[ There was a soft acknowledgement that came in the form of pleasure, the smile that could barely contain itself, but for intents and purposes it was so quiet, and part and parcel of the slowly spreading joy that the other wizard made him feel. He felt full with it, and also extremely content with his lot in life.
He had once spoken that he wouldn't change a thing, and that doubly was the case.
Despite it all, it was still difficult for him to accept gifts even if they were wedding gifts but he knew that it would be thoughtful and something that he loved, because it came from the heart of this incandescent man that he loved so very much-- the glowing fire that was his man. Some people called fire destructive, and perhaps it was- but it was also healing, and transmutative. ]
If you wish to give me a gift, I would gladly recieve it but also I am also patient, cultivated by 121 years.
So you are. But I am not so patient. Perhaps that is my human nature.
[Caleb couldn't help but find it appropriate that Essek had mentioned his 121 years just now. He slipped a hand into a pocket and drew forth a simple little pouch, a soft lavender color, cinched closed with a string, and held it out to Essek.]
It's of my own making...
[He explained, as if wanting to explain why perhaps it was not the most glamorous of gifts. When Essek opened the pouch he would find a pendant on a delicate silver chain. Looking closer he'd undoubtedly be able to tell it was amber, and likely feel the residual frisson of a spell that had been encapsulated within it. This was a manifestation of Widogast's Vault of Amber, and even closer inspection would reveal the ghostly outline of what at this size looked like a time-frozen storm of confetti.]
And it is both a gift for now, and one for, hopefully, many years from now. Because I am human, there will come a day when I am not here to tell you everything you mean to me, how much I love you, how remarkable you are. So... I took the liberty of writing these for you, to hold while I am here and have when I am gone.
[He'd penned love letter after love letter. Some stumbling, since he would never be a poet, but earnest and heartfelt. Page after page after page, written, collected, and preserved within the spell of this Amber Vault.]
The word to release them, when that day comes, is Sternenlicht.
Oh no, he could tell the papers were but a firestorm, the way that they hovered in amber like little flecks caught within-- and his fingers closed around them reflexively to capture whatever warmth lay in that pendant, with his own cool temperate palm. Simple cufflinks, simple cufflinks when Caleb had given him a wealth of words. He could feel emotion capturing within and then a soft little hiccup, even as he leaned forward and bumped his head against shoulder, because he could not do anything else. ]
I've had enough of glamour in my life, my favor has been courted with so many gifts-- but none can compare to the sweetness with which I find this. [ Upwards, Essek looked at Caleb's profile then; the wizard would be able to see tears there, sweet and nearly ridiculous tears.
It would hurt when one day he had to read those letters, but it would be a reminder that it was worth it. ] You know, you I expect you to steal this pendant from me, so that you will pen many more letters to me.. I will want to keep reading those letters until my own life ends and I'm able to ah.. join you?
[ A smile, it was not a sad smile-- it was a 'I will love you forever' smile, and there was not a whole lot that Caleb could do to circumvent it. ]
Also those cuff links feel rather insignificant compared to the wealth you've given me this day. [ and yes, there were tears sparkling now in those eyes, from eyes that were not used to it-- but here was Caleb making all things possible in the name of love. ]
[Caleb turned his head to press a kiss through soft white waves as Essek leaned against him before looking down to him. There was no missing that little sheen of tears, and for the first moment there was a surge of worry, but no they seemed to be the kind of tears that came with joy and sweetness.
He lifted a hand to cup against a cheek gently, thumb caressing along the sharp angle of a cheekbone.]
Ja. There will be many more love letters added over the years. There will have to be. I keep discovering more things I adore in you, more ways to love you. I will have to add to the letters to be complete.
[He shook his head at the comment about the cufflinks.] Nonsense. They are perfect, a reminder and a symbol of the first time our minds met. The day my life changed for the better, even if I couldn't have known just how much at the time.
[ The way that Caleb spoke this so sweetly, he could envision it but not in truly great detail; he did not know that life would bring them a Pearl Beyond Measure or that one day they would walk through Rexxentrum with Essek in a disguise used to assist in allowing them a normal life.
