Betset, City of Springs
The vessel glides smoothly along the cliff side docks to the north of Betset, the dark hull cutting through the calm waters. Dozens of merchants bustle about, their voices and footsteps creating a The vessel glides smoothly along the cliff side docks to the north of Betset, the dark hull cutting through the calm waters, the winds perfectly at their back. Handfuls of merchants hurry about, unloading their cargo from the various vessels. Lumi, thrilled to be back on land after enduring weeks at sea, dashes across the sturdy planks with his arms raised above his head, like a bird taking flight after being caged for far too long. Free from the constant rocking of the sea, he praises the gods for the solid soil beneath his feet and falls to his knees to kiss the dirt. Khimi and Ennui follow closely behind, observing Lumi’s behavior with snickers and laughter.
Ennui barks orders to the remaining crewmen before striding across docks. She quickly negotiates for horses and wagons to transport their cargo, offering to stay behind and ensure its safety. Khimi eagerly agrees to her proposition, ready to get settled in Betset.
As the hours pass, the rugged foothills yield to an unexpected burst of life. The barren landscape softens, unfolding into endless fields of golden wheat, with stalks swaying beneath the whisper of the sea breeze. The scent of salt lingers in the air, mingling with the earthy sweetness of ripened grain. Towering palms line the inner rim of the city walls, their emerald fronds casting curved shadows over the path ahead. The transition feels almost surreal, like a pocket of abundance carved out of the unforgiving desert. Khimi slows his pace, his gaze sweeping over the familiar skyline. Betset. A city of gold and salt, steel and survival. He once called it home—if a mercenary could ever claim such a thing. Years spent within these walls had shaped him, hardened him, and yet, as the warm breeze brushes against his skin, there is something almost gentle about the way nostalgia tugs at him.
As they approach the towering red mud walls, the wooden gates stand open in welcome, inviting them inside. The sun begins its slow descent beyond the horizon, painting the sky in a palette of red and orange as they finally enter through the gates. The streets here are also lined with swaying palms, and as the last rays of sunlight fade, lights flicker to life in the red sandstone buildings.
Khimi clicks his tongue, signaling his horse to stop by a small pebbled creek that runs alongside the sandy streets. He slides off his horse with a thud, bending down to cup a handful of water from the sparkling stream. He brings the cold liquid to his lips and takes a refreshing sip, savoring its pure and clean taste. “It’s clean,” he says, glancing up at Lumi. “Try it.”
“I’ve drank from puddles,” Lumi insists as he dismounts from their horse and joins Khimi. He dips both hands into the water and takes a long drink. “It’s so cold,” he says, surprised.
Khimi grins at his reaction and takes another drink from his cupped hands before looking up at the star-filled sky above them. He turns to Lumi with a soft expression. “The city has plenty of natural springs that flow from the earth,” he explains, his voice filled with nostalgia. “They’ve been engineered to irrigate the fields outside the walls.” He watches the ripples in the water as he scoops a hand through the water. “It’s almost like magick in its own right.”
Lumi follows his gaze from the stream, his eyes tracing the spiraling path that winds into the heart of Betset. “Where did they run before?” he asks curiously.
Khimi’s smile falters slightly, a shadow passing over his face. For a moment, he says nothing, his expression unreadable. Then, with a quiet exhale, he speaks, his voice lower, more distant. “There’s a whole labyrinth beneath the city. Legends says it was once used by a prince to hide his treasure.” He pauses, glancing at Lumi out of the corner of his eye. “But later, they discovered it didn’t belong to a prince at all. The treasure hoard was real… but it belonged to a minotaur, slain by some man who then stole the legend for himself—masquerading as the prince who never was.”
“You’re full of stories lately.” Lumi then lets out a sigh, his shoulders slumping as he glances back over the abandoned streets. His eyes gleam with playful disappointment. “So then… there’s no treasure?” he asks, turning to Khimi with a slight pout.
Khimi gives Lumi’s shoulder a reassuring pat, his gaze softening. “It’s been gone for a while now,” he confirms. “But it’s not completely abandoned. They turned it into an underground arena for competitions.”
Lumi’s ears twitch with intrigue. “An arena under the city… that’s interesting,” he muses, scratching his head.
Khimi grips his mare’s bridle, guiding her through the empty streets as the sound of hooves echoes against the sandstone walls. “It actually makes sense,” he muses. “There’s plenty of space, enclosed within the city walls… though it takes a lot of light to make it usable for humans.”
Lumi eagerly grabs onto Khimi’s hand, trying to keep up with his long strides. He gazes around at the deserted streets, unable to contain his curiosity any longer. “Have you ever been down there?” he asks.
Khimi chuckles at his enthusiasm. “All the time,” he admits. “Sometimes, we’d go just to watch the brawls—high stakes, brutal fights.”
Lumi frowns, his fingers unconsciously tightening around Khimi’s. “And when you were a mercenary… did you fight in this arena?” His voice is quieter now, edged with gentle curiosity.
Khimi’s expression turns serious. “Yes, I have,” he admits as they continue along the deserted streets. Khimi clenches his jaw, his eyes narrowed in thought. Lumi’s question lingers. A tense silence falls between them before Khimi finally responds with reluctance, “Sometimes… I’d end up in the arena.”
Lumi halts, pulling Khimi’s hand to turn him towards him. “Why, though?” he questions, a hint of frustration seeping into his tone.
Khimi stops and turns to face Lumi fully, his usually guarded expression giving way to frustration. “Don’t give me that,” he says firmly, pursing his lips.
“I’m not!” Lumi insists quickly, his ears pressing back. “I just… I can’t imagine you willingly throwing yourself into something so reckless.”
Khimi’s lips quirk into a wry, knowing expression. “Reckless,” he repeats, almost amused. “It was a different time back then. The thrill of the fight, the rush of it all… it was exhilarating.” His voice lowers, his fingers absently brushing a stray lock of dark hair from his eyes.
Lumi’s grip loosens, his shoulders dropping slightly. “I didn’t mean it like that,” he murmurs. “I didn’t mean you were careless.”
“It doesn’t matter,” Khimi mutters. Then, with a gentler touch, he reaches out, his fingertips grazing just below Lumi’s chin, tilting his face up slightly. His voice softens, “I was careless. Reckless, even. But… none of that matters now.” A hush settles between them, the distant hum of the city’s slumbering breath the only sound between them.
A shepherd passes by, trailed by a flock of softly bleating goats, their hooves squeaking in the sand. The gentle rustling of wool and the occasional jingle of a bell temporarily disrupt the quiet spell surrounding them. Lumi remains still, not looking away. The flickering glow of a nearby lantern dances across his face, golden light merging with the cool silver sheen of the stars above. His aetherial eyes hold Khimi in place, as if drawing him.
Khimi swallows hard. Gods, he’s beautiful. He wants to lean in. Wants to lift Lumi against him, press their foreheads together, feel his warmth, and breathe in his scent—salt, desert winds, something sweet, as sweet as Sidian honey. His fingers twitch at Lumi’s chin, aching to reach for him, pull him close, and bridge the space between them. But the words still on his tongue.
A gust of wind stirs the dust at their feet. The shepherd’s voice calls out softly to his flock, guiding them past as if the world itself refuses to wait for them. Khimi exhales, steadying himself. Not yet. He can’t be himself with Lumi, not here, not yet.
“I really can’t imagine it… you fighting for coin,” Lumi says softly, snapping them out of their trance.
Khimi shakes his head, grinning warmly at him. “Eh, I only took enough to last me for a bit when I ran from home. I knew I’d need some source of funding, and the arena worked out for a while… in between mercenary jobs,” he explains thoughtfully.
Lumi places his hand over Khimi’s. “Did people die in those fights?” he asks as they continue walking through the dusty streets, occasionally drawing curious looks from passersby.
“Sure. All the time. Sometimes they’d stop the fights before it got to that point,” Khimi responds calmly, turning back to the path ahead. “We should find our inn.”
