1. Walter Thornley

    Private Trouble at the gate [M]

    There was no tension, hand resting on Laric's shoulder idly to keep him yet a moment longer as it lasted. Lukewarm fingers traced Laric's cheekbone and curled, brushed softly down. Patience. Walter smiled, just the edges of his fangs showing. "The way you move against me, makes me think." A...
  2. Walter Thornley

    Private Trouble at the gate [M]

    The question on Richard had caught him while walking, and it was easier to glance away, into one of the rooms where a ship at sea was closing sails as a storm front crawled closer. The sun hit orange against the teal waves that turned steely and menacing where the sky had covered them from...
  3. Walter Thornley

    Private Trouble at the gate [M]

    "I did," he echoed, and offered no further detail, though the dark eyes turned distant for a moment. The beat passed, and he picked up the mask of the host again, taking thanks with a polite incline of the head in return. "It is a trifle, though Anthea has schooled the new cooks a few years...
  4. Walter Thornley

    Private Trouble at the gate [M]

    "Perhaps not for the homely folk, but I am a rebellious son and I have a taste for feats of athletics," Walter echoed. "So long as I don't... overexert, it is not only proper but the only thing that should alleviate the gloom that these prolonged storms bring. I hope it clears tomorrow." To the...
  5. Walter Thornley

    Private Trouble at the gate [M]

    "That, and, story goes, an annual celebration of the day that a mysterious man had saved Bremen." His gaze flicked to the hint of the tongue, then turned to the tapestry as Walter downed the brew and landed the tall clay cup on the aspen seat to be carried away, gesturing for Leon to pour him...
  6. Walter Thornley

    Private Trouble at the gate [M]

    His breath caught audibly with both wrists immobilized. A token struggle, tensing against the confines. But he was laughing until he was whimpering softly, to the soft noises of kisses. The pressure of tips of teeth, promised bite, summoned an open-mouthed sigh, Walter's chin tilting up. It was...
  7. Walter Thornley

    Private Trouble at the gate [M]

    "It doesn't. But it's one of those topics that I would address sometime later..." Came the murmur in response. The baron's mouth found a sweet spot above the line of collar, sighing with emphasized dejection when Laric would finally break that contact, and pull the box out of his hand. Was it...
  8. Walter Thornley

    Private Trouble at the gate [M]

    "How clever," the baron marveled. "But would it remaining rooted where it is not be a reason to visit it?" The thought of a cherry tree that didn't bloom nor fruit in season seemed to intrigue him. Many Shroud-woven mysteries that altered the nature of things did, and something so peaceful and...
  9. Walter Thornley

    Private Trouble at the gate [M]

    Eyebrows rose, then a slight nod at the header of the bed - toss them there, soldier. Walter let Laric hold his glass, and kicked off his shoes before climbing deeper onto the bed. He sat there, legs crossed, as he took the glass - and held Laric's to let the man situate how he wished. "To...
  10. Walter Thornley

    Private Trouble at the gate [M]

    "I think we should, it's not half bad. Lies about the mastery, though." He trailed off. Let his eyes drift closed and leaned into the touch with a soft sigh that sounded like relief, whole body letting the tension release some. Walter's hand rested on Laric's waist, pulled him in just for a...
  11. Walter Thornley

    Private Trouble at the gate [M]

    His jaw knit, already braced for an outburst, or more of that cold. 'I'm sorry, Walter.' A part of him wanted to flee the room. He stayed rooted. Old wounds hurt, and Laric wasn't the one who caused those. He didn't look up, brows furrowed slightly - not in anger, in thought. Lines at the corner...
  12. Walter Thornley

    Private Trouble at the gate [M]

    That would have been his last appeal. Walter was not going to apologize for asking to respect his space. Doubly so when he's been combat-jumpy, tense, hurting and trying to hide and rest. He knew what he desired, he knew the alarm the very unapologetic manner Laric still presented - caused him...
  13. Walter Thornley

    Private Trouble at the gate [M]

    He looked at Laric, who seemed more tense than ever. 'Not sure if there was anything to discuss' carried a particularly bitter sting, but it was not the blond's fault. Some ghosts took a while to let go. He brought the glass to his lips, the smooth glass and the wrapping sweetness of honey and...
  14. Walter Thornley

    Private Trouble at the gate [M]

    Walter shrugged, idly. As he passed, the scent of soap root mingled with the sage, fading fragrance of flowers from the clothes. "I've looked better," he huffed, glancing aside, and handed Laric the glasses as he entered. "I've been awake since dawn. They've been the first I've visited, them and...
  15. Walter Thornley

    Private Trouble at the gate [M]

    Walter was on the other side of the opened door. Less pale, but with darkness to his eyelids that belayed the man was speaking the truth, as ever, and didn't get much sleep at all. He was well-groomed, clean-shaven and clad in a muted blue doublet atop a grey shirt. "Good morn," he offered, an...
  16. Walter Thornley

    Private Trouble at the gate [M]

    "We the servants of Thornhall manor pride ourselves in proper conduct and hospitality. It truly is no trouble, Lord Delirien. The cat's name?" Anthea glanced to the tabby that seemed to be making herself comfortable at the corner of the bed. "Hm, I think some maids called her Dusty." A pause to...
  17. Walter Thornley

    Private Trouble at the gate [M]

    The head maid smiled. "Well, let me at least get you some warm blankets. The rain may have died down for now, but I trust my husband when he says there will be a storm by morning time. Ah, I see you've reunited with your dear friend. She's been excellent as the addition to the household...
  18. Walter Thornley

    Private Trouble at the gate [M]

    In the way you see fit. Walter smiled faintly, and nodded. "May your worries melt away as candles quench and the sun dawns, Laric. Be welcome in my home. Good night," Walter echoed. The way he spoke, the cadence of it, felt... a little odd, though certainly Walter himself was peculiar on...
  19. Walter Thornley

    Private Trouble at the gate [M]

    "You came all this way, and I am in for a sleepless night," Walter offered. All this way included - into his bedroom, unnoticed by the servants, looking slick in black not-mourning dress that outlined the waist and broadened the shoulders. Besides, now that he knew that Laric went where Laric...
  20. Walter Thornley

    Private Trouble at the gate [M]

    A sigh behind the screen. Water splashed into the face, hands pressed to the cold skin, fingers splayed as water ran down both his hands. He was quivering with pain, too tired to even be angry. So he took a few more breaths, straightening. The resonance of his heartbeat felt like it was echoing...
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