westwhere | [ CLOSED ] Grief will have to wait.

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[ CLOSED ] Grief will have to wait.

WHO: Wrathion & fellow travellers
WHEN: Travel Arc!
WHERE: Mistress Isakanami's inn.
WHAT: A multi-prompt travel arc extravaganza! Check here for planning something custom, or he has an end of Serthica network post here or an open inbox!
WARNINGS: None at opening

Wrathion is exhausted.

So much as he is pleased to leave Serthica, so much as he is relieved to have had results there the whole experience has left him drained. The concept, then, of having some reprieve before they launch into more lengthy travel is... appealing, to a point.

It does, he assumes, mean staying somewhere else -- and based on their previous accommodation this may not necessarily be... pleasant.

Although it would be nice if it was.

The journey is long, but being flown there is at least pleasant initially. Far better than hiking, a wagon, or having to ride another creature. Then the weather begins to cool further, and Wrathion senses that they will not be relaxing in a tropical climate.

Snow. Of course.

The Merchant, at least, appear to have selected somewhere with pleasant-seeming facilities. They are, naturally, housed with the staff and expected to perform some minor tasks...

Still. If this place is devoid of any major problems, it does have potential. A hot springs in the mountains brings back fond memories, of a far flung place long ago. Of a time when he was young, before he felt the bitter sting of consequence.

It is also, so far, blessedly free of hozen.

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"MMmmmn."

He had noticed it was cold. Wrathion opens his eyes halfway, turns to consider Anduin.

"You had told me heat helped before, so I imagine that is part of it."

Does that mean stepping back out into the cold immediately after might undo all the good the warmth has done? He hopes not.

"If the cold air does more harm than good, we can stay inside in the future."

Wrathion doesn't like the cold anyway, so there's no hardship for him. Little point, he thinks in relaxing Anduin here only to tense him up on the walk back through the cold air.

Anduin considers this suggestion, and Wrathion. The way he is watching him, through half-open eyes, and the arm he has still slung across the rock wall behind Anduin's head.

The way he is factoring himself into caring for Anduin's well-being.

Anduin shifts ever-so-slightly, so his head is resting against the warmth of Wrathion's upper arm.

"I will admit, I do not find myself all that driven to spend my days out of doors in the snow," he agrees. "But I'm sure there are a number of other ways we can find to entertain ourselves inside."

"Beyond jihui?" Wrathion prompts, gaze sliding around the area thoughtfully. There's nobody to see, however, so he lets his arm curl better around Anduin's shoulders. "We could see if the inn has any interesting reading materials."

Books, newspapers, magazines -- anything to pass the time. They haven't tired of each other's company so far, so even if the options are dire he's hoping they can indeed still entertain themselves.

"I'd like that," Anduin says softly. They've spoken about this before -- what seems like ages ago now. Anduin's love of reading. Wrathion's love of boardgames. It would be nice, to be able to get some time to simply indulge themselves here, together. Not having to worry about where they're going next or what threat might greet them there.

Leaning into Wrathion's arm around him, he turns to him and offers him the tiniest curve of a smile.

"Feeling more relaxed?" he asks. He knows he's pushing, ever-so-slightly, but he's okay with that if it manages to work. He'd do just about anything to chase away the shadows in his companion's eyes and the dreams that haunt him at night.

Hmph. Wrathion glances sideways at Anduin, expression pinching a little at the reminder of his tension. Of the headless ghost, the stress of Serthica, everything he'd been processing.

"The water is pleasant."

He can agree the heat is nice, even if he could do without the snow. He doesn't know, strictly, if he feels more relaxed -- but his mind was distracted from things for a few minutes. Does that count?

Anduin understands from the tightness in Wrathion's eyes at that response that pushing isn't going to work. No matter how much he might want for Wrathion to open up to him, it must happen in his own time. Especially when it comes to -- anything personal, really. And Anduin understands that this is personal, for Wrathion. The struggles he is going through, has been going through, since Serthica.

If Wrathion needs him to back off, to talk about jihui and reminisce about their time together in Pandaria, then he will. Anything to help him feel more himself. Anduin really would do anything for him. It is that thought that forces him to settle back down, tucking his head into the crook of Wrathion's shoulder.

"Yes, it is," he agrees. "As is the company."

He glances around hesitantly again, but there's nobody to see them. Nobody to notice their casual intimacy. Wrathion tightens his arm a little around Anduin, letting out a slow breath as he absorbs the contact.

"I do understand I haven't been the best company."

Anduin is flattering him by saying otherwise. He's not so delusional he thinks he's been a delight to be with through all this. Hopefully the worst of it is behind them, but Wrathion has no idea where the Merchant plans to take them next. It could be back to Serthica for all he knows.

Anduin understands that Wrathion is not always comfortable with intimacy in public spaces. And while they might have found a quiet spot to themselves here in the springs, they are still technically in a public space. He's grateful that Wrathion has allowed at least this much. He feels like they both need it, at least to some degree.

"You do not always have to be at your best," Anduin reassures him, softly. "I know that I have not been myself."

