Illumnar woke up to the heavy smell of smoke. He knew what was happening but he didn’t want to believe it. Had the landlord suddenly gone mad or why was their village burning? The young mage rose from the pile of cloth he called his bed and hurriedly pulled his robes on. There was no time to collect all of his belongings but the most important things were closest to the bed and he hastily collected them. His staff and a little bag which could hold large amount of stuff were his most valuable things as in the bag was everything he needed on his travels.
As Illumnar stepped outside from his little hut he saw the whole village really was burning and people were running and screaming amongst the homes in flame. He already knew it would be too risky to try and save the village as there were still Landlord’s soldiers watching that their work would be done. He knew that but he did it anyway.
Collecting his magic power he took a better hold from his staff and let the power surge through his veins like ice water. He couldn’t move right now nor he could stop what he was about to do. His voice took a chanting tone as he let the spell spill from his lips in unknown language. His voice was heavy as thunder and grew in volume as the magic sizzled in the air gathering in the head of his staff.
It was too late when the soldiers noticed what was going on between the burning huts. The violet gem on the head of the staff was fully charged and glowed in deep purple. The final words left the mage’s lips and the power surged like an angry dragon to the clouds bringing down the heavy rain and lightening.
The soldiers’ horses were starting to panic as the lightning bolts hit the ground nearby and when one hit particularly close it was all done. The horses panicked and started to run like a devil had been after them.
Illumnar watched how the soldiers struggled in vain to stay in their mounts’ backs and fell one after another to the now wet ground hurrying away from the village as soon as they managed to climb to their feet. He felt the after effects of the spell as his knees threatened to fail him and shudders run through his body. The lightening stopped and the rain started to grow thinner and drops lessened. The fire had been smothered by the heavy rain and it seemed there were huts left to house the villagers through the rest of the night. His hut was not suitable for living anymore but it hadn’t been totally destroyed. Maybe there was something left from his belongings.
The sound of the horse’s hooves made the mage stare in the night. Were there more soldiers coming? The horse seemed to be calm as the steps were steady and soon Illumnar could see a shadowy figure of a horse and a rider coming from the forest. It stopped there and the rider seemed to watch the scene in front of him. Him? Surely that wasn’t a female riding at night.
The horse let out a whiny sound of displeasure and the rider bend to its neck seemingly patting it lightly and then steering his mount to the village.
Now Illumnar could see the pair better. The horse wasn’t a regular one but it seemed quite friendly. The rider was hooded with a large cloak which shadowed his face and hid everything else but his legs. Everything was black. The mage took a little step forward and the stranger rode closer.
The horse stopped right in front of the young mage and lowered his head to sniff Illumnar’s face. The horse had the teeth of the beast, burning red eyes and the tail of the dragon so it wasn’t hard to guess that the rider would be powerful too yet there wasn’t hostility in their auras.
“Who are you and why have you come to our village, traveler?” Illumnar spoke with neutral voice leaning lightly to his staff.
“We have come to help you, although we seem to be late.” The stranger’s voice was alluring like he was singing but it had a sharp edge on it.
“As you see we can take care of our own problems and we prefer not to have a stranger in our village at a time like this.” The mage felt offended. Did they look that pitiful in their little village that total strangers hurried to their help?
The horse whined and shook his head and the rider petted its neck. “We don’t want to offend you. We simply came to make sure you will be fine.”
Illumnar looked directly at the shadowed face of the rider. “I asked it once already and I would like to hear the answer. Who are you?”
“Forgive me my lack of mannerism. I’m Astarean and this is Hazirazel.” The rider patted the horse once again and it seemed to enjoy from attention.
Illumnar was astonished and ashamed at once. He hadn’t been too polite to the rider who seemed to be a very powerful man. “Forgive me my rudeness. This has been a hard night for our village.” The mage bowed his head in respect while speaking.
