For pavus_redemit

[nohallaback]

Athras wasn’t sure how long it had been since Adamant. His time during the day was still a whirlwind of tasks that while mundane were necessary. Meetings with visiting dignitaries, meetings with Cullen and the others to discuss strategies, decide what needed to be done, looking after his companions after such a harrowing journey. Pretending that he was fine. He couldn’t allow anyone to think otherwise, not with how many people depended on him, needed him to be untouchable, unassailable. Pretending that he wasn’t still affected. That he didn’t see the twisted landscape when he closed his eyes, that he didn’t dream of that wretched corner of the Fade, the fear that seemed to permeate every inch of it.

He knew he couldn’t continue like that. He needed to dispel the thoughts that seemed to echo through him at any moment of quiet or calm. And what was the best way to better combat such a thing? Knowledge. Know your fears and they become less. So in the scant bit of free time he had, he all but buried himself in the task. Conversations with Solas were nothing new, but the length at which they spoke was. More books from the library piling the desk in his quarters about the Fade and the demons that inhabited it. Instead of tossing uneasily in an attempt to sleep he’d started simply getting up, spending long hours at his desk immersed in their pages as he tried to make some sense of things.

He hadn’t even bothered with dressing for bed, knowing that in this state he wasn’t about to sleep anytime soon until he all but passed out over a book. Instead frowning as he studied, pouring over the words of long-dead scholars as he tapped the back of his quill nib against his notes, a reflexive nervous sort of movement. He knew he had to conquer the issue. He couldn’t continue like this, not for long and who knew what the consequences could be for those who followed him, put their faith in him if he failed them in this. He couldn’t let that happen.

Something had to give and it couldn’t, it wouldn’t be him.

Comments

No worries! Good luck with the event 83

[nohallaback]

While Athras enjoyed the travelling his clan did, he was discovering that there were some perks to a less transient lifestyle.

"The only thing I'm working on is indulging what vanity I do have." He replied, almost finished with brushing his hair at this point, more just taking his time because, well, he did like this little grooming chore.

"Though that threat of yours just tempts me to act up rather than behave."

I am so tired. So tired.

[pavus_redemit]

Dorian put the oils and lotions he brought with him on the wardrobe before he came up behind him and pressed his nose into Athras' hair. He was quite enamored with the long strands and how well he maintained them.

"We will certainly pamper this," he said when he pulled back. "And the rest of you."

Of course, he couldn't help but notice that the water hadn't been run yet. This was one of those things he used to have servants for but Dorian had adapted. He could manage this simple task.

Fffff /nudges you into a nest with pillows

[nohallaback]

"Keep this up and I'll be absolutely useless for anything." Not that he minded the pampering, on the contrary he loved the undivided attention it brought, the time it allowed he and Dorian together. He had to think of a way to return the favor in a way that the other man would enjoy. "A right terror, and then where will we be?"

Doubtful to be true, but it was fun to pretend.


((do you have an aim or skype or plurk so we can chatter a bit easier? nbd if not but PMs have never been the most reliable on my end for some reason and ooc like this is not the most efficient XD))

[pavus_redemit]

"Well, hopefully not everything."

Of course the Inquisitor had the nicest quarters in Skyhold and that included a private bathing chamber. It wasn't as luxurious as Dorian's in Tevinter but it would do. A few well practiced spells and the deep stone tub was filled with perfectly warm water.

He poured a few of the oils into the water, filling the room with the scent of ebrium and other spices. "Alright, amatus, it's ready for you. Time to get in."

[I don't use aim or plurk and skype is the devil in my opinion so PM works best.]

[nohallaback]

"I'm sure there are a few things I could still be encouraged to do, at least for you." If his chambers were much nicer, Athras wouldn't have any idea what to do with himself. As it was it was more space to himself than he'd ever had before and that in itself took some getting used to.

Barely clothed as it was it was simple enough to strip completely naked, setting everything aside before stepping into the tub. He let out a soft hum of appreciation at the feel of the water over skin as he settled in, just enjoying the spread of heat, the scent of spices permeating the air relaxing in it's own way he was finding.

Yes, he was clearly alright with this arrangement, relaxing further as moments passed, offering Dorian a warm smile.

"This is positively decadent, ma vhenan." Not that he seemed to mind it in the least.


((No worries I'll make it work on my end. 83))

[pavus_redemit]

"I was thinking the same thing." Only he wasn't thinking about the water. Dorian swept his eyes over Athras in the bath. He had seen him naked quite frequently now but he still loved to look at the long lean shape of him. Being a knight-enchanter had made him quite fit and even thin he was muscled.

He was unsure if he wanted to join him or let him actually bathe and continue to relax. No, he knew what he wanted but he wasn't sure what was the right thing to do.

"Tell me what you'd like," he said, leaving the decision to Athras. "Should I join you or leave you to your own?"

[nohallaback]

He had a feeling that Dorian didn't mean the bath, lips curling in a small smile in response as peered at his lover, enjoying his attention.

"I would like very much for you to join me." As if he'd pass up more time with his lover where there wasn't some mission to accomplish, or responsibilities hanging over their heads. "I couldn't think of a more perfect start to the day."

[pavus_redemit]

That was exactly the answer he was looking for.

Dorian stripped out of his clothes and left them neatly folded on the bed. There was no way he would risk his lovely clothes to the water which he expected to get splashed around quite a bit.

He got into the water behind Athras and pulled him into his arms, wrapping them around his middle and nuzzling his ear. "Thank you for inviting me. Here I thought I would have to seduce you."

[nohallaback]

He shifted to let Dorian settle in before leaning back against his chest, smiling as he tilted his head to accept the nuzzling. Hands sliding over the arms around him, fingernails lightly scraping along the backs of Dorian's hands.

