Chapter Text
‘Cas’ raised an eyebrow as he watched a man, around his age he assumed, walk up to Eärien. Exchanging a few words which made her laugh, and her features soften. He felt a pang of unease and faint protectiveness over her.
So he decided to make good of being a good, slightly possessive (?) friend. He walked over with a polite smile, situating himself at Eärien’s side as he gestured to the man. Silently asking who he was.
Eärien’s smile immediately grew once she caught sight of him, she pulled him into a side hug. Her arm remained tight around his shoulders, leaving no room to move away otherwise.
"Oh, this is Kemen. Kemen, meet Caspian. Caspian, Kemen.”
He nodded in greeting as Kemen did, his expression betraying no hint of what he thought as he tilted his head ever so slightly.
"So.. Pharazôn's son, I’m guessing?"
Kemen gave Eärien an odd look, as if his whole being here confused him. His tone showed it almost adorably so as he eventually spoke, stringing the words together with far less decorum he expected from a royal.
"Indeed, I am. And I thought you only had two brothers."
Eärien was about to speak, but he cut her off. His tone polite and partially amused. Seems Pharazôn doesn’t know everything about everyone after all, he mused mentally. Oh Valar, he’d have to tell Isildur of this.
"She does, I’m simply a close friend of Isildur. We met back in the beginning of the academy. So naturally, the sea brought me close with the rest of the family."
He watched the understanding bloom in the noble’s expression, a flicker of smug satisfaction in his chest at his ability to surprise him. Now was the fun bit.
"Eärien, do you mind if I borrow Kemen? Just for a chat, I promise."
Caspian questioned, looking to Eärien after he finished speaking. If she refused, then he’d find some other way to get Kemen away. But, unlike Isildur or the rest of the men in her family, he’d play nice to keep the embarrassment from being known.
His smile widened in thanks as Eärien nodded, stepping forward to press a chaste kiss to her cheek before he stepped away once more. He jerked his head for Kemen to follow before he turned, not waiting for the noble to catch up as he walked to the place in mind.
It was one of Armenelos’s many alleyways, but it was also one less frequented. And he, would take that to advantage. He turned as Kemen entered the alleyway after him, his expression polite but no longer warm or kind once his friend was out of view.
He could sense the unease beginning to filter through his expression, and dark warmth rose in his chest at the sight.
"So.. you wish for courtship with Eärien. Correct?"
He questioned, tilting his head as he crossed his arms behind his back. Ignoring the flicker of irritation at him having to look up at the noble, but no matter. Kemen looked mildly confused, glancing around them in the alleyway with caution.
"Yes.. that is my intention..?”
"There’s just a few rules you’ll have to follow, and that will all be possible, Kemen."
He watched as Kemen’s expression furthered in surprise at confusion, not expecting such easy permission. But the noble’s features also hardened, slightly, seemingly preparing himself for the “ground rules”.
He felt a morbid satisfaction briefly overtake his features as he punched him square in the face, a smile slowly curving his lips as he kneeled down at his side. But it remained unkind nor warm. He fisted the fabric of Kemen’s tunic as he forced him into a sitting position, not caring about the leftover rain water currently soaking into the knees of his breeches. He straddled his lap for better stability, his other hand going to his collar as well as he pulled the noble close.
"That is all but a taste of what will come if you harm her. Because I swear on all of the Valar if you do, I will not hesitate to slit your pretty throat infront of your pathetic father. Parade your decapitated head around the city, skewered on a pike and make your death a public event."
He watched the fear flicker through the pain on Kemen’s features, which only made the satisfaction inside him grow. He had so much more planned for the noble, but he expected this would keep him in line.
"That will be the price if you harm her, or anyone she cares for… understand now, pretty boy?"
His expression and demeanor completely shifted once Kemen had nodded. A kind, almost apologetic, smile replacing the manic grin that played at his lips only moments ago. And only then did he realize just how close their faces had gotten, their noses almost brushing. He pushed it from his mind with a nervous chuckle.
