Isolation in Fate

With a groan and a grumble, one of the two forms atop the bed jolted into the waking world once again.

The blond mercenary obviously hadn't slept well, as evidenced by the trouble he had actually pulling himself into a coherent state. Calloused fingers pushed through the messy tangle of hair capping his head, and he groaned as he pushed himself into a sitting position. So much for sleeping in the bed. He would've probably been better off on the floor, rather than atop the lumpy excuse for a mattress.

"This is the last time I stay at this inn." Cam groaned, almost too low to be heard even by himself. "The food is abysmal, the service leaves me wanting, and the bed.. well."

The bed isn't suitable for a dog. he finished, in his head.

The night before was fuzzy, still. But that was no surprise to the mercenary. He recalled getting thrown out onto his ass after having far too much of the watered down piss they called ale. So what the hell was he doing inside, on a bed?

The mercenary's back arched, and a low groan creaked from between his teeth as he stretched his back out to relieve the dull ache that had set in sometime during the night. Halfway through, though, his hand bumped into something else atop the bed, wrapped in a rough cotton blanket. His brow furrowed in confusion, he turned his head, as well as the rest of his upper body, and turned to glance at the second person in the tiny bed.

The boy from the night before was still asleep, despite all the noise that he'd made. Dark hair spread in loose ringlets around the pale, pretty face and over the slender shoulders below, obscuring a stretch of milky throat, and a pale, emaciated chest that rose and fell slowly with breath.

Most of the boy was exposed, slight movements having pushed the blanket he was haphazardly wrapped in out of the way. Long arms had risen to tangle in those entrancing tresses, and an ivory thigh dangled from the other edge of the bed and almost to the floor. After bathing, and drying out, the mystery boy looked less the drowned rat, and more the stunning example of beauty he was.

Cam's breath caught in his throat, and he realized that he was doing more than just looking when his eyes caught the shadow of dusky hair at the junction of those legs. He was leering. Because he's beautiful.

"Shit." he said, far too loudly this time. He remembered what happened last night, how he'd found the young man and brought him up to his room, gotten himself comfortable and bathed the other boy. He must have been really drunk last night, he reasoned.

The kid had the same reaction on him as last night, though. And it was some reaction, too, if the sudden tent in the sheets were any hint.

The noise he was making was enough. The boy may have been sleeping soundly, but no more. Those long lashes fluttered, and a soft, protesting groan worked from his throat, before his lids blinked open.

Cam caught it. Even bleary with sleep and narrowed in confusion, the chocolate pools were striking. The color was nothing special, perhaps lighter than most would expect, but they stood out against the snowy skin of his face just as much as his dark hair. It took all of Cam's considerable willpower to tear his eyes away.

The boy blinked once. Twice. Then in a fluid, graceful movement that Camryn could've sworn was practiced, he sat up.

"What.. who are you?" he asked, voice soft, as he took notice of his surroundings and his bedmate. Amazingly, he didn't even sound afraid. Just confused.

The mercenary suddenly clapped a hand over his left shoulder, and he whirled around, off of the bed. He didn't even care that he was mostly nude, or sporting an obvious erection. He didn't want to scare the kid away when he was obviously in a delicate condition, if last night was any indication. He did what came best, then, trying to keep from surprising the kid.

The mercenary's lips turned up into a comfortingly friendly smile. He knew that most people would be scared by waking up in bed next to a large, scarred man, even one as handsome as himself. It couldn't hurt to come off as nice. But he'd be damned if the sound of the kid's voice didn't kill all coherent thought besides the fact that he should mile like a loon.

"Where am I, for that matter? And where are my clothes?" asked the boy, slowly, as if he were speaking to someone of noticeably intelligence. The boy sounded like a royal. "And, again; Who are you?"

It took the blond another few moments to regain his senses before he answered. "My name is Camryn. You're in the Grey Goose inn. I brought you here last night, after you passed out in the street." he explained quickly.

"Your clothes are there. They were filthy, so I washed them, and left them to dry there." he added, pointing to the desk and the now-dry clothing that had been left atop it. "If you're wondering why you're naked, that's why. I also.. erm, well. I bathed you, since you were caked in mud."

The big mercenary almost winced, sure he would get a reprimand for making such an assumption.

