Chapter 2

Tayend opened his eyes and blinked rapidly as bright sunlight assailed his vision. He rolled onto his side and groaned as his muscles protested. He had flopped onto his bed at dawn after riding through the night to reach the Porreni mansion and, judging by the angle of the rays leaking under his half-closed window covers, he had slept the day away. Surveying the room through slitted eyes he was annoyed to find his cabinet empty of a dish with warm, scented wash-water. No servants, he chided himself. Never having been a morning person he found himself to be even less of an afternoon person as he stumbled out of his room in the direction of the kitchen, grumbling all the way.

Dannyl sighed and as it turned into a full yawn he rubbed a hand over his face. The house hadn't been nearly as confusing the previous time he had been here, though that probably had everything to do with the servants being there to usher him about. He turned what felt like another of hundreds of identical corners and stopped dead in his tracks choking back an outburst of laughter that sent his whole body convulsing. Before him stood a young man in rumpled clothing, his golden hair standing in all directions and a decidedly sulky expression on his face. Dannyl had never seen the usually immaculate Tayend in such a disgruntled state, yet instead of diminishing his opinion of the scholar it sent a warm wave of affection through him. Simply put, he looked adorable.

Tayend lifted his eyebrows at Dannyl and gave the magician's purple robes a meaningful look. Dannyl blushed as he realised that he probably looked no neater than his friend and he felt very self-conscious as he moved into the room and took a seat at the kitchen table. Tayend smiled companionably and passed him a cup of steaming, dark liquid.

"Raka," Tayend said by way of explanation, "It'll keep you awake while I finish up here."

Dannyl was sceptical of the stimulant, but then again he had drunk bol before, this couldn't be much different. He took a tentative sip and was pleasantly surprised by the robust flavour and the warmth that it sent through his sleep-riddled body. Sighing appreciatively he turned his attention to the basket on the table and grinned with delight. Tayend was packing them a picnic! The fresh sweetcakes, savoury breads, salted meats and fruit preserves that occupied half the large basket set his mouth watering and he chuckled at the amount of wine bottles that had been squeezed in next to the food.

The young scholar wore a satisfied expression, "There is a stream on the other side of the hill behind the house and I was thinking we could have a wash before we eat." He glanced through the window at the amber sky, "we'd best be off then." He made to lift the basket. Apparently Dannyl had had the same idea and a jolt went through Tayend as a large hand enveloped his. They stared at one another for a second and when neither made a move to relinquish his grip, a playful battle of wills ensued, ending when Dannyl used magic to ruffle the younger man's hair into his face.

"Subterfuge!" Tayend squealed as Dannyl grasped the opportunity and quickly lifted the basket above his head. The scholar stepped nimbly around the magician and with feline agility leaped for the basket, his arm outstretched. Out of nowhere a strong hand closed around his wrist and he gasped in surprise before his feet met the floor once again. Dannyl was wearing a wicked grin and, though he held his friend's arm gently, he was firm enough that there was no hope of escape. Not that I want to escape all that badly, Tayend thought as he abandoned his third attempt at wriggling free.

"All right!" He exclaimed, panting lightly, "You can keep it!"

Dannyl's breathing was also a little heavy and his eyes were alight with amusement... was it amusement? Or something else? Tayend wanted to stare forever into those dark, expressive eyes. He wanted to know what this divinely terrifying person was thinking.

Then Dannyl was laughing heartily and walking toward the door and Tayend found himself following suit, also chuckling.