Caspian released the iron hold on his collar as he stood, wiping the blood from the noble’s bloody nose on his breeches as he walked casually from the alley. Satisfied with what he’s done.
Halbrand worked tirelessly inside the forge. Shifting his grip on the tongs as he hammered the metal into shape, it slowly taking form as he worked. His figure moved with a manner that told everyone he’s years experienced, without saying a single word.
His grip on the tongs tightened as he brought the metal back to the hearth, reaching up with his other hand to pull down on the lever. Which connected to the bellows, which made the tuyere blast air onto the embers. Making them burst and flare into hot coals once more.
He was just in the tempering process when he, somehow, heard someone clearing their throat behind him over the noise of the forge. He paused his process, gesturing to another smith to take his place as he turned. Coming face-to-face, with his bond.
He felt both surprise and satisfaction at seeing Sparrow, a slight smirk curving his lips as he cocked an eyebrow.
"Well, well, of what do I deserve a visit from a man as busy as you?"
He teased, watching the usual flush faintly dust his features, sheepishness briefly clouding those beautiful eyes before clearing. Like a storm at sea settling up.
Sparrow chuckled lowly, crossing his arms over his stomach as he leaned casually against the tool bench.
"Well, I wanted to see how my favorite Southlander was doing. The sword maneuver you did earlier was quite impressive."
An uncharacteristic feeling of pride mixed with fluster filled his chest, a flush slowly working its way across his face as he slowly blinked. His mind processing the words his bond had just spoken.
‘Favorite Southlander’
Which normally wouldn’t have meant much, seeming as he was the only Southlander these Númenóreans have met. But the way Sparrow said it, the way his lips and voice wrapped around it as he spoke made butterflies flitter about in his stomach.
It made him both want to blush like a maiden and quip a snarky retort. He decided on the latter.
"I do believe I am the only Southlander you know. So not a large throng for competition."
Sparrow simply shrugged, an amused unapologetic grin playing at his lips as he did so. He brushed his hair from his face, the dark strands mostly loose from the braid which held them back.
He had a sudden urge to run his fingers through them, removing the tangles as his bond lay boneless against him. Completely content and happy-
"Granted, but you’ll always remain my favorite. I wanted to know if you’d meet me at the Twisted Kraken. A simple tavern, if that’s enough for you."
Sparrow’s expression had become almost mischievous as he leaned forward, wiggling his eyebrows for good measure. As if he had to convince him to go to a bar.
Halbrand raised an eyebrow at the offer, his smirk slowly growing at the chance to spend time with his bond. And he didn’t really mind a drink or two, plus if he got Sparrow drunk enough, he could bring him home and see where he lived.
He nodded in agreement, leaning down ever so slightly as he tilted his head.
"I’d be honored."
Sparrow’s expression immediately brightened, and he pressed a quick chaste kiss to his cheek.
"Lovely, it’s dinner then! Be there at sunset."
And with that, the cadet walked off. Leaving him and his mind spinning with confusion and fluster, his face slowly flushing to a deep shade of red. His hand tentatively reached for his cheek, still feeling the ghost touch of his bond’s lips against his roughened skin.
Valar.. Sparrow shouldn’t have done that. He really should not have done that.
His desire now had increased tenfold, becoming well over painful now that he’s been technically kissed. He swallowed hard, mentally willing his face to cool as he ran his fingers through his hair. Trying to bring his composure and wits about him, flashing a glare towards the smiths who were plainly staring.
Not all of them, some had the indecency to pretend they weren’t but he knew… Valar, he couldn’t believe his mate asked him for dinner first.
The tavern was packed full of people that night. Mugs of ale being clinked and sloshed around as everyone sang and danced, the atmosphere warm and hazy. But safe.
An easy, but well-loved tavern song was heard clearly. Everyone’s voices pitching in as morale was high.. for now at least.
"What was the land immortal hands, Rose up from Sundering Seas? Land of the gift, land of the star, To shine eternally? ‘Twas Númenor, Fair Númenor, Bright isle filled with grace… "
Caspian laughed along as he and Valandil swayed in time with the words, their mugs filled with ale clinking with other fellow cadets as they sang. He was only slightly drunk, his face flushed and a wide grin playing at his lips.
