The Blacksmith's Apprentice [M/M] - CLOSED

[grdybiwife]

Averey could barely catch his breath as he lay collapsed atop his love. He kept trying to speak, to give voice to the overwhelming emotions coursing through his being. Never had he thought he could feel such pleasure, such love, from another. Given his preference Averey had assumed he would never have the chance to share such a coupling. In fact he never knew such a thing were possible. All those years spent eavesdropping in the inn had paid off handsomely.

"Gods Lucan...inside you I have found my own private paradise," he said quietly as he sat up to look into the young man's eyes. The young man that he loved more than anything he had ever known. "My everything," he whispered as he planted a soft kiss on Lucan's forehead. Then his nose, and finally his lips. He didn't want to but there was no way he could go lower without dislodging himself from the warmest embrace he'd ever experienced. His manhood was losing it's rigidity anyway and was fast on it's way out, Averey only helped it along as he moved to ran soft kisses down Lucan's slender chest, lapping at the shiny pearls of his seed as he went. He chased those strings until the were gone, then quickly moved down to clean up is own with tender licks to the now angry red hole.

"I didn't hurt you did I? You should have stopped me Birdie...I would have stopped if you had only told me," he promised at he planted soft kisses all along his rear.

 

[tamgreen]

Lucan could not tear his eyes from his lover. The simple, beautiful words washed over him. He was drowning in them. He felt warm, comfortable, safe, adored... Averey's presence was everything good in the world. His only noise as Averey kissed and licked him from top to bottom was a series of soft, contented sighs. As much as he wanted to keep his lover inside him, watching him lap up every trace of the sticky seed that coated him was an unparallelled delight, and the sensation was pure bliss.

He sucked in an enormous breath when Averey's mouth came within the vicinity of his recently ravished hole. His body was suddenly racked with shudders, and he began to whimper as Averey kissed and then tenderly licked his sloppy, freshly fucked entrance.

"Oh-h-h-h!" he shivered, and then sucked in a deep breath through clenched teeth. After a few moments he replied in a soft, unsteady voice: "I did not once wish you to stop or even slow, my love. If it hurt me, I took no notice of pain as it was far too glorious a pleasure. As is what your mouth is doing right now, my hungry Bear!"

 

[grdybiwife]

At the sound of Lucan's gasps of pleasure Averey smiled and continued his efforts to clean his seed from those slender cheeks. He finished with a kiss to that tender hole and sat back on his heels, his eyes roaming over Lucan's flush skin. "So does that mean we can do it again sometime," Averey asked sheepishly, unable to make eye contact with his love. He reached over to grab treats Lucan had prepared for them and unwrapped it.

"You made these for me," he asked with the same sheepish grin as he delicately held the bear up for Lucan to see.

 

[tamgreen]

Lucan rolled around on the blanket, blissful and languid and enormously satisfied. So little did he know about sex, but he was certain now he'd had it, and that he was now entirely bonded to Averey, if he hadn't been before. His backside and innards throbbed warmly with the recent exertion. Now that his body was beginning to calm from its erotic ecstasy, the deep ache was beginning to make itself known. He still regretted nothing, even if he was bound to be sore all the next day. The ache would remind him persistently of Averey and of their glorious coupling. He imagined there was still plenty of Averey's seed deep inside him, and that his body was slowly absorbing it, making Averey a part of him.

"I hope we do it again," he sighed fondly, rolling closer to his lover. "I hope we do it often. All the time, my sweet! As much as possible!"

He grinned and blushed a little as Averey found the little marzipan animals. He felt silly about them now, but he was enjoying his Bear's reaction to the miniature edible creature. "Of course I made them for you," he whispered, squeezing close to him, curling up in his lap as much as he could. In the wake of their union, he was feeling intensely snuggly and couldn't get close enough. "A little bear for my big Bear." He reached into the satchel and found one of the marzipan birds. "A little birdie... from your little Birdie!"

He touched the tiny bird's beak to the tiny bear's snout, and made a kissing noise.

 

[grdybiwife]

They were so beautiful that Averey was remiss to eat either one. "Will they spoil," he asked as he wrapped his arms around Lucan, holding him his lap. "I'd like to keep them...or maybe you could make me something that I could add to the figurines on my window sill. They would make a fitting addition don't you think?"

At the mention of his room Averey yawned and stretched his long arms above his head. It must have been close to morning by now and they both had long days ahead of them, but he did not want the moment to end. Granted they could lay in his bed and enjoy each other quietly but there was something about the freedom of not needing to muffle his cries of pleasure. Even to be able to talk of their affections without whispering caused him great pleasure. They would need to leave, sooner than later, and thanks to his father Averey could see their future coming closer and closer.

"We must be getting back now my Birdie. I hope that you enjoyed our first Respite together for I will remember it forever."

 

[tamgreen]

"They'll keep for a while, but not forever," Lucan whispered into his ear. "I could make you some sweet things for your windowsill--sweet to look at, and not to eat. These were made for your mouth... just like me."

He giggled, and then sat back and watched Averey stretch, relishing the contours of his well-built body. He shared Averey's keen enjoyment of the freedom and privacy of this place, not wanting to go back to the place where they would have to hide from judgmental eyes and ears.

