Packing was never Adder's forte, but then again, he's never been one to travel. There was only one time he'd willingly left home; when he was around 15, he had a spat with Helia over a boy who had wandered a little too close to the wall. Adder had peered down, eyes closed, and had a brief conversation with him.

It was exhilarating to go against both Helia and Sheppard by conversing with a villager. How could it not be? It had been the first time he'd actually talked to someone outside his guardians or a monster from the church. 

But of course, it didn't last. Adder had been napping under the foliage of a thick tree that had grown entwined with the wall. It had obscured his horns and tail with its foliage, so when he had jumped down to greet his new human friend, things didn't go well.

Adder still remembers how Helia berated him harshly. She'd been in hysterics, certain Sheppard would punish them both dearly for the slip up. As a consequence, Adder had packed as quietly as possible, filled his satchel with the necessities, and stole away into the night.

It was the perfect plan. This way, Adder Sheppard couldn't punish Helia, the villagers wouldn't be afraid of Adder, and Adder wouldn't have to fight the horrible creatures that attacked the humans. They would all be happy with him gone.

However, only an hour in his journey from home, the flaws in this plan became glaringly obvious. First, as he stopped to take a rest, and became dismayed as he discovered he'd completely forgotten to bring food. In the place of sustenance, he'd brought several heavy tomes. Fairy Tales, novels, cookbooks—he'd been unable to bear to just bring one. Worse yet, he'd neglected to bring anything to protect him from the elements to protect his books.

Adder had curled up on top of his books under a large oak, shivering as cold rain had begun to shower down on him. With the rain came even more realizations; it occurred to Adder that the villagers would die without his protection. Surely, some might be brave enough to fight, but would they realize Adder was gone in time to truly defend themselves? Not to mention, what would happen to Helia? Maybe Sheppard would believe she intentionally conspired against the church to free Adder.

The thought was terrifying. What if Helia was imprisoned? Executed?

The idea that Adder's actions could lead to his mother's death had made him realize he'd made a grave mistake. However, as the storm began to roll in, he knew he was stuck. The roads were becoming treacherous now, slippery with mud. Even if he tried to slog his way through it, the rain was falling down thick, too thick to even see his fingers in front of his face. He'd get lost, and then he'd never find his way back home.

Defeated, he'd closed his eyes as he huddled against the rough bark of the tree, trying his best to retain what little heat he could. He shivered all throughout the night, tears intermixing with the icy rain.

He didn't expect that in the morning, just as the fog lifted and the sun began to warm the chilled earth, Helia would come riding down the path. Only for a moment did he fear retribution, the moment before she cried out in relief and hugged Adder close.

I thought I lost you. My child, please, please never do that to me again.

As Adder packs, this memory plays on loop. Today he's leaving expressly against her wishes. He's not sneaking out. There will be no retribution. But if Adder loses his way in the woods this time, Helia won't be there to take him home.

"Adder, do you really need all of those books?"

Adder looks up from his thoughts. Eben's brow is quirked, smile lopsided.

"No. I guess I don't need them all."

"Leave them then. You don't want to lose them, right?"

"No, I don't."

"They'll be waiting here for you when we return. For now, let's get everything else ready to go, okay?"

"Yes. Of course."

Zarek ambles over to where Adder is packing. He smirks as he pulls out one of his books. "Silly creature, you especially don't need my field guide. Not when the man himself is going with you!"

"I don't know. It might be a good idea if you croak," Eben jests.

"I doubt that will happen. I feel vitality pouring through me!"

"Ugh, I can tell. The magic rolling off you is nauseating. Tell your God to turn it down a notch. You're not dying anymore!"

"In your dreams, my joints feel miraculous. It's about time he did something useful. It's always behold mortal, or fix my temple, or feeble human—"

Adder butts in. "Do you really communicate directly with your God?"

"I do."

"And you really think he'll protect us?"

"If I make him."

Eben scoffs. "How are you going to make a God bend to your will?"

"They don't like to admit it, but they do have feelings. He's got a soft spot for me, like your Goddess does for you, half-elf. He'll help us."

"Okay human, I'll take your word for it. Now let's start leaving. Daylight is burning."

