( if someone were to tell aspen three years ago that he would be a courtesan, he would've snorted in raucous laughter. he didn't laugh that hard anymore - not after all the training and classes the king gifted him. if he didn't know better, he might've thought the king wanted him for himself, but...
no. no, not when he had a harem full of lovely ladies. aspen figured he had gotten better at reading others, but clearly not good enough to read the king's face.
he'd seen shemazai for a few months, in between long voyages at sea and his own training. aspen had meant to just garden, as he was the first child of altaïr, master gardener who had developed the palace's gardens. he had inherited the position once his father retired.
or, he was meant to. and now, instead, aspen found himself anxiously glancing at the door and wondering when his master would return home. the rest of the palace had things to do, but him? he was already all primped and polished and seated at the inner courtyard, waiting for the master butler to call for him to meet the young lord.
for now, aspen could only smooth the lightweight linen and silk over his thighs. the last time he'd seen master shemazai...
aspen flushed in wicked embarrassment. he had been called over because a neighbor had been complaining about the ruckus his new gardener was making. aspen had been raising his skirts as he played in the tiny pond with some of the palace children, flapping his wings joyously and apparently exposing most of his legs to everyone who could see. he remembered how wet he'd been, how he'd been caught in the middle of work with his braid all messy and locks of windswept silver hair cradling his cheeks as they stubbornly stuck out of their hairpins.
he hoped this was a better impression. or at least he'd not embarrass him in front of other nobility. )
Which isn't really surprising, considering the harbor runs on its own schedule, so he had frustratingly little control over days like today. He'd planned to reach the palace by early morning, report to the king with the new and treatises and tributes he'd brought back, and then have the majority of the day free to get his own affairs here in the castle in order. Now it was nearly lunchtime.
He'd blame his mood on being angry, but no, he was really just impatient. It had been a long time since he'd had an extended break from his sea campaigns and he was looking forward to what that would entail this time around. It's something he'd negotiated hard for, after all.
The butler tried to lead him off to a parlor but he just waves the man off, getting directions instead and asking for a meal to be sent up. His steps a little hurried, he breezes into the courtyard, already unfastening the outer clasps of his long cloak as he glances around for the reason he's here. ]
( alright. he heard the young master's voice. aspen sucked in a breath and squared his shoulders, mentally going over what to do - be called to the parlor, bow, greet him, make him his tea or coffee or a cocktail if he really wanted... kiss his hand or the ring -
he paused and let go of his breath. why were footsteps approaching? he got to his feet, fixing his ever-stubborn bangs as best as he could as he walked over, making nary a sound.
and he froze upon seeing lord shemazai. )
I... w... b-but -
( this was all wrong! he was supposed to - oh no, this was all out of order. what was he supposed to...
his gaze snapped to the butler as he cleared his throat - the noise bringing aspen back down to earth instead of looking like a startled snowy owl in expensive silk. )
[ Everything in Aza's expression softens as he finally spots Aspen and he drops his cloak over a nearby bench before going to greet him, his eyes drinking in the sight of him as though he was starved for him.
It had been a long three years. He certainly felt that way. ]
Aspen. [ He holds out his hands to the other Aurain, lips curving into a bright grin at the sight of him. ] Look at you! Come here, let me see you.
( something about the gentleness in aza's eyes melted every anxiety he had. he smiled back, warm and bright in turn as he placed his hands over the returning lord's. no amount of training would get rid of aspen's cuts and callouses from years of gardening. in a way, it was a reminder that the pretty figure was not one of the king's courtesans. )
I don't know how anyone walks around in this all day. ( it's not really a complaint, but aspen looks down at the long hem of the hanbok with trepidation. it's clear in his eyes that he's more nervous of an accident than wantonly whining. even then, his expression grows fonder. ) It's so nice to see you again, my lord. But shouldn't you be taking lunch? You must be starving.
[ Aza takes Aspen's smaller hands in his, feeling those callouses there and the reminder that this is still his Aspen is enough for him to give a light tug, drawing the courtesan closer as he wraps his arms around him in a warm hug instead. ]
So formal and proper, Aspen. You must have had a busy few years while I was away. Lunch is being sent up for us. Come, sit down and tell me everything important I've missed while I was at sea.
You're the one who should sit down. Your poor land legs.
( he laughs good-naturedly, though he covers it up with a little cough as his face flushes. so formal and proper, indeed. he does sit when aza does, though he wishes he had at least a pitcher of water. he cranes his head to try and meet the butler's gaze and finds himself thankful he at least has mastered that sort of "conversation". )
What would you like to know? The only truly important thing I can think of is all the lessons his Majesty has gifted me and my graduating from them. I still don't quite understand his train of thought, putting me through them...
They'll adjust, along with the rest of me. [ Aza just grins as he tugs Aspen down with him, keeping hold of one of Aspen's hands in his own, his thumb brushing absent circles against the back of his knuckles.
Aspen's obvious confusion just gets a chuckle from him. ] Why not? He clearly has a good eye. I cannot fault him, even if it meant he hid you away for far too long.
