Completed They say the apple doesn't fall so far...

[Novus]

Novus had risen to his elbows when Ninus had sat up, and as his lover fell back to the bed with a dismayed groan, the half-widow grinned, turning to place his hand on that thin chest. “What a way to greet your dad, hey?” He followed this with a swift kiss to that furrowed brow – or at least tried to, though the hands that had flown there in a gesture of chagrin somewhat got in the way. Gently agitating the hand that lay on his chest, he added, “Come, he raised you. I’m sure he’s seen it all before.” He chuckled. “And now I have as well, and what a beautiful sight to behold.” His hand moved upwards to mildly move Ninus’ fingers enough so that he could then place a kiss to those now familiar tasting lips. Though Novus would have liked nothing better than to linger there, and begin anew the caresses that had precipitated this last hour’s events, he refrained and kept it light and quick. “Come, let’s get dressed,” he said, looking about for his oh so hastily and carelessly discarded garments. Had it really been an hour? He hardly could fathom it. The short time of privacy had seemed to fly on the wings of the swiftest bird, as their limbs had tangled and their bodies moved in such intoxicating unity. From the moment that Ninus had whispered that he too was unable to wait any longer, they’d seized upon each other in an unspoken bonding that mirrored the words they’d given to Freidys, ruse or no, The earnestness Ninus had spoken of in that intense, hushed murmur was felt tenfold by Novus, who had to forcibly apply internal brakes to keep from doing the slender poisoner an injury, virgin as he was. With fangs slipping down, unbidden, the spider had made himself go slowly, or, as slowly as he could, given that Ninus was every bit his willing accomplice in a desire to get on with things. Once their clothes had been shed and they had claimed Churchkey and Freidys’ bed as their own temporary sanctuary, with Ninus first over, then under, then wrapped about him like a constricting serpent, then beside him, Novus had gloried in the sensation of skin against skin, and the sweet, intoxicating taste of his bedmate. With what a passion did he accept the role of tutor, and with an equal lust to know, Ninus became his eager pupil? There was little of seduction in their dance, but much of a raw, earthy zest pulsing through each and every movement and moment. Easily finding a rhythm that found them gasping for air in the close confines of the tent, a slick of shared perspiration coating back and front and entwined legs, they shared a connection that mere words could never hope to replicate. Had there been more time, though sated for the moment, Novus would have enthusiastically encouraged more. But he was content, even despite the somewhat comical interruption. He could have lain there forever with Ninus’ cheek pressed to his chest, his arms about a frame equally as thin as his own, if not more so, hands stroking soft skin idly, feeling its warmth with such an uplifted heart beating between his ribs. Yet all good things must come to an end – in this case, hopefully, temporarily. But come it did, in the form of a hoary head poking into the tent, a very surprised look suffusing those rather grimy features. Novus found it funny. He wasn’t overly shy, and he was fairly sure the fur that Ninus had thrown over them at the last moment had covered up most of the more interesting bits. In any case, what was done was done and as he reached for his shorts, which lay nearby on the floor, he said, “Who knows? Maybe one day we shall greet mine in the same way? We should make it a family tradition.” He laughed as he hurriedly began to pull on his clothes.

[Ninus Aurellius]

The Prince of Rats Ninus didn't want to get up either. He would have happily let Novus teach him more, to lay under him once again and make those mewling cries of want. To his own surprise he'd been loud in voicing his desires, not afraid to cry out in lust when Novus moved a way he loved. Sex had been an entirely new thing to him, and now he wanted to lay in its grasp the entire day, learning more, experiencing more, doing it again and again until he felt too sore to move. But he knew that wasn't going to happen, not at the moment. He got up and dressed himself, pulling his shirt over his head and yanking on his trousers. "Poor spider, innocent creature, thou doth jest in happy ignorance. Take wind in thy lungs and take heart." he said, for as soon as he pulled the tent flap aside a cacophany of cheers and catcalls awaited him. He pursed his lips, but as an old veteran of the group knew it was better to greet them with an equal amount of mirth than to hide in the tent and recieve it all week. He received a large hug from Churchkey, who kissed his forehead and smirked down at him. "What, you decide to become a man the same place you became a boy?" the highwayman joked. Ninus winced and Churchkey grinned, tousling his already mussed hair. "I missed you. Come on, get whoever that boy is and come out here. The men are already drunk which is probably why they think this is hilarious." Churchkey said with a smile, letting go of Ninus so he could head back into the tent and get Novus.

