Overcome
Warmth engulfs Khimi, his body shakes, and sweat rolls down his skin, soaking through the heavy blankets. There is a warmth beside him that threatens to consume him, a heat just as fierce as Enan’s fire. Muffled voices and creaking footsteps echo around him before they fade into the distance. The heat grows unbearable, his lips dry and cracking.
A hand pushes against him and, muffled words sound around him. Garbled, unclear, as if spoken from beneath water. His body quakes under the oppressive heat. Scenes from the tavern snap through his mind. His teeth clench together. The very thought of leaving that creature alive unnerves him, and the sting of his own failure stokes his anger. His fist tightens around the blanket, and his eyes flutter open.
The wooden ceiling is dark above him, but he can’t turn his head to take in the room. The light of the day has long since faded, leaving the fire in the hearth to cast light dancing along the painted walls. Weakened from the encounter, he reaches out to the heat beside him. His fingers thread through soaked hair. Lumi. It takes every bit of effort to sit up. A dull ache pulses through him, radiating from his shoulder down to his abdomen. The slightest touch near his shoulder makes him winch in pain.
“Lumi,” he whispers. “You up?”
Lumi doesn’t stir, his ears, normally sensitive, are unmoving.
“Lumi?” he repeats, desperation creeping in his tone. “Lumi, wake up.” There is no thump of his tail, no instinctive kick of his feet or twitch of his fingers.
He shakes him, his own pain momentarily forgotten. Adrenaline surges through his veins, blocking out the soreness. He shakes Lumi more firmly, but he remains limp. His skin is hot, burning even more than his usual otherworldly warmth. The parka is soaked with sweat, his brow glistens with rolling beads of sweat. The lines of his lips curl, revealing fangs clenched in a pained grimace. A weak whimper escapes him.
Khimi groans as he slides from the bed, his legs trembling. Settling beside Lumi, he hastily works the parka over his head. The innermost layers are soaked through and through with sweat.
Despite his haste, there is a tenderness in his touch. He cannot help but look at Lumi with soft eyes. Feathery blond hair clings to his drenched brow, his plump lips are dry and cracking. His skin is clammy with sweat. He lifts Lumi and pulls one of his arms through the sleeve, followed quickly by the other. Carefully, Khimi lifts Lumi, guiding his arms through the sleeves, then pulls the shirt over his head. Lumi’s body slumps back against the mattress like lead. Left bare, he watches the boy’s chest rises unevenly, breaths shuddering with effort.
Khimi’s brow furrows as he looks him over. He takes Lumi’s hand, then traces along the lines of his body. Bruises, scrapes, and cuts adore nearly every inch of skin. A bite along his shoulder brings out a phantom pain in his own bite. He recalls the sudden sharpness of the woman’s teeth in his flesh, how quick his consciousness had begun to fade. He’ll be fine… he has to be. His arms slide beneath Lumi to bring him up against his body. Lumi’s breath sweeps across Khimi’s bare shoulder. The heat rolling off of him is unbelievable, his skin flushed, hot to the touch.
“Lumi,” Khimi whispers, resting Lumi’s head against his shoulder. His lips press against one of the thick, rounded ears. “Lumi, you’re going to be alright.” The reassurance feels more for himself than Lumi.
He trails his fingers along Lumi’s tail, pausing at each joint, giving them a firm squeeze until he reaches the golden ring. He twists the band between his fingers, the chain connecting the rings clinking softly. The helix design had been something he worked with the goldsmith to create—something special, something meant to hold fast to Lumi’s coarse fur. Lumi trembles against him. Khimi pulls him tighter, resting his chin at the top of Lumi’s head. Lumi…
Eyes closed, he endures the warmth of Lumi’s body permeating through him. The soreness throughout his body, soothed by the heat. It lulls him, easing him into a dream-like state. He forgets his nakedness, forgets the pain running through him. The only thing that remains is the warmth that flows between them. His breath passes between Lumi’s ears as he breathes in his scent. His fingers trail along Lumi’s back, pressing gently between his ribs. It has been days since they had a proper meal.
Shifting on the bed, he pulls himself back to the pillows, then drags Lumi between his legs, letting Lumi’s back rest against his chest. With his hands wrapped around Lumi’s chest, he presses lingering kisses between his ears.
