Chapter 11

Gavin knocked on Jethann's door and waited impatiently for an answer. After a minute or so with no response, he knocked harder thinking that perhaps the elf was asleep. After another minute passed, he figured that there was no one home. Growling in frustration, he paced back and forth in the hall. It had been a horrible week and he desperately needed someone to talk with, someone who wouldn't judge him or tell him he was wrong. Sighing, he sank to the floor opposite the door, wrapping his arms around his knees, his head coming to rest between them. He would wait here for as long as possible. He didn't really feel like being anywhere else right now.

Jethann returned from shopping to find the mage waiting for him. From the look of things, it seemed that the mage was upset and possibly looking to talk. He came to a stop in front of him, "Gavin?"

Gavin looked up in relief and jumped to his feet. "I'm glad you're back. Have you got some free time? I really need to talk with someone."

Jethann saw the red rimmed eyes and heard the strain in the voice and knew this would be no simple conversation. "I have nothing pressing to attend to," he replied softly and turned to unlock his door. Pushing it open, he motioned the mage to proceed him.

Gavin went and sat in one of the chairs and silently watched as the elf put away his purchases. "I hope you don't mind me just showing up here. You did say I could come back anytime."

"I don't mind," Jethann smiled at him. "You're a very handsome man and could have your pick of companions. I'm flattered that I rate so highly." He chuckled quietly at the blush that appeared on the mage's cheeks. "So, what do you want to talk about?"

Gavin slowly began to explain about the jobs he'd been doing to raise money for the expedition. As he talked, he got to his feet and began to pace. He explained about the dangers and the problems, about avoiding templars and dodging the Coterie. As he began to talk about Carver and what had happened, he started talking louder and pacing faster. Suddenly, he stopped and yelled, "He has done nothing but cause me problems, yet everyone seems to blame me, including my mother!"

Jethann said nothing for a minute, trying to process the huge amount of information that was just dumped on him. Finally he asked, "What do you mean by everyone blames you? I can't see how it's all your fault."

"Mother thinks I was too hard on Carver," Gavin growled. "He's her baby and she's been overly protective of him since our sister Bethany, his twin, died."

"How did your sister die?" the elf asked softly.

"You heard about the Blight that threatened Ferelden a couple of years ago?" the mage asked and saw him nod. "Well, our family lived in Lothering then and we fled when they neared us. Carver had gone to join the army in Ostagar, and he barely made it out alive. He arrived just ahead of the hoarde and we barely got out of town with little more than the clothes on our backs. While trying to escape them, Bethany was killed by an ogre. For a long time, my mother and brother held me accountable, accusing me of not doing enough to protect her."

"What about your father?" Jethann asked softly, fascinated by the story unfolding here.

"He died three years prior to that," Gavin sighed. "He told me to look after the family."

"So, you decided to come to Kirkwall after fleeing Ferelden," the elf stated.

"No, my mother wanted to come here," Gavin shook his head. "We had an estate she said and family. Turned out that the only family we had left was Gamlen and that he'd sold the estate to cover a debt. If I'd known that ahead of time, I would never have come to this city. It's not exactly the safest place for an refugee apostate."

"It sounds like you've born the brunt of the responsibility and blame for your family's troubles," Jethann said after a long silence. "I must say, that I think you did the right thing with your brother. The Knight-Commander has been cracking down on smugglers and slavers. They do get a trial, but it's little more than a formality. They're always found guilty and they're always sentenced to hang. There's no distinction made between the leaders and their underlings, all are treated the same. I think Carver being hung would have been worse for your mother to deal with."

"I've explained all that to them, yet still they insist on treating me like dirt," Gavin said in frustration. "Even my uncle has been giving me grief about, telling me I'm being too selfish."

Jethann knew just what to do to help the mage feel better. "Come with me," he said, holding out his hand.

"Where?" Gavin asked even as he took the hand.

"I'm going to give you a nice, long massage," the elf led him into the bedroom. "Take off all your clothes and lie on the bed on your stomach." He stepped back to watch the show.

"You just want to see me naked," Gavin said, a slight smile coming to his face.

"True, but I think the massage will help as well," the elf laughed softly. Once Gavin had complied, he opened a bedside table drawer and removed a bottle of lavender scented oil. Then, he removed his own clothes and climbed on top of the man in his bed.

"I thought you were going to give me a back rub," the mage said in amusement.

"You're so big that it's easier for me to do it from here. And it's more comfortable and enjoyable without clothes getting in the way," Jethann retorted, a mischievous smile curving his lips. He unstoppered the bottle and poured the oil into his palms, breathing deeply as the scent filled the room. He saw Gavin breath deeply as well. "Lavender is useful for it's soothing and relaxing properties."

