Lover's Twilight round 2 part 3 Aqualegia.

Alex had only taken a small sip from the flask before climbing up behind Walter, his right arm clasped tightly round the big man's waist, snuggled close to his back, feeling safe and warm. For some unaccountable reason, his mind kept replaying the coupling he had witnessed between this man and the Prince: but instead of the Prince's face, framed on the dark pillow, it was his own.

A rumble of thunder, followed by the gyrfalcon's call, brought him from his reverie, and he looked around to gain some idea of the direction in which they were riding. He could feel the rumbling of Walter's voice echoing through the body in front of him, muttering curses about the weather.

There was something familiar about this place, something which brought back a happy memory for him. He closed his eyes for a moment to concentrate, and suddenly felt light headed when he realised that he had taken shelter nearby when he had been travelling southward toward Aquila with Pandemonium and Samson.

"Sir, there is somewhere we can take shelter nearby," he called out.

"I don't see anything. How do you know?" Skinner demanded.

"I've been this way before. In a short while you will come to a stream, cross it, then turn west. I didn't find it, the house I mean, one of my travelling companions saw it while gathering wood and water for our camp. It had been long abandoned, but there were signs that it had been used as a shelter before, so it so others might be there... if travellers still come anywhere near Aquila."

Skinner gave a derisory snort. "There aren't many that foolish any more. In fact, even the slave caravans now give the kingdom a wide berth, preferring to camp over the border where his Grace has no authority."

Alex sighed. "I'm sure if Pandemonium had known of the situation he would not have entered the Kingdom either."

"Pandemonium?"

"Whether he had another name I don't know, but he, and Samson, found me after I had escaped from the slavers, and took care of me."

Skinner looked thoughtful, there was obviously far more to this young man's story then just being owned by the Bishop of Aquila. Maybe it hadn't even been the Bishop who had been responsible for the boy's shape-changing abilities. "How long ago were you here, and what made you turn off the road in the first place?"

"At the beginning of spring, four years ago. Many people had died of the fever that winter, we three had been ill too, and were taking a long time to feel well. Pandemonium decided we needed to go somewhere warmer, but the roads were dreadful and we hadn't much energy, then the horse got a stone bruise. Samson pulled the waggon into the woods, and found the house. Then Pandemonium became ill again, and we stayed here for quite a while."

When Alex fell silent, Skinner didn't push for more information, but he promised himself that they would have a long talk about Alex's past at a more convenient time.

With the gyrfalcon wheeling overhead, they followed the stream in silence, to where it emerged from a small wood near the base of a cliff. When they had passed through the screen of trees, Walter commanded Goliath to halt, unable to see anything looking like a house hewn out of the cliff face. Thunder rumbled again, and the first large drops of rain started to fall. Skinner urged the stallion forward heading for an overhang where they could shelter until they found the entrance to the dwelling Alex said was here.

The Prince started to follow them, then spotting what looked like a small cave near the cliff top, he headed for that instead.

When they reached the overhang they dismounted, and Alex felt bereft, disorientated, now that he was no longer touching the Captain. Shaking his head, he went to where Skinner had placed the saddlebags. Taking out the flask that John and Rollo had given him, he took another small sip, hoping that its supposed rejuvenating qualities would make him feel less light-headed.

Meanwhile, Skinner had stripped the saddle from his horse and given the animal a quick rub down with some handfuls of dried grass. Then, after laying his cloak over Goliath's back, he turned his attention back to the problem with getting inside a house he couldn't see, and was not really convinced that it existed at all.

"Well little rat, how do we get into this dwelling?" Skinner asked impatiently, well aware that should the rain become much heavier the overhang would not provide them with enough shelter.

Alex, who had been sitting with his back to the wall, watching the play of Skinner's muscles under his shirt, frowned while he concentrated on the question he had been asked. Rather unsteadily, he got to his feet, and felt his way along the rock face. "I know it's along here somewhere," he muttered as his right hand traced a path upwards along a vertical crack, then, with an exclamation of satisfaction, he jerked his hand outwards and started to pull on a thick, plaited leather loop.

As soon as he saw what the young man was up to, Skinner grasped hold of the loop too, and added his weight to the task. Imperceptibly at first a door started to open, not outwards as the larger man had expected, but inwards. Once it was half open there was a loud click. Alex let go of the handle and started to push on the door itself, while saying, "We can go inside now, the door won't close unless we release the latch. When I was here last there were some candles on the shelf to the left of the door."

