pawnstorm | housewarming ✿ open

Entry tags:

housewarming ✿ open

Who: Adra and all y'all
When: About a week after the dungeon; in the afternoon and going on until evening
Where: Adra & Gil's house
What: HOUSEWARMING MINGLE come eat the enchanted food
Rating: this is a family log

✿ THE HOUSE ✿

Adra's house is a cozy stone cottage on the outskirts of Caissa, close enough to the sea that one can hear the breaking waves throughout the day.

This afternoon, there's light, cool rain falling intermittently, tapping in a rhythm at the windows and roof. Fortunately, the kitchen is warm, bright, and welcoming. Its counters and tables are covered with freshly prepared foods of all kinds, and there are plenty of chairs for visitors who might like to sit and relax.

A door from the kitchen leads out into the garden, which is not quite yet fully landscaped, but which boasts a promising array of flowers (orchids, roses, lilies, tulips, etc) and herbs. Adra's also cultivating strawberries, tomatoes, lettuce, and so on; the strawberries and cherries in particular are ripe for picking. Adra has strung enchanted, floating fairy lights all over the garden; they cast a soft, ethereal glow over the paths and carefully tended patches of greenery. At the garden's center, there's a clear pond filled with red and pink lotus blossoms.

Back inside, a visitor might like to rest in the den. There's a roaring fire in the hearth, and sitting near it for a short while offers a boost to the weary spirit. Soft, plush chairs and couches fill this room, making it ideal for lounging. The tables are covered with books borrowed somewhat indiscreetly from the library; they deal largely with the magic and history of Enprise.

Adjacent to the den is Adra's study. In here are half-empty bookshelves and antique rolling desk covered with neat stacks of papers, boxes of quills, and numerous pots of ink, each one in different, brilliant colors. His journal is somewhere here, too ...

Finally, down the hall one will find a half bathroom and, across from that, the door to the second bedroom--belonging to one Gilgamesh. The master bedroom, belonging to Adrasteius, is at the end of the hall. There's a full bath in there, but this room is definitively locked.

✿ THE SPREAD ✿

As usual, Adra's gone over the top in his preparations. For drinks, there's a sweet, refreshing punch; delicately pink and decorated with sprigs of flowers. There are pitchers of sparkling ice water, jugs of wine and spiced mead, and plenty of glasses to share.

Though Adra does not eat meat himself, he prepares it ably; there's a honey-glazed, roasted turkey in the center of the table, right beside a carving board heavy with seasoned, hand-carved slices of fresh beef. Red potatoes, bright with paprika and salt and glistening with pats of melting butter, are arranged in wedges around the turkey. There are woven baskets of steaming rolls, flaky and soft; platters of carrots and broccoli and asparagus; enormous bowls of belly-warming soup filled with thick wheat noodles, sliced egg, and shredded cabbage. At one end of the table, there's a plate of burgers, along with small dishes to fix them--bacon, crispy onions, sauteed mushrooms, and all the necessary condiments. He has plates of savory pies, filled with beef or pork or chicken; steamed and fried dumplings stuffed with meat and spring vegetables, plump and perfectly shaped.

The desserts are similarly extravagant: he has a plate of meticulously crafted flower and fruit cakes; some look like ripe, blushing peaches, others, he shaped into red orchids, lotus blossoms, or golden roses. He's made a chocolate tart so dark that its smooth, sugar-dusted surface shimmers reflectively in the overhead light. Cupcakes of all kinds are scattered here and there, as well as an extravagant, multi-tiered confection dripping with fudge sauce, encrusted with sliced strawberries and vibrantly colorful, fondant flower petals. There are loaves of warm banana bread; fruit tarts glittery with rainbow sugar crystals; and, under glass, an assortment of flavorful macarons baked to look like something plucked right from the starry sky.

But the most important thing about Adra's lavish banquet is this: all of the food is enchanted, laced with magic meant to inspire feelings of comfort and security. Eating it may conjure up familiar, welcome sensations or memories--nothing sorrowful or painful, and only as specific as you'd like. It could be something as simple as the feeling of a fuzzy blanket on a cold day, or as complex as a particular soothing memory. In all cases, the intended effect is meant to inspire calm and ease.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I do not believe it be wrong.

[A surprising confession, maybe, from a so-called tyrant. But he goes on to explain.]

I cannot agree with it, myself. I was born to rule over humanity with cold, distant eyes. The eyes of one who sees beyond, who exists beyond, who must set aside emotion and pursue the best course of action, no matter the cost. That is the sort of person I am, the sort I will always be.

[And there's nothing like apology in his tone for it. Gilgamesh was not a man prone to regrets. He was not a man who would look back at himself and ask, how could I do better? because he had already done his best by the virtue of who and what he was. That's what made this world so difficult; it challenged these beliefs at every turn.

