#helimire

The last time Helimire had seen snow was about two hundred and fifty years prior, it was rare for it to get cold enough for the snow to stick, let alone for it to snow in general. A portion of the population of the citizens of the city-state had never seen snow in their lives, only the longer lived folks were used to it. Morgan, Nathaniel, and Christopher all enjoyed it when it did snow, because they got to see the joy on people’s faces who had never got to see it before in their lives finally experiencing it. Especially now that it fell on the winter high holiday, the start no less, this was even more special. 

When Christopher opened his door, the steps, the walkway, and the street in front of him had already been cleared of the snow. Most of the main roads and streets would have been cleared of as much snow as possible. He almost wishes he hadn’t woke so late in the day, so what he was witnessing among the people now was stale reactions, but that didn’t take from the joy that still seemed to move through the streets of the city. The first thing he does for the day is go to the bakery down the road from him and procures two boxes of savory and sweet pastries, hailing a carriage and heads straight for the Helimire castle. Two people he was very excited to see today were there at the same time, and maybe with his luck, they wouldn’t have had time to go outside just yet today. He’d take his time and walk if it was any other warm day, but waking up to the cold made his leg ache more than normal, so taking a different mode of transportation was more feasible for him currently. 

Once at the castle, he pays the driver well, adding extra on top for the trek even if the roads weren’t bad because of the snow. He gives a nod to the guards who let him pass, fully ignoring one who makes a face at his approach, as he enters the castle with a little grin on his face. Christopher pulls someone aside as he’s making his way through the halls and asks them where the prince and Lord Elijah were at the moment, hoping both were together. 

“Lord Elijah and the prince are in Prince William’s  sitting room currently, they’ve both been in some meetings and just now got a chance to sit down.” Christopher nods and grins at her happily, saying a quick thank you before he’s off, following familiar routes to the room he wants to be at. Once he’s there in front of the two large double doors, he gives a steady knock before letting himself in once a voice calls he can. 

“I come bearing gifts.” He says as he walks in, seeing the two men sitting in front of a roaring fireplace. “Have the two of you been outside yet today?” Christopher asks, sitting down the boxes on a table just behind where the other two men sit. 

“We’ve been in meetings all day today, but we hear it’s quite a sight out there right now.” Elijah says, standing to make his way over to Christopher, William following behind, nodding his head at what Elijah is saying. 

“We hear it’s been snowing, is that right?” William asks, eyeing up the boxes as Christopher opens them. Christopher nods, beaming. 

“It is! The first time in two hundred and fifty years! It is brilliant and the city is glowing.” Elijah moves to stand on the man’s other side, reaching over and twisting his fingers around the shorter man’s. He makes a little noise in the back of his throat. 

“Your fingers are freezing and you’re shivering, even after being in here for some time.” There’s a sound of amusement in the ginger’s tone and Christopher can’t help but to look away, sheepish. 

“I am not made for the cold, it is why I settled in Helimire all that time ago. I like the warmth, the cold brings more pain in old injuries than anything else.” 

“Well, we’ll just have to warm you up then.” Elijah now takes both of Christopher’s hands into his own, pulling them up to his face and blowing into their cupped hands. Christopher feels the heat over his cheeks but can’t help the little smile that spreads across his face. After a moment, there’s another warm, large body pressing up against him from the back. He turns his head enough to see deep brown, nearly black, curls that come into view above the deep brown skin of the prince behind him. 

“You two are a certain way today.” Christopher comments, but enjoys the feeling of the fluff of William’s beard against his neck as the man hooks his chin over Christopehr’s shoulder and nuzzles against his neck. 

“We have to warm up our favorite citizen.” William teases. Christopher scoffs. 

“My dear, if certain people heard you say that about myself, they would certainly have more hate against the royal family.” He feels William shrug. 

“Let them, it’s not my damn problem.” Elijah laughs in front of him. 

“With the people who hate Christopher, enough to send assassins after him, don’t think they wouldn’t do the same for you, my prince.” Elijah says, a cheeky little tone in his voice. 

