"We will rebuild it, Gray, my love," Elluin said with clear determination in his voice. "You and I were able to connect so many people under our rule, and you're still alive, and you've found me. You've sacrificed so much for our people, and you deserve to be a glorious king again." He kept crying, but his pupils dilated in his burning passion as he looked at Gray. "I've never been happier than when I was under your rule. I want everyone to feel that." Elluin squeezed his arms between his long fingers, tilting his head into them with a slow, deep inhale, breathing in the musky smell of the Human. Yeah, he was dirty and wet from rain, but that scent brought back so much he hadn't realized he forgot. "I'll do whatever it takes to help restore your kingdom. I know people need someone neutral like we were. We can help so much, just like we did earlier. I want to go back. I want what we had before, but better. Stronger." His burning passion overrode any tears of happiness that welled up, despite his quiet sniffling. He could put his energy into a better, stronger emotion to convince himself and Gray that what he was saying was true.
(hi I like love their chemistry and we just made them off of a whim??? A few details I planned to have like the Elf stuff but I adore this RP that's all thanks)
(same?? i've never had two random characters have such good vibes together right off the bat, wth. already cried over these two tbh)
Gray nodded, shakily at first but growing more sure of himself. "…Okay." He gave a sobby laugh, shifting slightly to press a soft kiss to Elluin's temple. "We'll do it together. Always." He twined their fingers together once again, squeezing gently. He'd absolutely loved ruling his kingdom before, but he'd recognized that something felt like it was missing ever since he'd fallen in love with Elluin. He wanted more than what they'd had before everything. He wanted them to do it all together this time. Truly together.
"Our kingdom, maybe? I- I want you by my side for all of it. I need you with me if I'm going to do this. We can figure out the fine details and everything later, but I just know that I need you." He cracked a smile through his tears. "I never want to be away from you again. I love you so, so much. I want to spend the rest of forever with you." He swallowed hard. "When we get back… once we've built everything back up… please marry me, El."
(agyhjn I rarely cry but I'm so emotionally invested like I love this?? It's so fun to write too just ahah lmao. I'm glad you're having fun! ^D^)
Elluin nodded along with him, giggling his tinkly laugh when it was needed, but his eyes went wide at the proposition, his eyebrows shooting up as it sunk in. "Marry you? I- of course, Gray. I'd love to marry you." He gave a slow laugh of his own, squeezing his hands tightly. "I will always be by your side, in your– I'm sorry– our kingdom." His smile returned through the shock, and he laughed slowly. "I love that, I love how that sounds. You and me will do amazing things as kings together." He leaned forward and pushed his head into Gray's, a smile still splitting his face. His cheeks were starting to ache based on how much he was smiling. Elluin felt like he was falling in love all over again with the Human.
They had truly met by chance, while Elluin was passing through town. They met in a library in his kingdom, and they had made a conversation together due to Elluin being Elven, and Gray of course being the king. Their conversation had sucked Elluin in, and just encaptured him like no other Human had before. He couldn't stop thinking about him, and that was still true. Gray had never truly left him and his conscious.
Gray couldn't help but take a moment and think of all the things that could be theirs. Their kingdom, their home, their bed, their rings. It was cheesy, but the two of them could finally have it all together and the idea kept a wide grin on his face.
He'd always been enthralled by Elluin since the day they met. He thought at first it had been because he was like no Elf he'd ever met before, and that was somewhat the truth in the end. He hadn't met anyone like Elluin before, and he doubted he ever would. No one would ever be able to compare in his eyes. Nothing would ever evoke the same feeling as when he finally laid eyes on them again after all this time. The pure joy and the love that cascaded over him at just catching his eye was unbelievable. He felt like anything was possible when he was with Elluin. Like everything, no matter how bad, would be okay in the end. He never wanted to go without the adoration he felt for his lover ever again. His fiancé. "I can't wait," he hummed.
Elluin never really understood the idea of marriage among Humans– such a thing didn't really exist within their Elven culture. There were intense commitments such as the one he and Gray had exhibited together between Elves, and Elluin could link Humans just wanting… physical proof of it.
