Given everything they'd been through and certain close calls along the way, that was something Jas never took for granted. Today, especially, as his hands were in hers to let her guide him. Both the depth of his trust and the reason it was necessary were reminders.
"Are we close, Jasiri?" he asked, head canted as if trying to divine a difference from the air in this hallway to give him a clue.
"Yes, almost there," she promised, looking over her shoulders at the route ahead. "We're just about to hit another turn, you might want to shift to your left a little so you don't run into the wall."
Tristian did as she advised, grasp tightening on her hand as they rounded the corner. "This is quite a bit further from the throne room than usual," he said.
"It's new," Jas grinned, "an expansion on the east wing. Careful, there's steps." She'd tried to get this section built with as few hazards for someone blind--or distracted, as she was prone to be--but some had been unavoidable. "Four of them."
Tristian's expression of serene curiosity flattened into concentration, one hand still in hers and the other brushing the wall for reference. "Did we need an addition?"
Her grin widened. "For this we did."
One more turn, another few feet.
"Here's the door." She took his hand and stretched on tiptoe to place it against the surface in a good spot.
Tristian smiled as his fingertips traced the design burned into the wood. Sarenrae's avatar, encircled by butterflies. His questing touch found the knob, turned it, and entered the room.
Jas was almost glad he couldn't see her grin, it might've spoiled some of the surprise.
He took two steps into the room and paused. It had become a familiar process since his return; needing to figure the layout of new territory. Jas had made this one as easy to navigate as possible. The furniture was minimal and all back along the walls, the floor was smooth, no risers or rugs, and the sturdy railing on the balcony better than waist-high for a human. (She had to stand on one of the benches to see over it.)
But the pause was for more than orienting himself this time. The dawning sun fell on him, the warmth caressing his face, the beams illuminating long, loose waves of his hair into spun gold. He truly looked angelic in that moment, and Jas found herself lost in the amazing view until he spoke.
"Jasiri, do I smell larkspur?"
"Oh, yes. Here." She took his hand and rested it on her shoulder. "I made sure there was nothing to trip over, but since this is the first time..." She walked slowly, allowing him to keep up, out to the balcony, placed his hand on the rail and then the bench below it. "We can sit here."
Tristian nodded, his face still tilted toward the sun as he sat. "It seems lovely."
She sat next to him, legs swinging, and took his hand in hers. "It is. I had it added in for us. I know we like the gardens and my room, but I-I wanted a retreat. Something tailored for us, for when we need to relax. We're on its balcony, facing east, should you ever want to use it for your prayers. There's larkspur planted along the edges. In the chamber there's some furniture; a desk, bookshelves, a couple comfortable couches. But it's all along the sides so the middle has a clear path. And I tried to make it so the route through the halls isn't too difficult--"
"If you help me navigate it a few more times, I feel I shall be able to find it on my own," Tristian gently cut off her rambling. He squeezed her hand, then trailed his fingers up her arm to cradle her cheek. "You are so kind, Jasiri. To everyone, but especially to me, when I... I caused you so much grief--"
"Hey." It was her turn to interrupt. She stood on the bench so she could take his face in both hands. Wish I could look you in the eyes, but I'll trust you hear it in my voice. "Tristian, I forgave you. I love you. Whatever you did. Of course I take joy in doing nice things for the man I love."
"I..." He swallowed, turned his head to kiss the heel of her hand. "Thank you, Jasiri. I love you, as well," a mischievous smile tugged his lips, "and will try to come up with similar acts of kindness to shower on you."
Jas smiled, gently tucked his hair back from his face--careful, as always, of the bandages over his eyes--and leaned in close. "Can't wait," she murmured, and kissed him fervently.
Her smiled widened when, as always, Tristian pulled her close and kissed her back.
Anya is live and ready to show you everything. Watch her strip, dance, and perform exclusive shows just for you. Interact in real-time and make your fantasies come true.
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#heeeyyyyyyy jas and tristian share watch duties for the same reason#HIGH PERCEPTION and also ROMANCE @queen-scribbles
plus side to high perception: nothing will be sneaking up on them or their camp
minus side: neither of them miss much, so they’re SUPER aware of how much their pining is mutual. leads to more pining, but eventually also more romance :D
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Jas had seen many beautiful sights in her life and travels. They ranged in magnificence from the absolutely perfect cake Mama and Avalie made for Mila's birthday a few years back, to fields of wildflowers far as eyes could see, to a sunset that had literally taken her breath away.
