[Talon] The Weight of the World

[Rickter]

Glade 12, 121 AoS

Water within the washbasin rippled as the blade was dipped within it a few times, the razor's edge then brought up to caress the skin of the neck at an angle. From the tip of the chin and onward down, the steel raked across his skin smoothly as its edge grazed through hair and cream. Very cautiously did Rickter shave beneath the line of his jaw, his cheeks already finished and trimmed. With a few more strokes he cleared the last patch of hair he needed to butcher away, the wash rag he used brought up to his face to wipe away the excess cream. Telion peered around from behind him to gaze in the mirror, her smile playful as her hands traveled teasingly from his shoulders down over the middle of his sternum. Rickter's lips curved into a similar grin as he looked at her in the mirror, the razor blade placed down on the vanity as he looked to her actual person next.

"Looks good!" She complimented as she brought a curled finger up to his chin, brushing the hairs he'd left there lightly as he nearly cooed, lifting his head for her to scratch underneath there a few times. The bard simply laughed at him as she did, her other hand brought up so that both would caress the smooth skin of his cheeks next. As he leaned further toward her she barely loomed over him, leaning down to plant a kiss gently on his lips as he just soaked it in, lingering there before the blonde pulled away from him slowly. She smelled so sweet to him now, sweeter than he remembered in fact, and the southern air didn't cling to her so heavily anymore. "I'm gonna visit Fawn today, see how she's doing and all that."

Rickter shifted on his stool to turn and watch as Telion finished tying her hair, the blonde locks neatly wrapped into a bun over her neck as she pressed hands down her outfit. She'd chosen to wear her white tunic again with the teal cloak, her warm milky skin accentuated by the light blush and makeup she'd put on earlier. "Tell her I expect to see her soon, hm?" At the implication he raised his eyebrows as well, the request leading Telion to smile endearingly to him with a tilt of her head.

"Of course! And you better behave while I'm away!" The wolf scoffed amusingly to her then, humility present in his eyes as he rose on his feet. Telion made sure she had finished preparing, but before she could leave the wolf drew closer to her, closing the gap between them when he did as his arms folded over her. The bard awed and hugged him close, a very content sigh exhaled from her nose as they lingered together for a moment.

"Be safe." He added as he gently pulled away, still embracing her as he looked down into her eyes thoughtfully. The bard nodded in return as a silent promise, granting the wolf the assurance he needed to be able to let her go. Though, he certainly didn't want to. As he did though he watched as she walked for the door, the blonde looking back to him when she opened it, before slipping out of its threshold with yet another content smile on her face. He listened as the steps in her boots lightly tapped down the hall, receding into faint echoes before their silence marked the absence of her presence. The wolf finally exhaled a withheld breath, a similar sense of content within that sigh as he finally moved. He did have plans to carry out today, aside from serving as Talon's legitimate body guard, he needed to do things such as training and meditate. It was all in good time though, now that things seemed to be a bit calmer as of late.

Moving to the dresser to pull out a drawer the wolf picked out a shirt, opting for a navy blue linen shirt to throw over his leather pants, one where the sleeves were cropped at the elbows once he slid it on. Looking about his room he stared with mixed feelings, the majority of them happy and content while the rest were still at odds. He wasn't used to being here for as long as he had been, moving into his room earlier into the season, he'd barely felt as though he belonged within the palace to begin with. Now? He might as well have belonged here, not because of his status but because of the one person he was driven to protect. Bound to serve in whatever ways he'd suit the cause, the wolf's feelings for Talon had grown overly complex over the season. Now... "I really should talk with Talon about this..." He remembered as he brought a hand up to his chest, hovering it over his sternum where that blue light once glowed.

It wasn't that he had anything bad or distressing to share... just that things were overly complicated for the wolf now. He loved deeply and profoundly even if he didn't want to admit it, and the ones who were the cause of this were the ones he clung to dearly. Seeking Talon through their Bond now the wolf wondered, looking out one of the windows at the morning light in thought. Had he already risen? The prince felt near as did Aoren, perhaps nearer than the wolf anticipated. Regardless he wouldn't waste time for anyone, not when he had a lot of ground to cover with his own training, thus he started to march his way outside of his room and into the hall. As he walked Rickter relied on the Bond to determine where Talon would be located, using his sense of perception to determine where the connection between them felt strongest.

[Talon]

The cold northern winds of Karnor flowed over silver feathers and played through dark black hair. Talon welcomed the feelings as air caressed his body as he soared over the skies of the palace. He was feeling better that day. The past several weeks had seen him struggling to come to grips with all of the changes that had transpired with him. Following the horrific events that transpired in the Warrens, he had returned to the city to rest and recover. On the first of the new season, he had come forward and told his family what happened. His father had been so hurt that his expression still haunted him, his mother had been a mix of quiet fury and horror, his younger brother had been attached at his hip. His family reeled from the knowledge that, were it not for Fate, Talon would have been dead. He had told them everything. Every foolish truth of it. He had never seen his mother look so anguished. His father had been angry, first at his arrogance and second that he would put himself in such peril without any thought for how it would affect the people who loved him. Especially after what had happened in the Ash season.