“No need for that Illumnar. I can sense the magic still in the air after the outburst. You used a lot to protect your home.” Astarean climbed down from his mount’s back and stood in front of the mage. “How long will it take for you to get your strength back so you can cast another spell?”
“How do you know my name, or that our village was in trouble?” Now Illumnar was growing suspicious. Maybe this was one more trick.
“Ah, I see. I don’t seem too trustworthy all cloaked like this. That is easily helped.” Astarean pulled off his hood and let it drop to hang against his back revealing his pale face with black ornamental tattoo across the right eye. His deep black hair fell over his left eye and to his back in wavy locks. “As you see, no tricks here, I’m just me.”
Illumnar just stared at the young man, not likely older than himself, who stood there a calm smile on his lips showing nothing of his rumored powers.
“This is why I choose to travel incognito. I seem to gather too much attention.” The man seemed to remember something. “You asked me questions and I rudely ignored them. Forgive me. I knew about your problems because I was a court mage in your Landlord’s palace. He didn’t know who I was and as so he was careless. As for how I know your name Illumnar the reason is far more personal. About that I would like to discuss in more private situation.” Astarean smiled more warmly this time and that made strange warm feeling rush forward in other mage’s chest.
“I see. So you left your place in the court and came here to help us. Why is that?” Illumnar was still a bit suspicious but the warmness in his chest soothed it quite a bit.
“That is another matter I would like to talk in private.” The man watched how the villagers were slowly coming closer like wary animals once frightened by a human.
Illumnar noticed them too and turned to look at them. “Was there casualties? How many huts survived the fire?”
One of the villagers came closer than the others and made mental calculations for a moment. “We are all here, the soldiers didn’t harm us but about half of our homes are useless now.”
“I see. Then we have enough to house us. Could we spare one of them to our guest? He came all the way to help us.” The mage felt obligated to ask even though he knew already the answer.
“Of course we can. We check which is the most suitable and let you know as soon as possible.” The man smiled benignly. It was an honor to have a guest in their little village despite the situation.
Illumnar smiled to his fellow villagers and turned to Astarean. “It seems we had very good fortune. Let me show where you can leave your mount.”
***
The villagers hurried to check out their homes and rescue what little were left from their belongings in the destroyed huts as the two mages walked side by side out of the village.
“We have our own horses outside of the village as it is safer to them. There is a stable of some kind which is dry and covers them from wind.” Illumnar lead the way to the little clearing in the forest on the other side of the village.
“This is more than suitable for Hazirazel. He is used to live in nature.” Astarean petted his mount who whined a little in appreciation.
“Now that we are alone, could you please tell me the answers to my questions?” Illumnar felt more than saw it coming. A hand on his mouth to silence him before the magic flared.
“In that you are wrong my friend. We are not alone.” The silent whisper right beside his ear was strained with anticipation and the magic gathered even more.
“I would like to know something too, to know why you left my court and came here in this shit hole, mage!” The new voice was loud in silent night.
Illumnar knew the voice. It belonged to the man who was responsible of the fire in their village, their Landlord.
Astarean removed his hand and turned to look at the direction where the voice had come. “I did give you my reasons why I had to leave and you didn’t stop me then. Why is it so wrong that I came here?”
The form of the horse and rider came in sight from between the deep shadows of ancient trees. “You knew this village was to be destroyed. Was it you who ruined my plans or was it the little friend of yours?”
“I had nothing to do with the latest magic outburst here but I’m ready to do the next one.” Astarean raised his hand and a staff appeared from nothing.
The rider laughed at this. “You are a mere magician who can’t even throw a fireball. How do you think you could scare me and my men?”
Illumnar cringed at the words. It was a stupid mistake to call a mage to a magician even if it seemed he was powerless. Even more stupid was to call this particular mage as a magician.
“Yes, it’s quite unfortunate I can’t throw a fire ball myself but if you insist I can call somebody who will do it for me.” Astarean raised his staff and the huge diamond on its head started to glow in fiery red. Words of unknown language spilled from his lips like a song and his voice stayed calm and quiet the whole time.
