Eiji: *drops in the garden in a tree*
Hawk: *quietly slips from his room and padding down the hallway and stairs heading for the kitchen*
Eiji: *squeals and starts to squirm, trying to get down*
Juraviel: *calls out to Eiji from another tree* Stay still, that's quite a drop...
Eiji: *freezes*
Robinton: *steals from the room he'd awoken in quietly, so as to leave the other occupant undisturbed and starts heading down the hall intent on the kitchen*
Naruto: *appears in mid-fall, hits the ground and slides head first into Eiji's tree*
Juraviel: *sighs softly and mutters as he moves through the treetops to Eiji's tree* Lovely spot to land... *grips the branch he's on a bit tighter at the impact*
Hawk: *slips into the kitchen heading straight for the coffeepot, rubbing at the scars hidden behind the strip of silk*
Eiji: *squeals again*
Naruto: *sits up from a moment, blood sliding down the sides of his head from beneath his headband as well as multiple buises and scrapes all over, and dirt from head to toe*
Robinton: *yawns softly as he enters the kitchen shortly after, pausing when he sees his friend there already* Oh... good morning, Rupert.
Eiji: *gasps* Hey, kid, are you okay!?
Juraviel: *utters an elven curse when he looks down and sees the state of the young man at the base of the tree, and turns to Eiji* Move slowly to me, I will aid you, and then I must tend to the other...
Hawk: *smiles back over his shoulder* Morning, Rob. *pours a cup of coffee and offers it to the harper*
Eiji: *Nods a little and shakily moves closer to him in his tree*
Naruto: *stands up and offers a grin at Eiji* Yeah, I'm good! *looks around* Heeeyy...Kiba's gone...
Robinton: *smiles a bit as he accepts the cup, glancing around for any kind of sweetning for the drink*
Hawk: *pours himself a cup and sips at it, sighing contentedly*
Juraviel: *calls to Naruto* I'm glad to see you are not unconcious, I'd feared the worst when first I saw you.. *takes Eiji's hand, and speaks softer to him* Trust me, now..there are a few feet to climb before you can jump safely...
CasualOtaku has entered the room.
Robinton: *idly as he dumps a fair bit of sugar into his mug* Pleasant sleep last night?
Eiji: *nods a little*
Naruto: *giggles* Course I'm not unconscious.
Hawk: Always is when I've got company... You? *looks up at his friend*
Juraviel: *to Naruto* A relief, then... *starts to guide Eiji down until they're about six or seven feet from the ground* There, now, can you manage?
Eiji: *Nods and grins* Thanks! *drops to the ground and does a backflip*
Naruto: *grins and backs up, gets dizzy and falls down on his ass*
Robinton: *gives a soft affirmative, smiling as he takes a sip of his coffee* I second that motion...
Hawk: Well... *thoughtful tone* I know there was only one body with me in our bed... so, care to tell me where or rather who last night? *smiles a little*
Juraviel: *leaps from the tree as well, crouching at Naruto's side* Are you certain everything is fine? Perhaps you should rest a moment.
Eiji: *watches from the ground*
Naruto: Maybe...*grins a bit and uses his hands to wipe the blood off of his head*
Robinton: *shrugs one shoulder* It's a bit of a long story if you'd like further explanations, but.. Vanyel.
Hawk: *nods* The Bouncer here? Well, you can explain if you feel that you need to, but one question for you...
Juraviel: Here, this will help.. *produces a band of red bandage, showing it to Naruto* Remove your headband and apply this to your wound.
Robinton: *nods* And that would be?
Naruto: Kay. *removes the blood soaked head protector and pats around his hair* Ah, it's not bleeding anymore though. *grins and coughs*
Hawk: Does it make you happy?
Juraviel: Still, it will ease the pain.. *unrawels the bandage and gently wraps it around Naruto's head* It is touel'alfar medicine.
Naruto: Hmm...how does the medicine work?
Robinton: *softly* It does... though it gives me much to ponder over.
Hawk: *goes over to his friend, brushing a hand over the harper's cheek* As long as you're happy, that's what I want most for you, Shane would to, I think.
Juraviel: *smiles a bit* I cannot reveal much to n'touel'alfar, though I'm sure you would have it otherwise. We prepare a salve and soak these cloths with it. It takes on the healing properties.
Naruto: Ohhh....*after a moment takes it off and hands it back to Juraviel*
Robinton: *smiles at that gentle touch, turning his head into it slightly* Thank you... I never intended anything to come between the three of us, you know... I almost feared that this might...
Juraviel: *blinks as he's handed the bandage* Why do you remove it?
Naruto: *grins* He doesn't like it. *the wound opens up and a small trickle of blood leeks out before it stops again*
Juraviel: Who is 'he'? *tilts his head slightly*
Naruto: *uses his sleeve to wipe the blood away* Uhhh...the kyuubi.
Hawk: *rubs a thumb over Rob's cheek, smile becoming a little wistful* It won't, we love you... and we'll always be friends...
Robinton: *whispers, setting down his mug and reaches up to cup Hawk's face in his palms* Always and forever... though I cannot explain why this seems like such a farewell, telling you of this..
Juraviel: Kyuubi? Why would he object to your wounds being treated, if I may inquire?
Naruto: He's not...just uh, with medicine. *grins* He likes to do it himself...in case someone's trying to poison me.
Juraviel: *chuckles softly* Rest assured, I would no more poison you than myself, but if it is your, and his wish, then so it shall be.
Hawk: *softly* Because in a way it is... nothing will come between us, but things change now... it's inevitable... *sadly* At least I don't have to lose you, that's a comfort.
Naruto: *giggles* I know...but he just doesn't like it. I've been poisoned before. *bounces and glomps Juraviel* Who are you?
Robinton: *shakes his head slowly* Never... and... things will change, yes, but not the things of importance... you've always been my dearest friend, Rupert...
Juraviel: *looks more than a little surprised at the enthusiastic glomp* Ah.. I am called Belli'mar Juraviel... I am a Bouncer here at the Fall Inne...