That had been the hardest thing to face. It was not the fact that he had faced death and returned as something more. It was the fact that the people he loved had been made to suffer. That hurt them in ways that made him feel naught but shame and it had been his fault. The fact that by a stroke of luck or design he had managed to survive did not matter. There was always the chance that he would not be so fortunate next time.

Things had been tense at the palace to say the least. He had been, to put it bluntly, grounded. The palace guard had been instructed to not let him out of their sight. He was not to leave the palace grounds and if he did, it would be under escort. Both his mother and father had been ready to unleash their anger upon his beloved bondmates. But Talon would not stand for it. One look at him was all it had taken to dismiss that idea. The responsibility for that disaster rest on his shoulders and his shoulders alone. He had become nearly irate at the idea of other beings blamed for his stupidity. The injustice of the idea of it had nauseated him so bad that he had revealed his newly acquired divinity.

That had been another uncomfortable conversation.

In the end, Talon rightfully had taken every ounce of blame. He had been glad to. The fault was his and no others. His parents as well as his stepmothers and siblings had all been brought in to bear witness to what had become of him. Talon would not hide this from them. The weight of the past several weeks, the many questions, the careful distance that some of his older relatives kept, observing him as though he were a complete stranger, it had been too much. So, that was what had led him to taking to the skies. He had heard some of the Avialae guards ready to take flight to come after him but it had been his father’s guard captain that had stopped them. Talon was not leaving, he was just flying to clear his head. He was doing what practically every Avialae did when they needed to feel free; he took to the skies.

It was as he was banking toward one of the palace guard towers that he felt Rickter’s presence stir in his chest. His bondmate was searching for him. On the ground, he could see Aoren waiting for him in the gardens. Across their bond, he sent a glimpse of where he was going to land to both of his bondmates before angling himself. With the grace of one who had been flying all of his life, Talon brought himself down to the ground, his bare feet touching down upon the solid earth. As soon as he landed, he was pulled into Aoren’s embrace. He went willingly. Holding onto the man tightly, he just breathed, allowing himself to be supported before standing tall.

He turned to see Rickter making his way toward them. Talon smile, as he beheld the wolf, was filled with tenderness. But something in Rickter’s gait made him pause. There was something troubling his wolf.

“Rickter? What troubles you? I can see something fluttering in your chest, like a cloud clinging to a mountain.”

[Rickter]

The Weight of the World

Glade 12, 121 AoS

As he walked about the halls of the palace, he felt a sense of a rushing thrill that was reminiscent of soaring. The crisp tingling sensation of air over his skin gave him impression enough, for the wolf to recognize where Talon had decided to go. Moments later he receeded an impression, a glimpse as to where it was Talon intended to land. The palace gardens then. Now he knew where to turn, as he reached the main receiving hall with a brisk stride toward the balance entrance. The winds whipped about against his form, pressing the linen shirt against his chest and shoulders as the outer edges flailed about. The wolf narrowed his eyes from the fluorescence of the sun, adjusting them as they honed in on where the Prince descended down. He landed with a natural grace that simply exemplified the sort of promise he had, and the natural talent to become a true Draegir with time.

And he'd be there to see that day come, much due to the promise he had to uphold in the future. There had been tension in the air when Rickter and Telion first settled in after all, even though everyone treated them with kindness upon their arrival. And slowly but surely the wolf had grown to be a bit settled, even though the new change in living quarters still wound up a subliminal wake-up call. As he caught them embracing one another, the wolf lingered in place for a moment, enjoying the moment between them before he resumed his stroll. As his bare feet walked off the cold hard stone, he felt the spines of first grass press within the pads of his feet. The ground still had a crisp chill to it that he could somewhat ignore, as the winds lulled to a breeze across the palace gardens moments after Talon landed.

Besides the slight nip in the air spring was fresh on the mountains now, and before too long verdant green would sprout throughout the city once more. Life would flourish with a new breath throughout Kalzasi, and just as good times hoped to bring respite to the weary, the promise of an underlying threat still waited for the day the clocked ticked down. Despite how trivial his adjustments to the new setting really were, heavy was the burden of living up to the expectations set upon him. The wolf had done what he could to help after all, knowing Talon would need him as much as he could throughout the remainder of Frost. He didn't want to fail them, the two pillars to his ambition. He looked to them fondly when they turned to see him approaching, the other trivial thing a rather complicated matter in comparison to some everlasting promise.