“Oh I’m so terrified, let them.” Christopher feels his gut roll a bit at even the idea of either one of these men getting hurt because they are well acquainted with him. 

“You two, hush about that.” Christopher mumbles between them, reaching back and pressing his still slightly cold fingers against William’s neck, who hisses at the contact but doesn’t pull away. “None of that today, on a high holy event.” 

“Says the borderline atheist.” Elijah points out, leaning forward to kiss Christopher on the tip of his still slightly red nose.

“Fuh! You know how I am!” Christopher pulls his other hand free of Elijah’s, wrapping his fingers around the other man’s bicep. “Please, can we go outside now? I think you two would love how the city looks donned in snow.” 

“Fine, you impatient bastard.” Elijah says, his smile never leaving his face. Christopher beams. He turns around after Elijah pulls away, enough to give the prince a kiss on the cheek.

All three of them eat a bit of their fill of the little tidbits Christopher brought for them, taking a brief detour so that Elijah and William can grab clothing more befitting to the colder weather outside, especially shoes that would be more sturdy and not get snow into their feet. William wordlessly hands Christopher a thick fur coat that is too big, but Christopher still happily takes it, slipping into it and wrapping himself deep into the warmth. 

“Thank you, dear prince.” 

“Don’t want our eccentric gentleman getting frozen out there.” The prince says, making his way out into the hallway. 

“Ugh.” Christopher grumbles under his breath with a hint of mirth in his eyes. 

It’s a short distance between where the three men were, to the front exit of the castle. Christopher makes it so that he’s the first one there, so that he can open the doors for his two friends to experience what it looks like outside. 

“Be careful, the sun on the snow makes it quite bright outside, so shield your eyes for a moment.” He waits for a moment so the two men take his advice before opening the doors. He has to close his own for a moment but it’s a bit easier for him to adjust, and looking at the view from the top of the area where the castle was sat, he felt a broad smile spread across his features. 

“Good gods.” Christopher hears a breath from behind him and watches as Elijah and William walk in front of him a little, taking in the sight of the city covered in a thick blanket of snow for the first time in their lives. A warmth spreads through Christopher’s chest as he watches the two men look out with childlike wonder at the snow on the ground and falling from the air. He’s seen snow in his long life before, but these two have never left the city of Helimire before, unless it was to places that also never held snow before. Christopher walks up to the two of them and slips his free arm in Elijah’s, who happily supports him. Even putting an extra piece to the bottom of his cane to help with the ice and snow, he was happy to hang off a handsome man’s arm. He’ll switch up later and walk with William this way. 

They once again get another carriage for the trip down, William waving off the offer of a guard or two to come with him with a grin and a nod to Christopher, saying that if anything happens he has his protection. There was a sigh from one of the guards but nothing else brought up in the moment. Christopher can’t help to snicker under his breath as he climbs into the carriage behind Elijah. The guards didn’t know of Christopher’s magic prowess, so they thought the prince was being physically protected by a man who looked as though he could hardly hold a sword. He could, but he didn’t prefer to.

Once the three get to a more populated part of town, a larger market area just outside of the park for ease of access. The three get out of the carriage and William waves it off, telling the driver to return in a few hours to the same spot. Christopher gestures to the large twisting tree in the middle of the park so that Elijah and William look up at it and how it looks with the snow covering the limbs. The three start a slow stroll through the park. 

“The last time it was like this, there was a bit more panic in those who have never seen snow before. I think this time around there are more people who were around for that time to alleviate some of the anxiety regarding this weather.” 

“To give them credit, as someone who’s never seen snow in his damn life,” William says, looking around. “I wouldn’t know what to do either. Still don’t really.” 

“Be wary of ice spots, it gets quite slippery. Other than that, it is mostly an annoyance once the wanderlust wears off. And when it starts to melt, the dirt becomes mud.” Christopher makes a face, he enjoyed the snow as much as the next person, but the aftermath of it all was something he didn’t like. Messy. Tracking mud into places that didn’t have rooms where one took their shoes off before making their way farther in. 

“It is also bad when the roads are not ready for it, or if it gets too cold, pipes can freeze. Helimire is not used to such cold weather, but I do not think it got cold enough to do any lasting damage to homes and other spaces.” 