The group begins to load everything into the caravan. When finally, everything is ready to go, Adder climbs in with Merlyn in his arms. His heart jolts as Eben kicks his heels into Fairy's side. With dismay in his heart, he feels the entrance to their home grow more and more distant He wishes Helia was here to send them off. He leans out the window, trying vainly to think of better things.

"Don't fret, snake. It's going to be okay," Zarek comforts.

Adder lifts his head. Zarek is trailing behind them atop a brand new steed of his own. In Adder's misery, he hadn't even noticed the sound of the mule coming up to the caravan.

"How long will we travel?" Adder asks.

"Until nightfall. We should hit one of my God's shrines, then you can all rest."

Adder sighs. With nothing better to do, he curls up and attempts to sleep. It's hard going at first, with Merlyn squirming and squawking, but eventually the sway of the caravan and thrum of the road lull him into unconsciousness. It's barely a blink in time before he's jostled awake by Eben's hand.

"Adder, we're here. Careful, Merlyn is still asleep."

Tentatively, with a floppy harpy in his arms, Adder leaves the safety of the caravan.

Zarek leads the way. "Over here, friends. Watch your step, this path is ancient."

They begin to traverse a worn trail, the only markers being eroded and mossy totems dotting the dense forest. Finally, after trekking a good 5 minutes, they come upon their destination. Eben gasps in awe.

"This is his temple? I thought he was a new god!?"

"What? What is it?" Adder asks.

"It's huge, like the kinds you see in the city dedicated to the pantheon! Marble, gold, the works!"

Zarek coughs nervously. "Well, he's an old god, actually. Just—he's making a return. Let's head in"

It's cool inside, faint birdsong coming from somewhere deeper inside the shrine. But there's something wrong. All three pause as they enter. A cold chill sweeps through Adder's bones as he senses something oppressive and powerful lingering in the dust-mote filled air.

Zarek's voice echoes against the tiled floors. "Oh—he's mad. Gods."

Adder's heart leaps. "Are we about to be smote!?"

"No. Well, not you three. He, ha, he's just displeased. I need to speak with him face to face."

Eben shifts his satchel uncomfortably. "You're going to speak face to face with an angry God?"

"Yes. You can leave the child here. I'll look after her. But you two should leave. There's a bath down the hall. Perhaps you should take some time to yourselves while I, uh, soothe my Lord."

"You're sure she'll be safe?"

"You have my word. I'm sure you two haven't had a break in ages, am I right? Take this time to relax before the real journey begins."

"A bath does sound nice...alright. Call us if you need anything."

Adder hands over Merlyn to Zarek. She wiggles a little in his arms before nuzzling her face into his robes, still fast asleep.

Adder tries not to let the separation anxiety get to him as he slithers down the hall. It's not like he hasn't wanted some time alone with Eben, but will he really be able to relax now that he's so accustomed to her presence?

He tries not to dwell on it. They will reunite before the moon is halfway in the sky.

Thankfully, his worries drift away as they enter the bath chamber. The sound of rushing water fills his ears, echoing in the spacious room. He opens his eyes to find a large pool of steaming water fed by an intricately carved spout. In the middle of the pool is a bunch of night lilies, their incandescent orange petals reflecting off the deep blue mosaics decorating the pool. It's beautiful.

Eben begins to strip, grinning ear to ear. "Shit! This is fantastic!"

"Eben, language—"

Adder is cut off as Eben cannonballs into the pool, causing Adder to jolt to the side to avoid a steaming wave of water. "Eben!"

"Get in already! It feels amazing."

Somewhat apprehensive, Adder dips his tail in. He shivers at the comforting heat.

"C'mon scaredy snake. I'll give you a massage."

Convinced, Adder removes his loincloth, folding it and placing by the strewn pile of Eben's clothes. He slowly lowers himself in...

Adder sighs exaggeratedly. "This is heavenly."

Eben snickers. He glides over to Adder. "I told you. Do you think any of those have bath oil?"

Adder looks to where Eben points. To the side of the pool is an impressive array of bottles and jars, all in various colors and sheens that reflect the orange hue of the lilies. He reaches over to one, a frosted pink vial with a sweet almond scent. He drips some onto his fingers.

"This looks like it."

"Great! Lay against the tile. I'll get your back first."

