Chapter 16 - Part 2

It has been more than a week since Tasgal had last seen Haiden. He burned with desire to touch and kiss the young wielder, but it was too dangerous to push forward. He questioned how he could have been so stupid, thinking that once he confronted Haiden's reactions and his feelings everything would be just sugar. What a fool I was. Now that he knew Haiden harbored the same feelings as he did it was impossible to go back to being just friends, to not embrace him in his arms as he did in the tunnel whenever he saw him. He can't go back now. His desires and feelings were just too powerful. He knew he could not help himself and a slip was inevitable. A single caress or tender embrace a second too long would put their lives in peril. They witnessed first hand what happened to Yeva'Ahs in Elo'yn. They both agreed that it was not safe to maintain such a close relationship now that Bras fully suspected them. Everything was against them at this point. Luck was never on Tasgal's side, from the moment he was born as the youngest in a family that had nothing to this very day where his life was in danger for who he loved.

Although all seemed bleak and lost, he maintained hope in his heart. His life along his master, Councilman Ameral, had shown him that not all is lost. All Haiden and Tasgal had to do is wait and live long enough for the perfect opportunity, away from prying eyes. He was certain somewhere along the line they will get their moment of bliss. In Tasgal's mind formed a foolish plant, a two step plan that resulted in freedom. First, would be both of them choosing to pair as Ashen and Wielder. This would allow them to be together until Haiden would reach the title of Master. And the second, would be to enroll into the Empire's army. This had serious implications that would put both of their lives in danger, even more so than at the Academy. He often asked himself; is it worth it? Most likely no, but he was willing to do anything to hold Haiden and feel his warmth. Wielders and Ashen were highly sought after within the army, making them invaluable weapons against any enemy, even if it was just as support regardless of the wielder's potency. Councilman Ameral had taken in Tasgal when he was just a lowly colonel, leading a single regiment. Tasgal had been by his side until he rose to general and finally retired to act as a Councilman at the behest of his cousin, the Emperor. Thanks to his life along his master, he knew that the army did not require Wielders to graduate. They were too desperate for new forces when war was at the doorstep of the Empire, and with Emperor Ryel war was inevitable.

Tasgal mulled the plan over in his head over and over again while polishing his sword in his room. The tiny closet that he called home was a mess. He never was the most organized cadet but now, deprived of seeing Haiden on the regular, he left himself go. His dark hair had a sheen of grease and the dirty pile of clothes in the corner had not been touched. All he did in his free time was think of Haiden, and sharpen and polish his sword. Never again will he be defenseless. Ready for any confrontation with Bras or slithering monsters. Haiden had to save his ass so many times before, he was rather ashamed of calling himself an Ashen. It was his job to protect his Wielder afterall. My Wielder. Tasgal repeated in his head and his cheeks burned. Just have to wait it out. He told himself.

The following days Tasgal managed to catch a few glimpses of Haiden's face among other Wielders that were now training on the grounds on the open green yard in front of the palace. He did everything he could to make sure that at least once per day, during the Wielder's training he would pass by them, trying to satiate his thirst to see his beloved, but soon ran out of excuses when once per day was no longer enough.

Istrek was a sharp eyed veteran that served triumphant in the last war that brought the Islands of Ham'su to their knees in front of the Empire. It was no wonder he quickly caught onto Tasgal's lies and added a few additional hours of training to 'wake' him up. This only only disparaged Tasgal further.

One awful day, in Tasgal's opinion, Vick had joined him in the canteen. "Where's your scrawny friend, Tas? Already tired of you?"

"Shut, it Vick. It's none of your business." Tasgal looked at the man with a dead stare. It was a threat.

"Creators, what's gotten into you these past days? Haven't joined in the pit for a good fight in a while."

"Le- " Tasgal stopped abruptly. Of course! He told himself as if something was plain as day. If I suddenly stop hanging out with Haiden and his friends people would be even more suspicious. He took a deep breath and calmed himself from his excitement. "Sorry, Istrek added a few more hours to my training. I'm just really tired. He said my form is lacking lately. I don't even have time to breathe." He partially lied, sounding exhausted without even trying.

