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“Come with me, hydro dragon. I will help you find your place in this world, and give you a role.”
The pure white cloak concealed her petite body and obscured her youthful features, her long locks cascading down her back. Her arm reached out, hand extended.
The young dragon looked at her with concealed wonder in his eyes.
“... I consent to these terms. Please, lead the way.”
He took her hand.
She smiled.
And that was the beginning of his journey as the Iudex of Fontaine.
He spent 500 years acting as the impartial judge, as the role he had been assigned. 500 years by the side of someone he thought was of divine blood but was merely a human, just like the ones he judged. He would never view her as lesser, certainly not, not now, not ever, but he did resent himself over never seeing through her facade. But that's a story for another day.
It was raining outside.
Neuvillette decidedly liked the rain. He enjoyed the coolness and respite from the chatter from down below being replaced by the harmonic melody of rain pitter pattering on his windowsill. He liked basking in the liquid, untouched by anyone’s hands, pure and innocent and transparent.
If only people could be the same, he bemused, taking a leisurely sip of his collection of water from Apam Woods.
If people could only be as transparent as water, with no layers to hide their true selves, that would certainly make his life, and many others, easier. However, it was undeniably also a breach of privacy, to know the true nature of every person, so he kept such thoughts to himself.
Back to the soft droplets.
They trembled and wobbled, like fat, hot tears spilling down the clear icy glass, made foggy from his breath as he leaned closer to the window. He could just imagine the melusines, who had tenderly taken to calling him one of their own, drawing pictures in the fog, and the thought made his usually stoic and blank face brighten just a tiny bit.
A knock came at his door.
Ah, it must be his guest who always comes on rainy days.
Opening the door with a gentle grip on the handle, he silently ushered the guest in. The guest had seemingly forgone an umbrella, and any form of formal manner in fact, smiling at Neuvillette with his razor sharp teeth and rough features, of battle scars and icy eyes, yet a smile so warm and sweet that it could be served as dessert at any table. Not that he would allow that, of course. This was a side for Neuvillette, and Neuvillette only. (well, maybe Sigewienne too)
The callused and worn down hand found its way to his shoulder, pulling him as lightly as the battle worn man could possibly achieve, away from the door. Running his other hand through his rain soaked salt and pepper hair, he faced the Iudex with every blind spot possible open to him. For a warrior, it meant a lot.
So Neuvillette let himself be vulnerable too, dragging the taller man over to the couch he kept (for when a certain someone crashed his office when he was exhausted) despite the protests that he would get the couch dirty. With an amused chuckle, Neuvilette flicked his hand over, and all the water from his rain soaked clothes disappeared in the blink of an eye.
“Thanks, never gets old.” the man chuckled.
“Is that why you always come soaked to the bone? I would advise otherwise, your body will get sick from the cold.” Neuvillette raised a brow.
“Well, then I get to witness the great Iudex, the impartial judge, fret over me and scold me all while preparing a serving of consomme for me. Sounds wonderful.” He chuckled.
“As bold as ever, your Grace.” Neuvillette flushed.
“You are one of the few with the honour of calling me by my name. It would be a shame to not use that privilege.” The man hummed.
“As frank as always, Wriothesely.” Neuvillette smiled.
“My greatest apologies if that upsets you in any way.” Wriothesely grasped a lock of his lover's silky hair, admiring the soft texture.
“No apologies are in order. In fact, it is an aspect of you I quite enjoy. So, I suppose congratulations are in order.” Neuvillette closed his eyes, using Wriothesely’s shoulder as a cushion as he relaxed.
“I am immensely delighted about this act of gratitude. It is an honour to receive such praise from someone of your position.” He teased, patting Neuvillette’s head at a steady rhythm.
“Shall we do away with all these formalities now? I believe it is a wonderful time to enjoy the weather.” Neuvillette opened his violet orbs, which sparkled in a way reminiscent of lightning in a rainstorm.
“Shall we take a walk? Sick of being cooped up in your office?” Wriothesely sat up straighter, offering a hand to the other.
“No, nothing of the sort. I believe that the best way to enjoy this weather at the present time is with some tea between friends, is it not?” Neuvillette stood up with Wriothesely’s help, grabbing his cane on his way to the tea cabinet.
While boiling the water and steeping the tea bags at the counter, he could feel the Duke’s eyes on him. Turning around, he looked questioningly at the man.
The Duke smiled, words unspoken, but heard nonetheless.
The elusive, oh so warm and fuzzy sentiment.
‘I love you.’
And as they both sat down for tea (or water for Neuvillette), he sighed contentedly.
There was really no better way to spend rainy afternoons.
With the one he loved.