Lumi nods in agreement, following closely behind as they make their way through rows of abandoned merchant stalls towards the center of the city. As they near the edge of a large red stone building, a low hum begins to rise from below their feet. Lumi’s ears perk up, and his body tenses in response to the growing rumble. Khimi gives him a reassuring glance before leading him further up the hillside towards the source of the noise.
They pass by small grottoes fed by natural springs, each contributing its unique sound to the city’s quiet ambiance. Finally, they come to a stop outside a grand red stone building, its back facing the city below. The road leading up to it is flanked by thick brush and tall grass, creating an impression of being abandoned.
Khimi secures their horse to a post outside and motions for Lumi to follow. Together, they push through the heavy wooden doorway and enter a world of nostalgia. The air is thick with the sweet scent of smoke, emanating from a nearby table where patrons sit and chat over drinks. Dressed in vibrant kaftans, they turn to look at Khimi and Lumi as they enter. Lumi stays close to Khimi’s side as they make their way towards the counter. In a quick exchange with the innkeeper, Khimi arranges for a room and stable for their horse for the night. The other patrons give them somber nods of acknowledgement as they head towards their temporary lodgings, eager to rest after a long day’s journey.
Walking down a long passageway, Lumi admires the tapestries that line the hall. Each one is bursting with vibrant colors and patterns, some Rhazian and some Poratian. “Is Rashid supposed to meet us here?” he ponders aloud.
“He knows this place well,” Khimi whispers, adjusting the rucksack on his shoulders, which holds only the essentials: their water skins and spare clothing.
As they approach their room, Lumi’s gaze falls upon a bright yellow door ahead. “This must be it, the sunflower door!”
“It seems they’ve done away with numbers and opted for colors instead,” Khimi replies, opening the door with the key.
Once the door is open wide enough, Lumi rushes past Khimi and collapses onto the mattress. “You won’t fit,” Lumi comments with a laugh.
“You’ll just have to sleep on top of me again,” Khimi replies wearily as he sets down the rucksack with a thump on the rough wooden floors. “Or we could sleep on the ship.”
“No,” Lumi chokes out. He looks up at the ceiling, unable to hide his shock. “You know, Khimi, I’m still amazed. No one here even seems to notice my clothes. Back in Rhaz, I felt like I was constantly being stared at,” he confesses, glancing at Khimi from the corner of his eye.
Khimi sits on the edge of the bed, his hand running over the coarse cotton sheets. “It’s nighttime now. And… that outfit, it’s actually Dolman fashion. Many traders here come from Dolmas,” he explains, placing a comforting hand on Lumi’s leg.
“I feel kinda silly sometimes,” Lumi begins, turning on his side and facing Khimi. “I barely know anything about Nina’s order or the Temple of Life, and yet I spent so much time there.” he admits, taking in the plainness of the room.
Khimi starts to remove layers of his travel attire, pausing to notice Lumi’s gaze lingering on their surroundings. “You were getting used to all that luxury, weren’t you?” he chuckles under his breath.
“N-no!” Lumi insists, sitting up behind Khimi. “But where are you running off to now?” he asks, helping Khimi pull his arm through the sleeve.
Khimi turns back with a sly look. “I’m famished,” he announces, his hand trailing along Lumi’s exposed abdomen. “I could swear I smelled pork belly when we walked in,” he teases. “Pork belly over beans… maybe some sausage.”
Lumi grins back at him. “I guess we can’t let you starve then,” he says, pulling Khimi up by the arm with a rough tug. “Shall we go foraging?”
“Yes, foraging. In the tavern,” Khimi mocks, his voice dripping with sarcasm. Lumi playfully drags him through the doorway, where the scent of roasting meat fills the hallway and makes Khimi’s stomach growl with the promise of something delicious. “When was the last time we had a proper meal?”
With a playful roll of his eyes, Lumi chuckles. “It hasn’t been that long,” he insists. “Only about a week… I think.” As they enter the common room, Lumi takes Khimi’s arm and drags him along, causing curious glances from the few patrons scattered throughout. A smirk plays on Lumi’s lips as he asks, “Where you wanna sit?” His eyes scan over the available tables and seats, searching for the perfect spot.
Khimi surveys the room, his gaze settling on a table near the entrance. “Anywhere that faces the door is fine. Maybe we’ll spot Rashid when he arrives,” he suggests, pointing to the table. And we can keep an eye out for cutthroats.
“I’ll go get us something to eat,” Lumi offers eagerly, holding out his hands.
Khimi rubs the back of his head sheepishly. “Oh, low on funds again?”
Lumi lets out a sigh and blows air through his lips. “You know I don’t have any coin,” he reminds Khimi gently. “I’m just a little acolyte.”
Khimi chuckles and reaches into his leather pouch, pulling out a shiny silver coin. “Here,” he says, placing it delicately in Lumi’s palm.
“A single silver? Really?” Lumi raises an eyebrow skeptically at Khimi’s offering. “That won’t be enough for drinks and food…”
“Fine,” Khimi concedes with a sigh, closing his eyes briefly in resignation. “Just don’t drink too much,” he warns with a raised brow.
Lumi takes the additional silver coin, examining it closely between his fingers. “Why not?” he asks, looking up at Khimi with curiosity.
“Wanted to show you something later, and I don’t feel like carrying you all the way there,” Khimi explains, attempting a smile before Lumi turns to look at the bar.
There had been days when Khimi would find himself questioning his affections for Lumi. At times, he wants nothing more than to hold him tightly and tell him how important he is. Yet, there had been moments when he had wanted to place the world between them. He struggles to make sense of his feelings, but the one thing he is certain of is that Lumi had weaseled his way into his heart. Despite the conflict, he knows there is only one thing that can be done: dive further into the whirlwind and see where he lands.
“You didn’t mind carrying me before,” Lumi teases.
“I-I mean, yeah. I don’t,” Khimi stammers, still lost in thought. “Fine, drink whatever you want.”
Lumi shrugs his shoulders and turns to the bar, leaving Khimi alone at the table. Khimi taps a coin against the wood and peers about the bar until he stands and strolls about. He admires the dozens of beautiful tapestries hanging from the walls. It’s changed a lot in the last few years. He recalls the tavern, once full of rowdy patrons, brawling mercenaries, and Dolman dancers. It’s so quiet now. He leans back in his chair, turning his head to the closest patron.
Khimi clears his throat. “It’s been a while since I’ve been to Betset. Is it always this quiet now?” he asks a man dressed in a crimson kaftan.
The man turns to Khimi, his sun-kissed lips stretching across his cheeks. “Been a while, has it? We come to Betset on occasion, most people go to the arena now in the evening,” he says, offering Khimi a nod.
“Ah,” Khimi begins with a nod and a click of the tongue. “The arena was popular then, but it didn’t silence the city before.”
The older man pulls the empty chair beside him out. “Care to share our table?” he asks, “been a while since I’ve heard the Sidian dialect.”
“I would, but I’m with my friend,” Khimi replies, glancing at Lumi leaning against the bar.
The man follows Khimi’s gaze. “The boy is welcome to join us.” His grin widens. “An unusual travel companion.”
A second man stands from the table, dragging a chair across the floor to the group. “Yes, you and the aslan are welcome. I would love to hear how a Sidian man and an aslan find themselves together,” he says in a lilting accent, its pitch falling and rising like a song. “Together, right?”
The older men move their seats, adjusting the plates to allow space for them both. “We appreciate the generosity,” Khimi begins, sitting at the table with the three older men. “Might I trouble you for your names?”
“Of course,” the second man begins, lowering his shawl from his head. His graying hair falls against his face. He brushes it from his dark eyes. “Zaeem,” he says and gives Khimi a small nod.
“Soad,” the man in the crimson kaftan says, giving Khimi a hearty look. His accent is soft and unusual, difficult for Khimi to place.
