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[DOOR OPENING]

NYM: Ah—sorry for being late, I only just now saw the note in room, I must've have knocked it down when I— [PAUSE] Uhm. Hallo, everyone. 

PACE: Morning, Nym. 

N: What are you all doing here, exactly?

DRUE: We all got invitations [HOLDS HIS UP] same as you. All said the same thing—come to the library immediately after breakfast. 

N: It is Thistle's handwriting, I thought… are they not here?

P: Haven't seen them yet today. 

DR: Just as clueless as the rest of us, then?

N: Well, ehm… I thought maybe it was some kind of party, given what the day is today.

DAIRE: And… what day is that?

THISTLE: [JINGLING] All Fool's Day, silly!

[ALL STARTLING]

T: [CHUCKLING] Good day, valiant knights of Dulcedram.

D: How the fuck did she get in here?

T: Excellent question, Sir Daire. But Sir Nym had a more pressing and more interesting one: what are you all doing here?

P: Enough games, Thistle. Just tell us.

T: Oh, the games are only just beginning, Sir Pace. All Fool's Day is of course a day to celebrate foolery of all sorts, as well as to make merry with one's fellows. As your resident jester, I take the whimsy and wellbeing of this court very seriously, and I have noticed as of late that you have all been duly stressed and altogether miserable. Just a bunch of right sad sacks, all.

DR: Well, we were very recently besieged, as you'll recall. People died. We could have lost the castle. 

T: Yes, dreadful business, that. Which is all the more reason why you all are in need of some play and pleasure, and what better day to partake than the Fool's Feast? Atop that, I have also noticed that all present, in one way or another, are entangled with other castlefolk in ways that seem only to heighten your interpersonal frustrations, and I think you're all in need of a friendly little shove. So, I laced all your breakfasts with an aphrodisiac potion.

N: What?

DR: I beg your pardon?

[MIXED STARTLE]

TADHG: What's that mean?

T: An aphrodisiac, young Sir Tadhg, is a substance that increases one's sexual arousal and enhances one's sensual pleasure. 

P: Thistle. Please say you jest.

[MIXED OUTRAGE]

T: Settle, all, settle, panicking will only quicken the effects. This is for your benefit. The potion will not harm you, nor put you out of any wits—it will merely make those desires you've all been denying yourselves rather impossible to continue denying. [GIGGLE, JINGLE] You're welcome. 

D: You're welcome?! Fool, if you've drugged me, you'll be lucky to have two legs to walk outta this room on.

T: You wouldn't maim a poor lad on her more-or-less birthday, would you?

D: [GROWLS]

N: Thistle. Surely you are joking, ja? All of this, it is a-a big joke?

T: It will start slow, like a fever. A flush, a twitch, a tingling, a warmth spread through your body. Your mind may wander. Your focus may slip. Soon you will find yourself undeniably sensitive and wanting, and able to do little else until the matter is tended to. I suggest you all go off and make yourselves comfortable—you're all welcome to stay here, if you like, I mean, that would certainly be a tantalising Fool's Day gift to me, but I get the impression you're all rather shy, so perhaps a big knightly bramble pile here in the library is off the table. 

DR: This is ridiculous. I'm leaving. [MOVES TO THE DOOR]

TA: W-Wait, but—if the jester's serious, then—

DR: Thistle's never serious. That's her job. [RETREATING STEPS]

D: Right. Yeah. Precisely. Tadhg, come on, we're leaving too.

TA: [STAMMERING] But, Sir Daire, I feel—

D: Don't make me drag you out of here, boy. 

P: This was an incredibly irresponsible joke to play on the castle's line of defence, jester.

T: The guard is many. The others can handle things for one day. Besides, you're no good to your oaths if you're walking around like lit fireworks, practically bursting at the seams, liable to explode from holding so much back. Let loose. Make some merry, Sir Pace. Perhaps pay the prince a visit, I'm sure he'd be happy to see you all hot and bothered.

P: [MUMBLING] Hells accursed. You really did it, didn't you?

T: [JINGLE AND GIGGLE]

N: [HITCHING, HUFFING] Scheiße. No… no no no no, nein, nein, Mein Fresse, Keine Chance—das glaube ich nicht, das kann nicht sein—[HURRIES OUT OF THE ROOM]

T: Hmm. And what do you believe now, Sir Daire? Your faith seems straw-built, and you've got an awfully big storm coming your way—

D: Treacherous imp. I'll teach you some manners—[APPROACHING STRIDES]

P: Hey! Oi!

