The libraries of the Feywild were filled with wonders and monstrosities alike. Veldarin still suffered from a wound that was caused by a book biting his arm, clearly not happy about being picked up from the shelf. And just a few hours earlier, one had sprouted wings and found an escape through a broken window. He’d need to convince Titania that sometimes accidents happen and appeal to her pride and beauty.
That always worked with the leader of the summer court.
Currently, he paged through a retelling of the childhood of some long forgotten hero. Back when the continents still were united and ruled by a class of people that are no longer remembered. He’d spend months now to better understand how the Gods brought such ruin and destruction to their world and then simply left them for a century or two. Wars waged, civilizations rose and fell, and they simply watched.
No wonder that other presences tried to smuggle their way into the heart of mortal souls.
An exasperated sigh echoed through the air and Veldarin took the volume with him to get back to the table that he shared with his the only other person in this vaste, private library. It truly never hurts to be on good terms with the courts and indulge in their politics and parties.
Arcelm sat in a high chair, back hunched and glasses almost sliding from his nose. His hair was unusually messy and ink was splattered on his fingers. Strange to see him like this, because normally he took pride in looking polished and ready for wherever adventures might lead them. Veldarin understood the frustration. They followed a rather intricate puzzle and were not an inch closer to solving it.
“I wish I could understand this better. It’s difficult to read.” He looked up and his eyes appeared red and swollen from the constant reading. They’d need to take a break from research soon and enjoy some of the markets. Indulging in some ripe fruits and souvenirs for the loved ones that had stayed behind in the normal plane. Not everyone seemed interested in setting foot back into the Feywild and the shenanigans that always happened.
Veldarin kissed his forehead. "You're the smartest person I know."
“As if…” He poked out his tongue and looked a little less tired, but annoyed by Veldarin’s words.
That earned him an impressive display of rolling his eyes. “Ha-ha. Not sure if that will help us.”
“It’s not all about bookish knowledge. Empathy matters as well.” Shrugging, he took the seat right next to the half-elf.
“Not to mention seducing a handsome, older Drow gentleman, which is no small feat after all.”
“Probably not, but I like pointing it out.” Smiling, he took Arcelm’s hand and pulled him up. The sudden movement pushed him against his chest.
My brain’s currently full of too much of everything and at the same time, nothing - so drawing is a bit hard atm. But my smol son Arcelm manages to pull me out of my art slump (sometimes haha).
Since I love AUs, I have this supernatural!au in my head, with Arc being a half vampire/human, trying to find the place where he really belongs to.
@feylen asked for a prompt a while ago and here I am, slow and very late <3
Fandom: Dungeons&Dragons homebrew campaign
Characters: Arcelm x Veldarin, Alces
Rating: M (mentions of death)
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Veldarin put the communication crystal away and sighed. He felt tired and drawn out and far too emotional to face anyone right now. Alces had offered him enough space to spent a few, precious minutes with his thoughts and thankfully it seemed too late for any customer or some courtier looking at gifts for the soon to be arriving elven Queen.
He missed Arcelm.
Missed him so much that it hurt.
Accompanied by an ever-present dread and fear of losing him. Not for the first time, probably not for the last, because loving a hero always offered surprises.
Dertona already proofed to be more than a simple, diplomatic mission with Jaro proudly declaring the peaceful words of King Alces. Instead, they faced vampires controlling fallen Paladins and a revived, ancient black Dragon.
Veldarin rubbed his head. He’d have a talk with some friends about the situation and what could be done about it.
But right now, he just missed his partner.
And he wanted to kiss him.
And tell him that he loved him.
So badly.
Veldarin didn’t understand why it seemed so hard for him to form these words. Love for a Drow had always been such a strange concept and out of his reach. Every thing that you loved would be taken away from you. And you’d get punished for showing affection. He’d spent so many years on the surface and in the Feywild and still he feared those three words.
“Ugh.”
He’d watch Arcelm speak and move and found himself considering just using teleportation magic to get there. With Amalthea at his side, he could. But should he? If the desire and need to kiss Arcelm silly became even stronger, he’d seriously consider it.
Veldarin stood up.
Better to find someone to be miserable together with. Alces had shared most of his emotions and still slept badly, because he’d felt his husband die. Their bond broken by death. He’d found him a shaky mess, face red from crying and ready to send a whole fleet toward their neighboring country.
“Alces?”
“Yes?” The voice came somewhere from the second floor.
“Ready for some wine?”
