Star Crossed Meeting
A collaboration with @devsash who owns Reneald.
Suramar City, The Stars Dream Inn
The tall, dusky man pushed back a long section of his hair. It rippled down behind his shoulder, the pearl white shimmering off the darker black strands that blended throughout. It moved properly out of his way as he inspected the newly acquired furniture for the front lobby.
Out on the streets, a Nightborne moved as though he tried to appear unhurried. There was a shifting shimmer to his form as he weaved through the marketplace, barely noticeable to most. He clutched a bundle in his hands with a gentle, but firm hold. Despite his pace, his eyes shifted from left to right, scanning the area for guards. A shopkeeper narrowed her eyes at him, trying to decide if she recognized the man.
He offered her a nod and quickened his pace. The bundle in his hands shifted very slightly. "Be still," he said under his breath. "We'll be away from here soon."
“Hmm,” she muttered, returning to her task.
A guard rounded the corner, stopping suddenly before he collided with the swiftly moving man. “Wait a moment,” he said, holding up a hand.
He stumbled back at once, almost falling over. "Pardon, sorry," he mumbled, his accent decidedly different from the others.
A muffled mewl of protest emitted from the bundle.
“Something’s not right here.” He reached for the bundle in the elf’s arms. “Who are you? What have you got there?”
He yanked the bundle out of reach. Whirling around, he bolted into the nearest crowd of shoppers.
“Stop him!” the guard called, making chase behind.
The bundle shifted again in his hands, emitting a louder mewl. "Hush!" He pushed his way through the throng of surprised Nightborne, ignoring their exclamations.
The guard tried to push through, but the irritated crowd had closed in, watching his retreat. “Guards! To the market,” he called out, trying for assistance.
The thief ducked into an alleyway. Spotting an open window, he climbed into it at once and closed it behind him.
Dery’s ears twitched at the sound. The workmen aren’t here today. Odd, he thought to himself. He turned to look around the room. Not spying anyone, he called out. “Hello? Is someone there?”
The man froze, the fine hairs on the back of his neck prickling with tension. He could feel the beast within him stir protectively. Grimacing, he tried to force it down. Turning into a monster here would make him even more conspicuous.
There was another impatient mewl before the owlkitten leaped out of the bundle. Its hind paw clipped the mask he wore in passing, causing it to clatter to the floor. His illusion vanished in the blink of an eye. Where previously stood a Shal’dorei, now a human man, pale of face with auburn hair tied into a messy, short tail. His steel grey eyes widened at the sound of footsteps approaching. He was out of options.
Dery moved towards the sound and entered the dining area. He looked around, his eyes landing on the figure standing there. A long eyebrow quirked upward. “Greetings. I am afraid the inn is closed at the moment. Is there something I can do for you?” he asked warily as he stepped ever closer.
The intruder stared at the Nightborne man, the blood draining from his face. The shift pushed harder against his will and his nails began to blacken and elongate. The tension was broken by the little owlkitten. It scampered over to the elf's feet and mewled, peering up at him.
Dery reached down, picking up the tiny creature. “Sir, are you alright? You look as though you may collapse.” He continued to move towards the human, gesturing towards a chair.
The owlkitten snuffled into Dery's hair before turning to peer at its rescuer as well. The Gilnean man glanced at the window, then back at the other man. He opened his mouth to say that he was fine, but what came out instead was, "Don't let them catch us. Please." A hint of the beast's rumbling growl lent a deep undercurrent to his voice and he clamped his lips shut.
The Nightborne stopped a few steps away. “Them?” He regarded the man carefully for a moment. He blinked suddenly as the realization hit him. “Oh…of course. You are part of the Alliance. That is a problem.”
The newcomer nodded, not trusting himself to speak. He tried again to force the shift back.
“Hmm,” the man replied. “Follow me then. Quickly.” He turned and walked to the door.
The human blinked. The owlkitten peered over Dery's shoulder and squeaked at him. Taking a deep breath, he heaved himself to his feet and retrieved the mask. He hurried after the Nightborne man, keeping low.
Dery stepped out of the dining room and made for the stairs. “Go up there, wait by door 5. I need to get the key,” he said softly. He turned towards the front desk. “Go on,” he urged, seeing the man hesitate. “It’ll be all right.” He reached up as he moved, stroking the soft fur.
