[ He can't withhold the visible way he winces at the way Lad puts it. Because that was far from 'work' to him, that was demeaning and he feels a pang of guilt for the part he's now played in it though Lad had made it sound as if this had been different. ]
[He laughed and turned around so he could face Solas. Of course that meant he was pressing against him chest-to-chest, but that felt good for him, and he suspected Solas as well, so he didn't see how it might be awkward. It made it easier for him to drape his free arm around Solas' neck and lean up to kiss his cheek.]
I had a lot of fun with you, I don't usually get that. You're gentle and... [He paused to try and think how to put it, but he couldn't find the words for it.] it's hard to explain but I like the way you touch me. It's different.
[ The temptation was there to wrap his arms around him, to rest his forehead against Lad's' and simply breath. No wonder the man was good at his given profession. The change in positioning causes him to tense for a moment before he eases and loosely rests an arm around his waist. ]
Will you tell me if I overstep your boundaries? If I do something you do not want? [ If the man even had boundaries. ]
[He chuckled, but he could sense Solas was still troubled about it. It was his job to do so and act accordingly. He shifted so that he was sitting on Solas' lap, and placed his hands on either side of his face. Then he pressed his forehead against the other's, gently hushing him to try and help ease his worries.]
You worry too much Solas. Everything is alright. Has hearing about my duties truly saddened you so?
[ He sighs and presses into the touch, closing his eyes as he centers himself. Saddened isn't the right word, more angered and frustrated at the way matters are handled elsewhere. If only Sylaise committed a gross misconduct or travesty then Mythal would have authority to step in. ]
Am I meant to be thrilled? [ he murmurs. ] I do not enjoy hearing of you being hurt.
I am little more than a stranger to you, and I am of a far lower ranking. I am surprised you can feel so strongly about me at all.
[Lad smiled as Solas leaned in, glad to be able to get him to calm despite how his mood seemed to have turned.]
But I should not be I think. Your heart is as gentle as your touch. I am glad it was Mythal that found you.
[One hand wandered down Solas' arm and settled on his hand as he spoke. Hoping his gratitude for what Solas had done for him both before and now could show through a little. What a waste it would have been to see Solas' spirit broken by the treatment of other Evanuris.]
It didn't matter that Lad was a stranger or lower ranking. There should be expectations for fair treatment. He was in service to an Evanuris, but that in and of itself was a gift. What would they all do if their slaves decided together they grew tired of it? Realized that they could do something about it? Perhaps all they needed were the tools.
He holds Lad tightly as if he's afraid the other man might leave him before murmuring his own gratitude, ] Thank you for being here tonight.
[The embrace caught him off guard and he froze before imitating the gesture. He was tentative about it at first, but once his arms were wrapped around Solas there was an excited flutter in his chest, and he wrapped his arms around him tighter with a broad smile upon his face.]
I would like to be here with you every night you needed me.
[But that was not something that could be done, at best perhaps Solas may come when Mythal visited to conduct business, or he could get permission to come alone. That was all though, Lad was a slave whose duty it was to fulfill others' passions, and he had a feeling once Solas found someone to love there would no longer be any passion for him left to fulfill. Such was the reason they were not allowed to kiss their clients, they may wish for something they shall never have.]
[ His hold loosens though remains around the other man for as long as Lad would let him. This was new and different and he wondered if there would be many nights either of them could have this. Would Lad want to see him once he had been back for a time? He would have to tread carefully if he requested the man again and it was granted. ]
I would wish the same.
[ For he has a feeling Lad needs protection far more than he would care to admit or let on.
He's none too eager to leave the tub, but as the water cooled the chill of it fought uncomfortably with the heat of Lad's body against him. He let out a small sigh and gestures to the edge of the tub. ] While I have you tonight, would you care to join me elsewhere?
Perhaps someday when I am no longer of use serving Sylaise, you might find one for me.
[He laughed in jest, he did not think he would become broken and useless for some time. He was careful, and followed orders well, tonight not included, but in a way he was. Solas liked him like this, so technically there wasn't a problem in indulging something his client liked, even if he liked it too. Regardless, Solas would already have moved on by the time he lost his use, or he would just be killed by a client like some others have the misfortune of.
Lad pulled back at Solas' words, but took Solas' hand to assure him he was remaining by his side even as he pulled away.]
I would love to.
[He lifted himself from the bath to sit on the edge. He plucked up a towel from a nearby rack with his free hand and waited for Solas to step out of the bath before offering it to him.]
[ Solas laments the loss of warmth immediately, but accepts the towel as he gets out of the bath, kneeling only to let the water drain. If he could ensure Lad did not waste the prime of his life under Sylaise's command, that would be a far more preferrable outcome.
