A/N again huge thanks to those who take the time to leave reviews and send me PMs. Sometimes daily life gets me pretty tangled up and I honestly just forget to sit down, unwind and work on this but I get emails when reviews and messages are left and then I'm driven to make some time, sit down and do what I really enjoy...write. So thank you to those who become the champions of my muses and drive for my retreat into my work. I'm so glad so many people enjoy this family, Bosco and it's part in the grand landscape Mashima created. Fairy Tail is forever his, but it's an amazing and irresistible playgound.
Desna
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It took Vanders "pets" less than an hour to clear the Golden Swan of everyone that had been unlucky enough to be aboard, less than 10 minutes to get the ship free of the dock and out of the mountain, Presca piloting while Vander had entirely too much fun with the guns he could control from the command deck.
Zen landed neatly on the top deck of the ship and, instructing Lucy to stay within arms reach of him, he started clearing the devoured husks of the people Vanders shades had killed, he told her how to do it, Loke was with them, and at first she wanted to help, because using her ramped up magic and trying the variations where she mixed in some of Zens with her own was something she sorely wanted to try but. Lucy finally gave in to Zens gentle advice. "Honey...it's bothering you, what you're having to see, just cover my back, stay behind my wings, you don't need to see this." He'd said.
Loke had smiled at her too "I got this Princess, and I'm really liking getting a good feel of Archangel magic." He added smiling a bit at Zen. Lucy had rolled her eyes as Zen chuckled and stayed behind him after they cleared the first couple of decks, he'd been right when he'd told her she wouldn't want to see it all.
Vanders shades weren't kind things, they were emotionless beings from the voids. Zens holy fire purged them easily, banishing them back to the voids when he burned a husk. Laxus brought Emzadi over and they had started clearing the ship as well, Emzadis Solar magic worked almost as well as Zens at dealing with the shades and Laxus could easily shatter the lifeless husks the things became trapped in when they fed and drained the life from a person.
Clearing the ship took another hour, long enough that the Golden Swan cleared the mountain ridgeline into Minstrel before turning toward Bosco once the Saberfox had docked with the massive liner.
Kurino and the Battle Queen were both placed in the brig, Guards put into place while the Saberfox was docked in the Golden Swans bay and her Captain took over the bigger ship while Vander and Presca joined the others who were already assembling in the Captains ready room.
Altiene was exhausted, but the King, true to form, refused to take any of the luxurious quarters aboard the ship, bathe and rest before he spoke to his rescuers and got on the com to the forces still loyal and fighting for him.
"Princess Kurino has been stripped of her titles and birth rights, as a criminal, murderer and treasonous traitor to Bosco, her people, and I, her King and father, will personally carry out her sentence, which will be death by beheading. To the forces still trying to control Bosco in her name? If you stand down, turn yourselves in peacefully, leniency and forgiveness may be yours, to those who refuse, you will be branded traitors to Bosco, and will be hunted down like the wretched dogs you will prove yourselves to be if you defy your king and turn on your country further. The Alvarez Empire is defeated, Kurino and her ally in Joya are in custody, the bulk of the Boscan airfleets will be coming to destroy every last shred of my treacherous daughters Guild White Sea is restored, all of its members returned to full status and honors, it was mages from that guild and the Fioran Guild Fairy Tail who rescued me. To all of Bosco, your king is alive and returning, I call on each Boscan still loyal to the true crown, to overthrow any remnant of Kurinos forces, you will be forgiven for using deadly force if they resist in any any forces are trying to hide and you know where they are, report them to White Sea until the Order of the Holy Knights of Bosco can be restored. Yes my people, many of the knights still live, have no fear, the lights guidance will be with us. Bosco will return to its glory, the Grass Sea will shine under sun and moon and restore us all." He said into the com.
When done he nodded to the ships captain who cut off the com.
"The branch in Pelerno has about 1100 mages right now my King." Kaleb said.
Altiene smiled at the young Guildmaster. "Your service, your guilds bravery and efforts...they won't go unrewarded Master Kaleb. Nor will I fail to work diligently to undo all the evil my daughter has done. How are Farron and the others she was holding?" He asked.
"Farron still hasn't come to sire, but Freed is doing much better, resting now in quarters with Farron since the two are friends and went through it all together. Canden is resting comfortably and Filles took great pleasure in killing the men who were involved in her torture." Zen answered him. Cristoff was in those quarters going back over Farron and Freed as they spoke.
The two handmaids had met their ends at Lucys feet. The women had broken out of their cell in the erupting chaos caused by Vanders traps and had come pelting around a corner behind he and Lucy as he'd been banishing some shades. Lucy had recognized them from what she had seen through Farron and Freed via Kalebs link and in one incredible move, showing her absolute trust in him and his ability to protect her, she had stopped him just as he'd pulled three shades free, vaporizing their hosts and she distracted him, grabbing his hair and pulling that along with one of his wings to slam him back against the hallway wall.
