Hi everybody! Sorry for the loooong wait, but I had to give this story a little bit of a wide berth for a while. Also, hopefully this won't ruin your own image of Sarik (for all I know it will help it) but in my mind, Sarik is Benedict Cumberbatch. And no, it has nothing to do with him playing the voice of Smaug in The Hobbit, I had him in mind waaaay beforehand, actually, ever since I started watching Sherlock. He was partially the inspiration for this story, but I just thought it was high time I let everyone know so you could visualize it in your heads lol. Imagine him with hair the color of...ohoho...you have to keep reading to find out colors lol. Enjoy!
((()))
Sable had not slept in the same bed with someone since he was very small and he would snuggle with Ebony. It was much different now, when he was used to sleeping alone, and in a very small bed. He rolled over a few times during the night and felt the warm body beside him, feeling instantly guilty as he wondered if his sharp elbows or knees had jabbed the man. Unfortunately there was a side of reality to go along with all the romance, and it was not as comfortable to sleep beside someone as it sounded in stories. He had fallen asleep wrapped in Sarik's arms, which had been easy to do when he was so comfortable and felt so very content. They did not quite stay as entangled throughout the night, as they both shifted in their sleep. By the time morning came, Sable woke to find himself almost entirely off the mattress, one of his arms dangling over it along with the matching leg. As he sluggishly realized how ridiculous a spectacle he must look and shifted onto his back, he heard a low chuckle. He turned his head on the pillow, squinting against the sunlight filtering in through the sheer curtains. Sarik was bending over him on one elbow, looking down at him with sparkling eyes.
"Good morning, sleepy." The deep voice said teasingly, and Sable blinked as soft lips pressed to his own. He drew back belatedly, covering his mouth with a sleep-weary hand.
"My breath…" He mumbled, aware of how foul it must be this early in the morning.
"You're so amusing." Sarik answered, stroking his fingers through Sable's disheveled hair. "Do not concern yourself with such trivial things. I want to kiss you."
He tipped Sable's chin up toward him and placed another gentle kiss on his lips. Sable accepted it reluctantly, still aware that he was not picture-presentable like all the romantic poems indicated lovers were the morning after. Sarik did not seem to care in the slightest as he stroked Sable's face and hair, gently bringing him to full wakefulness.
"God, your hair is so bright..." Sarik muttered as Sable pulled himself into a sitting position and the full force of the morning sun struck his disheveled and newly-Marked hair.
"What color is it, anyway?" Sable asked, realizing that he had never actually asked the night before. Sarik pulled him in close to lean against his own strong body and whispered in his ear,
"Red. As red as the finest ruby."
Sable nodded, wishing that the statement made any kind of sense to him, but still happy that he could attach a name to the unknown color that he bore.
"So...it matches yours just right?" Sable asked, looking up into the exotic cat-like eyes of the man who cuddled him.
"Like it was grown from my own head." Sarik affirmed, stroking his fingers through the hair they were discussing. "It looks striking with your own black hair, I must say."
His face fell slightly, and it was not unnoticed by Sable.
"What is it?" Sable asked, suddenly worried at the look.
"I'm just wondering...when we go out into the city today..." Sarik sighed, stroking Sable's arm, "you might receive a great deal of attention. I'm not sure how your appearance will go over with the public."
"Because your Mark is so large?" Sable asked, remembering what Sarik had said the night before about the unusual size. The dragon nodded, and they sat there in silent contemplation for a moment or two.
"Well, no use wasting time." Sarik said, shifting Sable off of him and sliding out of bed. "Let's eat our breakfast and see how the world will treat us today."
"Alright." Sable said, lacking the confidence that Sarik obviously had from years of living in this place and knowing how it flowed.
As Sable moved to leave the bed as well, he yelped suddenly as pain shot up his nether regions. He stilled instantly, discouraged from movement.
"I apologize, Sable." Sarik said, rounding the giant bed to the boy's side. "I tried to be as careful as I could, but you were a virgin regardless so it follows that you would feel discomfort."
Sable felt a strange stab of wistfulness at the words 'you were a virgin'. He had been enjoying Sarik's presence so much he had not dwelt on the fact that he would never again be what he was before the previous night.
"You were exceedingly gentle..." Sable told the Sarik as the man took his hands and helped ease him off the mattress.
"I'm glad." Sarik told him, and tipped his chin up to steal a soft kiss. Sable was so unused to the sweetness of such a touch, and felt his body shudder in response. He vaguely wondered if Markers were even allowed to touch Wards after the one night had passed.
His thought was interrupted by a knock on the door.
"That will be Marcus," Sarik said, pulling back from him, "come to take you back to your room so you can prepare for the day."
"Alright, then." Sable said, as Sarik led him to the door. He blushed as he paid attention to the way the man walked; he was so tall, his back sinewy and strong, with shoulders that were just broad enough, but not overly large, and his neck...Sable swallowed as he admired that glorious column of pale flesh. The man was perfect. He fell somewhere between slender and muscular, and it was such a fascinating balance that Sable felt himself wishing he had more time to admire that body.
Sarik opened the door and Marcus was waiting for them, fabric draped over his arms.
"Good morning to you both." He said, surprising Sable by bowing to them. When he rose up, he asked, "Lord Eres, do you give your approval for your Ward to be donned in your color for the day?"
"I give my approval wholeheartedly." Sarik said, sliding his arm around Sable's shoulders to give him a squeeze. "My Mark was given and received."
