[feuglace]

Independent, Private && Heavily Selective FFXIV Multimuse. Follows back from @rothalion​.

Rules Muses

[feuglace]

@ferrumumbra sent: "I jus' love y' so much n' y' always so busy n' working y'self so hard..." Auris voice was shaken, his grip around his love tightening. "-- n' I ge' so worried n' I don' wan' y' workin' y'self t' death because I can't be wi'out y'..."

Stephanivien paused, blinking; he hadn't realized just how much his old habits had affected Auri. The man was often quiet about it, and while Stephan tried to at least tame his old behaviour he still just as often fell into his workaholic habits that left him without rest for long spans of time, sometimes even finding sleep impossible when he had the time. A sigh brushed passed lips, his arms only tightening around Auri and head bowing.

"I knew not that this was how you felt," he murmured gently, ears twitching downward. A tinge of guilt gnawed at him; perhaps he should have so much as considered how Auri may feel about his habits - it wasn't as though he was unaware that they were bad. "I apologize for making you worry so, 'twas never my intention. Truly, I intended the opposite... but I have not been very proactive in reigning in the bad habits I have long been aware of. While 'tis not easy, I do not wish to make you worry. I love you with all my heart and soul, Auri, and would certainly prefer to stay around long enough to spend every second I have at your side."

He bent, leaning to nuzzle the bridge of his nose to Auri's forehead. A small smile lifted his lips, brows lightly furrowed.

"I could never be without you either, my dear. Come, it seems a vacation is well overdue; mayhap I can take some time off from here on to recuperate, aye?"

[feuglace]

@ferrumumbra sent: He's been watching Stephan rather intently all day from his usual spot atop crates, only dismounting when there was something he could do. As all grew quieter however, the wretch quietly paced across the floor of the manufactory, waited until whatever was in Stephan's hand was no longer and slipped himself between elezen and workbench so to wrap arms around his waist and busy his face to his chest. "Can we cuddle, now-? Are y' done...?" It's unlike him, to ask so outright and yet the tone of his voice, laced with a wobble, speaks absolute volumes.

The day was slow and droning, much of it spent moving back and forth to sort and stock up on the materials and tools that had been delivered just that morning. Time was a blur despite this, Stephanivien not quite recalling what he had managed since dropping the last crate of steel upon the floor of the Manufactory.

Before long, much of the activity within the building has died down with many taking their leave for the evening, leaving Stephanivien to finish the last bit of clean-up after his own insistence. He placed down a box on the counter with a huff. In what time it took for him to brush a forearm across his forehead and step back, a figure was suddenly stood between himself and the counter. A brow quirked, smile soon brightening his face in swift recognition; barely a second would pass ere he wrapped his arms around Auri in return.

"Hmm..?" he questioned, eyes fluttering shut as he indulged in the closeness of his dearest. He paused, a low chuckle shaking his shoulders. "Of course, my dear. I'm sure what is left can be handled come to morn'," he added, peeking down at the other. He tilted his head down, pressing a kiss to dark hair with a hum.

"Is ought the matter? 'Tis admittedly unlike you to be so forward." There was a hint of concern to his tone, a hand lifting to brush fingers delicately through Auri's hair; there was nothing Stephanivien wouldn't do for Auri.

[sanctummiles]

@feuglace asked: [ PRESS ]:     sender nestles back against the receiver, pressing backwards so that they’re snug against one another. //Silv x Guerrique mayhaps? (: MEME; 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 𝐃𝐎𝐍𝐄 𝐖𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐄 𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐎𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆’ 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐓𝐒.

Dozing - but not yet asleep, Guerrique finds his thoughts moving from all variety of subjects; his life, his choices, all that had lead him up to that very point; his company, too. Quite at what point that Silv' had weaselled his way past his stoical exterior and into the hidden mush beneath, Guerrique didn't know, but he couldn't deny that he very much cared for the fellow.

