{Bayward} An Eye for Details [Mature]

[Zasalamir]

Ymiden, 15th Arc 718

Zasalamir had been living in Bayward for four trials now, getting comfortable with his new surroundings. He spent most of his time at the docks watching the machinations of the many businesses, be it legal or otherwise. He found this place to be far more of an opportunity that he first realized when discussing it with his father. In the beginning he saw this excursion as ill necessary but didn't want to argue and agreed to go along with the plan. Establish a base of operations and secure a distributor. He came to realize his objective was going to be harder that he thought to accomplish. Looking at the demographic of Bayward, he knew without a doubt that their product would sell. It would only take one try for them to get hooked and word to spread, which was both a good and bad thing. good for business but bad as it would no doubt piss off the current drug lord of the region. In any case Zasalamir wasn't all to worried about that part. He was certain he could find some able body mercenaries willing to act as body guards once the coin came flowing in. For now he would settle on spectating the people of his new home. The day was still early and he had much of Bayward to take in.

He found himself meandering through the dusty streets listening and watching, etching every detail he could into his mind. From a spectator's point of view he seemed like a tourist taking in the sights, but in reality Zasalamir was making notes of the type of business Bayward had. With no real law like he grew up abiding by, he came to appreciate the freedom this place offered, even if that freedom of law meant nothing could be done if you were robbed or killed. He did notice there was definately a black market in Baayward, had to be, as this was the perfect place for one. He took in the many courtasans out and about swaying drunks into their skirts and out of their coin, a skill he would use once he got his drugs out on the market. A smile painted his face as he continued to walk through the bustling docks of the city. The smell of the salt and sea air was refreshing to him, so much so, he decided to stroll down the beaches.

The rays of the sun kissed his skin as he walked the beaches. The warmth of the sand accompanied by the cool breeze of the sea was a relaxing way to end a successful day of observation. He decided to take advantage of the vacancy of the beach to become one with his new surroundings. Stripping down he laid out on the sand and basked in the sun and the warmth it provided, allowing for it to cover him, a smile forming on his lips and chuckle escaping them. Sitting up he looked to the ocean and the inviting waves and serene blue hue it was. Seeing it as an offer he couldnt ignore he got up and immersed himself in the cooling waters. It was like being home in Desnind, bathing in the river or lake in the forests. Emerging from the water heading toward where his clothes lay he couldnt help but think of his mother and wondering what she could be doing, if she even remembers him, or wants to remember him.

"Sev ioisi idakẹjẹ mänyän ayipada hìtua kikọsilẹ snẹyä tä ïstïnbädï eo"

. He said laying on his pants as he allowed his body to air dry.

[Jonathan Burr]

Jonathan had enjoyed his little side trip to Bayward. It was beautiful this time of year and close enough to Ne’haer to warrant a day trip. It was nice to smell the salt air and enjoy the sun on his skin. He’d covered up appropriately of course; he was a mage with gemstones studding his arms and shoulders. He was a walking nel mine even if they looked past the fact that he was a mage. So even on this lovely Ymiden day he wore long sleeves and a scarf around his throat. His face, with its deep furrows on his lips, he could put down to being an old wound. No one would question it unless he did the foolish thing of moving them independently. He was well aware of his mutations and the limits of them.

The beach was gorgeous. Sands that scrunched under his boots so invitingly that he had to sit down and take them off. He burrowed his toes in it, feeling the warmth that the tiny fragments of rock had soaked up from the sun. The slight feel of moisture when he buried his toes deeper. He grinned like a child and played for a little bit. This was perfection. He only wished he could shed his clothing and truly soak in the sun. Right now it was more of a painfully cloying thing that ate at his clothes and made him feel stuffy.

