Guardians (working title)

Chapter 4
leaving the mortal coil

With a week to go to the midwinter festival all normal work seemed to have ceased. Everyone seemed to be involved in making different treats and preparing more of the huts and lodgings for the midwinter visitors. Frost clung to the now bare trees and to the grass giving everything a soft sparkle. Nelsara had never seen frost before or felt the cold that now gripped the air. He had visited other planets but never in the winter months. He laughed at how everyone seemed to have rosy cheeks even the darker skinned residents. Most people wore woollens of some sort, usually long scarves and gloves and people seemed to generally be in a more charitable mood than normal which was a lot to say given the inherent kind nature of the Emal- Edith elves and the whole immortal community in general. Nelsara felt more at home than he had in a long time.
The mages worked their magic to create glowing orbs on strings that they hung from trees in a large clearing where wooden furniture was being laid out for the big party, delicate serpantine chairs and tables wrestled for space under the clear winter sky and reverently gathered sprigs of winter plants decorated them.
The cold weather did have another benefit. It was a good excuse to snuggle up as much as possible to his girlfriend. Detalani had grown up on Emal edith and was used to the winters, she found no end of amusement in the fact that Nelsara kept pulling on more socks and more jumpers to try and beat the cold. He even wore his long scarf inside. She promised him that he would get used to the weather before the winter was out.
On the day before his immortality ceremony Nelsara woke up to a completely white world. He gingerly scooped a handful of the material from off the sil of the opened window and held it . It was freezing. He had never seen snow but he had heard about it and suddenly his inner child was itching to be outside and to play. He obliged.
The children of Emal-Edith were out in force in their wooly hats and big coats. They were throwing snowballs at each other and didn't miss the chance of throwing one at Detalani and Nelsara as they passed. Detalani promptly threw one back and soon they had been dragged into a small scale war. The kids were fearless, even throwing snowballs at the powerful Maspathe warriors who joined in the snowball fight with much glee. Half of the children stayed on Magda and Imaraneths side and the other half joined Detalani and Nelsara.
Nelsara felt more tired but more happy than he had done in a while. The smile on Detalanis face told the same story. They stood with Imaraneth watching as Magda helped the children build a snowman.
“We should give it big wings like you.” A small girl shouted up at the red haired dragon who was wrapped in a long black woollen coat down to his ankles. His red feathered wings were flecked with snowflakes as was his startling red hair which was even brighter than Detalani's. “We could try I suppose.” His dark cheeks were flushed with the cold, his skin was only slightly darker than Imaraneth's who looked like he had a permanent tan. He lifted the little girl up so that she could start shaping snow to look like wings. All the children started shouting and clambering over each other for some time atop the tall dragons shoulders.
“He so good with children.” Detalani smiled. “Its a wonder he doesn't have any of his own yet.”
“Well from what I know he and his wife are trying. So hopefully he will have soon.” Imaraneth smiled back.
Even though the winter days were fun filled they always ended too soon as the darkness came earlier. Soon Imaraneth and Magda left to meet other friends for a drink and Detalani and Nelsara retired to their cottage to try and warm up. Nelsara stood at the stove making creamy hot chocolate with a dash of Fierionite liquor for good measure. They sat on the comfy overstuffed sofa that had been brought by Lórien in one of the many trips he had made here. Lórien was away with Magda giving the two the cottage all to themselves.
After 3 hot chocolates, the latter two without liquor, both were feeling a little sleepy. It wasn't too late but Nelsara decided he should probably go to bed so he could sleep for tomorrow.
Detalani nodded. “But don't you want a shower first so you can warm up properly.” She was pressed up close against him, running her hands through his hair. “We can have one together.”
Nelsara smiled nervously. They had not seen each other fully naked yet even though they had touched each other intimately. “Are you sure?”
“Yes.” She laughed, she looked him in the eye. “Only if you want to though.”
Nelsara nodded. He felt more than ready.
Detalani was already in the shower before Nelsara was fully naked. He slowly opened the door and climbed into the large shower. The water was hot and inviting and the steam partially covered Detalani's milky skin, she smiled at him and blushed. There was more than enough room for them to stand together without touching but they wanted to hold each other. The water ran over his shoulders and down between their bodies as he kissed her lips and held her naked body close. He could feel the swell of her breasts against him. His body stirred and he could feel himself harden. Detalanis soapy hand found the hardness and began to touch and stroke him making him gasp into the already steam filled air. He began to touch her intimately too kissing her as he did so. Soon he found release but he continued to touch her. As she found release Nelsara pulled her close and whispered in her ear. “I want to make love to you.”
Although both wanted to stay in the steamy heat of the shower cubicle Nelsara didn't need the extra awkwardness of trying to balance Detalani when he had never experienced sex. The dried themselves quickly and wrapped up on the big fluffy towels as they made their way through to the bedroom. Soon both were aroused again and Detalani was gently placing the condom on him.