"Oh, so you're still friends with the twerp." Vick said almost as if he was disappointed. His eyes fleeting somewhere beyond Tasgal while Tasgal himself tried not to fling himself at Vick and knock him out. He quickly calmed his annoyance, assuring himself that he'll be able to finally see Haiden's adorable face.

"Hey, Kip! Over here!" Vick suddenly shouted. They were soon joined by Kip and Mav with piles of food on their plates. Tasgal joined in on conversation, trying to steer away from some sensitive subjects and for the first time in more than a week he actually enjoyed a meal.

The very next day, Tasgal had his mind set. He rushed through his training, even though it was physically excruciating and his legs trembled with fatigue, he pushed through and looked for Haiden during lunch time. In truth he wasn't all that fond of the Wielder dining hall food, it was just not enough for an Ashen and oftentimes found himself going for a light snack at the canteen, for a big plate of fire roasted Chikhogs legs. But, nevertheless, he was not there because of the food.

He quickly spotted the young wielder with keen eyes and never lost his target as he weaved past other young wielders that were retreating to the dining hall after an intense and boring class with Master Parvell.

"Hey, big guy. Where have you disappeared to?" Maree saw him first and greeted him with a smile. Haiden turned quickly to stare the Ashen dead in the face.

"Tasgal!" Camila said cheerfully. "Thought you bailed on us forever!"

"Nah, they added a few extra hours of training to my schedule." He told them as he looked Haiden in his amber eyes. He felt his stomach tighten with emotion. "Hey, Haiden." Tasgal did a quick awkward wave with his hand then mentally facepalmed himself.

"Tas." Haiden said shocked but quickly recovered. He was so happy to see him, his blood suddenly rushed in his nether region so violently and suddenly he felt light headed. Luckily he had the habit of keeping his cloak on at all times to hide these little uncontrollable accidents that were brought upon him by the slightest mention of Tasgal. "Hope your training wasn't too intense." He finally said and cleared his throat.

"Are you alright?" Tasgal asked. He wanted to touch his shoulder and comfort him but on a second thought he decided against it and kept to a casual, friendly distance.

"Yeah, I'm just starved." he lied, his pale face burned red. Tasgal noticed his reaction bringing a faint smile to his face.

"Creators! I thought that old mron would never stop." Maree broke the uncomfortable exchange between the two. "It felt like we listened to him babbling about Ynu'ra the mag-whatever for three whole days!" Maree took the lead on the stone tiled ways towards the dining hall.

"Aniu'ra the magnificent." Camila corrected him on one of the greatest emperors to have existed.

"Don't know how you can pay attention to that wrinkly sack of -"

"Maree! Creators..." Camila quickly interrupted. Tasgal laughed and enjoyed the company of Haiden and his friends. He couldn't help but see that Haiden was a bit stiff and uncomfortable but after they arrived at the dining hall and began to eat he relaxed and became his usually snappy self and managed to joke around like they used to.

Tasgal stole glances of Haiden as they sat and talked about all sorts of irrelevant topics. His golden amber eyes shone like brilliant crystals in the light. Every time they landed on Tasgal a shiver crawled over his spine and desire bloomed in his tight pants. He cursed his Ashen clothing for not having something more covering and tried to shift himself in a more comfortable position.

"I can't believe we'll learn how to heal in a few days!" Maree said, earning a jump from Haiden. Tasgal looked up and studied his face. Anger and fright were tangled with his brows. The circle under Haiden's eyes suddenly became more apparent.

"I thought only the second years are taught how to heal." Tasgal probed further, curious at wat Maree implied.

"They are, but Headmistress Vice decided that we're a talented lot and should start at once." Camila said with a cynic smile on her face, flexing what little muscle she had in her bicep. Haiden forced himself to chuckle.

"And will..." he took a pause to glance at Haiden. "Master Coner be teaching you how to heal?"

"Mhm" Maree confirmed with a full mouth of meat stew.

"Oh, he's such a great Wielder. He's one of the youngest Master Wielders who have fully mastered healing, pioneering a few techniques and spells." Camila said between bites. "And he's handsome to boot."

Maree fake gagged. "Camila, he's like 200 years old!" He objected.

"To each her own." she said with a smile.

