#;Merdrin

[victory-ocs]

"You know there are, like, actual beds here. You didn't have to take the floor."

i think viel at mer in act 2 the like. briefest moment where they had beds before everything was BAD--

"I don't want to get too comfortable."

Oh. Fair enough.

He wants to be... Prepared. Lightly resting, in case something happens. And if being on the floor, the hard wood against his back making it harder to focus on his trance? So be it.

[victory-after-dark]

🌶️ MERDRIN are you one of those elf folk that are funny about their ears being touched or nibbled or whatever people are doing these days

"If you touch my ears I will break your hand."

Spicy

[maverick-ocs]

How did Viel feel, when his bodyguard keeled over? When his body began to sieze and blood began to spill from his mouth as his lungs began to eat away at themselves? The druid had said it would be painless. But here's the manthing in agony.

They'd just reunited with Merdrin, when everything went wrong. Finally able to take comfort in a familiar face on the surface. And then this woman - this so called healer - had tried to take Merdrin away again.

Separated them from their group. Lead them down to her area of work, insisted she had a cure, asked Vielyn to extend their arm. She must have noticed their hesitation, perhaps even realized that leading a pair of drow down to where she kept the corpse of their kin on an examination table wasn't great planning, because she'd tried to reassure Vielyn. But Vielyn didn't budge. The woman approached. And Vielyn's fingers twitched for their weapon.

And then Merdrin. Loyal, faithful Merdrin. Had interrupted.

He'd stepped in between the two women. Perhaps aware that Vielyn starting a fight here would lead to endangering everyone in the grove, or perhaps wanting to believe she really did have a cure - Vielyn doesn't know what was going through his mind. Vielyn hasn't dared to ask him about it. As if asking might just... make it real.

But it was real. By the gods, it was agonizingly real. The women had taken a swipe at him with some branch, and Merdrin's face almost immediately twisted in pain when it pierced his skin. She tried to defend her actions as Merdin stumbled, nearly right into Vielyn, who moves to catch him just as his knees buckled. The woman informing them - almost sounding sorry - that the only cure for them now is in death. And she'd held her pathetic little branch up at Vielyn with a steady hand, ready to 'cure' them too. Dread was already forming in Vielyn's stomach as they... well, dropped Merdrin. Turning to try make sure his fall isn't dangerous, but still letting him hit the floor nevertheless. They need to free their arms. Their hands. They need their weapon. They can't show weakness. Not in front of an enemy. Not in front of Merdrin - Ah. Well. Merdin may not be a concern right now, seeing as he's-

Oh, gods.

Fighting to remain focused, Vielyn arms themself, holding their mace up with the same falsified confidence as the woman with her dangerous little branch. But she must be underestimating Vielyn. Assuming, perhaps, that because they need a bodyguard, they can't defend themself.

Well. She wasn't wrong for very long after that. A swarm of necrotic spiritual guardians attacking like divine piranhas, and a few well placed blows of the mace, and soon bits of the druid are practically splattered throughout her workroom. And only then does Vielyn's mask slip. Heart hammering in their chest, they'd run right to Merdrin's side, found him practically choking on his own blood. Trying to call upon the blessings of their goddess to patch him up, piece him back together to fight another day, Vielyn knelt at his side. Hands on his chest as they just tried to stabilise him. Bring him back from the brink. But it's not enough. He's deteriorating faster than they can heal. And it's like ice runs through their veins as they keep trying anyway. Burning through all their strength to just stop him from dying here-

And they're lucky. Ever so lucky. Blessed by their goddess. For it's those same spirit guardians that had brought them the antidote from the woman's corpse. And they'd had barely enough time to get it into Mer before they'd all but collapsed over him themself. Whispering a few more healing words even as they rest over him, praying to their goddess they take effect this time - the little spiritual creatures around him disappearing in favour of focusing all his magic into Merdrin.

... It's a good thing this room was locked off, really. Because the two of them are going to end up having an impromptu nap on the floor in here. One to try rest off poison, and the other to restore strength after burning all their spell slots on something that healing didn't even help.

