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Izdahl met Armando at the door to their home, eager to learn how things had gone with Dagmar.
"Are you all right?" Izdahl asked.
He did a quick scan of Armando's face and body to search for signs of harm.
"I'm all right." Armando gave Izdahl a reassuring kiss. “But I need to unwind."
He walked to the kitchen and Izdahl followed him. Izdahl sat at the kitchen island, still studying Armando. Armando glanced at him.
"Iz, I'm fine. Honestly." Armando took out the bottle of wine they'd opened the previous night. "Want a glass too?"
Izdahl nodded at the offer. "Did Dagmar try anything?"
"Not anything that seemed obvious. I’m still processing how that dinner went. Some things felt off.”
Izdahl took the glass of wine from Armando. “Like what?”
“Well, Elij suddenly brought Dagmar this massive container. Dagmar said it was a special puzzle.” Armando shook his head. “There was something odd in the box. Something with a soul.”
“An animal or...”
“I kept thinking it could have been something like us. But a human or Nitelvosa fitting in that doesn’t make sense. I need to process it more.”
"That does sound strange. Don’t push yourself though. Give things time to settle." Izdahl sipped the dark red liquid, as he mused. "Dagmar likes to play mind games. He seems to be pulling many strings but GG knows how to maneuver too. I don't want you getting crushed between two Velzos. They've had a longstanding feud and—"
Izdahl stopped speaking, when he noticed Armando's hand shaking. The wine in Armando's glass trembled violently. Armando rested the glass on the kitchen island.
Izdahl walked to the other side of the kitchen island and reached for Armando. He wrapped his arms around him.
"I'm sorry," Armando said. "I don't mean to worry you."
"I know. It's been a tough week."
The previous day Armando had gone to his parents' grave site. Visiting them brought back memories of how he'd lost them. Dealing with Dagmar had only added stress.
Izdahl took Armando's face in his hands and gave him a gentle kiss. He rested his forehead against Armando's. He took a few deep breaths and Armando breathed in time with him. When they stepped apart, Armando smiled and his eyes were much calmer.
"Thank you, Iz. I feel better."
"Good. Let's get out of here," Izdahl said. "I have plans for us."
"What do you mean?"
Izdahl gave Armando an encouraging grin. "Just follow me."
He led Armando to the front door. Before heading out the house, Izdahl went to the hallway closet. He grabbed two suitcases he'd packed for himself and Armando. They went to Izdahl's car, with him still avoiding Armando's questions about his plans.
Once they settled in the car, Izdahl started their journey. He drove north, taking them toward one of the most pastoral Amasi territories. He didn't press Armando for conversation. Instead, he let his partner drift into sleep. Armando rested for about two-thirds of the trip. When he stirred, Izdahl glanced at him.
"Any of this look familiar?" Izdahl asked.
Armando watched the passing scenery of lush trees and beautiful lakes.
"It does look familiar," he said, his voice still muted by sleep. "I think I know where you're taking me."
"You can't be sure, until we're there," Izdahl said, his tone teasing. "There's just another hour to go.”
“You know, we could have taken a flight or used a portal.”
“Yes, but this is peaceful.” Izdahl squeezed Armando’s thigh. “It’s about leisure. Not speed."
Armando smiled warmly at him, before telling the car to roll down his window. He breathed deeply, taking in the crisp and comforting night air. Then, when a chill rippled through the car, he had the window roll back up.
He looked at Izdahl. "This is already fantastic. We haven't gotten away from the city in a while."
"I thought we could stay a few days," Izdahl said.
"Iz, I can’t take that much time off."
"I’ve arranged everything. Jakob has the office covered. It was even his idea for us to go to this place."
Izdahl smiled, when Armando didn't protest further.
