Make It Real

[Aeros]

TIMESTAMP: 12th Earth's Rest, Ash 122
NOTES: open me ~!

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Having heard back with reasonable swiftness from house Argenti, a date was arranged and set for the transferral of Khyan to house Sælyan, more specifically, Æros within it. Initially, the starborn Færie was overcome with a galvanizing sort of excitement tied to deep relief that this agreement had actually gone this far to begin with. He had his fair share of worries that he would be declined, what with everything that Khyan himself had said about the hostile and spiteful relationship his family and house Argenti had with one another. It would not have surprised him had the son, Cetus, been overstepped by his father and pressured into canceling this deal.

Now that the date in question had arrived, Æros began the walk from his own humble demesne toward where he was told Domus Argenti was located. He carried with him a banknote indicating the specified amount in tow, as he wasn't a man who'd made a habit of carrying around large amounts of currency. Though he had known the address for a while, he'd only ever walked in the vicinity thereof on other business, never having a proper purpose to set foot inside. Of course, this was because he had no reason to do so and, after having met Khyan, he was rather glad his family had no business with theirs. Any direct contact would increase the likelihood of the other family learning of the fact that the two of them were engaging in quite illicit behavior with one another.

As such, walking the path to their domicile was anxiety inducing in its own special way. And while this was the case, his Symphony would be kept quiet and calm by use of his own mastered Craft. He wasn't entirely sure how relevant doing so would be, but it was always worth doing on the off chance such a thing was. The journey was not a long one; Æros soon found himself standing before the lofty manse in question.

Upon announcing his presence by knocking at the door, he was greeted by another servus of the house– somebody who looked up at him with curious eyes. Æros was a strange sight to behold, the living galaxy that he was. He wore more clothing today than was typical, this time donning both tunic and toga, each piece being fine white linen. And though that by itself was relatively simple, he had coated the fabric with a Masquerade enchantment that caused the white to coalesce into a light blue around the waist, gradually darkening as the fabric went on. The colors would appear to shift like water to something more purplish at times, exaggerated slightly when the man moved, yet nothing about it was so garish as to be distracting.

Before the servus had the chance to speak, Æros informed them of his purpose and the other immediately acknowledged his words with recognition, guiding him inside.

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'Thoughts'

"Vallenor Tongue/Speech"

"Vastien Tongue/Speech"

"Valasren Tongue/Speech"

"Common Tongue/Speech"

[Khyan Nykara]

Once the negotiations had been completed and details hammered out, Khyan was made aware of more specifics of the impending transition. He'd preferred to remain ignorant while things were still up in the air, because he knew he was prone to getting ahead of himself. He didn't want to leap to conclusions and be disappointed, if his expectations weren't met to the letter. Being kept in the dark made the whole endeavour nebulous enough that he could only hope in the vaguest of terms. But now there was a sum agreed upon, a deed of purchase waiting to be signed and a date, which was now upon them.

For his own reasons, which were not altogether obvious to Khyan, Cetus seemed to prefer to remain relatively hands off in the whole process. He'd let his Major Domus serve as plenipotentiary, while the master himself stood aloof of the transaction's proceedings. Today, however, he did invite Khyan to breakfast with him at his table like a guest, rather than a slave. Kind words were exchanged between the former schoolmates, and Khyan picked at the rich fare offered by his fellow servi. His stomach was in knots from the nerves, so he wasn't really hungry, but didn't wish to offend by refusing so kind a gesture on Cetus' part.

The Major Domus appeared toward the end of the meal and presented Cetus with the deed of sale, which he signed before leaving for the Vigilia Argenti Prætorium. With their dominus gone, the Major Domus unlocked and removed Khyan's golden collar with less ceremony than the former Patrician may have liked. He rubbed at his neck.

"Don't get too comfortable." The Major Domus reminded him, "Your new dominus will doubtless have another collar to mark you as property of House Sælyan, and it isn't like to be of such fine make."

Khyan pursed his lips and grudgingly nodded his understanding. A knock at the front door echoed through the foyer, as the Major Domus removed the last few trappings of livery that identified Khyan as a member of the household they currently occupied. By the time Æros was led inside, Khyan wore nothing but a plain, cream-coloured tunic with a rope belt and soleæ.