"Well, being seduced by you is always enjoyable." He turned slightly in his lover's grasp so he could press a kiss to his lips, slow and affectionate. "Just as much fun as seducing you if I'm being honest. Starting to think you're just wonderfully enjoyable all around."

[pavus_redemit]

"It's taken you this long?" Dorian pretended to be offended by that. He knew Athras found him incredibly charming, witty, and desirable. His lover had said so many, many times when they were alone and whispering sweet nothings to each other.

He picked up an oil specifically made to be rubbed in when skin was wet and poured it into his palms. After rubbing his hands together he picked an arm and began to rub it into Athras' skin.

"I will have to double my efforts to get you to notice me and how incredible I am."

[nohallaback]

"It took me this long to realize that this all wasn't just some wonderful dream." He was never shy with sentiment he'd found, happy to shower Dorian with all the affection he could, to try and make his lover feel just as loved as he did.

Letting out an appreciative sigh at the feel of Dorian's hands smoothing over his arm, easing back against him again.

"But by all means feel free to remind me of just how amazing you are."

[pavus_redemit]

"You wouldn't be the first to call me a desire demon," he said with a laugh. He would absolutely love to be a desire demon if he got the choice. Not possessed by one, mind you, but the one doing the seducing and sinning. What fun.

He lavished attention on his arm and when it was well coated in the oil he moved on to the other arm.

"That battle mage armor of yours has really made you fit," he commented with appreciation as he massaged the muscles of his arm. "I should teach you some Tevinter staff fighting techniques. You'll be even more unstoppable."

[nohallaback]

"That doesn't surprise me in the least." Athras laughed as he said it, easily able to imagine Dorian as a desire demon. Handsome, charming, that sharp wit, dangerous...

Well with how he already was all of those things it was clear he'd make an impressive demon.

"With how easily you snared me with your charms, are you sure you aren't one? I promise not to tell." Teasing in a gentle tone, staying right where he was, relaxed and at ease against his lover, eyes partly-closed as he enjoyed those skilled hands on his arms.

"Would you? I'd like that." Another reason to spend time with Dorian was always welcome to him, and he'd found himself fascinated with anything that had to do with the man's homeland, curious about the place he loved so dearly.

[pavus_redemit]

The techniques he knew of how to fight with a staff were never taught to elves because they were slaves and the belief was even if they were freed they didn't have the strength. Dorian knew better.

"Once you find some room in that horribly busy schedule of yours we can start." Dorian finished with his arms and started with his chest and stomach. "You'll enjoy it, I think, being as physical and forward as you are in a fight."

It terrified him, just a bit, how much he ran into battle. He lived with the danger but he did not forget the fear.

[nohallaback]

"I am sure that I'll be able to find the time to spend with you." He'd figure something out. A word with Josephine and they could probably carve an hour or two off the end of one of his days by shifting a couple meetings about.

But for the moment he was more focused on Dorian, all but melting at those continued attentions, letting out a content hum.

"It does sound like something I would enjoy." He wasn't sure what had been the thing that started him in becoming more front-line in a fight, but whatever the reason, he couldn't say he didn't find it suited him better than the typical tactics expected of a mage.

He might just be a bit contrary and stubborn.

[pavus_redemit]

"I want to know everything you enjoy," he purred, nuzzling against his ear and placing a tender kiss on his cheek.

His hands, however, became more exploratory instead of actually massaging him. Perhaps he was a bit distracted. Could anyone blame him with his handsome lover in his arms? Anyone else would be distracted.

"You're slightly more interesting than anyone else here," he teased.

[nohallaback]

"Aside from you?" He replied with a soft chuckle, reaching back to trail damp fingers along Dorian's jaw at that bit of affection.

Was Dorian getting distracted? He couldn't say he minded, not with how nice it felt to have his lover's hands on him, or being tucked back against him like he was. Massage or not, he couldn't ever complain about having Dorian's attention on him.

"And here I thought you were just interested in my pretty face." He teased in reply, turning his head to smile impishly at the other man.

[pavus_redemit]

"Your pretty face and your fantastic body. I am terribly greedy."

He caught that smile with his lips and kissed him deeply. Athras did have a pretty face, had a fantastic body and a heart that was much too big. Somehow through everything the Inquisition asked of him his amatus stayed bright and shinning with optimism. It was horribly endearing.

"We should wash that hair of yours before I get much more distracted," he said with a heavy sigh.

[nohallaback]

"Greedy maybe, but I can't complain about the results."

More than happy to return that kiss as it came, relaxing against his lover, fingers sliding through his hair as he did so. Unable not to have his hands on Dorian at this point. He loved him dearly, could scarcely believe he was so lucky to have that love returned.

"You're probably right, even if those distractions are awfully fun in their own right." Tone playfully sympathetic as he offered another kiss, as if in apology.

[pavus_redemit]

"Once we take care of it we'll let ourselves get distracted," he said with a bright laugh.

He sat up a bit and cupped water in his hands to pour gently over Athras' hair. He had so much and it was so beautiful. Dorian couldn't help himself. He ran his fingers through it while getting it wet, loving the feel of it through his fingers.

"You must let me style this one day," he murmured. "I will make you look richer than any Orlesian who dares to look down at their nose at you."

[nohallaback]

Athras shifted so Dorian would be able to help with his hair more easily, unable to help tilting his head back into the feel of that touch running through it.

"I might just let you... I always do like when you play with it." Among other things, but better to get this done first or there'd be no getting his lover to focus if he kept teasing him, right? But the attention was certainly nice, and given that he never let anyone else tend to his hair aside from his lover there was something delightfully intimate in letting Dorian do as he would with styling it.