The stranger crept up the stairs as quietly as he could. He clung to the shadows, his grey eyes glowing softly as he watched the stairs for the Nightborne man.
The owlkitten squeaked again before nuzzling Dery's cheek with its beak.
Lifting the key to room 5 from the hook, he thrust it into his pocket. After that, he began pulling the other keys down and setting them on the desk in what he hoped would appear to be a haphazard manner, though it was contrary to his normal routine. Once that was finished to his satisfaction, he strode over to the stairs, headed towards the human. The owlkitten peered over his shoulder at the scattered keys and hooted softly. “Hmm? What is it, you cute little thing?” He paused before climbing. “Did you want to play with them?” The little creature squeaked at him before bopping its beak very lightly against Dery's cheek. “Later, once your friend is safe,” he promised.
The Gilnean's heart pounded as he waited. What if the strange man was leading the guards right to me? I would be forced to shift and fight my way out. The thought caused the shift to press closer. He grimaced as his knees began to bend backwards, forcing him into a lower crouch.
Dery took the stairs two at a time. As he reached the penultimate step, there was a pounding on the door. “Swiftly now, little thing. Let us hide your friend.” He ran down the hall and stopped at the recommended door. “Forgive me for being abrupt, but get in there and use the extra furniture coverings to hide yourself. I’ll see if I can turn them away.” He yanked the key from the pocket of his vest and thrust it into the human’s hand.
The man fumbled with it before sliding it into the lock and turning. There was a soft click before the door swung open. He slipped in at once. "Give me the owlkitten," he whispered. "If they find her, they'll take her away."
The owlkitten mewled anxiously. It craned its neck to peer down the stairs. Dery scooped the baby from his shoulder. He held her before his face, looking deep into her eyes. “I need you to be brave and very quiet, little thing. I can’t keep you safe if you are noisy. Can you keep our friend safe?” He stroked her beak gently with the tip of his finger. She hooted softly, nuzzling him again. “Good girl. Go to him. Brave and quiet now,” he murmured, looking at Ren. He held the owlkitten out, his pale, glowing eyes calm.
He took her gently, cuddling her close. "Thank you," he whispered.
Dery nodded and turned back down to walk down the stairs. “Hold a moment. I am coming,” he called.
The man closed the door and locked it. Glancing around, he ducked under a nearby covering and held the owlkitten close. "Be quiet now," he whispered. "If they find us, I can't bring you back to your mommy." The owlkitten squeaked softly before burying her face in his shirt.
Dery opened the door. “Good day. How may I be of service?” He smiled, his expression carefully curated.
The guard peered at him, then beyond him into the inn. "We're looking for someone," he said. "He seems to have stolen something the trappers brought in."
“Hmm, that isn’t good at all. I’m afraid I can be of little help. The inn has been closed for repairs and renovations,” he offered, stepping aside so the dusty floors and newly delivered furniture was fully visible.
"Ah." The guard nodded. "Have you seen a man passing by this way carrying a bundle?" He continued to search the visible space from his place at the door.
“No. My sincerest apologies. I have been a bit focused on getting this furniture checked in. It only just arrived today. Fine craftsmanship, don’t you think?” Again he flashed a smile at the guard and set a hand on the back of one of the chairs.
"Yes, indeed." The guard stepped back. "Well, if he's really not here, we'll have to continue our search. He can't have gotten far."
“Thank you for keeping safe our city,” Dery replied with a bow. “Do come by once we have opened again.”
He nodded. "Stars be with you," he said, saluting Dery before turning and heading back to the street.
“Stars guide you,” Dery replied and closed the door. He placed a hand against the wood and took a few breaths. Once he was certain the guards had left, he made his way back up the stairs. Stopping in front of the door to room 5, it suddenly occurred to him that they had made no agreed signal to alert the man that he was safe. He knocked softly. “They have gone to search elsewhere, my friend. You and your tiny charge are safe for the moment,” he called through the door.
The stranger let out the breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. The owlkitten looked up at him and chirped. "Yes, I think we're safe now," he said softly, lowering her to the floor. She scurried over to the door and scratched at it. He glanced down at his hand and heaved a sigh at the black claws. He closed his eyes and took deep breaths, attempting to reverse the shift. His knees righted themselves but the claws did not recede. The owlkitten mewled at him and scratched the door again.