At his arrival, Talon was quick to perceive the very fact that it troubled him though, this development of complication that stemmed deeper than the wolf anticipated. Not that he had anything to complain about, nor was he utterly torn enough at the matter to spare the pair a warm grin in greeting. "I've a couple things to ask...." He shared as he closed in to Talon first, greeting him with a hand rested at the side of his neck. Gently did the wolf pull Talon in to rest their heads together, as the wolf just let all that he felt flow through. Everything. The revelation that he'd almost lost Talon, the passionate drive to bring him home, and even the innate demand to protect something so utterly precious. Something that wasn't weak but still breakable, something the wolf wouldn't dare risk losing ever again. Aoren came next and the wolf's feelings were the same with him, the Knight Captain having become an important partner just as valued as Talon. Yet there was also another...

Hence the hesitation even as he eased back from the two, his expression ponderous as he observed their reactions. "I've decided that because of these feelings, I would like to bear a rune of Kinetics from you Talon." It was his first request and perhaps the easiest, the sentiment between them strong when he rested his right hand over the Eminence Emblem. "This mark may belong to you but it's still from Arcas, your rune is what will bind us even more together." He spoke clearly from the heart in expressing this, realizing that he'd been waiting perhaps a bit longer than necessary to share it in person. "And the other thing..." There stemmed the uncertainty that brought hesitation, a sense of deliberation even, before his averted eyes returned to stare directly into Aoren's first, and then Talon's eyes as though he were honestly abashed.

"How do you feel about having another in the pack?" Out of sheer noble intent he grinned at the Prince almost pleadingly.

[Talon]

As Rickter’s hand came to rest upon his neck, Talon felt a warmth blossom in his chest. A surge of emotion filled him. He went willingly into the Rathari’s embrace. Stepping closer, Talon let his hands come to rest upon Rickter’s hips. He took in the thoughts, the feelings, the desires of his wolf and held them dearly to his chest. Talon both felt immensely treasured and unworthy of that tenderness at the same time. He still felt guilt and shame for the danger he had placed his bondmate in, for the pain and suffering he had caused. Gently, Talon ran his hands up and down the length of Rickter’s sides, basking in the closeness that they shared. He pressed a kiss to the man’s forehead as he drew back.

Talon assessed the thoughts and feelings that had been imparted to him. Some of it he could make clear sense of. Rickter was asserting how important himself and Aoren were to him. He was validating their relationship and he was making clear and plain that he would fight to protect them both. The feelings were mutual. Talon let his comfort, affection and respect for the wolf pass across their bond. He reaffirmed all that Rickter was feeling. From Aoren, he could feel an equal resolve flowing from the raven winged Kathar. As if to reinforce the truth of it, Aoren stepped up behind Rickter, wrapped his arms firmly around him and buried his face into the man’s neck.

“Of course.” Talon did not hesitate. He brought his hands to Rickter’s shoulders, rubbing up and down the length of his arms reassuringly. “You will be the first person I have ever initiated.”

Aoren scoffed even as his voice was muffled against the side of Rickter’s neck.

“And what about me?” Talon touched the tips of his fingers beneath Aoren’s chin. He kissed the man full on the mouth with a fierce passion that he let flow across the bond he shared with both men. When he drew back, Aoren blinked, looking a bit dazed. Talon merely smiled as he nosed along the man’s jaw.

“You had your first.” Talon’s voice was playful as he drew back. Aoren stumbled. There was a bright blush on his face. He righted himself. Cleared his throat and fixed his shirt.

“Well...I...I did...yes.” Aoren cleared his throat again prompting Talon to laugh.

The two of them looked to Rickter as he brought up the idea of someone else joining their “pack” as he put it. Talon studied the man carefully for a moment as he tried to figure out what it was that the man meant. Talon opened up the flow of their bond, inviting Rickter into the house of his soul just as he sought entry. To feel and understand, to know the thoughts that Rickter knew and to see this immediate thought from his perspective. He felt Aoren do the same. After a moment, realization dawned on him.

“Telion.” He spoke the name with surprise. He blinked at his wolf. “Oh, Rickter!”

Talon shook his head with a fond smile. “Do you honestly think either of us would say no?”

He gestured between himself and Aoren. For his part, the raven winged man was staring at Rickter intently. His eyes burned softly with low fires. There was a concentrated expression on his face as he inspected Rickter both visually and across the bond.

“She is important to you. She is brave, kind, selfless. She is everything I would expect for her to be for my wolf.” Aoren sniffed imperiously before giving a curt nod of approval. “I approve.”

Talon rolled his eyes as the Kathar plopped down at the base of a nearby tree, stretching out his long legs and crossing them at the ankles. His wings spread out behind him. He returned his attention to Rickter. Talon’s silver eyes took in the man.

