You've Done It (Aurin)

[Korvaelis]

Korvaelis Dahshida

Back pressed against the wall, Korvaelis’ fought a nauseating feeling in his body. He looked like a cat coughing up a hairball too. Hunched over, he could feel a sort of spasm throughout his body that was beginning to freak him out. Doing his best to focus on whatever was trying to come out of his mouth, he tried to ignore the odd muscle contractions, however, it became too much at some point and scared the crap out of him. He couldn’t fight it anymore and hurled the breakfast he was so particular about that very morning. The stench of his vomit was almost enough for him to do it again. When it became too much, he ran off.

Korvaelis has been feeling this way for a while now. At first, the constant sickness did not worry him at all since it would come and go like rain in a drought. It was so rare and hindered his movements at times. Despite that, Korvaelis never saw it as a reason to seek medical aid or see a doctor. Technically, he was one himself. Not one that was familiar with human anatomy, but a doctor no less if you asked. Taking note of his symptoms and how often it comes and goes, Korvaelis didn’t think it was too serious. The season is Frost, after all, common colds and non-threatening diseases were destined to come too.

Although he wasn’t too familiar with whatever he had caught this season. Not only was his health mildly affected, but Korvaelis’ appearance too. The glowing complexion he possessed seemed to disappear now and his face was slightly swollen– especially his nose. For a time, it’s been enlarged three times its size and Korvaelis wasn’t happy about it. He’s been in hiding for a long time now to avoid anyone seeing him in this state. Especially his brother, who criticized his appearance often so that he would keep up with it instead of becoming comfortable and ‘deteriorate’ like his brother mentioned so many times.

The thought of his looks changing made Korvaelis touch his face as he made his way to the barn. The constant yelping of young puppies greeted him before he could even open the door. That’s how he knew it was feeding time for the litter that had appetites similar to bear cubs. He wasn’t surprised, these puppies belong to his largest female, Kalaui, and only guard male, Stone. Approaching the whelping box, he caught the big red dog feeding the puppies herself—big eyes full of guilt met his own as he hovered over the pack. Kalaui was an intimidating dog, but she also had a heart of gold. These puppies were old enough to be weaned off of milk and here she was giving them some of her own to keep them happy. Babies of most specimens were a soft spot for her and she was smart enough to go against her instinct to help those in need. Which would explain a larger pup in the sea of red fur that was almost out of the ordinary if the other puppies did not match her in size.

They had found the puppy not too long ago in the forest during an exercise that involved Kalaui and her pack patrolling the borders of their home. Korvaelis wasn’t sure what happened, he just knew a wolf and her cubs were found dead in their territory. He didn’t think much of it until the big red dog took it upon herself to investigate and whined at a half-dead wolf cub. For the sake of his favorite dog, he took the cub in and took care of it with the help of the mother dog. Now she was a part of the family.

“You know how to grind my gears.” He told Kalaui playfully. “I know your nipples are sore. They have teeth now.”



While Korvaelis took care of the business, the ever-so-reliant Aki was on the porch playing around with one of their hunting dogs. As a child, he gave in to his imagination and a game of pretending. Playing with a bow and arrow, Aki was a soldier in battle. Shooting arrows at objects, he pretended that he was taking out the enemies of his household. The kid was only acting on old war stories of his grandfather and the Avialae history he had so much pride in. “FOR KALZASI!” He shouted as he ran in place. Aki would continue his fantasy until he noticed a familiar face.

The child was only good acquaintances with the redhead approaching, but it was enough for him to engage in casual conversation. Aki enjoyed talking to Aurin too. He liked that the human treated him like a noble lord rather than a kid like everybody else. The child wasn’t arrogant, but he liked to think of himself as a man capable of protecting his family and the people of his house. It only seemed even more realistic when another person talked to him in a way that wasn’t so childish by his standards.

“Sir Kavafis.” The child saluted the redhead as he approached their home. “Are you here to see the dowager? He’s a little moody today.” The child’s age was beginning to show. Soon enough, he would go on a rant as he accompanied the man throughout his visit. “He’s a bit unusual lately. He doesn’t talk to me often and he goes to bed early. He doesn’t greet customers either. Bad for business, don’t you think? Maybe I should take over for today and help you if you’d like.”