[Novus]

Novus grinned briefly at Ninus’ remark, before the slight scowl returned to his brow, as he turned away, eyes searching once more for his trousers. Shorts and shirt already retrieved and pulled on, boots nearby where he’d kicked them off, but no petching pants could he see! Stooping to glance behind the trunk, he didn’t realize Ninus’ intent, and so his brand new lover’s departure through the tent flap went unnoted, whilst he knelt to further examine the small space under the fur covered bed. At the sound of the swell of noise outside, Novus did look up, and saw that Ninus had left, but there was naught he could do about it, until he found his breeches. The tent was hardly big enough nor cluttered enough to withhold them from view, and Novus was on the verge of concluding some black magic was at work, having sucked them away into the void, when he had a thought. On his knees beside the bed, he leaned over it and began to rummage about under the furs, borrowing down until his head and shoulders were lost to sight, his long arm stretching and his fingers finally touching silken material amongst the rough hides. Triumphantly, he reared back, yanking the pants with him, exclaiming, “Gotcha!” only to turn and see Ninus standing at the tent entrance, his father not two steps beyond, looking over his shoulder, and several of the men leering in the immediate background. With a good bit of aplomb, he smiled happily and rose back to his feet, trousers held to his chest, as he made a little bow. “And…you would be…Churchkey, I presume?” he half-stated, half-queried, looking at the man curiously, though he was sure of the response. It didn’t seem polite to make assumptions. After an hour spent in the intimate and active embrace of the man’s son, Novus wasn’t entirely sure he should actually offer his hand in greeting. But, considering the state the highwayman was in already, begrimed as he so obviously was by the road, he stepped forward, hand extended, still trouserless but thinking that the guy had already seen a good deal more of him sans any covering, so what did it really matter? “I am Novus Ordo, your…your son’s partner.” It sounded strange and wonderful to say that, even though Novus reminded himself, it was all part of the ruse, regardless of whatever feelings he was even now trying to hold in check.

[Ninus Aurellius]

The Prince of Rats Churchkey chuckled and reached out, shaking Novus' hand heartily. "I figured you were my son's partner, otherwise Freidys would have gutted you." he smiled. "Come on, grab a bowl of brown and sit by the fire, apparently you, I, and Ninus have a lot of things to talk about." He patted Novus on the shoulder and left Ninus there with him. Obviously, Ninus was to show him where to get food as Churchkey was already settling down to devour his. Ninus kissed Novus' cheek. "I find myself ashamed of mine family, that they mock and laugh at thee so. A bunch of wolves, jeering and crying at the moon, held in check by a bear and a snake." Ninus said as he let Novus pull his trousers on. He led him to the cooking fire and picked up a wooden ladle and a tin bowl, pouring in some odd, brown stew with chunks of things in it. "I hope thy stomach is smithed, for when rivers of gold and silver stop flowing over the road, brown is made from whatever meat is to be found." he added as he handed Novus the bowl. He had eaten enough 'brown' to know that the meat inside was cat, probably captured by Brother. Other than that, a few wild potatoes, leeks, and onions were tossed without ceremony into the pot. What gave it its distinctive brown colour was fat saved from other meals tossed into the stew to thicken it and give it flavour. Sometimes, depending on what they had been eating that month, it was good. Other times it tasted like the cook had given up and filled the lard jar with latrine leavings. Ninus tasted it and found that it was thankfully the former and not the latter. He tore a few great chunks off of a loaf of fire-burned bread and handed it to Novus. "Bread is thine only utensil here." he said, smiling a bit with embarrassment. He went to sit next to Churchkey and Freidys, who normally would have fought for the best seat beside the fire. Obviously, Freidys refused to be left out of the adventure and was sitting directly next to Churchkey out of spite. Freidys also possessed the only utensils in the camp; rough, hand-forged knife, fork and spoon that he kept on his person. It was easy to see where Ninus had gotten his eating habits. Both Freidys and Ninus both ate delicately, slowly, and never ate a lot. The rest of the group swigged down the stew and mopped up their plates with the bread. Churchkey's habits had deteriorated from at least having some dignity in the action. He was trying to annoy Freidys by getting stew in his beard. Ninus cleared a spot to the right of him for Novus, Freidys and Churchkey on his left. He nodded to Churchkey. Novus had to make the proposal this time. Freidys was hard to approach and mercurial. Churchkey might take the fact that Ninus was presenting the request as Novus being a coward.

