at home. Of course I had it from my parents...anyways, I will get this done." He gave him a reassuring smile before taking the books and placing it on the side of his work desk. "Hm...let's do the sleep potion first." He opened one of the books up until he found the recipe for the sleeping potion. "Well, I need to get some herbs and plants in here. Do you have any dirt and glass jars?"
''Plenty of them. If you prefer crystal you can take those as well. You can find herbs for this in the student cabinets and jars and dirt are in the other cabinet.'' he pointed to their general directions. ''Remember to write down in the log what you used and took.''
He nodded his head and went toward the cabinets with everything he needed. Thankfully there were a few jars that were filled a fourth of the way with dirt. "These should do. Along with some ginger root, juniper root, foxglove and a coupe more."
Before he left, Vertus, he checked everything out and what he took. Then he came back to his work desk. The young sorcerer placed the jars of dirt and herbs on the work desk lined up. "Okay. Let's get started." For the herbs that he didn't have, he decided to grow it himself, magically. After he was done, he made two of the orders off the list: Sleeping potion and sleeping antidote.
''Not bad. Not bad at all.'' Michael said with a nod and inspected both results. ''Interesting that you grew some yourself as well. You can take herbs out of the garden when you need them of course.''
He gently twirled the two flasks that containted the potion and antidote. ''Color is good, scent as well, thickness looks good too.''
He poured some of it in very small cups and took the sleep potion first. The quantity so little though that it would at the most make him drowsey and counted the seconds it took for the potion to work. He wrote everything down on paper and did the same with the antidote.
Writing things down again he gave Vertus an approving nod. ''Very well done. Judging by the time I recommend to make the other potions tomorrow but in the meantime you can prepare what you need for it and read some.'' he handed the forms over to Vertus. ''Keep these in your logbook. I am not telling you how to make one but it is recomended to keep everything in such an order everyone can find it would they need to look for something. How many logbooks you want is up to you as well. Keep everything in one, or make a few. One for potions, one for antidotes, name it.''
Vertus smiled. "I like growing my own plants and such."
He nodded his head and took the papers and started to transfer the information into an empty log book. "I will probably divide it up by potions, pastes, elixirs, and antidotes." Vertus said as he finished up. "I will probably read over this along with a few other things before leaving today. Is that okay?"
''By all means.'' Michael spoke. ''I'm going to work on some serpentvine. I may be the lead alchemist here but thus far no luck with that blasted vine yet.'' he did however seemed optimistic and went to several cabinets to retrieve a variety of herbs.
''Also, question. You can make plants grow. Can you also kill them completely? If so I will have a job for you on the short term. Despite we take out the plants when we find them they keep growing back and are slowly expanding.''
Vertus nodded his head. "It is a rather wicked plant." He answered, shaking his head in slight disgust.
"Yes I can make plants die completely. If there's anything you need regarding the serpentvine then I'm all yours, Michael. "I can also curse the vine from ever growing there again if you would like. I would just need to get my spellbook."
''This plant is a magic one. We attempted to curse it already but thus far the only thing that works is burning it to the root. But if you are able to kill off the plant it would be a good thing. At least for a few sections so that children can play in the woods again. Not now though. It would mean my star apprentise would take my place and you will need to give up your morning session with Milliana. After all. We can not let her go''
"Agreed. So whenever you are able to I'm here and willing to help." He smiled at the alchemist before asking a question. "Is there anything else you want to me to do before I leave today?" Vertus scratched underneath his jaw. "Actually, I will do the paste for colds today too."
''Suit yourself. Show it to me when you are done. And if you have questions I will keep telling you to ask.'' Michael gave a polite bow before he headed to his own workbench.
Vertus nodded his head and started on the paste, mixing all of the ingredients into the mortar. Soon he had logged in all of his information and finished up the rest of the potions. He walked over to Michael's workbench and showed him. "Do you mind checking these for me, please?"
''Give me one moment.'' Michael spoke. He wore dragonskin gloves and with a pair of tweasers he held a piece of a black flower covered winered vine that strangely enough seemed to actually move like how a serpent would. On thin extensions however that were curled up were sharp thin thorns which attempted to go through the gloves.
''The plant looks lovely but when it senses something alive, it shows it's true... colors... the more I work with it the more I start to think that it is actually sentient.'' Michael explained as he seperated the flowers and stingers from it, puting each different kind of piece in a mortar grinded it all until every part had stopped moving and a paste existed from each part.
He then moved his stool a bit backwards and put the gloves in a basket that held a strange liquid in it, causing a sizzling noise but the gloves themselves seemed to not be affected by it.
''Now. Let's take a look.'' he said calmly. He checked each potion and paste on their scent, texture and taste. ''Rejuvination potion, approved. It usually works better if it stands for a month or so. Cold paste...'' he applied a little bit on his wrist. Knowing by know what kind of sensation it had to give despite having no fever. ''Cold paste, very well done. No leftovers of plants.'' He wiped the paste off his skin with a piece of cloth before turning to the last one. The woundheal paste looks well too. Maybe a tad less honey next time but, you've done great.'' Michael said with an approving nod. ''You can store these in the medicine cabinet and clean up your workspace and head towards home. You can be proud of yourself on todays results. First time though that I had a student who grew their own plants in that fashion. There is no nessesary need for it though. Fresh plants can be taken from the herbal garden. There is a patch of ground at the back too where wild flowers and herbs grow but for beginner potions and pastes, the things found in the cabinets are enough.''