He got up and walked down the beach, seeking some sort of solitude to peel off his layers. That was when he saw him. The angelic creature laying on his wet clothes on the beach. As far as Jon could see, he was entirely nude. Jons eyes raked over the impressive blonde mane flung out on the sands, trailed down the attractively chiseled face and chest. He didn’t particularly want to sit there and stare but he didn’t want to startle the man either. He blushed and slowly sat down a few feet away from him. He cleared his throat. “You’re a brave man eliminating tan lines like that.” He greeted him cheerfully. “I haven’t seen you around before.”

"Talkin"

[Zasalamir]

Ymiden, 15th Arc 718

He was one with the sand beneath him as well as the sea breeze that teased his hair. The Sun doing its job as to dry him off from his dip into the sea. Laying he continued to bask in the glory of his surroundings. Looking into the sky he watched the clouds sail by, hearing to the gulls as they traversed the air, free and uninhibited by rules and limitations of the world. He wished to be that free, not having to worry about the rules and regulations of society. But alas he knew better, that and his father ensured to instill a work ethic into Zasalamir. He frowned at that thought which caused him to turn over and lay on his stomach, using his hands as a head rest. It was then he heared something, sounded like footsteps to him, but he was'nt totally sure. It got louder, which meant whoever was walking was getting closer. The figure soon came into view which caused Zasalamir to raise an eye at him. To come all this way in that style of dress, he was either embodiment of being cold blood, or he was crazy. Either way the man's words caused Zasalamir to set up on his elbows, his semi-dry golden tresses falling over his face as his blue eyes gazed over the man.

"I just moved here not too long ago"

. He said as he sat up before standing. As he approach he was able to see the man a little better now. He was handsome, but that was only an outward appearance. Zasalamir wanted to know more, but he would address his other statement before digging deeper into who was trying to be friendly with him. He stood infront of the stranger, arms crossed over his chest with a small smirk on his face.

"Whats so brave about wearing the skin your born with. Its not the first time someone has been naked on a beach, it surely wont be the last. Besides if there is anything brave, its coming out in Ymiden in longsleeves and a scarf."

He said chuckling as he extending a hand to the male.

"I go by Zasalamir, who might you be my overly dressed friend?"

His blue orbs doing their best to hie the fact Zasalamir was etching every detail about the stranger before him he could.

[Jonathan Burr]

Jon watched the handsome man flip onto his stomach. Now that was a hard sight to miss. Jon was fixated, enchanted by the golden cat laying on the sands before him. He was perfectly shaped, and his fingers itched to run through those long aurelic locks. He was staring, he knew he was staring, but it was difficult with such a shapely posterior facing him. He couldn’t help but blush when the man rose and made a note of his state of dress. Jon was hideously uncomfortable. He shrugged his shoulders. It was hot and sweaty but what could he do? There was no other way to hide his mutations. If he revealed himself now to the man he’d panick and fetch the guards.

He smiled instead, his eyes roaming down that shapely figure. He almost didn’t notice the hand that was offered to him, but he shook it gladly. “Jonathan Burr. I wish I could be as naked as you but I’m afraid people would react poorly. In truth this is the singular most uncomfortable thing I’ve worn all season...I prefer no shoes or shirts. I don’t take it quite as far as you. Even if the water does look inviting.” He stared wistfully at the waves. He wished he could be free amongst them. He wanted to shred this stupid fabric and let the topaz on his body shine in the sun. He wanted to romance this pretty creature in front of him who seemed so free.

Jon nodded at the waves. “Ever wish you could be part of them? Free of what people expect of you? Free of judgement and fear?” He asked, his voice heavy. He wished he could be free. Free of Alistairs hatred of his Harvester. Free of his own drug addiction. Free of the trepidation about his magic that warranted such garb. He looked around. There was no one. The men on the docks were too far away to see him clearly, “Damn people and their thoughts.” He declared to his new friend.

The scarf went onto the sands as did the coat and the shirt after it. Jon stretched himself. The crystals on the back of his neck, shoulders and along his forearms cast glittering amber light on the sands. They looked like chips of flaming sun in the light. Jon was just relieved the sea breeze wrapped around him and cooled his body. It wicked away his sweat and left him much cooler. He glanced at Zasalamir, unsure of how he’d react.

