Homecoming - (Part 3 of the Ignaius-Saga)

Stoneshield

When they were leaving for Stoneshield, Variel was hastily dressed by a servant and then taken out to the covered wagon where he'd ridden before. He was not looking forward to spending all day in this cart with no company, but as Tanier was the only person he could find the courage to speak to right now, he supposed it didn't matter either way.

They traveled at a rapid pace, going as far as they could each day while still finding a somewhat decent place to bed down for the evening. The king's orders had been clear: that they were to reach Stoneshield Keep as quickly as possible. Such a pace was not easy on the recovering Variel, but he did make progress. He spent only two days in the wagon before he at last felt comfortable enough sitting to ride in a coach. He was not the most lively company to whomever he shared the space with, as he had only managed to say a few words to anyone other than the king.

Little changed about their nights together. Variel wanted to be held and didn't mind a gentle, innocent touch, but he showed no interest in anything more intimate. A kiss was fine, but if he suspected things might be going further, he would become tense. More than once he apologized to Tanier, aware that it was probably becoming frustrating. He too was frustrated with himself for not being able to truly lie with the man he loved or to even fulfill his duty. A fear in the back of his mind told him that Tanier's patience would run out, but he tried to ignore it.

By the time his family's home came into view, Variel's physical injuries had all but healed. The beating he'd taken had left him with a few scars and walking long distances was still a bit difficult, but other than this, his mind was the only thing left to heal.

When they were approaching Stoneshield Keep, the king had ordered Variel to ride at his side. He had informed him the day before that he would insist, even if it should still be uncomfortable for the young man. "This is your home, I want you to ride into Stoneshield Keep at my side," he had declared. "And I want everyone, including your father, to see you there."

He had explained this while he held Variel, idely playing with a strand of silvery hair. By now he knew pretty well where and how he could touch Variel without making him feel uncomfortable. Usually he went just a little further than the current comfort level. He wanted to remind the man, whom he still considered his lover, that he wanted more, but never pushed his advances, once he met resistance. If Variel apologized, he told him that there was nothing to apologize for. He told him that it didn't matter at this point, and actually it didn't. Tanier was more worried, if Variel would be able to sleep alone again, but while they were travelling as quickly as possible hardly anyone in his entourage really cared about sleeping arrangement, so it didn't matter either. Everyone was glad for any rest and any hour of sleep and this effectively allowed Tanier to spend his nights however he wanted. And so it was also a time he could use to discuss such matters with Variel.

Now they were almost in sight of the fortress and Tanier searched out Variel. As much as they had rushed their travel, they would make this a dignified entry. It had been years since Tanier had last visited this place. He still remembered the spectacular view of the mountain range and rustic hospitality that often included music that was too loud by more civilized standards and rather too much ale. Most of his memories of this place were good ones and he hoped that this was a good omen for the time they were to spend here.

Variel had a little help getting up onto his horse, starting to feel like a young child again with how dependent he was in some things. No, sitting a horse was not comfortable, but he refused to let it show. He was tense and sitting awkwardly for anyone who cared to look, but he managed and rode up to join the king as he had been bid.

Stoneshield Keep was not the prettiest of estates, but it was what it needed to be: a formidable fortress through which the western road ran. It was surrounded be sheer cliffs on either side, making it nigh impossible to get through the main pass should the Lord Alturus command his gates be shut. This castle guarded the nation's western border, and it had done so effectively for centuries.