“Is it really that bad?” Elijah asks and Christopher nods. 

“Back when we were first getting piping, mostly in the larger places of business, the first time it snowed after that, it got very cold. Too cold for the pipes to handle the freeze then the thaw, we had a bit of flooding in the library back then. We have then since found ways to deal with it, but still. The issue still could arise if it were to get any colder.” Christopher stops the three of them in front of one of the numerous stalls selling things for the festival, everything was decked out in decorations, some covered by snow, but most were uncovered throughout the day, the ones on the tree were a bit hard to see at the moment. 

On this particular stall was a person selling various trinkets and accessories with symbols of Tromm on them, snowflakes of various sizes, flora and fauna that only grew in the colder climates, and fabrics that were lighter in color than the typical Helimire deep ones. Christopher ran his fingers over partially see through a bit of fabric and hummed softly. 

“Thinking about getting it?” William asks, resting a large hand on the small of Christopher’s back as the two lean in to look at the sheer blue white fabric. 

“I may buy a bolt and take it to Augustine, wonderful tailor. See what he would make me with it.” Images run through his mind of an outer top made from it, showing off dark fabric underneath, contrasting with the lightness. 

“I’d say go for it, would be nice to see you in something not so dark.” Elijah says with a teasing tone. 

“You are simply the least Helimire type man to ever live in this city.” Christopher chuckles and pulls out coin for the full bolt, the person happily accepting it and pulling out another identical one to replace it once traded. 

“Layers are quite nice and all, but I do love my less deep colors.” 

“Good, it suits you.” Christopher tells him, tucking his newly acquired fabric under his arm to carry it. He really should have brought something to store it in. “How about lunch… or… a bit of a late lunch?” Christopher asks, already starting to walk off. The little things he brought everyone was something, but not enough. 

“Sounds like a plan.” William says, following happily behind the other man. 

It’s not much of a walk to where Christopher had picked out for their meal spot, the snow had stopped at this point so the little outside area of the little restaurant had cleaned off and reopened their outdoor seating, the three men finding places by the road to take a seat. Christopher gets himself a hot black tea and a heavy bowl of a type of fish stew, Elijah gets a small cup of thick and rich coffee and a spicy grain dish with multiple types of seafood, finally William has himself a strawberry herbal tea with a plate of various fried seafood. This was Chrsitopher’s favorite place, both because its food was phenomenal, but also because it was close to his own home. 

“How much sugar are you going to put in that, doll?” Elijah asks with a chuckle after he takes a sip of his coffee, watching as Christopher puts another little spoonful of sugar into the clear cup of tea in front of him. The man grumbles something under his breath and burrows himself deeper into the oversized fur coat that he was borrowing. 

“You drink your coffee black and incredibly strong, we are not going to talk about my sugar quantities.” He puts another spoonful in for good measure before taking a sip and giving a little grin. “Perfect. Dear William here is the only one having a normal drink between us.” 

“I don’t have much of a sweet tooth, and strong drinks are too much.” William shrugs, leaning back in his chair to take a sip of his own tea. 

“You’ll outlive us all.” Elijah says with a wink. 

“We’ll see about that one.” William counters, winking back. 

After some idle chat while eating their food, the three are asked if they would like anything sweet for the end of their meal, and Christopher pipes up first, asking for a double order of the rich tiramisu he knows and loves from here. It’s rich and perfect, even after the heavy main meals they had. But Christopher was always ready for something sweet, no matter the time. 

“Is there anywhere you two would like to go, before we head back?” Christopher asks, unconsciously burrowing himself more into the coat as a bit of sea wind spreads through the city, bringing down the temperature a bit. 

“I think you’d rather head back now.” William says with a teasing smile. 

“The celebrations.” Christopher mumbles, looking out towards the rest of the city. 

“Will be here tomorrow as well, you of all people know how these go, they might only say one day but people love celebrations in Helimire.” Elijah says, reaching over and putting a hand on Christopher’s wrist. 

“We’ll head back for the rest of the day, come back out for more fun tomorrow. I doubt that there was much going on today anyways, with the surprise of the snow and all.” 