Hawk: *nods* I know... you will always be so dear to my heart, Rob... *leans in to brush a quick kiss over the harper's cheek* No matter what.
Naruto: Oooooohhh...cool! *grins and giggles* I like your wings and your ears.
Robinton: *closes his eyes and pulls Hawk in, brushing their lips together in a sweet, gentle kiss* I love you, Rupert... no matter with who my heart lies you will always hold part of it...
Juraviel: *laughs softly* Such strange things to be complimented on, you are a strange one, Uzumaki Naruto.
Naruto: *giggles* No one I know has them...*looks over Juraviel, bouncing around him*
Hawk: *clenches his eye shut, fighting back the tears he tells himself are irrational, letting his lips linger against the Harper's* I know that too...
Juraviel: *rises to his feet, still chuckling* I am sure you have seen odder things than pointed ears and wings though, have you not?
Naruto: *grins* Hmm...maybe. *giggles and then transforms into Juraviel* What do you think?
Juraviel: *jumps back a little, wings fluttering, an eyebrow raised* That's quite the talent..
Naruto: *giggles* I get it right?
Robinton: Good... *swallows, near fighting back tears himself and slowly lets his hands drop from Hawk's face*
Juraviel: *laughs merrily* Upon first examination, I would say so... though how well does a copy compare to the original in a sparring match, I wonder? *cants his head to the side*
Naruto: *grins* It doesn't. It's used to trick people into thinking you're their ally until you find an opening.
Hawk: *tries to smile at his friend but can't quite make the expression reach his eye* I will always need you, you and Shane both... *steps back, reclaiming his forgotten coffee cup*
Robinton: *nods* I know... and I will never leave you, Rupert, you know this... *picks up his own mug and looks down into it, swallowing another lump in his throat*
Vanyel: *wakes slowly, arm questing across the bed for the other who should be there, waking and looking around when he doesn't find who he's looking for*
Hawk: *voice strangled* I know... but it still... *tries to gather the words and fails lapsing into silence*
Juraviel: Ahh, a formidable tool when infiltrating an enemy's ranks, I can easily see it's uses.
Naruto: *grins and transforms back, panting tiredly*
Shane: *wakes up with a yawn, looking around and surprised to find his room empty, even more surprised to be awake so early*
Robinton: *softly* I know... *gives a soft, shuddering sigh, trailing off into silence himself*
Vanyel: *feels his heart clench at the emotional pain and closes his eyes, searching with his abilities for the source*
Juraviel: You have strained yourself... not the best idea after incurring such injuries. You should adjourn to a place you can rest.
Naruto: *giggles* Nah, I'm good. It's just been one long week!
Shane: *pulls on his jeans, double checks to make sure he has his key, and pads downstairs toward the kitchen to seek necessary caffeine*
Juraviel: If you are certain. *smiles*
Hawk: *clenches his jaw, fighting back the sadness that threatens and sets the cup down with the a soft chink, feeling the need to get away before he breaks any further*
Vanyel: *locates the source, recognizing one of the two as his lover* /Robinton?/ *tentative mental tone*
Naruto: *giggles* Yeah! First the snake...then the snake-guy, then I think I was asleep for three days...then we had to finish the forest trip, then they said we had to fight each other til we died or passed out! Long huh?
Robinton: *can't seem to find any other words to say to the other man, setting down his own cup for fear of dropping it* {I'm here..}
Vanyel: /What's going on? Such sadness...../ *tone shading into worried now*
Shane: *hits the entryway and halts, trying to remember which way to the kitchen*
Juraviel: *raises an eyebrow* Long, indeed. You have many trials to contend with, young man.
Hawk: *swallows and murmurs* I need to go... I'll see you later, Rob.
Robinton: {I cannot explain to you now... I'll be along shortly..} *speaks softly* I understand...
Naruto: *laughs* Yeah! But after this we gotta have another fight to death or unconsciousness later...then those who are good enough move up in ranks.
Hawk: *smiles feebly* Thanks... just need a little time, you know that.
Vanyel: /Of course.../ *rises from the bed and heads to the armoire, selecting an outfit in a shady of smoky blue velvet to wear, having firmly decided against any form of Whites, then moving to a chair near the fireplace in his room to wait.*
Juraviel: A tournament, of sorts, perhaps?
Shane: *finally picks a direction and heads down a hallway*
Robinton: *gives the same sort of strained smile to his friend* I know... I'd... best be on my way as well...
Naruto: Yeah! It's an exam.
Juraviel: *nods a bit* I see... what are you hoping to achieve by taking this exam?
Hawk: *nods and starts out the kitchen door, needing an odd mix of space and anchoring and almost laughing at the sensation*
Naruto: *giggles* You become a Chuunin instead of a Gennin. So you get better missions and stuff.
Shane: *has managed to go down the wrong hallway, backtracks, and heads down the proper one*
Robinton: *takes a deep breath as Hawk leaves the room, reaching up to pinch the bridge of his nose* {Forgive me, Rupert...}
Hawk: *on autopilot has started toward the bar, not really paying attention to his surroundings and bumps into someone entering the hall from the Main Hall*
Vanyel: *grows restless as he waits, and takes up his lute, tuning it and playing a tune he learned all those years ago, his fingers automatic on the strings, but keeping his hands busy soothes him*
Shane: *blinks* Rupert? *quietly as he reaches out to steady the other man*
Hawk: *hands go up reflexively to the arms steading him, and holds on tightly not quite up to speaking yet*
Shane: *confused but hugs Hawk to him tightly, ignoring how his own bruises protest, not caring about anything but soothing the man in his arms*
Hawk: *wraps his arms around Shane the tears finally coming free even as he locks his jaw to prevent the sobs from escaping, hiding his face against his lover's chest*
Robinton: {I need a sharding drink...} *gives up on that thought after a few minutes, hoping that Hawk has managed to make his way back upstairs and heads out as well, heading unerringly for the stairs*
Shane: *threads a hand into Hawk's hair, whispering what comforts he can into that dark mass, holding Hawk tightly to him*
Juraviel: Ah, so a new title.... I wish you luck, then, Uzumaki Naruto, and I pray you do not incur the same injuries a second time. *smiles*
Naruto: *grins* Thanks!
