Nick tried to go down as slowly as possible. He ended up tripping on the saddle. Nick gave Mel's hand a tight squeeze when moving down to the ground. He had managed to get there safely despite him tripping. "That's good that he's sleeping. He's probably sleeping with Abrose as well." he was going to laugh, but remembered that it would hurt if he did so. Nick hated to cause Mel this much trouble. He hated the idea of being helped, but he knew he needed it. He gave a soft thank for the trouble he caused Mel and for the help he received. "I feel really tired…" His eyes wanted to close and his body wanted to lay down.
Mel quickly wrapped a secure arm around Nick's waist, careful to avoid the wound as he eased Nick away from.the horse. He nodded in thanks to the servant boy who had taken up a position on the opposite side, helping Mel bring Nock into the house. "I don't think you could separate those two even if the world was cleaved in half and they stood on opposite sides." Mel chuckled softly and thanked the mad who opened the doors. "Please have the spare room readied. Oh and bring Veda." He instructed, slowly lowering Mel into a chair beside an unlit fireplace. "I know, you'll rest soon, just stay awake a little longer, just until we can patch you up."
"Could I have some water, please, if that's alright? You're right about those two, I swear they're attached to each other. I think I'm strong enough to stay awake. Although if you keep talking softly like that I think I just might." He laughed, which made him shudder in pain. His hands were getting tired of putting pressure on the open wound. "Distract me." Nick turned his head to he was looking at Mel. "Tell me something about you. Anything." his voice was raspy. Nick's eyes were squinting from how bright the fire was.
"soon, Genevieve should be coming soon with food and drinks." Mel replied, perching on the couch opposite from Nick, bouncing his leg nervously as h looked around for his personal physician and other staff. He glanced up as Nick spoke again and gave a soft laugh. "Forgive me, am I truely that boring?" He winked and leaned back in the chair, momentarily reveling in the softness of it. He was honestly received. Abrose was now safe. As for Easron and Nick, he wasn't so sure it was as big of a relief but Mel knew deep inside he'd feel terrible if he had left them behind. It painted a bigger Target on his back but that had never bothered him much before. "Me?" He squeaked out, slowly straightening and running a hand through his blond waves. "Ah, well…" He bit his lip in though, still debating whether to trust Nick or not. "I like stargazing." He murmured, figuring it was something innocent enough, if not a bit embarrassing. "Ever since I was a child I loved watching the stars and planets with my father."
Nick smile as he listens to Mel. "I just meant you have a nice voice. Calming even." He listened to the other with curiosity striking his brain. "Really? I never took you for the star-gazing type. You seem so rebellious, cold, separated from the rest of the world. Stargazing never really fits the picture you know. Even so, I do find it quite fascinating. So what have you learned from star gazing enlighten me on what lies in the stars. I would love to know if that's okay with you? Think of it as an exchange for playing my guitar for you. EVen though I haven't done it yet. Think of it like I'm paying you with guitar playing and you'll pay me with star facts." He gave a tired smirk, leaning back to close his eyes before forcing them open.
"ah apologies if I came off that way. I swear I'm not like that normally. It hasn't been a great day." He breathed a sigh, massaging his brow to release some tension. "But yes. I've loved stargazing and studying space for years now. It'd be my pleasure to share my knowledge on the heavens. But we'll save that for later on. You are in no positions to be making any negotiations at the moment." He laughed softly and stood at the sound of soft footsteps coming towards them. "Veda," Mel greeted warmly, clasping the older fae's hand and giving him a hug.
"You're grace," Veda replied, hugging back while he glared over the Lord's shoulder. "You're sure you want to help this one Melisande?" Mel took a step back and nodded once. "Yes, I am. He's a friend of Easton's. It would be wrong not to help him."
Veda narrowed his eyes as he stepped towards Nick, as graceful as a feline. "Is he not the one who put Abrose in danger?" He growled softly. Mel narrowed his eyes at his friend "I don't appreciate being questioned like this Veda. Especially when I've clearly made my mind up. Tend to his wounds, then we'll discuss his fault in all this."