"I'm coming," he said, slipping the mask on. His elven illusion flickered into existence once more as he stepped to the door and unlocked it. The little creature darted out and squeaked at Dery.
Dery gathered the owlkitten up. “Hello again.” He stepped in and blinked. “You’ve put on an illusion…” he murmured, almost disappointed.
The illusory elf blinked at his tone. "Wouldn't it be safer?"
“Inside my inn? There is no one here to harm you,” Dery replied gently. “Unless, you intend to leave without even introducing yourself. Which seems to me, as I have helped you, I should at least be permitted to know your name.” The owlkitten glanced over at him and chirped.
"I'm Reneald Armstead, sir. You can call me Ren." He almost extended his hand before remembering his claws and lowered it. Instead, he bowed at his erstwhile savior.
Dery bowed in return. “I am Derient Thodris. You may call me Dery, if you like. You are most fortunate to have stolen into my window. You seem to have someone the trappers wish returned.” He glanced down at the owlkitten in his arms. The little creature snuffled into his hair before nuzzling him gently.
Ren nodded. "Begging your pardon, sir, but they took her from her mother. She belongs with her family."
“Oh, I don’t disagree with you at all. But had you attempted to hide in another building, I’m afraid you would have lost her,” he replied. He chuckled at the soft feathers brushing his skin. “Have you eaten? Has she?”
"I'm afraid not," Ren admitted. "See to her first. She's been without a bite for hours."
“I’ve an idea. How about you both join me in the kitchen?” Dery suggested. He gently scratched the back of the owlkitten’s neck. “I think I’ve more than enough to get you both something while we wait for the guard to pass completely.”
"Oh no, sir, I don't want to impose." Ren shifted slightly. "I'll eat once I'm out of the city."
The owlkitten chirped before nuzzling him again. Dery shook his head firmly. “Now that simply will not do. I have all manner of things. I cater to so many different kinds of people, I can surely come up with something you would enjoy. Please, allow me to do this for you.”
"I..." Ren hesitated. "Alright. Lead on, sir."
Dery guided him towards the stairs. “Is there anything you find disagreeable? To eat, I mean.”
Ren hesitated, debating with himself. "I'm..." His throat constricted and he glanced away.
The owlkitten hooted softly, curling against Dery's chest. “Particular?” Dery stole a glance at the man behind him, curious.
He swallowed hard and nodded, peering at his feet.
Dery pushed the door to the kitchen open. “I have some fresh caught fish, already cleaned and deboned. Some steaks, I think I may even have a chicken,” he offered. He nuzzled the owlkitten and set her on the counter. “Let’s see what I can find for this little thing.”
The owlkitten scampered over to sniff at the nearest plate.
"May I have the fish?" Ren asked hopefully.
“Of course,” Dery replied, delighted Ren had agreed to accept food. “Oh…do you have any preparation in mind? I…I learned that there is a way to serve it sliced nice and thin and eat it raw. It’s not to everyone’s taste though. You can do the same with the stag meat. What did the Pandaren call it…sa-sa…oh damn what was it?” he furrowed his brow, trying to recall the name. He sliced off a chunk of meat and started chopping it up into small pieces for the owlkitten.
"May I have it raw?" Ren peered at the owlkitten, afraid to look at Dery.
“You want to try it? Oh, how delightful! I’m so grateful to you. Let me get my sharper knives,” he said, excited.
Ren blinked, glancing back at him as the Nightborne man set a bowl of chopped meat up in front of the owlkitten and opened another drawer.
Pulling out two long, thin knives, he set them on the counter. Turning to the ice box, he withdrew a rather large, reddish fleshed fish which he set on the counter. The owlkitten squeaked and cocked her head. She sat at Dery's elbow, watching him closely.
He carefully sliced off sections, creating thin, single bite pieces. He hummed as he worked, arranging the fish on the plate in a fanwork around a little round bowl. “Will you…remove your illusion? So I may see you?” He peeked at Ren for a moment, then returned to his task.
"If... if you insist, sir." Ren tugged the mask from his face. He set it on the counter and lowered his hands out of sight.
