Ahiga clearly did not understand what he was talking about. Or did he and feign innocence? No, that look in his eyes was of genuine confusion and questioning. At least, Strel certainly hoped so. He did not feel like being lied to by his nephew, not particularly in the mood to be lied to at all. This was serious, no matter what the other male thought about the situation. It was clear that Ahiga did not care for it, not the way he awkwardly shuffled and avoided his gaze, even with a reinforcing hand on his chin to keep his look steady. He could hardly keep the boy's eyes on him, though he was sure that the youth understood the severity of the situation, especially considering the sternness of the usually docile Dauphin. Granted, as a pup, the boy ought to have encountered Strel's aggravated side when the pups fumbled around in his closet, where he had holed them up for convenience and safety's sake.
Strel growled a little in frustration, wondering if the boy truly did not understand what was going with Sebastian and what he really was. Sebastian was just as Strel himself had been years prior; eager for any encounter without being picky about who it was and how it affected anyone. He had been much more open to everyone and did not think his liaisons through carefully. Sebastian's appraising eyes had been hard to hide to the Dauphin, who had been wary of the travelers despite their good renown with everyone. And being freshly back on the market, he had been happy to see Jazper, still as built and strong as ever, and it was hard to avoid the way Sebastian spoke and behaved when handed Strel to trade with. He knew what the man was, recognizing Mars in his paintings, and knowing Sebastian for what he was. Just like him.
"You don't know?" he said, incredulously. He had been so certain that the two of them had slept together, for what kind of boy chased after a man like that with no reason? "You don't know what he is?" Surprised, the Dauphin squeezed the youth's shoulder, glad that he had not pulled his arm away. "He came with a caravan to the Court, and the way he looked at me was like you ought to look at a piece of fresh meat." As for the paintings, the Dauphin could only shake his head, wondering if the boy had even seen them. Perhaps it was better that the skeletons in that man's closet only come out one at a time, single file. "You, however, do not look like you're doing any good. Do you have any friends here? Close friends?"
Photo taken by Fergal of Claddagh. Table style inspired by Kitty.
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