Veda breathed a controlled sigh and held Mel's gaze a moment longer than anyone else would date before slowly dropping it to the ground nodding. "As you wish. Is Geneveive coming with nutrients and water. He'll need that if he's going to recover."
Mel nodded "she should be here soon. I'm going to check on Esther. Call for me when you're finished." Mel turned on his heal and strode out of the room to find the young girl and to give him time to think.
He wanted to protest and say that he was sorry for what he had done, but he was too much in pain to even get a word out at this point. He watched the man named Veda start to work on him. He would wraith in pain at some point while others he would lie still like a doll. He needed something to hold, something to grab onto, but he didn't exactly know what. It was hard for him to even think about anything let alone stay awake. I wish Mel were still here… "Are you done yet?" he managed to speak out.
Veda worked quickly, removing bloodied clothes and swiftly cleaning wound. He only glanced up when Geneveive came in, a smile of his lips before he went back to tending to Nick's wounds. "Will he recover?" The woman asked, settling down beside Nick with the tray, unphased by the male's exposed upper half. Veda nodded slightly. "Yes. Luckily the would isn't as deep as I feared." He muttered, conjuring fire in his hand and hiding a needle to the flame to heat it up. "Would you mind keeping him occupied while I stitch him up?"
Genevieve nodded and gently took Mel's hand in hers, smaller compared to the sentinel's. "Just a few more moments." She replied softly, wiping away sweat and hair at Nick's brow with a cool damp towel. "Now, just because you're patched up, doesn't mean you can move around. Give yourself time to heal. Rest well. Then you can go about freely." She continued, glancing up as she sensed movement by the doorway to the study they were in. Mel gave a breif smile as he watched the couple work side by side. He would have never guessed Veda would pick a mate, especially after presenting himself so stoic and serious about his work. Mel had first hired Mel to be the personal physician at the estate, paying him handsomely for a year before Veda had refused to take anymore money. He had told Mel he only wished to remain at so long as Mel never swayed in his belief when helping others. Back then, while Mel was still very much a reckless teen, he had joined the rebellion against the kingdom. He had only thought it good fun until he saw just how many were suffering. Fae and human alike, if they didn't align with the Queen's veiws, they weren't needed alive. Soon, Mel rose in the ranks of the rebellion, all the way up to head of the rebellion. It was there he had learned about abrose's family, and soon after the tragedy that hit them. Something no one, not even Mel's rebellion could see coming. By then, Mel and Veda had teamed up and we're trying their best to take in any and all refugee fae and humans but the attacks just kept coming, forcing them both to go into hiding. Thankfully, no one would suspect the bastard son of some Lord nobody that happened to be very flamboyant to be the head of the rebellion. To cover their plans, Mel had taken up his late father's Estatw, creating a Haven for those seeking shelter. While he had never asked for any sort of payback, many who had come to know the true Lord Melisande had collectively decided to stay by his side and serve him and the rebellion in any way they could, some like Veda become their personal physicians while other became volunteer servants and healers to keep occupied and below the radar such as Genevieve and Esther.
Mel shoved himself up from the threshold and took a few steps in. "he should recover well." Veda said, slowly standing and turning to look at Mel, eyes softening slightly when he saw the young Lord watching Nick.
Mel flicked his gaze up, "don't give that glance, I know what you're thinking. To answer any doubts no I'm not in love with him. I just want to make sure he's well enough so that he can leave sooner."
Veda chuckled softly "Melisande, I know you better than that. I just hope this little infatuation doesn't get you hurt, like all the others." He gently patted his friend's shoulder and went to the door to wait for Genevieve.
"I'm not infatuated…" Mel muttered, gently resting a hand on the woman's shoulder and nodding his thanks. He sat in her spot once she left with Veda and took Nick's hand in his.
