the untitled medieval beast - Christian & Markus
A snippet showing a bit of the dynamic and play between these two characters. Love 'em both!
Christian slumped back against the table, dropping his chin to his chest with a long sigh. The shouts of servants and soldiers echoed around him, crisp footfalls and sharp commands loud in his tired ears, each sound jarring him back from the edge of sleep. He pulled Markus' coat closer about his body, arms pressed tight against his chest, and closed his eyes. The wool was warm about him, a welcome comfort after more than an hour of riding through the chill autumn air with nothing more than a hastily donned house outfit and cloak for protection.
He inhaled deeply, enjoying the relative warmth of the indoor air and how it soothed the rawness of his throat and chest. An inviting scent flooded his senses, a masculine spiciness undercut by the faint tang of sweat. The hairs on his arms stood on end as the sensuality of the scent washed over him - warm, male, and familiar.
Christian bit his lip, cheeks coloring even as he sank deeper into the heavy housecoat, indulging in the illusion of another man's embrace. It means nothing that it's Markus. I like how the coat smells, that's all. He rubbed at his arms as if he could smooth the hairs through the heavy fabric, but his skin prickled more in response.
He's not bad-looking, Christian grudgingly admitted, kicking at the floor, but I'd sooner rot. The vampire has more of a chance.
A thought drifted to the front of his mind. Walther could have been out there, you know.
He made a face and dismissed the worry. Possible dangers of past actions were often the focus of worries, scolding, and lectures in the Alkwin manor.
From Sir Wilhelm, that is.
Christian's frown deepened as his thoughts turned to what Wilhelm would have to say about Walther's attack. Wilhelm had always been quick to criticize Julian for trivial faults; imagining his wrath upon learning that Anna had been injured while Julian was on guard made Christian wince.
He won't spare a moment to consider my lord's pain and guilt.
Christian sighed. At least the two elder barons would return at the same time; Johann would step in and curb his brother's temper before too much damage was done. And Anna would add her support, pointing out that the situation would have been grave indeed if Julian had not come to drive the vampire away.
He closed his eyes, the little part of the scene he had witnessed racing through his mind - Julian leaping at the vampire, Walther's dissolution into mist and hasty retreat. That the creature had been driven off successfully was a miracle in itself.
I'll have a hard time keeping my tongue if it comes to accusations...
"Let's go."
Christian started at the sudden interruption. Markus had appeared from nowhere, fully dressed in the light leather armor both households preferred, a heavy cloak draped over one arm. He laughed, clearly amused by Christian's reaction. "Wake up, love."
Christian scowled, blushing despite himself. "I'm perfectly awake!"
"Are you ready?" Markus asked again, holding out his free hand. Christian accepted it after a moment's hesitation, allowing Markus to pull him to his feet.