"I will never forget this night as long as I live!" he exclaimed, seizing hold of a rare opportunity to speak aloud of his feelings. "I love you, Averey Inman! I love you with all my heart and soul, and I will belong to you forever and ever!"

He kissed his Bear enthusiastically before they finally parted and helped one another get dressed.

 

[grdybiwife]

"Well I will if I must," Averey said with a smirk as he popped the little bird into his mouth. He moaned at the lightly sweet dessert before he pushed the bear in with it. "You taste better though," he said and playfully nipped at his neck before he lifted Lucan off his lap.

The lamp made finding their clothes that much easier and they dressed quickly, though there was plenty of playful groping and tugs at fabric. "And I love you Lucan Brecker, more than anything I've ever known. You have made the last few days the happiest in my life and I will forever be thankful for it," Averey said as he tucked the smaller man under his arm. The blanket folded and tucked beneath his arm, Averey grabbed the lamp and the two lovers made their way back to the village they called home in silence.

Averey was too preoccupied with planning their escape to speak. All he wanted was to be able to love his Birdie without judgement. To hold his hand as they walked home together after a hard days work. It wasn't much to ask he thought, but where would they find such a place. Definitely not the tiny rural village of their birth. He would have to speak with his father, the knight who had traveled to every city in the realm. And he prepared himself for his father to be less than helpful despite the conversation they's just had.

 

[tamgreen]

Lucan snuck in all the snuggles and kisses he could before they once again came within sight of the village, and a mild sense of melancholy washed over him. He hated being reminded that they could not love each other publicly. The night was dark, and a hundred little flickering lights ahead of them indicated all the little houses with lamps and candles glowing within as families prepared for bed. Families who had nothing to hide. Families who had nothing to fear. Families who were acceptable in everyone else's eyes. Couples who had the privilege of standing in front of a joyous gathering of merry folk and declaring their love for one another before the gods and men, and being legally joined in matrimony. Couples who bore children to carry on their names and bloodlines.

Lucan let out a tiny whimper and sniffle, scarcely realizing he had begun to cry until he heard his own noises in the night. How quickly he could crash back down to despair after such heights of joy! It seemed that the happier Averey made him, the more agonizing the bitter realities became. Again he was cycling back to fear that their happiness would be torn apart, that they would never be able to reach their goals. They were getting so close--they had solid apprenticeships, a horse, a blade... a little more work and some money, and they could go... where? Where could they go? What if other places turned out to be even more restrictive than this one? What if the best there might ever be for them was the occasional escape into the woods when no one was paying attention? Would it be enough?

"I'm sorry," he whispered when he realized Averey had noticed his tears. He felt extra guilty now for being weepy, especially after declaring in the throes of passion that their physical coupling was all the union he needed, that it didn't matter to him that they couldn't be married. He sniffled again and wiped a sleeve across his face. "I ought to be happier. I am... I am happy. You are all my happiness. But it's just not fair, is it, Averey? It's just not fair...."

 

[grdybiwife]

Averey frowned at the sound of Lucan's tears and waited until they were behind the relative safety of his bedroom door before he responded to his declaration. "No my love it is not," he said as he pulled him into his arms and planted a soft kiss to the top of his sweat matted hair. "But such is life. Nothing good is ever easy, is what Papa always says and I'm inclined to believe a man who lost the woman he loved all his life birthing his last child. My mother. And he had to raise her and my uncles all on his own. And run the inn. For all his sour faces and cantankerous ways, Papa is the happiest man in this village as far as I can see. Even with a bastard for a grandson and whore for a daughter, if you asked him, he wouldn't change a thing. It's the hard stuff that makes us men Luc. If we went on to marry women and deny who we are, we'd be nothing but cowards. That's the last thing I want to be...and despite your tears and constant worrying you don't want that either. You are strong Lucan Brecker, stronger than you give yourself credit for but what you think you lack you can get from me. I love you Lucan with all my heart I love you and no matter what happens I will never stop. You are in my heart always but if that is not enough for you I would understand."

He didn't mean for it to sound so dramatic. All Averey did was speak from his heart, he wasn't as good with words as Lucan but they were honest and true and to him, there was no need for flourish at such a time. He gave Lucan on last squeeze before he released him to undress, silently hoping that his words were enough to keep him, at least for tonight.

 

[tamgreen]

Lucan hung on Averey's every word, as if the young man were one of the gods speaking direct, divine truth to him. He ended with a little gasp, and watched Averey for a few moments as he stripped down.

"Averey... my Averey," he whispered, mirroring his actions and undressing himself. "You are my heart and soul. There's a great big empty space inside me that no one else will fit into, and I shall never be satisfied if I don't have you to fill it. You are more than enough for me--you make me overflow with love."

They crawled into the bed and snuggled up like two birds on a cold winter's day. "It's only...," he considered, musingly, as he stroked Averey's soft curls, "the happier you make me... the more I realize I have to lose. It's as if we're gambling. The stakes are high, dizzyingly high... you're my big win, my life-changing windfall... but if it goes wrong, I've lost everything. Absolutely everything."

 

[grdybiwife]

"You worry too much," Averey said with a yawn, all of a sudden feeling exhausted after such a long day. He pulled Lucan close, his arms wrapped snuggly around him, and drew onto his chest. "As long as we are together there is no reason to worry. Even if we are chased from this backwater village by a mob, so long as your hand is in mine there is no reason to fret," he said. Though it was meant in jest Averey knew as soon as he said it that such imagery would only make his worrywort of a lover to fret even more. But he made no effort to clean it up. He was too tired for that. All he could offer was a kiss and a whispered I love you before he fell into a heavy sleep.

