Chapter 11 - The Mindulgulph Company

When Aven woke, he felt as though he’d been smacked in the head with an anvil. He grimaced, eyes still closed, and lifted a hand to grasp at his chest. His entire torso was covered in bandages. He should have been dead…. Where..? Slowly, he opened his eyes. His brown gaze swept tiredly out over his new environment.

He was no longer in the forest - but a room. It was built of dressed stone, a tower that looked out over the Amnian countryside. The bed was made up of white sheets and a small table sat nearby, holding a glass and pitcher of water. Bloody bandages stuffed a waste bin by the wooden door. Sitting at the edge of the bed, staring at the floor…

“Lucian,” Aven groaned with cracked lips.

Lucian spun about. His eyes went wide. “Aven. Slow…”

Aven’s fingers fell over the bandages and pushed himself up to sit. His muscles ached. He had half a mind to choke over the pain until his eyes fell on the boy and he swallowed it once more. “You’re…you’re okay.”

“I am.” Lucian’s eyes were tinted red. A flicker of emotions passed over him… before he grit his teeth. “You moron!” He lashed, fist out. His tiny fist connected with Aven’s chin. There was a snap, not in Aven’s jaw - but in Lucian’s hand. He cursed over a broken finger, lifting it up to his lips to suck.

“Moron?” Aven echoed, pain thrumming in his jaw. “You’re a fucking Prince! You tried to sacrifice yourself for me, who’s the real moron?!”

“And what good of a Prince am I if I couldn’t protect even one of my subjects?” Lucian shouted back. He massaged his broken finger furiously. “When I give you an order, I expect you to follow it!” Lucian sank down onto the edge of the bed once again, face tight.

Lucian looked tired. He likely hadn’t slept since they’d arrived. “…but what if the Prince is dead?” Aven asked, voice soft. His hand fell over Lucian’s, fingers curling together. “…sit with me. The only prince I need is the one who will allow me comfort after a long day of defending his prissy little ass so he can get back to his throne and become king.”

Lucian’s temper deflated with exhaustion. All plethora of scathing words locked and loaded at the edge of his tongue fell from his mouth in a sigh as he crawled over to simply sink into Aven’s frame. The barbarian’s heart fluttered. He drew Lucian close, arms closing around him.

From outside, Aven could hear the sounds of voices and laughter. Some were high pitched, like a yapping dog, others sounding as though they were emitted from two stones grinding together. Steel clashing upon steel rang up from outside the tower, a warm wind pushing through the curtains.

“Where are we…?”

“We are at the fortress of the Mindulgulph Company. I’ve been speaking to their Lieutenant, Morra while you were asleep.”

“The Mindulgulph Company..?”

“They are a mercenary group of non humans. Monsters, really. Blink dogs, loxos, centaurs, gnolls, kenkus, wemics, those sorts.”

Aven had never heard of any such creatures. His brows pushed together. “But why did they show up? How did we…” His eyes widened. “Lucian, the assassins… what happened? Who were they? They… touched you, and suddenly you-”

A pale finger touched Aven’s lips. Aven’s eyes widened. “I’ll answer. But first..” Lucian leaned over, poured icy water into a glass and passed it over. “Drink.”

Aven hadn’t realized how thirsty he was until a cup of ice water was under his nose. He downed it, and a second cup. The water burned down his parched throat. Lucian settled back. “We were attacked by the Company of Null.”

“You mentioned that name before.” Aven sat up, fingers curled around his cup. “Who are they? Did they work for Darrien?”

“Apparently.” Lucian frowned. “The Company of Null is a guild of assassins… spellthieves. Do you know what those are?”

Spellthieves was a term Aven was familiar with. They were whispers, stories to tell children in the night. Aven grimaced. “A little,” he admitted. “They’re… monsters who take away your magic and life force.”

“Almost. Spellthieves are people who are born with the rare ability to drain one’s mana. They’re… the ultimate weapon against wizards. If they touch a mage, they can render them immobile as they just….wither them, suck the life right out of them, much like a vampire. It’s why they’re so dangerous, as well as hunted down in Aeliorn. The Company of Null is made up of spellthieves, and it seems my uncle has traded them the promise of freedom in favor of my assassination.”

Aven thought back to his fight against Vesper. His brows pushed together. “…I think Vesper tried to drain me, then,” he said. “He touched me during the fight, but nothing happened. He looked confused.”