Nick's head turned towards Mel. His hand was latched onto Mel's almost as some sort of platform or a safety net. "Hey…I feel a little better now. I don't think I'll be going to sleep any soon though. Mostly because of the pain I just went through but, I'll be fine." Nick's voice came out in small whispers. "I could use some water right about now." He looked towards the ceiling. My hands are probably really cold huh. Considering how close to death I was. I could still play the guitar for you. I have more than enough energy to do that much." He sat up with his back against the chair. "Other than that. I hope you weren't worried about me. After all I've done, I shouldn't even deserve this. This kind of attention or treatment. I'm sorry."
Mel laughed softly, gently squeezing Nick's hand. "Oh really? You were falling asleep right before Veda came. Perhaps it was my presence that made you so bored." He gave another laugh and gently rubbed the back of Mel's hand with his thumb. "You are cold." He murmured worriedly, cupping Nick's hand in both of his and bringing it to his lips to help warm them with his breath. "Maybe later, when you've recovered and rested. Besides, I'm sure Easton and Abrose would love to see you play as well. We wouldn't want them missing out would we?" He smiled softly "I'll light the fire so your warm and get you some water. It would you prefer something else? We have tea, coffee, alcohol."
"Of course not, you could never be boring Mr. Stargazer." Nick stretched his arms and legs but never too much due to his injured stomach. Alcohol you say. Hope you not trying to get me drunk here. But I could use some alcohol, takes the edge off you know." He joked. "I'm okay, I'll just have some water but feel free to bring alcohol with you. I wouldn't mind drinking a little bit. I think our cheers would go like here's to near death experiences.
Mel breathed a laugh as he stood from the chair, glad that Nick was at least well enough to joke around. "Ah, we wouldn't want you drunk and injured, would we? I can't imagine what that would lead us to." He went over to the fireplace and threw a few logs in before lighting it with a match. He fanned the flames until there was a nice cozy fire crackling. "I'll be back with your water and my wine." He promised, leaving the room once again and headingnto the kitchen.
"So who's the male." Esther said from beside Mel, though her tone already conveyed that she knew exactly who Nick was. Esther had always had a habit of sneaking up on him at the most convenient times.
Mel breathed a sigh as he placed a whine class and a normal drinking glass on a tray as well as a few snacks. "He's like Easton. He was injured trying to help Abrose so I brought him here."
"He's also the one who put Abrose in that spot in the first place." Esther mutered with a slight growl.
"You and Veda are one in the same." Mel replied, a growl in his own voice. "I know what he did to Abrose and believe me, I have my doubts about him too, but how can you expect me to leave him when he's injured like that? When in the bed he tried to help? He's different, Esther. Or at least he's trying to be different."
Esther set down her cheese cutting knife and flared up at Mel, he green eyes flashing with her own anger. No one, not even Veda would go against Mel's words save for the young woman in front of Mel. "You say that about every male you bring here Melisande. And Everytime they break your heart in their filthy hands you claim that they too had a good excuse for doing so. Will you let him do the same? Don't you dare lie to me, don't you dare say you feel nothing when around him because I know you do. You're like that, kind compassionate and desperate for someone to love you in a way only a mate can. But not ever male who prances into your life is that male. And that includes him."
Mel stood their calmly, taking her words with barely a flinch. He knew all of this already. He knew he was naive when it came to men. But he hadn't cared back then, or now. Esther was right, all he wanted was acceptance and love that came from having mate. Someone more than a partner, more than a lover. He slowly took the tray in his arms as well as the bottle of wine and made his way to the door. "You claim that I know all of that, then tell me why I never learn?" He offered a small sad smile before retreating back to the study.
Nick had picked up the conversation, even without his hearing ability you could still make out what they were saying. His mood fell as well as his smile. He didn't know what else to say except I'm sorry. There's no more he could do. He can't take back what he did, no matter how much he wished he could. He swallowed the lump in his throat as he started to play with his hands. He looked up to Mel. "Hey…" he smiled and drank the water given to him. He drank the entire cup. "That hit the spot. I wanted to ask you something. I know it's non of my buisness and I shouldn't even be snooping around but it's kind of hard to not hear. You know the conversation you just had. I want you to know that I really am sorry and anything I can do to repay I'll do it. I don't want you think that's I'm going to leave and take you out of my life I mean you saved me even after everything and- you know what I'm trying to say."