The third figure lowers their shawl, revealing lengthy drooping ears neatly tucked beneath the headwrap. “Please, call me Raife. Raife of Dolmas,” the lapine[1] says.
Khimi can not help but to stare at the lengthy, drooping ears. “It is a pleasure to meet all of you. I’m Khimi of Sidi, and my friend there is Lumi,” he says, gesturing towards the aslan staring at them from the bar.
Raife grins, glancing at Lumi. “Is your aslan a dancer?” he asks, looking between the others. “We suspected as much from his attire.”
Khimi chuckles, shaking his head. “He dances when he drinks,” he admits fondly. “But he’s no dancer by trade. He’s an acolyte.”
Soad leans in with quiet intrigue. “By what means does an acolyte find himself traveling with a merchant? That must be some tale.”
Khimi laughs again. “I swear, it just… happened. I don’t know. It’s hard to say why we’re together.”
Zaeem lifts his chalice with a warm, knowing nod. “He looks very happy. And there is nothing greater than finding happiness.” He takes a slow sip, savoring the words as much as the drink.
“Truer words were never spoken,” Raife agrees, stirring his thick, rust-colored soup. He blows the steam from his spoon before taking a taste. “Which temple does your acolyte hail from?”
Khimi leans back slightly, exhaling. “The Temple of Life. North of Rhaz,” he replies. “Though… I think he misses the people.”
“I know of it,” Soad muses, tapping a ringed finger against his chalice. “Have you ever asked him if he does?”
Khimi hesitates, fingers scratching through his stubble. “I know he misses Saint Nina,” he says carefully. “But he seems happier now. He told me things were… complicated at the temple.”
Raife looks up from his bowl, his expression thoughtful. “Then that is all that matters. So long as you’re both happy.” His voice is quieter now, as if speaking directly to Khimi’s uncertainty.
Khimi studies him, curiosity stirring in his chest. “How did you guess?” he asks, lifting a brow. “I don’t… make a habit of revealing my relationships.”
Soad snorts, leaning in with a smirk. “Wasn’t hard,” he says gruffly. “Saw the way he looked at you when you were getting the rooms. That sort of gaze? It speaks louder than words.” He takes a slow sip of his drink before adding, “We only took interest ‘cause… well, it’s not every day you see an aslan traveling beyond their own.”
Raife stifles a laugh, nudging Soad. “He has a wife, mind you. He wasn’t eyeing your boy.”
Khimi chuckles, but his gaze drifts toward Lumi, who stands at the bar, speaking animatedly to the barkeep, twin pewter mugs in hand. There’s an effortless ease to him, his tail flicking lightly behind him. “I wouldn’t be worried if he was,” Khimi says at last. “Lumi claims he has eyes for no one else.”
“Claims?” Zaeem interjects, smirking over the rim of his cup. “You don’t believe him?”
Khimi stiffens. “I-I’m sorry… Maybe this isn’t a conversation I should be having.”
“Nonsense,” Soad chuckles, voice lifting with warmth. “We’re strangers in a strange land. We may never cross paths again, so let us share our table, our bread, and our stories.” He gestures with his cup. “Ours are yours, and yours are ours.”
Khimi shakes his head, uneasy with the conversation. He isn’t used to speaking so freely, to laying bare the thoughts he barely admits to himself. “I don’t understand him,” he mutters. “I don’t think I ever will.”
Raife’s expression softens, his ears flicking slightly. “It’s hard for you,” he murmurs. “Not being like us. Beastkin. We feel differently—our hearts, our minds, our emotions. When we love, we love like no other.” He sets down his spoon and meets Khimi’s gaze. “So if the boy says he loves you, Khimi of Sidi… and if you return his love, he will stay by your side until the end of his days.”
Khimi feels those words settle deep in his chest. The end of his days. Care for him. Return his love. The thoughts coil in his mind, thick as molasses, dragging him under.
“Khimi!” His head snaps up at the sound of Lumi’s voice, cutting through the haze. “New friends?” Lumi asks, raising his eyebrows. His tail swishes behind him. “She said she’s going to bring us pork and lentils,” he says, placing the pewter mug before Khimi. “And she said their cider is really good! But… if you don’t wanna drink, I’ll drink it.”
Khimi takes the mug with a quiet nod. “Sit,” he says, pulling out the extra chair. He introduces the other men at the table before taking a long drink. His lips curl slightly as he sets the mug down. “It’s certainly crisp,” he remarks, his hand settling on Lumi’s thigh.
Lumi sips his own drink as he peers over the rim of his mug. “What were you boys talking about?” he asks playfully.
“Ah, right,” Zaeem says, gesturing toward Raife. “We were just telling Khimi about Porat,” he explains, reaching for a bowl of roasted peas. “And he was sharing stories of your travels.”
“All of you are from Porat?” Lumi inquires, his tail flicking idly behind him.
Raife tilts his head, his long ears perking up. “Zaeem and Soad are. I, on the other hand, am from Dolmas,” he reveals, glancing up from his bowl.
Lumi pauses, eyes narrowing slightly. “I passed through the outskirts of Dolmas when I was younger,” he admits. “But… I’ve been learnin’ it’s not quite the place I thought it would be.”
Khimi squeezes Lumi’s thigh, warning him to be cautious. “It’s really not that bad, Lumi. We just had a bad experience.”
Raife arches a brow, interest piqued. “A bad experience with Dolmans?” he asks, resting his chin on his hand.
“Unheard of!” Zaeem and Soad chime in unison before bursting into laughter.
Lumi takes another sip of his cider before setting the mug down. “Are there many Dolman slavers?”
Raife chuckles at the question, his ears twitching slightly. Then he meets Lumi’s gaze with a blank expression. “Slavery in Dolmas is common, but most Dolman slaves are debtors. As for those who come from elsewhere… well, we don’t ask too many questions in Dolmas. It’s always been that way,” he states matter-of-factly.
“When we were attacked, they seemed particularly interested in Lumi,” Khimi says, glancing between them. “Beastkin must fetch a higher price at market?”
Soad chuckles, setting his chalice on the table. “Anything rare catches a high price. But you can’t tame an aslan.” He gives Lumi an acknowledging nod. “Minos, lapine, ikatis, avis… sure. But an aslan? They’d sooner bite their own tongues off.”
A flicker of something unreadable crosses Lumi’s face, but he stays quiet.
“I recall a story from the Grand Bazaar of Falan,” Soad continues, swirling his drink. “An aslan was captured and put up for sale. On the bidding day? Bit his own tongue off. Right in front of all the buyers. It was a bloody mess, had the whole bazaar in a riot.”
A heavy silence settles over the table.
Zaeem exhales, and chuckles nervously through the quiet. “That all sounds quite grim,” he says as he stands, dusting off his tunic. “How about we change the subject to something more pleasant? I’ll have the barmaid bring another round.”
As Zaeem walks away, Lumi turns back to Raife and continues their conversation. “Have you ever feared being taken in Dolmas?” he asks sympathetically as the lapine’s ears droop.
Raife shifts in his chair, adjusting his posture. “I grew up the son of a wealthy merchant. I never feared being a debtor,” he says, his tone carefully neutral. “It was the culture I knew, so it never fazed me.” He hesitates before adding, “But I understand why you’d feel differently. It’s one of the reasons I left.”
“You live in Porat now?” Khimi asks.
Raife nods. “Where I met these fine gentlemen.”
“Are you and Zaeem… partners?” Khimi probes, looking between the two men.
Zaeem, having just returned with fresh drinks, lets out a low laugh. He raises his chalice with an amused glint in his eye. “Not at all,” he says, casting a glance at Raife. “We’ve all got wives back home in Porat.” He smirks before adding, “Raife, though… has two.”
Raife shrugs at Zaeem. “I couldn’t help myself,” he says, looking at Lumi and Khimi. “I’m a lover,” he adds with a hand over his heart.