“This is it.” he thought to himself as he positioned himself on the bed and Detalani sat astride him. He closed his eyes and waited. He gasped as their bodies joined and gripped her hips tight. Her soaking tendrils of red hair bounced around her shoulders as she moved on top of him occasionally swooping down for a deep kiss. He was in heaven, he loved watching the movement of her body on top of him, holding her and pulling her down on top of him. Soon he felt the familiar feeling of his orgasm approaching but this was different, stronger. He moaned loudly as the feeling of intense pleasure washed up his body. He was aware suddenly of Detalani's own voice, of her moans. She stopped and kissed him deeply. Neither of them said anything, instead there was an intense feeling between them that didn't need words. Once both were cleaned up they slid into the cold between the sheets, enjoying the feeling against their skin.
“I had no idea it would be so good.” he whispered. Detalani smiled at him. “I'm glad you enjoyed it as much as me.” She giggled.
She snuggled into his side as Nelsara let the tiredness wash over him. Both fell asleep quickly and settled into a peaceful dreamless sleep.
They woke up early overcome with the urge to be together again, this time Nelsara looked down on her enjoying the feeling of moving himself in and out of her body and watching his lovers face. After another shower together they got dressed and went to prepare breakfast. To their surprise two large bowls of cinnamon porridge were on the table along with a plate of Slar, a Fierionite delicacy that consisted of sweetened fruit and sugary batter mix that was rolled into bite sized balls and fried.
Lórien was sitting at the table waiting for them both with a smile. “I thought I'd make breakfast since this is a very special day.”
For a split second Nelsara thought he was referring to what had happened between himself and Detalani the night before. He remembered with a sudden jolt that his immortality ceremony was today. He sat down and began to eat savouring each mouthful as if he believed it would all taste different after the ceremony. Detalani and Lórien spoke animatedly about the forthcoming events of the day but Nelsara sat quietly thinking about his first time. It had all passed in a blur of pleasure and new sensations but now he could remember it all with startling clarity. He blushed as he thought about it. Lórien noticed and began to poke fun.
“Oh aye what are you thinking about?” He laughed.
Nelsara laughed and said nothing then changed the conversation to the immortality ceremony. Once he had gathered all the information he needed he helped Lórien tidy up while Detalani headed off to do her last little bit of training. The ceremony would take place in the early evening leaving Nelsara with three hours to occupy himself before he even had to start getting ready. He busied himself with reading, something he'd always managed to lose himself in. After about half an hour he was beginning to feel trapped in the cottage so he headed out into the fresh snow which was still falling.
The snow muffled most of the usual noise and gave everything a slightly magical feel. He clapped his hands together to try and get some warm into them and flicked his cat ears to remove the flakes. Despite the cold he loved the snow. He had no idea where he was going but at least everything looked new. He passed the snow dragon that Magda and the children had made and he giggled at the sight of it. He could hear the voices of the kids playing near the bigger dwellings and wandered off in that direction hoping to find someone to talk to. He decided to go into the part of the dwelling which, in this busy time of year, acted as a café. He purchased a hot chocolate and as he turned to look for a seat he saw Imaraneth sitting alone in the corner. He promptly sped over to where the dragon was reading.
“Can I sit here?”
The dragon smiled up at him and nodded. Nelsara plopped down cross legged on one of the large cushions and relieved himself of his scarf and gloves. The dragon seemed to be engrossed in what he was reading. Nelsara sipped at his hot chocolate and savoured the sweetness. The dragons long fingers flexed slightly on the paper and his brow creased. Nelsara sat in the comfortable muttering that held the café tight and waited for the dragon to finish.
“So many things I am missing at home.” Imaraneth whispered as he placed the letter gently on his lap. “And not even anything too exciting, just normal everyday things but I am not there.”
Nelsara reached out and patted his arm. “I'm used to it though.” He laughed. “The life of a soldier, even if there isn't any battles we move from place to place where there is unrest and help sort things out. Very rarely is there any need to even bring our weapons.”
He turned to Nelsara as he folded the letter away. “So excited?” he smiled. Nelsara nodded “I'm still a bit unsure about what they will want me to do though.”
“I'm not sure, I imagine if there was anything you needed to prepare beforehand they would have already told you.”
The dragon got up suddenly his heavy boots thumping on the wooden floor. “I'm just going to get a drink, back in a second.”
The time passed quickly for Nelsara, he and Imaraneth talked about little things in their life with Nelsara trying to steer away from the subject of Dreis. The dragon did not seem to be even thinking of his former lover any more. Too soon however Nelsara had to take the long climb up the biggest tree in the complex via slippery walkways and treacherous steps to the biggest building the Emal-Edith elves had.
Nanda ushered him into a side room which was decorated simply with a wash basin, a low bench and a small wardrobe.
“There is a set of red robes in the wardrobe that you will need to wear for this, don't worry if they don't fit right they are supposed to be very loose.” Nanda spoke in a low voice but he looked happy.