The shades had rushed forward and Zen had snapped his wings around he and Lucy and the shades had attacked the women. They had already drained hosts, couldn't completely infiltrate the womens bodies because they were already gorged, so it was hideous, their screams and struggling, pleading for help, for mercy and those cries fading into gutteral sounds, gurgling, groaning as they were slowly eaten. Lucy had kept her face buried in Zens chest, her arms around him, completely trusting she was safe with him, she made no move to drown out the nightmarish sounds, feeling the women deserved what was happening to them, Lucy herself had set those shades free to do what they did.
When there were no more sounds, and he could see the shades, barely able to move they were so gorged, weren't coming after them he took a moment, tipping her chin up and looking down into her eyes, seeing the hard determination there.
"For all they did to Freed and Farron…" She said quietly. He nodded "I'm dropping my wings, you may want to turn away...it's not pretty." He warned.
He'd honestly seen worse in the gladiator pits, people torn apart still alive for several moments, weeping at their own gruesome demise before death took them...but not by much, those women had suffered horrific deaths.
Lucy shook her head, turning to face the scene.
"I made the choice, I did it…" She said and Zen drew a breath, feeling her uncertainty but also her powerful belief in what she'd done being the right thing. When Zens wings shifted out of the way she stiffened, but nodded, switching into her Leo Stardress and gripping Zens hand she drew on him when she cast Regulus fire over the gruesome remnants of the women and the gorged shades.
Zens Archangel magic fed into her Celestial Spirit magic, ramping up her stardress and adding a holy edge to the spell, banishing the shades and when Lucy lowered her hand, tears running down her face, there was no trace the women had ever been there, no spot of blood, nothing, just the smooth floor and walls of the ships hallway. But the vision would stay with her for a while. Banishment was all they could do…shades were not mortal beings, they were entities of the voids between stars, beings of pure darkness, neither good nor evil but purely emotionless with a single purpose, to consume life. They did it with horrific tenacity too.
Zen wrapped his arms around her, hugging her back against him and kissing her shoulder. She turned and smiled up at him "Lets get this done, I want to use the damn baths." She said firmly and Zen smiled at her feisty comment, the baths aboard the Golden Swan were opulent and luxurious, and they had been living lean for some time now. The big man winked at her moving back ahead of her and they kept clearing hallways, rooms, everything.
So the Handmaids were dead, the only two people they were bringing back to Bosco, were Kurino and her Joyan ally. Kaleb had already extracted the womans memories, thoughts, plans, given it all to the King, and he'd turned to Kaleb with his mouth pressed in a thin line.
"You will never share any of that...not with anyone." He said firmly and Kaleb had bowed his head "No my King, I never will."
Altiene nodded, putting a hand on Kalebs shoulder, drawing strength from the younger man, the depth of his daughters madness, her complete slip into evil, he'd never have believed it. Nor would he have believed just how completely obsessed she really was with Farron until her thoughts, plans, memories of the last few days were placed into his head. He knew without a doubt Kaleb had likely censored some of it too, concerned for his Kings well being, and it only made Altiene more resolved to see his Kingdom restored…to truly deeply thank Arman and his children, to thank Fairy Tail for his rescue and for capturing his daughter.
The Saberfox returned from its brief foray into Minstrel to collect Arman from his hiding place just as they were crossing into Bosco and none of the Pradesh siblings had ever been happier to see their father.
Arman strode off the interceptor with General Fashon at his side, their uncle Tesso, General Tennison and Captain Ridly. They came and stood with Kaleb and Laxus, representing all of the forces that had fought to bring the King back and to restore Bosco.
Altiene had finally had a bath, was wearing clean clothes and had spent nearly an hour with Cristoff, Zen and Cobra, who had made certain, every single thing Theida had done to him, was undone.
He'd had a talk with Cristoff too, about what his daughter had done to the young man. Armans second youngest son was remarkable. Compassionate, thoughtful, and incredibly skilled with his magic, he was also, like all of Armans children, breathtaking. Not on the same scale as Kaleb, who seemed almost unreal at times, Cristoffs features had a slightly more rugged edge to them, but he was exceptional. How Kurino could abuse such a man was beyond him. How she could, when she had professed being in love with him since she was a child, abuse Cristoffs older brother also baffled him.
Cristoff could not get into an involved relationship with anyone but his mate, who he had not found yet but Altiene knew Cristoff was hugely popular, a model since he was 15 he still graced many magazine ads and even billboards in most major cities. Dominic Elluris of Elluris Fashion House had placed Cristoff as the face of Elluris' male fashions for the last few years, so the man was honestly famous, an accomplished mage and he had been a well loved and respected knight… back when there had been an order...when Altiene had nearly 5000 of the amazing holy warriors serving him.
