Private You'll be my King and I'll be your Castle

[Darien Cordel]

The foot of the Grand Ziggurat of Mercuitie
Mercuitie
Zaathru

They had been bouncing up and down through the desert for several hours, Threyn had slept most of the way ... at least Darien hoped he had. Darien had been singing lullabies to him softly and sporadically. The prince had been through a rough few days culminating in a meeting of the Pantheon which had swiftly descended into madness. Theryn had been kept on his knees and forced to listen as he was threatened and his death was openly discussed. He was called false and weak and in the end, it had caused him to break down in tears to say nothing of the discord that had erupted amongst the Dinn family after Ishani Dinn choked one of the children and turned gods.

That had been what finally prompted Arcturus to pull his finger out and do the job which he had demanded the title for. Why he had been so laissez-faire to the turmoil that was unfolding until then Darien did not know. It was Hubris if he had to guess. Darien had thought him too comfortable with his godhood when they had first met.

Darien had not been willing to let Theryn remain in the Sky Temple a second longer than he had to and so as soon as they physically could they were on the road to Mercuitie where they would remain for some time. Darien had little intention of leaving his city until he was assured that changes had been made. Until then he would stay safe on his own turf and try to get Theryn back to himself. Not that Darien really knew Theryn but he had noticed a stark difference between the Theryn now curled up between his legs and the Theryn he had first met just days before. Gone was the vibrancy. The endless optimism and the dancing. Theryn seemed like he'd had the rainbow that had previously shone from him sucked out.

Darien only hoped he could put it back.

He had not thought just a week ago when he had left his city to go to the Temple at Rhiannon's request that he would be returning with someone. Never mind someone who had the effect on him that Theryn did. Darien could not explain it but the world felt easier when he was near Theryn. It was like the prince saw him in a way no one else ever had. His smile made Darien's stomach do flips and his cold touch made Darien feel scorching hot. Was it a crush? was he ill? he did not know but he had no desire to end it anytime soon.

No, what he desired was to look after Theryn.

He would look after Theryn.

Their transport came to a stop at the base of the Grand Ziggurat and Darien shifted slightly to sit up fully "Theryn my dear we have arrived in Mercuitie, my city I'm going to look after you here and make you safe" He promised "Do you think you can sit up?" The Canopy had as ever been positioned outside to shield Darien from view only this time there was a tall and strong-looking Shaal waiting beneath at Darien's request.

"There are a lot of steps so I would prefer if this Shaal ... Hassie'r ... carried you, is that alright? He will take you straight to a very comfortable place in the gardens I told you about the day we met"

Theryn Hearthfire

 

[Theryn Hearthfire]

Theryn had half slept, half listened, as Darien sung soft lullabies and permitted him to rest, curled up with his head on the man's knees. Darth Stuffty remained in place, tightly clutched to his chest, and perhaps this was the biggest indicator that he hadn't been able to fully let go of his conscious state enough to fully rest. No, how could he rest when he knew so many out there wanted his head simply for existing? He had done them no harm, and yet...​

​

So no, he couldn't sleep, he couldn't shut off his mind, because adrenaline and fear were powerful motivators. He hadn't felt anxiety and dread like this since he'd fled home as a young boy with the news of his Father's death still ringing in his ears. Usually he could brush past it, quickly pick himself back up. Not now.​

​

At least with the proximity he lay to Darien he could pick up on the soft scents the man carried. He'd fast discovered that his favourite of the them was the bergamot, it was refreshing and bright. Just the smell of it made him feel safer, because he knew that meant the man was still there. Theryn wasn't sure how he'd ever make it up to him, in truth, for advocating for him, for seeing him as the man he was and not some wanna-be God or nuisance to squash beneath one's heel.​

​

As they neared the City, though Theryn wasn't aware of how close they were, one of his hands lifted from the teddy and brushed up through his dark curls, fingers clenching and entwining within them in a way that fast saw him grounded. Mother had always stroked his hair, no matter how he was feeling it always made him feel better. An act of self-soothing that worked in tandem with the lullabies. His eyes even managed to remain softly closed as a result.​

​

Then Darien was shifting to a seated position, having been reclining on the seat with Theryn between his legs. That caused the Prince to stir.​

​

Having reached the City of his Saviour, it was time for Theryn to sit upright. More than that, he realized, he would have to get out, he would have to walk, and face reality once more. He could not stay hidden away in here.​