“Had you possessed even a sliver of mana, as most do, you would have been a limp doll in his grasp. He would have drained the mana out of you and you’d become Tranquil.” Lucian shuddered and drew his knees into his chest as he sat up. “…had he continued draining me, it would have been my fate.”

Aven’s head spun with the new information. “What does being… Tranquil mean?”

Lucian’s gaze flickered with grief. “….mana is said to be akin to your soul,” he said. “It’s the life force that flows through all living beings. If a person’s mana is drained entirely, they become… lifeless. Their body breathes and their hearts beat, but they do not think. They cannot feel, they cannot speak, they survive, but they do not live. They become empty shells.” Lucian looked to Aven. “It is a fate worse than death.”

Aven stared out the window for a long moment. So close. They’d been so close to being taken down…only the arrival of sudden strangers was the difference between Lucian being captured and Aven being dead. His hand lifted to press against one of his bandaged wounds. “How long have I been out?”

“Not long. A day. Their leader, Gayrlana, is gone, leaving her second in command, Morra in charge. She said she would speak with us further when you awoke. So now, I suppose all we can do is wait.” Lucian looked restless. His fist clenched and unclenched as he massaged away the pain of a newly broken finger.

“…are you all right?”

“…I was afraid, you know,” Lucian said. “The Company of Null… they’re born and groomed for one thing. Killing mages. I was sure they’d kill me, or worse, but..” Lucian looked up. His eyes searched Aven. “Why did you stay?”

Something fluttered in Aven’s chest. Something boyish and hopeful and new. “…what else do I have to lose?” He murmured. “If I’d left, I would have been alone in a foreign land.” A flush of red hit his cheeks. He recalled the terror that coiled in his stomach as Lucian suddenly appeared in Vesper’s grasp. “…And because for the first time, I felt as though I did have something to lose.

Lucian’s gaze hardened into stone. Any emotions once held on his fair features were suddenly fleeting as he pulled his gaze away. “I can’t imagine what, unless you were afraid to lose your newfound freedom.”

“You really are terrible at reading people. For some ungodly reason, I didn’t want to lose you.” Aven smirked. “I know. I may actually be going insane.”

“You are insane.” Lucian scowled at him. “If you think this is a companionship that will last, then you’re a fool.”

Aven had no time to respond. The door crashed open, and a strange creature stepped through into the room.

At first, he thought they were to be besieged by an elephant in their room - until he realized, this elephant had a humanoid figure, and two trunks. Brutish and massive, the being’s skin was tough and grey, black eyes locked on the pair and covered from head to toe in armour, an axe on their back.

Lucian didn’t look surprised. He sat up. “It’s about time,” he quipped. “Aven, this is the Mindulgulph Liutentant, Morra.”

“You’re awake. Welcome to the Mindulgulph.” The voice was deep and thundering. Her presence seemed to take up the entire space.

“I am,” Aven said with a nod. He tried not to stare. “Thanks to your people.”

“Can you walk, human?”

Clearly, she was not one to waste time. Aven hesitated and shoved his body forwards, legs dangling off the edge of the bed. “Haven’t tried yet. But I’ve had worse.”

“Good. Then follow me.”

“Here.” Lucian tossed Aven a fresh change of clothes. “Get dressed.”

Aven changed and stumbled out the door after the two. Morra’s massive strides took two of Aven’s and four of Lucian’s. Aven peered out windows onto the training fields below. Where before he’d assumed their rescuer’s bestial faces were only masks, they were actually their very faces.

Creatures with the top halves of humans and the bottom halves of horses shot longbows taller than Lucian. Beings covered in coarse brown hair with the faces of hyenas struck at one another with wickedly sharp scimitars, and beasts akin to the centaurs but with the lower halves of lions instead of horses wrestled one another to the ground.

“Are there no humans in your Company, Morra?” Lucian wondered.

“Gayrlana is said to have human blood. But she only takes on those like us.” She looks back to Aven. “Your cat would make a fine addition.”

“Kion. He’s quite social, isn’t he? I hope he’s been no trouble.”

“Not at all, once our animal handler, Jorak got hold of him.”

Aven was enthralled with it all. He stopped for a moment to peer outside, watching as one of the hyena folk - what Lucian called a gnoll - trained with a centaur in hand to hand combat. It looked so strange and alien.

“Impressed?” Morra said. “The Mindulgulph train day and night. Perhaps you could test your steel against them later. I’m sure Bjorn would be happy to spar.”

