Chapter 23 - Gazelle Abound

Camlen, with an arm around Aven, lead him into a nearby barn and commanded him to lay down. Too tired to argue, Aven lay on a pile of hay, desperately trying to smother the smell of horse shit and animal fur. The horses were glancing over curiously, tails whipping back and forth.

“Let’s take a look at how bad this is,” Camlen murmured as he lit a nearby candle. The soft, golden light spilled over Aven’s back and Camlen hissed. “Gods…”

“How bad is it?”

“Uh… let’s just say, ‘bad.’” Aven could hear the sound of a cloth being dipped into a pail of water. “Sorry… this is going to hurt.”

Camlen wrung the water from the cloth. It sprayed across Aven’s back and he bit down on his tongue to avoid shouting out, crashing his face down onto the straw. His entire back was tense, knuckles white as they twisted into the straw.

By the time Camlen had finished, Aven’s back was raw with numbness. His face had fallen listlessly into the sand, and he could feel the mage’s fingers poking about as he cleaned the remaining lash wounds. “You’re going to have to stay off your feet for a little while…I mean.” Camlen smirked. “I know you won’t. But I would appreciate it if you would at least try.”

“Thank you.”

“It’s the least I can do,” Camlen murmured. “You saved my life.”

Aven lifted his gaze. Through the window and past starlight, he could see one of the towers of Lucian’s estate. “Believe it or not, I almost want to make a run for his room again."

“I know.” Camlen dragged the cloth along the lashes, apologizing under his breath as Aven jerked from his touch. “…Aven?”

“Yes?”

“Why him? He’s not…. He’s not like us. And look at what he’s done to you…”

“Trust me,” Aven murmured. “I suffered worse before he found me. And…” Aven returned his gaze to the tower. Through one of the windows, he could see Lucian’s silhouette milling about. "You don’t see him when he’s gentle,” Aven breathed out. “He’s just a scared boy with the world on his shoulders and no idea he can rule with love rather than fear and hate."

“A scared boy who’s capable of a lot of damage,” Camlen noted. He fastened a clean cloth around Aven’s back. “There…that should help.”

Aven snorted. "I know he is. So I need to get back to him as soon as possible. If he has no one by his side, he’ll never make it."

Camlen stared at Aven in exasperation. "If you go to him like this, then nothing will change.” Satisfied with his work, Camlen sat back. “So what do you plan to do?"

Aven fell quiet. His features were troubled. "I don’t know how to fix it. The only reason I was any good in Spellhold was ‘cause of him, and 'cause it was me conquering and destroying something. Without him…I…"

"That’s bullshit.” Camlen scooted forwards on his knees and grasped Aven’s hands. “You were a leader in there, Aven. Lucian… he’s smart and all but..it wasn’t him that got us out of Spellhold. It was you."

Aven shook his head. "Doesn’t change the fact that I don’t have a clue what to do. He’s almost as stubborn as I am. And I can’t imagine he’ll be very happy when he learns I’ve run."

"…maybe I can smuggle you in."

Aven snorted. "Excuse me?"

"Lucian’s planning on going to Halruaa soon,” he said.

“By ship. He’s having loads of crates being brought up to his room so he can inspect them! Maybe I can smuggle you into one of those crates!"

Aven chewed on his lip. "I don’t really see how you can smuggle a two hundred pound man in without anyone noticing but…. I’ll trust you. But I have to go to the Market, first."

"The Market? Whatever for?” Aven squeezed his fingers around the gold at his hip. The gold he was meant to spend to create a better life…. a life without Lucian. “There’s something I need to buy. Can you help me get there?"

“I suppose, but…. What in the nine hells do you need to buy?”

Aven pushed to his feet. The pain had him swaying and he threw his hand out to a nearby stable. “A compromise.”

——————————————————————–

“There’s no way you’re going to fit into this.”

Outside the estate’s walls, Aven and Camlen stared down skeptically upon the crate at their feet. It was larger than the others, yet Aven dreaded the idea of climbing in. “It’s the only way to get in,” he murmured, hugging his newly bought items to his chest. Both were bound in silk cloth, one longer and sleeker than the other.

“Well, you best get in,” Camlen poked his head around the stack of crates prepped and ready to be taken to the Prince’s room. “If someone catches you, it’s all over.”

Aven nodded. Laying his things down into the crate he climbed in, folding over and as soon as he was low enough, Camlen closed the crate overtop him - the wood crashing against his back. “Ow!” He hissed out.

“Sorry!” Camlen whispered. “Just… stay still, okay? You’ll be taken up soon!”

