The Cosmic Dragon by Xyrlei

Point of fact I haven’t played that game (yet) but when you asked that question and I saw that picture moments later, I couldn’t think of an image that better suited Tarek, who was raised on a religion that venerates good dragons and dragon purification, and adopted one that worships the first star to exist in the cosmos.

Trust:

“Becareful.” Ryker quickly said, his words were rather urgent and he tightlygrabbed Jack’s arm with his. For a moment an uncomfortable silence followed andJack didn’t turn around to face him. He had been acting so weird lately thateven Ryker wasn’t sure what to do. At times he would try to make him open up,but it always felt like he was keeping certain things from him and the Elfcouldn’t really figure out what. At times he would get mad due to this, theywere married for Tir-Cendelius’s sake and yet his husband was keeping things fromhim.

As much ashe hated to be so secretive in their relationship Ryker had gone to the actual lengthof looking through Jack’s drawer once. It was something he had never done inall the years that they had been together because he always tried to respectedpeoples privacy and once his partner found out about this a feeling of immenseguilt filled his chest. He could have known so much better than to do such aselfish thing and Jack had all the right to be mad at him for that. He shouldactually try and trust him on his word for once, but in all the years that theyhad been together never had Jack acted like this before. They knew each otherlike the tip of their thumbs and the slightest bit of chance was alreadyobvious to the other.

Jack had beenrather drawn back since a month now. His happy, enthusiastic behaviour hadturned into something almost dark and gloomy. He tried to not make that tooapparent by hiding his true feelings behind a forced smile. Jack had always hatedto worry him and whenever something was wrong with him he would often just waveit off as something that would come to pass. Ryker had always had a similartype of behaviour especially when his partner was feeling down. Jack had askedhim several times to watch himself and when the extreme nausea still hadn’tpassed after a couple of weeks he had even suggested to go and see a doctor. Rykerdidn’t listen, telling him that the wound on his stomach and the lung diseasewas far worse than just a simple fever. The constant struggle of trying to hidetheir obvious health problems had been one of the few things they sometimesfought about in their relationship.

His wordsfaltered and he slightly loosened his grip on Jack’s arm, his eyes avertingfrom his red hair. He knew that there was no way to stop him from doing what hewanted. However the fact that Jack still hadn’t turned around to face himworried him to no end. A long, painful sigh escaped his lips and he finallyfully let go of his arm.

“Iapologize for acting the way I did these past weeks. I’ve been acting strangeand dishonest with you to a point that I didn’t trust you on your own words. Andfor that I feel guilty.” A small silence followed and Ryker hesitated for amoment before reaching out towards Jack’s face, turning him towards him. “Let’snot be so secretive anymore, my Love. My requirements are quite simple and we canstart by visiting a doctor for my simple problem. If! You will be more honestwith me. A fair proposition I’d say.”

Theslightest hint of a smile began to play on the corners of Jack’s lips and henodded, leaning down to press a slight kiss against the top of Ryker’s hand.However the sadness in his eyes didn’t leave, Jack knew Ryker was right, he hadbeen lying to him for weeks now but as much as he wanted to tell him the truthhe was afraid he wouldn’t be able to handle such devasting news.

“Iappreciate that and I’ll try to be more honest with you from now on but… Pleasedo keep in mind that not everything might be what it seems like.” Without awarning he pulled Ryker closer into his big and strong arms. He buried his faceinto the expensive fabric that covered his shoulders and had to try real hardto hold back any possible tears from falling. Ryker was shocked for a momentbut quietly wrapped his arms around him… A faint sob escaped his lips not longafter and soon were followed by more until he was no longer able to hold themback. Jack was honestly surprised to say the least, but hearing his lover crywas nearly too much for him… But instead of leaving there, he tightened thehug, allowing him to cry, to be sensitive, until minutes later it eventually dieddown. Once Ryker had calmed down they simply stood there for a couple moreminutes until finally Jack pulled back, taking a moment to look him in theeyes. He tenderly wiped away any remaining tears, along with any strands ofhair that had gotten in his face.

“I’ll haveto go now… The Lone Wolves do not appreciate failing and since I’ve been makingtoo many of those lately it’s better I get this job done right.” As much asRyker hated to let him go he nodded and took a couple of steps back, givingJack space to leave. With one last glance he finally left, leaving theGravekeeper alone in his empty house. It was silent, a chilly wind stayingbehind with him and the feeling of loneliness soon filled his heart once more.Why was he feeling this way? Jack would come back in a couple of hours anyways,in the meantime he could start preparing some tea.

I will, eventually, reach the point of ‘Too many Godwoken’.