The previous month, Izdahl had asked Jakob for ideas of where to take Armando. Jakob had reminded him about the inn. Along with Jakob and Armando, Izdahl had gone to the inn a few times. Since Jakob's mother was Norwegian, the Ramseys had kept her culture alive for Jakob, his sister, and their friends, by bringing them to the lakeside establishment. Izdahl had stopped going after the death of Armando’s parents, no longer feeling it would be right. The rift that had grown between him and Armando would have tainted his enjoyment of the place. He was glad now to have a chance to make new memories.
***
A short while later, Armando and Izdahl reached the small inn that had seven rooms, along with three lakeside cabins. The property was almost 400 years old. The Larsens, a Norwegian family, owned and operated the inn. Like many humans of Scandinavian descent, they'd settled in one of the northern Amasi territories. Even in the summer, this location was at least 20 degrees cooler than the other Amasi areas.
Spending time at the inn had been especially happy days for Armando. When he'd finally agreed to socialize after his parents' death, his first outing had been to the old inn. Even now, as he stepped into its reception area, a rush of memories came back to him.
While Izdahl checked in with the receptionist, Armando glanced around, trying to see what had remained the same. The walls were still decorated with art from Norse mythology.
As Izdahl signed the guestbook, Maya, the receptionist sent a text to Kjersti Larsen.
"Kjersti and Rolf have been expecting you," Maya said. "They're on their way here."
Armando's heart lit with happiness, when the two owners of the inn came to the reception area.
"I've missed you!" Kjersti said.
Her arms were already out for an embrace. She hugged Armando and then gently patted his cheek. Her motherly affection made him grin.
"I've missed you too."
"Did I change much?" Kjersti asked. "It's been at least five years since you were last here." She tucked a few strands of her silver-gray hair behind her ears.
Rolf laughed and shook his head. "Stop fishing for compliments."
"You're both as good-looking as I remember," Armando said. He motioned to Izdahl. "This is my partner, Izdahl Amasi."
Kjersti chuckled. "Oh, we remember him. He came here with you and Jakob sometimes."
“Yes, when we were boys.”
Kjersti’s green eyes filled with mischief. "And he set up this trip. He called many times, even today."
"I'm sorry, if I've been a pest," Izdahl said. "I hope we didn't inconvenience you, arriving this late."
Rolf waved away Izdahl’s concerns. "It isn't a problem at all."
"Are you hungry, even for a light meal?" Kjersti asked. "The chef's finished for the night, but I can cook for you."
"Kjære, they might be tired," Rolf said, using the Norwegian word for dear.
"You know how I have to feed everyone," Kjersti said. "Besides, our other guests might want a nibble. I’ll just put together something simple, even if it’s small."
"All right,” Armando said. “But please don't trouble yourself."
Kjersti patted his arm. "Good. After you eat, you can get settled in your cabin."
"Can we do anything to help with the food?" Armando asked.
Kjersti gave him a scolding look.
He held up his hands in playful defense. "All right. We'll stay out of the way. I just remember you putting Izdahl, Jakob, and me to work."
"That was to pay off destroying some of my flowers."
"Remember when we were playing and fell into the flowerbeds?" Armando asked Izdahl.
Izdahl chuckled. “Yes. Sorry again about that.”
"Well, I don't expect the same trouble," Kjersti said, laughing. "Now, give Maya your car keys. She'll arrange for your luggage to get to your cabin."
After Izdahl handed over the keys, he and Armando followed Rolf and Kjersti into the living room. The Larsens introduced them to the other guests. Then, Rolf and Kjersti went to the kitchen to prepare a quick meal.
Armando smiled, as more nostalgia gripped him. He looked around the large living room with comfortable couches and chairs. He saw photographs of various guests, as well as scenery from around the inn. Armando went toward one wall. He spotted a picture of him, Izdahl, and Jakob from when they were seven. They were grinning with excitement and he remembered how they’d spent hours swimming in the nearby lake.
"Great memories," Izdahl said.
"Definitely."