“Oh, yes.” Veldarin grabbed a bottle and made his way to the kitchen. He doubted that both of them would find sleep tonight, but at least some comfort in each other’s presence.
Fandom: Dungeons&Dragons OCs (urban fantasy AU idea belongs to @feylen as does Arc)
Rating: T
Warnings/Summary: A thank you cupcake
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Veldarin sighed and stretched. His back reacted with a popping sound. He’d been awake for too long and disliked the notion of wearing his appearance spell inside his own house, but nothing to do about that now. Not with too many people unaware about the supernatural underbelly of Ebrus.
He carried his tea cup around his home and at least enjoyed the early morning sun caressing his face.
Someone rang the bell on his front door. Veldarin didn’t want anyone coming in this early and his mood spoke of short hours and too many failed potions. Probably a bad cutting of herbs and other ingredients.
Veldarin put his cup down and opened the door. Two overdressed young men, book in hand, smile too fake and bright.
“Good morning, can we interest you in the teachings of Bahamut?”
“Not interested, thank you.” Veldarin quickly shut the door and heard their voices behind it. Stupid Bahamut clerics and their teachings about love and equality, while opressing most of the city with religious doctrine.
Veldarin sat down with his tea and some light breakfast. They shouldn’t occupy too much of his headspace.
It knocked again.
Driven by righteous furry, he opened his door again. “I said that I’m not interested…”
“Ah, sorry. I can leave that here.” Arcelm put a basket on the ground. His cheeks reddened and he looked like a deer in the headlights. “And go away.”
Veldarin grabbed him by the shoulder. “No, wasn’t meant for you. Come in.”
“My mother wanted you to have this. As a little thank you, for you know, picking me up from the streets”
“How sweet of Taliyah.” He smiled and his stomach growled. She’d baked a bunch of cupcakes, red velvet. Veldarin raised a brow and imagined her smirking about the choice of pastry.
He guided Arcelm towards his dining area on the second floor. “Want tea, coffee? Water?”
“No, I’m okay.” Arcelm seemed shy and innocent compared to his mother and totally out of wits right now. Veldarin felt his protective senses tingling. A newborn vampire was nothing more than a small kitten out on the prowl and so easy to hurt and manipulate and he hoped that no dangerous entity would take notice of his friend’s son.
Veldarin brewed another tea with a side of bach flowers. “Here, drink it. It’ll calm your nerves.”
“Thank you.” He took a small sip, cheeks still red and the rest of his skin pale and freckled.
“You’re welcome.” Veldarin grabbed a cupcake, leaning back on his chair, legs stretched out beneath the table and watched Arcelm. He took a bite and his taste senses applauded Taliyah for another delicacy.
His eyes tried to met Arcelm’s, though the younger men wouldn’t dare to look at him. “So, I guess Taliyah and you had a good talk about your family and its secrets?”
“Yes, though it’s a lot to take in.” Arcelm’s chuckle sounded fake and a bit panicked. “I mean vampires, werewolves and warlocks? What else is out there?”
“I bet it is.” Veldarin put his free hand on Arcelm’s. “If you have any questions, you can also come and talk to me. I won’t judge you and I offer a vast library of books concerning our non human existence.”
“A library?” Finally Arcelm dared to look at him and his eyes were so bright it almost hurt. Deep and blue and like an entire ocean.
Veldarin took a deep breath, putting any forbidden mental images aside. “Yes, I happen to own one.”
“Can…” He chewed on his lip. “See it?”
“Of course, but please finish your tea first.”
“Of course!” It brought some color to his skin and flattened the edges of Arcelm’s anxiety. Watching him made Veldarin aware that he shouldn’t get too close or too involved in this vampire’s life.
But damnation that smile could melt even the most bitter warlock.
Fandom: Dungeons&Dragons OCs (Arcelm belongs to @feylen )
Rating: M
Warnings/Summary: making out in old ruins: Veldarin and Arcelm edition
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“Will you look at this?” Arcelm’s face lit up. His whole body vibrated with nervous energy, as he carefully read through the book. Written in Draconic and probably older than the continent itself, it offered a rare insight into the life of the first people. They’d led them through the ruins earlier and to a closed off section filled with books and journals. After that, Zaerlith sat down with them to talk about past and future and hope.
A true dragon had returned to them.
First, they didn’t trust his words, but after presenting them his true form they accepted him. Open mouthed, teary-eyed, angry and amazed at the same time. Veldarin watched them from far away, but turned his head once Arcelm raised his voice again.