“Do you love her?”

[Rickter]

There followed a feeling of relief with a sense of clarity once he shared, the imparted feelings reaffirmed with the hopeful desires of his Bondmates. The wolf could tell that Talon accepted what he imparted and held it deeply close, which led Rickter to grin more heartily toward the prince as a result. He recognized a sense of guilt over what happened, the wolf sharing in his own slight guilt over the circumstances it created. Though Talon bore that whole burden of responsibility to himself, the wolf wasn't content with letting him share it alone. He simply just wouldn't allow it, even with the weight of his own monumental obstacles ahead. Initially, the wolf tensed but not out of agitation, for the sensation that tickled across his ribs when Talon touched him, stirred the wolf into a light chuff as he shrugged the feeling off.

At the reception of what he felt being reciprocated Rickter's smile broadened, as did Aoren when he physically drew close to reinforce the sentiment. For as someone as rigid as he normally looked, Rickter felt rather relaxed beneath the Kathar as he just soaked in the affection. The wolf couldn't help but bask in the moment as he expressed his concerns aloud, the thoughts leading up to positive responses that which Rickter could've only hoped for! Talon had consented to the idea of an initiation, the answer bringing a humble glow to the wolf's cheeks when he nodded in turn. The first person to be initiated by the Prince himself, Rickter could only imagine the honor of bearing such a rune. Aoren scoffed into the scruff of his neck then, throwing his lot in as though he might've wanted one as well. The wolf lightly chuckled as his eyes fell on Aoren fondly, an eyebrow raised as he witnessed Talon's little gesture of rhetoric.

The wolf couldn't help but laugh at Aoren's reluctance in admitting the fact, sharing in the humor for a bit before the second matter came to light. It was a strange question for Rickter, who wanted nothing more than to be human, to admit that he was adopting a sort of pack with his Bondmates. Yet he... He didn't know honestly. Yet it was easier for Talon and Aoren to discern, to let them feel for themselves the way he felt as well. At the moment of feeling Talon's invitation the wolf gladly imparted everything, allowing it to wash over the Prince as though he'd felt the ocean. Beneath all the confidence and compassion he held for his Bondmates, there was something so much more to him now. Something that he often mulled over with thought time and time again. It was the sense of passion that drove him when he acted for his Bondmates, as well as the underlying fear that something could happen yet again.

It was also the sense of utter joy and peace, which conflicted with the sense of self-questioning and disquieting thoughts. There was the profound strength in his resolve over his close ones, acquainted well with the fact it was all up to him to uphold his promises. There were so much more, so much appreciation and admiration for them, and behind it all the questions that revolved around one thing. Why him? Why did it have to be him? Because at the end of the day fate had a hand in their meeting somehow, did it not? In a way, he'd never questioned it before, because he genuinely cherished what had become of their bond. They were the reason he was here now, and why he had reason to be so humble. That also applied to the one woman, the same one who stepped into the alley that night, and became his work partner two seasons ago. When he saw Talon and Aoren realize this, he gulped initially before bashfully grinning to the both of them.

In a way, Talon wasn't entirely wrong, for Rickter did consider that they might've accepted it. Yet he was never one to presume, not when it came to loyalties and where his affections lied. He genuinely felt for Talon and Aoren, and in the same way he felt the same for Telion as well. "Wasn't sure if you might." He awkwardly admitted with a light scratch under his ear, before having locked eyes with Aoren as he took a moment with Rickter. There was comfort in his eyes and still somehow the calming blue hues, that met the soft amber glow of the Kathar's as he discerned things between them. At his observations, the wolf nodded firmly, yet still with appreciation in his eyes as he listened. At his affirmation of approval, the wolf lightly chuckled, breathing out a huff of relief before Aoren moved toward the tree.

After watching him get settled the wolf peered back to Talon, his eyebrows elevated at the question he received moments after they made eye contact. "Love?" He repeated it almost with confusion at first, a sense of revelation softening his features as he looked back up to Talon. Love was what he'd felt for Rennei, it was also what he lost the moment she died. Perhaps... This is what it felt like to him, everything that contradicted was bound by how he felt, and because he felt so strongly he couldn't really describe it as any other. So then, love. "I think so." He came to admit with a soft nod, looking deeply into Talon's eyes from where he stood. "It's been a while since I've expressed thoughts like this... perhaps it's exactly the only explanation I really need."

Confidence welled within his eyes as he grinned a little more prouder, "I love her, and you both."

