ransomed

It had been months since they faced the jabberwock, and though the events seemingly weren’t real. Any mention of the beast sent a sting through the hearts of the group. That is everyone but Frost.

Whenever the subject was uttered, Kremy and Gideon would always look to eachother, the latter usually mumbling about how he was ‘going to kill the son of a bitch’.

Gricko always looked towards Hootsie, trying so hard not envision her running away, only to see her slain as his own life faded away.

Torbek was more horrified on his friends behalf that he couldn’t summon the other to bring the beast into submission. Yet everytime it was mentioned he didn’t have much reaction to it, after all it was not the worst thing that had happened to Torbek.

Frost never commented on the matter, since the day it had happened all he had said on the subject was that they should be prepared in case they come face to face with it once more. But in that battle, he was the last to die.

He had seen the beast trample over Gideon, the sound of his bones breaking echoing through the woods. He had seen Kremy rended and hoisted away as he tried to protect Gideon’s corpse. To make matters worse he had seen that dastardly thing swipe at Torbek with its tail, Kremy still attached as it struck him down. Gricko and Hootsie…that thought he had blocked from his mind. To even try recount what happened to them would send Frost over the edge.

Of course Frost never spoke of this to anyone, how he pleaded with the monster. Throwing his prized possessions, letting his whole collection explode at the beasts side. How he fell to his knees in despair as his worst fear became realised, nothing had made sense…and he was alone. With his meditation and extreme efforts of mindfulness he was usually able to whisk the thoughts away into the void of his mind. So as the drifted off to sleep in a distant part of Yon, he paid no mind to those thoughts, simply making efforts to will them away as he slipped into a deep slumber.

Torbek was a light sleeper, having always been in some level of fight or flight made the bugbear incredibly reactive, so it was no surprise that he shot up awake to the sound of Frost’s screams. He immediately scanned the room for danger before turning to Frost who laid beside him in bed. The tabaxi thrashed in his sleep, yelling out for help, pleading. Torbek desperately shook the tabaxi awake, that did not seem to ease Frost as he too sat bolt up right. His breathing fast, his eyes wide as tears spilled from his eyes. On reflex he jolted away from Torbek, still too disoriented to distinguish his nightmare from reality. Practically flying off the bed as he backed himself into the corner of their shared tent.

“Frost it’s just Torbek!” Torbek exclaimed, not getting any closer to the sorcerer for fear of scaring him further. He pointed to the cannisters on his back, touched his own face, held his arms out to try show Frost that it was just his lover stood before him.

“There was nothing I-“ Frost tried to speak through panicked breath, “e-everyone” His neck straining as he desperately tried to push his words from his mouth.

Torbek saw that he was no longer disoriented, “can Torbek come and comfort you Frost?” He asked apprehensively. Frost always asked the same thing of him when he was panicking. Frost nodded frantically as his breaths became more akin to gasps, his fur stood on end as the tears continued to fall.

“Torbek needs you to breathe with Torbek” the bugbear instructed as he knelt down in front of Frost, “like this” He spoke once more before taking slow breaths.

In

Out

In

Out

In

Out

Frost began to breathe in sync with Torbek, who had now taken his hands into his. Shoulders rising and falling, slowly becoming more steady as Frost’s panic slowly ebbed away. He jumped into Torbek’s lap, his arms wrapping around the bugbear as he listened to his heartbeat, he felt Torbek’s arms wrap around his as he continued to sob into his chest.

Torbek just let him cry, to cry until he couldn’t cry any more. It was not often that he saw Frost cry. He knew better than to try stop him, only intense emotion could force tears from Frost in this way.

Eventually Frost pulled away from Torbek’s chest and met his eyes.

“I’m sorry for waking you Torbek” He stated, as if he had just been some minor inconvenience.

“It’s okay, Torbek just wanted to make sure you were okay” Torbek replied, his hands cupping the tabaxi’s face gently as he spoke.

“It was stupid, it was just…I was back in the forest..we were all fighting the jabberwock and I had to watch you all-“ Frost began to explain, feeling the lump in his throat as he tried to recount it.

“I had to watch you all die” He finally managed to spit out. He tried his best not to let the tears fall as they welled up in his eyes once more.