“All you need to do is wash your face and hands and make sure your hair is brushed out tidy.” He laughed at Nelsaras face. “I know its silly but it will all become clear.”
Nelsara got ready quickly, scrubbing his face with the slightly spicy soap and pulling on the light blood red robes that hung loosely on his thin body, the neck gaping comically and almost exposing one shoulder. He brushed his long black hair out carefully knowing that this would be the last time he would see it without the bright red hair braid that all Inaspris wore. The braid did not have any magic to it but Inaspri did not remove it out of respect. He was looking forward to having the thin braid in his hair.
Soon he was called for and he walked out barefoot into a room which was filled with candles, in the centre was a low table fitted with gutters which he knew would be used as a catchment for his blood. A little bit of nervousness settled in his stomach. He never did like the sight of blood, especially his own. Too late to go back now. He walked over to the assembled elves and knelt when instructed. They explained to him what was going to happen, that he was going to be brought to the point nearest death through bleeding and at that point spells would be cast over him so that his body would constantly heal, constantly regenerate instead of repairing hurts and ageing. Then his blood would be mixed with a specially devised serum that helped with all the spells in place, all the blood would then be given back to him.
Nelsara nodded though it wasn't needed. He was asked if he still wanted to proceed which he did. The shirt part of his robe was removed and he lay on the cold surface of the table. The mage who sat behind his head pulled his hair gently back and draped it out of the way over the edge of the table. Long tubing was pulled along the guttering and the needles placed near where they would be inserted. The chanting began and the needles were inserted into the inside of his elbow. He winced slightly although it was only uncomfortable.
The chanting continued and Nelsara was aware of a slight pulling, the blood was being gently coaxed from his body as the mage behind his head gently stroked Nelsara's temples and held most of the pain at bay. The chanting changed into gentle singing, the notes rising and falling and washing over Nelsaras body like ice water. He tingled all over as the spells began their work. He felt deliciously light headed and slightly short of breath. His heart slowed down and he closed his eyes feeling at peace and oddly off balance. He imagined he could feel his cells mutating getting ready to forever renew and heal him afresh of almost any injury. He imagined he could see wondrous colours of blue and purple that billowed around him like coloured smoke and in the middle of these swirling colours was a blue sphere, it slowly came into focus, it was a small planet, he could make out the land and the sea and the clouds that swirled around. He could here words echoing in his head. Not the ones of the song, as the song had no words but a deep chanting.
Ne arasu nask ita, ne arasu nask ita on soro des rouo masta

He couldn't understand it. He had never heard the language before but as he listened it slowly began to become clear.

I arasu kepp ita I will keep Ita the soro des rouo heart

I will keep you safe, I will keep you safe, the children of my heart.

He was aware of people talking to him. Of a slight pain in his arm. It was all over and he was slightly disappointed that he did not feel any different. The braid had been done while the blood was being pumped back into him. It had taken a while for Nanda to wind the blood red thread around the section of hair. Now that it was tied off it would never come out. Nelsara gingerly sat up, he still felt slightly light headed but all in all he felt well.
“The feeling will pass.” Nanda whispered. Nelsara could hear his voice with starling clarity, see him more clearly than he had before. Would he have changed in other ways? “You must rest today though in a few hours you will feel like running forever with the energy you find. This is because all your cells are repairing and regrowing, filling in any problems that may have been there, any slight signs of age you may have had. You will feel like you can do anything but while exploring this new life keep Lórien and Detalani close. They will guide and council you.”
And then that was it. He went back to the little room and got dressed in his normal clothes. He brushed his hair out again snagging the braid. It would take a bit of getting used to.
Detalani was waiting on the landing outside the dwelling for him. She took his arm with a smile and they walked in silence down the slippery walkways and were soon on the snowy ground.
“How do you feel.” She whispered. Detalani had never had to go through the same thing as children of Inaspri and true immortals were born immortal as well.
Nelsara looked around him, the world seemed to have an odd sheen to it. “I don't feel too different, a little dizzy I guess.” He looked over at his girlfriend. She seemed to glow from within. Maybe his vision had gone hyper due to all the cells changing. In a way he hoped it would go away.
They got back to the small dwelling and as soon as he sat down he felt himself swoon. “Maybe I should lie down.” He whispered.
Detalani looked at him with concern in her eyes. She helped him through to bed and Nelsara felt himself drift off to sleep in record time.
His dreams were troubled. He kept seeing snippets of battles and magical jousts. Flashes of rampaging hordes splashed across his vision only to be replaced the next second with huge dragons and warriors. He could here the voice again but always so quiet. The voice was heavily accented and sounded vaguely like the same accent that the Maspathe had. He caught a few phrases. Again and again the voice said that she was protecting people, they were hidden for a reason. Then the dream changed, he could see the planet again, he could feel pressure but he didn't know where it was coming from. He could hear many voices in unison

we are here, we are ready to be found. Come to us. We are ready

And then the old voice returned.