“Mmm,” Christopher hums softly, nodding. “I did not see that many people out anyways, I could use a comfortable warm room anyways.” William nods and stands, holding out a hand for Christopher to take, Elijah grabbing the bolt of fabric from earlier to carry. The three take their time getting back to the designated spot where they were going to meet up with the carriage once again, having a bit of time left before it comes. While standing and waiting, William nudges Christopher and nods his head towards an open space where some children are running around and enjoying the snow, rolling balls of it in their hands and throwing it at one another, joy filled laughter filling the air around them. 

“Toss one at them.” Christopher whispers to William with a smirk. “Most of the Helimire population knows you already love being among them, go show off a bit.” He kisses the prince’s cheek, feeling more than seeing when the prince smiles, his round cheeks pushing out farther as he does. 

“Sounds like an idea.” William gently pulls his arm from Christopher’s and kneels down in the snow, pulling a pile of snow into his hands and shaping it into a sphere. He makes his way towards the kids, pulling back his arm, and throwing one into the group. It’s not hard, but enough to jostle the one teen it does seem to hit, a willowy fae with wide purple eyes, who turns their head to the prince. They take a moment to look at him with shock, before their eyes go impossibly wide at the sight of the prince standing before them, broad grin on his soft square face. They laugh, the other kids following along once they realize as well, all of them dogpiling onto the prince after another moment. 

Christopher can heal Elijah chuckle from his side, the man moving and touching the small of Christopher’s back as he moves to his other side to stand close, the two men’s shoulders brushing. 

“He’ll make a good king one day, even though he’d rather be down here among the people.” Elijah comments, watching the kids as they group up on the prince and take him down into the snow, everyone laughing as they do. 

“He will,” Christopher nods. “He can still be among his people when he is king, just as his parents are now. Of course, some things will change ever so slightly, but he still has his freedom.” Christopher’s fingers tighten on his cane as he watches the prince with a fondness in his eyes, the smallest smile on his face. 

“We’ll still have him, even when he’s king, you know that Christopher. Don’t you?” Elijah asks, turning to face the man next to him, concern on his face. Christopher presses his lips together and his eyes fall to the ground in front of him, to the clean road, only some snow sticking to it now, to the snow underfoot that crunches as he shifts. 

“There will be those who think I am too close to William once he is crowned. I have a more professional relationship with his parents. Not him. Everyone knows the relationship we have, that the three of us have. I do not want this to get him hurt.” He gestures between himself, Elijah, and William across the way. 

“Christopher…” Elijah’s voice is soft, he reaches out with his free hand and grabs Christopher’s in his own, curling their fingers together. “Doll, you know that neither William nor I care about what the public thinks when it comes to the three of us. This has been happening for years and nothing has come of it.” 

“That is because nothing public has happened. At least public enough that people have justifiable reasoning to… to do something about it. If something were to happen to the two of you, just as if something were to happen to my twin, I do not know what I would do with myself. The prince should know better.” Christopher looks up to Elijah, his eyes slightly shiny. 

“He should, just as I should. But that isn’t going to stop either of us when it comes to our feelings for one another, and our feelings towards you specifically. We adore you. At least, I know I adore you, I love you, and I know William feels some sort of way as well.” Christopher’s face is flushed now, a deep red, stark against his pale skin. 

“Let’s have a night in, the three of us, old friends who happen to love each other dearly. Without the thought of what might happen down the road, and celebrate the festival and the snow.” 

“I can do that.” Christopher whispers, his voice soft and fond. 

“If anyone saw you like this now, I don’t think they would recognize the brooding eclectic man they all know.” Christopher can’t help the smile that appears on his face. The sound of wheels against the ground pulls the two out of their conversation, watching as William’s carriage returns. 

“Dear Prince, it’s time to head home now!” Elijah calls, he and Chrsitopher watches as he pops up from behind a pile of snow, his dark curls weighed down slightly from the snow in it. Both men chuckle as they watch the prince ruffle some of the kids' hair, making his way back over to the two. 

“Have fun?” Christopher asks, grin on his face. 