Dery smiled. He studied Ren’s features, taking him in. “Your hair is such a wonderful, warm color,” he commented. He poured some soy sauce into the little bowls in the center of their plates. Lifting one, he set it in front of the Gilnean. “Something to drink? Tea, arcwine, water? I’m afraid that’s all I have here at the moment.”
"Your hair is very lovely too," Ren remarked, then blinked. He had not meant to say that out loud. "Just tea for me, sir. Thank you," he managed before reaching to stroke the owlkitten. The creature purred, nuzzling into his hand.
Dery lifted the kettle and filled it with water, then placed it on the stove and lit it. Turning back, he sat down. His eyes fixed on Ren’s. “Why did you risk so much for one owlkitten, Ren? This city can be dangerous to outsiders.”
"She... I heard how loudly she cried for her mother when they took her away." He peered down at the baby wistfully. "She needs to be free and live with her family, where she belongs." Sensing his change in mood, the owlkitten turned and set her forepaws on his chest. She nuzzled him with a soft squeak.
“You’ve a good heart, Ren.” He picked up a bite of fish and dipped it in the soy sauce before placing it in his mouth.
"Anyone would have done it if they had heard her." He smiled at the baby's antics, pressing a kiss to her beak. "But you'll be home soon, won't you, little one?"
“Many would have left her when faced with the dangers.” Dery looked down towards Ren’s plate. “Will you try it?” He lifted the small bowl of meat for the owlkitten and placed it close to Ren. The little creature hooted before scampering over to the bowl and began devouring the meat.
Ren reached for a slice of fish, then started, catching sight of his claws. He tried to snatch his hand back at once.
Dery placed a hand over Ren’s. “Why do you recoil? Have I upset you?”
Ren gasped at the contact. Panic flooded his mind. "I... I..." The beast pressed closer. Its sharp teeth pricked his gums as the hair on the back of his hands and arms thickened, assuming almost a fur quality. His fingers shifted in Dery's hand, the joints lengthening as the claws turned hooked and sharp. Stop. He squeezed his eyes shut, forcing it back with all his effort. Stop!
Dery took his other hand and clasped Ren’s gently. He stroked the back of it with his thumb. “Let it go, Ren. Let yourself do what you need to,” he murmured.
A soft cry of despair escaped his lips as the shift overtook him. Within moments, his human form was gone, replaced by the hulking worgen. He kept his eyes closed, trembling.
“There. It’s finished. Now just breathe, my friend. All will be well,” the Nightborne said gently. He continued to stroke the back of Ren’s hand with his thumb, making small circles over and over.
Ren's ears pinned back against his head. The owlkitten looked up from her meal before padding closer to nuzzle him gently.
Dery closed his eyes as well, and started humming a soft, gentle tune. The worgen's ears twitched at the song. The owlkitten squeaked before bopping her beak against his snout.
He cracked an eye open, stealing a furtive look at Dery. The elf’s face was calm and serene. Through it all, he continued his tune. Ren's breathing began to calm.
The little creature beside him nibbled gently through his fur in a grooming gesture. She hooted at him again before padding over to Dery and laying her head against his cheek.
Dery chuckled softly before continuing his song. He opened his eyes and watched Ren carefully. Grey eyes met his from a sea of black fur. They appeared fearful and hesitant. “You are safe here, Ren. I promise you,” he said, his voice soothing and calm. He studied the worgen’s features, smiling. “You have beautiful eyes. The same in both forms.”
"You're... not afraid?" he asked in his low, growling voice.
“Not at all. You are not the first I have seen. Nor do I think you capable of the horrors I have witnessed these past years from those that took over this city,” Dery replied. He stroked the black fur on Ren’s arm. “You are quite handsome like this as well. The color of your eyes draws one in, even more so because of the dark fur.”
He blinked. "I... don't know what to say to that," he murmured, confused. The owlkitten nuzzled Dery before moving back to finish her meal.
“Well, what does one usually say, when offered a compliment?” Dery asked before picking up some of his fish. He dipped it and took a bite.
"Thank you," Ren said in a small voice.
“You are most welcome, my new friend. And no, you do not frighten me. If anything, I find you all the more intriguing.” He released Ren’s hand and nudged the plate closer. “Eat. You need it.”
Ren reached for the fish and ate in silence. Shame made his ears droop and he lowered his gaze to the plate.
