New Horizons (Part 7 of the Ignaius-Saga)

Serious Play

"Nothing strange about that," Vis remarked as he took them out of the meeting room and toward his apartment. "The sea attracts many from a far, and it is a grandiose sight, especially if it is not one you get to see every day."

They walked through Vis's bedroom through a set of glass doors hidden behind a large red velvet curtain. A table with an umbrella sat close to the railing, secured to the stone along with the chairs around it. There were also other chairs that were built for lounging, and a swinging, cushioned bench that faced the water. It was on this swing that Vis sat, patting the seat beside him to invite the other two to sit. The supports on the swing were made of thick metal and looked capable of holding their combined weight.

It was noteworthy, how much Tanier seemed to enjoy himself when he sat down with a big smile on his face. It was the sight and the soft breeze, but what he was less willing to share was the fact that he was most happy how Variel had reacted to Elina. In his opinion the boy was way too much afraid of himself. For a while he enjoyed doing nothing. Really and honestly enjoyed it. Then he noticed that it could get even better.

"Vis, would you maybe happen to have some more of the excellent wine you served us yesterday?"

A broad grin spread across Vis's face. "Why, yes I would!" He pushed himself up from the swing and headed back inside. He emerged a short time later carrying a tray with three glasses and a bottle. He handed a filled glass to Tanier, then lightly nudged Variel's shoulder when he noticed the boy had dozed off on Tanier's. "Sun putting you to sleep?" he asked with a chuckle of amusement as Variel took the glass.

Variel looked a little sheepish when he realized he'd fallen asleep. It wasn't only the sun, but the sound of the ocean, the gentle swaying of their seat, and the overall serenity of the late morning as he sat between these two men. He took the glass and thanked Vis, who reseated himself with his own drink.

Vis took a sip, smacked his lips, and then looked over at Tanier. "So, will we eventually be addressing business, or is this purely pleasure?"

"Today pleasure comes first," Tanier declared.

"At least this is how I feel. If you think business must come first, please say so. I am not to judge without knowing what you know."

He sipped on the wine. It tasted as good as the day before, still he liked it better. The relaxing effect and its soft warmth seemed a lot more appropriate today.

Vis laughed. "Oh, you will hear no argument from me. I am quite the fan of pleasure." As he said this last word, he let his free hand come to rest on Variel's knee. It looked like a casual gesture, but its implications would certainly not be lost on Tanier. However, he made no other move, as not to try and force anything.

Variel wasn't about to argue either. He was actually quite comfortable, and if further dicussion about the Disciples could wait until later, he would wait. He still wanted to see the transcript from the meeting with them, but as long as he saw it before the next meeting, there was really no rush...

"...The view up here is beautiful..." Variel murmured after a long sip of wine.

"Isn't it?" Vis smiled at him. "I can't quite see the harbor from here, but most ships sale right past my view a short distance out. I find watching them come and go more interesting than seeing them just sit there, anyhow."

Tanier finished his glas of wine without rushing it. It was getting quite warm - especially with Variel leaning against him -, so he got up to take off his jacket. When he sat down he turned to Variel and start to kiss his neck, right under his ear. The boy seemed to be tired, but the older man could not remember a single occasion where Variel had not preferred sex over cuddling - or almost over anything else. Still this was watching carefully, if his advances were appreciated.