[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/jUAWIjk.png[/img][hr]𝓝𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓶𝓫𝓮𝓻 𝟕𝓽𝓱, 𝟏𝟑𝟐𝟕   / /   𝓐𝓾𝓼𝓯𝓮𝓵𝓭   / /   𝓒𝓪𝓻𝓻𝓲𝓭𝓪𝓷'𝓼 𝓔𝓼𝓽𝓪𝓽𝓮   / /  𝓜𝓸𝓻𝓷𝓲𝓷𝓰[hr][/center]
Gabriel never thought his life would take such an unexpected turn.
 
He would have been fine with routine. He liked it. Had worked and built his own comfortable life around it. Arden was included then, and he was still with him now. But magic was a different beast altogether; Gabe did not know how to tackle it. It felt like a fairy tale. Something his father would read to him in the distant past. Except now, it seemed he and Arden were in one.
 
He felt like laughing at the ridiculousness of it all, had it not been so real. The ‘magic’ was right there, just lurking beneath his fingertips. At a moment’s notice, Gabe knew he could draw it out as easily as breathing, only that he chose not to. Because it was absolutely ridiculous. Why would someone such as him be chosen? Arden would have come as no surprise; he was like magic in a way, bright and beautiful and simply…divine. But now, they were in this together, and there was no backing out. Gabe would just have to make sure they would both make it out alive.
 
If they could make it out, that was. For all he knew, his way of life was over. There was no going back.
 
That prospect scared Gabe more than it should, so he tried to shake that line of thoughts, standing up abruptly and stalking over to the nearby desk, where a pitcher of water was. Forgoing the cup, the hunter chugged straight from the pitcher, thankful for sweet drink the servants were so readily provided. At least Arden would be comfortable here, or he hoped. He knew his friend had always pushed himself too hard back at the cottage, and the life of a hunter hadn’t always treated the former noble too well. At least this would be something Arden deserved? Would he prefer this to the cabin in woods?
 
Did he prefer this, in the first place?
 
His gaze drifted to the sleeping body on the bed. Maybe he would ask later.
 
Thankfully, the help knocked right at that moment, relieving Gabe from his rumination. Apparently, they were expected at dinner to present themselves before the lord of this mansion and get introduced to other bonded pairs. Gabe only nodded stiffly at the older servant, before quickly shutting the door and cutting him off. Afterward, he went over to where Arden was napping on the bed, nudging gently at his friend’s shoulder.  
 
Arden stirred, but didn’t wake, sleep having settled quite soundly by then. He dreamed of a rustic forest cottage where the light crackling of firewood remained a steady background accompaniment to the scents of cooking meats and boiled herbs. But most of all he dreamed of the friend he had known almost all his life, whittling new arrow shafts by firelight while the flickering flame cast tantalizing shadows over taut shoulders and the graceful lines of defined muscles. In warmer weather, Gabe rarely wore his tunic indoors. 
 
A gentle touch against his shoulder from an unknown source and the dream moved to a bed, like he had always been there, Gabe’s arms around him because the cottage had room enough for a single bed and Gabe had refused to let him sleep on the floor. That made him happy. Every little thing.
 
A small smile from Gabe was all he ever needed in a day. And maybe he could hope the smiles meant something more. 
 
Arden only smiled as Gabe nudged him, his dream taking the gentle touch in stride and weaving it in seamlessly.

Gabe’s touches grew persistent when it was clear that his friend wouldn’t get out of bed on his own anytime soon.

“[color skyblue]Dinner’s ready.[/color]” -He pinched Arden’s cheek lightly, only to get a quiet hum in response, Arden’s cozy dream permeating the hunter’s mood as well. That was a new thing he also had to get used to, this strange new bond they shared. At times, he would feel Arden’s emotions leaking through should he focus enough. And if he wanted, he and Arden could communicate via pure thoughts alone. This magic was strange and scary for Gabe, who had known only bows and traps and knives all his life. But if he were to be bound with anyone at all, that person might as well be Arden. 

He was comfortable with Arden’s presence, and he knew his friend felt the same. 

But their dinner waited. And he dared not to invoke the wrath of those lords and ladies. 

Slipping one hand under Arden’s arm, he lifted his friend up from the comforting warmth of the bed. At that, Arden blinked awake sheepishly, turning his face towards Gabe’s chest and snuggling tight in an attempt to chase dreams. The hunter sighed, letting his friend indulge for a few moments before beginning to rock the smaller body gently. 