Lucian was not nearly as captivated. He glowered at the back of Morra’s head. “Why did you save us?”

“We have many eyes across our lands, Prince Lucian. It came to our attention that a noble had been stolen from his home, and taken to Faerun against his will?”

“So what now. Are you going to sell me to the highest bidder now?”

“I suppose that depends on you.”

Aven didn’t seem to share his nervousness. The sound of clashing steel almost made him feel at home. He placed a hand on Lucian’s shoulder to settle him. The last thing they needed was to piss off a company of bestial mercenaries. “How does it depend on us?”

“We’re mercenaries, not knights, boy. That means we raise our blades for gold and glory, not to rescue Farmer Jenkins down the road for his appreciation. You two are broke as a joke, as such, you’ll repay our kindness with a favor.”

“What did you have in mind?”

Morra led them to a balcony. Seventy mercenaries trained down below, the sound of crashing steel ringing like bells through the Amnian countryside. “As you saw,” Morra said. “Slavery is rampant in Amn. Recently, several of our men have been captured by pirates, and are being held captive in their cove.” She looked to Aven and Lucian. “You will help us get them back. We will send out a mock ship to be raided. Once they attack this ship, you will have them lead you to their cove where you will take it and liberate my men.”

The way she said it was so matter of fact, she might have been giving them directions on how to bake a cake.

Lucian gawked. “You’ve got to be joking.”

“Well, hold on,” Aven murmured. “We know nothing about the cove, how many pirates there might be… if we’re going to help you, we’ll need more intel. Plus,” he points down to Lucian. “He’s not a warrior. I’d be having to go at it alone.”

Lucian marched in front of Aven to face him indignantly. “Hey,” he seethed. “I’m not useless you know. I may not be good with one of these,” he pointed at Aven’s axe. “But I can help.”

“I never said you were useless,” Aven argued. “I’m saying we need more offensive might.”

“I’ll give you all the offensive might you need,” Lucian snapped. He turned his back on Aven and faced Morra. “We’ll take the job. But I want something in return.”

“What would that be?”

“I want the fastest ship the pirates possess. Surely they’ll have one to spare.”

Morra scoffed. “I don’t think you’re in a position to make deals, little Prince. This mission is your debt being settled.”

“I understand.” Lucian’s eyes were chips of ice. He folded his arms. “But it’s also my understanding that you need us. Otherwise, you would have just done this yourself. And I’m sure you miss your companions dearly. Surely one ship is worth their lives.”

Morra considered it. “…you have a deal, Prince Lucian. The fastest ship will be yours.”

“Good. Then we’ll discuss further arrangements after you find me your finest brand of wine.”

Aven had little interest in such things. “Where is Kion?” He asked Morra.

“He’s down in the fields with Jorak. I’ll take you to him.”

“While you show him to his beast, I’m going to use your bath house. I tire of this grime.” The boy spun on his heel and Morra watched him incredulously before turning to Aven. “This way.”

—————————————

Aven followed through the fort, squeezing to the side as a group - herd? - of centaurs galloped by, laughing and holding flasks of ale expertly kept from spilling. Crossing the grounds, they’d entered into a kennel of sorts. A rust monster, a burbur and other such creatures were curled up comfortably in their cages.

And towards the back, there was Kion - laying on his back, paws up in the air with a strange little creature rubbing his belly like a puppy. He looked to be like a raven, features dominated by a great, sharp beak and body covered in dark feathers.

Morra bid him farewell and Aven scoffed with a laugh as he approached. “You’re kidding. Kion, what am I going to do with you soaking up everyone’s attention, eh?” He teased.

The little bird fellow lifted up his gaze. “This handsome beast must belong to you!”

“That’s right. His name is Kion. Has he been all right?”

“Damn near ate me when I first approached. But apparently, to tame this mighty beast all one needs is one of his master’s socks and a slab of meat.”

“Master is a strong word. Kion and I are partners.”

“Good word to use. Such as we are, we’ve grown to have quite an affinity for our beasty companions.” The feathered man pushed to his feet and put out a clawed hand. “Jorak.”

“Aven.” Aven shook it. Upon closer look, Aven could see aged claw marks down the bird’s throat, neck bare of feathers, left eye covered in a patch. “Not to be rude, but….what are you? And Morra. I can’t say I’ve seen many elephant people.”

