It had been a wild night. Wild and draining. Rilienus stood slumped over the balcony outside the main ballroom of the Winter Palace. Outside it was quiet, peaceful. No intrigue, no spies. Just him, the stars, and his thoughts. He shifted from one foot to the other, rolling his neck before letting out another sigh.
"Here you are."
Dorian's rich voice curled through the air, bringing a smile to Rilienus' lips. He glanced aside as his fellow Tevinter joined him.
"Needed some air," he murmured.
"And I can hardly blame you. It has certainly been an exciting evening."
He snaked an arm around Rilienus, pulling him closer. Rilienus did not resist or try to pull away, sighing and settling against the other man's side.
"I'm going to need a vacation after all this is done."
Dorian chuckled, a deep and sonorous sound that reverberated in his chest. The vibrations bringing a pleasant smile onto Rilienus' weary expression.
With his free hand, Dorian carefully grasped Rilienus' that remained set on the balcony rail. Curling his fingers around it, he slowly lifted it to his lips and planted a soothing kiss over the knuckles. As he lowered their hands again, Dorian didn't release it. Instead, he proceeded to rub his thumb over the back of Rilienus' hand in small, soothing circles.
"Good thing you have me in the meantime," Dorian grinned.
"Good thing," Rilienus agreed, his smile only growing.