ilqaras: (pic#15232448)
Dohalim Melqal il Qaras Na'amo ([personal profile] ilqaras) wrote in [community profile] eggbowl2022-07-28 07:07 am

[Dohalim/Zhongli] You're standing next to me...

[it started out as vague dreams of what seemed to be a lifetime ago. something so foreign and yet familiar. even in his dreams, he can almost feel it, taste it, smell it. like warm stone on a summer’s day, like a strong embrace holding him steady. and in every dream, he sees the same person with golden eyes and a soft smile and all he can feel is a warm fondness for them.

who is he, Dohalim would ask himself, as he would reach out to him.

and that point is when his dream would turn into a nightmare; in a flash, all he can see is carnage, and that person who he’d felt that fondness for would look at him with a frenzied fire in those golden pools, his face contorted into what seems to be pure, unadulterated rage. why… he can feel the fear piercing his heart, along with a certain pain he can’t quite put his finger on, that he has to watch this man fall into his wrath and despair.

”My apologies…” he remembers saying, before he would wake up with a start, brow damp with sweat as he would sit up in his bed. at first, that dream wasn’t nearly as frequent, but now, it seems like it’s occurring every night. what does it mean? who is that man in his dreams?

what happened?

come morning, however, that dream becomes a passing thought, as it usually does, as he starts his day. it’s only a dream; he doesn’t need to dwell on it.

there had been reports of a sudden spike of astral energy in Traslida Highway, one that Dohalim had taken upon himself to investigate (much to the chagrin of his guardsmen). if it has anything to do with earth astral energy, who better than the lord whose affinity of that very element? if anything goes wrong, he would be the most capable of containing it, at least. what mattered most is that the citizens of his realm are safe.

but it’s strange, as he walks out of Viscint, that he doesn’t need to be told where the anomaly is. he can… almost hear a quiet whisper, indiscernible in its words, but pulling him towards where he needs to go. it’s as if he’s lost all autonomy of his body, falling into a sort of trance, but the pull doesn’t feel malicious in its intent. in fact, it feels almost as familiar as the feeling in his dreams; he has to wonder why that is.

as he approaches the new rock formation in the Tietal Plains, Dohalim strains to listen to guardsman speaking to him; something about how it had appeared overnight, and that they had deployed a small platoon to stop anyone from entering it. but the whispers nearly drown him out, beckoning Dohalim to walk through the portal. it’s reckless, he knows, to walk into something without even an inkling of what awaits on the other side, but nothing in him tells him to stop as he steps forward towards the barrier. he holds a hand up, as if to feel the energy radiating off it, and before anyone could pull him back, Dohalim steps forward. he hears one of the guards call out his name, only for it to be muted once he’s on the other side.

just where is he…?]
geocash: (♫There is still hope for you)

[personal profile] geocash 2022-08-10 12:47 pm (UTC)(link)
[Morax doesn't really... know enough, either about people or about wine, to catch on to the signs. As it stands, he just shakes his head, exhaling a soft hum.]

It's fine. I only meant-- you already forewarned me that you may not want to speak on any subject. If it makes you uncomfortable, you're free to say so.

[Exhaling a sigh, he gently lifts the wine bottle to follow suit; he doesn't know if it'll have much of an effect on him, but that's not why he wants it anyway.]

I do not... like... being left ignorant. Particularly when someone isn't trying very hard to convince me that something else is... going on. [As he stares into the wine in his glass, he considers his words for a moment.] Something like this -- I don't wish to make you uncomfortable, so I'm more than willing to accept that you don't want to talk about it. I suppose I still struggle with the act of dismissing information, even if it isn't related to myself. There is too much regret to be had in that space.