A look of shock painted Torbek’s face before he spoke, “Has this happened before?” He asked as he slowly tried to guide Frost back onto their bed.

“Never like that…I think about it a lot but it’s never…never like that” Frost stumbled over his words as he replied. Torbek’s shock turned to concern as Frost provided him with more clarification.

“Why didn’t you tell Torbek? Torbek could help you in the same way you help Torbek” He said, guilt washing over him. Had Frost truly been able to conceal this right up until this very night?

“I don’t know, I’m supposed to be logical and I help others” Frost began to explain, stuttering his words and trying to rationalising neglecting his own feelings as he laid in the bugbears arms.

“Frost it is ok to need help… you help Torbek all the time, why would Torbek helping you be any different?” Torbek pressed Frost, it was true that the sorcerer had helped guide Torbek through a lot of struggle.

“But bad things have happened to you Torbek, real, horrible things that you carry with you every day. I’m not even sure what happened with the jabberwock was real in any way” He rationalised, and to him it had made perfect sense.

“Torbek doesn’t care if it was real or not, if you are struggling that is just as real as anything else you help Torbek with” he explained as he stroked Frosts fur, and though the tabaxi wanted to protest he knew deep down that Torbek was right.

“Thank you Torbek…I will seek out your comfort next time the thoughts accost me” Frost looked up to face Torbek, the bugbear planted a kiss on his forehead.

The two laid together, Torbek holding Frost in his arms. Stroking his fur and keeping him close as the sorcerer’s eyes began to flutter, letting himself drift off to sleep once more as he felt secure in the arms of his lover. Only when Frost had fallen asleep did Torbek allow sleep to overtake him.

The rest of the night passed them by, Frost’s mind calmed by Torbek’s presence. Torbek’s mind for once comfortably silent.

————————

Had to pull an old switcheroo. As much as I’m a sucker for Frost comforting Torbek, Frost losing his grip on his emotions is just 😫😭😭😭😭😭

The sun had risen, Kremy was the first to wake. Attempting to slip out of his husbands arms in order to go set up some breakfast for the rest of the group. He felt Gideons hand on his waist as the genasi grumbled, "Where do you think you're goin' darlin?". His deep gravely morning voice along with his devilishly handsome southern drawl was almost enough to keep Kremy in the tent.

"As much as I want to jump ya bones Gid, everyone had a rough night and I best go out there and make some breakfast before Gricko gets up and attempts to cook", Kremy shimmied free of his husbands yearning grasp. Gideon laughed as he sat up, "yeahhhh your probably right", he agreed before he too started to get dressed.

Gricko was next, his adolescent daughter still hooting and snoring away without a care in the world. She had slept the whole night through, he was bewildered that she could still be tired. He let her sleep in, making a note to bring some breakfast in for her later before he too got ready and left the tent.

Torbek was next, a shocked awakening as he realised he had not dreamed the events of the night before. His arm still wrapped around Frost, the tabaxi nuzzled into Torbek's chest. Torbek was unsure how Frost could stand his stench but he was thankful for it. "Froooost" Torbek said, as delicately as he could manage, nudging the tabaxi awake.

Frost opened his eyes to see he was still cuddled against Torbek, a smile made its way across his face. Though he made a note that he should still maintain his meditation schedule, it was nice to wake up in the arms of the bugbear. "Good morning Torbek" He smiled, not noticing Torbek let out a small giggle.

"Good morning Frost" The bugbear laughed, proud of his little wordplay despite it being the most obvious joke in the world.

Frost got up out of the bed to get dressed, then noticing that Torbek's clothes were covered in blood and viscera. He had to get those cleaned up before Torbek put them back on. He picked up his robe and handed it to Torbek. "Put this on for now, I'll have Kremy attempt to clean at least the blood from your clothes" Frost stated.

Torbek got up, his height towering over Frost as he put his robe on, tying it at the waist like a dressing gown, the hem of the robe only reaching just past Torbek's knees. Frost couldn't help but smile at the sight. He wanted to be spontaneous, to reach and give Torbek a kiss. Leading to some confusion from Torbek as he watched the Tabaxi attempt to get up on his tippy toes.

"Torbek is very confused" Torbek stated with a chuckle, not clocking on to what Frost was attempting.