[Novus]

The congenial way in which Churchkey referenced his own partner taking Novus out of this world was almost amusing – emphasis on almost. Novus was no retiring wall flower, when it came to living. He’d been a bold explorer of his own world, a hunter, and then had traveled about halfway across Mizahar, and seen even more, of life and death, love and hate, loyalty and revenge. Still, the quite casual view of the worth of another being’s blood, and the willingness to spill same, and get their hands covered in it, by Ninus’ parents was pretty bone chilling. Novus had no doubt they’d do exactly what Churchkey had just initimated, if they felt it would serve their best interest. Only Ninus stood between them and him, and though he trusted Ninus, that thought still made him tremble a bit – inwardly, that is. For he had enough experience around men who were somewhat of this ilk – the rough and ready men of the caravans – that he knew to show fear was a very good way to draw even more shyke down on your head from such brigands. So the spider swallowed down his fear, and took as much comfort as he could from his lover’s kiss, planted on a cheek that was still newly flushed with their exertions of a few chimes before. In reply to Ninus' remark about his family, Novus shrugged casually, as he pulled on his pants. “All families are thus – some simply wear fine silk while they mock behind their hands, and then sink naturally occurring blades into the flesh of those they despise, when their backs are turned. At least your family is out in the open with their contempt – and they offer food before they decide whether or not to send me to the next world. That’s true hospitality.” He grinned, and tendered a return salute to Ninus’ cheek, his hand cupping the other side of the poisioner’s face affectionately. As they exited the tent, he whispered, “I think so far we’ve done an excellent job convincing them we are in earnest. Good work, my love.” He said the last with a light laugh, wrapping his arm about Ninus’ slender shoulders, as they strode forth into the midst of the bandit camp. Despite some very grave misgivings, which arose as he gazed into the cooking kettle, Novus took the bowl which Ninus offered him, without comment. The smell was slightly encouraging, but Ninus’ words completely drained away the miniscule sliver of optimism with which Novus regarded the glop therein. He gulped, but still said nothing, for he did not wish to appear ungrateful, or too dainty to sup with such a rough lot. Following his lover to the fire circle, he sat beside him, having accepted too the bread that was handed him, though only for a brief moment. When they sat, he handed the piece back, apologetically, but without any great sign of distress or embarrassment. “My inner working are such that much of what you eat, my body can not tolerate. The gravy of the stew will do, and I think the softer vegetables….if vegetables they be…” The last bit he had tacked on in a low undertone, for Ninus’ hearing only, as he poked speculatively at one lump in the bowl. He then raised his eyes to find that Freidys was watching him closely, and he nodded and smiled politely. “It smells good. My thanks.” That all seemed quite neutral and safe to say. Even had Ninus not taken the first bite, Novus would not have hesitated to spoon up the mess and eat it heartily, for he wished to make a good impression and he also recognized the value of food, which was nothing to be discounted, and that these men were willing, for now, to share their supper with him. Bravely, he put the bowl to his lips, tilting it up, to slide some of the thickened broth into his mouth. He was both happy and surprised to find that it was not utterly disgusting. Thinking that his stomach might yet protest the ingestion of this questionable gastric delight, he swallowed and took another sip, carefully avoiding any bits that he could not mash to nothingness with his teeth. So consumed he was with concentrating in eating, without either spilling it down his shirt or getting some bit of meat (? Was there actual meat in the slop) in his mouth (which would then require him to spit it out) that he passed a chime or two so preoccupied, not noticing the lull in any conversation, until he felt a gentle nudge in his ribs. Letting the bowl down, regretting that he had nothing to wipe his mouth on other than his sleeve, he looked inquiringly to Ninus, from whence the nudge had originated. Those shining black eyes looked back fairly pointedly, and for a moment, Novus though his friend was calling him out on his lack of manners. But it was apparent from all those around them, Churchkey amongst them, that none of the lot had any concept of table etiquette whatsoever. Novus frowned just the tiniest bit at Ninus, as if asking, What? But Ninus said nothing. Novus’ puzzled eyes roved over to Ninus’ parents, searching for a clue there, and upon looking at Freidys, who had an odd expression on his face – or so it seemed to the mixed blood – he suddenly recalled the man’s words from earlier. It would be up to Churchkey to say yes or no to his plea for assistance. So he had better get on with asking the chief thief about it. Clearing his throat, Novus looked at the big, bluff renegade, and then began. “Again, my thanks for your hospitality. I don’t know if any have told you aught of why your son has brought me to you.” His dark purple eyes darted to Freidys but he had no confirmation or denial of his statement from them, so they jumped back to the leader. “As you might have surmised, I am but half of the race of the cavern dwellers of Kalinor, where I was born, and grew up. My father is human, a man of Syliras, originally. He worked as a guard, for the trade caravans. He came to Kalinor some 23 years ago, employed by a merchant of the walled city, Mathias Sychel. He left before I was born. I have recently begun a search for him, coming first to the place where he was bred, seeking news of him, of any who might know it.” He paused, wondering if his quest sounded as hopeless as Freidys had made it out to be. Well, well – he could only try. “Your son, and…and his mother…have speculated that perhaps you’d be generous enough to help me in my cause. Ninus has told me that you have a keen eye and ear for all those who travel these roads, hereabouts. And Freidys said you have friends and acquaintances up and down the roads that go further still, throughout Mizahar. It…it is my hope that perhaps you could be persuaded to…make some inquiries?” Novus tried to sounds both hopeful and polite. No use making the goal out to seem as unrealistic as it probably was. He’d been looking past Ninus as he spoke, but now he turned his amethyst eyes onto the man sat next to him, and he smiled, feeling a warmth inside that had not been there twenty-four bells before. He placed a gentle hand on Ninus’ shoulder. “Ninus thought that, as we are now lifepartners, you might look upon me as family, of a sort. And it is to you, my family, then, that I turn for help.” His fingers squeezed lightly into that dear flesh that he had just so few bells before felt wrapped about his body. Was it a caution, to keep up their “ruse” – or a confirmation, of the promises that he had said he would keep?