Æros was led into a sitting room, where he'd find Khyan stood rather sheepishly beside the Major Domus, who was holding a portfolio in front of his chest.

"Your Lordship." The man bowed his head, "His Lordship of Argenti has already signed the contract. If you've the agreed upon sum in hand, we can have you sign your bit and that shall, as they say, be that." He glanced to the young servus at his side. There wasn't much in the way of warmth from the steward of the house, so the faint smile he offered felt all the kinder. Dark eyes danced to Æros, and then promptly to the floor. A bashful smile was as much of a greeting as he'd offer for the moment.

[Aeros]

TIMESTAMP: -
NOTES: -

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Regarding servii, Æros had grown up around many, though none of them had ever been under his direct control and for the most part, his house kept their staff the same over the years. New servii would be acquired only by necessity, generally, though the Fæ had witnessed a few newcomers enter the fold at the whims of some of his family members. For what purpose, exactly, he was never privy. Suffice it to say, however, he had never gone through the process of purchasing a person himself– this was altogether foreign in terms of the steps.

One would imagine, however, that such a transaction would hold with it far less tension if there was less emotion involved between the two men. If the pair of them hadn't such a voracious appetite for one another and certainly if they had managed to abstain– but that was simply not reality. Æros had been all too eager to find himself betwixt the other boy's legs any time he could, much as doing so was a dangerous game; a scandal in the making, some would say. And so, alas, this was far more than mere business or property acquisition to the star-crossed Færie.

It was a bit odd to him that he would never meet Dominus Cetus himself, but he supposed such a thing was not a big deal if, in the end, it did not matter. The servus who'd let him in was a pleasant little thing and the two of them did not go far into the domicile of Argenti before arriving in a sitting room. Their interaction was polite, bland, exactly as one would expect.

He did not expect, however, for the Major Domus, flanked by a rather meek looking Khyan, to already be present. In truth, he thought he might have had to wait, though he supposed that both parties were perfectly on time, all things considered. His doe-eyed little lover stood there collarless, possessing nothing else than what clothes he wore. Æros' gaze fell on the boy's sweet features before the other was able to look away, their eyes meeting for just a moment. There was a softness to the Færie's features, a warmth in his eyes that, while subtle and then gone in blink, conveyed just the slightest hint of his affection towards the other.

The only unfortunate part was that Khyan would have to deal with wearing a collar far less pretty for the rest of Ash, in all likelihood. Æros was a picky man and indecisive to boot. He would have something made for the one that was now his, though it would take a moment to decide on the exact design and then for the thing to be made.

Apparently, all paperwork on the side of House Argenti had already been prepared and signed off. Convenient.

"Efficient– let his Lordship know of my appreciation, then." Æros spoke with a cordial tone and an expression that matched. With that, he withdrew the banknote for the promised sum from a pocket concealed by the layers of his robes and traded that for what paperwork awaited his signature. The signing thereof was quick, and then once everything was properly exchanged between the two, the steward indicated that the starborn and his newfound property were free to go.

Purchase completed, the amount of time the boy would ultimately spend fettered to Æros was currently up in the air; he figured he ought to wait at least a season or two, lest people talk more than they should…but even then, he liked the idea of Khyan being his in such a literal sense. He knew the moral thing to do would be to free his lover, but playing upon the power dynamic now forged between them for a longer period of time was ever so enticing.

The two of them left the manse in silence, though that did not exactly last. "Lest you wonder, I do plan on getting you a collar just as grand– you'll just have to wait a bit." He said this with marked affection in his tone, a bright sort of excitement in his eyes. If his lover were to be collared, the least he could do was provide one that indicated he was truly treasured.

"...and, I'll be moving back into one of my family's estates soon. I just need to figure out which one certain individuals spend less time in." This decision had been made a few days prior during an unplanned meeting with his uncle, and given the fact that Khyan would be coming with, it fit to let him know now.