The other mage took few steps backwards and cast a little protective shield around the stable to keep the horses calm. It was easy magic and there was no need for his staff to enhance it, compared to the magic Astarean was wielding it was nothing.
The Landlord stopped laughing and seemed a little nervous as the magic grew stronger and sizzled like a lightning bolt. “Be rational mage! This village is nothing. Why go this far for its sake?!”
As the final words came from Astarean’s mouth the sky flared in sudden burst of flames and a gargantuan red dragon appeared in the air gazing intently at the Landlord.
“Are you still willing to see the fireball?” Astarean was smiling like nothing had been happened.
“We leave today but mark my words, this is not over yet. I will burn this shitty village and kill all of the people in it, including that little friend of yours, when you least expect it.” The Landlord was shuddering in rage as he turned his mount and called a retreat order to his men.
Astarean turned to look at the sky and smiled to the flying creature. “Thank you my friend. I’ll send you back now.”
The dragon’s voice was like thunder. “You have our loyalty and friendship, mage Astarean. Call us any time you need.”
The mage bowed deeply and raised his staff. “I’m honored. Farewell for now.” After a short chant the dragon disappeared and Astarean dropped to his knees his breath coming in short gasps.
Illumnar hurried to the other mage’s side and bend over to touch his shoulder but a soft moan startled him. “Are you alright?”
Astarean nodded shortly. “I am, please don’t touch me just now.”
The mage was confused. “Did I hurt you?”
“No… You didn’t… What you did was quite opposite, I’m afraid.” The other mage let out a breathless laughter. “This is quite humiliating after effect from my summoning…”
Now Illumnar got it. He hadn’t ever heard from that particular effect but strong magic made funny things to casters body. “So this happens every time you call one of your friends?”
A nod from the man on the ground and the other mage felt like grinning. “If you need any help with it I’m ready to help.” Illumnar’s voice had taken a seductive tone as he spoke.
Astarean turned to look at the other mage surprise clearly on his face. He hadn’t expected that. “Are you…” A short hesitating pause before he continued. “Are you serious? Or are you just messing with me?”
Illumnar smiled warmly. “I would never do that to you.” He bent to touch the shoulder again inflicting another soft moan and a shudder.
Astarean’s eyes drifted shut and he just rode of the feelings of pure bliss. “I hadn’t thought that you would prefer male company, Illumnar.”
Again the feeling that the other mage knew him better than he let out was disturbingly strong. “How do you know me?” The question was powered by a hand gently rubbing the soft skin of Astarean’s neck.
Astarean couldn’t help a little whimper escaping his lips and he shuddered as more warmth traveled through his body and gathered to his loins. “I…I knew you a long time ago... It seems you don’t remember me anymore.”
“Who are you, really?” Illumnar was fascinated of the other mages silk soft hair.
Astarean turned to look at the mage standing next to him. “We studied together in the Mage Guild. You were the top of our group and I kept the tail as I didn’t learn to even throw the fireball. I guess we both now know why but then… You were so smart, learned everything so quickly. Everybody envied your skill. I wasn’t so popular so it’s more than understandable that you can’t remember me.”
Illumnar was surprised. Was this really the worst student in Mage Guild’s history? The poor boy, who tried hard and failed every time making the teachers hate him and they had shown it openly. “You are the one who didn’t graduate?”
“Yes… I got better though, but only after I left the Guild. I traveled as a magician and I met new mages in different lands. They all laughed at me. I was ready to give up then and left for my final journey to find a place to settle down and start farming a little piece of land…” Astarean smiled faintly and closed his eyes as his body kept reacting to the touches of the other mage. “I met a green dragon in a forest near mountains… She saw the potential in me and took me in her den. I lived with her for many years and learned. She couldn’t teach me enough and she took me to meet the other races. Here I am now.”
