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[conflictresolution]

"Leave a missive, but be brief about it."

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[traumaticus]

[The firm warmth curling around his own hand keeps Richard focused, preventing him from falling deeper inside his mind and the memory that haunted him wherever he went. 'Grounding.' He vaguely remembers Silco using that term before when pulling him back from the darkness. Richard feels like he now understands the meaning behind that word.

He goes silent, gaze dropping down to look at their joined hands as he lets his lover to tug him along, guiding both of them out of the thicket. There is an idle hum from him as a sign that he is listening while still walking one step behind the other.]

No. There is plenty room to store your belongings as well.

backdated to before jinx's bday

[incorrigibles]

hey, silco

so, it's jinx's birthday soon, yeah? and i wanna get her a nice gift. now i know she gave us all a list to choose from, but... anything else i could get her? something she wouldn't necessarily think of herself?

[traumaticus]

[There's a thoughtful look on Richard's face as he considers Silco's proposition. The Inn would be a smart conquer, as it is the place where majority of the new Chosen take residence at. Controlling the housing would provide him power, both financially and socially -- especially if he moved lifted the price of rent. It was a worthwhile thought, yes. Something that Richard did think he could potentially succeed in, as he had been carefully following how Silco run his businesses and absorbed any information he could gather.

Though. There were still questions rip in Richard's mind. Namely 'why'?]

And you would sponsor me? [He asks, raising one subtle eyebrow. This... Wouldn't it go beyond their current pact? And does the man not see conflicting interests with supporting him like this when his own daughter was seeking to gain control? That is unless there is something that Richard fails to see.] Why would you place your bets on me?

[conflictresolution]

A mildly chaotic yet emotionally supportive boyfriend. Or girlfriend.

Otherwise, I would suggest anything shark related.

[conflictresolution]

[Thankfully he had been out here looking for Richard often enough that he knew his way back. Forests were different to navigate compared to the city of steel and glass, and it all looked very much the same at times. All he had to do was find the little game trail and follow it, taking them both to more familiar territory with each step.]

I won't store much there. That is, after all, your space. I simply invade it now and again.

[Multiple times a week at this point. Still, he could convince himself it was just a change of clothes and nothing more.]

[conflictresolution]

[Silco had not taken the inn for himself, expecting that it would be a start for someone else. It would have to deal with all the newcomers, but they would eventually move on with their lives and find spaces of their own. His desire to carve out a niche in food was where his current interest lay. However, he was not above investing; he had enough money to make it worth his while.

Besides, it seemed like an interesting kind of place for Richard to consider. It came with profits after the first month at least.]

I would consider it a worthwhile investment. If you decided on that as your path to start, I would offer to do the books to allow you time to establish yourself and then hand them off to you. [Business was his life blood. His daughter had her own business where he had a small hand in. He saw no issue at this point in time.] A smart man places his bets in many locations and feels out the market. Besides, you're my lover. That should come with a benefit or two, don't you think? Unless you'd prefer to go at it alone? It wouldn't bother me if you did.

[He had a few reasons, namely seeing how Richard managed many people. He knew there was a leader in the younger man. He knew that there had to be ambition in there somewhere yet untapped in Aldrip.]

[traumaticus]

'You're my lover,' there is something in that statement, a invisible underlying meaning perhaps, that make the hair on the back of Richard's neck stand and bristle. But he catches himself quickly, forcing down the emotion born from his unfavorable first impression.

He supposes that the man is right. Maybe there is some normalcy to these kinds of transactions between lovers? Men would shower their women with various gifts and so. Jewellery, dresses, flowers and what have. Not that Richard would know. He has never had that sort of relationship with Anne, not since their childhood. And with Buckingham...

Then again, hadn't his kingmaker given him something far more valuable than shiny trinkets? Similarly to what Silco was offering.]

I see. [Richard raises his hand so that he could take a hold Silco chin between his fingers, thumb briefly brushing past the lower lip.]

An inn and tavern to start with, then. But is that all your eyes can see? How far does your vision go? [Buckingham had given him the crown, fully believing him to be able to grab the light and carry on the weight of that choice. So what of his new lover? How far did Silco's trust in his potential and skills go? ]

[conflictresolution]

[Silco was known back in Zaun to be generous to those who were loyal to him. He trickled down the benefits of his own endeavors, and the same rang true here in Aldrip. After all, what was money when he literally could just make more? Of course, he had to be careful to not tank the entire economy, hence why he slowly injected it in through his businesses, but the more that he had, the more he could spread and benefit himself and those that were close to him.

