Chapter Six #2

The journey took them to a crag, steep and jagged, its edges thrusting high into the sky, stretching far into the distance. Idris was reminded of a walk he and Owen had taken, an attempt at a countryside escape that had ended rather disastrously when Owen nearly lost his footing, startled by a sheep that had burst from the underbrush. It was a fond memory, though tinged with a bit of regret about their unfinished day.

But instead of scaling the rocky heights, Tam led Idris along the base, moving toward a cave that nestled into the stone. As they drew closer, Idris saw the walls were illuminated by ropes of fiery stone, casting a warm glow through the darkened tunnel.

He raised an eyebrow, suspicion creeping into his thoughts. “You’re absolutely sure there’s a bath down there? A warm one?”

Tam’s gaze softened with an assurance Idris found comforting. “It’s entirely possible the pool may have dried up in the weeks since I last visited, but I would assume not,” Tam replied. “Come, it’s not so dark once you’re at the bottom.”

Idris trusted him, though a part of him—nurtured by years of lies in his line of work—couldn’t help but wonder how Tam would fare in a true crisis. Would the unshakable calm that radiated from him be enough in a situation where things were truly not alright? He didn’t linger on the thought. Faeries, he had to remind himself, didn’t lie.

They descended further into the cave, and sure enough, at the bottom they found a vast, well-lit room. The ceiling was partially open, allowing sunlight to spill in from above, beams of daylight catching the sparkling walls of polished gems. The colors danced across the rock, creating a dazzling, almost magical effect. In the center of the room, a pool shimmered, its surface disturbed only by a thin layer of steam rising lazily into the air.

Tam’s voice cut through the awe that had overtaken Idris. “What do you think?”

Idris let out a disbelieving laugh. “I can’t believe you had me bathing in that stream all this time when this was here.” His words were half-joking, but the sheer beauty of the place took him aback. Tentatively, he reached into the pool to test the water. The heat was perfect, soothing but not overwhelming.

Tam’s smile was knowing. “This is not a place for cleaning yourself,” he said slyly, his eyes glinting. “It is for relaxation and reflection.”

Idris grinned, feeling a little guilty about skipping a proper wash in the stream. “Well, now I feel bad for not stopping to clean myself before.”

Tam motioned for him to follow, and they circled the pool, coming to a hidden alcove where a waterfall trickled gently. Though it was small, it would be enough for a quick wash. Without further ceremony, Tam began to strip, pulling off his shirt and boots, his movements efficient and sure. Before Idris could fully process, Tam had his trousers halfway down his legs, the sight so abrupt that it caught Idris off guard.

Idris had seen his fair share of nudity, even been in situations where it wasn’t the least bit awkward, but this—this was different. He’d always made a point of avoiding eye contact when Tam changed, respecting the space between them. But now, as Tam turned away to begin washing himself, Idris found himself unable to look away, his eyes involuntarily tracing the outline of Tam’s body. Tam was more muscular than Idris had expected, his body toned and perfectly proportioned. When Tam’s back was to him, Idris’s gaze lingered on his firm, rounded backside, and for a split second, a wave of longing gripped him. It wasn’t fair. Tam was everything Idris had been trying to avoid thinking about—kind, generous, gorgeous. Why did he have to be everything Idris found so irresistible?

The sound of Tam’s voice jolted him back to reality. “Are you going to join me?”

Idris flushed, realizing how long he’d been staring. “Yeah, yeah, just a sec,” he mumbled, stripping off his clothes hurriedly. The thought of Tam seeing him now, fully exposed, made his heart race. He tried to steady himself, but his mind kept racing in every direction, imagining far too many things he knew he shouldn’t.

“I’ve wondered about those,” Tam said, and Idris’s blood ran cold as he glanced down to see Tam pointing at his boxers. “How do you manage to make the animal skin so stretchy?”

Idris froze, his face turning beet red. “Um, science,” he muttered, his voice thick with embarrassment. He quickly pulled off his boxers and tossed them aside, making a beeline for the waterfall. The sooner he was submerged in the water, the better. Don’t look down. Don’t look down. Don’t look down.

Idris looked down. There, mere inches away from his own, was Tam’s cock. Fuck. Tam’s legs were slightly shorter than Idris’s own, and all Idris could think about was how that would make them both the perfect height for Tam to slip his cock between Idris’s thighs. He wondered how long Tam would be once hard, if he’d be able to see the head of Tam’s cock peek out from underneath his own as Tam fucked between his thighs.