“Absolutely! Now I see why people enjoy the snow so much, that was so fun.” William reaches up and cups the back of Christopher’s neck. 

“Gods, William, your hands are ice!” Christopher shifts forward, away from William’s hand. The larger man laughs and drops his head down and kisses Christopher’s forehead. Elijah laughs at the two of them and eventually they make their way into the carriage, returning to the castle for the rest of the evening. 

Christopher, once out of the carriage, instantly heads towards his favorite room in Helimire castle. Dark wood walls, a large study that also holds a bed. It might have been his some time ago when he spent time in the castle with whatever royal family it was at the time. The king at the time let him repurpose the room, so he made it into something for himself, a room and a place to do work while he was there. He drops the coat at the side of the door and leans his cane up against the desk, and throws himself on the large bed, happily. 

“Not even going to change?” William asks as he follows in behind, picking up the coat and hanging it in the little wardrobe in the opposite corner. 

“Not at the moment.” Christopher mumbles, running his hands over his face and through his hair as he stretches, bones popping as he does. Elijah follows behind, chuckling softly. He toes off his shoes and pulls off one of the two layers he wears typically, undoing the shirt he wears enough to show off a bit of skin. He crawls into the bed on one side of Christopher and quickly tugs the man into his arms, wrapping him up tight and holding him close. Christopher burrows himself as close as he can get, smiling against Elijah’s neck when he feels the bed dip behind him, and another set of arms wrap around him. 

“You two are my heart.” Christopher says accent thickening as he speaks the older Helimire language, only loud enough so that Elijah and William can hear him. He feels the prince pull back the top he was wearing, enough so that he can kiss the skin at the back of his neck softly. 

“Help me with this.” Christopher says, pulling back and sitting up, removing the first top he wears, sheer and flowing, decorative more than anything else. They all take a moment to get more comfortable, slipping out of clothes until all of them are down to the bare minimum, Christopher getting out of the bed to pull something flowy and to his shins to wear. 

“No fair, you have clothes here.” William says, watching Christopher put the slip on with a little grin. 

“This is where you live, William, you can go get your own. Just as Elijah has some here as well, somewhere.” Christopher grins, pushing his hair out of his face, a bit annoyed at how long it has gotten at the moment. “But truly I think I would just love to see you two in nothing but your… well. Nothing, but close to nothing is well enough.” There’s a cheeky grin on his face as he eyes up both broad men on the bed. They had nearly the same builds, William was a bit taller than Elijah, with a bit less fat on him than Elijah. He sits back on the bed once again between the two of them, settling back against the thick blankets and his two men. 

Celebrate tonight, Christopher thinks to himself, celebrate tonight and tomorrow, then you can go back to worrying about the future with these two. Enjoy whatever they give and remember it forever. He goes with the push and pull of the two, curling in on them both and their warmth, of the love they give him and continue to give him, despite all the people telling them they shouldn’t. How there were better people for either of them, how Elijah and William should just have one another, that should be enough for them, and Christopher should just stay being the eccentric recluse. To melt back into just being a citizen of Helimire and stop trying to make change. 

But that’s not something he can do, not something he can ever do, the city is his livelihood. The last thing Christopher would do is stop trying to have it continue to move forward, despite the attempts of some of the council members who wish for it to be stagnant, to be as it is. No progress, no nothing. Despite the fact that if there was movement, they would get better assets and such. 

“Get out of your head, doll.” He hears Elijah, voice soft, his hands moving to cup Christopher’s face to bring him in for a slow kiss. 

“I am trying.” Christopher whispers against his mouth once they part, resting their foreheads together. 

“Try harder.” William says from behind him, wrapping his thick arms around Christopher’s middle, hands resting on his stomach, fingers pressing into the softness that’s there. He drops one hand down and rests it over William’s, squeezing his fingers softly. He was always in his head, it was easy to be there, but that also meant that it was easier to spiral into thoughts he hated to think about. But Christopher had distractions here with him, he should focus on that. So he turns his head and presses his mouth against William’s, turning so he can reach up and push his fingers through the man’s wiry beard.