In Serthica, and before then, if he is being honest with himself. And Wrathion had stood by him through it all. Had supported him, through what Anduin can now look back and say were some frankly terrible decisions. He is not about to abandon him now, in his time of need.

This is, of course, technically true. It's something he'd say to Anduin, to reassure him he doesn't always have to be happy and that he will support him regardless.

It's still difficult to apply to himself.

He turns his face into Anduin's hair, allowing himself a moment to enjoy the proximity before he draws back.

"Perhaps we should head inside," he suggests, "get ourselves some tea?"

Find themselves some privacy, so they can curl up together and continue their attempts to... relax.

Anduin hums softly at the suggestion, allowing himself to linger in Wrathion's warmth for a moment longer before he pulls back as well. They have not been here for all that long, and he will regret leaving the water somewhat. All the same...

He will not regret retreating indoors with Wrathion, to the privacy of their own room. It's still a novelty, to be able to be alone together, and Anduin would not pass it up for anything. They do not know where they are headed next. Nor do they know what awaits them when they return to Azeroth. He will take whatever chance he can get to simply -- be with Wrathion, and enjoy this time together.

"I think I would like that," he says, softly. "Dry off, fetch ourselves some tea. Perhaps we can break out your gameboard once we have warmed up?"

He nods once, then turns a little leans in enough to gently press their foreheads together. A brief, chaste display of affection before he moves to stand. The hot water cascades off him and Wrathion winces as the cold air hits his skin instead, banishes the discomfort from his face and offers a hand up to Anduin.

"Well then," he offers, "we may as well enjoy the quiet while we have it."

Difficult to find a peaceful moment to play games during an emergency, after all. No doubt there is a new one around the corner, waiting to find them at their next location.

Anduin closes his eyes as Wrathion presses their foreheads together, a soft smile spreading its way across his face even as he pulls away.

"Thanks," he says, reaching out to take Wrathion's hand and using it to pull himself up to stand. Where he had not minded sitting close together or the small displays of affection while they had been in the water, standing exposed to the air like this is -- Uncomfortable. Not that it isn't anything Wrathion has not seen before, but he still is somewhat uncertain of his body. The scars. And supposing anyone else might be able to see...

Anduin reaches for the towels they have set aside by the edge of the pool, handing one to Wrathion.

"Here," he says. "Dry off before you freeze like that."

Wrathion takes it easily and then, just to prove a point about how unbothered he is by the cold, pats his face and the back of his neck first. See? Nothing to worry about. He's a dragon, and completely above ever feeling cold.

He does, however, drape it over his shoulders before he begins to step out of the pool and reach for his robe. The water is beginning to quickly evaporate off his skin despite the icy weather, rising in faint clouds. He stands casually, pats a little more water off before shrugging on the robe and tying it.

"When you're ready," he says, and drags his eyes back to watch Anduin. He's doing his best not to seem in a rush, they can collect their things and return to their room at their leisure.

Anduin wraps his own towel around his shoulders as he follows Wrathion in carefully climbing out of the pool. He finds himself pleasantly surprised when his body doesn't immediately protest both the cold and the movement. Still.

He can't help but feel as though Wrathion is showing off, the way that the water evaporates against his skin. Pretending he isn't affected by the cold, when Anduin knows otherwise. He raises an eyebrow to suggest as much, quickly toweling himself off before grabbing his own robe up and wrapping himself up warm.

"Well, you might not freeze out here, but I certainly will," he says. He slides his feet into the slippers that the inn has provided, tugging the towel up to wrap around his neck like a scarf. "Let's go."

He wonders if they should stop by the kitchens first and grab some food to take with them, or simply head back to the room to warm up first. He glances aside at Wrathion, bumping his shoulder against him. "Are you hungry?"

He shakes his head, toeing on his slippers and moving towards the inn.

"No," he confirms, "not right now. Tea will suffice."

He's not quite settled enough to eat immediately, not hungry. Perhaps later, but for now some tea will help him unwind. The dragon stays in step with Anduin, reaching to push open the door and guide them back into the warmth of the building once more. Wrathion shivers as the heat hits his skin, grateful to be out of the icy weather.

"Get something if you want," he offers. Just because he isn't going to eat doesn't mean Anduin cannot.

Anduin smiles, a little self-consciously. He has a healthy appetite, and he wouldn't mind bringing a little something back to the room with them to snack on. He feels as though it will help him settle himself.

"I'll... See what they have available from the kitchen," he replies. "We'll need to pop down to grab the pot of tea from them anyway."

Following Wrathion inside, he crosses his arms over his chest, rubbing them to try and warm himself up.

"I can't decide whether it would be best to fetch everything and retreat to our room first, or get dressed first and then go down to the kitchens." He flashes Wrathion a smile. "I'm not all that keen on walking around like this, but I also don't feel as though I'll want to leave the room again, once I finally warm up."

"I'm sure they've seen plenty of guests in robes."

Given the nature of things, surely it is a common sight? He pauses in the hallway, tilting his head at Anduin as he waits his decision. Is it so complex?