None of it compared to the sight of Tristian right now.
The golden glow around him reflected off the snow, making the hazy aura brighter, wider. His face was radiant, the light softening his scars. The cant of his head, the soft movements of his lips, spoke of conversation with someone or something unseen, and the serenity of his face made Jas loathe to interrupt.
As always, however, curiosity got the better of her. "Tristian?"
His head tilted her direction, his eyes pure gold when he opened them. Warm. Molten. Like staring at the sun on a summer day. "Jasiri."
The way he said her name filled her with the warmth emanating from his beautiful, beautiful face and her breath caught. "Are you... talking to Sarenrae?"
Desna's butterfly was hot against her chest, glowing in response to an allied presence.
Tristian nodded. "Her light... is here with me." His voice now was a roar, a chorus, a host of divinity swelling at his proximity to his goddess.
Is this what devas are truly like? She couldn't tear her eyes away from the light of him. Golden glow, golden eyes--were they still blind like this, or could he see her again?--the gentle promise of wings in the mist around him.
"Is She... what's going on?" Jas' voice came as a hoarse squeak, awed and breathless as she was.
"She has forgiven me." His smile was more than radiant, it was dazzling. "She believes I have drunk the cup of retribution for my misdeeds, down to the dregs. She will restore me to Herself, spare the mortal chains so I may spread my wings again."
His joy rushed over her like a symphony and she understood. This was not his true nature. It wasn't even a halfway point. His true self was magnificence incarnate, a glimpse of the divine, radiant warmth and dazzling wings, Unshackled, free, joyful.
And so, so far beyond her reach.
She'd fallen in love with the sun, and to keep it would be to bind it. And, Desna save her, much as she reveled in his joy at being free, part of her wanted to. Don't leave me, please. I can't imagine life without you.
Tristian's head cocked, as if he'd heard her internal struggle. The golden light rippled, flickered. "But.. you... The Stolen Lands are still..."
She wanted to beg. To cling to the hand of golden divinity and plead he stay. Make himself lesser, give up what he'd been longing for since Nyrissa trapped him. But she couldn't ask that, wouldn't, no matter how desperately she wished. Everyone free to choose their own path. "It... it's up to you, Tristian." She had to push the words past warring belief and desire in her throat. "You and Sarenrae."
Tristian smiled and the light burned brighter. His lips moved once more in unheard conversation, veiled in gold. A small contented breath, almost a sigh, came from the light. "She sees our connection, Jasiri. The shining thread that binds us, from both our hearts." He touched his chest to emphasize the word. "She charges me with guarding you, blessed one, until our fates part." He smiled. "It is a charge in which I shall enjoy being faithful."
Jas couldn't speak; there were too many things she oculd say. Don't stay just for me. I love you and I'm glad I'll have you. Sarenrae cares this much? About me? I just want you to be happy, please be happy whatever you choose.
Before she could settle on one, or find her voice to try, something was decided. The heavenly choir stilled, the golden light faded, and Tristian slumped in its absence.
Jas was close enough to reach out and steady him as he sank to the ground, warmth seeping through his robes. He shivered and opened him eyes, clouded and scarred once more, twitching as if in search of something.
"She's gone," he whispered. "It's so cold..."
Jas held him tight as she had when she'd gotten him back. "Did you... for me?" she mumbled into his hair. I'd never ask such a sacrifice, love.
Tristian shook his head and pulled away. "Her Light is still with me again, Jasiri," he assured her, smiling at something over her shoulder that only his blinded eyes could see. He tapped his chest. "Here."
She grinned giddily, knowing what that meant. "I'm glad," she said, cupping his cheek. "Glad she forgave you, and glad I could help."
"This is more than I hoped for," Tristian said, bowing his head so his fine blond hair veiled his face. "I simply wished to make amends, and have found the grace of my goddess. Because of you. Because you didn't turn away from me. I am unsure I'll ever repay that."
"You owe me nothing," she insisted fervently, then flinched at a thought. "You didn't... deny your place for me...?"
"Not denial," Tristian said softly. His face turned her way. and for a moment she almost felt he could see her. "A delay at most." He traced her forehead, her cheek, down her arm to raise her hand and kiss the fingertips. "One I will cherish, because I shall spend it with you."