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'Thoughts'

"Vallenor Tongue/Speech"

"Vastien Tongue/Speech"

"Valasren Tongue/Speech"

"Common Tongue/Speech"

[Khyan Nykara]

"We certainly try." The Major Domus stifled a prideful grin at the comment regarding efficiency. That was, to the man's mind, a compliment to himself personally. It wasn't a simple thing to bring order to the household of a brash young noble like Cetus Argenti. Beyond the youth of his dominus, he was also a man of import... a Sentinel with the concerns of the realm swirling through his head. He relied upon a dedicated staff to worry about the daily operations of the domus. And, in truth, he was pleased to lose the dead weight Khyan represented for their staff. He took up resources and offered little in the way of service. Due to his upbringing, he had the manner of a master which made him rather impossible as a servant. Founders knew their weekly wine budget would be greatly reduced for his absence.

"Gratias." The older man accepted the bank note and reviewed it carefully for any signs of forgery or error, before handing over the contract, as he made a few notes in the household accounting ledger. The Major Domus scanned over the signature pages of the two copies, before looking to Khyan with a nod.

"You are hereby relieved from service to Gens Argenti. Bona fortuna in your new position with Gens Sælyan." He nodded, and escorted them both to the front door. "A pleasure doing business, Milord." As they stepped outside, the Major Domus nodded to the slave who admitted Æros, who shut the door behind them as they made their way down the walk.

Khyan bit his bottom lip, as if punishing it for grinning too hard.

"I can't believe it... That chapter is really closed, unless I'm merely dreaming all this!" His hand rose to rub at his bare neck and he shrugged one shoulder.

"Oh, there's no need to go to such great expense for some ornate collar. Especially not when I won't-..." He paused and his smile fell a bit. "Well, I just assumed you'd not keep me in disgrace for longer than was necessary. If such is the case, it would be a silly thing to waste money on, unless you hope to take up a collection of disgraced noble servi." He wagged a finger at Æros, "And if you do, I shall be quite cross." He bade, jovially.

"A family estate, then?" Khyan did arch a brow at that. He hadn't heard terribly much about Æros' family, and what had been uttered hadn't been particularly favourable. "What spurred that notion on, pray tell?"

[Aeros]

TIMESTAMP: -
NOTES: -

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That exchange really would have been a pleasant one had Æros not decided upon a path of questionable wisdom regarding his relationship with the one he had just purchased. It was as if Gens Argenti was happy to be rid of him, and, well, maybe they were. Nonetheless, the Færie was pleased that all had gone so smoothly– and certainly that now, he and his lover would have far more time to spend with one another.

Khyan's own excitement was hardly contained; in some ways, this was reassuring. Æros was, however, quite curious regarding how much of the other's excitement was about the two of them now being united versus the prospect of being free in the future. He had few qualms about using his magic to sate this curiosity, too. So while the boy responded to his comments about collars, the Mesmer's overture opened him up to what song now played from his lover's heart.

"I'm not entirely sure on how long that will be…depends on if Cetus' father or others have strong opinions on the subject or not, really. Could be a season, could be more. I…don't want to imprison you; I won't pretend there isn't a draw in keeping you close to me, though. I've never let myself become very attached to…anyone…like this." Æros paused, not sure what words to use to further explain his point. After a beat, "...so I won't lie. There lingers a fear that once freed, you'll skitter away." Admitting this was markedly uncomfortable, but hiding his feelings on the subject would simply be unproductive.

"...and then there's the fact that I want you to feel valued and adored. But…if you've another idea for a gift that would allow me to convey that sentiment unto you, feel free to offer a suggestion. I've no intention of collecting other servants, mind." Æros only stopped for a moment before remembering to add, "...I just think you look rather cute with something ornate like that on and nothing else." He ended that sentiment with a soft laugh and a wink towards his lover.

Regarding his upcoming change of address, "I've been offered an opportunity by the head of my house. He said that, out of respect for my mother, he'd promised her to remain hands off on my upbringing despite his…disagreements with her choices. Now that I am no longer a child, he's decided he no longer cares about her wishes and plans to offer me a path to greater influence. Which, to be more specific, the offer was to allow me to sit as proxy for him on the senate for meetings of lesser import as a trial, of sorts." Perhaps an odd choice to extend such an offer, but Æros would be a fool to decline.