Khimi eyes the fire, his thoughts drifting. He wonders if Enan can see them, if Lumi’s gods are watching them. The thought is unnerving, and suddenly he desires the darkness. Squeezing his eyes shut, he tightens his hold, feeling Lumi’s breath beneath his arms. The fire dies down to coals, and his exhaustion overwhelms him. His eyes grow heavy, the warmth of the fire along with Lumi’s rising heat ease him into an easy slumber. Time drifts. Each time he opens his eyes, the fire has burned lower, its embers dimming.
The door creaks open, followed by quiet footfalls, then Mido’s gasp. “Khimi?!” Mido whispers in shock. “Khimi, you’re awake?”
Khimi’s neck hurts to turn, but he opens an eye to glance at Mido. His throat aches, raw. “Y-yeah.”
“Let me get you water,” Mido responds, rushing for a waterskin at the base of the wall. He thrusts it into Khimi’s hand, averting his eyes from their nakedness.
The water crashes against Khimi’s lips, the cool, crisp taste brings a sense of clarity with it. The dryness in his throat is instantly calmed. Clearing the knot in his throat, he takes the waterskin from Mido then presses the nib between Lumi’s lips. With a gentle squeeze along the leather, the water pours into Lumi’s mouth, running down his chin. A cough escapes his lips as he wipes his mouth against Khimi’s chest.
“He was bitten too?” Khimi questions before bringing the nib back to his lips. He drinks deep as Mido nods.
“But he didn’t lose consciousness because of his injuries… not from loss of blood, or from… whatever happened to you anyway,” Mido whispers in response, his mouth tightens into a line. “Maybe I should tell you when you’re feeling better.”
“I’m fine,” Khimi insists, clearing his throat again. “Tell me what happened.” The words come out more demanding than intended.
Mido explains the details of the night, telling Khimi the details of what had transpired in the town. He explains everything that came to pass to the best of his abilities. Khimi struggles to maintain his composure. The worry he had felt earlier makes way for burning rage. His arm around Lumi tightens even harder, as if wanting to squeeze him in half. How could you be so foolish? How could you be so thoughtless?
“His only thought was about you,” Mido offers, the suddenness of his comment taking Khimi off-guard. “Everything he did… he did it because he cares about you.”
Khimi’s grip loosens around Lumi. “How could he be so reckless?”
Mido’s brow pinches, frustration painted across his features. “How could you be so reckless?!” he snaps back. “Augustus told me what happened! He said he tried to run, but you stayed… like you were too proud to run away.”
Khimi closes his eyes, the weight of Mido’s words are heavy. There is no denying the truth. He was too proud, but moreover, he had no desire to allow someone so dangerous to walk free. And yet the thought lingers, he could have run back to the manor to regroup with the others. “That woman would have killed without mercy.”
“Or we could have all handled it together,” Mido offers. He shifts back and forth on his heels. His anger dissolves with a sigh. “I’m sorry— I’m relieved that you’re awake. Ennui roasted some type of bird… maybe eating something will give you some strength back.”
Khimi nods, pressing his chin between Lumi’s ears. “Has he been this warm since you found him?”
Mido crosses the room to add fuel to the fire. With a piece of broken furniture in hand, he turns back to Khimi. “He’s been sweating and shaking all night… there isn’t anything that I can do within my abilities,” he says, tossing the wood onto the spent coals.
“He’ll survive,” Khimi whispers into Lumi’s ears. “He’s resilient like that. He’s already gone through so much.”
Mido’s eyes pass over them once before he hurries to the door. “I’ll leave you both alone and see if Ennui can bring you something to eat.”
“Are you hiding something?” he asks as Mido passes the bed. “What aren’t you telling me?”
Mido pauses, his back to them. His shoulders sink with a sigh. “It’s just that… we don’t know if he’ll recover,” he says, hand on the door. The short tail flails against the back of his trousers. “Maybe we should go back to Loria… we can find someone of the Faith.”
Khimi exhales, his breath ruffling Lumi’s hair., He had not considered abandoning their journey. “I’ll think on it,” he mumbles. “You know he wouldn’t want us to go back. There could be healers at the Bastion.”
Mido pivots, his anger returning. “The Bastion could be days, weeks even from here! We don’t have that kind of time!”
Khimi chokes back a growl, his arms tighten possessively. “He’s going to wake up.”
“How can you be so sure?” Mido shakes his head and slams the door shut with a bang. “Fine, you know what? I don’t care!”
