by Pfantazm
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Madoc rolled over sleepily. He rubbed his eyes and blinked at what he saw.
Lennox lay under a blanket, face down, his arms hanging down and his arms resting limply on Sir Bastian's chest. He was suspended in mid-air two feet above their pallets. Sir Bastian lay exposed on his back, his long hair around his head. Madoc sat up. Both men seemed to be asleep. Lennox was drifting from side to side. The former captive flew off to one side. His hand slid off Bastian's body. Suddenly, Lennox came crashing down. Bastian awoke with a yell, eyes wide with fright and pain. His body contracted at the waist. Lennox flailed his arms and legs, trying to get up and away from the blanket. Madoc helped him by taking the cloth away. "Are you hurt?" he asked. Bastian held his stomach gingerly and Lennox was tense and shaking. When he saw where he was, he scrambled over to Bastian and clutched him tight. Thom, roused by all the noise, mouthed `Tell him,' at Bastian. The mage nodded. Thom and Madoc prepared for their search. They bathed, but Thom advised Madoc not to shave. Looking scruffier would let them fit in more by the docks. Their tabards, proclaiming to one and all that they were Knights of the Realm, would stay behind. Thom also loaned Sir Madoc a pair of trousers to replace the hose he normally wore. The tight-fitting hose were more for the upper classes, and those who might have to mingle among them, than for dockworkers. The pants were a few inches too short, but they would do for today. Thom beheld his partner, a day's worth of growth framing his soft, tender lips. Wrinkled clothes. Striking blue eyes. He looked so ruggedly handsome. Impulsively, Thom drew his partner closer for a kiss. The short bristles on his chin scratched at his skin. Madoc clutched at Thom, bunching his shirt at the back and crushed the blond's body to his own. Lennox, in Bastian's arms, turned and kissed the mage, but with more tenderness than fire. The redhead held his new lover around the waist from his place on the floor between Bastian's legs. Bastian cradled Lennox's head to his body like a child's. Thom and Madoc finally separated, gasping for air. "We should go," Madoc said, breathless. "We need to eat before we tour the docks." The former thief nodded, equally stunned. "We should be back by early afternoon, sooner if we find Roselta's tavern." After the pair left, Bastian asked, "Are you alright? You fell quite hard." "I think so. What happened? Were you flying me in your sleep?" Sir Bastian would never have a better opportunity. "No, Lennox. I think you were flying you. Come up here." Lennox sat on the pallet with Bastian, their legs intertwined. Bastian laid an arm around him. "Have there been times in your life when strange things have happened around you? Things that no one could ever figure out what had gone on?" Lennox thought back. "I remember something about a-- barn burning, but...." The man shook his head. "That doesn't seem right. I...." "When I was a young boy," Bastian said, "I burned the hayloft of our fammily's barn. It was my magic finding a way to get itself used. Shortly after that I was sent to the Mage's Academy in Septana. I think you got the memory of that event from me when I probed your memories of the Marauders." Lennox smiled. "I have never heard of anyone doing this before. "You seem to have an effect on my magic. I think it happens when we're touching. I don't understand it, and it frightens me. It could be dangerous." Lennox blinked. "What does that mean? You don't want to sleep with me, you don't want to be near me? Do you want me to go away?" He was near tears. "No! I don't think it's as serious as that," Bastian said, holding him. "I didn't ever consider sending you away. For one thing, we should find out what it is you do. It could be dangerous if you can do this to other mages or wizards. A spell may not work the way it's supposed to and something bad might happen." "Like Ellaston?" "I doubt something could go so wrong as to anger the Gods, but I don't know. "The first thing I would like to do is to try to figure out how much magic you have. I've tried reading you myself, and it seemed like you have as much as I do, but you wouldn't be able to control that much without training." Lennox listened, but still looked confused. "I'm going to talk to a friend of mine back in Aragon. We can see if he can read you using me as a medium. When I reach out my hand, I want you to take it." "Alright." "Until then, don't touch me. I don't mean anything by it, but it's better not to take chances." Lennox nodded and shifted over. He still looked hurt, so Bastian reached over and tousled his hair and kissed him. He then sat back, closed his eyes, and concentrated. Calder Grimes, if you inhabit this plane still, heed me. Bastian of Pharlight, good morrow. What need have you of me? I would ask your help. I have met a man with strange abilities. A new mage? I'm sure he's not, but still of interest. What shall I do? Read my magic. How much do I have? Bastian felt the touch of Calder's magic. Your magic is strong, Bastian of Pharlight. Now I will take the hand of this man I would know about. I have read him myself, and his magic seems as strong as my own. Then why are you not satisfied HELLO| his han|sk|who is this |ervou| who are you| frigh|Le| in love |nox |rd pall| itch | touch of his hand|aked w|ight leav| strange thing|enno|oft ski| Bast| hungr| barn is burning|Cald|ausag| eggs |no magician | what | pain pain| hello? |pain| going on Bastian felt the irritation and pain in Calder before he shut Bastian's, and so Lennox's, mind out. The mage let go of Lennox's hand. "Bastian, what happened? I felt something, but then it went away." "That was Calder, and I fear we've upset him. I think you overwhelmed him." Lennox looked confused. "One of the things a mage trains in," Bastian