It made him wonder, can I be better? even if he'd argue there was no room for improvement whatsoever.]

I met someone like you, who came into my life with similar intensity. He wept over animals; he cried about people. His heart was so big, I worried it might shatter at any moment. He valued life as much as you, and always cautioned me against undue violence. He was the balance to my temper.

[Simply:]

I loved him more than anything. I was his... and he was mine.

[ He listens to Gilgamesh carefully, as he always does. When Adra engages with someone, he always maintains absolute focus on them, always minds whatever subtle clues and meaning he can. Always invests his energy and attention, utterly, on the person beside him.

The talk of his tyranny, his disagreement--it discomfits Adra, but it doesn't surprise him, either. It's well in line with what Gil's spoken of about himself before, and with his own behavior.

(Still, he thinks: there is always potential to change. To improve.)

But he turns his head when Gilgamesh begins speaking of--someone like him. A memory comes to him.

My heart belongs to another. ]

This person ... he's the one with your heart.

[ Less a question than a conclusion, waiting to be confirmed. ]

[Gilgamesh doesn't appear bothered by this revelation. He just hums and continues combing, occasionally pausing to run his fingers through a few rebellious strands the comb couldn't quite catch. And sometimes, those same fingers will skim along the back of his neck, tracing little symbols in his skin that only he can read.

He smiles faintly when their eyes meet. Of course, Gilgamesh has nothing to hide from anyone, so he'd claim.]

Were you after a piece, as well?

[An assumption answered with another. But was it really?]

[ Adra holds the gaze, his expression solemn. ]

A heart cannot be taken. Only freely given.

[ It's not a straightforward answer, exactly. But it's what he's thinking. ]

[A comforting thought, and again, something his brother would've said. But it is not his brother before him, so he must adjust accordingly.]

And if were to give but a little...?

I would care for it as best I could.

[ And with that, he does look away. ]

[He doesn't.

Gilgamesh leans in to kiss him first.]

[ It catches him off guard. He puts his hands up, but they're only grasping at air, uselessly. Squeezes his eyes shut, making a soft whimpering noise in his throat. Why, why? What did it mean? ]

[He sounds... distressed. Gilgamesh had never known a man to be distressed by the mere act of a kiss from a King. He's almost offended, except he remembers that Adra has always had this fearfulness since from when they first met, so he handles it better than he otherwise would.

Which is to say, when Adra seems to cry a little, Gilgamesh stops and doesn't immediately throw a tantrum for having his fun ruined. What a noble achievement.]

Do you feel unsafe? Uncertain? Unwell?

[All three, by the looks of it. Did he go and ruin the mood again? His lips twist into a frown, but he will wait rather than abandon ship. He will stay with him.]

[ He shakes his head, his cheeks flushing. ]

No, Gil. I never feel unsafe with you.

[ Even if he probably should. ]

I just--

[ He runs his fingers through his hair. ]

I don't know. I'm overthinking things. We started talking about hearts, and I ...

[ He lies down on the bed, on his coat, his long hair spreading like a fan around his head. ]

Sorry.

Why do you apologize to me?

[It isn't sarcastic or smarmy. He genuinely wants to know. Setting aside the comb, Gilgamesh lies with Adra and rests arms upon his chest. In another world away, Gilgamesh could tear him apart. Maybe he still could. But he wouldn't, not simply for the thrill of it. Gilgamesh would chastise the harlot, but never beat them; punish the criminal, but never unfairly so. Tyrants were very different beasts than madmen, a distinction Gilgamesh always drew for himself.

He cups a cheek and wonders what overthinking things means for an elf.]

You've done nothing to displease me. You speak your mind freely, and not once have you acted like some simpering mongrel, licking my boots to earn my favor. But nor are you too bold, ever ready with a kind word or helpful spell. You are just enough. You are you, and I have always liked you.

[And that is the long and the short of the matter. Though he adds, just to clarify:]

I am afraid I will need more of a reason to discard you other than just because. I am far too fond for that.

Fond, huh.

[ He shuts his eyes, trying to focus just on the warmth of the hand against his cheek. ]

I didn't mean to react so strongly, that's all. It's only that ...

[ He makes loopy gestures with his hands. ]

When you start talking like you just did, I never know if it's real, or if it's just part of your, you know--sex dance.

[ Like in the spring, with the Thalassian phrase Adra had taught him. ]

My "sex dance"?

[Hang on. This stern heart-to-heart now interrupted by Gilgamesh trying not to burst into laughter and failing. Many things his courtship ritual had been compared to in the past, but never sex dance. It sends his mind going all kinds of crazy places, and none of them too serious.]

Ahahaha, oh... but... should I start flapping about more? Perhaps throw in a few attractive cawing noises to complete my ensemble?