But the same thing will happen again, all will be destroyed.
It will be different this time The other voices argued.
The voices were chanting over and over. Calling for him to come to them while the other voice tried to quiet them to keep them safe. Suddenly the voice relented.
If you must destroy my children you better have a good reason.

Nelsara jumped up, his head was thumping so much he couldn't see clearly. Detalani was at his side in an instant, her hands were on his temple and a deep soothing heat was spreading through his body. His whole body relaxed and he slumped against her shoulder, his vision cleared up and he sighed deeply with relief.
“Thank you.” He whispered as she moved her hands and the pain didn't return. “How did you know I was in pain.”
“I've been trying to wake you for the best part of half an hour, you were whimpering and thrashing around in your sleep.” She said softly stroking his hair softly.
Nelsara shook his head. “What's wrong with me.” He rubbed his face “I never have bad dreams.”
“Maybe the immortality ceremony has affected you in some way. Its different for everyone.”
Nelsara nodded. He felt a lot better now and as promised his body seemed to be coursing with energy. His whole body seemed to tingle. He lay back on the bed and Detalani lay beside him. He leaned over and kissed her gently on the lips. She wrapped her arms around his neck.
“Care to help me work of some new found energy.” He whispered against her lips.
She didn't need much persuasion, soon they were reliving each other of what little they were wearing and exposing their skin to the cold winter air. She still shone with an ethereal light to Nelsara's eyes and every touch she made on his skin seemed to be heightened to the point that even a simple brush of his nipples had him moaning loudly in ecstasy. He was enjoying all the new sensations of sex coupled with his heightened sensitivity. He loved hearing her gasps as he touched her and tasted her. The actual act of sex was explosive, more sensitive than it had felt before but not just in a physical way, he felt in touch with her in a deeper way, he could almost feel her emotions pulsing through his body. Afterwards they lay spent, the waves of ecstasy coursing through them. He looked at her, she was curled up at his side with her head on his shoulder, her flame red hair spilled over his arm in untidy ringlets. He almost envied her hair, his was long, very straight and dark. No amount of products would give it any shape. Even wearing dreadlocks in it hadn't given it much definition.
Detalani sighed slightly in her sleep. He smiled warmly. Everything seemed to be so peaceful. Nothing could spoil his mood.
The next day was the day of the festival. The party started early with everyone helping to cook and serve up the massive communal breakfast in the main hall. Dishes from each of the main immortal countries were served and Lórien also gifted in a platter of slar which seemed to be a hit with many of the elves though too sweet for the dragon elves. Fierionites loved their sweet foods but were not averse to spicy foods as long as they were not served up at breakfast. The dragon elf breakfast consisted of a tea which smelt strongly of mint and liquorice, bowl of mixed fruit and cereals also spiced but with the gentle power of cinnamon this time and graced with honey. As a hot option there was a type of meaty stew which had a kick of chilli to it. The Emal-Edith elves steered away from this as they did not often eat spicy food. Their spread consisted of different breads and jams, cheeses and meats. The other elven settlements had similar food apart from the Muskegonars who's breakfast consisted of seafood in various forms, in fact most of their food did.
The Muskegonars were cat eared like the Fierionites but their ancestors had had a definite amphibious quality. Their skin was pale and usually white or light blue but some had a green tinge, their hair ranged from sea green through blonds and coppers to bright red. Their fingers had retractable claws like the Fierionites but they did not have the same definition to their eye-teeth. They were short as a rule, the tallest man only reaching 6ft and most men ranging from 5'2” to 5' 7”
women were often as short as 4ft.. Nelsara had never met someone from their planet before but now having seen them he felt he he had met a long lost cousin. So similar to his race but so different.
After breakfast the various groups were given a chance to pray. Most of the immortals prayed to all the elemental gods but each did so in their own way. Nelsara had often went with his parents to the midwinter festival services where they prayed and offered thanks to Kitar the Goddess of fire and asked her to pass on their thanks and good wishes to her brother Lyke god of water. They did not pray to him directly. He was unsure what to do as he had never been particularly religious. And it seemed he wasn't the only one. A lot of people headed off to do prayers and others waited patiently in the hall. Detalani had gone with her parents and there seemed to be no one else around that he knew. Then he noticed familiar silver hair.
“Dreis?”
He had not seen him since that day the dragon had confronted him. He wasn't sure if the dragon would want to speak to him but he turned and gave such a warm smile that all Nelsara's worries melted away.
“Nel, how are you? Last time I saw you we were not on the best of terms. Do not worry though. I know you did what you did with the best of intentions.”
“I am fine.” He whispered. “I am still very sorry for what happened.”
“No in all honesty it was my fault. I knew I was letting him get too attached to me.” Dreis brushed a lock of white hair back off his face. “We are in such different places, Imaraneth needs to be loved. I'm not ready to love someone again..I'm not strong enough.”