Hawk: *manages to whisper* Shane... I need a drink... please...
Shane: Sure...if you can lead me somewhere to fix you one...I still can't remember the layout of this damn place. *softly*
Robinton: *says nothing to either man as he passes them in the entryway, not even sparing a glance their way as he heads upstairs*
Shane: *blinks at the seeming dismissal* [Shit...what the hell's going on?]
Juraviel: You're quite welcome.
Robinton: {I'm sorry, Shane.. you'll understand soon enough...} *runs a hand through his hair as he makes his way back to Vanyel's room*
Hawk: *nods silently, keeping his face hidden away when the harper breezes by*
Naruto: *grins* You're nice. I like you! *glomps Juraviel again*
Vanyel: *senses his lover moving closer to the room, switching to a more soothing melody and letting just a hint of his Bardic magic bleed into the music*
Shane: *softly* Okay, Rupert....just tell me where to go. *arms tightening around the man*
Hawk: *softly* Back the other way... *starts to lead Shane to the correct room*
Shane: *lets himself be led, becoming more confused by the moment* Okay...
Juraviel: {Lady, but he'll break my bones eventually...} *smiles and returns the hug very lightly* I'm glad... I would be unsuited to this job if I were not amiable, hm?
Naruto: *giggles and bounces, seeming full of energy again and his bruises have almost completely faded*
Hawk: *lets them both into the Bar room and heads unerringly for the alcohol and selecting the strongest he can find*
Robinton: *reaches the room, his ears catching the soft music, and sighs softly as he enters, a little of his previous agitation fading*
Shane: *finds a place to sit, willing to wait if he has to to find out what's going on*
Vanyel: *looks up as Rob enters, pleased to see his effort at calming the Harper is helping a bit, but still very concerned*
Juraviel: *hops up to a low branch and sits down, looking at Naruto and smiling* You're quite resiliant, you know.
Hawk: *forgoes a glass and brings the bottle back to where Shane has settled on the couch that stretches *all* along one wall and sinks down next to him*
Naruto: *giggles* The fox takes care of healing me. *grins up at him* How come you went up there? *walks up the tree and stands sideways on the trunk beside the branch*
Shane: *arms immediately go around Hawk again, hugging him close*
Robinton: *offers as much of a smile as he can manage to Vanyel and moves to the window, glancing out at the grounds* Forgive me.. I took longer than I'd hoped... *softly*
Vanyel: *still playing softly* It's all right, ke'chara...I'm ready to listen when you're ready to talk about it.....
Hawk: *sobs softly at the reassuring gesture* I love you... you know I love you don't you?
Juraviel: Because I prefer the cover of the trees, my kind is more at ease in the cover of nature. *smiles* You are welcome to join me, it is no high jump.
Naruto: *giggles* I use the trees lots anyway. I'm used to them. *sits down next to Juraviel*
Robinton: *chuckles sadly* Ready will come when I've a bottle of wine in my hand, so it would do no good to wait for such a time. *fights back a pang of regret, and lets his attention focus on the soothing melody*
Shane: *whispers* Yes, I know that....and I love you, too.... *runs a comforting hand into Hawk's hair* ...what's this all about?
Vanyel: *lets a little more Bardic influence bleed into the song, wanting nothing more than to soothe the Harper* Then will you tell me what happened?
Hawk: *tilts his head into the touch taking a long drink from the bottle before replying* Things have changed and it just hurts right now...
Juraviel: Oh? And what do you use the trees for?
Naruto: *giggles* Hiding...training...
Shane: What's changed? What did you and Rob talk about? *softly, fingercoming Hawk's hair gently*
Hawk: *relaxes a little at the touch, but tears still trailing down his cheek* Rob's found someone else... he's happy, but it still hurts, Shane... I want him to be happy, but I can't help this... feeling.
Robinton: *inhales a deep breath as his mind slowly clears* I told him of my decision this morning...
Shane: *softly* Who is it? *reaching to wipe those tears away gently*
Hawk: *softly* Vanyel...
Vanyel: *quietly* So he knows of me, then. I'll guess from your agitation that it wasn't received well...
Shane: The Bouncer guy? *voice drops a little* I see....
Hawk: *nods and drinks from the bottle again, settling more firmly against Shane's side* He told me just now...
Shane: *whispered* Are you gonna be okay?
Robinton: *softly* That's putting it very lightly... and I hadn't expected it to... *clenches his hands into fists, craving a drink more than ever*
Vanyel: *abandons the lute, ending hte tune quietly before crossing the space between them and wrapping his arms firmly around his lover*
Hawk: *sobs* Don't leave me... Shane... I hurt so badly right now... like bits of my world are slowly being chipped away...
Juraviel: *chuckles softly* Much the way we do... though very different from your own methods, I'm sure.
Shane: *tightens his arms around Hawk* I swear to you, Rupert, I'm not going anywhere...
Naruto: *giggles* Maybe. So you fight?
Hawk: *hand holding the bottle trembles* Then why am I so afraid?
Robinton: *fights back tears once more as the music ceases, clenching his jaw, feeling most grateful for those arms around him*
Shane: *takes the bottle gently away from Hawk before he drops it, setting it aside and then holding that hand tightly* Because change can be a terrifying thing... *softly*
Juraviel: Oh, yes. I'm sure that may surprise you.
Vanyel: *whispers* Cry if you need to, ke'chara....I've cried on your shoulder often enough....
Naruto: *giggles* Wanna fight me then?
Hawk: *holds to Shane's hand almost desparately* I don't know how much more change I can survive...
Robinton: *gives a soft sound, something between a laugh and a sob* I'm much too old for tears...
Shane: You don't have to survive this one alone, Rupert....I'm here...I'm not going anywhere....
Vanyel: *threads a hand into Rob's hair* You're never too old for tears....
Juraviel: *looks over at him, eyebrow raised questioningly* You ask me this in my own element... such a thing is pure bravery, or foolishness.