But none came. The boy simply nodded, and stood, wrapping the blanket around his waist offhandedly. "Thank you. I did not realize that the ride was so long." he admitted. A glance at his face gave Cam a good view of the attractive way a blush lit up the fair shin of the boy's neck and cheeks.

I'm staring again. I need to stop this. It's ridiculous. He mentally scolded himself.

"Ah, well. Yes. It was, uh, the least I could do." he answered, stumbling over his words when the boy turned his back, and dropped the blanket.

Despite being half starved, the kid had a nice ass. Round and pale, it easily highlighted the distinct lack of body hair the younger man had, and Camryn caught himself staring just in time to turn and pull his spare tunic over his head, eyes averted. He's a boy. Stop acting otherwise.

"Do you make a habit of picking up strangers who get caught in a storm?"

The voice startled Cam out of his reverie. He hadn't expected the boy to speak to him again.

"I, uh.. No. No, I don't. It was raining pretty bad, though, so I decided to make an exception." the blond spoke, while rummaging about in the pack to find the other pair of trousers. With his shirt on, he seemed much more relaxed.

When he glanced up, he caught the boy pulling the wild curls over his shoulder, out of the way, so he could put the slightly damp tunic on. He'd already dressed himself in the pale grey breeched he'd worn last night, and it was obvious to Cam that the clothing had all been hand-me-downs, given the way they hung limply from the boy's hips, despite being sinched all the way up and tied in place. Unless the kid had been obese until recently, there was no way that those were his. His eyes caught a flash of silver, though, not long after that.

Shit.

The boy wasn't a part of the Gulug, the commoner caste, as he'd first suspected. He'd assumed the kid had been a part of some House, maybe the i'Harris, which were not far away from this border town.

Between the boy's shoulder blades was a House mark, all right, but the shine of metal was what had Camryn's heart pounding like hoofbeats in his chest. The make was basic to Houses, and such a mark would normally be seen on lesser lordlings in their own land. This was, of course, d'Valessid territory. But, no. No, this was the mark of an Heir, the person that would inherit the House Seat after the current, presiding lord passed on or was unable to complete his duty.

"..lo? Hello?"

The voice pulled him back into reality. The boy was talking to him. He didn't know the names of the House Members in this territory, but he knew this could be problematic unless he handled it delicately.

"Yes?" the blond replied, finally, sounding frazzled. He didn't know how to handle this. He'd just slept with a House Heir in his bed.

"I asked if you knew where we were. I'm.. unfamiliar with this land." the boy admitted, deadpan.

That confused Camryn. How did the Heir not know his own land? Sure, this village wasn't huge, but it had a mine nearby, and also produced some of the more important crops that the d'Valessids produced. This town was one of the main hubs on the route to the nearby Trade Post, as well.

"What? How do you not know your own lands?" he replied, finally. There must be a mistake, unless the kid had totally neglected his schooling and country. "This is Griverd. This is where western Gravidus gets most of its iron."

The boy looked blank, and the thin, pretty brown above his dark eyes drew together, but he shook his head a moment after, looking apologetic.

"I.. I do not remember. Should I? I cannot remember anything before a month ago." the black haired youth replied, voice quiet. The commanding, confident tone was gone, and the careful, unconscious posture the young man had been holding melted into something far more vulnerable, and slightly afraid. It confused Cam.

He had heard nothing of the d'Valessid family upon coming here, but then again, he was always trying to avoid drawing too much attention to himself. Mouthing off about politics tended to do so, as the Houses preferred their privacy. Sure, he'd heard the odd rumor, but this.. this would have been big. A missing Heir? The Valfar contracting amnesia? He'd have to ask around for any new rumors. He'd only ridden into the House's territories three days ago, but he'd have to speed up the information flow. And he'd have to keep the boy quiet.

"No.. no. It's all right. I was just surprised." the larger man answered, gently. To his delight, the boy brightened at that. "Can you tell me your name, maybe?" he ventured, a moment later. He'd have to call the kid something other than 'boy' or 'kid'.

Those dark brows drew together again.

"I do not know that, either. But.. The people that cared for me, before I was.. before I had to leave, they called me the Walker. Or just Walker." he answered.

Walker. Unusual, but nice, regardless.

"It's good to know you, Walker."

And good to see you. All of you. his mind added.