Haiden looked nauseated. Tasgal wanted to reach out and comfort him with a tight hug and a tender kiss but he had to keep his distance. He sighed heavily and everyone looked up at him.

"Not to rain on your parade, Maree. But there might be a different reason for why the Headmistress wants first years to learn how to heal." He said, playing with a piece of meat on the end of his fork.

"What do you mean?" Haiden ended his silence and Tasgal leaned over the table and began to whisper.

"The east plains of Bahal." he said and leaned back.

"If you're going to say something, say something we all understand." Maree rolled his eyes.

"Oh, I know, Tas." Camila said. Both Haiden and Maree turned to her.

"And are you planning to share?" Maree lost his patience, as if he had any to start with.

"My papa sent me a letter. It arrived after Master Coner announced this, but it said that the hammer is preparing to strike the iron of right at the start of the cycle's end."

All three looked at her as if she was insane.

"It's like i'm talking to children." she sighed exasperated and pulled both Haiden and Maree closer and just like Tasgal she whispered. "The Empire is going to war with the Bahal plains, known for their iron mines, at the end of the summer. Don't let anyone hear about this, or else you'll get marked as a traitor. Got it?" she was serious.

"Why..." Haiden began.

"It hasn't yet been announced to the public." Camila interrupted impatiently. "If anyone who is a zealot hears you, you can be arrested and tried as leaking anti-Empire propaganda. And when it will be announced they'll execute you as a spy if they think you had any prior knowledge." Camila's eyes showed deep worry and regret.

"I meant why are we going to war?" Haiden continued his question.

"It's more complicated than that. The plains have a newly discovered resource that will help the Empire grow. At least that's what my papa told me."

"What resource do we need, we have the most powerful Wielders on all  three continents?" Maree asked, to which Camila just shrugged.

"Not a word to anyone, got it?" Camila eyed all three and once they nodded in agreement she relaxed in her chair, focusing on her food and moaning with each bite of hot meat stew. "Not sure if you two noticed, but we skipped a few spells with Master Rwoy and focused solely on offensive Spells these past weeks."

"I didn't think much of it." Haiden admitted.

"Not your fault, we've been in a peaceful agreement with the neighboring countries ever since we were young." Tasgal said with a dark look on his face. If only the agreement had been settled a few years earlier, his family would probably still be alive. But he pushed those unsettling thoughts away and focused on Haiden. He was clearly distraught as he had to face the man that did unspeakable acts to slaves. He remembered the painful face Haiden made when he saw Mara. Tasgal believed that Haiden knew the girl. He knew how Haiden felt, seeing someone you love or knew dead. All he wanted to do is comfort the young wielder but kept his feelings at bay with all that he had.

The lunch ended quicker than Tasgal had hoped. All four of them had class to attend after and they couldn't avoid it any longer. It took every ounce of self restraint to reel in his instincts as he simply and awkwardly waved at Haiden goodby.

The training that followed after lunch was just as intense as the morning one. Istrek really had it in for him. He not only increased the number of laps he ran, but his weights, and time sparring with a weighted sword. His whole body aked.

Once in his room he collapsed on his low bed and hugged his pillow tight thinking of Haiden. He didn't rest for long before he began to sharpen his sword again, losing himself in thought.

Creators knew how many hours had passed, but the blue sister sat proudly in the night sky. Quiet blue light washed over the small garden beneath his window. It was a clear night that brought in fresh air once he opened the window. He took a deep breath and felt the tension in his muscles wash away.

A soft knock at his door startled Tasgal, jumping a few paces back clutching his heart.

"Who the fuck..." he whispered to himself. He reached for the door and slowly cracked it open. He peaked through but saw no one in the hall. He waited a few seconds and passed it as his imagination and closed the door shut.

"Weird..." Tasgal tried to move to his bed but was stopped by a second knock. He quietly waited in front of his door for a third knock that came as a rapid succession of gentle raps on the thin wood. He flung the door open and again, there was no one there. He looked left and right, but not one soul stood in the poorly furnished hallway.

He waited for a few more moments before a very familiar voice whispered out of nowhere. "Are you going to step aside and let me in or are we going to play hide and go seek all night?"