"I can't wait either, Gray. You look extremely excited." He giggled softly, his eyes sparkling after his bought of passion. "We'll rule together, just like we did earlier. Except this time, I'll be a king." Elluin tilted his head, thinking about it himself. He hadn't really considered such a thing before about rulership, but he did have plenty of time to consider on their journey back and while Gray got his rest. Elluin did know that Humans shared rings, last names, and other things like possessions. It was certainly an interesting thought to the Elf, in fact one that made him smile and rosy. "I'm also glad you think I'm good enough to be your husband in the future. As far as I know it's a big commitment, yes?" His eyes rounded a little, his high cheeks dusted in red. "I'm truly honored we can celebrate our love in… both of our cultures. I think it will be beautiful. Of course, more than it already is."
He chuckled, glancing away with a soft flush on his cheeks. "Well, it's an exciting thing. It's a fancier and more important title, too; husband. …Oh my gods, you're going to be my husband." He devolved into happy giggles. He felt so damn lucky.
Once he'd gotten ahold of himself and tuned down his excitement for the times to come, he exhaled deeply. "Hm? Ah, yes. It's absolutely monumental in a Human relationship. There are so many complicated celebrations for it, but smaller ones are just as beautiful in my opinion." He leaned forward and pressed a kiss to the tip of Elluin's nose. "We don't need anything big if you don't want it. It's just a way to celebrate how in love we are. Make it official- carve it into stone, if you will." He hummed softly, contemplatively. "I'd like to learn more about Elven culture, I think. Specifically how you celebrate, um… romantic relationships?"
He hadn't really learned much over the years he knew Elluin, most of their cultural conversations being about Human customs, which he hadn't minded at all, but he was curious now. Of course he knew things from books he'd read, but they'd all been written by Humans, and as sad as it was, any number of the things he'd read could be a bigoted, prejudiced opinion of the author. He just wanted to learn more about Elluin's culture from them, he supposed. That would always be better than a book.
Most Human books described Elves as self-centered and not very capable of harboring love for anyone but themselves. Elluin knew of this blemish in their society, and Elves were quite self-centered, but they were possible of showing intense amounts of love. Elluin showed Gray that much.
"Well, how I've seen it is that two Elves will go somewhere private to speak to the other and recite what you Humans call 'vows', I suppose. Only the leaves and the trees bare witness to their testimonies to each other, and whatever God those Elves may believe in will witness it as well. Often gifts are given from the community, and some Elves if they like exchange gifts with each other. I've seen Scholars swap their thesis on different things in an open ceremony once a few moons ago." Elluin shrugged. "I think however way suits you best would be wonderful. If it excites you, and it means a lot to you, then I will absolutely do it. To set it in stone, despite my feelings for you being very apparent." He laughed softly, but leaned forward to steal a kiss. "We can talk about it in more detail later, though, my love. We should get some rest."
Gray listened intently. "That sounds beautiful," he murmured, and he meant it. The idea of standing with Elluin under the leaves and confessing his love in fancy terminology and words once again sounded like a dream.
"You're right, as always. We'll think about it later." As small of a detail as it was, the 'we' in Elluin's statement instead of a 'you' brought him immense comfort. Gray wasn't ready to leave his side just yet, conscious or not. He'd gone so long on his own that he didn't think he could handle being left on his own again. Not this soon, at least, and especially while asleep. He didn't trust his sleeping mind to keep his dreams peaceful. "I should change if I'm going to sit on your nice furniture, though," he observed with a small chortle. His old, ragged clothes were covered in dirt, not to mention still slightly damp and cold.
"Ah, my furniture is no where as nice, nor as important to me as you and you comfort are. You may strip naked to sleep if you want, and I can give you some clothes that are small on me if you so desire." Elluin rose from his chair, running his fingers through Gray's hair again. "I don't mind if you sleep with nothing, though. It will be quite warm with the two of us in bed." The Elf crossed his home anyway, approaching a tiny dresser in the other room, pulling out a long set of silken white robes. "I could cut them down to size if you so wish, as well." His brown eyes returned to Gray's with a smile, holding them out a little. "I don't wear these, though, so they won't be as nice as my robe." He laughed as he removed his cloak and draped it across a large, teetering stack of books that somehow stayed steady.