explained, "is how to quiet the mind. It usually has a great deal of thoughts that it holds all at once, and when mages communicate by thought, they must be more careful." He looked to the small window. "Look out there." Lennox got up and went to the window. People were gathering for the festival, which was to begin at noon. A sizeable crowd was slowly filling the square in front of the inn. Bastian had come up behind him. "Imagine having this quiet talk down there. We'd have to shout, and even then we might not hear each other. "I should have guessed that when you read my memories earlier, you'd be able to project at Calder. I would like to try again, but I have to quiet your mind." Lennox looked back at him, concerned. "Don't worry. The easiest way to do it is to send you to sleep again." They walked back to the pallets. Bastian laid a blanket over them. "Here. Lie down." Lennox lay on the blanket. Bastian arranged his love's hands on his chest and performed the spell to send him to sleep. Bastian sat by his side and kept his hand hovering in air over Lennox's chest. Calder Grimes, if you inhabit this is he gone I put him under so that we would not be disturbed again. Good morrow, Bastian of Pharlight. What need have you of me? I would continue as before. Bastian, how did he invade your thoughts? That is one of many questions for which I seek answers. Do you recall how strong my magic is? Yes. A moment, Bastian. A small amount of magic was sent Bastian's way. Once it came to him, Bastian felt fresher. What have you done? Spellbreaker. You had a trace of a sleep spell on you. Are you alone with... Lennox? Yes. That remnant was not there when last we spoke. Are you sure it was not Lennox's doing? He has no training. This is most distressing. I would tread very carefully, my friend. I see that you also understand what I spoke of previously, about men in love with men. There was no hiding anything from Calder. He picked out a great deal from the jumble of thoughts in the minds around him. Lennox had given much away. He can't help but project his love. I myself have felt the force of it. Yet he has not felt it from you. Bastian paused. Tell him. Tell him as often as you can. I will. Are you prepared for your test? Yes. Bastian lowered his hand onto Lennox's chest, coming to rest on his soft, pale skin. Calder's powers again came their way. You two have as much power between you as you, Bastian, have alone. He has absolutely none. When Bastian told Thom he had no magic, it wasn't precisely true. There was some, but not enough for even the simplest wizard's spell. The long-haired mage had never heard of anyone with absolutely no magic. And yet he seemed to reflect Bastian's magic back at himself. It was not possible according to the laws of magic as they knew them. The Council would be most interested in this. I don't know if I would expose Lennox to them. Yet you may have to. You burned brightly as a young novice, and made progress more quickly than any can remember. Perhaps too quickly. If you do not continue to show growth the Council will have you paired. Which would mean leaving the Guard. Perhaps you will be allowed to pair with Lennox. Who can say? I should be able to say. I should be able to do as I please. These are dangerous thoughts to share with the Council's Liaison to the Throne. Calder was watching out for him. If they were near each other, Calder could not help but read these thoughts, but Calder could not report them. If Bastian simply told Calder, however, that was another matter. What should I do about him, then? He should be trained in the very basics, I would think: how to control his thoughts, for example. You might also try to find out whether he can control this... thing he does, or whether it will interfere with any magic. All sound ideas. I thank you, Calder. Bastian of Pharlight. Yes? Be careful. Good morrow to you. And he was gone. Bastian opened his eyes. His hand was still on Lennox's chest. He looked so peaceful and innocent. He wondered how much of his exchange with Calder he had been able to hear. `We are at our most receptive when we are asleep,' he recalled from his lessons. Bastian, still naked climbed over top of Lennox, straddling him, and leaned down to embrace him. `The more body contact, the easier it is to make an exchange of energies.' Lennox loved Bastian very much. Most of the people he knew hated him because they were a criminal, feared him because he was a mage, or were jealous of his youth and power. He hadn't realized just how alone he really was until he met Lennox. He needed Bastian. Bastian could tell he felt safer when he was around. He seemed eager to hear about magic, and Bastian's eyes didn't frighten him away. Lennox's red hair was beautiful, and his creamy skin and awkward grace made him seem like a statue. Having Lennox around made Bastian seem more at ease with himself, and not so distant from the from the world. He needed Lennox. The man didn't seem to have anyone who really cared about him until now. He had lived with the Marauders for years, and Bastian now knew their abuses. His jailers had treated him roughly, more than was deserved, and he had no close family anymore. But Bastian loved Lennox very much. He lifted the sleep spell. Lennox opened his green eyes and saw Bastian smiling down at him. Lennox stretched, closing his eyes momentarily and tilting his head before wrapping his arms around Bastian's back. "I love you, Lennox," the mage said. "I heard it. I do need you, and I'm glad you need me." The redhead kissed Bastian, letting his love's tongue invade his mouth. "Let's make love," he suggested. "First there's some of that training I'd like to do with you." Lennox began to pout, so Bastian added, "It will make it better, I promise you. Let's switch places." The pair rolled over until Lennox was on top of Bastian. "I'm going to show you what my magic looks