|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2023 10:00 am
“Close your eyes and try to feel the energy inside you,” Sessrumnir gently suggested as he stood beside Amarynthos at the edge of the reservoir. It was a chilly evening, which meant they’d have plenty of privacy. The reservoir itself was technically closed to the public, but since they were Knights and a Senshi, they didn’t have to listen to time restrictions like that.
“You should hear something inside of you. Maybe like how you felt when the Moon first called you there. The same way you power up. When I became a Knight, I didn’t have anyone to guide me -- and that’s okay. I did better on my own, I think. There weren’t many of us back then,” Sessrumnir explained.
“There was… a voice, or a feeling inside me, and I heard my name. That’s how I knew who I was and how to use my magic later when I got it.” A little ways away, out of range of any wayward magic, Ephesus sat curled up on a bench next to Alastor. He had Sessrumnir’s cape wrapped around him, but he also had one of Alastor’s huge sleeves around him as well as he leaned against him.
“Does Senshi magic work like that, too? You just feel something, or hear a voice? Who taught you how to use your magic?” he asked curiously, but kept his voice low so he wouldn’t disturb Amarynthos’ concentration.
Ephesus didn’t know how he knew how to use his magic. He knew that Amarynthos had been hurt and he wanted to help him. But other than that, he wasn’t very helpful when it came to magic.
He shivered a little and tugged Alastor’s sleeve and Sessrumnir’s cape tighter around him, although he felt bad that the others were probably cold as well. But… at least they had pants.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2023 10:13 am
Amarynthos sighed, not because he was being deliberately stubborn, but because he was partly there, just not quite all the way when it came to his magic.
“I feel the energy” he said, eyes closed. He shifted his weight from one foot to the other. “Like a spark, like it just wants to jump out. And if I focus, I feel it moving, like, I don’t know. Water in a river that just keeps looping around. Like, I feel it.”
He held his weapon a little tighter and cracked open an eye. “But I don’t want to hurt someone. I don’t know what my magic will do. I don’t want to accidentally heal an enemy, but I don’t want to hurt someone I care about. How can you tell what it’s going to do before you use it? That’s my big problem. And I always find something else to use instead of my magic, maybe I just haven’t been desperate enough yet.”
Alastor kept his eyes on Sessrumnir and Amarynthos as he considered Ephesus’ questions. He rubbed up and down his arm gently but he wasn’t sure how much warmth he was actually passing on in doing so.
“Sort of. When I was smaller, first learning, I heard a voice. Or a couple of voices. It was an echo, maybe of all the Senshi that came before me. The words helped me focus enough to use the magic. Now, I hardly have to even think them if I want to use it. Most of my education was instinct. I had the council to pass on what I was supposed to know, but it was a lot of intuition and a lot of figuring things out on my own. Effie, you look frigid.”
Alastor was warm enough, and pulled Ephesus a bit closer. “We might have to do a little exercise, get your blood flowing. Or go complain to the Moon that you need something a bit warmer if you’re going to be out like this during winter.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2023 10:30 am
“It’ll be okay,” Sessrumnir promised. “It’s better to know now than have to rely on being desperate. Besides, you won’t hurt me if you use your magic. No offense, but you’re still really new at all of this. And… Knight magic isn’t usually very damaging. Not like the Negaverse can be with their weapons.”
Part of him thought it wasn’t fair that the universe only gave them what they had in the past and not something to help them combat their current threat, but he also knew how much more dangerous it could be if those with questionable motives had more power. They might turn to the Negaverse anyway.
Or maybe he was just being paranoid.
“You can try using your magic on me,” he said, picking up the chain from his stormglass. “And if anyone does get hurt… we have Effie.” Ephesus groaned, and then giggled a little when Alastor said they might have to do a little exercise. “But you’re warm!” he tried, wondering if that would be enough to get him out of having to run around. He would rather just sit with Alastor and absorb the heat he gave off.
“It must have been hard, having to learn so much so young. I can’t imagine. It’s good that you have good intuition about things. And I’m okay! I’m warm enough,” he promised. Even if he wasn’t, he could always curl up with Elliot later.