Unfortunately, it was likely to remain a dream and nothing more.
He leans down to kiss the top of Lad's head before he starts drying himself off. ]
She would be a fool to find no use for you, [ he says with confidence. ] Is there something you would like to do this evening?
You flatter me, but I don't think I've got what it takes to wind up as one of the higher ranked courtesans.
[That was more or less the only way to be granted some semblance of assurance of your well being. Those of his rank were of less consequence, used by soldiers and military men with some rank, but never anyone of import.
Well, usually never anyone of import. He certainly hoped this wouldn't cause too much backlash among the others.
He got out from the tubs, and took a towel for himself, lazily drying himself while watching Solas.]
Something like what?
[Because it's not like he knows what having free time is like or anything.]
[ Because who else would if not Lad himself? The man was right when he said he worked hard at his given duty. Even if Solas wished better for him.
He tilts his head curiously as he wraps the towel around his waist and moves to find himself clothes to sleep in. He expects nothing more of Lad than he is willing to share and he wanted that to be clear to the other man. ]
Anything. [ After a pause he adds, ] I tend to read or paint if I find myself with a spare moment.
And you have never seen me sputter and ramble when I get nervous around new clients.
[Even if Solas had somehow managed to get past that awkward phase. Well, he had bumbled a bit when Solas had first come to heal him. He had been afraid of the other's intentions and hesitant to expose the extent of his injuries, but even then it hadn't been unending torrent of humor and flirting he usually tried to deflect his anxiety with.
Lad watched Solas dress then went for his own clothes. He hadn't brought anything to sleep in since he didn't expect to be sleeping here. Actually he didn't have any clothes that would be deemed fitting to sleep in in the presence of a client. Well he'd just have to make due with what he had. He walked to the bed to pick up his shirt, which was little more than a long bit of cloth he draped around himself, but he supposed it would be better than awkwardly puttering about the room naked.
I thought that was part of your charm, [ he says off-handedly.
He notices that Lad goes for his old clothes and Solas hesitates for a moment. Would it be too much to offer? Anything he had would be far too large for the man, but he should have the opportunity for clean clothes to sleep in at the very least. ]
I have more clothing if you would like something else to wear.
[ Or the man could continue as he was. Solas found his gaze lingering on Lad's form for a moment too long before he clears his throat and forces his attention elsewhere. ]
I do, yes. Murals when I am able although there is limited space for me to execute them.
All in Mythal's territory then?That's a shame I wish I could have seen them.
[Lad looked at the shirt in his hands thoughtfully. He wasn't even sure there was a precedent for what he was supposed to do in the situation. He supposed borrowing Solas' clothes wouldn't hurt since they were offered. They did sorta screw on Lad's and he'd rather not smell like cum and lube right after bathing.]
If you wouldn't mind, I don't really have anything else that would be appropriate. [Lad looked over at Solas just in time to catch that look, and a sly smile spread across his face as he returned to Solas and slid up next to him.] Or if you like I could just stay like this, I don't mind either way.
Can you imagine any of the other Evanuris allowing me to stay long enough to paint such a display? [ Just saying, he's fairly certain that would go over poorly.
The movement is noticed and he clears his throat as he steps away to retrieve a fresh set of clothing. As attractive as he found the other man, Lad should have the option readily available to him should he want clean clothes. When he turns to face Lad again, he keeps his gaze eye-level. ] That is up to you.
[ But he had less stained clothes now. What Lad did with them was his choice. ]
[Of course then Solas moves away and Lad pouts while his back is turned. It was like a battle of wills, and Solas had the most self-control he'd ever seen from someone he serviced. Lad quickly schooled his expression more neutral before Solas could turn to face him, and Lad accepted the clothes with a smile.
Well, if he had the clothes he might as well wear them. Lad slipped the shirt over his head and put it on. Then he laughed at... a number of things really. The size for one, it was large enough to cover what was important at least, so he decided not to bother with the pants, it was the best of both worlds really. The material was so warm and comfortable, Lad's first reaction was to wrap his arms around himself and embrace the sensation.]
[ He smiles softly as he watches Lad's joy at such a simple thing. ]
Some, yes. Primarily those I sleep in. [ And he had made sure to give Lad one of the less worn sets. Solas wasn't prone to excess and tended to wear whatever he had out before seeking replacements.
As for his art well, ] I may not be able to show you my murals, but I have smaller pieces if you would like to see.
[Lad brightened up at the possibility to actually see some of his work. He'd never had the opportunity to see the work of someone with such talents up close. Just the finished product that Sylaise decorated her estate with. All of those seemed almost too perfect to imagine someone making them.
He returned to Solas' side, a clear excitement on his face.]