"That's sweet, but I really wouldn't like to get mud all over your things." He closed his eyes for a moment, sighing happily as their long, thin fingers ran through his hair. He couldn't wait to climb into a real bed for the first time in years. The one Elluin had was sure to be bigger and roomier to accommodate Elven height, not to mention comfier. That last part was a guess, but Elves seemed like they'd have the coziest beds.
"Mhm, of course you'd suggest I sleep naked." Gray raised an eyebrow, smiling up at him teasingly. He followed to the dresser, glancing through the array of clothes that all seemed much too big for him. "If you have anything small on you, I'll take that, I think. If not, then you'll just get lucky I suppose." It surprised him, almost, how easily they'd fallen back into their natural rhythm. He'd somewhat expected there to be a lingering sense of awkwardness in the air, but everything was just as smooth as he remembered.
"Hm… I don't have traditional Human garb, and most of this stuff are just backups on what I sleep in, you know?" Elluin didn't look worried or upset anymore, just relaxed and happy as he talked to his lover. "I'll just close the blinds and you can decide if you want me to cut something down for you." He crossed his house again in another few strides, closing the blinds on a small few windows he had. The blinds were white like the rest of his room, but they closed out any light that had managed to get into the house. In the half-dark, Gray could see the lanky figure of his fiance cross the house and lean down into his bed with a slow sigh.
"Dionga had woken me up from a nap when he came to tell me about your arrival. I thought he was pranking me so I did take my time getting ready and flicking up the blinds. I'm glad he was telling the truth." He chuckled softly to himself as he pulled his sheets up around himself for the second time that day.
Gray didn't completely understand how robes were comfortable and practical for everyday wear. He found them to be anxiety-inducing, always worried about them coming undone in unideal situations- not to mention that it was harder to move in them. They did have a more ethereal feel to them, though, so that could possibly be the draw there. He supposed it didn't matter too much if they were being slept in, though. "You don't have to cut up your clothes for me, love. If it really comes down to it, I'll wear oversized clothes. They're comfy that way, I don't mind." Thumbing through the items of clothing and trying not to get distracted by how soft they were in comparison to his, he tugged out a few robes that seemed a bit smaller in comparison to the others. Glancing over to get an opinion, he smiled fondly at the sight of Elluin already climbing into bed. Deciding that it didn't matter too much, he selected the smallest of the robes he'd pulled out, draping it over the back of a chair and beginning to undress. "Where should I put my clothes?"
"I don't mind if I have to later on, Gray. I can always find some clothes for you later to sleep in." Elluin stretched out as Gray got dressed, giving him that privacy and stretching his lanky limbs out slowly. "Mmm and you can put your clothes anywhere. I'll end up washing those at some point if you want to keep traveling in them on our way back." He tilted his head back to Gray when he finished his stretch, opening the sheets invitingly with one of his long arms. He was more excited than he was willing to admit to cuddle up with the Human again. He missed the constant warmth, waking up next to him after a bad nightmare and smiling at the sleepy face… One of the memories Elluin treasured was when Gray was asleep after a long day of arguing, and Elluin was just able to drink in those peaceful features of the sleeping king. How intimately truthful and trusting sleeping with someone was.
“Alright, if you say so.” He made quick work of stripping out of his clothes, neatly folding them and setting them on the chair he’d laid the robe across. He slipped on the soft, purple-y robe, and almost sighed audibly. It was so nice. Sure Elluin had said that he doubted they would be the same level of comfort as his own, but the softness of the one that Gray had slipped on was all he’d expected and more, especially compared to the stiff clothes he’d taken off.
Thoroughly ready to get some rest, he slipped under the sheets with Elluin. He melted into the soft fabrics immediately, the sheets and mattress a luxury he had greatly missed over his travels. He nuzzled as close as he could to his fiancé, his eyes fluttering shut easily. “I love you,” he murmured softly, falling asleep nearly ridiculously quick.