Adder obeys. He watches water reflect off the delicate walls as warm, slick hands traverse his skin. "I feel bad that Zarek is dealing with such strife as we enjoy ourselves."

"He could've asked us to stay if he was really fearful. He'll be fine."

Adder hums. A thumb presses into a knot in his back. He groans as the tension starts to leak out of him.

"There we go," Eben whispers, "You've been so tightly wound lately. Tying yourself in knots."

"I don't mean to. I'm sorry."

Adder sighs as thumbs dig into the dimples of his back. Eben leans close, kissing Adder's shoulder blade. "I wasn't complaining. You know I love how much you care. It's rubbed off on me."

"You think so?"

"Of course. You're a good influence, Adder."

"Hm."

Adder's tail thrashes in the water. His mind is getting fuzzy with the heat of the bath. His skin tingles from the herbs. It enhances every sensation, je melts as Eben's hand glides up his spine. Each caress sends waves of pleasure down his body.

"Eben. That's amazing.

Eben giggles. "Are you that sore? You're not even the one riding the horse."

"I think there's something in that oil."

"Is it making you feel nice?"

"Very."

"I can't wait for my turn then."

Adder pants into his arm. He pictures Eben oiled up, shivering with pleasure as Adder's hands glide across his skin. He can already hear soft sounds bouncing off the walls, mixing with the sound of running water as Eben goes lax under his monster.

But Eben wouldn't stop there though. He'd dip slick fingers inside of himself, lean over the edge, and taunt Adder as he made a show of opening himself up.

Adder growls, cockhead already peeking out at the visual. It's been months since they've had any form of intimacy. There was always someone else who needed attending, someone who wanted something. Now, all Adder wants is Eben.

Adder turns to the side. Eben gasps as he's suddenly kissed, forked tongue slipping into his mouth. He pants in between each kiss, barely given enough time to surface for air.

"Adder—"

Eben squeaks as one of his nipples is tweaked. Adder moves his mouth to the other one, nibbling lightly as his other hand squeezes harder. Eben grabs onto a horn with one hand, the other bracing himself on Adder's shoulder. Adder's free hand creeps up a freckled thigh, up until it's wrapped around Eben's twitching cock. Eben gasps again, thrusting his hips.

"Adder, Gods."

"I'm going to fuck you. Prep yourself."

Eben's eyes go wide, flushed skin tinting an even deeper hue of ruby. "The oil. Bring it here—"

Adder reaches for it, grabbing Eben's hand and pouring it clumsily over lithe fingers. Eben reaches behind himself, whimpering as Adder continues to bite and suck at his chest.

"Adder, I'm going to burst if you continue that."

"Don't care. I'll still fuck you."

"Damn it," Eben becomes more frantic, chest heaving. A few moments later he groans with frustration, pulling his fingers out. "That's good enough. Let's go."

Normally Adder would argue a little, insist Eben loosen up more. But tonight he's feeling on edge. His patience is thin.

Eben takes a deep breath as Adder lifts him from the water. Adder's cock brushes against Eben's entrance. He grits his teeth as he slowly pushes in. Warm wet heat greets him. It's excruciating to go slow.

"Oh, Gods, I love you," Eben grunts.

Adder can't help the little shove his hips give at that. Eben gasps, then laughs. "So sappy."

Adder pushes Eben down a little more on his cock. He lowers his mouth to Eben's ear. "I cannot just ignore your devotion. My body is tuned to you. It aches for you. For you only."

Adder savors the squeeze that gets him as Eben goes quiet. There's something so endearing about how transparent his body is to Adder. Eben may want to pretend he's not affected, but he's just as desperate for this.

To punctuate that thought, he wiggles his hips impatiently as Adder reaches the root. Adder snarls, bucking his hips in retaliation. Eben hiccups, wriggling more.

"Stay still," Adder growls.

"I can't. Just start already."

Adder captures Eben's jaw, craning his face back so he can see Adder's face. His eyes go wide as his body is contorted into the uncomfortable position.

"Adder—"

"I don't have the patience to be gentle right now. Can you handle it?"

"Yes—"

Eben cries out as Adder lifts him until just the tip remains inside, slamming down with such force the water lilies sway. Adder repeats it one, two, three times, punching little cries from Eben each time.