Sable realized that this must be some sort of ritual, and wished that someone had informed him. He wondered if he was supposed to say anything. Obviously his input was not needed, as Marcus gestured for him to follow. The man's warm eyes widened when they fell upon his Mark, and his mouth even opened slightly.
"C-come with me, Sable, and we'll get you dressed."
Sable looked back at Sarik over his shoulder when Marcus led him to the top of the staircase. The dragon was leaning against the doorframe, smiling at him. Sable smiled back, and then hurried to catch up with Marcus.
An uncomfortable silence reigned in Sable's guest room as Marcus dressed him. The satiny robe was not something that Sable would normally wear, but obviously he was expected to. It was similar to the one he had worn the night before but was not very long, reaching about to his knees with a pair of clinging trousers beneath, but it still seemed more costume-like than regular clothing. The pattern that had been at the bottom of the other robe now tangled through the waist of this one, complimented by the thin rope belt that Marcus fastened there. It was obvious that because of the cold hardly anyone would even see it unless they were indoors for any stretch of time. He would also be wearing his own boots, Marcus informed him, which made him feel more comfortable.
Throughout the dressing Marcus had remained silent, and then as he finished sliding long socks onto Sable's feet, he stopped and looked up at him.
"You are truly blessed, Sable." He said softly, and stood to look down at the boy. "I would never tell you this if I were not so moved by knowing you, but the Wards that Lord Eres has been receiving lately have not been granted substantial Marks. Certainly nothing like yours."
"What do you mean?" Sable asked, confused. "I thought a Mark of any kind would grant success."
"It does, but..." Marcus hesitated, looking conflicted, "I should not be telling you this... but however the public interprets it, the truth is that the size of a Mark indicates the chemistry between Marker and Ward, or you could call it 'compatibility'. The more compatible you are with a dragon, the larger your Mark will be. Whether people actually know this to be true of not is mere speculation, but it is common thought that the larger the Mark, the better, because of the..."
Marcus cleared his throat for a moment before gathering his words again,
"To be blunt people think the size of the Mark indicates the level of enjoyment the dragon received from the sexual encounter."
Sable blushed furiously and he unconsciously forked his fingers through his own hair, very aware of just how huge his Mark was. Marcus continued,
"Have you ever asked yourself why dragons leave these Marks in the first place? Unlike with high-ranking humans who have to use a brand?"
Sable was too embarrassed by the man's earlier statement to speak, so he simply nodded.
"I have been told time and again that the reason is a secret, known only to dragons themselves. Suffice to say, it apparently plays a very important role in their culture."
Sable tried to take in this information as Marcus began combing out his special hair. He watched in the mirror as his shorter locks were straightened. That strip of lighter hair, the first three to four inches of hair sprouting on the left side of his head seemed to scream attention. So he and Sarik were...compatible...Well that had been obvious to him from the moment he had started speaking with the dragon. He had thought it was just his adolescent brain trying to navigate him through an impossible situation; form an attraction to the one who was going to be taking his virginity whether he liked it or not. The man was mouth-wateringly sensual, and it was easy to say that Sable felt completely smitten with him, even if it was some trick of his young head, or the intense emotional connection that comes along with intimacy. Either way, Sable could very easily believe that the Mark truly did represent the quality of the sex...but he had also said that was no more than a widely-accepted rumor.
"So...what does this mean, since my Mark is so large?" Sable asked quietly. Marcus sighed as he continued his work with the comb.
"To be honest, Sable, I have no idea." This answer did little to settle the uneasiness that began to rise in Sable's chest. "I suppose we'll have to find out together."
(())
Breakfast with Sarik was something like a fantasy. They did not take the meal in the usual dining room that Sable had been used to using with Marcus. Instead they were in the grand dining hall where the arching ceilings were gleaming marble and the floors were the same, the table running almost the length of the room. There were high windows on either side, letting in the pale winter light. Sarik and Sable sat at the very head of the table, closer together than normal guests would sit. Sable felt this was Sarik's doing, as he noted his chair was a bit farther away from its neighbor when he first went to sit down.
The man insisted on feeding Sable bites of strawberry hotcake and fruits like a flirtatious youth...but one who knew very well what they were doing. His mood calmed Sable, who had been pondering and questioning ever since Marcus had finished preparing him for the day. As soon as he had laid eyes on Sarik at the breakfast table, however, he had felt his uncertainty drain away from him.
"My sweet little thing." Sarik told him, as he placed a hand on his cheek and watched him blush. "You and I are going to have a wonderful day. Is there anywhere in the city that you did not get to visit with Marcus? Or anything that you might want to buy?"
Sable began to shake his head, but then a thought came to him. The shift in his mind must have shown on his face, because Sarik grinned and said,
"Aha! I saw that look! What is it? Just name it."
"Well..." Sable said unsteadily, "There was this one little store we passed on our way to a shopping center...it was a jewelry store. There was a phoenix in the window?"
"Body Reborn." Sarik confirmed, nodding knowingly and taking a drink from his coffee cup. "They sell jewelry and also do piercings and body art. What was it you wanted in there?"
"A...a piercing." Sable said. He saw the surprise in Sarik's face as his cup paused coming up to his face.
"A piercing?" He asked, raising an eyebrow. "Honestly?"
Sable nodded, feeling his cheeks heat. Sarik's warm laugh eased his shame and made him lift his eyes to the man's.
"I would have never guessed that you would go for a style like that." Sarik said. "But if that is what you wish, we'll make it our first stop."