Skinner went to his saddlebags and took out his tinder box before going back to the door and stepping carefully over the high threshold. Standing still until his eyes had accustomed to the gloom, he looked around him to make sure that there was nothing in his path before making his way to the shelf on which he could see two large, church candles. Taking flint and steel he struck them together, igniting the horsehair and wood shaving mixture, from which he lit the smaller of the two candles first. When both candles were alight, he took one and moved further away from the door, holding it above his head to cast light as far as he could. Behind the door to his right a flight of broad, stone stairs wound out of sight, on this floor were four stalls, a large rough hewn table, some benches and two cots. Hearing the noise behind him, he turned to find that Alex had brought the saddlebags inside.

"We'd better get Goliath, and his saddle, inside, my lord. The rain is starting to beat in."

"Yes, you're right. See if you can find a taper to light some of the other candles in here, while I see to Goliath."

Alex nodded, and turned to the shelf where a large box held tapers and spare candles. Lighting a taper he moved around the cavern touching the flame to those candles whose wicks were not in to much need of trimming, and closing the glass doors to prevent accidents. All the while watching the Captain from the corners of his eyes. Then, while Skinner settled Goliath into a stall, he reset the latch and allowed the door to swing slowly closed. The change in temperature was noticeable, the wind which had been getting steadily stronger had begun to chill them, and by shutting it out they immediately felt warmer.

"It's a good thing that I was able to get some oats from Malvin, as there is little here for poor Goliath to eat," Skinner stated. Picking up his saddlebags he went on, "Bring the other candle and a taper with you, and we'll take a look upstairs."

Alex did as he was bid, and followed Skinner up the stone stairs, trying to keep his eyes away from the ass so close to his face... and his mind away from the growing heat in his groin. At the top of the stairs, he led the way to the room he and his companions had used.

"'Tis snug and warm in here, my lord," he said. "It has a fireplace... which we can use to cook on, not that we have many supplies." He paused, then asked, "Do you think we could persuade Prince Fox to share some of his kills, or you, sir, if you could remember? A couple of nice plump rabbits perhaps?"

Skinner choked out a laugh. "We can ask, and I can try.... If not, you are going to have to catch your own." He looked around at the unusual room, while lighting the lamps, and watched the young man kindle a fire in the giant hearth. Reaching for his cloak, he said, "I had better go out and try to coax Fox down from his perch."

Alex put out a hand and touched Skinner's arm. "I don't believe there is a need to go outside, my lord, I think the perch he found was a window to one of the upper rooms. Come, I'll show you the way up."

Skinner picked up the Prince's clothes, then followed the younger man out of the room, and up the stairs. "Tell me, how did your companion discover this place, it's so well hidden."

Alex snorted. "You should have seen the mess this place was in when we found it. Because they were made of rope, most of the shutter and window hinges had rotted away, and the ropes and which opened and closed them. A lot of dust and debris had got inside. So, while we were waiting for the horse's foot to heal, and for Pandemonium to feel better too, Samson and I cleaned the place up. We found some cured hides in one of the back storerooms and he showed me how to make plaited ropes from them. He always liked to be busy. When we left, we shut almost all the windows to keep the weather out."

By this time they had climbed three flights of stairs, and Alex started peering round open doors until he found the one where the gyrfalcon was perched on the back of a chair, well out of the way of any draft which might come through the open window. Walter held out his arm, calling to the hawk to come to him. Prince Hawk ruffled his feathers, uttered a raucous cry and turned his back on them.

Skinner shrugged, left the clothes on a table nearby, and ushered Alex out of the room. "I think he wants to be left alone."

"Yes, Sir." Alex grinned, then led the way back down to the main room. "Samson and I took the bedding out of the waggon for us to use in here, but we might be able to use some of the hides to make the floor less cold and uncomfortable."

They found the hides, and even some moth-eaten furs, to make a rough couch in front of the fire. By the time they had eaten their meagre rations, Alex, his arm aching, was looking pinched and tired, and he was forced to let Skinner finish hauling the hides on his own.

Seeing the young man's distress, Skinner took the fresh dressing out of the saddlebag, and bade Alex take off his shirt so that he could see to the wound.

Alex did as he was bid, gritting his teeth, trying not to moan, as the old dressing was removed. He had broken out in a light sweat, and Skinner allowed him a moment to prepare himself, before fixing the new dressing. Alex took a deep breath, and took a swig of the elixir, then politely offered it to the Captain.

Skinner sniffed dubiously at the flask. It smelt nice, so he took a deep draught, and smacked his lips at the pleasant taste. Putting the stopper back in he said, "We must keep some of this for Prince Fox, he will enjoy it." He put the flask aside, then re-dressed the wound.

