Heating Up
Dragonsfall Weyr
Amber Hills Hold
Vintner Hall
Healer Hall
Hidden Meadows
Dolphin Cove Weyr
Dolphin Hall
Emerald Falls Hold
Harper Hall
Printer Hall
Green Valley Hold
Leeward Lagoon Hold
Barrier Lake Weyr
Sunstone Seahold
Citrus Bay Hold
Writers: Len, Mirren
Date Posted: 8th March 2016
Characters: Bortem, L'fael
Description: Bortem struggles with his feelings for Lafael, who is confused in turn by Bortem's odd antics
Location: Sunstone Seahold
Date: month 5, day 2 of Turn 8
Notes: Mentioned: Yriadha
"Hey." Bortem glanced around before slipping into the the chair beside Lafael. The dining hall was all but empty this early, but who knew who was watching.
Lafael startled before he saw who it was. "Oh! Hello!" If his smile was a bit too cheerful he didn't know.
Bortem glanced around again. "Um, how are you?" Was he turning pink on the outside or just the inside?
"Did you stand outside in the sun too long?" Lafael asked, ignoring what Bortem said for the moment. "You're really red. Here, let's go get some cool rags on your face and then find some herbs. You're really going to peel, as red as you are." He quickly stood up and place his hands gently around Bortem's arm and shoulder.
"I'm fine, I just…" Bortem was redder than ever. "I guess I am feeling a little faint." As one does when all the blood has left their head and traveled down their body and into the lower head.
Lafael looked close into his eyes and tugged him to his feet. "Come on, I do believe you've got a bit of sun stroke. But never you worry, a relaxing cool bath will cool you right down." He tugged on Bortem's arm once again.
"I'm not sure it'll help," Bortem muttered. Cold water was a stimulant. It was warm water he needed; or something else…
"Oh no, trust me, it does work. I've seen a lot of drudges here get the same treatment and it works a treat!" Lafael kept his hands on Bortem's arm as he led him out of the dining hall. His meager dinner would have to go half-eaten, this was a much more important task to do, helping the son of the Headwoman. And besides, he made Lafael's heart do a funny little skip, and made him feel a little light-headed.
"All right." Bortem's voice squeaked. "If you say so." He couldn't argue, even if he wanted to, he could hardly think.
The Hold was quiet at this time of the day, with most people still working out in the fields. The two boys were unobserved as they walked though the halls, making their way down to the bathing rooms. Normally Lafael washed only late at night, since his life as a drudge meant he was worked--overworked--until almost everyone was asleep. This time of the day, the place was empty.
Very empty.
"Here, just have a seat," Lafael said, placing Bortem on the bench close by. "I'll get one of the baths running."
"I think I'll be fine if I just sit," Bortem protested. Or lie down. Or…his eyes followed Lafael as he moved.
Lafael walked away to get the towels, aware of Bortem's eyes on him. What it meant, he had no conscious idea. Sometimes he noticed the men staring at the girls in the same way, but a boy staring at a boy? No, he was probably just taking it the wrong way. Even so, he couldn't stop a flush of his own from creeping up his neck. If he just kept to his task he wouldn't have to think about what it meant. The water was cool under his fingers as he placed his hand under the water.
Turning around, he said, "Sir, the bath is ready."
"I really should be working," Bortem said vaguely. His mind kept wandering to what he'd really like to do, thoughts he'd barely dared to entertain before. He stood awkwardly, hoping his trousers concealed the evidence of his thoughts. "Um…" He wasn't going to strip off in front of Lafael, it'd be far too obvious then.
He must have wanted help, Lafael thought. He had that look about him that said he wasn't going to take his own clothes off. Immediately Lafael stepped up to him, knowing his job. One of which was undressing his lords and ladies, no matter who they were. Even the most lowly drudge was higher in status than Lafael. "I'm sorry sir, I'll have your clothes off in no time at all." He took a hold of Bortem's shirt buttons and began undoing them.
The tanner froze. Then he let out a funny squeak. "We can't…" he stammered. "I can't. I'm sorry!" He jerked back and started, red faced, toward the door.
"What's wrong?" What had happened? Lafael stood there, completely confused. "We can't...what?" What was Bortem on about?
Last updated on the March 13th 2016