Idris was incredibly thankful that the water rolling down the alcove was cold. He bit the inside of his mouth and forced his eyes back up as he finished showering, only turning back to look at the pool once he heard Tam move away and slip into the water with a soft splash.

He made his own way over to the pool, lowering himself into the water. It was bliss, the warm water heating him through and soothing the aches in his muscles. Spending the last couple of days on horseback hadn’t done him any favours, and short of a massage, a hot bath was the next best thing. The steam that rose around him seemed to be scented, notes of lavender and sage helping to relax him further. Idris thought he could spend hours here - he could probably even sleep here - blanketed in comforting warmth.

Tam had his eyes closed, leaning back against the edge of the pool, his face half-submerged in the warm water while only his head remained visible above the rising clouds of steam. Idris, following his lead, closed his own eyes and inhaled deeply, letting the thick, fragrant air fill his lungs. Despite everything—despite the strange, dangerous world of Faerie, the fae creatures, and the ever-looming threat of whatever trouble they might face next—the land itself was breathtaking. He couldn’t help but marvel at the peace and beauty of it. This bath, this moment, was already better than anything he’d experienced in his entire life. No awkward, tiny shower stalls or scalding hot water that made his skin red and sore. Here, in this place, everything felt perfect, as if the very earth conspired to offer comfort to those who sought it.

“Would you tell me more of your life?” Tam’s voice broke through the comfortable silence, his voice still soft and languid as he tilted his head back, eyes still closed, his face relaxed. “What of your younger siblings—there was a baby, yes?”

“Adil,” Idris replied, a small smile tugging at his lips at the thought of his brother. “And then Sana came shortly after I met you. She’s studying for her PhD in Classics now—basically research. Lots of reading and thinking, and writing about what she’s thought about.” His voice lightened with affection as he spoke about his sister, proud of her achievements even if the pressure of her work sometimes got to be overwhelming.

Tam’s lips quirked into a smile. “That sounds enjoyable,” he said, his tone thoughtful. “My mother used to amuse herself in a similar fashion.”

Idris chuckled softly, his chest swelling with a fondness for his family. “I think Sana’s stressing herself out a bit though. She’s pushing herself pretty hard. Last time she called me, it was at 6 in the morning right after I finished a night shift. She was coming back from an all-nighter at the library, halfway delirious. She asked if I thought Socrates would be a good dinner guest or if he’d just annoy our mother. I didn’t have an answer for that, but I did manage to talk her into going to bed and coming to visit once her undergrads were off for reading week.”

Tam nodded, his expression earnest. “Well, I wish her luck and peace. It’s hard, but I’m sure she’ll find her balance.”

The sincerity in Tam’s words made Idris feel unexpectedly touched. He had never been one to talk about his family to others much, but something about the way Tam listened made him feel at ease. “Thanks,” he said quietly, a small smile tugging at his lips.

Tam’s voice broke into his thoughts again. “And what of Adil, then? If I recall correctly, you referred to him as ‘boring’ when we first met.”

Idris let out a low laugh. “Yeah, well, he’s still a bit boring, I have to admit. He’s a lawyer now, though.” He said it with a touch of mockery, though there was an underlying affection for his brother.

Tam raised an eyebrow, clearly perplexed. “A lawyer?” he repeated, as if he were trying to piece together what that meant in human terms.

Idris quickly explained, trying to make sense of it in the most straightforward way possible. “Lawyers are part of the legal system. They understand how all the laws work, so judges can decide whether or not to punish someone for a crime. I think you faeries would like it—it’s all about very specific wording and finding ways to catch people out.”

Tam laughed, but there was an amused edge to it. “I would understand it, yes, but ‘like’ is perhaps far too generous a word.”

Idris grinned, shaking his head. “My parents are thrilled though. They love having a lawyer in the family to brag about.”

Tam made a thoughtful noise and shifted slightly in the water, sending ripples that lapped against Idris’s chest. “And what of horrible Amara?” he asked, his voice teasing.

Idris’s grin grew wide. “Horrible Amara is a little less horrible now, actually,” he replied with a chuckle. “She got married last year, and she has two toddlers now who’ve been trained to call me ‘boring Idris.’”