When the Captain has fastened the final knot, Alex caught hold of a hand, and brushed his lips over the palm, then looking up at the older man through his lashes, he said, "Thank you."

Feeling a sudden urge to return the kiss, Skinner grasped the hand that had held his, and pressed his mouth against the knuckles.... Still not satisfied, he pulled Alex closer and brought their mouths together....

His own arms finding their way around Skinner's waist, Alex melted into the strong arms that were holding him, and leaned in to the kiss, the warmth that had been building in his loins all day, instantly becoming a raging furnace.

Kissing all the while, they removed their clothes, but as Skinner laid the younger man down on his back, something in the green eyes gave him pause... for lurking beneath the need, was fear.

Backing off a little, he lightly massaged the hard brown nubs on the muscled chest beside him, and asked, "Are you all right, Alex."

"Yes, I want you, but... I've never been with anyone..." he swallowed, and lowered his lashes, "With a man... willingly... before."

"The Bishop?"

Alex shook his head. "I was forced... raped when I was captured, then just before she died, my Grandmother gave us a blessing, and I found I could become a rat. Pandemonium always spread it around that I would lose my ability to change if... if I didn't remain a virgin... and the man who gave me to the Bishop, told his Grace that too...."

"Is it true?"

"I don't think so..." Alex reached up and pulled Skinner's head down into a kiss, then mumbled. "Please... take me... my lord...."

"Walter, my name is Walter," Skinner murmured, as he withdrew the jar of grease Malvin had given him, and gently started to prepare Alex for him.

"Walter..." Alex smiled, then tensed as Skinner's finger entered him.

Skinner stilled, and waited until the muscles unclenched before moving again. Slowly, patiently, encouraged by every wriggle and moan of pleasure, he opened the tight passage. Then, when Alex's hips started to buck, he greased his cock, lifted Alex's legs, and slowly eased himself into the willing body.

The attraction that had been growing between them, enhanced by the herb laced alcohol, made this first joining a profound experience... Walter was determined that Alex's first experience of loving would be something he would always remember, something to wipe out the traumas of the past. He used every trick he knew to give the young man pleasure, his hands roaming, caressing and stroking, his mouth kissing, biting and licking... Moaning his approval when Alex's hands reciprocated the caresses... When the body beneath him started to tremble, and he felt that he could hold back no longer, Skinner stroked Alex's cock from base to tip, and murmured, "Come for me, Alex."

Alex's muscled bore down on his cock and milked him as he followed the younger man into the throes of orgasm.

Exhausted, and completely satiated, Skinner rested for a few minutes, before gently pulling out of the almost comatose young man, and cleaned them up. He lay back down, covered them both with his cloak, and went to sleep.

-oo00oo-

After sunset, Prince Fox dressed himself, and found his way down to the main room.

As soon as he opened the door, the wolf's eyes opened. The animal stood up, brushed his head against he Prince's leg, then went past him, and down the stairs to the stable.

Sadly Mulder watched him go, then went into the warm room, and shut the door. He looked around approvingly, Walter and Alex had made a comfortable bed in front of the fire, and had left a plate of food warming for him on the hearth. Taking off his boots, he sat cross-legged on the pile of hides and ate his supper. Looking around for something to drink, he found the flask of elixir near the 'pillow' where Walter had left it. As Skinner had done, he smelt the contents, then took a sip... deciding that he liked it, he took a longer drink.

All the movement beside him, woke Alex up. "Walter I... umm... good evening, your Highness..." He sat up, the cloak falling into his lap, leaving his torso bare.

"Good evening, Alex." Mulder smiled at him. "Where are we?" he asked, taking another drink from the flask.

"We took shelter from a storm in an abandoned house. As I explained to the Captain, I had been here before when I journeyed South. Oh, and I asked the Captain about where we were going and he said he had thought to go to his estate, but he wasn't sure that would be the safe thing to do."

Mulder nodded thoughtfully, and offered the flask to Alex, who drained the last few dregs from it.

Mulder was getting warm, and he stripped off his shirt, while saying, "Tell Walter I think it might be better for us to travel a while, to make sure that the Bishop loses our trail... see if we can find some way to break his curse...." He found he was suddenly fascinated by a bead of moisture which had dripped from the flask, and was now leaving a trail down Alex's chest. Unable to resist, he leaned forward and caught the droplet on his tongue, then licked his way upwards, to capture the younger man's lips in the demanding kiss.


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