[GRABBING DAIRE AND SHOVING HIM BACK]

P: Leave it.

D: Don't you “leave it” me, Pace. This harlot harpy cannot be allowed to prance around free of all consequence.

T: [STICKS OUT HER TONGUE] 

D: [GROWLS, LUNGES]

T: [BLOWS RASPBERRY, GIGGLES]

P: [WRESTLING DAIRE BACK] Enough, Daire! That's quite enough. You will not be harming a single bell on the fool’s hood, or you'll have Their Majesties to answer to, yeah? Thistle outranks you. Use your head or risk losing it. 

D: [HUFFING]

P: Tadhg, take Daire back to the barracks to cool off, if you please.

D: Don't tell him what to do.

TA: Sir Daire. Come on, let’s go. Please.

D: [HUFFS, THEN RETREATS]

T: Always a pleasure! [DOOR SLAMS] And then there were two. Anything I can help you with, Sir Pace?

P: The truth, Thistle. How bad is it going to get?

T: [SEDUCTIVE] Well. How badly are you in need, dear knight?

P: [MURMURING, HARSH] You and I are going to have a serious talk later. Very serious.

T: You don’t want to keep chatting now?

P: You’d like that, wouldn’t you?

T: Hmm, let me see, would I like to watch a pent-up hulking creature of knight unravel as he’s overcome by lust? Yes, yes I would. [GIGGLE] 

P: In that case, your punishment for this little stunt begins now. Goodbye, Thistle. Enjoy being alone for All Fool’s Day. 

[RETREATING STEPS]

T: Give my best to the prince! 

P: [GRUNTED SIGH]

T: [CHUCKLE]

G: I can always trust you to defend me, Sir Pace. My most loyal, my most ruthless…

P: Goswin…

G: Hm?

P: I am not your dog. Tell me you know this.

G: Oh, vicious heart, are you not? You come to my beck. You guard my life with yours. You take every command like gospel, and you look at me with such unmatched devotion—

P: [GROWLS] Goswin—

G: Who am I to you, my knight? Remind me, lest we both forget. 

P: [HESITATES] My prince. My lord.

G: That’s right. And you are nothing if not devout, aren't you?

P: [DAZED] …Yes.

G: And you want to please your lord, do you not?

P: [BREATHIER] Yes. 

G: Down. 

[PACE KNEELS IMMEDIATELY, THEN EXHALES, TROUBLED BY HIS OWN EAGERNESS]

G: [TRIUMPHANT] Good boy. 

P: My lord… please. Tell me you understand. 

G: You’ve given me little reason to deny the truth, Pace. If you did not behave like a dog, perhaps things would be different. But you cannot deny your nature, can you? [SMIRKING] A tamed beast.

P: [INTENSE] I am sworn to you, my lord, but I serve also my god, and the code of chivalry, and the knighthood, and—

G: And yet, here you are, kneeling for me despite your injuries, puffing and ragged, seeking me like fucking communion. [STROKES PACE’S FACE] Tell me, is your god so generous with you as I am? So merciful? 

P: I—

G: And do you dedicate yourself nearly as much, nearly as eagerly in prayer as all those moments of worship you give to me, all those calls of your god’s name while offering your body to me? 

P: I fear you may be losing your head, my lord. 

G: [WILD CHUCKLE] All the times I should’ve had you in the stocks and let you in my bed instead… all of those times I invited you to such privilege, all the grace I bestowed upon you, all the forgiveness for your debasing, your disrespect, your-your gluttony… Did you confess them? Our days and nights spent closer than close? Have you begged your god’s forgiveness for losing your path? Or have you taken blessings knowing what stains, what messy artwork my hands have shaped upon you?

P: Prince Goswin, you are running mad with a sharp blade. Careful your recklessness does not see you impaled upon it—

G: [HARSHLY] One more profane word against me, knight, and I shall have a gallows crafted to your exact form. Heaven knows I know it well enough. 

P: [HEAVY BREATH] 

G: [CALMER, TOUCHING PACE’S NECK] Though… perhaps a collar would suit your neck better than a noose. You would wear it pretty, surely, though I hardly think it necessary. Everyone already knows you’re my hound, yourself included. 