Mel settled on the couch opposite from Nick and poured himself a bit of wine. He took a well needed sip, welcoming the wine's sweetness down his throat. "You have nothing to be sorry for Nick." Mel breathed a sigh and relaxed back into the comfort of the couch. "And there's no need for you to repay me. As long as abrose and those under my care are safe, all of this was worth it." He glanced away, his pale cheeks tinted with pink at the mention of what he and Esther had just spoken about. He shook his head slightly "I'm grateful for that sentiment but you don't have to concern yourself over that. I'm known around here for my poor choice in men. Everyone seems to think you're my next escapade but I can assure you it's not like that." He took another longer sip and closed his eyes, the events from that day catching up to him
"I see. Well, I'm sorry you got hurt in the past because of your poor choice in men." he laughed, but winced a bit after. "Are you serious i still can't laugh. Well, I guess once I'm fully healed I should probably leave the country. I'd rather not die, not when my life is just starting. There are so many things out there that I never did and I want to try them. I want to have a relationship with someone I want to go on a hike I want to see something other than castle walls and the town I protroll." He sighed. "Easton has the bravery to do that but I…I don't what I'm capable of. It's crazy that I don't even know what lies beyond the shithole of a country." He poured himself some wine as well. and took a large sip. "That feels so good. Oh man, I needed that."
Mel laughed softly "serves you right, for laughing at my choices." He teased, shrugging his shoulders and taking another swig of wine from his glass. "Why not go with him? I'm sure both him and Abrose would most likely depart soon once they've gained enough strength and resources. I couldn't imagine them staying, not with the Queen not furious." He bit his lip worriedly, only being able to imagine what the queen might do in retaliation to Abrose's, Easton's, and Nick's escape. "I might go as well. Maybe find a nice place to settle on the Eastern continent. I've heard Vala is nice. I'd be a nice change that I think all of us would need." He smiled thoughtfully before taking the bottle out of Nick's reach. "No more of this. You need rest, and I'm distracting you." He slowly stood from the couch, now looking a bit more casual with his tousled honey colored hair and wine glass in hand. "Don't hesitate to ask for anything. I'll be in my room down the hall." He grabbed a few blckets from the storage closet and set them close to Nick on the chair Genevieve had sat in before. He took one and draped it over Nick's form. "I'll see you in the morning, sentinel. Sleep well." He smiled softly before wandering down the hall to his own room.
He reached for the glass when it was taken away from him. "That's just mean." he huffed. Nick smiled and turned over to his side. "Good night Mel," he said softly before he fell asleep. The next morning seemed to be dreadful, but peaceful at the same time. Nick had managed to get out of bed and go grab a cup of much-needed water. He didn't really pay attention to where he was. He just knew it was warm and cozy. Nick laid back down to get back under the warm blankets. "Wait…" he sat up and looked around. "Where the hell am I?" Much of last night was hazy he remember some things but not everything. He remember the conversations he and Mel had but not much of anything else.
Easton and squirmed in bed before finally opening his eyes. Once they were open they saw Abrose sleep next to him peacefully asleep. He gave a wide smile before wrapping his arms softly around him. It really did look like he was glowing every morning. Easton sighed out of content and looked at the window.
Esther glanced up from her spot at the fire as she brushed away the cinders. She had spotted him in the kitchen, drowsily getting some water before stumbling back to the study and flopping back down on the couch. "You are safe." She replied softly, walking around to his side and pressing a damp towel to his brow. "How are you feeling?" She asked. Refilling his glass with a pitcher of water she had brought with her. "Melisande should be up soon. If you're feeling up for it, I'm sure he'd love to give you and easton a tour of the estate."