There would be another order, Altiene had all he needed to rebuild it standing right here in this ready room.
The meetings lasted for hours. Altiene, refreshed by Cristoffs magic, wouldn't let up until they had stopped above what had once been the city of White Sea.
He stood on the ships deck, looking out over the razed city, not hiding the tears running down his face.
Thane had been serving as the Kings aid, so accustomed to following Kaleb keeping up with Altiene, who was quite similar to his Guild Master, was easy for him. He already had the networks in place, and was able to assist the King, answer his questions and gently inform him when he asked for a resource that had been wiped out by his daughter, directing him to what they had to work with.
Broadcasts of the Kings message were playing all across Bosco, it was just a matter of time before what was left of Kurinos forces, the dark knights, and the Joyans, were all wiped out.
The Guild facilities were gone, the grand hall that had stood for 400 years...gone, there was barely even rubble left after the attack.
"Thane, contact the Academe Celestine, get their dean on the com for me." Altiene demanded and Thane bowed, handing the com to the king a few minutes later and Altiene smiled at the gray bearded Celestial Spirit mage, Kalperden.
"I want you to organize a Celestial cleansing and blessing over the remains of the City of White Sea. I want the grounds ready for this city to be reborn. I can send a ship if you aren't comfortable coming in one of your hoverboats." Altiene said.
Kalperden smiled, bowing his head "It would be an honor to perform such services there my King...and...your majesty?...Long may you reign." The man said softly, emotion thick in his voice. Altiene smiled at him, Kalperden was a friend, an odd one, but a friend.
"Thank you Kal, ship or boat?" He prompted and Kalperden rolled his eyes "Oh for stars sake, ship, impatient as always I see. I'll have a team of my best ready, will you be present?" He asked and Altiene nodded.
"I want to be here, to bless it myself." He said. Kalperden bowed "Of course sire. I will see you soon then."
When the lacrima cut off Thane handed Altiene a heavy white cloak and the King looked at him curiously, holding it up and grinning. Across the back was the symbol of the White Sea Guild.
"If you will be blessing our Guilds sacred ground, laying our brothers and sisters who died here to rest, you should do it in our colors sire." The slender mage said quietly.
Altiene nodded… "Indeed...and so I shall." He said. He was already wearing a combination of Kaleb and Bickslows clothing, since the two brothers were closest to him in size, Kalebs pants and boots fitting, Bickslows shirts. Now that Arman was here Altiene had already been availing himself of his oldest friends clothes as well. Were it not for the jealous protection of a pink haired celestial spirit, he might have rifled through Zens clothing as well, he had some very soft shirts from Crocus that looked like they would fit.
It was with help from that pink haired spirit, that allowed Altiene to stand two days later on the razed ground of the city of White Sea, with a little over 200 members of the guild present, all that could reach the city in time, to be wearing some white leather pants, boots, and a sea blue button down under the white cloak while the mages from the Academe were grinning and nudging each other quietly arguing over who got to hold Zens free hand until Hestor had stepped up, giving them a hard look and ending that discussion.
Lucy had been beyond thrilled to be invited to help in the ceremony, the Dean of the Academe Celestine was an idol of hers, one of the most famous Celestial Mages of all time. He held the keys of fire and had written almost all of Lucys favorite books on Celestial magic.
"Will you be marrying? Zen was signed up to start classes next fall, if the two of you are married...you would automatically be able to come to Cellis with him and I would consider evaluating you and allowing you to take some classes yourself." Dean Kalperden said smiling when they had discussed the ceremony they would be performing.
The truth was, Kalperden was about beside himself eager to have Zen at his school, especially now that he was bonded with a Celestial Spirit mage of Lucys caliber, Hestor had already informed him Zen was Lucys "One" and as far as the Dean was concerned…the couple was as married as anyone could get shy of having rings exchanged. He'd been hoping the Archangel would mate while at his school, absolutely thrilled that he had not yet done so with Lucy yet.
Lucy was wide eyed, the Academe Celestine was famous, the small ancient school had stood since before the Holy Wars and was the place any Celestial Magic user dreamed of going. Their admission policies were strict, and they accepted no money, funded entirely by Bosco. she and Zen hadn't talked much about their future yet.
They had been getting closer and closer..and she felt his love for her now through their bond…real, not driven by any magic…Zens love that came from him freely. She didn't push…happy to let Zen set their pace and she hadn't been disappointed at all. Everything about how they were was better…because it was real and Zen was fully himself.
"We haven't talked about it yet." Zen admitted and Kalperden frowned.
"Well, you should, unless you would like to wait for the next opening, it might be a few years and I really…"
"No...no…" Zen interrupted and looked at Lucy, a little plea in his dark eyes and she bit her lip.