The table erupts in laughter, the tension melting away into the warm glow of their stories and free-flowing drink.
Fields of Gold
Time seems to still as the five companions sit around the worn wooden table, sharing tales and feasting on hearty meals. Lumi and Khimi listen in awe to the three merchants recounting their journeys through distant lands. The night wears on while they watch travelers come and go through the bustling tavern, but Khimi comes to accept that Rashid will not be joining them this evening. Eventually, Raife, Zaeem, and Soad head to their rooms, leaving them to wander outside into the cool night. In comfortable silence, they return to the city’s outskirts. Betset is shrouded in darkness now, with only scattered lights from within buildings casting a soft, warm glow. The stars twinkle with an ethereal brightness, lighting up the streets below, as if guiding their path.
Khimi catches up to Lumi and gently laces their fingers together, mimicking how they walked arm-in-arm through the temple when they first met. Lumi’s grip tightens on Khimi’s hand as they pass through the sturdy wooden gates guarded by cloaked figures. The sound of a nearby creek echoes around them as they continue towards their destination. The guard nods respectfully to them as they pass through the gates, his lips curling into something knowing.
The wheat fields spread out before them like a golden sea, swaying gently in the evening breeze. The earthy scent of freshly cut wheat fills Khimi’s senses and he closes his eyes briefly to take it all in. Lumi gazes around in wonder, his eyes drawn upwards to the dazzling display of stars above. With a sense of purpose, Khimi leads Lumi towards a lone desert ironwood standing tall in the field. Lumi breaks away from his grip and spins around with arms outstretched, his eyes sparkling in admiration for the endless expanse of shimmering stars. The field comes alive as flocks of mourning doves take flight at their approach. Khimi strides through the wheat towards the tree, while Lumi continues dancing and twirling in the golden glow.
Together, they reach the base of the tree and look up at the glittering night sky, feeling small yet inexplicably connected to something vast and eternal. The world fades away, leaving only the two of them under the watchful gaze of the stars.
“It’s so beautiful!” Lumi exclaims with childlike wonder, his face breaking into a wide grin as he gazes above. His laughter fills the air with pure joy.
Khimi can’t help but smile at Lumi’s infectious delight, slowly making his way towards him through the swaying wheat. “I used to come here to clear my head,” he murmurs softly, watching Lumi dance around the clearing.
He’s… so different.
Lumi laughs again and reaches his arms up towards the heavens, pointing out a specific constellation. “Look, Khimi! It’s Stella Solaris!” he exclaims with awe in his voice.
Khimi joins him, standing behind him and wrapping his strong arms around Lumi’s slender waist. Their bodies meld together in warmth.
Purring contentedly, Lumi leans back into Khimi, his tail playfully swatting between his legs. “K-Khimi,” he whispers as Khimi’s hands slide down the smooth lines of his exposed abdomen. They stand there, completely lost in each other and the endless beauty of the starlit sky above.
Khimi leans in closer, his breath warm against the Lumi’s rounded ears. He takes a playful nibble on their thick edges. “I wanted to show you somewhere that has been dear to me,” he whispers, his voice filled with longing and excitement. “I’ve never shown anyone this place before.”
“I’m happy you shared it with me,” Lumi says sincerely.
With eager fingers, Khimi begins to untie the knot on Lumi’s loincloth, his pulse pounding in his ears as he fumbles with the cord. Lumi guides him, his fingers skimming against Khimi’s. As the loincloth falls to the ground in a crumpled heap, Khimi eagerly presses his lips against the crook of Lumi’s neck, murmuring words of desire and need.
“I want you. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you,” Khimi whispers, his breathing ragged with emotion. “I don’t understand…” Before he can finish his thought, Lumi turns around in his arms, looking up at him with wide, adoring eyes that glisten in the starlight.
“Now you know how I feel,” Lumi says softly, reaching up to cup Khimi’s cheeks in his hands. Their lips meet. It isn’t gentle, Khimi is hungry for him, and it’s reflecting in the desperation of the kiss. Their bodies melding together with the movements as if trying to become one.
Lumi’s body writhes against his, pushing against him with an intense desperation.
Khimi draws Lumi tighter against himself, feeling the boy’s arousal brushing against him. “I’ve always known how you felt,” he replies, his voice rasping between kisses. “I just… I’m not like you.”
Lumi forces their lips back together, their kiss deepens as each explores the other’s mouth with a desperate, sloppy kiss. Lumi’s hand tangles in Khimi’s hair, pulling him closer, completely lost. The taste of Lumi’s mouth, the heat, the scent of his breath. He’s sweet. Like Sidian honey. Every part of him makes Khimi’s mind numb. His inhibitions fade further with every passing moment. Maybe he’s imagining it, but Lumi’s kiss leaves him feeling more drunk than the cider.
Their kiss breaks, their foreheads touch as they try to catch their breaths. “Can we… do it here?” Lumi asks, a flush spreading through his features.
“What do you think?” Khimi responds as he pulls back from their embrace enough to take in Lumi’s nakedness.
With eager hands, Lumi fumbles at the sash holding Khimi’s trousers, struggling to remove the tight knot in his haste. “Right now!” He grins up at Khimi, his ears flat against his head as he purrs with anticipation. Finally loosening the knot, he hurriedly begins tugging at Khimi’s trousers.
Khimi’s fingers dance over the golden clasp adorning Lumi’s neck, tracing the soft, silk wrap down to the smooth plain of the boy’s chest, pausing reverently at the hardened buds beneath. He can’t help but smirk as he watches Lumi’s eager hands explore the rising bulge in his trousers. “Hells… Lumi, you want it that bad, huh?”
Lumi nods eagerly as he slowly reclines into the tall, swaying wheat, his body half-hidden by the golden stalks. Khimi follows, lowering himself. Propped up on his elbows, his hand trails languidly along Lumi’s arm before pausing to trace the delicate contours of the golden armband still adorning him. He’s still wearing them. His eyes lock with Lumi’s, his firm muscles rub against his smooth skin, their abdomens teasing against one another. Lumi’s ears flatten as his hands reach behind Khimi.
He’s drunk. He should have known—Lumi’s taste for alcohol since leaving the temple had only grown by the week. The scent of cider lingers on his breath, sweet and heady, when their lips meet. Khimi’s hand finds Lumi’s waist, fingers tightening as he pulls him in, rough and possessive. Their mouths crash together, heat and hunger spilling between them.
Lumi parts for him easily, his body yielding as their tongues brush—gods, his tongue is rough. The sensation sends a shiver through Khimi, sharp and intoxicating. Lumi gasps through his nose, tilting his head back, surrendering completely. Begging for breath. Begging for more.
With a gasp, Lumi manages to pull away from the kiss. His lips are swollen, his cheeks flushed as he struggles to catch his breath. “I can’t breathe,” he pants out.
Khimi, undeterred, presses on; his lips continue to caress Lumi’s skin, leaving a glistening trail in their wake. “You’re fine,” he teases, his tongue playfully lapping at the heated flesh of his cheek and neck. “Quit whining.”
“No,” Lumi pouts, still drawing in air.
Khimi’s heart seems to thump even louder, just like it had when he faced his fiercest opponents in the arena. He chuckles, his confidence evident as he squeezes Lumi’s waist. “Your purrs are so loud,” he remarks.
Lumi’s gaze flits away shyly. “You like it…” he trails off, unable to finish his thought as Khimi’s tongue slides slowly against his cheek.
“Oh, I do.” Khimi’s voice sings of his pride, his tongue sliding across Lumi’s cheek in a slow, long stripe.
With a husky whisper, Lumi drawls, “Lemme taste you.” His words invite their tongues to merge once more. He turns his head to meet Khimi’s lips, their tongues pressing together once again. With a gentle suction, he draws Khimi’s wet tongue into his mouth and suckles. They break apart, and Lumi can’t seem to help but let out a soft laugh at the surprise on Khimi’s face.