After all, some loyalty was bought and paid for, reinforced with a strong hand on what disloyalty would bring about. His loyalty to Richard was built on the foundation of their personal secrets, and if anything, he considered that far stronger than some of the others he associated with.

He subtly leaned into that touch to his chin, mismatched eyes studying the younger man to discern if his offer had caused offence. After all, Richard came across as rather independent, yet he saw his lover toil away the days in the forest earning coin as one in Zaun might. He hadn't asked if it bothered Richard, but he suspected it did, especially considering the rage the younger man informed him of. Prove them wrong. Prove all the doubters wrong.]

If your interest wanes with the inn, I will buy it off of you. [He paused to consider the question, his fingers touching the younger man's elbow. How far did his vision go? He wasn't called the Eye of Zaun for being short-sighted.] Honestly, I think this is merely a start, but how far you'll go depends on your ambition, your support network, and your adaptability. I think your potential is great.

[traumaticus]

[Despite his social status and bloodline bringing him some power in his world, Richard had never taken any of it for granted. He was always the youngest brother, someone who would not inherit much from his parents. Small and frail, like a maiden - someone who people assumed never to reap glory or success outside of books and academics. Yet, he had proven every assumption made about him wrong and shaken the entire nation by carving that power for himself. He never expected it to be given to him, no. In his eyes it was something you took, using any means necessary.

So, the offer was a little jarring, sure. But what resonated within Richard was the meaning behind it, the support and belief in him that he could, once again, grasp the power with his own hands. The light didn't exist here, but he had always been comfortable in the shadows. This time what he had against him wasn't a god, but a monster.

Richard moved his hand, the fingertips sliding down along Silco's throat briefly feeling the Adam's apple there. The light touch traveled all the way down to meet the collar of his shirt, fingers idly playing with the fabric while he still held Silco's gaze with his own.

He had made his first move already by making an announcement regarding their safety and promising to train the people. The whole training group thing had been merely a poke on the ice, while also making his face and name known to others. Richard knew that there was still work to be done.]

Silco, [He says eventually, reaching now his both hands to undo the highest button on the man's shirt.] I am cold.

[A lie, as the flames on the fireplace were still going strong and heating up the rooms. But that wasn't the kind of heat he was after now] I want you.

[conflictresolution]

[Silco had had to fight for everything that he received, or he had to find someone who would do that fighting for him through various means and sacrifices in return. Either way, his survival and his rise had come with very few hand-outs, but he had a thirst for knowledge and betterment early on in his life. He had mastered many of those skills, and now, he could very well rate the potential of those around him. This wasn't Zaun where loyalty, similar goals held them together, though ambition and money definitely helped.

He had seen Richard's play a political theater. It may have appeared altruistic and to organize those who perhaps didn't have certain skills to defend themselves, but he knew that it was Richard playing to the younger man's strengths. No wonder Jinx had been upset, but he had hoped that it would focus her to her own uprising. One could be part of both to start. Richard didn't engage where Jinx was spurned.

His fingers cupped Richard's elbow as those delicate fingers went exploring, and he sensed where this was likely to go the moment the button of his shirt was open. Of course, that was followed up by the claim of being cold, which he knew had to be false. Richard might be naked, but it was a different heat his lover was craving and made no attempt to hide.

He stepped closer, interest stirring, and his hands moved to stroke his fingers down the curve of Richard's sides until he could clasp the swell of his lover's hips.] Is that so? Well, perhaps we should retire to your bed and enjoy one another's company. Though... your day of birth is soon, is it not?

[incorrigibles]

oh bloody hell

you mean the person she was with's no longer here?


who were they?

[conflictresolution]

So it would seem.

I'll defer to her to provide the details if she feels up to it.

[incorrigibles]

right, i'll ask her... eventually

but then i wanna get her something better than just shark-related stuff. she's gotta be sad so i want to cheer her up

[traumaticus]

[Well, Silco just simply can't talk about placing Richard in the position of a power and not to expect it to rouse his spirits?

