the fallen leaders empire

»ɪ ᴋɴᴏᴡ ɪᴛ’s ʜᴀʀᴅ ᴛᴏ ʟᴇᴛ ɢᴏ ᴏғ ʏᴏᴜʀ ᴅᴀʀᴋ sɪᴅᴇ. Yᴏᴜ ʀᴀɪsᴇᴅ ɪᴛ. ʏᴏᴜ ɢʀᴇᴡ ᴜᴘ ᴡɪᴛʜ ɪᴛ. ᴏғ ᴄᴏᴜʀsᴇ ɪᴛ’s ʜᴀʀᴅ ᴛᴏ ʟᴇᴛ ɪᴛ ɢᴏ. ʙᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ᴅᴇᴠɪʟ’s ɢᴏᴛᴛᴀ ɢᴏ.« ● Indie RP blog for Dagran from Last Story●

[thighhighsandgoldeneyes]

adeadlysong​:

Recalling her first meeting with Therius Syrenne replied, “and a little hasty with that if he doesn’t take care,” to what Tahirah told her. Admittedly she was fine with Therius, he was in Zael’s good graces and while everyone was in Zael’s good graces until proven otherwise, but in the end Therius had no obligation to convince her and there was no reason to either. If he was able to help uncover whatever the hell Rafael had been up to then that was fine with her. As long and he and Zael got along when they needed it.

“Yeah, but they wanna?” Syrenne asked, shifting a bit to get more comfortable. “I can handle a horde of soldiers just fine, but it’s more fun when I can bicker with Lowell while doing that.”

Thoughtfully Syrenne hummed, then stretched and when she settled again it was a little closer to Tahirah. “Well, that’s on them then, if they insist on waiting… or can you order them as Countess?” Quite frankly, Syrenne wasn’t sure. There ought to be some law against that she figured, but then again… she was familiar with formal, polite insistence on expectations.

“Got anyone you fancy?” Her tone was slightly teasing and she openly studied Tahirah now.

**

Lowell lifted his arm when Lukas pushed Rafaele’s coat off his shoulders, only to place it right where had been before. The fact that Rafaele had returned his kiss without so much as flinching put him in a good mood.

“Only if you wear it again,” Lowell murmured into Rafaele’s ear and tugged at it with his teeth. Pressing a kiss to the skin next to it.

He watched, and followed as Lukas opened Rafaele’s shirt and pushed him onto the bed, but Lowell didn’t get long to enjoy the sight of the two of them. And then Lukas tugged at the coat he’d put over his shoulders again without even closing it for appearances sake, and a grin spread of Lowell’s face when Lukas kissed him. He didn’t need to ask twice: his hands were already roaming Lukas’ torso, searching for buttons and claps to open to get rid of the other’s coat and then open his shirt to get to the skin underneath.

With a pleased hum Lowell sighed as he could feel Lukas’ warm skin under his palms and his lips found his way to the other’s ear and neck, teeth gently scraping his skin, while he watched Rafaele through half-hooded eyes to see his reaction.

**

Lucius’ head leaned against his, and he could feel his breath on his face, warm and familiar, and instinctively Dagran wanted to be closer to him. All the more so now that there were no clothes left between them and his hands were roaming Lucius’ body, taking in everything once more before he wrapped one of them around his shaft, moving his hand slowly and teasing. Of course he’d noticed the little grin, with their faces so close there was no way to hide even the smallest expressions, but even without that Dagran wouldn’t have bit anything back, when Lucius made him moan. Closing his eyes at the touch his metal hand when it carded through Dagran’s hair and made its way down his spine so deliberately it made his breath hitch in his throat. He’d give him reasons to keep that grin.

“Is that all you want to do to me?” Dagran teased quietly, pressing a kiss to the side of his face, glad that they hadn’t stayed in the guest room, and closed his eyes with a quiet groan. “Or is it something you want me to do to you?” As he spoke he tugged at Lucius’ lips.

[thighhighsandgoldeneyes]

adeadlysong​:

Whatever innate ability Syrenne had had to sit still and pay attention at some point in her life, had certainly not made it into her adulthood. She barely made it through Dagran’s planning sometimes, even if it was about the fight ahead of them. Syrenne just couldn’t help it, she wasn’t made to sit in meetings, she needed to do things. With a sigh she let her head sink back. “I’d die of boredom, let me tell you… and you have to be sober for these things, I don’t know how you do it.” Syrenne shook her head.

Syrenne couldn’t hold back the little laugh when Tahirah informed her of the Raf-is-Sus club. “You are adorably committed,” she grinned, but nodded anyway because it was true. “Of course, I’m helping.” Though Syrenne was surprised to hear Therius’ name. “How the hell did that happen? Therius is surrounded by a field of zero effect, everything that comes in contact with him just…” Syrenne made a vanishing sound. “Bet if I told him it’d just go over his head too.”

She remembered Lana as one of the winners of course, and Nuriel had been one half of the insufferable duo following Tahirah everywhere. “I thought your watchdogs were inseparable?”

**

Lowell grinned. Admittedly anything else would have been disappointing, but he wasn’t going to tell Lukas that now. Maybe he would have gone back to Kamiizumi, if neither of them planned on staying.

“Gladly,” he replied when Rafaele asked if he wanted him around. He’d been wanting to see Lukas, but there was room for Rafaele in his bed too. The more the merrier, something like that.

As Lukas pulled Rafaele inside with a kiss, Lowell closed the door behind them.

With an agreeing sound he closed the distance between them and slid an arm around Rafaele’s waist to pull him a little towards him, so he could give him a short kiss. Gauging the reaction to his cold skin as he replied, “you’re in good hands.” Vaguely he remembered that Lukas had said Rafaele would be more at ease in his own room, but perhaps they could make him forget that he was in an unfamiliar environment after all. Idly Lowell’s fingers brushed Rafaele’s side, all too comfortable already with having him this close, but his eyes wandered to Lukas wondering if he wanted to take the lead.

**

Immediately Lucius’ arms were around him again, keeping him close and then proceeded to rid him of the rest of his clothes, and Dagran arched into the touch of his hand with a shuddering sigh. The kiss quieted the moan in the back of his throat, and made it harder to focus for a moment, almost too hard, and when he did again his hands had already started undressing Lucius again with practised fingers.

Unthinking Dagran leaned into the kisses on his face and neck, closing his eyes for a moment, but too preoccupied with getting Lucius out of his pants to keep them closed for long. With a breath and a quiet groan Dagran rolled them onto their sides, to settle the inside of his head again, leaning it against Lucius’ as far as that was possible for him, while he got him out of the rest of his clothes. Half-distracted by Lucius’ kisses and the touch of his hand, sending small fireworks down his spine.

[thighhighsandgoldeneyes]

adeadlysong​:

Of course she had noticed Tahirah’s stolen glanced, however Tahirah was entirely too cute about it to tease her right away. So Syrenne decided to wait for a better opportunity.

With a content sigh Syrenne stretched, making herself comfortable in the tub. “Are you kidding me? This is way better than bathing at a tavern – I’m lucky if I don’t have to share with the guys,” Syrenne sighed again, and then paused, “Dagran and Zael used to guard the door in the less… pleasant establishments.” At first it had been because there wasn’t anybody else, but later Syrenne had to admit that she much preferred knowing it were them instead of Lowell or Yurick, albeit for widely different reasons.

She made an agreeing sound when Tahirah said that they all needed a day to wind down. “What’s not as eventful in your book?” Syrenne asked because she seriously didn’t have any idea what it meant for someone of Tahirah’s station. For all that Syrenne knew Tahirah job was to make important decisions and look pretty when everyone looked her way.

**

With a little help from his magic the water had turned icy cold within a matter of minutes and Lowell couldn’t have been more comfortable. It was curse as much as a blessing that he didn’t find the same temperatures agreeable as most other people did, but at least he had the tub to himself now for whatever little while it would take Lukas to show up.

Lowell was already out of the tub again, half-dressed and his hair was half-dry, when Lukas decided to show up, albeit there was no knock and he could only make out that someone seemed to have a conversation in the hallway. In truth Lowell could have spent much longer in his ice bath, but experience had taught him that most people didn’t appreciate sleeping with a humanoid ice block. So right now his temperature was only a little lower than usual.

Half-heartedly he listened to the unclear voices, wondering whether he should get up and see if it was Lukas, or wait until they disappeared, or decided to knock after all. It was curious that there were two of them.