Gavin closed his eyes as the elf began to massage him, starting at his shoulders. The elf's hands were soft, but firm, and felt really good on him. He sighed softly as the tension in his body slowly began to disappear. He was silent except for an occasional groan as the elf found a particularly knotted muscle.

"Your muscles are as tight as bowstrings," Jethann said quietly. "You need to stop letting what others think bother you so much. You've done everything humanly possible to protect and care for your family. If they can't see that, then that's their problem. Don't make it yours. One day, they will realize all that you've done for them and will be appreciative of your efforts."

"But, I live with them in that small hovel Gamlen calls a house," Gavin protested softly. "It's kinda hard to ignore it."

"Then don't stay there," Jethann shrugged. "Surely one of your friends will let you stay with them. And if not, then you can stay with me."

"I wouldn't want to impose," Gavin murmured, feeling sleepy all of a sudden.

"You wouldn't be," the elf soothed. "Think about it." Getting nothing but a grunt in reply, he smiled to himself. The poor man obviously hadn't gotten much sleep lately if he was already dozing off. He continued the massage even though his client was falling asleep.

Sometime later, Gavin slowly came awake and realized he was still lying face down on Jethann's bed. He slowly became aware that the elf was lying beside him, watching him. "Sorry, have I been asleep long?"

"Only a couple of hours, but you needed it," Jethann shrugged.

Gavin lifted a hand to touch the elf's cheek, "Did you mean what you said about staying here if I needed to?"

Jethann nodded, "I like you Gavin. A lot more than I should I suppose, but I can't help it. Besides, if you're sleeping here, then I get the opportunity to ravish you anytime I want," he finished with a wicked grin.

"Devious minx," Gavin laughed softly. "I suppose letting you have your way with me is a small price to pay for getting a good night's sleep."

"Well, having rampant sex is a good way to insure that you do sleep," the elf smiled at him.

Leaning forward, Gavin caught the elf's mouth with his own. The kiss was intense but gentle, as much a thank you as a promise of more. He drew Jethann down on top of him, deepening the kiss as his hands roamed over the smooth skin. Finally, he drew back. "Thank you, for being here," he whispered.

"Anytime Gavin," Jethann said softly, then grinned wickedly. "Now, if you're rested enough, how about some of that rampant sex we were talking about?"

"Your wish is my command," Gavin chuckled and pushed him onto his back, straddling him. He wanted to show his appreciation for all that Jethann had done for him. He gently trailed his fingers down the elf's chest to tease his nipples, smiling at the groan that produced. Leaning forward, he softly kissed along the other's jaw and then nibbled down his neck and then to his chest, pausing to flick his tongue across first one nipple and then the other.

Jethann lay there moaning softly at this unexpected pleasure. He couldn't remember the last time someone had thought of him, of his wants and needs. He could definitely get used to it, for however long it lasted. He knew that he was just a diversion for the mage, that another elf had a claim to him. But, for now, Gavin was here with him and he was going to enjoy every minute. His mind suddenly went blank as he felt Gavin's warm mouth surround his cock, groaning loudly in pleasure. "Maker, your mouth feels wonderful."

Gavin ran his tongue down and then up Jethann's cock, pausing to suck gently on the head with each pass. At the same time, he slipped a hand down between the elf's nether cheeks to tease at his hole with a finger. When he felt the elf getting close to release, he eased off a little before resuming. Soon, Jethann was writhing and moaning on the bed, begging him to let him come. Finally, he engulfed the elf's cock and sucked hard, bobbing his head up and down in a steady ryhthym. At the same time, he slipped his finger inside and wiggled it around to find the elf's prostate. He knew he found it when Jethann suddenly bucked upward and cried out. He worked him furiously and was soon rewarded with a mouthful of come and the cry of his name.

Jethann collapsed back on the bed utterly spent. He felt like there was something he should do, but couldn't seem to find the will to move. He opened his eyes as he felt Gavin shift above him and looked up to see the mage smiling down at him. "That was wonderful," he whispered.

Gavin's smile widened at that. His own cock was demanding release but he ignored it. "I don't have a lot of experience with this sort of thing. I'm happy you enjoyed it."

"Honey, you're a natural at sucking cock," the elf stated, chuckling as the mage blushed. "If you ever get tired of playing the hero and trying to solve everyone's problems, you could make a fortune as a courtesan."

"I don't know about that," Gavin shrugged, feeling his face get hotter. "I just wanted to do something special for you, that's all."

"Thank you," Jethann smiled and then sat up and pushed the mage onto his back. "Now, let me show you how a real professional does things," he said, smiling wickedly. "You're in for a long night."

Gavin just laughed and shook his head. "Do with me as you wish."

"I will, count on it," the elf chuckled and proceeded to do just that.