Naruto: *giggles* Most would say foolishness on my part. Just for fun. I wanna see what you can do.
Hawk: *looks up at Shane a haunted look still in his eye* I need you, Shane... I love you... it seems like I've loved so many and the pain is right there haunting my footsteps...
Robinton: *says nothing to that, but his shoulders start to shake very softly, still trying desperately to hold back*
Shane: *brushes a light touch over Hawk's cheek, just below that eye* I love you, too, Rupert....I don't want to lose you....and I won't leave you....not willingly.
Juraviel: You may find yourself face-down in the sand, I tell you this now. N'touel'alfar do not often best us in combat...
Vanyel: *whispers* It's all right...you'll be no less a man to my eyes....
Naruto: *giggles* Naaaah, I won't.
Hawk: *reaches up to press Shane's hand to his cheek* Thank you... *softly, almost defeated*...so many demons to chase away... Hold me?
Shane: *smiles gently and pulls Hawk as close as he can, holding him tightly* Whatever you need.
Robinton: But to my own... *takes a shuddering breath, silently cursing the few tears that slide down his cheeks* I never wished to wound him so deeply...
Vanyel: I'm sorry, Teacher-mine....I never wished to come between you and your friends.... *whispered, tone pained as he wipes those tears away gently*
Juraviel: *laughs outright* We shall see... *hops off the branch* Come along, then, if you truly wish to challenge me...
Naruto: *grins and hops down onto the ground after him* Okay!
Hawk: *curls into his lover's arms and allows himself to sob freely* At least no one died this time... *choked laugh*
Robinton: *shakes his head, reaching up to catch that hand, bringing it to his lips* You are not to blame... they wish for nothing more than my happiness...
Shane: *softly* And no one plans on doing it anytime soon..... *resumes fingercombing Hawk's hair*
Vanyel: *smiles just a little at the gentle kiss* Come sit with me, ke'chara, and let me chase away your pain for a time..... *Softly*
Hawk: *the soothing touches slowly cause the Guard Captain to relax, resting against Shane's chest as the last of the tears work their way free*
Shane: *keeps up the comforting touch, ready and willing to let Hawk cry as long as he needs to, whispering assurances that he's not going anywhere, and that he loves Hawk*
Juraviel: *leads Naruto through the grounds to a large area that seems to shift as they grow closer, from a sandpit to an area similar to the one they'd just left*
Hawk: *sucking in a steadying breath, gently nuzzles Shane's chest* Thank you... I can't begin to thank you enough.
Naruto: Oooh...did you make it change?
Robinton: *closes his eyes against further tears and inhales a soft breath before nodding*
Juraviel: In a way, yes... I willed it to become the terrain you wished it to be. Environments are of little consequence to me. *smiles back at Naruto* Do you use weapons, or no?
Shane: You don't have to thank me, Rupert...I'll always be here....
Naruto: *giggles* Genjitsu..not bad. Uh, yeah, in general. Unless you don't want me to.
Hawk: I might not have to, but I need to.. I need to feel that this is all real... *lays a gentle kiss over Shane's heart* Especially now...
Vanyel: *smiles a little more* C'mon then.... *leads Rob back over to the chairs, seating the Harper in one before sitting in the other, taking up his lute, and playing again*
Juraviel: *chuckles softly as he heads out into the centre square, retrieving a delicate-looking staff from against one of the trees* Oh, no, I simply would not wish to put myself at an advantage...
Naruto: *giggles and stands before him in a crouch, seemingly ready* How do you wanna start?
Shane: *gasps very softly at the kiss* Anything you want....
Robinton: *smiles gently at his lover, though his melancholy is still quite apparent*
Hawk: *wry grin at that little sound, hugging his lover tightly* You're too kind.
Vanyel: *smiles gently back, and slowly lets his Bardic magic bleed into the music again, playing a piece he wrote himself, full of love and hope*
Shane: *grins a little* Nah, I'm an obnoxious bastard, just ask my previous Commanding Officer.
Hawk: *chuckles weakly* I think I'll pass, I know how many headaches Fisher and I used to give ours... you know it's bad when they beg you to bring them back alive just for a change of pace...
Shane: *chuckles softly and nuzzles Hawk's hair gently*
Hawk: *smiles and tilts his head to place a light kiss to the underside of Shane's jaw*
Shane: *gasps softly again* Hmm.....very nice.
Juraviel: *takes a few steps back, twirling the staff in a circle with uncanny dexterity and gives a bit of a grin* When you choose to advance.
Naruto: *stands still, waiting for the right moment*
Hawk: Well, that would be the point... *kisses gently again*
Robinton: *slowly lets himself relax as the magic in the melody soothes him, letting his sorrow fade*
Shane: *relaxes a little at the gentle kiss, pulling Hawk closer*
Vanyel: *as he sees Rob relax, switches over to My Lady's Eyes, a complex but lighthearted tune meant to cheer the Harper up, at least for a little while*
Hawk: *shifts slightly in Shane's arms to hold him tighter*
Shane: *softly* Feeling at least a little better?
Juraviel: Fight well... *whispered as he takes a few sidesteps, moving very slowly and deliberately, golden eyes fixed on Naruto*
Hawk: *nods and rests his forehead against Shane's neck* I am... It still hurts, but... time and your arms will help me...
Naruto: *moves opposite to him and suddenly launches an attack, a kunai in his hand*
Shane: Whatever you want, Rupert....I'll do whatever I can to help...
Robinton: *chuckles softly, relaxing visably in his chair, and looks over at the Herald* Still playing that old one, are you?
Hawk: *nods* I love you, Shane... that will be a good start... and I think... I want to go back upstairs and just hide for awhile if that's okay?
Vanyel: *smiles a little* Yes. It's my mother's favorite...
Shane: *Smiles reassuringly* That's perfectly fine with me. I love you, too.
Juraviel: *jumps to the left, avoiding the rushed attack completely, and swings his pole out, catching Naruto in the side*
Hawk: *brushes a hand over Shane's heart* Back upstairs with me then?