 

[tamgreen]

"I love you... I love you Averey," Lucan breathed, wishing he could see his face in the darkness as he drifted off. He let Averey's warm breath, smelling faintly of sweet almonds, waft comfortingly over his face. Indeed his mind was slightly troubled by thoughts of angry villagers wielding torches and pitchforks, but he breathed deeply, and allowed Averey's presence to lull the fears away.

"If I could lure my singing bird
From his own cozy nest..." he whispered, wondering if Averey would hear singing in his dreams.
"If I could catch my singing bird
I would warm him on my breast
For there's none of them can sing so sweet
My singing bird as you..."

It was nearly an hour before Lucan finally dropped off to sleep, feeling a pleasant, warm ache in his rear end that made him dream of Averey's cock, filling him, filling all of him, completing him.

 

[grdybiwife]

It started as a nightmare. The inn was burning. Flames shot up from outside, covering all the windows and doorways. There was no way out, no escape. He could hear his mother crying, begging for his help. His Papa called out to him as well but Averey could do nothing to save them, to save himself. Instead he sat in the corner of his room, knees drawn to his chest, clutching his useless sword that seemed all too big for him to wield and he wept. Like a little boy, he cried so hard his breathes shuddered and his hands shook. Snot ran down his nose mixing with his unchecked tears as he rocked back and forth.

Then there was the flap of wings above him. Powerful thumping batted down the flames that threatened to consume his home with his family inside. He made his way to his knees and crawled like a baby to his window to see what had come to his rescue, but alas all he could see were wings. Wide and majestic, plumes of white tipped in red, and it was beautiful. When the fire was out, Averey found himself rushing outside to thank the bird for saving him. It was beautiful and it sang to him, dipped his head low inviting him up and Averey did not hesitate to climb aboard. As soon as his arms were secure around his broad neck, the bird beat its powerful wings lifting them into the air. All the while singing it's sweet song.

Averey awoke with a smile on his face. The sun had barely made it's way past the clouds but still the bed linens were wet with his perspiration. He had been terrified but the bird had saved him, and he wasn't so dull as to miss the message of his dream. Lucan had saved him from a life that was doomed to be unfulfilled. He gave him reason to plan for something more and together they would do the impossible. They would live the life they wanted, by their own terms, and there was nothing the world could do to stop them. Now if only he could get his Birdie to believe such a thing were possible, but that was another effort all together.

"You saved me," he whispered into Lucan's ear as he gently ran his hand down his back. "I had thought all was lost but you came and saved me with your song. My brave little songbird." Averey rolled over to his side to rain soft kisses down Lucan's back and shoulders to gently wake him. They were back to work today but he thought it best to ease his Birdie into wakefulness.

 

[tamgreen]

You saved me...

The vaguest gossamer whisper threaded its way through Lucan's dreams.

...brave little songbird....

Averey's hand down his back, and lips on his skin, coaxed him pleasantly to the land of the living. By the time Lucan was blinking the sleepy haze from his eyes, he'd forgotten what he'd been dreaming about, but Averey's whispered words still lingered in his ears. He rolled over languidly and gazed up at his lover's astonishing grey eyes in the dim predawn light. He wondered whether those words had even been real. At the moment, it didn't matter.

Lucan reached up a hand and stroked his cheek. Such strong cheekbones his Averey had. Such a strong jaw. Everything about him, manly... and yet still with a touch of boyishness about him. Lucan's finger traced the ridges of his brows, down the bridge of his nose, the gentle groove of the philtrum bisecting his upper lip, the fullness of his soft bottom lip, his stubbly chin, and then traced the line of his jaw all the way up to his earlobe. He loved every part. There was not even a single hair on this man that Lucan didn't adore.

There was no need for words during these precious few moments. He blinked sleepily, gazed lovingly, and drank in the sight of his handsome Bear as he continued to let his fingers wander. The ache in his backside throbbed, a gently insistent pulse that followed his heartbeat, reminding him of the glorious pleasure-pain of last night's coupling. Right now, at this very moment, everything was perfect.

 

[grdybiwife]

"Good morning my precious man," Averey whispered with a grin as Lucan ran his fingers along his face. He loved when he touched him this way, as if he was memorizing every contour of his face. At first it made him uncomfortable, being studies so closely, but now he found it endearing. Just another way that Lucan showed his love for him and how could one be uncomfortable with that. "Come on lazy bones out of bed. There is work to do."

Even after only a few hours of sleep, Averey felt rejuvenated, ready to start his day. He had always been an early riser but this morning there was a new bounce in his step that could only be the result of his wonderful evening with his Birdie. He smiled at him as he dress, then chuckled when he realized Lucan was in no rush to get up. "If you like I could come back and wake you when breakfast is ready."

 

[tamgreen]

Lucan stuck his lip out in a playful pout when Averey spoke of work. He lounged on his side, propped up by one elbow with his chin in his hand as he watched his man get dressed, lamenting every inch of skin that became obscured from his view. Still, Averey looked mighty handsome in his clothes. He looked like a smithy.