[Talon]

Talon had felt what Rickter felt. The warmth of his soul was completely open to the wolf. He welcomed Rickter’s steady and stalwart presence. He saw the man for who he was, revealed in entirety to the softness of his silver gaze. For seasons now, the feelings between them had been growing. It came then as a stunning realization that Talon could not imagine his life without the wolf Rathari. He did not care to and he would endeavor to see it remain so for as long as he lived. Welcoming Rickter into his life had led to so many things. Talon had finally allowed himself to acknowledge his feelings for Aoren. They ran deep and as unwavering as the rivers that flowed through the valleys around Kalzasi. Because of Rickter, Talon had learned to accept warmth and affection back into his life after believing for so long, he was not worthy of it. He looked at the two men in front of him. Aoren was staring at him intently, the warm fires in his eyes might have unsettled others but they brought an ocean of comfort to him.

The blue of Rickter’s eyes were a balm that reminded him of the open skies he loved soaring through so much. So, though he had felt these things and come to accept them, Talon had not truly acknowledged them in the front of his mind. Hearing Rickter’s confession then, struck the prince in his heart.

Rickter loved him. He said it. Aloud. Talon was left speechless for a moment. He stared at Rickter, the emotions swelling inside of him almost too much for him to put words to. The mortal visage of Talon slipped away. The markings upon his body grew softer and brighter at the same time. The silver-white light of his divinity shone through. The nimbus of his demigodhood manifested and made the silver of his wings stand out more sharply. His gaze softened as he stared at the black wolf. Stepping forward, Talon reached out to take hold of Rickter’s arms. He slid his hands down to lightly massage at the firm muscles of his forearms as he leaned in to press their foreheads together. Talon closed his eyes, breathing in steadily as he simply basked in the man’s presence. He felt a wetness gather upon his lashes as he let the welling of emotion inside of him fall freely from his eyes.

Talon cupped Rickter’s face. He tilted his head and kissed the man deeply. His thumbs gently brushed along the wolf’s scruff until he pulled back for air. He brought their brows together once more. Rickter loved him. It was humbling, even if he had known for some time.

“Always will I strive to be worthy of it, my wolf, my warrior, my love.” As he drew back, Talon brought the man into the warmth of his embrace, guiding both of them over to the tree where Aoren sat. The Kathar’s expression was guarded but as Talon brought both himself and Rickter to be seated, the dark winged man immediately pulled the wolf into his arms, squeezing him tightly to his body. From Aoren flowed feelings of shock, of longing, of unworthiness, of hope and of such a profound need to have both men in his arms at that moment, that it was almost overwhelming.

“You’re stuck with me now, Wolf.” Aoren’s voice was thick with emotion as he clung to Rickter tightly. Gently, ever so gently, he relaxed his hold so that the Rathari could be seated between both Avialae. As Talon caught Aoren’s eye, the man quirked his head. “We’re going to need a bigger bed.”

Talon snorted and laughed. He shook his head.

“We must give Telion her space, beloved. Rickter may feel this for us, but we must not crowd them.” He smiled as Aoren grumbled something about feeling robbed of a cuddle puddle. He simply looked at his two bondmates with open fondness. Then he turned his silver eyes to Rickter, extending a hand.

“Are you ready, Rickter?” It was then that the sprawling sigil that decorated Talon’s right arm illuminated ever so more brightly than his other markings. An adamant and unyielding force emanated from the elaborate pattern. It vibrated with power that seemed to reach out and weave itself into everything around them.

[Rickter]

The Weight of the World

Glade 12, 121 AoS

Everything shared between them only affirmed Rickter's own feelings even more, and to feel the very warmth that embraced him from Talon and Aoren both, well that almost made the chill in the air practically non-existent. Just as Talon found that he cherished the wolf's presence in his life now, Rickter felt the same in regards to the way things had turned out. Yes there sometimes tense situations they all wound up in together, the first time literally being at the mercy of a Shinaegri horde no less. But the three had come so far together in such a few short seasons, that the wolf would've gladly suffered through every part of it again if he had to. Talon had brought warmth and light back into his life, just as Telion had brought hope and change, and not to mention Aoren's supportive encouragement from the very beginning.

There were so many moments that created this sense of importance between them all, and Rickter valued their presence in his life more than anything else. He lived and breathed as a guardian because he wanted to keep them safe, and to see them live happily as all their deepest wishes came to fruition. To see them smile. The very specific way Talon smiled after the expression of love, a reaction that Rickter didn't expect from uttering such a single word. Yet there it was, and the behavior that it prompted from Talon... From the way, his markings shone to the very arc of light that hovered over him, Talon reached out after a couple steps forward to hold Rickter at the arms. The wolf didn't hesitate to draw closer as their heads connected again, Rickter having to remember to breath as he felt his emotions welling within. What was strange was how calm and yet turbulent these emotions really were, all because of a genuine reaction that stemmed from the uttering of one single word.

