For Cyril- Stolen from On The Run Meme

[magicink]

Had it been the smartest idea in the world to try and harass a werewolf when you didn’t know which phase of the moon made them a big bag of fur, fleas, and crazy? No. He could admit that. Was it pretty hilarious to see a big raging wolf monster covered in hot pink paint? Definitely. Also the amulet he’d just stolen was going to be invaluable in furthering the cause. So as he ran for his life wondering just where his partners in crime had gone, he turned a corner and saw what could only be a strange portal. Even if he was an ‘enlightened one’ rather than a mere human, that big beast was bearing down on him fast. So he did the umpteenth reckless decision tonight and dove through it.

Barreling into an unfamiliar room, Julian collided with a smaller male form with enough impact to send them both sprawling to the ground and knocking the wind out of both their lungs. In fact, when he finally quite moving from the strange, magical momentum left his head spinning and threatening for a few extra seconds to make him black out. However, he slowly became aware of himself again and the highly inappropriate way he was laying on top of the curious but handsome stranger underneath him.

Comments

[samahl]

Cyril's eyes widened in concern. "Oh... Oh dear. Listen, I should get a healer to see if you were hurt. That and I should have one of my inner circle double check your claims to humanity. It won't hurt you, but we can't be too cautious.

Will you wait a moment to let me get dressed?"

[magicink]

The other man’s sudden concern was sweet and Julian wondered if that move he’d made hadn’t been a little overkill. “How exactly are they going to check my humanity? It’ll be just against being a demon right?”

The suggestion to get dressed drew Julian’s gaze right back to the pretty gown-like thing the guy was wearing. “Well, only if you must. You’re awful cute the way you are.., I never got your name. I’m Julian. Julian Reed.” He extended a hand, hoping they’d managed to get to cordial.

[samahl]

"That's right, if you are not possessed we will not harm you," he promises with authority. He knows this man has a story to tell if he is indeed just a human.

Cyril grins at being called cute, though he isn't sure he's very presentable at the moment. "And I am Cyril from Clan Lavellan. The people here call me Inquisitor. And I hope you don't mind if I avoid giving you my hand until I know for sure it's safe. If you are indeed someone who just happened to accidentally slip through the Veil, I'll happily give you more than that once we're settled." He moves to get a robe to put on over his body and then gestures for Julian to follow him.

There are some stairs to go down which lead into a hallway which takes them to the main throne room of the castle, but Cyril asks Julian to stay behind while he peeks his head out and gets the attention of a guard.

He doesn't want to just go out into the open without clothes on. The rumors alone would be miserable for his ambassador to handle. The guard is asked to get someone named Solas and to give a message to Ambassador Montilyet.

Once the message is sent, Cyril asks Julian to follow him back into the room. It becomes clear that he's guiding Julian around because he doesn't want to lose sight of him, but at least it's with more wary curiosity more than hostility.

When they are back in the bedroom he moves to put on some clothes, but again he doesn't fully leave Julian out of his line of sight. "I apologize for all of this, it's just... it's rather unusual that anyone survives entering a Rift."

[magicink]

'Just a human' might be a lie but at least 'free of demon possession' wasn't! Julian was finding this man more and more fascinating the longer they interacted. He jerked his hand away and immediately apologized when he was reminded that the other man was being cautious about touching him for fear of his demon hitchhiker. "Oh, right! Duh, sorry. Of course you would want- wait- give me more?" Well that was more than enough to get Julian to follow him around the castle like a loyal dog even with his shirt cut open in the back. He pretended not to care, even if he got glances his direction.

It was amazing to be in a genuine castle. As they walked the halls, it was impossible not to stare at all the beautiful architecture and furnishings that were so distinctly Medieval- and yet unique to this world as well. Something told him he wasn't going to get any cell phone reception here.

Whether Julian has caught on that he's being guarded or Cyril is acting as a host, he doesn't let on. In truth, he would react the same either way. He wanted to stay near the only man he knew in this new universe and acting pleasant to him seemed by far the smart thing to do- especially if 'more' really did mean 'more' later.

While Cyril dresses, Julian tries to be a gentleman about things- but might have taken a few peeks (he's only a human with poor will power after all). As if to even the playing field a bit, Julian tugs off his shirt and examines his back in a mirror in Cyril's room. Damn, that might scar. Fortunately most of the marks missed his dragon tattoo, but not all of it.

"It's really alright. It's not like I have somewhere better to be. I'm in a completely different world than my own with no idea how to return to my home. I'm... pretty relieved you're willing to give me the benefit of the doubt and not just assuming the worst. I could've ended up in much worse places than this. And with much less attractive company."

[samahl]

Cyril chuckles at being called attractive company when they hear the bedroom door open. There are stairs that lead up to the main part of the room, so they can't see who enters right away, but eventually, another elf appears.

This one is bald and more humbly dressed than Cyril.