He decided to be curious and opened the door to lean in the doorway, waiting for the other two to notice him. “Do you need a moment or do you want to come in?” He offered, curiously eyeing Rafaele, while he reached out to tug at Lukas’ arm. “Are you staying?” He asked and then turned to Lukas, “is he staying?”

**

Dagran could claim that he was pretty used to how Lucius’ metal hand felt on his skin, yet he couldn’t help it how the touch sent shivers down his spin, when the cold, hard metal caressed his skin. It was such a stark contrast to Lucius’ human hand.

With a pleased hum Dagran noticed that Lucius had gotten rid of his own coat, while Dagran opened his shirt and slid his hands under it, as Lucius’ hands were busy taking off his pants, which left him a lot more naked than Lucius was, when he stepped out of them, but there was something arousing about it, when he pressed against him and pulled the shirt off of Lucius’ shoulders.

Dagran’s teeth tugged at Lucius’ lips as the other pulled him closer to the bed, following his lead without protest as his hands ran over Lucius’ body and tracing old scars when his hands found them. Carefully he pushed Lucius onto the bed when they were close enough and crawled on top of him, deepening the kiss, while his hands wandered lower to open his pants.

[thighhighsandgoldeneyes]

adeadlysong​:

Tahirah couldn’t help but smile at the compliment given to her plush dolls, but she then went to prepare the bath. It wasn’t going to take long, and soon enough it was scented with a soothing lavender smell -not heavy at all, but noticeable enough.

“Bath’s ready!” Tahirah called to Syrenne, before a giggle left her. “We can hop in now~”

Her face flushed a little, but she was excited to just get disrobed and get into that sweet sweet water right now. Tahirah made sure there were towels available for both of them to use after bathing, before moving to carefully take off her dress in preparation. 

****

A soft chuckle left Kamiizumi at the mention of taking Lowell out. He was slightly disappointed at not being able to continue their conversation any further, but the prospect of late breakfast sounded good. 

“Late breakfast it is.” Kamiizumi agreed with a nod. “We can meet up in the castle town’s square and head someplace together. They have a variety of cafes, so there should be good options available.”

Hopefully at least one of those places served pancakes. The Swordmaster knew he had a weakness for that particular breakfast food. “I look forward to seeing you again tomorrow morning then…”

From the corner of his eye he thought he saw Lana giving him a thumbs-up. Oh Crystals, she was not going to let that go…and knowing her she was absolutely going to insist on him wearing something nice tomorrow morning. 

****

With half closed eyes Syrenne listened to the rushing water, here and there she picked up a scent wafting out of the bathroom, it smelt nice, everything about Tahirah smelt nice so of course her bath had to. Her room did too. It was hardly they was she would decorate her own, but when Syrenne opened her eyes again fully and leaned her head onto her hand as she looked around, it all was so very much Tahirah.

With a heavy sigh Syrenne heaved herself out the chair and stretched as she walked into the bathroom when Tahirah called for her. “Aahhh, that’s just what I need after a long day,” she smiled.

With ease Syrenne worked open the clasps and buttons on her clothes, and though she did think Tahirah was pretty enough to be distracting, right now she wanted nothing more than to be in that bath and she had long since lost her modesty about these things. Although her glance did linger a second or two when she caught a glimpse of Tahirah’s figure.

The water had just the right temperature when Syrenne stepped inside, and it smelt nice – what was that? Lavender? Sighing happily she let herself sink into the tub. “That’s good,” she muttered and closed her eyes for a moment. Baths were probably her third favourite thing in the world. After drinking and fighting. From the corner of her eye she glanced at Tahirah for a moment.

**

A smile showed on Lowell’s face. “Sounds good to me.” At least Kamiizumi wasn’t asking why he wasn’t going to get up early, and this way he didn’t already have to decide what he wanted to eat tomorrow. Maybe he’s let Kamiizumi decide, he’d never been particularly picky.

He noticed that Kamiizumi glanced at somebody but couldn’t figure out who that look had been for. “I do too,” he replied and pressed a kiss to Kamiizumi’s hand with a little smile, before finally letting go. “Good night,” and with that he left Kamiizumi and wandered off to find his room again.

He had half-expected to find Lukas waiting at his door, but he wasn’t there when Lowell arrived and because had danced for the better part of the evening Lowell decided to have a bath to pass the time. He rarely had the opportunity to bathe by himself, and because he could handle warm water to a certain degree, he rarely got to enjoy the icy cold temperatures that he preferred.

**

Dagran gave a little shrug, meaning to say that it was easy for him after all and there wasn’t really a trick to it. He’d fastened the cape, of course he knew how to take it off. And he only hummed in response to Lucius words that he would have no trouble with the rest of his clothes.

As Lucius opened his jacket, Dagran helped by pulling his arms out of it and rolling it off of his shoulders, which left only the shirt underneath but even that was gone soon while Dagran opened Lucius’ coat and pushed it off his shoulders, not really bothering to get it off of him further, instead proceeding to open the buttons of his shirt. All while trying not to break the kiss.

[thighhighsandgoldeneyes]

adeadlysong​:

“You have a point there,” Tahirah admitted to Syrenne, a little chuckle leaving her. She was happy to lead Syrenne straight to her quarters - her own private bedroom and bathroom. They had to go up two floors and down a couple hallways, but they made it soon enough.

“So, erm, welcome to my quarters.” Tahirah managed. She’d never really straight-up shown anyone her room, let alone her bathroom, so this a bit new for her. Tahirah’s bedroom could be described as cozy—a soft plush bed with frilly pink covers. There was a writing desk in one corner near a window that presumably overlooked a courtyard or some part of the castle. Her dressers were neatly closed, and there was a bed table with various items on it- small plush dolls, actually.

The bathroom was neat and pretty - not extremely extravagant, but one could tell that the material used to build the bathroom to begin with was definitely of good quality, like the spa in the castle town. Also, the bathtub was big enough for two people to sit in comfortably and even have an armful of room away from each other. 

She looked up at Syrenne, a little blush on her face. “So, er, let me just prepare the water and then we can hop in. You’re not sensitive to anything scented, are you?” 

***

A satisfied sound left Lucius when Dagran wrapped his arms around his neck and moved fingers through his hair. He just kept on kissing Dagran, occasionally pulling his head back to breathe before kissing at the side of his neck.

His arms were wrapped around Dagran’s waist intiially, but were already soon trying to get him out of his cape and…oh, wait, the cape - Lucius had to pull his head back from kissing Dagran so he could figure out how to get it off. “Help? Please?” His face flushed. “I think it’s stuck…”

****

With Lowell’s face nearly buried in his neck, Kamiizumi knew that he was a bit flustered at how close they were, and he was glad Lowell couldn’t see his face flushing right now. The Swordmaster took the opportunity to collect himself before Lowell pulled back after a moment, though he couldn’t help but shrug a bit at the mention of wearing a dress more often.

“Probably nothing as fancy as this, but I might - especially if it’s more socially acceptable in Melodia, anyway.” He admitted. “And…I got more dresses than just this one the other day….”

Blame Lana for insisting on him getting some more casual ones while they were at the boutique earlier. Since you’re so comfy in that fancy one, maybe you should get some more casual ones? I’ve got six you can try on! 

And he ended up getting what, two or three more? He’d told himself that he’d only wear them when he wasn’t at work and was out of kimonos to wear that day, that they were simply spares if needed, but still…it did help if he knew others that appreciated them as much as he did. 

He only realized then that the banquet was over. Guests were already starting to leave shortly after Arlyn’s announcement, and it seemed like even Countess Tahirah had taken her leave, too. A little sigh left him after, before he looked toward Lowell.

“Should we continue this conversation elsewhere?” He asked. “Unless you have other things to attend to, that is, but—I did enjoy dancing with you.”

Admittedly Tahirah could have brought her to any rooms in the castle and claimed that they were hers, well they technically were anyway, but Syrenne would have accepted it if Tahirah had simply ordered a room and bath to be prepared for them for tonight. All of it was already so much nicer than she was used to.

But as Tahirah led her through the hallways and upstairs it dawned on Syrenne that that wasn’t what had happened.

Tahirah’s room was pink and comfortable and so many things that Syrenne wasn’t, and also very obviously furnished by someone with money, yet Syrenne looked around with a mix of curiosity and quiet astonishment.

“Aww, that’s sweet,” Syrenne remarked, noticing the plush dolls and turned to Tahirah again when she spoke. “Sounds good, anything’s fine with me.” As far as she was aware she wasn’t allergic to anything.

With a content sigh Syrenne plopped herself into a nearby, very comfortably looking chair.