Khimi then lowers himself onto Lumi, their bodies pressed together. Lumi wraps his arms around him, pulling him closer. The heat between them is electric. Lumi’s foot brushes against Khimi’s inner thigh, tracing lines up and down his leg. They continue to kiss breathlessly for what feels like an eternity until Khimi rolls onto his side.
A smirk curves at the corner of Khimi’s lips as he runs his fingers through Lumi’s hair. “You’re blushing,” he murmurs softly.
Lumi lets out a soft, gasping laugh and mirrors Khimi’s position, his hand resting over his pounding heart. “Can’t help it,” he purrs, a playful glint in his eye. “You’re not givin’ me a chance to breathe. Think my heart might burst. You want my heart to burst?”
Khimi chuckles, his gaze soft as he looks up at the stars. “Your heart isn’t going to burst,” he replies, voice steady but tinged with affection.
But Lumi, emboldened, reaches for Khimi’s shoulder, pushing him gently onto his back. Khimi grunts softly as his back hits the ground. Lumi wastes no time, straddling Khimi’s abdomen, his thighs flexing with strength and confidence. With a playful squeeze, he presses his hands down on Khimi’s chest, steadying himself as he hovers above him. “Thank you for everything you do for me,” he whispers, his face close to Khimi’s chest. “But… just relax for me,” he says in a low voice, pushing up Khimi’s shirt to reveal his taut stomach. Using the prickly bristles on his tongue, Lumi teases and tickles Khimi’s skin, eliciting a deep rumble of pleasure from him. “How does this feel…?” he asks, pausing to look up at him with genuine curiosity.
Khimi throws his head back in ecstasy as Lumi continues to tease him with his tongue. “You know how it feels,” he rasps out, reaching up to stroke Lumi’s cheek with a rough hand. “That fucking tongue,” he groans, unable to articulate any more words while Lumi continues.
Khimi’s fingers knead deep into the flesh of Lumi’s ass, squeezing and tightening with each lap of the boy’s tongue. As his fingers play against the soft entrance, he can feel the intense heat emanating from inside, reminding him of the pleasure he’s about to experience.
Lumi’s coarse tongue dances over Khimi’s skin, occasionally stopping at his dark nipples to nip at them with the tips of his fangs. Khimi shakes beneath him, lost in the ecstasy of Lumi’s attention. As Lumi’s tail brushes against Khimi’s groin; Khimi places a hand on Lumi’s chest, pushing up beneath his chestwrap before trailing his eager fingers down between the boy’s legs. With a guiding touch, Lumi directs Khimi’s hand under his sack, then presses his fingers to his fluttering entrance. The skin is slick with oil, his body prepared. There is no warning as Khimi presses inside; Lumi’s body arches, but Khimi doesn’t give him a moment to adjust.
A pained howl escapes Lumi’s lips as Khimi adds a second finger, stretching him open further. His walls clench tight around the thick digits as Khimi begins to move them with more deliberate motions, eliciting moans of pleasure from both of them. Khimi’s fingers glide out of the warmth, and he admires the sheen of oil coating his fingers. He meets Lumi’s gaze and with a smirk, he wipes his damp fingers through his abdominal hair. Unable to wait another moment, he reaches for the waistband of his sarouel and shoves them down his thighs, then kicks them from his feet.
Lumi’s eyes become lust-blown as he raises himself and rubs against the cock now nudging at the cleft of his ass. Khimi can feel it, his heavy cock pushing against him. He knows how much they both want this, how much they both need this. He could see it earlier in the night, the desire set deep in Lumi’s eyes. Lumi gasps and leans forward to wrap his arms around Khimi’s neck as he lowers himself down onto the sturdy length of him. Silent pleas and whimpers leave his lips with each slow and staggering inch that he sinks down on. He’s so fucking warm. The feel of Lumi’s insides, the smooth velvety walls, are enough to make Khimi’s breath catch. Soft and wet, deliciously tight. Warm? Gods, his insides are warm. His cock throbs with need, and he slowly grinds his hips forward. Placing a kiss at the top of Lumi’s head, he pauses to admire the boy’s desperate attempt to take all of him. In a gesture both reverent and commanding, he gently lays Lumi back onto the earth, positioning him carefully between his legs.
“Khimi,” Lumi whispers, his legs resting on Khimi’s shoulders as he’s folded back.
Khimi pauses, noticing the tears glistening in Lumi’s eyes. “Am I hurting you?” he asks, leaning down to gently brush away a tear from Lumi’s cheek.
Lumi sniffles and wipes at his nose, struggling to find words. “I… uhm, you’re the only one… to ever want me,” he whispers, his voice breaking with emotion. “I know I’ve said it before… but I mean it.”
“You’re drunk…”
“I mean it!” Lumi shouts defiantly, only to cover his mouth in embarrassment.
Khimi’s lips curve up into a gentle smile, his dark hair falling in front of his eyes. “I know,” he consoles, his fingers tightening on Lumi’s thighs. “You know… before we met,” he starts, his voice trailing off into a wistful tone.
Lumi braces himself up on his elbows, curious. “What is it?” he asks, wiping away a stray tear from his cheek.
“I-I… it’s nothing,” Khimi stammers, meeting Lumi’s gaze with a soft intensity. “I can’t quite put it into words… but I felt alone. Maybe even sad or angry,” he admits, frustration coloring his features.
“Do you still feel that way now?” Lumi asks, placing a comforting hand over Khimi’s.
“With my cock in you?” Khimi teases.
Lumi grumbles under his breath, “You’re so stupid.”
“No, I don’t… not since we met. You make me feel different,” Khimi confesses softly, intertwining his fingers with Lumi’s.
“Do you promise?” Lumi asks, his voice trembling with fragile hope.
“I promise,” Khimi replies earnestly, his expression lighting up with genuine joy.
Lumi blinks through watery eyes, wiping away the last vestiges of his tears with the back of his hand. “You know, I’d do anything to see you happy,” he says in a pensive tone, his head resting gently against the swaying stalks of wheat. “Anything!”
“You don’t have to do anything to make me happy,” Khimi insists, warmth radiating from his touch as he strokes Lumi’s hair tenderly. “Just be yourself.”
Lumi’s laughter rings out softly, mingling with the twinkling stars above. He gazes upward with a sense of wonder and contentment. “I swear by Stella Solaris… what I told you that night. Y’know in the temple? That still holds true… you have to keep me,” he proclaims playfully, wrapping his arms around Khimi’s neck in a teasing, affectionate hold.
“And I intend to,” Khimi responds with determination, then shifts his movements with an intense purpose. The clench of Lumi’s inner walls causes him to groan in pleasure, his brow furrowing as he tries to hold off his climax.
Khimi stills and ponders a moment, glancing back down at Lumi’s face, carefully watching his expression flicker with each subtle shift of his hips. Lumi’s ears twitch in excitement. When do I tell him… should I tell him about what Cecilia said? He lurches forward, thrusting deeper into Lumi’s softness. Lumi’s face contorts with pleasure, his eyes pinched closed. What if he already knows, and I just make things awkward? Khimi kneels upright, his hips flush with Lumi’s ass. With a sudden surge of pressure, he snaps his hips forward, pressing against that sensitive spot that elicits a low whimper from Lumi, who in turn reaches down to thumb his weeping length. Khimi continues to work skillfully. His cock glides effortlessly back and forth, slipping inside the welcoming warmth. A sharp whimper escapes Lumi’s lips once Khimi angles himself deeper, stretching him open further. His walls clench tightly around the thickness as Khimi begins to move them in a more insistent and intense rhythm.
Khimi chuckles at the sight of Lumi weakly pleasuring himself. “You’re going to wake up the whole city if you keep crying like this,” he whispers with a smirk.
Lumi’s cries and whimpers echo through the field. “You’re so big!” he moans, “a-and y-you always go so deep.”
