Taran

“We are creatures of the underworld. We can't afford love."

[sweetyoungtaran]

inogen-magiciansassitant‌:

“Inogen.” She said rather quickly. “Please, call me Inogen.” When the cup was placed infront of her, she wrapped her hands around it. Humming at the warmth that radiated through the cup. Staring down into the dark tankard, the young woman took in a deep breath. “Companionship.” She said after a moment. It was something she was certainly looking for. Inogen didn’t have too many people that she considered friends. Of course there was Merlin and Erian, two people she trusted with her life. But, beyond that. She didn’t leave her chambers too much, and when she did she kept to the shadows just watching how things worked around her. “And answers, I’m sure too. There are far too many questions that swirl around my head and they never have the answers. Or when they do have the answers, they don’t make sense.”

He stayed behind the bar, watching her fingers wrap around the tankard but he couldn’t help but look up when she spoke. For a moment he looked at her openly and smiled. “Well then, it’s a pleasure to officially make your acquaintance miss Inogen. My name is Taran,” he said and then the corner of his lips twitched before he quickly lowered his gaze once again and began busying himself by cleaning off the counter. “Answers and companionship, then. Fortunately I happen to be in the business of satisfying longings, so I’ll see what I can do.” he jested tentatively. He could not imagine the sort of questions that might be troubling her and he doubted he was fit enough to answer them, but for some reason he felt compelled to try. “What sort of questions do you have? If you don’t mind me asking.”

[sweetyoungtaran]

inogen-magiciansassitant‌:

“Something far more complicated.” She repeated, still trying to get the idea drilled into her mind. Her bottom lip quickly made its way between her teeth as she listened to the blonde speak. There was so much more beyond the castle walls that she didn’t know about yet and Inogen wanted to learn all that she could. “So then, do you care for the people that come through the doors? Or are you only trying to satisfy their needs until they come again?” Tucking a dark curl behind her ear, Ingoen’s cheeks flushed lightly when the question was posed to her. In reality it should have been simple for her to answer. But, the question seemed to puzzle her. “What do I long for?” She repeated. The phrase coming from her lips a few more times before brown eyes met the blue hues before her. “I-I’m not sure. I suppose, in the moment I don’t long for anything.” 

He left her to think on his words while he prepared the tea, pouring the boiling water into two smaller tankards. It wasn’t like they kept proper teacups in the brothel. He looked up when she spoke again. “It’s hard not to care,” he sad softly. “Besides, if I didn’t care I imagine things would be a lot less satisfying for everyone involved.” He shrugged with a smile, noticing the way color was rising to her cheeks yet again. When she replied his smile flickered and his eyes filled with curiosity. She was as puzzling to him as he imagined he was to her. “Nothing at all? Surely there must be something.” If there was one thing Taran was intimately acquainted with it was desire. Everyone longed for something, even him. “I mean no disrespect, my lady, but if that were true I don’t think you’d be here.” She may not have come to the brothel looking for what they usually offered, but she was still human. “I don’t mean to offend or presume, but something brought you here. A search for company, or for answers perhaps?” She’d said she was looking for a friend. When he glanced at her he couldn’t quite tell if she was lonely or just curious. Or maybe both.

[sweetyoungtaran]

inogen-magiciansassitant‌:

Watching the way he moved behind the counter, Inogen paused as her eyes wandered about the building. Everything was decorated rather nicely. Far nicer than she would have honestly expected it to be. She’d expected things to be dirty, for there to be people laying about on the floors drunk off their asses. But no. It almost looked like the halls in the palace. “Pay? People pay you for your company?” She said rather softly. It was a foreign concept to her. Inogen knew what happened at places like this. But for some reason, Ingoen couldn’t wrap her mind around the idea. “Is that something that you long for? For friendship? Or are you content with the idea that you are only paid for a short time.” 