“Will you tell me what brought you to Suramar? Not the city, but the land surrounding it,” Dery prompted.
"I came to collect some herbs as needed for the Dreamgrove, sir." Another piece of fish vanished into his mouth.
“So you aid the Druids there?” His ears pricked at the kettle whistling. Rising from his seat, he moved to lift it. He set it on a board on the counter while he measured out the tea. Then he began pouring the water over it into the pot.
Ren nodded. "They were kind enough to take me in and teach me."
Dery placed the teapot on the tray and covered it with a tiny lid. He added a couple of tea cups as well as a small bowl. Following these came a sliced lemon, some sugar, and a pitcher of milk. “How delightful. And so, in return, you brave the wilds of the world to bring them things they require?”
"When they need me to." Ren watched him work out of the corner of his eye.
The owlkitten padded over to Dery's spot and plopped down. She chirped at him. Dery carried the tray and set it down between them. He poured a cup of tea for himself, and filled the bowl for Ren. “I find this to be easier for people like you,” he offered. “Would you like anything in it? Cream? Sugar?”
Ren shook his head. "Just black is fine. Thank you, sir."
Dery set it down by Ren’s plate. “Please…will you call me Dery? Sir seems so, oh, formal.” His gaze took in the shine of Ren’s coal black fur, the sharp claws, the shape of his ears.
"Alright... Dery."
“How do you like the fish? I think it’s delightful,” Dery said, taking another bite.
"It is," Ren murmured. "A Pandaren recipe?"
“Correct. They are quite adventurous with food. I rather enjoy it.” He gazed into Ren’s eyes a moment before looking away, worried that he might make the man uncomfortable.
Ren helped himself to more fish. "Can... can you teach me?" he asked softly.
Dery’s face lit up. “I would be happy to.” The owlkitten squeaked at them before settling at Dery's elbow and placing her head against his arm. “I think someone might be getting tired,” he murmured. He gently stroked down the owlkitten’s back with a couple of fingers.
"It's been a very eventful day for her," said Ren softly. "She seems to really like you."
“I think she is very sweet,” he replied.
Ren nodded in agreement. Taking a deep breath, he willed himself to shift back. Within moments, the worgen vanished, replaced by the human once more. "I'm sorry you had to see me like that," he mumbled, scrubbing a hand through his hair.
“Nonsense. I found it to be rather enlightening. I’ve never seen someone actually change before my eyes. Though…” he said carefully. “I think you are not happy that someone witnessed it.”
He offered Dery a rueful smile. "Not everyone is as kind in their reaction." The owlkitten yawned, her eyes dipping shut.
“Then they are fools. None of us are without the mark that this world leaves,” Dery replied, smiling kindly. He squeezed a bit of lemon into his tea and raised it to his lips. “Oh, stars…let me put yours in a cup since you have regained your human form.” He reached out for the bowl of tea.
"Thank you." He glanced around. "Are you the innkeeper?"
“I am,” he confirmed. “I took over when my father passed.”
Ren lowered his head. "I'm sorry to hear that."
“My thanks. It has been some time now, though I miss him at times. I wonder what he would think of how I let the inn get in such a state,” he chuckled softly, shaking his head.
"You seem to have it well in hand," said Ren, glancing around.
“You wouldn’t think so if you had seen it just two months ago. The Legion…well, I am grateful it is over.” He poured the tea carefully from the bowl into a cup and set it before Ren.
Ren nodded, accepting the cup. He sipped the tea, allowing the warmth to calm him. "There's something I'm still curious about," he admitted, peering at Dery.
“Ask,” he invited.
"Why did you help me?" He glanced at the sleeping owlkitten. "I stole her from your people, and my people are your enemies now. You could've just handed us over to the guards, but you didn't. Why?"
Dery chuckled. “That is a simple question with a complicated answer. For one, I am not convinced that my people have figured out that this practice of capturing young, rather than breeding with the stock we have in the city is inappropriate.” He lifted his cup and took a sip.
"Right." Ren’s brow crinkled into a frown as he tried to puzzle out what the Nightborne man was saying.
“What I mean is, it’s a terrible thing to do, but the trappers keep going. And no one stops them.” He sipped his tea again and sat back in his chair. “For another, I have never turned someone in need away. Truth be told, I care less for the absurd authority of this city than I do for people.”