[color 9dca9c]“Gabe…”[/color] a voice finally answered, still heavy with sleep. It was neither a call nor an announcement, the tone faded like Arden was simply saying the name because he wanted to. A moment of feeling later and that thought was confirmed.

“[color skyblue]They say food’s ready.[/color]”

[color 9dca9c]“…Mm…”[/color] The faint response as Arden started drifting off once more.

“[color skyblue]Arden.[/color]” -Gabe sighed, slowly pulling his friend to the edge of the bed. The ritual then the trip had been exhausting, but he didn’t want anyone causing trouble for Arden if he slept through dinner. Luckily the dozing knight blinked awake again and clutched at Gabe’s shoulders, sitting up slowly and leaning heavily on his friend’s torso. 

[color 9dca9c]“…I wanted to keep dreaming about you,”[/color] the sleepy voice murmured. [color 9dca9c]”It was a nice dream.”[/color]

“[color skyblue]It was.[/color]” -Gabe agreed, having already felt Arden’s contentment through their bond -”[color skyblue]Aren’t you hungry?[/color]”

[color 9dca9c]”What are you making today?”[/color] Arden still leaned against Gabe with his eyes closed, sitting almost on the hunter’s lap as he waited for sleep to slide away.

“[color skyblue]I didn’t.[/color]”

[color 9dca9c]“Hmm?”[/color]

“[color skyblue]I didn’t cook. But there is dinner.[/color]”

It dawned then on Arden as the recent memories resurfaced that they weren’t home and they wouldn’t be for a long time. A pang of sadness shot through their bond before Arden sat up straight, rubbing sleep from his eyes with one hand while the other held on to Gabe’s. He felt a responding twang of fear as well, though he didn’t understand what for. Still he rubbed a thumb over Gabe’s knuckles.

[color 9dca9c]”It’s okay. Let me straighten my clothes and we can have dinner. You must be hungry.”[/color]

“[color skyblue]What about…clothes?[/color]” -Gabe looked up, barely a twitch in his stony expression, but Arden could feel fear and anxiety emanating from the other side of the bond. His concerns were justified, as they were still wearing their usual hunting garbs, and Arden had told him times and times again about the strict dress code in his dinner parties. 

[color 9dca9c]“This is all we have. If they don’t understand that, it’s a shame.”[/color] Arden reached up to stroke Gabe’s hair instinctively, the jolts of fear on the other end triggering an innate desire to help Gabe calm down. [color 9dca9c]“Don’t worry. No matter what, I’ll be right here.”[/color]

“[color skyblue]Alright.[/color]” -Gabe nodded -”[color skyblue]There are new clothes in the wardrobe. If you want. For…appearance?[/color]” -It was one of those words that Gabe didn’t completely understand, but Arden had mentioned enough times in his stories. Wasn’t that important to noblemen? 

[color 9dca9c]“Would you like to wear them?”[/color] A glimmer of humor from the blonde.

“[color skyblue]I don’t know.[/color]”- Gabe tilted his head -”[color skyblue]What about you?[/color]”

[color 9dca9c]“You’re so worried,”[/color] Arden replied, a small smile forming on his face. [color 9dca9c]“Here, I’ll help you get dressed then.”[/color]

Gabe only nodded, fear now was replaced with anticipation and uncertainty. Arden had seen him naked before, certainly, and had dressed him as well, but that was in the safety of their small forest cottage and never with the worry of being judged. Sensing the concern, Arden ran a hand through Gabe’s hair again, combing down the stray strands and messy locks before undoing the laces of Gabe’s tunic and letting the hunter remove the top. First was the soft underclothing—fine white silk that went under an embroidered vest, the ruffled cuffs and neckline pulled over the outer shirt. Gold-buttoned trousers came next in black cotton, the ends tucked into knee-high boots inlaid with silver filigree, finished with extraneous, but attractive metallic spats. For the finishing touch, Arden wet his hands with a light spray of scented oil from their own bags, sculpting back the hunter’s unruly mane until it was a trim, low-hanging ponytail, the ends curled with a swift wrap around the fingers and release.

Stepping back, Arden took in the sight of Gabe’s archer physique in the ornamentation of the wealthy, sucking in a quick breath at the resulting rugged nobleman that stood in front of him.