Armando took Izdahl's hand and led him over to one of the couches. While they waited for the food, they chatted with the other guests. One recognized Izdahl and Armando from the media. The conversation soon turned to excitement about The Gathering and the Elite Nakra Hein. Chatting continued through the light meal that included bread, cheese, smoked salmon, and several types of thinly sliced meat.
***
It wasn't until early morning, when Izdahl and Armando headed to their cabin. Their bags were already in the comfortable and tastefully decorated rustic abode. Armando flopped back onto the bed. He sighed as the thick, handmade, multicolored quilt cushioned him.
"I've never stayed in this cabin," Armando said.
Izdahl started undressing and Armando smiled.
He reached for Izdahl. "Come here."
"Not right now. You aren't as aware as I'd like you to be. I have plans, Mr. Medina and I need you to be fully awake."
Armando laughed. "Should I be worried?"
Izdahl paused in unbuttoning his pants. "A little. There's a reason I chose the most secluded cabin."
"Then, don't be shy..."
Izdahl gave him a pointed look. "Stop trying to be difficult. I told you why we're waiting."
"Do I really have to wait? We can do more later, but I want to take the edge off."
Armando stood up and went over to Izdahl, removing his shirt as he walked. He pulled Izdahl close and nipped at his mouth, teasing a response from him. Izdahl kissed him back, as he unzipped Armando's pants and let them fall to the floor. Izdahl slid his hands inside Armando's underwear and gripped his ass. At the same time, he bit Armando's left earlobe, knowing it was one of his sensitive spots. He smiled, when Armando gasped.
Izdahl knelt in front of Armando and looked up at him through half-closed eyes. He pulled down Armando's underwear and Armando stepped away from his clothing. Izdahl brushed his finger against a spot on Armando's left hip.
"You have a new mole," Izdahl said.
"See anything else?" Armando’s breath caught, when Izdahl licked just the tip of his cock.
“I see so much. Shall we begin?"
Izdahl cupped Armando's balls, feeling the warmth and weight of them. He teased Armando, massaging him slowly. He tasted the silken head of Armando's cock and slid the tip into his mouth. He teased precum from him, as he licked the slit of Armando's cock. Then, he took his time, working his way down Armando's shaft.
Armando rested his hands on Izdahl's shoulders, looking in his eyes. When Izdahl beckoned him to do so, Armando pushed into Izdahl's mouth at a slow and tantalizing pace. He gradually increased his speed, becoming lost in the sensations. Before long, a hoarse groan escaped him, when he neared his peak.
Hearing the cue that Armando was going to release, Izdahl took him deeper into his mouth, feeling him hit the back of his throat. Armando's cock pulsed several times and he moaned. Izdahl swallowed, letting Armando's thick fluids coat his throat.
"What about you?" Armando asked, his voice shaking.
Izdahl stood. "I'm all right."
"But don't you want more?" Armando wiped away the drop of his essence shimmering at the edge of Izdahl's mouth. “We could—”
"No, that's enough for now," Izdahl said.
"Should I be insulted?"
"Not at all. To be honest, I'm kind of tired."
"Is there something you're not telling me?" Armando asked, his eyes searching Izdahl’s.
"No, 'Mando.” He pressed a soft kiss to Armando’s mouth. “Seriously."
"All right. Then let's get some rest."
They finished undressing and getting ready for bed. Armando crawled onto the large bed and spread his arms and legs. He laughed, when Izdahl playfully frowned at him.
"You can't take the entire bed." Izdahl slapped Armando's thigh. "Move over."
Armando slid to one side. "Come here, baby."
Izdahl chuckled, as he fell into Armando's arms.
***
Armando and Izdahl lay under the comfortably cool sheets. They looked up at the stars through the cabin's circular skylight.
"I can't get to sleep right now," Armando said. "There's something I need to tell you."
Izdahl propped himself up on one elbow. "What is it, love?"
"Remember I told you I could see souls?"
"Yes, a while after you gained the ability."
"I'm sorry." Armando avoided Izdahl's eyes for a few moments. "We're not going to argue about that again, are we?"
