Belenus

  For Belenus, the first order of business upon arriving home was to take an excessively long bath followed by several days of not doing anything alchemy related at all. It was a much-needed vacation to regain his bearings and collect his thoughts. During those days a few neighbors expressed their curiosities about his absence but he turned them away at the door and permitted no guests. He relished the solitude, accepting the consequences of having to deal with questions later.

  He didn’t wish to deal with anything beyond processing the unusual events that unfolded in the forest. It was impossible to not think of Fiachra when thinking of the forest or his impending experiments. Fiachra was a peculiar elf who was more alluring than he had a right to be with so obstinate a personality. The cost of the trade eclipsed everything.

  When he felt ready to socialize once more, he took extra care on his presence. He went so far as to spend most of the day arranging every detail perfectly. It was a fine thing to be out of travel wear and into an extravagant array of layered white attire. Forearm-length cuffs of silver designs, ankle-length vest cinched in closely with a wide band silver belt, vest flared to reveal white trousers tucked into white leather boots. He draped a cloak over it all that was lined in midnight blue and pinned at the shoulders connected with a chain hanging across his chest. Normally he would have adorned the cloak with his family’s brooch, but since that was not an option he disguised its absence with a matching set of gem-encrusted brooches affixing them over the pinned points of the cloak. The ensemble was a favorite and leagues above his travel clothes in richness. It was pristine to the extent that he felt untouchable and that feeling gave a private sense of satisfaction.

  The sun was descending towards dusk when he left his home. He felt no remorse for spending the day on his appearance. Thinking on it, he felt better to visit those out for the evening rather than have the full day to socialize. He followed a well-paved path of large flat stones, passing by houses nestled along and within the mountain range until coming upon a carved stone archway. It marked the entrance into City Proper of Caerwyn. He paused there for a moment, leaning against the pillar of the arch overlooking a beautiful view of the wide plateau that housed the city. It held up to its name White Fortress, the mountains created narrow passes out of the city and what wasn’t protected naturally was walled with ivory stone. The same stone made up for a large portion of all of the buildings, so at a glance, the surrounding districts were unassuming and camouflaged with the peaks. Gardens were interspersed everywhere, green and color permeating what would otherwise be a blank canvas. Nature and architecture intertwined seamlessly.

  He admired the view for a moment longer then pushed off from the pillar and descended the trailing path into Market Square. If it weren’t for the hungered demands of his stomach, he would have been tempted to stand at the summit for hours and watch the sunset. Better to get to the bakeries before they closed or expended the day’s supply.

  There were more and more elves about the closer Belenus came to the square. Many of them he had at least some familiarity with but not enough to note who he passed by. Still, he gave polite acknowledging nods and received the gesture returned. Some gave a small smile but mostly everyone’s expressions were as placid as Belenus felt. He twisted through small streets and alleyways around the most congested and popular thoroughfares before cutting back onto the main roads. He was perusing by open vendor stalls looking through wares with an eye for food when a lone voice shouting cut through indistinct chatter. The crowd shuffled and through it burst an all too familiar figure clamoring for attention.

  “Belenus! You’re back!” Suibne swept forward into view, his deep red cloak flowing heedlessly of anyone else in his path. Suibne stopped short of running into Belenus, heaved a deep breath, and tucked errant locks of golden hair behind his ears. Light violet eyes lit upon him gleaming with excitement.

  “Suibne, I see it’s taken you no time to find me upon my first night out since coming back.”

  “I had to, how could I not after you left without a single word?”

  “Right, I should have anticipated you would notice my absence. It was my mistake to leave without telling you.” Belenus grimaced slightly upon the understanding that he should have been considerate. Suibne was a consistent presence; of course his sudden travel would have caused some stir.

  “Quite right, you didn’t even send word upon your return. You should have said something at any point at the very least. That’s more than one mistake but I’ll be willing to forgive you if you make amends by joining me for dinner. I’ll even provide it.” Suibne held up a basket as an offering, the aroma fresh and enticing.