Shane: *near purrs at the touch* Yeah. *grabs the bottle* And we'll take this with us.
Naruto: *turns into a puff of smoke and another comes from behind, striking Juravial in the back at that instant along with two other clones emerging from the woods*
Hawk: *smiles a little* Yet another reason to love you... *lets his hand slide down to twine his fingers with Shane's*
Robinton: You'd told me years ago the first time you played it for me, as I recall... it is a lovely piece... drivel.. but lovely drivel.
Vanyel: Drivel indeed, but I've become rather fond of it....it lets me show off a bit.
Shane: *takes Hawk's hand tightly in his and leads them both back up to their room*
Hawk: *sighs reassured by the warm grip as he follows his friend back up to their room*
Juraviel: *laughs as he's stuck lightly, having shifted the moment he caught the movement in his peripheral. Leaps high, beating his wings furiously to take to the trees* Two can play at your games of illusion, friend....
Shane: *takes them back into the room, setting the bottle on the nightstand and crawling into the bed, pulling Hawk in after him and hugging his lover close*
Robinton: Always a good reason to keep a tune in one's repetoire. *smiles gently*
Naruto: *clone calls up at him* What illusion? *hops up on the trees and they try and reach Juraviel*
Vanyel: *smiles* What thought you of the other piece?
Hawk: *settles into Shane's arms, a sad look crossing his face for a moment before nuzzling the other man's neck*
Shane: *catching that look, tightens his arms around Hawk, head tilting back at the nuzzle*
*as soon as Naruto gets into the trees, they find themselves entwined in sticky, translucent filaments, almost akin to a spider's webbing*
Hawk: *slowly lets his lips graze over Shane's pulse* You won't let me go... you'll stay with me... *said more to himself than to his companion*
Naruto: *all three clones disappear in a puff of smoke*
Shane: *moans very softly* Yes....
Hawk: *smiles and lifts his head to kiss Shane properly* Thank you... from the depths of my heart, my love...
Robinton: I thought, that if you continued playing it, I would be convinced that no ill existed in this world. It was lovely, Vanyel, very soothing. You almost had no need to add magic to it.
Shane: Anything for you, Rupert....anything at all..... *returns the kiss warmly*
Vanyel: *softly* Do you suppose....'Lendel would have liked it?
Juraviel: *is still crouched, unseen in a tree across from the one he'd dissapeared into the first time, waiting in complete silence for his opponent to reappear*
Robinton: *smiles just a little* I'm sure he would have...
Naruto: *appears, looking around for Juraviel*
Vanyel: *nods* I wrote it for him....I thought perhaps it would help ease the pain of his loss.... *shakes his head and slowly lets the melody he's playing bleed back into the other song* ...Perhaps it will help us both...
Hawk: *melts against Shane, letting his body press against the warm chest with a soft purr*
Shane: *slides his tongue along Hawk's lips, gently asking entrance*
Hawk: *parts his lips with a sigh, holding tight to his lover*
Shane: *lets his own arms tighten around Hawk, slipping his tongue into that welcoming warmth, tasting the kiss thoroughly*
Juraviel: *grins, slipping unheard from the trees and leaping down, his staff held high, and swings it as he lands, striking Naruto at the base of his neck and shoulder*
Hawk: *a shuddering breath rattles in his chest as he eagerly wraps his own tongue around the invading muscle, encouraging it*
Naruto: *about fifty kunai and shuriken hurtle their way at Juraviel from all directions and Naruto is now a log, fallen on the ground*
Shane: *moans softly, running a hand into Hawk's hair and keeping him locked into that kiss*
Robinton: Or allow us both to mourn... *sighs softly and slowly gets to his feet, smiling a little at the renewed melody*
Vanyel: *bleeds just a little of his Bardic magic into the tune this time, enough to keep the Harper from sinking too far into his sadness* [Not yet....]
Hawk: *clings to Shane needing this closeness, this reassurance*
Shane: *lets a hand travel very slowly down Hawk's back, the touch at once worshipful and reassuring*
Hawk: *moans deeply, letting the sound be lost in Shane's mouth, arching at the touch*
Shane: *purrs back, repeating the touch again*
Juraviel: *elvish relexes and dexterity an asset in such a situation, brings the staff around quickly, knocking away enough of the projectiles and leaps to the trees again*
Hawk: *squirms a completely pleased sound escaping his lips*
Shane: *lets the kiss intensify as he rolls onto his back, pulling Hawk on top of him*
Robinton: *paces a bit across the room, unable to drift back into his mostly depressed state, and settles on deeply pensive instead*
Hawk: *gasps as he ends up stradling the other man, desparately matching the intensity of the kiss*
Vanyel: *continues playing softly, unsure how else to help his lover*
Shane: *moans at the gasp, letting his hands tease over Hawk's body*
Naruto: *grins where he's hiding and jumps from tree to tree, thinking*
Hawk: *vocalizations become a mixture of moans and whimpers as the knowing fingers hit all the most sensitive places*
Juraviel: *sensitive elven ears catch very soft sounds of movement, and magical sensors he set in the trees alert him to a presence not too far from him. Reaches into a bag at his waist, retrieving three small precious stones*
Robinton: *reaches out as he moves by Vanyel, gently passing a hand over the silver-streaked hair, but remains silent*
Vanyel: *looks up at the touch, offering a small, helpless smile*
Naruto: *places his hands together to perform another seal but falters and falls down out of the tree, fainting*
Robinton: *smiles sadly and shakes his head* It's alright, Van, this will pass...
Shane: *slides his hands along Hawk's skin, reaching the man's waist and letting the touch wander over the clothed lower half*
Vanyel: I still wish there was something more I could do to help you, ke'chara....
Hawk: *whimpers outright* S...Shane...
**The terrain of the arena fades back to the soft sand of its previous state as Naruto hits the ground**
Shane: *softly* I don't wanna push you....I don't want to feel like I'm taking advantage of you....
Juraviel: *hurries to Naruto's side after gracefully landing, tossing his staff to the side, cursing in elvish*
Naruto: *sits up after a moment's unconsciousness*
Hawk: *sits up a little, brushing a hand over Shane's cheek* You won't be taking advantage of me... If we're going to give *us* a chance... do this for me... make love to me.... not just as a friend...but as my everything.