“That's understandable though.” Nelsara said. “We all need time to heal.”
Dreis nodded thoughtfully. “True, but lets not get back into sad conversations this is a time for celebration.”
He and Dreis sat in a quiet corner and decided to start drinking early. They had nothing too strong just a few hot chocolates spiced with a special Maspathe liquor that was like melted liquorice. After about two hours the people that had went to prayers began to head back .Detalani rushed over and plopped herself down on Nelsara's lap.
“ooh Dreis you're back?” She smiled. “How have you been.”
They were talking animatedly for a while when the dragon elves returned. Dreis stood up as Imaraneth and Magda approached. Madga hugged the while dragon. Imaraneth hung back his expression unreadable, luckily because of fighting so hard to hide his feelings in the past he and Dreis did not have a history of being overly affectionate.
Dreis stepped up to Imaraneth unsure of what to do with himself. He placed his hands on either side of the dragons shoulders.
“Neth...I....I have missed you.” He whispered. Imaraneth nodded but didn't say anything. Dreis stood close to him, closer than he should be Imaraneth looked up at him something flickered between them for a second.
“Please sit and have a drink with me at the party tonight. I don't want there to be bad blood between us.”
“Of course I will Dreis.” Imaraneth said flatly. “I think I'm going to go for a walk.”
“Would you like some company.” Detalani asked him.
Imaraneths eyes didn't move from Dreis's. “No I think I will be just fine on my own.”
As the winter sun left the land all the mages lights burst into glorious colour for the first time and the forest looked like it was full of stars. The clearing where the furniture was set out was still full of snow but a glamour had been placed upon it so that it was not cold. Elves of all varieties gathered in their finery. Some like the Emal-Edith elves, including Detalani, wore simple but brightly coloured gowns or tunics. Nelsara followed Lórien in his choice of dress choosing to wear simple mortal like trousers and shirt. He tied his long hair at the base of the neck to tidy it. They took a table and waited patiently for others they knew to arrive.
Imaraneth had chosen his clothes carefully that night. He wanted to look good, good enough to get a midwinters night kiss from someone, as was the tradition at midnight, but also good enough so that kiss was the start of something better. On the other hand he didn't want to look like he was trying too hard with Dreis coming back. He tried to sort out how he felt about Dreis coming back. Even though they had split up they had still shared a kiss before he had left and Imaraneth knew that they had only split because Dreis couldn't give him the relationship he dearly wanted. Imaraneth wasn't willing to hide their relationship any longer so what should it matter that he still felt a delicious tingle when Dreis had touched his shoulder that he still felt the need to press his lips to the gentle but strong lips of the white dragon he was not going back into a relationship where he couldn't hold the hand of the person he loved.
He lined his eyes with the black kohl that all dragon elves wore regardless of gender and brushed his black hair out until it shone. He chose soft black trousers and his favourite shirt which was dark red with gold embroidery on it. Satisfied that he was ready he headed off. All the way to the party he repeated to himself that no matter what Dreis looked like no matter what he said he wouldn't fall for him. His resolve quickly shattered when he saw Dreis standing in the midst of the snow and lights white hair shining bright his yellow eyes lined lightly with black so that they stood out even more than usual in his pale skin. He was wearing a traditional Maspathe robe which consisted of loose trousers and a top with long baggy sleeves all of which were heavily embroidered. The dark blue with black embroidery suited him perfectly.
He didn't even go to greet him, instead he immediately sought out Nelsara.
The drink was flowing freely and Nelsara had already had a head start due to his drinking with Dreis earlier on. Imaraneth walked over to their table and Nelsara hugged him tight and kissed him on the cheek.
“Where've you been.” he slurred and Imaraneth laughed. Nelsara flicked the chain lightly that hung from Imaraneths earlobe to the top of his long pointed ears. “Wow that's nice. I didn't know you had that piercing.”
“I've had it for years but I usually only wear studs in them. Its safer when I am training.”
Nelsara nodded and then sat back down pulling the dragon into the seat beside him. It was quite a large table and a number of people were sitting around it including a male Melancholynese elf with large black feathery wings, dark skin and pale blue eyes. He smiled to Imaraneth and they immediately struck up a conversation.
The danced and sang the night away and Nelsara found himself dancing with people he had never met and striking up conversations with them with ease. He danced until his feet were sore and his head was dizzy and then sat down heavily beside Lórien who handed him some food to soak up the alcohol.
The mage made lights gave off a surprising amount of light but also gave a soft glow to the area, it glistened off the snow which surprisingly had not melted under the glamour. Nelsara constantly chattered at Detalani wanting to know what had caused the glamour but she wouldn't tell him. He decided to turn his nervous energy onto Imaraneth instead but when he found the dragon he was in deep conversation with a young Melancholynese who kept touching Imaraneth's arm and leaning in close. He decided he best leave them to it. Instead he sought out Dreis who was sitting quietly on his own.