The walk back to where he currently resided was not long and, aside from the exchanging of words, was uneventful. Once the two arrived inside, the starborn Fæ spoke again while in the process of removing his footwear. "Beyond collecting you, I've no other plans for the day. My only desire is to spend time with you, love. Have you a preference?" His voice contained a faux yet still affectionate sweetness, his expression somewhat coy.

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'Thoughts'

"Vallenor Tongue/Speech"

"Vastien Tongue/Speech"

"Valasren Tongue/Speech"

"Common Tongue/Speech"

[Khyan Nykara]

Khyan's Symphony spoke of excitement, but also an anxious uncertainty. It was as if he was only just now in the aftermath of the exchange, realising the gravity of the commitment into which he'd just entered. It had been his own choice, albeit by proxy, and yet one that felt ponderously weighty. He didn't really know how this new arrangement would play out in the day to day. Thus far it had been a fleeting fantasy, but now it would be a consistent reality. He glanced to Æros and noticed he was practising his Craft, which caused a moment of tension followed by a queer shift in his Symphony- a lightening from frantic brass to legato strings.

"I know..." The lilt of disappointment sent him into a minor key. He knew it wasn't rational to expect a prompt emancipation, but that didn't mean it hadn't been something he'd envisioned. He'd noted himself in the past that freedom in and of itself could actually be detrimental to him if he didn't have a support system. A slave was accorded shelter, food, medicine... a free plebeian was promised no such entitlements. He had exploitable skills, he suppose, though not much of a work ethic. He might still curry the attention of the Sentinels, if he found himself in desperate straits, but once their hooks were in, even if he somehow reclaimed his rightful place in the senatorial class, he'd be their creature. He could content himself to be Æros' for a bit while they figured things out, and perhaps even beyond.

"You make me sound like a mouse!" He chuckled, "Of course I wouldn't skitter away." He smirked, tilting his head, "I might slither, though." He granted with a playful wink and a grin that highlighted his extended fangs, which snapped back into normal canine teeth after a moment as he said:

"I jest. I'm happy with the arrangement and, beyond that, I'm not an ingrate. I was enough of an expense I think to feel valued enough. Further gifts would only make me feel guilty, as I've no resources with which to return the favour." He observed with a meek shrug.

"Oh! You'll sit in the senate?" Khyan blinked in surprise, "The acquisition of a dashing new slave and a seat in the Senate. What a season for you! My preference would be toward celebrating your recent strides however you'd like. You are, after all, the dominus..."

[Aeros]

TIMESTAMP: -
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Though it was understandable that many might find Mesmer's ætheric touch to be a bit invasive, Æros had become somewhat reliant on its use over the years to feel at ease. In this scenario, he had no intention of actually manipulating his companion, rather, he merely wished to listen. And while practicing the Craft had allowed him to learn connections between expressions, behaviors and the like with particular emotions and moods, he nonetheless preferred clarity of perception to what was, ultimately, guesswork. After all, he didn't want to make false assumptions and simply felt far more secure with more information than without.

Nevertheless, Æros heard the discordant notes that wobbled the rhythm of his lover's song but a few moments after the cast of his overture. To that, he wordlessly pushed an affectionate, reassuring trill of emotion towards the other. The feeling would be short-lived and since Khyan was aware of Æros' casting, it would be easy for him to perceive it for what it was– a gentle message.

At the same time, "...rest assured, I have no plans to manipulate you, love. I just…want to know how you're feeling; it helps me feel closer to you." There was a notable sweetness woven into his words. Such a thing also needn't be one sided– with somebody he trusted and cared for as much as he did Khyan, if the boy wished to peer into him, he would offer no resistance.

And when Khyan did respond to his concerns, Æros smiled something soft, exhaling a breath of mixed relief and amusement at the boy's words of jest. "A gift is a gift, dear one. If I get you anything, there is no expectation for you to return the favor– I'm well aware of the differences between our circumstances...it would be harsh of me to expect equivalent exchange in that regard. My only goal is to make you feel as adored as you are," and the tone of his voice only served to reinforce his point. "...and I'm glad you've no plans to go anywhere once freed." He meant this, though the unfortunate part of him being so new to romance was that he might require more reassurance of this over time.