**

Biting back a smile Dagran managed to untangle himself from Lucius who had gotten tangled up in his cape, but he couldn’t help a little chuckle. And when Lucius’ hands were finally out of the way Dagran unfastened the clasps which held the cape in place, feeling for them more than looking, and shrugged it easily off his shoulder.

Looking please with himself Dagran wrapped his arms around Lucius again and pulled him forward, forcing himself to take a few steps backwards when he kissed him again. “Do you need help with the rest too?” Dagran teased light-heartedly.

**

Thoughtfully Lowell hummed, he did like the prospect of seeing Kamiizumi in something much more casual. “Now you’re practically begging me to take you out,” he teased with a roguish little smile.

Their dance was at last coming to a halt although Lowell only glacially let go of Kamiizumi, feeling much too comfortable  holding him this close.

“Not tonight,” Lowell replied sounding almost apologetically . Not if he wanted Lukas to show up at his door, or the other way around. Although he wouldn’t classify Lukas as a thing. “How about tomorrow, maybe… lunch? Breakfast…? Late breakfast.” He said it more like he was already deciding for them, but there was no way he was getting up anytime early no matter how the night went.

[thighhighsandgoldeneyes]

adeadlysong​:

Lucius led Dagran out the door, and he couldn’t help but smile a little at being requested to lead the way. “Good thing I have a general idea of the castle’s layout from past visits…”

With that in mind, it didn’t take long to get to their actual room—and just in time too, as chimes rang through the whole castle once, signalling the end of the banquet. He closed the door behind them, locking it to make sure that they weren’t disturbed, before pulling Dagran in for another kiss again.

****

Upon being asked about whether they had to stay until the end, Tahirah sighed. 

“Well…yeah, I kind-of have to, I’m hosting.” She managed sheepishly. “Though it should be ending reallly soon. Just wait for it…wait for it…” Wait for it..!

And then it was time. The music was stopping, one of the castle’s main clocks chimed throughout the area, echoing, and Tahirah motioned for Arlyn to speak up, which he did.

“Thank you one and all for attending the banquet! We hope to have you again at a future banquet, perhaps celebrating future champions of the Challenge as well! Guests, please exit through the main entrance where you came. Lord Sukumara, Lady Nemesis, and Lady Orzora, a reminder that your presence is rqeuired tomorrow morning for a debriefing on the entire tournament! Goodnight, one and all!”

Tahirah grinned up Arlyn. “Thank you.” She then looked toward Syrenne, a little giggle leaving her. “Now we can go. Bath time!”

Nuriel looked toward Tahirah. “We’ll handle the rest of things here, Countess, if you’d like to retire early.” 

“That would be much appreciated, thank you. Now,” Tahirah looked toward Syrenne again, squeezing her hand, “Let’s go. Follow me!”

****

At the mention of tripping, Kamiizumi frowned slightly, shaking his head briefly. “No, I wasn’t tripped by anyone…and no one attempted to trip me. Other than Araceli attempting to spill wine on me and utterly failing, I don’t think anyone else has it out for me.”

He thought about the maid he’d seen earlier trip and nearly spill the drinks, only to catch one. “I did feel a bit bad for that servant though. As far as I know, she was only doing her job…” 

He was immediately brought out of that subject when Lowell pulled him close, praising his attire. His face flushed as he ended up part-leaning against Lowell in such close proximity.

“Y-your suit flatters you too, it really does…but thank you,” He managed quickly, voice low enough to murmur back to Lowell. “You’d have to thank Lana for finding me the outfit to begin with, or else I’d have no idea what to wear for tonight.”

He betted that if Lana were here to tease them, she’d definitely say something along the lines of Looks like that outfit pleased him after all, hm? But thankfully she wasn’t here, and he really didn’t need extra teasing from her when Lowell was already charming him all over again. The fact that he was this close physically to Lowell was already blush-worthy too.

“Very good indeed,” Dagran agreed as he followed Lucius. He tried to recognise the hallways around them, but they only looked vaguely familiar given that it was all the same design with similar interior. Filling out the map in his head, as he tried to remember waymarkers. Only when they got to the hallway their room was in did Dagran recognise their surroundings.

As soon as they were behind closed doors Lucius pulled him into another kiss that Dagran reciprocated, wrapping his arms around Lucius’ neck and moving his fingers through his hair.

**

“Sooo… you only really have to be around for the beginning and the end and maybe a part in the middle, but you could technically do what you want in between because it’s your party?” Syrenne concluded with a charming smile. It made perfect sense, at least to her.

Though she did wait and listen to Arlyn’s little speech concluding the evening. “Finally,” Syrenne sighed, realising that she wasn’t nearly drunk enough to endure an event like this without exhausting herself to some degree. Although her expression was quite happy at Tahirah’s announcement that they could leave and she almost cheerily followed her once Tahirah had bid Nuriel and Arlyn goodbye. Right now Syrenne didn’t like them much better than Lowell, so she hadn’t been paying much attention to them, but she had been doing that by keeping her attention on Tahirah because that improved her mood a lot more.

And now she was eager to see the promised bath.

**

Kamiizumi’s reply pulled him back from his thoughts on Siobhan and Lowell smiled, for one because he was glad that nothing else had happened, but also to seem more present after his mind had been elsewhere. He didn’t really want to think about Siobhan now.

“Thank you,” Lowell’s lips ghosted over Kamiizumi’s ear as he spoke.

A little mischievous grin that Kamiizumi couldn’t see showed on Lowell’s face at the mention of Lana. “I do have to thank her,” he agreed, still keeping Kamiizumi close and his face almost buried in the other’s neck as he slowed their dancing in time with the music that was running out.

Although maybe he shouldn’t rile him up like that when he wanted Lukas to return in a while, so Lowell removed himself from Kamiizumi’s neck, still grinning a little. “Maybe you should wear a dress more often,” he suggested.

[thighhighsandgoldeneyes]

adeadlysong​:

A little sigh left Lucius at the mention of not staying here if they were going to go beyond what they were doing right now.

“Fair point. Probably best not to tempt them,” He mumbled, his gaze meeting Dagran’s own before he leaned his forehead against his. As tempting as it really was to stay here, it was definitely too risky. 

“We should get back to our own room then…” He glanced around, noticing a clock nearby, and he gave Dagran another kiss. “Banquet’s going to be finishing up soon, so if we want to evade the crowd we should get going.”

****

Tahirah couldn’t help but nod a little in agreement at mercs being more predictable than nobles, but a smile left her at the mention of Syrenne adding in her enthusiasm for booze. Some people might find that worrying, but as far as Tahirah knew, she felt pretty safe around Syrenne. Comfortable.

She let Syrenne lead her off to the dance floor. At this point int he banquet, the music had slowed to another nice waltz, so they didn’t have to worry about dancing anything complicated. From the corner of her eye, she noticed others dancing or surveying the rest of the ballroom’s atmosphere, just taking in this last half hour or less before the banquet was over. She gazed up into Syrenne’s eyes, smiling.

“Your eyes are so pretty…”

***

A chuckle left Kamiizumi at Lowell practicing since he started talking. Surely he didn’t mean that literally, but still….

Kamiizumi nodded in agreement at the mention of him having his own reasons. “I do. Not that I want to talk about all of those reasons in this ballroom, but…it’s nice not having a huge position of importance, to get away from all the pressure it had…”

Probably better in the long run for not just himself, but for his daughter too. He swallowed lightly, but he smiled after. “If having one or two people ask me about my past is what I have to pay for that, then it’s something I can tolerate. I’d appreciate someone not subtly trying to spill wine on me though…why bother wasting it like that, I don’t know.” 

If there was anything that Araceli Nemesis had given Kamiizumi the impression of, it was that she was petty—petty over him, Dagran, Lana and Zael winning the tournament, and willing to take it out on others in small ways if she could. Kamiizumi suspected that he wasn’t the only person targeted tonight, just one lucky enough not to have wine spilled on him to cause some minor disgrace. 

“Mhmm-mhm,” Dagran hummed quietly when Lucius spoke. He really wasn’t inclined to get up despite what he’d previously said and the very real danger of Nuriel and Arlyn. Only when Lucius mentioned that the banquet would be over soon did he manage to kick his body back into gear. Slowly Dagran untangled himself from Lucius’ grip enough to stand up and pull the other with him once again. “Alright then, let’s go back,” Dagran muttered, uncertain what exactly made him feel so relaxed tonight, albeit he wasn’t going to challenge it. The only troublesome thing was that it made him reluctant to really bring any distance between them.