[ He blinks back his surprise at the unexpected eagerness. It was often something he did to busy his hands and express himself without needing to speak. Far simpler to paint or sketch as he got his thoughts in order.
With a nod, he moves to the small shelf of personal books and slides one out to hand him. ]
My sketchbook. Primarily of my travels and of what I have seen while in service to Mythal.
[ Landscapes, snippets of architecture, drawings of various details of people. It almost functions as a diary at times with the way it depicts vague events. ]
[Lad's eyes went wide upon carefully opening the book. While such may have been a simple hobby to Solas, Lad say it as a rare peek into something he'd otherwise never see, both the art form and the subject matter it depicted.
Lad sits completely fixated on the one page. He reaches out to almost touch one of the sketches, but pulls it back and brings his hand to rest thoughtfully on his own cheek instead. Eventually he looks up at Solas.]
You will not harm it by touching the pages, [ he says with a hint of amusement.
The man's excitement more than made it worthwhile to share this piece of himself. He knew he was fortunate in many ways, that he could travel and had far more freedom than most slaves would ever have out of trust and his sense of duty. This was the only way he could share that with another. ]
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And that is simply work for you?
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[He watched Solas' reaction with some concern, and reached up to stroke the side of his face with the back of his fingers in comfort.]
What's wrong?
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I did not mean to take advantage of you like the others.
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[He laughed and turned around so he could face Solas. Of course that meant he was pressing against him chest-to-chest, but that felt good for him, and he suspected Solas as well, so he didn't see how it might be awkward. It made it easier for him to drape his free arm around Solas' neck and lean up to kiss his cheek.]
I had a lot of fun with you, I don't usually get that. You're gentle and... [He paused to try and think how to put it, but he couldn't find the words for it.] it's hard to explain but I like the way you touch me. It's different.
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Will you tell me if I overstep your boundaries? If I do something you do not want? [ If the man even had boundaries. ]
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[He chuckled, but he could sense Solas was still troubled about it. It was his job to do so and act accordingly. He shifted so that he was sitting on Solas' lap, and placed his hands on either side of his face. Then he pressed his forehead against the other's, gently hushing him to try and help ease his worries.]
You worry too much Solas. Everything is alright. Has hearing about my duties truly saddened you so?
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Am I meant to be thrilled? [ he murmurs. ] I do not enjoy hearing of you being hurt.
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[Lad smiled as Solas leaned in, glad to be able to get him to calm despite how his mood seemed to have turned.]
But I should not be I think. Your heart is as gentle as your touch. I am glad it was Mythal that found you.
[One hand wandered down Solas' arm and settled on his hand as he spoke. Hoping his gratitude for what Solas had done for him both before and now could show through a little. What a waste it would have been to see Solas' spirit broken by the treatment of other Evanuris.]
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It didn't matter that Lad was a stranger or lower ranking. There should be expectations for fair treatment. He was in service to an Evanuris, but that in and of itself was a gift. What would they all do if their slaves decided together they grew tired of it? Realized that they could do something about it? Perhaps all they needed were the tools.
He holds Lad tightly as if he's afraid the other man might leave him before murmuring his own gratitude, ] Thank you for being here tonight.
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I would like to be here with you every night you needed me.
[But that was not something that could be done, at best perhaps Solas may come when Mythal visited to conduct business, or he could get permission to come alone. That was all though, Lad was a slave whose duty it was to fulfill others' passions, and he had a feeling once Solas found someone to love there would no longer be any passion for him left to fulfill. Such was the reason they were not allowed to kiss their clients, they may wish for something they shall never have.]
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I would wish the same.
[ For he has a feeling Lad needs protection far more than he would care to admit or let on.
He's none too eager to leave the tub, but as the water cooled the chill of it fought uncomfortably with the heat of Lad's body against him. He let out a small sigh and gestures to the edge of the tub. ] While I have you tonight, would you care to join me elsewhere?
[ Not that there is much 'elsewhere' to be. ]
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[He laughed in jest, he did not think he would become broken and useless for some time. He was careful, and followed orders well, tonight not included, but in a way he was. Solas liked him like this, so technically there wasn't a problem in indulging something his client liked, even if he liked it too. Regardless, Solas would already have moved on by the time he lost his use, or he would just be killed by a client like some others have the misfortune of.
Lad pulled back at Solas' words, but took Solas' hand to assure him he was remaining by his side even as he pulled away.]
I would love to.
[He lifted himself from the bath to sit on the edge. He plucked up a towel from a nearby rack with his free hand and waited for Solas to step out of the bath before offering it to him.]
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Unfortunately, it was likely to remain a dream and nothing more.
He leans down to kiss the top of Lad's head before he starts drying himself off. ]
She would be a fool to find no use for you, [ he says with confidence. ] Is there something you would like to do this evening?
