Ivan hated the sick ward of the castle; it smelled of death and disease with a lingering atmosphere of despair. He was a seasoned warrior frightened by little, but the stench of illness was one of the things that unnerved him. Even when he was injured he would insist on being moved to his private chambers just to avoid that area. But today he did not have that choice, he was not the one injured, he must go visit Toris.
He looked so small and weak propped up in the bed, Ivan hated seeing the once proud warrior reduced to a crumpled heap. Toris' arm was bandaged up and dark shadows under his eyes like he had not slept in weeks. He was staring towards the window in a daze.
"Toris" Ivan said softly, rousing the injured man from his trance. He blinked at Ivan before recognition set in.
"Ivan!" he croaked, shifting in his cot. Ivan rushed over to his side.
"I wouldn't exactly say you are 'looking well' my friend, but it is good to see you in once piece" Ivan clap Toris' hand and gave it a squeeze.
"iBarely/i in one piece." Toris' haggard expression broke and he gave a weak smile followed by a pitiful little laugh. The laugh was quickly followed by a hacking cough, and as his chest heaved his head shook, and wispy strands of Toris' hair fell in his face. Ivan frowned and reached over tucking Toris' hair back behind his ear.
Toris was Ivan's junior only by a few years, and in their youth the two of them had fostered a bit of a passionate romance. Years after the romantic feelings had faded, the simple physical gestures and closeness of the two remained. Occasionally in evenings of desperate loneliness the two would bed, but it had been at least four years since that had happened last. Regardless, Toris was the only other person in Arthur's court who hailed from the North as Ivan, and he considered him his closest friend.
There was an awkward pose before Ivan cleared his throat and spoke again. "The king tells me there is trouble in the North." Toris' brows furrowed and he straightened his back as his fingers dug into the sheets. Ivan noted this and raised an eyebrow. "But from your reaction I think there is more you have not told our precious king."
"Yes. Things he would not believe if I told him." Toris spat out, his grip on the bed tightening. "She has awoken him."
Ivan felt the hair on the back of his neck stand up. It was as if the nightmares of every citizen of the North had become true. He was loose. The ghostly form of winter itself, a warrior so powerful and old millennia have passed without his legend dimming. His true form had been destroyed thousands of years ago, so whenever resurrected he seized the body of his savior and corrupted them body and soul. And if he was truly back that mean his evil mount had been raised as well, a monstrous two-headed eagle whose mere presence chilled men to the bone. Breathed gusts of snow and ice like it was fire. Ivan shuddered at the thought.
"But why? And she means to wage war against us? Why would she bring such havoc upon her own people in the process?"
"I know not. Despair and grief planted seeds of madness in her. She thirsts for revenge. She seeks to harm you." Toris said grimly.
Ivan sighed and carded his hand through his graying hair. He already was burdened with guilt from his actions thirty years past; must she continue to gnaw at his concise with other problems? He should have married her, it only took him a few years to realize his mistake, and by that point it was too late. The deed had been done; he had relinquished his people and crown. He was forever exiled from the lands of his birth.
Ivan's hands were worrying into the sheets on the side of Toris' bed; Toris gently placed his uninjured hand over Ivan's. "Let us not destroy all of our hope with these dark words. Come, tell me of your life. We have been apart for many moons, I wish to hear of your adventures!" He gave another weak smile.
Ivan squirmed uncomfortably in his seat for a moment. "I have taken a new squire." He said awkwardly.
"Oh? After what happened with-" Ivan began to cringe. Toris thought better of his words and stopped. He chewed at his lip. "I am assuming this was not your decision, yes?"
"It was upon the king's wishes. But he is bright and passionate. With time he will make an excellent knight." Ivan continued to squirm. "He has much strength." There was an awkward pause as Ivan writhed in his moral discomfort.
Toris gave him a dull stare. "Out with it! There's obviously something about this squire you are not telling me. I can see how you are dancing around the subject. Tell me, there is no one else to hear." Toris was right; the healers had since deserted the room to give the two men peace to discuss. Ivan wriggled his toes uncomfortable within his boots.
"He- I- We have-" Ivan fumbled for the words. Toris raised and eyebrow. Ivan felt his ears and cheeks redden. "Um. We- We have had-" He gave a frustrated sigh before whispering, "We had sex."
Toris eyebrows rose even higher and the corners of his mouth twitched upwards. "With you squire? Oh my, you lecherous man, you."