He considered Averey's offer of letting him stay in bed a while longer. A few extra winks seemed like a pleasant prospect. Even pleasanter, though, would be to spend every moment possible with his love. With a little halfhearted grumble he stretched and rolled out of bed, stumbling slightly as he found his feet. He giggled as Averey grabbed him to steady him, and then turned the catch into a warm embrace. Something about hugging the fully-clothed man while he was still naked felt exciting.

"I'd sooner be by your side, my cuddly Bear," he said in a small voice that was hoarse and raspy from the strain of screaming out his passions last night. After wriggling teasingly against Averey, he let go to clamber into his own clothes.

"Do you suppose," he mused, "we might look different in some way... you know... now that we've...?"

 

[grdybiwife]

"You are no less adorable if that's what you mean," Averey said with a playful mess of Lucan's shockingly red hair then slipped his hand around the back of his neck to pull him close for a kiss. It was soft and chaste, not wanting to stir either of them up but still he wanted to love on his man as much a possible before they had to do the dance of friendship. "I'm sure some will guess but none who would pry. Well if you run into Izzy today she might well pry but she'll be discreet about it. And if my Ma looks at you funny it's probably because she came to her own conclusion when we disappeared last night, but she wouldn't embarrass you with such talk. Me on the other hand," he said with a shrug as he pulled away from Lucan. "I'm prepared for her prying."

With that Averey shouldered the door expecting his mother to be in the kitchen, instead he found his Da starting the cook fire with his pipe hanging out of the side of his mouth. Averey offered a quiet good morning and received a surly grunt in return. "Don't mind him Luc," Averey whispered just loud enough for his father to hear. "Da's not much for mornings which means he must have lost a game of kings to Ma."

"Quit your yapping boy," Dylan growled at his son but Averey only laughed, making him laugh as well. "You'd think I'd stop playing with her after all these years. I swear she cheats. No man has ever beaten me as badly as your mother, her mind is wasted in this Inn," he said, the last with just a hint of sadness in his tone before he turned his attention to the boys having gotten the fire going. "So you've survived your first Respite as men and neither look worse for wear. Can't say I'm not impressed. My first time I was already in service with the King's Man and spent the whole morning after reliving the meal from the day before. Good to know you get your tolerance from your Ma's side of you," Dylan said with a hard slap to Averey's back as he moved to put a pot of coffee on then brushed his hands together before he sat down at the head of the table.

 

[tamgreen]

Lucan balked momentarily to find Averey's father rather than his mother in the kitchen when they entered. As many times as Averey assured him there was nothing to worry about, Lucan wasn't sure he would ever stop being at least mildly terrified of the man.

He relaxed very slightly once Dylan and Averey had shared a laugh, and managed at least a shy smile at the man's comments, but he could still not bring himself to sit down with them, and certainly not to converse. Nonetheless, there was a certain unconscious confidence in his posture that had rarely been there before last night. He might have felt out of place in masculine company, but he was assured for the moment of himself, of who he was, and where he was going in life. The kitchen was increasingly becoming a place where he felt at home.

Most people in their little village seemed to take for granted the idea that a wife's place was to feed her menfolk, and Lucan barely gave a thought to how easily, how comfortably, he himself slid into that role. While Averey had an easy rapport with his father at the table, it was the mixing bowls, the pots and pans, and the larder that called to Lucan. Feeding his man was one of many small, wordless expressions of love, and besides, it was only fair to give Cecily a break, especially after she'd worked so hard to feed the village and had no Respite for herself. He silently donned an apron and busied himself slicing a side of bacon to throw into a big, hot skillet, and then mixed up some fresh biscuit dough to cook up in the renderings that the bacon gave forth. He smiled to himself at the thought of feeding Averey breakfast every morning, a thought that was especially charming following an incomparably gratifying night of ferocious lovemaking.

 

[grdybiwife]

Dylan had to chew on the end of his pipe to keep from reacting to the way his son trailed the boy as he moved around the kitchen. Not that he was angry but Cecily warned him that the little one was sensitive and Averey was fiercely protective of him, he didn't want to say something in jest that might offend Luc and flare his son's temper. Though he'd never had to deal with it personally, if it was anything like his mother's, which Dylan was sure it was, then he wanted no parts of it. Especially now that his boy was just as big as he was now. Sure Dylan was a trained Knight, one of the finest in the realm, but he wasn't so proud that he couldn't admit that he'd lost a step or two with age.

"Your Ma will appreciate having him around," he said to Averey and the boy smiled wide, a slight blush colored his cheeks. "She tells me feeding you has become a job in itself." Just because he didn't feel comfortable teasing Lucan didn't mean he wouldn't tease his boy.

"Bah," Averey said with a wave of his hand and laughed. "She's getting to be like Papa. Always complaining but not out of any displeasure. Just to have something to say," he said, his eyes back on Lucan as he moved about the kitchen.

A small smile came to his lips as he watched him, imagining the time when he would make him breakfast in their own place. He would wear nothing but that apron, Averey mused. They would have but one chair and Luc would have to break fast in Averey's lap if wanted to sit, which of course he would not complain about. They would feed each other from the same plate and discuss their plans for that day. They would kiss and tease, perhaps even Luc would allow Averey enter him slowly.