"Inquisitor?" he asks as his eyes glance over Julian and a brow raises slightly.

"Solas!" Cyril says brightly. "Now, I know what this looks like, but you won't believe what just happened. A Rift appeared in my room! And then this beautiful man fell out and ended up right on top of me. Usually, I wouldn't complain about such things, but he's injured and... Well... we should make sure to check that he truly is human, shouldn't we? Could he be like Cole? Or possessed?"

Solas does appear interested in the story as he moves closer. He takes a red potion from one of his pouches and hands it to Julian. "Drink this," he says. His voice is so beautiful and gentle with a soft Welsh or Irish sounding accent.

"Don't worry," Cyril reassures Julian. "It's a healing potion. It should mend the wounds."

[magicink]

Julian has to wonder what 'this looks like' to the man he now knows as Solas. He's standing bare chested in Cyril's bedroom and.. oh, apparently that really isn't something that bothers Cyril at all! For someone who had been so quick to dish out the flirty compliments the remark that Julian was beautiful had the human blushing. It also pretty much confirmed that he'd more than likely be in Cyril's bed before the day was out, which was beyond thrilling.

However, his attention is reluctantly drawn away from Cyril and his gorgeous face to the other man handing him something. He raises an eyebrow but takes it without question. "Thank you," he answers, as he looks at it thoughtfully. He turns it over in his hands and examines the bottle a moment before opening it. Taking a quick sniff, he pauses to give Cyril a smile at the encouragement.

After that, he drinks it down and shudders at the weird sensation that courses through him. It wasn't unpleasant and he was glad he didn't drop the bottle. It was just so weird. There's pressure on his back and shoulder and the raw sensation of new skin before even that tenderness goes away. The potion even heals a little damage he's done to his liver and lungs of late due to his smoking and drinking, causing a cooling sensation in both areas. "Whoa.. that.." He can't think of what to say, so instead looks back in the mirror to see the wounds on his skin have vanished. Looking back at both of the shorter men, he smiles, "Thank you."

A beat.

"What are you two anyway? Your features with the pointy ears and.. you're not human are you?" He knew what these two would be considered from folklore on Earth, but he didn't want to assume what they'd be here. He thought maybe Cyril was just weird, but now that there were two of them, he was sure this was a race thing.

[samahl]

Cyril and Solas exchange a look, though it's hard to tell what the look means.

"We are what remains of the Elvhen," he explains.

Solas doesn't respond to that question, instead, he steps closer and examines Julian. His expression remains unreadable.

"Where are you from?" Solas asks, tone gentle and curious.

[magicink]

"So you are called Elves here," Julian says, more to himself than them, with a nod of his head. He isn't sure what that look was all about, but as new as he was here that wouldn't be the only curious or wrong thing he'll say here. "Um.. I hope that wasn't insulting to ask. I didn't want to just assume that's what you were called. There aren't Elves in my world except in folklore."

That wasn't entirely true. He was pretty sure there were other realms that the werewolves and changelings and maybe some mages could get to that did have Elves, but none that he was familiar with. So as far as he was concerned and Earth was concerned, there were no Elves except in books. "It's simply called Earth. We seem to be in a different point technology-wise from you but much less interesting point as far as company is concerned. Since we don't have Elves, I mean. Or any other races besides humans and animals."

[samahl]

At this, Cyril starts to worry a bit. "Are you feeling all right?" he asks, because he seems worried that Julian has gone completely mad.

Solas, for his part, doesn't say anything, he only seems to be studying Julian with a mildly curious expression.

[magicink]

Julian's smile fades as he realizes neither of the other men are looking at him how he expected them to. He shifts a bit awkwardly in front of them and runs a hand through his hair. "Uh.. yeah, thanks. The potion was awesome. I wish we had that where I'm from but we don't."

He looked between the men again and could tell there was still a disconnect here somehow. "Why? Is it too hard for you guys to believe another world doesn't have Elves?"

[samahl]

"It's... difficult to believe that you came from another world at all," Cyril replied delicately. "Though, I suppose if there is Thedas and the Fade, there may be some places between and beyond that." After a moment of considering that, he focuses on Solas. "Do you think it possible, Solas?"

Solas is still rather quiet, but he hums thoughtfully. "Perhaps. In all my travels in the Fade I've never meant a spirit mentioning another world, but it's possible this Earth is not connected to the Veil. Still, to think the Rifts would have reached such a place?"

Cyril nodded. "And that it might bring someone here? Imagine how much confusion that will cause. If you had ended up in the middle of a village they would have tried to kill you on the spot for fear you were a demon." Cyril explains to Julian.

[magicink]

"Ooh, right. That- that does make sense," Julian agreed. Most people would have a hard time with that concept. Well, shit. How was he supposed to explain why he didn't have a problem with it? It was a new and exciting experience for him to be in a different world. He never would've thought this would happen to him. However, he knew other worlds existed, or had believed. To see it now confirmed had only made him more confident in that part of himself that saw the universe as bigger and, honestly, better than Earth itself.