Shane: *Smiles gently* Anything you want....love you... *murmured as he touches the hand on his cheek before bringing Hawk down for another kiss, starting to undress his lover*
Robinton: This is not something I can be helped with, dear one... as he grows to accept this, my sorrow, too, will fade.
Vanyel: *nods quietly, becoming somewhat pensive himself*
Juraviel: *gently urges him back down* Lay still a moment.
Hawk: *relaxes into the kiss, needing Shane to take the lead again tonight, needing to feel himself still loved this completely*
Naruto: *laughs a bit* Sorry about that...should uh, keep track of my chakra more. *lies down as Juraviel tells him to*
Shane: *accompanies the undressing with worshipful, light touches* Mind digging into the nightstand for me? *whispers*
Hawk: *whimpers and nods his head, getting out the requested item and laying nearby Shane's hand as Hawk goes back to licking the patch of skin he'd marked the night before*
Robinton: I... will return shortly, Vanyel, I need a time to think. *gives the Herald another affectionate caress as he starts for the door again*
Shane: *gasps sharply, having almost forgotten the mark until it's given attention* Nice...now, just help me get these jeans off and we'll be golden...
Vanyel: *ceases his playing* Are you certain you don't want company? *softly*
Hawk: *mewls softly as he starts to get the denim out of the way, licking and nipping the other man's stomach as he shoves the pants aside*
Juraviel: Mmm, you should... although it was a mistake to allow you to challenge me when I had full knowledge you were depleted. *kneels beside Naruto*
Naruto: *laughs* It's alright, I do this often enough.
Shane: *Groans at the attention, purring as the restrictive denim is removed* Thank you...
Robinton: Are you certain you truly wish to follow?
Juraviel: Foolish, and careless. Had I been a foe intent on your death, you would have just handed me victory.
Vanyel: *softly* I would rather you not suffer alone, ke'chara....
Hawk: *slides back up to nuzzle the bruised patch of skin* Welcome... *laps his tongue over the spot*
Shane: *purrs and tilts his head to encourage more of the attention as he slicks his fingers and gets to the task of prepping his lover*
Naruto: *shakes his head* No...if you were a foe...I would have had...back up. But it didn't kick in...that was so weird...
Robinton: *sighs* And I would rather you feel no responsability for any of this...
Vanyel: I do, however... *sets his instrument aside and rises, walking over to Rob and taking one of the Harper's hands tentatively*
Juraviel: What would you normally have had prepared?
Hawk: *gives voice to a series of soft mewls as he writhes at the loving torment, teeth grazing the mark as he pants*
Naruto: Well the kyuubi has chakra far more powerful than anything I have and he takes over...if I'm in danger.
Shane: *groans loudly at the attention to the abused skin, trying to prep Hawk as quickly as he can without hurting the man*
Hawk: *seals his lips back to the patch adding to the harsh mark, begging sounds reaching Shane's ears*
Shane: *cries out, holding Hawk tightly to him as he rolls them over in the bed, putting himself over Hawk as he parts the man's thighs and settles into place* Ready? *Whispered breathlessly*
Robinton: *manages a smile as Van takes his hand, squeezing it gratefully* You know I'm going to be anything but pleasant company, I say this to you now...
Vanyel: It matters little to me, so long as you're not alone.
Juraviel: *idly* Curious that it did not come to your aid just then...
Hawk: *a trusting look lights up his face* Please... I need to feel this... make love to me, Shane....
Naruto: Yeah...really curious...
Shane: *smiles warmly as he starts to press in, groaning as he sinks into that inviting heat*
Hawk: *tosses his head back with a soft moan, arching slightly as he feels himself filled*
Shane: *leans down to press his lips to that exposed throat, purring as he sinks in to the hilt* God...Rupert....
Robinton: *nods once and starts out of the room once more, still gripping Vanyel's hand tightly*
Vanyel: *returns that grip just as tightly, trying to be reassuring*
Juraviel: *spoken kindly* Shall I aid you back to your room? I insist on it, whether or not you agree.
Naruto: *laughs* Alright then.
Hawk: *mewls, eye closing at the sweet sensations in his blood* Yes... your Rupert...
Shane: Mmm....mine.... *gives a shallow thrust to emphasize the word*
Robinton: *leads the way back down to the main floor, heading in the direction of the bar, tired of denying his urge for strong alcohol*
Vanyel: *picks up on the emotions, not the thoughts, and gives Rob's hand a little squeeze*
Hawk: *gives a soft cry, hissing* Yes...
Shane: *purrs softly, starting a slow, steady rhythm, watching carefully for signs he's hurting the other man* Love you...
Robinton: I do not regret this, despite how it may seem... *said softly as he feels that hand tighten again*
Vanyel: That's reassuring... *softly*
Juraviel: *smiles a bit and slowly helps Naruto to sit up, and they gets him to his feet, letting the young man lean against him* How do you feel?
Naruto: Just tired...I didn't hurt you too much, did I?
Robinton: *stops as soon as they've entered the bar, turning to Van and taking both of the Herald's hands in his own, bringing them to his lips* Forgive me if I made you think otherwise.
Juraviel: *laughs softly* A few scratches, they will heal. That was quite the trick, I was impressed. *as he slowly starts walking Naruto back towards the Inne*
Hawk: *purrs and rocks back matching Shane's thrusts* I love you...love you, too...
Naruto: *grins* You've never had to fight against my teacher.
Vanyel: I know they've been an important part of your life much longer than I... *softly*
Shane: *moans, quickening the pace slightly, leaning down to press heated kisses along Hawk's jaw and shoulder*
Juraviel: *chuckles* Nor you against my own... although I daresay that would be one fight I would surely not want to miss.
Naruto: *blushes* Really?