Jorak laughed. “Kenku. Morra is a loxo. Her kind comes from the Shaar - a wasteland of sand and grass to the east. She’s our leader here, when Gayrlana’s gone.”

“I imagine Gayrlana is this ‘Lady Bloodsword?’ And she’s put you in charge of the animals?” He let his eyes swim over the kenneled beasts. “You certainly know your way around them.”

“It happens, when you’re best friends with a beast.” He drew out a whistle and held it out to Aven. “Care to meet her?”

Aven took the whistle apprehensively and blew into it soundlessly.

He noticed too late that Jorak had stepped back twenty paces.

There was silence for but a moment. Then, right where he stood, a shudder vibrated the earth. Rumbling. The ground exploded, dirt and rocks spraying as a creature tore itself from the ground. It was utterly massive, easily as large as a small barn. A terrible armor plated, bullet shaped creature with a huge, snapping maw and short, powerful legs.

Aven fell back to the ground, eyes wide. “Holy hells…”

“That’s a good girl.” Jorak drew his hand over the creature’s beak. “This here’s Bella. She’s a bulette - or as you might understand it, a Land Shark.”

“Call me impressed,” Aven said. He heaved himself up from the dirt. “Here I thought sharing a bed with Kion was hard.”

“Any monster can be tamed with a bit of patience,” Jorak said. Sharp, black eyes skirted over and he grinned. “But in regards to that boy of yours, I wish you luck.”

Aven had been drawing his hand down Bella’s side when he choked on his saliva. “Excuse me?”

“Blonde, short, bossy, I’m sure you know which one.”

“You mean the small, mean boy who thinks he owns everything?” Aven huffed. “Definitely not my boy. I’m just stuck with him.”

“Oh, I’m sure. Is that why you’ve been at his side like a buck in heat?”

Aven’s cheeks burned furiously. “I- what?! I haven’t. He’s impossible. And a complete royal brat-”

He was cut off as the kenku burst into laughter. “What?!”

“Come here, boy. Let me show you something.”

Aven was beside himself with embarrassment. He lumbered after Jorak with a pout as the kenku led him towards the archery range. A fleet of gnolls fired at a ring of targets - one in particular standing out above the others. A female, she had a black feather tucked behind her ear, shaggy brows narrowed and her claws fired arrow after arrow, each sticking into the foreheads of three different targets in seconds.

“Roxsha!” Jorak called.

“Jorak!” The gnoll turned, giving a fanged grin. “There you are, you smelly bird brain, come here!”

Aven expected a hug. Perhaps a hand - claw? - shake. But certainly not a scathing kiss. Aven’s jaw dropped as the kenku was practically lifted off his feet, smooches dotted along his beak. “Who’s this fleshbag, Jorak?” Roxsha barked, setting the kenku back down. Jorak ruffled his feathers.

“This is Aven,” Jorak introduced. “Beast Tamer.”

“Beast Tamer, eh? Looks like you’ve got some competition, Jorak” Roxsha purred. Her eyes were lit with a bright, chaotic energy. She put out a furry, clawed hand. “Roxsha! Mindulgulph Scout, I make sure this one doesn’t get his hand bitten off and that he stays alive.”

“And soon to be wife,” Jorak noted.

“You two are getting… married?” Aven looked between the two. Physically, they couldn’t be any more different.

“Aye,” Jorak nodded. “I know what you’re thinking. A mangy mutt like this one and a grizzly old parrot? These two couldn’t possibly work! And yet..” The kenku looked to Roxsha who had returned to the archery targets. In a split second, she drew two arrows and let them both fly - each arrow hitting their marks perfectly. The forehead and the crotch.

“We do.” Jorak’s eye twinkled. “I think you two will do just fine.”

Aven grunted. “Okay, point made. But I’ll have you know he’d believe otherwise until it stabbed him in the eye.”

Jorak winked. “Best get to stabbing, then. You owe me a drink with the Company, in return for my wise wisdom.”

Aven laughed. “That’s a fair trade, Beast Master. I’ll be sure to see you then.”

In the meantime - he had to find Lucian and discuss these plans… especially since they now involved Aven marching headfirst into unknown danger. He waved goodbye to Jorak and Roxsha and picked his way across the training fields.

Staring was rude. It was common etiquette. Yet, Aven couldn’t help it. There were so many beasts and beings he’d never before seen. Men with the features of yaks training together with wickedly sharp axes, steam billowing from their nostrils as horns and blades collided. A pair of shaggy, yellow dogs teleported rampantly throughout the fields as they wrestled with one another. Scaly lizard folk hurled javelins at a target thirty feet away.

