I laugh as everyone offers their mugs, thinking truly to myself that we have the most solid group of drinkers in Disce, perhaps even rivaling those in Brierman. I reach for my own mug and finish it promptly, then grab Alanna, Cal, Desmond and Keane’s. Keane lets his fingers brush against mine when I take his last, his gaze finding mind playfully and following me all the way to the barrel.
Sera fills the mugs she grabbed from her table as I do the same, bringing all five back with slow carefulness as I set them down on the table.
“Hopefully soon,” Mana says softly, looking back at his seated wife, “but the rush is not there. We have time.”
I pull out my own chair and sit back down, reaching for my mug as Sera shrugs casually, “I’d like to think when his travels end, though I don’t see that happening soon.”
“And you, Holis?” Cal grins across the table, “ready to become an uncle?”
My eyes widen as I realize the conversation they’re having.
Holis tips his mug at Cal with a grin, “at this rate it may be you who makes me an uncle first.”
I choke into my ale and try to hide my laugh, watching as Alanna gives a heated blush and glares back at the Discerni twin. Cal tips his mug to his friend and salutes the open comment, sending him a grin that only men can give.
Ancients.
Stormfall spreads his wings from the table, prompting us all to look at him as he pushes off and soars into the night. I sigh and sit back in my chair enjoying the sight of him, then smile as I think on tonight.
This night is already perfect.
The ambiance, the full table of good company and good drink.
This is what life is meant to be.
Keane moves his chair closer to mine, his hand resting again on my thigh. I turn to him, knowing that he’s heard my sighs and read my body, while the smile on my face grows wider at the sight of him. His brown eyes sparkle down in affirmation as he gives my leg a firm squeeze, the two of us turning to Barnes when he inquires when Cal’s next fight will be.
“If our travels permit, a few days after the coronation,” Cal grins into his ale, “a lad traveling with the Court of Warriors.”
“Rane,” Alanna leans forward to look at Barnes and Lord Daniel from across the table. Both men give her a knowing grin.
“Our best hand to hand from Dardar,” Lord Daniel nods and glances to Cal, “you’ll have your work cut out for you, Cal.”
Cal sits straight in his chair, “I welcome it.”
My smile is proud as I look at my big friend, relaxing when Keane’s hand reaches higher up my thigh. His knee pushes against mine and I inhale at his touch, feeling his gaze rake over my body again.
How is that?I shiver in thought, bringing my ale to my lips.
How am I able to feel his gaze on me without seeing it?
Keane tightens his hand around my leg, fingers inching even farther towards my hip as he wills me to look at him. I take another steadying breath before I turn in his direction, watching as his small grin grows wider, approving of my reaction to his call.
I push my knee gently under the table and bring my own hand down, fingers wrapping around his to stop their dangerous movements. Keane’s smug look of confidence graces his features as we both sit back in our chairs, completely content, the two of us happy we get to have this night…
Because it is perfect.
It’s everything I didn’t know I needed on my return, yet everything that I crave and want from life. The drinks, the company, the damn Ancient night with its moons sparkling down on the table from above. Everything is just so perfect, as is the man sitting so closely next to me.
Keane is open in his affections, open in his desire for me, pulling my chair even closer as he releases my thigh to rest his arm over the back, letting his fingers drift over my shoulder.
This is life.
This is everything that I wish for the Discerni and humans of Disce to experience together, especially in the Court of Knowledge. This is everything I want to bring to this Court, everything that I’m determined to bring to Woodlands, politics be damned.
I recognize now, why Keane and Desmond want to fight for Fensby so hard, to take it by force… they have the same desire. The desire to allow others to experience their life just as we are now. They are willing to fight for Woodlands, and while I don’t wish or hope that their desire will end with using force, I understand the strong sentiment that may result to that action if it’s ever needed. Something terrible is going on over there, and I look forward to gaining a greater insight into what exactly is happening.
But you know, my mind reminds me solemnly,the Bardots and Alanna have told you, expressed to you.