But no matter, he knew whatever it was-- it would be a sweeter boon then he had no right feeling. ] I promise you, Caleb Widogast that I will love you with all my heart, you will never doubt a single moment.
[ He looked up at Caleb then, the thumb against his cheek and those warm island eyes, and then he huffed a little bit and buried himself further into those arms because there was no place that he'd rather be-- the future was never something he'd anticipated but he wanted that future with this man. ]
I had pondered the Luxon symbols but ah, I think we have had enough of Beacons in our lives..
[ There was a beat and a pause ] Well, except for the one that I still possess.
[ It was rather amazing what one could hide in a pocket dimension-- undetected. ]
And that is the greatest gift that anyone has ever been given.
[And somehow it was given to him. It was rather amazing really, and he would not give it up now. He couldn't. Part of him still held that pang of guilt at the knowledge that he would grow old while Essek remained in the prime of his life, but they'd had that talk, and they were both in too deep at this point.
His arm settled around Essek securely, happy to hold him close. A quiet huff of laughter, and he nodded.]
Ja. Except for that one. And the top floor of my tower. More than enough Beacons.
[He teased and leaned in to press a kiss to Essek's temple, apparently in the sort of mood where lavishing affection on his fiancé was his top priority.]
[ Yes, they had Beacons-- and wasn't that something that had brought them together at the start? That intrepid Empire man who stated he was of the Empire but no friend of theirs? Well they had both changed quite a bit and he rather looked forward to how else they would change going forward in the future.
He ducked his forehead so that a kiss could be levied against the skin, enjoying the contact for exactly what it was-- a testament to love, and if Essek was being honest; the forehead kisses were his favorite, a reminder of one of the greatest turning points in his life. ]
Now, is my young man going to walk me back to the castle? Its been a long day and you would not believe the amount of garments I am making so that people can attend our wedding in style.
[ A laugh even as he reached to place his hand in Caleb's, trust-- always trust ]
[Caleb leaned back with a smile, smitten through and through, but he stood up and offered a hand out to the other wizard, curling his fingers around Essek's and gently pulling the drow to his feet.]
Ja. Let me take you home, Liebling. You've been working hard. Perhaps you'll let me pamper you a bit tonight, mm?
[He had a few ideas for that, and some of it was self indulgent, the excuse to be close and touch his fiance, to spoil him a little. Maybe more than a little if he was lucky.]
[ Essek said this with a smile as he accepted that hand, placing their hands together with fingers entwined and then giving it a squeeze of such simple encouragement and trust that Caleb would never lead him astray-- unless astray was a euphemism for something else entirely. In which case his fiance could lead him as much astray as he desired.
There would be no complaints whatsoever. ]
A nice meal, a long bath and most assuredly a firm cuddle is quite in order, I suppose you could say it is a part of my demands.
[He lifted their joined hands up, until he could press a kiss to the back of Essek's knuckles, gentle and sweet and affectionate. He loved this complicated man so much. And he would happily lead him astray in only the best ways.]
You should be more demanding, I think.
[Demand away, Essek. Caleb was ready to give him anything and everything in his power to give.]
I have seen how much you enjoy demands, Chathtiu--
[ It was then that Essek raised himself to his full floating height, his back straightening and a sideways glance thrown Caleb's way, but there was a tenderness that lurked just underneath the raise of that brow, perhaps it was in the crease at the corner of that eye that determined a smile. ]
A Dynasty adage states that behind every Kryn is someone who is set in place to give them exactly what they want, and with very little in the way of a smart mouth.
[ A huff as he watched Caleb kiss the back of his knuckles. ] Though I do love your clever mouth--
[Caleb couldn't help a laugh as he was full on called out by his fiancé. He lifted his chin to look up at the other wizard in his float.]
Have you noticed that? Only when they're from you, Liebling.
[He'd gone and fallen head over heels and then heels over head for this man. He let his lips linger against those knuckles before letting their hands fall between them.]
Let's go home, and I will give you exactly what you want, including my clever mouth if that's on your mind.
I want all of you, Chathtiu-- nothing else for me will do.