He’d accidentally wandered into an archery range being used by several gnolls who snarled at Aven to ‘get the fuck out of the way,’ and he apologized swiftly as he made his way towards the Fort.

If they were going to recover anywhere, he decided as he stood at the threshold, this was the place. The flat Amnian countryside went on for miles - any of these Mindulgulph would see an enemy coming for miles. The fortress itself was built of strong stone and constantly guarded by rounds of Mindulgulph.

And, as Aven soon realized, utterly massive. He hadn’t expected himself to get lost so quickly. Too stubborn to ask directions, he charged ahead until he hadn’t the faintest idea where he was. “Damn,” Aven murmured as he peered up and down the dark hall. Somehow, he’d managed to find himself below ground.

Flickering torches were mounted on the dressed stone walls, flanking empty cages. These must be the dungeons. Aven grimaced and lifted his hand against one of the cold, iron bars. But who were they used for…?

“I smell…. Cursed blood.”

Aven froze. He spun in the dark, eyes seeking out the metallic, raspy sounding voice. “Hello?” He called out. “Who’s there?”

Long, spindly legs dragged themselves from the darkness. A praying mantis-like creature pulled itself from the darkness of one of the emptied cages, massive eyes clouded white and blinded. “You come from afar.”

Aven shifted his weight nervously. “Who are you…?”

“Names….names are lost. Dust in the wind.” Its voice was like stone scraping across sandpaper. As it approached, Aven noticed one of its legs was severed at the knee, long since healed, and one of its hands were completely crushed. It moved unnaturally, sporadically - and like lightning, one of its pincer-like hands lashed out and grasped Aven’s hand. Their feelers dug into his skin, antennas twitching rampantly, big eyes devoid of emotion. “I see death in your hands.”

Aven’s eyes grew wide, paralyzed by the touch. “Death? Curse?” He forced himself to not yank his hand away. “What do you mean?”

The creature cocked its head. A soft series of clicks rapidly sounded from inside its clicking mandibles. “It comes soon.”

Both bug and barbarian jolted at the sound of steel being dragged across stone. “Away with you, insect!” A centaur approached, scraping a longsword across the wall. The insect-like being flinched away and skittered back into the darkness of the cell.

“Wait!” Aven whipped around to face the centaur. “What was that? It…it knew things!”

The centaur grabbed one of the torches. His lower body was a dusky grey stallion, coarse black hair pulled back in a thick braid. “Thri-kreen. Odd creatures, loads of… strange abilities. We call that one K’tall. Don’t mind what they say, they have dark omens for us all. He’s the only one that comes down here.”

Aven couldn’t shake his nerves. He stared after K’tall for a moment before he ran his hand through his hair. “I didn’t mean to intrude. I got lost.”

“Then perhaps it’s best you’re escorted out quickly.” Unlike the Mindulgulph Aven had met thus far - this one seemed none too pleased with his presence. His grey eyes searched Aven like he was best deciding in what direction he should be cut in half. “I’ll help you find your friend.”

Aven followed, looking back once more to catch blind, insectoid eyes watching him from the dark. He swallowed the knot in his throat and caught up with the centaur. “You don’t like me much. Is there any reason for it?”

“Do you expect every person you meet to like you?”

“No. I’m a slave, so the majority of people think I’m a waste of space. You just don’t seem the type to have such a mindset, so you must dislike me for another reason.”

“I could care little whether you wore gold or shackles. You are human.” The single word was spat with loathe. “Animals… beasts, I prefer them. They don’t behave like men. They fight to kill. They don’t sit and set their wits to devise ways of blighting the lives of others. Wherever you go, destruction follows. It is your way of life.”

“Fair enough.” There was something effortless in the way the barbarian accepted such intolerant hatred towards the human race. The edge of his lip lifted. “My best friend is a lion, so I can’t say I disagree with you. Humans are flawed and gross, and somehow manage to make their own people their most miserable enemies.”

The tension the centaur held in preparation for a retaliation was deflated. He glanced down to the human, a heavy brow arching. “Indeed. It seems we’ve both seen the worst of humans..” he trailed off as a wemic passed, slamming a door behind her.

“Ungrateful brat…splash me, he will,” she muttered under her breath, tail lashing to and fro angrily.