"No better time than now my son." Arman said and Zen jerked his head to the side, he hadn't heard his father come to his side...sound magic at its finest.
"Dad…" He looked around at the gathered people "This is hardly the right time…" He said quietly and Arman frowned, narrowing his jade eyes on his son.
"Zen Arman Pradesh...on your knees…" He said sternly and Zen knew from the way everyone was looking around nobody but him was hearing his father. His father pressed a small box into his hand and nodded toward Lucy who was blushing and chewing her lower lip looking at Kalperden.
Zen sighed, "I resent having my moments chosen for me father...not now." He replied, not caring if anyone heard, he was damn well done having things forced on him. He had every intention of marrying Lucy, but he would ask her when he was ready, when the time felt right to him, it was something he felt he had control of and he wouldn't let his father or anyone steal that from him or Lucy for that matter.
Arman saw the determined frustration in his sons face and while he'd have loved to press the issue, knew immediately it wasn't the right thing to do.
"You will...soon?" He asked softly. Zens hard look softened and he glanced at Lucy who looked about ready to cry, guilt, washing over her and he hated he'd caused it, he really wasn't the least bit upset with her anymore, if anything he was grateful now that he had her, he did love her, and would marry her, but it would be him who would chose the time and her seeing him struggle for his right to make choices? Well…she fucking needed to see that it really was something he fought for, something that mattered a lot to him, so she would respect it throughout their life together.
"When we're ready...and before I go to the Academe Dean Kalperden, so please, make sure housing is arranged for a couple...not just me." He said, sliding an arm around Lucy and hugging her into his side, kissing her temple.
"With the holy light chamber at the Citadel desecrated by Kurino, you will need to be sealed...the Academe has a star and moon fed immaculate light chamber of its own, it will serve and I offer its use to you." Kalperden said and Zen smiled, it was one of the things he'd been concerned about, Loke had said they would need to be sealed in Immaculate light. Kurino, because the light had rejected her, had destroyed the chamber at the top of the Citadel. The divine star of Bosco, its holy lacrima crystal, was still fine, still unharmed, but its setting had to be rebuilt.
"We'll take you up on that when the time comes, thank you." Zen told him.
He moved to take a place in the circle and Lucy smiled when every one of the celestial mages offered him a place at their side. Hestor however took the desired place at Zens other side and within moments the spell began.
Blessings, purifications, once it was all completed Altiene retired to the Golden Swan to talk with the mages from the Academe and the rest of them returned to the ship as well. Holy fires burned throughout the razed city, handling the remains of those who had died there so once that had begun, they had no choice but to leave. From the deck of the ship…as the sun set, the light from those fires could be seen for miles and…as tragic as they were, they were also beautiful. "The holy flames of blue and gold are brilliantly bright, may they consume the destroyed bodies of the fallen and light the way to the path of judgment before Anubis himself, that light informing all they fell in honor and were cherished by their homeland." Hestor said quietly. Leaning into Kaleb as they all stood on the ships deck through the sunset, watching the fires light reach to the sky.
It sobered Lucy tremendously, all of it. Fairy Tail had emerged from the war with precious people lost, their Master among the dead, White Sea had lost thousands, and the city that was their home was gone. Yes it would be rebuilt, but that would take a long time. They had their branches, so everyone wasn't completely homeless, but still, it had to be hard to deal with.
She stood by Zen, feeling his sadness as his dark eyes moved over the burning wreckage, wrapping her arms around his waist and hugging him, giving him all the comfort she could and he smiled faintly looking down at her, wrapping his arms around her, kissing the crown of her head. White Sea would rise again, the city would be rebuilt, the guild complexes would be built again, bigger, better than before, it wasn't the end.
Kaleb leaned on the rail a few feet from them and Lucys heart went out to him, the link was closed but Lucy knew grief when she saw it and the tall Guildmaster bowed his head as Hestor turned into him, cupped his face in his hands, gentle thumbs sweeping tears from long lashes even as his own fell too. This city was where he and Kaleb had first met, many years ago when they were children…Hestor had stood there with the plum colored shells of clams he'd dived for in his hair, looking for all the world like the seaside village raised boy he was, not a hint of the high fashion, well traveled and studied man he would become. A man he became because of White Sea, the guild sponsorship, it's resources had made the way for him…and he'd stood in the busy market as a gangly youth, transfixed when a 13 year old Kaleb had walked by him with his siblings, he'd stared into those deep dark eyes…back then Kalebs hair had been a rich dark chocolate color and his eyes a near black purple…before the light had embraced and flooded his body. His One…he'd known it in that instant all those years ago the tall handsome youth walking with his siblings was…his destiny.