But that wasn't normal. Which is his whole problem here. "There are places on Earth I would've gotten killed for the same thing too. It just seemed the best option in that moment. I- I wish I could uh.. I don't know.. show you or something, but I don't have the ability to prove that I'm telling you the truth. Except.. you said, Cyril, that this guy could tell if I'm a demon or not, right? Can you do that now? I swear I'm nothing evil."

[samahl]

"I can tell, and you are not," Solas replies. "Though you do have an unfamiliar magic about you. It could be because of this other world, or crossing through the Fade, or, perhaps, you are a mage?" Solas replies. He still seems more curious and thoughtful than anything, but that seems to just be the way he is.

Cyril seems intrigued and interested more than anything. "That's a relief. Demon free means you are safe to be around."

[magicink]

Julian started to smile hearing the man confirm he wasn't a demon, but it vanishes immediately at the news he has a magical aura. It fades so much so that by the time he's asked pointblank if he's a mage, he's going pale. He'd never been called out before! Back home it was deadly dangerous to be known as a mage and now he was in a strange place and being outed? For a moment, he couldn't breathe the question left him so afraid.

However, Cyril was so cute and friendly and they were both still being as easy going as they had been this whole time. It was confusing and he wasn't sure how to handle it.

Dropping his gaze, he finally mustered up the courage to respond to that. "Very, very few mages are in my world and it's.. uh.. even reality itself can kill us if we're too obvious about it. The creature that was after me was a werewolf who had um.. you know.. i- is this something I can keep secret here or is it so easy for others to tell like you do Solas?"

[samahl]

When Cyril notices that Julian is turning pale he moves closer. He settles a hand gently on Julian's arm. "It's all right," he promises. "The Inquisition is an ally to all mages, including you."

Solas nods at that, though he still mostly seems impassive. "I can tell because I am connected to the Veil, and it is responding to your presence. I am a mage as well," he offers. He holds up a hand and calls a bit of flame to it before closing his fist and banishing it away. He mostly does it to put Julian at ease. "I have many questions for you," he admits after a moment. "And how you were able to travel through the Veil, but for now you likely need some time to settle in. I would also like to do some research into your situation.

Perhaps... we can meet later today?"

Cyril's hand hasn't moved from Julian's arm, though he seems to want Julian to answer.

[magicink]

"Y- you're sure?" He asked, finding it hard to believe that they were talking so casually about mages. Sure he could talk about it with his cabal back home, but they were the only ones. "Are they not a secret here?"

His eyes widen with surprise at the blatant use of magic and the ease at which Solas can use it. It was humbling that these two trusted him so much after knowing so little about him. Although it seemed only fair, he was obviously putting a lot of trust in them- his whole life in fact- but to risk Paradox if he were a sleeper...

He nodded at Solas' request. "Yeah, of course. I'll answer whatever I can. But I pretty much just leaped into the portal and came barreling out the other side.. into um.."

He glanced down and finally noticed that Cyril was standing close and had his hand supportively on his arm. The pretty man made him smile. "Thank you. Both of you. I'm really lucky to have found myself here." And after an initial glance in Solas' direction, however sincere, he was focused more on Cyril.

[samahl]

"I wouldn't be as sure about that," Cyril said. "Thedas is in the middle of some turmoil."

"Mages have only recently gained their freedom, as well," Solas explains. "Magic makes most humans here nervous. You can be open with what you are, but be careful."

Cyril grins up at Julian and wraps his arm around him. "Careful, yes. Hidden, no. I don't want people in this castle to feel as if they have to hide who they are."

Solas tilts his head in a gentle agreement and then begins to step away. "I'll leave you both to allow our newcomer to settle in. If you need anything, Inquisitor...?"

"Of course, my friend. Thank you for your help."

[magicink]

Why did humans always have to be the prejudice ones? It seemed that way in fiction and in his experience both. Either the sleepers couldn't handle anything that threatened their perception of reality or they had to go try to kill anything that looked different from them. It was exhausting and embarrassing that that race was his own. Sort of. He liked to believe he'd 'ascended' the race by becoming a mage, but that was only partially true.

His hand slides around Cyril too as he gets even closer. He was getting more distracted from the very kind other elf. Just as Solas left, Julian's hand went to downward to squeeze one of Cyril's ass cheeks briefly. Turning in his arms so he was facing him, he touched the pretty elf's face gently. "You're a dangerous little thing, aren't you? Think I can see what's under those pants again?" He leaned down and kissed Cyril heatedly.

[samahl]

Cyril wasn't expecting for the human who had fallen from the Fade to be so willing to play so quickly, but he doesn't seem to mind. He turns into Julian and smirks.

"As long as I get to see what's under yours."