The embers catch onto the furniture with a crackle. Khimi chugs from the waterskin, the liquid dribbling down his chin into Luni’s hair. He shakes against the chill on his skin. You’re going to wake up soon. Lumi shakes again, his body convulsing with a violent jerk. Khimi buries his face into Lumi’s damp hair, holding him still as he fights the urge to scream.
Since discovering Lumi’s holy position as the Saint of Flames, he has often thought of what the future would hold for them. The god’s desires for Lumi would come before his own, regardless of Lumi’s own wishes. The gods have always had a way of making sure that their will comes first.
Wake up, Lumi. You have to wake up.
Panic grips him at the thought of their journey coming to a premature end. His heart aches, his eyes fill with tears, and still he holds Lumi tighter through another series of spasms.
“Lumi,” Khimi whispers between his ears. “Lumi, you have to wake up.”
Lumi whimpers against his embrace, still unconscious.
“C’mon, Lumi,” Khimi grumbles, shaking him more violently. “Wake up.”
Angered at the situation, or maybe himself, he rolls Lumi at his side. The bed creaks as he shifts his weight to stand. He crosses the room to the hearth, then hurls handfuls of broken furniture into the rising flames. His fingertips brush over the mantle, the stone rough against his skin. He presses his forehead against it, his teeth grit.
Love is a weakness.
The conversation he had with Rashid often comes to mind when he thinks about his relationship. His love for Lumi has only grown since their meeting, the initial bond which had already felt like a blaze has become an all-encompassing inferno. Every morning he would awaken with the thought of Lumi, and every night he would fall asleep to the sound of his heart beating against him. A pain claws through his chest, anxious, he places his hand over his heart. With every beat, the sound of his heartbeat becomes more deafening. His vision shakes. Unsure if his exhaustion is punishing him, or if his emotions are getting the better of him, he kneels before the hearth as his breath escapes him. The fire roars before his eyes, the heat licks at his face. Enan… someone—help him!
A warmth wraps around him, soft hands caress his bare chest. Dry, but warm lips press against his nape. His heartbeat steadies. Calming breath passes against the curve of his ear. Khimi reaches behind him, his hand moves along smooth skin.
“K-Khimi.” Lumi’s voice is soft, broken, and boyish. It’s everything he needs to hear. “What’s wrong?”
Khimi attempts to school his excitement. But he shifts and embraces Lumi harm, arms engulfing him. “You should be resting.”
“Everything hurts,” Lumi whispers in response, his chest pressed tight to Khimi’s.
Khimi’s lips brush against Lumi’s forehead. “You need to rest… We’ll rest as long as we need to before we leave.”
Lumi’s knobby knees wobble. They falter, and he tumbles against Khimi. “Are you better?” he whispers. “Do you feel better now?”
Khimi’s cheeks brighten at Lumi’s concern. His fingers brushing through Lumi’s damp hair as an uncontrollable smile forms on his lips. “I’m fine. Thanks to you.”
“I didn’t do anything—”
“Stop.” The word is sharper than intended, scolding. He grabs Lumi’s shoulders and pushes him back at arm’s length. “Don’t… try to play it off—”
Lumi’s eyes flutter, his head lolls to the side. Khimi holds him upright, supporting him. After a moment, Lumi awakens again, his eyes popping open in shock.
“You’re exhausted,” Khimi whispers, rising from the floor. He lifts Lumi into his arms as familiar purrs burst forth from Lumi’s chest. “You need rest. You need to eat.”
Lumi glances up at Khimi, startling aetherial eyes glistening with tears. “I need to know that you’re alright.”
“I’m fine,” Khimi replies, lowering Lumi over the bed. The heat that had engulfed Lumi’s skin has somewhat faded. “Drink,” he insists, urging the waterskin to Lumi’s lips.
Lumi doesn’t reply, but he willingly accepts the nib in his mouth. He sucks greedily, locking eyes with Khimi, his throat bobbing with every gulp. Khimi can’t help but scoff, a smirk overflowing with desire crosses his lips.
Lumi shifts his head to the side. “I don’t need rest.”
Khimi arches an eyebrow. “Stop fighting me.”
“I’m fine,” Lumi growls under his breath, his eyelids open and closing slowly, the exhaustion evident across his features.