"Thank you, I'd like that."
"Anywhere else come to mind?"
"I'd really rather just let you show me your favorite spots, I suppose." Sable answered. "I'll be going home tomorrow and...and I'd just like to spend time with you before I have to say goodbye. I don't really care where we go."
Something unreadable but incredibly sweet passed over Sarik's face at those words, and he smiled softly. Leaning forward, he took hold of Sable's hand and looked into his eyes
"Sable, I say this to you from my heart; I feel as though I do not deserve your kindness."
"My kindness?" Sable sputtered, "No, no, it is you who have been unfailingly kind to me!"
"It works both ways, Sable." Sarik assured him, stroking his hand with his thumb before placing his lips against it. "You have blessed me with your sweetness, and I will miss your presence when you are gone."
Sable had no idea how to respond to that statement. This entire situation seemed to be developing too fast, too intensely. This time yesterday he had not even laid eyes on Sarik Eres, and now all he could think about was how much it would hurt to be parted from him. It was ridiculous. Insane. Impossible. But it was the truth.
(())
Sable immediately noticed the stares and pointing fingers once he and Sarik stepped out of the carriage. They had decided that they would drive a certain amount of the way and walk the rest, as parking was always limited here in the heart of the city. The carriage would come for them again when they decided where they wanted to go next. They made their way up the busy street to Body Reborn, and Sarik clutched Sable's hand as the passersby began to take notice of the young boy with the huge streak of red hair that matched his tall dragon companion's. These city people were not at all shy about what caught their eye.
Sarik led him more quickly down the street as the attention began to mount, as though their destination would somehow provide a barrier from scrutiny. He mumbled an apology to Sable as they entered the glass doors to the welcome chime above them.
"It is not your fault that the people here are rude." Sable said with a smile.
"No," Sarik replied, "but I take full responsibility for this." He flicked the red streak with his fingers and Sable smiled wider.
"Well...I should hope so." He replied, trying to sound flirtatious. He thought that he sounded silly, but by the way Sarik kissed his forehead he had been successful, and he let the triumph flood his heart.
They began to browse about the store together, Sable focusing on the earring section. He had not admitted his motivation for wanting a piercing, but in truth he had seen many foreigners come through Nardak with hoops and studs in their ears, and they always had the appearance of being slick characters. Sable had thought that these piercings were the crowning addition that made them 'cool'. Ex-virgin or not, Sable was still a boy and thought like one.
"How about this one?" Sable asked, holding up a card with a pair of black-silver hoops. Sarik looked down at the jewelry critically, and Sable could tell by the firm line of his luscious lips that the man was not thrilled with his choice.
"You don't think they'll look good on me?" Sable asked tentatively.
Sarik paused for a moment before taking a little breath and speaking.
"Why does it have to be a piercing?" He asked gently. "You are so beautiful, I would hate for you to make a decision that would deface your body, and might cause you regret down the road. Not to mention how your parents would take it."
Sable bit his lip. It was odd to even hear his parents mentioned, after what Sarik had done to him. He may have been fourteen, but he had been treated like an adult, so why should his parents' opinions matter in this regard? He wanted to comment on how his parents had paid good money to give his body away, so they should have known what they were getting into. Saying nothing, he simply placed the card back down where it had been displayed. Sarik sensed his indecision and discomfort, and patted his back suddenly, saying,
"How about a compromise?"
Sable perked.
"How would that be possible?"
"Wait here a moment."
He let go of Sable's hand, leaving the boy to stand on his own in the corner of the small shop. The attendants had been too busy with other customers to do more than gape at the pair of them when they entered, but now Sarik managed to get their attention. Sable pretended not to be interested in what Sarik was doing, knowing that the dragon wanted to surprise him. So he stared at the rows of earrings before him, wondering if the ones he had selected happened to be some ugly color instead of black like he had thought. There was no way for him to make that determination. It would have been easier if he could tell why Sarik had rejected them. He knew this place must be filled with colors; there was a stunning mural that wrapped from one corner of the store to the other, depicting a phoenix in flight, its fiery wings and tail streaming out behind it and leaving stray flames behind. The stands of jewelry were all so bright, and the fantastic artwork available to be printed onto the body was so many shades, he just knew it must be a dazzlingly colorful place.
A moment later Sarik came back over to him, stepping up behind him and whispering,
"Stand still a moment." Sable felt his heart speed up as warm fingers brushed the hair back from his right ear and then began touching it. Something cool and metal was slipped over the outer curve of his right ear, and then it squeezed the cartilage a bit as Sarik's fingers pinched it closed.
"What..?" Sable asked, confused as to what it was.
"Look and see for yourself." Sarik said, turning him to look into a small round mirror that hung on one of the displays to their left. Sable peered into it, and his face lit up. A band of metal hugged the top curve of his ear, displaying a single small gem amongst the intricate pattern on the silver. As Sable moved his head the gem caught the light and sparkled.
"It's an ear cuff." Sarik explained. "Easier to take on and off, not to mention it doesn't leave a hole in your flesh."
Sable swallowed as he admired the ear cuff that Sarik had picked out for him. Somehow it was even more painful that the man did such kind things, when Sable knew he would soon be parted from that kindness.
"Sarik..." He began, then smiled again. "It's incredible."
"I'm glad you like it." Sarik said, sliding his arms around Sable and looking at him in the mirror. "The gem is a faux ruby, just the color of our hair."