[Ninus Aurellius]

The Prince of Rats Ninus looked down in embarrassment when Novus rejected the bread, blushing a bit. "I had forgotten thy tender stomach." he said in apology, giving the bread to one of the other men who swallowed it down. "I was raised among pythons." he mumbled, chewing his own food well. Freidys and Ninus ate quietly, exchanging very odd looks. Freidys would raise an eyebrow, Ninus would tilt his head and purse his lips. Freidys looked up when Novus mentioned him. "I hadn't told him." Freidys said archly, tucking back into his stew without another word. Churchkey chuckled and listened to Novus' words, looking back toward his ex-lover when Novus mentioned what Freidys had said. "Well it is Freidys who helped make that network." Churchkey said with a smirk. "But you're a pup looking for a dog, boy. You know how dogs are, they knot then they're on their way. Mothers are easier to track down. But I can see what we can find, boy. But don't joke with me...I can see plain as day that my Ninus is new to this. No one finds a life partner so quickly." Ninus blushed. "Father I...I meant no ruse.." he began, but Churchkey raised a hand. "I understand. You're lovers, but not life partners. This boy isn't any family of mine...but to try and sneak him past me means you do care enough. So colour me intrigued. We'll travel to one of the bigger outfits tomorrow, ask a bigger leader. One older than I am, more acquainted with the traders. You need a bandit to ask a bandit, and I'll gladly play the nickname." The older man smirked, stuffing his bread into his mouth and reaching out to ruffle Ninus' hair. "You're no Freidys, boy, but good attempt. You two get the tent tonight, have fun. I'll keep the boys off. I got my own tent." Churchkey said. "About that." Freidys piped up. "You're sleeping under the stars tonight. Your tent is mine." "Not likely." Churchkey set down his bowl and gave Freidys a scowl. "Likely." Freidys snarled in turn, the flash of a knife in one hand. Churchkey stood, Freidys scrambling to his feet. Ninus quietly got out of the way of the pair, sighing into his stew. His mother lunged, but Churchkey seized Freidys' wrist, shook the knife free and with one swift movement threw the man over his shoulder. "We share." Churchkey gave Freidys' rear an affectionate slap and marched toward a tent, generating more catcalls and whistles along with loud, angry cries from Freidys. Ninus was a deep crimson. "Sorry." he apologized simply to Novus, kissing his lover's nose. "But the trail has begun dear spider...thou might have a lead to thine father. Only time and questions will tell."