​

He did not give his response verbally. Instead he slowly shifted himself up to sit, and pulled Stuffty tighter against his chest. His vision was hazy, not through tears but pure fatigue. Like they refused to focus. When the Shaal was gestured to and Darien made his request known, adding how he would prefer it if he were carried, Theryn continued to sit soundlessly, staring at a spot on the ground.​

​

Deep down he knew he should walk, could walk. He was not injured, he was not a babe, he had legs and feet which worked. Yet even as he tried to stand he found his legs still felt like jelly, just as they had in the Sky Temple. He tried again, determined to be of use, but when he took a step forward he faltered and found himself fast caught by the Shaal in question, Hassie'r.​

​

Suffice to say he was carried up those steps, higher and higher and higher until Darien bid them to stop.​

​

Darien Cordel ​

 

[Darien Cordel]

When Theryn reached up to card his fingers through his own hair in the act of self-soothing Darien looked down at him. He was not sleeping then. Darien felt terrible for him. Hopefully, he would manage to sleep soon. Force knew the man looked like he needed it. Carefully Darien's own fingers joined Theryn's in those dyed brown curls. He did his best to mirror what he had seen Theryn doing. Darien knew better than anyone how soothing the right sort of touch could be. Words were not his strong suit. Certainly not in a romantic way and touch was much easier but it was also considered more intimate in many ways which made it difficult as a means of forming a connection.

Something seemed to be going right with Theryn though. If this wasn't a connection between them Darien didn't know what it was.

The sound of the great gates opening and the clamour of the city's occupants alerted Darien that they were nearing home. It was time he sat up no matter how much he hated to shift Theryn from what he hoped was the comfort of his leg "Sorry dear, You can lie down again soon I promise" He meant it too Theryn would not have to lift a finger until he felt better. It seemed the least that Darien could do after all he had been through.

Despite his urging Theryn did try to walk but he managed no more than one or two steps within the canopy before his knees buckled and he was lifted into Hassie'r's arms. Theryn didn't seem to resist after that. Theryn had not said a word in hours and that troubled Darien. He hoped that Theryn was not scared of him. That he did not think he had switched from one prison for another. He couldn't worry about that now though he had to get them to the safety of the top of his Ziggurat and away from the noise of the crowd. He was especially thankful for the canopy that day as it finally dawned on him that he was burnt out too. There had been so much weight on his shoulders the past few weeks, so many new faces with eyes boring into him, so much new responsibility and Darien wanted nothing more than to hide away.

Even though he knew he could not.

He could have today and perhaps tomorrow but then he would be called upon to be the cities God and Contra-Usul again. No doubt already his two joint leaders would be at each other's throats. Old tensions died hard after all but they had been getting better and he couldn't smell smoke so he could nurse some hope that things had gone well enough without him.

His gait grew more sluggish with every step up the structure. It was never an easy climb but somehow being amongst the pantheon had made it harder. He had to keep up with the Shaal in front of him though it would not do to hold him up or appear weak. Perhaps that was part of the point of the stairs. To force a leader to show strength. Even when they were tired.

Darien was tired.

Thankfully he completed the climb and the canopy fell away its bearers not daring to step into the garden nor to linger once Darien and Hassie'r had stepped out from under it. Theryn was conveyed to a shady spot at the far edge of the Ziggurat, it looked out at the valley and away from much of the busier parts of the city. A place of tranquillity. He was set down in a hammock with cushions to cradle him and Darth Stuffty and then without a word Hassie'r bowed and left the god and his guest in peace.

Darien waited until he had gone then stepped forward to ensure Theryn was situated properly before resuming the stroking of his hair "Are you comfortable Theryn?" He asked "Can I get you anything? After you have rested a little I can take you to bathe and then we can find you a place where you feel safe to sleep"

Theryn Hearthfire

 

[Theryn Hearthfire]

Feeling Darien's gentle fingers through his curls, Theryn lowered his own hand and relaxed further against the man. Not heavy, he was doing a good job of bearing his own weight, just in a way that suggested comfort and a more relaxed state. He might even have let go enough to fall asleep if not for their arrival at the city which necessitated their return to an upright position. Well, necessitated such for Darien. Theryn just lay his head down on the seat instead, and curled up a little bit tighter around Stuffty to make up for the loss of touch with Dari.​

​

He felt bad for not doing as Darien had wished, but he had wanted to see for himself how much he was capable of. Well, he had his answer didn't he? But he certainly didn't like it.​