That statement caught Sable by surprise and he felt warmth overtake his heart. His affection for Sarik was growing every minute he was with him. Sable almost began to hate him for endearing him to him so quickly. He had told himself these kinds of situations with Wards and Markers were nothing more than fantasy, and he wanted to believe it now, but he could not. Every fiber of his being was aching to be near this man for as long as he could. Again, he was reminded of just how idiotic such an emotion was after such a short period of time. But there it was, he could not deny how he felt. He only wished he could sense it Sarik felt the same way, or was just going through the motions.
Sable wore his ear cuff proudly when they stepped back out onto the street into the crowds of people. He was beginning to see that the crowds came in waves, sometimes thinning out before growing thicker with people again. At first they were walking too quickly alongside too many people for there to be too much mayhem over Sable's appearance, and that was the way he had hoped it would stay. As they continued their way, however, that changed. Random people or groups of people began to come up to them and ask to take their picture. It was odd for Sable, but Sarik would simply smile, put his arm around Sable and oblige so that the nuisances would go away. It once more made Sable start to think, 'am I a nuisance like that to him? One more annoyance that he placates with a smile?'.
They were able to find a bit more peace when Sarik led Sable into a museum, where the atmosphere was quiet and peaceful. This museum was dedicated to the history of the city, and Sable was fascinated by the exhibits they saw. Even here, however, people came up to speak with them. It was different than on the street, however. These people were more suave with how they went about approaching the aspect about the two of them that really attracted their notice. Sable was thankful when they entered a small arena-like room for a digital video showing about Nueton's past. It was darker in here and no one could see them clearly. Sable savored the feel of Sarik's fingers playing with his hand, and it sent shivers up and down his arms. It only made him more confused, however, and gave him the courage to whisper,
"Sarik, can I ask you a question?"
He knew it was rude to speak during the video but there were few people in this showing, he and Sarik were in the back, and their whispers could only be heard to one another.
"Of course, Sable." Sarik answered. Sable had to gather the wits to go on, encouraged by the dim lighting which hid Sarik's face somewhat.
"Are you..." He stopped and swallowed before continuing, "Are you faking all this? Because it's your job?"
In the pale light cast by the screen, Sable could see that Sarik looked surprised and even a little...hurt? He could not judge in this poor lighting.
"Faking what, my lad?" Sarik asked, his fingers ceasing in their playful wanderings down Sable's hand and now just gripping it.
"Being kind to me." Sable said, and couldn't look the man in the eyes as he felt shame overcome him for asking such a question. "Like how you were to the people on the street; they were bothering us but you put on a smile and let them do what they wished. Is it...is it the same with me?"
When Sarik did not answer at once Sable launched forward, whispering rapidly,
"I know I shouldn't ask you about this here, but it just started eating at me, and I feel like if I don't ask you about it now I'll go the rest of the day with this dread in the pit of my stomach. I'd hate to think of you tagging along with me because you are simply being paid and hating it all the while. I understand that this is a job for you regardless but that doesn't mean you'd have to be unkind. I mean, I know that you don't have to treat me kindly if you don't want, I've heard stories of some Markers who treated their Wards terribly. I just...I've come to like you so much and I...I don't want to be played for a fool. Just because I'm from Nardak doesn't mean I'm entirely ignorant. I...I enjoy your company so much and...the thought that the part you play in that is a...a lie...I just..."
Sable stuttered to a stop as he realized how awkward his words were, and how quickly he'd let the emotions within himself spew out. His father hated overly emotional displays. He would be so ashamed of him at this moment. He bit his lip and closed his eyes as he tried to even out his breathing. He couldn't bring himself to look at Sarik, feeling like he had single-handedly ruined the mood for the entire day. Even if that mood had been fake, at least it had been a rosy one. He should have just kept his mouth shut and gone along with it because-
"My dear Sable." Sarik slid even closer to him on the seat, wrapping him up tight in his strong arms and kissing his temple. "Sweet thing...I would never fake my feelings with you. Trust me, I've had Wards I have disliked in the past for one reason or another. I am polite, but I never fake anything. I truly enjoy your company, and I'm so glad that you were brave enough to be honest with me about your own concerns."
These words soothed the ache in Sable's chest like a mint balm, and he relaxed into Sarik' embrace as he continued to whisper into his ear,
"I've come to like you too, Sable. To be just as honest with you, I am more fond of you than I can ever remember being of any Ward since I began placing my Mark on humans. You are so fresh to me, so pure and sweet. These city boys and girls that are my norm are so filled up with selfishness that they have no room for affection and kindness like you have. You are so full of good qualities they seep out in all your facial expressions...I will honestly miss you when you are gone. I'm not even sure how to feel about that...considering that we only just met."
Sable was about to respond when the lights came up, and Sarik pulled back to put an appropriate distance between them.
The rest of their stay in the museum was light-hearted for their little conversation, and Sable was truly happy. He could have cared less now about the stares. He even felt so confident that he suggested that they walk to their next location rather than have the carriage pick them up. Sarik decided that he would show Sable around a local park that was nearby. The walk there was actually not as far as it seemed, but they were stopped constantly for photos and even members of the press who happened to be walking down the streets. When they arrived at the park, Sarik said,
"You will most likely be asked for an interview before today is out at this rate."
"Would that be such a bad thing?" Sable asked, breathing in the air that seemed fresher here in the space of the park. Winter or no, something about the speck of nature within the high man-made towers gave the illusion of clearer air.