Aven heard the sound of Camlen’s retreating footsteps - and he was gone.

His back ached. His stomach ached. His entire body was hunched over and squashed together, with little air to breathe.

Two sets of boots approached. Aven braced himself, tensing as he felt the crate being lifted. “Gods,” one of the guards gasped out. “How much shit does one Prince need?!”

“Shut up, fool!” The other hissed. “Didn’t you see the slave from earlier? The Prince has an evil temper. Best we don’t linger, and deliver this straight away.” The crate smashed down onto a cart and Aven toppled from side to side, hands splayed against the sides of the crate as it began to move.

Every bump had his back pressing against the side of the crate. Flares of pain lashed down his back and he squeezed his eyes shut, trying desperately to drown it out. He could feel red as fresh blood began to trickle down his back as wounds opened.

Damn it. The things I do for this boy.

At last, he could hear the telltale sound of a door opening and he was being unloaded, set against the wall and another crate on top of him. Where was he? And where was-

“Have you found him, yet?”

Aven’s chest jumped. Lucian.

“I…I’m afraid we haven’t,” A guard said. “The rope lead down to the gardens, but when we looked-”

“Don’t bother me with your admission of failure. Find me when you have him. Now get out.”

The guards didn’t hesitate. As soon as the crates were unloaded, the door slammed shut and they were alone. Aven’s face was white. He was so sure the pounding of his heart would betray him - that Lucian would hear him. Yet, he only heard the creaking sounds of bed springs and a long, tired sigh.

Aven squeezed his eyes shut. Lucian, please forgive me.

“Aven?”

Aven’s entire body went cold. His gaze snapped up, stomach clenching. Did he say that out loud? No. Surely not. He pressed himself further against the edges of his crate as he heard Lucian push up from the bed.

Footsteps paced around the room. Slow, searching. Something suddenly burned through Aven’s veins and he jolted violently, head cracking against the top of the crate. It was like warm water running through his body, and immediately after he could see a flash of magic through the cracks of his crate.

Did he…. just feel Lucian’s magic?

No. That was impossible. How could he?

Aven heard another flash of magic past the crate. Felt the warmth flow through his body as it responded to Lucian’s magic…. But then something else. Something burning, something hot, something wild as it surged through him.

Wild magic.

He hadn’t the faintest idea what Lucian had been trying to cast. Only that it had gone awry. Hooves trampled in a panic across the room and he felt a shock like a hammer against his chest. Not his shock. Lucian’s.

Aven jumped upwards, head smashing against the top of the crate and he placed his palms against the top. Lucian?!

Aven!

Glass was smashing. Hooves were pounding against his crate. Aven’s palms pressed against the lid and pushed. Three crates stacked on top of his came crashing down and he tumbled from the crate - to see eleven gazelle bounding through the room.

Lucian cowered against the corner, hands in front of his face and arm bruised - perhaps from a stray, kicking hoof. The gazelles, the chaos, none of it mattered. The moment Lucian met his eyes, he felt his entire body grow cold, paralyzed with fear. Yet, still he moved.

He ducked and dodged flailing hooves and horns, collapsing against the door and wrenched it out. The moment he did - a perky little woman holding a pile of towels said, "Housekeeping!” Before promptly being trampled by a dozen hooves, knocking her against the wall unconscious. Screams echoed down the hall as the gazelles bounded through the manor, glass shattering and doors bursting open. As soon as the last gazelle had left - Aven slammed the door closed.

He was alone with Lucian. He practically shrank against the door, peering over his shoulder at the Prince.

Lucian’s shoulders heaved. His eyes were narrowed to slits and moonlight curved around his body as it spilled in through the balcony. “I thought you were gone."

Aven swallowed. His back was to the door, the pain heavily ignored. "To where?” he murmured. “The only reason I ran was because….” He decided better of it, trailing off and shook his head. “Please don’t call anyone on me."

"Because what.” Lucian marched forward until he was close enough to brush his warm breath over Aven’s chest. “Why the hell do you keep coming back?!"

Aven bowed his head, gaze skirting away. "You were sending me to a place I didn’t belong.”

“Aeliorn is your home. It’s where I bought you. And with the gold I’ve given, you would have been wealthy enough to travel the world."

"No!” Aven flinched. “No… it’s… it’s not my home. Never was. The only place I felt safe was with…with…"

"What. Me?"

"Yes, you. We both know gold means nothing to me. I’m not some aimless traveler. I have to have… a purpose."

"Then what is your purpose.” The question was a challenge, daring the answer out of Aven.