“Go to sleep,” Khimi mutters in response, covering Lumi’s eyes with his palm. Though arousal pumps through his veins, he wants for Lumi’s health. “Rest.”
“No,” Lumi says firmly. His prickly, wet tongue grazes the skin of Khimi’s palm.
“Sleep,” Khimi insists again, fighting against Lumi’s hungry gaze.
Ennui pushes the door open with a gift, a poorly plucked but roasted bird. She holds it by the talons. Her eyes grow wide with shock, then settle back to their usual unamused calm. She clears her throat to announce her entry. “Happy you’re both awake,” she says with a devilish snort. “I would have figured we’d be planting flowers on your graves tomorrow.” The roasted bird flips in her hand, waving before them.
“Don’t be so grim,” Khimi says, his brow pinched. “We’re both lucky.”
“Yes. Probably so, but you should put something on Khimi… you’re looking a bit cold,” she whispers. A knowing glint in her eyes. “How are you feeling?”
Khimi exhales and sits up from the edge of the bed. As he dresses, Ennui tosses the cooked bird onto the bedside table. The smell of meat makes his stomach sing with hunger. “I’m fine, Lumi needs rest. What hour is it? I’m out of sorts.”
“It’s late,” Ennui replies, glancing at the window. “I was about to head to sleep… but since you’re both awake. I’ve charted a course for us. Once you’re adequately prepared to leave, that is.”
Lumi rolls onto his side and pulls the blanket over himself. “I’m fine to travel. We can leave tomorrow.”
“Lumi…” Khimi whispers, shaking his head in disbelief. “You need to rest.”
Ennui raises a brow. “Yes, well. Not that I care… but you should rest. A couple days won’t hurt.”
Khimi sits back on the edge of the bed, tearing a piece of meat from the roasted bird and popping it in his mouth. The flavor makes him salivate. He peels off another bit and forces it between Lumi’s lips.
“Where are we headed?” Khimi ask while forcefully feeding Lumi.
“There is a harbor further north along the cape, the western side faces the bay, and hopefully we can find passage to Rennes from there,” Ennui mutters. “But as you said, Lumi needs rest. Augustus still needs rest too. Though… Mido, all things considered, seems to be holding strong.”
“Mido’s stronger than he looks,” Khimi says, chewing thoughtfully.
Lumi sighs and pulls a tattered pillow over his head. “Fine… but I’ll be okay.”
“He’s lying,” Khimi says, nodding to Ennui. “He passed out earlier.”
Ennui smirks at Lumi. “Fine, go ahead and push yourself Lumi, then all of your efforts will have been in vain because you’re too stupid to know when you need to rest.”
Lumi hisses at her audibly and turns away on the bed. “I won’t push myself,” he mumbles. “We can still travel.”
“I’ll look for horses tomorrow,” Ennui says, nodding at Khimi. “Maybe I’ll find a wagon and some other supplies. It isn’t too far to the north from here—supposedly around two days. Then a few days’ ship ride to Rennes.”
“How can we afford passage?” Khimi asks quietly. “We’ve no coin…”
“We have enough. And we’ll manage besides,” Ennui insists, giving the blade at her hip a firm tap. “We can sell our worth if we must.”
“Mercenary work?”
“If we must. Now, feed the boy and get some rest.”
Khimi gives Ennui his thanks as the door closes behind her. Lumi pulls the pillow back over his head, only for Khimi to shove another piece of the flaky meat into his mouth.
“Rest.”
Lumi’s eyes, wide as the Sisters, look up hopefully. “But I’m fine.”
“No.”
The Harbor City of Rennes
The days had come and gone quickly. The hours of sitting around proved more arduous than anticipated. Khimi managed to convince the others not to speak of what had happened within the city for Lumi’s sake. Days following their awakening, Ennui had managed to secure three horses. Though the draft horses seemed likely to fall apart at any moment, they made the journey without any complications. The forested path they took skirted the outskirts of Cochon, leaving Lumi oblivious to the destruction.
After two days of travel, they had arrived at the harbor. It had a cold and distant presence about it. The buildings, constructed of stone and wooden beams, sat with thick layers of snow atop of them. The path from Cochon to the harbor showed almost no signs of traffic. Despite being only two days north of Cochon, the light was even more reluctant to pierce the thick cloud cover.