Ivan grimaced. "This, started before he was my squire-"
Toris let out a loud wheezing laugh. "You had sex with your squire when he was just a recruit? Oh you are shameless!" he boxed Ivan on the ear playfully. "How old was he? Was he still a maid?"
Ivan's blush deepened. "Yes, but he was older. Older than most of the boys, he's claims he is twenty and three, but next to me he is like a babe. " He squirmed. "I didn't mean to at first, I had drunk too much ale at a feast and awoke to him in my sheets the following morning, but he did not shy away. I swore it was only going to be a one-time mistake, but after he became my squire- He confessed his affection-And we- Against the haystack- I-" He let out a pitiful cry and buried his head into his hands. "I am a filthy man!" He mumbled loudly.
Toris chuckled softly and patted Ivan on the head. Ivan looked up, expecting a disapproving scowl on his friend's face but only found a soft smile. "But Gods Toris, I know it's wrong, but the sex is so good!" He gave a heaving sigh. "Since that time at the inn we've been like rutting dogs- Like when we were young and blinded by passion!"
There was another pause as Toris grinned. He took a moment to craft his words. "It's not wrong you know. You are both old enough to make your own decisions. Social decorum can be damned. You said he confessed feelings for you, and if you feel the same for him, I see no err in your actions." He patted Ivan's hand again. "Every one deserves love, even you. Do not feel like you past or duty should restrict you from being happy."
Toris' words were such a relief that Ivan felt he could almost cry. He shook them off cursing the frailty of his emotional state and stood up, letting Toris' hand slide back on top of the sheets covering his lap. "Thank you my friend. Thank you for informing me of the gather storm, and for showing me that there is still good in the world." He bent down and gave the injured man a soft hug. "I wish you a speedy recovery, I will make sure to visit you at least once or twice within the fortnight."
Toris waved as Ivan walked out of the sick ward, looking in much higher spirits than before. Ivan smiled as he headed off towards the town.
Later that night Ivan sat in bed staring at Alfred's sleeping figure bathed in the pale moonlight. Since that night at the inn the boy had only spent a handful of nights in his own chambers, and frankly, Ivan didn't care. He welcomed the warmth at his side during the nights, the softness of his hair, and the tender kisses they shared when they made love. All was right in his personal world. If only the same could be said for the kingdom and those around him.
It was only then; in the lull of the night, accompanied only with the sound of Alfred and his own breathing did he begin to worry about the oncoming storm and the horrors that would return to the realm. The walking winter was back, and the frozen madness has spawned war. Everything Ivan loved was in jeopardy and he had part of the blame. He created the madness that drover her to such desperation, only he could stop it. His only fear was who would die or be hurt in the process.
As Alfred followed Ivan around during his daily duties, he began asking questions. Ivan answered them as tactfully as he could, understanding that his lack experience causing the curiosity was natural. But as the questions began to get more detailed, he soon realized the only way to remedy this would be to let the boy experience for himself.
"Are women's breasts really as soft as they look?" Alfred asked nonchalantly as he carried Ivan's armor. It was the last straw for Ivan, he just had to get it over with now and send the boy on his away.
"Alfred, stop." The boy halted and looked at Ivan with confusion. Ivan dug into his coin purse. "Your curiosity obviously knows no bounds so you are just going to have to find out for yourself." He plucked the armor out of Alfred's arms and placed three silver coins into his palm. "That is plenty enough to get yourself a whore, several in fact. Now go take the rest of the day off and learn the ways of women."
Alfred stood there with his mouth open looking as if he were trying to think of something to say. He slid the coins into his pocket and stared at Ivan again.
"Go!" Ivan shooed him off and picked up the armor. The boy ran off into the street, obviously well aware of the location of the brothels. And to think he has yet to lay with a woman. Ivan mused as he headed towards the armory.
Ivan hummed to himself as he walked towards his chambers. He wondered how the boy's day had been so he poked his head into Alfred's chambers. Empty. Must not be back yet, that lewd bastard. Ivan chuckled to himself and he walked towards his door. He walked in and unbuckled his sword bet and hung it on the door without opening his eyes. Only when he turned to face his bed did he receive a great surprise. He jumped back startled.
In his bed lay two people. One was the ever-chipper Alfred with a lecherous smirk on his face and besides him was beautiful blond woman, breasts bared with an even more lascivious smile. Oh!