On the third time, he captures Eben's mouth with his own, kissing deep. He begins to thrust shallowly, one hand around Eben's thin neck while the other grips his hip. Eben squeezes his eyes shut, gasping and groaning as Adder's tongue slips in. Adder growls, tightening his grip.

"Open your eyes, Eben. Look at me."

Watery hazel eyes open. They're unfocused, lost to the sensation. Adder drinks it in. He doesn't want to think of anything but this, anything but being seen and felt and loved.

He rewards Eben with a faster, deeper pace. He cries out; the sound reverberates against the walls harshly. Adder covers Eben's mouth.

"Don't be so loud. Nobody needs to hear that but me."

Eben gives a muffled moan, sucking Adder's ring finger into his mouth. Adder's cock twitches as blunt teeth bite down. He's goading Adder, trying to stir him up even more. Ever the people pleaser, Adder gives in. He shifts Eben's chest forward as he moves to hold him by the wrists. Eben makes an aborted sound of surprise, cut off as Adder starts to thrust hard.

Eben hangs his head, long orange locks hanging like a curtain. It sways with the movement. Adder watches it, wishing he had another hand to hold a fistful. He resigns himself to watching Eben's toned back instead. His muscles tense with each snap of Adder's hips, in time with his barely stifled cries.

Adder feels his stomach drop as his climax starts to build. He goes harder, tension seeming to build in every muscle. Eben takes it all in stride, even as the water begins to splash and spill over the sides of the hotspring.

It only serves to make Adder's chest warm with adoration. How can so much strength be bottled up behind scars and freckles? Is Eben aware of how much sway he holds on Adder's heart? He wishes he could spell it all out perfectly for his lover, but the words won't come out.

"Eben," he croaks instead.

Eben gasps as Adder suddenly pulls him close. He goes lax, whimpering as Adder's cock twitches and spills inside him. Adder can only shiver at the display of trust.

After a few moments of panting, he lowers Eben into the water. Adder nuzzles into his crown relishing the scent of himself all over his lover. Eben cuddles into the embrace, kissing Adder on the neck.

"That was out of character for you."

"Is that okay?"

Eben rubs his raw wrists. "More than okay. Usually you treat me like some glass doll."

"You prefer it this way?"

"I just like a little variety, that's all. I still love when you're all soft and gentle with me."

Adder lifts a kiss to Eben's wrist. "I see. Were you satisfied with it?"

Eben pulls Adder's hand into the water to cup his throbbing erection. "I enjoyed it, but it went a little too fast for me."

"Let's catch you up then."

Adder lifts Eben onto the edge of the hot spring. He rubs soft circles into muscled thighs as he kisses the dripping head of Eben's cock. He laps up a bead of precum before lowering his tongue to the base, dragging up slowly root to tip.

He looks up, mouth open wide. Eben's gaze is intense, looking straight into Adder's soul with piercing eyes. He tugs Adder forward by the horn, urging him to start. Adder takes the cue, sinking down. He presses his tongue flat to the underside of the shaft as his head bobs.

Eben smirks. "Look at you. You can be as feral as you want, but what you really need is this. Right?"

Adder nods, tongue swirling around the head of Ebens cock. It's true after all. No matter how pleasurable it is to take control, nothing gets his heart racing like Eben putting him in his place.

"So cute. We're not going to get time alone like this for a while. I better take advantage, huh?"

"Mmm."

Eben grabs Adder by both his horns, forcing him to the root. Adder takes it all, nose pressed into Eben's pubic bone. He nearly goes cross eyed from delight. If he'd not already spent all his energy, his cock would be rock hard at the scent of Eben's musk.

"Fuck. You want to swallow it? You blew your load inside me, it's only fair, right?"

Adder groans an affirmative. He swallows around Eben's cock eagerly.

"Fuck! Take it then!"

Adder squeezes his eyes shut as Eben yanks him by the horns. He gags as Eben's cock throbs in his mouth, filling it with a salty taste. He swallows it obediently, tongue swirling to eek out every last drop.

Eben groans, closing his eyes. He twitches and jolts with every swipe against his cock, until he finally goes soft.

Eben grunts, tucking a strand of hair behind Adder's ear. "Gods be damned. How are you this much of a harlot when I'm your first lover?"

Adder pulls off, kissing Eben's hip. "I had a good teacher."