Elluin smiled as he watched the other approach the bed and sink into it. Elves usually made their beds with soft leaves and pelts that were hunted, most unlike how Humans made mattresses. Most Elves, however, like Elluin preferred to wrap their mattresses with silk so the hard textures of the fur wouldn't disturb their rest.
So as the pair wrapped their arms around each other and cuddled up to get ready for bed, it was quite comfortable between the smooth textures of the sheets, and the robes they both were wearing. Elluin pressed a kiss to Gray's forehead gently before mumbling back: "I love you too, my king." He took a few more moments to fall asleep, watching Gray slip into that peacefulness and reminiscing about everything he had forgotten over the years. The warm memories, accompanied with a smile, sent Elluin into a sleepy, warm comatose.
Curled close to Elluin and taking advantage of their height over him, Gray slept deeply, comfortably, and without issue for the first time in a long while. Though he'd ignored his bodily needs for the time he was on the road, now that he'd found what he'd been searching for, he felt that he could finally allow himself to rest safe and sound in the arms of the one he loved so dearly.
It would take a few days for Gray to recuperate and return to his full health, but he already felt so much better just finally being near Elluin again. He knew that wasn't his physical health improving- though he had a feeling that they would get him to greatly improve his self-care- but improving his mental and emotional wellbeing was a good first step. He'd get to bathe, and have an actual meal. He couldn't remember the last time he'd had a balanced plate in front of him.
The life of a scholar wasn't made for an Elf like Elluin, and he knew that much as soon as he laid eyes on his Gray again. He missed talking to people and learning through physical, hands-on means instead of reading books all day (like he clearly had been), and living the monotonous, continuously uninteresting life he lived after he was forced to leave. He could only imagine how much Gray had gone through to find him here, but he also thought about it with a sense of wonder. How much did he learn? What creatures and animals did he come across?
His dreams as he slept were images of greenery flashing before his eyes, the crunching of sticks and small rocks under his sturdy traveling boots. As he looked around in his dream, he saw the figure of Gray in them, smiling and talking to him.
As Elluin woke up a few hours later, slowly blinking his brown eyes open, the warm sun and feeling of leaves didn't fade until he realized he was at home, curled up securely around Gray as the other slept on.
Gray continued to rest, needing to catch up on the sleep he'd lost. He'd likely sleep for another couple hours at most. He'd likely stay in the soft bed a little while longer even after he awoke, though. He was thoroughly exhausted, as was expected.
He didn't dream- or at least, he didn't remember dreaming. It was a pleasant kind of empty sleep, though, where he would wake up slowly, feeling warm and loved instead of the harsh jolt back to reality he'd had over his travels. It was a small detail, something no one else would notice, but to Gray it would mean that he'd finally found his way back to where he was supposed to be. He had a feeling that as long as Elluin was by his side, he would sleep sound at night, and the thought would make him smile.
Elluin stayed wrapped up around Gray for a while, listening to the quiet mull of voices from the Elves outside as they went home to get some rest. He slowly stretched out around the sleeping form of the other, grabbing one of the many books on his inn table to read the time away. This particular book was about different patterns of weather, and about snow. Elluin hadn't seen much snow in his travels around Humans, but he made a mental note to ask Gray about it. He had been a king before, so he did a lot of traveling to other countries when he was royalty, so he had seen it before, right?
The thought was comforting. It felt correct. In the time they were together Elluin constantly pestered Gray with his almost infinite amounts of questions, and he didn't have that for many years when they were apart. Now reading over his sleeping (snoring) form, thoughts of growth together and what they could achieve bloomed in Elluin's head. They could conquer the world together if they set their minds to it.
Gray awoke slowly about an hour later, nuzzling closer to them before he'd even fully woken up. He blinked a few times before reaching up to rub the sleep from his eyes, smiling and turning to look at Elluin behind him. "Hey," he greeted softly, glancing at the book in their hands. "What're you reading?"