“You don’t have to complain to the Moon either. The Code is nice. It’s very nice on the Moon. Have you ever been? I can’t wait until we get it cleaned up enough to show you.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2023 12:09 pm
Alastor laughed a bit, mindful not to be too distracting. Amarynthos and Sessrumnir were hard at work and he knew it was important that both of the boys have a good grasp of how to use their magic–just in case. He drew Ephesus closer and wrapped his arms around him to give him a bit of extra warmth. “I’ve never been to the Moon, no. I’m excited to see how hard you boys have been working up there.”
They seemed like they worked hard at everything they did.
Now, Amarynthos was shaking off his hands and shifting his weight back and forth. “I still don’t want to hurt you,” he sighed. “But all right, I’ll do it. Just because I know you’re tough, and Effie can heal just about everything, anyway.”
He glanced at Ephesus briefly and waved, because his attention was never too far away from him, anyway.
Naturally, Alastor smiled, but he seemed like he was ready to jump up and move a little, and he might have already if he wasn’t still rubbing Ephesus’ arm. “They’re going to get some practice in, we should probably try a little too. You don’t have to fight, but I know you’ve been working on dodging a bit, we’ll have to do a round or something. No pressure, I’ll just worry less if I know you’re still working on it.” Even if Ephesus wasn’t keen on fighting, Alastor still liked to know that he could get out of a fight as unscathed as possible. He cared about the boys a lot, he couldn’t help but want to give them the best chance they had to get home in one piece.
Amarynthos sucked in a breath; he could see Ephesus and Alastor talking, but he knew he had to focus on Sessrumnir. So, he cleared his mind and felt the magic humming inside of him. “Are you sure?” he asked, but he knew Michael well enough to know that there probably wasn’t anything he could throw at him that he wouldn’t be ready for.
So, when he felt the spark of magic again, he looked at Sessrumnir, and this time he didn’t try to smother it down.
Quote: Magic: Moonlight sparkles in the air around Amarynthos and all enemy targets within fifteen feet will feel enlightened; they will become hypercritical of their flaws and shortcomings, and may rapidly be filled with regret for instances where they failed in the past. The forced introspection can be incredibly distracting and make targets feel overwhelmed and unable to interact with the present. The magic can be channeled for up to 45 seconds; the circle will move with Amarynthos but if characters leave the radius the effects will fade.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2023 1:09 pm
Ephesus lifted his hand to wave back at Amarynthos. He was so proud of him in everything he did. He knew that he hadn’t figured out how to use his magic yet, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t an excellent fighter when he had to be. He fended off several youma and strange holiday garland already, so Ephesus was convinced there was nothing he couldn’t do. Just like Alastor and Sessrumnir. It just meant he needed to work some more on himself to keep up with them, which was why when Alastor suggested that they practice a little, Ephesus drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly and nodded.
“Okay,” he agreed, and somewhat reluctantly, but determinedly, unwrapped Alastor’s sleeve from around him, and pushed himself to his feet. He still had Sessrumnir’s cape around him, and it was a little too chilly to want to discard it just yet, but he would if he had to.
Besides, if it would make Alastor feel better, then he would do anything.
He was distracted, however, by the sudden spark of magic and sparkles in the air, which meant Amarynthos must have figured out his magic!Sessrumnir had been hoping for some kind of physical attack, if he was being honest. He could handle elemental magic or physical things better than he could anything that messed with emotions and played tricks on his mind.
He anticipated as much when the moonlight glistened and spread in the air around him. The heaviness of the truth of what he’d done, or hadn’t done, was hard to shake.
Sessrumnir was well aware of his flaws and shortcomings. The incidents that caused the deaths of those he cared for -- those he loved. The regret of not doing enough, or not being good enough.
He forced a quiet laugh as he closed his eyes, but kept his hands up to show Amarynthos that he was uninjured.
“That’s uh… some pretty distracting magic,” he told him, trying to mentally shake the thoughts. He’d been in such a good mood since getting married. Since officially adopting Atticus. He knew his family -- which included the Reids -- didn’t need to deal with him moping around more than he already did.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2023 2:36 pm
For a second, Amarynthos held his breath; he let his magic taper off, but he couldn't see what it had done. He looked up at Sessrumnir to try and read his expression after he’d spoken, but it looked like Alastor was doing the same thing.
