Pot and Kettle

Sebastian couldn't help but quirk an eyebrow at her. Fall? Aoife, you know I'd not let that happen. He liked to think he had quick enough reflexes to interfere. Aside the fact, he could hardly see her agree to dance with any she did not know. In the end, he gave a light laugh. Even if he didn't see a need for it, he'd certainly entertain the notion of showing her how to dance. If only for the closeness it might offer without many questions from advisors or nosey nannys.

He couldn't avoid inhaling a sharp breath as Aoife trailed off, the implication heavy even if the words never came. But the amending statement allowed him to relax a bit more. She'd only just arrived, the thought of being left alone to trouble and advisors and whatever other hell the world could throw at him... it wasn't appealing.

After excusing himself, he'd moved out of the room and down the hallways of the palace. It wouldn't take him long to arrive at his own room, crossing the lavish quarters to retrieve a clean tunic from his wardrobe. Something that was even a little large on him, that would offer at least a bit of modesty for Aoife. If she wasn't keen to wear something of his mothers - which he understood - perhaps she'd accept the offering of something of his.

Much to his surprise, he'd been able to pass between rooms without any noticeable eyes upon him. Returning to her room with no incident and closing the door quietly. Though Sebastian quickly noted he did not immediately see her. Confusion flit across his features until he realized she'd dunked herself under the water.

Sebastian draped the tunic over the nearby privacy screen, scooping up her clothes in the process. He'd drop them on a table near the door to be taken and cleaned tomorrow. Before moving back to perch quietly on the bed until she resurfaced. I brought something clean for you to wear, he'd nod toward the privacy screen once he was confident he had her attention.

She had to laugh at the expression, he looked almost offended. [color=#0074d9]“Seriously, we both know gravity will have me, one way or another. You’ll end up on the ground with me.”[/color] The few occasions she’d been made to attend, dancing had been skillfully avoided for a feigned injury still requiring healing, allowing Aoife to slip away and hide for the rest of the evening. As his personal security, she wouldn’t have that luxury.

Aoife often wondered how she had survived so long, fought through so much and come out of it. An abundance of strength and will, yet even she had a breaking point, the burdens shouldered taking almost everything from her. It couldn’t be luck either since the mage had long given up on chance ever being in her favour. Death was ever a constant in their world. It came unannounced at times, but avoidable in other cases. [color=#0074d9]“I said I’d stay, Seb,” [/color]catching the sharpness of his breath. [color=#0074d9]“..but we have to be realistic too.” [/color]

Under the water, hands threaded through strands as her mind wandered. Everything was strange. She didn’t splash, coming back to the surface, rising slowly, the water's surface lapping lightly against the enamel tub. Hair shifted to one side, and leaning towards the counter, Leaf picked through the various vials.

Her back was a mottled mess of scaring, ranging from the small dots of arrowheads to the little curves of a blade to the splashed dots of acid and alchemical burns inflicted by flasks. Her battle with the Arishok which had, in turn, earned her the detested title of Champion, had left behind the most exceptional reminder. Retelling that story came with a disclaimer, stomachs had emptied when Varric had first retold it in graphic detail. A scar from the point of her shoulder to the tip of her hip, as wide as a palm in places, crossed the mage's back. Time had blended the edges, softened its garish appearance some, but it would forever startle anyone unaware of it.

Finally, obtaining the right bottle, she reclined back just as his voice rang through. Leaf looked over her shoulder, finding him easily. [color=#0074d9]“Thanks, this is better.”[/color] She sunk a little, attention returning to the vial and washing her hair.[color=#0074d9] “What is this? It smells like… like peaches?”[/color] Not terrible. Her brows shrugged, thoughts shifting as she washed away the dirt and grime of her travels. [color=#0074d9]“So.. which advisor is most likely to go nuts with me here?”[/color]

Seeing Aoife's back was always a surprise to Sebastian, but one he felt he held well enough. It was a stark reminder of the hell she'd been through. That they'd all been through. But she'd almost always taken the brunt of it. None of that more clear than the scar from the Arishok. Sebastian, himself, would still blanch sometimes if he thought too much about what had happened. The remaining scar, however, didn't affect him as much - just the memories tied to it.

Sebastian shrugged at the question. You'll need to ask Bodil, she keeps all the guest suites stocked. Might even be her own special blend. Not that he exactly wanted to encourage Aoife go talk to the one woman in all of Starkhaven that could spill every single secret from his childhood.