The centaur snorted. “Speaking of the worst.” He nodded to Aven, reared up and charged back down the chamber hall, anxious to escape the Prince’s wrath. Aven groaned, squeezing his eyes shut as he pushed his way into their shared room.

“I never said you could come in.” Lucian lounged on the bed, reading a map while a young gnoll stood nearby, nervously plucking a grape from a bowl to place in Lucian’s mouth.

Aven scowled at the sight. He looked to the gnoll with utmost sympathy. “You can go. I’ll handle him, you have far better things to be doing with your time.”

The gnoll glanced fretfully between the pair and nodded, easing out of the room. Aven took the tray and set it to the side. “I don’t need your permission to enter anywhere here. This is not your kingdom, and these are not your people. We’re guests.”

Lucian looked up with agitation. “Yes, but you’re still in servitude. Grape me.”

Aven took a deep breath. “Actually, my lord,” he said, lowering down by his side. He plucked a grape from the tray and placed it to Lucian’s lips. “You freed me of my servitude while you were desperate to feel our bodies close. I’m here willingly for you now.” He smirked and lowered down onto the bed beside him. “But if it makes you feel better, we can say otherwise. It seems you find me more desirable as your slave.”

Lucian’s eyes searched him. He leaned forward, slow, steady, until his lips tickled Aven’s ear. “I find you most desirable…” warm air brushed over Aven’s skin. “When you don’t smell of mangy fur.”

A single shove and Aven was sprawled out on the ground, head smacking against the rug. “Hey,” he groaned, sitting up and rubbing at his head. “If you want me to strip for a bath, all you have to do is ask nicely.”

“Clearly you don’t understand the nature of our relationship. I don’t ask, Aven. I take.”

“For a prince, you take very sparingly.” Aven heaved himself up next to Lucian once more. “And only if you know you can sever the strings that are attached.”

“That’s only natural. One doesn’t want to be tangled up like a ball of yarn.”

“But your whole body is full of strings.” Aven took up Lucian’s hand. “Your heart sits attached to millions that connect to every inch of your body.” His large finger fell to the center of the Prince’s palm, gradually moving up and down every finger before returning to it’s center. “They help you feel. They help you live.. You need them.”

Lucian scoffed. “A deep sentiment.” He didn’t pull away. His fingers curved around Aven’s. “Why waste your time with axes when you could be a scholar.”

Aven didn’t respond. He drew his fingers slowly over Lucian’s much smaller fingers, brows bumped together. “I want to be one of your strings.” He placed himself at Lucian’s mercy. “I get it. I’m..” he grimaced. “I’m nothing. Not a shred of possibility counts on me ever gaining anything lasting but…I’d gladly be a secret string you pull at to escape the weight of your birth right.”

For once, there was no scathing, mocking reply. “…these strings…I know of them. The connections you have with others that enrich our lives. But..” Lucian grit his teeth. “I’m sick of strings. I’m tired of being entwined with others. You are not the only one bound in chains, Aven.” Lucian pulled away, looking down at his hands as though he could see the shackles on his wrists. “I hold the weight of my country, my kingdom and every life within. The future of my family is on my shoulders.”

“Your obligation to your kingdom doesn’t concern me. I don’t care what you do. I care what you want to do, when eyes no longer press down upon you.” He hesitated. “Marry a princess or whomever the hell you want, then find me in your bed in the night.”

“You’re so complacent in being my mistress?”

“If that’s how I can hold your heart, then yes. I’d be complacent.”

Something about that struck Lucian. His eyes narrowed. He turned away from Aven and rubbed his face. His soft face was touched by golden twilight. “…you deserve more than pining after me in the night,” he muttered.

“It’s all I want.”

“It’s all you want,” Lucian repeated tiredly. “Fine,” he bit out.

Aven’s eyes widened as Lucian’s hands found his shoulders, pushing him down roughly to the bed. He hovered over, dark eyes searching his face. “Then you’re mine. You’ll do whatever I say. Fuck me. Fight for me. You may not have your chains, but you are now even more a slave to my will than ever before.” His eyes narrowed. “How does that make you feel?”

“How does it make me feel..?” Aven hesitated. “Content.”

“It makes my gut twist into knots.”

Aven frowned. Lucian pushed off of him and Aven’s eyes searched him, burning with confusion. “Why?”

“I don’t want to simply be your reason to keep moving forward every day,” he snapped. “I don’t want to be the beat of your heart. I want it to beat for itself, and help me get home.”

