[Fenris is more of a useful gift person, someone who doesn't wear jewelry or carry around things that aren't useful to him, so really, Xenk's gifts are perfect for him. He was glad to have them. Jewelry is something that would be lost on him unfortunately.
He pauses when the offer to test it now is upon them. But he finds himself also unsure. What if it doesn't work? What if it only works once?]
Ah.. it is your gift to use as you please. I admit to not knowing if it will work at all or how long lasting if it does, but should it, I have a number more that are welcome to be yours.
[ They share that in common, so Xenk will be happy to hear it. Though in truth any gift from someone he holds dear will find itself to his person one way or another.
Xenk takes Fenris' hand in his own, twining their fingers. This is a big thing Fenris is offering him, if it truly turns out to work. ]
Even a temporary reprieve from my curse would be a great boon to me. Though unless the mark on my face lightens, there is no pleasant way to test the progress of my curse...
[ And because he trusts Fenris, and because he is trying to be more open with his feelings, Xenk finally admits: ]
It would comfort me greatly if you were to aid me in this. But know that I understand this is no light thing that I ask you. You are of course, free to refuse.
[Fenris hadn't been sure he was over stepping with the curse thing, he didn't want to imply something was wrong with Xenk when there is not. He merely wished to help, so the fact the gift of the coin was so well received was heartening. That Xenk wanted a reprieve from his curse... Fenris would go back to that island again if needed.
Squeezing Xenk's hand in reassurance, he gives a nod.]
Then it would be my honor to be here with you while you try this. To aid you how I am able.
[ Xenk's opinion of his curse waxes and wanes -- he is where he is thanks to it, but it brands him as something inhuman, and something that can possibly be controlled by those with nercomantic magics. While his Oath to Tyr keeps him guarded from the worst of it, the Ghoul Moon had not been kind to him, and had only reminded him of how dangerous his curse can truly be.
He had not lost control, but what if he had? Would he have sacrificed his friends, in support of a monster who is not even here? It's an uncertainty that troubles him, and certainly moreso now that he has those he loves. ]
Thank you. [ Xenk squeezes back. ] I know you do not judge me for my curse, and for that I am quite grateful. Yet I do not know who I would be, had I not been cursed so. It is a great conflict within me. I often find myself concerned over the danger I might pose, were another Ghoul Moon to take place.
[ All that nonsense with the tablet really messed him up, in other words. But he pulls out the coin and examines it, turning it over in his palm. ]
[Fenris listens before reaching up to gently caress the mark on Xenk's forhead. He can understand that, in a way he doesn't remember a life before his own markings, doesn't know whether to be grateful to them for the way it led him in his life or hate them and wish he was just like any other Tevinter Slave...
They were his now though.]
I would say you have us both to stop you if a ghoul moon was upon us again, but unfortunately, I believe I will be alone in trying to stop you both..
[The hazards of being boyfriends with two undead guys.]
To be honest, I do not know. When the curse of the island was upon me, trying to drive me to madness, just being near and holding the coins in hand was enough to free me of it.
[ Xenk leans into that touch, comforted but grimacing at the thought. Fenris could perhaps take one of them (in a fight) but both would be difficult. Perhaps Xenk owed it to the man to have an alternative, if worse came to worst... ]
I would hear more of your tale in obtaining these coins... I was unaware that you took on such a quest. [ Corsair stuff? Must be. ] But first... I will pray this works, least of all in part. I would not abandon you in a time of need, however dire.
[ He closes his fingers over the coin, squeezing it lightly and closing his eyes. If it bears some kind of enchantment, or fix, it isn't immediately apparent. But Xenk's curse is such that it's a bit hard to tell sometimes. So even if the coin begins to take effect, it won't be immediately clear. ]
Has ought changed?
[ He opens them, looking down at Fenris again. His mark might be a little lighter, but it's changing to slow for it to be noticeable, really. ]
If so, I do not see it. Your curse is one that is subtle to tell.
[He squints at the mark on Xenk's forehead. Maybe... but he does not want to say so and be wrong, it would be difficult to hurt the man with hope if there was none to actually be found.]
Come, let us find a mirror. You would likely better tell than me.
[Still holding Xenk's hand, he leads him out of his room since he has no mirrors, but there should be one in the nearby bathroom.]
[ Xenk nods. He does not have particular hopes for the longevity of the coin, but he is open-minded about it. He wants to try -- if only in times of danger. (And perhaps to help Astarion, if it clears up his blood.)