[victory-ocs]

"send in " nodding off... " for the exhausted sender to fall asleep against the receiver's shoulder, and for the receiver's response to this."

SLAPS THIS DOWN HERE ALSO. FOR THE DROW LADS.

It has been a rough day. And a rough night.

Mer had set up camp for them, in this horrid lands. Darkness that reminds him too much of home. Of mushrooms and blood and betrayal.

And today had been the biggest betrayal of them all. His charges betrothed, now lost to the madness. A creature. His mind empty, except for the thoughts of that damned Absolute.

Viel had asked to stay in his tent, that night. And Merdrin had oblidged. More comfortable with each other, now, Merdrin still keeps a professional distance. His charge is to be listened to. Requests are to be followed.

Viel had asked him to read. Viel likes the sound of his voice. So read he shall. Any of the random books that he's scrounged from the others in the camp. A soft voice, trying to be... Soothing. Soft. Things that he's not.

He damn near jumps out of his skin, when he feels a weight against his shoulder. Alert and at the ready to fight for his life, only to take a deep breath when he sees it's Viel, resting his eyes.

He'll allow it. This time.

[victory-ocs]

"[ STEADY ] for sender to catch or steady receiver when receiver tries to stand up too early or to push their body past what it’s ready for"

merdrin. come here merdrin. get caught by vielyn.

When he comes to, the first thing he can taste is *blood*. His. Mismatched eyes flutter open, narrowing against the candlelight. He's delicate, at the moment. Even a soft light that that hurts...

His limbs feel heavy. So heavy. But he cannot rest. Not when his charge is waiting for him. He dare not disappoint Vielyn. Even as the cleric kneels over him.

He can feel red eyes, burrowing into his soul. A scathing look that he takes as annoyance (or, perhaps, concern? But that can't be right) that tells him all he needs to know.

With great effort, he hauls himself to his feet. Standing... But not for long.

He may have been cured. But the toxin has still run its course. Left him weak.

He tries to take a step. To get moving. But the thing in his head twists and writhes, and the toxin in his limbs rushes up to meet it. Everything fades in a blinding white light, and his eyes roll back into his head.

He's surprised, when he can see again, that he's not on the ground. Aware of a hand on his chest, the other wrapped around his back. Keeping him upright.

Through the fog of his near death experience, be becomes aware of the fact that the only one in the room who would... Help him... Is his own charge.

A click of disapproval, as he tries to shuffle away.

"So sorry, sir. Wo-won't... Happen again."

Viel. Make him rest. Please.

[victory-after-dark]

VIEL! AND! MER! WHISPERS! NEOW!

His ears prick up like a startled cat, a deep flush flooding over his cheeks and across the bridge of his nose as Vielyn whispers to him. What was said? Well. They're not telling, either of them. But by Merdrin's reaction, and the way he almost bashfully reaches for Vielyn's hand, to lead him somewhere more... Private.

It was lewd.

[victory-ocs]

'tell me what prompt you want' I WANT NUMBAH GENERATOR IM TOO INDECISIVE-

TENDER TOUCHES MER AND VIEL!

4. Snuggling up next to mine

-

He'd been curled up on the lounge, his head in a book. One hand keeping the trashy romance novel (one of the devils, surely) open, and the other resting on the belly of the white furred, six legged kitten that lay sleeping in his lap.

He doesn't budge, as he feels another presence on the lounge. Nor does he budge when he feels someone worming their way under his arm.

"Heya, Viel."

A mischievious purr, as slender hands paw at the smut he's reading.

[victory-ocs]

What do you think is the worst possible way to die?

for mer :)

"Driders."

He will! Not elaborate! Thanks

[victory-after-dark]

SQUISHY for merdrin from viel of course :smug:

"Yes. That is a breast."

Looking unamused on the outside. Dying on the inside.

[victory-ocs]

[ hand ] sender holding receiver's hand while they're walking

Viel and Mer.... boyfies holding hands..........

The city is large, and bright, and overwhelming. There's so many voices, layered over each other, a dozen conversations happening at once.

Vielyn seems used to it. Strolling through the streets like it's his birthright. Glaring at idiots who block the walkways with idle chatter, and pushing his way through crowds.