A chuckle from his Da brought Averey's eyes to him and he looked away sheepishly. "Be not embarrassed boy," he said with shrug. "Just be careful of who you choose to let see you admire him. Ain't who I would have chosen for you but as comfortable as he seems, I'd imagine he plans this to be a regular thing...taking care of you I mean."

 

[tamgreen]

Lucan hummed softly as he worked, lost in reverie. He sliced up some fruits and arranged them pleasingly on a platter, all the while thinking of what they'd done last night, and about doing it again. Doing it in the bed they shared... in their own little house. He imagined Averey creeping up behind him as he prepared a meal for them to share, grabbing hold of him, kissing and nibbling at his neck, perhaps sneaking a hand down into his trousers. He would scold his Bear for disturbing him at his work, but secretly relish the disruption. He would protest halfheartedly as Averey tugged his bottoms down, and prodded at his tender opening, perhaps using a little butter to make him slick. Lucan would abandon his meal preparations entirely as Averey bent him over a table and entered him, taking him right there in their own little kitchen, flour spilling, eggs rolling onto the floor, utensils rattling....

Lucan sucked in a sharp breath and released it slowly, forcing himself to remember where he was and who was nearby. He cursed himself inwardly and willed his sudden cockstand to abate. He tightly refocused his attention on breakfast, and poured the coffee that Dylan had started, serving mugs to the pair at the table before plating up the freshly cooked bacon for the two other men, along with the biscuits he'd cooked in the skillet till they were golden on both sides and tender and flaky all the way through. He kept his head down demurely as he slid a plate each in front of Averey and Dylan, and then came back with a little dish of soft butter, and the platter of sliced fruit. He only then thought to actually serve himself, so he picked out the least pleasing bits of the bacon and the most overdone of the biscuits, leaving the best quality meat and prettiest biscuits for Cecily and her father to enjoy when they rose.

He still felt out of place sitting with the other men, but it now seemed less awkward than standing apart from them to eat breakfast--now that he's finished his cooking, he had no other excuse to distract his attention. With a shy smile, he shed the apron and sat down with his plate, near Averey's side, but not too close, and began to eat without comment.

 

[grdybiwife]

When the plate pushed in front of him, Averey's jaw dropped and he raised his eyes to look at his Birdie. "This looks like heaven," he said and reached to give his shoulder a pat, though he wanted to grab him and pull him into his lap. But with his father seated across from him Averey settled for the subtle touch before he dug into his meal. His father had already began inhaling his portion with vigor, moaning and grunting on occasion as he chewed. Averey smiled as he watched his father enjoy the meal that Lucan prepared and nudged him with his knee under the table. When Lucan glanced his way, he nodded towards his father and smiled.

"I do believe you biscuits are better that Cecily's," Dylan said around a mouthful, barely looking up from his plate before his eyes got wide and he looked at Averey. "And you better not tell her I said it."

"Secrets safe with me Da."

They finished eating in relative silence. There was no more conversation but the sounds of appreciation for Luc's breakfast were plenty and before long their plates were clean and it was time to be off to their respective apprenticeships.

"Will you still be here at day's end," Averey asked his father and Dylan smiled, gave his shoulder a pat.

"You'll have me one more night but come noon tomorrow I'll have to be off," he said sadly and Averey frowned a little. "But you have Rebel now so perhaps you might visit. You could even bring your friend along. There's more than enough room for both of you."

 

[tamgreen]

Lucan's cheeks flushed at the praise for his breakfast, darkening his freckles. It gave him a great swell of pride in his chest to watch how passionately the two men devoured the meal he'd spontaneously thrown together, and gods, it certainly reinforced his desire to take care of his Averey for the rest of his life.

He smiled shyly at Dylan's suggestion of both of them visiting.

...your friend...

That's what he would be in polite company for the foreseeable future. Averey's special friend. There were, of course, worse things to be. And in private, they could still enjoy the fullest expression of their relationship. Would people take notice of their constant togetherness? When they inevitably shared a home somewhere... would people raise an eyebrow and make assumptions? Could they successfully pull off the role of a pair of confirmed bachelors rooming together in a fraternal fashion to save on expenses?

He put aside these concerns for now as he and Averey left the inn, whereupon they would have to part ways for the day. Lucan smiled up at him in what he hoped was a friendly way. Perhaps Averey would see in his eyes at least a little of what he wished he could be saying to him right now: I love you, I love looking after you, I love your touch, and your kisses, and your cock, and the way you grunt and growl when you put it in me. I love your handsome face and your strong body, and I cannot wait to feel your big bear arms around me again. I love your beautiful heart, my Averey, and I always will.

"Good day, my friend," he said lightly, his pale blue eyes shining with especial intensity. "My regards to your master."

He managed to privately mouth a silent I love you before he was off to the patisserie.

Hector Goodwyne looked as if he hadn't slept a wink. Although it was common for folk after Respite to be a bit worse for an evening's overindulgence, Hector was a different case. He was hard at work as he usually was, but his eyelids drooped and his posture sagged.

"Good morning," Lucan ventured as he washed up and donned an apron. "How is your wife faring?"

"Ready to burst, boy, and not especially well," Hector replied in a slightly hoarse voice. "She's upstairs now with the midwife."

"The baby's coming already?" Lucan yelped in an embarrassingly high-pitched tone.

"Certainly seems so," Hector sighed. "She's been suffering pangs all night. Neither of us has slept."

