[ Wren nods in return. He's quiet while Aeryn sleeps, focusing on making sure they're safe while getting to their safe house.
When they do reach the small, cozy cabin, the dragon doesn't actually wake the other. Merely shifting to pick him up to carry him inside. Though, perhaps that's enough to wake him. ]
[ A couple of seconds after Wren starts to carry him inside, Aeryn's eyes open just a bit. But, after only a short moment, he shifts to sleepily press his face into the dragon's chest. Just like that, he's dozing right back off... ]
[ Once inside the door, he picks something up and a breeze rushes through the cabin to clear away all of the dust. Wren moves to a bedroom, placing Aeryn down on the now clean bed. Time to untangle himself so that he can go take care of some things. ]
[ When he feels Wren start to pull away, there's a faint tensing of his brow. Just as Wren does manage to pull away, there's a hand blindly reaching out. ]
N-... Wren... please, not again...
[ It's obvious he's still asleep, but the emotions on his face are very open and very genuine. Definitely more pained than he's been showing Wren. ]
[ ... Oh. Aeryn's seeking hand catches the sleeve of his shirt, getting Wren to stop pulling away. The dragon examines that pained expression as the other continues to sleep and only debates something for a moment.
When he speaks, it isn't out loud but directly to the other's mind. ]
It's okay, I'm here. Sleep peacefully, Aeryn. [ His hand reaches back to run fingers through dark hair gently. ]
[ The hand clings to the sleeve for a moment, even after those words are spoken into his mind. First, his expression relaxes... and a tiny smile eases onto his lips. It's as he shifts his head closer to the hand, he slowly releases his grip on the sleeve.
With a soft, content sound, he whispers something seemingly nonsensical, though maybe Wren will feel like it's familiar - a language from his childhood, perhaps.
As the hand slides back onto the bed, he snuggles into the pillow, finally looking to relax completely. ]
[ Wren watches the change happen, as the nightmare fades into something more pleasant. Leaves his hand buried in Aeryn's hair for a while, trying to figure out what those words mean.
Maybe he'll try to ask later. Either way, he goes to tend to the horses and get the cart in a better position in case they need to leave in a hurry. As he does each task, it's relayed to Aeryn's mind via telepathy. Making sure Aeryn continues to sleep peacefully even with them being apart.
After everything is settled, he goes back to the bed and sits next to the other. Placing a hand upon his companion's head gently. ]
[ It works wonders, ensuring the nap is one he sleeps soundly through. Roughly ten minutes after he initially feels the hand on his head, he stirs again. There's a moment dedicated to taking in the new location, and then another moment dedicated to taking in the sight of who's next to him.
With a small smile, he slowly moves to sit up. ]
You let me sleep a lot longer than I thought I would...
[ But it clearly sounds like he appreciates it more than anything. ]
[ The room doesn't have too much in it, a bed, a desk, a fireplace along with a stack of wood. It has no personal touches - as it's made to be abandoned should it become compromised. There is a window, too, looking out over a large river and what could have once been a garden. ]
This is my room. Magni has the loft off the living spaces. We should be able to stay here for a while.
[ They do have seeds to grow their own crops, if need be.
Even if it has none of Wren's belongings, he feels a swell of pride that Aeryn likes the place already. Likes his room. ]
[ He shifts to lean against the wall, keeping some part of himself in contact with Wren as he does. ]
It's cozy.
[ There's a moment of consideration, and then he turns to fully face Wren. He's leaning in a little closely, a look of lowkey determination in his gaze. ]
Say, I want to do something. [ tiny smile ] Take me to the entrance for a moment?
[ It's pretty amazing that he still doesn't mind that Aeryn invades his personal space. That he even wants to reach back to touch.
A nod of his head. ] We didn't really need big places, when it was just the two of us.
[ He was given the one room whenever possible, though their group has grown by one recently... since he doesn't know how long Aeryn will be with them. Wren blinks at the question.