He didn’t give himself the opportunity to be excited about his magic because he couldn’t tell what it had done–and, specifically, he didn’t know what it had done to Michael.
“Are you okay?” he asked, because–yeah, obviously he was okay, he was Sessrumnir, but he couldn’t help but worry anyway.
Alastor was quiet for just a second, and then he stepped forward so he could squeeze Ephesus’ shoulder. “Mary, come warm up Effie for just a minute. I want him to practice dodging with me. You two should get started.”
Amarynthos opened his mouth, not to protest, but–
He didn’t know what he was going to say, actually, but Alastor was already walking towards Sessrumnir and he was a smart enough boy to understand that it was just an excuse to have a private moment with his husband. “Yeah, okay.”
They passed each other, and Amarynthos started first by wrapping his arms around Ephesus, partly to warm him up and partly because he just liked having an excuse to embrace him. He knew that wasn’t what Alastor meant by ‘warm him up’, he knew he meant get a quick workout in or something, but he couldn’t help but take a moment with him, first.
Which, to be honest, Alastor expected. He didn’t protest or anything, he just cared more about Michael being honest with him. He stopped walking only when he was close enough to bump elbows with him. He didn’t ask if he was okay, but he gave him a look that said as much for him. Alastor stood between Sessrumnir and the boys; if the Knight wanted to see them, all he had to do was peer over his shoulder. He was tall enough that he served as an effective barrier though, just in case he needed a bit to get over whatever Amarynthos’ magic did do.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2023 6:25 pm
Ephesus was concerned, of course. He didn’t know if Sessrumnir was as okay as he said he was, but he had to trust Alastor to help him if he wasn’t. He loved both of his dads, but Michael still felt closed off in a lot of ways that Devyn wasn’t.
When Amarynthos approached and reached out to hug him, Ephesus eagerly wrapped his arms around him in return, tugging Sessrumnir’s cape around Amarynthos’ waist so he could share some of the warmth.
“I’m proud of you,” he whispered to him, because while he would happily shout it from the rooftops, he also wanted a private moment with his boyfriend, as much as his dads wanted a moment to themselves. Sessrumnir didn’t argue when Alastor suggested Amarynthos warm Ephesus up. He knew what Alastor was doing of course. He appreciated it, even if he didn’t think he should deserve to take a moment.
He knew it was just magic. But his heart was racing and the memories that flooded his head were relentless, even after the magic had stopped. It pulled images and emotions that Michael had tried to suppress, and for a long time he hadn’t thought about them.
At least until now.
“You don’t want to be on the other end of his magic,” he tried to joke as much as it was a warning when Alastor stood by him. He could see the boys over Alastor’s shoulder, and he felt guilty because he wasn’t supposed to be affected like he was. He knew Devyn had been through a lot as well, and being forced to think about those things…
He’d absently reached for the necklace he wasn’t wearing as a Knight, and when he found nothing at his chest, his hands came together so he could twist his -- oh, he wasn’t wearing his wedding ring either. His signet ring, then. He rubbed his thumb along the indention on the surface, maybe a little harsher than he intended, trying to force his thoughts to compartmentalize once more.
Sessrunmir hadn’t answered Alastor’s silent question, but he supposed that was an answer in itself.
No, he couldn’t act like this. Not in front of the boys. He forced a smile as he looked up at Alastor, forced his hands back by his sides.
“Just a lot of memories,” he explained, and then reached out to gently place his hand on Alastor’s arm as he looked around him.
“Mary, you should know what your magic does. I’m okay, but it was a little overwhelming,” he explained, forcing himself to keep his thoughts in the present instead of letting them drift. “It made me recall a lot of moments in my life where I could have done better. Made me feel a lot of regret for things. It’s fine. It’s just magic. I’m not hurt,” he promised. Even if his grip on Alastor’s arm had tightened unintentionally.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2023 6:37 pm
Alastor wasn’t convinced. His gaze lingered for longer than it needed to, as though the shadows on Sessrumnir’s face might slip away and reveal more to him. But, now wasn’t the time to press such things. Not in front of the boys, and not while Sessrumnir seemed to be managing himself.