​

As they trekked up the stairs toward the heart of the ziggurat, Theryn kept his head down, turned toward the Shaal and not away from him. He hadn't once lifted his gaze, had not looked upon the landscape or the city itself, it felt easier to just shut it all out for now. His mind was too heavy, hazy, and he was soon rather slumped, unintentionally dead-weighting himself in the poor bearer's arms.​

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The noise could not be blocked out though. He was almost grateful for the lingering whine in his ears which had started up part way through the trial. Up, up, up, the higher they went the further the noises seemed to be, until they reached a point where the outside world didn't seem to intrude very much at all. Arms were replaced with the soft touch of the hammock which cradled him like a babe; he curled up there as the footsteps retreated.​

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Then Darien was over him, a hand trailing through his hair once more. It was the only thing which had him lifting his head, not up off the hammock but away from its curled up state. He blinked his eyes open, peeked up at Darien, and softly nodded. He didn't want or need anything in that moment, he didn't even feel attached to his body really, but when Darien spoke of finding him somewhere to sleep his eyes widened with concern.​

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One hand reached up to gently claim the man's sleeve. Was Darien going to lock him in a room too? Leave him on his own, with his spiraling thoughts?​

​

It took him a moment longer for the full scope of his words to reach Theryn. Somewhere safe... no, somewhere he felt safe. His brows creased and he tightened his hold. He couldn't find the strength to break out of his stupor though, couldn't find a way to get the words he wished to speak to form much less be uttered.​

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Darien Cordel ​

 

[Darien Cordel]

It was a shame that Darien only found a way to make Theryn uncoil as they were nearing the city. Still, he did what he could in the time that remained to them, tangling those handsome curls about his fingers as he took in all the sensations which came with having Theryn weighing him down. It was true that the man was not heavy but there was a comforting burden to him. Like an anchor. As he sat up and noted the way Theryn curled around Darth Stuffty Darien knew it might be some time before he got possession of his bear back. Theryn needed the protection of a Dark Lord more than Darien did and the man was just like to be able to bring some comfort to the poor prince. He was therefore glad to give the stuffed bear over on a temporary basis.

The Shaal Darien had selected for the task of carrying Theryn was strong enough that no matter how dead Theryn made his weight they were not phased. It was a simple enough task to carry the man and hold him tight and safe. A daunting task for the Shaal but that was not from Theryn's physical weight but the mental weight of carrying a god. Still, they made it to the summit of the stairs and the cut-off sanctuary of the garden without incident. Thery was gently slipped down and then they were left in total peace. Just the two of them ... and Darth Stuffty.

It took Darien's hand in his hair to get Theryn to perk up again and unfurl. His head just inching away from his chest enough that Theryn's beautiful contrasting eyes could be seen. He looked so small and fragile, it made Darien's heartache in his chest. Theryn was still tensed up almost every part of him was clenched tight. With blinking wet eyes Theryn nodded, claiming he was comfortable but it was plain that he was not. His silence whilst understandable was hard for Darien. He was used to silence but normally only when coupled with solitude. Being before someone who would not or in Theryn's case could not speak to him was hard. It put all the pressure on Darien to figure out what to do with little help.

He was terrified of going too far or making things worse.

His body told him he was to hold Thery tight and never let go. To stroke and Caress Thery until all their pieces slotted back together but his mind was convinced that to do such a thing was a terrible idea. In his head, Darien knew Theryn would want to escape as soon as he could. Darie might never see him again once he was better and that was hell but maybe if he was just so very careful he could show Theryn that he was a safe place still.

Only if he didn't go too far though.

He knew he'd messed up when Theryn's eyes blew wide and his wrist was seized in a gentle hold. A moment passed and his fear seemed to ease but his hold grew stronger. Darien lowered the seized hand to lay on Theryn "It's okay dear, you are safe I promise" he hummed gently still petting Theryn's hair "Can you do me a big favour and uncoil for me? just let those limbs take up all the space in the hammock, uncurl those toes and unclench that jaw" He whispered.

Then after a moment, he turned to Theryn with pleading eyes "Can you try to talk to me?" He asked, he needed guidance from Theryn on what to do it was true but also "I miss your voice" he'd not had a friendly voice in so very long.