Vertus made a mental note to make the potions better than what they were. "Thank you, Dr. Michael." He bowed slightly before going to clean up his work station and storing the potions, pastes, and antidotes on his shelves. He also made sure everything in his log book was account for before putting that also on the bookshelf and heading home.
The sorcerer came back to his home and sighed, flopping on his bed and rubbing his temples. Gods was he hungry. He decided to change out of his clothes and into something more relaxing.
After a short while, there was a soft scratching noise at the door as Raen's direwolf softly scratched the door soon followed by a knock. ''Vertus? Are you there? I have prepared dinner for the both of us in my room'' Raen spoke. It being the room assigned to Vertus he did not exactly wanted to enter it without permission.
Now in his relaxed robe, Vertus turned his head after he heard the pawing and Raen's voice. "Oh? Really! Good because I'm starving!" He laughed a bit before walking out of his room, smiling widely before giving him a kiss. "Does this count as a date or...?"
''If you want it to count as such.'' Raen replied with a chuckle before he answered the kiss briefly. ''How was your first say with Michael?'' the direwolf looked at the two men before it made a soft sound.
''Hungry?'' Raen asked to which the wolf sat on it's hind legs like a rabbit. ''That's a yes.'' he said before his gaze returned to Vertus. ''Come. Now it is still warm.'' he grinned
"The first day was good, thanks for asking. I was given my own work bench, books, and things like that. I'm actually really, really excited about working with him." Vertus took the liberty of softly scratching the top of Kera's head.
"Alright, let's go." He smiled and walked with him to his room.
Kera licked Vertus' hand in responds and with a wagging tail followed the two men to Raen's room.
The scent of food met them straight away and Raen let Vertus to the dining table. There was bread with herbs mixed in the dough and a very slight scent of garlic. White creamcheese with more herbs on top with diced tomatoes, onions and olives.
There were also some other fingerfood even including something that looked like diced chicken. With a closer look though it was revealed to be tofu baked in herbs to give it flavour.
Kera was in for a treat appearantly as Raen brought her a large bone with meat on it. He was still awkward with meat but he loved Kera deeply enough to exit that comfort zone. The wolf however after accepting the meat went to the balcony to eat it in silence.
The first thing that the young sorcerer noticed was the scent. It was simply captivating, causing his mouth to water right on the spot. "Everything looks tasty, Raen!" He exclaimed with a wide smile before going over and sitting at the table. "You did all of this?" He asked, glancing around the table.
''That I did.'' Raen admitted with a grin. ''It is my specialy to be honest. Good any time of the year.'' He went to the kitchen and opened a cabinet. ''Do you prefer mead or fruited water.'' he asked. ''Both is fine too if you like''
Laughing mostly to himself, Vertus answered him saying, "I'll take the fruited water." He got up from his chair to go give Raen a brief hug and a peck on the cheek. Is there anything I can help with? I don't mind, it's the least I can do."
''Not to worry. It is just pouring the drink I had not done yet.'' Raen assured. He took two glasses and from a glass jug with oranges and mint he filled the two glasses before bringing them to the table.
''There we go.'' he said as he moved Vertus' chair a little and gestured for his lover to sit.
Vertus took his seat back in his chair. "Thank you again for this." He started to put the bread, tofu, and a bit of the finger food, taking a waif of his plate before he started eating. "This is really good, Raen!"
''Glad to hear.'' Raen replied. ''I may not be as good as my sister regarding variety but I'm alright with that. I am happy to see you enjoy it.''
Raen took a piece of bread and ate that first. ''Any plans for tonight?'' he asked. WIth his sister at the party they would be alone after all. And somehow the words Lunaria told them never managed to leave his mind either.
He continued eat, first taking a bite out of the bread and then out of the tofu chicken. That was surprisingly well cooked and even tasted like real chicken. However, his eating slowed down when he was asked if he had any plans tonight. "Not that I know of..." A smile came across his face. "Why? Do you?"
''Not exactly, unless you'd like to join me for a bath, or some tea or stargazing.'' Raen replied. ''Of course I am into other ideas as well. Is there anything here you'd like to do.''
Vertus thought for a moment. "Actually, I think that I would like to stay in with you and just..." He looked down at his lap. "Show how much I care."
''Sounds all fine to me.'' Raen assured. ''I have an idea. You will see after dinner.'' he assured. Calmly he ate his food and drank the water he had poured for himself. He took the can from the kitchen when his was empty and refilled it before asking Vertus if he wanted his glass full again too.
Now he was curious as to what Raen had in mind, but he decided that he wanted it to be a surprise. "Alright then." He answered, finishing off his bread before going for another piece. Vertus agreed for Raen to refill his glass. "Thank you!"