"We should get something to eat. I noticed that you have no money." the mercenary offered, then almost slapped himself. "When I got you out of your clothing last night. I wasn't looking to rob you, I promise." he winced.

If Walker thought that for a moment, he never let on. His face lit up in a small, shy smile, and he nodded. "I will be right behind you."

I'd like to be behind you. murmured a voice in the back of Camryn's mind. Breakfast. Not thinking about that. Not going to think about it. My hormones must be going crazy because I haven't been laid in such a long time. That's it. Once I have breakfast, I can get away from this kid. Lord knows I don't need him messing with my head; He's already had his messed with.

"Good. I'll see you downstairs."

.....................................................

The common room of the Tavern downstairs was as loud as it was the night before. Even early as it was, men and women had crowded in, and some had even begun drinking for the day, before heading off to work the mines or the fields. I think I'll take a page out of their books. thought the fighter, immediately ordering breakfast for two and a large mug of ale for himself. He needed to get the unnerving thoughts Walker caused him to have out of his head.

By the time Cam had gotten things worked out and paid for, as well as found a table that wasn't taken by a couple that obviously didn't get enough of each other the night before, he sat, and dropped his hands into his palms.

Walker wasn't far behind, as he promised. The young man came down the stairs not long after the mercenary, and in doing so, despite the common trio of loops he'd pulled his hair into, and the boring, baggy shape of his clothing, the boy drew stares all about the room. When he sat at Cam's table, all eyes looked away. The people remembered having to clean up Cam's mess.

"I don't think they serve anything special for breakfast. It was stew last night; I'd say to expect a bowl of that." he murmured, from behind his hands. He was not enjoying the tricks his mind was playing on him.

"Oh? Stew? I like stew." was the soft reply, followed by a sudden lurch of the table as a mug was slapped onto the surface inches from the merc. Perfect.

Camryn wasted no time, listing the tankard and downing a good portion of the bitter, frothy liquid within. Winds. What is this stuff made out of? Cow piss? he wondered to himself, grimacing at the taste. Whatever it was, it had a kick. Even if it tasted bad, he needed it.

The conversation between he and Walker was effectively nonexistant. The boy sat there like a pale, pretty statue, and stared at the table as if trying to discern the tree it came from, and the mercenary was engrossed in the pitcher-sized mug in his hand, while working towards being blissfully drunk and unable to think naughty things about his tablemate. After last night, he didn't need that anymore.

I really don't think he remembers anything. he thought to himself. An Heir wouldn't be in a place like this if someone paid him. They especially wouldn't sit around and look interested in anything. And why isn't his family looking for him if he's gone missing?

Sometime during the mercenary's musings, the food arrived; Stew, as suspected, accompanied by a small loaf of fresh bread each.

The kid tore into the food like a wolf. He must have been ravenous. He looks like a skeleton with skin. Cam reminded himself after a moment of gawking. He then proceeded to give the tankard a rest while he enjoyed the bland stew, with its goopy gravy, tough meat, and overcooked potatoes and carrots. He didn't even want to know that kind of meat it was. It was edible, regardless, but the way the kid ate, it looked like he was having the best thing he'd ever eaten.

With his memory screwed up like it is, it might well be the best thing he remembers eating. the blond thought to himself. He winced. Poor guy.

Distracted by his thoughts, Cam barely managed to finish a third of his food before Walker finished. And while the kid didn't say anything, the way he was eyeing the mercenary's bowl told him that the boy was still hungry. He pushed it across the table.

"All yours. I'm not hungry." he said. Liar. his brain admonished.

"Thank you. For what you did last night, and for breakfast." came the murmured reply from across the table. There was that blush again, the pinkness that covered the boy's throat and cheeks and sent Camryn's chest inexplicably fluttering. "Really."

The mercenary shook his head, and flashed a winning grin. He usually smiled more; Why was he thinking so much, today? That's never a good sign. "No problem, kiddo. Just being a good citizen."

The brunet nodded, then returned to his meal, leaving Camryn to his thoughts.

"Where are you on your way to? You can't have just been riding aimlessly. This place isn't very close to the capital city." Cam said, looking to the boy over the rim of his mug. Walker glanced up, a spot of gravy at the corner of his mouth.