“I thought you liked deep?” Khimi playfully counters, leaning closer to Lumi, his breath on his cheek. He pushes himself harder until the root of his shaft vanishes completely. “Isn’t this what you wanted?”
“Y-yes,” Lumi winces, his head thrown back in ecstasy. “Gods, Khimi!”
“I thought you were going to do all the work this time?” Khimi jests, gripping the base of his cock tightly to stave off his climax once more.
Lumi glances up at Khimi with narrowed eyes. “Sometimes things change,” he whispers seductively, spreading his legs wider.
With a barely contained laugh, Khimi leans tighter, taking hold of his hand and pinning it above his head. Still gripping Lumi’s thigh, he pulls him closer and feels the intense hold of Lumi’s inside grip him through his orgasm. Lumi gasps; Khimi’s girth buried deep within him. I’m close.
Khimi bites his bottom lip. “Such a good boy,” he groans, ready to burst into the soft muscles hugging his cock.
Lumi’s voice is caught in his throat, a whisper barely escaping as his fingers intertwine tightly with Khimi’s, seeking an anchor. His other hand scrambles against the grass, desperate for something solid to hold onto. Each of Lumi’s high-pitched whimpers seems to unravel Khimi, like a worn thread finally giving way. Khimi’s body quivers and stills, lost in a euphoric haze. He pours himself into Lumi, his cum spilling deep like warm, thick honey. He lets his tongue trace a gentle path along Lumi’s cheek as Lumi cries out at the sensation, his body limp and pliant to Khimi’s dominance. He’s perfect, he thinks, watching Lumi’s features soften in bliss. Khimi’s breath comes in heavy bursts against Lumi’s skin, mingling with the boy’s staggered, breathy whimpers.
The world around them seems to slow, each second stretching. Khimi tries to gather his senses, drawing in deep breaths to steady himself. It’s impossible. Lumi is still so warm and tight around him, his skin soft, and sweat-laden. Yet, with a gentle grip, he slides his hand to Lumi’s back, lifting him effortlessly into his lap. Their bodies fit together seamlessly, pressed close, and Lumi instinctively wraps his legs around Khimi’s waist. Khimi begins to drive Lumi up and down his slick length. Overwhelmed with instinct, he sinks his teeth into the soft curve of Lumi’s ear, eliciting sweet moans of pleasure from the boy.
“You alright?” Khimi grits out in his ear.
“Ye-yes!” Lumi breathes. His moans fill the air, blending with the rustling of wheat and the chirping of locusts. He buries his face into Khimi’s chest, muffling his cries as their bodies move in sync. With each thrust, Khimi drives the full length of his shaft deep into Lumi’s body, eliciting a chorus of stuttered “Kh-Khimi’s,” and whimpers that escape from his lips. His arms cling tight to Khimi’s shoulders, holding on desperately.
As they move together, Khimi can feel warm slickness coating his abdomen with every thrust. Lumi’s orgasms have been relentless, overtaking him in waves since the very first, leaving him trembling and weak in Khimi’s arms. Sensing Lumi’s fragility, Khimi holds him closer, whispering reassurances, “You’re okay.”
Lumi’s forehead repeatedly taps against Khimi’s chest with each thrust as Khimi’s cock eagerly explores every inch of Lumi’s hot, moist insides. His weakening grip tightens instinctively around Khimi’s length, desperate to draw out every drop of pleasure. Meanwhile, Khimi’s hand descends to grasp Lumi’s long, whip-like tail, the joints of the appendage yielding slightly under his expert touch. Lumi’s moans peak when Khimi applies pressure to these sensitive areas, expertly massaging and stimulating him with a practiced hand.
With his fingers interlocked behind Khimi’s neck, Lumi pants heavily, lost in a haze of ecstasy as sweat forms a shimmering sheen across his glistening body. His typically bright golden locks are now dampened and darkened with perspiration, matted along his brow and temples. Khimi bites into Lumi’s rounded ear once more, leaving deep marks in the tender flesh.
Lumi’s body tenses, his moans growing louder and more desperate as Khimi bounces him. His head sits nestled against Khimi’s chest, his breathing ragged and erratic. “I can feel every bit of you,” he mumbles between breaths, his words barely audible.
Khimi brushes his stubble through Lumi’s damp hair and whispers, “You’re supposed to feel all of me.”
Lumi looks up at Khimi with hazy eyes and responds, “I love all of you.” Exhaustion overtakes him, and his face relaxes into a peaceful expression.
Khimi’s fingers knead into Lumi’s ass as he lifts and lowers him over his girth. Each time Lumi descends, Khimi’s shaft pushes against his insides, filling him entirely. He groans and rests his chin between Lumi’s ears, pushing him firmly against himself until he is fully sheathed. He reaches across Lumi’s back, wrapping his arms and shoving him further down onto himself with as much strength as he can muster.
Lumi grinds down on Khimi’s length in response as it pulsates within him, its thickness stretching him to the brink of ecstasy. Khimi gasps hard, wanting to whisper obscenities into Lumi’s ears, but his voice is caught in his throat as his balls draw tight; hot jets of cum fill Lumi to the brim. The sound of their panting lingers as they work to catch their breath. Khimi stays deeply embedded, savoring the sensation of his warm release cascading down his shaft in thick, milky streams.
Khimi nuzzles his face against Lumi’s. “I know you’re tired,” he whispers between tender kisses.
Lumi rubs his nose affectionately against Khimi and replies, “It’s okay, I wanted this. I always want this.”
Khimi places a hand on Lumi’s cheek, looking deep into his eyes. “Already falling asleep on me?” he teases before slowly reclining against the grass.
“Thank you for tonight.” Lumi’s voice trembles as he nuzzles his head against Khimi’s shoulder. “It was special,” he yawns, his embrace growing weaker as exhaustion takes over.
“I…” Khimi begins, but falls silent as he feels Lumi’s breathing grow heavy and steady, a contented purr emanating from him. Love you. He looks down at Lumi’s peaceful face and pulls him closer into his arms.
Khimi rests in silence, Lumi’s body keeping him warm. The cool night breeze blows from the coast, Lumi’s damp hair flops in the wind. He gently runs his fingers through the wet locks, admiring him in his nakedness. What would have happened if you stayed at the temple? he thinks, watching Lumi’s chest rise and fall with heavy breaths. Looking up to the stars, he marks the constellations across the sky. He remembers the nights in Sidi with Aleyna; almost every night they spent studying the stars. A merchant’s business is fated by the stars. When all else is lost, follow their guidance. He recalls her words carefully. The stars led me to Lumi…
“Lumi,” Khimi begins, speaking so softly he knows he won’t wake. He reaches out and shakes Lumi’s shoulder, half-hoping to stir him from his slumber. But Lumi remains motionless, lost in his dreams. Undeterred, Khimi continues to speak, “There is something you need to know.” He pauses for a moment, searching for the right words. “Even if we were to wed and spend our lives together, our souls… they are marked for different planes. Our eternity will not be spent together. Whatever we have can only be temporary.”
Lumi purrs softly in his sleep, a comforting sound against Khimi’s chest.
“I need you to hear me,” Khimi pleads, his voice a heated whisper. “I need you to promise me that you’ll never put yourself in danger, that you’ll live your life to the fullest… with me.” He closes his eyes tightly, willing Lumi to understand the weight of his words. “I don’t fully comprehend why. Maybe in time I will understand… but you mean everything to me. Maybe you always have, even before I met you.”
Khimi opens his eyes again and gazes up at the starry sky above them, holding Lumi close against himself. He silently prays for guidance and answers from the gods. And as if hearing him, stars streak across the darkness with a dazzling display of light. A sense of peace washes over him as he takes it as a sign from the heavens. He lets his shoulders against the ground, allowing himself to finally relax while Lumi’s warm breath blows against his skin. With one hand curling in Lumi’s hair, Khimi embraces this unexpected turn in his fate. I never would have imagined this would be my path, my destiny. He suppresses a laugh at the memory of their first meeting and how hesitant he had been to give into his desire. But now, he realizes the depth of Lumi’s love and how much he had fought for them to be together. I see it clearly now, Lumi. I finally understand. All I want is for you to be happy.