He laughed at the question. Sister Victoria. He paused a moment, then added: In fact, I'd suggest you avoid her. She's a bit... obstinate. He shifted slightly, turning and beginning to scratch Tofa gently. The other two you might get along with. My general is very level headed, I think you'll like them. Or, at least, he hoped they'd get along. If Aoife was going to insist on being his personal bodyguard, she'd need to deal with his general at some point.

Glancing back at her, he pondered offering help. Obviously, she could handle bathing herself, but something tugged at him to do it. And whether it was the effect of what little drink he'd had, the high of kissing her, or something else entirely... Would you like help?

Since quitting the city for the wilds she’d avoided acquiring much more. Funny how being alone, left her flesh unharmed but her head and heart aching for some company to draw her out of the shadow she’d been wandering in.

Bodil? The name was familiar, someone from his upbringing and obviously still around and trustworthy… interesting. [color=#0074d9]“Smells stronger than most… it’s nice.” [/color]The first sniff had overwhelmed her, but the lingering scent, once diluted, was light and refreshing. The mental agenda for the next day was formulating, the first task, find Bodil, a woman who’s been around since the Blessed Age was a well of juicy secrets. 

Fingers paddled the water as she listened, bubbles moving gently in the current. Leaf set the vial aside for the time being. Combing through the wet strands to ensure no twigs or debris had managed its way into her blonde locks.[color=#0074d9] “Oh?” [/color]she pried, amusement obvious in her tone. [color=#0074d9]“Why? Because I’m an apostate, or Kirkwall, or the fact I’m not really religious.”[/color] Leaf shifted, arms leaning on the rim while her chin settled between. [color=#0074d9]“How does Sister Victoria cause you grief?”[/color] Genuinely, she was interested in it, he offered her name so freely before the others.

In some sense, Aoife could consider herself a soldier of sorts, just no Commander or cause but that of helping the downtrodden and ensuring the balance remained unshifted, how little that had worked. Well, the position was now filled. She’d be working under his order yet there was an air of doubt, Leaf would heed every one of his commands, no matter the title. His safety was paramount though, both for her and the Marches sake.

With his question, hands stilled in gathering her damp hair, loose strands falling out of the tentative grasp. Her tongue wetted over lips, mind racing, warring against the dumbing alcohol. [color=#0074d9]“...I could use a hand washing my hair?” [/color][color=#000000]A half-truth, but it had grown long with her time in the wilds and Bethany had always been the one to braid things.  [/color]

Sebastian couldn't help but laugh a bit as she pressed for more information on the Sister. He ultimately gave a half-hearted shrug. Take your pick, she'll find something to be irritated about. He gave a little bit of thought before coming up with a further answer as to why she was such a headache. You know how sometimes your siblings would disagree with you just to disagree? Or have an argument? She's a lot like that.

He shook his head slightly. I think she looks up to the Grand Cleric and she is... something else. She made him miss Elthina, that was for certain. Even the other two in the cities under his jurisdiction were more pleasant and lovely to deal with.

After a brief silence, he spoke up again. Tomorrow I'll introduce you to Inez. And Vincenzo if he's around. Neither of them should give you much trouble. Vin is one of the mages from the late Divine's new circles... though I think we've been the only ones to maintain the school as she intended. He gave another idle shrug, still giving attention to his sleepy companion.

He was weary of discussion for any bits of politics. Too often he spent the entirety of his day doing it. The last thing he really cared about doing was boring Aoife with details. Though they seemed to come second nature to just talk about. Tired of them or no.

Instead he gave in to whatever inner voice suggested offering help. And, much to his surprise, she agreed to it. Washing her hair, at least. And that, Sebastian was fairly certain, he could handle.

Shifting off the bed and closer to the tub, he ended up kneeling down behind her. Brushing his hands over hers, he gathered up the loose strands of her blonde locks. Not that this was exactly his forte given his own hair was not so long, something about the contact had called to him. He was not nearly as hazy as he could be, but he was certain the drink he'd had contributed to the confidence he should not have had.

Though ultimately, he found himself spending more time just massaging her scalp. Of all people, Sebastian certainly felt she deserved to be pampered in some fashion. Would she ever agree? Something told him no. Strongly no. But, fortunately, she was probably past too drunk to argue now. Right?

Tell me if you want me to stop, he murmured after a few moments. He drawn the soap out a bit to her ends before working his way back to the scalp massage.