“And what if I told you that you inspire me to live for myself?”

“I’d call you a fool.”

Aven’s brows bumped together. He edged closer to the Prince. His dark hand pushed back golden strands of blonde hair. “…perhaps I am a fool,” he whispered. His thumb drew over Lucian’s temple. “But I am more awake and more alive than I have been in… a long time. I-”

He was cut off. Cut off by soft lips brushing his mouth. Aven’s eyes widened. His hands stilled. Lucian was kissing him. His eyes slid closed. His weight shifted until he leaned half over Lucian, blonde hair flowing out over soft pillows. His lips touched down. To kiss Lucian’s jaw. To kiss his cheek. To suck on his neck until a mark was left behind. Lucian exhaled, drawing his dainty fingers up Aven’s sides.

“Lucian,” Aven whispered, nosing down Lucian’s chest, pressing a kiss at his collarbone. “Wait..I need to ask a question.”

“What is it?”

“Why do you like me?”

“Who says I like you.”

Aven grinned. “Well,” he murmured. “It could be the way you are so tenderly holding my waist.”

“Perhaps I just want your cock.” Lucian paused as Aven pouted and the Prince grunted. “There can only be one pouting baby here, and that’s me.” He sat up and pushed his fingers through his hair. “…long version or short?”

Aven sat back, docile. “Long.”

“Of course,” Lucian muttered. He paused. “…to be honest, I barely know you, Aven. We’ve known one another for a short while. I saw you in the arena, found you attractive, purchased you and shit simply went sideways. But..” He paused. “…people have always gotten close to me for…a reason. They needed my resources, wanted my wealth, but you have never wanted..anything from me. You’ve protected and defended me. The Company of Null - you could have died.” He looked to Aven, eyes searching him furiously, demanding answers. “Why.”

“I don’t know,” Aven admitted. “I don’t know why I couldn’t leave you. I don’t know why I care for you now, but I do. Perhaps the same reason you couldn’t leave me. For some reason, my heart tells me you’re important."

"Of course I’m important,” Lucian smirked. “Who do you think you’re talking to? The real question is why someone like me could care about someone like you. And yet, here we are.”

Aven rolled over, playfully pinning the Prince beneath him.

“I beg to differ, you royal brat,” he said. “Your people kill my people. I have every right to hate you, but I don’t. In fact, a fucking bird man went zen lover on me over it."

"To be fair, your people just kill each other."

"No. Slaves help each other."

"Until they’re ordered to put a sword through their friend’s chest. Put two starved wolves in a cage, and they’re sure to tear each other to shreds.” Lucian’s hand pushed at Aven’s chest, rolling the man away to switch their positions. In moments, Lucian was on top, walking his fingers up his chest. “Perhaps that’s why you’ve survived, my lion.”

A breath passed over Aven’s lips. He let his head tilt to the side where the moon was rising over the mountains far in the distance. “For the longest time,” he murmured. “Survival has been my only goal. Then I decided, you were a better one."

"Don’t get sentimental. We are not a couple."

Aven could feel the vibration of his chest as he chuckled. "Of course not. How could I ever make that-"

He was silenced as Lucian pushed his jaw up, snapping his mouth closed. "There. Much better.” Lucian pushed himself off the bed to change.

Aven rolled onto his side to watch. Lucian all but glowed in the moonlight as he shed from his clothes into linen, like any other commoner. “You look good,” Aven complimented idly. “Definitely better than the silks."

"Oh? Have a taste for pig skin and cloth?” Lucian grunted. “I despise this place. Everywhere I go, there’s this inescapable aroma of wet fur and dog. I’ll be glad to leave. Once we acquire this ship they owe us, we’ll be back on our way towards home by noon tomorrow.”

Aven hesitated. He ignored the dull thud in his stomach. Home. He rolled over until he was on his back, staring up at the ceiling. “…then we best get to sleep, your highness,” he murmured. “We have a long day if we’re going to return to Aeliorn.”

“And one more thing.”

“Yes?”

Lucian eased down onto the bed beside Aven. "I’ll cuff you the next time your marks are visisble.“ He pointed to the bruise on his neck and Aven grinned.

"I don’t even remember giving you that,” he murmured with slight amusement.

“Don’t smile. This is serious. I can’t be a diplomat when I’m marked with debauchery."

Aven laughed. A light, warm sound as he pulled the Prince close to his chest. "All right. Deal.”