42 of Frost, 121

[Aurin]

Aurin wasn't up at Mountainside Healing often, but he was a somewhat regular visitor. Korvaelis was lonely so Aurin had hemmed and hawed about which pup to purchase in order to have a reason to keep coming up. It was a game they had played for months now, and they both knew it but didn't comment upon it. So he wasn't surprised to get a message from Korvaelis that there was a special pup for his attention, and he arrived as soon as he had a morning free. His schedule had become more regular when he moved from managing the Velvet Cabaret to directing the Golden Peacock Theater's business and finances, but he was high enough in the pecking order that he could free up time when he needed it.

"Lord Dashida," he greeted with a bow from a foreign court. "Good morning. He did send me a note regarding a special pup he wasn't sure how to rehome. Perhaps you can show me this mysterious creature? If the dowager chooses to join us, all the better. Then I can take his measure for you. But I would agree that he should get down off of the mountain more and mix among people. As should your lordship—meeting other young Avialae lords ought to be a part of your social life."

He offered the kid a glum grimace. There were many parts of Aki's childhood that Aurin envied, but the isolation wasn't good for him. If he wasn't a lordling and Aurin not likely to be incarcerated for it, he might have offered to spring him out of jail every once in a while so he could see some of the city and meet some of its people. Ashoka would surely know some Avialae of his age and rank.

But, of course, Korvaelis did need his help. The blue-skinned beauty really needed more employees so he and the boy could have a life outside the business.

[Korvaelis]

Korvaelis Dahshida

"Well…I can’t help you with that.” Aki shamefully looked down. “Kalaui doesn’t let me see the puppies too often. She’s just not the same dog right now. Like the dowager koiteki, she’s moody as well. The puppies are older and she’s still so protective of them. Not like when she first gave birth, she was aggressive then. Like Korvaelis.” He almost whispered the last part as he looked up at Aurin. The poor child wasn’t exactly miserable, but Aki did not seem to be having the time of his life in the comfort of his own home. Aurin was right, the young Avialae should hang out with more kids around his age. Between training and his own desire to take part in the business, he didn’t have much time to make any friends.

“Eh, it’s okay. I don’t need any friends, I’m going to be a powerful leader someday. Leaders do not need friends! They need soldiers.” He was so proud of his statement. The child didn’t see a problem in dedicating yourself to your work even at the cost of private life. Beneath Aki’s cheerful demeanor was a child that was carrying too much weight on his shoulders. The weight that no one asked him to carry. The young Dahshida was assigning himself a task and assuming the worst so that he could be the one to fix it all. Constantly comparing himself to his father, there was a hero complex brewing in the body of a child. Who, in time, will become all that he can truly be.

“The dowager doesn’t see anyone. No one but that brother of his, Lord Kodi. He’s an interesting man. Kind of scary too, you should see him. Walks with a cane and he looks like my stepfather…but withered and dead.” Aki smiled as a way to hold in laughter. “I think he’s sucking the life out of the dowager. He comes with a frown and leaves smiling.”

Aki led Aurin to the barn. The doors were slightly open and Korvaelis couldn’t be seen unless you were looking closely. He had thrown up again and unlike the last pile of vomit, Korvaelis didn’t leave it. With a bucket and a bristled brush, Korvaelis was at work cleaning it up as he shooed a litter of puppies with endless pits for stomachs away from it. For some reason, he was tearing up. Emotions ran through his body and only anger seemed to stick to him for some reason. A little agitated, Korvaelis could hear the barn doors opening up more and he wasted no time speaking up.

“Aki! Come grab these puppies and put them in the whelping box. I’m trying to clean and they just won’t leave it.” He fought tears, swallowing them as his attention turned to the puppies. “Go, go, go! Leave.”

42 of Frost, 121

[Aurin]

"Well, you ought at least to spend time with your Dahshida cousins, no?" he hazarded.

What Aki had to say all sounded quite suspicious. He frowned, curtailing his stride to match the shorter lordling's, though someday, he would likely sprout much taller than Aurin with those Avialae bones. Aurin didn't know if Aki would inherit the mantle of Daizoku when the current one died. From what he understood, primogeniture wasn't always the way of it. The Daizoku of House Senue, for example, had named his bastard heir. Aurin wondered what would become of all that. He had no idea about all of that, really. Things worked differently where he came from.

At the sight of Korvaelis on the floor, he shared a look with Aki and nodded that he should do as he was told so Aurin could get to the bottom of this. When the boy began to comply, moving the pups away from Korvaelis' work, Aurin popped a squat next to him, his hand resting on the small of his back. They had been prim and proper back in the tea house, but now they knew each other and he was concerned.

"Rough day, blue boy?" he asked. There was always something a little teasing in his voice, but it was with good humor rather than malice. Korvaelis was lonely; Aurin flirted relentlessly. It usually brought a smile to his face, though Aurin wasn't sure it would work today. Something did seem decidedly off.

"I can finish that up if you need a break." He didn't enjoy doing menial labor, but he had managed a cabaret; it wouldn't be his first time mopping up vomit. Aurin could be an utter dick, but sometimes, he was kind. He just didn't like people to observe it.

[Korvaelis]

Korvaelis Dahshida

"No.” Aki frowned. The house was a big one and it still felt so empty for the child. Aki was sure he had many cousins, tons even, but life and different agendas beckoned to them often. The life of a noble was vastly different from normal people’s lives. While common families are closely knit and loving, noble houses were nothing more than a political game. Even for those that don’t want to participate in it. There were probably branches growing from the Dahshida family tree, distant cousins, and family belonging to the boy. Nonetheless, no one was willing to greet him or engage in playful conversation aside from his uncle, who he looked up to, and his grandfather.

Feeling a little bad for Korvaelis, Aki did as he said and began picking up the puppies to put them away. The Avialae’s presence wasn’t so surprising to the blue man. Aurin’s on the other hand cause him to jolt. He forgot that he sent a letter asking for him to come to see him. His mind was elsewhere yet he was happy to see him here. He doesn’t have many friends and Korvaelis wished he could change that sometimes. Korvaelis sometimes wished he had a team of people on his side, people that were there for him. He understands the importance of friendship now, but it’s still hard for him to talk to people. That included Aurin at times.

“Very.” Korvaelis offered a weak grin that faded in no time. “It’s been a rough season or two.”

Usually, when someone offered to do his work, Korvaelis would deny the help and finish it himself. There was pain throughout his joints and he couldn’t seem to handle being on the floor any longer. So without giving Aurin a proper answer, he handed him the brush and stood up. Not without using his redhead friend, putting all his weight on the poor human as he stood up.

“I’m so stressed,” he continued answering the first statement although no one asked, “the puppies are ready to go, but Kalaui is fighting it. I just bred my hunting cats and one of the females practically ripped the male's pen—” Korvaelis grimaced, stopping himself and balling his hands into fists. “And I’m not one to care too much about my appearance, but I feel I am gaining weight. Have I always looked so big?”

Standing back, Korvaelis did a spin so that the man could get a better look at his body. He was wearing a pair of overalls with a long-sleeved shirt so his figure wasn’t exactly popping through the outfit. There wasn’t exactly anything different about the way he looked anyway. Still, Korvaelis didn’t feel like his normal self.

After a response from his closest friend, he felt the need to apologize. “This isn’t what you’re here for. You have come to pick up that puppy for your friend, right?”

42 of Frost, 121

[Aurin]

Aurin decided to follow up about Aki's lifestyle later; it wasn't really his business, but Korvaelis didn't seem to have many people to talk to and if his brother was giving him bad advice, well... He took the brush and picked up where Korvaelis had left off. There was a grunt as the blue man used him to leverage himself up to his feet. They had only met in Searing, and he had been sad and lonely. If the two seasons since had only been more of the same, he supposed he could see how that was rough. Many wouldn't feel compassionate for the man who had married well and inherited a business when his husband died, but Aurin knew a shit deal when he heard one.

"Big?" he asked, looking up at him. A wicked smile bloomed after a moment. "I don't know. We could put you on the scale and play doctor if you want." But the smirk faded into concern. "You just look stressed and tired like you said. Perhaps it's time your in-laws helped raise Aki and maybe sent you some servants to help around here so you can recover?"

Korvaelis had mentioned wanting to remarry; certainly, he was too overworked to even think about that now. It was possible the Dahshida wanted to keep him where he was, a monument to their dead son. That didn't seem fair to him, though.

"Lord Aki said your brother keeps coming by and upsetting you... I know it's not my business, but do you want to talk about it? I'm still in the market for a pup, aye, and I got your message, but..." He wondered if the pup would be Korvaelis' excuse not to have him up anymore, further isolating himself and his stepson. Aurin frowned.

[Korvaelis]

Korvaelis Dahshida

Korvaelis would be lying to himself if he said his relationship with Aurin is strictly platonic. He liked to pretend it was strictly business, but the redhead meant just a little more than what he led on. The man was possibly the kindest person he’s come across in Kalzasi so far, he always thought about Korvaelis’ feelings and often checked on him. No one asks him to, and that’s probably what Korvaelis likes the most about it. The sheer amount of kindness shown has taken their relationship down a path. One the blue man did not speak too often since it felt so dirty and he was afraid of anyone finding out. He tries not to like it, Korvaelis has given it multiple breaks. Still, he returns to it when he’s in need and he never denies Aurin in the heat of the moment.

“I’m serious.” Korvaelis pouted before remembering who else was in the room with them. He softly punched on his back, the only spot he could reach while the human continued cleaning his mess. “I don’t want to worry them too much, they’ve been kind enough. The fact that I still have their last name is an honor. I wasn’t married to their son long enough to keep it in the first place.”

Most noble estates hold several servants to take care of house needs and children. Mountainside Healings was slightly different. The deceased lord of the house had a dream that excluded luxuries and whatever else came with being a nobleman. That dream was the business and the moment he turned his estate into it, Akiba Dahshida let everything from his previous life go aside from his last name. He had too much pride and admiration for the Daizoku to fathom that idea alone.

He twitched at the mention of his brother. Korvaelis was a little upset that Aki mentioned him to Aurin too. At the same time, Korvaelis did have a lot to get off his chest.

“I’m not upset at my brother. It’s just—I don’t know if I can go through with what he wants me to do.” Korvaelis thought about his next words carefully. It’s unusual for him to share information on his brother, but he trusted Aurin. “He’s a little indecisive at the time. My brother has a decent relationship with some nobles in House Briathos. He also thinks I could marry into the Shokaze family if I try. Kodi thinks I should pull my weight and talk to members of the family myself since they seem so guarded.” Korvaelis knew his brother wasn’t the best at hiding his intentions sometimes. And he was too afraid to talk to the Novalys family himself. “I’ve never met them before, I don’t know a thing about him. I’d rather persuade him to initiate a meeting with the Briathos.”

This business was beginning to mean a lot to Korvaelis. He didn’t think his love for animals would grow to the extent it is now. Apart from him wanted him to stay at Mountainside Healing and not worry about who he’ll marry next. The blue man just felt like he owed his brother too much to do so though.

“Please don’t worry about me. I need this business to thrive more and you can help me with that.” He stopped Aurin from cleaning to guide him to the whelping box with the unique puppy in it. “She's a gorgeous puppy and needs a home! I think she’ll thrive under your care.”

42 of Frost, 121

[Aurin]

Aurin continued to clean up while listening to Korvaelis open up about what was bothering him. He didn't know how he was going to juggle Mountainside Healings with another marriage, but perhaps he wouldn't be allowed to keep this place if he gave up the Dahshida name and their largesse for another marriage. Sometimes he half-expected the Druskai to just dive into Lake Udori and never come back, leaving all the sadness behind him, but perhaps he wasn't Druskai enough to live under the waves. Kodi sounded like a conniver, which Aurin could appreciate. He himself wasn't seeking advancement through marriage, though he also had never been given the opportunity. Korvaelis was exotic enough to be a trophy husband, he supposed; at least, he had been once. Or perhaps he had loved his husband. Aurin couldn't know for certain.

Great House Briathos was the liege of House Leukos, who was Torin's patron. Aurin had had his own dealings with the Shinsei, though he wasn't advertising them. They both wanted the key kept secret and if Aurin was trying to funnel Dawnmartyrs into the city, that was just a side gig for Portions for Foxes, his own keiretsu. He didn't have the kind of pull it would require to get Korvaelis married to a high noble, but it didn't sound like he actually wanted that anyway.

He looked up from the floor, which was now nearly clean.

"Between your husband's name and your business here, I should think your brother couldn't bully you into something you don't want to do... Does he have some sort of blackmail some or other hook in you that you're considering this? The stress seems to be taking its toll on you, on Aki, and on the business. If the dogs can sense something's wrong..." He frowned.