‘Nothing was queerer than folk,’ the dwarf’s words rang clear and true. People were so complicated and simple at the same time. And then again, some people were just dicks for dicks sake. Bodhan had been a fountain, spouting words of wisdom and sage, but sometimes outdated advice. Not everyone could live in harmony with one another. She leaned back, smiling softly to herself as he described his frustrations with the Sister. [color=#0074d9]“Argumentative for arguments sake,”[/color] she could easily relate, there were four Hawke siblings. 

Eyes wandered between the bath, ceiling and on washing before her head turned slightly.[color=#0074d9] “Oh! An idea… leave her to me?”[/color]  head tilted to one side.[color=#0074d9] “I’m Family, and I’m the muscle, you can call me for backup when she’s being a cu-... witch.”[/color] Chuckling, Leaf’s hands continued to play in the water, occasionally running over her skin. Truthfully, it was refreshing being on the other side, their roles switched and she was the one now listening, offering what advice or merely a sympathetic ear to listen. It didn’t really matter, the goal was to lift the burden, if only for a moment.

Colour, not from the bath, slowly worked itself across her skin. She hadn’t expected him to go through with it, but then he was moving, kneeling behind her. His hands resting against her own, waiting to receive and assist her in the mundane task.

Even in the heat of the water she felt her skin bubble at the contact, a small shudder running from where his skin made contact with hers to the tips of her toes and back again. A slow exhale was blown out between pursed lips, head sinking into his hands once comfortably cradled. Tension remained in her shoulders, but as fingers and gentle pressure began kneading against her scalp it slowly unfurled. Eyes fluttered closed and a contented sigh which fell into a soft moan slipped out. Leaf sank back, half in search of more of the soothing contact as the rest of her body’s stiffness gave way.

[color=#0074d9]“..Heh.. No, never,”[/color] she found herself saying. Lips twitched as the motions moved away from her scalp for giving the rest some attention, but soon curled as they made their way back. [color=#0074d9]“...You’re good at this..”[/color]

Heat flushed over Sebastian's face at her reaction and subsequent answer. Not that it was overtly a surprise, just... the way she answered left a tingle to shoot down his spine. It took him a little bit to regain himself mentally, before he finally made a comment. Funny, I've never done this before.

Dipping his hands into the water, he began to scoop up handfuls as best he could to rinse the soap away. Scalp to ends, then back again. He felt as if nervousness was radiating off him, but tried ever so hard to keep it hidden. To at least prevent a nervous shake in his hands. After all, she couldn't well see him flush right now - right? No. No. Not unless she turned to look at him.

The urge grew to shift away from simply washing her hair, massaging her scalp. If that felt good, certainly working at some of her other muscles would be even better...

Sebastian mustered some semblance of courage on the matter, leaning close and whispering against her ear. Lean forward. The instruction was soft and gentle, more like a suggestion. Though he did offer a slight nudge to help the point of his intent.

And, if given the space and allowance to do it, he'd let his hands first rest on her shoulders. Then, slowly, carefully working a bit further down her back to what he could reach. To what felt a modicum of appropriate.

[color=#0074d9]“Well.. I’d imagine there’s not much opportunity in the Chantry. You’re very thorough though,”[/color] she offered with a grin. His hands continued even as his mind froze, continuing to soothe and relax her almost completely. Not enough that her teasing was fully diminished. Aoife chuckled softly, though with the sound and his hand disturbing the water, eyes peaked open. She was going to have to dunk, or… she couldn’t spot a jug so far..

[color=#0074d9]“..Do you need me to dunk?”[/color] Not that she begrudged pausing the ministrations of his hands, but he wasn’t going to get far with scoops of water. Yet that question remained unanswered as his breath crossed against her ear. Again Leaf’s breath caught, the instruction, even as gently given, called her to obey leaning forward under the guide of the encouraging nudge.

As hands found her bare shoulders, working steadily lower, Aoife couldn’t help but bite down her lip. Skin had darkened into a deep rosy shade, her cheeks flushed warm with how the working of his hands both soothed and began fanning a flame of desire. The mage swallowed, exhaling a calming breath to stay the growing beating against her chest. Did she ask? … Did she tell him? Lips parted to speak, begin to ask him something, but gave way to a knot being undone with the dexterity of his hands. A groan of satisfaction rumbled from her throat. [color=#0074d9]“Oh Gods, you are good.” [/color]

Who knew how long that particular one had been there, but the relief was palpable. [color=#0074d9]“Mmm,” she mused, “I wish I’d know this about you sooner.”[/color]

Dunk. That had probably been a smarter idea. But... it was one that they'd need to address in a little while. He'd already made up his mind to shift his hands to her shoulders and back. A hope to at least offer some of the relief the ministrations on her scalp had. And, judging by the reaction he earned, it was a damn good thought.