After a moment though, he laughed.

[color 9dca9c]“I think I like you better as just Gabe, really. But right now? You look like a king’s ransom.”[/color]

“[color skyblue]What’s a king’s ransom?[/color]” -Gabe fiddled with the ruffled cuff on his left hand, wondering about their function. They felt entirely redundant to him, but then again, a lot of things noblemen did were.

[color 9dca9c]“Something they would trade a king for,”[/color] Arden replied, stepping closer and running his hands over the curve of Gabe’s shoulder. 

“[color skyblue]Only you would do that.[/color]” -The hunter let him, comfortable with Arden’s touches -”[color skyblue]You’re not a very good merchant, then.[/color]”

[color 9dca9c]”Well, my family disowned me for a reason. I’m sure that’s part of it,”[/color] he replied, turning to look for his own clothes. Deciding he liked the idea of being thematically bonded as well, he donned a similar outfit, choosing faded green and earth tones to Gabe’s muted blue hues and dark grays.

“[color skyblue]They didn’t know what they lost.[/color]” 

[color 9dca9c]“…You’re a silly sweet thing.”[/color] A bit of teasing on the tongue and Arden bowed, motioning for the door with a flourish. [color 9dca9c]“Shall we dine, my king?”[/color]

That remark managed to draw out a small smile from the stoic Gabe.
 
“[color skyblue]I’m no king.[/color]” -The hunter retorted, but he played along regardless, walking out with Arden at his side. However, the closer they got to the dining hall, the more nervous Gabe got. Almost instinctive, he inched closer to his friend, grabbing onto his arm as they walked. 

[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/SnXCwhy.png[/img][/center]
His stomach was in knots by the time they found their seats, and Gabe just couldn’t stop watching the servants flitting back and forth through the doorway as if he wish he could just leave like them.
 
At least, there was food in front of them. More food that what he knew what to do with, actually. Were they to eat everything? Gabe picked up a fork and stabbed at a piece of sausage before bringing it to his mouth, eating intently. Maybe if he were eating, they would let him skip the introduction. Noticing his companion’s discomfort, Arden rubbed Gabe’s unoccupied hand in slow, soothing motions, remaining by his partner's side for the moment.

He leaned in with a whisper of [color 9dca9c]“Even eating like that you look splendid,”[/color] the quiet compliment and half-joke sincere.

The only respond to the compliment was a flat look from Gabe, but through their bond, Arden could tell the hunter had calmed down quite a bit, turning back to his meal with fervor. The trip here had been tiring, and with so much food laid out in front of him, Gabe was determined to let none go to waste as Regis introduced Rose-Marie. The name didn't ring a bell for Arden, but, then again, he had been far from the social circles of nobility for a long time.

Deciding to take care of pleasantries sooner than later, Arden walked to his seat across from Gabe, turning to the gathered guests with a bow and his finest manners on display. [color 9dca9c]“Good evening, my lords and ladies. I speak for both my partner and myself when I say we’re honored to be among those gathered here. This,”[/color] he gestured lightly towards Gabe, [color 9dca9c]“is Gabriel of Marvik, a humble hunter. I am his knight, Arden…of Marvik.”[/color] The pause was a millisecond, but noticeable in the otherwise smooth delivery. [color 9dca9c]“Our bond is ideal for reconnaissance and precision strikes at enemy forces, though we do boast raw strength should wanton destruction be required. I turn into Gabriel’s loyal beast—any creature within my mind’s grasp—-while he concentrates or dilutes the strength of my forms, among other things. We hope to be of service to Grenheim and its radiant future.”[/color]

Another bow followed and Arden seated himself, selecting choice cuts of meat to place on Gabe’s plate. [color 9dca9c]“Did you want anything else?”[/color] he asked quietly, doting regardless of the setting.

Gabe only shook his head, mouth still occupied with an ungodly amount of meat and potato. The hunter quickly turned back to his plate then, hard at work to demolish the pile of meat Arden had put in front of him.

[i][color skyblue]You should eat too.[/color][/i] A flash of concern flashed through their bond though [i][color skyblue]Do we have to eat everything?[/color][/i] Arden’s laugh cleared out the worry. [i][color 9dca9c]Of course not. Eat what you like.[/color][/i]

With the assurance, Gabe was relaxed once more, and he hunched over the plate of food, wolfing down his portion with little regard for others at the table.