At her question he averted his gaze, feeling slightly ashamed. “You weren’t joking when you said you don’t know what goes on here,” he chuckled slightly.  “This is a business, my lady. Like any other establishment there are customers that pay and there are goods provided in exchange, only instead of selling food or weapons we sell something far more complicated.” Life at the brothel was always full of surprises, and it wasn’t something he was ashamed of, but he’d never really had to explain any of it to anyone. Once again he was shocked silent by her words, and he dared to look at her with a curious smile. No one had ever asked him what he longed for. “In my limited experience, I’ve found that friendship, love and business aren’t mutually exclusive. Look at the Knights of Camelot for instance, they are paid to protect the people of the kingdom. It’s their job, but that doesn’t mean their efforts aren’t sincere. Just because you are paid to look after someone doesn’t mean you don’t care for them.” Besides, in his experience it was impossible to sleep with someone and not feel something for them, whether it be lust, understanding, pity, or friendship. "What about you, my lady. What do you long for?” 

[sweetyoungtaran]

bediverethemarshall‌:

It was sweet to him that even after the time that they had spent together in the past that Taran still blushed when he was around. Sweet was absolutely perfect to describe the other man. As long as they had known one another Taran had always treated him well on his visits, not making anything awkward between the two of them and making absolutely certain that none would know of the Marshall’s presence. “That would be quite nice” he replied, offering him a kindly grin. 

Taran returned the Marshall’s smile and motioned for them to head upstairs. “After you, sir. I trust you can still find your way around? Not that you should, it’s jus that the place hasn’t changed that much, and what with you being a knight and all... I suppose you know most of the kingdom better than most.” He paused for a moment. “I imagine it must get tiring at times, being protector of an entire kingdom. Do you get enough rest?” As soon as he asked Taran felt slightly foolish. It was hardy any of his business what a knight did with his personal life, and if the Marshall was here odds were it wasn’t to rest.

[sweetyoungtaran]

inogen-magiciansassitant‌:

Inogen watched the man as he moved behind the bar top. Biting at her bottom lip, her fingers nervously tapped against the table top. “Serve me? Isn’t that what you are doing? Bringing me tea?” She questioned. Though when she thought for a moment, it clicked that he meant something else. “I…oh..” Her cheeks flushed an even darker red. “I am not sure, I am still not clear on w-what all is done here. I-If I say I am only looking for a friend, what does that entail?” She knew that people paid to be in this place. She had brought a small satchel of coin just in case she would have to pay for her time here.

At her innocent reply Taran looked down with a soft smile, feeling suddenly self conscious. Had he been too presumptuous? The meaning of his words seemed to suddenly dawn on her, and he noted with some endearment that her cheeks became even rosier. He watched her in silence as she seemed to process, and when she spoke her words took him by surprise. “A lot is done here,” he said cautiously, trying to think of how to proceed. “Actually, if you can pay for, pretty much anything can be done here,” he smiled slightly. he quirked his head slightly to the side, trying to understand what she wanted. “It entails whatever you want it to. You wouldn’t be the first person to come here seeking company, though that can come in many different forms.” He paused for a moment, searching his mind for ways to reassure her. “I once had a customer spend the night with me, and we barely even spoke. We just lay in bed together, holding each other. I suppose that’s just how people work. We all get lonely and sometimes you just need to someone to hold on to.” He paused, running his hand over the back of his neck with a sheepish shrug. “I don’t know if you’d call that friendship.” 

[sweetyoungtaran]

bediverethemarshall:

The farther the knight stepped into the room the more he took notice of the damage. Many establishments were still in shambles after the storm. Most were doing all that they could in order to assist with the rebuilding, but he could understand how most would be reluctant in coming to the aid of the brothel. Madam Miora was a rather brilliant woman and he held no doubt that she would find some way to restore things to the way that they once had been. “I’ve never come for the beauty of the building” Bedivere reassured, offering the other man gentle grin, “I’m happy to see that you’ve made it through the storm safely”

Taran nodded as Bedivere spoke, feeling suddenly foolish. “Of course, sir.” Still, he codlin’t help but wish the brothel were intact, for more reasons than one. It get odd to become the knight back in such conditions, but more than that the brothel was his home. “As am I. I mean for you. I mean I’m glad you’re safe as well,” he blushed, aware that he was rambling. He looked around suddenly before returning his gaze to the knight. “Would you like to go upstairs? The rooms there aren't as damaged, and... it’s private,” he shrugged sheepishly, knowing how much Bedivere valued digression. Whatever the knight washer for Taran would be happy to serve him in any way he could, but above all else he knew the man’s reputation was at stake, and Taran would never wish to put one of his customers in a position they might regret. 