Before he could stop himself, the big mercenary's hand moved out, and his fingers curled under the delicately pointed chin. The calloused pad of his thumb wasn't good for much, but he found it able to swipe the brown stain free. He didn't stop there, though, and the same digit slid across the soft, full curve of the young man's lower lip.

He caught himself too late. His hand pulled back with only a slight jerk, and he tried to look innocent.

I can't keep my hands off him.

His lips are like a woman's.

He must think I'm a freak.

Why am I doing this?

While Camryn's mind bombarded him with comments, questions, and speculations, his question was answered. He almost missed it.

"I was told to go to the southeast. Into s'Kraid lands. They.. The people that took care of me, said I'd be safe there. This is the road there, or so I'm told."

Winds help me. I can't let him go alone. He thought. And it was true. A waif of a boy like this wouldn't last a day on the less populated stretches of road. He'd be captured, robbed, and at the very least sold into slavery. Even that mark wouldn't save him; They'd probably hold him hostage if they caught him, actually.

"I know the way. You would be safe there. I.. Well, I know people there. I could find you some place to stay." said the mercenary, obviously uncomfortable.

"So.. it might not be the way I was going, but would you let me escort you? At the very least, I can keep you from passing out in the dead of the night again." he offered, the last bit jokingly, with a playful smile. He was trying to lighten the mood.

Walker looked more than happy. He looked relieved. He obviously wasn't used to human company, or help, and the offer of an escort into a strange land was exactly what he needed. The expression theat crossed his face told all.

"I'd lo.." he started, then stopped. His features tightened, and his brows drew together. Those lips pursed.

I wonder what it'd be like to kiss him. Wait. No. No I don't. He's a boy. He's a man, even. I don't kiss other men.

"I can't ask you to do that. I'd be inconveniencing you." the dark-haired man finally finished, looking downtrodden. It was the truth, as much as he disliked having to admit it. He enjoyed the company of the large, gentle fighter, but he obviously bothered the man, not to mention pulling the blond off course would be a huge inconvenience. No, he couldn't ask that.

Cam smiled again, and shook his head. He was feeling pleasantly buzzed, but the dirty thoughts about the dark boy across the table were coming more frequently, if anything. the admission come in the middle of a particularly confusing fantasy.

Mentally chiding himself, Cam placed his tankard, now empty, on the table.

"Nonsense. I'm a mercenary, and a hired hand. I can find work wherever I go. Besides. s'Karid lands are my home. I'd like to see them again. It's been.. a long time." he admitted.

Five years in i'Harris lands is a long time, now that I think about it. he thought to himself.

"I'm going with you, whether you want me around or not. Better get used to me." he insisted, ending the argument. The tone in his voice was playful, but there was a serious undertone that left nothing up for discussion.

Walker nodded, head dipping. The trio of loops a the back of his head were a plain hairstyle, usually worn by women, but sometimes by men. They did nothing to hide the striking color of that hair, though.

"We'll stay here until this afternoon. It's already getting to the warmest part of the day, and I'd rather leave after that. I have a spare bedroll I use as a pack, but you can use it while we're on the road. Lucky you." the mercenary stated, before pushing the empty mug away. He had an urge to get another, to try and completely wipe his brain of coherent thought, but had decided otherwise.

When did I get stupid? First going with this kid, then not drinking? What's next; No sex? he thought, purposefully not mentioning the naughty thoughts that occasionally crept into his mind as he watched the young man eat.

Walker nodded between bites. It was going to be a long day.

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I'm totally posting this chapter the moment afte I wrote it and proofed it. I've probably missed a little bit here and there, but I'm sorry!

I'm also sorry that this waxes on so long. This chapter is totally plot development and I apologize for the lack of naked goodness. I promise that I'll get the ball rolling next chapter.

Update: Hiatus.

Well, anyone who's read the story may notice I've been not updating, lately. Reason is; The next few chapters are on my laptop.. Which, as of a few weeks ago, has an extra-crispy motherboard.

Until I can remedy this, I'll likely not be posting, despite having aqcuired a whole new computer to work on.

I had the chapters I've written tweaked to perfection, and I think that, if I rewrote them, I'd end up being unsatisfied.

Sorry, people. :/

As always; Camryn, Walker, and Alla this Crap is Copywritten to Your's Truly.