[ A secretly arch smile then, thinking of course of the ways in which that mouth could be of use. It was a smile that the Wizard would know well, it brought to mind memories of sweetness combined with heat, of companionship and yes also a wealth of things that the other man had quite simply unlocked within him. ] I will promise that my demands will only serve to your betterment, and our mutual satisfaction.
[ Essek was well aware of the trust that the wizard placed in his hands, and he would hold it tightly like a treasure, a pearl beyond price. ]
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2024-06-28 08:42 am (UTC)He had once spoken that he wouldn't change a thing, and that doubly was the case.
Despite it all, it was still difficult for him to accept gifts even if they were wedding gifts but he knew that it would be thoughtful and something that he loved, because it came from the heart of this incandescent man that he loved so very much-- the glowing fire that was his man. Some people called fire destructive, and perhaps it was- but it was also healing, and transmutative. ]
If you wish to give me a gift, I would gladly recieve it but also I am also patient, cultivated by 121 years.
no subject
Date: 2024-06-28 12:47 pm (UTC)[Caleb couldn't help but find it appropriate that Essek had mentioned his 121 years just now. He slipped a hand into a pocket and drew forth a simple little pouch, a soft lavender color, cinched closed with a string, and held it out to Essek.]
It's of my own making...
[He explained, as if wanting to explain why perhaps it was not the most glamorous of gifts. When Essek opened the pouch he would find a pendant on a delicate silver chain. Looking closer he'd undoubtedly be able to tell it was amber, and likely feel the residual frisson of a spell that had been encapsulated within it. This was a manifestation of Widogast's Vault of Amber, and even closer inspection would reveal the ghostly outline of what at this size looked like a time-frozen storm of confetti.]
And it is both a gift for now, and one for, hopefully, many years from now. Because I am human, there will come a day when I am not here to tell you everything you mean to me, how much I love you, how remarkable you are. So... I took the liberty of writing these for you, to hold while I am here and have when I am gone.
[He'd penned love letter after love letter. Some stumbling, since he would never be a poet, but earnest and heartfelt. Page after page after page, written, collected, and preserved within the spell of this Amber Vault.]
The word to release them, when that day comes, is Sternenlicht.
no subject
Date: 2024-06-28 01:02 pm (UTC)Oh no, he could tell the papers were but a firestorm, the way that they hovered in amber like little flecks caught within-- and his fingers closed around them reflexively to capture whatever warmth lay in that pendant, with his own cool temperate palm. Simple cufflinks, simple cufflinks when Caleb had given him a wealth of words. He could feel emotion capturing within and then a soft little hiccup, even as he leaned forward and bumped his head against shoulder, because he could not do anything else. ]
I've had enough of glamour in my life, my favor has been courted with so many gifts-- but none can compare to the sweetness with which I find this. [ Upwards, Essek looked at Caleb's profile then; the wizard would be able to see tears there, sweet and nearly ridiculous tears.
It would hurt when one day he had to read those letters, but it would be a reminder that it was worth it. ] You know, you I expect you to steal this pendant from me, so that you will pen many more letters to me.. I will want to keep reading those letters until my own life ends and I'm able to ah.. join you?
[ A smile, it was not a sad smile-- it was a 'I will love you forever' smile, and there was not a whole lot that Caleb could do to circumvent it. ]
Also those cuff links feel rather insignificant compared to the wealth you've given me this day. [ and yes, there were tears sparkling now in those eyes, from eyes that were not used to it-- but here was Caleb making all things possible in the name of love. ]
no subject
Date: 2024-06-28 03:44 pm (UTC)He lifted a hand to cup against a cheek gently, thumb caressing along the sharp angle of a cheekbone.]
Ja. There will be many more love letters added over the years. There will have to be. I keep discovering more things I adore in you, more ways to love you. I will have to add to the letters to be complete.
[He shook his head at the comment about the cufflinks.] Nonsense. They are perfect, a reminder and a symbol of the first time our minds met. The day my life changed for the better, even if I couldn't have known just how much at the time.
no subject
Date: 2024-06-28 03:57 pm (UTC)But no matter, he knew whatever it was-- it would be a sweeter boon then he had no right feeling. ] I promise you, Caleb Widogast that I will love you with all my heart, you will never doubt a single moment.