"Yeah, all right." He put the cleaning things aside, washed his hands, and was ready to see this pup. "Not sure what's so special about it, but lead the way." Korvaelis' attempt to distract him wasn't deft, but he could take a hint. And he did think the forge would be better off with a guard dog, and Torin and Timon would bond over a furry companion to care for together.

[Korvaelis]

Korvaelis Dahshida

Despite having his own opinions about his brother, he didn’t want anyone else to think less of him. A small part of Korvaelis believed his brother wanted the best for him. Zaichaer wasn’t the kindest to either one of them, their race alone deemed them of the lower class. He wouldn’t exactly describe his brother’s actions in the same way as Aurin, however, Korvaelis can understand how it can be seen that way. The aquatic-like creature saw his brother striving to give them both a better life. Kodi has always been his protector and only wanted his brother to have what he had to. At least that’s what Korvaelis likes to think.

“My brother only wants the best for me.” Korvaelis snapped. “I’ve never been as motivated as him or anyone, to be honest. This business is nice, but maybe another position would be better.” He didn’t exactly know what he was saying. Korvaelis just didn’t want his only friend to think less of the person he loved most. “He isn’t blackmailing me, so don’t worry. Kodi probably thinks of me as delicate…I’ve never been on my own. I would benefit from marriage. It doesn’t matter if it’s to a Briathos or Novalys.” The young man realized his tone was too serious. “I make a beautiful spouse, do I not? Especially to a nobleman.” Smiling softly, he touched Aurin’s arm. “I deserve a better position.”

He spoke the last sentence to convince himself instead of Aurin.

“Everything.” The lord answered cheerfully. “All animals that leave my estate are special. This puppy wasn’t born in my barn nor does she come from my stock. No matter, she’s still special.” Korvaelis pointed at the abnormally colored puppy compared to the rest of the litter. She was trying to squeeze in between her foster siblings, who refused to make room for her. “I’d be happy if you took her in. My bitch loves her, but I fear the puppy isn’t fitting in well with her siblings. It’s like they know she’s different. I think she’d do well with someone like you.”

Reaching into the whelping box to grab the wolf puppy by the scruff, he held it in front of Aurin like treasure. “You should hold her. We can take her outside and you can see what I taught her so far.”

42 of Frost, 121

[Aurin]

The redhead wasn't going to argue family affairs with Korvaelis; they weren't family and he didn't know enough to have the proper context to take a stand. He did worry, though. They were friends of a sort, and while he enjoyed the benefits, that wasn't what kept him coming up to the mountain.

"It's your life, Korv," he said softly. "I just don't want to see you like this, or worse, if things don't improve." Perhaps he would be happier married, with servants to do the grunt work when it came to raising the animals. Korvaelis might prefer to supervise and keep his hands clean. At the thought, he checked his own hands, but he had cleaned them properly. The dogs wouldn't smell vomit on him, at least.

"Is your brother attractive?" he asked, teasing. "But really, you should let me take Aki down into the city sometimes. I know a few nobles. I work with Lord Yserloo Choi at the Golden Peacock Theater now. It'll give you some time where you don't have to worry about him and he doesn't have to worry about you, hey?"

But then they were among the animals, and so he turned his attention there. Inattention with animals could lead to injury. Kaulani knew him now, and she seemed to like him all right, but bitches could be crazy when it came to their young, adoptive or natural. But he let Korvaelis do the touching. When he pointed her out, he could see immediately that she was different from the other pups. Small and adorable, yes, but clearly a bit older than the dogs, even if malnutrition had probably slowed her growth a bit. She looked old enough to be weaned, and she probably was if Korvaelis wanted him to take her.

"If she likes me, I'll take her," he promised. "I mean, I won't be the one taking care of her all the time, but she'll see me a lot so... Hey, I'm going to have to bring her up here for training, though. If she's wild, I don't want to break her, don't want to tame her, but she's going to have to be able to behave around people. Friendly to guests, not so friendly to thieves, you know?"

The pup didn't mind being picked up by the scruff. That's what mothers did. Aurin collected her and held her against his chest, whereupon she immediately began snuffling at him and exploring him.

"Aw, all right. Let's see what she's learned."