"Haiden?" He asked the empty space in front of him.

"Who else, you ninny." Haiden's disembodied voice said bemused. Tasgal did as instructed and stepped aside, hearing a few soft footsteps stopping in the middle of his small and dirty room.

"Where are you?" Tasgal asked looking around.

"Over here." Haiden in the blink of an eye appeared in his black cloak in front of him with a grin. "Cool trick, isn't it?"

"How did you..." Tasgal's mouth was agape.

"Not entirely sure." Haiden said, scratching his chin. "Been practicing a lot of new spells lately, but this is something different from what Screech tells me." He shrugged.

"Is that thing here?" Tasgal asked, to which Haiden nodded.

"He said he's not a thing, he's Screech." Haiden huffed out a laugh.

"Never mind that." Tasgal shook away his surprise and in one single step he closed in on Haiden. He was now close enough to hear Haiden breathe. Tasgal looked down in his amber eyes, his own blues trailing over every feature finally landing on his pink lips. Bite marks landscaped the soft flesh of his mouth breaking its uniformity.

"I missed you." Haiden finally broke the silence.

"Creators, so did I." Tasgal replied and moved his rough hands to Haiden's waist, leaning into a deep kiss. Haiden let out a soft moan as Tasgal's hands moved under his cloak up his back.

Haiden was the one who broke the kiss with a soft chuck. "If you don't want to see this you can stay outside." He said over his shoulder to the empty air.

Tasgal cleared his throat. "Sorry. I couldn't help myself." and leaned his forehead onto Haiden's locking into his fiery faze.

"Don't be." he said. "I would've been annoyed if you didn't." And adjusted his head so that their lips were once again connected. This time Haiden took charge and opened his mouth to welcome Tasgal's burning tongue. Tasgal took a deep breath plunged even further. Haiden smelled nice with a hint of something sweet. Immediately he became aware that he did not wash himself as usual after training, he became too engrossed in his own thoughts and fantasies while sharpening his sword.

Tasgal's stubble gently pricked Haiden's face. He broke again from the kiss and brushed his lips against Tasgal's cheek. "Feels good." he let out a soft whimper. His blood rushed down to his member as Tasgal's warm breath tickled the hollow of his neck.

"Someone's excited to see me." Tasgal whispered in his ear, sending shivers along his spine making him rock hard.

Haiden's face burned with embarrassment and he pushed him back covering himself with the cloak. "That's enough!" his voice cracked and stared at an empty wall. Unable to look Tasgal in the eye. "Idiot."

"For now." He chuckled. He let a moment of silence to enjoy the memory of the kiss and with a sigh he opened his mouth to speak again. "Why did you risk coming here, Haid?"

"I just...I wanted to talk." His face still red as one of the sisters and warm as the sun.

Tasgal adjusted himself with a half step and pushed a few stray clothes from the bed onto the floor. He sat down and patted the mattress for Haiden to join. Haiden sat next to Tasgal in an awkward silence. "Well?" Tasgal finally said. He was too close to Haiden for him to think properly and took a few deep breaths to calm himself down before he opened his mouth to speak.

"I thought we agreed to keep our distance for the moment," he finally said.

"Yes, that's true. But people are already accustomed to seeing us together and it looked more suspicious if we didn't." Tasgal took Haiden's hand in his.

"Oh?" Haiden simply said. His face confused and eyes looking somewhere beyond Tasgal, following something in the air. "You're right! Creators, how stupd I was."

"What?" Tasgal asked, confused.

"Nothing, just Screech added something. No. You're completely right. If we suddenly stopped hanging around each other people would suspect we're trying to hide or ask questions."

"Exactly. Vick already tried to get some answers out of me. But if we keep this up, no one will suspect anything." Tasgal leaned and gave Haiden a peck on the lips. He then licked his lips with a smile.

"Except for Bras." Haiden said and Tasgal's smile fell.

"Excel for Bras." he repeated.

"Was he always like this?" Haiden asked.

"Yes." Tasgal sighed and shook his head. "He had always been an insufferable brat. He's especially mad now that his father sent him so far away from Red Keep, where all his friends were. And now that you challenged his authority he's definitely out for blood."