His frown deepened. "Then... why do you live here? You could go somewhere else like Dalaran."
Dery sighed. “This,” he gestured to the building, “is all that’s left of my parents. And, how could I help the people who need arcwine to sustain them? So few of us will go against the elite of our society and help the others.”
Ren nodded slowly. "You belong here," he murmured.
Dery shrugged. “I suppose it would be more accurate to say that I don’t belong somewhere else. I’ve no real reason to leave.” He turned slightly in his chair and tugged a towel from the shelf behind him. He shook it out and then made a pseudo nest. Very carefully, he lifted the tiny owlkitten up and placed her on it. The baby shifted slightly before curling up more tightly in the soft cloth. His eyes drifted over Ren’s features again.
Ren nodded again. "Suramar is beautiful," he said.
“And you? Where do you belong?” He started to reach a hand out, but caught himself.
Ren shook his head, glancing away. "Nowhere," he said, taking another sip of tea.
“You…” Dery started, biting his lip a moment. “You could visit, from time to time. If that…forgive me. You probably wouldn’t be interested in that.” He pulled his hand back to grip the cup in all ten fingers.
He blinked and glanced back at the Nightborne. "Really? You want to see me again even after... well... that display?"
Dery’s cheeks filled with color and he dashed a hand through his hair. “I…”
Ren’s surprised grey eyes softened to join a gentle smile. "I will come again then. Tomorrow evening?"
Dery blinked. “Truly? You will?” A smile burst out across his features, setting the tattoos on his face to shimmering.
Ren blinked, his eyes widening in awe. "That's so beautiful," he murmured.
“What…what is?” The Nightborne looked around, confused.
"These." He stretched a hand out, his fingers brushing very gently over the shimmering tattoos on Dery's cheeks.
Dery gasped, his blush deepening to spread all the way to the tips of his ears. “Thank you,” he whispered, not daring to look Ren in the eye.
Ren blinked again before snatching his hand back. "Oh Light, I... I didn't mean to give any offense, I'm sorry."
“No…no offense. I…” He took a slow breath, closing his eyes. “I was deeply flattered.”
"I meant what I said though," Ren said earnestly. "They look very beautiful."
“Ren. I feel I should tell you, because I do not wish to offend you accidentally.” Dery opened his eyes slowly, gazing at the ginger-haired man across from him. “I…well…”
A confused frown creased Ren's brow. "Was it something I said?"
“No…it’s just…” Dery rubbed his face. “I may blush or…when you touch me…because I… well, I fancy men. And I just thought you should know. So you could choose to do…or not do, whatever it is you are comfortable with.”
"Oh." Ren glanced at his hands. "Should I not do that?"
“I liked it very much. But I…I don’t want you to be uncomfortable. I haven’t been looked at or touched so tenderly in years,” Dery admitted.
"I'm not uncomfortable," said the Gilnean. "But I don't want to make you feel that way either."
“You aren’t. Gods, I’ve made a bit of a fool of myself, haven’t I?” He chuckled a little, hiding his face in his hands.
Ren hesitated before moving closer and placing a hand on Dery's shoulder.
“I’m all right.” He lowered his hands and smiled. “Just a little embarrassed is all.”
"Don't be," Ren said gently. "I'm glad we found you and you were willing to help us."
“I’d do it again. Without even a blink.” He cleared his throat and brushed his hair behind his shoulders. “Will you still visit tomorrow?”
"I'll come again," he promised, smiling. "Maybe I'll take you for a short flight over the city, if you like." He glanced up. "If there's a place that's safe enough."
“Take me for a flight?” Dery peered at him.
Ren nodded. "I can shift into an owl and carry you on my back." He smiled ruefully, rubbing the back of his neck. "I couldn't shift in the crowded streets with the owlkitten. But if I did, we wouldn't even be in this mess."
Dery’s smile faded from his lips. “Yes. Of course,” he whispered. “My apologies, for your discomfort. You…you may leave from the back garden if you wish to fly.” He gestured towards the kitchen doors.
Ren peered at him, unsure. "Have... I offended you?" he asked.