"I suppose not." Sarik replied, thinking it over. "As long as it was what you wanted. Remember, you are definitely something special. The world might try to take advantage of that. It is up to you whether you want the entire city to know by being on an interview."
"I think...it might be alright." Sable said, thinking about the possible publicity for his father's business more than anything else.
Before Sarik could say something else, a voice called to them.
"Sarik Eres, and my new friend!"
Both Ward and Marker turned to see Kavieh Sentinne walking toward them, bundled in a fine tweed coat with a big fur hat on his head. It could have been his imagination, but Sable thought he felt Sarik stiffen a bit at the sight of the man.
"Hello again." Sable called back, not wanting to be rude to the only acquaintance he had made in the city on his own.
"Still here in the city, I see." Kavieh said as he approached them.
"I don't leave until tomorrow." Sable confirmed, wondering how this man seemed to pop up at the most unexpected times. Kavieh halted in his approach when he caught sight of Sable's hair. Something seemed to play out on his face just then, like a series of emotions that flashed by too quickly for Sable to identify or understand.
"My word." Kavieh said softly, his face settling into a wide-eyed stare of wonder.
Sarik let go of Sable's hand to wrap his arm around the boy's shoulders. Sable could not help but feel that this was a defensive gesture, despite the calm smile that graced Sarik's lips.
"It is quite brilliant, is it not?" Sarik asked, pride lacing his voice. Sable bit his lip as he smiled too.
"You hit your Mark, that's for sure." Kavieh said to Sarik, chuckling a bit at his own pun before his face grew serious once more. "Oh, lad, I am so happy for you."
"Thank you." Sable replied, feeling strangely awkward with how much emotion this total stranger was displaying toward his Marking. He supposed some people just attached quickly, and Kavieh had become fond of him.
Kavieh cleared his throat, wordlessly acknowledging how strange his behavior was, and held out his hand for Sarik to shake. The dragon shook it firmly, and then Sable did the same.
"What are your plans for the rest of the day, if I may ask?" Kavieh asked, rubbing his leather-gloved hands together even though it was obvious they must already be warm.
"We're making it up as we go." Sarik answered.
"Have you eaten lunch yet?"
"I think we were planning on it next." Sable intoned, looking up at his Marker, who nodded.
"Could I be so rude as to impose upon your meal? Take you to the absolute best place for a good steak, what do you say?"
There was a short pause in which the hesitation on Sarik's part was nearly palpable, making everyone uncomfortable. But then the dragon flashed a smile and said, "Why not?" the mood shifted to one of lightheartedness once more. Sable was left thinking more and more why Sarik reacted to Kavieh like he did, and also why Kavieh seemed to appear every time Sable stepped foot beyond Sarik's front door.
(())
Lunch was slightly awkward at first. It seemed apparent to everyone that Kavieh was being quite an imposition and was only there because Sarik was too polite to refuse him. However, Sable sensed that there was some reason that the man insisted on accompanying them despite how rude he appeared. It was not as if he was dull company; he held very intelligent and stirring conversation. It was more the mystery of why he seemed to stick to Sable like glue that had him curious.
"Anything you'd like, on me!" Kavieh said when they first were seated.
"How kind of you, Kavieh," Sarik said, "but I am more than capable of-"
"I insist." Kavieh rebuffed, waving away Sarik's protests. "I want to give something back after all."
"Are you rich or something?" Sable asked before he could bite his tongue. He felt instantly ashamed; that was absolutely one question you were never supposed to ask. He stumbled over an apology. "What I mean is that, uh, you must have enough to give back since you said you wanted to give back, it means you can, so-"
"Relax, my boy." Kavieh said, sending him a wink. "I believe I've told you already that I enjoy your honesty. I'll be equally honest and tell you that, yes, I am rather blessed financially."
Sable glanced over at Sarik to notice that his fine jaw seemed set a bit too tight. He turned back to Kavieh.
"Come to think of it, Kavieh, you've never told me what you do for a living."
The man smiled and reached for his menu, commenting,
"I haven't? Hm, I suppose I didn't really say."
"He made most of his money in government before hanging up that cloak to dedicate his fortune to various charities and virtuous organizations." Sarik answered, his eyes never leaving the glossy menu he was scanning. Sable frowned, and asked,
"But, then, how do you keep bringing in money?"
Kavieh looked reluctant, but answered,
"Certain positions in government continue to pay after the ones who held them have finished their terms. I held one such position, and so I utilize my continuing affluence to help others."
"That's incredible!" Sable spouted, eyes lighting up. "I would love to have that kind of life! I'd help everyone in my village if I had that kind of money! Mostly my parents, though."
Sarik grinned at the innocent sincerity in Sable's excited tone. Kavieh did the same.
"Would you really, Sable?" Kavieh asked, the question seeming genuine. "What would you do first?"
Sarik lowered his menu at this, looking at Sable with interest, awaiting his response. Without a second thought Sable replied,
"I'd build my parents a decent house."
A silence followed his words. They had been spoken so softly, but with such conviction...the raw truth and longing in his voice stunning the two men sitting at the table with him. After the silence threatened to become crushing, Sarik asked gently,
"Oh? Why is that, Sable?"
"Because the walls we have now are so thin they let in all the cold of the winter. We sleep in layers of clothes and still wake up with numb feet. The wind is harsh out on the plains, so it eats away at what walls we do have. We have to repair them constantly. In the summer the roof leaks because shingles are expensive, and we can only afford enough to patch up the holes. The house is small enough though that the roof is small too. The bedrooms are tiny, only about seven feet across, and the kitchen is about double that. Father's workshop is big though, and the only part about the house I wouldn't change; all of our money goes into keeping it outfitted, and it's actually very nice."