He wasn't sure exactly what time it was now, but the light slipping through the slits in the blinds illuminated the ethereal Elf beside him perfectly, shimmering in his eyes when he looked up to meet Gray's gaze and stretching across their face and shoulders perfectly. It lit up their most handsome features, almost seeming as if pure sunlight caught in their hair. The scene was entirely too gorgeous for Gray to resist, leaning forward slightly to press his lips to their shoulder lovingly.
Elluin glanced down at Gray again as he stirred, tilting his head down and giving the top of his head a kiss. His bluish hair shimmered silver at his movements as they hunkered together away from the heat of sunhigh. Elluin set his book down a little, using one of his fingers as a bookmark to run his fingers through Gray's hair and straighten it out the best he could.
"I'm reading about the weather. Specifically about snow, for the past couple hours. I've never seen it but I've heard of it aplenty of times." His eyes went wide as he talked about it, the sun turning his pupils a honey brown color. "But how did you sleep, my love? I forgot how long Humans sleep for, but you looked very comfortable. You had a smile on your face the whole time you were sleeping." Elluin was teasing him gently, with his own smile highlighting his Elven features.
Gray hummed softly, closing his eyes lightly and leaning into the casual touch. He'd missed it so much over the years, possibly more than anything else. Just being able to lean over and feel Elluin next to him, slender fingers running through his hair as if it was a completely normal occurrence and not something that made his heart flutter every time.
"I slept well," he said softly, smiling sheepishly. He hadn't realized that his contentment would be so obvious even in his sleep, but he supposed it didn't matter. It just showed how happy he was to be back. "Is that so? I must've been dreaming of you, then." With a small giggle, he leaned up slightly to press his lips to Elluin's, a soft and tender kiss that lasted only a moment or two. "Snow, huh? I'll have to show you sometime, it's absolutely magical. There's a gorgeous meadow a few mere miles away from the outskirts of the kingdom that tends to catch snow beautifully."
Elluin smiled more against the kiss, leaning forward into it with a contented sigh. He shut the book and set it back down where he got it from a couple hours ago, still petting Gray as if he were a cat.
"I'm glad to hear you slept well, my Gray." Elluin gave a sheepish smile, laughing with him. The nervous flirtatious energy never left his lover despite all the years of traveling he did. "I think it'd be more interesting to see it for myself than read about it, you know? I think I've only seen it once or twice but never how they describe. Can you tell I'm running out of things to read?" He laughed again, shaking his head. He always had the concern of running out of things to read, but somehow he always found more to research. "Now's not the time to complain, though. The bathhouse should be empty if you'd like to take a bath. I can accompany you or I can get Voron to guard the area to ensure your privacy."
Gray hummed contemplatively, adoring the small pets he was getting. Under any other circumstances he might I’ve pointed out how similar it was to how one might show affection for a small dog or cat, but he was too in love with the Elf to say anything. Admittedly, it also felt quite pleasant.
On the one hand he absolutely did not want to leave Elluin’s side just yet, but on the other, he didn’t want to tear them away if they had other plans. He’d pretty much just stumbled back into their life out of nowhere- he was still surprised that he hasn’t moved on or anything like that- so it made sense that Elluin might not want to be connected at the hip with him for days at a time. “Did you, um. Did you have plans for today?” He tilted his gaze downward, aimlessly fiddling with the hem of the robe.
Elluin sat them up carefully, moving his legs off of the edge of the bed and stretching out his calves. "I don't really have a lot of jobs, especially at this time of the day. Besides it should probably be my job to keep an eye on you and keep you safe, well fed and watered." He leaned down and gently took Gray's hands from the hem of the robe. "If you want me to accompany you, I don't mind at all. I could use a bath, I'm sure." He smiled and stood up, swiping his hands down the front of his robe, the soft silken threads gleaming in the sunlight. "The sooner we get you cleaned, we can also sit down together and eat. Catch up and the like." He turned around and offered their hand, still smiling warmly.
Gray nodded slowly, looking up at them after a moment. “Thank you,” he said with a gentle laugh. He watched Elluin stand with a lovestruck sigh, gazing up at them with a gaze of clear admiration and affection. He couldn’t get over how absolutely gorgeous he was even back when they were together every day, and now that they’d been apart for so long, the sheer beauty of his lover was striking to see once again.