P: [GRUNTING AND HUFFING] You may be my charge, but my duty sworn is to this kingdom, and to honour and goodness—

G: Pace. [PAUSE, THEN LAUGH] That’s what I thought. [KISS] You nearly killed a man for me today, all because he spoke ill of me. I have never been more proud of you. 

P: [BREATHY] You forget yourself, sire. 

G: As do you, it seems. 

P: This is not you. This bloodlust and blasphemy… something wicked has come over you. 

G: [HUMS] And what does it say of you that you’re so aroused by it as you are?

P: You’re mistaken.

G: The rush of blood through you right now says otherwise. 

P: [MUMBLE, LOST IN BREATH] There was plentiful excitement today. It lingers. 

G: Show me, my blade. Give it to me.

[KISSING, GRABBING, STUMBLING] 

[BED CREAKS, GRINDING, GOSWIN GIGGLES]

[BOTH MOANING, CLOTHES FUMBLING AND TEARING]

G: Ravenous thing—

P: Shut up and turn over. 

G: Now, is that any way to speak to your lord? 

P: Gosw—[CHOKES AND GAGS]

G: [HUMS, CHUCKLES] I see now why you’re always shoving your fingers in my mouth now. That’s fun. 

P: [PULLS BACK, COUGHS, GLOWERS] If you want me to show you my excitement, sire, it will not be tame.

G: Nor would I expect it to be. I know you well enough by now, Pace. I know how you fuck, and how you like to play with control. [RUNNING HIS HANDS THROUGH PACE’S HAIR] But remember who holds the real power here, hm? The only reason any of this happens is because I want it, because I allow you the privilege to take me as you do, and I could rescind that permission just as easily and leave you to suffer adrift and lonesome. 

P: I don’t think you could bear to do that. You’d be left lonesome too. 

G: I’m the prince, Pace. I could have anyone I wanted. Right now, I want you, and only you, and I will give you what you ache for, but only because I want it, too—not because you steal it or mine it from me, not because you wrest it from me, not because you hold the power here, not because you deserve any part of it. Only because I want you like this. I want you. Take that gift with grace. 

P: [DAZZLED] Yes, my prince. 

G: That’s a good boy.

[SHIFTING]

Ducledram

A medieval-ish fantasy court full of knightly trysts, jesterly shenanigans, and creative applications of magic.

Prince Goswin — The confident bratty prince of Dulcedram. While he feels restless as the third and oft disregarded son, he finds much of court life boring and would much rather make his own fun at others' expense, particularly his bodyguard, Sir Pace.

Squire Cavanagh — A clumsy but brave squire determined to become a great knight one day. Serves Sir Drue, whom he greatly admires (perhaps a bit too much).

Sir Daire — A mean and cold knight who values respect and has no issue evening any wronged scales with blood. Hot-headed, power-hungry, and highly skilled. Sometimes master, sometimes fellow to Sir/Squire Tadhg.

Sir Drue — A supportive and friendly knight who like a good joke as much as a good fight. Great fun at the tavern, a worthy opponent on the pitch, and a little haunted in private. Master & mentor to Squire Cavanagh.

Lark — A jovial and cheeky bard used to entertaining at a tavern. He enjoys flirting, drinking, singing, dancing, storytelling, and intimate company. Companion to Sir Warne.

Sir Nym — A shy and awkward knight who is more deft with his blade than his social skills, but struggles in both regards. He dreams of making a name for himself as a valiant champion, and though introverted is a romantic at heart. Often being mercilessly flustered by Thistle.

Sir Pace — A gruff but friendly knight who values camaraderie and honour, if a little rough around the edges. He enjoys a spot of teasing and horseplay when he's not busy training fledgling knights or being tormented by his charge, Prince Goswin.

Sir/Squire Tadhg — A subservient squire doing his best to get by or an unsteady young knight struggling to keep up, depending on when you meet him. Sometimes squire, sometimes fellow to Sir Daire.

Thistle the Jester — The merry and impish court jester. Enjoys making people laugh as much as she likes to watch them squirm. High-ranking, manipulative, curious, ans most of all, fun-loving. Encourages all courtiers to indulge (and is more than willing to help them do so), especially poor Sir Nym.