Old habits died hard, however, and even now did he find it difficult to trust so openly, so outwardly; and thus became the reason as to why he hadn't fallen asleep, for that night he was not alone.

Eyes pried open upon feeling movement, furrowed brows remaining as he was shuffled against and yet he chose to not speak a single word. No, instead, Guerrique remained entirely quiet, exhaled once through his nose and then simply closed his eyes once more - - letting himself relax as much as he was able to given the circumstances but eventually he relented and rested an arm over Silv's waist and pressed his face into the back of his neck.

Perhaps it wouldn't matter if he closed his eyes for just a moment or so---

[sanctummiles]

"Hm- 't is a trait that I've always had." To run warm, naturally, was useful in a rather chilling climate - something in which he had never paid much attention to. Now, however, his mind lurked upon it for but only a moment ere it returned to the sights before him and the horrible sensation of exhaustion that was always pitted deep in his bones.

"It makes a change---" Not often did he gaze up towards the heavens but when he did, he oft found himself wondering if there was anything up there having influence on what happened upon their star. Such thoughts easily moved to Halone, what she may now think of him after the disaster behind him... and whether or not he had somehow cursed himself.

"--but we ought not linger out here too long, unless you'd like to catch a chill, that is."

[feuglace]

"A lucky trait, it seems," Silvaire remarked, chuckling gently. He breathed a soft, content sigh, eyes fluttering closed a moment. "... At times I wonder if my ancestry still deeply influences me, even despite having lived within these territories for so long. Mine own body believes we should be more tropical," he joked, laughing. His eyes open, flicking up to peer at Guerrique with a brightening smile. "I'm truly not built for the cold."

His gaze lingered upon Guerrique's visage for a moment longer before shifting to stare up at the sky, stars twinkling bright overheard and the moon casting bright enough light upon them to see clearly despite the late night. Since the Calamity hit much of Coerthas was frequently cast in darkness and grey leaving much to be desired; on those occasions where the stars could clearly be seen Silvaire liked to watch them for a time. To spend that time alongside someone he so admired made the moment that much more special.

As he spoke, Silvaire twitched a long ragged ear. Admittedly even with the warmth Guerrique gave off he could not help the light shiver brought on by the cold creeping down to the bone; it seemed no matter the layers he could not fight off that chill so well at times. He sighed, brows lightly furrowing but smile still lingering.

"Alas, as much as I would like for that to be false I fear you are correct. I would rather go without illness if I can help it," he sighed, shrugging his shoulders. He pouted gently, albeit playful as he spoke again, "Although I hope that even without the excuse of cold, you will still allow me to indulge in such closeness.

[congregenturanimarum]

"Liar-" He whispered, the cheeky smile upon his expression turning to a lithe smirk. Ilya adored being a tease, a torment, but that wasn't to say that he didn't actually mean the underlying tones he was suggesting. Would he get into a hot shower with his boss? Absolutely.

"'T is unfortunate there is little time but---" Ilya remained close, close enough in fact to turn his head enough that his lips near met one of Stephan's ear; "We could always remedy that later on, hm-?"

For the moment, he did drop his gaze enough to make certain he was still cleaning up his company; rubbing away the soot with the wet rag. it wasn't ideal, no, but it would be just enough to keep Rowena off of their backs - - - - or so one could hope.

"Now... get that shirt on before we run out of time and brush your hair-"

[feuglace]

It was rare to fray Stephanivien's nerves so much as Rowena did, and yet still did he manage an unfettered smile and cordial response to any question or statement she made. Occasionally he would catch himself with a deep breath, stifling his frustrations ere he continued his reports and answering - praying for the time to pass faster yet feeling all but stagnated instead. When she finally took her leave, he too was rendered utterly exhausted.

The doors shut and his face fell, lips pulled into a frown and eyes clearly showing a level of exhaustion only his most restless of nights could replicate. He made a point to halt production for the day, bidding those within shut down their stations and clean up to allow time for Rowena to mayhap exit the city; he certainly did not want to hear back regarding such an early closing of the Manufactory.