Izdahl flicked one of Armando's nipples. "We didn't really argue, when you first mentioned it."
"Izdahl..."
"Very well. Continue."
"Remember how I talked about my dinner with Dagmar?”
“Yes.”
“I’ve thought more about the thing in the box. The outline of its body wasn’t the shape of an animal. It was much too small to be a child, but it really had the shape of a human or Nitelvosa. The soul was similar too."
"What was it doing?"
"It just stood there, but it seemed like it was staring in my direction."
"Did Dagmar know you saw it?"
Armando shook his head. "I hope I wasn't obvious about noticing. That soul felt strangely familiar. Every time I glanced in its direction, my heart started to hurt. It was a sharp and piercing pain."
Even as he explained what he'd seen, Armando absentmindedly rubbed his chest. Izdahl clasped his hand and stopped the nervous motion that had left a reddened mark.
"Did you ask any questions about the box?" Izdahl asked.
“I think I showed general curiosity. It was a beautiful and ornate container. Other than that, I didn’t really say much more.”
"Good.” Izdahl kissed Armando’s forehead. “I'm glad you kept calm. After our trip, we'll update Xeira.”
"All right. For now, let's get some rest."
***
The next morning, Izdahl lay casually by Armando, his head propped up on his left hand. He smiled, as Armando awakened and his vibrant hazel eyes adjusted to the light.
"Seriously?" Armando asked. "You watch me sleep?"
"Yes. It's the first time you've caught me doing it."
"I don't know how I feel about that."
"Be honored by my stealth admiration."
"Of course. It's the right reaction." Armando tenderly brushed a thumb across Izdahl's lips. "Thank you for being thrilled by me."
Izdahl was leaning in for a kiss, when Armando's stomach rumbled. Izdahl chuckled and pointed to the round wooden table near the kitchen, where several platters of food were being kept warm in a self-heating silver dome.
"I ordered breakfast," Izdahl said. "Come on."
Armando swung his legs over the edge of the bed, stood, and then stretched.
"I'll be there in a minute," he said, heading to the bathroom.
Izdahl set the table, while he waited for Armando. A few minutes later, Armando sat down across from him and uncovered the large silver platter of eggs, thick smoked bacon and fluffy slices of freshly-made bread.
"How early did you get up?" Armando asked.
"Only about an hour ago." Izdahl poured a glass of orange juice and handed it to Armando. "I went outside to see the sunrise."
"I didn't even feel you leave our bed or hear anyone bring food." Armando took a sip of his juice. "Normally, I'm not such a heavy sleeper."
"You needed to recharge. That's why I brought you here."
Izdahl filled his plate. He watched Armando choose what to eat, as he thought about what he wanted to discuss. His mind was heavy with concern, as several serious topics pressed for attention.
"Today, we should stay in for a while and focus on each other,” Izdahl said. “I want us to have this time together, as a reminder of what's good.”
"What is it?" Armando put down his utensils and leaned back in his seat. "There's something in your tone. Should I be worried?"
"No. Why would you think that?"
"You sound like you believe something bad will happen."
"I was actually going to share some news. Remember that I’d talked to someone about the markings you’d drawn."
Armando put down his utensils. “Did you get any information?”
“Yes. Halerik contacted me yesterday. It took him a while to track down details and he ran into some trouble. However, he learned one of the markings is possibly from someone named Volpe Saberian in House Havad.”
“I’ve never heard that name.”
“I haven’t either. There’s not much information on him. Halerik said his search had triggered a security alert. He’s usually calm, but this has him worried. He asked to no longer be involved.”
Armando’s eyes widened. “That’s not a good sign.”
Izdahl explained more about what Halerik had told him, adding, "It seems someone—maybe even Volpe—left his mark in the restricted financial archives. The reason for that isn’t clear. Volpe also hasn’t been seen in the past twenty five years."
“Since my parents died...”