Theryn Hearthfire

 

[Theryn Hearthfire]

Safe.​

​

Was he safe, though? It wasn't that he doubted Darien so much as he doubted, well, everything and anyone else. How could he ever be safe on such a bloodthirsty world? With literal Gods looking to tear him from existence... Theryn shuddered, and he hid his face once more though he did not let go of Darien's wrist.​

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At least the hand in his hair did not cease.​

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A favour was asked, though it was for his own sake really and not to the benefit of Darien. He wanted to comply, there was something about giving Darien what he wanted that left him feeling warm inside, but his muscles had their own mind and they refused to soften even a miniscule amount. His nose wrinkled and twitched as he fought back another wave of silent tears.​

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Darien was pleading with him to talk too. Missed his voice... Theryn opened his mouth, but no words came out; his expression fast crumpled.​

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Lost as he was, he curled up all the more around Stuffty, and Darien's hand, the only sound leaving him a quiet and arguably needy whimper. He wished that Darien would hold him, or even just let him settle within his lap as he had on the ride over here. His inability to ask for such had a somber wave of frustration drifting over him.​

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Darien Cordel ​

 

[Darien Cordel]

There were no gods on Zaathru. Only stories of them, the players in those stories were no more gods than Theryn was himself. They were terrible beings but so were most sentient beings. Give a creature thought and inevitably a time will come when it will think evil thoughts. When darkness comes or noises sound or things go wrong eventually all will think ill. Theryn was not terrible, if he had ill thoughts they seemed only to be fearful ones. Theryn was brave though. Brave and strong even as he shuddered he tried to talk. Though fear was so obviously consuming he tried simply because Darien asked.

Darien had thought Theryn was like a prince in a fairy story. He realised that he was wrong in that though. Theryn was not lifted from a fairy story where princes knew only how to kill and fight and get their way. Theryn was soft and gentle. Perhaps he could fight and perhaps a time would come that he had to but the fighting had not been his first call, nor his second... or his third. Theryn had grown flowers and danced in green grasses, there had been no violence in him and even now he did not rant and rave and swear vengeance. He simply curled up and showed his fear. A story Prince would never do that.

Wordless lips opened and closed but muscles only tightened. Every one of them seemed to contract until Theryn was a ball of clenching. skin balanced in parts as he curled so tightly and his face was twisted in frustration. The whimper which left him said at once that he had tried and failed. Darien frowned and took a moment to think, all the while stroking Theryn's curly mop of hair with his free hand. "Thank you for trying sweet prince," He said softly "May I please have my hand back?" he asked turning his gripped hand in Theryn's hold as best he could so that his fingers brushed on Theryn's arm "I promise I am not going to leave I just wish to help"

Once he could he moved his hand to hold Theryn's. His thumb stroked along the fingers of his prince's clenched fist. Up and down until his own head was calmer and then he focused in on just one. The littlest. Holding it in a gentle grip he endeavoured to ease it into straightness "Just one finger for me Thery" he urged "Just let it relax and stretch out, it can take up space, you can take up space" His right hand remained stroking Theryn's head, his left stroked and nudged the little finger of Theryn's hand. Darien would do this on every finger, then every toe, wrists, ankles, arms, legs, backs, fronts and Theryn's jaw until he was uncoiled.

Talking could come later.

 

[Theryn Hearthfire]

A stillness overcame Theryn once he had curled up properly around the stuffed bear, and indeed Darien's hand, one which didn't seem to dissipate even when he released his hosts wrist. One could almost be fooled into thinking he had somehow swiftly fallen to the throws of restfulness, that his exhaustion had finally caught up with him and send him to Nod, but the boy was more than aware of his surroundings. Acutely so, in fact. Every whisper on the breeze brought up from the streets below brushed against his ears, the smell of spice on his nostrils, and the soft touch of fabric enveloping him on his skin.​

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Even his eyes saw, though it was hardly anything to write home about. Home... His heart fractured at the thought of home, and another small whine slipped free. He longed for his sister, Mysa would know what to do in moments such as these. She would swoop in and carry him away to safety, and woe unto any who tried to stop her. But... Mysa was not here.​

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Darien was though. The soft touch to his hand as it was taken up by the mans was a reminder of that. How he had come to be in the realm of his sister's childhood friend was a mystery he might never truly unravel, but he had. He was here now, and Theryn could fast understand why it was that Mysa had been drawn to him. He was a kind and steadfast soul, and he had put his own neck on the line to ensure that Theryn did not fall to the headman's axe. They were alike in that, Mysa and Darien, their actions spoke far more than most men's words ever could.​