[ He chuckles, lifting his free hand to cup it against Aspen's cheek as he leans in to brush his lips against the courtesan's forehead. ]
Yes, I was told. But I was rather put out that you weren't to have visitors while you started your training. I wanted to say goodbye. But I didn't begrudge you the lessons. It's quite an illustrious honor to be chosen for that sort of training, or so I was told.
( he relaxes, though he pouts a little all the same. )
I wish you could've said goodbye, too. I wanted to promise you I'd graduate before the prospected time, but... well. I did it?
( does the promise hold any value if aza never knew it? )
I have been told it's an honor, and I am very grateful! I suppose... I'm surprised? You're not acting like I thought you would. ( he smiles nevertheless, bringing aza's hand to his own to kiss in return. )
[ That just makes Aza give a quiet scoff as he tugs lightly on a lock of Aspen's hair. ]
And since when have I ever been the formal type? We've had three years of distance, that's been plenty. What I expect is to get to enjoy your presence again. I've missed you, Aspen. So I'm afraid you'll have to put up with a little spoiling and doting in the meantime. [ He adds this with a wink. ]
( aspen scrunches his button nose as he teases, pulling his hair out of aza's teasing touch. )
You may never have been formal, but I have never had status above being a commoner! I would have thought having more status would mean you would expect me to act less... well, common.
[ Aza just laughs at that, picking Aspen up and depositing him on his lap instead, his hands falling to wrap around Aspen's slim waist as he smirks down at him. ]
Why would I want that? It sounds exhausting. [ He's teasing - mostly - but he does bend down to brush a kiss against the very tip of Aspen's nose. ] Aspen, all I want of you, is for you to be you, and to be happy. Can you do that?
Eep! ( he immediately grabs onto aza despite all lessons on propriety telling him not to. being picked up like he weighs nothing more than a feather twists his stomach into knots. he tries not to blush, but he struggles in vain - roses rise to his cheeks. )
W... well, yes, of course. ( he hesitates only a second before he leans in to bring aza close, hugging him tenderly. ) I missed you, so much.
[ That reaction gets a quiet chuckle out of him as he settles Aspen into his lap, letting his arms wrap around his waist as he holds him close. He's grinning at the blush that visibly spreads along Aspen's skin, enjoying the rosy flush of it. When the Aurain reaches out to hug him, he draws him into a warm embrace, arms wrapped securely around him as his fingers soothe along Aspen's spine. ]
I missed you, too. More than I can say. Although it was a comfort to know you were here and safe, and being well looked after, when I wasn't able to be here and do it myself.
[ Aza just grins, fingertip playfully poking Aspen's lower lip back into place when he pouts at him. ]
You have no need to be scared of the sea, it's true. You will always be safe there when you're with me. But it's not the sea I was concerned about. The prey I've been hunting the past few years is something I want you nowhere near. You're too precious to risk.
( he does lessen his pouting, confused and concerned. )
You're flattering me overmuch, my Lord. What was the prey you were looking for? It wasn't one of those gigantic sea beasts the king has his guard dispose of, right? Those seem too weak for someone like you.
( from anyone else's lips, maybe that claim would seem too obviously flirty - yet, from aspen, it's earnest, the shine in his eyes showing just how much he believes that. )
I think I'm flattering you just enough. [ Aza counters this with a crooked grin, reaching out to tug a stray lock of Aspen's hair ]
And no, I wasn't hunting any beasts. At least not those kind - although we did encounter one or two while we were out there. No, we were hunting two-legged predators.
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no. no, not when he had a harem full of lovely ladies. aspen figured he had gotten better at reading others, but clearly not good enough to read the king's face.
he'd seen shemazai for a few months, in between long voyages at sea and his own training. aspen had meant to just garden, as he was the first child of altaïr, master gardener who had developed the palace's gardens. he had inherited the position once his father retired.
or, he was meant to. and now, instead, aspen found himself anxiously glancing at the door and wondering when his master would return home. the rest of the palace had things to do, but him? he was already all primped and polished and seated at the inner courtyard, waiting for the master butler to call for him to meet the young lord.
for now, aspen could only smooth the lightweight linen and silk over his thighs. the last time he'd seen master shemazai...
aspen flushed in wicked embarrassment. he had been called over because a neighbor had been complaining about the ruckus his new gardener was making. aspen had been raising his skirts as he played in the tiny pond with some of the palace children, flapping his wings joyously and apparently exposing most of his legs to everyone who could see. he remembered how wet he'd been, how he'd been caught in the middle of work with his braid all messy and locks of windswept silver hair cradling his cheeks as they stubbornly stuck out of their hairpins.
he hoped this was a better impression. or at least he'd not embarrass him in front of other nobility. )
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Which isn't really surprising, considering the harbor runs on its own schedule, so he had frustratingly little control over days like today. He'd planned to reach the palace by early morning, report to the king with the new and treatises and tributes he'd brought back, and then have the majority of the day free to get his own affairs here in the castle in order. Now it was nearly lunchtime.
He'd blame his mood on being angry, but no, he was really just impatient. It had been a long time since he'd had an extended break from his sea campaigns and he was looking forward to what that would entail this time around. It's something he'd negotiated hard for, after all.