“Yes. I’m sorry.” Izdahl touched Armando’s knee. “I asked Xeira if she knew anything about it. She told me to leave the matter alone. This is one of those times, we might need to step back again. I know it’s frustrating but...”
Armando pushed his plate away. “I don’t want what you just told me to be on my mind all day.” His voice became softer as he added, “Help me forget, Iz, even if it’s for a little while.”
***
Armando lay on the bed, basking in Izdahl's attention. He lifted his chin and Izdahl trailed kisses across his jawbone and down his neck.
"You're spoiling me," Armando said.
"Always." Izdahl kissed him sweetly on the mouth. He brushed a finger against Armando's left cheek and smiled. "You know what, I want you inside."
"Are you sure? We've never..."
"I know we haven't switched before. It would have been all right if you'd wanted that."
"I’ve actually never thought about asking." Armando pulled Izdahl down to him and nipped his ear. "I really like you pounding into me, but I'm up for a change."
Izdahl chuckled and gripped Armando. Casually using his strength, Izdahl flipped their bodies over until he was on the bottom.
"What made you want to switch?" Armando asked.
"I’m just in the mood."
Armando nodded and kissed Izdahl playfully. Then, he reached for the bottle of lube capsules on the nightstand. He took out a capsule and slid lower, moving to rest between Izdahl's thighs. Izdahl propped himself up on his elbows. Armando stared intently at him, seeing his eyes gleam with anticipation. He slipped the capsule inside Izdahl. Still watching Izdahl, Armando licked the tip of his cock and ran his fingers through Izdahl's thick, dark curls.
"I really should spend more time down here," Armando said.
He gave Izdahl a mischievous smile, before taking Izdahl’s cock all the way to the back of his throat. Izdahl groaned loudly and pulled at the sheets. Armando sucked on him, varying his speed and the strength of his sucking, to keep Izdahl on the edge of an orgasm. When he felt Izdahl’s cock twitch in his mouth, he knew what it meant. He pulled away, not wanting Izdahl to come yet. He rose up above Izdahl and braced himself on his hands.
“Izdahl Amasi, I’m going to take such great care of you, like the way you do for me.” Armando playfully nipped Izdahl’s chin. “I’ll ask you how you’re doing, with every inch I move forward.”
Izdahl laughed and slipped his hands low, to squeeze Armando’s rear.
"Are you ready for me?" Armando asked.
When Izdahl nodded, Armando gripped his cock with one hand and put it to Izdahl's entrance. He slowly pushed forward. Izdahl squeezed his eyes shut and flinched. Armando waited, until he felt Izdahl relax under him.
“Are you all right?” Armando asked.
“Yes” Izdahl looked off to the side, his expression bashful. "Don't make me feel weird about it."
"I would never do that." Armando nipped his earlobe. When Izdahl looked back at him, Armando kissed him sweetly. "I like having this 'first' with you."
Izdahl grinned and wrapped his arms around Armando. Armando thrust slowly, carefully gauging Izdahl’s reactions. At Izdahl’s urging, he moved with a more powerful rhythm. Izdahl raised his hips, meeting Armando's thrusts. Soon, Armando felt Izdahl tremble and a ragged cry escaped his throat. Izdahl came hard, his essence landing on his stomach, blending with sweat. Armando rested his face against Izdahl's neck as he came too, holding Izdahl tightly and cherishing the sounds of their pleasure.
***
Izdahl knew Armando wasn’t actually sleeping. His eyes were just closed, as he enjoyed more time relaxing. It was a pleasure just to watch him.
"I feel lazy for still being in bed," Armando said.
"I wanted you to be mellow."
"I know." Armando opened his eyes. “But it’s harder than I thought.”
“Maybe a little activity would help.” Izdahl sat up and crossed his legs. "Do like this."
Armando followed his example. Izdahl stared into Armando's eyes, until a furrow appeared on Armando's brow.
"What are you doing?" Armando asked.
"Looking at you. Truly seeing you."
"That's weird. Stop it. It’s like you’re peering right into my soul."