like. I'm going to meditate, so inside my body and mind, and you should be able to see it." Lennox smiled. Bastian shut his eyes. He felt his lover's cock burning hot against his leg. He tried to push the sensation away. Lennox throbbed. The mage smiled and said, "You are such a distraction! We'll try this the same way we did with Calder. Get up off me for a moment until I get my concentration. When I nod my head, lie down on me." Lennox sighed, but got up on his knees. His slender manhood jerked in front of his body, waiting for action. The nod from Bastian was so slight, Lennox almost missed it. He lowered himself onto the other man's body, his head nestled in the crook of Bastian's neck, their cocks arranged side by side. There were stars. A whole sea of them twinkled above and below. There was no ground, and no pull of the earth to bind him. There was only the dark blue sky interrupted by points of pure white light. Below him, the stars seemed to have aligned themselves naturally in long, straight lines. The lines split up or rejoined like the branches of a tree. As Lennox looked more carefully, he saw that the stars formed a constellation of a man, but more precisely that they ever did in the sky. There was so much more detail and, while he couldn't see the lines connecting them, he could tell they were there. The constellation stretched wide below. Over his head were more stars and lines that were not there, but these were all curves. The curves flowed in grand, sweeping patterns and they played amongst themselves. It was as though someone had taken twine, rolled tightly so that it twisted when it was loosed, and made a delicate and intricate design. The vast swirls and loops looked like they might be fun to fly through. Those are spell points, Lennox. Each one is a different spell. The voice was coming from above him. "Where are you, Bastian?" I'm all around you, Lennox. All of this is a part of me. What you see is my body beneath you and my mind above. "They're beautiful, Bastian! What do they all do?" There are too many of them to list, but you may have to learn them if we stay together and you are still changing my magic. I've never heard of anyone who could do that before. It would be helpful if you knew as much about my magic as I do. "Do I have spell points like this?" I don't know. You can only check if you have the ability, and based on what Calder said, you have no magic. "How do you find out? What do you do to see this?" I don't see it. It's me. I can only sense it. I need to ignore anything outside of me and explore with my mind. Lennox dreamed he closed his eyes. Lennox? What are you doing? Sto The world turned inside out. Bastian was floating. The land, the sky, everything was the same golden yellow color. The corporeal and mental spell maps twinkled around him, but they were not in any pattern Bastian recognized. They had to be Lennox's. "Lennox?" I feel something, Bastian. It feels strange. "Lennox, can you undo what you did just now?" I... I don't know. Spellpoints above Bastian flickered. Bastian, I can't! The threads above Bastian were constricting like snakes, and the mage could feel it getting colder. The mage calmed himself down. If Lennox was panicking, Bastian couldn't. He relaxed and tried to meditate on his own spell points, but he couldn't concentrate. "Try it again." It didn't work! "I need to see what you're doing. Maybe I can make it work." He fixed on the lights above him that changed when Lennox tried to reverse what he'd done. He drifted up in his lover's mind and tried to find the right place. The curved filaments around him tried to catch him, to tangle him up, but Bastian navigated through, if there was anything to his presence to be caught in the first place. "Again." There it was. The point of light pulsed, illuminating the invisible threads that tied all the spells together. Now what could he do? He looked at it, flew around it, through it. He tried tapping the spellpoint, but he couldn't find it in Lennox. Bastian? "Lennox, you'll have to do it!" I've tried already! "Just stop, Lennox!" What? "Wake up!" Lennox was shaking. They were back in the garret. "Are you alright?" Bastian asked. "I couldn't do it," Lennox whispered. "It's fine, Lennox, we're out. You did it in the end. You got us out. "But do you see what I meant about magic being dangerous when you don't know what's going on?" Lennox nodded. He felt so foolish. Bastian laid Lennox's head on his chest. "My heart, I want you to promise me something. Swear to me that you'll never try anything with magic without asking me first." Lennox was listening to Bastian's heartbeat. He felt so bad for what he'd done that he would have promised Sir Bastian anything right then. "I swear." "Good. I swear that I'll be more careful with my magic when you're near. I know you can't always control what you do." Lennox felt he'd made a horrible mistake, so when Bastian kissed him on the forehead and said, "I love you so much, Lennox, I don't want anything to happen to us. If we're careful, we'll both be together for a long time," the former prisoner felt a wave of relief wash over him. "I love you too, Bastian." They cuddled, waiting for Thom and Madoc to return. "Thankee, Roselta. They two shouldno' be back, but if they come 'round again, yeh're to hide, yeh got it?" The dark-haired wench nodded and grinned lustily at the man. He looked around the room and spotted a serving boy. "Boy! Come here." "Yes, sir?" "Yeh saw they two men what just left?" The boy nodded. Three silver coins clinked in Damon's hand. "Follow them. Be ready teh tell me every place they go." "Yes, sir!" the boy said excitedly, and when the coins were overturned into his hand, he was gone. "I'll see yeh at the warehouse later," he leered at Roselta. Then he was off to tell Kraid just how close their enemies had come. | ||
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