Their heads connected once more as he felt drawn into Talon, the wolf's eyes closed peacefully for only a moment as he embraced it all. Everything. This had become a rather significant gesture of affection for him, one he'd seen done to others but personally felt significant between him and Talon in its own way. And if the mere sound of that word stirred such affection out of the prince, then the wolf concluded that perhaps the admittance wasn't so bad to share at all. Love. It was truthfully the best way to describe what he felt, because every ounce of appreciation and affection he beheld stemmed from the feeling alone. The moment he saw the teardrops begin to stream from Talon's eyes, the wolf's own face beheld innate awe with a sense of endearment. Strange how Telion had rubbed off on him in so many ways. Yet it was his own mannerism that brought him to raise his hands up to Talon, with his thumbs used to gently wipe them away when were lightly pressed across silver skin.

Then with a tilt of their heads they both shared in another deeply felt kiss, one that sent a cascade of butterflies within his stomach as he just lingered there. For as long as they'd been together, and as long as Talon had known Rickter personally through their Bond alone, the wolf always knew he'd come to cherish that one act of kindness. Once they pulled for air Rickter's chest heaved slowly, the ocean of feelings within still turbulent as the fluttering within gradually settled. So this was love then. A conclusion he fully supported as he listened to Talon, before grinning at the prince in turn with his own thought on the matter. "You already are." He assured the prince as they drew back, as Talon guided Rickter over toward where Aoren had taken to sit down.

The Knight Captain beheld a guarded look, a behavior so familiar to the wolf, and yet as they shared glances the wolf couldn't help but grin wider. He shared in the sentiment Talon felt, admittedly overcome by it all as well, though with that same bit of clarity in mind he'd found earlier. When Aoren expressed the fact Rickter was stuck with him now, the wolf couldn't help but softly chuckle toward him then. "As if I wouldn't have it any other way." He shared in turn as he took a spot next to the Kathar, brushing a hand over Aoren's shoulder firmly as another statement had been made. A bigger bed? Talon wasn't the only one to laugh for a moment, Rickter quieting down when the prince remarked on the matter with his own outlook. To which the wolf could agree fairly well, since he hadn't any idea how comfortable Telion was with any of this, only that she loved him just as he did with her and the other two.

"I'd imagine a bigger bed wouldn't hurt at some point." He lightly humored with a glance to Talon in turn, still giving Aoren a grin as he briefly raked his fingers through the knight's hair. Besides, it wasn't like Rickter had slowly developed inclinations to wander from one bed to the other, having shared feelings the way he did he often wanted to check in with them when he was with Telion. A bigger bed meant not having to resort to such behavior in that regard, since they'd all be in one place and he could just sleep peacefully among the whole group. Though he'd indeed have to help Telion ease into the idea, since much of the pack concept was a learning experience for her as well as Rickter. But then came the very important matter of their relationship, the request in which Rickter had asked not because he wanted magic. No. As powerful of a mage as Talon was because of Kinetics, Rickter hadn't settled on the idea of attaining the same power as him.

For whatever reason, just the idea, the sheer intent of it even, of possessing a personal rune from Talon felt honorable as well as humble. Because while Talon was Arcas reborn and Rickter possessed the very Emblem that belonged to Arcas, that alone felt a part of whatever grand scheme was at play. Ordained by fate or whatever was the best way to put it. But this? Initiations through Cardinal Runes were always personal, intimate even as Rickter remembered back to his Elementalism initiation. Had Telion not held herself close to him, he probably would've felt colder that night than he ever did. Yet it was in the act itself he recognized her feelings now, and all the more appreciated them for what they truly were. "I am ready." He admitted with a hard gulp as he admittedly started to feel anxious, mostly due to the fact he wasn't sure what to expect with this initiation in particular.

Yet he had Talon and Aoren here to do more than just guide him, they'd comfort him and help him however they could, and it was because they were all together that Rickter felt no hesitation. Fear of the unknown gave birth to courage, and as the wolf shifted to be a bit more comfortable within Aoren's arms, he took to lifting his shirt from his belly before it rolled off from his shoulders. Now that he was bare-chested he looked to Talon, mesmerized by the latent power of the force in his hand, as Rickter waited for the prince to decide on where to place the rune. Ironic how Queen Sahfri was right in the beginning, for the wolf had been a blank canvas when they first met, and here he was now waiting for Talon to paint his own rune upon the wolf's very flesh.

[Talon]

Talon stared at Rickter with gentle affection in his gaze. He opened himself up to the flow of the aether flux, the weave of every object that existed in the mortal realm and beyond. It came to him with greater clarity and ease than before. He felt as though he could tug not just upon the flux but upon the very essence of its purpose altogether. It was a thought that he put in the back of his mind to be explored at another time.