Not an hour into their visit, Ennui had secured passage and meals on one of the vessels in exchange for their horses. The journey aboard the ship was surprisingly quaint. The meals were hearty, the stew delicious. The passage through the bay was slow, taking longer than expected due to ill winds.
Now, at the end of the fifth day, they finally arrive at Rennes in the dark of night. Loath to be on the vessel any longer, they seek out the comforts of the nearest tavern and set aside time for ample rest. The trials of their journey from Sidi have been far more taxing than any of them could have ever imagined.
The city is nothing more than a collection of lean-tos and wooden buildings surrounded by palisade walls. The walls run a distance into the bay, preventing anyone from sneaking around. The streets are covered in ice and snow—there are no cobbles or stones, only mud.
There is no shrine of the Faith, nor is there any sign that there had ever been. Instead, at the center of the city, before a copse of ancient conifers, stands a hulking statue. The figure is curious, devilish horns and goat-like features blended into one being. Khimi had never heard of anyone worshiping a devil before, at least not openly.
Eventually, they find a tavern. It’s snug and cozy, situated among the outskirts of the city, resting against palisade walls. Long, dark alleys on either side give it a lonely appearance. Yet, its interior is more welcoming than anything they had encountered in their northbound journey. The patrons are the jovial sort. Shouts, cheers, claps, are all accompanied by a musician strumming a lyre. Though his voice is hoarse, he powers through it, bringing cheers from the crowd.
The group remains together in the open room, a roaring fire at their backs as they drink at a long table. The warmth of the inn fills Lumi’s cheeks with color, his complexion shifting to a warm strawberry pink. The alcohol takes its toll on him, his speech gradually slurring. Beneath the table, his hand pads over Khimi’s length, slowly stroking him through the fabric.
Khimi bites his lip and casts a sideways glance at Lumi, knowing just how desperate he has been for his cock. Fiend.
Augustus claps his pewter mug on the tabletop, cheering with the crowd as the musician finishes his tune. “Hells!” He sighs aloud, the sound filled with relief. “I feel… reinvigorated! Alive!”
Mido shakes his head with a laugh. “For now—at least until something else happens!”
“Nothing will happen. We’re safe here,” Ennui insists, her eyes boring holes through the window.
Though it’s hard for him to focus on anything other than Lumi’s hand, Khimi waves his hand before Ennui’s face. “You sure about that?” he questions as she snaps out of her daze.
Ennui sighs, her tail whipping through the air with a crack. “Positive. Rennes is… a safe haven. For some people at least.”
“Your people,” Khimi whispers, leaning toward her. “I saw all the devilkin,” he adds with a slightly drunken smile.
“Right, well. Somehow or another, I’m probably related to them. Infernal seed and all,” she mutters under her breath.
Lumi’s expression lights up, his face smashed against Khimi’s shoulder. His rounded ears wiggle. “Did she say seed?” he asks, giggling.
Augustus cracks a smile. “Seed,” he repeats, laughing drunkenly as Lumi descends into uncontrollable fits of laughter.
Mido’s chair screeches against the wooden floor. “You’re all children.”
Khimi laughs, reaching up to pull Mido back into his chair. “Relax, take a breather.”
Mido sighs, melting back into the chair. “Fine,” he says, arms crossed.
Ennui shakes her head, her lips curl while she tries to hide her laughter. “Children. All of you.”
Lumi peers at Mido from against Khimi’s shoulder, flashing his fangs in a grin. “We’re just playing.”
Augustus laughs, his arm draped causally over Mido’s shoulder. “Oh, he just wishes he had a man.”
Mido’s cheeks bloom with color. “I’ve had plenty of men.”
Ennui snorts. “Hah! Really? Tell us about it?”
As Mido prepares a retelling of his exploits, a group of drunken patrons take seats beside them, the stench of spilled alcohol surrounds them. A cervi among the group, and a half-elven woman settle across from them.
Mido clams up, his lips pinching into a thin line. “No,” he whispers.
The drunken cervi[1] leans across the table. “Am I interrupting?” he asks, his breath heavy with alcohol.
Khimi manages a smile. “We were just reminiscing,” he says, tugging Lumi closer.
The cervi glances between Lumi and Khimi, then around at the others. “Don’t mean to pry, but… he’s a bit young for ya, eh?”
The laughter fades, the air of frivolity and joy around them vanishes. Khimi’s grip tenses on the pewter mug in his hand. Beside him, Lumi squirms uncomfortably.