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One finger was singled out from the rest as Darien methodically stroked and eased it from its tightly clenched state. At first he could not follow through with such attempts, he did not consciously resist but his body refused all the same. Then five soft words were uttered, and it felt as though everything came apart at the seams. You can take up space Darien had stated, and the sincerity behind his quiet words had all of that pent up tension released like waves crashing on sand.​

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He sobbed then, a deep and impossible cry that left his head splitting and his breaths dangerously laboured. He sucked in each breath of air he could manage as though it was to be his last, but his hands uncurled and his head lifted so that his chin no longer touched his chest. In doing so, Theryn unveiled small yet mighty secret from within the folds of his clothes, a tiny pair of eyes set into a pink, scaly face peered up at Darien.​

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Tsun tilted its little dragon head a touch to the left, then opened its mouth to softly hiss.​

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Darien Cordel ​

 

[Darien Cordel]

Theryn freed Darien's wrist without much further fuss. He remained curled around Darien's hand though, not that that bothered Darien. It did not prevent him from doing what he sought to and loosening up Theryn's fingers. His hand turned slowly in the confinement of Theryn's hold and as he reached the end of his calming strokes it almost seemed like Theryn had begun to drift into sleep again. Having been told in the carriage that Theryn had not in fact managed to sleep despite going still though Darien was aware that he was no doubt not sleeping. Still ... stillness was better than fretting. It was not to last uninterrupted though. Darien had just started on Theryn's little finger when the poor man let out a whine.

"Shhh sweetheart it is okay" He soothed pausing briefly in his ministration of Thery's finger before he concluded that the whine was not related to his action at which point he resumed. Slowly back and forth over the finger which refused to yield and stretch. He knew Thery wasn't resisting on purpose. There was no movement in the tense digit and Darien knew well what it was to lock up out of stress, stars knew recent days had given Thery plenty to stress about.

It was surreal to him too, that fate had brought them together. He had to keep reminding himself that Thery was Mysa's brother. Not least because Thery did not have the same features as Mysa the differing hair colour and Thery's almost malnourished build distorted the resemblance. They had the same energy though and it was almost like they shared the same brain when it came to calming Darien. Perhaps Theryn even went further but he did have the advantage of being very handsome. Not that Mysa was not also beautiful in her way but ... they had incompatible parts and Darien's brain did not fire for her as it did for Thery. He was a man's man and she needed a woman's man ... or maybe a woman's woman, or woman's person. So many undiscussed possibilities.

His whispered encouragement was like a double-edged sword. On one hand, it made Theryn suddenly and immediately flop. All tension seemed to vanish as he puddled out in the hammock. On the other, he emitted a most heartbreaking sob that seemed to snatch all the air from his lungs. Darien moved closer in response and intensified his caresses "Shhh my darling prince it is okay ... " he cooed "It is all okAY!" he said voice lifting in the last syllables as a dragon-like creature climbed up from the folds of Theryn's shirt and hissed. Darien stumbled back and landed on his but in surprise.

 

[Theryn Hearthfire]

The sudden outburst, and removal of his hand from Darien's, caused Theryn's cries to stop quite abruptly in exchange for a gasp of surprise. He was still sniffling, tears still flowed, and soft sobs escaped him, but he was rather stupefied by the way in which Darien had acted, and the fact that the man had fallen onto his backside.​

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Peeking over the edge of the hammock, Rin blinked down at Darien and wiped his eyes with one hand. When Tsun hissed a second time, realization befell the boy and he reached with his free hand to gently pluck the creature up. Brought level with his face, the Tejdoru nuzzled against Rin's cheek for comfort, before turning its attention back to Darien.​

​

Though he did not speak, in fact he didn't even open his mouth to try and speak, he signed for friend and the clever little thing seemed to take note. With a chirp, not a hiss, Tsun hopped onto the edge of the hammock then bobbed up and down excitably. Raising a hand, Theryn rubbed a circle over his heart in apology to the freaked out Darien, before the tired and spent boy tried to push himself up and out of the hammock. It wasn't an easy task in truth, the fabric wanted to envelop him back down, but soon he found his feet and softly he approached Darien.​

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Rather than pulling the man to his feet, Theryn gently knelt before him. Soaring down from the hammock, Tsun settled upon Rin's shoulder and once again nuzzled against his cheek. Frowning in concern, the Prince reached out to lightly stroke one of Darien's cheeks, glancing him over to make sure that he was okay.​

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As much as his own world was falling apart, seeing Darien afraid, and having him tumble, put new priorities to the forefront of his mind. He cared not what happened to himself, he was discovering, when Dari might need his assistance or care. His heart burned, and as he continued to stroke his cheek his other hand reached out to gently tip up the man's chin.​