Æros had revealed what grand news he had to his lover around the time the two of them arrived back at his present demesne and Khyan's response stirred quite a bit of joy within– yes, his circumstances had swung like a pendulum this season. For as low as his lows were, the highs were just as high. And given that, should he play what role he'd been generously gifted correctly, his future truly did excite him.

The smile drawn across his face was a vibrant sort, accompanied by a soft yet markedly enthused laugh. "So it has been, huh? Far more eventful than seasons of the recent past, for certain." Æros paused.

There were a couple different directions his thoughts went insofar as what it was he wanted to do with his lover, but it wasn't as if the two were in any sort of rush now, were they? Still standing in the entryway, Æros embraced the other, lifting him a bit off the floor to even out their heights– somewhat, at least. "The honorific sounds so sweet from your lips," he said, words painted with honey.

For a moment, the Fæ just looked down at the other through dark, half-lidded eyes. He did so adore just looking at the boy's features, cute as they were. "My only desire is you," and though his tone was lascivious, that was not his only intent.

"In the past, we'd always operated under a looming time limit– but now? Such a thing is gone; you are mine…so all I'd like is that we enjoy one another with no rush." Upon saying that, he smiled with a faux sort of innocence to the expression, placing a gentle kiss against the boy's forehead before setting him back down.

"Come– I'd like to hear how life has been for you over the past few weeks. Most of our meetings don't allow much time for talk," the half-elf chuckled, gesturing for the other to follow him back towards his room. "Mind getting us something to drink? I've no preference at the moment; I do like everything I have." Though he spoke light in tone and this was phrased as a request, his cadence indicated it to be more of a direct instruction than anything else. Æros had everything he usually had in his liquor cabinet, though this time he did have a couple bottles of finer wines.

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'Thoughts'

"Vallenor Tongue/Speech"

"Vastien Tongue/Speech"

"Valasren Tongue/Speech"

"Common Tongue/Speech"

[Khyan Nykara]

Khyan was no stranger to being the subject of a Mesmer's Craft. No Solunarian was. Perhaps more than any other discipline of magic, it was Mesmer that oiled the imperial machine of state. It was infused into their education from childhood, regularly practised to reinforce the realm's faith at religious gatherings, used to monitor the more secure areas of the cities, and to re-condition those who'd lapsed in the eyes of the Crown. Despite, or more likely because of, it's prevalence, it wasn't something one was like to blithely question when practised by agents of the Crown. There was trust that the Dynasty of Divinity knew best and served the interests of the Founders as their avatars. Interpersonally, it was a bit different but, Khyan was forced to recognise that this was a new sort of relationship wherein his station was so, so far beneath that of his counterpart that Æros would have been well within his rights to practise his Craft upon the Vastian however suited his whims. Even if he had objections, he had no right to really litigate them. Sometimes he envied those with mundane minds who could live blissfully unaware of the tethers that bound them all.

He could see the motion of the æther as it was exploited to console the very concerns that had been brimming. He let out a sigh of relief, and nodded at Æros' explanation, though he didn't offer a verbal reply on the matter of Mesmer. As to the gift, however...

"Perhaps there's no expectation from you, but I still feel it within myself. I'm not accustomed to this situation. I spent the vast majority of my life living by Patrician mores, and it is... difficult to adapt. I rather wish the Argenti had sprung for the more thorough, arcane sort of conditioning that prepares slaves for their lots. But I tend to think the Consul wanted us properly punished, so he shirked the chance to ease our descent."

As the pair advanced toward Æros' domus and the conversation advanced toward senatorial ambitions, he smiled faintly. Perhaps he'd live under the roof of a senator once more, despite the altered circumstances.

"My life? Ohh... Nothing nearly so interesting as yours. I've not met a single deity! I've just been wiling away the hours waiting for today..." He replied, as he was led on the familiar path to the boudoir. He inclined his head at his first task as Æros' servus.

"Of course..." He trailed off, and made his way to the cupboard to peruse the options. He took note of the wines, but his hand found the neck of a brandy bottle. He was keen to indulge in starker stuff than wine to ring in this welcome transition. He poured two glasses, and brought them over to Æros. "Dominus."

