“Maybe... maybe we can wait a little longer.” he murmured, the words delicate and full of quiet longing. “Have some time for ourselves.”
His kiss spoke the words he hadn’t yet found, the quiet promise of what could be and the raw vulnerability of stepping into the unknown.
When he finally pulled back, his breath mingled with hers, his cheeks flushed and his grip on her soft but lingering.
His breath caught as Beth’s lips met his, the world narrowing to that single, tender point of contact. As she began to pull away, he moved instinctively, his hands finding her waist, firm but gentle. He drew her back, closing the space between them as his lips claimed hers again, deeper this time.
The words hung between them, and he realized his own sappiness a moment too late. His cheeks warmed, and he quickly averted his gaze, the cool confidence he aimed for slipping.
“Should we... maybe find the others?” he added, his eyes darting around the magical venue.
Kael’s ears twitched slightly at her compliment and touch, a soft flush creeping up his neck. He cleared his throat, struggling to keep his composure.
“I... uh, I’ve tried my best to match your beauty.” he said, voice gentle and a soft smile on his lips. “But I fear I’m doomed to eternally fail.”
Perhaps his teachers were truly wrong after all.
Kael turned, offering his hand as Beth stepped into the Fade. As she did, he felt all unease vanish, every sense drawn to her.
She looked breathtaking.
@bethanyderiva.bsky.social
His steps were hesitant, a lifetime of teachings making him wary of the Fade’s magic and its inhabitants.
But as the scene unfolded before him, his fears unraveled. Bellara had spoken of such wonders, of magic’s gentler side, and now, she was about to live a dream of her own. He smiled.
Kael stepped through the portal, his long green coat adorned with golden ivy embroidery catching the light. His brown leather vest and polished metallic arm matched the embellishments, every detail crafted with care.
A wasp of sorts, with a syringe-like stinger and a glass abdomen brimming with liquid. He gently turned his wrist, studying the sample it carried. The city’s chaos seemed to melt away around him as he focused, his expression a mix of concentration and quiet urgency.
Kael stood at the edge of the canal, his metallic arm extended, the gem in his palm casting a soft glow. A detailed map of Treviso hovered above his hand, dots moving in real-time across the city’s layout. His sharp eyes remained fixed on a tiny clockwork insect.
-blinks twice as he reads the scroll, a warm smile tugging at his lips-
Of course I'll go. I wouldn't miss it for the world.
“I thought most Crows were Antivan… how long have you been with them?” He kept his tone casual, though the question held more weight than the simple curiosity it appeared to be.
“I… forgot,” he muttered under his breath, blinking in surprise at the casual mention of her being there to kill. It was easy to forget she was an assassin. He took a moment to process, then, his curiosity piqued, he tilted his head slightly, studying her more intently.
He quickly masked it, but the flash of recognition in his eyes couldn’t be missed. Kirkwall.
His mind briefly flickered with memories, but he buried it quickly, focusing back on Beth as she spoke about her role in the Crows.
Kael’s shoulders relaxed slightly when Beth mentioned the opulence, the tension easing from his posture as he squeezed her hand in return, the slight blush lingering at the tip of his ears. He gave a quiet chuckle, his lips curling into a smile. But then, his jaw tightened, and his brow twitched.
“I grew up in the countryside. Then the military. And Arlathan. This much gold in one place feels excessive.”
He exhaled, steadier now, as unease gave away to something new. “I’m okay. And… I can’t wait to see what’s next. It’s my first opera.” His eyes glimmered with something almost boyish.
His ears burned as he cleared his throat, his gaze flickering away before hesitantly meeting theirs again.
“I- yeah,” he admitted, voice softer than usual. “I’m just… not used to this.” His lips twitched in a self-conscious smile.
Kael’s breath hitched, caught off guard by the warmth of Beth’s hands cradling his face. Never, not once, had someone steadied him like this. He was always the one keeping others upright, bearing the weight.
It was excessive, overwhelming in its grandeur, and so far from the world he knew. Of forests, of battlefields, of quiet rural nights.
Yet, with Beth beside him, he steadied, adjusting his coat. His grip on their arm tightened slightly, as if grounding himself.
“It’s… impressive.” he muttered.
@bethanyderiva.bsky.social
Kael stepped into the opera house, Beth on his arm, and for the first time in years, he felt truly out of place. His usual stern composure wavered as his sharp gaze swept over the gilded moldings and the cascading chandeliers that bathed everything in golden light.
By the time they returned, his usual composure had mostly settled back into place, except for the slight pink dusting his ears.
He offered his arm with quiet elegance, his voice warm but still a little unsure. “Of course.” he said gently. "Let us go."
Kael stood frozen for a moment, the warmth of Beth’s kiss lingering on his cheek. He blinked, then exhaled softly, his lips curving into the faintest smile.
As they rushed off, he straightened his coat, taking a steadying breath.
Kael paused for a moment, his fingers nervously brushing his collar, before offering her the bouquet with a soft, sincere smile. "For you."
“Well, uh...” He stammered, eyes darting away for a moment as he tried to gather his thoughts. “I didn’t mean it like that. I-I think you’re beautiful all the time, but tonight... you just look...” He swallowed, his voice softening, “...incredible.”
His ears flushed a deep shade of red at Beth’s teasing. His nervousness intensified, and he shifted his weight from foot to foot, fumbling with the bouquet of wildflowers. His usual stern composure melting in the face of her playfulness.
His grip on the simple bouquet he was holding tightened nervously, as a bashful smile curled his lips.
“Hi.” He whispered, eyes locked on her. "You look... different." he paused, eyes flickering down for just an instant. "... Beautiful."
Kael stood by the door, his long coat with silver embroidery and dark green vest giving him a polished, dashing look. As Beth stepped into view, his heart skipped a beat. The silver corset and translucent cape shimmered with every step, leaving him breathless.