“…you.”

Lucian’s eyes searched Aven. Then, they flickered down. Gentle hands took Aven’s shoulders and turned him until he had full view of his back. Aven’s shoulders jerked as he felt bandages being stripped away. Lucian was silent for a long moment, staring at his handiwork. “Safe,” he mused acidly before pushing Aven back to the wall. “Love really is blind."

"Do you really hate me this much..?”

The question, so blunt, so obvious, stunned Lucian into silence. He stared at Aven before dragging his gaze away, grinding his teeth. “…no."

"Then let me start over,” Aven begged. He grasped Lucian’s hands, and the boy recoiled. “Take me on as whatever you want, and give me a chance to make things right. Please….you don’t have to love me. You don’t have to even care for me, or give me all you have. Just please…don’t make me leave."

With every word that poured out of Aven’s mouth, Lucian’s face grew tighter and tighter. He moved his hand, like he intended to strike Aven before, with a roar, swept his arm to the side, smashing a goblet off the table. It shattered across the ground, glass spraying and Lucian spun on his heel, trudging over to the balcony. His pale fingers tugged on his silver locks, the other hand grasping the railing until his knuckles were white. "You stupid, dense barbarian,” he hissed.

Aven’s teeth bit down on his lip. “…perhaps you’re my only education, after all,” he murmured, moving towards the crate.

“That sounds a lot like brainwashing."

"I’m not so sure. I’ve learned a lot with you. And there’s times where you’re as ignorant as I am.” He pulled the two wrapped objects from the crate and unfurled one. “Your gold was well spent."

Lucian glanced over, and his eyes widened, staggering backwards. "Aven!” He snapped. The golden torc, identical to the last, glittered in the moonlight. “You can’t be serious. I gave you that gold to start a new life!"

Aven thumbed the torc. "I got this for you. I… I know I hurt you. I abused the power that I was given to heal. And I want you to have it. To show that I will trust you with it.” His fingers trembled around the torc. “I don’t regret using it… but I do regret hurting you. I regret leaving you to wake up alone without me. To face Morra and the Mindulgulph. You’re cruel to them because they let it happen, aren’t you?"

Lucian took the gift from Aven and ran his thumb along its edge. "Yes."

"I would have cut them all down had they stopped me… you’re right. I was crazed. I couldn’t stand the thought of walking this earth without you. Without purpose, and without hope for the people of Aeliorn."

“Hope?”

Lucian lifted his gaze. And for but a moment, Aven could feel a surge of emotion rush through him. Anger. Affection. Hurt. Then, Lucian took the torc in hand, spun around - and hurled it as far as he could where it splashed into the sea.

Aven surged forward, grasping the rails and watched the gold sink beneath the surface into the water. He spun on Lucian. “Why did you do that?”

"I hate that thing.” Lucian hugged himself, leaning against the balcony railing. Braided hair tumbled down his back and he exhaled. “You bought it under the assumption that one of us was eventually going to get hurt. You sacrificing yourself for me. Me sacrificing myself for you. How about…. neither of us get hurt. Why can’t that be an option?"

Aven paused. “Well,” he said, moving back towards the crate. “If neither of us are going to get hurt…. Sounds like you’ll be needing something to protect yourself.”

“And what’s that?” Lucian said, eyeing the wrapped thing skeptically.

“You lost your sword in the tower’s fall.” Aven delicately unwrapped the blade. “I figured you could use a replacement.”

Breath fell from Lucian’s lips in a gasp.

It was a weapon of the most exquisite make. Made entirely of silver, the elongated blade of the rapier misted over with the arcane chill of frost. The guard and pommel were shaped eloquently into that of a swan - elegant and beautiful. As Lucian took it into his hand, leveling the weapon out, it fit perfectly in his hand. Crafted just for him. "Aven, this is so beautiful,” he whispered. He lunged forward in a series of lightning fast jabs and thrusts and as he twirled about, raking the tip down a curtain it froze over where the blade touched.

“I know I shouldn’t ride on gifts for forgiveness,“ Aven murmured. "I just… want a chance to earn it."

Lucian drew his gaze up from the rapier with an arched brow. “You want… my forgiveness.” His eyes flickered to the man’s back and as Aven swayed on his feet, the rapier clattered to the ground and Lucian moved to support him. “Come here, you dumb brute,” he murmured. “Let’s try and alleviate your wounds a bit…”

He guided Aven over towards the bed and laid him down on his stomach. Aven sank into the warm covers and pillows, flinching as Lucian trickled water across his back. "Hurts,” he grunted.