He loved Kaleb more than he cared for anything else in the world…and shared his love of White Sea…loved this place as much as Kaleb did…felt the loss, the tragedy just as deeply, he just hid it better. Kaleb managed a weak smile looking into those love filled blue eyes, returned it, exchanging a shaky smile with his brother before burying his face in Hestors hair and letting the comfort he offered reach him, strong as he was, he felt the pain and loss here more than almost anyone else, and the ceremonies performed had almost brought him to his knees when he'd felt the holy fire seek out the dead to release trapped spirits and return mortal bodies to the soil. He had a long life ahead of him, blessed by the light, chosen as a vessel for it, the Morning Star of the Triad, he, like Zen, was ageless, he planned to devote all of those years to White Sea, to seeing the guild flourish, serve Bosco, and be a haven, a home, a family for the mages who came to its doors.
His near immortality had terrified him at first, then saddened him as he saw silver start to appear in his fathers jet black hair, Farrons rich mahogany brown hair turn to the honey gold it was now, but, Emzadi, Cristoff, Zen, even Vander looked to ageless lives because of their magic. Archangel magic they knew meant Zen would live for centuries, like Kaleb and Farron would, Cristoff and Emzadi as Dragon Slayers also would live as near immortals. Vanders unique blazing soul that made him able to travel voids and bend the beings there to his will, mold the shadows to serve his needs so they became clothes or weapons or whatever else he wished, Cristoff had sensed it and Xally had confirmed, their brother wasn't aging, he looked just like he had at 20 and neither Cristoff nor Xally could find anything in him that was aging, like Kaleb, there was no progression toward infirmity happening.
He lifted his head from Hestors, smiling and stood, meeting Hestors eyes, seeing his own grief mirrored there. Hestor was not the Master of White Sea, but…when he married the man, and he planned to…he would become it's co-master at Kalebs side, and Kaleb felt Hestors love…and his grief, so much like his own right now.
Within the Pradesh family, their father and Xally were the only ones not protected from aging, even Bickslow his magic slowed it, he looked as much like he was 20 or 21 as he had when he'd been that age, Seith magic slowed the aging of the soul, developed to heal souls, at its foundation Bickslows magic was meant to improve and enrich life, so it made sense it would extend it.
They would all out live members of their family though, and that weighed on him, though he was comforted knowing some of them would still be together, there for each other as the centuries passed. He kissed Hestors forehead…reveling in the love he felt, cherishing it because he knew Hestor didn't show that…wouldn't even admit to it, so he took it in gratefully, knowing…they would mate and he would marry the man…because he just…couldn't imagine a life without Hestor curled up in the bay window behind his desk…making snarky comments at meetings…arguing with Beck…chasing Vander around with sharp objects every time the shadowquip baited him…and Kalebs magic would, like Zens would for Lucy…make Hestor Ageless at his side.
Arman told him he loved knowing he had children who would far outlive him...as long as they gave him grandchildren and great grandchildren while he was still alive. Kaleb hoped he could do that, he really wanted to, he loved children and very much wanted to be a father himself, a husband. Unlike Vander, single life was fine and he was happy, but he really did want more. Holding Hestor then, feeling him try to give him comfort drove that home for him.
He bent, tipping Hestors chin up and kissing him, not the least concerned anyone was watching…like his whole family…their King…, Hestors hands slid into his hair though…the Celestial mage also…not caring they were being watched, he was at a point where he damn well wanted the world to know that he was with Kaleb…that they were a couple…fuck the whole world…he had the man he'd always wanted."Marriage is something we should think about too." Kaleb said a moment later and Hestor smiled up at the man.
"Sap." The Celestial mage said softly.
"More…in love, and eager to make things official." Kaleb countered and Hestor blushed, hiding it by pressing his face to Kalebs shoulder.
Lucy stepped back to Zen, leaning into his arms grateful he was quick to wrap her in them again.
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They reached Pelerno the following evening and Arman put his foot down, demanding Farron, who still had not regained consciousness, be brought home to the family estate. He didn't want his son in a hospital, wanted him to wake up surrounded by family and friends, not doctors and nurses.
Altiene had too much else to concern himself with to even consider intervening so the embassy cars that came for Arman and his children, and their friends were loaded up. Farron carried to a car by Cristoff with Freed close behind. The Rune mage hadn't left Farrons side yet and had no plans to.
When they reached the house and Cristoff was settling Farron on his bed he caught Freeds worry, it was radiating off the man.
"He's healing Freed, I promise he's ok, come here, I'll show you how I know." He offered and wasn't surprised when Freed eagerly moved around the bed. Cristoff pulled the shorter mage in front of him and reached around him, hands lighting up with familiar misty silver magic.
"Place your hands against the backs of mine and let your eyes unfocus, center your attention on my magic, the flow of it and where it goes." The Lunar slayer said quietly and Freed nodded faintly.
