Festival
Eldermore AU #Fluff Without Plot
Eldermore Red is my softest Red
on AO3
Music and laughter filled the air as Razz and his husband made their way into the marketplace, his hand on the taller’s arm. The scent of baked goods and sugar swept over them with the breeze, and he couldn’t help a laugh as one of the jesters inside the crowd fell on his nose, his juggling balls bouncing as they hit the ground. His free hand swept over the dark blue skirt of his dress as he moved, and it fluttered in the warm wind. Sunshine warmed his bones.
At his side, Red grinned down on him, expression mild and bright. His husband was much taller than him, and slightly hunchbacked, both of which together with his fangs, would make it relatively easy to guess his orcish blood, if anyone would think of it. Luckily, no one would. After all, the mere thought of supernatural blood inside Eldermore’s walls was outrageous. It was human- and monsterkind’s last refuge from the elves, dwarves, and orcs. The long-lived ones.
Shaking his head, he shoved all those thoughts out of his mind. It was the spring festival, and life was returning. He’d even taken time off from the Guard, leaving his second-in-command in charge of keeping the order instead. All so he could spend some quality time with Red.
Children’s laughter came from the side, and Razz turned around to see two little girls in pink dresses giggle and point at them. He raised an eyebrow, saluting them, and they shrieked in glee. Neither could be older than eight. Pulling two flower crowns out of a weaved basket, the girls rushed over to them, holding them up, the blonde in front of him, and the redhead in front of Red.
Red sank down on his knees, leaning down far so that she could put a crown of lilacs on top of his head. The girl giggled as he, big and intimidating as he was, thanked her. The blonde stared up at Razz, impatience shining in her eyes. With an amused sigh, also he bowed down so she could place her crown on his head – this one was made of pink primroses.
“Thank you,” he said, and they beamed.
“You’re welcome!” the redhead sang before they rushed back to their parents, blabbering happily. Their father shone, mouthing a thank you, Captain, and he waved his hand as he took Red’s hand again.
Red squeezed his hand as they navigated the crowd. Stands bordered the marketplace, where they sold food and drink and flowers and the first harvest. The scents were magnificent, both familiar and foreign. Merchants from many nations were here, selling in the last mortal centrum of trade.
A group of musicians stood on a temporary wooden stage, playing cheerful folksongs with lutes and flutes and drums. People were dancing on the square, skirts flying and partners switching around. With a hum, Red lifted his hand above his head, making him twirl around until he was facing him. Razz raised an eyebrow as Red bowed his head.
“Can I have this dance, sweetheart?”
Unable to help his smile, Razz nodded. “You can.”
Someone cheered as they joined the wild quadrille, twirling around on the stone square. Red’s hands were warm in his and his skirt flied around his legs as he let go of his husband, twirling around the other dancers before returning to his arms, and his soul raced in his chest. The music filled him as everyone in his line moved a step, changing partner, and his new partner nodded his hat and grinned.
“Captain!” he exclaimed cheerfully. Blue, a farmer and part-time baker. The court alchemist himself, up in the Citadel, was very fond of Blue’s bread. “What an honour.”
“Likewise,” Razz replied, not even bothering to hide his smile as Blue stepped around him, leading him in a circle. The music sped up. Energy rushed through his body. “How is the farm going?”
“Just great!” Blue’s smile widened as they prepared another partner-switch. “The year looks promising. The gods will be kind to us this year, I know it.”
“Let’s hope you’re right,” Razz replied just as he twirled away again, the dance continuing.
Eventually he ended up in Red’s arms again, and at that point, he was breathing hard, and his cheeks were hurting from his constant grinning. As the melody died out, he sank into Red’s arms for a moment before tip-toeing to kiss his cheek. Red’s grin was just as wide as his as they left the dancing square.
“How about we get some mead?” Red suggested, voice rough. “I’m parched.”
Nodding, Razz agreed, and they made their way over to one of the stands that sold fragrant honey mead. He paid the vendor two coins for two mugs of it and sighed in pleasure as he drank down a few gulps. Not too sweet. He leaned into Red’s side. One of Red’s arms sneaked around his waist, resting over his stomach.
Downing the last of his mead, he put down the wooden cup on the vendor’s table. Red took his hand, lifting it to press a kiss to it. “Hey, darlin’, close yer eyes for a moment?”
Raising his eyebrows, Razz did. Nimble fingers played over his spine and something warm appeared over his chest.
“You can open them.”
He did, and when he looked down, he found a long iron chain hanging around his neck. At its end, right over his chest, hung a black stone, gleaming in the sunshine. Eyes widening, he picked it up, turning it in his hand. The sun danced in it. When he finally could tear his eyes away, he stared at Red, who grinned proudly.
“Onyx,” he said.
“This must’ve cost a fortune.” Razz blinked, looking back down at it. Onyx. Holy Dawn. He’d never owned any jewels before, and this one was huge.
Red’s fingers stroked his arm, and he kissed the top of his head gently. It clacked as the bone connected. “I’ve been saving up. Wanted to surprise you.”
Unable to help himself, Razz twisted around. He reached up to grab the collar of Red’s shirt, jerking him down. Red gasped in surprise. He mashed their teeth together, closing his eyes. Feeling Red smile into the kiss, he clung around the taller’s neck, his soul racing.
He gasped for air as they parted, clutching onto Red’s hands. “I love it.”
Red’s smile was soft. “And I love you.”