“Enjoying yourself?” Dreis laughed as he watched Nelsara stumble over. Nelsara nodded and sat down heavily beside the white dragon. “s-very fun.” He slurred.
“Yes it is.” Dreis smiled and took a deep swig of his drink. Madga was dancing with a dragon elf woman who was the same colouring as Imaraneth but she had lighter hair.
“Thats Madga's wife.” Dreis said gesturing towards them. Madga waved warmly at him and he waved back. “Her name is Sala. Shes an officer the army too.”
“I thought that was discouraged.”
“Yeah it usually is but some couples do appear. Most have been together since their training days.”
Dreis leaned in close to Nelsara and whispered. “Magda was with her sister before he got with her. They are twins, rumour is he had both of them together at one point.” Dreis laughed heartedly. “Don't tell him I told you.”
Nelsara laughed. “What about you? Any stories like that?”
Dreis laughed. “No I got with Valyan with I was very young, when we were both young, 15 actually. We were each others first partner, I was his only partner I suppose.” Dreis smiled sadly. “I loved him very much.”
Nelsara nodded and drunkenly patted the white dragons arm. “It must have been awful to lose him.”
Dreis nodded. “It was so painful for ages but because we knew he was dying we could say all the goodbyes we wanted.” He turned to Nelsara his bright yellow eyes slightly watery “That was one good thing.”
Nelsara scanned the clearing. So many happy people dancing and singing, how many of them had a pain hidden away. Even Detalani had a pain hidden long ago in her past. Dreis sighed. “I really do miss him you know.”
Nelsara looked at him. “Who?”
“Imaraneth. I may not have loved him but I really cared for him and enjoyed his company among other things.”
“Well tell him. Its midwinter night, time for miracles.” Nelsara laughed.
“I can't give him what he wants, not really.” Dreis sighed.
“Still maybe you should speak to him again, maybe he has reconsidered.”
“It still doesn't change the fact that if the army finds out I will be sent away from him. I just miss his company and its not fair to put that pressure on him. I should find someone who wants the same things I do.”
Nelsara nodded. “You never know you might find your prince at midnight.”
Dreis laughed. “Well I have ten minutes.”
In what seemed a few minutes the small bells around the clearing were ringing and everyone started singing and giving each other friendly kisses. Couples were sharing kisses too. Imaraneth and the Melancholynese elf shared a soft kiss at midnight before they were both dragged off my friends to be hugged and kissed. He kissed Detalani and Nelsara and Lórien. He laughed as Madga planted a friendly kiss on his lips and so did Magda's wife. Then he found himself standing in front of Dreis.
“Um hi.”
“Hi Neth.”
They stared at each other for a bit until Imaraneth broke the silence.
“See Dreis as much as I love you this is why I cannot be with you, I need someone that can hold my hand in public, that I can kiss on the cheek whenever I like, that will kiss me on mid winters night for Monnanon's sake.” He scowled at Dreis. “You cant do that can y....”
Dreis's cut him off by pressing his lips to Imaraneths, his arms wrapped tightly around the younger mans waist as he pulled him up into a tight embrace. To Imaraneth's surprise the dragon opened his mouth to him and deepened the kiss. In front of everyone. Madga was speaking to them but they were lost in each other, Imaraneth buried his hands in Dreis's beautiful white hair and pulled him closer savouring the taste of his lover. Magda's gentle hand was on his shoulder and coaxed them apart.
“I think you have both had a little too much to drink.” Magda spoke gently but there was an edge to his voice. “Come on Neth, come and kiss some other friends.”
Dreis's grip on his shoulder seemed desperate but Imaraneth gently pulled himself away.
“I'm sorry Neth. I got carried away.”
Imaraneth smiled trying not to betray how happy he really was.
“Its fine. I got carried away too. I'll speak to you later.”
Imaraneth walked off with Magda but Magda soon disappeared into the crowd. Nelsara appeared at his side.
“What 'appened.” He slurred.
“He kissed me.” Imaraneth said breathlessly. “He actually kissed me in front of everyone.” He turned to Nelsara and took him by the shoulders. “he...kissed...me...in...front....of...this...whole...party.” He jumped around shaking Nelsara as he did so. Nelsara went a strange colour. “er sosare youbasoogether.” he slurred again.
“I don't know.” Imaraneth whispered excitedly. “I never had a chance to speak to him.”
“So GO!!!” Nelsara cried and gave Imaraneth a push. Imaraneth laughed and walked off. He told himself he wasn't actually looking for Dreis but his feet seemed to steer him the the white dragons direction. Magda was sitting with him but the two were joking and clinking glasses. Imaraneth felt his cheeks redden as Dreis turned his yellow eyes to him.
“Neth.” He smiled. “Forgiven me for embarrassing you earlier?”
Imaraneth nodded and sat down when Magda kicked the seat out for him. “It wasn't all your fault.”
