Caught in the Act

Writers: Heather, Miriah
Date Posted: 26th November 2017

Characters: Karhal, Benamil, Arion
Description: Benamil and Arion are found in a comprising position by Karhal
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 1, day 25 of Turn 9
Notes: Mentioned: Benani

Karhal

Benamil

"A picnic?" Arion laughed.

"Yes, come on, it's what people do when they date, isn't it?" Benamil pointed out as he folded up a blanket.

"It's what men and women do, if that's what you mean." The vintner raised his eyebrows accusingly.

Benamil shot Arion a withering look, "Oh come on, I'm sure gay men like picnics too."

Arion weaved his way across the bedroom and dropped a peck on Benamil's cheek, "You're right, we do, but then, we're basically never able to go on picnics because someone might see."

"Well, we're going today," Benamil said, eyes shining. "We'll get far enough away from the Hold so we won't be noticed.

The vintner looked dubious, but grabbed his coat, "Lead the way then."

~*~

Benamil gave a cautionary glance over his shoulder as they walked
further away from the main buildings of the Hold, and when he felt
they were far enough away not to be recognized, he grabbed Arion and
pulled him in for a needy kiss.

Arion returned the embrace with ardor. "It feels exciting to be doing
this outside doesn't it? Not hidden away in my room."

"It does," Benamil admitted, finding that the slight tingle of
nervousness over the possibility of being caught added an extra edge
to the adrenaline he already felt when he was with Arion.

The beastcrafter, who had a blanket tucked under his arm, unfurled it
and spread it on the ground. He sat down and patted the spot next to
him, his eyes promising Arion good things to come.

"Are you trying to seduce me, beastcrafter?"

Benamil grinned, all teeth, "Why, yes I am, vintner. Now get down here."

Arion laughed and eagerly joined Benamil on the blanket.

Walking with Livie at his side, Karhal mused at the necessity of
covering different shifts of guard duty. Loella didn't enjoy him being
gone so much, and to be quite honest, as he got older, he much
preferred those quiet nights with his wife. But, when no one else
could step in, it was his responsibility.

His canine suddenly stilled and Karhal watches as her ears perked up
with interest. He gave a soft click of his tongue and she moved
forward, searching out the sound; he followed and as he came over the
top of the hill, what met his eyes was the last thing he had expected.
He pulled back on Livie's lead, his eyes blinking as he saw the pair
entwined on a blanket. He recognized both of them; how could he not?
Livie gave a sharp bark and he shushed her quickly, clearing his
throat.

Benamil's ardor was doused quickly with a wet blanket of fear. He
froze, heart in his ears at the sound of a voice clearing. Who else
would be out this far from the Hold? He could see the same fear and
alarm reflected in Arion's eyes as he looked down at him. Slowly
Benamil looked up, at least, it felt as though everything were passing
by agonizingly slow as he met eyes with Karhal. The Guard Captain.

Embarrassment at what he had discovered drew color to his cheeks, but
it was quickly replaced by a detached mask on Karhal's face even as he
snapped Livie to a sit. His eyes flicked to Arion and then back to
Benamil, and muscles visibly tightened along his jaw line. He also saw
the fear in their expressions and his eyes narrowed in immediate
response. "I would not remain here, were I you." He turned on his heel
and walked quickly away, still mentally stunned by what he had
witnessed.

"Feck," Arion cursed, scrambling out from under Benamil as the Captain
of the Guard strode away.

Benamil was tight-lipped, face ashen as he stood up, his hands shaking
as he snatched their blanket up from the ground. He mentally berated
himself as they walked back toward the Hold, a visible armslength of
space between them. He'd just told Benani that he would be careful,
that he wouldn't let anyone find out... **How could I have been so
stupid?**

As they neared the Hold again Arion stopped and turned to him,
although he kept the distance between them, "It's probably best if we
don't see each other for a few days. Until... you know."

"Right," Benamil agreed, although the words were like daggers to his
heart. "I'll, uh, see you after we find out what his plan is."

Arion nodded, and after one last timid glance at Benamil, the vintner
left, making quickly for the path to the Vintner Hall.

Benamil looked ahead toward the Captain of the Guard's retreating
form, wondering exactly what Karhal planned to do with the information
he'd just uncovered.

Last updated on the November 27th 2017

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Caught in the Act