Dinner and Diatribes

[unreflected_shards]

Meeting his Friends
Speak with the King
Kiss of Reassurance
Shovel Talk with Vax
Meeting Una
Dinner with the King
Post-dinner Intimacy
Giving Doggie a Try
Discuss the King's Interest

Comments

[madaboutit]

OH. His lips part in the shape, though there isn't sound to accompany it.

"I, uh--" It's not that Sweeney doesn't want to answer; he's just trying to process the revelation.

"--at least a candle or two, if they're close?" He isn't sure why it's a question, but apparently it is, at the moment.

[whatsinfrontofyou]

"That's not so much. We should be able to have that."

She smiles a little at the idea of it. The candlelight is more pleasant than the dark alone. It adds warmth and color.

"And I like the way you look at me. I know I haven't had much of a chance to know what I like, and that's... that hasn't made this easy for you. But I do like that."

[madaboutit]

There's clear relief, on multiple fronts, and Sweeney manages a shy smile. Good. That's good.

"I'm glad," he confesses, unsure if he's meant to say something like that, but feeling the need to make sure she knows his feelings on the matter, as well. That said, it brings up the opposite side of the coin; something that also needs to be considered.

"Has...there been anythin' you don't like?" Sweeney does his best to sound supportive, like she could tell him the truth, even if he might not be thrilled by her answer.

[whatsinfrontofyou]

"Do you mean in bed? Or in general?" Vex asks, studying Sweeney's face as though she can find the clarification there.

She's not sure the answer is actually different, but the question certainly is.

[madaboutit]

He blinks, a bit like a deer finding himself in an unexpected situation.

"The...former?" That's what they were talking about, right? Sweeney suddenly realizes that she might have more to say, and he should probably give her the space to do so.

"But--if ya wanna talk 'bout somethin' else, I'm here ta listen."

[whatsinfrontofyou]

"I don't think there's anything I've disliked," Vex says, assuring him of that. "It's... I don't like not knowing what I'm doing. I'm not used to this. I know there are things I need to learn, and I'm not... good at this yet."

Is that the right way to say it? Her nose wrinkles.

"But... it is more fun than I expected."

[madaboutit]

Oh, thank fuck. Sweeney's breath escapes, without him realizing his deflation. In the wake, he looks to comfort her, and to assure that there's no complaints on his end.

"Come h're," he encourages with a bit of mischief as he crunches up to meet her. He's looking for her to curl in for a kiss, whether or not she indulges him.

"I know it's hard, not knowin' things. But I think yer grand." And that's the truth. A hint of shyness puts more color in his ears.

"Figurin' things out, with you--I don't know what I'm doin' most'a the time." As might be apparent, if in a different way than it is for her. It's a sheepish confession that puts them in the same boat.

"But I like gettin' ta be with you, tryin' ta figure out what pleases you." He's quick to make the correction. "Pleases us."

[whatsinfrontofyou]

Vex leans in willingly, drawn into the kiss. The move causes him to slip free from her sex. It's an unfortunate loss, but inevitable, even if it makes her shiver. Worth it, too, to have him back for a kiss.

It's reassuring.

"It's not disappointing?" She asks then, a little sheepish as she reaches for the confirmation. "I was always taught that it was a virtue... that you would know your bloodline was secure. But that doesn't seem..."

She shrugs.

It doesn't seem fair, really, but a lot of things aren't fair.

"It doesn't seem like the best way to be ready when the thing happens."

[madaboutit]

His breath stutters when he slips free, but her kiss is a swift balm. Sweeney shakes his head.

"I'm not disappointed," he promises, lingering near. But he does understand her point.

"I just hope that I can live up ta what you want, in our bed." It would be a lie to say that there isn't some comfort in her lack of comparison. She's not the only one that has concerns about the other looking for another lover to fill in the gaps.

[whatsinfrontofyou]

She's not sure how he could fail that, but at the same time Vex does realize she's not really sure all of what's out there to want. Her hand goes to his cheek, brushing his whiskers with the back of her knuckles, fascinated by the texture of it.

Few elves wear a beard at all, those that do tend to be finer. Not that she's had much chance to touch them.

"We'll figure it out together..." Her brows go up and she teases again, "At least you know there's no fear you'll be too small."

That would be impossible.

[unreflected_shards]

His eyes fall shut when she touches his cheek. It may be exotic to her, but it's common for his people. As such, there's no real cause for ladies to pay it much attention. Her doting on his beard is indulgent. But at her observation, Sweeney looks up to her, brought back to the present. There's something in his tone that is cautiously apologetic.

"Aye, but...I don't wanna hurt you, either. Bein' too small ain't the only problem a fellow can have, when it comes ta the sizin'." Too big can be very challenging.

[whatsinfrontofyou]

Vex glances away then. That much is clear. It's not the complaint she's heard from maids, insofar as she's heard maids gossip. She can't imagine anyone wanting more than her husband in that respect.

"You've been very careful," she says, meaning to reassure him. "It's... it has hurt, some, especially the first time. But it's felt good too. Every time."