Stephanivien himself wandered to the front counter, leaning forward with his hands pressed to its surface and his head hung in exhausted defeat. He closed his eyes, exhaling a heavy sigh.

"Mayhap we ought bring a few bottles," he finally said, peeking over towards Ilya. He flashed a tired smile. "My prospectometer shows that but a few drinks may not be enough to recover this time."

[congregenturanimarum]

"Liar-" He whispered, the cheeky smile upon his expression turning to a lithe smirk. Ilya adored being a tease, a torment, but that wasn't to say that he didn't actually mean the underlying tones he was suggesting. Would he get into a hot shower with his boss? Absolutely.

"'T is unfortunate there is little time but---" Ilya remained close, close enough in fact to turn his head enough that his lips near met one of Stephan's ear; "We could always remedy that later on, hm-?"

For the moment, he did drop his gaze enough to make certain he was still cleaning up his company; rubbing away the soot with the wet rag. it wasn't ideal, no, but it would be just enough to keep Rowena off of their backs - - - - or so one could hope.

"Now... get that shirt on before we run out of time and brush your hair-"

[feuglace]

He sighed once more albeit with the hints of a smile and a momentary flourish of fading red. He followed Ilya's lead, brushing hands over the front of his shirt as he walked. Lips parted to reply only for his voice to be abruptly cut short with the slamming of the doors, eyes narrowing and a light scowl touching his lips. Ah, she was here and already providing unwanted distraction to those who still worked. Stephanivien gritted his teeth, only pausing to glance towards Ilya. He relaxed an ilm, allowing Ilya to distract him a moment to ease his growing tension.

"Aye, count me in," he breathed, mayhap a tad too quickly. Regardless, he soon smiled brightly and began his decent to the main floor, voice boisterous as ever as he spread arms in greeting.

"Ah, Rowena! How glad I am to see you. As you can see we are hard at work; the orders for this week are nearly complete!"

[congregenturanimarum]

"Liar-" He whispered, the cheeky smile upon his expression turning to a lithe smirk. Ilya adored being a tease, a torment, but that wasn't to say that he didn't actually mean the underlying tones he was suggesting. Would he get into a hot shower with his boss? Absolutely.

"'T is unfortunate there is little time but---" Ilya remained close, close enough in fact to turn his head enough that his lips near met one of Stephan's ear; "We could always remedy that later on, hm-?"

For the moment, he did drop his gaze enough to make certain he was still cleaning up his company; rubbing away the soot with the wet rag. it wasn't ideal, no, but it would be just enough to keep Rowena off of their backs - - - - or so one could hope.

"Now... get that shirt on before we run out of time and brush your hair-"

[feuglace]

If his face could possibly turn a deeper shade of red it likely would have, the whispered word earning a strangled gasp from the machinist.

He blinked as Ilya continued, confusion melting into realization into further embarrassment. What with all he was feeling that moment he felt rather unprofessional and even indecent, a shaky hand raking through his hair beneath his headgear.

"If but I had time for a cold shower," he muttered to himself, waving a dismissive hand and furrowing his brows as his head tilted. Instead he focused on the task at hand, one hand pulling off his headgear while the other reached out to snatch the shirt indicated. Haphazardly he threw it on, swiftly buttoning the garment - with albeit a slight bit of trouble and one fewer buttons done up. His belt of tools was stolen from his own discarded attire, fastened to his hips err he tore free his hair tie. Golden locks fell over his shoulders, fingers raking through what knots he could in an effort to tidy himself. He pulled it back once more, tying back the majority tight once more.

"Satisfactory?" he breathed, slumping his shoulders. Admittedly a part of him was glad he had forgotten, as while Ilya's shirt wasn't as comfortable as he would like it was far better than requiring the colours of his House - always laid with furs and silks fitted too perfectly, too proper. He shuddered at the thought; each time he was made to wear such things he wished to melt into the very stone.