"Al-Alright," she stumbled, flustered. "As long as it was your choice."
"From the depths of my heart," Tristian promised.
"In that case..." She kissed his forehead. "Ekun started a campfire, if you'd like to warm up before we head home?"
His smile was so beautiful it made her chest ache. "Yes, I would."
Jas helped him to his feet and held his hand to guide him toward the glowing wamth, surrounded by their waiting friends.
When the firelight caught his eyes it turned them gold once more and her heart sang at the sight.
Creepy as it was to walk through an abandoned manse, Jas' sense of curiosity made it a little bit interesting as well. She had a gift-wrapped opportunity to be nosy. And she took it; peering in all the rooms, poking through armoires and closets, all innocently and ostensibly looking for clues why it looked like everyone just got up and walked out.
She didn't find anything in that regard, though it was telling of a different drama that she found a very formal-looking portrait of the owner carelessly chucked in a storeroom. She studied it a moment; the broken frame, the subject's dark eyes and pale hair a sharp contrast. He certainly looked self-important enough to commission a portrait, but then--
Fingers brushed her shoulder, making her jump. She'd been so lost in thought she didn't hear an approach. But, then, Tristian walked so softly it was a miracle to hear him coming when she did pay attention.
"Find something interesting?" he asked. "Or part of an answer?"
"No answers, yes to interesting." She gestured to the painting. "Weird this is just thrown here, isn't it?"
Tristian shrugged. "People are fickle. Perhaps he decided he no longer cared for the art. Or the artist, of whom it would be a reminder. It's a very expensive thing to just throw on the midden heap."
"Good point." Jas was silent a minute, staring at the detailed portrait. "Kassil suggested I get an official portrait done, y'know."
"Oh?" Tristian prompted.
"Yeah, he thinks it'll be good for posterity or something, but I dunno... It's an awfully long time to sit still."
He chuckled. "It would be a trial for you." Cocked his head, looking between her and the painting. "I would agree you should be immortalized. You deserve it."
"But....?" Jas hinted, arching a brow up at him.
"I do not know if any could do you justice," Tristian said. Golden eyes glowed with sincerity as they met hers, his fingers lightly brushing her cheek. "You have such an inner light, Jasiri, it makes you shine. I doubt even the most talented artist could truly capture it."
She dropped her gaze, fighting a giddy giggle. "Thanks. I'm busy enough we won't find out any time soon."
She skittered from the room, and if she was doing any glowing right now, his words were far more responsible than some inner light.
---
Jas rubbed absently at the crick in her spine as she took in the finished work. Maybe, she conceded, it was worth all the hours sitting still, all the 'please don't move, your highness', all the itches she hadn't scratched. Resistant as she'd been to the idea, the portrait had turned out quite lovely.
The soft shuffle of footsteps in the hall interrupted her reverie, and Tristian paused with one hand on the doorframe. "Jasiri?"
"I'm here," she confirmed. "Looking for me?"
He stepped carefully into the room, following the sound of her voice. "I heard you were finished."
"Oh. Yes." Jas reached for his hand, guided it to rest on her shoulder. "The artist just left, practically walkin' crooked from the weight of the coin purse I handed over," she joked.
Tristian laughed softly, his hand sliding over to absently play with loose wisps of her hair. "So, then, you are satisfied."
"As I can be." She shivered when his thumb grazed the nape of her neck. "Since you wouldn't pose with me."
"We've discussed this, Jasiri," he murmured.
"And I still emphatically disagree with your point. But," Jas heaved a theatrical sigh. "I'll respect your wishes."
Tristian smiled, still playing with her hair. "Thank you."
She looked up to study his face, the golden hair, achingly perfect jaw and cheekbones, scars just peeking from the bandages that covered his ruined eyes. "Wish you could see it."
"As do I." His smile turned wistful. His free hand came to rest over his heart. "But I carry your face with me always."
That made butterflies dance in her chest. "I was thinkin' more so you could tell me if my inner light was captured properly."
Tristian laughed and knelt so they were level. "You'll just have to judge for yourself," he said playfully, touching her cheek.
"Don't see a glow, but she does have a twinkle of mischief in her eyes," Jas snickered, playing along.
"Then you were captured well enough," he murmured.
"I like being captured like this better," she countered, nudging his arm around her shoulders, and leaned in to steal a kiss.