Still, Dagran managed even that somehow as he led him out the door again, trying to remember which way they had to go. He could more or less easily retrace their steps to the ballroom, but as he envisioned the map of the castle in his head, it was still too incomplete for him to do more but guess. “Lead the way,” he said with a sigh and gestured for Lucius to do so.

**

Somehow it seemed easy to find the rhythm with Tahirah in her arms, although Syrenne had to listen for it when she didn’t just to go off a feeling. Tahirah fit nicely into the curve of her arm as they danced, her hand small and soft lying in hers, it gave her a strange form of solace and comfort that Syrenne couldn’t quite place. Something that she didn’t want too think about too much because it scratched lightly but persistently at old wounds. But it did make Tahirah’s compliment all the nicer.

“Thank you, I’ve noticed you staring,” Syrenne teased. “Yours are very pretty too.” Though they were far from the only pretty thing about Tahirah. But they were definitely pretty enough to make her briefly forget Lowell’s annoying existence.

Silently, Syrenne wondered what the end of the ball would mean for Tahirah and whether she would just get to leave, and then what kind of bathtub Tahirah had, probably big enough for the two of them to have enough space to themselves, unlike her bath with Calista way back when, which had been pretty cramped, whether Tahirah would allow her little drink, did she have any fancy alcohol stashed away in her private rooms?

“Do you have to stay until the end?”

**

Of course he was serious. Why would he not be? If Kamiizumi wanted he could practise on him, with him – either was fine. It would be fun.

Lowell hummed in agreement, this room had too many eyes and ears, of course not all of them hostile but that wasn’t the point. And unlike Kamiizumi he wouldn’t even abide one of them asking what his reason had been for leaving. It was none of their business and nothing he wanted to discuss anyway, so Lowell only bit the inside of his mouth to keep himself from talking.

“Well, that’s just rude,” and thinking of Siobhan he added, “she err… didn’t try to trip you did she?” But why would a woman like Araceli, or anyone else for that matter, have it out for a serving girl… unless said serving girl was involved with someone of her family. The easiest answer would be her husband. -- Only that all of this was conjecture that Lowell based on a gut feeling. He hadn’t thought about it much earlier, or the way she’d glanced at Sukumara. Not that he’d figure it out right now either. Kamiizumi had simply made him think of it in a new light.

To distract himself, and maybe Kamiizumi a little too, but mostly himself from the more depressing thoughts their conversation had brought on Lowell abruptly pulled Kamiizumi close to his body and murmured into his ear, and murmured, “I don’t think I’ve told you how good you look in that dress tonight.”

[thighhighsandgoldeneyes]

adeadlysong​:

Lucius smiled as he felt Dagran shift in his embrace to get more comfortable, and he was glad the other felt comfortable enough to do so. He ran his fingers through Dagran’s hair again at hearing his sigh, before pulling his head back to breathe a bit.

“You know…since Arlyn, Nuriel, and whoever else is probably thinking that we’re up to whatever else anyway…do you think we could get away with going further in here?” He asked softly, before giving Dagran another kiss. The thought of it was definitely tempting, for sure. 

****

Tahirah stared a bit at Syrenne, as if the thought hadn’t dawned on her until now—and indeed it only did by now! “Oh, I really hope they haven’t been lying about what their favorite tea is. That’s just insulting.” 

Besides, it would be awkward if she ended up serving whoever she had for teatime their least-favorite tea, too! That was just a social disaster waiting to happen!

A little chuckle left her at that, before she changed the subject. “Getting away from tea, though…I do look forward to our bath. And, um,” Her face flushed a little as she took one of Syrenne’s hands in hers, before she looked up at her, “Would you like to dance with me one more time? Before this banquet ends?”

****

Kamiizumi’s face flushed a little. “I was,” He admitted after a moment, a smile making it to his face, “Though you’re obviously far more experienced and better with it than I am.”

He nodded in understanding as Lowell admitted to taking lessons, but the last sentence was what caught his attention. So the other came from a higher position before…that explained a few things. 

“Perhaps…you and I might have more in common along those lines, then.” He managed, after a moment. A little sigh left him at that, before he spoke again. “It seems that others here in Melodia are aware of my background already, Countess Tahirah and Lady Nemesis in particular. But…there’s a good reason I left Luxendarc to participate in the tournament and become a Melodia castle guard, even if Nemesis considers that far beneath me.” 

Not that Kamiizumi wanted to deal with Araceli Nemesis if he didn’t have to—she tried “accidentally” spilling wine on his dress earlier. He was fortunately fast enough to sidestep it entirely while she gave a mocking apology. 

A little not so content sound left his throat when Lucius broke the kiss and he wrinkled his nose a little over it. But when he heard Lucius question a little snort left him and Dagran leaned in to Lucius’ kiss, savouring the moment. He was certain Lucius was right about Nuriel and Arlyn, the two of them had Lowell’s one-track mind and Syrenne’s unrelenting persistence to annoy people for their own entertainment.

“We’re not staying here,” Dagran quietly but surely decided for them. He wasn’t going to put up with whatever was going to happen if anyone found them sooner or later. Still he responded to the kiss with a little sigh. Staying here would be a bad idea, as tempting as it was to just let Lucius keep kissing him. “I think it would be unwise to tempt Nuriel and Arlyn,” he murmured. Although he didn’t really want to get up when they had just gotten here, so he didn’t really do much to entangle himself from Lucius or get him to stand up.

**

“Right?!” Syrenne responded incredulous. “That’s so stupid!” Not to mention how everyone at Lazulis castle had been falling over themselves to get into Zael’s or Arganan’s or Jirall’s good books – whoever it had been that they had been convinced was currently the right one to support. “I’m pretty sure anyone who claims mercenaries are fickle has never been around nobles – mercenaries are predictable, we want money,” Syrenne continued, “… and in my case booze.” She said the last bit with a smile which devolved into a little giggle when Tahirah mentioned their bath again.

It was nice to have someone just as eager for a bath for a change, usually Syrenne had to carry that enthusiasm until the bath happened and everyone had to agree that it had been a pretty good idea.

“I’d love to,” Syrenne replied, already taking Tahirah’s hand to lead her off to the dance floor. She really was adorable blushing like that.

**

“I think you should keep going, it’s sweet,” Lowell replied when Kamiizumi admitted to his flirting. “And you won’t get any better at it if you just give up.” Humorously he added, “I’ve been practising since I started talking.”

Curiously Lowell listened to Kamiizumi’s explanation. “That is unfortunate,” he admitted with a wry smile, “I’m sure my parents would consider this far beneath me too.” He chuckled, wondering whether enough years had passed for them to simply be glad he was alive still. Probably. Maybe. Lowell just really wasn’t sure.

“I don’t mind anyone knowing, it seems stupid to hide, it’s part of who I am… but I don’t have a rank and title here, and it’s nobody’s business why not, and nobody’s job to convince me…” Lowell broke of, suddenly, briefly with a grim expression, before it brightened into a smile again.

“I’m sure you have your reasons.” And he wasn’t going to pry if Kamiizumi didn’t want to tell him.

[thighhighsandgoldeneyes]

adeadlysong​:

He felt Dagran tug at his coat, and he let the other steer him toward the couch to sit down so Dagran could get onto his lap. He just took the opportunity to pull him close and kiss him again, a satisfied groan leaving him.

It was warm being this close to Dagran, and the lit fireplace in the room was certainly helping. One of his hands moved to run through Dagran’s hair a bit, the other arm still wrapped around his waist. 

***

“Don’t worry, we don’t have to talk about him in there.” Tahirah chuckled a little bit. “I did promise to show you what I use for my skin, after all…”

A sigh left her after at the mention of saying what others wanted to hear. “Such are the duties of keeping the peace, in some ways…others, to prevent future conflicts. You learn to create compromises quickly. It can be a little tiring.” Tahirah knew that she couldn’t absolutely have everything she wanted as Countess. Could she work toward a specific goal, absolutely, but still…

“We may be more honest about things in Melodia compared to other nobles elsewhere, but there are still people who hide their true intentions behind their appearances. That can be inconvenient at times.” Tahirah knew it was definitely inconvenient at times. What could her godfather be hiding…?

*****

Kamiizumi couldn’t help but smile at the praise, letting Lowell pull him closer. “Good…” It would be awkward if he really did have two left feet and ended up injuring the other, after all. 