[madaboutit]

His smile goes warm, and he leans in for a fresh kiss.

"I am happy that it hasn't been too great a burden. It is somethin'--" No, Sweeney rephrases. "I want you ta enjoy it. Always." Though he does acknowledge that no one is that lucky.

"I think..." His head tilts as he tries to remember something that's just out of reach. "It is easier ta have a child, if the wife enjoys the plantin'?" If he's got the tale correct.

[whatsinfrontofyou]

"Well, I have to imagine it makes things less of a chore all around."

Obviously it's not a requirement, but it does make a distinction between actively focusing on the end goal, and enjoying the process. The end would, in theory, come naturally enough with enough trying.

Still, the thought does make Vex suck her lip between her teeth, remembering something she'd considered earlier.

"I should ask..." she says then. "If you want to try to make it easier. There are charms and potions... not necessarily a guarantee, but..."

Well, like the charm she cast on herself the night before, she can perhaps put a thumb on the scale.

"Something to help. Or something to keep me from exhausting you."

[madaboutit]

A few expressions wash over him: confusion to caution and back again. Sweeney wets his lip.

"I was gettin' the impression you might like exhaustin' me," he teases gently, as if to steady his footing some. It doesn't change the facts though, and he sobers and swallows.

"Have...have you e'er done magic on a human before?"

It's different when she's drawing on her own belly. This sounds like something he's more intimately involved with.

[whatsinfrontofyou]

"Other magic. I healed you last night," Vex points out; he was no worse for that. "But it should work. I know what's safe for humans and what isn't."

She's not going to poison anyone!

"We don't have to, but it could help..."

[madaboutit]

Well...she has a point about his ribs, but...it seems like it's still a valid question when it comes to his genitals. But Sweeney's willing to consider the potential, especially if they're likely to struggle with conception, given her blood and his absence.

"So..." He takes a breath to steel himself.

"What would that sorta magic look like?"

[whatsinfrontofyou]

Vex smooths his beard down his cheek again, studying his face. She does take his hesitation seriously.

"I would brew a tea and perform a brief ritual over it, and you would drink it," Vex says, simple enough. "I am told it makes a man..."

She stumbles, looking for the word. This was definitely not one she was taught.

"Rut?" she says in elvish. "Like a stag. Not that I have seen it myself."

[madaboutit]

Okay...

That sounds like what they'd talked about prior, plus tea. Not that the tea part wasn't important, but he wants to understand the rest. 'Rut' is not a word he's familiar with, so maybe he's missing something.

"Like a stag? From...behind?" That would make sense, right? Or maybe:

"Or aggressive? Extra eager?"

Ready to fight off others to claim their doe's belly.

[whatsinfrontofyou]

"Eager, yes," Vex agrees. Not from behind... she's never heard that it leads to a particular configuration. "And driven."

Her head tilts.

"I don't know about aggressive," she admits then. "Normally there's no one else who would fight. It's... maybe?"

[madaboutit]

Hm. He's guessing that they don't normally have competition so close at hand. Sweeney attempts to put some levity into things, hoping to prevent the discussion from darkening.

"Do ya think I'm not eager enough?" he teases, clearly not offended.

[whatsinfrontofyou]

"You are very eager, darling," Vex agrees, smiling. Then her smile falls a bit. "You do not have to. It's not... there is not a problem with you. Just... something we could do."

She bows her head then, sheepish.

"There is a tea I could drink instead. Or too."

[madaboutit]

Sweeney's left mulling, unsure of how best to approach it. He isn't actually sure how frequently elves have sex; just that they struggle with conception. He wonders if he won't be able to keep up with expectations. Thoughts start to filter into fresh questions, and Sweeney does his best to be delicate about asking them.

"Do you want me ta--I mean--fer us ta try it?" It's easy to tell that he wants her to be heard and happy, knowing that he isn't rebuking her people's ways, just because they're not his own.

[whatsinfrontofyou]

"Your brother..." He's not inside of her still, so she can mention it now? She's not sure that's exactly how it works, but the question does bring her back to the king. "He seemed quite urgent that I carry a child as soon as possible."

She assumes that's why he was fussy about her being outside, too. It's not uncommon for men to fuss about what women are able to do while they're heavy, in her limited experience. They tend to underestimate how strong mothers can be.

"It did give me the feeling it may be easier all around if we were quick about it."

[madaboutit]

She's not wrong; with him not inside her, this topic is easier. He lets his breath out and rests back on the bed, draping his hands on her thighs. Sweeney's lips part and shut a few times as he tries to figure out which angle to approach from.

"I think, perhaps--" It's important that he not speak directly of the king's intentions, in case there might be too many ears against the door.

"I may not have the time," he whispers.

"An' it's best if it's not wasted. Lest--" Sweeney isn't sure how to put it. "--I shouldn't make ya wait too long." His lips press with a twinge of guilt.

"Let you down." He rolls his eyes at the ceiling.

"Let him down."