Xenk follows Fenris to the bathroom -- he takes note of the fact that Fenris has no mirrors, but doesn't mention it. Astarion doesn't either, though his reasons are practical in nature.
Something for later, perhaps. For right now, Xenk stands up to the mirror and examines his mark. It does appear somewhat faded, though not by much. Would it grow fainter, the longer the coin was held? Still, Xenk allows himself some relief. Fenris said there were more coins. If more than one was needed, then that was just as well. ]
It appears somewhat lighter.
[ He smiles, squeezing Fenris' hand. It's lightening too slowly to see, but it is noticeable. He turns back to Fenris, still smiling wide. Fuck it, he closes the distance in and kisses him. ]
I know not if it will fully fade, but this is promising indeed. Thank you, Fenris.
[ And less painful than what Xenk was going to suggest -- which involved drawing blood until it was pure red, as opposed to thick and dark. ]
[So it was lighter, he thought it might be but it had been hard to tell. He does not usually look at the man's curse mark so he did not think he was a fair judge of it.
The kiss takes him by surprise but he smiles into it, kissing Xenk back. He was glad it was something, something more than nothing at least. He had a handful of coins, Xenk could have all of them as far as he was concerned. He didn't particularly need them for anything other than to be prepared.]
It may not cure the curse, but perhaps it will stay it some should worse come to worse.
[A pause, before he raises an eyebrow at him.]
Perhaps even allow you the pleasure of Astarion's bite.
[ Even limited in scope, Xenk would take any time he could manage. In the comfort of his home, surrounded by his lovers -- he could think of no safer place, and no better situation than to cure his curse to better enjoy himself with them. Even should he need to keep gripping the coin, even should his mark not entirely fade, it would be the best of all outcomes if it granted him even a moment's reprieve. ]
This is my hope as well.
[ Xenk smirks, meeting Fenris' suggestion with a knowing glint of affection. ]
That I should be so lucky. I'm afraid all of our prior attempts have eneded poorly, on account of my cursed blood.
I can imagine cursed blood is not particularly palatable, though Astarion seems to enjoy the lyrium in my own.
[He was glad to be a regular source of nourishment for his lover. While he didn't particularly seek it out, he took pleasure from the act and the bite of his lover. He was glad to be available in such a way for his vhenan.]
Do you wish to see if your blood runs clean? It would be painful, but I would not wish for you to do so alone and risk yourself while your curse is lessened.
[ Xenk smirks saying it though. It obviously doesn't hurt his feelings for it to be so -- it's nothing he can control. Xenk too would happily offer his blood, especially since he heals so quickly, but when you're cursed you're cursed. Still, he has daydreamed about it. Anyone with a vampire lover would. ]
I am willing to try. And you need not worry -- even should my good health be reduced by the temporary dissipation of the curse, I am still capable of healing myself. Tyr's blessing has yet to elude me.
[Fenris can't help the small chuckle that leaves him because he can hear Astarion say it. Honestly, he would be more surprised if Astarion said something differently from that. It suits the elf.]
Good, then you will be able to treat yourself should anything happen.. I do not know any magics, though I am good at first aid should it become necessary.
[Pulling out a dagger, he pauses at the sink to wash the blade, not wanting to take any risks with his lover's health, before he offers the pummel first.]
[ Astarion wouldn't be Astarion if he wasn't painfully honest at times. Though Xenk nods at his admission. ]
Thank you, Fenris. First aid is a vital skill, especially where magic is limited.
[ For all that Xenk seems to have a near-limitless supply of Lay on Hands charges, it is limited per day. If one of them should get injured, it shouldn't a problem. But both would be... problematic, to be sure. ]
Given that one of my hands is presently occupied with the coin, this may be the best option. Though I would not wish to give you an undue burden. You need not do this, if you do not wish to.
[He leans forward to kiss the man's forearm, before flipping the dagger and catching it by the pummel. Carefully guiding the arm over the sink, Fenris pauses before counting.]
On three... One. Two. [And before he says three, he slices clean into the man's arm, not going slow as to not draw out the pain but to make it one sharp strike.]
[ Xenk smiles at the kiss, eyes bright with affection even as Xenk slides the blade over his arm. The cut is quick and clean, the sting of pain sharper than Xenk is accustomed to.
He flinches, more surprised by how vivid the pain felt than the depth of it. The blood that flows from it is a healthy-looking bright red, and though it is slow to coagulate, it's far lighter than Xenk's usual wounds. ]
Fenris! Look!