[How many lives had his ignorance cost? Before he grew bitter at his treatment, and before Melqal had brought forth all the horrible realities of what he'd done over so many lifetimes? People and creatures he'd cared for, many of whom had quietly, willingly, just--

and he's a hypocrite in that, he knows. It isn't as though he's really spoken to anyone about the depth of it. Melqal knows some, but some things were just too deep to burden him with.]
geocash: (♪If you keep my thoughts)

[personal profile] geocash 2022-08-11 07:19 am (UTC)(link)
[Morax is smart enough to know that something is wrong, between the first reaction and this one - but he doesn't have enough experience to know where the issue lies. Dohalim, for better or worse, seems at most... disappointed?]

... ah.

[There's not even time to reply, as the Renan steps away. The sound of soles on the perfectly polished floor recedes, and the elemental is left alone in the dining room, considering what he should do.

He's not so impulsive as to try to follow, at least. Dohalim doesn't likely trust in him enough to appreciate that, whatever is going on. Did he use the wrong words? Apologise wrong? He doesn't think so, but perhaps. Humans are... complex, and he must remember to be more careful.

Exhaling a sigh, Morax pushes himself out of his seat and rounds the table, trying to work it all out with only fragments of the story. The resulting jumble suggests that he is in some way the catalyst, clumsily asking questions. And perhaps he should just... not call out the lies, for a little while? His feet take him across the room and back, preoccupation taking his thoughts enough that the faint shimmer of astral energy coalesces into the mirage of his tail, trailing behind him in some attempt at self-soothing.

Dohalim said he would be back and Morax intends to believe him... though if he's gone much longer than it takes for the man to stumble through his own thoughts, he'll leave to find him. After all, there are still questions about the change in ruling, concerns about how many are actually against the idea of coexistence. Even if Dohalim doesn't see it... well, Morax is paranoid enough for the both of them.]
geocash: (♪I will find another shell)

[personal profile] geocash 2022-08-11 01:07 pm (UTC)(link)
[by the time Dohalim makes his choice, Morax has turned to go and find him. it's fortunate that he has a relative memory of these halls, he thinks, but as to where the man actually is...

well, as it turns out, it doesn't matter where he was. as the elemental is peering down the hall in consideration of which way to go, he spots the familiar countenance and turns himself to approach. he seems fine, and Morax isn't... very interested in pressing the matter, so he offers a wan smile of his own.]


... It seems I was a little impatient. Things are... in order, then?

[it's such a subtle thing, the thread of guilt in his voice. after all, whatever happened is directly related to his words, his curiosities. he still doesn't know what to do about that fact, but it's fine. he'll figure it out.]
geocash: (♫All that you see is true)

[personal profile] geocash 2022-08-11 02:00 pm (UTC)(link)
Regrettable, but... I understand.

[Morax watches him for a moment, crossing his arms in consideration. dinner... he really doesn't eat much, after all, so it doesn't really...]

No... that's alright. I have had more than enough to eat, I believe.

[the prospect of spending time with Melqal is of course tempting, but he stows it for a moment, at least.]

I... leave that to your discretion. For now-- it is impertinent, but... would you permit me to walk you to your room? No... need for conversation. Just a little company.
geocash: (♪The one without a name)

[personal profile] geocash 2022-08-11 02:45 pm (UTC)(link)
[this time, Morax expects it when Dohalim accepts, a faintly wry expression creeping across his face as they move. and this time, he makes no attempt to stir up conversation. he's simply there, a quiet presence that brings with it no expectation past the fact of its existence.

without knowing how to help, it's all he can do. the least he can do, really... so when they reach the room and Dohalim faces him, he offers a quietly warm expression in turn. it's an attempt to reassure that he's under no obligations even now, that this was just Morax's choice--]


No, it-

[... and he's gone. Morax's brows knit briefly in that moment of silence, and he takes Melqal's hand without hesitation. pulled into the room, he can't help but pull his lover a little closer, nuzzling into his shoulder.]

... So I surmised. I certainly seem... quite capable of finding spaces of discomfort with regard to him.

[he chuckles at that, weakly.]

I shall have to temper my words more carefully, in future.
geocash: (♪You don't ever find yourself)

[personal profile] geocash 2022-08-11 05:05 pm (UTC)(link)
Still. I would rather have been more delicate with approaching what plagues him.