"Talkin"

[Zasalamir]

Ymiden, 15th Arc 718

Zasalamir smirked noticing the stare of Jonathan, shaking the man's had and getting a feel of his skin, the strength of his handshake. He was use to the stares, he after all was of mixed blood and many found his mixture to be very alluring. Jonathan's words and inquiry made him raise a brow, but understanding where the man was coming from. Turning to face the azure waters he nodded.

"I once longed to be free, I was the pawn of my fathers ambitions. Though still under his influence I have my freedom, a freedom that will lay the ground work for my father's undoing."

He said, the smirk on his face growing into a smile from the thought. His head turned hearing the man and his curse, watching him discard the upper half of his clothing. Such a fine specimen of man hiding under stifling restraints. But it wasn't his physical form that caught Zasalamir's interest, though impressive as it was, no it was the shimmering amber that adorned the man's skin.

It was without a doubt a marvelous sight to behold. Without even knowing his body moved close, kneeling in front of Jonathan as he traced the gem with his finger, taking in the feel against his fingers. As a man who grew up in the jewelry trade of Etzos, he couldn't help himself.

"Bu-eaz".

He said, his eyes full of curiosity and completely enthralled by their brilliance. The shaping, almost like reptilian scales and such.

"You are a transmutor".

He said running his hands along Jonathan's arms, almost drooling. Then he realized what he was doing and smacked himself, going into a kneeling bow.

"Please forgive me, I come from a family of jewelers and jewelry makers and have an avid fascination and love for gemstones. I didnt mean to overstep your personal bounds by touching them".

[Jonathan Burr]

Whatever the reaction Jonathan was imagining in his mind, he didn't imagine what was going to happen next. He pictured running. Perhaps a cry for help; guards, come fetch the mage to be burned. Maybe a little fear or trepidation. Certainly not what he got. Zasalamir stepped close to him and knelt in front of him, taking his arm and tracing over the topaz with his fingers. Jon shivered a little; he'd known that he could feel the gems as if they were a part of him. They weren't dead rocks. They were living and breathing with magic and ether. He bit his lip nervously, looking down at Zasalamir's adoration of his body. He couldn't help but be affixed a little on the situation. The man was far too close to bits of his anatomy that desperately wanted to feel that touch. Yet the idea of acceptance prevented him from pushing that envelope. Zasalamir wasn't afraid, or hateful. No, what he saw in the blonde's eyes was wonder. "I...I am. You're..not put off by it?" he quested.

The bow was even more unexpected and Jon knelt next to the man. He'd grown up in a lapidary as well? He blinked; he hadn't known that men so different in appearance would have so much in common. He grinned. "Which Lapidary?" he asked. "My father was Emethil Burr. He was known for his gemstones. Particularly rubies and emeralds. I grew up in Etzos." he gently touched Zasalamir's face to guide him out of the bow. "I can't believe you're not afraid. Most people are put off by this. That aren't mages, anyway. Are you...do you have a Spark?"

He took Zasalamir's hand in his own and put the blonde's fingers back on his forearm. "Touch all you like. Just uh...don't pull. I can feel them, you know." he mentioned. "Touch anything you like." he chuckled and winked.

'What is it with humans and rocks?' Hob complained loudly in his head. The Harvester was, of course, watching and listening to everything Jonathan said and did. Abberants formed close bonds with Emean horrors known as Harvesters. Every monster drastically different in personality and appearance, and all of them driven by the lust for ether.

[Zasalamir]

Ymiden, 15th Arc 718

"Why would I need to fear you? I don't have time to be shackled by such an emotion such as fear. Besides I have no afterlife to put you in as I'm no immortal, i don't judge. You are one with who you are. That an my father has mage clients, which is why i can tell you are a transmuter. They frequented the estate and i had the pleasure of examining their gems, but none as miraculous as yours. I've never seen topaz with such brilliant shine as these, I'm impressed."