"Sorry, I should've asked you first...may I kiss you Torbek?" Frost asked, Torbek debated pinching himself as he thought there was no way this was real life, surely some fey trick. Instead he looked down at frost and smiled, bending at the knees slightly to give Frost the proper leverage.

It is important to note that neither of the two had ever kissed anyone before, not without the influence of fey magic. It was very clumsy as the Tabaxi tried to navigate around the bugbears teeth, and Torbek was unsure what to do with his awkward limbs. But it was fresh, it was new and it was just right.

The rest of the group were now sat around enjoying breakfast, Hootsie had eventually made her way out of the tent and sat beside her father, enjoying the breakfast her uncle Kremy had made along with a wild rat her father had caught for her.

"Good morning everyone" Frost stated as he and Torbek stepped out from the tent, Kremy looking up to see the bugbear in Frosts robe. His alligator jaw quite literally almost hitting the floor. After a small nudge from Gricko and a sharp look of dont you dare say a word, Kremy began to portion out some breakfast for the pair.

"Well good morning to you too fellas, here Torbek I saved you a good bit" Kremy handed Torbek his breakfast. He wasn't lying it was arguably the best portion out of the whole group. Torbek was shocked at Kremy's sudden kindness and consideration, he was sure he was dreaming now.

Everyone ate their breakfast before all getting ready to set off and continue their adventure. Unsure of what the day may bring but all definitely noticing a breeze of joy as they set off on their quest.

___________________

“No please Torbek I know you’re in there please, there is no danger please let Torbek go” Frost pleaded with whatever Torbek had become in that moment, trying to reach Torbek wherever he was trapped in the corners of his mind. He cautiously tried to step back, he didn’t want to hurt Torbek. Even though he knew the bugbear would heal he couldn’t bear it.

“Ohhhhhh this is gonna be too easy” The other said, raising his unnaturally large hand, witchlight dripping from his knife-like fingers as they mutated and elongated even further.

Every part of Frosts rational brain was gone, he was stood frozen like a scared child, completely unable to move. Just when he saw the mutated hand swing down toward him, a chain wrapped around Torbek’s wrist. It seemed to all happen in slow motion for Frost.

Gideon had wrapped his chain around Torbek, in a move he had never quite seen before. Frost watched as Gideon took the leverage of the chains practically interlocking in order to propel himself, swinging around Torbek, pushing his foot off the nearest tree so he could pull Torbek’s hand behind him. Gricko and Kremy taking advantage of the momentary confusion to wrap Gideon’s other chain around Torbek’s other arm. They seemed to be holding him for now. “Quickly Frosty get in his head! We can’t hold him for long!” Gricko exclaimed.

Frost had to act fast, but he couldn’t focus. Panic was clouding him but he knew if he wanted to pull Torbek out of this he had to focus. He thought and thought and thought until he was there, in Torbek’s mind.

“You think you can save him with your funny mind tricks you foolish thing” He was confronted by a man he did not recognise, like Torbek but so refined. A look in his eyes that unsettled Frost to the depths of his soul.

“Torbek!” Frost called out, scanning through the expanse of Torbek’s mind. Only seeming to encounter the thoughts of the other until he seemed to hear…his own voice.

“Do you think I should tell him?”, it was his words from not even two hours ago, but it was followed by constant rolling anxieties and panic. Torbek misinterpreting what he had heard. Frost was horrified, it was his fault Torbek had run off into the forest. Then he heard the menacing laugh of the Other behind him.

“Ohh no poor Torbek” The Other mocked before continuing his taunts, “too bad I’ll have to kill you and your friends before that stupid oaf realised you actually do love him”. But suddenly there was a blinding pain, everything went black as Frost was forced from Torbek’s mind.

He was once again in the forest surrounded by trees, he thought he had surely failed until he saw a magenta glow once again starting to illuminate the surroundings as the witchlight filled back up within the canisters.Torbek’s eyes returned to normal for a brief moment before he passed out unconscious, Gideon having to swiftly catch him before he hit the ground. Kremy and Gricko quickly working to undo Gideon’s chains from Torbek’s wrists.