Alastor trusted him in all things and didn’t want to push him. He could only imagine what effect Amarynthos’ magic must have had on Sessrumnir, but that was enough to convince him to wrap his arm around his waist and pull him a little closer. He ran his thumb up and down Sessrumnir’s side absentmindedly and resisted the urge to tell him that he was perfect the way he was, and start reciting all the time he could think of where Michael had done a good job, all the times he’d helped someone or gone above and beyond, or just been wonderful.
It was impossible to have missed the way he’d reached for the necklace, and then for the wedding ring, but without either of them he’d had to settle for his signet ring. Not that it wasn’t important! It just wasn’t something Alastor could trust to remind Sessrumnir of how important he was, of how good he was.
Instead of speaking, he made a mental list of what he’d have to bring back with him after his next trip to Alastor. He had plenty of pieces of jewelry to share, and even if they were important or meaningful, they weren’t as important as the necklace or ring Sessrumnir had reached for. They were treasures, but if they were lost, they could be replaced with something else.
If he’d had his way, he’d have suggested they all go home now. Sessrumnir was trying to play it off, maybe to spare Amarythos’ feelings, or to prevent the boys from worrying too much. He could understand that, he could respect it. He’d have done the same, probably.
He just didn’t like it, not when he wanted to make sure that Sessrumnir’s memories weren’t poisoning him while Alastor couldn’t do anything about it.
Amarynthos squeezed Ephesus briefly but when Sessrumnir addressed them, he half turned to face him again. He was putting on a good front, but Amarynthos had known him for long enough to suspect that something was just a little off. The smile was almost convincing, but guilt and concern started swimming in the pit of Amarynthos’ stomach. He felt a little cold, even under Sessrumnir’s cape, and even with Ephesus’ praise.
“Are you sure?” he asked. “I mean, I guess that’s useful magic, kind of. It’s not as good as healing. I’m glad you’re fine and that you’re not hurt.” Although, he wasn’t sure if that meant it would be useful in a real fight. “Do you want to take a break and sit down for a minute? Ephesus and I can do a quick spar, you can watch and let us know where our weak points are?”
Or just take a breather and clear his head, Amarynthos didn’t care. As long as Sessrumnir was actually okay.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2023 7:59 pm
Sessrumnir let out a quiet, awkward laugh when Alastor reached over to wrap his arms around him.
“I’m fine!” he insisted, still smiling despite it being forced, but he didn’t push Alastor away, and he even wrapped his arms loosely around his husband, fingers kneading maybe a little anxiously against his arms.
It was a little embarrassing to need comfort from his husband in front of the boys, but he couldn’t deny that he appreciated everything Alastor did. He eventually let out a little sigh and lowered his chin to Alastor’s shoulder.
“Thank you,” he whispered to Alastor, tightening his hold around him for a few more moments, before making himself pull back. Alastor was right. He wasn’t as okay as he could be, but they were in the middle of helping the boys train, and he would be well enough until they got home.
Before he pulled back too far, he pressed a kiss to Alastor’s cheek, and then contemplated Amarynthos’ offer for another moment longer before eventually conceding.
“Go ahead and practice for a minute. Is that okay?” he turned to Alastor, making himself look at him and focus on the boys instead of getting lost in his own thoughts. Ephesus didn’t mind taking a minute or two to practice with Amarynthos. He tugged his baton out from under Sessrumnir’s cape. It was pinned at the top so it couldn’t just fall off easily, but he was easily shivering from the chill where the cape didn’t reach… which was really just his ankles and when he moved his arms out from under it, which opened the whole front.
“You had to know,” Ephesus said quietly to Amarynthos. They were both worried about Sessrumnir, but Ephesus was trying to think of the positives. “If you were in a real fight, I mean… what if your magic was just shooting water at someone?” he suggested, but he really didn’t know how magic worked, still. Maybe it could still shoot water.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2023 8:22 pm
Amarynthos resisted the urge to sigh because, yes, he did have to know, and he was glad he had someone as strong and honest as Sessrumnir to at least give it to him straight. He and Ephesus could spar and the other two could take a moment that was almost private. They could just pretend like they didn’t see each other for a minute.