[it's so automatic, as Melqal leans on him and slides arms around his waist. long fingers brush through his hair in soft, soothing motions, his stance a solid support for his lover.]

... Have I ever been known to say no to you, my love? I feel that is... perhaps best, truthfully. And... I don't care to be alone right now, either, in truth.

[gently, he'll start to lead Melqal back to the bed, intending to sit for a little while and just... be in the other's presence. he's missed it, and even wanting to get to know Dohalim doesn't help that feeling fade, of course.]
geocash: (♪This is me for forever)

[personal profile] geocash 2022-08-12 09:33 am (UTC)(link)
[It's trivial to let the magics come undone, returning the familiar weight of his tail to Morax's backside. The elemental is happy to give it, and in turn show his own anxiety and worry in the way the appendage moves.

Curling it over Melqal's waist, the lower half winds itself around one of the redhead's legs, secure but not tight. It's just enough to remind him that the man is here, is real, isn't going to just... disappear.]


... he's hardly the only one. [Morax chuckles weakly, leaning in to pull the other into a kiss. It's slightly less chaste as the last have been, a little more desperate.] I thought I...

[shaking his head, he keeps up those kisses, reacquainting himself with Melqal's presence. Instead of dwelling on the painful memories, he switches track. He can't help it, they were both always so desperate for one another.]

There is part of me that very much wants to rile you up, like we always did. To recall all of you... [would it be at Dohalim's expense though? He supposes that would depend on who was doing the work and who was enduring it.]
geocash: (♪Until I drown)

[personal profile] geocash 2022-08-12 01:57 pm (UTC)(link)
[he supposes he's gotten away with it in that moment, as Melqal settles into the kisses and allows hands to roam his body. it feels good, familiar, and as the other man traces over it he almost has to laugh. then does laugh, as the other speaks.]

No? I'm quite surprised...

[he's not surprised at all, of course. they're both considerate, of course, and both of them want Dohalim to feel comfortable in this, so it makes sense to wait. of course, that's assuming they can keep their hands off of each other, and that's a tall order, except--]

Ah? A--ah...

[no doubt it'll please Melqal to see just how sensitive he still is there, cheeks heating up as fingers trail just so lightly over his tail. the thought of riling Melqal up takes a backseat immediately, and his hips rise up into the teasing touch, as if asking for more.]

Is it that surprising that I am the same as I was, Melqal? [oh, there's a little of that pouting feeling as he nuzzles into the other man's shoulder, as if that will hide how his tail squeezes his leg a little more, encouraging those touches.] I don't dislike being sensitive for you...
Edited (clarityyyyyyy) 2022-08-12 16:59 (UTC)
geocash: (♪All I wish is to dream again)

[personal profile] geocash 2022-08-13 02:52 pm (UTC)(link)
Ah... it was a little foolish of you... true...

[Morax certainly does like this, and after a moment of soft gasping and sighs in response to Melqal's gentle teasing, his lips press to the man's neck, tongue lapping gently there between featherlight kisses. It drives him forward a little at a time, mind just faintly cloudy as the other speaks.]

They would... nngh-! [He still knows all the right places to touch, and it's... heartening somehow.] Ah... they wouldn't know what to do with the... scandal.

[It's an absolutely trivial acquiescence, surrendering all of his stoicism and sturdiness to the touch of a hand - of this man's hand, in particular. On another night, he might take up the fight to see who gives in first, but...

Perhaps he's been more lonely than he realised. Even with the other here, with the uncertainty of how to handle Dohalim, things hadn't been so clear cut in sharing time with them both. The constant stumbles haven't helped him over the course of the day.]