[ He looked up at Caleb then, the thumb against his cheek and those warm island eyes, and then he huffed a little bit and buried himself further into those arms because there was no place that he'd rather be-- the future was never something he'd anticipated but he wanted that future with this man. ]
I had pondered the Luxon symbols but ah, I think we have had enough of Beacons in our lives..
[ There was a beat and a pause ] Well, except for the one that I still possess.
[ It was rather amazing what one could hide in a pocket dimension-- undetected. ]
no subject
Date: 2024-06-29 01:21 am (UTC)[And somehow it was given to him. It was rather amazing really, and he would not give it up now. He couldn't. Part of him still held that pang of guilt at the knowledge that he would grow old while Essek remained in the prime of his life, but they'd had that talk, and they were both in too deep at this point.
His arm settled around Essek securely, happy to hold him close. A quiet huff of laughter, and he nodded.]
Ja. Except for that one. And the top floor of my tower. More than enough Beacons.
[He teased and leaned in to press a kiss to Essek's temple, apparently in the sort of mood where lavishing affection on his fiancé was his top priority.]
no subject
Date: 2024-06-29 05:19 pm (UTC)He ducked his forehead so that a kiss could be levied against the skin, enjoying the contact for exactly what it was-- a testament to love, and if Essek was being honest; the forehead kisses were his favorite, a reminder of one of the greatest turning points in his life. ]
Now, is my young man going to walk me back to the castle? Its been a long day and you would not believe the amount of garments I am making so that people can attend our wedding in style.
[ A laugh even as he reached to place his hand in Caleb's, trust-- always trust ]
no subject
Date: 2024-07-01 12:17 am (UTC)Ja. Let me take you home, Liebling. You've been working hard. Perhaps you'll let me pamper you a bit tonight, mm?
[He had a few ideas for that, and some of it was self indulgent, the excuse to be close and touch his fiance, to spoil him a little. Maybe more than a little if he was lucky.]
no subject
Date: 2024-07-01 12:31 am (UTC)[ Essek said this with a smile as he accepted that hand, placing their hands together with fingers entwined and then giving it a squeeze of such simple encouragement and trust that Caleb would never lead him astray-- unless astray was a euphemism for something else entirely. In which case his fiance could lead him as much astray as he desired.
There would be no complaints whatsoever. ]
A nice meal, a long bath and most assuredly a firm cuddle is quite in order, I suppose you could say it is a part of my demands.
no subject
Date: 2024-07-01 01:07 am (UTC)[He lifted their joined hands up, until he could press a kiss to the back of Essek's knuckles, gentle and sweet and affectionate. He loved this complicated man so much. And he would happily lead him astray in only the best ways.]
You should be more demanding, I think.
[Demand away, Essek. Caleb was ready to give him anything and everything in his power to give.]
no subject
Date: 2024-07-02 05:28 pm (UTC)[ It was then that Essek raised himself to his full floating height, his back straightening and a sideways glance thrown Caleb's way, but there was a tenderness that lurked just underneath the raise of that brow, perhaps it was in the crease at the corner of that eye that determined a smile. ]
A Dynasty adage states that behind every Kryn is someone who is set in place to give them exactly what they want, and with very little in the way of a smart mouth.
[ A huff as he watched Caleb kiss the back of his knuckles. ] Though I do love your clever mouth--
no subject
Date: 2024-07-05 02:47 am (UTC)Have you noticed that? Only when they're from you, Liebling.
[He'd gone and fallen head over heels and then heels over head for this man. He let his lips linger against those knuckles before letting their hands fall between them.]
Let's go home, and I will give you exactly what you want, including my clever mouth if that's on your mind.
no subject
Date: 2024-07-05 01:41 pm (UTC)[ A secretly arch smile then, thinking of course of the ways in which that mouth could be of use. It was a smile that the Wizard would know well, it brought to mind memories of sweetness combined with heat, of companionship and yes also a wealth of things that the other man had quite simply unlocked within him. ] I will promise that my demands will only serve to your betterment, and our mutual satisfaction.
[ Essek was well aware of the trust that the wizard placed in his hands, and he would hold it tightly like a treasure, a pearl beyond price. ]