Sebastian had obviously seen her scars before, but never particularly interacted with them. Save a few times before they'd become the scars they were now. Helping dress a wound on the go if she'd taken an arrow or a sword along the back. Healing, obviously, wasn't his forte. Though it seemed...

I suppose should I ever be ousted as Prince, I could make a living giving massages? He chuckled at his own silly joke. Who was he kidding, he'd probably never touch another person the way he was touching Aoife right now. The way he'd done as a teenager.

He was too old for that now. And too keenly interested in one.

His hands continued to work at the knots that he could easily find. Digging in along her spine, around her shoulder blades, and back up toward her neck. Sebastian couldn't help but smile at her commentary. If you'd wanted my hands on you, you should have just asked. The words slipped out easily, a little bit to his own surprise. Further heating up his cheeks at the realization it was so simple and comfortable to flirt with her.

After a bit more time of working his hands about her tight muscles, he paused, left them resting upon her shoulders. Was there... anywhere else? He offered. Even if she still need to get out a bit more of the soap, a dunk would do the trick as she'd noted already.

[font=Arial, serif]The Criss Cross of scars had long healed over, some had affected the underlying muscle, allowing tension to build. Magic had always been her last resort, but nothing compared to a pair of hands working it free. Especially his. Equal parts soft and firm, applying the perfect pressure to knead out the endured stress but awakening something else entirely. Leaf groaned, her head shaking lightly,[color=#0074d9][font=Arial, serif] “No… I’m going to call dibs on this treatment.”[/font][/color] The idea of anyone else enjoying this embered into life an anxiousness she hadn’t experienced before. [/font]

[font=Arial, serif]It was like her insides were melting, mind falling into a haze, but his words weren’t missed. Even as he tried to hide, ignore what he’d said so easily, Leaf’s mind latched onto it. Hands playing with the bubbles stilled with the flush across her skin deepening. [color=#0074d9][font=Arial, serif]“...You should’ve maybe punched Mikael sooner then…”[/font][/color] the protective bastard, he just couldn’t let shit go. [/font]

[font=Arial, serif]Skin tingled as his hands rested, paused over each shoulder, offering more elsewhere if she wished. Falling would be easy, her guard almost completely down, if not for the niggling light of sobriety cutting through. Wetting her lips, Aoife took one of his hands in hers. Her head turned to the side, eyes finding one of the hands which had massaged and caressed away some of the ache. [color=#0074d9][font=Arial, serif]“Yes, but…”[/font][/color] lips pecked against knuckles, her body leaned back some, [color=#0074d9][font=Arial, serif]“I don’t think… you can quite reach from there.” [/font][/color][/font]

[font=Arial, serif]Tracing her neck with his hand she repeated a path he had scouted previously. But only after reaching the threshold of their travels, Leaf’s path crossed over the dip in her collarbone, pausing above the space between her breasts. [color=#0074d9][font=Arial, serif]“...unless that’s too much for for you,”[/font][/color] was she maybe egging him on, perhaps, but she would always allow the opportunity for retreat.
[/font]

Are you? Sebastian chuckled. Hmm, noted. Any lack of confidence he'd originally felt going into this had begun to dissipate. Aoife's reactions, and words, boosting his confidence. She soon made a shoot at her twin and his overprotective nature toward her. Hindsight, he offered with a wisp of a smile.

The invigorated confidence, ultimately, lead to his willingness to offer, well, more. Though what more would end up being came as a surprise. One that sent a renewed flare of color across his face. Oh. Oh.

A shiver shot through his hand as she'd shifted to take hold of it. While the light contact of her lips against his knuckles was near enough to send his thoughts swimming, her answer was startling enough to keep him grounded. Slightly. Or, at least, from getting too far away in a wander.

For you? Never, he replied with a low hum in the back of his throat. He shifted slightly to position himself slightly better as he leaned forward to steal a kiss. Before quite reaching that point, though, he whispered in her ear. Show me how you want me to touch you.

[color=#0074d9]“Mhmm,” [/color]was all she could manage, mind and body made listless with his hands. Everything on her mind had fallen away, for once a calm settled over Leaf though her brother was never far from the mages thoughts. Sebastian’s reply had her grinning, the edges soon uncurled becoming apologetic for Mikael’s behaviour. The ‘what if’s’ rang. What if she had been a little braver back then? What if she had told her brother to shove his bullshit up his own ass?