Lucan was quiet for a minute as he began to mix up a large batch of pastry. Ignorant as he was of many things, he didn't need Hector to tell him that after so many hours of fruitless labour, the possibility loomed that Mella Goodwyne, or the baby, or both, might be in grave danger. Though he'd scarcely begun to get to know the Goodwynes, he liked them, and it made him feel close to tears to think of them suffering this way.

"Why not keep the shop closed?" he ventured hesitantly.

"Because the world doesn't stop for a bairn, young man, that's why not!"

Lucan was as distressed by the sharpness of his tone as he was by the slight tremble in it. He could not imagine what Hector must be feeling right now, and it helped him to put his own concerns aside for the time being. He shut his mouth and focused tightly on all of the work there was to be done.

Lucan and Hector were both so distracted with worry that they barely spoke, and moved about the kitchen like a pair of complex automatons, churning out pies and pastries with almost unprecedented efficiency. Occasionally there was a sharp cry or wail from upstairs, making Hector pause, and Lucan cringe. Every hour or so, Hector disappeared upstairs to check on things. Every time he was gone, Lucan felt terrified and tenacious in equal measure. He pushed aside the fact that he'd been working here less than a week and put on a brave face as he took over the kitchen and the customers. He scarcely had time to breathe, much less worry.

Closing time arrived with alarming speed. It was past time to close up before Lucan even realized it. Hector had been upstairs for quite some time, and he'd been trying hard to ignore the occasional screams. Now that it was quiet, he was more concerned than ever. He spent some time cleaning up, but had to pause near the back stairs now and then to listen.

At long last, he heard the feeble squall of an infant's cry, and he was so overwhelmed with relief he lost all strength in his legs and collapsed on the bottom step. After a few minutes, Hector appeared at the top of the stairwell.

"Boy... have you closed up?" he asked calmly.

"Yes, sir!" Lucan exclaimed, quickly pushing himself back upright.

"Any pigeon pies left?"

"There's one, I believe, sir."

"Bring it up, would you?"

"Yes, sir!" Lucan exclaimed, hurrying off to grab the lone leftover pie he'd decorated with the shape of a pigeon. He had never been close to the Goodwynes' living space, and he was a trifle nervous. He tried to step lightly as he ascended the stairs, wanting to be as unobtrusive as possible during this delicate time. He entered the combined kitchen and living area, warmly lit with candles and lamps. He heard soft voices in the adjoining bedroom. Carefully he set the pie down on the table, wondering if he should just go.

An elderly but spry woman suddenly bustled out of the room with an armful of blood-speckled sheets. She barely gave him a look before disappearing down the stairs.

"Mr. Goodwyne?" Lucan finally ventured in the direction of the slightly ajar bedroom door, barely above a whisper.

After a few moments, Hector appeared with a carefully wrapped bundle in his arms. He smiled tiredly and approached Lucan.

"Look," he said softly. "It's a girl. My daughter--Nellie Anneliese Goodwyne."

Lucan's mouth fell open. He'd never been near a newborn before, and he found himself quite fascinated as Hector drew closer. He peered down past the layers of swaddling cloth to find the drowsy little pink face with dark eyes squinting back at him with confusion and perhaps equal fascination. The tiny rosebud mouth worked busily, making tiny, curious squawking noises. He knew that women all over the world dropped babies from their loins as a matter of habit, but he'd never thought of it as a miracle before. Earlier today this little person has been inside Mella Goodwyne, and now it was here, looking at him.

"Oh...," he gasped helplessly.

"Why don't you take her for a moment while I fix Mella up with something to eat? She's had a long, hard day."

"She's well?" Lucan gasped.

"She'll be confined to bed for quite some time, it seems... but aye, though she be worn to a thread and aching something fierce, she's still got plenty of fire in her eyes." He winked and began to pass Lucan the baby.

"Oh, are you sure?" he whispered, holding out his arms awkwardly to receive the precious bundle.

"Just pretend she's a pie, boy," Hector joked. "I've yet to see you drop one."

Lucan cradled the infant in his arms, gazing down at her in awe as Hector served up a slice of pigeon pie for his exhausted wife.

"Hello, Miss Nellie," he whispered. "Welcome to the world."

Hector smiled. "You're doing real fine, boy," he said. "I'll be be but a moment."

Lucan stayed put as Hector disappeared back into the bedroom. The baby began to fuss, and he shushed her gently, rocking her back and forth. Without thinking, he softly sang an old lullaby:

"Hush, my dear, lie still and slumber
Holy angels guard thy bed
Heavenly blessings without number
Gently falling on thy head.

Sleep, my babe, thy food and raiment
House and home thy friends provide
All without thy debt and payment
All thy wants are well supplied...."

He watched in fascination as the infant calmed to the sound of his lullaby, and soon he realized that Hector, too, was watching from the doorway.

"Well, if that don't beat all--who knew you could sing like a nightingale?" the man remarked, stepping forward to reclaim his new daughter. "Look at this--you've lulled her right to sleep. Methinks you'll make a fine father someday, Luc."

Lucan smiled weakly, feeling a bittersweet pang as he passed over the little one. "I... I dunno."

"Course you will. Someday, boy. No need to rush... but someday you'll have a sweet little wife of your own, and you'll know the fullness of this joy--becoming a father." His eyes gleamed as he gazed down at his newborn.