“Of course it hurts. You took nearly thirty lashes.”

Lucian’s hands glowed with magic and cool fingers touched his wounds. Aven recoiled from the touch, flinching and buried his teeth into the blankets to stop himself from making a sound. Slowly, a bit of the pain ebbed away.

The room was utterly silent. No apologies. No words. Even Lucian was utterly silent as he tended to his back, content in the quiet. Aven glanced backwards, even the tiniest shred of healed skin providing waves of relief. “Is it too early to gripe that you look like you haven’t eaten a full meal in a day?"

Lucian purposefully slit his nail across one of his lash wounds. "Yes.” He continued tending to Aven’s shoulder who grumbled.

“Fair enough. I wonder how easily people will take this as a very blown out lover’s quarrel."

"I’m fairly certain most of the people here now assume I’m an evil prince who just left you for dead. They’re not totally wrong.” Lucian pulled away. Even the simplest feat of magic had rivulets of sweat dripping down his face, the colour drained from his features. Aven could feel the wave of exhaustion rolling off of him and with a frown, he raised his head to watch Lucian massage his temples.

“You’re weaker."

"You could say that."

"Was it because of me…?"

Lucian’s fingers drew down his face tiredly. “There were complications in bringing you back,” he said simply. “I met with a powerful efreeti - a djinn. He said you couldn’t be brought back because there was a…. Hold on your soul. Nothing to tether. So I had to create that tether. And I used my mana.”

“Your mana….” Aven’s brows furrowed. “So… your life force?”

“That’s right.” Lucian paused. “I think it may have connected us.”

“Connected us?”

Lucian flushed and laid back on his bed. “Do you know what a familiar is, Aven?”

“Somewhat. It’s a magical animal that follows a mage about, is it not?”

“A familiar is a mage’s companion. They can be brought into the world through a number of ways. Perhaps they were a simple animal found by the mage, only to be awakened and given sentience. Perhaps they were created entirely by the Weave. Either way - familiars have a tether to their mage. They’re connected…” he paused. “Lately… I’ve been sensing you. Your emotions, your thoughts..” he grimaced. “Your pain. It took everything I had not to crumble when you were…"

Aven’s face couldn’t get any redder. His hands clenched into fists. ”…I could feel you casting.“

The news didn’t seem to bring Lucian any joy. He groaned and rolled over. "Fantastic."

Aven was quiet as he recalled the sensation. "Does it always feel like that?"

"Yes.” Lucian pushed himself up, elbows sinking into the bed. He reached out, paused, and drifted his fingers down the man’s back, eliciting a light shudder. “…I wish you would have just..left. It would have made things so much easier."

"I think my fear of leaving was greater than anything."

"I didn’t do it because I hate you.” The words were firm, and Lucian’s grip on Aven’s hand even firmer, as though Aven believing those words mattered more than anything else. “I knew you wouldn’t leave, otherwise. You still didn’t. I thought if I could give you a reason…. you’d go home."

Something stirred deep inside Aven. A warmth that fluttered in his stomach. He drew Lucian’s chin up to look him in the eye, his other hand resting on his cheek. ”…I did go home.“

Lucian’s expression of stone cracked into pieces. Tears welled in his eyes and with a muster of strength shoved Aven away and drew his knees into his chest. He hid his face, shoulders trembling and a hand curving so tightly into his hair Aven feared he might rip out blonde locks. "Shit,” Lucian laughed, an ugly sound ripping from his throat.

The tears fell like acid on Aven’s skin, burning worse than the lashes ever could. In an instant he moved forward, forgetting himself and his arms wrapped around Lucian. “What is it..?"

"You said earlier that I didn’t have to love you. To care for you and give you all I had.” Lucian’s voice scraped out like sandpaper. A hand shot out, twisted into Aven’s collar and dragged him close. “I tried to send you away because I- because I…” the words died. With his fingers still wrapped in his collar he leaned forward until his head was against Aven’s chest, shoulders trembling.

Aven said not a word. Held still by surprise and confusion, he pulled Lucian closer into his arms, keeping his body from shaking itself apart, heads together. It’s okay, his thoughts rang out past the sobs in his arms. I’ve got you.

Slowly, the sobs ebbed away to shudders, then trembles as Lucian settled in his arms, calming to the sound of Aven’s shushes and delicate brushes down his back in soothing, circular motions. Lucian’s hand pressed to Aven’s cheek. His head tilted upwards to stare at the man, a stray tear clinging at the corner of his eye. “Kiss me,” he whispered.