[sweetyoungtaran]

lordfloris:

It had been a while since Floris had enjoyed the company of a man. There was something different, more exciting about the prospect than that of a woman. The lust, the raw sexuality men often possessed. He didn’t worry about being delicate. “No need for apologies,” he replied easily. Lazily Floris’ fingers tangled through Taran’s soft blonde curls. He smiled a little, his own hair could curl just so were he to leave it growing. “Mmm,” he sighed snuggling back into the sheets of the bed and letting a leg casually drape over the other’s frame. Lips pressed slightly at the others shoulders. “You taste of strawberries and wine,” he muttered, “Do that for all your customers?” A teasing grin splayed on Floris’ visage. 

The way the band’s fingers played with Taran’s curls felt oddly gentle. Though their night together had been thoroughly enjoyable, gentle was not a word Taran would have thought to use. His latest customer was a skilled and passionate lover, and he was clearly comfortable with the scenario he’d ended up in. Taran smiled shyly at the man’s words, shrugging sheepishly. “Force of habit, I suppose.” He knew he apologised too much, but he couldn’t help it. He let his eyes slip shut as the lord pressed a kiss to his shoulder. He chuckled slightly at his words. Alvira insisted on serving only “sensual delicacies” at the brothel, and Taran had developed quite the taste for sweet fruits and berries. At the lord’s teasing Taran blushed, lowering his gaze shyly. “Not consciously,” he said softly. “And you’re the first to remark on it.” 

[lordfloris]

Every day was a celebration in Camelot according to Floris. He’d been through much, and, as of late felt as though a celebration was exactly what he craved. True, his reason for such joy was his father’s death, but that meant he could finally be happy. He could finally confess his love and marry his Blanchefleur. As one last foray before whisking his beloved off to the nearest chapel the young Lord found himself swimming in ale and wine. Friends in Camelot came and went and the all too familiar series of events followed. When Floris awoke he let out a slight groan at feeling the sheets beneath him but a cheeky grin. “Not so fast,” he reached out, “We’ll have to recreate last night.”

[sweetyoungtaran]

Taran didn’t know much about the handsome stranger that had arrived half drunk at the brothel last night. For some reason the man had set his sights on Taran, and he’d shyly led him upstairs to a candlelit room. The next morning light began streaming in through he windows despite the tattered drapes, and Taran began to slip out from beneath the sheets, planning on going downstairs to fetch some water and fruits for his latest customer. He was surprised when the man- who had not bothered to reveal his name- reached out for him and spoke. With a small smile, Taran got back in the bed. “Forgive me, my lord. I thought you were still asleep.” 

[sweetyoungtaran]

Long Lost

[sweetyoungtaran]

bohemianaiden:

Aiden took a few steps closer to the other boy, amused by the obvious shyness he was showing. “You have a head,” he said with a soft shrug. “You have two hands. You can take it and try it on, then.” With a smirk, he took the flower crown off, handing it to the other man. “Go on.”

The man made it sound so simple, as if there wasn’t a world between them complicating matters. For a peasant to pass as a noble was a crime, and while on this evening no one seemed to mind anyone’s true identity he’d learned to be cautious. Still, when the other blonde offered him the crown he could’t help but reach out towards it in wonder. He took it with great hesitance, placing it on his own head. He smiled slightly; an awkward, shy, little grin. “It’s heavier than it looks.” Indeed, it looked as if someone had magically turned the delicate petals into gold, but of course gold was hardly as light as a rose. 

[sweetyoungtaran]

morfyddferchurien:

That she wouldn’t have to divulge her name or come up with a fake name on the spot hadn’t actually been something she had thought of before she had come to seek money, but was now an immense relief. A sheepish smile crossed her face as she entered the room as she muttered a polite, “It’s lovely to meet you, Taran”. Her eyes widened slightly at his explanation of what had caused the state of things about the room. Morfydd glanced about, taking in the details of what she was certain would have been an extremely welcoming area had it not been for the business’ recent misfortune. “That’s alright” she began, her voice incredibly soft, “I can see that this place was once beautiful. Are the upstairs a good indicator of the way things were before the attacks?” she asked, shyly taking the hand he offered her and trying to not second guess her decision to be here. 