“And look at you now, the most powerful mage in the world commanding all of the mighty dragons.” Illumnar was kneading the stiff muscles of the other mage’s shoulders.
“Hmm… That feels nice…” Astarean had lost his interest to talk. He was feeling too much.
“So you watched me in the Guild?” Illumnar’s voice was back in the seduction mode.
“Yes… I was always watching you… You intrigued me.” It was only a soft whisper.
“Why?” He just wanted to know.
“You seemed to be so kind and caring…so talented… You looked nice, you still do.” More whispered words left Astarean’s lips as his body shuddered under the ministrations of other’s hands.
“Why didn’t you approach me if you liked me?” Illumnar’s hands started gently peel the outer cloak away from lean body.
“I couldn’t. The teachers, other students, everybody said that I should stay away from you... Maybe they were afraid that the stupidity could be contagious.” He shrugged the cloak to the ground and turned around to face his tormentor. “I was afraid then. I feared that you would push me away like everybody else did.”
Now Illumnar too dropped to his knees and gazed intently to the deep brown eyes of his soon to be partner. “Now you have me. I won’t push you away.”
Astarean watched the other mage like a mouse would watch a snake ready to strike. The marine blue eyes glimmered in the light of the half moon and his golden brown hair begged him to sink his hands in it. “Are you sure?”
“Yes, I am.” There were no words after that. Lips collided together in the heat of passion they both felt. The kiss was long and tongues battled gently for dominance as the hands mapped the tightly together pressed bodies.
The gentle moans and whimpers filled the silent night air as the clothes leaved the bodies still entwined together.
Astarean felt like floating as the other man mapped his bare skin with his fingers. His every nerve seemed to be over sensitive sending warm feelings directly to his groin.
***
It was marvelous feeling to have another male under him and Illumnar enjoyed it with a smile on his lips. How he hadn’t noticed the other in the Guild? Had he been so shallow that the poor kid with no talent had been nothing more than that? Now he saw the talent, the magic in the lean muscles and radiating power in his aura. There were more tattoos in the skin beneath all the mage’s robes. They were the same ornamental design as the one on his face.
He mapped the pattern with his fingers and felt the shudders beneath him, every gasp as he brushed the black patterns crossing over the both sides of the mage. It seemed the tattoos were the most sensitive part of his skin. He noticed that they continued under the loincloth and moved to the ones crossing over his chest and abdomen. It must have been hurt when the tattoos had been made as they covered his nipples too.
Astarean let out a strangled scream as Illumnar bend over and bit gently his right nipple suckling it afterwards to sooth the pain. His body was totally out of his control and he closed his eyes. “Tease…”
“You taste good…” Now Illumnar continued to map the tattoos with his tongue. His drifted further and further down but was too soon stopped by the loincloth. He was impatient to see where the tattoos would end. They couldn’t go much further. There had been one long tattoo on the back too. It had followed the spine and it too had gone under the loincloth. The piece of clothing was starting to annoy him.
Astarean smiled at his partner. “Curious?” His voice was breathless and his head felt all mushy.
“Yes and now I’m going to see where these damn patterns lead.” Illumnar smiled seductively and bowed to remove the cloth.
“You’ll be surprised…” It was all the other man said before closing his eyes and waiting the other’s reaction.
Illumnar stared. He couldn’t form a word. He couldn’t tear his eyes away from the other man’s member, from the other man’s tattooed member. The patterns followed the hollow of his groin and climbed over the penis and the sac beneath it disappearing to the crevice between Astarean’s buttocks. “This… How…?”
The other mage opened his eyes smiling. “I was drugged when it was done. It still hurt though. Now it’s only an adornment.” He let his hand to travel through the other man’s hair. “You don’t like it.” It was a mere statement.
“No, it’s beautiful… I just… It must have been painful for a long time.” He reached his hand and let his finger travel up the underside of the engorged member.