Then nods his head and slides off the bed. Without asking, he reaches out to pick up Aeryn in princess-carry. Moving out to the front door. There isn't much out here - a kitchen, a living room with a fire place, a bathroom, and a ladder to a small loft. It's clear of all dust and cobwebs, though doesn't really look all that lived in either. Just the bare minimum of furniture. ]
[ He nods to show he understands how that would be the case. ]
My family has a difficult time finding secure safe havens, these days. We have seven people to house, and I'm the only one capable of working.
[ There's a distant look in his gaze for a moment, a hint of worry surfacing. Though, when he's suddenly picked up, there's a quiet sound that could almost be called a squeak. With flushed cheeks, he slides both arms around Wren's neck. ]
I didn't mean like this, you know.
[ Yep, that's a soft whine. In spite of it, he huffs gently and leans up to innocently kiss the dragon's cheek. ]
As long as you aren't doing it because you think I'm incapable of walking.
It was just me and Magni, though recently Nym joined us. We don't... really work. Just travel. Seven people sounds like a lot to take care of.
[ Not that his tone sounds like it's a bad thing, just not something he can imagine on that level. Seems like a lot of people for someone who doesn't like rowdiness.
There's a moment of silence. ]
I just like when we're touching. That's a new thing for me.
[ While he doesn't mind when Magni or Nym touches him, it's not quite the same. ]
[ There's simply a smile at the next part, however. It is a lot, but he isn't the type to do anything he feels qualifies as complaining. Then, when he hears the response to the next thing, his expression softens. ]
Maybe... it has something to do with part of your power being with me? At the risk of sounding cheesy, your spirit could simply feel more whole, as a result.
[ As much as he would find it romantic if it was simply because it's him... ]
Either way, I-... don't mind being carried by you.
[ Very shyly, he admits that while sliding one back around to rest over his midsection, so that he can let his head rest on Wren's shoulder. ]
Magni made it up. Nym couldn't talk and didn't want to share his name, at first.
[ It's clear he doesn't want to say why, not because of a lack of trust for Aeryn, but because that is Nym's story to share - if he wants. Just like he only told Magni a few things about Aeryn. ]
I don't know. I didn't like anyone touching me after... what happened. Not even Magni. Even now, I sometimes need to be alone. His touch is nice, yours is... more.
[ He can definitely feel the difference between then two. Even if it's only been a short period of time since they were reunited. His face is even flushed just talking about it. ]
[ He won't ask for details, simply choosing to give a look of understanding. ]
That's really sweet... giving someone a name. Assuming it's appreciated, of course.
[ Since he doesn't know either of them, yet, he can only guess at things. As he listens to the next part, his expression warms. He nods gently at the mention of not liking being touched, at first. After a moment... ]
If you ever need time alone, say the word.
[ Gently, he reaches up, pauses... then lightly brushes his fingers over one flushed cheek. Softly, he lets his hand rest there as he says the next thing. ]
And I trust you'll let me know if I ever cross any lines.
[ Perhaps the story will be told, or Nym will allow Wren to do so if Aeryn stays in their life. He's quiet at the words the other says, right now it doesn't feel like he needs alone time or that Aeryn could possibly cross any lines. ]
Okay. I will.
[ That day may never come, or there might be fewer of them. Since Aeryn requested this of him, he wants to accept it. They reach the entry doorway and Wren seems reluctant to put the other down for a long moment. When he does, he's still standing very close - close enough to be touching, arms brushing against each other. ]
[ Oh, Wren doesn't want to put him down... Aeryn finds that really cute, a soft chuckle escaping as he patiently waits to be put down. After making sure Wren knows they need to be inside for this. Once his feet touch the floor, he smiles up at Wren, reaching out to hold his hand. ]
I actually... need you to hold onto me a little tightly for this to work as smoothly as possible.
[ That's said a bit shyly as he reaches up and briefly fidgets with the purple strand of hair. ]
[ He nods at the first part, not feeling the need to say more at this moment.