He brushes his lips gently against the top of Lumi’s head, whispering so softly in his ear, “I love you.”
Rashid Returns
As the first rays of the sun peek over the horizon, Khimi and Lumi make their way back to their room, overwhelmingly exhausted from their nightly activities. The bed offers little comfort, with its lumpy mattress and scratchy sheets, but it is a welcome respite after a long night of rolling in the wheat. Lumi settles into the bed, snuggled between Khimi’s warm body and the cold stone wall. They both drift off into a restless sleep, only to be jolted awake by rapid knocks at the door in the early morning hours.
Khimi groggily stumbles across the room, carefully covering his nakedness with a cloth. “Who is it?” he calls out irritably through the thick yellow door.
“Is that any way to greet your best friend?” comes Ennui’s muffled voice from outside.
Khimi groans and reluctantly opens the door a crack. “Give us a minute,” he says, peeking out while still trying to hide his exposed body. “Lumi’s still asleep.”
Ennui shrugs and tries to catch a glimpse inside. “Leave him be, he looks exhausted anyway. Must’ve had a long night,” she snickers.
“Not funny,” Khimi retorts before shutting the door firmly in her face.
“You’re lucky this inn has doors. Most just have curtains!” Ennui sneers, her voice fading while she walks away. “I kinda want to see if he can still walk!” she yells back towards the door.
Lumi stirs at the commotion, yawning and curling up under the covers. “Everything alright?” he asks while rubbing his eyes.
“Yeah, all good. Get some rest,” Khimi says softly before placing a hand on Lumi’s forehead.
Lumi grunts in response and pulls the covers over his head. “Just wake me if you need me,” he mumbles before drifting off again.
Khimi watches his peaceful slumber for a moment, admiring the way the morning light filters through the mess of blond hair. With a sigh, he reluctantly rises and rummages through their bags to find his clothes. Dressing in a dark kaftan and sarouel, he can’t help but stare at Lumi sleeping.
With one last glance at his sleeping partner, Khimi heads out the door into the dimly lit hallway. The richly colored curtains are pulled shut over the windows, casting a warm glow. Dust particles dance in the rays of light with Khimi’s passage. He tugs on his sleeves to itch at the irritating golden thread that reminds him of his obligations. Over the years, he has come to hate the itch of the fabric and its constant reminder of the duties he must fulfill.
“Lookit you, lookin ‘all spiffed up!” Ennui exclaims at his entry into the main hall.
Khimi attempts to appear cheerful. “What’s with all the urgency?” he ponders aloud. He halts in his tracks.
“Been a while,” Rashid mutters, hobbling towards Khimi.
Khimi’s lips curl slightly. “Rashid!” he exclaims. The elderly man’s embrace takes him, and he nearly spins Rashid around in his excitement. “It has been a while! A few months, has it?”
“I knew you’d be happy to see your old man,” Ennui laughs, crossing her legs on the barstool. She lifts her cup to them with a roll of her eyes.
“Too right you are,” Khimi replies, grinning. “I rejoice at our reunion!”
Rashid pushes himself apart from Khimi. “How has Rhaz been? Did you bring y’r lion? I still gotta—”
“Yeah, he’s asleep though,” Khimi interrupts, pointing to the hallway. “Should I wake him—”
“Oi, don’t bother the poor thing,” Rashid chuckles.
“How about some drinks? Khimi’s paying!” Ennui laughs, tapping her fingers over the table. She quickly demands a pitcher of cider, turning back to the two. “Now, tell us what you’ve been up to, old man,” she says, kicking a stool to Rashid.
Rashid lets out a grumble before reluctantly taking a seat. “We’ve been traveling through the Desert Cities, here and there. Started in Betset, then to Sidi, back to Rhaz, Porat, and now here I am again,” he explains with a tired sigh.
Khimi drags a stool over to join Rashid. “Anything noteworthy during your travels?” he asks, settling in on the chair.
Rashid shifts uncomfortably, his fingers absentmindedly tracing the jagged scar beneath his eye. “Oh, just the usual—bandits here and there, a herd of wild wildebeests nearly tearing our caravan apart,” he says, his gaze flickering between Ennui and Khimi. He lets out a dry chuckle. “Hells, there was one particularly nasty bit—a Dolman mercenary leading a pack of snakemen. One of them was so far gone, raving like a madman, screaming nonsense.”
Ennui takes a slow, deliberate sip from her tankard of cider before plucking a pipe from the wooden counter. She exhales through her teeth, whistling softly as she grimaces at the memory. “Bad business, yilan,” she mutters. Rolling the pipe between her fingers, she tilts her head with a wry smile. “Did they flick their snakish tongues at you, Rashid? Whisper sweet nothings before trying to gut you?”
“Ignore her—” Khimi starts, but Rashid cuts him off with an eager exclamation.
“Oh, but they did!” He leans forward, eyes gleaming with the thrill of the tale. “Shoulda heard ‘em. Hissing and spitting like the devils they are. One of ‘em, gods help me, started speaking in riddles—somethin’ about the rising sun swallowing the moons, and blood runnin’ like a river through the sands.” He shakes his head, rubbing his scar absentmindedly. “Didn’t stay around long enough to find out what he meant. Put a blade through his gut before he could finish his prophecy.”
“How did they sound?” Ennui teases.
Rashid scowls, but there’s a glint of amusement in his eyes. “Laugh all ya want, devilkin, but those bastards would send a chill down even y’r spine.” He clears his throat, then hisses out another guttural, slithering imitation, dragging out the syllables in a way that makes the hairs on the back of Khimi’s neck prickle.
Ennui nearly chokes on her drink, doubling over with laughter. “Oh, Rashid, I swear—” she wheezes, clutching her sides. “You keep that up, and the next time we get into a brawl, I’ll be too busy pissing myself to be of any use.” Her tail thumps against the wooden bar, matching the rhythm of her laughter.
“She’s got the right of it,” Khimi chuckles, his voice deep and rich. “You must use those calls in combat. I fear any person with their wits might flee.”
“Laugh it up!” Rashid retorts good-naturedly, his boisterous laughter joining theirs.
The barkeep sets a pitcher of cider between them with a thud, pausing for a moment before placing two polished glasses on the table. “Couldn’t help but overhear,” she begins, her voice smooth, bordering melodic. “Heard about yilan roving through the desert lately. Best keep a tight guard on things.”
Khimi nods solemnly, reaching into his leather pouch to retrieve a silver coin. He places it on the table, sliding it towards the barkeep. “Your warning is noted, and appreciated,” he says with a small smile. “Though our travels from here aren’t through the desert.”
The barkeep leans in, her honey-gold hair cascading over her shoulders in effortless waves. Her piercing gray eyes gleam in the dim tavern light, sharp and inquisitive. “Mind if I ask your route?” she inquires, her voice smooth as silk, carrying an almost hypnotic lilt. For a fleeting moment, Khimi wonders if she’s a minstrel weaving a charm into her words. “Perhaps I could offer some valuable insight,” she continues, her tone light but laced with intrigue.
Ennui clicks her tongue, tilting her head as she leans in. “We don’t usually share our travel plans with strangers,” she purrs, her fingers trailing idly along the rim of her cup. “But seeing as you’re easy on the eyes—”
“The Isles,” Khimi cuts in, rolling his eyes at her antics.
Ennui sighs dramatically as Rashid barks out a laugh. “Boy’s right,” he confirms, slapping a broad hand on the table. “Got business in the Isles.”
Ennui’s lips curl into a wicked grin. “I’ll geld you, Khimi.”
Khimi nearly chokes on his drink. “Pretty sure Lumi would kill you if you tried.”