"All I did was stop him from hurting someone!" Haiden squeezed Tasgal's hand, his rage boosting his newly found strength. .

"Hey! Take it out on him, not me."

"Sorry! I didn't mean to."

"It's alright, just don't let him get to you. Just a little bit more and we can be free." Tasgal said without realizing that he had yet to share his plan toward freedom with Haiden. Tasgal explained the plan in detail and left Haiden wide eyed.

"You want us to enroll in the army!? Are you crazy?" Haiden leaped from the bed.

"Listen, it's not that bad."

"You want Bras to make it easier to kill us."

"No, listen," Tasgal grabbed Haiden by his arms to calm him and locked eyes. "If you get the title in the trials, he can't go as far as kill you, but he can still make your life a living hell. He has resources and power you can't even comprehend, Haid. He's third in line for the throne. You can't even understand how much people sway to his words."

"Believe me. I do." Haide said, removing Tasga's hands away. He thought back at when Bras attacked him and Master Uligarth or anyone else for that matter was nowhere in sight.

"Then you understand, that he'll do everything he can to avenge his bruised ego. Once we enroll, there's no way he'll be able to follow wherever we're posted. The Emperor's nephew won't be thrown into a battlefield."

"Maybe, but it's too dangerous! Didn't you and Camila said war is about to begin?" Haiden tried to kept his voice to a whisper but he couldn't help his anger.

"I'm strong, Haiden. It's my duty to protect you. It's what I've been training for. And you are not your run of the mill Wielder. I've heard how you fought a dozen of your classmates and survived." Tasgal tried to assure Haiden, but he turned his back to him. He stared out the window in silence. He closed his eyes to think but his mind only kept seeing Regor's lifeless body at the base of a Emler tree.

"I don't want to lose you, Tas. War is too dangerous."

"I don't see another way out of this, Haid. If we go, and survive - which I'm sure we will." He placed a reassuring hand on Haiden's shoulder. "after the war ends and the Empire conquers yet another defenseless and unorganized country we'll be free to live our lives just like we want to. Haiden, I've never seen or heard a Wielder become invisible or conjuring light before. You are incredible!"

As if to prove a point to himself Haiden created a sphere of light with extreme ease and snuffed it out as he closed his palm.

"I suppose." Haiden turned around and embraced Tasgal. "Give me by the end of the Trials to think about it."

"Alright, but promise me you'll think about it seriously." Tasgal asked sincerely.

"I promise." Haiden raised his head to meet Tasgal's moist lips and descended in a passionate kiss onto the bed nearby. In a moment of intensity and burning desire Haiden took the initiative and straddled Tasgal as he deepened the kiss.

Tasgal moved his hands on Haiden's waist grabbing him tight and pressing their bodies together. Tasgal could feel Haiden's erection pressing against his, and his hips moved on ther own. Rhythmically, rubbing against one another, they moaned their pleasure into each other's mouth as their kiss never broke.

"We need to stop." gasped Tasgal. "I won't be able to stop."

"Then don't" said Haiden, caught in the pleasure of feeling Tasgal's body beneath him. Each muscle, rock as chiseled stone yet soft and inviting.

"No, I can't. I have to. Wash myself. Training with Istrek." He said in quick breaths every time their lips departed.

Haiden continued to brush his lips against the skin of Tasgal's neck down to the opening of his shirt and inhaled deeply. Tasgal wanted to stop him but he lacked any strength to do so as the proximity of Haiden's face to his hairy chest sent shocks of electricity down his stomach.

"It smells nice to me." he whispered and continued exploring Tasgal's body reaching to his waist. He grabbed his shirt and pulled it off, Tasgal allowing himself to undress out of it with ease. Tasgal's desire out weighted his embarrassment and pushed through Haiden's electrifying touch as he trailed with two fingers the dark trail of hair that nestled in Tasgal's tight pants. Too tight to leave anything to the imagination.