Wren hadn't even opened the door leading outside, figuring Aeryn would do what he needed once there. The dragon actually feels much more at ease holding the other's hand, so his fingers curl around it.
Then... oh. Time to shift and wrap both arms around Aeryn from behind, holding the other around the waist tightly but not painfully. ]
[ This is definitely what he meant, but he hadn't anticipated the way it makes him feel. So... safe and stable. Like he's right where he's meant to be, where he was always meant to belong. Initially, he responds in a voice that's at a slightly higher pitch than intended. ]
It's...
[ He clears his throat, chuckling at himself a little. ]
Yes. [ softer, with a small smile: ] It's perfect.
[ With that, he reaches out, lightly resting his hand on the door. ]
I need you to think of Magni and Nym. Whatever comes to mind first should work.
[ A very gentle warmth is going to wash over Wren, bringing feelings of nostalgia and a twinge of homesickness. But, more than either of those, there is a chance he'll recognize that this is a spell of protection, unique to Aeryn. It was very frequently used on Wren, after all, the moment Aeryn even came close to mastering it.
There are no words, no incantation, only the feelings. Warm, affectionate, and familiar feelings. ]
It will easily hold for a few days. Even if somebody malicious came along, they would only feel confused. And, even if they tried to force their way over here, they'd wind up blacking out and wake up several miles north, unable to remember how they got there.
[ With that, he rests one hand over Wren's arm. ]
I, um...
[ He closes his eyes. ]
Mastered that spell because of you. I used to... blame myself, for not doing it sooner. All I'd ever wanted was to protect, but it felt like I was always just shy of strong enough, with everyone I ever cared about.
[ There's a weak laugh before he swallows thickly and shakes his head. ]
Sorry, I'm just... maybe still a little tired? I think I should sit down.
[ But he doesn't try to pull away. He simply lowers his head, eyes still closed. ]
[ He looks down at Aeryn when the high-pitched word comes out first, wondering if something's wrong. The follow-up just makes him curious.
Wren has been around enough magic to know how to focus his intent. So at the instructions, he closes his eyes to think about the two that have become his family - Magni always taking care of him, Nym coming to wake him up. The warmth they both hold for each other and for him, and his own feelings for them in return.
There really is a warmth flowing through him and he doubts it's just from holding Aeryn who is always warm. The dragon doesn't let go when it appears the protection spell is set, merely resting his chin on the other's crown. ]
Maybe it was enough, to keep me here so that I could meet you again.
[ Surviving the entire massacre of his village, and his injuries. ]
Okay, let's sit down.
[ Just going to shift in order to scoop Aeryn up in his arms again, taking them over to sit on the sofa. Though... he places the other in his lap, rather than next to him, both arms once again wrapping around the unicorn's waist. ]
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I'll help in whatever way I can.
[ Aeryn does have healing abilities, and he'd be more than happy to offer them. When he looks up and sees the light flush, he can't help smiling. ]
Thank you.
[ With that, he closes his eyes and lets himself drift off. ]
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When they do reach the small, cozy cabin, the dragon doesn't actually wake the other. Merely shifting to pick him up to carry him inside. Though, perhaps that's enough to wake him. ]
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N-... Wren... please, not again...
[ It's obvious he's still asleep, but the emotions on his face are very open and very genuine. Definitely more pained than he's been showing Wren. ]
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When he speaks, it isn't out loud but directly to the other's mind. ]
It's okay, I'm here. Sleep peacefully, Aeryn. [ His hand reaches back to run fingers through dark hair gently. ]
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With a soft, content sound, he whispers something seemingly nonsensical, though maybe Wren will feel like it's familiar - a language from his childhood, perhaps.
As the hand slides back onto the bed, he snuggles into the pillow, finally looking to relax completely. ]
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Maybe he'll try to ask later. Either way, he goes to tend to the horses and get the cart in a better position in case they need to leave in a hurry. As he does each task, it's relayed to Aeryn's mind via telepathy. Making sure Aeryn continues to sleep peacefully even with them being apart.