Richard can already feel the hunger and excitement both wake in his body. The nimble fingers make quick work of rest of buttons on Silco's shirt and he leaned closer to press his lips against the column on his lover's neck. The touch on his sides send a shiver running down his spine, making him gasp softly against the thin layer of skin. His own hands wandered down to feel the buckle of Silco's belt, finger curling around the metal.]

Yes. The second of October. [Which was like.. tomorrow or so? Richard was quite sure that he had not mentioned such mundane detail to Silco before. Now, if his thoughts weren't preoccupied elsewhere he might actually even question the man where he had heard of it. Maybe he had talked to Charles? But ah, that could wait.

With a couple quick and powerful tugs Richard undoes the belt, pulling the other man against his own body by the hip. There's a determined look in his eyes. What Richard wants now is not smouldering and gentle agony that would fill up the cracks on the marble with the warm pleasure. No. What he was after right now was something more intense -- a burning fire that would melt the iron, leaving him boneless and spent.]

[traumaticus]

[Richard raises his gaze from their hands and looked thoughtfully at Silco's back. It.. somehow felt very natural and easy to follow him like this. He spun his wrist a little and pulled it back so that he could slide his hand into Silco's, entwining their fingers together as he walked behind him.

Despite being taller than him with larger shoulders than his Silco wasn't exactly all that big. He was, too, built smaller and scrawnier than most men that Richard had seen. That added on the strain brought by his age really did make him appear almost opposite to his kingmaker, who was tall and strong, full of that youthful energy and beauty. But still, he supposed that Silco's hand felt just as warm against his own as his other half's.

After all, there must have been a reason for why Silco woke up his bed, right?

A brief moment passes before Richard opens his mouth again, and when he does, his voice sounds hesitant.]

..I sleep better with you there.

[conflictresolution]

[It was interesting and informative to see Richard become so enthused at the idea of having something to work towards. It was good; he expected that being aimless in this place wasn't good for his lover. He was right, of course, but this proved it seeing Richard practically blossom with the opportunity.

It made Richard dangerous. It made him even more attractive to Silco.

He made no effort to help or hinder with the buttons of his shirt, though the eagerness in Richard's fingers was palpable. His blue eye fluttered half closed as he felt warm lips against his skin, fingers tightening on the younger man's hips. He turned his head to sight the distance between them and the bed then the nearest wall. Door was closest, and while exciting, he thought the bed was the best bet to reaffirm their bond with one another.]

You're going to celebrate? Most people seem to around these parts. [It didn't matter how he obtained the information, but he had it now. He understood that birthdays were important to most people, though his own relationship with them was basically nonexistent.

He stepped towards the bed once his belt was done, knowing that look in Richard's eye. His lover was making it clear what was wanted. His arms wrapped around the small of Richard's back to help press their bodies together, feeling the unique differences and similarities between them. He leaned down so he could kiss and bite a line of kisses along Richard's smooth skinned shoulder even as he moved them further towards the bed; the floor - always available - was not his preference.]

[conflictresolution]

[His paused midstep when there was a twist of the wrist, expecting that Richard wanted him to let go - which momentarily went against everything he knew - but instead, he felt their hands come together. That was likely more comfortable, and he didn't resist when Richard's fingers pushed between his own in a far more solid hold. In response, his fingers squeezed Richard's lightly in return.

Then he added a gentle tug so that Richard could walk closer behind him as they continued to navigate the game trail. Yes, they had to one walk at a time on it, but he did enjoy feeling the younger man be close.

Unaware of the comparison with the rival who was not here, Silco took them out onto one of the main trails that lead back to town. It was empty and secluded compared to others that left town, yet he turned his head to regard Richard to be certain the younger man wanted to keep his hand in a bit more of an open space. Yes, Richard had agreed he could tell Jinx, but their secret dalliance remained theirs otherwise.

He issued a low hum of acknowledgement, looking up and down the larger trail before pulling Richard up against him with their combined hands.] I know. When I first arrive, you're like a barnacle usually then settle once you're assured I won't be leaving the bed. [His other hand lifted so he could stroke his fingers through the bangs that usually covered Richard's golden eye.] You're the only reason I sleep in a bed. Normally I sleep upright in a chair.