The butler tried to lead him off to a parlor but he just waves the man off, getting directions instead and asking for a meal to be sent up. His steps a little hurried, he breezes into the courtyard, already unfastening the outer clasps of his long cloak as he glances around for the reason he's here. ]
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he paused and let go of his breath. why were footsteps approaching? he got to his feet, fixing his ever-stubborn bangs as best as he could as he walked over, making nary a sound.
and he froze upon seeing lord shemazai. )
I... w... b-but -
( this was all wrong! he was supposed to - oh no, this was all out of order. what was he supposed to...
his gaze snapped to the butler as he cleared his throat - the noise bringing aspen back down to earth instead of looking like a startled snowy owl in expensive silk. )
W... welcome home, your lordship.
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It had been a long three years. He certainly felt that way. ]
Aspen. [ He holds out his hands to the other Aurain, lips curving into a bright grin at the sight of him. ] Look at you! Come here, let me see you.
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I don't know how anyone walks around in this all day. ( it's not really a complaint, but aspen looks down at the long hem of the hanbok with trepidation. it's clear in his eyes that he's more nervous of an accident than wantonly whining. even then, his expression grows fonder. ) It's so nice to see you again, my lord. But shouldn't you be taking lunch? You must be starving.
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[ Aza takes Aspen's smaller hands in his, feeling those callouses there and the reminder that this is still his Aspen is enough for him to give a light tug, drawing the courtesan closer as he wraps his arms around him in a warm hug instead. ]
So formal and proper, Aspen. You must have had a busy few years while I was away. Lunch is being sent up for us. Come, sit down and tell me everything important I've missed while I was at sea.
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( he laughs good-naturedly, though he covers it up with a little cough as his face flushes. so formal and proper, indeed. he does sit when aza does, though he wishes he had at least a pitcher of water. he cranes his head to try and meet the butler's gaze and finds himself thankful he at least has mastered that sort of "conversation". )
What would you like to know? The only truly important thing I can think of is all the lessons his Majesty has gifted me and my graduating from them. I still don't quite understand his train of thought, putting me through them...
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Aspen's obvious confusion just gets a chuckle from him. ] Why not? He clearly has a good eye. I cannot fault him, even if it meant he hid you away for far too long.
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Hid me away? What are you talking about? You knew I was training!
( a beat. he grips aza's hand back, suddenly alarmed. )
... didn't you? Or - no one had told me you left for the sea until a week later... they did tell you, didn't they?
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Yes, I was told. But I was rather put out that you weren't to have visitors while you started your training. I wanted to say goodbye. But I didn't begrudge you the lessons. It's quite an illustrious honor to be chosen for that sort of training, or so I was told.
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I wish you could've said goodbye, too. I wanted to promise you I'd graduate before the prospected time, but... well. I did it?
( does the promise hold any value if aza never knew it? )
I have been told it's an honor, and I am very grateful! I suppose... I'm surprised? You're not acting like I thought you would. ( he smiles nevertheless, bringing aza's hand to his own to kiss in return. )
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[ His expression is all fond affection, although Aspen's comment has one of his eyebrows arching in curiosity. ]
And how did you think I would act?
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I thought you'd expect more formality and distance of me. That's how I was taught to act, after all!
You've just been doting on me since you arrived, though...
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And since when have I ever been the formal type? We've had three years of distance, that's been plenty. What I expect is to get to enjoy your presence again. I've missed you, Aspen. So I'm afraid you'll have to put up with a little spoiling and doting in the meantime. [ He adds this with a wink. ]
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( aspen scrunches his button nose as he teases, pulling his hair out of aza's teasing touch. )
You may never have been formal, but I have never had status above being a commoner! I would have thought having more status would mean you would expect me to act less... well, common.
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Why would I want that? It sounds exhausting. [ He's teasing - mostly - but he does bend down to brush a kiss against the very tip of Aspen's nose. ] Aspen, all I want of you, is for you to be you, and to be happy. Can you do that?
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W... well, yes, of course. ( he hesitates only a second before he leans in to bring aza close, hugging him tenderly. ) I missed you, so much.
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I missed you, too. More than I can say. Although it was a comfort to know you were here and safe, and being well looked after, when I wasn't able to be here and do it myself.
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( aspen pouts, his baby face making him seem younger than his 25 years. )
The sea doesn't scare me, if you're there.
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You have no need to be scared of the sea, it's true. You will always be safe there when you're with me. But it's not the sea I was concerned about. The prey I've been hunting the past few years is something I want you nowhere near. You're too precious to risk.
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You're flattering me overmuch, my Lord. What was the prey you were looking for? It wasn't one of those gigantic sea beasts the king has his guard dispose of, right? Those seem too weak for someone like you.
( from anyone else's lips, maybe that claim would seem too obviously flirty - yet, from aspen, it's earnest, the shine in his eyes showing just how much he believes that. )
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And no, I wasn't hunting any beasts. At least not those kind - although we did encounter one or two while we were out there. No, we were hunting two-legged predators.
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( aspen gasps, wings raised in alarm. )
But... Aza, they're dangerous. ( as if that's not the reason he's hunting them. ) And you're - if they hurt you -