He stumbled slightly as Valandil walked off to Ontamo, interrupting him and his courtship as they were about to kiss. He leaned inbetween them, a bright intoxicated grin on his face.
"Sing! Come on, sing! You remember the words, don’t you?"
Ontamo sighed at his aborted kiss and the beads of wine that spilled onto his shoulder, he brushed them off quickly. As he knew he’d be scrubbing the deck if his uniform was stained already on the first night.
“After hearing you squawk them all night, I fear I’ll never forget them."
Caspian laughed as he caught the end of his words, lightly smacking the side of his head as he perched himself atop the railing. Resting his mug of wine on his knees.
"Oh come on, Ontamo, we’ve got to be nice to our lieutenant now!"
He chuckled as Ontamo’s courtship, Mairen, playfully hit his shoulder. Shaking her head in amused jest as her voice was playfully teasing.
"Caspian is right, you wouldn’t want to be dismissed."
He nodded in thanks as he propped his leg against the chair, lifting his mug to his lips as he took a swig. He set it down again once he finished, licking his lips as he sat up. He asked briefly if anyone wished for more, which all declined. Valandil having his own mug still halfway full. He nodded slightly, making his way back to the open-aired tavern when he caught Mairen’s words.
"Perhaps Isildur will sing with you."
He looked back, as did Ontamo and Valandil, seeing Isildur standing alone in the entrance of an alleyway. His figure bathed in the glow of a nearby hearth, dimming the darkness of the night sky. Caspian exchanged a brief look with Valandil, jerking his head in silent demand before he finished walking inside the tavern.
Valandil took a final swig from his mug before he muttered, his voice mixed of reluctance and something else.
"This should be interesting."
༺᯾༻
"… Oh, bless our every breath.. Make our great land to ever stand! Our swords to conquer death.."
Caspian blinked slowly as he nursed his refilled mug, clasping it with both hands to both ensure it wouldn’t slip and no one would be able to slip something inside. That’s already happened once, and he’d prefer to keep it that way.
He yelped slightly as he bumped into someone, an apology already on his lips before he looked up. Staring in shock as he found himself looking at Halbrand.
Gods, he looked better than usual. Not that he wasn’t always attractive! but it was new to see the low man in something other than guild attire.
The thought floated to the forefront of his mind, and he couldn’t help his gaze from wandering down the Southlander’s figure. New, rather hazy thoughts replacing the last until he met his eyes once more.
They were so gorgeous. Like little tempered flames dancing in the depths, but ready to unleash wrath at a moment’s notice. It should have scared him, but it didn’t. If anything it only made him feel safe with the blacksmith.
Halbrand cocked his head curiously, a small smile tempting his lips as he glanced down at the cadet’s drink.
“I see that you’ve started the celebrations without me."
Caspain flushed deeper at the reminder, a shaky sheepish grin curving his lips before he chuckled nervously. Swaying slightly on his feet.
"My apologies, I don’t usually drink. Tend to be a lightweight, you know?"
He lied, ignoring the real reason behind the his lack of desire to drink. In his experience, drunkenness meant pain. And pain meant blood. He watched as a flicker of anger flashed behind Halbrand’s eyes, but it quickly disappeared.
Leaving behind nothing but warmth. He smiled gently towards him, making his insides all warm and his mind fuzzy and blank. He stumbled as Halbrand grasped his arm, falling face first into his chest. He froze, feeling embarrassment and fluster battle for dominance as he waited for a snarky comment.
But it never came, and the Southlander seemingly caught his drink with a casual flair. His body practically melted to putty when Halbrand wrapped his arm around his waist, his head burying further into his chest as he sighed.
Caspian tilted his head slightly as he heard his drink being set down, a hand coming to gently cup his cheek. His fingers sliding down his jaw before his thumb rested at his chin, brushing slightly at his lower lip.
Halbrand’s expression ranged from amusement to tenderness to something his gargled mind couldn’t process. But the support given to him was appreciated.
"Let’s get you home, Sparrow."