One Count, Two Knights
A short story, featuring Dubhan and his beloveds Impyreno belongs to @thoseofuswhoblossom, Oleander belongs to @salad-tales
The Nightmare thrives in the darkness. Even so, a bonfire lit the faces of the sylvari that laughed and flirted, despite the quivering and cries from their prisoners. The stars glittered in the moonless sky above, the fire raged and roared.
The count hummed, running a fingertip over the rim of the ornate goblet that held the equally expensive wine he sipped. His body covered in extravagant umber and gold robes, soft fur tickling his neck. He watched as his toys spoke together and danced in the firelight.
Then, he stood. He set the goblet on the arm of his throne, watching his court immediately drop to a knee. Ah, it was good to be a count. He strode through the field, smile widening as he grew close, robe billowing behind him.
"Squire," he took the colorful sylvari's hand from the Knight's as he spoke, "Come."
The squire eagerly followed, armored feets tripping over the other as he kept up with the count's swift stride. He ended back in front of his throne, and knelt with his head lowered.
The warrior count pulled his massive sword from the sheathed that leaned. He weighed it in his hands, gently brushing a finger against the cracked gemstone.
Then, he turned, and gently rested the flat of the blade on his toy's shoulder.
"Oleander," he spoke loudly, confidence dripping from every word, "You are no longer my Squire. I, Count Dubhan of Bleeding Hearts, now proudly name you the Knight of Devotion. You shall now be my entourage alongside the Knight of Machinations."