“The lion can find another slab of meat to fill him,” she mutters, smirking behind the rim of her cup.
The corner of Khimi’s mouth twitches in exasperation. “You’re vile,” he mutters, shaking his head.
Ennui merely smirks, swirling the dregs of her drink. “Oh, come now. You’d mourn me if I were gone,” she teases, flashing her sharp canines.
Rashid snorts, leaning back in his chair. “Not if ya keep talkin’ like that. He might just let the little lion have at ya.”
Khimi snorts in agreement, raising his tankard to his lips.
Ennui feigns a gasp, pressing a dramatic hand to her chest. “Hells, you’re both so cruel to me. And after all we’ve been through.”
“You’ll survive,” Rashid grunts, knocking back a mouthful of ale. “Unfortunately.”
“Right,” the barkeep suddenly speaks up, peering over the curious trio with a stern expression. “Then you’d be wise to be wary of corsairs. With the way things have been in the Desert Cities, there are a lot of desperate folks out there,” she warns, her voice heavy with concern.
Khimi casually fingers another silver coin from his pouch, gazing thoughtfully at the barkeep. “Have you heard much about them from other travelers? We’ve barely encountered any since arriving in Betset,” he asks, shifting his gaze between Ennui and Rashid.
The barkeep pauses, stacking empty clay plates as she echoes, “Much of corsairs?” She brushes a stray hair from her face before continuing, “Heard bits and pieces from some travelers the other day—sahuagin attacking ships, anolians boarding sea-bound vessels. Seems the waters aren’t as safe as they used to be.”
Khimi groans, tossing a silver coin onto the table with a dull clink. “Troublesome news,” he mutters. “We’ve already had enough run-ins with sahuagin to last a lifetime.”
Across the table, Rashid’s head snaps up, his expression shifting from casual interest to alarm. “Sahuagin?!” he exclaims, his voice tight with disbelief. His gaze darts between his companions, searching their faces for confirmation.
“It’s true,” Ennui confirms, giving Rashid a playful shove. “They hit our ship hard… we lost some crew. The little lion was in a tizzy for days.” She smirks, seeming to recall the memory. “Blamed himself for the deaths, poor thing.”
Khimi’s glare is sharp as he shoots Ennui a look of disapproval. “How about you cut him some slack?”
Rashid glances between them, his lips pressing into a thin line. “Sounds like I missed out on some real adventure,” he mutters.
Ennui waves a lazy hand. “Lumi almost got stabbed again—that’s something.”
Khimi’s eyes darken, his brow furrowing. “He helped you,” he snaps, his voice low but edged with anger.
Rashid leans against the bar with a huff. “I’ll be honest—of all the things I’ve run into in my travels, sahuagin have always unsettled me the most.” He drums his fingers against the wood, his expression darkening. “The way they burst through the water, claw their way up the sides of ships… that look in their eyes, pure bloodlust.” His voice trails off, his gaze distant. “I’ve seen what they leave behind too many times to ever want to cross their path again.”
Ennui, Khimi, and the barkeep watch Rashid in expectant silence, waiting for him to finish his thought. But when he merely exhales and swirls the last of his drink, the honey-haired youth offers a slow, knowing nod before slipping away into the backroom without another word.
Ennui clicks her tongue, shoving her barstool in with a dramatic huff. “Well done, Rashid. You bloody scared her off,” she teases, throwing him a playful scowl. “Soft. Supple… hells.” She groans, shaking her head as if mourning a lost opportunity. Without missing a beat, she snatches the pitcher of cider and takes a long, lazy swig straight from it.
Rashid chuckles, his scarred face creasing with amusement. “Don’t hurt y’rself, lass,” he quips, leaning back against the bar with a smirk. Then, shifting his gaze to Khimi, his tone grows more thoughtful. “So, tell me—how was it without me these last few months?”
Khimi hums, tapping his fingers against the wood as he considers his answer. A ghost of a smile tugs at his lips. “Honestly—”
Ennui scoffs, shooting Khimi a pointed look. “Oh, we all got along famously,” she quips, voice dripping with sarcasm. “Lumi even smacked me with a stick a couple of times. He’s getting better at moving—if you can call it that.”
“Just a couple of times?” Khimi raises an eyebrow at her. He rubs his chin, mulling over the thought before a small smirk tugs at his lips. “I do remember he got rather good at reading you.”
“Oh ho,” Rashid hums, intrigued. He raps his knuckles against the bar. “Knew he had it in him. Just needs to learn to control his emotions.”
Ennui rolls her eyes, letting out a sharp scoff. “Fat chance of that. He’s a godsdamned crybaby,” she sneers before taking another long pull from the cider pitcher.
Khimi shakes his head, his voice dropping to something softer. “He’s gotten better, though,” he murmurs, glancing down the hall as if Lumi might appear at any moment. “I don’t want him to change.”
Ennui plops herself onto a chair, legs sprawled as she downs another mouthful of cider. She wipes her chin with the back of her hand, then chuckles wickedly. “‘Course ya don’t. You’re fuckin’ him after all,” she blurts, completely unbothered.
Rashid groans, dragging his hands down his face. “That’s crass, girly!” he barks, rubbing his temples as if warding off a headache. “Told ya, Khimi—best to watch the company ya keep.”
Khimi lets out a deep sigh and pointedly steers the conversation elsewhere. “Things went… well enough,” he says, though he can hear the weariness in his own voice. “Seems we’re in the clear with Omar. His children are already tearing each other apart trying to decide who gets to lead the Kappas Estate.”
Rashid grins, running his fingers through his gray beard. “See? Told ya. Didn’t need me after all. Couldn’t be prouder of ya, Khimi.”
Ennui mutters into her drink, barely loud enough for them to hear, “How wholesome.”
“Though it certainly would have been easier with you by my side.” Khimi glances around the empty room and continues in a hushed tone, “I admit I was afraid for my safety. I thought Revya might send someone to come get me any day.”
Rashid folds his arms, his expression unreadable. “Much as I think what ya did was foolish… ignorant even—”
“Ignorant?!” Khimi cuts in, incredulous.
“Ignorant!” Rashid bellows, slapping a hand against the bar for emphasis. “Reckless, stubborn, and downright stupid! But… Revya couldn’t have arrested ya for what happened. When ya break it all down, the only one who should’ve ended up in gaol…” He lifts a finger and points directly at Ennui.
Ennui blows air through her lips in exaggerated boredom, sending a fine mist of cider in Rashid’s direction. She kicks her feet up onto the table, utterly unbothered. “So I killed a few house guards and saved my supposed lord… what of it?” she drawls, her tone as dry as the Dasht-e Zuj.
Rashid’s scowl deepens, and he wags a finger at her. “Some of those people could’ve been innocent! Had ya put a sword in their face instead of their gut, they would’ve run.”
Ennui’s tail flicks behind her, the motion sharp and irritated. “Better a blade across their throats,” she mutters, raising the pitcher to her lips again. “Not my fault they chose to serve him.”
Khimi groans, pressing his fingers to his temples. “Please, you two. Are you always going to be this hostile?”
“Yes!” They reply in unison.
Khimi smirks, pushing himself up from the counter. “Fine then, children,” he drawls, stretching his arms overhead in an exaggerated stretch. “How about we focus on getting our ship ready before we depart?”
“Been a while since we’ve walked the streets of Betset,” Ennui muses, her lips curling into a knowing smirk as she shoots Khimi a teasing wink. “Wonder if they’ve missed us.”
Khimi rolls his eyes. “Doubt they even remember me.”
Rashid, however, doesn’t share their lightheartedness. He leans in slightly, his voice dropping to a murmur. “About going to the Isles, Khimi,” he begins, a shadow of unease passing over his features. “We need to talk.”
[1] Lapine (lah-PEEN): Beastkin with the traits of rabbits. They are usually split between northern and southern lapine. Northern lapine having lighter hair and complexions.