Astarean moaned and shuddered under the questing finger. “It did… But it…was worth it…”
“So it seems. You’re quite responsive… Are these to enhance your magic?” The man bent forward and licked the head of the member tentatively causing the other to nearly jump in the air.
“Hn… Yes…” Astarean couldn’t speak anymore. It was all too much. His body felt like burning.
“I think these enhance something else too. Let’s see if I’m right…” Illumnar grinned and then took the member deep in his mouth starting to suck it gently.
The scream came and there was nothing in the world that could have stopped it. Astarean knew he couldn’t take it much longer but he had no means to tell the other man to stop as his body begged for more.
The man writhing under him was so gorgeous that Illumnar thought he would come then and there without doing anything to his own member. He knew the other was close to his orgasm and he had no intention to deny it from him. He would take the gift he knew was coming and enjoy. And enjoy he did.
Astarean came with a strangled scream and shot his load to the waiting mouth. The come tasted a little bit salty but it was sweet and not at all repulsive. Illumnar drunk it all and kept suckling until the very last drop was milked from the softening member letting it slip out of his mouth. He rose to watch the other man who breathed hard and seemed to be quite away from this world. His own member reminded him of his own need but he ignored it for now.
The soft whine from his left informed him that they had forgotten someone. Hazirazel stood there watching them with curiosity.
“Sorry about that…” Illumnar stood up and wiped his mouth before pulling something to cover his nudity. “I’ll take you to rest now…” The mage walked towards the little stable and the horse followed him calmly.
When the door opened the other horses inside welcomed the newcomer with soft noises of approval. Hazirazel walked inside and to the empty booth without being told. With a sigh Illumnar shut the booth’s door. “I’ll bring you something to eat little later. I’ll have to take care of your master first.” With that he left the stable closing the door after him.
Astarean was sitting on the ground as the other mage came back. “Thank you for taking care of him.” He had wrapped his cloak over his shoulder shielding his naked skin from the night air. “Maybe we should return to the village before they come here.”
Illumnar smiled at the though. “That would not be too enjoyable. I’d rather keep this private.”
The other man nodded and stood up. “So let’s dress and go ask about that hut. If there is one away from the other I would prefer to take it if possible and I would very much appreciate if you would share it with me.” There was a glint of lust in those brown eyes as they gazed to Illumnar’s still quite nude form.
“It would be my pleasure.” The seduction was back in the other mages voice and they started to dress quickly before it could lead to anything more.
Astarean’s clothing was far more complex than Illumnar’s as the other mage had had a rough awakening earlier and had had no time to dress as he used to. This resulted that Illumnar was ready earlier and helped his partner to pick the pieces of clothing from the ground. “What should I give to your mount to eat?”
“Ah, he ate when we came here. There is no need for food but fresh water would be nice.” Astarean pulled his cloak over his shoulders and fastened it on its place.
“There was water in the booth already. So everything is alright then.” The mage felt odd that the other man wouldn’t even give his horse a stack of hay but he didn’t comment.
Astarean nodded and straightened brushing few straws away from his clothes. “So it seems. Let’s go find our hut.”
***
It was more towards morning than night when they stepped in the small hut that had suffered only minor damage from the fire. Astarean had seen many kinds of accommodations on his travels and this wasn’t worst. It was warm and dry and there was a bed. He let out a sigh and sat on the edge of the bed watching how Illumnar sorted out the stuff he had salvaged from his hut after they had came back to the village.
“Not much left, huh?” Astarean kept his voice low as there still was people outside collecting what was left.
“No, not much, still there is more than I had hoped. My favorite robes are still usable and few books I have are only little moist…” Illumnar made himself shut up. “I’m sure you don’t want an inventory what I had and what I have now… I’ll leave this to later.”
Astarean smiled warmly and stood up closing the distance between them. “That sounds good to me. Let me help you relax for a moment.” His voice was almost a purr and he slid his hands behind the other mage’s back. “Come to the bed.”