Hawk: *moans himself, legs shifting to wrap around Shane's waist and arching his back to let his lover's thrusts slide deeper* ...please... *mewled*
Shane: Anything... *groaned as he picks up the pace further, trying to angle his hips at that elusive spot within his lover that will increase his pleasure*
Robinton: And does not the fact that I chose *you* give you as much reassurance as you would need? *slowly lets Van's hands go, moving to the bar, intent on the whiskey*
Vanyel: *softly* Would you truly fault me for being so insecure? *as his hands drop back to his sides*
Juraviel: *smiles* Of course. You have techniques I have never before seen. I should like to see more of them.
Hawk: *cries out in absolute ecstasy as the thrusts start to glance across the sought after spot* Yess... Oh, God!
Naruto: *giggles* Sure! When I'm better, kay?
Shane: *purrs* There it is.... *keeps his hips angled carefully, increasing the force of each thrust, wanting to bring his lover as much pleasure as he can*
Robinton: *pours himself a full glass of the amber liquid and walks back to where he'd left Van with it in hand* No... and I know it must seem to you. I apologize for it.
Vanyel: You've nothing to apologize for.... *softly, smiling a bit*
Hawk: *head thrashes on the pillow a litany of begging and love being colored by some rather risque language picked up from Haven streets*
Shane: *Responds with whispered blasphemies of his own, increasing the pace as much as he's able, a fine sheen of sweat making his skin glisten as he lets a hand slide between them to wrap around Hawk's need, stroking it in time with his thrusts*
Robinton: *sighs softly and returns the smile* Sit with me? I think I've a mind to remain here for a time...
Juraviel: Of course, I would not ask it of you *now*, foolish boy. *chuckles*
Vanyel: As you wish. *nods*
Robinton: *reaches out and takes Vanyel's hand, moving to the oversized couch and settling onto it*
Vanyel: *follows as he's led, settling into the couch as well*
Robinton: *drapes his arm around Van's shoulders, pulling him close with a soft sigh*
Vanyel: *permits himself a small comfort as he curls up against Rob's side, laying his head on the Harper's shoulder*
Robinton: *sighs again as he brings his glass to his lips, taking a long drink* This is not what I had envisioned for this day... *lowers the glass, resting his head against Vanyel's*
Vanyel: This was not what I envisioned, either..... *softly*
Robinton: Tell me what your vision of today was, sweetling... *gently glides his fingers up and down Van's arm*
Vanyel: *gives a soft, contented sigh at the touch* I was surprised to see you gone when I woke...I had hoped to wake beside you.....
Robinton: I had not planned on you ever knowing me gone... you were sleeping so soundly I hadn't thought you'd miss me for a few minutes.... nor had I thought I would see Rupert downstairs. *lifts his glass one more time, draining most of the rest of it before setting it down*
Vanyel: *nods a bit* I'm surprised I didn't wake when you left....I usually sleep very lightly.
Robinton: I almost wish you had... I would have changed my mind about leaving....
Vanyel: *softly* I'm sorry, ke'chara...
Robinton: Why are you sorry? What have you done here to be sorry for? *shifts a little, reaching up with his other hand to caress Van's cheek*
Vanyel: For not being awake, perhaps..... *softly, expression carefully guarded*
Robinton: Why do you apologize for anything, particularily something such as that... it hadto happen, it may as well have been at that moment. *brushes some of the streaked hair to the side, tucking it behind Van's ear*
Vanyel: *closes his eyes at the touch* I do not like to see you so upset.
Robinton: Had he handled it better, perhaps I would have been less so...
Vanyel: [And had I not found you so soon...perhaps there would have been no need of this at all....] *voices none of his thoughts, though* Perhaps...
Robinton: *continues, voice softening* He believes I am leaving him... though I tell him otherwise, he will never believe it...
Vanyel: *very softly* Do you doubt your own words, ke'chara?
Robinton: *just as softly* I may... though not all of them...
Vanyel: *voice still soft* To a man such as your friend...I believe actions may speak louder than words....
Robinton: *gives a slight nod* With Rupert, yes... though what actions can I offer him that he will accept, I no longer know....
Vanyel: *softly* Simple comforts. Those that friends share. Embraces, should he not be too uncomfortable, and your presense....It will be a somewhat slow rebuilding, I think...but not unmanagable, so long as your other friend is willing to help.
Robinton: *nods at Vanyel's words, and is silent a few moments before voicing thoughts aloud unconciously* I.. shall have to speak with Shane... shards, why can't things ever be easy...
Vanyel: *quietly* Nothing worthwhile ever is.
Robinton: Words of wisdom I do well to remember. *goes back to gently moving his fingers down Van's arm, his expression growing pensive once more*
Vanyel: *falls silent after that, his own thoughtfulness obscured only by the gentle touch*
Robinton: *sighs softly, looking down as he starts tracing the fingers of Van's hand with his own* I say this again, as I am not sure you believe me... but I do not regret any of this. He asked me if you made me happy. It was one of the things I was sure of with all my heart.
Vanyel: *in a choked whisper* I...I don't want to lose you....I don't think I could stand it if I did.....
Robinton: *can feel his heart clench at that sentiment coming from another person he loves in the same day* Vanyel... look at me... *lifts his hand to tilt the man's face up slightly*
Vanyel: *looks up, the gray eyes at once terrified and pained*
Robinton: I tell you this now, that you are in no danger of losing me. I have made my choice, Vanyel, and I am *not* changing my mind. I love you, all that you are, and I will never allow that to slip from my grasp... *leans in, brushing his lips across Van's forehead*
Vanyel: *closes his eyes, feeling tears rushing to them, and finally finds himself clinging to Rob, sobbing softly, reduced in that moment to the unsure sixteen year old he was all those years ago*
Robinton: *wraps his arms around his lover, holding him close and whispers gentle words of love, reassurance and apology against the silver-streaked raven hair*
Vanyel: *cries himself into a shaky, tired state, then just clings to Rob weakly* /Dear gods....how is it you do this to me, ke'chara....?/
Robinton: *gently wipes the remaining streaks from Van's face, whispering gently* What do I do to you, sweetling, tell me.