“I thought…” he started, but shook his head. “I’ve been foolish. I thought we were beginning to… well, you should be safe now. You don’t have to remain in this mess any longer than you wish.” His voice was strained, though he did his best to keep it even.
Ren frowned. "Dery..." He took the Shal'dorei's hand. "It was definitely a mess earlier, when I had to outrun the guards with the owlkitten," he said. "But sometimes, the little messes in life can lead to beautiful things. Beautiful people." He smiled, his grey eyes warm. "I'm glad it led me to you today."
Dery studied Ren’s face for a moment before leaning in suddenly to kiss him.
Ren blinked. His gaze darted from Dery's eyes to his lips. He found himself leaning in as well, his lips meeting the elf's. His hand rose almost of its own accord to gently cup the tattooed cheek.
Dery let the kiss linger a moment before touching his forehead to Ren’s. “I… forgive me. That was…” he stammered out, his entire face turning a deep shade of purple.
Ren chuckled. "I'm sorry. I must taste like raw fish." He brought his fingers to his lips, covering his mouth.
“We ate the same thing. I didn’t even notice,” he murmured. “You…um…” His face filled with color. “Gods, I haven’t done this in a frightfully long time.”
The Gilnean man smiled. "I haven't done it in some time either." The owlkitten snuffled softly in her sleep.
“And I haven’t…I mean you don’t…this is all right? Th-that I kissed you like that?” Dery pulled away, his sudden boldness now gone.
"It's fine," he responded with a rueful smile, rubbing the back of his neck. "I think I needed it myself."
“Really?” Dery’s face brightened.
He nodded again. "I'll come back and meet you tomorrow evening," he promised.
“I’ll have dinner prepared. Fish again, or would you like something else? I will have time to pick things up.” Dery rose and moved to the counter, drawing out some paper.
"Fish would be nice." Ren lowered his head. "I'm not sure if many other meats are as easily handled when served raw."
Dery stifled a laugh. “Oh, sweet Ren. I can do it any way you like. If you want other meat raw, I will do it happily. It is a pleasure to treat you.” He lifted the remaining fish onto the paper and wrapped it up. “Take this with you. Please.”
He blinked at the fish. "Oh. Th-thank you." He peered at the Nightborne man. "Are you sure I wouldn't be imposing on you?"
“You have made an unbearable week into something bright. This is the very least I can do,” Dery murmured. He pushed it across the table to Ren.
Ren accepted it somewhat hesitantly before chuckling. "It's nice seeing you so happy."
“I could very much say the same,” Dery admitted.
The Gilnean glanced at the owlkitten. "Do you want to come with me and set her free?" he asked on a whim.
Dery looked at the slumbering creature. “You mean it? I… I wouldn’t be in the way?”
Ren shook his head. "If you carry her on my back, we could go to the thicket and set her free. Then I could drop you back here." He smiled. "Only if you want to though."
Dery’s smile spread wider. “I would love to. Should I change? Is this ok?” He looked down at his soft blue silk shirt and pants.
"It should be fine." Ren picked up the sleeping baby carefully. "Lead the way."
Dery gasped, excited. He reached for Ren’s hand and tugged him towards the back door. Stepping out into a fragrant herb garden, he pushed the work table out of the way. “Is this…is this enough room?”
Ren glanced around. "Yes, it should be." He held the owlkitten out. "Hold her for me please?"
Dery nodded. He reached out and took the owlkitten, his fingers brushing, feather light, over Ren’s.
Ren smiled. "Once I've shifted, climb on my back and hold on." Closing his eyes, he knelt. Snowy white feathers sprouted from his skin and within moments, an enormous owl appeared on the floor. He turned to Dery and hooted softly, nudging the elf with his beak.
"My...stars..." Dery whispered. He gingerly stroked the feathers along the giant owl's neck. "I won''t hurt you, will I?"
The owl hooted again before nudging Dery gently towards his back.
Dery climbed on. He snuggled their tiny charge close and held on. “I think I’m ready.” He trembled with excited anticipation.
Ren spread his wings wide and flapped. They rose steadily into the air in almost total silence. The ground fell away below them as the cool breeze ruffled his feathers. Turning his head all the way to the back, he peered at Dery and hooted softly.
Dery failed to notice the strange position, as he was far too busy looking around with an enormous smile on his face. “This is…incredible.” Strands of his shimmering white and blue black hair tugged back in the breeze.