Ennui pushes herself back from the table and stands. “I’ll be out for a stroll,” she says, casting Khimi a warning glance.
“Anyway,” Augustus chirps, trying to lighten the mood, “we were just joking around. How about I get another round of drinks for us all?”
Khimi places his palm against the table, his eyes set on the cervi before him. “I think we’ve all had enough.”
“I was just askin’ a question… he looks half your age, if not younger,” he says, adjusting his parka as he props a foot up on the table.
“I’m older than I look,” Lumi pipes up, his cheeks puffed defiantly. He knocks the cervi’s foot off the table. “What’s it—”
“What does it matter to you anyway?” Khimi mutters, an unsettling rage rising within him.
Outside the Desert Cities, he thought he would be free of these emotions. Without the worry of his status and the merchant princes, the anger should have dulled. But it hasn’t. The man’s words cut. Months of rumors and whispers roil within him.
“K-Khimi,” Mido whispers. “Maybe you should get some air.”
Mido’s words don’t reach him. His attention rests solely on the cervi. The half-elven woman slaps the man’s shoulder and laughs, making a short quip.
The cervi shrugs and replies to her in a whisper before smiling sheepishly. “I thought maybe you’d be willing to share the little feline. Can’t tell me you wouldn’t want a stag this handsome, eh, kitty?”
Lumi’s cheeks grow flush, and he turns his gaze away. “Khimi—”
“I mean if it’s a matter of coin,” the cervi interrupts. “I’m not rich by any means but… I can pay. Cute boys like him don’t come ‘round these parts often.”
The half-elven woman laughs, hanging onto the cervi’s shoulder, whispering into his swiveling, furry ears. Khimi can’t hear what she’s saying, but he watches a slow smirk spread across the cervi’s lips.
“She suggests having a go with you, big man,” he says, laughing along with the surrounding patrons.
Lumi is on his feet before Khimi has time to blink. “I think I’ve had enough,” he growls, eyes shaking with rage. His tail snaps behind him, the golden chain rattling.
“Oh, come off your high horse.” The woman lets out an audible sigh. “I’m sure the big man would appreciate someone with a bit more meat.”
Augustus and Mido exchange glances before they abandon the table, their mugs in hand.
Lumi’s lips peel back in a snarl. He slams his hands down over the table. “I’m the only one who knows what Khimi wants. I’ll be the only one who ever knows what Khimi wants.”
Khimi grabs Lumi’s arm as he stands. “Go to the room.”
“The little feline can stick around,” the cervi drawls, shooting a cocky grin at Khimi. “I like it when they have a bit of fight in ‘em.”
“Shut up! Shut the fuck up!” Lumi shouts, drawing the tavern’s attention. He grins menacingly. “You couldn’t handle me anyway.”
Khimi feels the heat rising within Lumi, anger crackling around him. If there had ever been anyone who had a temper worse than himself or his father, it was Lumi.
“Lumi!” Khimi snaps. “The room. Now!”
Lumi looks up at him with shock and betrayal in his eyes. Then, he submits, storming off and rushing up the stairs. The door to their room slams shut, drawing the attention of the patrons.
“Look, now you upset the pussycat,” the cervi taunts.
It takes every ounce of Khimi’s restraint not to tear the bastard apart. But he won’t start a brawl, not here at least. He ignores the comment and strides through the front of the tavern. He hopes Ennui hasn’t gone far, that he can catch up to her and express himself with the only person he trusts besides Lumi.
Outside, the cold air gnaws at his skin. The light from the tavern windows casts a dull glow over the darkened street. Shoving his hands into his parka, he heads toward the harbor. Snow crunches beneath his boots. The only building that sticks out amongst the others is a lighthouse, staggered and wooden.
The cool air calms him, the sound of his heart pumping through his ears lessens. Near the docks, he stands on the wooden planks. Is that all anyone will ever see? Our differences? His breath forms before his eyes. The torches along the docks reflect their light over the black water. There is something alluring about the darkness. The pitch calls to him in the night. On the edge of the icy planks, he grips the wooden piling. His reflection stares back at him from the inky depths. His beard is thicker than it had been for some time, the sharpness of his features hidden beneath the scruff. He sighs and closes his eyes. The lapping waves against the pilings soothe him, mesmerizing him into a calm.
[1] Cervi: Beastkin with the attributes of deer.