''Any time.'' Raen replied as he went to Vertus' side of the table and gave him an innocent peck on the cheek after refilling the man's glass.
When dinner was over Raen started to clean up the table although left the glasses and the jug of water. The direwolf had decided to take her meal on the solid ground and shared it at the edge of the forest with another of her kin.
Raen then took some pillows and blankets, laying them on the balcony after cleaning up Kira's mess. It was not much but it was a waste for the sheets to be covered in blood. It was not exactly clear at first what his intentions are though, getting a low stool beside the blankets on the ground on which he placed the jug and glasses. The pillows were lined up so they could sit straight up, the blankets to sit on to provide softness and a bit of warmth.
Raen sat down first and spreaded his legs a bit so Vertus could sit down between them against him.
Vertus walked over to where his lover had been doing. The balcony looked comfortable and made him smile. He then sat down in between Raen's legs and rested the back of his head on shoulder. Stretching out his hand, Vertus made honeysuckle vines grow on the railing of the balcony. "There. That's perfect."
''Indeed it is.'' Raen said and when Vertus was done with making the honeysuckle grow he gently took his lovers hand in his own and let the fingers entwine. Letting the hands rest on Vertus's chest.
The evening air was cool but not to cold. If it would get cold they could always cover themselves with one of the blankets. The moon shone calmly with the stars and Raen could not help but smile. ''This... feels good...'' he said softly.
Vertus looked up at Raen before nodding his head and looking back over the evening sky. "I agree. It's very nice especially since I'm here with you." He whispered, looking over his shoulder again to give him a kiss on his chin. "What else do you have planned for tonight?"
''Planned huh...'' Raen replied and exhaled calmly. ''Not sure. The night is yours and we will be alone. So if there is anything specific you would like to do just let me know.'' he gently squeezed Vertus' hand.
Vertus started to chew on his bottom lip before looking down at their hands intertwined. "I would like...I would like for tonight to be that night, okay?"
''Ok.'' Raen replied softly. Gently placing a kiss on Vertus' cheek. He would not deny he was a bit nervous though but still. It surely was not to everyone Lunaria would make such an exception to regarding Unity. He figured though she did it more for Vertus' sake and he was alright with it. As much as he cared and loved the man with him, he knew too how restraining it could be no matter the pure thought behind it.
Vertus smiled and gave his hand a peck before fully relaxing in his embrace. This would be his first time actually having full on love making and he didn't know how he should feel about it. Was their steps he should take prior to this? Should he court him in some way? All of these questions and thoughts were going through his head. "Raen? Are you enjoying yourself?"
''I am. I have enjoyed every moment I have spent with you. And I will continue to do so.'' Raen replied. He took Vertus' other hand and brought it to his lips, pressing a soft kiss on top of it.
Vertus smiled and snuggled more against Raen's chest, biting his lip in thought. After a while, he spoke again. "So are we going to do it here or in my room?"
''What do you prefer'' Raen asked. He would not mind where. As long as they both were comfortable. ''I do not mind here. If you prefer your room then it is fine too.'' both beds were the same size and nobody would hear them anyway unless someone purposely would attempt breaking through the magic woven into the building. But moonelves always had the decency to not do such things.
He thought for a second before saying, "Maybe here would be good. It'll be my first time staying over at your place so it'll be something different."
''Alright.'' Raen replied as he gave Vertus' hands an assuring squeeze. He then allowed his head to lean closer to Vertus' neck and started to give soft long tender kisses.
He tilted his head to the side as Raen started to pepper his neck with gentle kisses. There was no denying that Vertus was enjoying himself and his lover most likely knew that.
Slowly the kisses started to transform into suckles. Raen did not held them long and maybe he could've done then a little longer. But he did not cover the area quickly. Taking his time to eventually move from Vertus' neck towards his ear.
Vertus started to let out a whimper when the kisses turned into suckling. He liked the way this felt and it made him laugh a bit. "Raen..." He whispered, slowly closing his eyes.
''I love these noises from you...'' Raen whispered in Vertus' ear before giving it a gentle nimmble. After another squeeze of his hands, Raen slowly started to unbotton the robes so he could feel Vertus' skin.
Vertus whimpered louder when he felt Raen on his ear. He let him button his robes; his heart was beating faster with each time he felt Raen against his bare skin. "You make me feel things, Raen."
''What things is it I make you feel?'' Raen asked huskily in Vertus' ear. Most buttons if his lovers tunic were open and Raen could feel the warm flesh. The muscles beneath the skin.
He tasted Vertis' neck again by letting his tongue run over it followed by more kises. First kn the skin but eventually gently tilted Vertis' head so their lips could meet.
Vertus turned to panting to keep from actually shouting. "T-things. Good things, Raen." He answered, trying to keep his composure. His lips connected with his, adding a bit of tongue in there for good measure.
Raen met Vertus' tongie with his own. His breath trembled slightly accompanied with moans. Eventually he shifted though so he could turn Vertumnus more towards him. Removing his lover's tunic so he could feel the warm skin and the muscles that lay beneath. His nails gently scratching Vertus' back.