Chapter 8 Life Goes On

Tika Waylen stared in shock at the sight before her. The flames of the fire were reflected in her eyes as the newly finished house was consumed rapidly. Then anger suffused her face, red spots mottling her skin and clashing horribly with her hair, making her look like some insane demoness.

She knew exactly what this was. It was a declaration from Raistlin that Caramon was his. That she would never have him.

Caramon might think otherwise, but she knew that Raistlin hadn't really changed. He never really would, regardless of their new relationship.

Well, she had tried to save him. But she was done. If Caramon was damned by his actions, then she was not going to follow him into the abyss.

"I'm sorry, Tika," Sturm said to her with obvious sympathy.

"It's not my problem anymore. He's chosen his own path, so I must chose mine. Without him."

Sturm left Solace the next day after bidding farewell to Tika.

"Where will you go?" she asked him.

"I was thinking of visiting Riverwind and Goldmoon for a time."

"Riverwind," Sturm said, greeting the Chieftain of the Qu`e-Shu with a friendly smile, embracing the other man for a moment before pulling back to speak. "It's good to see you. Where is Goldmoon?"

He was surprised as sorrow crossed the taller man's face at his question. "I am most sorry, my friend. She would have loved to have seen you again. Goldmoon has left this world. She passed on while giving birth to our daughter, Brightdawn."

"Oh. I'm sorry for your loss."

"As am I."

"I hate to inconvenience you after your ordeal, but might I stay a while?"

"Of course. It is no inconvenience at all. You seem troubled, Sturm. Is there anything that I might do to assist you?"

"I.. I don't know. Maybe just sit with me a while?"

"Of course. I have time before I must put Brightdawn to bed and bid her goodnight."

"And the house was in flames when Tika and I arrived.." Sturm finished the tale that he'd never intended to tell him, or anyone else. "I worry for them."

"Why?" Riverwind asked him with honest perplexity. "Because they are both men? Brothers who chose to lie with one another?"

"Yes. It's not right!"

"Why? Because you say that it is not?"

Pink flushed across Sturm's cheekbones at Riverwind's directness, his eyes flashing with anger.

"I should have known that you wouldn't understand," Sturm said as he stood up from the large log that they were sitting on near a warm, partially sheltered fire since the winds on the plains could be brutal at times.

Riverwind stood as well, his long dark hair swaying with his motion before settling around his shoulders, his dark eyes serious as he looked at the other man. "I am trying. I do not mean to offend, only to understand. The true gods do not forbid such unions. What is it that makes you feel that you have the right to do so?"

"I don't know!" Sturm said, throwing up his arms in frustration. "Everything in my upbringing says that it's not right for two men to be together as men and women do! I can't just change that fast, if at all! No one seems to want to understand that, or even try! They just judge me, and think that I'm being intentionally cruel!"

Riverwind sighed, placing a hand on Sturm's shoulder gently. "I do not think that you are intentionally cruel, Sturm. It is just a world that you do not understand. Many do not. I must put Brightdawn to bed now. Come by my tent later. I will tell you a story that might help, if you are open minded."

"I will try to be so."

"Once," Riverwind began where he sat across from Sturm in his tent later. "Long ago, long before I met Goldmoon and we pledged ourselves to each other, I took a lover who was also male. He was a warrior, as I am, and older then I was at the time. He was merciless on the battlefield. But at night, in our tent, he gentled himself for me. There is nothing wrong with loving a woman, and it is the path that most men do choose to take. But others can be different, can need.. more then a woman can offer them. Who would know more about a man's needs then another male? I may have been young, but I was no fool. Swifthawk taught me much about myself that I would never have discovered otherwise. I loved Goldmoon, very much, and I always will, but Swifthawk was my first. Without him, and his influence in my life, I would not be the man that I am today. Do you understand, Sturm?"

"I.. Maybe. It still doesn't make sense to me. What happened to Swifthawk?"

"He died in battle not long after we met. It was the way that he would have wanted to go. He was a very strong man that way."

