Students of Baldesion being what they were after the disappearance of the Isle of Val – counting in a measly number of members and most currently gone from Old Sharlayan – meant that their group was pretty much alone at their compound, the Baldesion Annex. Which, if asked, T'senri was more than thankful for.

Especially the morning he was to leave with a few chosen others for the Thavnair – as the idea of the upcoming temporary separation from his beautiful prince had him shamelessly pounce at his lover in the common showers. And considering Raha didn't protest as he normally would in a place that could be considered a semi-public place at least… Well, the Warrior wasn't one to waste his lover's accommodating mood, so he gleefully pinned him against the wall under one of the showers and proceeded to attempt to sate his boundless hunger for his mate's pretty lips.

And when Raha – flushed beautifully – sank both hands greedily into his wet hair and purred under his mouth in an obvious invitation… T'senri almost expired, whimpering breathlessly as he rested his arms on the wall around his lover to keep himself in check – as any of their friends could walk in at any moment – while simultaneously trying to eat Raha alive, rolling his hips to uselessly rut against his mate's stomach in an attempt to relieve the increasingly painful pressure. Torn between the idea of falling to his knees and letting his prince fuck his mouth or simply tossing him over his shoulder and carrying him back to their bedroom… he almost whined when suddenly the door behind his back opened and someone walked in.

"Seriously… Keep it to your room," Thancred laughed mercilessly when they broke apart and T'senri tossed him an annoyed look over his shoulder. That Raha whimpered softly, hiding his blush against his shoulder and coiling his arms around the Warrior tightly to pull him closer in an attempt to cover his arousal… Well… T'senri was really, really tempted to compel his friend to get lost – but in the end, he sighed with resignation and wrapped his arms around his lover tightly, nuzzling against his wet red hair and purring soothingly to let him cool down. And that Thancred had the sheer nerve to chuckle as he took the shower next to them – well, he couldn't help but toss him a deadpan stare and barely veiled pout. "Aww, love you too, Senri," the Hyur snickered quietly.

"Sometimes… you're beyond annoying," he rolled his eyes, then sighed, resting his cheek between his lover's lowered ears as he narrowed his eyes at his friend when he simply shrugged at that carelessly. After years of living together at Rising Stones, he was hardly bothered about nudity around his male friends – but all things considered… he almost unnoticeably shifted resting his arm against the wall and letting his much taller frame shield his mate from his friend's sight.

"You're ready to depart after breakfast?" Thancred at least had enough sense not to comment as he set to wash in quick, efficient moves. "Apparently the people at Confluence next door can help us get to Thavnair without the need to take the ship."

"How?" Raha murmured, pulling back from him slightly and despite his still fiery blush peering at the Hyur over T'senri's arm.

"No idea," Thancred shrugged helplessly, then chuckled when the redhead scowled at that. "Don't worry, I'm sure it's nothing dangerous," he assured with a wink.

"If you say so…" his lover did not look convinced as he sighed and looked up into his face with a frown. And because he looked unbearably adorable like that, T'senri couldn't help but place a quick, fond kiss on top of his slightly wrinkled nose.

"I'll be fine," he assured with a trademark grin, watching his mate's expression relax at that even as his crimson eyes narrowed ever-so-slightly. Considering the current company they couldn't really discuss that, but since Ares didn't comment or otherwise protest… he had to assume that however they're to travel there, should be safe.

He could simply jump to Thavnair the Ascian way… but it was too characteristic to let any of his unaware friends witness. Especially Thancred. Out of all of his friends – considering his experience with Lahabrea – he was the most… reluctant to let find out about Ares. It took Alisaie a while to get comfortable with the idea – and she was the closest to him… and if he can pick, next to learn of his passenger would be Y'shtola – hoping her scholarly mind overtakes her possible misgivings.

I do not remember anything particular about getting to Thavnair, his immortal hummed with consideration. I think Damon said something about the other T'senri getting sick… but nothing that sounded too serious. So it should be fine.

He nodded toward his mate imperceptibly and smiled when he relaxed further, letting go of him to wash but avoiding looking toward their company. Covering his disappointment – as from here they were supposed to go straight to breakfast and then he was leaving… well, he tried not to pout as he sighed and set to wash his hair, carefully avoiding getting water in his ears.