Illumnar felt all the nervousness leaving him and he let himself be guided to lie down on the bed. There he watched how the other man stripped all his clothes with teasing slowness. His body was reacting already and Astarean hadn’t even touched him yet.
With deliberate slow moves Astarean came closer and bent to remove the plain robes from Illumnar’s body his voice lowering to a seductive whisper. “Let me do all the work here. Just relax and enjoy.”
Now was Astarean’s turn to map the warm skin beneath his fingers and he did it almost reverently. His fingers ghosted over the collarbones and pink nipples making them perk in attention causing the body shiver. He sat on the edge of the bed and petted one flawless cheek. “You are perfect, Illumnar… Pure and flawless…”
The other man shook his head. “No… Not any more… I have lost my innocence in all meanings of the word.” His voice was breathless as the fingers continued their journey on his skin.
“Hush now. Your aura and magic are still pure. There is no taint in them. That makes you very much flawless.” The other man bent to kiss his partner and silenced effectively any protest there was. Astarean knew how to handle a man. This wasn’t his first time although it had been quite a while he had managed to find a suitable partner.
The feeling of the kiss made Illumnar’s head spin and he closed his eyes only to jerk them open and gasp when he felt two fingers squeeze his nipple sharply. It hurt at first but then it turned to small throbbing soothed by the gentle caress.
After the kiss ended Astarean turned his whole attention on those two nubs on the other mage’s chest. He licked them, pinched them and caressed them until Illumnar was moaning and writhing uncontrollable and then some more. After he felt that the others attention was distracted enough he removed his other hand and started to tease his own body at the same time as he moved to straddle Illumnar’s legs. His hand traveled south of that beautiful body beneath him and he found what he was looking for.
Illumnar was practically reeling as the hand found his member and first caressed then squeezed it gently. His mind was so gone. All he could think was the heat in his groin building all the time higher and higher. He didn’t notice what the other man was doing to himself.
Astarean enjoyed the sight of the other mage in the bliss but he needed more. He let his hand travel down his own body and took a hold from his own weeping member pumping it few times while doing the same to the other man’s erection. He let his head fall back for a moment but didn’t let his body take the command. His hand left his cock and moved to trace the crevice between his buttocks. His fingers were slick now from the liquid leaking from his cock and he slipped one inside his body. That nearly made him groan but he forced himself to stay silent.
There was no way Illumnar could notice what was happening as his eyes were closed and his hips bucked at the times of the strokes the hand made in maddeningly slow pace. So he was more than surprised when he felt something warm and tight envelop his erection in one smooth move. A strangled scream tore its way out of his throat and he bucked wildly but the strong hands kept his hips unmoving.
“Please, don’t move just yet… Give me a moment…” Astarean’s voice was choked as he gasped air. His body had been too long without penetration and now it was a little bit painful.
The strained voice of his partner made Illumnar regain some of his senses and he hold totally still just staring wide eyed at the other man above him. “Why..? Why did you..?”
“Shh… Just give me a moment… I wanted to do this…” The mage moved his hips upwards a little and when he noticed there wasn’t too much discomfort he started to rock himself up and down the shaft that was shoved in his body. His head fell backwards and he let out a deep groan.
Illumnar mimicked the voice and his hips started to follow the rhythm his partner had set. He couldn’t tear his eyes off from the beautiful figure riding him and he felt that the end was nearing in quick steps.
They reached their orgasms at the same time shouting their completion in wordless screams Astarean feeling the hot liquid filling him. At the same time Illumnar felt the wetness hit his stomach and chest but couldn’t care less as the tunnel, where his member was practically exploding, was squeezing him in most delicious ways and he felt his consciousness slipping away.
Astarean let himself fell forward and nestled his head in the crook of Illumnar’s shoulder before he fell into the deep sleep. His body hummed in satisfaction and he just barely let himself hope that they would do it again one day.