Ren hooted again, returning his gaze to the front. He steered towards the thicket, flying steadily.
Dery gripped a little tighter, looking out over the lights of the city, then the thicket below.
Ren circled down carefully before landing as gently as he could. He hooted softly again.
Dery slipped from his back, a couple of feathers coming free in his hand. “Oh gods…Ren…I’m sorry,” he exclaimed, horrified.
Ren shifted back, chuckling. "It's okay. Didn't even hurt."
“Are you certain? Let me check, please?” He moved behind Ren to check him out.
"Of course." Ren smiled at him. "A few loose feathers isn't a big deal." He glanced around. "Her mother should be somewhere close by." The owlkitten stirred and squeaked sleepily.
Dery sighed, relieved. He held the little creature out to Ren. “So…how do we do this?”
Ren accepted her. "We're here now," he said to the baby. "Call for your mommy." The owlkitten turned to the bush, her ears pricking up. She mewled loudly.
Dery watched carefully, stepping beside Ren. “Now what?”
The owlkitten called again. Ren opened his mouth to speak, when a yowl answered from the bushes nearby. The owlkitten chirped excitedly, scrambling down from Ren's hands. She scampered into the foliage with another happy chirp.
A large owlcat emerged from the shadows. She purred softly, nuzzling the baby.
Dery gasped softly. “That is amazing. Go be happy, little thing.” He gripped Ren’s arm, watching closely.
Ren smiled at the elf. "The mother will take her further away," he said. "Owlcats are clever creatures. They'll learn from this and move their range elsewhere." The owlcat nudged the baby along and they vanished into the bush.
“Incredible. Truly. So long, little friend.” He waved to the bush, stopping himself after a moment. He put his hand down abruptly, blushing. “Sorry..I…”
"It's okay." Ren smiled. "She'll be safe now with her mother. Besides, she obviously took a liking to you."
“I rather liked her as well. Thank you. For showing me this.” He released Ren’s arm and cleared his throat.
"You're welcome." He chuckled. "Shall we head back?"
Dery nodded. “I suppose we are finished here,” he murmured, looking around once more.
Ren knelt and shifted back into the owl. He hooted softly at Dery.
Dery climbed back up, gently smoothing the feathers down. “I’ll be gentler this time,” he promised.
Ren hooted again. Once Dery was securely on, he took off into the sky, flying back to the inn. Dery leaned in, pressing his chest down and gently held on to Ren’s neck. Ren flapped steadily before descending to alight in the herb garden in the inn. Dery let go, then slid from Ren’s back. Ren shifted back and stood. "Here we are." He smiled. "I hope I didn't ruffle you up too much from the flight."
“I suppose that depends on whose opinion I am seeking. How do I look? Am I a mess?” He peered at Ren, curious.
He shook his head. "There's a nice color in your cheeks that makes you look very lovely though."
Dery’s cheeks darkened further. He covered them with his hands, though he smiled. “Thank you, he murmured. “You, on the other hand, look exactly as you did before we left.”
"Maybe a little more windswept than before." He grinned ruefully, scrubbing a hand through his messy red hair.
“Well, it looks good on you,” Dery said, quite sincerely.
He chuckled. "Thank you for that, I suppose. If you're still keen... tomorrow evening, I'll bring you for a flight over the city instead?" He peered at the Nightborne with a smile.
“Only if you allow me to serve you dinner,” Dery answered, smiling in return.
"Alright, it's our promise." He stretched slightly. "I'll see you tomorrow evening then."
“I very much look forward to it.” He paused, thinking.
"What is it?" Ren paused. "Anything else before I leave?"
“I was wondering where you were staying is all,” Dery admitted softly.
"In the Dreamgrove," he said, smiling.
“Ah. Of course.” Dery nodded. “Goodnight then.” He stepped back, bowing graciously. “Thank you for a beautiful, if unexpected evening.”
"Likewise." Ren bowed back. He shifted smoothly into the snowy owl, hooted twice, then vanished into the sky with a flap.
Dery watched him leave and stared at the now empty sky for some time. He sighed, raking a hand through his hair, then stepped back inside. Looking over at the table, he shook his head. “Dery, you are a complete and utter fool…” he whispered and started cleaning up.