"I still don't know about all this, Riverwind."

"Perhaps I can show you? I will not force you into anything that you do not want, Sturm. Perhaps just a kiss?"

"You.. want to kiss me?.." Sturm asked him, looking stunned at the thought of it.

"I do. I have always found you to be attractive."

"I.. This is.. so confusing for me.."

"I know how you feel. I once felt the same, but if you choose to take this step, then you might come to understand. It is your choice to make. No one can do it for you."

"I.. Well, maybe just a short one."

"Of course."

Riverwind leaned closer, his eyes darkening as he pressed his lips to the other man's. The tip of his tongue touched Sturm's lower lip for a slow heartbeat before he pulled back to look at him with a slight smile. Sturm was flushed; his cheeks pink with heat, feeling his face burn hotter under Riverwind's affectionate gaze. "You really like me that much?.."

"I do."

"Why?.."

"Because you are a strong man, as Swifthawk was. He would have approved of you."

"So.. I'm just a replacement for him?.."

"No, of course not, Sturm. I do not see his shadow when I look at you, just his strength. You are two different men. It is you that I love."

"You love me?" Sturm gasped in shock, his eyes going wide at the thought.

"I do."

"Why did you keep silent about it all this time?"

"Because of Goldmoon. She would not have understood. She had a difficult enough time sharing me with my memories of Swifthawk, never mind a living man. She would have thought that it meant that I loved her less, which just was not true. It is possible to care that way for more then one person at a time, but she would not have understood it to be so."

"Oh. So.. What happens now?"

"That is up to you. I would not force you to be with me. If you feel for me, the way that I feel for you, then you will choose to be with me."

"I don't know what I feel, I'm so confused, but.. I want to know."

"Are you sure? Once the line is crossed, there is no going back."

Sturm looked nervous at that, but he nodded slowly. "I want to know."

"Very well."

Riverwind moved closer still, reaching out to draw Sturm into his strong arms, kissing him again gently on the mouth. He was not really surprised, or offended, when Sturm tensed a little in response.

"It is alright, Sturm," he promised him in a whisper, his dark eyes soft in the partial darkness of the tent since the light outside was waning fast. "You have but to say the word and this shall go no further. I leave the decision in your hands."

"I'm just nervous," Sturm admitted without shame, looking back into Riverwind's eyes steadily.

"You need not be. It shall be good for you, I swear it."

Sturm nodded, swallowing as Riverwind leaned in to kiss him again for the third time. His dark skinned hands moved to remove Sturm's armor, followed by his clothes, slowly bearing his strong male body to his dark-eyed gaze. Sturm quivered in surprise when Riverwind's hands touched his bare chest with clear reverence, his fingertips trailing up and down his muscled arms gently.

"You are beautiful.." the Chieftain murmured softly as he touched him with obvious tenderness.

"Maidens are beautiful," Sturm protested, his face pink and burning again at Riverwind's statement.

"Men can be beautiful, too, if in a different way," Riverwind stated huskily, his touch moving lower now, palms brushing Sturm's lower belly lightly. "May I pleasure you, Sturm?"

"P-Pleasure me?.." the other man stammered, the heat in his face spreading throughout the rest of his body now at Riverwind's question.

"Yes. I wish to give you pleasure."

"A-Alright.." Sturm agreed, his hips jerking forward as a small gasp escaped him when Riverwind's left hand touched his soft cock gently. The contact made the smooth flesh harden instantly, his eyes visibly widening in shock at his own response.

Riverwind smiled, his touch firming, stroking now over his sensitive length. He was pleased when Sturm's head tilted back on his shoulders, his eyes closing as a low moan escaped his throat. It didn't take long at all, and in fact, Sturm was embarrassed at how fast he came undone, spending his seed over Riverwind's hand with a harsh sounding cry before slumping against the other man as he panted heavily against his neck.

Riverwind cleaned up the both of them with a nearby cloth, careful to be gentle with Sturm's oversensitive length, requesting of him softly, "Will you stay the night with me?"