He took Ephesus’ hand and led him a few feet away. There was a small stone half-wall with two trees on either side and some shrubbery behind it, so at the very least it gave a bit of privacy from behind. The nearest lamps illuminated just enough for Amarynthos to keep his eyes on Ephesus, and it was easy enough to want to keep his eyes on him, anyway.
He squeezed the other Squire’s hand once before he dropped it and took a stance across from him. “I can still spray water,” he said as he spritzed a bit of water, but the mist was too fine to do much more than carry away on the wind. “I think I’d get more use out of hitting someone with this, but maybe I’ll try that and my magic the next time we run into someone. I’ll have to see if it works on youma, too. What were you and Alastor doing? You were going to practice dodging? I can take a few swings at you. I’ll be careful, but you two were working on predicting movement or something?”
He planted his feet apart and gripped his weapon almost like it was a baseball bat, and took a few practice swings like he was warming up.
It was a good distraction for the two of them, and even if Amarynthos was being a bit obvious about it, Alastor was happy for it. He rubbed Sessrumnir’s back even after they’d separated. He wasn’t in any rush to leave and wasn’t going to complain about having a moment with Sessrumnir.
And, the boys did need to practice, at least a little. If they wore themselves out a bit, they’d go to sleep earlier. “Do you want to carry me over to that wall? I can swoon in your arms if you want to show off how strong you are. Or, I can carry you if you want a break. You’ll always have a place in my arms.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2023 5:49 am
Ephesus laughed and giggled when Amarynthos spritzed some water into the air, and he closed his eyes to feel the light dusting of water that was already being carried away.
“Yeah, we were just talking about practicing dodging,” he explained as he watched Amarynthos warm up by swinging his weapon, still smiling a little at how silly he looked swinging his spritzer. He knew he was trying to make sure Alastor and Sessrumnir had some privacy, so Ephesus did his best to pay attention to his boyfriend and make sure they got some good practice in.
“Okay, but it’s okay if you hit me,” he promised and readied himself to jump back when Amarynthos tried swinging at him. But really, he was just enjoying watching Mary fool around.
It was sweet what Mary was doing, and Effie had to blink a few times to make sure he kept his eyes dry. There were so many people who cared about Michael. Effie just hoped one day Michael would feel at peace. The fake smile melted easily when Alastor rubbed his back and Sessrumnir couldn’t help but laugh softly when Alastor asked if he wanted to carry him.
“You’re cute,” he hummed, leaning close to Alastor to give him a quick kiss on the lips, before bending down so he could scoop him up into his arms. “You’ve gotten used to carrying me around, I think.”
It was a good distraction, and Sessrumnir appreciated it. The thoughts were already being chased away by Alastor’s thoughtfulness, and the boys’ consideration.
“I love you, you know that, right? You’re too good to me. I’m okay, I promise. If I need to, we can talk later. Is that okay?”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2023 7:52 am
“I’m not going to hit you,” Amarynthos reminded, with what seemed like absolute confidence in Ephesus and his abilities. “You’re going to dodge. And not because I’m going easy on you.” Well, maybe. He wasn’t planning on actually hitting Ephesus, but he was still going to put in a good effort to make sure he got some practice out of this. But Ephesus was getting better! Even if he just didn’t see it.
Amarythos gave Ephesus a moment longer to get comfortable, to take in the distance between him, to read his position and his motions. And then, when he thought Ephesus was ready, he ran towards him.
It was easy to pretend like his mister was some sort of sword, though he had no idea how to actually wield one, and he jabbed towards his middle with enough haste to seem convincing–even if he was still pulling his punches a bit and doing his best to not actually hurt his boyfriend.
It was easier than watching Sessrumnir and Alastor fool around, but Amarynthos supposed he’d rather see them having fun than dealing with the effects of his magic.
Alastor resisted the urge to say I know when Sessrumnir told him he was cute, but the grin on his face spoke for him.