With a gentle tug, Tasgal pulled Haiden's cape off and began to undress him off his tunic. Haiden's pale upper body was now exposed, showing the progress he has been making in their training together. His muscles became more defined, toned in a nice manly shape that excited Tasgal even more. He let out a sharp moan as Haiden adjusted himself on top of him. As if something else overcame him, Tasgal grabbed Haiden by his wrists and using his weight he and in a trained fluid motion he landed on top of Haiden pinning him down on the bed. Haiden let out a gasp of surprise as he now found himself under Tasgal's comfortable weight. Tasgal began to drag his tongue over Haiden's neck down to his chest, making Haiden moan as the burning trail led to his pink niple. Tasgal flick his tongue around it, teasing him until he finally bit gently making Haiden jerk in surprise.

"Sorry, did it hurt?" Tasgal asked as he continued to feel Haiden's skin with his lips.

"N-no." Haiden breathed, trying not to be too loud.

"Good." Tasgal said and moved lower trailing his tongue over his abdomen to his navel. He grabbed a hold of Haiden's breeches, feeling the warmth of his erection beyond the soft material and pulled down revealing his fully hard member.

"W-wait!" Haiden intended to shove Tasgal away but he was too weak to do anything. Tasgal's tongue lowered down to Haiden's curls as he grabbed a hold of Haiden's throbbing cock. As soon as he touched it Haiden gasped in pleasure and his hands found themselves tangled with Tasgal's hair. Unsure to push him lower or pull him away.

Tasgal stroked gently, his palm becoming moist with precum. Hungrily, he stopped and his tongue trailed over the shaft from the base to the tip, making sure he tasted everything he could. He took Haiden in his mouth and another gasp left the young Wielder's mouth.

Haiden's breath heartened as he felt the warmth of Tasgal's mouth enveloping him completely, then Tasgal moved with a rhythmic motion which Haiden's hips quickly adapted.

Disappointment overcame Haiden for a fraction of a moment once Tasgal released him, before eagerness took over as he understood what followed. Tasgal unbuttoned his tight pants revealing his dark growth and Haiden impatiently pushed Tasgal on his back. Taking over, Haiden pulled down, undressing Tasgal fully.

Haiden's eyes sized Tasgal up, taking every inch of his naked body and committing it to memory. It was beyond beautiful. Tasgal's erection pooled precum around his navel and Haiden and licked the dark trail, now moist, as he pulled down the foreskin. He followed Tasgal's movements as he too trailed his tongue from the base of the shaft to the tip, leaving no waste behind. He tried to take Tasgal in, but he was too big for him and faintly gagged stopping himself.

"Don't push yourself." Tasgal whispered in a soft tone as his hand brushed Haiden's cheek. Haiden wanted it even more and tried again, this time moving his tongue around the head first before he pushed deeper. Tasgal let out an uncontrollable moan as Haiden's head bobbed up and down, his hand wrapping around Tasgal's testicles nestled in his dark curls that brushed his face. Tasgal's musky smell and salty taste was exhilarating to Haiden. It had an underlying sweetness that he never thought possible. It left him wanting for more and he impatiently began to move with swift tempo.

Tasgal's moans became more intense and Haiden wanted to hear more, but Tasgal stopped him abruptly and pulled him up in his arms, meeting him with a sweet kiss. Tasgal then positioned himself on his side, to take Haiden's throbbing cock again in his mouth. It begged for attention which Tasgal gladly provided.

Haiden found himself moving on his own. Tasgal's cock was now next to his head and they both gasped between mouthfuls of each other. Pleasure surged through Tasgal's body with every movement.

Soon enough Haiden reached his threshold and with a violent jerk of his hips he came in Tasgal's mouth with a moan that could not be held back, but Tasgal didn't pull away. He grabbed Haiden's ass, making him unable to pull away and continued, swallowing everything, his own movements hastening and becoming more erratic. As Tasgal kept thrusting Haiden found himself enjoying it even if he had finished first. With a final thrust of his powerful hips and a muffled groan, Tasgal released his seed down Haiden's throat. It was viscous and covered Haiden's mouth in full and swallowed every last drop that came his way.

Both of them collapsed on their backs, finally able to relax and breathe. Tasgal repositioned himself to embrace Haiden and he could feel his moist body against his. Haiden's heart pounded in his chest as if it would grow legs and escape his torso. Haiden returned Tasgal's embrace and hid his face in the dark patch of hair on his chest.

"Creators..." Haiden whispered.