Sable's voice was not bitter, not angry, just factual, listing off the various hardships with a casualty that spoke of years suffering them. When he had finished neither man knew what to say, and Sable could see that. He and instantly tried to correct the impression he had given, even if it had been truthful,
"I mean, we're not starving or anything! It's not like we're living in poverty-"
"It's alright, Sable," Sarik assured him, patting his arm, "you don't have to say anything like that."
Sable relaxed.
"It's just that...if I could, if I had money like you, Mr. Sentinne, I'd like to build a house that could actually...be a restful place."
"That's very noble of you, Sable." Kavieh said quietly.
The heavier mood was broken by a waiter who came by to take their order. Kavieh ordered steak for all of them, and the conversation turned to lighter topics for a while. Sable marveled at the flavored sparkling water they were all sipping, having never tasted it before. Sarik made a few comments about how his trade in DragonSkin was continuing to be profitable, and Kavieh seemed to simply respond to whatever his companions said. Sable realized that he was not speaking about himself at all if he could help it. He may have only been fourteen, but he had learned to read people through his help selling in the marketplace, and he felt strangely suspicious of Kavieh now. Why was he so eager to spend time in their presence? And why no details about his past work and current life? Sarik's aura seemed to generate an uneasiness that Sable could not help but detect, making him all the more curious about this entire situation. It was like there was something unpleasant that both men were aware of, and were desperately trying to avoid saying.
Kavieh somehow managed to avoid direct questions about what he had gone in government, and why, all the way up until their steaks were brought out. Sable forgot all about the odd atmosphere at their table when he took his first bite. The conversation turned to the excellent steak for a while, before they were interrupted.
"Excuse me." A woman had approached their table and smiled at them. She was dressed in a tasteful but pretty suit top and shirt, her hair styled fashionably, and a dark shade of lipstick accentuating her mouth. "I'm so sorry to intrude, but I am Nadia Dacara from UTV 103. I couldn't help seeing your Mark, young man, and I just had to risk appearing rude in order to ask you for a few moments of your time."
"Oh, um..." Sable folded his napkin, and looked to Sarik.
"Up to you." The dragon said, smiling gently.
"Alright, um...what do I do?" Sable asked.
"I'd just like to ask you a few questions, if you'd like to come over to my table?"
"Alright," Sable said, pushing back his seat and standing up, "I'll be back," he said to the other two.
As soon as he could be sure that Sable was out of earshot, Sarik turned a firm glare upon Kavieh.
"Kavieh, what is the meaning of this?" He asked harshly.
"Don't get upset, Sarik, I promise I won't reveal anything to him, I just..."
"What?" Sarik cut him off, "Just what, Kavieh? You are violating your own terms simply by being here, how can I trust you will not break the contract completely? When you are the one who called for such secrecy, you have a strange way of upholding that wish yourself!"
Kavieh set his jaw and straightened in his chair.
"I never intended meeting him. I happened to see him at the art gallery that night and...could not keep myself from speaking with him. After that it was as if...I was drawn to him and could not stay away."
Sarik pinched the bridge of his nose.
"I'm not the one who is personally involved in your intentions, Kavieh. I agreed to your terms because Marcus was the one who brought your proposal to me in the first place. He cares for you a great deal, and even he was shocked when you began interacting with Sable."
"Can you really say you are not personally involved?" Kavieh asked, leaning forward to say in a quieter tone, "I need only glance that Mark to see that the bond you formed last night is something special, more special than any other Mark made before. I can tell by how you treat him that he is not just another client for you."
"Of course he isn't!" Sarik all but growled, his voice upset but low, "From the very beginning he was different; you know that better than anyone. When was the last time a poor boy from an outlying village received a Dragon's Mark? He was special from the instant his proposal was brought to me. Even I cannot say what there is between us after last night...it is...surreal. But that does not change the fact that you are walking a dangerous line if you are truly concerned for that boy's emotional well-being, and I would ask that you-"
"He's coming back." Kavieh interrupted him, leaning back into his chair to assume a relaxing pose. Sarik did the same, though his heart was still beating with the desire to say more. Sable returned to the table alone, holding a small card in his hand.
"Is the interview over so soon?" Kavieh asked.
"Well, she actually stopped asking me questions when she found out where I was from; she became excited and said that it would be a better story if I were to appear on their morning program. She wants the interview to go out live."
"Did you agree?" Sarik inquired, slicing off another bite of his steak. Sable held up the card.
"Yes." Sable held up the small card, showing an address and appointment time, "It's just that I want people to know me if it means business for my father. Perhaps if your Mark draws attention to me, it will call attention to him too, and help him out a bit."
"Then it sounds like you have your first Television appearance." Kavieh said with a smile, "This calls for a toast. Gentlemen, if you would lift your glasses?"
Sable grinned as they all raised their sparkling water.
"To Sable, and his future endeavors!"
They clinked their glasses together and drank. Almost immediately after that a loud tone rang out like a shrieking bell. Sable jumped, unable to see where the sound was coming from.
"Bloody..." Kavieh murmured, "Just when we were getting into our steak, too."
Sable noticed the sudden buzz about the restaurant as people began gathering their things and leaving their tables as if in unison. Sarik and Kavieh began to do the same as the tone rang out over and over, as if on a loop.