"Yes."

Riverwind smiled, kissing him briefly again before guiding Sturm down to lay with him on his blankets. He drew more blankets atop them both for warmth before pulling the other man into his arms tenderly.

Later that night Sturm woke to the unfamiliar feeling of Riverwind's body pressed tightly against his own, shame making his cheeks hot. When he realized that Riverwind's dark eyes were open and watching him, Sturm's unease vanished instantly in response to his affectionate smile.

"Sturm.." Riverwind spoke softly, hesitantly, clearly unsure of what his response might be. "Would you.. consider coming inside my body?"

Sturm's eyes went wide, shocked at the Chieftain's blatant request, shuddering as his anxiousness returned full force abruptly.

"I have been too forward," Riverwind said quickly in response. "Forgive me. It is only that I have desired thus for so long.. I could not help myself.."

"Well, yes, but I.. do not know anything.. How to even.." Sturm said with a decidedly red face, trailing off in obvious anxiety and embarrassment.

"I will teach you," Riverwind said quietly with soft eyes. "If you will let me.."

Sturm nodded, biting his lower lip and looking away when Riverwind started to remove his own clothing. He glanced back at him for what he had intended to be a brief moment only, his eyes frozen as he caught sight of Riverwind's lean, well-defined warrior's body, unexpectedly captivated by his naked form.

Riverwind smiled at his reaction, holding out his arms to him, and Sturm came to him wordlessly, though he was visibly trembling. Riverwind's hands went to his bare shoulders, caressing and exploring him curiously, leaning in closer to him to again press their mouths together, kissing him firmly and with obvious desire.

Sturm was shocked at himself when he opened for Riverwind, allowing the other man's tongue into his mouth. He was groaning softly as it entwined with his, shaking now when Riverwind's hands slid from his shoulders down over his bare back, stopping at his waist. His palms rested on Sturm's hipbones, his fingers curled around to touch the small of his back as they kissed slowly, lingeringly.

"H-How do I?.." Sturm asked him breathlessly when the kiss finally ended, his face flushed pink as he looked at him where their noses were nearly touching.

"There is a small jar of oil over there. You will need it."

Sturm nodded, standing up to go and retrieve the oil, holding it in his hands as he briefly considered bolting out of the tent regardless of his unclothed state. Then he caught Riverwind's soft, expectant eyes with his from across the tent. There would be no leaving. He placed himself in the Chieftain's strong, capable hands. Sturm moved back to sit at his side, holding out the oil uncertainly.

"Put it on your fingers," Riverwind instructed softly while lying down on his back on the blankets. He was smiling up at him as he spread his legs for him, his bare feet supporting them, flat on the blankets where he was suddenly spread open for Sturm. "You have to stretch out my inner muscles so that you will not hurt me."

Sturm flushed at his explanation, but he nodded, dipping his fingers into the oil before setting the jar aside. He reached out to touch him hesitantly, brushing his fingertips over his entrance lightly. He was surprised when Riverwind's stomach muscles tightened, his eyes darkening even further as his lips parted soundlessly. A soft, obviously pleasured sound escaped him when Sturm's touch firmed as he grew more confident that this really was what Riverwind wanted of him, slipping a single finger into him.

This was swiftly followed by another when the warrior Chieftain softened and let him in easier then he had expected. His other hand moved up to touch Riverwind's stomach just above his cock, the flat of his palm feeling the trembling that traveled through the other man's body. Riverwind's belly was quivering beneath his hand with anticipation of what was to come as he smiled up at him. Sturm smiled back at him and a soft moan escaped Riverwind when his fingers suddenly pushed into him deeper, adding a third when he loosened enough to take it inside himself.

"Sturm.. Yes, just like that.. It is good. Do not stop."

"Alright."

Soon Riverwind was ready. "It is good now. Come closer, Sturm," Riverwind requested softly.