He learned over a thick volume, almost on his tiptoes.
“It’s so interesting. Look!”
He wore his armor, but looser clothing beneath it and with his skin glossy from the heat and his hair in disarray, he seemed rather appealing. Not to mention that Veldarin adored his thirst for knowledge and how he licked his dry lips every now and then, while being engulfed in ancient lore.
Arcelm furrowed his brows. “You are not looking.”
“I am.” Veldarin chuckled.
“But not at the book.”
He shrugged. “You’re more beautiful than any book.”
“Ugh, Vel.”
“Just making an observation.” Veldarin closed the distance between them and hugged Arcelm from behind, arms carefully put around his waist. A scent of ink and old paper reached his nose and he pressed his lips against Arcelm’s skin.
He tasted salt on his tongue.
“That’s not helpful, you know.” Arcelm wiggled around to face him. His eyes seemed wide and still so very innocent and eager to discover the secrets of the world. Veldarin would never tire of the sight.
Veldarin kissed the tip of Arcelm’s ear. “Didn’t try to be helpful.”
Accepting his face, he put his arms around Veldarin and kissed him.
Veldarin’s weight forced his back to collide with the pedestal and some stones came loose. They ignored the sound of falling pebble and he pulled at Arcelm’s clothing to the side to kiss his neck. All that pointy armor made kissing and touching a bit uncomfortable, but Veldarin still pressed his lips against Arcelm’s skin and found his pulse. With Zaerlith often at their side, they’d seldom have any time left to their own … interests. Not that Veldarin blamed Arcelm for wanting to spend time with his great great grandfather and ancestors, but taking a vacation amidst troubling time should come with more naked skin.
“I have to get back to reading.” Arcelm’s lips were as red as the rest of his face, which only emphasized his freckles.
He pressed his hands against Veldarin’s chest. “Please. I don’t know how long we are allowed to stay.”
Veldarin hung his head, shrugged his shoulders, and took a few steps back. “I’ll just stand here, sad and unloved.”
“Vel…”
Warnings/Summary: Veldarin and Zaerin have a talk about feelings
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“You’re not going to join them?” Zaerin held his arms tightly behind his back as he stood beside Veldarin.
The other drow still had much to learn in terms of social interactions and following his own freedom, but he seemed on a good path and Veldarin enjoyed talking to him and offering him advice. Seldom had he met anyone, who shared his story and experiences, especially on the surface, and talking about the Underdark offered much needed relief for both.
He put a hand on Zaerin’s shoulder. “In a moment. Right now, this is perfect.”
As ever, they sat around his wooden table, enjoying a home-cooked meal and an evening of peace. Tomorrow they’d set sail to new shores and adventures. His heart felt heavy. He’d be staying here to support Alces ascension to the throne and standing at his side at the funeral of their king. But seeing them enjoying themself and joking around was a balm for such thoughts. Long month without his friends and especially without Arcelm made him moody and short-tempered and he’d enjoyed their vacation far too much.
“Do they know that you’re watching them?” Zaerin’s own gaze lingered on Dawn, who enjoyed a cup of tea and some warm cookies.
Veldarin knew how his new friend felt about her. It became obvious after a few words, though Zaerin couldn’t quite grasp it yet. Emotions never came lightly to a Drow and brought a whole lot of problems and self-doubts. And in this particular case the object of his crush already saw another man and Zaerin’s feelings would lead to nothing but his first broken heart.
He shook his shoulders. “Probably.”
“But this…” Veldarin sighed. “This makes it all worth it.”
Zaerin furrowed hís brows, clearly not following Veldarin’s train of thought. “Are we going to join them?”
“Of course. You also deserve a good drink and some laughter.” He’d opened some of his favourite vintages, ready to be used for this dinner.
“I do?”
“Yes. Llewyn bought a lot of chocolate just for you.” Somehow the halfling had taken a liking to Zaerin, but maybe she just adored lost and broken people, who needed a bit of guidance and help. She very much loved the rest of their constant house guests, but would never say such words out loud.
Zaerin looked at his hands. “Oh.”
“Come.” Veldarin gently guided him down the steps and toward the kitchen.
wonderful artist and human @feylen drew me my D&D Warlock/Paladin Veldarin wearing a “one drow at a time” shirt as a patreon reward, which is a partner piece to @magnetklaue Dawn! He’s totally on board to bring more Drows to the surface!