Only you, my treasure. I bow to no other. [shifting, he presses his weight into his lover's embrace. Voice warm and rich, he rises up to press kisses and nibbles to Melqal's jaw. His tail uncoils briefly to slide higher up his thigh, unperturbed by the loose fabrics covering his legs - even if it takes a little effort not to get tangled in them.] No one else could even draw near to my core, let alone shake me to it. They would regret it if they tried.
geocash: (♪Watching the needle)

[personal profile] geocash 2022-08-14 12:02 am (UTC)(link)
[Morax hasn't a thought in his head about things like attendants and dressing down - if he did, perhaps he would force himself to reluctantly stop Melqal. Instead, the spirit melts into every touch without hesitation, moaning and gasping against the man's shoulder as he tugs gently at his tail.

It's such a sweet feeling, sharing their devotion this way. Everything could easily have ended, could have gone on with the reality of mortal lifetimes and such sad facts... but it didn't. And it's something he can share in some way with Dohalim, if it goes that way; not the depths of their circumstance, but the warmth of knowing someone equally as kind and persistent as his lover. It's funny, actually, to think there might be someone who doesn't set off either man's jealousy - even if there's a shared body involved. Morax listens as he speaks, the quiet sense of possession and jealousy in his tone absolutely exhilarating.]


... you're mine, after all. [There's a little rumble there, as his golden gaze peers upward.] If anyone were allowed to see you do indisposed, it would only be to show them the briefest glimpse of what they could never earn. [His words are almost sinister in their honesty, and hands reach up to cup Melqal's face and pull him into a kiss.] Only mine... all mine. As I am yours.

[another kiss, and Morax encroaches on Melqal's space more still. He's kept docile by the hand on his tail, making his threatening presence remarkably muted, even cute.]

I truly missed this, my love... even if you are still a terrible tease.
geocash: (♪Call the past for help)

[personal profile] geocash 2022-08-14 07:54 am (UTC)(link)
Am I wro--ng...?

[there's the familiar hitch of breath, a soft noise that's dangerously close to a squeak when Melqal grips his tail, fingers curling around the redhead's shoulders. it really is a weakness none other knows, something that he had once had much more control over really. or, more accurately, he has much more control over it for other people.

for Melqal though, he's like this. every little stroke of his hand, press of fingers digging into the base, has him arching and squirming for more. Morax's breath ghosts against his shoulder, moans muffled into his arm. held just so, there's really nowhere for him to go, even if he'd wanted to.

and Gods, but he doesn't want to. after so long, how could he? he's finally getting to spend time with his lover again, and--

--and Melqal just stops, all that electric stimulation crawling up his spine one last time.]


Ah--haah... you-- [it takes a moment for his mind to catch up, eyes a little brighter for his arousal. his voice is breathy when he speaks again.] --nngh. You are the worst... what do you expect me to do until then?

[Melqal knows perfectly well what he's done and how long Morax's habit of compliance lingers - more than enough to know that he's going to have to answer for this, but that there's just enough sense left in the lizarddraconic spirit's head that he doesn't just pin him down and make his demands.

if he did, he'd at least feel guilty for Dohalim later.]


I assume you don't want anyone to find out about this, of course.

[he gives another squeeze of his tail against Melqal's leg before unwinding it again, actually huffing as he shifts to wiggle free from his embrace. you know, since he suggested it and all.

there is absolutely a pout on his face, cheeks tinged pink with want.]
geocash: (♪These lines the last endeavour)

[personal profile] geocash 2022-08-14 11:31 pm (UTC)(link)
[lips press to the corner of his eye, and Morax listens quietly as Melqal speaks. He's such a wonderful terror... but there's truth to what he says. And then he practically contradicts himself immediately, and Morax has to laugh.]

Didn't you just say I shouldn't raise the notice of the staff? I would happily stay here otherwise... and more happily explore this body of yours myself.

[His eyes close again as fingers brush through his hair, a soft sigh on his lips.]

I would rather be here, even without that promise... besides, I have no intention of letting you get away with riling me up only to stop abruptly. [leaning in, he presses a kiss to the corner of Melqal's.] How long should I wait before returning to you...? Or... where shall I wait, if I needn't leave?

[regrettably, he'll probably have to hide his tail for the duration either way, but still.]

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