"Sure... someday I will," Lucan lied, biting down on his bottom lip for a few moments. "I'll just go finish, um... cleaning up."

"Luc, I'd appreciate it keenly if you'd find yourself able to stay a few hours extra to do some prep for tomorrow's pies. Mella and I...."

"Of course!" Lucan cut in before he could explain. "Of course--enjoy your daughter, and get some rest. I know where all the recipes are. I can manage."

"Bless you, Lucan Breck," Hector sighed, his eyes looking slightly moist as he smiled. "I don't expect you to do everything, but do what you're able, and you can let yourself out back later on. I believe we're in for the night."

Lucan nodded. "Good night, then... and congratulations to the both of you, Mr. Goodwyne."

"Please--it's Hector. By rights I should consider you a colleague already. And so long as you're calling me Hector, I'll leave off with that 'boy' business as well." He smirked.

"As you please, then... Hector." He smiled.

"Good night, Luc."

Downstairs in the kitchen, aided by the light of a few lanterns, Lucan raided the larder and went about chopping great quantities of meats and vegetables for tomorrow's pies. He was feeling so many things at once, it was as if the entire universe were sitting squarely in the centre of his chest, chaotic and unfathomable. Tears rolled down his cheeks now and then, and he did not even have the energy to work out the exact reasons for them. He just knew that the world was a terrible, wonderful, terribly unfair yet impossibly beautiful place right now, and he was at a loss to comprehend it.

He also knew that Averey must be worrying about him by now, and he longed to return to the arms of his Bear, where everything seemed to make a lot more sense, but he could not leave now after the day the Goodwynes had had. It was as important for him to invest in his future as it was to offer a little succour to someone he cared about who had done so much for him. He hummed quietly as he worked, and pretended that this was his very own patisserie, and that any moment his dear Averey might creep down the stairs and enfold him in his strong arms, and tell him it was time for bed.

 

[grdybiwife]

Averey whistled as he made his way to the smithy. His back was sore and his groin ached a little but still his belly was full of a hearty breakfast prepared for him by his Birdie. He couldn't keep from grinning as he strolled down the village's main thoroughfare. The day after Respite was usually a dreary one with everyone recovering from one overindulgence or another but to Averey the world seemed brighter this morning. He offered a greeting to all he passed, most responded with a grunt or an odd look to the boy who had never been the type to do such things. But some gave as warmly as he had which only served to lift his already spirited demeanor.

When he finally arrived at the smithy, Averey went straight to work lighting fires and gathering water. He expected Ivor to be delayed in his arrival but after all the coal had been gathered and water trophs filled and the master smith still hadn't shown, Averey didn't let that stop him. He found the list of tasks the man kept nailed to a post near his work bench and looked for things he was comfortable with completing without Ivor's supervision. The simple things like sharpening the tanner's shears and the blades from the butcher's shop. Averey was finishing up when he finally heard voices from above.

"I'll not listen to your griping woman. No more," he heard the smithy say, but Averey didn't stop his work to listen further. Growing up in the Inn, he learned early in his life that eavesdropping often led to trouble but he couldn't help overhearing. It wasn't as if they were whispering, nor would he say they were yelling but the tone of the conversation was by no means pleasant. "What did you expect him to do?"

"He could have asked the Goodwyne's," Mrs. Breck whined and Averey felt his jaws clench. "Héctor would have allowed him make a bed on the floor."

"Its a bake shop not a rooming house. If you were so concerned of where he would sleep then you shouldn't have demanded I give him such an ultimatum... And I'll not ask him to come home. He is as much a man as I am now and I'll not have him reverse his course simply because you wish him remain a little boy hiding beneath your skirt."

"I'll not have my good name sullied by his association with that illegitimate son of a whore," Mrs. Breck shouted and Averey tightened his grip on the knife he sharpened. It wasn't as if he hadn't heard such a thing before but to hear it from a woman who had just days before tossed her son out on the street. And worse now he understood how Lucan could spout such insults so easily. He was about to pull off his apron when he heard Ivor’s bellowing response.

“Enough! I’ll not have you speak ill of the Inmans any longer. That whore and her illegitimate son are the only reason your boy has a warm bed to sleep in and roof over his head. I went to see him yesterday and expected him to beg for us to let him come home but he didn’t. There was not a shred of weakness in those eyes and his handshake was firm, shoulders square. I’d say they’ve done a better job making a man of him than your endless coddling. I will not ask him to return and I will not end Averey’s apprenticeship simply to appease you. They are good boys both of them and I’ll be damned if I keep them from becoming good men.”

Averey tried to hide the smile that came to his lips as he listened to Ivor defend him and when the burly man came down the stairs he did his best to busy himself, to make it seem as if he hadn’t heard. But of course Ivor knew how well his deep voice carried just as he knew the shrillness that was his wife’s could not be ignored. Nor could his surly mumbling under his breath as he yanked his apron off the nail. WIthout looking, he snatched up one of the coal buckets and dumped half the contents all over the floor. Averey suspected he thought it was empty but he didn’t say anything, just hurried over with the broom to help sweep up the mess.

