#lykaios

After migrating to Skyrim, we maintained a semblance of stability and peace with the Snow Elves and the Dwarves. Our peace, however, was short lived, as when the Snow Elves waged war against the Nords, it almost cost us everything. After the Night of Tears, the Nords sought revenge for the slaughter of their people by the Snow Elves, a revenge that included the Snow Elves themselves, and anybody who dared to call themselves allies of the Snow Elves.

We were an ally of the Snow Elves for a time, but after the Night of Tears, we slowly separated ourselves from the Elves. When the Nords returned from Atmora, however, they knew not of our desire to distance ourselves from the Elves. Many Lykaios villages were slaughtered and razed to the ground. Only after one of our most powerful chiefs, Nokose, negotiated with Ysgramor, did the Lykaios finally see peace once again. Our people were never the same, as to this day, many Lykaios choose a nomadic lifestyle traversing Skyrim opposed to forming settlements of our own.

Throughout the eras, the Lykaios people have maintained a stable peace with the Nords, living our lives as we see fit. All throughout Imperial history, the Lykaios have been there: from the age of dragons, to the formation of the Empire, to the Oblivion Crisis, and finally to the Great War. We, as a people, have fought side-by-side by those who would protect our people, and we have been loyal to the Empire ever since its inception.

Over the course of many centuries, the Lykaios gradually became assimilated into Nord culture. The only things remaining of our culture at of the time of writing in 4E 192, are our distinct hairstyles, our proud cultural rituals surrounding hunting, and our general reclusiveness to the outside world. Few Lykaios choose to leave Skyrim and instead choose to remain within our homeland. Few choose the scholarly lifestyle, and even fewer choose the adventurous life of military service.

The two men looked good together, that much was undeniable. Laurent smirked the tinniest bit as he whispered something against Damen’s jaw, whose eyes were fixed on the blond’s slightly swollen lips, an expression of such raw hunger on his face that Lykaios was surprised he hadn’t pinned Laurent to the wall yet. She choked a bit. There she had come back to get her keys which she had forgotten in the locker room and stumbled upon such a scene. 

She wouldn’t be able to forget about this and she doubted that she could look either man in the eye again after this. Why did this have to happen to her?

Morbid curiosity let her look through the glass of the door again and she felt how the gasp was wrenched out of her. 

Laurent’s long, muscled legs were wrapped around Damen’s trim waist while the large man held their dance instructor up with one hand on his ass, the bulging muscles of his arm straining. His other hand was tangled in Laurent’s hair while the blond had his long fingers buried in Damen’s curls and they did their best to devour each other. 

It was indecent in its intensity and Lykaios had no idea what she should be doing now. Going home, probably. Maybe go away and wait for them to confront them. But most definitely not standing before the door like a deer caught in the headlights, frozen in the eye of this raw passion between the two. This was wrong on so many levels, that she wanted to cry a little, because while she knew Laurent had a boyfriend and Damen was in a happy relationship too, the two of them looked so- happy together.

She had never seen Laurent smirk like that at anyone and Damen looked as if he couldn’t be bothered to even breath while he had his mouth on the blond’s.

“Laurent, sweetheart.”

The word made her gasp again, this was not- this was not how one talked to a one-nightstand. 

“Yes, dear?” Laurent sounded so teasing, it was obvious that Lykaios was missing vital information here.

“Let’s go home, come on. I want to take my time with you.”

Laurent hummed, as if in deep contemplation of Damen’s plea, and then said, “Fine. I suppose we can do that. And if we’re at it already, we can also explain to Lykaios why you’re practically pinning me to the wall, you beast.” He let his legs slide down until he stood safely on the floor and then waved at Lykaios nonchalantly, who was sure she’d faint from a mixture of embarrassment, surprise and something like overwhelming relief.

“Oh my god,” Damen looked at least as embarrassed as she felt and the only person not blushing was probably Laurent, who only shrugged.

“Lykaios, sorry for the late introduction, but this is my fiancé, Damen. Damen, you already know Lykaios. You’re in fact practicing together every week and I’m still amazed you managed to hold back for more than two months. Nobody suspected anything if I interpret Lykaios’ expression right.” Laurent strode past Damen and nodded at Lykaios as he gathered his things without another word.

“I’m so sorry,” she whispered, “I thought-.” 

“I’m sorry, Lykaios. Goodness, that must have been a surprise,” Damen scratched the back of his neck sheepishly and she nodded.

“Well, nobody’s cheating on anyone and we’re going home now. Do you need a ride?” Laurent stood beside her again and Lykaios only shook her head. This was the most embarrassing moment of her whole life.

“Laurent, I’m really sorry, I didn’t intend to-.” 

The blond interrupted her before she could finish, “there is nothing to forgive, Lykaios. Here, buy yourself a tea before you drive home, you still look a little rattled.” He handed her a five dollar bill and patted her shoulder before turning around.

“Damen, are you coming? If you intend to stay here, I’m going home alone and you can walk,” he declared as he reached the door and the larger man scrambled after him.

“Sorry, Lykaios. We’ll see each other in a week!”, he called after her and she only nodded mutely, as she watched them leave the studio. Damen wrapped one arm around Laurent’s shoulder and the blond leaned against him, his face tilted upwards as he spoke.