[ He is way more excited about the fact that he's bleeding than any normal person would be, needless to say. ]
[He gives Xenk a smile, clearly joyous for the man and what it might mean for him, especially where Astarion is concerned. Really, they were both nerds way too excited about Xenk bleeding than normal people should be. But when you have a vampire for a boyfriend, you kind of get excited when your other boyfriend's cursed blood is a lot less cursed.
Not minding the blood at all, he pulls Xenk into a hug and kisses him.]
[ They are extremely weird little guys, excited over the fact that Xenk's arm is bleeding the way arms normally do, when you cut into their skin. Xenk hardly minds the cut either, even if the blood is sure to stain his nice white shirt. He relishes in the hug, kissing back with excitement and unabashed joy.
They really are weird nerds, Xenk most of all. He tugs Fenris with that same bleeding arm and leads them both out of the bathroom, shouting with glee. ]
[ Xenk's good mood can't be taken down, even with Fenris' vague explanation. Of course, he's still riding the high of being freed from his curse, however temporarily. It's hard to take a moment and think.
But he will try! It's just a little more excited than usual. ]
This coin, [ he holds it still in his palm, certainly tighter now that it evidently works. ] Is capable of dispelling curses!
[ Hence the bleeding arm! And the redder-than-usual blood. ]
[ Astarion is a smart man, he's put together what this means. And now he's confronted with the reality that is Xenk dripping with blood--blood he's wanted to taste for months--but he's also supposed to act like a civilized member of society and not the monster that wants nothing more to pin Xenk down and lick him clean and then shove his fangs in his neck and ---
Well, if he's paler than usual, it's understandable. ]
That is very good news. [ He sounds distracted. ] But I can't help but notice you're rather letting that blood go to waste. You wouldn't mind if I....?
[ He nods towards his arm. You know. Let him have some. ]
[Fenris can't stop the amused smile that comes to his lips as he nudges Xenk forward towards their lover.]
I believe that is the core of his excitement in telling you.
[For a second, he thought he might feel jealousy, sharing something like this, but he's not. In fact he finds himself overjoyed to see these two finally have this connection, to have this moment. It fills him with a warmth to know that he helped make this happen, that something he risked his life for was worth it tenfold.
He doesn't want to intrude on something so special, so he thinks of stepping away, but for the moment he stays.]
[ Xenk nods towards Fenris in agreement, holding his arm out for Astarion. It's true that he's waited and hoped for months for this -- to be capable of easing Astarion's hunger, and grant him the respite he so deserves. Of course he expects the bite to be pleasurable, that is surely a given knowing Astarion, but the most important thing to Xenk is that he's finally able to offer him succor. As he's able to heal himself, it's always been a shame that his curse kept him from providing Astarion with the most he could offer. ]
I welcome it. Take as much as you wish, my love.
[ He grips the coin tight in his other hand, unwilling to part with it now that this temporary boon has been granted. With his sleeves rolled up and his own blood dripping freely, a little blood on his clothes clearly doesn't matter to him. ]
[ Astarion moves closer to him, taking his arm his his hand. His eyes flick over to where Fenris is standing, a touch of embarrassment on his face. Biting people is, after all, still somewhat new to him after 200 years of not being allowed to. It's still something he associates with shadows and hiding; with rats and bugs.
But being with Xenk and Fenris is not like that. They give themselves to him freely, and their blood will do much better for him than any animal's. He's certain that Xenk will taste as wonderful as Fenris, if a little less intoxicating.
This isn't new to Fenris, either, after all. Fenris won't think any less of him to watch him do this, he reminds himself.
So bends down and guides Xenk's arm up to his lips and starts to lick up the blood that had trickled down, a pleasurable moan escaping his lips when he at last gets to taste it. It's divine, really, though it doesn't make him feel like it wants to eat him from the inside out like true radiant blood would. Instead, it tastes every bit as delicious as he'd hoped, and he finds himself quickly wanting more, the tips of his ears warm and reddening with joy. ]
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He pauses when the offer to test it now is upon them. But he finds himself also unsure. What if it doesn't work? What if it only works once?]
Ah.. it is your gift to use as you please. I admit to not knowing if it will work at all or how long lasting if it does, but should it, I have a number more that are welcome to be yours.
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Xenk takes Fenris' hand in his own, twining their fingers. This is a big thing Fenris is offering him, if it truly turns out to work. ]
Even a temporary reprieve from my curse would be a great boon to me. Though unless the mark on my face lightens, there is no pleasant way to test the progress of my curse...
[ And because he trusts Fenris, and because he is trying to be more open with his feelings, Xenk finally admits: ]
It would comfort me greatly if you were to aid me in this. But know that I understand this is no light thing that I ask you. You are of course, free to refuse.
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Squeezing Xenk's hand in reassurance, he gives a nod.]
Then it would be my honor to be here with you while you try this. To aid you how I am able.
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He had not lost control, but what if he had? Would he have sacrificed his friends, in support of a monster who is not even here? It's an uncertainty that troubles him, and certainly moreso now that he has those he loves. ]
Thank you. [ Xenk squeezes back. ] I know you do not judge me for my curse, and for that I am quite grateful. Yet I do not know who I would be, had I not been cursed so. It is a great conflict within me. I often find myself concerned over the danger I might pose, were another Ghoul Moon to take place.
[ All that nonsense with the tablet really messed him up, in other words. But he pulls out the coin and examines it, turning it over in his palm. ]
Do you know how it works?
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They were his now though.]
I would say you have us both to stop you if a ghoul moon was upon us again, but unfortunately, I believe I will be alone in trying to stop you both..
[The hazards of being boyfriends with two undead guys.]
To be honest, I do not know. When the curse of the island was upon me, trying to drive me to madness, just being near and holding the coins in hand was enough to free me of it.
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I would hear more of your tale in obtaining these coins... I was unaware that you took on such a quest. [ Corsair stuff? Must be. ] But first... I will pray this works, least of all in part. I would not abandon you in a time of need, however dire.
[ He closes his fingers over the coin, squeezing it lightly and closing his eyes. If it bears some kind of enchantment, or fix, it isn't immediately apparent. But Xenk's curse is such that it's a bit hard to tell sometimes. So even if the coin begins to take effect, it won't be immediately clear. ]
Has ought changed?
[ He opens them, looking down at Fenris again. His mark might be a little lighter, but it's changing to slow for it to be noticeable, really. ]
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[He squints at the mark on Xenk's forehead. Maybe... but he does not want to say so and be wrong, it would be difficult to hurt the man with hope if there was none to actually be found.]
Come, let us find a mirror. You would likely better tell than me.
[Still holding Xenk's hand, he leads him out of his room since he has no mirrors, but there should be one in the nearby bathroom.]
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Xenk follows Fenris to the bathroom -- he takes note of the fact that Fenris has no mirrors, but doesn't mention it. Astarion doesn't either, though his reasons are practical in nature.
Something for later, perhaps. For right now, Xenk stands up to the mirror and examines his mark. It does appear somewhat faded, though not by much. Would it grow fainter, the longer the coin was held? Still, Xenk allows himself some relief. Fenris said there were more coins. If more than one was needed, then that was just as well. ]
It appears somewhat lighter.
[ He smiles, squeezing Fenris' hand. It's lightening too slowly to see, but it is noticeable. He turns back to Fenris, still smiling wide. Fuck it, he closes the distance in and kisses him. ]
I know not if it will fully fade, but this is promising indeed. Thank you, Fenris.
[ And less painful than what Xenk was going to suggest -- which involved drawing blood until it was pure red, as opposed to thick and dark. ]
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The kiss takes him by surprise but he smiles into it, kissing Xenk back. He was glad it was something, something more than nothing at least. He had a handful of coins, Xenk could have all of them as far as he was concerned. He didn't particularly need them for anything other than to be prepared.]
It may not cure the curse, but perhaps it will stay it some should worse come to worse.
[A pause, before he raises an eyebrow at him.]
Perhaps even allow you the pleasure of Astarion's bite.
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This is my hope as well.
[ Xenk smirks, meeting Fenris' suggestion with a knowing glint of affection. ]
That I should be so lucky. I'm afraid all of our prior attempts have eneded poorly, on account of my cursed blood.
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[He was glad to be a regular source of nourishment for his lover. While he didn't particularly seek it out, he took pleasure from the act and the bite of his lover. He was glad to be available in such a way for his vhenan.]
Do you wish to see if your blood runs clean? It would be painful, but I would not wish for you to do so alone and risk yourself while your curse is lessened.
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[ Xenk smirks saying it though. It obviously doesn't hurt his feelings for it to be so -- it's nothing he can control. Xenk too would happily offer his blood, especially since he heals so quickly, but when you're cursed you're cursed. Still, he has daydreamed about it. Anyone with a vampire lover would. ]
I am willing to try. And you need not worry -- even should my good health be reduced by the temporary dissipation of the curse, I am still capable of healing myself. Tyr's blessing has yet to elude me.
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Good, then you will be able to treat yourself should anything happen.. I do not know any magics, though I am good at first aid should it become necessary.