[traumaticus]

[All men must strive towards peace, grab their weapons only when necessary and only to protect. That was the usual schpiel that Richard was used to nod along to with everyone else, to make people not to pay attention to the demon horns on his head. Because in reality, Richard knew that peace was nothing but a death sentence for someone like him. It had been relatively peaceful under the rule of Edward the Fourth, at least when compared to the chaotic reign of Henry, but it had also been the time when Richard had been no more than a walking corpse. There was no joy or pain, his cup filled with just bitter resentment and repression.

And Richard had almost slipped into similar passivity here. With no enemies to crush or light to chase. Just what was there for him in this world? Quiet and humble life as hunter? What a nightmare.

To fight was to live. To fight was to be king. He's certain that Silco could understand that.

With his fingers tightly hooked around his belt hoops, Richard tilted his head to the side so that Silco could move more freely around his neck and shoulder. There's a slight tingling sensation near his collar, remembering vividly the deep bite that Silco had left him in his youthful fervor.]

No. [He scoffs out an airy laugh, holding their bodies close. Richard had never been one too interested in celebrating his birthday. There was rarely any festivities or banquets held in his name. The most grandiose gesture was to serve strawberry pie as desert, but even that was for his son's sake.

'You shall host your own banquets. Once you are king'. Richard could hear the words of his kingmaker ring in his ears.

Not wanting to wait any longer Richard stepped to the side towards the bed, pulling Silco along with him. He sits down on the bed and lets go of his lover's pant, bringing his hands up to slide off his shoulders.]

[conflictresolution]

[Peace was an illusion to make people complacent, especially those who faced oppression. Keep them quiet, keep them tired, keep them busy and they won't consider how terrible their lives are or have the energy to rise up for something better. Everything was a fight with a few moments of rest or happiness.

This had become moments of rest from the drive to fight. Yet driving Richard for a fight was also a thrill as well. He could recognize the double edged sword of doing so, but he wasn't above taking a calculated risk. Besides, if they fought everyone else, it was unlikely they would fight each other unless under particular circumstances.

His hands smoothed along the small of Richard's back as his mouth moved along that smooth column of neck and slope of shoulders.] No, hmm? Perhaps you and I will celebrate you then.

[He released Richard and turned as the younger man settled nude on the bed. He rolled his shoulders and worked his shirt off the rest of the way. He neatly folded the material and dropped it next to the bed as he stepped closer and took Richard's face in his hands.]

Did any of your past partners prove you oral sex before? [Said like he wasn't aware that he was only Richard's second lover. He expected Richard had almost exclusively had penetrative sex based on their last few months together, but perhaps he'd be surprised?]

[traumaticus]

[It is almost jarring to think that no more than ten minutes ago Richard had fully prepared this encounter to take worst turn, believing Silco take his trespass with Jinx as an act of betrayal towards their pact. And now? He was willingly surrendering to the man, finding safety in the hand holding his own. He was aware of the weakness that was slowly growing within him when it came to the other man. Silco was gaining too much power over him, but he couldn't stop himself from wanting to grasp on the hope dangled in front of him.

He could feel the slightest tremor in his chest when they approached the wider path, stepping away from the darkness into the light. His fingers twitch slightly, anticipating the inevitable moment when they'd have to let go.]

I have noticed. [Richard says softly, blinking shut when the fingers brush his hair. Likewise, it hadn't taken long from Richard to take note of the man's poor sleeping habits and just general lack of self-care. The man was basically living in that chair of his. Richard was glad for each time that he got his lover moving, be it to join him to his own training, sharing a meal or bed with him.] I am surprised your back hasn't given out on you yet.

[traumaticus]

[Richard scoots back on the mattress. His hands reach to wrap around Silco's neck to pull his lover to join with him on the bed, urging the other man to climb on top of him. During these past months that they had shared bed they had formed a certain pattern to how to proceed with this. It had become like a dance of sorts, one that they knew the steps by heart at this point.

The slender and eager fingers caresses the skin on the back of Silco's back. And when the warm, calloused hands raise up to cup his face Richard cranes his neck up and parts his lips, all ready move to the next part already. Though, the question Silco proposes to him does make him pause for a moment, a brief bafflement in his eye as he looks up at the other man.

It's not like Richard is ignorant or that he doesn't know what Silco is referring to. One simply wasn't brother to someone like Edward and keep their innocence on the manners of lovemaking -- even if he didn't have firsthand experience on it. Buckingham had kissed him for sure and mapped the lines of his body with his lips and hands, making Richard familiar with his body in ways that he didn't know to even be possible. However... As much as his kingmaker did praise his body, worshiping the demon on the unholy altar, there was no denying that his attention and lovemaking were focused on his female parts.]