Izdahl laughed. Armando began to get up off the bed, but Izdahl put a hand on his arm. "We've been together for a while. I'm surprised this is uncomfortable at all."
"We've looked at each other and done much more. But this examination—"
"It's not an examination." Izdahl chuckled. "I'm memorizing you, in ways I never have."
"I don't understand what you want." Armando looked down and traced the geometric patterns on the sheets. "Your gaze is piercing, like when you're upset with me. I hate that."
"But I’m not upset right now. This is a different kind of intensity. Please don't run away." Izdahl touched Armando's left knee. "To Nitelvosa, these kinds of moments are so important. With you, I don't do everything that happens between Nitelvosa."
"What do you mean?"
"Humans generally find certain things threatening. This kind of intense observation is one of them. But I want to do this with you."
Armando nodded. "Then, I'll do it now that I understand."
"Thank you, ‘Mando."
Izdahl kept eye contact with Armando and smiled, thinking of the first time they'd had sex. He'd learned long ago that the flecks of green in Armando’s hazel eyes became more vivid, when he was lost in emotions.
He held Armando's gaze. "You're still nervous. Come here." He leaned forward and Armando met him halfway. Izdahl gave him a gentle kiss. "You have such an enjoyable face."
"Iz, you're trying to distract me."
"Guilty of that. I’m trying to loosen you up, so I can stare at you in awe and peace.”
“I’ll give you thirty seconds to do that.”
“Armando, come on. You can’t—”
“You now have twenty eight seconds.”
“Don’t rush this.”
“Better start admiring me.” Armando’s lips twitched with amusement. “Your time’s running out.”
Izdahl chuckled and returned to studying Armando quietly. The sensation of being so deeply perceived made Armando squirm, but it thrilled Izdahl that Armando went through with it.
“You did so well,” Izdahl said softly. “Now that I’m finished studying you, you can do the same to me."
Armando laughed. “No, I’m good.” He peered at the quilt, before quietly admitting, “Besides, I stare at you all the time, when you don’t even realize it.” His voice became lower. “Sometimes, you’re even sleeping. I can’t believe how handsome you are.”
Izdahl cupped one ear. “What was that last part?”
“You heard me, with your very sensitive Nitelvosa ears.”
“Listen to you getting all romantic.” Izdahl grinned and reclined on the bed, resting on his elbows. “You know what that does to me. Right?”
Armando pushed him farther down on the bed and stretched out on top of him. “Those silver rings in your eyes tell me everything.” He kissed Izdahl languidly, taking him into another round of warm loving.
***
After spending breakfast and lunch together, Armando and Izdahl ate dinner with the other guests at the inn. When he and Izdahl said goodnight, they strolled around the lake. Birds gracefully landed for one last swim for the night. Even the vivid colors of their plumes couldn't compete with the rich purples, blues, and oranges of the sky.
"The birds are back, but that’s deceptive. It’s still a little too cold to swim," Armando said. "Or I'd race you."
"Oh yeah." Izdahl pretended to take off his shirt, lifting it half way up his chest. "We can—"
"Don’t!" Armando laughed and pressed his hands against Izdahl's bare skin, feeling the warmth. He pulled Izdahl's shirt back down. "We'll get sick. How about we go to the gazebo on the other side of the lake?"
"All right."
They headed to a small hill and sat in the wooden gazebo surrounded by trees, with silver and purple leaves. A few leaves softly made their way to the ground.
"I really like this inn," Izdahl said, as he sat on one of the gazebo's benches. "Maybe we can bring more people here."
“That’s a great idea. We should do it when the weather’s even better.”
Armando stretched out and rested his head in Izdahl's lap. Izdahl drummed a light, teasing rhythm against Armando's stomach, as the sounds of the evening filtered through the air. When Armando closed his eyes, Izdahl leaned down and lightly kissed his forehead and then his lips.
"Thank you, Iz," Armando said. "This is the most peaceful I've felt in a long time."