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[That was more or less the only way to be granted some semblance of assurance of your well being. Those of his rank were of less consequence, used by soldiers and military men with some rank, but never anyone of import.
Well, usually never anyone of import. He certainly hoped this wouldn't cause too much backlash among the others.
He got out from the tubs, and took a towel for himself, lazily drying himself while watching Solas.]
Something like what?
[Because it's not like he knows what having free time is like or anything.]
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[ Because who else would if not Lad himself? The man was right when he said he worked hard at his given duty. Even if Solas wished better for him.
He tilts his head curiously as he wraps the towel around his waist and moves to find himself clothes to sleep in. He expects nothing more of Lad than he is willing to share and he wanted that to be clear to the other man. ]
Anything. [ After a pause he adds, ] I tend to read or paint if I find myself with a spare moment.
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[Even if Solas had somehow managed to get past that awkward phase. Well, he had bumbled a bit when Solas had first come to heal him. He had been afraid of the other's intentions and hesitant to expose the extent of his injuries, but even then it hadn't been unending torrent of humor and flirting he usually tried to deflect his anxiety with.
Lad watched Solas dress then went for his own clothes. He hadn't brought anything to sleep in since he didn't expect to be sleeping here. Actually he didn't have any clothes that would be deemed fitting to sleep in in the presence of a client. Well he'd just have to make due with what he had. He walked to the bed to pick up his shirt, which was little more than a long bit of cloth he draped around himself, but he supposed it would be better than awkwardly puttering about the room naked.
Solas' hobbies had him interested though.]
You paint?
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He notices that Lad goes for his old clothes and Solas hesitates for a moment. Would it be too much to offer? Anything he had would be far too large for the man, but he should have the opportunity for clean clothes to sleep in at the very least. ]
I have more clothing if you would like something else to wear.
[ Or the man could continue as he was. Solas found his gaze lingering on Lad's form for a moment too long before he clears his throat and forces his attention elsewhere. ]
I do, yes. Murals when I am able although there is limited space for me to execute them.
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[Lad looked at the shirt in his hands thoughtfully. He wasn't even sure there was a precedent for what he was supposed to do in the situation. He supposed borrowing Solas' clothes wouldn't hurt since they were offered. They did sorta screw on Lad's and he'd rather not smell like cum and lube right after bathing.]
If you wouldn't mind, I don't really have anything else that would be appropriate. [Lad looked over at Solas just in time to catch that look, and a sly smile spread across his face as he returned to Solas and slid up next to him.] Or if you like I could just stay like this, I don't mind either way.
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The movement is noticed and he clears his throat as he steps away to retrieve a fresh set of clothing. As attractive as he found the other man, Lad should have the option readily available to him should he want clean clothes. When he turns to face Lad again, he keeps his gaze eye-level. ] That is up to you.
[ But he had less stained clothes now. What Lad did with them was his choice. ]
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[Of course then Solas moves away and Lad pouts while his back is turned. It was like a battle of wills, and Solas had the most self-control he'd ever seen from someone he serviced. Lad quickly schooled his expression more neutral before Solas could turn to face him, and Lad accepted the clothes with a smile.
Well, if he had the clothes he might as well wear them. Lad slipped the shirt over his head and put it on. Then he laughed at... a number of things really. The size for one, it was large enough to cover what was important at least, so he decided not to bother with the pants, it was the best of both worlds really. The material was so warm and comfortable, Lad's first reaction was to wrap his arms around himself and embrace the sensation.]
It's so soft! Are all your clothes like this?
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Some, yes. Primarily those I sleep in. [ And he had made sure to give Lad one of the less worn sets. Solas wasn't prone to excess and tended to wear whatever he had out before seeking replacements.
As for his art well, ] I may not be able to show you my murals, but I have smaller pieces if you would like to see.
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He returned to Solas' side, a clear excitement on his face.]
Would you? I would love to see them.
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With a nod, he moves to the small shelf of personal books and slides one out to hand him. ]
My sketchbook. Primarily of my travels and of what I have seen while in service to Mythal.
[ Landscapes, snippets of architecture, drawings of various details of people. It almost functions as a diary at times with the way it depicts vague events. ]
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Lad sits completely fixated on the one page. He reaches out to almost touch one of the sketches, but pulls it back and brings his hand to rest thoughtfully on his own cheek instead. Eventually he looks up at Solas.]
These are beautiful...
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The man's excitement more than made it worthwhile to share this piece of himself. He knew he was fortunate in many ways, that he could travel and had far more freedom than most slaves would ever have out of trust and his sense of duty. This was the only way he could share that with another. ]
Have you tried your hand at drawing?
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