"What's going on?" Sable asked, slightly panicked. Sarik pulled on his own coat, and then began hastening Sable away from the table, taking the boy's coat as well.
"Don't worry; we're close enough that we'll be fine. It's just a blizzard warning."
"A severe one, at that." Kavieh said.
Sarik helped Sable slip into his coat, and then he took Sable's hand and held it tightly as they were caught up in the crowd.
"I suppose this is farewell, Sable," Kavieh called to them as the crowd pushed them further apart, "it was a fine time!"
Sable did not have a chance to answer as the sea of people poured them out onto the street. Even more people were scurrying around out on the pavement, while the ever-present alarm bell continued to toll. Yet all the while he held fast to Sarik's hand, which never left his own. He saw Sarik pull out his com and call for the carriage. They ended up on the corner of a street, watching the carriages and vehicles zooming by. The air had turned distinctively colder, and Sable noticed the darkness of the sky. It had been overcast all day, but the clouds now blocked out the sun even more, and the snow was coming down thickly, blown about by the wind. Sable pulled Sarik's head down to ask in his ear, above the sound of the alarm,
"What does this mean for the rest of our day?"
Sarik smiled and pulled him in close against his body. Sable was glad to be this near Sarik, while other people were pushing around them to cross the busy streets and hail transporters. He was solid, unmoving, as everything else moved around them, and Sable slid his own arms about the man to cling on tightly.
"I suppose we'll just snuggle in and follow the Blizzard Broadcasts." Sarik spoke back into Sable's ear.
"What's a Blizzard Broadcast?"
Sable realized that they must look quite the infatuated pair standing on that corner with arms around each other, faces together as they spoke into each other's ears. He closed his eyes and just let himself breathe in Sarik's masculine scent as he listened to his answer,
"It's a series of programs especially recorded for blizzards, when people are hunkered down and watching their screens. Films that are set in winter with lots of ice and snow, documentaries about the formation of snowflakes or animals that live in cold, harsh conditions. It's all about setting the mood, while the weather reports are on the bottom left of the screen. It's the same handful of programs every time, but that's what makes it a Nueton tradition."
Sable let this knowledge sink in, and then burst out laughing, his body shaking in Sarik's strong arms.
"That sounds ridiculous." He said honestly. "That's all you do during a blizzard? At my house we have to stuff the cracks in the walls with our seasonal clothes, and keep the inside fire going by bundling up and chopping wood every few hours, and keep boiling water to pour onto our pipes so they don't freeze, and -"
Sarik suddenly laughed and pulled back slightly. He gazed down at Sable with those lovely, inhuman eyes and cupped the side of his face with one large hand.
"You are such a treasure, my sweet village boy..."
In the span of a second Sarik's mouth was against his. Sable's heart fluttered; there was something insanely, darkly romantic about being kissed like that in the midst of a turbulent sea of worried, rushing people while alarm bells sounded to warn of a dangerous natural threat. The sounds of shouting and vehicle engines still filled Sable's ears as his mouth was devoured by those soft lips. His mind wandered, washing everything away apart from the silkiness of that kiss. His arms were compelled to slide up and around Sarik's neck, holding on as their kiss lengthened moment after moment.
The sudden loud blare of a horn broke them apart, and they saw that their carriage was waiting to pick them up a little ways down the street. At least, Sarik saw it, and started pulling Sable along behind him toward it. Sable's mind was still reeling from that amazing kiss...
The rest of the day literally passed with Sarik and Sable reclining on a deep leather sofa with their feet propped up before a fireplace, watching the giant screen that hung above the mantelpiece. Marcus brought hot chocolate to them, a drink that Sable only ever had once or twice a winter if he was lucky. Sticks of peppermint candy added a delightful bite to the flavor, and Sable felt that heaven could not be any more wonderful than how he felt that afternoon. The blizzard did indeed howl around the house, whistling through the iron and metal forest that grew around them, unseen in the clouds of hustling snow.
While they sat there together for hours, they would often mute the program on the screen and talk for long periods of time. Sable asked Sarik questions about his dragon-form. He discovered that Sarik was a smaller breed of dragon known as a 'Niria', or 'Redthroat'. He compared himself to the size of Sable's house after hearing the boy describe it, and figured his wingspan would be twice the length of the roof. As for his body, he said that he was relatively small, perhaps two or three times larger than a draft horse's, but relative to body size his chest was broad, making way for the large lungs his breed needed to survive the altitude of the mountains. His scales were the same shade as his hair (a fact that Sable was more than happy to say he knew), but even the inside of his mouth, his tongue, and the flesh of his throat was the same tone of red, earning his breed their name. Sarik explained that there were other species of dragons that were also red, but his kind was the only one with red mouths and throats. He lived in a colony of his own kind in a series of caves, 'like a beehive' he described it, riddled in to the side of a massive mountain named 'Ravrahos', or 'our rock'. He explained that there were close to fifty of them in their one colony, old to young, being a fairly good size for their breed. The larger the dragon, the fewer the colony members.
Sable was again able to pipe up and explain that he and his friends saw a number of Verti dragons in the forest every summer. They were so small that they looked like a huge flock of sparrows, their green scales allowing them to blend in to the vegetation easily as they ambushed small forest creatures by spitting sticky saliva. Sarik had laughed at Sable's comment about how he wished Verti were one of the few dragon breeds who had the ability to transform into humans, because they would be the smallest people he could ever imagine. They then had a laugh together while speculating how foot-tall humans would survive and make a living if Verti really could transform.