[Novus]

It was Novus’ turn to blush, caught out in the lie they’d tried to foist off upon first Freidys, and then Churchkey. Novus was almost afraid to look at his lover’s mother, for he seemed a man who one would do quite well not to cross. But there came no outcry from that quarter. Maybe he wasn’t fooled in the first place, and had just chosen to let it rest until his husband had the opportunity to assess the spider’s request, and the alleged basis for his ‘right’ to ask it of the brigands. He was equally alarmed at how Churchkey himself might respond to the deception, but it seemed the man was not too bothered by it, brushing aside Ninus’ apologetic explanation, and moving right along back to the matter at hand. Novus thought he felt Ninus relaxing a bit, beside him, as Churchkey outlined a plan of action for the following day, even going so far as to tousle his son’s hair affectionately. The interaction once again put in the halfblood’s mind if he could ever expect any sort of similarly warm reception from his own sire, should he indeed find him. But Churchkey had been right – men such as Latch were probably much happier at the front end of the making of their various offspring than they’d be at the actual progeny staring them in the face. Well, only time would tell. In his musing, he’d almost missed the tail end of Churchkey’s commentary, but the sudden drawing of a knife brought his attention around in a snap, and his dark eyes opened wide, as Ninus quietly shuffled over closer to him, to get out of the way of the flashing blade. All part of the happy family dining experience, apparently, he concluded, as the action only drew hoots of laughter from a few of the men as Ninus gazed into his bowl with no exclamation of surprise, and certainly no-one jumped up to intervene. It seemed that none was needed, though, for in the next moment, Churchkey had deftly disarmed Freidys and had him up and slung over his burly shoulder like a skinny sack of flour. Novus, gaping slightly at this spectacle, turned his gaze back to Ninus who was flushed with embarrassment. To his lover’s apology, Novus grinned and kissed Ninus in return, on the cheek, as he said, “They’re quite a couple. I’m surprised they are both still alive to welcome you back. Your childhood must have been…interesting.” Another kiss to Ninus’ lips was followed by Ninus’ hopeful remark about what looked to be the true beginning of Novus’ quest. To that, Novus rose, and holding out his hand to the poisoner, replied, “And for that, I am eternally grateful, Ninus. To you – and to your minions, Or I should say friends.” His eyes took in the camp. “Of the four legged variety I mean. Especially your favored lady. If not for her, I would never have found you.” Pulling Ninus into an affectionate embrace, he hugged him tightly. Life was odd, indeed. This man he now held so closely was an oddball, that was for sure. His parents were possibly even more so. But for all their quirks, Novus already felt a strange…fondness…for the rogues – and of course especially for Ninus. Much more than fondness, to the point that he was slightly wistful at their ruse now having been dismantled, and thus it would no longer be necessary to pretend that they were what they were not. Still, he found himself smiling as his arms enclosed that slender form and he whispered into Ninus’ ear. “Well, no need to pretend any more – and I’ll not do so. But I want more than anything to return to your father’s tent and take up where we left off earlier. Unless you have some other more pleasurable way to spend the evening?” Apparently, Ninus did not, for within short order, the two were walking, arms wrapped about each other’s waists, into the welcoming privacy of Churchkey’s mobile abode.

[Radiant]

njaa

Novus :

Experience

Skill	XP Earned
Seduction	+4 XP
Observation	+4 XP
Socialization	+4 XP
Persuasion	+1 XP
Rhetoric	+3 XP
Storytelling	+2 XP

Lores

Lore Earned

Ninus: Lover

Sharing a bed with Ninus

Exploring Syliras with Ninus

Ninus: The Prince of Rats

Ninus' syringe

Ninus' Highwaymen family

A seemingly hopeless search

Loots

Ninus :

Experience

Skill	XP Earned
Seduction	+4 XP
Observation	+3 XP
Socialization	+4 XP
Rhetoric	+4 XP
Animal Husbandry	+1 XP

Lores

Lore Earned

Novus: Lover

Sharing a bed with Novus

Exploring Syliras with Novus

Meeting "Brother" in Syliras

Full blooded Symenestra infants kill their mothers upon birth

Meeting my family again

Loots

Notes :

Good thread, gentlemen. Enjoyable long and descriptive replies. I give my to both of you.

A heads up, note that Half-syms have much weaker venom than pureblood Syms that it would not be much use to Ninus anyway.

Halves will have a weaker venom, allowing the mother to survive the birth. As adults, these half-breeds have a denser build and are unable to climb surfaces or produce potent venom.

Don't forget to deduct your purchases (food and drink) from your ledger.

My radiance is not bright enough?

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your grade, beam me a PM and we can work it out.