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Then he drew back his hands, and very clearly signed T.S.U.N. Of course, all of this was dependent on Darien knowing Galactic Sign Language; as a Hearthfire, with Nina as a cousin, it had been imperative for him to learn it from an early age. Sure, the Archivist now spoke but there was a time when she did not and as a result GSL was well ingrained in their lineage.​

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Even when he could not speak, he could draw upon small snippets of it.​

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Darien Cordel ​

 

[Darien Cordel]

Darien felt a little stupid as he made contact with the grass beneath him. He had not exaggerated his reaction, at that moment genuine shock and a touch of fear had made him stumble back and that stumbling had genuinely made him lose his footing but now that he could play the moment over in his mind the creature which had emerged was not large nor had it done anything beyond the hissing which may be its normal noise. His feelings were further compounded by the gasp that emanated from Theryn.

The outburst had obviously shocked him and he seemed startled, the last thing he needed when his nerves were already shot. He looked at Darien over the canvas of the hammock, still crying but also confused. It made him look broken and lost which was the very last thing Darien wanted him to go through. Then the creature in his shirt hissed again and the confusion vanished. Still on the ground, Darien watched as the lizard-like dragon was brought out and shown to be harmless ... at least to Theryn. Its nuzzling seemed to calm the prince too.

Theryn rubbed a circle over his heart and whilst Darien did not know Galactic Sign Language he did identify that that gesture was probably an apology. Dari shook his head still a little dazed "No sorry needed Thery, I was just surprised that is all" The dragon certainly seemed happier now as it bobbed on the edge of the hammock. Dari was decidedly less so as Thery got out of the hammock. Darien hadn't realised what Thery was doing until it was too late and then it had taken him much too long to get his words out but he did try to protest "No Thery you stay in the hammock resting" Darien didn't want Thery exerting himself at all.

Despite his words, Theryn was soon padding his way across the grass. Then he was kneeling in front of him. Darien shook his head at that too but found his words stilled by the hand on his cheek. He was clearly being looked over and he made sure to sit up and show that he was fine "I'm okay Sweetheart" he said just to hammer the point home.

His head was tipped up and his eyes shifted from staring at Theryn's chin to staring into his eyes. A contrast in blue and green which made him shiver. It was hard to look into them without feeling lightheaded but he could not look away either. With his focus snatched Theryn began gesturing, clearly in sign language though Darien could not understand. He let Theryn finish with a confused look of deep contemplation on his face as he tried to piece together the message but to no avail.

"I'm sorry sweet Prince I don't know sign language" He confessed "But can we get you back to the hammock please or somewhere else you can lie down? You need rest"

Theryn Hearthfire

 

[Theryn Hearthfire]

Darien tried to brush off the apology, but all that did was have Theryn shake his head and redo the gesture. He should have warned his host about the dragon, should have shown him Tsun back in the Sky Temple, only he hadn't. Truth be told there had been much more than his tejdoru on his mind, his life had hung in the balance and what little time he'd spent in Darien's presence there had been taken up with escapism, a need to drown out and forget all that was happening around him in favour of the sweet man who would unknowingly become his saviour.​

​

He was already out of the hammock when the protests came, already set upon his knees and looking over the Contra-Usul when it was claimed that Darien was in fact okay. Even so he checked him over, still stroking his cheek until he decided to sign his companion's name. It was fast understood that Darien did not comprehend him, though, that the signs were foreign and unlearned. Perhaps in time that would change, if Theryn was able to spend enough time around Darien he'd no doubt pick up on a few things, right?​

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Theryn hoped so dearly that he would spend plenty of time with his host.​

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He hung his head for a moment in thought, willing the words to simply flow from his mouth instead of his hands; they didn't flow, of course, and he sank even deeper into his mutism as a result. No more attempts at signing, no more parted lips trying in vain to confer words.​

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Darien wanted to see him settled again, somewhere safe and comfortable. After lightly nudging Tsun from his shoulder, and the dragon taking flight briefly in order to find a lofty perch in the garden, he nodded his head. He was the first to rise, and upon doing so he offered a hand down to Darien to help him to his feet. His hand lingered in Dari's even once that assistance had been used, even if it had been rejected, his thumb flexed across the back of the man's hand once.​

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Then he took a meek step back, and dropped his gaze.​

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Darien Cordel ​