***
The morning found the two lovers still sleeping their shared bed entwined together like seeking support from each other. The voices coming from outside meant nothing for the sleeping mages who had exhausted themselves with the magic and the passion after it.
Only the insistent knocking on the door was enough to rouse the two tired men from their slumber.
“What…?” Illumnar was confused to no end as he tried to rise from the bed but couldn’t as there was something heavy on him.
“Ah... Forgive me… I hope your arm isn’t numb after this…” The very sleepy sounding Astarean forced himself out of the other man’s way. “It seems we both fell asleep after our… exercises…”
Illumnar gave a little laughter and stood up making a displeased noise when he noticed the dried come all over his chest and belly. “Next time we must try and stay awake to clean first...”
It was nice to hear those words and Astarean smiled openly. “Yes, that would be the best.”
“Illumnar, is everything fine there?! You have slept awfully long.” The voice was muffled as the door was luckily quite thick but they could hear the worry in it.
“We are fine. The nightly use of magic drained us.” Illumnar smiled while calling his answer. Oh, if it had been just the magic that had drained them.
Astarean smiled and took a piece of cloth wetting it in the bowl of water they had brought with them last night and turning to wipe the grime away from his partners skin. “This has to be enough for now…”
Illumnar caressed his lover’s cheek fondly. “Thank you. I should go and check the others. You just rest here.”
A nod and the mage wet the cloth again starting to clean his skin with slow motions. “I’ll come right after. I’ll just clean up first.” Astarean made a face as he rinsed the cloth again. “This is quite a mess.”
“Yes it is... I’ll leave you to handle it.” Illumnar dressed in his robes and left the hut closing the door after him.
Astarean waited that the door was closed and then started to clean his tights and ass from the come and little amount of blood that had leaked there wincing when the rough cloth scratched his tender skin. “Next time I’ll use some oil…”
***
The villagers were scared and confused but there was also great determination. They would defend their homes against their clearly mad Landlord. Astarean walked beside Illumnar as the other mage inspected the damage. It seemed like there had been no intention to harm villagers if they leaved their burning homes. Next time would be different.
He knew the others were overly optimistic not expecting the other attack to take place in few days but if he was right he should call a guardian to the village as soon as he was able to.
“What’s wrong?” Illumnar was watching the other mage with worry in his eyes.
Astarean shook his head with the smile. “I was just thinking the reason… He will try soon again ad then he will harm the people too. You heard what he said.”
“It was the talk of an angry man. He can’t have changed so much...” Illumnar didn’t want to believe that their formerly peaceful ruler had turned to homicidal maniac.
The other mage made a face. “He was serious. I know him and he is not as peaceful as you might think. He only had no interest in your village before.”
Illumnar seemed thoughtful for a moment and then stopped. “You said you were his court mage but he preferred you as a magician… What did you do in his court?”
“Ah, so you think I only say these things because I don’t like him personally? Well I don’t like him but my opinion about his kindness isn’t from my time in his court. It’s from my time in a village that was destroyed just as this one was supposed to be. It happened when I still had no power in my use.” Astarean was getting irritated. How little the other mage thought of him?
“So you hate him and still went to his court?” Illumnar was curious but still wary. Even when they had been so intimate last night he couldn’t trust him totally. Astarean was just too shady character in the folk tales.
The other mage sighed and closed his eyes. “I went because I had no other choice… He collects all the mages he can find to his court and gives them no choices to choose. He isn’t a kind master either. If you don’t want to believe me then you have no right to complain when this village is in ruins and its people are lying dead on the ground while you are escorted to his prison until you relent to his will.” There was an odd tone in the other mages voice and the look in his eyes was hatred Illumnar hadn’t noticed before. “I’ll call a guardian to your village.”
Illumnar had no time to respond as the other mage turned and walked to the clearing in the middle of the village. Astarean’s staff appeared and the gem started to glow in bright light. The magic surged forward as the words started to spill from his lips and the tattoo on his face glowed in dim light. The songlike chant lasted a long time and when it ended nothing seemed to happen.