“You’re more of a natural than I am.” Kamiizumi managed, a soft chuckle leaving him. “Did you learn from friends? Honestly, the only formal dancing I’ve done is for a few functions like this…” 

From the corner of his eye, he thought he saw Rafaele glancing in their direction, but he decided to ignore it and pay more attention to the man he was dancing with right now. And he thought he saw Lana watching with rapt attention too, grinning wide for some reason. 

Happily Dagran hummed into the kiss when Lucius pulled him closer. The warmth of the room made him more comfortable than before, and the fire nicely warmed the side of his body angled towards it. However it was far from Dagran’s ideal temperature. He’d never minded the heat, but since he had come to the mainland he had found a new appreciation for it, it relaxed him and made him more comfortable in his skin.

When Lucius wrapped his arm around him Dagran shifted a little to get more comfortable leaning against the metal of his arm. Familiar and sturdy, and unlike so many other arms he’d had around his waist – an easy reminder that it was Lucius indeed. Sighing into the kiss when Lucius ran his fingers through his hair.

**

“Mhm-hmm,” Syrenne agreed. “That’ll be so much more fun,” they was she emphasised it, it left the definition open for interpretation.

With furrowed brows she listened and then questioned, “but wouldn’t it be easier if everyone just said what they meant?” It still didn’t quite make sense to Syrenne, although she could sense that Tahirah thought it did. But to her it just seemed like an overcomplicated way of keeping everyone happy.

“Most people are hiding somethin’ – they’re allowed to of course, it just seems stupid half the time when you consider what most people lie about to keep others happy – I mean why would anyone lie about the kinda tea they like?” Incredulously Syrenne shook her head.

**

A little laugh escaped Lowell’s throat. “Aren’t you charming?” he murmured when Kamiizumi returned the compliment. “Are you trying to flirt with me?”

Lowell shook his head. “No, I’ve had a teacher,” he admitted nonchalantly. “I used to attend all sorts of events like this… mind you, that was a long time ago.” His smile was a little more sober now than before, but then he winked. “Becoming a knight would be a little bit of a downgrade for my standing,” he whispered when Kamiizumi was close enough. And while it was the truth, he omitted that it was quite the understatement, but Kamiizumi didn’t need to know that much in the end.

[thighhighsandgoldeneyes]

adeadlysong​:

A satisfied sigh left Lucius when he felt Dagran’s fingers in his hair, and he nodded when Dagran asked him to just kiss him. He could certainly shut up and oblige, and he easily kissed Dagran again, keeping him close.

He hoped that maybe just taking the time to make out wiht Dagran here might make him a bit more comfortable. He took a breath inbetween kisses and leaned his forehead against Dagran’s own before kissing him again.

*****

Tahirah’s eyes lit up as Syrenne agreed to help investigate Raf for real. “Great!  We can talk about that…perhaps a little later. Besides, I did promise you a bath, and the banquet is nearly over.” In about half an hour from now, that is, but still.

She couldn’t help but blush a little bit, but a smile still remained on her face as she looked up at Syrenne. “I like your honesty. I think it’s very charming.” And very much needed. 

*****

Kamiizumi’s face flushed a little when Lowell took his hands in his own, but a smile appeared on his face as he let Lowell pull him along for the first steps of the dance. Thankfully, the music was a little bit slower, more suitable for something like an Argentine Tango. Kamiizumi knew some basic moves there, so he wasn’t completely new to it.

There was something easy about letting Lowell lead and being in his arms. He was pretty sure at least some people were observing the two as they danced, but he found that it was easier to focus on Lowell than on anything else right now.  

“I’m glad I get to see you now,” Kamiizumi murmured. “and dance with you, too.” 

Admittedly Dagran was glad that Lucius didn’t argue with him, even though it would have been understandable considering that Lucius had meant the compliment at face value. But when he instead leaned in to kiss him, Dagran let his hand sink and wrapped his arm around him, returning the kiss with a quiet sigh.

A brief smile showed on his lips when Lucius leaned his forehead against him and he could feel his warm breath on his face. Lightly Dagran tugged at Lucius’ coat when he kissed him again and pulled him towards the couch near the fireplace. Turning them around so that Lucius got to sit when he pushed him down onto the couch and Dagran let himself sink onto his lap.

**

Happily Syrenne allowed the thought of the bath to distract her. “Oooh, yeah… you did promise me that,” Syrenne replied with a teasing little grin. Though she wasn’t exactly looking forward to spending the bath talking about Rafaele. “I’m sure we can find much nicer things to talk about than him though.”

Coming from Tahirah that compliment seemed strangely weighty and Syrenne folded her arms with a slightly puzzled smile. “You being Countess shouldn’t make you exempt from that… I don’t get it anyway. What’s the point of only ever saying what others want to hear?” Not to mention that she ultimately lacked the patience for it on both ends, not only did Syrenne not like having to decipher other people’s intentions, she didn’t want to spend time being concerned about how her own came across when she could cut the trouble short and simply say what she meant.

**

That Kamiizumi allowed him to actually lead made the dance quite a bit simpler. “See? You’re doing just fine,” he told Kamiizumi quietly. Easily Lowell turned them in time with the music and pulled Kamiizumi momentarily closer.

A smile spread across his face. “I’m happy to hear that.” In truth, now that they were dancing Lowell had to admit that he couldn’t imagine not having asked Kamiizumi. It only seemed fair when he’d asked so many others, and Kamiizumi couldn’t claim that he hadn’t been warned.

He also had to admit, silently, to himself, that dancing was one of the things he missed about his former life. Not that ballroom dances were as fun as this. “I think you’re a natural,” Lowell grinned.

[thighhighsandgoldeneyes]

adeadlysong​:

Lucius knew that they’d end up having to leave this room again at some point, but at least they had a warm fireplace to make out beside and some privacy as well. 

Lucius eagerly kissed Dagran in return, arms wrapped around him to keep him close, before his hand (not the prosthetic one) moved to cup Dagran’s cheek.

“You’re really gorgeous…” He murmured after pulling his head back to breathe, gazing into Dagran’s eyes with his working one. There was a warmth in his chest that he felt with being around him, and this moment was no exception. “Too bad we can’t just stay in here the whole night…”

****

Tahirah looked toward Syrenne softly as she spoke about something being up with him.

“Ah, so you sense it too? I’m glad I’m not the only one. I mean,” Tahirah looked toward Rafaele, then Syrenne again, tilting her head to the side, “he’s told me much of his ordeals with recovering and all…but I think there’s more…” 

A little hum left her, before she spoke again. “Maybe this conversation is better made privately. After this banquet’s over. But,” Her voice lowered enough so just Syrenne heard, “Would you be interested? In investigating my godfather with me for real? I’ve recruited a few others that’d be happy to assist too…”

****

Kamiizumi couldn’t help but smile a bit at the compliment, but he hesitated as Lowell asked him for a dance.

“Well…” It wasn’t like Kamiizumi was terrible per se. Passable, but not fantastic in his opinion. Lowell was probably more experienced than he was at the whole dancing thing. Then again, the opportunity to be closer to the other in some way was very tempting, and Lowell was very charming, and the Swordmaster did want that opportunity very much…

“I’d have to warn you, I’m not that good,” He managed, offering Lowell his hand, grey eyes meeting Lowell’s own, “but I’d be happy to have the opportunity to dance with you.”

As soon as Lucius wrapped his arms around him Dagran leaned into the touch, and his head against the hand on his cheek. Through half-hodded eyes Dagran looked at him, his mind still a little fuzzy from the kiss.

Compliments were… difficult. Idly Dagran entangled his fingers in Lucius’ hair. Gorgeous. The word bounced around his head and made Dagran’s mind want to retreat even though he could see only adoration on Lucius’ face. But if it were as simple as that, it wouldn’t be such a problem. “Don’t…” Dagran muttered quietly, placing his fingers on Lucius’ mouth and closing his eyes with a breath, in an attempt for renewed focus. “Just… kiss me…”

It was the one thing he couldn’t seem to break himself out of; and instead of looking at Lucius Dagran stared at his fingers and the other’s shirt. Trying not to show just how awkward it really made him feel.

**

With confused surprise Syrenne looked at Tahirah, admittedly she hadn’t really expected her gut feeling to be agreed with. She almost scoffed at Tahirah’s question. Of course she’d noticed, Rafaele was like a glaring flare of suspicion. “There’s always more to it with men like him,” Syrenne grumbled and then some more. Syrenne made another grumbly sound that was meant to be an affirmation for Tahirah to figure out. “Somethin’ about him’s weird.”

Abruptly her expression lightened however. “Sure,” Syrenne replied and then, “he better have some good explanations.”