Sturm nodded, withdrawing his fingers and moving closer. He gasped sharply when Riverwind grabbed him by the arms and pulled him down atop him suddenly, hooking his strong legs around Sturm's hips. This caused his cock to brush over the entrance to the Chieftain's body, making Sturm's body shiver with surprise. They stared into each other's eyes as he spoke.

"I trust that you know what happens next," Riverwind said with another smile. "Place yourself at the entrance to my body, then push inside."

Sturm nodded, doing as he asked slowly. He was stunned, his eyes going wide as Riverwind's head fell back and he moaned, the warrior's back arching with obvious pleasure.

"Sturm!" he moaned again and shuddered. His arms surrounded the other man as he pressed his lips to his gently with soft, panting breaths, "Gods of Krynn!"

Sturm smiled, kissing him back before starting to move, carefully thrusting forward and back inside him. Their bodies moved together slowly, then faster as they made love. They soon found release together, falling asleep again where they lay entwined in each other's arms.

Caramon stood at his brother's side where Raistlin sat at the small lightwood table in the backroom of his shop where he normally filed his inventory and sales lists. The warrior was holding a soundly sleeping Ulin in his arms as Raistlin thoroughly read, then signed his name on the adoption agreement that had arrived by messenger from the orphanage. The papers stated, where it was required for the records, that they had named the child Ulin Majere.

"You must sign here," Raistlin told him in his soft and raspy voice, pointing to the spot before taking Ulin from his brother's arms gently to carry him up to bed. "Would you make my tea, Care? I shall take Ulin up to his room, then return here for it."

"Of course, Raist," Caramon replied, pressing a brief kiss to the Mage's lips with a smile, signing the agreement that made Ulin theirs by law before going to prepare the hot herbal tea.

Raistlin sat down at the table to sip at his hot tea, smiling at Caramon over the rim of his cup where he sat across from him in another wooden chair. He was clearly feeling better and less fatigued already despite the awful, rancid taste of the brew.

"Well, he's ours now," Caramon said with a wide smile.

"He is that," Raistlin agreed quietly.

"I thought that you would be happier about it."

"I am happy, Caramon. I am just feeling rather tired, that's all. There were quite a lot of customers in the shop today. Most of them just Mages passing through town and needing to restock their supplies."

Caramon smiled again, though there was obvious concern in his eyes. He surprised Raistlin when he stood to move behind his chair, leaning down to press his lips gently to the left side of Raistlin's neck, then his collarbone on that same side. He smiled against the golden skin of his twin's shoulder as he said softly, "I have something for you. I had it made with some of the money from designing and building those furniture pieces for the mayor's wife."

"Really?.." Raistlin said with a somewhat smug smile as he set down his empty teacup, shivering visibly in reaction when Caramon kissed the edge of his left ear before nibbling on it gently.

"Yes."

Caramon pulled away reluctantly, walking back to where he had previously sat. He reached into his right pocket to withdraw a small black box, holding it out to his brother with a wide smile. Raistlin reached out a golden skinned hand to accept the box, smiling at him before opening it, his golden-hourglass eyes going wide as a soft gasp escaped him when he saw the box's contents.

Nestled in the box within soft, deep blue velvet was a ring. The band was of gold, as was the top half, the surface of the ring thick, bubbled glass containing gold and white gold flecks of those precious metals.

"Caramon!" Raistlin said, looking shocked and pleased at his twin's gift. "It's beautiful.."

"I am happy that you like it, Raist. I know that we cannot really get married, but I figured that this would symbolize our commitment and deter those who might express interest in us. I had a plain gold band made for myself, too."

"Oh, Caramon.. I love it.." Raistlin said, smiling as he handed him the box and held out his left hand to him. "Put it on me?"

Caramon grinned, nodding and taking the ring from the box and reaching for Raistlin's outstretched hand. He slipped it onto his ring finger gently. The red-robed Mage did the same for Caramon when the warrior handed him the plain, wide-banded gold ring.