“Of course it’s okay,” he promised, and nestled closer to Sessrumnir. He didn’t have to make it easier on him, he knew Michael could carry him even without being powered. He didn’t want to be difficult, but he liked being close, too.
“We’ve got all the time in the world. And if you don’t feel like talking, I’ve got plenty to say. But you know I’m not too good for you, I think I’m just right. But open for improvement. For you.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2023 8:30 am
Ephesus absolutely expected Amarynthos to go easy on him, but he was still going to do his best, no matter what. He nodded and held tighter to his baton, and when Amarynthos lunged towards him, he jumped back and parried his makeshift sword jab with his own weapon.
Although it seemed like a shame to potentially break it. But that was okay. He was just trying to get some practice in while his dads took a few minutes to breathe. “I think you’re perfect,” he said easily, holding Alastor close as he carried him over to the wall that he’d suggested. “And I like your voice. I could never get tired of what you have to say.”
It was true, though. Alastor’s voice was like a song to him. Even without actually saying anything, Sessrumnir could appreciate all the ways Alastor was able to express himself. From his eyes to his silence, and everything exaggerated or vocal in between.
“That just means I’ll have to keep improving to keep up with you,” he sighed, but there was nothing in his voice that indicated that he was upset by this. Being able to grow was a good thing, and he was happy to do that with Alastor.
“I’m okay,” he promised once more. “You’re distracting enough that I haven’t even thought about Mary’s magic.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2023 9:09 am
Amarynthos was more pleased than he was surprised when Ephesus parried, and his eyes lit up at how effectively he managed to do that. “Oh, Effie, that was good. Does Alastor know how to sword fight? Have you been getting secret lessons from him?”
He was mostly teasing, but if anyone was going to know how to casually know how to sword fight and decide that was normal it was definitely going to be Devyn. Although, if Ephesus wasn’t getting lessons, it might have been fun to ask.
He waited until Ephesus had his footing and lunged again a bit more seriously.
…But, only a bit. Amarythos already looked like he was having fun.
It was hardly in Alastor’s nature to let himself be carried, or to willingly hand over any sort of control to anyone like that, but Michael was in a completely different class and he couldn't help himself. He trusted him completely. It helped that Alastor couldn't muster any shame for the gesture; he liked the attention and, more than that, he liked the distraction.
He was glad Sessrumnir hadn’t thought much of Mary’s magic, especially when it had cast such a shadow over him so quickly.
“Oh, well that’s good. I was worried I might have a bit of competition for your attention. It’s a good thing you’ll never get tired of what I have to say, especially since I have so much to say.”
He hadn’t been tense before but he relaxed again in Sessrumnir’s arms and looked up at him while they made their way to the wall. “I think you’re perfect, too, though. I can’t imagine how you could possibly get better. But, if we’re going to improve, we’ll do it together. Even if I can’t envision it, I doubt it would be too hard. I don’t think there’s anything we couldn’t do if we put our mind to it.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2023 9:25 am
“He probably does, but I haven’t,” Ephesus admitted breathlessly, and a little giddy about not being hit, and from Amarynthos’ praise. Besides, they were supposed to be practicing together, so he could give Mary a little bit of a challenge in return.
Ephesus didn’t know how he knew how to block Mary’s mock attack, but it felt right. He waited for Mary to lunge forward again so he could step out of the way, and swing his baton at Amarynthos in return. Not enough to hurt him! But close enough to hit him (gently) if he was caught off guard. Alastor always spoke with such reassurance that Sessrumnir couldn’t help but believe him. If he said everything would be okay, if they could work through anything, if something wouldn’t be hard, then Sessrumnir expected that to be the case, and would work towards that being reality. For Alastor to be right, if not for himself.
Reaching the wall, Sessrumnir conceded to carefully putting Alastor down so they could sit, but he remained close to him as he turned to watch the boys practice. He reached over to take Alastor’s hand, his thumb rubbing the back of it.
“If there was a competition, you already won,” he hoped to reassure him. He was grateful to Alastor, and to the boys, in a way he couldn’t put into words. He’d started quickly down a dark path but was pulled back out with hardly any effort. How Alastor could do that, he didn’t know, but he knew he wanted to make sure he could do the same for Alastor if he needed it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
