When he was alone, he climbed into one bed and wrapped himself in a blanket, staring out the small window. There wasn’t much of a view, just the trees outside of the inn. He watched them sway in the breeze, and imagined the towering trees surrounding the castle, the wooded path of the archery range, and the gentle swaying of the curtain of willow branches in front of the tree temple. When he let his eyes lose focus, he could almost trick them into seeing the familiar shapes.
He had dozed off by the time the door opened again, causing him to sit up and blink groggily. Zorvut had returned in clean clothes, his short hair still damp and sticking up in some spots, and he carried a tray of food with him as he entered. He grinned at the sight of Taegan, who sleepily smiled back.
“My love,” he said softly as he closed the door behind him. “I brought you dinner. I know it’s a bit early, but I figured we could turn in early too.”
“That sounds great,” Taegan replied, and they crowded around the small writing table to eat. Zorvut set out a selection of breads and butter, roasted vegetables, and warm meat from the tray. It was all rather plain and unremarkable, but it was more pleasant than the smoked meats and hardtack that had made up the bulk of their meals on the road.
“Are you feeling better?” Zorvut asked when they were done. Taegan nodded.
“I have one more favor to ask,” he said after a moment’s hesitation. “I want... Will you just hold me for a bit?”
Zorvut smiled, visibly stifling a chuckle.
“Was that all? You don’t need to ask,” he replied, his voice a low rumble, and in one effortless movement had lifted Taegan up and carried him to the bed. He laid down gingerly, shifting around the spot where the two mattresses were pushed together, and after some adjusting they settled with each laying on their sides, Zorvut’s arms wrapped around Taegan, and Taegan’s face pressed into Zorvut’s chest.
“Your feet are hanging off the end,” Taegan whispered, and he felt Zorvut grin.
“I’m used to it,” he replied with a shrug. His hands rubbed soothing circles along Taegan’s back, and he closed his eyes, relaxing into the embrace. After a long moment, Zorvut’s voice came again, rumbling through his chest. “I’m sorry this has been so hard for you. I know it must be difficult to be away from home, from your father. But I love you very much, and I want you to know I’m thankful you came with me.”
Taegan nodded, unable to find the words to respond.
“I don’t know if I would have been able to make it here on my own,” Zorvut continued. “But when you’re with me, I feel strong. And brave. Like I can do anything.”
“You are strong,” Taegan protested, pressing himself closer to Zorvut’s heart. “And brave. Even without me. But I... I’m glad I came too. I think I would be much worse off right now if we were apart. So I’ll be okay.”
He felt Zorvut kiss the top of his head in response, and he closed his eyes. The safety of his arms and the even, comforting rise and fall of his chest quickly lulled him to sleep.
Chapter Four
Taeganwokewithastart while it was still dark. Zorvut must have gotten up to close the window and blow out the candles, and was now sleeping soundly next to him, one arm draped loosely around his waist. He gingerly pushed his arm away and sat up, glancing through the windowpane. The faintest hint of sunrise was peeking over the horizon.
He crept out of bed and lit a candle before dressing for the day. His hair was a mess; by the time he had brushed it out and tied it back, more light was coming through the window.
As the sunrise began to just barely illuminate the room, he heard Zorvut stirring as he was packing his bag.
“Taegan?” his voice came quietly. In the near-darkness, with sleep still tinging his voice, he sounded so vulnerable and soft, almost like a child.
“I’m here,” he answered quickly, and Zorvut sat up to look at him, a sleepy smile spreading across his face. The sheer bliss that came through the bond when their eyes met caused Taegan to stop and smile back at him. He had not expected such warmth first thing in the morning, but Zorvut’s still-waking heart must have been glad to see him. “Good morning, my love.”
“Good morning,” he answered, stretching. The beds creaked under his weight, and that seemed to snap him into a more alert state as he carefully eased himself over to the edge of the bed and stood. “You’re up early.”
“Well, we went to sleep rather early as well,” he replied, nodding. “I’ve just started packing our things back up. I would have brought you breakfast, but it seems I wasn’t quiet enough.”
“That’s all right,” he answered. “I’ll start getting ready to go, and we can eat together.”
Taegan nodded and resumed packing. Zorvut dressed quietly, just in the light of the rising sun coming through the window and the faint flicker of the candle Taegan had lit. He meant to continue packing, but couldn’t help but watch the half-orc’s muscled form as he pulled off his sleeping shirt and dug through his pack for a clean one. He seemed to notice Taegan’s gaze and looked back at him with an amused smirk. Taegan glanced away quickly with a flash of embarrassment, trying to return his focus to the task at hand. But soon they were both dressed and packed, and by the time the sun had fully risen and the sky had become a pale shade of blue, Zorvut was pulling back the bed he had pushed up next to the other and they left the room.
Down in the inn’s dining hall, it was empty and quiet, save for the woman who had checked them in last night, greeting them with another smile.
“Early risers, I see,” Nessie chirped as they descended the stairs. “Me, too. Some breakfast before you’re back on the road?”
“Please,” Taegan answered, and Zorvut nodded in agreement. They were served a simple breakfast of bread and butter, cured meats, and a dish of scrambled eggs mixed with a variety of vegetables that, though rather plain, was certainly serviceable. She offered them drinks as well; Zorvut took another ale, but remembering the vinegary wine from the night before, Taegan only asked for water.
“We do have tea if that might be more to your liking,” she said with a wink, and he chuckled.
“Tea, then,” he agreed, and she brought it to him.
As they ate there came the sound of another person descending the stairs; the stable boy who had helped with their horses stumbled down, yawning and scratching his belly underneath a rough woolen shirt. He gave a slight start as he noticed them and hurried behind the bar with sudden purpose.