They carried him back to camp, Frost demanding that they put him in his tent, but further insisting he be the one to take him in to make sure that he could accommodate a comfortable bed big enough for the tall bugbear. Gricko mushed up some bananyas for Torbek before leaving Frost and Torbek alone in the tent, urging Kremy and Gideon to give them some space.

Torbek opened his eyes, not recognising where he was, he was in pain but he was so comfortable at the same time. He looked around to find Frost sat at the end of the bed.“Frost? What happened?” Torbek spoke almost in a whisper, his voice sounding more rough than usual. Frost quickly turned his attention to Torbek, practically throwing himself on the bugbear as he began to sob into his chest.

Torbek was stunned, he had never seen such an outpouring of emotion from frost in the whole time he had known him. “Torbek is sorry if Torbek put you guys in danger Torbek was ju-“ Torbek quickly tried to apologise and explain himself before quickly being cut off by Frost who propped himself up to face him.

“No Torbek I’m sorry, I didn’t realise you were listening to me when I was speaking at the campfire with Gricko, if I had known I would’ve told you right then” He mumbled his apologies through tears as he rested his paw on the bugbears cheek. Torbek had been attacked by some horrible shadowy figures and he couldn’t remember anything after that. But with the way Frosts paw affectionately cupped his face he suddenly came to the realisation his wires had gotten unbelievably crossed.

“Are you saying you like Torbek too?!” Torbek exclaimed with utter disbelief, meanwhile Frost was trying to get a hold of himself. He just couldn’t get over the guilt of putting Torbek in danger the way he had.

“Yes Torbek, yes that’s-“ Frost broke mid sentence, stifling more tears, “that’s exactly what I’m saying, I am sorry for not telling you sooner, I have never felt this deeply for anyone in my life and I-“ frost was now trying to gain his composure once more, “I just didn’t know what I was feeling, that’s why I was speaking to Gricko” he finally managed to explain.

Torbek was entirely lost for words, he had no idea what to do. Though he knew more about love than frosty he had never experienced it, he had never had chance to put it into practice. He had no idea what to say what to do. He let pure instinct take over as he put a hand on the back of Frosts neck, bringing his face closer planting kiss on his forehead . It was small, it was quick, but it was better than anything Torbek could possibly think to say in that moment.

Frost got off of Torbek, now sat beside him, placing a kiss on Torbek’s cheek before laying beside him, the bugbears unnaturally long arm wrapped around him.

“Can Torbek sleep in hereeee with youuuu tonight Frost?”Torbek asked, frost let out a small laugh as in that moment he believed the answer to be obvious.

“Of course you can Torbek” he replied as they laid there together. They enjoyed simply being together in that moment. They could discuss everything else when the sun came up, they could face the world tomorrow. But everything could wait as they drifted off in each other’s arms.

———————

It just kept happening, Torbek and Frost couldn’t seem to avoid eachother. Though admittedly it was Torbek who was trying to do most of the avoidance. Trying his best to shield his heart, and Frost seemed to be making it all the more difficult as he seemed to borderline follow the bugbear around.

“Well Torbek could go with Gricko?” Torbek suggested, the group had to split to investigate the area. Gideon and Kremy, Gricko and hootsie and then that left Torbek and Frost. Torbek couldn’t handle the idea of being alone with frost, every interaction they had only made him more infatuated with the tabaxi and he couldn’t let himself fall any deeper.

“Torbek, you’re going with Frost, end of story” Kremy explained before motioning to everyone to go their separate ways, previously agreeing on meeting back at that spot.

So Frost and Torbek began in their exploration. Frost felt upset, angry. What was so bad about him? That Torbek couldn’t be alone with him, more to the point why did he care so much. Torbek is always slightly skittish so why was this getting to him the way it was.

“Have I done something to upset you Torbek?” Frost asked, his eyes looking up and seeing the bugbears anxious expression as they continued their walk.

“Nooo, Torbek just….Torbek thought we could change it up a bit” Torbek lied through his teeth, the only explanation that came to his head when confronted with such an upfront question. Something that wouldn’t cause Frost to pry anymore into it.