After a few moments he caught on, he could feel, through Cristoffs magic, Farrons blood moving, his lungs working, heart beating, and more than that, could sense the health of his blood, the clear way he breathed, the strength of his pulse. There was vigor, strength, steady stable integrity to it all, the young Ambassador felt vibrantly alive, it was just his mind that was still, and through Cristoff, Freed sensed that was gaining strength, resting, recovering.
He sagged a bit and Cristoffs arm caught him, steadying him back against the larger mages body.
"Easy now, takes a lot out of you to gain vision into another mages magic, even when it's being shared like I was doing. You see though? He's ok, he just really needs the rest, you two were pushed beyond some limits. My advice? Climb into this bed, curl up with him and get some rest. I'll have Mrs. Elan bring up a tray of things I think will be ok for him to eat when he wakes up, all of it fine for you too of course. When he does wake? Come get me, I don't care what time it is, my door won't be locked, come get me so I can check him over ok?" He said firmly and Freed nodded.
"Yes...of course...Thank you Cristoff." Freed replied. Cristoff smiled knowingly at the man, he was almost jealous. Freed was more than a little alluring, he had this elegance to him, a refined form of sexy that was deeply attractive. The Rune mage fought hard, was brilliant minded, cool under pressure and fearless from what Cristoff had seen. If Farron was smart? He'd keep the man.
"Anytime Freed, get into the bed, you need more rest too, now that we're off the ship that's what I want for both of you, rest, fresh air, food, drink. Soon as Farron can walk I want his ass in the sea water, yours too, it will do a lot toward getting you both back to full strength." He said and helped Freed get settled before turning and going to open the door to the balcony that overlooked the front garden. It was beautiful out, the estates defenses had all been set to their full power, Vander and Presca were both here, it would be good for both Freed and Farron to have some fresh air off the Grass Sea and the gentle glow as the sea came to life once the sun had set cast a beautiful glow through the room. Securing the screen door and making sure all the wards and such were in place, Cristoff headed to the door to leave, smiling faintly when he noticed Freed was already sound asleep against Farrons side.
Once he asked Mr. Elan to fix a tray for the pair, he'd be going to have a swim himself, after so long away from the Grass Sea, his spirit practically screamed for it. He knew Kaleb had almost started stripping at the front door and everyone else was probably already outside so he didn't linger to chat with Mr. Elan, thanking him and hurrying to his room to change into his swim shorts.
Freed wasn't sure how long he was out but when he woke he thought he'd died. His eyes fluttered open to the feel of a gentle fragrant breeze coming in through the balcony, wafting over his skin. The blankets had been tossed aside, he was on his back with his legs spread, silken Golden hair fanned over his thighs and a hot incredible mouth was enveloping him, firm lips wrapped around his cock as a silky tongue worked at teasing his flared head.
"Oh Gods...Oh...Farron…" He gasped and sky blue eyes lifted, locking with his. Staying on his as Farron moved and drove down his length, took him all in right into his throat where the skilled constriction there had Freed writhing, grabbing fistfulls of honey blonde hair and bucking his hips unable to stop himself.
He knew he shouldn't, but his body lacked its usual control right now, he was simply too beaten down to resist real deep pleasure he actually wanted for a change.
Farron didn't falter at all though, simply too well trained, too experienced, he relaxed himself and hungrily matched Freeds movements, letting the Rune mage thrust into his mouth, encouraging him by matching him, groaning as Freed pulled his hair.
When he'd woken up to find the Rune mage laying partially on top of him, fingers wrapped in his hair, looking like some beautiful emerald haired angel? He'd been unable to stop himself, so hungry for the man he'd been kissing over his chest, laying him back and tossing the blankets aside so he could lavish attention on the wonderful man. Once he'd started, he'd gotten carried away too, hadn't planned to take that tempting cock in his mouth but had wanted...just a taste and then he'd been instantly addicted, immediately needing to taste more when the flacid flesh had started hardening.
He knew he should have asked, their play in the baths had been as much about tension relief and feeling willing and wanted touches as anything else, but Freed had said he wanted him, and Gods knew Farron wanted Freed.
He knew they were both weak, could smell the food on the tray, and promised himself he'd eat, drink, do all the things he knew he and Freed both needed to do, but first, he had needed this.
Freed moaned, gasping again, his thrusts becoming erratic and Farron felt him getting close.
"Ahh, Far...Farron..I'm…" Freed groaned and Farron smiled faintly, cupping the balls that drew up, scraping his teeth at the base and humming as his lips hit the base of Freeds length again and Freed cried out, cumming into Farron's throat.
He swallowed it down, pulling back to taste the rune mage and moaning, he'd never been fond of the texture, but depending on the man...it could have a taste one could enjoy and for him...Freed did. Maybe it was because of how close he felt to the man now, a week side by side helping each other endure torture went a long way.