Dreis smiled, there was colour in his pale cheeks but Imaraneth was not sure if that was the drink or embarrassment. They sat quietly letting Magda and his over excited wife do all the talking while they stole quick glances at each other. After an agonising half hour where Imaraneth was burning to speak to Dreis about what happened Magda and his wife took their leave of the pair Dreis hopped over to sit close to the younger dragon.
“I really am sorry about before.” He whispered, he was sitting close enough to Imaraneth to whisper in his ear, his arm rested on the back of the younger dragons chair.
“Its OK.” Imaraneth whispered scared of facing Dreis just yet.
“No its not.” Dreis took his hand, “I did not mean to kiss you but I saw you standing there and everything just seemed so right!”
“Don't worry I didn't think we were back together or anything.” Imaraneth gently pulled his hand away. I hoped we would be but I didn't think we were.”
“You know why I can't be with you. We agreed that we did not want this. We want different things.”
Dreis kept his voice level, not wanting to start an argument.
Imaraneth turned to him, there was no anger or sadness in his face. He simply looked resigned.
“Dreis I know all about that. There's too many things against us and as soon as we got into a more serious relationships all those things started to cause us problems.” He smiled. “I'm sorry I tore into you before we kissed. Drink isn't good for me.”
Dreis relaxed a little. “Are we still friends then?” He whispered.
“Of course.” Imaraneth smiled. “I just think I should maybe keep my distance from you for a bit, give myself a chance to stop seeing you as a lover and start seeing you as a friend.”
Dreis took Imaraneths hand again. “As much as it will be hard not to see you I think that is maybe best. Although can you put up with me for the next few days before I go home.”
Imaraneth smiled and nodded. They sat in silence Imaraneths hand resting gently in Dreis's. He felt weird. Now that they had kissed again and Dreis had took his hand twice it was like they were in a strange halfway point where they hadn't quite put the barriers back up so they acted like friends. Well, Imaraneth thought, If these are the last few days I will see him for a while then I will let whatever is going to happen happen.
“I'm sorry for everything Neth.” Dreis spoke softly as if he had said it to himself.
Imaraneth nodded. “As I said its OK. “
Dreis turned so he was facing Imaraneth. “Is it though? I wish I had thought more before...before I had let this go any further.” Imaraneth looked at him. He desperately did not want to go over it again but Dreis wouldn't let go of his hand.
“I feel as if I have used you but I did not, I cared for you and I wanted to be with you but it was being with you like that, having sex with you, that made me realise I was not ready to be in a relationship with anyone. I'm sorry I ruined it for you.”
Imaraneth thought back to that night, it had happened the night before they had fallen out. True it had not been the romantic affair he had hoped for but Dreis had been gentle and caring and had made it enjoyable. What upset him about it was seeing Dreis's tears, how Dreis had insisted on being behind Imaraneth so he could hide the fact that he was crying. No matter how many times Imaraneth had said to Dreis not to carry on with it if he was upset Dreis waved it off and just said he was upset because it had been so long and the last person he had been with was Valyan. He had seemed to enjoy it, Imaraneth definitely had but after it was over and Imaraneth was curled into Dreis's side he could hear that something wasn't right, the dragon was breathing strangely and when he looked up Dreis had covered his eyes so that Imaraneth could not see the pain there. He had made his excuses and had left Imaraneth sitting there alone and upset.
“You didn't ruin it.” He said finally. “I really enjoyed it what I didn't enjoy was seeing you so upset. Why did you carry on if you were that upset.”
“Dreis took his hand away and rubbed his face. “I don't know. I guess I hoped that it was something that I just had to get through and then it would all be OK. But it wasn't.”
“How do you know we never tried it again did we? Everything else was fine wasn't it. It was just the sex.”
“I know it wouldn't be OK.” Dreis whispered. “Because I spent all that night beating myself up about it. I've never cried like that since he died Neth.” He paused and reached out for Imaraneth taking both his hands. “Neth you asked me that day if I loved you and I told you I don't know, the truth is I'm afraid to love you and until I get over this I cannot be with you.”
“Then why did you tell me that you couldn't be with me because it was too dangerous?”Imaraneth growled
“Because I didn't know what to think.” Dreis spoke quickly desperate to explain. “I needed to go away and to think. I had already made the arrangements to go because of what happened the night we had had sex.”
“Where did you go that night?” Imaraneth whispered. “You disappeared. I waited for you in the sitting room but you never came back.”
“Madga found me, I was wandering randomly and he took me in, let me cry and rave and tried to help me.”
Imaraneths heart caught in his throat. “Does Magda know about us.”
“Yes, he had already guessed.”
Imaraneth sighed. He felt like they were breaking up all over again. “So you still want us to be apart.”
“Yes, We are both still looking for different things from this relationship. I can't give you the love that you need but I wanted you to know that its not because I do not find you attractive or don't care enough to love you its because I can't, not yet. I'm just not ready yet.”