“I see you gotten us pretty well set up for the day,” he grumbled but Averey only offered a nod, not wanting to make the man’s sour mood worse. “And you’ve finished half the day’s to-do list,” he said as he surveyed Averey’s work laid out on the finishing table, awaiting a final polish. Ivor let out a little whistle as he ran his thumb along the shears’ edge and smiled. “Best learn not to do such a thorough job or you’ll ruin your own business.” Ivor clapped him hard on the back and gave his neck a squeeze before he said, “Good work boy. I hadn’t expected you so early today.”

“My Da said an apprentice doesn’t get the luxury of slow start the day after the Respite,” Averey said with a shrug as he swept up the last of the coal.

“Ahh your da, the Knight...the King’s first man,” Ivor said with a note of spite, that Averey did his best to ignore. “Came for a visit did he? I saw him at the Inn dressed like a lowly commoner, drinking ale from clay flagons, and eating roast pig with his bare hands. One wonders if the King knows of these...vacations.”

“He’d say it was none of the King’s business what he did with his time away from the court,” Averey said with a raised eyebrow.

“It’s just idle talk boy, think nothing of it,” Ivor said but Averey knew better than to ignore the spite in his tone. “Come now lets get your blade finished.”

“My blade?”

“The one you started. Ain’t much market for such here but I couldn’t call myself a teacher if I didn’t show you how to do it so I figured I’d pass it off to you.” Averey chose not to say that his father had already gifted him a fine blade. With a smile, he decided that he would give this one to Lucan and teach him the basics of wielding it.

They spent most of the rest of the day on the sword that would be his Birdie’s. Ivor showed him how to shape the closed guard the hilt and when Averey asked if the smith would show him how to inscribe a bird on the pommel, the man furrowed his brows but gave him a brief tutorial on decorations. He was a quick study and Ivor left Averey to put the finishing edge on the blade by himself while he took care of the few customers that came in for service. There was no offer of lunch from Mrs. Breck but when mealtime came Ivor went upstairs to grab them a quick meal of stale bread, cold sausage, and cheese. They ate quickly and were back to work without much conversation. Averey was focused on presenting Lucan with the best he could offer. He planned to go over to the tanners to see if Jacob could help him with a scabbard as soon as he and Ivor finished up for the day. SO intent on his work, Averey hadn’t noticed the master smith moving around him, sweeping up and putting away tools. He clapped his hands after he threw the latch on the front door bring Averey’s eyes to him.

“I’d say that’s enough for the day young man,” he said with a small smile as he pulled off his apron. “Tell Luc I said hello. Perhaps we shall have another ale in a weeks time.”

“I tell him,” Averey said with a bit of a frown that brought a quiet chuckle from Ivor.

“It’s slow work smithing. By the end of day tomorrow I’m sure you would be done,” he assured him the a firm hand to his back. “Now off with you. I’m sure your Ma is waiting for you.”

Averey wasn’t really concerned about his mother but he couldn’t wait to see Lucan. He found himself rushing home, but when he noticed the light on at the patisserie he paused. He couldn’t imagine Hector working so late with his wife near bursting so he assumed that Lucan was still there as well. He smiled when he saw his man hard at work through the window. His shoulders hunched, a thin dusting of flour coated his face. Averey watched for a moment, admiring the newly developed muscles in his forearms and the tired smile on his face, before he tapped on the glass.

 

[tamgreen]

With a start, Lucan looked up toward the window and spotted Averey's sweet, smiling face. His own mouth spread into a huge grin, his features lighting up with pure joy. He glanced about, and then placed a finger to his lips and made a gesture directing Averey toward the backdoor. He wiped his hands on his apron and scurried to the door, very quietly lifting the latch and swinging it open to admit his Bear.

Gods, but he loved that metal-fire-sweat smell on this man after a long day's work at the smithy!

Lucan took Averey's arm and pulled him inside before re-latching the door with the same meticulous care. He grasped his hand and pulled him into the dim pantry, where they were surrounded on all sides with barrels, sacks of flour and sugar, baskets of fruits and vegetables, shelves lined with jars and bottles, and bunches of drying herbs tied with twine hung on every available expanse of wall alongside strings of garlic bulbs. The room was fragrant with a bouquet of mouthwatering scents.

Lucan took hold of his darling, by far the most mouthwatering thing in this snug room, and clasped him around the neck, kissing him deeply, sucking at his soft lips and tongue. "I've some extra work left to do," he breathed between kisses that rained all over his cheeks and neck. "Goodwynes are upstairs... all three of them."

He pulled back to smile at Averey, his eyes sparking. "They called her Nellie. She's so tiny, Averey! Gods, you should have seen the look on Hector's face."

 

[grdybiwife]

"Nellie Goodwyne," Averey repeated, his eyes locked on Lucan and the joy in his face. It warmed his heart to see him so thrilled about the Goodwyne's good fortune, even despite the extra work that would be put upon him because of it. He was glad that his love had found his place in the world. "A fine name they've chosen I'd say," he added with another tender kiss as he wrapped his arms tightly around Lucan's slender waist. "I'll not have my Birdie alone so late in the evening but I won't drag you off from your duty's either. I would stay with you though I can offer nothing but my company."

With one last kiss Averey pulled Lucan by the hand out of the pantry but released him as soon as they might be seen from outside, or by Hector if he decided to come downstairs to check on his apprentice. He found a empty bucket and turned it over to sit on so that he was out of the way. "Back to work baker," he said firmly but then blew a kiss that made the color rise in that delicate face.