"Shall we go up to bed?.." Raistlin asked him softly, promise shining in his golden-hourglass eyes as he looked up at his larger brother. His look caused Caramon's mouth to go dry with his suddenly overwhelming desire.

"Are you sure that you are up for it?" Raistlin smiled before saying seriously,

"I am never too tired to make love with you."

"Aye, then, to bed.." he rasped, licking his lips unconsciously.

This caused Raistlin to smirk slightly as he led his twin by the hand up the stairs and to their shared room.

Caramon and Raistlin undressed each other slowly, kissing lazily as they bared their bodies, and more, once again. Their hands stroked and caressed wherever they could reach, smiling at each other as they panted quietly while looking deep into each other's eyes. Their rings brushed over soft bare skin with every motion of their hands on each other's nakedness.

"Caramon.." Raistlin moaned softly in helpless reaction, melting into his brother's arms. "I want- I need you inside me.. Please.."

Caramon nodded, smiling as he lifted his brother up into his strong arms and laid him down on the bed gently on his back before covering his smaller twin's body with his own. He felt as though he sheltered him from the world, though he knew that Raistlin would scoff to hear his thoughts, blinking in surprise when Raistlin spoke softly.

"My strong warrior," the Mage said with a soft-eyed smile. "My lover. If ever I had need of a fierce protector, it would be you, my brother."

Caramon's face burned as he blushed, but his heart felt warm, soft and fluttering in his large chest with his brother's praise.

"I love you, Raist.." Caramon said quietly, leaning in to kiss him with a smile. Their lips connected in a clearly tender kiss as Caramon reached for the nearby oil.

"I love you, too. Very much so."

He coated his big fingers with the slippery liquid, pressing first one, then two fingers to his brother's entrance when Raistlin spread his legs for him without hesitation. The Mage licked his lips with obvious anticipation, Caramon's face riveted on his lover's as he pressed the fingers deep. He was pleased and turned on, feeling his belly tighten with need and pleasure as Raistlin threw his head back and cried out.

He was begging him now, clearly helpless to prevent it. "Caramon, please!" Raistlin moaned, clutching at his shoulders tightly. "Come inside me! Deep inside!"

Caramon nodded, angling his hips now to press forward, deep inside his twin's tight, hot body. He threw his head back with a loud groan at the pleasure of how it felt to be inside him. He then started to move, thrusting into him quickly, repeatedly, causing Raistlin to moan and thrash beneath him with pleasure. The pair of brothers soon found release, collapsing down upon the bedcovers in a sweaty tangle of limbs. Caramon held Raistlin close against his body with clear tenderness as the Mage trembled, both of them panting heavily as Caramon stroked his lover's long white tresses gently.

"You know," Raistlin spoke softly then, adjusting his head slightly where it lay on Caramon's left shoulder. "It is not common knowledge. In fact, I doubt there is another person living who knows this. But Magius, friend of Huma, he who originally owned my staff, did not perish as most thought."

"No?.." Caramon inquired, obviously surprised by this information.

"No," Raistlin confirmed with a knowing smile. "It was all an elaborate and clever cover up by Magius and Huma. After the female silver dragon who loved Huma perished in the fight against Takhisis, they became much closer. Some might say if they knew, even unnaturally close."

"You mean that they became lovers?" Caramon asked him in surprise and shock. "As we are?"

"Yes, Caramon," Raistlin said with a soft smile. "Lovers, as we are."

Caramon opened his mouth to speak again, but then a sharp high-pitched crying broke the silence, the sound coming from the direction of the second bedroom.

"That is Ulin," Raistlin stated with another smile, his tiredness catching up with him now as he yawned quietly. His long hair was tousled and bedroom-mussed from their amorous activities. "Would you tend to him, my brother? I must rest before tomorrow. I fear that business shall be busy once again."

"Of course, Raist."

Caramon got out of their bed to put on his pants quickly before going to see to the screaming baby boy. By the time that he returned to their room after feeding him and putting him back to bed, Raistlin already slept the sleep of one who was finally at peace with his life.