His hand sat in hers, poised, ready to retreat and release him if asked, but the opposite happened. Aoife froze, her mind stalled in disbelief, only caught short of wandering by his breath, again, at her ear. The words had her lips parting, inhaling a shuddered breath until his lips found hers. Aoife turned, aiming to deepen it while she drank in every blissful moment. Distracted, their hands stilled against the damp skin forgoing their travels for her lips pulling away, just enough to whisper,[color=#0074d9] “with pleasure.” [/color]

Sky and sea blues met each other and Aoife thought her courage would fail, that she’d buckle under the strain of her heartbeat. Their hands shifted downwards over the boundary  then across, gliding, tauntingly over the mound of her breast. Letting his fingers slip from her grasp, Aoife would reach toward him, lips once again seeking his more fervently.

Under any normal circumstance, Sebastian knew what was happening well... probably shouldn't have been happening. Aoife was drunk. He'd initiated two kisses with her now and was taking advantage of the situation. Not that she'd balked at any point or tried to end any contact between them.

However.

This would end up being something for him to beat himself up over mentally at a later date. He wasn't totally on solid ground. Having been sober for a good half of his life meant he wasn't holding the drink as well as he'd thought he could. Even as little as he'd had by comparison to her.

Her response ultimately brought a twitch of a smirk to his lips. Sebastian let her guide his hands, feeling a feel for the path she wished for him to travel. Only when she released his hand did he take the cue to explore on his own, dancing fingers across her skin gently, but with purpose.

This time, Aoife initiated the kiss and further buried and put to rest the worries of taking advantage. Dull as they'd initially been, they slipped away even further from his awareness. Maker's breathe, why'd he not allowed himself to do this sooner? Why had he always avoided letting her know the true feelings that he'd buried.

After a short time, he shifted his position to try and make it a bit easier. Less strain and twisting on her neck, at least. It didn't really change the ease of access to her chest for him, but now he'd not need to see her crane her neck to reach for a kiss. After all, he'd just spent the time working those knots in her muscles out.

The temptation soon rose to draw away from Aoife. To tease her a bit, leaving her craving more. But Sebastian couldn't quite drag himself away yet. Too entranced by the feel of her skin, the taste of her mouth.

He groaned slightly into the kiss before pulling away for a breath. Why didn't we do this sooner? he asked, voice still low, almost breathy.

Bodil had a long day. She didn't mind, of course. She enjoyed her duties. Sebastian was like a son to her, so work never really felt like work. At least most of the time, there were always moments, but they were few. She'd taken a break to make sure her husband had actually eaten dinner, something she had to do regularly. The man could remember a story from forty years ago, but remember to actually eat. Nope, that was beyond him. 

After returning from dinner, she remembered Sebastian had a guest. She figured she'd better make sure that Aoife had everything they needed. She didn't want to be rude after all. Collecting a few things that she thought the Aoife might need, Bodil went to the quarters. She paused a moment, hearing voices inside, and then knocked firmly on the door. 

Hello, it's Bodil, I just came to check on you, see if you need anything.

[font=Arial, serif]His hand was left to its own explorations, every touch like pricks of electricity against her skin. Leaf’s fell against his chest, one grasping the collar as the other made a path to his neck. Her lips curled against his when he decided a more favourable position was preferred. She was grateful, really. He understood the  burden of carrying everyone on his shoulders, in maintaining some semblance of order in amongst a pack of hysterical nugs. It took its toll on a person, and for once, perhaps, she was being selfish for a change. [/font]

[font=Arial, serif]The groan against her lips, caused a rush to course its way through her. [color=#0074d9][font=Arial, serif]“Because… there was always a fire needing to be put out.”[/font][/color] Which, granted, was half of the reason. [color=#0074d9][font=Arial, serif]“And I.. I’m a bit of a coward.”[/font][/color] Brows shrugged as her thumb traced the skin of his neck, this moment she wanted to hold, frozen in perfect clarity. [/font]

[font=Arial, serif]But of course there was a knock at the door and upon instinct, given her nude state, pulled Seb towards her for cover. Sitting up enough that in case the caller entered, only her head would be visible from over the screen, Seb forcibly moved, Leaf stammered, [color=#0074d9][font=Arial, serif]“NothankyouI’mFINE!”[/font][/color] The colour in her face turned scarlet, her dulled senses all but fully returned to their usual sharpness, yet all that was running through the mages head was the thought of, Do. Not. Open. That. Door. [/font]

[color=#0074d9][font=Arial, serif]“Just… please, leave whatever you have at the door! Thank you! GOODNIGHT!”[/font][/color]