[feuglace]

He tenses abruptly at Ilya's answer, lips just barely parting and face swiftly taking on a much paler tone.

"Rowena - today? By Halone - I have completely forgotten!!" he exclaimed, hands gripping either side of his head. He frowned, glancing down at himself. Luckily for his timing he had cared to shower the night before and had taken some time to tinker before starting up the forge, but his attire was far from suitable to Rowena's tastes compared to Ilya-

His speeding thoughts screeched to a halt at Ilya's remark, wide eyes blinking and flicking to meet Ilya's gaze.

"... Truly? Why, who else could the effort be for?" he asked, dumbfounded and mayhap a little curious. Hopeful, maybe? Nay, that was much too far. At least for the time being his posture eased with such distraction, panic fading to focus on company.

[feuglace]

Stephan paused. It was the truth; Ilya never shied away from speaking the truth regardless of how harsh the truth may be. He has been blunt even to Stephanivien in the past - yet never had he claimed him as a burden. Stephanivien hummed quietly.

"'Tis not like you to lie or stay quiet just to save another's feelings," he acknowledged with a nod, a light smirk curling his lips. Stephan exhaled a shaky breath as company rubbed away the soot from his face, eyes peeking towards Ilya on occasion only to flit away quickly.

His ears perked, body leaning back in a mirror of Ilya's own motion.

"Why, I am perfectly of sound mind!" he exclaimed, shaking his head. Even despite his outburst he could not help the audible gasp that followed as Ilya stepped so much closer, cloth moving down his chest. He shivered and dropped his gaze again, the redness returning with a vengeance.

"A-ah, I know not what you mean," he lied, unconvincing.

[feuglace]

He tenses abruptly at Ilya's answer, lips just barely parting and face swiftly taking on a much paler tone.

"Rowena - today? By Halone - I have completely forgotten!!" he exclaimed, hands gripping either side of his head. He frowned, glancing down at himself. Luckily for his timing he had cared to shower the night before and had taken some time to tinker before starting up the forge, but his attire was far from suitable to Rowena's tastes compared to Ilya-

His speeding thoughts screeched to a halt at Ilya's remark, wide eyes blinking and flicking to meet Ilya's gaze.

"... Truly? Why, who else could the effort be for?" he asked, dumbfounded and mayhap a little curious. Hopeful, maybe? Nay, that was much too far. At least for the time being his posture eased with such distraction, panic fading to focus on company.

[feuglace]

A bashful smile follows the light tease, another shrug of his shoulders following.

"Ah, but I merely wish not to become a burden," he admitted, "yet if you are so determined then the aid is appreciated." He cleared his throat, gaze dropping to the floor as Ilya stood and approached him. He twitched an ear, each step closer flaring the butterflies in his stomach. He focused on the sound alone, eyes avoiding Ilya completely as his nerves intensified to the point of barely keeping track of the rate of his own breathing. When the cloth touched his cheek he jumped a little, eyes flicking up to lock with Ilya's. He held his gaze for a moment before dropping it again; if only he could be near as confident and forward as Ilya was. Was he being forward? It was but a jest, of course... right?

Stephanivien took a deep breath.

"The altitude - it must be getting to me," he wheezed, a lie so foolishly obvious to any who had grown up within Ishgard; a single story higher was lo to cause any adverse effects.

[feuglace]

He tenses abruptly at Ilya's answer, lips just barely parting and face swiftly taking on a much paler tone.

"Rowena - today? By Halone - I have completely forgotten!!" he exclaimed, hands gripping either side of his head. He frowned, glancing down at himself. Luckily for his timing he had cared to shower the night before and had taken some time to tinker before starting up the forge, but his attire was far from suitable to Rowena's tastes compared to Ilya-

His speeding thoughts screeched to a halt at Ilya's remark, wide eyes blinking and flicking to meet Ilya's gaze.