“I don’t know Torbek, it just seems like the past few days I’ve done something to upset yo-“ Frost was of course, despite Torbek’s best efforts, still trying to pry until his foot caught on a root and sent him flying forward. He braced to hit the floor only to feel hands holding his waist, as Torbek gently brought him back to his feet. Once Frost was once again upright, Torbek quickly pulled his hands away. Frost was upset by that, in a strange way he could imagine the feeling of Torbeks hands still being there, wrapped around his waist. He kind of wished they where still there.

“Guys! I think we should set up camp here! Kremy and Gideon found a spooky cave and you guys picked the furthest path!” Gricko cut through the tension like a knife as he came bounding over with the rest of the group. Torbek mentally sighed in relief, at least he didn’t have to answer Frost’s question. Frost was slightly annoyed, he would never be able to get to the bottom of anything with everyone else around.

And still everyone set up camp, Kremy and Gideon had disappeared to their tent, the rest of the group being thankful that part of the wish for their tent was making it soundproof. Torbek had disappeared to his tent as soon as he put it up, because if Frost tried to pry in front of the rest of the group they would all absolutely figure him right out.

Hootsie had gone to sleep in her’s and Gricko’s tent as her father sat speaking with Frost by the camp fire.

“And I don’t know Gricko, I can’t explain it but I just want to be near him all the time, he keeps getting all worked up and finding some way to avoid me altogether, I’m just frustrated…why can’t I put the pieces together? It doesn’t make sense” Frost rambled to his best friend, not noticing the grin that spread across the goblins face.

“Frosty, for someone so smart you really are very stupid” Gricko interjected Frosts rambling, the tabaxi looking at him in shock.

“You know what’s happening?” Frost asked, looking at Gricko with a pleading look, he had been searching within himself so desperately for answers and apparently Gricko could’ve told him the whole time.

“You like him Frosty”

“Well of course I like him he’s my frie-“

“No you like himmm”

It took a minute for Gricko’s words to process in his brain and then it all came together. He did, he had grown affectionate for Torbek, he had never felt this way about anyone before, it all made sense. But then his clarity was interrupted by his second problem as he turned back to Gricko and asked, “Well then why has he been avoiding me?”.

Gricko took a moment to think, before his eyes lit up and his grinned even wider, “well he obviously likes you too, but you know Torbek he’s never had a good day in his life the poor lad, we all know he don’t fink much of himself” Gricko explained nonchalantly, as if the whole thing was just so obvious. Frosts eyes widened with the realisation that his friend was probably right.

Unbeknownst to them, Torbek had heard mumblings of conversation, not quite knowing what they had said as he peaked from behind the flap of his tent. Only now being privy to the conversation occuring at the campfire.

“Do you think I should tell him?” He heard frost ask. Oh no, Torbek thought. Frost had already figured him out. Torbek continued to listen, maybe they weren’t talking about him, maybe he just had to hear more.

“Of course! Although he went to bed the minute he put his tent up so he must be tired, best leave him to rest…wouldn’t want to upset him” Gricko replied, Torbek could feel the tears forming in his eyes. Of course the bugbear had no idea that Gricko was simply inferring that frost not disturb him from his slumber. Torbek immediately assumed the worst. He sat down behind the entrance to his tent. Listening as the pair said goodnight to each other before returning to their respective tents.

Torbek knew he was right, why did he let himself fall so deeply when he knew it would never work. When he knew that he truly was unlovable in that way. He thought about what Frost may say to him in the morning, he couldn’t bear to think about it, and if Gricko knew too. That meant everyone knew. It was all too much for him as he took off from his tent and disappeared into the dark forest.

Frost was unaware he had just completely and unintentionally shattered the poor bugbears heart as he laid in his tent, thinking about how to confess his feelings to him. He sorted through countless options, trying to find something that would be just right. He was at it for over an hour when he heard a loud cry out in the forest.

“HELP TORBEK, SOMEBODY PLEASE HELP TORBEK”

Frost sat bolt upright as he heard Torbek cry out for help, why was he awake, why had he left his tent. None of that mattered in that moment because all Frost knew, Torbek was in danger

He rushed from his tent, Gricko also rushing out at the sound of commotion, Kremmy and Gideon clearly not hearing a thing through their tent.

“Get those two up and follow the sound, meet me there” Frost exclaimed as he ran through the trees, Gricko immediately followed orders as he watched the tabaxi disappear into the tree line.