He replied, Jonathan's hand lifting his face. It seemed the two man where from the same place, Etzos. He was of the Burr house, a well known house in the stone business.

"I am from the House Escolothe', my father is Draigomir Escolothe' though many know him as the Gem Baron, a foolish title but it fits him. He specialized in sapphires, topaz, and diamonds."

he said smiling.

"As for my spark, I am without one. I'm no mage sadly, though it would be nice to have the spark. As fascinated as i am with it, my passion is in apothecary and herbal medicines and gemstones. "

he mused, running his hand through his now dried locks. But something kept nagging at his mind as Jonathan guided his hands back onto the gems that adorned his body. His playful flirtation at the end sparked the memory that was pulling at the back of his mind.

"Now I remember you, or at least the rumors that surround you. Jonathan the Wild Burr, king of hedonism, prince of debauchery. You were quite the talk of Etzos growing up. My father warned me to stay clear of you growing up, warning that you would corrupt my soul with your taint. "

A laugh escaped his lips with those words as he examined the topaz inlaid on Jonathan's arms, caressing the large gem at the nape of the man's neck. The touch of the stone was exhilarating, sending chills down Zasalamir's spine.

"It must have been nice to be so free back then, only to become shackled by the thoughts and perception of the world around you because of the path you chose to follow. Everyone has a journey they must endure, be it into the light or within the darkness. Who is to say which path is right? As long as you are following the voices of your spirit who's to say your path is wrong."

He philosophized, lifting the man's arm to feel the gems on the underside of it.

"I am curious to know, do these gems only grow on your upper body?"

[Jonathan Burr]

Jon was thunderstruck. This man didn’t judge him for being a mage, and knew him from Etzos. He blushed hotly at the reputation he’d garnered in his youth. It had been a colorful one. He’d slept with every man that smiled at him and took enough drugs to overdose a small dragon. He had truly been a prince of debauchery back then and it was likely that another man in the gem trade had overheard the wild Burr child and warned his handsome son about him. He shook his head. “I’m not that way anymore. I’m clean. Off drugs and I haven’t slept around in a very long time. I...didn’t know people like you existed. Nonjudgmental. I...I can’t help it. I’m spellbound.” He whispered softly. This man understood him. Loved the gems in his skin. He smiled and blushed a little at the thought of gemstones even further down. “They’re in my arms and shoulders.” He said, lifting his hand to touch Zasalamir ‘s cheek. But there was no harm in letting him look was there?

“You’re the most beautiful soul I’ve ever seen. Your spirit is as calming as the waters here. How many are there like you? Totally and completely at peace with themselves and the world?” He was drawn in to that golden face, framed by the light shining off of the water. Jon had never felt more accepted than he did at that moment. Never felt more at peace and unafraid. He pressed his lips to Zasalamir’s, full of quiet passion. He wanted to explore this one completely and utterly. He pulled the other close to him, enfolding him in an embrace framed with gemstones. Amber and orange light shine against the other man’s skin as Jon kissed him. He opened his lips a little, his tongue darting out and inviting the other to play. If Zasalamir explores a little he would find Jons lips split sharply into four, his mouth opening vertically as well as horizontally.