[Love him or hate him, Gilgamesh had just about the most obnoxious laugh in the world, though eventually he does calm himself down again to speak.]

Of course it is real, you ridiculous excuse for an elf. To argue that any part of me is anything less than the genuine article is absolute absurdity!

[ He turns bright red. He's still being dead serious, here! ]

Y'know, Gil, I actually do believe that most of the time.

[ He opens his eyes, and reaches to touch Gilgamesh's face, to brush his thumbs across the other man's cheeks. ]

But do I believe that because it's true, or because you're so skilled at manipulation?

[ He shakes his head. ]

Would you really give me even a small part of your heart?

[His skin turns flush where it's touched, and he makes a soft sound of his own, one distinctly of pleasure. He enjoyed contact, even in a world where it didn't carry inherently beneficial connotations; most simply didn't dare to try, especially around his face. This was, quite clearly, a good move to make, and Gilgamesh encourages more of it, holds onto his hands so they can't wander too far. Greedy, almost. Insistent upon attention as only Gilgamesh could ever be.]

It seems I have some of it to spare, removed from my proper throne, so yes. For the moment, I don't mind at all.

[But their definitions of it, of giving one's heart, might differ. It did not necessarily mean total devotion. Merely a guarantee of affection, on some level.]

Will you treat this precious belonging of mine well, however... that is a different story. I expect the very best care from you, as I rightly deserve.

[ He keeps his hands where they are, not trying to resist or pull away. His fingers move in gentle, deft strokes beneath Gil's eyes, across his cheekbones. ]

For the moment ... I suppose that's your prerogative.

[ He does get the sense that their ideas about this situation are different; perhaps significantly so. But he's never required anyone to love him back. He's not likely to start now. ]

But I have a pretty decent record.

[Gilgamesh sighs. Like a dog being scratched behind the ears in just the right spot, his tail wags—or rather, his whole body does. A King attended is a King contented, so it would seem, and he makes no show of hiding just how happy he is. And how hopeful he is for even more.]

Mm... I am inclined to believe you, based on previous evidence. You certainly know how to get a man going when you must.

[He still remembers, how incredible Adra's magic at full strength had felt. If he could feel that way all the time, he'd have no need for any of this Hero business at all. He'd simply bask in it as though it were a drug and drink himself to early retirement. But alas, duty called.

Gilgamesh, eager to reciprocate in some fashion, reaches for Adra's face, too, mimicking the same gentle motions.]

Take it, then. I shall entrust you with it, until the time may come I am returned to my station.

[And then, he thinks, you will be all but forgotten, along with the others.]

[ Adra runs his fingers through Gil's hair and thinks about what he wants. Someone he could trust, yes, but more than that, someone to whom he could cede control. Someone who could overwhelm him, completely, constantly. Someone to bind him.

He doesn't know if Gil is that person. He doesn't know if it's right to even seek that person here, in Enprise, a place they will all eventually leave. What will become of this time when it's over? Will he think on it, or will he let it slip away into the many layers of his long memory? He's not sure which he'd prefer. ]

Mmm. Is it that easy for everyone?

I don't really know.

[With an honest laugh, Gilgamesh confesses:]

I've never been like everyone else.

[ Adra shuts his eyes, smiling weakly, his fingers slipping down along Gil's scalp, down to press gently against the back of his neck. ]

I believe that.

[Gilgamesh settles down and curls around him, like a cat making itself comfortable. You, sir, are getting a kingly cuddle.]

Because the same holds true for yourself.

[ This, he likes. He visibly relaxes, even pressing his body back up against Gil's, actively trying to fit himself more comfortably against the other man. Gil's body is warm, and solid, and it's been such a long day. ]

Come to Silvermoon sometime. You'll find I'm a dime a dozen.

[ There's no particular rancor to his tone. It's just a fact, to his mind. ]

Are you implying I've the taste of a commoner, that I would ever settle for something beneath my status?

[A haughty scoff, though it's obviously meant in good humor. Gilgamesh finds the perfect place for his favorite elf in his arms, and it isn't long before they're a lazy tangle of limbs around each other. This he likes, and this he can waste many hours away doing, lounging like royalty with a lover.

Or soon to be lover. Those rep grinds were a really hassle sometimes.]

Although... I could not say I would mind visiting your home. I'm sure you've plenty of wonders to show me that would be worth the visit.

[Plenty of wonders for him to plunder, he means. It's not stealing if he already considers it his.]

[ gil, adra is the only elf you know outside of his son pls ]

I'm directly stating that I doubt you'd make it past the inn.

[ He rolls his eyes. ]

Knowing you, that's where you'd find all the wonders you're thinking of.

Except you.

[Gilgamesh gives Adra playful poke in the side.]

You'd keep me chasing. Exactly how I like it.

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject