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They have been overworked lately.
It is not that there are more mortals meeting their end, but rather that they have just not had the time to relax properly; there have been no midday naps or leisurely mornings in quite a while. The others within the Twelve have been calling on them for various things, and they have had to watch over their city too.
They are duty driven. It is just in their nature. They work without ceasing when they must, and they do not complain openly. But the consequences, when they inevitably appear, are… unpleasant.
Their connection has been pulled tight and angry, frost and fire no longer melding in harmony; the strings are just slightly out of tune, leaving them irritated with the other despite their love. Adoration has twisted into annoyance, and they are sick of the nights without release from their increasing stress.
Something must give. Something must break under the tension, or they will both end up in a place that is hard to return from, even for beings such as they.
That something, as it turns out, is Thal.
It is another petty, worthless argument.
One of them had said something that the other didn't like, and it had brought on another disagreement. The Traders are rarely out of balance to this extent, and it is weighing on both of their hearts, but the harsh words and sharp, cruel feelings just keep coming. The fight had spiraled out of control, and this is the end result.
They are facing off in front of their throne, chests heaving and eyes wide open with the mixture of emotion between their connection. There is no escape from it; they can only try to mitigate the damage. But as another stab of heat flashes through their bond, equilibrium can no longer be maintained.
The scales tip at last. It is Thal who is on the heavier side.
"Enough!"
He cannot remember the last time he lifted a hand against Nald in this way; but he does now, golden palm flashing in the light of the setting sun, rising up to point at his other half, and all at once Nald's mouth snaps shut, golden eyes going wide.
He simply stands there, going completely still, waiting for the axe to fall one way or another.
Trepidation floats into their connection. The heated feelings of anger and frustration fade into something more muted, stirrings of unease and the beginnings of an apology.
But thal has no interest in it, not yet. He is tired of his other half being so loud all the time, tired of the arguments and heat that never ends. Nald has been pushing for them to work more, to not disappoint.
Thal is going to remind Nald that it is not just he who makes up The Traders. Thal will no longer bend to his other half, and perhaps he will relieve some of their stress along the way.
"Kneel."
His voice is overlapping - external and internal, echoing all around the throne room, and Nald's knees slowly drop to the dias before their throne. He is not disobeying. Yet.
Their connection is at last quieting, thrumming with both apology and anticipation. Nald is clever; he has already figured out what it is that Thal has decided on. But to speak of it would spoil the fun.
Lowering his hand, Thal moves to their throne, and settles himself on it gracefully, legs crossing and robe parting high to reveal golden thighs. Nald watches raptly, but remains where he is, waiting for Thal's next move, even as he feels like shifting with impatience already, growing hard under his own white fabric..
"You look good like this, Nald. A guard dog come to heel."
Thal says it so casually, like they're talking about the weather, but his voice is deep and dangerous - it sends a chill down Nald’s back, lips parting slightly to let air in and out easier.
Looking up at his other half from where he kneels on the dias, Nald is struck with awe.
Shining amethyst against void black; thal watches him with cold eyes, not a hint of mercy to be found within. His expression is serene, but his lips are thin, lingering annoyance still sharp in their bond. Sitting so carefree before Nald, he is like an untouchable God observing a pathetic offering.
Saliva pools within Nald's mouth. The sight before him is so breathtaking that no bard could ever possibly come close. And it is he alone who gets the privilege of seeing this, he alone who will ever kneel here and have Thal's heavy, potent attention on him in this way.
He loves Thal like this. Heat pools between his own thighs, but he can do nothing with it yet.
"...I think you are enjoying yourself too much."
He is. Nald is not even trying to conceal the excitement that is pooling within his chest from Thal, their bond like a thunderstorm, lightning crackling. He knows, too, that it will further annoy Thal, push him deeper into that rare, arctic anger. It makes him lick his lips, sharp teeth flashing in the dim light.
"What a disgraceful expression."
Without warning, and without Thal moving a single finger, Nald's arms are pulled back harshly, forcing a gasp from already parted lips. Vivid blue energy curls around his wrists, though he can't see it, binding them together tightly - Nald can not escape Thal's restraints, not when doing so would hurt his other half, connected as they are.
That is fine with Nald. He is happy to be restrained like this - it is far from the first time. But he knows Thal can do better. Remnants of his own annoyance flare, and he looks defiantly into Thal's eyes, lifting his chin in stubborn pride.
"I thought you were going to do something worth my time, Thal. we should get back to work if all you're going to do is say boring things."
He is treated to the sight of Thal's eyes dilating with rage. Another shiver goes down along his spine.
"I have had enough of your words."
Thal's fingers twitch - with a cold tug between them, Nald is pulled forward by an invisible hand, breath escaping him as he finds himself kneeling now between Thal's legs, opened just enough to let his other half settle within. Glancing upwards, he is met with that same icy stare, though within their connection, Thal has begun to thaw slightly, pleased with Nald’s new position.
"There are much better uses for that mouth."
Between Thal’s legs, black cloth fades away as Nald returns his gaze down - the place that they share, usually hidden by both robe and magic, is now on display for Nald. One of Thal's legs hits against his side, impatience already showing.
The angle is slightly bad. Nald wishes he had his hands free to use, so he could press his claws against the porcelain flesh that now lines Thal's inner thighs, bared to Nald’s eyes alone. But he is not here to worship the body before him. There will be time later, surely, for such things.
Nald opens his mouth, and, eyes closing, envelops Thal's length as deep as he can in one movement, going nearly right to the hilt, letting his head fall forward to fully draw Thal into his lips.
"Good boy."
With a pleased exhale, Thal's fingers curl gently around Nald's horns - the fire that burns between them does not hurt, will never hurt Thal, who is part of Nald's very being. The touch registers to Nald distantly - he is much more focused on the heavy, thick heat in his mouth, resting snugly against the inside of his cheek like it belongs there. Like Nald’s mouth was made just for this.
He has done this before; he knows how to curl his tongue to make thal sigh out in pleasure, and knows that scraping his teeth just barely against Thal's shaft will earn him a moan. He is prepared to do so, eager to bring that bottomless pleasure to his other half, when the gentle hold along his horns changes into something firmer, just shy of painful.
Nald's heart skips a beat. Thal speaks above him, thunder that reverberates into his whole body.
"I did not say you can act on your own. You have caused enough trouble already."
Oh.
And with the barely-there warning delivered, Thal's grip turns punishing on black horns, and he thrusts forward, tugging Nald's head closer in the same motion.
Nald tries to relax into the harsh movement, hands jerking out of reflex - but Thal is relentless, hips snapping forward and back with sharp motions, and quickly he finds himself drooling around the heat in his mouth, tears welling up in his eyes even as he squeezes his lashes shut. He has no gag reflex, but even without, Thal hits the back of his throat again and again, and Nald chokes around him anyway.
The convulsions around his length only seem to spur Thal on - above Nald are breathy exhales, occasionally a low moan, and a rumbling purr from Thal's throat that begins to shine slightly with sweat, silver rings letting out chimes as they shift. The rare noise makes Nald whine with muffled desperation, too little air coming in just through his nose, but his mouth is already stretched to the limit.
Saliva leaks from the side of his lips, trailing the short way from his chin to his scarf, the fabric darkening with the addition of golden liquid. His shoulders ache with the pressure of his wrists bound behind him.
It is perfect.
His world has narrowed down to the drag of Thal's shaft along his teeth, the bruising grip on his horns, the delicious agony of divine, inhuman flesh slamming into the back of his throat. Nald never wants it to end, wants to be here with heat building up within his core for all of time - spurred by this thought, he seals his lips and licks desperately at the weight in his mouth, pushing further into Thal's form, pressing them both harder against the throne. It startles a high sound from Thal, thighs coming around his other half tightly to keep him snug against his own body, and Nald wants this for eternity.
There are no thoughts between them now, their connection full of only bright, raw sensation, euphoria like the most potent drug - anger has long faded into pleasure. Thal's cool relief pours into Nald, who lets out a muted whine in response, and drags his tongue along Thal's hardness when it returns to his mouth. He can only kneel before Thal, and take what he is given.
Without the ability to craft words, Nald whimpers from his position, moans shamelessly just to hear Thal's responding exhale of bliss, knees scraping slightly along the dais - back and forward, in and out - but Thal keeps his grip on Nald's horns, not letting Nald move an inch unless he decides to let it happen.
Nald is not sure how long it takes - he loses track of time, can only barely slit his eyes open to let the tears fall, neck bending forward to take more - he is greedy even now, wants all that Thal can give - but Thal's pleasure peaks suddenly and sharply, and Nald's head is pulled forward, keeping him pressed fully against Thal's thighs when he reaches his climax. All senses are narrowed down to their shared point release - it begins a closed loop between them, and between his own legs, Nald aches.
Swallow all of it, Nald.
Thal's voice comes through their link, distorted with pleasure, and Nald is helpless to resist the command - he works to swallow the substance Thal pours down his throat, eyes squeezing shut and fingers curling behind him into fists. Every part of him is tense, and pulled against Thal, who finally lets his voice free, releasing a beautiful, deep moan that Nald desperately wants to hear again and again.
It is just aether at its core, but it is Thal's aether, his beloved’s essence running down Nald's battered throat, liquid frost that makes Nald release another moan of his own, bliss looping between the both of them until the stream stops, and Nald is finally released.
His mouth feels suddenly, painfully empty when he is gently pushed backwards, and wet, unfocused golden eyes open to look upwards.
Thal looks, as ever, calm and composed, though his face is deeply flushed, eyes glowing still with lingering euphoria - a gentle hand comes down to wipe along Nald's mouth, smearing the remnants of saliva and release along his cheek. A bright blue streak from Thal, mixed with gold from Nald's mouth.
Ah.. you look even better like this.
Though it is said through their link that still reverberates with sensation, Thal sounds so easygoing - how unfair it is that he can still form a sentence, while Nald is so high-strung! The warmth of release is fading under Thal's endless frost, but Nald is still dazed, can only push upwards onto his knees, just a hair away from meeting Thal's lips with his own in a silent plea. Thal sways closer to his other half, a reflex he can't hide, regal head dipping down to meet him.
I suppose you are deserving of reward.
The kiss is deep and thorough, both of them closing their eyes, and Nald lingers as long as Thal lets him, sighing out gently with the feeling of a cool tongue stroking his own; the licks along the insides of his cheeks soothe away the worst of the lingering soreness.
Truthfully, as he slowly regains his wits, calming from the excitement of their shared pleasure, Nald expects this to be the end of their romp.
From a quick touch against their bond, he feels no more resentment; the emotional cracks between them have healed and smoothed over, Thal's release a trigger for them both, despite Nald not reaching a physical peak. The kiss has softened into simply licking into each other's mouths, sighs of content audible when they part briefly, adjusting an angle or simply to renew the gentle pleasure. It is a pleasant, calming moment, and Nald truly believes that this will be the end of things. The lust that has been plaguing him fades slowly, and he is satisfied enough with their shared moment of release.
And yet.
….There is something dark still lurking within Thal's thoughts. Nald has not been released from the bonds that hold his wrists together, and he is still on his knees, sore as they are. He is beginning to ache - pleasantly, true - but ache nonetheless.
"…Thal?"
Withdrawing from Nald's mouth, despite the quiet whine it gets him, as their eyes open, Thal's lips curl into a small, cold smile. From within the depths of their connection, one last howling gale is revealed, Thal's displeasure like shards of ice. Nald can only look at his other half with muted shock.
Did you think we were finished?
Embers burst into fire - their lust will consume all.
"Th- uh! Thal, Tha- ah, ah! Hah!"
Nald's voice cracks as he whines out Thal's name; the usually strong and passionate tone has become weak and hoarse, fading in and out. He has given up on forming sentences within their shared thoughts, unable to focus at all. His entire body trembles without cease, armor long since dissolved to reveal his true skin that can be marked - but there is no mercy to be found from above.
Along his shoulder blades, where gold melts into porcelain skin, sharp teeth sink in, points of cold pain that wring a desperate cry from Nald's abused throat. The bite is just one of many, now, but each time it still burns . Thal's mouth is a paradox of hot and freezing, tongue lapping at the liquid he has yet again spilled before it can go too far.
Or perhaps the imbalance of hot and cold is simply Nald's body changing. Temperature has become something Thal controls as well. Every sense belongs to his other half, Nald unable to do anything now except receive.
So warm, Nald. You feel divine, so good…
The praise that's rumbled along their connection draws a desperate, high-pitched moan from Nald, another golden tear falling from closed eyes. Thal has become so terribly, wonderfully free with his praise as he loses himself in their shared pleasure, all of his thoughts bleeding into Nald's, and it is so overwhelming, being the center of his everything.
"Nald, Nald, Nald…"
Thal pushes his hips forward, his golden thighs scraping against the back of Nald's, their rhythm never faltering even as Nald jerks in Thal's iron grip, bowed over the arm of their throne.
Wrists pulled back behind him, bound still with glowing blue rings, this time Thal is using his whole body for pleasure, thick length filling Nald so completely it feels like he'll always be empty after this. His mouth opens to let out another high cry as Thal grinds their hips together, pulling Nald's arms back even as his body is forced forward with the motion. It hurts - it is perfect.
"Tha-Thal, hah, ah! Ngh!"
How long has it been now? The moon is high in the sky, shining right above them, yet Thal is relentless, pushing even their considerable stamina to the limit as they keep chasing their pleasure. Proof of that is already within Nald; cool aether shot deep into his burning insides, kept and added to as Thal sees fit. It leaks down his legs whenever Thal pulls away too far, a cool blue liquid that glows in the dim room, pooling below Nald's weak feet. For the most part, it simply weighs heavy within him, stirred up constantly by Thal's merciless thrusts. A claim so deep and complete it is a palpable weight in his body.
Nald is beyond ruined - half of the revered Nald'thal, bent over his own throne and mounted, used again and again by his other half. He can barely stand on his own, and has lost count of how many times he has painted their sacred dias with his own release, splatters of liquid gold going dim as it cools and evaporates back into aether. He can't fathom how he has anything left to give, wrung dry of every drop by Thal's own hands.
Nald, my Nald, my everything…
It's heaven within their heaven. Paradise exists right here, in their never-ending loop of pleasure; in the burn of Nald's shoulders and the way Thal sinks his teeth into the skin of Nald's shoulders and back and neck again and again. Often there is a stroke or cruel grip along one of his horns, and he keens.
Euphoria.
"Ngh, Thal, again, hah! Hah! Oh! More, more-!"
As deep as you can go, and then deeper still. I want to feel you in me forever.
Thal answers his wordless plea with a cruel thrust, twisting his hips with a practiced motion, hitting the place deep within his other half that makes him scream. Bliss resonates through their bond so completely it is blinding, all consuming; they both fall into it completely, and for the final time, Thal sinks sharp teeth into the sweat-slick skin of Nald's neck to muffle his own cry. Nald’s shriek echoes up into the sky, their symphony finally coming to a close with one last crescendo to the moonlight.
There can be nothing after this, there can be nothing beyond the white that envelops his thoughts and senses - it is just Nald'thal together, soulbond thrumming with all that they are, pleasure so intense they can no longer tell where they both begin and end. For an endless, thrilling moment, they are as they always should have been. No barriers, no separation.
Nald'thal, reunited at last.
Slowly, slowly, the high fades - it releases the Gods from its grasp sweetly, leaving them bowed over their own throne, breathing heavily through aftershocks that wring broken noises from both of their throats. Every miniscule movement only makes it worse and better at once - Thal remains rooted deep within his other half, exhales sweeping over bruised skin in front of his lips.
For a long moment, they both simply stand there, bodies pressed flush from chest to thigh. As their connection slowly calms, Thal begins to move, pressing a gentle, cool kiss to Nald's neck. Nald makes some noise from within his chest - a muffled, broken thing, and as his wits return, Thal pulls back just enough to observe how far they have gone.
…Nald. Beloved Nald.
It is pushed through their still-raw bond carefully, the praise sweet with adoration and pride. Nald remains quiet under him now, but the barest brush of joy answers within their thoughts, like fingers linking together. Thal can’t help but smile, an open expression he normally never wears.
Nald has been so good for him. Has taken all that he gave and still wanted more. The only being in existence who can weather Thal’s cold fury and come out whole after.
Now, though, it is Thal’s turn to take care of his other half.
With infinite gentleness, so unlike his previous cruelty, Thal steps backward, finally withdrawing from Nald’s body - Nald huffs out a distorted whine at the loss, attempting to shift backwards, chasing what had been filling him for bells and bells - but Thal keeps his focus, quickly reaching forward with kind hands to catch Nald as he sways, keeping him still for a moment.
Liquid aether drops from Nald, shining in the rays of moonlight, blue and gold and purple. It stains his thighs, his legs, and Thal can’t help but admire it for a heartbeat, the proof of their pleasure.
There is a quick, quiet conversation between their connection - Nald is truly beyond words now, unable to keep golden eyes open; the God of the Living at last wrung of all his passion, exhausted to his core. It brings such selfish pride to Thal, though he keeps that to himself. Turning his other half slowly, bending at the waist to curl his arms under Nald’s legs, Thal lifts him into strong arms like a bride.
Though we did things quite out of order, hm? I should have carried you like this first.
It is the last thing Nald clearly remembers for a brief time; Thal’s amused thoughts, and the feeling of safety , Thal’s embrace pulling him close to a cool chest.
Nald goes gladly, sinking into their soulbond to rest, content to know he will be taken care of.
The next time Thal gently nudges against their link, rousing him from his haze, Nald opens his eyes to Thal above him, violet irises just barely glowing. A smile curves Thal’s well-kissed lips, and Nald tries to reach up to pull his other half down, wants to continue wherever it was that he left off, but Thal’s hands gently push Nald’s arms back to his sides before he can do more than begin to lift them.
Where…?
Even within their thoughts, Nald still sounds ruined. Thal replies, just as quiet and calm as always.
Bedroom. Since a bath will have to wait until the morning, I did what I could.
There is a soft press of cloth against his inner thigh, one final sweep to clear the last of their mixed release - though the aether will eventually dissolve on its own, the motions are soothing to them both. Task at last complete, Thal bends to press a sweet kiss to Nald’s forehead, and Nald’s eyes flutter shut, sighing out in contentment.
…Thal.
There is nothing after - just Nald exhaling the beloved name into the connection between them. For a moment they meld together within their soulbond, emotions twining together; it is just as good as a kiss.
Nald.
At last, Thal can also curl up beside his other half, settling onto the bed after making sure Nald has been supported from all angles with pillows, covered in their warmest blanket. Stubborn to the last, Nald forces one of his heavy hands to move, reaching out; quickly Thal returns the gesture, linking their fingers together between them, a sweet point of contact. Nald exhales quietly with happiness.
I love you.
They both say it, think it, feel it - warm emotion and sentiment swims between them, before at last, with both Gods closing their eyes, they fall into welcoming darkness.
Even in dreams, their hands remain together.