"... Truly? Why, who else could the effort be for?" he asked, dumbfounded and mayhap a little curious. Hopeful, maybe? Nay, that was much too far. At least for the time being his posture eased with such distraction, panic fading to focus on company.

[feuglace]

It felt as though Ilya had been away for but a second when those doors swung back open and he came marching right back up the stairs, bucket in hand. Stephanivien sighed heavily, biting his lip in his hesitation. Well, it wasn't as though it were abnormal for him to forgo a shirt... the difference being that Ilya in particular was actually watching this time. Ah - even if the colour to his features had faded they were right back to their vibrancy in response to his company's comments.

"Aye, well... if 'tis less than a bell I fear time is of the essence," he breathed, shaking his head. With that, he worked to loosen the belt around his waist. He followed up with unbuttoning his vest, his shirt soon to follow and expose his ample chest. He swore he could feel eyes on him - but maybe he was imagining the intensity. He pulled his arms free of his sleeves, allowing the garments to fall into a pool around his feet to be picked up later; they needed a wash soon anyway. He glanced up, shrugging taut shoulders and reaching to rub the back of his neck.

"You know, if you would prefer I can certainly clean myself," he pointed out, clearing his throat.

[feuglace]

He tenses abruptly at Ilya's answer, lips just barely parting and face swiftly taking on a much paler tone.

"Rowena - today? By Halone - I have completely forgotten!!" he exclaimed, hands gripping either side of his head. He frowned, glancing down at himself. Luckily for his timing he had cared to shower the night before and had taken some time to tinker before starting up the forge, but his attire was far from suitable to Rowena's tastes compared to Ilya-

His speeding thoughts screeched to a halt at Ilya's remark, wide eyes blinking and flicking to meet Ilya's gaze.

"... Truly? Why, who else could the effort be for?" he asked, dumbfounded and mayhap a little curious. Hopeful, maybe? Nay, that was much too far. At least for the time being his posture eased with such distraction, panic fading to focus on company.

[feuglace]

Lips part to protest only to snap shut; if his eyes could widen any further they may have popped from their sockets. His ears wiggled slightly at the wink, Stephanivien wordlessly sputtering and looking away. His footsteps became more of a clumsy stumble, free hand teaching out to brace himself against the wall in fear of his legs becoming jelly.

"A-ah," he stammered, gently chewing his lip, "Aye... ah, of course. So long as it covers."

Princess. He bit back an ambiguous noise, the sound strangled in his throat. His ears grew hot to the touch, his fluster tinting his very throat red and tapering across his chest in splotches of colour. His heart pounded in his ears and in his chest, butterflies fluttering in the pit of his stomach. He registered the touch quickly, skin sensitive to the touch, and leaned slightly into it. He took a slow, deep breath in an effort to calm himself, exhaling through his nose and attempting again.

Regardless of his efforts he found Ilya incredibly distracting.

[feuglace]

He tenses abruptly at Ilya's answer, lips just barely parting and face swiftly taking on a much paler tone.

"Rowena - today? By Halone - I have completely forgotten!!" he exclaimed, hands gripping either side of his head. He frowned, glancing down at himself. Luckily for his timing he had cared to shower the night before and had taken some time to tinker before starting up the forge, but his attire was far from suitable to Rowena's tastes compared to Ilya-

His speeding thoughts screeched to a halt at Ilya's remark, wide eyes blinking and flicking to meet Ilya's gaze.

"... Truly? Why, who else could the effort be for?" he asked, dumbfounded and mayhap a little curious. Hopeful, maybe? Nay, that was much too far. At least for the time being his posture eased with such distraction, panic fading to focus on company.

[congregenturanimarum]

"Yes, today- In a little over an hour, in fact, but one can presume she shall be early." A single shoulder rolled backwards, nonchalant, though the smile upon his expression remained, as did his gaze upon his company. "My shirt is hanging upstairs, clean- it ought fit you; but you'll have to get that soot off of your skin first, you filthy animal."