Ivan felt his face turn red. "Oh. Um. I'm sorry. Did- Did I- Er, interrupt something?" He reached for the door handle with plans to back out of the room.
"Ivan stop." Alfred said loudly and calmly. Ivan's hand froze on the handle. He averted his eyes from the boy and the woman, finding much interest in the wood grain of his wardrobe. "I took the money you gave me and paid his fine lady double." A question was forming on his lips but Alfred spoke again before he could let it out. "She is here for the both of us Ivan." He gave Ivan a sultry stare. Ivan's grip on the door handle tightened, he backed further away but his body began to betray him as he felt a stirring.
"Alfred this is absurd- I can't- No- This evening is for-" Alfred threw back the covers, the whore giving a girlish shrieking giggle as she was exposed, and Alfred's naked form bounded over to Ivan, placing a finger on his lips, stopping the protest.
Ivan pushed aside Alfred's hand. "Alfred, really. This is-" He kissed him to stop the questions this time, pressing his naked body up against Ivan's clothed one. Ivan cursed his loins to the deepest pits of hell as they continued to react, and his hands found their way pressed against Alfred's rear.
He completely gave up resistance and Alfred began to pull off his tunic. After some awkward struggling and a few more sexual advances from Alfred he was finally stripped naked and shoved towards the bed. Ivan gave a inward sigh; this was going to be one long night.
Ivan was awoken by a giggle. He gave an exasperated groan as he turned his head. The morning light was beginning to stream in the window, illuminating the other two occupants of the bed. Alfred was straddling the girl, one hand on a breast the other supporting himself, as he kissed down the side of her neck. Ivan rolled his eyes and moved to get out of the bed. Alfred looked up questioningly as he felt Ivan's weight leave the bed. Ivan ignored him.
He began to collect his clothes strewn about the floor, wincing as his knees ached with each bend. "We have a busy day ahead of us, boy. Best finish your fun and get ready for the day." He said as he pulled on his under clothes and trousers.
Alfred bolted up and rushed over to get dressed as well, leaving the whore to give an irritated huff as he was left alone on the bed. She too went to assemble her belongings.
As the girl headed towards the door Ivan pulled another gold coin from his purse. He held it out to her. "Make sure you tell no one of the events that happened in this room and who you laid with, understood?" She nodded and greedily accepted the coin, sliding it into a hidden pocket in her clothing.
When she had left, Ivan angrily slammed his hand against the wall, blocking Alfred into the space. "I know you are young and do not think of these things, but you put us both in serious danger by bringing that wench here." Alfred's eyes widened in horror and his lips began to form a question.
"In addition to the social crimes of us both being male and our ages varying, because we are knight and squire our relationship is very forbidden. If word of the events that are going on nightly here were to get out not only would I be publicly shamed, but I could lose my head!" Ivan growled, bringing his face close to Alfred's staring deeply into the boy's frightful eyes. Alfred swallowed loudly. "You shan't be brining any more women in here, and you will keep quiet about all bedroom activities, understood?"
The boy nodded quickly and began shifting uncomfortable from foot to foot. Ivan sighed and pulled back. "I'm sorry for scaring you." He ruffled Alfred's hair. "But this is important. You need to understand, what we are doing is frowned upon in this kingdom. I couldn't bear it if you got hurt for the simple actions of our love."
Alfred hung his head in shame. "I'm sorry, I didn't know. I-"
"That's alright, that's alright, we all err from time to time. I should have taught you better." He gave the boy a reassuring hug.
Ivan pulled back and finished dressing. When he was finished he turned to the boy with a big grin. "Now, are you ready for some sword training?"
Alfred's small smile turned sour and he groaned. Ivan grinned even wider at this and he dragged his squire out the door.
AN: Ivan's such a big softie, he can't bear to stay mad at Alfred for long... XD So you are finally (if only vaguely) introduced to the main villain of the story! If you didn't pick up on the earlier chapters, the "she" Ivan is referring to who raised the walking winter is Belarus, whom he was betrothed to when living in the North.
And I hadn't really come up with a name for the currency used in the kingdom, but it goes gold, silver, and bronze in order of decreasing value. That gold Ivan gave the whore was a lot, he wanted to be sure she would never be bribed otherwise.
Also, I was a bit too gung-ho about uploading the chapters I already had last week, sorry for not warning you of the wait. PoM updates weekly, usually around Wednesday.