Jon needed to feel the other, skin to skin. He shed the last of his clothing with one hand furiously undoing his trousers and pushing them away. It was less about sex and more about contact. He needed to feel every inch of his flesh against the other’s. He hoped Zasalamir would feel the same way. He was enchanted so quickly he wondered if the other wasn’t some sort of Empath. Or maybe he had been seeking acceptance for so long that he harbored in this very pretty creatures embrace.
"Talkin"

[Zasalamir]

Ymiden, 15th Arc 718

'Funny, I always seem to have that effect on men and woman. Though im glad to hear you have changed that aspect of your life for the better."

teased, studying the man's gems intently, not noticing what was unfolding before him. Unaware of the affection he was getting, though he realized full well the situation he was in when Jon touched his face, something that sent a chill of surprise, but soon a flow of calm would rest on Zasalamir again, as he wasn't adverse to it in the least. Breaking from his intense enthrallment of the gems, he stared into the man's eyes and say what he could only translate as "longing". He could only imagine the loneliness that mages feel being ostrasized as evil, and Jon was no exception, as he was hiding his gems when they first met indicating he didnt want people to know he was touched by the spark. The blonde chuckled at his compliment, not knowing what to really say, not that hed be given a chance, as Jonathan pressed his lips against Zasalamir's. Feeling the passion this man had only made Zasa give into the situation more, wrapping his arms around jon's neck as to pull his own body closer to the mage. "This is my first kiss after 27 arc, Im glad I waited" he thought to himself as he gave in more and more to the embrace, has back arching a little as he accepted Jon's tongue with his own, dancing behind their mouths as the two men embraced each other.

Zasalamir never broke the kiss Jon proceeded to become as free as Zasalamir was in both body and soul. Now bare and exposed he couldnt help run his hands along Jon's back, his left hand cupping the back of Jon's head as his right hand rested right above his tail bone. He would use his tongue and glide it from Jon's mouth to his cheek, then to his earlobes and on to his neck, then returning to the man's ear.

"You should calm your heart, the longing will eventually stop hurting, but only if you allow it to heal. Your spirit is erratic, not knowing where it is you belong in this world, and whether you made the right choice in your life up till now."

He whispered into Jon's ear, teasing the man's earlobe with his tongue, straddling the man's lap while still in his arms, his own of which were still in their place along the back of Jon's head and perched above his posterior. His skin upon Zasalamir's was something new for him, he had never been like this with anyone, but he want to experience everything he could, and Jon seemed like the perfect one to explore, now being able to take in his body, his chest, his arms, his back, the comfort of his lap and legs. Zasalamir was content in Jon's embrace and the embrace of the amber and orange that coated them from the sunlight.

[Jonathan Burr]

Jon was lonelier than most. He was an Aberrant, a class of mages hated and feared. Mostly, given his activities as of late in the woods, for good reason. Mages like him had the ability to destroy the soul. Simply put not even an Immortal could spare a man that fate. There was no afterlife for the men that Jonathan killed. It was an addiction, one that tended to consume its mages and drive them mad. It was a miracle that Jon hadn't fallen prey to it. It was driving a wedge between him and his lover, and to have someone just...accept him without hesitation was incredible. Even if Zasalamir didn't know yet what he was. Jon would introduce him to it, slowly. Right now all he wanted to think about was the touch of skin against skin, and the younger man's lips on his. Desire flooded his body as Zasalamir settled into his lap, and he settled his hands on the man's rear to support him.

"How do you know me so well?" he whispered back, turning his head and capturing the man's lips again. He didn't want this to start out being built on deception. Nor built entirely on sex. He was enchanted by Zasalamir, and the calmness of the man's spirit. He deserved better. He broke the kiss and held the man on his lap, moving to his shoulder and giving him affectionate little kisses there. "Listen to me. I want to get to know you better. I don't want to just...dive into sleeping with you. Even though I'm sure you can feel everything in me wants to. I appreciate...that you don't judge me for my Transmutation. But there are things, much deeper things that you need to know." he said quietly. "If...if you don't have business here...would you like to go somewhere with me?"

Jon stroked his fingers up and down Zasalamir's back. He already held great affection for this intoxicating young man. Zasalamir was shockingly perceptive, and Jon ached for a sympathetic and nonjudgmental ear. Aberration was a step too far for so many people, he needed to make sure the other was alright with it. Or at least if he could make peace with Hob.
'Oh trust me, this boy doesn't know what he's getting into.'