"Shouldn't you cut your hair already?" Thancred asked nonchalantly and T'senri almost snorted a laugh when that had his lover hiss with indignation, staring at the Hyur around him with an almost offended expression.

"It's okay, Raha," he chortled, running his fingers through his wet hair. "He doesn't mean to insult… I usually would do that by now, but since I was so… busy before you dragged my ass over to the First and distracted afterward… I honestly forgot about that," he smiled toward his friend sheepishly.

"D-Don't," his mate murmured, dropping his gaze and blushing furiously when he looked toward him with raised eyebrows at that. "I… like your hair long like that," he whispered barely audibly, avoiding his gaze.

"Then I won't," he agreed easily, snickering softly when his mate flushed at that darker… but sighed with relief, tossing him a quick, grateful smile – and it was a true feat of self-control not to pin him against the wall again and show him how much he enjoyed the thought that his Raha apparently liked his hair… which was beyond silly, but still… He already knew that, considering how his mate seemed to love to fist his fingers in his hair when… Feeling a wave of instant arousal at the image that unfinished thought caused in his head, he swallowed thickly focusing his gaze on the wall and trying to chase it away before his body would betray it – and almost cursed feeling his face heat up considerably.

"Gods… to see you so completely whipped, Senri…" Thancred chortled, turning the water off and moving away. "Long hair can be a serious problem in a fight," he added as if an afterthought, running his fingers through his short, white hair.

"That's why I wear a bandana," T'senri shrugged carelessly, tossing him a smirk over his shoulder. He started to do that after his hair got long enough to fall in his eyes and enough for someone to grab onto it.

"Your choice," his friend shrugged easily, drying himself and sitting down to put his clothes on. "Oh, did you hear yet the news rising havoc in the city today?"

"Huh?" Raha looked toward him while T'senri shrugged keeping his expression carefully neutral.

"Oh, yeah… Senri wouldn't know her, but maybe you do, G'raha," Thancred chuckled. "One of the members of the Forum, Maran Naylor, was very publicly discharged from her position yesterday afternoon," he seemed to miss the way the redhead scowled, blinking at that. "Apparently she had a hobby of… abusing students and when more than a few came forward she was degraded to make it clear that Forum does not condone such behavior."

"Oh… really…?" his mate hummed and T'senri held an innocent smile, staring at the wall even as he felt his gaze bore into him.

"Mhmm," his friend continued, unaware. "High time they took to cleaning the house if you ask me. During my brief tenure, the Studium was plagued by bullshit… but to let someone like that into the Forum? And considering the talk in the city… well, let's say her morals seem less than low," he scoffed, then sighed, stood up, and left with a wave of the hand. "See you at breakfast."

"Senri…" his mate poked his side.

"To each what they're owed, Raha," he said softly without looking at him. "She ruined your reputation… so I ruined hers. And once I'm back from Thavnair… Well, then she'll pay for every other boy she touched – for now, I'm letting her steam in it," he shrugged slightly and finally dared to look at his lover's expression. He felt something inside him… unfurl when he saw Raha's eyes hold no judgment but only adoration and maybe a hint of amusement.

"That's not what I wanted," Raha chuckled sheepishly, coloring beautifully… and T'senri blinked slowly, tilting his head curiously. His lover sighed at his expression, then his hands shot up and fisted in his hair, pulling him down on a rough kiss. Mewling in a mix of surprise and instant arousal, tasting his addictive flavor, his arms wound around him possessively. They kissed for a long moment until his mate pulled back with a choked groan, fisting one hand in his hair almost brutally as the other smoothed down Warrior's side to dig in his backside and pull him closer. Panting harshly, T'senri could only stare at the fire in his lover's crimson irises, turning them into the most beautiful rubies as they drifted over his face with an open expression of hunger. "I don't care… about her, Senri. As I said, I never doubt you, my heart. What I meant to say was… I want a proper kiss before you leave," he chuckled at his expression, then pulled him in another mind-shattering kiss.

And because his wish was ever T'senri's command… he grinned triumphantly against his lips before complying and pinning him against the wall again, letting himself get lost in his taste while swallowing his lover's mewls and purrs of appreciation.

After the breakfast – and sometime after Senri left with Thancred, Urianger, and Estinien for the Confluence – G'raha with Alisaie at his side marched to their bedroom, smiling at the girl sheepishly.

"Are you sure you don't mind?" he asked again.