Astarean toppled over and fell to his knees his staff disappearing into the thin air. The mage’s breathing was frantic and he was trembling like in fever.
The other man hurried to Astarean and forced his way through the villagers that had gathered to watch what was happening. “Don’t touch him.” His voice was strained with worry. If that strong spell had failed he had no means to help the other mage.
His worry was soon wiped away as he felt the air move in odd currents and saw a glimpse of something in the air. What in the world had Astarean called to guard them?
As he watched to the seemingly empty sky Astarean rose to his shaky legs and raised his hand. “Show yourself to us, my friend.”
“Is it wise, mage Astarean? There could be spies here...” The voice was like a wind whispering in their ears.
The mage was clearly touching something. “Your right, my head is still fuzzy from calling you... Could you stay and make sure this village is safe?”
The voice was filled with laughter. “Of course I’ll stay, you silly mage. We will do anything you ever ask.”
Astarean smiled and petted whatever he was touching and then let his hand drop to his side. “I think I need some rest now. We have time to talk later, Winhir.”
“That is right, my friend. Rest well with the knowledge that this village is safe.” The voice whispered like a wind passing by and disappeared to the air.
Illumnar had no idea still what was now guarding their homes but he had a feeling this something was a gentle and protective being. It seemed that the creature was also a close friend to Astarean who had already started to walk away from the village towards a small forest.
With quick steps the mage hurried after his partner. “Astarean, where are you going?”
“I need some time to clear my head and collect my strength.” The mages voice was a little bit breathless still.
“Why don’t you go back to the hut?” Illumnar was worried. The forest wasn’t in the village’s area and if the soldiers came again Astarean could be in danger.
“I need some time in peace and silence. The village is too noisy right now. Please, leave me alone for a moment. I’ll come back as soon as I finish my meditation.” Astarean smiled faintly. He knew already that their relationship would destroy them both but he was too selfish to let go.
Illumnar nodded and stopped following the other mage. “I’ll wait you in our hut.”
The other waved his hand not turning to look back. “Thank you, Illumnar. I’ll see you soon.”
***
As Illumnar returned to the village to calm the villagers and tell them that they were safe now Astarean searched a nice spot in the forest and sat on the ground to meditate.
He had so many thoughts in his head that it really might burst if he couldn’t sort them in some sort of order. At first he had to make it clear what he was feeling towards the other mage.
Yes, they had been intimate, twice actually, but neither of them had said the three words… He knew he was in love as he had been so all this time starting from the Guild but he had no guarantee that Illumnar felt the same way. He hadn’t even remembered him from the Guild times. He was a total stranger to the other mage.
With frustrated sigh Astarean closed his eyes. He should ask. It was the easiest way. He smiled a little as he remembered their night together. It had been wonderful and Illumnar had spoken of the next time.
The second thing he had to sort out was his newly found feelings of inferiority. The Landlord had hurt him by calling him as a magician but he had showed that had power. Only that he could do nothing himself. He had to always rely on the others. Like the protecting of the village had to be done by his friend, Winhir.
Illumnar had power and he could do amazing things with it. He could protect his home with his own hands. It was frustrating, really, it was. He couldn’t do anything else than summon creatures to his aid. Sure, there wasn’t a creature he could not summon if he wanted but it wasn’t the same. As the teachers had said in the Guild, he was nothing.
This wasn’t going anywhere. Astarean huffed and tried to concentrate to his meditation but the thoughts kept bothering him. He didn’t have too much time to do this as he had promised to go back soon and he intended to keep his promise. He didn’t want to worry the other mage.
As Astarean opened his eyes and prepared to stand up meaning to return as the meditation wasn’t going like it supposed he felt a sharp hit and then pain in the back of his head. He fell forward and then started to lose his consciousness knowing already who had hit him and where he would wake up. It was pity that his relationship with Illumnar had ended so soon. He would really miss his freedom…
***
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