Whatever it was...he would happily taste him again. Pulling back he sat back up sinking back on his heels between Freeds legs, wiping his mouth and smiling down at the panting man beneath him.
"Figured I'd earned desert before a proper meal for once." Farron said with a smile, Freed chuckled "I can't imagine waking up a better way." He admitted breathlessly, watching the blonde with unabashed desire.
Farrons smile grew more serious, eyes heated "I wouldn't mind that either." He said quietly. Freed shoved himself up from the bed then, reaching out and grabbing Farrons broad shoulders to pull himself into the bigger man, kissing him, he could taste himself on those firm lips and groaned at the way it mixed with Farrons cinnamon-like flavor.
The warm lights of the grass sea had the room cast in soft colors and the breeze was amazing, but the feel of Farrons arms closing around him, the sound of the blondes pleasure laden groan as their tongues tangled.
He could smell the food though, and his stomach growled, making Farron chuckle.
"Ok. food...than I say we go to the hot tub on the deck, we both need a soak in the Grass Sea waters and sharing a hot tub with you...so much we can do in one…" He purred running his long fingered hands over Freeds ass, giving a small thrust of his hips against the man, his own erection still in place though fading, he was still so weak.
They hadn't really been fed, just this bland liquid diet, Kurino had said it would provide all they needed and keep them from fighting and hurting themselves and she'd been right, between the torture, poisons and lack of food, getting all their water and nutrition from one small cup a day, they had both lost ground quickly.
Freed reached down and cupped Farron smiling. "Then I get desert." He said smiling and Farron moaned, growling at the rune mage when he slid from the bed and made his way to where the tray was set on the small table.
They ate, then pulled on their swimsuits, Farron wore snug shorts, smirking when Freed pulled on a little speedo, the man had a beautiful body, the suit looked good on him, what little there was of it. Farron prefered him naked anyway, he was loving how Freed got still, eyes getting all glazed over with lust as those aquamarine eyes moved over his own body. He wasn't Cristoff or Kaleb, but he was plenty well built, tall, muscular, like Bickslow and Vander.
"Lets get into the hot tub...I'm stiff and sore and I don't want to be...I want to be able to move...all over you." He said the last in a whisper he let his magic deliver to Freeds ears as he passed him, looking over his shoulder at the gaping rune mage with a smirk, yanking the tie from his long blonde hair, he'd have a hell of a time getting all the tangles out of it.
Now they would recover, and he would get back to work and help get Bosco back on it's feet. First though...he was going to indulge himself thoroughly in emerald hair and aquamarine eyes, pale skin over a lean muscular body and feast on those thin lips until he was out of breath. If Freed would let him, he'd drown them both in pleasures for the rest of the night and they could sleep in and make his brother worry.
Watching Freed climb down into the hot tub after him he didn't wait, moving in and pulling the smaller man to him "If you aren't ready...I can wait...I'm still too weak to do all I want to…" Farron admitted as his arms wound around the Rune mage.
"I was ready a long time ago…" Freed admitted and Farron smiled as Freed pulled their bodies tightly together and it was the Rune Mage who grabbed his hair and took his mouth first, Farron didn't care who was the dominant one, as long as he got those lips on his and felt the body he wanted pressed against his. Bosco could wait, he'd gladly surrender what little strength he had to let Freeds touch wipe away what Kurino had left behind.
Freed straddled Farron where he sat on a ledge inside the large steaming pool of sea water built into the massive deck, holding Farrons face in his hands, kissing those full soft lips greedily, so hungry for all he could get. For him, the whole experience on the ship had been a horrific revisiting of his youth.
He'd not developed a taste for girls, instead, as he'd learned to ride the fine horses his father liked to keep, he'd been drawn to the younger man at the stable who exercised the horses and kept their training sharp working under the main trainer.
Rodric was Minstrellan, had a sexy accent and a Boscan mother who had seen her son well educated and comfortable with himself, he'd been receptive to Freeds interest, and while helping Freed down after a long ride where he'd grazed his thigh on some outcropping rock, he'd knelt between Freeds legs in the tack room and cleaned and dressed the wound, and hadn't missed Freeds reaction.
The young noble had been horrified as, while Rodric had cleaned his injury and dressed it his cock had hardened and bulged in his breeches, there was no hiding it, but Rodric hadn't shoved him away, instead of the repulsion he'd expected, Rodric had smiled at him, his hand drifting up the inside of Freeds thigh until he'd been rubbing him through his breeches. Freed had moaned, and Rodric had kissed him, moments later they were both ripping each others clothes off and Rodric had been so, gentle, so careful with him, it had been glorious.
He'd eagerly gone for his rides then, and after each he and Rodric would sneak off together and have sex. Rodric taught him all he needed to know and Freed was happy, too happy...his father got suspicious.
Lord Justine had caught them, followed them when they had left the barn to a well hidden spot in the trees and he'd caught them.