A dark brow quipped, his expression all too easily read as teasing upon his remark but he said naught more of it - simply allowed the suggestion to be clearer ere he moved to grasp Stephan's wrist and headed towards the stairs;

"Come on- I'll grab a bucket of water and a rag, we'll have you cleaned up quickly enough."

[feuglace]

Likely he had been preoccupied upon the initial news, such information going in one ear and out the other. He had been under the assumption that he would go uninterrupted that day as to focus on the work Rowena si demanded and yet...

He huffed, shaking his head as he tugged at the fingers of his gloves to free his hands. Stephan tossed them aside haphazardly, the bundle of thick leather landing upon the counter only moments before Ilya spoke once more. Stephanivien turned his head to stare at Ilya, that pale colour to his face once more burning scarlet.

"A bucket and - by Halone I hope you do not plan for me to bathe with a bucket," he protested. Despite this train of thought he followed Ilya without struggle, wrist slack in Ilya's grip as he stumbled dumbstruck behind.

"Are you certain your shirt will fit me? It might be better to remain within my current attire..." He furrowed his brows, glancing around as they reached the landing upstairs. He sighed. "Alas, 'tis always the worst of days that Rowena visits to check in."

Stephanivien closed his eyes, hands lifting to press fingers into his temples.

[congregenturanimarum]

@feuglace asked: "You look - nice," he started, a hand rubbing the back of his neck and eyes cast away from Ilya. His ears pricked abruptly before lowering, eyes widening and swiveling back. "I-I mean, you do! You look quite fetching! Of course you do, you always do but - ahem." His face was on fire, the entirety of his visage glowing red as the eye of Nidhogg. He swallowed audibly, a hand running down his face. "Ah - ignore me uhm. What's the occasion?"

"I'm rather guessing you've forgotten-?" Ilya pretends, for the moment, that his boss isn't flushed an immensely bright red and keeps fumbling over complements. Fingers brush down his formal clothing, finding it a little warm in the confines of the manufactory but it had been what was requested and one couldn't say no.

A wink followed, cheeky and entirely flirtatious, his person leaning idly against a bench while arms crossed;

"Rowena is visiting today and requested we all 'make an effort' this time around-" He licks his lower lip, cheeky smile continuing to pose upon his expression. "--But its not for her I made the effort."

[feuglace]

He tenses abruptly at Ilya's answer, lips just barely parting and face swiftly taking on a much paler tone.

"Rowena - today? By Halone - I have completely forgotten!!" he exclaimed, hands gripping either side of his head. He frowned, glancing down at himself. Luckily for his timing he had cared to shower the night before and had taken some time to tinker before starting up the forge, but his attire was far from suitable to Rowena's tastes compared to Ilya-

His speeding thoughts screeched to a halt at Ilya's remark, wide eyes blinking and flicking to meet Ilya's gaze.

"... Truly? Why, who else could the effort be for?" he asked, dumbfounded and mayhap a little curious. Hopeful, maybe? Nay, that was much too far. At least for the time being his posture eased with such distraction, panic fading to focus on company.

[ferrumumbra]

@feuglace asked: Stephanivien presses a kiss to Auri's forehead, wrapping arms around him with a wordless hum.

He needed that softness, today; he needed that gentle touch that he only ever granted to Stephan. Everything feels so - - intense, sounds and feelings and vibrations - - it felt as if it was within his skull, echoing and ricocheting repeatedly. Everything was too much, too much-

Until Stephan stepped closer, until arms surrounded him and capped off the outside world; shielding him from everything. Only then could he breathe without strain, comfort soaking into the worn marrow of bones; he's tired and he's overwhelmed but he nuzzles closer and settles well enough against his love's chest.

A shuddered breath releases, eyes closing tightly to focus only on Stephan. Just for a moment, he ignores all else, he sinks into the offered embrace as if it is the only thing keeping him utterly sane in that moment and he is immensely thankful for it.

"Can... can we go home-?" Whispers were difficult to speak, nigh choking upon their bulk within his throat, uncomfortable and ill at ease.