...No. They haven't. [He admits, a faint flush washing over his pale features as the warm nervousness from the anticipation stirs in his belly.]

[conflictresolution]

[Silco kept his gaze on Richard as the younger man emerged from the denser underbrush to the lighter wider path, feeling the twitch of those fingers. They both existed in this proverbial darkness that Richard talked about, and it didn't matter to him to pursue whatever light was supposed to be hanging above them like a gift. No, he existed best in the dim light or darkness.

He made a soft hmm when it seemed that his lover had noticed that he kept impeccible care of his appearance, but the rest of his personal care was haphazard at best. Until Richard pulled him into bed, his sleeping habits were better than Jinx's but worse than most peoples still. Sleeping upright had always been a defense mechanism, able to come from sleep and at least appear to be sharp in seconds. His chair also allowed him to rest the left side of his face in it to black out the room. Well, he had Richard's back, shoulder, neck or chest for that these days, which was a far more comfortable replacement.]

My back has been fortified carrying a city on it for a few years. Besides, I expect you'd be the reason for any back issues. [It was a tease, small and off-hand. He and Richard had a rigorous sex life these days, only getting more so as they became emotionally attached to each other.] You're not going to try to make me take up running or some other strange yet normal physical activity, are you?

[conflictresolution]

[He didn't resist the pull by the hands on his neck, setting a knee to the mattress so he could lift himself up and follow Richard further onto the bed. He crawled before setting his hands on either side of his lover's chest as he laid down on top of Richard. It was the usual start to their intimacy, and he appreciated being welcomed so often to this little foray that had come quite unexpectedly those months before.

His shoulders and back rose towards those hands like a cat, his blue eye shutting momentarily as he enjoyed the attention. The world beyond this room became shut out, concerns melting away to become soft background noise. Yes, he had things he needed to do and check and reassure himself of, but that would be... later. After those hands had slipped away from touching him.

He was amused by the look on Richard's face, and it seemed he had his answer already. His hands left resting on the mattress to stroke up and down the length of Richard's sides, thumbs pressing up to caress further the soft edges of Richard's breasts. He shifted so he could rest their foreheads together, all so he could look into those equally mismatched eyes. His lips had already tugged into a small smirk.]

No? Such a shame. Fellatio is quite invigorating. Would you allow me to open your world to it? [He leaned his mouth down for a chaste kiss that was completely at odds with what he was suggesting.] Every man should enjoy it at least once and decide for themselves if they like it.

[He chose his last words carefully, to emphasize that he did consider Richard a man. That's what his lover wished to be, so that's what his lover was. He appreciated all of their sex, but as much as he benefited from Richard having a vagina and breasts, so too did he benefit from that cock. He always made a point to pay attention to it during sex.]

[traumaticus]

[Richard's own gaze moved to take a look a the few rays of setting sunlight that were pushing past the dried leaves of trees. The light was not reaching them quite yet, leaving them linger in the twilight, in between the darkness and light. A perfect place for men like them.

There's a small huff of laughter from Richard as the corners of his lips curl up in a small amused grin.] Don't be so dramatic. If anything you ought to be grateful for all the exercise I have put you through. Who knows, you might even live longer thanks to it. [Richard's appetite grew as he ate, it's true. And he was certainly growing more friskier after each time adventure in the sheets. So far Silco hadn't turned any of his requests down - always willing to indulge him.] Nay, that would be an exercise of futility if anything. However, maybe I could try get you on a horse one of these days.

[conflictresolution]

[The perpetual twilight was where he was rather comfortable. His fingers stroked through Richard's bangs again, moving the locks to be more or less tucked behind Richard's ear. His hand returned so he could stroke the back of his knuckles down Richard's cheek before he made a point of moving his free hand to take his lover's in his own again.]

Hmpt, if the toxins of my city haven't killed me yet, I have my doubts that exercise will increase any sort of robust health that lingers in this body. However, I do welcome you to keep that idea up and running, since we both benefit. [He did not deny Richard's requests; they came about naturally and why would he ever deny an opportunity that he had side-stepped for decades anyway? Richard was who did it for him.] A horse? I thought you were trying to extend my life, not shorten it...