  “You make a light request to remedy my transgressions. Even if you hadn’t provided food, I would indulge your request. I have no reason to refuse. Let’s go to my favorite place, the view is best to watch the sunset.”

  “That sounds like a request, you’re supposed to be making amends, not demands.” Suibne’s tone was serious but it was undercut by a smile spreading across his face. He took hold of Belenus’s hand and turned to leave. Notably taking the quickest route out of Market Square to his favorite area despite initial protest.

  “It hasn’t been long time-wise but it’s been longer than usual since seeing you. It’s good to see you, Suibne.” A small smile played on Belenus’s lips as he allowed himself to be led back across the square. There was a warmth in Suibne’s liveliness that felt welcoming in its familiarity.

  With Belenus next to Suibne, they didn’t have to push past anyone as Suibne had done before. Everyone parted willingly and without a word. It was a smooth stroll back up the pass to the arch entrance overlooking the plateau. When they passed under the arch Belenus took the lead going off the stone avenue and onto a thin dirt trail winding around a wall of rock to an alcove with a bench specifically for viewing nature. He seated himself on one side of the bench leaving room for Suibne, who sat close enough for their thighs to touch. Suibne unwrapped the contents in the basket revealing mead, savory pie, and marzipan as a last sweet.

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  “Did you prepare this?” He asked, voice rising pitch and eyeing Suibne cautiously. He took his share, inhaling the scent of baked crust and spices. It smelled deceptively delicious.

  Suibne scoffed. “No, it was Maeve, I still have no talent for baking.”

  “Then it’s as good as it smells.” He exhaled, relaxing his shoulders.

  “Don’t look so relieved, Bel.” Suibne nudged Belenus’s thigh with his knee.

  “I can’t help it; you really are terrible when it comes to certain recipes.” He nudged Suibne back with his knee.

  “You should cook something for me sometime, then.” Suibne looked at him meaningfully, tone dropping suddenly serious. Suibne’s eyes were brimming with earnest hopefulness.

  “As repayment for tonight I will, but it will have to wait until I finish my current project.” He watched resolutely as Suibne’s upturned expression fell in disappointment and transformed into resignation as the silence stretched on.

  “I can see it’s a priority and I will respect that.”

  “Thank you…it is important.” He looked away, turning from Suibne to watch the sunset while the opportunity remained. Gold rays lanced through an array of pinks and oranges quickly overtaking the remaining washed-out blue of the day. The mountain peaks that surrounded them were like silhouettes framing the display. The white rocks of the city that were within the light reflected the warm pink, blue, and purple hues, creating a fragmented reflecting pool. It was beautiful and encompassing to watch the colors shift and dim. The moments smoothed a constant undercurrent in his mind but couldn’t completely wear away the knots of tension in his chest. The need to reclaim his family heirloom needled resolutely. He ate the cooled pastries knowing they were good but unable to taste them.

  “Hey Belenus,” Suibne spoke softly and haltingly. Belenus recognized the hesitation and understood the silence lasted longer than Suibne’s ability to handle it. He turned back and was struck by the difference dusk made by washing Suibne out in pale greys. “What led you away to begin with? You usually stay cooped inside your house.”

  “Nothing that would surprise you. I have a few concepts I want to experiment with and many of the requirements I couldn’t obtain here. I left to procure what I needed.”

  “That’s pretty typical of you.” Suibne smiled and it felt like returning to usual ground of lightheartedness.

  “I did say it wouldn’t be surprising,” Belenus smirked. “I’m curious and would like to know something in return. How did you come about the knowledge that I left?”

  Suibne took a moment looking speculative as he recollected. “I happened to be by the main gate and saw you standing with Elisedd, it was unusual but not concerning so I carried on. Sometime later, I suppose a week or so, I tried to call upon you at your house only to find you were not there or anywhere.”

  “I’m pleased I wasn’t the town’s gossip. How ever did you pass the time?” He teased.

