ax_main | Jean-Paul and Simon

The temple's elvish patron arrives to spend the winter with his erstwhile lover.

There were days - many of them, in fact - when Jean-Paul wished he'd never discovered his true heritage. Perhaps he'd been ignorant when he thought himself a human, but he'd sure as sun been happier then.

But then, there were advantages to being lost elven royalty. The ability to commission a temple, even a modest one, was something he'd never have been able to afford as a gladiator, no matter how high his star might rise. And what his father had put together solely to please him was so much better than "modest".

Jean-Paul drew his cloak more snuggly around his shoulders as he made his way through the streets of Yorkland's capitol. He was dressed in simple garb, hooded and cloaked. Indistinguishable at first from any human going about his business. It had been a long journey, and he looked forward to wintering at the temple; though he was no simple pilgrim come seeking shelter, he had no doubt an exception would be made for him. It had been far, far too long since he'd beheld the temple's Oracle.

The sprawling complex of ivory and gold, and numerous reflecting pools almost resembled something that the elves would build for themselves, though it had a more...primitive look about it. Certainly human in design, no doubt. However, most of the complex was for show, or use by priests or pilgrims. The heart of the temple lie almost underground, deep into a large structure lit almost entirely by skylights and oculus in the domed ceilings above. This was the area that housed the temple's most heralded resident, the Oracle, a young man of undeniable talent. Ethereal power, some would say, gifted by the Lord of Light.

He'd only lived in the temple a year since its completion, but already, he'd made himself at home, greeting a queue of needy seekers almost daily, either at the golden altar of his lord, or within the inner sanctum, at the Pool of Reflection. Today, however, the seekers of truth had been sent away, and he stood in the courtyard, wrapped simply in a robe of white silk, a silver cloak and hood shielding him from the cold.

Jean-Paul was escorted to the courtyard by one of the young temple-keepers.

"Forgive the interruption, Oracle," the girl said, making a graceful genuflection as the Oracle turned. "I know you wished solitude, but the temple's patron has arrived." There was a faint lilt to the announcement, leaving the impression that the girl would turn the man away in a heartbeat if the Oracle said so, no matter his status.

Jean-Paul copied the girl's show of respect, no less graceful, but very much smiling. "Forgive the intrusion, Oracle. I fear my timing could have been better."

"Leave us," Simon offered a smile to the priestess, before turning his ethereal blue gaze toward Jean-Paul. "The timing is not good, nor bad. It is what it was always meant to be. Your arrival is expected, your Highness."

Jean-Paul's smile widened. He started to step forward to greet the young man, then checked himself. Decorum had to be observed, no matter what he (or his father, really) had contributed to this place.

"I should have known you'd say that. Could I impose upon you to to receive me indoors? It's been a long journey, and there is a point at which the snow loses its appeal, even for my people."

Simon gave a brief nod toward the archway that led into the main complex. "I've had tea prepared in my quarters, if you wish to join me."

It was a polite offer, even though Simon knew that he would, and knew that the tea was all but pretense. Still, despite his talent for premonition, he still preferred to cling to old traditions and manners even if he was well aware what the outcome might be.

"Lead the way."

It wasn't until the door was shut (and latched) behind them that Jean-Paul moved to greet the Oracle properly, drawing him into his arm and pressing a kiss to the palm of his hand. The tea could steep until it turned to dye for all he cared.

"You look well. I had worried. A little."

Laughing softly, the Oracle leaned in to brush a kiss against the elf's sharp jawline. "Just a little?"

"I know you can look out for yourself. But I'd rather be watching your back. Like the old days." Jean-Paul's smile widened. "Say my name? My human one. I've missed hearing it."

"It is equally as beautiful as your elven name, Jean-Paul," Simon smiled. "And whether I can take care of myself or not, you know that I always enjoy you at my back. I felt naked here sometimes with you gone."

"Ah, this place suits you better than a palace. Or the godsdamned wagering bench at the arena." Jean-Paul gave in to his desire and kissed his Oracle properly, slow and savoring. "Do you still answer to 'Simon'?"

"To very few," Simon conceded breathlessly, still warm and reeling from that kiss. It had been so long. He had forgotten the heat of the elf's embrace. "I've left all other names behind...as well as everything that went along with that life."

"But not 'everyone'." Jean-Paul kissed him again, feeling Simon's give against his lips, the way he molded against his body. "Or at least I hope I haven't made a long trip for nothing. Did you know I was coming to winter here?"

"Of course I knew," Simon hummed, leaning into him. "I've been on edge for a week."

"I'm all yours until the forest river thaws," Jean-Paul promised. "I suppose I can't sneak us out into the city anymore, but I could spend the whole winter in this room, so long as you were in it."

"I'm sure we can figure something out. At the very least, you could cover my eyes with some cloth and lead a young blind man to a pub some night," Simon offered. In truth, he was aching to get out of the temple himself, and though he was overjoyed to have Jean-Paul with him once more, he did not relish having to spend the length of his stay in one room.

"I'll go out tomorrow and see what I can find. At least money isn't a problem now." Jean-Paul finally loosened his hold a little bit and took a look around Simon's richly appointed chambers. Seeing him kept safely in luxury made the loss of some personal freedom worth it. "How have you been here? Are you well?" After a moment. "Are you happy?"

"You can see that I'm well," the Oracle pointed out, leading Jean-Paul toward a grouping of lush couches. They were long and cushioned, but had no backs to them, perfect for reclining or sitting to eat. A tea set was steaming on a table between them. "And I am not unhappy. I enjoy it here."

"So long as I haven't built you a very pretty cage." Jean-Paul lay his head down on Simon's lap once they had settled on a couch and sighed contentedly. "I am learning more of my heritage. Did you know I have a sister?"

Simon's fingers found their way into Jean-Paul's hair, as if no time had passed, and he tilted a smile down at the man. "Only just as you were leaving...I saw a hint of it. I'd hoped it would be a happy reunion."

"It was, at first. But I think we may be too similar." Jean-Paul reached up to cup Simon's cheek. "I think you'd like her, though. She's not the least bit interested in being a proper princess anymore than I am a proper prince."

"Are you sure you aren't describing my own sister?" Simon smirked softly, his already shimmering eyes glinting even further.

Jean-Paul laughed. "Has your family been in touch, then? Now that you're in a seat of power?"

"My sister visits," Simon agreed with a slight nod. "My parents are still somewhat...intimidated by what, who I am."

"Idiots." Jean-Paul snuggled in closer. "Well, you're stuck with me for a while. And I promise, I'm still not in the least intimidated by you."

At that, Simon raised his eyebrows a little, the light from his eyes brightening slightly as his lips twitched upward. "Not in the least?" he asked curiously. "Perhaps you should be."

"The day I become frightened of you, Simon, is the day my world ends. So... no. Not even a little."

"There is a difference between intimidation and fear, but that's good to know. Plenty of people do fear me, even here. It's been something of an adjustment, playing into it rather than easing their uneasiness," the oracle told him.

"Well, you'll have a break from that," Jean-Paul promised letting his eyes slip shut. It was an adjustment for both of them, these new lives they found themselves in. Harder for being apart. But surely it was worth it.