Abrose whined softly, his own protest at being moved about when he had been comfortable. His eyes fluttered open a few moments later, taking his time to observe and take the room in. He offered a soft smile when he saw Easton and slowly pushed himself into a sitting position to better stretch himself out. "Morning," he murmured, running a hand through his hair and rubbing sleep from his eyes
Nick nodded slowly and rubbed his eyes. "Who's Melisande? Wait…" He nodded in thanks to the refill of water. He drank it slowly, the cold water feeling like heaven running down his throat. "I know who you're talking about I just needed to process the name." Nick stood up slowly this time more aware of his surroundings. "I would be more than happy to take a tour around the estate. Do you mind if I explore a bit before anything? I get curious like that."
"Good morning." Easton turned his body so he was laying on Abrose's lap. "Do you not want to cuddle with. I'm heartbroken." he joked. "I'm kidding, feeling better? Rested I hope." Easton raised his hand to ABrose's cheek. "Can I have a good morning kiss?" Easton gave a tired smile.
Esther tilted his head, about to answer before closing her mouth to give Nick time to think. She quickly strode to his side as Nick tried to stand up, wrapping an arm around his waist and slowly rising. Esther slowly stepped away once she was sure Nick wouldn't fall. "I'm sure there's not problem with that. Breakfast will be served in an hour. By then Mel should be ready for the tour." She curstied and left Mel to his exploring, trusting him enough not to wanted into trouble.
Abrose giggled lightly and stroked Easton's hair back with a loving smile. "Whatever shall you do, dearest?" He teased, nodding his head "much, thank you. Still a bit fuzzy but I'm sure that'll go away soon once I eat and get up." He replied, leaning into Easton's hand and pressing a kiss to his palm. "Bit of course," he smiled softly and pressed a kiss to Easton's brow, a smirk playing at his lips.
Nick roamed around the hallways looking at pictures of what he assumed were family members. He glided his hand against the wall and made sure he walked slowly. He turned the corner to see a room at the end of the hallway. He strolled towards it wondering if it was where Easton and Abrose were sleeping. He walked a little faster, now wanting to see his friend and make sure they were on good terms, but when he opened it the only thing he saw was Mel sound asleep. He could feel his cheeks heat up the more he looked at him nor did he realize that he was holding his breath. He softly closed the door and release the breath he was holding. "I should not have opened that…" he whispered to himself. He hoped no one saw him do that as he walked away from the room.
"Now you're just teasing me, darling. Give me a real kiss this time." he gently pushed Abrose's head down till their lips were connected before letting go. "That's a good morning kiss. Not this so-called forehead kiss." Easton chuckled before closing his eyes. "I'm glad you're feeling better. I know it's pretty early but we're going to have to get out of the country. The queen has us both on her kill list and we're not safe nor are the people we stay with. I don't want to put you through any more pain. I know this is a decision that takes time so I'm not rushing you, so once you're completely okay with it, we can figure out a place to go."
Despite the event filled day he had, the young lord slept well, I'd not comcerningly deep since he didn't awake until he felt Simone shaking his shoulder rather hard. He growled softly and flipped over on his side, earning him a heavy sigh from Esther. "Stubborn creatures, all of you." She muttered setting down a tray of food in a nearby table and ripping open the heavy velvet curtains. Mel chuckled lightly and sat up in bed, blinking away sleep and letting his eyes adjust to the light. "Always a joy to wake to you my dear, carefully picking up a cup of tea and patting the empty space on his bed. "How are the others?"
Esther flopped down next to Mel and grabbed a pastry "good, I still haven't checked on Easton and Abrise but I can hear them laughing and talking from the halls so I think they're alright for now. As for Nick, he was wandering around earlier, said he wanted to move around a bit before breakfast and explore the estate. I told him you'd be willing to give him a tour if he wanted but he still wanted to look around on his own. Mel nodded slightly and took a comforting sip of tea. "Ah so that may explain why his scent is near the door." He murmured with a small smile.