[Aeros]

TIMESTAMP: -
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Æros understood his lover's reticence when it came to being on the receiving end of Mesmer. And while he realized he could use a heavier hand to ease past such saturnine emotions, he'd rather earn his lover's comfort in his more magical ministrations than force it. Khyan did not directly respond to him, but he did feel a shift in the other's song. Regardless, he felt compelled to add, "you are free to practice your Craft on me whenever you see fit, too, love." Being aware of the rather stark differences between their stations, Æros did want him to know that he had no qualms with magic being used in both directions. In truth, he welcomed the idea because it would help the other see his intent.

As the boy spoke of the acceptance of gifts and social standing, the comment he made regarding the concept of the Argenti using conditioning of a nature more arcane on him made the Fæ wince internally. "Perhaps such a thing would help in some ways, but…I doubt you and I would have ever met if they had opted for that method. Would you have still run off into the night like you did? Plus, I like you as you are…and though I suppose I would prefer it to be easier for you to accept gifts from me, I'd rather your reticence than not have you at all."

As the two continued onward and their conversation shifted, Æros couldn't help but smile when Khyan spoke of his anticipation for today to come to fruition. It didn't matter that such anticipation was likely multi-faceted and not entirely directed at simply being with him; the sentiment itself brought happiness to him regardless. "Despite the chaos of the season on my end, you've never been far from my mind." He spoke sweetly, affection plain in dark eyes.

Æros, originally, had sequestered himself away from his family alone on purpose. He didn't want to share space with anyone, not even somebody whose purpose it was to serve him– he genuinely wanted to live alone. And while giving those beneath him in station orders was not a novel concept, it felt almost odd for him to do towards someone to whom he looked at as a lover. Nevertheless, he had no qualms with their newfound roles provided such a thing did not plant any resentment within Khyan.

It did not take his lover long to return to him, now laying propped up on a few pillows against the wood of the bedframe. Khyan's choice of brandy surprised him a little given what he'd seen of the other's tastes, but of course, Æros had no complaints. When he accepted his glass from the other, he immediately drank from it prior to saying anything, though he did smile a bit at the title. Once the alcohol's familiar burn faded, he added, "good choice, love."

Placing the glass on the nightstand beside him, the Færie leaned towards the other to briefly kiss him. When he pulled away, he wore an expression of fondness. "Join me then, will you?" The look in his eyes shifted to something more lascivious in nature as his gaze flit down and then back up his lover's figure. "It's such a relief to be together and not feel as if we're on a timer, is it not? Ever eager am I to take my time with you, though I have found it difficult not to slip into something more frenzied when we're together…"

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'Thoughts'

"Vallenor Tongue/Speech"

"Vastien Tongue/Speech"

"Valasren Tongue/Speech"

"Common Tongue/Speech"

[Khyan Nykara]

Khyan nodded at the offer and the unnatural edge melted from his Symphony, letting it return to a natural approximation of tranquility.

He considered the response to his suggestion that he'd have preferred deeper conditioning and pursed his lips, considering.

"The me that exists in the here and now is glad of that, but the me that could have been remains blissfully unaware... In point of fact, if I am to gain my freedom before long perhaps its all for the best I don't grown too comfortable in livery. It's just... a notion I had at the time, when things felt more abject, more... termless." Khyan was an epicurean hedonist, at heart. For him, pleasure was paramount, and if he couldn't enjoy life on the terms he'd come up with, he'd contentedly yield those terms up in favour of a frame of reference that suited the reality of his lot.

"I try!" Khyan shrugged, taking a sip from his own snifter after Æros tasted his. He placed his glass beside his master's, and crawled onto the bed to nestle against the Færie.

"It is..." He agreed, "But I feel nervous. Not in a bad way, just sort of like a naughty child who's up to mischief. I guess I'd grown accustomed to our prior, more clandestine arrangement." He lifted his head to seek Æros' golden eyes with his own mahogany.

"I'm sure it will fade with time. It's scarcely been an hour." New patterns would doubtless emerge and, with them, new comforts. It was strange to imagine their ever mercurial relationship might be trending toward stability. To think that they might even have routines together. Khyan wondered what they might be, as he lazily traced his fingertips along a starlit forearm.