He took their outstretched hand with a soft smile of his own, bringing himself to his feet and being forced to acknowledge how much taller than him they were. It was amusing at some times, attractive at most, but mostly inconvenient given that he had to tug on Elluin’s robes like a small child if he wanted even just a quick kiss. “That sounds very nice,” he decided. Though everything would sound nice if Elluin spoke of it in his voice, a bath and a nice meal with his lover was all he’d yearned for for years. The simplicity of an everyday life with someone he cared for deeply- pure heaven.
Elluin laughed affectionately, his voice soft like the downy in his mattress. They leaned down to press a kiss to his lips, hugging him close by his hips. There was more than a foot between them, but Elluin didn't seem to mind making exceptions based on his lover. The Elf wasn't quite used to slowing his stride, curling up a little tighter, or bending down way more for anyone but Gray, yet Gray was the only person he was more than okay helping. Gray certainly put up with way more than their height difference, and there was a point in their lives they could look past it.
"Alright then, Gray, let's go." They squeezed his hand affectionately, leading him out of the home with a couple of strides, opening the door and glancing around outside. It was abandoned despite the sun leaking in through the holes in the ground ceiling, and it was quite hot due to the sunlight.
A shifting of robes and a click of wood alerted them of Voron, who moved over from his post. He bowed to Gray slightly before speaking: "What is it you'd like?"
"We're going to go to the bathhouse, Voron. Is there a way you could find some clothes for Gray, just some small pieces of garb works, and guard the area for us after?" Elluin asked politely, with a small, slight smile.
Voron thought for a few moments before bowing again. "Of course. No one is out that I have seen, so you and Gray are safe to walk over."
Gray relished in the closeness, the touches bringing him such immense happiness it was a bit ridiculous. Now able to truly look around, he observed the buildings, the streets, the walls- everything. And it was gorgeous. He didn't know how to begin describing the sense of wonder that filled him, the city looking so ethereal and regal, stretching far above his head.
He blinked a few times at Voron, eyes slightly widened. He hadn't expected him to keep a sense of respect for him. He'd have to ask about that later, maybe clarify that he didn't have to do that. Gray smiled warmly at him, nearly bouncing on the balls of his feet in excitement- it'd been all too long since he'd had a real bath. "Thank you," he responded cheerfully to Voron.
Elluin lead Gray down the long streets as Voron bowed his "you're welcome" to walk off and find some clothes, memory leading Elluin's feet as he glanced back at his companion with a warm smile. Gray looked happier than he had seen him in a while; his eyes gleaming in awe, a sweet smile on his face, and not a molecule of stress to be seen. It was quite unlike when they lived together back at his castle, but the stress of kingship was a given, and the Elf couldn't blame him at all. It was refreshing to see him so happy for once, really.
The streets of the scholars were quite clean, with white pavement lining the path. It was intricately woven and looked like a Roman pattern of tile. The paths led all around, all around the neighborhood of built in, dirt homes whose blinds were closed and the lights inside were off.
A few minutes of walking brought them to the largest building yet, that was also made of dirt, but woven in with different leaves, pavement patterns, and vines. Elluin led him inside to find a bathhouse filled with comfortable warmth and steam, and careful stacks of towels, soaps, and leaves.
He waved softly at Voron before turning back to Elluin, trotting along beside them and allowing them to lead the way. Everything was so beautiful. It was hard to process that people lived here casually on the daily when he'd never seen anything so magnificent in his entire life. Not like this, anyway. He'd seen plenty of cities and castles, but nothing could compare to the natural beauty of this city.
Walking through the large, tall doors into the bathhouse, the look of wonder on his face only grew. It was warmer inside, obviously, but the stark difference from the still somewhat chilly air outside was quite lovely. The steam lingering in the air was incredibly welcoming, as well… Oh, how Gray had missed truly bathing. "Wow…" He spoke breathily, still gazing around the room. He turned his eyes back to Elluin after a moment, a smile working it's way onto his face with a soft, sheepish laugh.