Esther blinked, a slight frown on her lips, "I wasn't aware he had wandered this far, I'm so sorry if he disturbed you."
Mel shook his head, offering agentle smile "don't be. He did nothing wrong. Though he may need a bit of guidance around. Why don't you go find him while change for the day. I'll meet you back in the study once I get Easton and Abrose out of their room."
Abrose hummed softly and nearly melted into the kiss, gently cupping Easton's cheek and kissing back tenderly. "Forgive me, I'm out of practice dear. But you never specified where to kiss you." He teased, lightly petting Easton's hair and tracing the curves and contures if his face. He glanced up at to gaze out their window and chewed his lip, "I know." He replied softly, brows creasing at the thought of the queen still hunting them down. He imagined the first place she'd go was his cottage. He didn't want to think about what little of his home would be left once she found out he was no longer there. He flicked his gaze back down at Easton and shook his head. "I told you back in the dungeons I'd go anywhere with you. I don't need to rethink anything." He pressed a kiss to Easton's nose with a small smile. "But I still want to talk about Nel about it. He's been to the southern continent before, he'd know a safe place for us to live."
Nick found his way back to where he started partially following the smell of food being made. Instead of heading into the kitchen he took another sip of the water from earlier and laid himself down on the couch. He didn't explore that much partly because it's big and the hallways seemed to go on forever. So instead of walking through more doors, he figured he should head back. He tried to get the thought of Mel out of his head but the image would pop up every now and again.
Easton sat up with his arms on either side of Abrose. "Of course," he said in response to talking about it with Mel. "I wouldn't even know where to start." Easton huffed. "If you're out of practice, I can always help you get back into practice," Easton smirk and let his hand rest on Abrose's right cheek. "You know what they say…" Easton mumbled moving closer by the second their lips only inches away. "Practice makes perfect." he whispered before pressing a kiss against Abrose's lips. Easton kept his smirk while he kissed him with his eyes fluttering shut. After what felt like forever, kissing Abrose made him feel like he was on cloud 9.
Mel quickly finished his breakfast and got out of his bed to change out of his night clothes. Goosebumps rose on his bare skin as he pulled on his tunic, corset and pants, Nick's faint scent lingering in the room. He shook himself mentally and took a deep breath, reminding himself Nick was only a guest in his home, one who had put Abrose in danger and was only stating temporarily. He brushed back his toussled golden locks and finished off his cup of tea, ready to start the day.
"Neither would I. Hopefully Mel has some ideas." Abroad replied hopefully, leaning into Easton hand and closing his eyes momentarily. He laughed softly and arched a delicate eyebrow. "Well, considering I've never had practice beforeid say a lot of practice is in order." He giggled softly and leaned into the kiss happily, hand twining into Easton's hair, pulling him as close as they could get in their position. Abrise realized this was the first real kiss they had since they had met. They had their shared kisses before but all were far too breif for Abrise's liking or were in times of desperation, where Abrose had been almost certain he wouldn't have been able to see Easton again. He eventually broke away to heave in a breath but didn't stray far from their embrace. "Correct me if I'm wrong but I could have sworn you told me when we met you'd never fall in love with my kind, dear. Am I right to assume those words were false?" He mused, a smile on his lips as brushed Easton's hair back to examine his head where he had been knocked out.
He tried to catch Abrose's lips before they pull away. Easton couldn't wipe the smile off of his face. "Maybe I was lying, but then again…" his eyes would slightly shift from Abrose to his lips and then back to his eyes. "It brought us close together so I don't think that lie was so bad," he mumbled before giving Abrose a small kiss. "We should probably get up and get some dinner. As much as I would love to kiss you until your lips are sore, my stomach is craving food and I smell something good cooking. One more…" this kiss was a little longer before he stood up from the bed. He stretched and twisted his body so it would crack. "He grabbed the nearest shirt which happen to be one in the drawer and slid it on.