“Likewise, my lady,” he said, returning her shy smile. She took his hand and he led her upstairs. His eyes brightened at her words. It wasn’t often that people recognized the beauty of the brothel, but it was his home, so hearing it praised brought him a sense of pride. “Thank the gods, the second floor wasn’t attacked by the ogre, but I’m afraid I was also struck by the storm.” He shrugged apologetically. “Still, there are a few candlelit rooms in the back with no windows that are intact.” They made their way up the stairs and he stopped for a moment to look back at her. “You don’t have to be scared, my lady. No one will judge you here, and you don’t have to be alone.”  

[sweetyoungtaran]

inogen-magiciansassitant:

“I’m, not really lost.” She murmured slowly stepping into the building. There was a sort of, secret air, about the place. If that was even a thing. It was a lot quieter than she had expected, yes it was early in the day, but she still at least thought she would see more than just the blonde before her. At the offer of tea, Inogen hummed softly, pulling her hood back she tucked a stray curl behind her ear. “I would like some tea, thank you very much.” 

He arched a brow at her confession, offering her a small smile as she stepped inside. It made sense after all, most folks were far too sensible to walk into a brothel by accident, but he was still surprised by the prospect of a client at this hour, especially considering the state of the brothel. “Right away, m’lady.” He went around behind the counter, rummaging around between the bottles of ale and wine in search for a small tin box. When he finally found it he turned around with a smile, fetching two wooden mugs. Finding the kettle was a bit more of a challenge, but when he finally found it he filled it with water and crossed the room to set it over the fire. “It will take a bit for the water to boil,” he explained, motioning towards an empty table. “If you’d like, while we wait, you can tell me what it is you’re looking for here, and I would be to serve you in any way that I can.” 

[sweetyoungtaran]

Long Lost

[sweetyoungtaran]

bohemianaiden:

Aiden laughed loudly at some noblewoman’s remark. He actually wasn’t sure if it was a joke or if she was being serious but, frankly, he didn’t care; the comment amused him to no end. Taking a sip of wine to calm himself down, he turned around to scan the area for any other sources of entertainment. This plainly clothed young boy in a funny looking mask seemed to be rather fascinated by him and Aiden tilted his head to a side curiously. “Do you like them?” he smiled, looking up as if he could see the top of his head. “Would you like to try them on?”

The young man- clearly a noble guessing by his expensive attire, turned to look at him and Taran blushed furiously, ashamed of having been caught staring. The way the other blonde was looking at him made him feel slightly uncomfortable, as if he’d done something wrong and the other found it incredibly amusing. “Of course, my lord,” he said quickly, lowering his gaze. In all his life he couldn’t dream of ever owning such a lovely trinket. At the notion of him wearing them his eyes went wide. “Oh, I- I couldn’t.” 

[sweetyoungtaran]

bediverethemarshall:

It seemed like so long ago that Bedivere had realized his feelings for Kay, but in truth it hadn’t been all that long. He had tread around his emotions until he knew that they were returned by turning those attentions elsewhere. Discretion had been his utmost concern especially as the company he had sought wasn’t that of which society would view as proper. The brothel had made the most sense at the time, just as it did now that circumstances had changed so greatly. Breaking things off with Kay after a long time away had been incredibly amicable and Bedivere had no regrets about inviting the possibility of moving on to someone new, which is why it came as a surprise that he began craving the company of another once again. Bedivere had decided to go early when he was less likely to be noticed. Damages to the inside were what caught his attention first before the man behind the counter did. As he stepped farther into the room and away from the glow of the sun he couldn’t help but ponder aloud at the other man’s question, “Did I change that greatly while I was on my travels?”

Taran’s eyes were accustomed to the shadows, so it wasn’t until Bedivere stepped out of the sun that he recognized the knight. “Sir Bedivere,” he said with a smile, happy to see the other man after all this time. Taran prided himself in not having favourites among his customers, but he’d be lying if he didn’t say that he particularly enjoyed the knight’s company. He was always kind, and there was a sadness in his eyes that made Taran want to mend whatever it was in his heart that was broken. “Forgive me, I did not see you well. Please, come in.” He felt suddenly self conscious, aware that the brothel was not in the state Bedivere was accustomed to seeing it in. Still, he knew how much the other man valued digression, so he quickly stepped out of the way to allow him inside. “I don’t believe you’ve changed nearly as much as this place has. I apologize for the state of things, Sir. I’m afraid when you left it seem  you took fate’s favour with you.” 