After everything is settled, he goes back to the bed and sits next to the other. Placing a hand upon his companion's head gently. ]
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With a small smile, he slowly moves to sit up. ]
You let me sleep a lot longer than I thought I would...
[ But it clearly sounds like he appreciates it more than anything. ]
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He watches Aeryn wake, allowing his hand to fall away when the other sits up. ]
You seemed like you needed the rest.
[ Since Aeryn did wake up and decided to go back to sleep anyway. ]
Welcome to one of our safe houses. We keep it stocked with basic supplies, and a few magical ones.
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At the next part, he looks around, taking in his new surroundings with fond curiosity. ]
I like it.
[ No matter how it looks, he likes it. It feels just as the name implies: safe. ]
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This is my room. Magni has the loft off the living spaces. We should be able to stay here for a while.
[ They do have seeds to grow their own crops, if need be.
Even if it has none of Wren's belongings, he feels a swell of pride that Aeryn likes the place already. Likes his room. ]
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It's cozy.
[ There's a moment of consideration, and then he turns to fully face Wren. He's leaning in a little closely, a look of lowkey determination in his gaze. ]
Say, I want to do something. [ tiny smile ] Take me to the entrance for a moment?
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A nod of his head. ] We didn't really need big places, when it was just the two of us.
[ He was given the one room whenever possible, though their group has grown by one recently... since he doesn't know how long Aeryn will be with them. Wren blinks at the question.
Then nods his head and slides off the bed. Without asking, he reaches out to pick up Aeryn in princess-carry. Moving out to the front door. There isn't much out here - a kitchen, a living room with a fire place, a bathroom, and a ladder to a small loft. It's clear of all dust and cobwebs, though doesn't really look all that lived in either. Just the bare minimum of furniture. ]
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My family has a difficult time finding secure safe havens, these days. We have seven people to house, and I'm the only one capable of working.
[ There's a distant look in his gaze for a moment, a hint of worry surfacing. Though, when he's suddenly picked up, there's a quiet sound that could almost be called a squeak. With flushed cheeks, he slides both arms around Wren's neck. ]
I didn't mean like this, you know.
[ Yep, that's a soft whine. In spite of it, he huffs gently and leans up to innocently kiss the dragon's cheek. ]
As long as you aren't doing it because you think I'm incapable of walking.
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It was just me and Magni, though recently Nym joined us. We don't... really work. Just travel. Seven people sounds like a lot to take care of.
[ Not that his tone sounds like it's a bad thing, just not something he can imagine on that level. Seems like a lot of people for someone who doesn't like rowdiness.
There's a moment of silence. ]
I just like when we're touching. That's a new thing for me.
[ While he doesn't mind when Magni or Nym touches him, it's not quite the same. ]
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Nym... I've never heard that name before.
[ There's simply a smile at the next part, however. It is a lot, but he isn't the type to do anything he feels qualifies as complaining. Then, when he hears the response to the next thing, his expression softens. ]
Maybe... it has something to do with part of your power being with me? At the risk of sounding cheesy, your spirit could simply feel more whole, as a result.
[ As much as he would find it romantic if it was simply because it's him... ]
Either way, I-... don't mind being carried by you.
[ Very shyly, he admits that while sliding one back around to rest over his midsection, so that he can let his head rest on Wren's shoulder. ]
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Magni made it up. Nym couldn't talk and didn't want to share his name, at first.
[ It's clear he doesn't want to say why, not because of a lack of trust for Aeryn, but because that is Nym's story to share - if he wants. Just like he only told Magni a few things about Aeryn. ]
I don't know. I didn't like anyone touching me after... what happened. Not even Magni. Even now, I sometimes need to be alone. His touch is nice, yours is... more.