Frost was desperately following Torbek’s cries for help, he felt as though he was getting closer. But then he was suddenly following Torbek’s cries of pain, followed by cries he didn’t recognise. When he finally reached Torbek he was covered in blood, shrouded in darkness

“Torbek! Are you okay?!” Frost asked, fearing that Torbek had been savaged by something. Until he realised something. They were shrouded in darkness, there was no glow from the witchlight canisters attached to Torbek’s back. He realised all too late what had happened as the bugbear turned to face him, his face twisted in a menacing grin.

“When will you idiots realise, I’m not Torbek!”

———————————

Carnivale Lecroux continued through Yon, Kremy and Gideon of course seeming to take charge on many situations. Though Torbek and Frost threw suggestions and queries around, Gricko was far more likely to get his opinion heard by the presumed 'Leaders' of the group.

On this particular day Torbek was in pain, more pain than normal even for Torbek. He trudged at the back of the group, dragging his feet as his back ached and searing pain went through him. He wasn't sure why today of all days it seemed to be draining him. "Guyyyys would it be possible to stopppp, Torbek is in alot of pain" Torbek whined as the group continued on. Gricko was consumed in antics as Hootsie followed behind him, Kremy and Gideon far too consumed in conversation at the front of the group to hear Torbek's plea.

Frost turned his head to check on Torbek, "Is everything okay Torbek?" Frost asked, the bugbear let out a small yelp of pain as his legs buckled beneath him, Frost leaping to his aide and cushioning his fall slightly. He couldn't see any recent injuries however Torbek was clearly in a great amount of discomfort, "Guys I think we need to stop and let Torbek rest something appears to be wro-" Frost was about to signal out to the rest of the group only to find they had gotten carried away in some bizarre fey curse and were much farther down the path than before. He knew they didn't do it on purpose, they had often had to backtrack because the sneaky nature of the feywild had split them, he knew that they wouldn't get far until they realised they had to come back and find them, so he sat instead turned back around and moved his attention to Torbek.

"Mr Kremy and Mr Gideon never seem to listen to Torbek" Torbek stated with a sigh, regaining his composure slightly. Frost sat down beside him sharing a knowing look, "It is quite difficult to get them to listen to me too, but on a different note are you okay ?did something happen?" Frost bombarded Torbek with questions regarding his wellbeing.

Torbek was quite taken aback, though his friends did care for him to a certain degree, he had never had someone be so attentive to him as Frost had been the past week. "Torbek's body just hurts, Torbek is sure it will pass soooon" He explained, his legs already feeling minutely better given the fact that he was no longer bearing weight on them. His back however seemed to still have a deep searing pain that seemed to echo down his spine.

"As long as you're sure" Frost replied as he readjusted himself to try gain some comfort on the forest floor, his breath catching in his throat as he felt his paw land on Torbek's spindly hand. There was a brief moment of eye contact that seemed to the Tabaxi to last a lifetime before they each quickly looked away, focusing their gaze on anything but each other.

A feeling of confusion spread through Frost as that same warmth filled his body. He had done a number of things with a majority of the guy's, why was this brush of hands throwing him through a loop. Granted many of the other outlandish things he had previously done had always seemed to be a result of fey magic and curses. But this was just a brief moment of contact, a quick glance, a ponder into each other's eyes that could not have lasted for more than a few seconds. Trying to decipher it in the awkward silence that stewed between them only left Frost more confused as he tried desperately to rationalise and explain to himself why his heart seemed to skip a beat when their hands met.

Torbek was facing that same feeling, he knew however exactly what it was. Frost had been so attentive recently, sticking up for him, checking up on him, all together paying more attention to Torbek than the rest of the group. His felt a flutter as their hands had met, Torbek knew what this feeling was and he instantly hated himself for it. In Torbek's mind it was foolish to even entertain that thought, because who in their right mind would fall for him. He had never seemed to catch a lucky break, he could barely keep himself together most of the time, he was altogether a walking disaster waiting to happen. Yet couldn't deny that he was beginning to fall for Frost.