Merdrin, however, is... Nervous, admittedly. Unused to the sheer number of people that live here. So he sticks to Viel's side, holding his hand and trying to make himself look small.

"I didn't think you'd be scared of crowds." Vielyn's voice is soft, barely audible over the chatter.

"'mnot scared." Merdrin huffs, though squeezes Viel's hand, just a little bit tighter. "Just... Not used to it."

[victory-after-dark]

hey mer what is it about that paladin fellow that got you so. hot under the collar. just a thing for older men? or what?

He grunts.

"Warned me too late about the purple drink. We were wasted and sad."

That's literally it.

[victory-ocs]

by the gods, are they still beating around the bush?

naturally. do you expect anything more of them?

how boring. surely they've got to know by now. hells, the whole camp knows. the bloody gith knows!

worried you'll lose our little bet, are you?

oh, please. that's the least of my worries. i'm more concerned about me. if merdrin starts getting all weird about his feelings, i'm going to lose a perfectly good meal opportunity!

and twenty gold.

and twenty bloody gold!

Can they at least talk about him a little bit quieter. They both have elven blood. They must know that he can hear them.

It's not like he's sitting that far away. No. He's next to the campfire, boiling water so that he can wash everyone's clothes again. It's somehow ended up as his job, and, as with everything, Merdrin takes it very seriously.

So he says nothing as he stirs his Pants Soup with a stick, wrinkling his nose as the water turns red.

Let them have their little games. He won't dignify it with a response.

[victory-ocs]

BRUSHY BRUSHY MER WILL YOU PLAY WITH VIELYN'S HAIR

As Vielyn rests his head upon Merdrins lap, Merdrin takes a moment to rummage through the little bag he keeps hidden under his neckerchief. Nothing much in there, just a few personal things that he’s worried he’d get teased for.

He pulls out a comb, fancy and made of bone, with tiny initials, ‘N.I’, carved into it with a delicate hand.

A momento from his father.

He takes a section of Vielyns hair, starting to delicately drag the comb through Vielyns hair. Gentle and smooth movements, trying not to snag any knots.

[victory-after-dark]

m...merdrin you. you did what.

"Started crying. It wasn't our first time together... But it was the first time it had been. Comfortable?"

He'd just been so. Overwhelmed. By how much he loved Vielyn. How he felt, and how he smelled, and how his nails bit into Merdrin's shoulder as he shuddered.

"Kind of ruined it..."

[victory-ocs]

HAPPY VALENTINES DAYYY CAN I PLEASE REQUEST A CUTE LIL DRABBLE FOR VIEL AND MER VALENTINES DAY SPECIAL (IF YOU WOULD LIKE)

"I want to talk about us."

He fidgets, taking a moment to adjust the neckerchief he wears, before looking at Vielyn with a calm, yet somewhat suspicious gaze.

"Yes? What about?"

"I want a kiss."

The drows eyes light up, his ears twitching. Any reservations he had about the conversation are washed away, as the realisation that Vielyn wants affection sets in.

The kiss is... Awkward, at first. It always is. A gentle peck upon Viel's brow, and Merdrin pulls back, a dark blush already forming upon his cheeks.

And, as always, Vielyn grabs his face with both hands and pulls him in. Their lips gliding against each other as Merdrin melts into the touch.

[victory-after-dark]

❛  i love you . ❜

sobbing AND crying AND weeping AND wailing AND-- anyways. vielyn and merdrin.

Nothing erotic, this time. Just the duo holed up in their tent, snuggled together under a threadbare blanket as they keep out the chill of the shadow cursed lands.

Vielyn slumps in his lap, his head resting against Merdrins chest. An ear placed over his heart, soothed by the steady beating. Th-thump. Th-thump. Th-thump.

Merdrin smiles, barely, the softest twitch of his lips, as he loops a strand of Vielyn's hair around his ear. Vielyn glances up at him, before closing his eyes once more, mumbling a familiar three word phrase.

"Mmm..."

Merdrin's not sure if he means it. Or if he's just using him as a replacement for the man he lost. But right now? He'll take it.

"I love you too..."