[ He can definitely feel the difference between then two. Even if it's only been a short period of time since they were reunited. His face is even flushed just talking about it. ]
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That's really sweet... giving someone a name. Assuming it's appreciated, of course.
[ Since he doesn't know either of them, yet, he can only guess at things. As he listens to the next part, his expression warms. He nods gently at the mention of not liking being touched, at first. After a moment... ]
If you ever need time alone, say the word.
[ Gently, he reaches up, pauses... then lightly brushes his fingers over one flushed cheek. Softly, he lets his hand rest there as he says the next thing. ]
And I trust you'll let me know if I ever cross any lines.
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Nym likes it.
[ Perhaps the story will be told, or Nym will allow Wren to do so if Aeryn stays in their life. He's quiet at the words the other says, right now it doesn't feel like he needs alone time or that Aeryn could possibly cross any lines. ]
Okay. I will.
[ That day may never come, or there might be fewer of them. Since Aeryn requested this of him, he wants to accept it. They reach the entry doorway and Wren seems reluctant to put the other down for a long moment. When he does, he's still standing very close - close enough to be touching, arms brushing against each other. ]
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Then I stand by what I said.
[ Oh, Wren doesn't want to put him down... Aeryn finds that really cute, a soft chuckle escaping as he patiently waits to be put down. After making sure Wren knows they need to be inside for this. Once his feet touch the floor, he smiles up at Wren, reaching out to hold his hand. ]
I actually... need you to hold onto me a little tightly for this to work as smoothly as possible.
[ That's said a bit shyly as he reaches up and briefly fidgets with the purple strand of hair. ]
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Wren hadn't even opened the door leading outside, figuring Aeryn would do what he needed once there. The dragon actually feels much more at ease holding the other's hand, so his fingers curl around it.
Then... oh. Time to shift and wrap both arms around Aeryn from behind, holding the other around the waist tightly but not painfully. ]
Does this work?
[ Is this what Aeryn meant? ]
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It's...
[ He clears his throat, chuckling at himself a little. ]
Yes. [ softer, with a small smile: ] It's perfect.
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I need you to think of Magni and Nym. Whatever comes to mind first should work.
[ A very gentle warmth is going to wash over Wren, bringing feelings of nostalgia and a twinge of homesickness. But, more than either of those, there is a chance he'll recognize that this is a spell of protection, unique to Aeryn. It was very frequently used on Wren, after all, the moment Aeryn even came close to mastering it.
There are no words, no incantation, only the feelings. Warm, affectionate, and familiar feelings. ]
It will easily hold for a few days. Even if somebody malicious came along, they would only feel confused. And, even if they tried to force their way over here, they'd wind up blacking out and wake up several miles north, unable to remember how they got there.
[ With that, he rests one hand over Wren's arm. ]
I, um...
[ He closes his eyes. ]
Mastered that spell because of you. I used to... blame myself, for not doing it sooner. All I'd ever wanted was to protect, but it felt like I was always just shy of strong enough, with everyone I ever cared about.
[ There's a weak laugh before he swallows thickly and shakes his head. ]
Sorry, I'm just... maybe still a little tired? I think I should sit down.
[ But he doesn't try to pull away. He simply lowers his head, eyes still closed. ]
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Wren has been around enough magic to know how to focus his intent. So at the instructions, he closes his eyes to think about the two that have become his family - Magni always taking care of him, Nym coming to wake him up. The warmth they both hold for each other and for him, and his own feelings for them in return.
There really is a warmth flowing through him and he doubts it's just from holding Aeryn who is always warm. The dragon doesn't let go when it appears the protection spell is set, merely resting his chin on the other's crown. ]
Maybe it was enough, to keep me here so that I could meet you again.
[ Surviving the entire massacre of his village, and his injuries. ]
Okay, let's sit down.
[ Just going to shift in order to scoop Aeryn up in his arms again, taking them over to sit on the sofa. Though... he places the other in his lap, rather than next to him, both arms once again wrapping around the unicorn's waist. ]
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