Imaraneth sighed again and rubbed his eyes to shake the prickly feeling of tears. “Ok Dreis. You know I don't think I can deal with seeing you for the next few days while you're here. Please don't think I hate you because I don't, I just need to get over you and then I can see you as a friend.”
Dreis nodded. A single tear rolled down his cheek. “I understand. I'm sorry for everything.”
Imaraneth kissed his cheek where the tear had streaked it. “Please don't be. For what its worth I'm glad you were my first.” He sniffed but he did not cry, he had done all his crying the night they had split up but this seemed to be worse. All that seemed to be standing between him and Dreis was a ghost.
“You know maybe in two tdalk it'll be different, I will be an officer by then and maybe if we are both still single and you feel ready we can try again.”
Dreis nodded but did not say anything. Imaraneth left and Dreis felt his resolve crumble in his wake. He sobbed silently, for Valyan and the fact that he was still in love with him after five tdalk without him. He sobbed for Imaraneth and how he had treated the young dragon, leaning on him for emotional support and falling for him. He was not ready. He needed proper time to grieve, alone and time to heal the wound it had left.
As Imaraneth tried leave the party the Melancholynese man met him again. “Are you alrite?”
he enquired as he stroked the dragons face gently.
“Yeah, course I am Sora, just been reminiscing with an old friend.” He whispered placing his arms on the elf's waist. He liked him a lot and now that everything with Dreis was properly closed he felt like having some fun. He kissed the elfs lips gently. Sora was a new immortal, the same as Nelsara was and, like Nelsara, he seemed to be feeling the same heightened sensitivity so much so that Imaraneth heard him cry out just from a kiss.
“Wanna go somewhere more....quiet?” The elf whispered. Imaraneth nodded.
Kissing Sora was different to kissing Dreis, there was no sharp teeth no powerful urgency just hungry lust which in its way was better. It reminded Imaraneth of his first kiss which had been with another dark skinned Melancholynese called Eramel. Sora had been 24 when he had been made immortal and something in his manner told Imaraneth that the elf was more experienced that than he was. They lay entangled on Sora's bed kissing and roaming each others bodies. He could feel the hardness in the elfs trousers and grabbed it making the other man thrust towards him. The elf pulled desperately at Imaraneths shirt and undid the buttons exposing the dragons muscled torso. The elf swooped in biting and sucking the skin. Imaraneth stroked his hair gently and kissed the elf. Both were very hard and Imaraneth decided to do something about it. He coaxed the elf onto his back and began to relieve him of his clothes. The elf giggled as he watched what the dragon was doing and helped him out until he was fully naked.
Imaraneth lay kissed along the soft stomach of the elf. “You are beautiful.” He purred. The elf gasped at the contact, Imaraneth gently wrapped his hand around the elfs erection and began to stroke him. The elf was moaned and thrusted up into the dragons hand. He continued to play with the elf but lay beside him so he could kiss him. Sora cried out Imaraneths name as he came making the dragon grow even harder. Now it was his turn and Sora did not disappoint him.
He loved the feeling of the elfs mouth on him, he wasn't as good as Dreis but the unbridled enthusiasm he put into it made it better than anything he had felt before. It wasn't long until he let out a deep growl as he felt the waves of ecstasy wash over him. Sora pushed Imaraneths trousers off the rest of the way and then lay on top of the dragon kissing him deeply.
“I've noticed you a few times while you've been here.” Sora whispered through the kisses. “I never thought I'd kiss you let alone be able to touch you.”
Imaraneth laughed and ran his hands down the length of Sora's body. “I had no idea I had such sexy admirers.” He kissed Soras neck savouring the sent of his dark hair and feathery wings.
“Are you kidding?” Sora laughed. “Almost everyone I know thinks you are attractive.”
Imaraneth blushed. “Really?”
Sora nodded. “I mean look at you, you're tall, got gorgeous hair, gorgeous eyes. Not to mention a physique to die for.”
Imaraneth laughed genuinely amused. “I'm not that good looking.”
“yes you are.” Sora insisted. “All dragon elves are. But you are the best looking one I've ever seen. I saw you kiss that man, the white haired dragon. I was not sure whether to be annoyed that you kissed someone else like that or be extremely turned on.”
Imaraneth smiled. “Yeah I'm sorry about that. He.....he was an old boyfriend, we split up not so long ago.” He saw the look in Sora's eyes. “We aren't getting back together or anything we just got carried away.”
“Hey its not like I'm your boyfriend or anything so don't sweat it,” he nuzzled in against the dragons neck and sucked the skin. “You came home with me after all.”
Imaraneth sucked in a breath sharply as he felt the elfs teeth on his skin. “Mmm yes I did.” He flipped them both over so he was on top of the elf. He smiled down at him and kissed him hard on the mouth letting his tongue explore Sora's mouth.
“Stay with me tonight.” Sora whispered as the parted.
“Don't worry I'm not going anywhere.” The dragon whispered back and kissed Sora again.