“Kinetics.” Talon raised his hand. The runic markings upon his arm glowed brightly. “When you think of a kineticist, the first thought that passes through the mind of most is that we simply move objects with our minds.”

Talon gathered his aether into his hand. He gave it only the fundamental understanding that he possessed in the realm of Kinetics. His fingers became limned with a soft light. Reaching out, Talon touched the tips of his fingers to Rickter’s neck. He trailed them lightly over the wolf’s jugular and carotid blood vessels. His thumb brushed over Rickter’s adam’s apple.

“This is not true. What we move, is the flow of aether in the world producing a physical shift in the realm around us.” Talon brought up his other hand. His fingers brushed over the firm muscles of Rickter’s thigh, gliding softly upwards until they were sliding over his strong abdominals, Talon’s hand coming to grasp Rickter’s flank.

“In everything there is a river of power that forms the currents of our life. It is in how we move, how we speak, how we function and how we are formed. The way this river flows is what determines that the bark of a tree is wood and not iron. It is what makes your flesh…” He leaned down, placing a kiss to the center of Rickter’s chest, both of his hands now gently grasping the wolf’s torso. Talon’s thumbs massaged into the firm muscles he felt there. “...warm and living.”

“Change the flow of the river and you change the way it interacts with the world. The world then shifts to adapt to the flow until it returns to its original course. If it can.” Talon rest his softly glowing hand upon Rickter’s neck once more.

“This is called the Aether Flux and it is the tapestry from which all things are made. That is how a kineticist manipulates the world around them. It is around you. It is within you. It is part of you. You are part of it. Remember that Rickter. You have felt the weight of it upon you, your whole life. Do not succumb to the weight of becoming aware of it. The only change you are about to experience is that instead of being swept up in the current, you can now command it.” With that, Talon began drawing a symbol very carefully upon Rickter’s neck. He began tracing the symbol with the utmost tenderness starting just beneath his jaw, going all the way down his neck and forming a circular pattern the covered his heart. He repeated the design on the opposite side forming a perfect symmetry. Then Talon rest his hand directly over Rickter’s heart.

The nimbus around Talon’s head shone softly. He stared deeply into his lover’s deep blue eyes and willed strength and confidence into his partner. He had not been through all he had been through just to lose Rickter to the weight of a kinetic initiation. His wolf was stronger than that. He knew it.

“We are here, my wolf.” Talon laced the fingers of one hand together with that of Rickter’s. Aoren did the same with Rickter’s other hand.

“We will be with you. Every step of the way.” Aoren spoke softly as he kissed the side of the man’s head.

[Rickter]

As he sat there between the two winged men, Rickter realized that he didn't feel any ounce of fear in that moment. Anticipaton with what was to come sure, but the lengths that the two went to hold him, their shelter reinforced the state of peace and clarity he held before. Thus the wolf couldn't help it when he looked at Talon fondly, their eyes locked with one another affectionately, as the wolf felt the pulsating force of aether emanating from the very Rune he was about to receive. Talon spoke on it as to highlight the very nature of what Kinetics was, starting with the very basic principle that Rickter had come to known it as. Yet it was so much more now that he listened, he understood it more thanks to Talon and his patience.

When the prince's fingers glistened with aether he reached out, his fingers lightly trailing along the skin of Rickter's neck, to which the wolf's eyebrows rose as he couldn't help but softly tense. Of the many places, he wasn't often touched the neck had to be one of them, mostly because it was such a delicate area he kept guarded, but also because innately he felt sensitized there more often than not. So naturally even in the snug embrace of his companions, the wolf's heart palpitated the moment he felt tingles wrack the front of his jugular. In a way, he was almost aroused by the affection received and looked to Talon with a hint of impishness in his eyes when he was. He'd have to remember the fact Talon brought such feelings to a rise by touching him there, since they were all currently focused on the matter at hand.

So kineticists exerted their will onto the natural flow of aether around them, as Talon put it, which is what allowed for all sorts of exciting things to happen. Things that could be extensively brutal, such as the imploding force Talon unleashed on the Shinaegri horde, and yet things that could also be exciting... like the time Rickter had been made to float. That had been the day he realized how much he truly appreciated Kinetics as a power, and now here with Talon, he appreciated the insight into what the power truly was in the eyes of a beholder. Though it certainly didn't help to feel the prince on Rickter where he touched, and kissed, for the wolf felt the need to pace the intake of air he needed while he watched the Synnekar in action. Gods there such serenity in the way Talon affectionately handled this, Rickter honestly couldn't help but softly grin to him as he paid close attention to what he heard. He learned of the Aether Flux and the manner in which Kinetics altered its flow, before the prince led up to resting his fingers at the base of Rickter's throat once more.