"Of course, I don't!" she assured with a grin, then wiggled her eyebrows playfully. "Looking after Sali is hardly a harrowing task, Raha. And considering you're looking through Noumenon for our benefit, it's only fair. And, honestly, not like I have something better to do," she finished with a shrug. "With others gone to Thavnair…"

He sighed with relief and when they stopped at the door of his and Senri's bedroom reached for the handle to let her in… and froze, staring at the door numbly.

"Raha...?" he heard through the sudden buzz between his ears. Or thought so… as his breath stuttered nervously before he backed away blindly until his back hit the opposite wall, unaware he was unconsciously whining in the back of his throat.

Since they were mated – or rather since after the whole… fiasco of his first reaction to it – Senri's presence felt like an ever-present, pleasant hum in the back of his mind. Reassuring and soothing, even when one of their immortals took over it was there, if slightly muted. And suddenly… it was gone, and he couldn't breathe…!

A hard, brutal slap on his cheek had his head snap to the side and he blinked, staring numbly at Alisaie's moving lips and the fear on her face as she fisted her hands in his tunic, shaking him and said something… but it didn't matter, because the hum was gone and the sensation of unbearable loneliness had his heart pound deafeningly between his ears. He pushed her away, uncaring as she stumbled back hard under his strength and opened his mouth… unaware he was sobbing until he tasted salt as his lips moved but no sound escaped his painfully tight throat.

Too distraught, he didn't resist when his mind was pulled back into him and locked away.

What in the...?

Damon shook up, quickly wiping his – their – face under the girl's stunned, not understanding gaze, and scowled darkly, trying to understand what happened.

"Raha… what the fuck was that?" Alisaie said quietly with a huff, straightening and crossing her slightly shaky hands over her chest. "You scared the seven hells out of me, you idiot!" she snapped with a scowl, clearly trying to cover her worry.

He ignored the mortal, pushing off the wall and trying to focus on relaxing. Their body was still too agitated – his heartbeat too fast, his breath uneven and his muscles feeling too taut – and a sudden takeover in such a state was beyond… aggravating. Massaging the back of his neck and rolling his shoulders, he fought to relax the tension, trying to figure out what had his host suddenly so… upset out of nowhere.

He was busy mulling over the strange expression on Senri's face back in the shower when Raha apparently snapped and the shock of it was unpleasant, to say the least. And searching his muddled memories didn't make sense either. He could feel Ares like he always did – far but there – so why would...?

"Raha, talk to me! What was that?!" The Elzen snapped, earning his indignant look.

"Will you, please, keep quiet when I'm trying to think?" he growled with a scowl and instantly almost cursed seeing her eyes narrow suspiciously. Mistake, as Raha would never be rude. Raha would smile sheepishly and apologize for worrying his friend. But all things considered… He sighed, narrowing his eyes at her in turn. "Raha's unavailable right now," he said slowly, meaningfully, and almost smirked when she paled instantly and backed away with a gasp. "Smart," he grinned involuntarily.

"He, too?!" she gasped, eyes round as saucers. "Who are you?"

"Someone who means no harm," he assured, then looked around. "…and don't have time to explain. Something happened with Senri… to upset Raha like that," he murmured, running his fingers through his hair, still loose and damp from the shower. "He couldn't feel him… but why? I feel Ares just fine if a bit…" he scowled, dropping his gaze to the ground and considering his options.

Jumping to Ares and checking what was going on was risky at best, as his mortal vessel was likely in the company. He felt a bit strange, but that could be blamed on the distance between Old Sharlayan and Thavnair. Raha not being attuned there, meant pretty much revealing himself not only to Scions but to anyone around them currently, and if it was some kind of flux, Ares will be seriously crossed with him overreacting if he's forced to wipe all of their minds…

But Raha… Probing carefully at the cocoon woven around his soul and feeling his distress… Ugh, fuck it, at most Ares will complain for a bit and get over it…

"Who are you?!" the girl snapped, growing aggravated.

"Sorry, Alisaie, no time…" he sighed, closing his eyes and jumping across space.

"…what the fuck?!" he heard right before opening his eyes again and scowling at the blaring sunlight. "…G'raha?"