Rodrics father, the head trainer, had defended his son, had defended Freed too.
"They're young! Gods above Lord Justine, they're just having fun, it's natural, healthy!" Rodrics father had rushed out to the pasture when the horses had run frightened from where Lord Justine had caught the boys. He'd stopped Freed's father from beating both him and Rodric to death.
"Like hell it is! You take your disgusting son and deviant views and never come back here, leave Fiore because you can bet You will never find work anywhere I can reach!" Lord Justine had screamed, but he hadn't dared tried to raise his hand toward the lead trainer, who stood a good foot taller than him and was pure muscle.
Freeds father had made good on his threats too, Rodric and his family had been forced to leave Fiore, moving back to Minstrel. Freeds life had been hellish after that, his father bent on purging his son of his deviance had forced Freed with woman after woman, even having some tie him up so they could force themselves on his son. His mother had tried to stop it but Lord Justine had sent her away too, blaming her for being too soft and coddling of their oldest son.
Farron...he was a dream come true for Freed, handsome, powerful, brilliantly intelligent, successful...his own father couldn't hope to harm him either, Farron held more power than Lord Justine. They could...be together...if Farron wanted that, and Freed prayed he did, that this wasn't just a brief affair, Gods his heart would break if it were…
Farrons hands though were moving on his skin, the man was responsive…the bond let Freed feel his desire, and it was more than lust…it was…he felt it and there was no hiding the tender feelings, feelings Freed felt too. He was starved for this…he honestly was. His whole life he'd wanted a man, a good man…to love him, want him, in tender soft ways. He'd settled for sex…in Fiore, gay relationships were feared, still subject to considerable hate, clubs where gays went had heavy security and often…weren't open long.
He'd learned to take what he could get…to sate his needs in quick encounters…sex in bar bathrooms, in dark little motel rooms...it usually was fine, Bickslow often went with him, Cobra frequently tagging along as well in the last months before the war. Freed would meet someone who fancied him..they would have drinks, maybe dance…then sex. It never meant anything, and sometimes…the men he met were angry, angry at their lives, at the world, and they were taking that anger out on whoever they could get..he'd been raped, he'd even been taken once kept overnight by a group of very angry young men who had said they hated gays…said they did…beat Freed who had followed one of them to the alley outside a bar in Hargeon…but they had also raped him over and over again until Bickslow had found them...Laxus…Laxus had been there and Freed had been humiliated, horrified the man he so admired had found him like that, battered, being raped, covered in cum and blood in a seedy motel room by the bar.
Laxus had made it clear though, as he and Bickslow had gotten Freed to a healer.
"Shit Freed…you are who you fucking are, I don't give a shit if you like men. Fuck Bickslow fucks both men and women and he's been our friend for ages…you see I never get after him or treat him different…why try to hide this?" He'd demanded then had frowned.
"Because of your Dad…it's because of that sick fuck isn't it? He's no better than my Dad…shit…between our whole fucking team the only one of us with a good Family is Bix. Look…you're my friend Freed…I love you like a brother...and you love who you love got it? I'll never think less of you for that."
It had been both an incredible relief, knowing his very straight friend still cared for him…and a heartbreak…that care was brotherhood and would never be more. Not that Freed thought he could make Laxus Gay…he knew better, Laxus loved women, always had, but deep down Freed had dreamed of being in the arms of a big blonde…
Here he was…he smiled a little into a searing kiss, hand pushing into honey colored hair that felt like silk against his fingers. Farron Ciel Pradesh, eldest son of Arman Pradesh, successful, handsome, kind and good…and the feelings Freed felt…all of them were tender, affection, real affection that bordered on…he didn't even want to hope for it but it was there…love, love was there and real and it could grow, Gods help him…he rolled his hips, pressing in greedily now to the man kissing him…caring for him…wanting him and loving him…he'd stopped hoping for this, he really had, resigned to sex in motels and bathrooms as the only intimacy he'd ever get to enjoy…this was so much better, a balm on his heart and body.
"Oh Farron…" He breathed "You want me…you really do…"
"Yes…" Farron responded, hands gliding up Freeds back "All of you…you're amazing…"
He didn't even feel the tears in his eyes…didn't even know he was crying until Farron was making soft sounds, whispering in Boscan that everything was fine, they were safe, he had nothing to worry about…nothing to fear…that Farron would care for him…they could stop…just soak in the tub, sex wasn't all Farron wanted and the bond let Freed feel all of it…and he leaned his forehead against Farron as the blonde gently brushed his tears away, those blue eyes so concerned on his.
"Maybe it's too soon for us to be doing all of this…I don't want you to feel like this is all I want…I just want to be close to you Freed…" He whispered and Freed sniffled, a soft chuckle coming out of him.
"Farron…these are the first happy tears I think I've ever cried…"