Vanyel: /You manage to turn a twenty-eight year old man into a sobbing teenager again...how is it you do that?/ *smiles faintly at the gentle touch*
Robinton: *chuckles very softly, still brushing light touches over Van's cheeks and jaw* A better question is why do you let me...
Vanyel: *relaxes considerably at those gentle touches* When I find out....I'll be sure to tell you....
Robinton: I don't mind it terribly, you know... I loved that sobbing teenager as much as I love the man he's become... *touches his lips to the corner of Van's mouth*
Vanyel: *smiles a little bit* You know...I loved you back then....I was so scared the first time we met....
Robinton: *smiles gently, the expression touching his eyes and dispelling some of the melancholy* When you caught me agonizing with that piece... I remember it. Why were you so scared? *starts threading his fingers through Van's hair*
Vanyel: *damn near lets out a purr at that, relaxing more comfortably against Rob* Consider, if you will, the first person I met there......
Robinton: *continues the affectionate act, relaxing considerably himself* Hmph... very true, I recall *that* one....
Vanyel: Given my first impression...I wasn't sure what to expect...but I couldn't help it....it was the music that caught me....
Robinton: And the music itself didn't give you an indication that I and he were as different as night and day? *chuckles softly* If I'd any mind for it at the moment, I'd be offended.
Vanyel: *Blushes* I was terrified by most things at that point....It was so soon after.... *falls silent*
Robinton: *nuzzles his lover's hair gently* Shhh... it's fine... terrified or no, I'll still thank whatever made you decide you were brave enough to venture inside that room...
Vanyel: *smiles a bit, grateful to let that train of thought drop* I was still worried you'd become upset for my disturbing you....
Robinton: Never... but how were you to know that, of course. Instead, that young, untrained mind helped me. You know, I'd thought of completely disregarding that piece until you came along?
Vanyel: *blinks* You...did?
Robinton: *nods* I'd been agonizing over the same few bars for near to three weeks. I was never pleased with the transition... and now, it sits completed on my desk... I've but to add lyrics.
Vanyel: *smiles a bit* I am sure you'll come up with something wonderful.... *voice drops to a whisper* You gave me back something so precious that night...
Robinton: *whispers back* What's that, my love?
Vanyel: My music....
Robinton: Truly? Then I shall forever be glad I was able to do such a thing for you... I had wished with all my heart for a way to lessen your heartache.. you were so young, to have been given such pain...
Vanyel: *softly* L-losing him ripped out half my soul....but because of you, I never lost my music...It...gives me a way to remember....You gave me the same gift....both of you....
Robinton: *lays his fingers against Van's lips* Perhaps... one day, I can give you half of the joy he gave you as well.. though I know I can never take his place in your heart.
Vanyel: *nods a little, giving a tiny, grateful smile, knowing Rob understands and relieved at that* /It's been twelve years...and it only gets harder without him....Here, I can forget for a time.....but back home..../
Robinton: {Shhh...I wish I could tell you that home will become easier in time... I know how deep grief can run... but allow yourself this place to set aside the pain you carry on your shoulders...} *whispers* We are here for a reason, after all....
Vanyel: *softly* I've a duty here as well, ke'chara....
Robinton: You have a duty to yourself as well as the people here, I do hope you keep that in mind. *presses a gentle kiss to Van's forehead*
Vanyel: *closes his eyes again at that kiss* My duty to myself became secondary the moment I became a Herald.....
Robinton: And then it was misplaced again when you became a Bouncer... am I correct? When are you ever simplyVanyel, sweetling?
Vanyel: *smiles a bit* That self-centered peacock was lost sometime around Sovvan-night twelve years ago.... *softly*
Robinton: I am never going to win, am I, love? *just as softly, slowly threading his fingers through Van's hair once more*
Vanyel: I wasn't aware this was a battle.... *settles against Rob again, leaving his eyes closed*
Robinton: *chuckles softly* It isn't, really... *separates a bit of silver from the rest of Van's hair and curls it around one of his fingers*
Vanyel: I imagine I'm being frustrating, aren't I? *smiles faintly as he feels his hair being toyed with*
Robinton: Only a little... though I imagine I'll frustrate you more than enough to make up for it one day... *smiles as well, taking that bit of hair and whispering it over his lover's cheek*
Vanyel: *sighs softly at the touch* Perhaps....
Robinton: *chuckles softly once more and glances down at the Herald, a fond smile on his lips*
Vanyel: What's so funny? *softly*
Robinton: Nothing, really... just wondering now how you've managed to turn my mood around completely, that's all.
Vanyel: *smiles a little* Pure luck...perhaps a bit of divine help....
Robinton: Divine help, hm? I would have rather thought it to have something to do with the sweetness of your voice and your arms around me, but if you wish to credit deity, who am I to argue.
Vanyel: *chuckles very softly, opening his eyes for the first time* It matters not....you are cheered...that's what's important to me....
Robinton: And what of you? Have your fears been dispelled? *smiles down at the Herald as those pale eyes open*
Vanyel: *smiles a bit back* Yes....I am sorry I acted so foolishly....
Robinton: *shakes his head* You have apologized needlessly more times this day than anyone ever should. It was not foolish, love, I understand how it must have seemed.
Vanyel: Even so....
Robinton: *tsks softly* Even so, I'll not accept another apology from you today. Even if you do something you *can* be faulted for. *reaches up, cupping Van's face with his palm and leans in to kiss him gently*
Vanyel: *sighs softly into that kiss, relaxing a little further as his arms wind around his lover*
Robinton: {What do you say we take our leave of this room for the time being? It has served it's purpose...} *purrs quietly, his previous melancholy now replaced with a feeling of calm contentment*
Vanyel: /Whatever you wish, ke'chara.../
Robinton: {At this moment, all I wish is to salvage what's left of this day and perhaps steer it back on the path I'd hoped it would follow.} *as he gently breaks the kiss*
Vanyel: Then I shall endeavor to steer the day down that wanted path....
Robinton: Then let us return to your chamber, my love, as none of my wishes for today involved us leaving it.... *nuzzles Van's ear gently*
Vanyel: *purrs softly* Very well....