**

Lowell finished his drink and set it aside on the nearest surface, as Kamiizumi attempted to argue his case. Lowell however reached out his arms with a little grin when he accepted the opportunity.

“I’m not that good either,” Lowell said with a smile and took Kamiizumi’s hands in his. “C’mon… I didn’t get to see you earlier, just give it a try.” With an ease that betrayed his words for their seriousness Lowell guided Kamiizumi into his arms.

Perhaps Kamiizumi was ultimately right, but that wasn’t why Lowell wanted to dance with him. “It could be fun,” he added with a gentle persuasiveness, pulling Kamiizumi along for the first steps of the dance.

[thighhighsandgoldeneyes]

adeadlysong​:

Lucius returned the kiss, letting Dagran tug him by the warm, before moving to get back into the castle. There were several guest rooms, and Lucius wasn’t sure which one might be empty.

“At least it’s warmer indoors,” He murmured. Now, to find an actual room…

There was a decently-furnished lounge Lucius eventually found tha was unoccupied, the fireplace lit. Either someone had used it recently or people hadn’t come around to put it out yet. 

*****

A chuckle left Tahirah as Syrenne realized who exactly Rafaele was, and she nodded in understanding. “I’ll keep the names and faces things in mind in the future.” She managed, before Syrenne asked about why he disappeared.

She lowered her voice enough so just Syrenne heard, “He went missing ten years ago. We tried to find him, but couldn’t, so we pronounced him dead…but now I know that he’d almost been killed, Starling - one of my top agents in Melodia - saved his life, and he’d spent part of it in a coma and the rest of it recovering…”

Rafaele glanced toward Tahirah and Syrenne’s way, and Tahirah smiled, waving at her godfather. Rafaele gently waved back before proceeding to move to get to Lukas and Lowell post-dance. Tahirah had a feeling she knew why…but she wasn’t about to go stop him. 

*****

Lukas was happy to get the kiss from Lowell mid-dance, and afterward when Lowell was inviting him to get a drink with him, a chuckle left him. “Well…”

That was when he noticed Rafaele heading toward him, and Lukas swallowed, shaking his head quickly. “I’ll get you a drink some other time. I’m already in trouble…!”

“That you are.” Rafaele managed, giving Lukas a look as he made it to him. “We need to talk, privately. Now.”

Lukas gave Lowell a quick kiss on the cheek. “You were splendid out there. Looking forward to another time - and I’ll remember to get you a drink, too…” He managed, just before Rafaele grabbed him by the arm and half-dragged him off.

The dancing duels seemed to have finished up by this point, and soon everyone was getting back to what they were doing before the duels started up. Kamiizumi approached Lowell quietly, giving him a tap on the shoulder to get his attention.

“You did well with your dancing earlier.” Kamiizumi noted. A light smile played on his face as he looked at Lowell, trying to meet his gaze. “I honestly thought you might win against Arlyn and Nuriel.”

Once inside Dagran let Lucius take the lead again, because he honestly couldn’t have helped finding them a room even if he had been less distracted by the warm, fuzzy feeling the kisses had spawned in his chest.

It didn’t seem to take long for them to find a room, a guest room it seemed, but Dagran didn’t much care. He was happy for the warmth of the fireplace and the closed door and the fact that they were alone again and far away from the ruckus of the banquet. Nuriel and Arlyn could think whatever they wanted of their disappearance.

Whether someone had been here before them or the fire just hadn’t been put out seemed secondary now that they were here. The only downside to this room was that they’d eventually have to leave it again, and Dagran wasn’t exactly looking forward to that, but for now that didn’t matter.

With a little smile on his lips he pulled Lucius close once again and kissed him, once he was sure the door was closed behind them.

**

Syrenne made an appreciative sound. It wasn’t like she was utterly incapable of remembering anyone, but in this particular case she was willing to admit that the alcohol didn’t help with connecting the information when she didn’t get to be around the person more than once. Or they didn’t leave a particularly lasting impression.

That being said, it wasn’t like Rafaele hadn’t fought impressively, but Syrenne differentiated the fighters in the arena and usually that worked for her. She would have however recognised Rafaele’s magic within a heartbeat after seeing the finale.

Thoughtfully, with furrowed brows and folded arms Syrenne studied Rafaele across the room, and though she didn’t voice her concerns, subtlety had never been Syrenne’s forte so Tahirah and Rafaele could probably read it on her face just fine, that she didn’t think what Tahirah had just told her was the whole story. “Something’s up with him,” she declared. “I can feel it.”

**

Lowell’s expression went from a smile to a raised brow and concern when he noticed Lukas’ sudden flight response. “Killjoy,” he grumbled in Rafaele’s direction, but that was all the discontentment Lowell let show. “I’m looking forward to that drink,” he admitted with a grin and had leaned his face into the kiss.

With playful wistfulness he let Lukas go, waving after him as Rafaele dragged the other away, sighing as he wandered a few steps to grab a drink from a nearby server. He’d downed half of it in one go and noticed, pleased, that a familiar voice had approached.

“Thanks, I bet you were pretty good yourself,” he said, turning around to Kamiizumi. A little laugh escaped him. “Oh no, no amount of charm can beat their experience,” Lowell said with a wink, “I probably haven’t danced nearly half as much as they did in my life.” And without missing a beat he asked, “so do you want to dance?”

[thighhighsandgoldeneyes]

adeadlysong​:

Lucius let out a pleased groan when he felt Dagran’s fingers dig into his hair, felt his arms aroudn his neck.

“Oh, yes,” He murmured, giving him another kiss. He knew that maybe he was being a bit overly affectionate right now but he was just honestly that glad to have this time with him.

The night air was getting a bit colder, and he shivered slightly, pulling his head back to breathe. “Maybe if I’m going to keep kissing you we shoudl take this elsewhere…preferably somewhere warmer.”

****

Tahirah couldn’t help but grin, nodding. “As far as I know, everyone’s always enjoyed a good dancing duel or several…” 

As Syrenne asked about who her godfather was, she pointed out Rafaele. “Rafaele Baptiste is my godfather - the same person who fought Dagran, Lana, Kamiizumi and Zael in the tournament finale earlier. He’s pretty amazing…”

A soft chuckle left her after. “I’m glad that he’s back after a long time, though - he went missing for about a decade and only returned within this past year…”

****

Lukas was glad to let Lowell lead, and he nodded in agreement about giving Arlyn and Nuriel a run for their money. Even if they lost, they wanted to make sure they had a good time and please the crowd (and each other). He couldn’t help but stare back into Lowell’s eyes, and he mirrored the other’s expression with a soft chuckle as they kept on dancing together.

Meanwhile, they weren’t the only ones making bedroom eyes - Nuriel and Arlyn were making plenty of that with each other. At some point Nuriel dipped Arlyn low and pulled him up only to kiss him briefly, but Arlyn teasingly kept on with the dance while doing so. 

Eventually the dance came to an end, with Rafaele trying to maintain composure as he spoke up. “So, who thought that Arlyn and Nuriel did better!?”

A loud cheer came up from the crowd.

“Lukas and Lowell?”

An equally loud cheer came from the crowd at that. Rafaele sighed.

“I declare this match a draw. Both of them win!” 

A loud cheer came from the crowd after that, and Lukas chuckled, grinning at Lowell. “We did well~” He murmured, just before Nuriel waved at the two.

“Hey! Great dancing out there! And love the chemistry, too~”

Kamiizumi clapped along with the crowd applauding both couples, smiling a bit as he glanced in Lowell’s direction.

In truth overly affectionate just about the thing Dagran needed, although his deficiency in that regard was of a much different nature than Lucius’. Humming quietly Dagran took a moment to gather his thoughts after Lucius’ had kissed him closer to breathless than expected. “Yeah, that sounds good,” Dagran admitted, but instead of doing anything to actually get inside he pulled him into one more kiss, before he tugged at Lucius’ arm.

And though he felt the cold it didn’t really bother him, but he certainly like the idea of finding a closed off room with a warmed by a fireplace.

**

“Oh!” Syrenne exclaimed. “Him!” And then she added, “I’m terrible with names, you’ve gotta give me a face.” She’d seen plenty of Rafaele, albeit from afar during that fight so of course she now recognised him immediately. “I didn’t know he was your godfather,” Syrenne admitted, thinking that Rafaele had probably sent quite a few potential fiancés running with his magic. The thought amused her. “I bet he is, if that fight was anything go by.” Momentarily Syrenne turned to Lowell and scrunched up her face, sticking her tongue out as she did so. It wasn’t true disgust with him, not anymore, although he did get on her nerves plenty of times, at this point their squabbles were almost a way of showing true affection.

