Chains of Vengeance

Chapter 117: Tranquility

The dinner between Narinder and Goliath was simple but surprisingly pleasant. Both shared moments of light conversation, exchanging anecdotes and opinions on less heavy topics. Sometimes, their words would fade into long comfortable silences, where the simple act of being together was more than enough. The atmosphere between them, without becoming completely intimate, allowed them to enjoy each other's company without further pretensions, like a mutual tacit agreement to rest.

Over time, the heavy rain subsided and the night turned into a soft drizzle, and both decided to return to their respective homes. As they walked under the still gray sky, their steps echoed on the wet earth. Upon arriving, Goliath gave Narinder a nod and a brief farewell, still with a touch of hardness that concealed any deeper appreciation, but Narinder perceived a subtle change in the goat's attitude.

Narinder, after seeing Goliath enter his hut, continued on his way to his own home. Opening the door, he found Lambert fast asleep on the bed. The lamb, shrouded in soft darkness, had an empty plate beside it, indicating that it had eaten dinner before falling asleep. The scene brought an affectionate smile to his face, and after contemplating it for a moment, Narinder took off his robe and lay down next to his beloved.

Carefully, he settled down next to the lamb, placing a protective arm around it as he watched it rest. He felt immense satisfaction as he remembered the dinner with Goliath, aware that he had taken a significant step towards a new relationship with him. There was still a long way to go, but that progress, although small, was valuable. Narinder closed his eyes and let himself drift off to sleep, deeply happy for the progress with the goat and grateful for the tranquility of being with Lambert, who gave him the peace he so valued.

In his dream, Narinder floated serenely in the sky, lifted by a fluffy white cloud that seemed to hold him with a tenderness he had not felt in centuries. The shadows of his brothers tried to reach him from below, whispering memories of old broken ties and irrevocable decisions, but in that dream, Narinder felt safe. The cloud held him with surprising softness, and as he brushed against it, the texture reminded him of the wool of his beloved lamb. That warmth, so familiar and comforting, calmed his thoughts and dispelled the shadows. There was no reproach in that cloud, only absolute peace, as if Lambert's essence was there to protect him even in his dreams.

Suddenly, in reality, the cultist rooster's crowing broke the spell of sleep, and Narinder began to slowly open his eyes. The first thing he noticed was the warmth beside him, Lambert's body curled up next to him. The lamb was sleeping soundly, holding him with both arms in a lovely posture, his cheek resting on Narinder's chest and his breathing soft and regular.

Narinder watched him for a moment, still immersed in the warmth of his emotions, feeling his heart fill with tenderness. Lambert looked so innocent and serene, so perfectly comfortable at his side. With a soft smile, Narinder caressed the side of the lamb's cheek, whispering a soft "good morning."

Lambert slowly opened his eyes, and, seeing Narinder so close, a playful smile appeared on his lips. In a still sleepy voice, he whispered "Good morning, sleepyhead," and let his head rest a few more moments on Narinder's chest, enjoying the closeness and warmth they shared.

Between soft laughs and knowing glances, they wished each other a good day and shared small gestures of affection. Narinder, on impulse, kissed Lambert's forehead, who responded by gently brushing his nose against Narinder's, in a mischievous and sweet gesture at the same time. Thus, both stayed a while longer, enjoying that slow and loving awakening, without any hurry, sharing soft laughs and caresses before the day officially began.

Narinder gave Lambert a deep and tender kiss, taking his time, as if he wanted that moment to extend forever. Their lips met in a soft and slow touch, a kiss in which Narinder poured all the love and devotion he felt for the lamb. His fingers delicately caressed Lambert's cheek, tracing a slow path that left both in absolute peace, as if the rest of the world vanished in that intimate moment. Lambert, for his part, closed his eyes, letting himself be carried away by the sweetness of the gesture and gently reciprocating.

When they parted, Lambert, with a playful tone and bright eyes, asked, "So how was it yesterday?" There was a mischievous spark in his voice, reflecting his curiosity and his support for Narinder, without any pressure.

Narinder smiled thoughtfully, remembering his encounter with Goliath. "It was simple, yes... but nothing much happened," he murmured, with a certain tenderness in his voice, still looking at Lambert.

Then, Narinder buried his face in Lambert's soft wool, inhaling deeply the warm and familiar scent of lamb. That fragrance filled his chest with calm and brought him a peace that nothing else could offer. He closed his eyes and let that moment envelop him, savoring that closeness with his beloved.

Lambert smiled at Narinder's serene expression and stroked his head, saying, "That makes me very happy. Because no one else in this world deserves to be happier than you." Her words were sincere and full of love, and the smile she gave him lit up the whole room, giving Narinder a feeling of belonging and security. They both stayed in each other's arms for a few more moments, enjoying that mutual peace, ready to face whatever the day would bring.

After enjoying those last moments of affection and tranquility, they both got up. Lambert took his brush with dedication and began to fluff his wool, moving it in soft and careful strokes to give it an impeccable appearance. The wool took on a soft shine, each strand perfectly aligned thanks to Lambert's care, who enjoyed this ritual every morning. Meanwhile, Narinder focused on smoothing his own black fur, making his fur shine in contrast to the light coming through the window, highlighting his elegance and presence.

When they finished, Lambert smiled, satisfied with his appearance, and looked at Narinder with curiosity. "And what are the plans?" he asked, with the spark of expectation in his voice.

Narinder, adjusting the robe he had just put on, gave him a playful look. "From the cult or from my love life?" he teased, arching an eyebrow in a mischievous manner.

Lambert gave a light, amused laugh. "From the cult," he replied, though his eyes sparkled with amusement, enjoying the game.

Narinder cleared his throat, resuming his usual tone. "Well, I have a couple of things to do," he began. "The first thing would be to go find Haro to claim his crown. Even though it is dormant now, I know it will be useful in the future. And besides, I have to find someone to prepare the heretic hearts."

Lambert raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Heretic hearts? I thought I had eaten them decades ago."

Narinder nodded. "These are part of the reward from the battle with Goliath," he explained, remembering the trophies from his recent victory.

"And why don't you just eat them as they are?" Lambert looked at him with genuine curiosity.

Narinder thought for a moment. "Well, the power is absorbed both raw and cooked... but I would like them to be well prepared. I have a special chef in mind, so I will take a tour of Darkwood later."

Lambert nodded, happy to hear the plans and supporting his god and husband at all times. "So, it's a great day!" he added enthusiastically, accompanying Narinder with his joy and faithful devotion as they both headed out to start the day, each ready to fulfill their role within the cult.