A few months after the end of Essek's heat, they have confirmation that he is not pregnant. They'd both suspected it, but it was no less disappointing. If nothing else, it made clear for both of them that they really want this. So they'll keep trying.
In late spring they find themselves at a gathering in Westrun. Nobility and merchants from Tal'Dorei and Wildemount are mingling at some grand affair and Percival cannot think of any reason why Whitestone should not be represented. Besides, he wants Essek to see more of the continent than Emon and Whitestone.
As they get ready, Percy picks out Essek's jewelry for the night. He lingers behind his husband, admiring his sleek silhouette and finding himself pleased that Essek has decided to go relatively unadorned. He doesn't need it: he's stunning just as he is. The silver and gold of his wedding band, pearl earrings, and silver filigree decorating the elegant tips of his ears. Percy puts the earrings in and trails kisses down his lover's neck. Essek smells amazing. He always does, but tonight... Percy is driven to distraction just standing near him. It takes iron will to avoid trying to get his hands beneath Essek's dress. He'll make it through the night and have his husband either in the comfort of their guest quarters here or back in Whitestone if they want their own bed.
The gala is pleasant. There are plenty of familiar faces - including Allura Vysoren and Vex'ahlia Vessar - in attendance. Percival manages to be his charming self relatively early in the evening, but as the event draws on, he finds himself--utterly distracted. Irritable. And before he says something he'll regret to a person who probably doesn't deserve it, he slips away to get a drink or... something. Still, a glass of champagne does nothing to help how warm he feels or how tetchy he feels.
An inconvenient rut
In late spring they find themselves at a gathering in Westrun. Nobility and merchants from Tal'Dorei and Wildemount are mingling at some grand affair and Percival cannot think of any reason why Whitestone should not be represented. Besides, he wants Essek to see more of the continent than Emon and Whitestone.
As they get ready, Percy picks out Essek's jewelry for the night. He lingers behind his husband, admiring his sleek silhouette and finding himself pleased that Essek has decided to go relatively unadorned. He doesn't need it: he's stunning just as he is. The silver and gold of his wedding band, pearl earrings, and silver filigree decorating the elegant tips of his ears. Percy puts the earrings in and trails kisses down his lover's neck. Essek smells amazing. He always does, but tonight... Percy is driven to distraction just standing near him. It takes iron will to avoid trying to get his hands beneath Essek's dress. He'll make it through the night and have his husband either in the comfort of their guest quarters here or back in Whitestone if they want their own bed.
The gala is pleasant. There are plenty of familiar faces - including Allura Vysoren and Vex'ahlia Vessar - in attendance. Percival manages to be his charming self relatively early in the evening, but as the event draws on, he finds himself--utterly distracted. Irritable. And before he says something he'll regret to a person who probably doesn't deserve it, he slips away to get a drink or... something. Still, a glass of champagne does nothing to help how warm he feels or how tetchy he feels.