Turning back to Tahirah Syrenne recalled the last thing she had said, “oh… but why was he gone? Did something happen to him?” With a little frown she studied Rafaele. That certainly made him some kind of suspicious.

**

Please he noted that Lukas seemingly had caught on to what was on his mind whenever their eyes met as he led him across the dance floor. Admittedly, Lowell hadn’t had much of a chance to dance a good cha cha cha like this very often in the past, but he had been dancing plenty and at every given opportunity, and with a partner like Lukas it wasn’t hard to find the flow of the rhythm.

Occasionally he managed to catch Syrenne’s attention and watched amused as she pulled faces in response. It was a dance that allowed him to see the crowd around them, although Lowell had to admit it was much more fun to look at Lukas instead of continued flirting with someone he would only see for a few seconds right now.

He certainly wasn’t going to let it stand when Nuriel kissed Arlyn. So Lowell pulled Lukas close when the dance allowed it and stole a kiss before releasing him again.

Unintentionally a grin displayed on his face when the dance was over in the end, and he pulled Lukas a little closer. “That was fun,” he said quietly, curiously watching the crowd for their reaction. “We should do that again.”

With a pleased hum he let Lukas know his agreement, trying not to let Lukas’ low voice distract him too much.

“You were really good yourself,” Lowell grinned and waved back.

Turning back to Lukas he said, “and now I need a drink, what about you?”

[thighhighsandgoldeneyes]

adeadlysong​:

A soft chuckle left Lucius at that. “Then stay here we will.” 

He was glad to stop dancing and just take a moment to just - kiss Dagran. Lots. And he eagerly wrapped his arms around Dagran to hold him close as their lips met again.

“I enjoyed watching you during the tournament but I missed this,” Lucius murmured inbetween kisses. “So now I’m just going to make up for it…”

****

Tahirah smiled as she looked up at Syrenne. “Oh, I’ve been dancing since I was a child. Basically as soon as I could walk, really.” A chuckle left her at that. “Dancing and music are engrained in Melodian nobility as soon as possible, so…” She glanced toward the others, then Syrenne again.

“And I’d be happy to give you pointers. Maybe Nuriel and Arlyn, too. And my godfather used to be a backup dancer himself, so he also would be able to help…he’s also among those that taught me, too.”

***

Lukas couldn’t help but grin as Lowell made his way across the room and closer to him. Lukas also stepped closer to him, before taking Lowell’s arm in his and dragging him toward Nuriel and Arlyn.

“We challenge you two!” Lukas called out, and a loud “OOOOOOO!” came from the crowd. He noticed Rafaele stare, as if putting the pieces together about why Lukas had been gone earlier, and Lukas winked at him, only for Rafaele’s face to flush lightly as Nuriel chuckled.

“Challenge accepted! Raf, how about you choose what style we dance in?”

Rafaele took the deck of cards from Nuriel, shuffling before drawing a card. “You’ll be dancing a cha-cha!”

“Oh, we’ve got this.” Lukas murmured, looking toward Lowell with a grin just before Rafaele called for the competing pairs to get ready. The music soon started up, and the dancing began!

Tahirah was cheering for Arlyn and Nuriel among the crowd, naturally, but there were also some cheering on Lukas and Lowell. 

With a content little hum Dagran leaned into Lucius’ embrace as he returned his kisses, and wrapped his arms around the other’s neck. “Did you..?” Dagran murmured with a little grin and sighed into the kiss. That was nice to hear, he thought and dug his fingers into Lucius’ hair to keep him close. Somehow it made him consider what might happen if he was actually gone for a longer period of time, instead of simply being unavailable and exhausted like he had been since the beginning of the tournament.

**

“Sounds like it’s almost in your blood,” Syrenne said with a smile. She did notice that Tahirah hadn’t said anything about whether or not she’d wanted to dance, but then again she really had seemed to enjoy herself just now dancing against Araceli. So to some extent Syrenne figured it really was something that she liked to do. “I never though I’d see a crowd going wild llike this over a dance,” she chuckled. “It’s almost like watching a tournament at the arena, makes me feel right like I belong.”

Syrenne made a non-committal sound. She hadn’t quite made up her mind yet, despite her previous words to Arlyn. “As long as it’s supposed to be fun, I don’t mind.” Though her ears perked up at the mention of Tahirah’s godfather, “oh, really? Who’s that?” And her eyes scanned the crowd.

**

With a bright grin on his face Lowell allowed Lukas to pull him onto the dance floor, much to Syrenne’s chagrin, as he watched her fold her arms and mutter something under her breath. However, the mention of Rafaele’s name distracted him and Lowell curiously turned his head to take a new look at the subject of Lukas’ fantasies.

As his eyes found Lukas again, his brows quickly shot up, suggestively and Lowell’s grin broadened a little. “Let’s give them a run for their money,” he agreed, and easily pulled Lukas into the right stance. If Lukas wanted to lead himself, he could very well try to take the role from him, but for right now Lowell had other plans.

He winked at a pretty young woman and the man whose hand she was holding, but that was about all Lowell had time for before the music started, and his attention had to primarily focus on Lukas, so they wouldn’t accidentally stumble. However Lowell didn’t mind the opportunity to keep his on Lukas’ pretty eyes, and the opportunity to stare at him so intently it was basically an invitation to his bedroom. (He was sure Syrenne would feign to be sick over it if he caught her eye now).

[thighhighsandgoldeneyes]

adeadlysong​:

Lucius was glad to just kiss Dagran, but he hesitated when Dagran initially stopped him—only to be pleasantly surprised when Dagran pulled him even closer and kissed him longer. He wrapped both arms around the other to hold him close, a pleased sigh leaving him when he felt Dagran’s head against his shoulder after.

“Majority of the crowd, no. Arlyn and Nuriel, yes. Tahirah, probably not until a little later, but she’ll probably think along the same lines as her advisors. Plus, I think she’s fairly occupied right now so she won’t think too hard about it.” 

Lucius moved to give Dagran another kiss, on the cheek and on the lips. “I’d kiss you senseless here right now if I could…”

****

Tahirah blushed a little when Syrenne assured her that she’d be watching. The Flamenco was a dramatic dance, with a lot of intricate footwork, spins, turns, and a lot of elaborate hand movements too. The fierceness of it had similarities to a paso doble, in a sense.

Arlyn chuckled softly as he looked toward Tahirah and Araceli, then toward Syrenne. “Well, if you ever decide to in the future, I’m sure the Countess would happily cheer you on. As would I.” 

As Araceli and Tahirah finished their dances, the music for the impromptu routine ending, Nuriel called out the results.

“Alright! Fabulous dancing, ladies! Who thinks Araceli did better!?”

There was a good amount of cheering. Nuriel surveyed the crowd, then called out, “What about the Countess!?”

There was at least three times more of the cheering Tahirah got compared to Araceli. Nuriel chuckled. “Alright, alright! Winner of this one is Countess Tahirah Zakiyaa! Give up a round of applause, everybody!”

The crowd burst into cheers and applause, and Tahirah elegantly curtsied. Araceli did the same, but as Tahirah returned to Syrenne’s side, she could tell that Araceli looked a little miffed at the loss before she disappeared into the crowd.

“Thank you for cheering for me,” Tahirah smiled up at Syrenne softly. “I hope you enjoyed watching the dance~”

Arlyn took the moment to stroll up to Nuriel, taking attention. “I think it’s about time we have my darling Nuriel compete against someone, hm?” He spoke up, and an enthusiastic round of cheers affirmed it. “How about it, Nuriel? You and me dance against a pair?”

Nuriel kissed Arlyn on the cheek, earning some “awwwws” from some people. “Oh yeah! Alright, who wants to challenge both of us!? Which lovely pair’s got the guts to take us on!?”

Lana looked toward Kamiizumi. I”d challenge them, but I’m all danced out for the evening.”

“I can’t challenge them solo, I’d be done for,” Kamiizumi breathed back to her. 

A quite annoyed sound left Dagran’s mouth. There was no way in hell that these two wouldn’t be insufferable regardless of whether they stayed here. “Then we might as well stay here…” He wanted to stay here. If there was no way to not feed the fire it was definitely the better alternative anyway.

Dagran leaned his head towards the kiss and then meet Lucius’ lips when the sought his mouth. “Go ahead,” he muttered, eyes briefly opening as he spoke.