Aven’s heart skipped over the request. A breath caught in his throat and hands eased Lucian closer. Lips fell, head casting down until they were pressed to Lucian’s, the salty sweetness of tears meeting his taste buds.

Lucian whimpered into his mouth, one hand at Aven’s back, avoiding the raw, sensitive lashes and the other twisted into Aven’s hair. Even an inch of space between them was too far a distance.

The captured breath fluttered away in a flash of warmth against the kiss. Aven’s body melted and molded to fit the smaller figure pressing snuggly into him and for a moment all he could feel was his chest swelling with a feeling of ease. The first in a while.

“Don’t ever do that again,” Lucian whispered. “Survival…. it means nothing if…..if…” His eyes closed. Aven could hear his thoughts in his head, as clear as any spoken word. If we have to do it alone.

“I…” His large, strong hands lifted to take Lucian’s face, deepening the kiss. There was no longer a need to say such tender things. Then we’ll do it together. I promise… and this one, I’ll keep.

Lucian leaned until his back touched the bed, the shift of weight lowering Aven down to press his chest softly atop Lucian’s. Slim legs curved around Aven’s hips, pulling him close as arms coiled around his neck. Never had kisses been so desperate. Tongue slid against tongue, fingers grabbed and pulled and tugged.

All Aven could feel was warmth. He wanted this. Needed this. He felt as though he’d been apart from Lucian for years.

The rarest of sounds spilled from Lucian’s lips. Lips met Aven’s neck, fingers ever gentle when brushing Aven’s back. The soft whimper was met with a rumbling groan in Aven’s throat, face buried to blonde locks and his hands moved around Lucian’s bare back and hugged him closer, pulling him partially off the bed and against his frame.

“Aven.” The word echoed from Lucian in a whisper. He gripped Aven close, terrified to let him go… when he looked over the man’s shoulder, and his eyes widened. Aven turned. A mindulgulph soldier stood, stunned and staring.

"Did you even knock?!“ Aven snapped.

"I-I thought…” the Mindulgulph stammered, looking between the Prince and Aven. Until he met Lucian’s steel cold gaze. The Mindulgulph shied away. “Apologies my l-lords. I’ll er… call off the search, then."

The door closed.

Lucian and Aven looked back to one another before tumbling into a fit of giggles. Lucian pushed Aven off, fastening his hair back into its ponytail and Aven rubbed the back of his neck.

"Searching for me?” He asked with a growing smirk. “How angry were you?"

"I hoped they wouldn’t find you,” Lucian admitted, pulling his silver blonde hair through the band. “I hoped you were on the closest ship and sailing… wherever."

"I slept in a barn. And all I could think about was you and the last time we were in a barn."

"I recall being very pissed off about it, as well.”

“Yes, you had a temper tantrum and destroyed things.”

He paused. "But you revealed to me that night that you were worth more than I thought."

"What do you mean..?”

“At first, you seemed like you were just like every other noble and slave owner. But then… that night you weren’t anymore. I saw a glimpse of someone I’d fight for.”

Lucian’s thoughts betrayed him with a flood of unchecked emotion. “Seeing you dead,” he whispered. “I would have given up everything I owned to see you take another breath. My throne. My crown…anything."

Aven stared at Lucian. For a moment - he was stalled, frozen in place by the beauty before him. Blonde locks that floated around soft, ethereal features, as though he were floating amongst clouds and his face still held the hints of red from earlier tears. There is nothing comparable to the beauty I find within you. His thought hovered between them for a moment before his lips reacted."You won’t have to worry about such things again,” he murmured. “I won’t die for you. I’ll live for you… with you."

They were lost in the bliss. Blinded, deafened. Lips met once more, pressing to one another. Perfect. Everything was perfect. Even with the pain that still ripped down his back, Aven might have cried from pure, elated joy….

When he heard Lucian gasp and jerk forward as a crossbow bolt cut through the muscles of his shoulder.

Two leather clad figures materialized crouched on the balcony, aiming straight for them.

Aven moved fast. Grabbing Lucian, he ripped them both to the ground behind the bed and Lucian grunted, flinching in pain as he landed on his shoulder. "Are you all right?!” Aven gasped.

“Fucking perfect,” Lucian snarled.

“Kill the spare,” one of the masked figures commanded.

Aven lifted his head - and his stomach wrenched in a sudden fit of terror. Ebon black armor, runes coiling down their bodies with soft glows…. and a symbol of a mage’s glove, wrapped in suffocating, barbed chains.

The Company of Null had returned.