Damon looked toward the voice, narrowing his eyes at the clearly staring Estinien – apparently, the only one upright as Thancred and Urianger simply stared at him with wide-open eyes in deathly pale faces, but both on their knees. Senri was there too, on his back and even paler, his eyes closed… and Damon scowled, ignoring the others as he moved toward him and fell to his knees by his side. Resting his hand over the mortal's chest, he sighed with relief feeling it move slowly with an even breath.

"Senri…?" he whispered, leaning over him and shaking him slightly. Almost sighing with relief as a twitch ran through the mortal's handsome face – and it had to be Senri considering how muted Ares felt – he exhaled slowly and leaned over him harder, pressing his hand over the boy's forehead. "You scared us, boy… What happ…" he cut off with his – their – heart jumping in his throat when the jet-black lashes fluttered open, revealing dimmed, sky-blue irises. "…Ares…?" he gasped.

"Dam… on," the pale lips barely moved as an unfocused, feverish gaze moved over his face and the eyes drifted shut with a grimace. "Something's… wrong. Se-Senri's… broke…"

"Get away… from him, Ascian!" someone snarled, and he barely tossed a narrowed look toward Thancred – apparently fighting to stand up, wobbling, and looking very greenish – and glaring daggers at him. No, he didn't miss or misread the way he appeared… Damon sighed then whispered a spell in a long-dead language, freezing all of the mortals in their spot, then focused on his husband, watching another grimace pass over his face.

"What do you mean?" he asked, moving his hand from his forehead to his cheek. "Broke? How? What happened?"

"They… jumped un-unattuned…" Ares murmured weakly. "Told him… not to… but he didn't… didn't want to upset Thancred…" he grimaced again, peering through the lashes… and the dimness of his normally too-bright eyes had Damon's heart stutter unevenly. "The balance… between us… broke. And he's… go-gone. Can't find… his soul."

Numbly falling back to sit on his legs and staring, he fought to make sense of this. They did not need to attune to jump anywhere they liked – as far as they didn't try to cross the rift other than to First – so it simply… didn't make sense. Why would…? Unless… His gaze drifted toward the mortals, frozen with the expression of terror on their pale faces. They, broken as they were, lost that ability – needing the help of Aetherytes' to travel.

Whatever help the people of Confluence offered them in helping to break through that limitation, obviously wouldn't account for one of them being of two souls, one vastly denser and more powerful than the other, held together by the thread of Traveler's Ward. And T'senri he talked with obviously wouldn't think to mention that – other than that he got sick briefly – since then he was alone in his skin…. Feeling all the blood drain from his face and his heart pound deafeningly, his gaze drifted back to his husband's face as he leaned over him again and wrapped his hands around Ares's cheeks – his skin nearly white and clammy under his palms.

If those mortals accidentally tore them apart… and somehow killed Senri… was Ares even now bleeding aether…? He swore under his nose furiously, cursing not sharing his husband's ability to see souls.

"Da-mon…" Azem murmured and his breath stuttered nervously before growing labored and nearly… panicky. "I think… I… consumed him…"

"Shhh," he hummed, closing his eyes and resting his forehead against his lover's even as his heart simply broke. Hades made their bodies immortal, but if Senri's soul is gone…

…Hades…

…who shared his brother's ability…

He needed Hades… now! Even if he's pissed at them… he won't let Ares slip away… somehow. Because if Senri is gone… Ares will follow, leaving their body an empty shell – and pulling him and Raha along into the aetherial sea.

Clenching his teeth with determination, he sat back and pulled his husband's mortal vessel against him, wrapping his arms around him securely. Trying not to panic when Ares merely gasped weakly and his head sagged against his shoulder, Damon took a deep breath and looked at the frozen mortals again, meeting Thancred's terrified silvery eyes.

"Do not try to follow," he warned, involuntarily baring his teeth in a warning – then released them and before they could do more than wobble, teleported them to Rising Stones – in a blink of an eye landing in the middle of their mortals' nest. "Hold on for me, my heart," he whispered, delicately placing his lover between the red and black pillows. "I'll be right back, just hold on," he placed a delicate kiss on Ares's forehead and despite his weak whimper in protest, pulled back and scrambled out of the nest and to the hidden cache holding their son and his lover captive. Pulling out the small, golden crystal and closing his hands around it, he started to whisper the spell to unlock it – focusing all of his condensed aether into the spell – and fighting not to sob or look back when the ever-present, gentle hum in the back of his mind stuttered… and fell deathly silent.