**

Tahirah was an incredible dancer, the likes of which Syrenne hadn’t seen in a long time, but it wasn’t just that she was good at it, it was evident that she enjoyed it just as much.

“Maybe, if someone’s willing to give me a few lessons,” Syrenne relented, surprising herself with the words. It did look like a lot of fun though, and she was always open for all things fun.

Enthusiastically she joined the applause for Tahirah’s vote and cheered when her win was announced. “I knew you’d win,” Syrenne confidently announced when Tahirah was back by her side. “Looked like you had a lot of fun, how long have you been dancing?”

In an equivocal tone Syrenne replied, “oh you were a joy to watch.”

**

Almost without thinking Lowell scanned the room at Nuriel’s announcement, not quite sure what he had been looking for until he saw Lukas. Of course. A little grin spread on his lips and he raised his eyebrows, silently beckoning. In all technicality Lukas still owed him a dance after all. And they were probably the only two people who could match Nuriel and Arlyn’s flirtatious energy.

Slowly, as to not raise any attention, Lowell made his way across the room and closer to Lukas. Of course, if Lukas didn’t want to, he wouldn’t force him. Still, Lowell thought, this could be fun.

[thighhighsandgoldeneyes]

adeadlysong​:

Lucius let Dagran sink against his arm and shoulder, and he didn’t mind it since it kept them close. He could only nod in agreement as Dagran admitted that it still didn’t feel real yet.

“True…it does seem like a dream.” He murmured. He would’ve said more but Dagran kissed him, and Lucius took the opportunity to kiss him in return.

“We are…and I’m glad…” He kissed him again. “I’m glad I’m here with you, Dagran.”

****

Tahirah was happy to be by Syrenne’s side, and the others were having a great time too it seemed. And then…

“And now, I’ll be taking requests for any duels!” Nuriel was heard calling. “Who’d like to challenge who!?”

“I challenge the Countess herself!”

A low “ooooooo” rose among some of the crowd as Araceli Nemesis stepped forward, pointing at Tahirah. Tahirah was glad she hadn’t eaten and drank too much before this time, and she’d anticipated this as she looked toward Syrenne.

“I’ll be back by your side soon,” She reassured Syrenne, just before looking toward Araceli with a grin. “I accept. Let’s do this.”

“And the style of dance will be…” Nuriel shuffled a small deck of cards before drawing one and calling out, “Flamenco! Let’s see how Countess Tahirah Zakiyaa and Lady Araceli Nemesis fares against each other dancing in this style! Ladies, take your positions!”

As Araceli and Tahirah moved to take their positions on the dancefloor, the music started up. And soon enough the two were dancing—full out with no hesitation. Rafaele and Lukas got in on cheering on Tahirah a bit along with many others, while Araceli had her own fans cheering for her. It was hard to tell which one was better than the other.

Arlyn managed to get to Syrenne’s side, looking toward her with a soft smile. “Would you be interested in competing as well, in another round?” He inquired. “Your dancing with the Countess earlier was quite good.”

Dagran managed a little grin, it really was nice like this, away from everyone out here with just the two of them. It was nice kissing him too, but he had been getting used to that part. “Mhmmm…” Dagran hummed quietly with half-closed eyes as he studied Lucius briefly in between kisses. He liked kissing him, the thought made him smile against Lucius’ lips.

With a hand on his chest, he stopped Lucius and stumbled to a halt, before he lifted it up the side of his face, so that he could pull him closer and kiss him longer. Uncertain whether to thank Lucius for putting up with him in the first place, or to apologise that he didn’t do that more often, yet his mouth only opened and closed like that of a fish and he looked at the other with a mix of emotions before he sunk his head against Lucius’ shoulder once more.

“Do you think they’d notice if we didn’t go back?”

**

Encouragingly Syrenne nodded when Tahirah glanced at her. Just because anything more than a waltz wasn’t her forte didn’t mean she would stop the Countess from enjoying herself. Besides, why would she pass up an opportunity to watch Tahirah dance?

“I’ll be watching you with bated breath,” she assured Tahirah. Admittedly, Syrenne had no idea what a Flamenco was, though she might recognise the style once Tahirah and her challenger were dancing. “Kick her arse!”  Syrenne cheered and threw up her arms. Amused Syrenne noted that her demeanour really seemed to fit with everyone else’s reactions and she found herself joining their cheers.

Tahirah might have danced on her own with the way she managed to captivate Syrenne, with the way her body moved.

She didn’t even notice Arlyn until he spoke to her. Involuntarily Syrenne laughed, “I can’t dance like that,” she nodded at the Tahirah and Araceli. “I could probably try, but it wouldn’t be a match.”

[thighhighsandgoldeneyes]

adeadlysong​:

Lucius’ face flushed at the mention of marriage - despite the fact that he’d been the one who brought up the idea. A soft chuckle left him after. “Of course…you know I’d be happy to.”

Dancing together underneath the moonlit sky was quite romantic, honestly, and Lucius wouldn’t have it any other way right now. He remembered hearing Tahirah gush about what it might ideally feel like dancing with someone you were in love with, and Lucius definitely felt a bit warm in his chest at getting this opportunity with Dagran. 

****

Lukas was a little breathless from Lowell deepening the kiss, just as intended, and his face flushed a bit when he felt Lowell tug at his lips with his teeth.

“With a kiss like that, it’s gonna be hard not to think about you,” Lukas teased softly, smiling, before he moved to head back to the ballroom.

****

Meanwhile, back in the ballroom, Syrenne, Tahirah, and everyone else in there had the pleasure of watching various dancing duels going on. Kamiizumi and Lana ended up dueling against Therius and Geist in a Rumba dance-off (which Therius and Geist won), while even Arlyn had gotten in on the festivities by dueling against Sukumara in a Paso Doble.

Tahirah had wanted to stick by Syrenne’s side and so didn’t participate in the dancing duels, and thankfully Syrenne wasn’t pressured into a dance either. Nuriel had tried to get Zael to participate, though that didn’t end up happening. 

Lukas just made it back to the ballroom when Rafaele noticed him. “Where have you been?” Rafaele hissed softly, keeping his voice to a whisper. “You were gone for at least half an hour, probably longer…”

Lukas winked at him, grinning. “Oh, you know I could invite you along next time.”

Rafaele’s face flushed slightly, much to Lukas’ satisfaction. “Just please stay here until the end. We only have about an hour left until the banquet’s over….”

Kamiizumi was currently trying to stretch his legs a bit at the side post-dancing. “I knew I needed more practice, but that was harder than I thought…” He muttered under his breath.

Dagran bit back his amusement when Lucius blushed at the mention of marriage. “Happy to hear that.” And he was. It was hard not to be tonight. He wouldn’t even mind having one too many drinks.

With a deep, quiet sigh Dagran sank first against Lucius’ arm and then against his shoulder. “It still doesn’t feel real,” he admitted in a quiet voice. “Like I’m going to wake tomorrow and it’s all gone, I know… it’s not going to, but…” Unable to finish the sentence Dagran let the words trail off, and inevitably smiled. “I know I don’t act like it,” he admitted with momentarily closed eyes.

“When I came to Lazulis I just wanted everything to be over, and now it is … and would you look at that, we’re dancing,” he said with a little grin and lifted his head to press a kiss to Lucius’ lips.

**

Contently Lowell hummed at Lukas’ response, and watch him go as the other untangled himself and left the room. Only then did Lowell make an effort to properly adjust his clothes and pick up his coat again, and took a glimpse in the mirror to organise his hair, before he left the room and leisurely made his way to the banquet.

It had certainly become louder since he and Lukas had left, but he quickly found out what caused the increase in music and chatter and quite amused watched the dancing pairs in the middle of the room, before briefly wandering off in search for food.

As he ate he watched Syrenne who stood by Tahirah and looked absolutely delighted about the entire spectacle, already as invested in the dances as she regularly was in the arena fights. But then of course, it wasn’t hard to entertain Syrenne, especially when she wasn’t sober and she had definitely left that state behind a while ago. Even if she was far from being as affected by it as most others would be with the quantities she had certainly already downed.

Lowell could only imagine that Tahirah appreciated Syrenne’s high alcohol tolerance considering her equally big love for it.

Having sated his hunger and seeing Lukas occupied in the crowd again, Lowell wandered off to find someone new to dance with and managed to convince a rather shy young woman of a short dance while everyone else was distracted by the duel. She was downright lovely, but would certainly need more convincing than Lukas to sneak of with him. So he let her leave before they garnered too much attention and happily dove back into the crowd again.