"Would you like me to accompany you?"

Would that make it easier? Both of them heading down to the kitchen together? He's not sure fetching a teapot and a snack is a two person job, but he supposes that depends exactly how large of a snack Anduin is planning on retrieving. If he wants a whole meal then it might make things more difficult.

Anduin offers Wrathion a gentle smile in response to his offer of support. Even if he had not meant it as such, he -- appreciates the gesture. And Wrathion himself.

No, he is not planning on getting all that much in the way of food. But, it will be easier to carry things with four hands than two. And more than that... It's easier to normalize walking around in a robe when Wrathion is doing it too.

So even if it makes him feel a bit silly for the request, he nods.

"Please," he says, softly. "I would not wish to keep you waiting on my account."

It is not technically a lie.

He nods, turning and beginning to pace down towards the kitchens. The robe doesn't particularly bother him, as an item of dress. He's covered, after all, and the thought of someone seeing his shins doesn't quite scandalise him. The kitchen staff barely spare them a glance, and Wrathion sets himself to retrieving a teapot and two cups for them -- preparing the tea and water and then waiting while Anduin decides what he'd like to eat. When he's ready, Wrathion retrieves the pot and cups to carry through. No need for a tray, since he has two hands and the cups stack quite neatly. He hangs back for Anduin to slide open the screen door since both his hands are busy, sets down the teapot in a free patch of floor out of the way and his two cups. Hands free, he then sits himself on one of the floor mattresses and begins unwinding his damp hair from its tie.

"The jihui board should be with my bag. You would prefer to eat first, or as we play?"

Either suits him. He shrugs off his robe, searches among his things for a shirt to change into.

While Wrathion collects the things for the tea, Anduin spends some time charming the kitchen staff into preparing him a plate of warm dumplings and buns to bring back with them. It isn't much, but all he had been looking for was a bit of a snack anyway. Something reminiscent of their time in the inn in Pandaria for that matter, if he's being entirely honest. He thanks the workers for their kindness and follows Wrathion back out, opening the door for him when needed.

"I had not imagined this to be any grand meal," Anduin replies, setting the plate down with the tea things before digging the jihui board out as instructed. "The food is here. We can eat as we like -- or not. Whatever pleases you."

Setting the board out with the rest of things, he glances up and offers Wrathion a warm smile, before moving to dig through his own bag for a clean change of clothes as well.

It may not be a grand meal, but if Anduin was hungry enough Wrathion would be happy to wait for him to eat first. He's aware concentration suffers when the body is deprived. The priest doesn't seem fussed, however, so Wrathion slips on his clean shirt and a loose pair of slacks before settling down properly. He finger-combs the damp ends of his curls, frowning as they catch on a snarl.

"The food was for you," he points out, "eat whenever you prefer. I only meant to ask if you'd rather we wait so you can finish first."

He turns to pull his bag closer, fishing out a comb to try and do something about his hair.

Anduin quickly dresses himself in his own pair of loose-fitting pants and equally comfortable shirt, a set that he had acquired in Ke-Waihu, before he turns back to regard Wrathion. Tugging his own hair down from its loose ponytail bun before it dries like that, and watching Wrathion fussing with his own curls.

"Can I help?" he asks, speaking he realizes before his brain has really even caught up with what he is saying.

He flushes slightly but moves closer again nevertheless. Joining Wrathion on the floor mattress he is sitting on and reaching out a hand to comb his fingers gently through Wrathion’s curls himself. Tucking a stray curl behind his ear. Just in case there had been any question as to what he had been asking after.

Ah.

... He can comb his own hair, however. He doesn't need help. Why would he? Yet Anduin's mannerism says that he likes the idea, that he might... enjoy doing this. Grooming is, Wrathion supposes, an intimate act. Surely this does come under the kind of act that a consort would take to? ... Depending on the consort, of course.

"If you would like to," he allows finally, and offers his small comb to Anduin. "It would, of course, be your privilege."

A hint of a teasing smile pulls at his lips, just enough to let Anduin know he isn't entirely serious.

Anduin reaches out to accept the comb from his companion, a bit surprised at his own bravado for offering. A little more surprised that Wrathion had accepted. He's never certain where the line is drawn in the sand, what might be too intimate a gesture for his companion. Then again, Wrathion has allowed him much further than this, in the private setting of their bedchamber...

And then Wrathion continues on. His privilege. Anduin resists the urge to roll his eyes, but only just.

"It is an honor," he says, wryly.

Wrathion has the sense he's being made fun of.

His eyes narrow, suspicious, but he doesn't rise to it -- only turns just enough to allow Anduin more access to his hair. Instead, he begins to arrange pieces on the jihui board.

The giving up of control has him a little uneasy, nobody has ever combed his hair for him before, but in truth it isn't so different to Anduin playing with it. The only difference is the purpose, less for affectionate enjoyment and more for function.

He tries not to pay too much attention to Anduin's movements, not to seem as if he's anticipating the touch, but he is.

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