[sweetyoungtaran]

Long Lost

@bohemianaiden

Taran had never been to a ball before. The King of Camelot often threw celebrations that were open to the public, but he’d never considered himself worthy of actually attending. Madam Alvira had chastised him for it, but he’d always calmed her by saying he simply didn’t wish to go. He was content with the humble little world he lived in, and he’d probably just cause more trouble than he was worth. 

This time was different. This time the kingdom was in ruins, as was his home. Even the madam was in a state of distress he never would have dared to imagine her in. Not only that, the ball was a masquerade. No one would know who he was or what he did. Sure, he could hardly pass for a noble in his plain garb, but it was still a chance to see a brighter side to the kingdom he called home. He lacked the confidence and charm of most of the brothel’s workers, but he also saw this as a chance to find patrons, knowing all too well how desperately they needed new customers if they hoped to fully rebuild their home.

Golden locks topped off with gold roses caught his eye, and he stared openly like a wide eyed child. The head piece alone must have cost a fortune. The stranger seemed to notice him staring and Taran blushed beneath his mask. “Forgive me, it’s just... the roses look lovely.” 

[sweetyoungtaran]

Taran can’t really afford much of a disguise for the masquerade ball. In his line of work he hasn’t exactly acquired much of a wardrobe. Instead he wears a common brown tunic with a leather belt and a simple and frankly not very flattering mask. Still, his messy golden locks frame his face and his shy smile is perhaps the most enchanting part of the entire getup. 

[sweetyoungtaran]

dindranechwaer:

“No, it’s still lovely,” Dindrane insisted, shaking her head. The little paper butterfly was a torn in places and the ends were beginning to curl up, but the folds were all still neat and the shape could clearly be seen. Dindrane was half-taken by the fancy that if she just lifted up her hands it would take flight and dance away on the breeze. She looked over at the young man with a smile. “Did you make it? It’s very clever.”

He blushed slightly at the compliment, even if it wasn’t directed at him. It wasn’t like he received a lot of praise for his work very often. Tons tossed wordlessly on the bed or the counter where more like it. His doodles and little inventions were rarely noticed so the notion of him making something clever was entirely knew and quite flattering. “Thank you... It’s just a trinket. You can keep it if you like it, or-or I could make you a new one? Since this one is a bit ruined.”

[sweetyoungtaran]

morfyddferchurien:

Never in her life had Morfydd felt so incredibly alone. Back in Rheged she had had Yvain. When he departed she’d had the other ladies, though she definitely would not count them as friend, and had eventually met Cynon who’s company she missed every single day. Camelot had brought her Queen Elaine. It wasn’t until her departure that the lady-in-waiting realized she hadn’t made many friends here. She’d resolved to find herself some company - even if she had to buy it for the day. Even the maidens of the brothel were better than nothing. Morfydd covered her face with the hood of her cloak as she snuck inside, shock covering her face as she noticed a man at the counter. A man in the brothel was the last thing she expected, but she supposed from a business standpoint it made sense to have at least one. “I - no” she responded, feeling shy now that she was actually inside the building but still feeling desperate to not spend another day by herself. 

“Oh, forgive me,” he blushed furiously, feeling guilty about having potentially insulted or scared away a customer. He had never seen her before and she seemed reluctant to be seen even now. Taran offered her a warm smile, sympathising with her discomfort. “My name is Taran, my Lady,” he said with a bow. “You don’t have to tell me yours if you don’t want to,” he added quickly, aware that with her apparent uncertainty she may not be too keen to endanger her reputation by revealing her identity. “Please, come inside,” he stepped aside, suddenly aware of the raggedy state that the brothel was in since the ogre attack. It wasn’t the sort of first impression he would have liked her to have of his home. “Apologies for the state of things, my Lady. I’m afraid we recently suffered an attack from ogre, and between that and the storm... well, I’m sorry.” He shrugged sheepishly. “The rooms upstairs are in much better condition though.” It was apparent that she was shy about the entire situation and while he didn’t want to make any assumptions he felt an urge to ease her worries. “If you’d like I can show you?” He offered her his hand, averting her gaze as if not to pressure her into taking it.