Sarik asked questions of Sable as well, just as he had done the night before, learning more about the boy's family, his village, and his way of life. Sable explained to him that he thought he was a rather stupid child, hardly able to read, only just managing to write due to the tradesman lifestyle of his village. He told Sarik about the lively festivals held in the summers, and the dances and songs that he had known since birth. He described the ironic beauty of watching his father at work, and the varieties of foods that they normally cooked and ate. He even blushed as he mentioned the girl, Sakome, whom he had used to fancy when he was younger. The villagers had teased the pair of them about getting married ever since they were small because out of all the boys, Sable was the only one who would play with Sakome and let her join in with the others when they went off exploring or roughhousing. They were too good of friends now to consider such a step, but Sable admitted that he had never thought either of them would have any other option when they came of age.
By the time they had finished an excellent dinner of pasta and the cold world outside had turned pitch black, they had shared more about themselves and their lives than either of them had in years, if ever. The companionship between them settled over them like physical warmth. It was a sorrow when they both realized it was high time to part ways and retire for the evening. Sarik told Marcus that he would be the one to escort Sable back to his room, and they left the great dining room.
"You'd better be sure to sleep well," Sarik said after they had climbed the winding staircase and were approaching Sable's door, "you have to look bright-eyed for that interview tomorrow morning. Are you nervous?"
"A little." Sable admitted. "But I think it might be fun; and I really want to promote father's business."
"Good idea." Sarik said, tapping a fingertip to Sable's nose and making the boy grin. "Publicity is publicity, so I would seize that opportunity whenever you can."
"Any attention I receive is all thanks to you." Sable said, and as he said it realized how sappy it sounded. "I mean..."
"I know what you mean." Sarik said, shushing him with a finger on his lips. "You constantly try to apologize for your honesty, Sable. Did you realize that?"
"I do, don't I?" Sable said, sighing, "I'm sor-"
He caught himself, and they both chuckled. They reached Sable's door then, and the boy turned the doorknob, and stopped. A silence fell then that seemed not exactly awkward, but somehow intense. They each sensed that they should separate, but neither of them wanted to say or do that. They were looking one another directly in the eyes, but no words were passed between them. Sable felt his heartbeat speed up and his breathing as well. He felt it hard to hold that elliptical-pupil gaze for long and his eyes fell instead to that full mouth. He licked his own lips slowly.
"I should...get to bed..." He muttered hazily, his voice sounding husky and strained.
"If you must." Sarik replied, his voice in a similar state. Sable swallowed, feeling himself moving closer to the man, who moved nearer as well.
"G-g-good night, then..."
They were standing less than four inches apart, hands sliding up each other's arms. Their eyes softened, breaths came heavier, bodies radiating heat.
"Goodnight..."
Their lips sealed together, tender and sweetly painful. As they made to pull away it was as though some irresistible force drove them back together, and desire exploded within them both. Hands began to grope, bodies collided, mouths crushing together. Sable slid his arms up and around Sarik's neck, pulling him down into the fierce kiss as though terrified he would try and escape. Sarik held him tight around the waist, his hands pawing at Sable's hips. It was incredibly hot, furious, sensual, and delicious. They had not kissed like this the night before, like they were lovers starved for each other after being apart for a long span of time. Yet that was what it felt like. Despite spending the entire day together, it was as though they had not seen each other at all. Perhaps being so close all day and not doing this was the cause; one more second without the other's hands on them would drive them mad.
Sable groaned and Sarik pushed him back against the door, which was already standing open. It swung all the way back on its hinges until it made contact with the inner wall of the room. Sable went with it, and was pinned against it when it was stable. Sarik continued to devour his mouth, and Sable continued to reciprocate, feeling so desperate he thought he would weep. It was mad, utterly mad. The desire was like pain shooting through their hearts, and only being together like this would soothe it away.
Sarik released a loud, hot breath against his cheek as he nipped his chin and buried his face into Sable's neck. The boy gasped and yanked at Sarik's hair as the shivers ran down his belly to his hardening cock. That mouth was sucking on his flesh, leaving little bites and licks as it went and Sarik's hands were still kneading his hips, making him squirm into their ministrations. Sable loved this, loved being backed against a wall with only this man to keep him there and drive him wild. But as much as he enjoyed his position, he wanted to feel those soft sheets against his naked skin.
"Sarik..." He moaned, like some small animal, "...bed..."
"Oh yes..." Sarik breathed, sounding more aroused than Sable had ever heard him last night. Sable was yanked away from the door, and backed toward the bed, his mouth once more being plied by those unbelievably soft lips and tongue. His legs felt like noodles, and he stumbled a few times but always Sarik's hands steadied him around his waist, his rump, his shoulders...Sable managed to reach the mattress just in time to fall onto it as his legs truly collapsed beneath him. Sarik's weight came crashing down upon his body, but it didn't hurt. He loved it, and clutched at his back, holding him closer as he was ravished. His head was spinning and he couldn't fight it, couldn't question whether this was right or wrong, couldn't think beyond what was happening right now, with this man in his arms.
"One more night..." Sarik moaned as he began pulling at the belt of Sable's robe, opening the front to reach his collarbones and chest, planting frantic kisses all over the boy's pale flesh.
"Just one more..."
The door gave a small creak as it swung ever-so-slowly back into place, and then closed with a soft click.