[feuglace]

While notorious for growing heavily absorbed in his work and hobbies, Stephanivien found himself more aware in regards to Auri. Many would fly over his head the moment his hands touched the steel of a project incomplete, their words blocked out as if he truly couldn't hear them, their activities around him disappearing. Auri, however, always had his attention in some regard while engrossed in a project; for this reason he picked up nearly immediately upon Auri's discomfort whilst away from the Manufactory.

Stephanivien lifted a hand to cover the back of Auri's head, arms holding him close and attempting to block out as much of the world around them as he could; it wasn't all too difficult with his bulk and height. He nuzzled his nose gently into dark locks, his eyes closing gently.

The question initially earned a twitch of the ear, his silence lingering but a second before he answered,

"Of course, my dear. Mayhap today is a good time to hide away and care for oneself. What was it called - ah, self-care as Joye puts it?" He smiled, brushing fingers through Auri's hair delicately.

[ferrumumbra]

@feuglace asked: A hand rested against the wall directly next to Auri's head, a smirk playing across Null's lips as he peered down at the other. He quirked a brow, sharp teeth flashing as he spoke.

"Mayhap 'tis somewhat forward, but mayhap you would deign to join me in a private session, my lord?" he purred, chuckling. "No strings attached." He winked.

There was something extremely agitating about being called Lord, especially given the wretch's past in Ishgard and his utter distaste for those fucking noblemen of whom had cared for naught more but themselves. But he lets it slide, temporarily.

"Y' would make a hell of a lot better argument f' a yes if y' didn' offend me first-"

[feuglace]

"Is that so?" he asked, tilting his head . He paused, pondering over his own words to find the offense. Ah - he had not expected it to be but an honorific. He smiled, leaning back.

"My apologies, I have just returned from a show in Ul'dah. I oft default to such honorifics outside of Limsa; we earn ourselves enough ridicule without being referred to as disrespectful. It shall not be repeated," he went on, crossing his arms. "That is, if you would be willing to stand my presence any longer of course."

[sanctummiles]

@feuglace asked: Silvaire grazes fingertips along the back of Guerrique's hand, eyes lingering on the stars overhead. He smiles, tilting his head as his attention shifted onto Guerrique with a playful glint to bright ember eyes.

"Tis a good night, save the cold. Mayhap you would not mind if I stole some of your warmth?" he teased gently, tapping a finger upon his arm yet making no move to actually settle closer.

His silence has grown characteristic over the months he's been in rehabilitation for his injuries, and thus as he sits and idly glares out towards the landscape he had grown to both love and loathe does he allow his consciousness to wander - - and his person to be utterly quiet.

It's only when his company speaks that he is roused from the immense depths of his thoughts and he turns, quietly, to watch the touches to his skin.

"You're somehow always cold." An idle comment, but one that was accompanied by him leaning further back into the bench and, remarkably, him raising said arm to place behind Silvaire, along the back of the bench itself.

An invitation, though not one spoken aloud.

[feuglace]

Things had been much different since Guerrique's return, something initially found concerning and while now he was far from recovered, it seemed... less heavy. Far from perfect, but Silvaire could see something returning given enough time. He did not fault the other for the change, he only wished for his dearest friend to feel better. While silence was now common, Silvaire still felt comfort even just sitting near and hoped that mayhap Guerrique could feel similarly - even if just a little.

The difference in Guerrique that he had grown accustomed to did not change the flicker of surprise across Silv's face however. He quirked a brow, his smile still lingering as Guerrique lifted an arm and rested it behind him. His eyes squeezed, a bemused hum drifting from lips as he took the motion as that obvious, yet unspoken, permission.

"Well not all of us are a blazing furnace," he added with a chuckle, shifting to lean against Guerrique with his head resting upon his chest. "At least we are not due snow 'til the morrow, hmm? 'Tis been some days since I last saw the stars so clearly."