  “Oh, you know, I managed.” Suibne leaned against him tipping his face to look up at him. Belenus felt an air of expectancy pass between them, a closeness he did not act on. “This makes up for the wait.”

  Belenus pet Suibne’s silky hair letting his hand come to rest on Suibne’s shoulder. “Feeling better then?” He felt Suibne nod against his shoulder. “In that case, this has been a successful evening out. I’ve rectified my mistakes to you and have had dinner as intended.” He held Suibne close in a single-armed hug before releasing him. “It’s getting late and I plan on starting a couple of distillations, let’s go.”

  He stood smoothing over his clothes while Suibne wrapped everything remaining back into a tidy bundle in the basket. He looked out at the plateau once more, appreciating the difference night made on the view. The soft glow of lantern light shone from many of the buildings that stretched out below, while above the expanse of the sky was now alight with countless stars interspersed through hazy white and blue celestial striations. The large crescent moon was a glowing lantern greater than all the stars. He stepped onto the dirt trail, the landscape around them coming alive with the sound of crickets and the blinking glow of fireflies.

  They traveled back down the path with the moon illuminating the way amongst bramble shrubbery. It was a peaceful walk and took a while to come to notice that conversation had stilled. He was inclined to enjoy it but it was peculiar coming from Suibne. He glanced at Suibne to check on him and found him by his side biting his lower lip and looking focused on nothing discernible. He obviously had something on his mind.

  “What’s wrong Suibne?” Belenus stopped, taking hold of Suibne’s shoulders and forcing him back to the present.

  “I have one last request for the evening,” Suibne said, eyes coming to focus on him. Suibne stepped in and closed the gap between them. Belenus naturally took a step back to maintain balance for them both.

  “What is your request?” He asked softly, heart beating fast and breath drawing short. Suibne’s body pressed up against his and he swore he could feel every inch of Suibne’s long frame, height so close to his that Suibne fit against him perfectly. He was beginning to feel hot and his heart beat wildly.

  “Let me go home with you tonight,” Suibne whispered so close to him that their lips met.

  All thoughts fled Belenus’s mind with that light touch. His eyes closed as he pressed Suibne against him with a hand on the small of his back. He laced his other hand through Suibne’s hair, forcing his head to tilt back. He kissed Suibne more passionately, heeding to a building desire welling up within him. Suibne reciprocated with nearly overwhelming eagerness. It was too much in the moment and he needed to breathe.

  Belenus broke the kiss, short of breath, Suibne’s warm and sweet scent strong in his nose. He continued to hold Suibne as they were and gazed into Suibne’s eyes as he tried to calm down. Suibne’s eyes were normally soft lavender but in the dim moonlight showed only pale grey, there were no brilliant traces of violet to be seen. Something more seemed to be missing and nagged at him while he fought to steady the fluttering in his chest. Longing for a hint of sandalwood clicked in his mind like a puzzle box unlocking and revealing knowledge better kept unknown. The realization sent a cold shiver against the heat that had radiated through his body. He disentangled his hand from Suibne’s hair, causing him to look confused and concerned.

  “Is this not okay?”

  “You’ve done nothing wrong.” He cupped Suibne’s chin looking at him gravely. “I just have a lot on my mind.”

  “You can talk to me about anything Belenus, I’m listening.”

  “I know Suibne.” He half smiled and squeezed Suibne’s waist reassuringly. “I’m only distracted by plans, I mentioned distilling earlier and there are a few other processes that will be best to start immediately so they have full time to reach maturity. I won’t be able to focus on much else until it’s finished. For now, let’s just leave it at this-” He kissed Suibne again, long and tender, feeling Suibne relax and melt in his arms. Some of the heat returned to him and his body’s desire to go further was still present but his mind was too busy to shut off now. He stopped the kiss before it went further.

  “I’ll accept your promise of ‘for now.’” Suibne brushed his fingers along Belenus’s cheek, gaze lingering on his lips. “You’re always worth the wait.”