[Pulling out a dagger, he pauses at the sink to wash the blade, not wanting to take any risks with his lover's health, before he offers the pummel first.]
Unless you wish me to do it.
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Thank you, Fenris. First aid is a vital skill, especially where magic is limited.
[ For all that Xenk seems to have a near-limitless supply of Lay on Hands charges, it is limited per day. If one of them should get injured, it shouldn't a problem. But both would be... problematic, to be sure. ]
Given that one of my hands is presently occupied with the coin, this may be the best option. Though I would not wish to give you an undue burden. You need not do this, if you do not wish to.
[ Xenk holds out his arm, his forearms bear. ]
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[He leans forward to kiss the man's forearm, before flipping the dagger and catching it by the pummel. Carefully guiding the arm over the sink, Fenris pauses before counting.]
On three... One. Two. [And before he says three, he slices clean into the man's arm, not going slow as to not draw out the pain but to make it one sharp strike.]
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He flinches, more surprised by how vivid the pain felt than the depth of it. The blood that flows from it is a healthy-looking bright red, and though it is slow to coagulate, it's far lighter than Xenk's usual wounds. ]
Fenris! Look!
[ He is way more excited about the fact that he's bleeding than any normal person would be, needless to say. ]
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[He gives Xenk a smile, clearly joyous for the man and what it might mean for him, especially where Astarion is concerned. Really, they were both nerds way too excited about Xenk bleeding than normal people should be. But when you have a vampire for a boyfriend, you kind of get excited when your other boyfriend's cursed blood is a lot less cursed.
Not minding the blood at all, he pulls Xenk into a hug and kisses him.]
We should tell Astarion.
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[ They are extremely weird little guys, excited over the fact that Xenk's arm is bleeding the way arms normally do, when you cut into their skin. Xenk hardly minds the cut either, even if the blood is sure to stain his nice white shirt. He relishes in the hug, kissing back with excitement and unabashed joy.
They really are weird nerds, Xenk most of all. He tugs Fenris with that same bleeding arm and leads them both out of the bathroom, shouting with glee. ]
Astarion! Astarion! I am bleeding! Astarion!
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He wasn't expecting Xenk to be bleeding and for Fenris to be covered in it.
Or for it to smell......decidedly less rancid? ]
What in the hells are you two doing?
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[He says that like it explains it all, but he smiles, joyous for his boyfriends right now.
In fact, if Xenk wasn't pulling him along he might have gave the moment alone, but he was also glad to be sharing it with them.]
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But he will try! It's just a little more excited than usual. ]
This coin, [ he holds it still in his palm, certainly tighter now that it evidently works. ] Is capable of dispelling curses!
[ Hence the bleeding arm! And the redder-than-usual blood. ]
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[ Astarion is a smart man, he's put together what this means. And now he's confronted with the reality that is Xenk dripping with blood--blood he's wanted to taste for months--but he's also supposed to act like a civilized member of society and not the monster that wants nothing more to pin Xenk down and lick him clean and then shove his fangs in his neck and ---
Well, if he's paler than usual, it's understandable. ]
That is very good news. [ He sounds distracted. ] But I can't help but notice you're rather letting that blood go to waste. You wouldn't mind if I....?
[ He nods towards his arm. You know. Let him have some. ]
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I believe that is the core of his excitement in telling you.
[For a second, he thought he might feel jealousy, sharing something like this, but he's not. In fact he finds himself overjoyed to see these two finally have this connection, to have this moment. It fills him with a warmth to know that he helped make this happen, that something he risked his life for was worth it tenfold.
He doesn't want to intrude on something so special, so he thinks of stepping away, but for the moment he stays.]
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I welcome it. Take as much as you wish, my love.
[ He grips the coin tight in his other hand, unwilling to part with it now that this temporary boon has been granted. With his sleeves rolled up and his own blood dripping freely, a little blood on his clothes clearly doesn't matter to him. ]
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But being with Xenk and Fenris is not like that. They give themselves to him freely, and their blood will do much better for him than any animal's. He's certain that Xenk will taste as wonderful as Fenris, if a little less intoxicating.
This isn't new to Fenris, either, after all. Fenris won't think any less of him to watch him do this, he reminds himself.
So bends down and guides Xenk's arm up to his lips and starts to lick up the blood that had trickled down, a pleasurable moan escaping his lips when he at last gets to taste it. It's divine, really, though it doesn't make him feel like it wants to eat him from the inside out like true radiant blood would. Instead, it tastes every bit as delicious as he'd hoped, and he finds himself quickly wanting more, the tips of his ears warm and reddening with joy. ]
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