The two sat in silence, both struggling to cycle through their own minds. Torbek took another glance at Frost, knowing that deep down he was simply bound to be disappointed when Frost eventually rejected him, he couldn't let this train of thought continue and spiral any further lest he be hit with a painful reminder that no one would truly feel for him in that way. He pushed passed the aches and pains that remained as he took to his feet, "Torbek thinks we should catch up with the others in case they get into trouble", he began to walk in the direction the group had ventured.

Frost stood and quickly followed along, clearly taken off guard at Torbek's sudden enthusiasm to continue. He felt a pang of sadness, frustration even. He knew what they felt like at least, but he just couldn't understand why. Torbek had done nothing wrong and yet the mutual dismissal of what seemed to be an insignificant moment of accidental contact between them threw a rock into the well refined mechanisms of Frost's usually calm mind. His thoughts racing as they both continued onward, barely exchanging a look, let alone a word between them as they set out to catch up with the group.

____________

“Why don’t you believe Torbek?!” Torbek exclaimed to Kremy, they had been debating back and forth about what Torbek saw when he sat upon the throne near the entrance to Yon. He had witnessed cosmic ethereal and eldritch things beyond comprehension. His mind bursting with things he was struggling to even begin to grasp.

“It’s ok Torbek, I have seen it too, pondered into the cosmos far beyond what I can understand …I believe you Torbek” Frost cut through Kremy’s incessant and accusatory questioning. He stepped closer to Torbek, meeting his eyes, “perhaps it is something we can work through together, though we may not understand it, we can certainly discuss it more if you would like?” Frost directly addressed Torbek, ignoring Kremy’s words of frustration as Gideon moved his husband away from this bizarrely cosmic situation.

There travels continued as normal, they had their usual insane encounters but something was different.

It was clear to anyone who met Frost and Torbek that they were clear opposites, Frost is incredibly calculated, neat and tidy, logical and has a well trained ability to keep his emotions dimmed and his mind clear. Whilst Torbek was a mess, disgruntled and often startled, his mind filled with voices and his emotions out in the open for everyone to see.

Yet since their exchange before entering Yon, they had begun to walk together more often, chatting and observing. Easily perceived as friendly banter by all including the pair as they continued on their journey.

It remained that way, until one night. Everyone was asleep, all but Frost to the best of his knowledge. He was about to partake in some meditation before bed, until he heard a small muffled cry. He left his tent, following the sound until he found himself at the entrance to Torbek’s tent.

As he entered the tent, he was shocked. The tent was supposed to be whatever you wanted, and yet this tent was dilapidated and dirty. Did Torbek not believe he deserved anything more than this? He didn’t focus on that for long however as Torbek had noticed him enter.

“Sorry if Torbek woke you up Frost, Torbek is fine” Torbek said, trying to wipe the tears from his eyes and collect himself as quickly as possible, though frost could still see the bugbears body shaking, his breathing hitches as he tried to hold back the tears.

“It’s okay Torbek, I wasn’t asleep at all…are you okay?would you like to talk about it?” Frost asked, sitting down beside Torbek. Torbek opens his mouth to speak but quickly closed it again as more tears began to roll down his cheeks.

Frost is logical, but that doesn’t always mean that he possesses good common sense, especially in regards to social situations. With Torbek not opening his mouth to speak he assumed he wanted to be left alone “would you like me to leave you be Torbek? Because I can go if you need your spa-“ Frost was about to stand until Torbek grabbed his hand. A frightened look in his eyes that conveyed that he did not want to be alone.

“Ok, I will stay with you, don’t worry” Frost reassured Torbek.

Torbek eventually calmed his breathing, his tears subsiding. Frost did not want to pry on what had upset him so much. Instead they simply spoke of other things in order to distract Torbek’s mind from what had clearly shaken him up.

“And he didn’t know I could hear his thoughts the whole time!” Frost exclaimed, discussing an encounter with a tiefling who had a particularly dirty mind.

Torbek let out a laugh, and suddenly something had changed. It was small but it was noticeable. Frost felt a warmth spread over him. Taking a particular enjoyment in making Torbek laugh, it was a bizzare feeling he wasn’t quite sure how to explain.

They talked through the night until the sun came up, exchanging stories and discussing whatever came to mind. Neither of them had made any grand revelations, but something was different, something was new. Suddenly it seemed that at least to eachother, they weren’t as different as they thought.

—————————