Sir Warne — A suave and life-loving knight errant bounty hunter with a mysterious past. Wealthy beyond explanation and more cheerful and calm than one would expect for someone who hunts down monsters and outlaws all day. Companion to Lark.

Other

Sir Kieran — A gentle and chivalrous knight, hopeless romantic, and bleeding heart. While he is ruthless in battle and deadly with a sword, he is a tame and sweet beast at his liege's feet, and wants nothing more than to serve well.

Coming Soon

Contemporary

Bo — Also known as Dr. Milo Boatswain, a lonely Psychology professor who clicks unexpectedly with Luca, a sweet younger sub, and ventures into a heated D/s relationship.

Luca — An overworked Journalism student feeling lost in a lot of ways who finds himself intensely drawn to Bo, a gentlemanly older dom who invites him into a dynamic he never thought he could have.

Father Patrick — a gentle and kind Catholic priest doing his best to connect with and support a local troubled youth who finds himself developing a friendship beyond his pastorly duty, and dangerously, perhaps more.

Rose — An alt twentysomething artist with her fair share of baggage and a labyrinth of complicated feelings about the Catholic church who ends up becoming odd friends with (and maybe developing a crush on) a new priest at her local parish.

Archnemeses

Armoury — A metal-shifting superhero who feels responsible for keeping the world safe from psychic supervillain The Director. Jokes to cope, weary behind the eyes, and chronically overworked.

The Director — A telepathic supervillain once friends and now enemies with Armoury. Unhinged, unpredictable, and obsessive. Playing a game of his own devising, and doing so with flair.

Grasp — The Director's only consistent henchman, kept around more like a pet. Is telekinetic and unnervingly cheery despite working in villainy.

Vital — Armoury's right hand man. Prefers "partner" over "sidekick." Has rapid healing, damage resistance, and blood that can be used to repair most any wound. Sly, curious, and usually worrying about Armoury.

Cygnet

Prin Elspeth — The royal heir to the Cygnet throne. Cheerful, curious, adventure-seeking. Loves a good story, especially a romance, and often has their head in the clouds. Good friends with both Swann and Culver, but their relationships have taken on some tension, and they end up having to keep the peace between them.

Spymaster Culver — A knight appointed to the special position of head of the court spies. Sleathy, lethal, and determined. Can be a bit prickly, though he wasn't always. Fiercely competitive when it comes to Swann, who always seems to be on his nerves, and chivalrous to his prin, if colder than he used to be.

Sir Swann — The righthand of the guard captain. A sly scoundrel of a knight, chivalrous and irreverent as the situation calls for. Clever, good with a sword, and rogueish both in skillset and charm. Playfully competitive with Culver, enjoys fucking with him. Sweet and attentive to his prin.

Collections

Gospace

In roughly chronological order, from the early days of their acquaintance into their tryst and beyond.

Braies — Goswin asks a new guard for advice and gets something much more interesting.

Compliment — Pace challenges Goswin to give a genuine compliment and both end up surprised at the result.

Green — After watching him flirt with an array of guests at a party, Pace pulls Goswin aside for a heated word in private.

Devour — Pace dotes on and overstimulates his prince.

Extras:

Stranded — The very first Gospace audio I made; I don't consider it part of their main storyline. Early days, more enemies than lovers.

Oath — Goswin offers Pace a pledge seal before the court and Pace adds some extra promises to his oath for the prince's ears only (featuring Sir Nym & Thistle the jester).

All Fool's Day — Thistle the jester has a sexy surprise for the Dulcie knights. [Part 1 | Part 2+ Coming Soon]

Coming Soon:

Tensility — Pace has gained the attention of the prince and is now paying the price.

Yield Point — Goswin's relentless teasing goes to far and Pace finally snaps.

Favour — An old friend of Pace's visits Dulcedram for a tourney and tensions arise.

Tamed Beast — Goswin goes a little mad with power.

Barter — Goswin wants Pace to train him in combat. Pace has his apprehensions, but Goswin can be quite persuasive.

Feast — Pace and Goswin indulge in a little roleplay.

Stamina — After a mishap with an apothecary, Pace and Goswin find themselves in the company of a flirty wizard and in sore need of some assistance.

The Calm Before The Storm / And The Wreckage After — Dulcedram is under attack. Pace and Goswin must carry out their respective duties to protect their home, at risk of losing each other.