The anticipation had reached a peak for him then, the wolf nearly bit his lower lip with a briefly clenched jaw as he waited. Knowing now that he wouldn't succumb to the weight of power bestowed upon him, he swallowed hard as he braced for what came next between them. Of course more touching of the neck which prompted a few low chuckles, the wolf playing it off as though he weren't tickled by the sensation of Talon's fingers. Though he felt it then as the aether bore into his skin, the markings being drawn starting just between his collar bones, and onward down over the center of his sternum. It had been similar to when Telion had touched him before, even though he never paid much mind to when it had occurred. The feeling of foreign fingers that he'd grown acquainted with touched him, and he could only rest his head further into the shoulder of Aoren as he lay there.

The crown of light that Rickter had seen manifest over Talon loomed once again, a reminder to the dream-like glimpse he experienced when he saw... What he had to believe was Tiberius and Arcas in their days together. It made sense now that the thought about it, and in a roundabout way, he felt such pure irony as to where things wound up now. Feeling the strength and confidence flowing into him from Talon, and from Aoren, Rickter nodded to them in response as the aether infused Rune on his flesh began to pulsate. Deep within his very core felt struck by a heavy, tumultuous shift that he hadn't prepared for. Yet they were here to guide him through it, to help him bear through the threshold sickness every step of the way. Just as Telion helped him in Frost, they were here to do the same now. "Thank you." A poor choice of words in his mind but the best he had, seeing as how he held nothing but genuine love and appreciation for them both. All their effort to just be there for him, to support him through every minor obstacle he approached.

As that shift welled within him Rickter tensed, the confidence he held before shook by a burdening weight that came down on him. The Rune that Talon had drawn glowed a soft blue akin to Talon's own markings, before he'd been reborn as the Draegir of Justice, as aether started to resonate off of the surface of his skin. He was uncomfortable except also not due to being in the embrace of his companions, the only downside being the increasing weight that felt as though his chest were beginning to cave in. It wasn't a drastic development he experienced but he did see it as a warning, a sign of what was to come as he felt the need to slightly shift a little within their grasp.
"Damn, it's starting to sink in I think..." Another tumultuous shift led him to stiffen as he held onto them for support, his hands firmly clasped on Talon's and Aoren's as he endured the first wave of force that came washing over him.

[Talon]

Talon opened himself up fully across the bond that rest between them. He let Rickter enter the deepest house of his soul, letting his strength and love for the wolf flow freely. Leaning forward, he pressed his lips to Rickter’s, kissing him fiercely. In that kiss he poured into Rickter his confidence, his faith in the wolf’s resolve, his belief in the man’s ability to overcome the challenge that lay ahead of him. When he drew back, there was a look of peace on Talon’s face. He knew that Rickter could survive this initiation. He knew that the Rathari man would not be overcome by the weight of the Aether Flux pressing down upon him.

“Remember, Rickter, you have felt this weight your entire life. It is in you, around you. The difference is, you are no longer a bystander in its flow. You now seek to command it.” Talon brought the hand he held up to his face and kissed the palm tenderly. His silver eyes shone with the full light of his divinity as he stared into the depths of Rickter’s soul. “Command it, my wolf.”

Talon took Rickter’s hand into both of his. He rubbed his thumbs over it, watching and waiting as Rickter struggled through the initiation. He remembered his initiation into the discipline of Kinetics well. Talon had felt as though every bone in his body were about to break. He thought, with a very real degree of certainty, that he was going to be crushed. In the end it had been his refusal to back down in the face of such a life-threatening challenge that had saved him. He had found the will and way to grab a hold of the forces pouring into and out of him and bend them to his will. Instead of being a pebble in the eternal river of the Aether Flux, Talon had made himself a mountain, unyielding against the tides that slammed against him.

---

Aoren held on to Rickter physically and across their bond. The wolf had become such an integral part of his life that he refused to believe this was something Rickter could not overcome. He gently ran his fingers through the wolf’s hair, watching his body strain beneath the weight of the initiation. Across the bond, Aoren whispered words of encouragement, he gave the Rathari man his strength as much as he could. It was incredible to think that just a season or two prior, the three of them had been such strangers. He was happy that Talon had made the decision to welcome the man into their bond. It had given Aoren the room he needed to confess his love for Talon. It had given Talon the courage to embrace the belief that he was worthy of love and affection. The two of them had shown Rickter that he was equally worthy of such tender feelings as well.

The idea of welcoming Telion into their dynamic was not one that, even for a second, Aoren had ever taken issue with. If she made Rickter happy, that made him happy. He knew it made Talon happy just to see the wolf smile and that was enough. Aoren leaned down and pressed a kiss to Rickter’s brow. He nuzzled the man affectionately before pulling back.

“You’ve got this. We’re here with you. Every step of the way.”