Tam’s eyes widened, and he raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “She would teach her children to lie?”

Idris laughed and nudged Tam’s leg with his toe, playful. “It’s not lying! It’s for fun. Sometimes we lie to make jokes.”

Tam’s lips twitched, a smile forming at the edges. “Fascinating,” he murmured, clearly trying to grasp the nuance of it.

Idris raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Tam’s genuine curiosity. “See, if you were a human, I’d say you were being sarcastic there.”

Tam’s expression didn’t change. “And sarcasm is also for fun?” he asked, clearly trying to understand.

Idris let out a short laugh. “Sometimes. Or it’s used to undermine someone. Like if I say, ‘Oh, great, more faeries to deal with,’ when I really mean the opposite.”

“Hmm,” Tam murmured, sinking a little lower into the water as he considered that. His mouth briefly disappeared beneath the surface before he surfaced again, looking pensive. “That sounds terribly confusing.”

Idris couldn’t help but laugh again. “No more confusing than anything I’ve seen here. Tam, you don’t even have a proper toilet. How can you live like that?” he asked, genuinely curious.

Tam flicked a finger through the water, and a splash hit Idris squarely between the eyes, interrupting his question.

“Tamriel!” Idris exclaimed in mock indignation, wiping his face. “I thought this was a place of reflection and relaxation?”

“I am feeling very relaxed,” Tam said slyly, flicking another stream of water at Idris with a playful grin.

Idris’s competitive streak flared up. “Oh, it’s on,” he said with a grin, cupping his hands under the water and sending a stream of water shooting toward Tam. Tam retaliated instantly, splashing water back with both hands and his feet. Idris ducked to the side and managed to get a hit in, sending a jet of water right into Tam’s mouth.

“Can I drink this water?” Idris asked with feigned innocence, still grinning.

“It’s fed from rainfall, so yes, but—“ Tam was cut off mid-sentence as Idris dipped below the water, taking a large mouthful before surfacing and spitting it directly at Tam. The look of shock on Tam’s face was priceless. His mouth hung open as water ran down his face, and for a moment, he seemed frozen in place. Then, he erupted into laughter, shaking with the force of it.

“A truce, please,” Tam said, holding his hands up in surrender, still chuckling.

“Alright,” Idris said, still laughing, though he shook his head so that droplets of water flew in every direction. Tam snorted, rubbing a hand across his face in a half-hearted attempt to dry off. Idris had won this round, and getting the upper hand—even in something as ridiculous as a water fight—was worth the mess it would leave in his hair for the next few days.

“I don’t suppose you have any kind of conditioner at yours?” Idris asked casually, knowing it was a long shot. Tam gave off that ‘I wash my hair with dish soap’ vibe.

Sure enough, Tam made a face, clearly not understanding the need for such things. “I do not,” he said, his voice apologetic. “But tomorrow, we can journey to the market. Many Fae here have hair like yours, I’m certain we can find something.”

A trip to the market. Idris couldn’t help but feel a quiet sense of excitement stir within him. He had been watching Tam closely since their arrival in Faerie, and while the fae had made it clear he preferred solitude, Idris found himself eager to experience more of this world, to understand its intricacies beyond the meeting with the Queen, which, frankly, had not been as enlightening as he’d hoped. Faerie itself had always been a place of mystery and wonder, but this market—this would be something different. Something tangible. Idris wanted to people-watch, a guilty pleasure he’d inherited from his mother. And what better place to do that than a faerie market, full of colorful, intriguing characters?

“I’d like that,” Idris said, nodding with a smile, eager to see what the market had in store. Tam, as always, flashed him a quiet smile in return.

They lingered in the grotto a little longer, letting the warm, soothing water ease away any lingering tension from their travels. Time seemed to stretch, each moment quiet and peaceful, the only sound the gentle lap of water against stone. The hours passed unnoticed until Idris’s fingers started to prune, a clear sign it was time to leave. As nice as the pool had been, he was ready to dry off and get moving.

They each took a small blanket that Tam had brought to dry off, the rough texture surprisingly comfortable against their damp skin. Idris pulled on his clothes, trying—unsuccessfully —to resist sneaking a glance at Tam. It wasn’t so much that he minded—he’d grown used to the fae’s presence—but the proximity, the lingering warmth from their shared time in the grotto, made it harder to focus on anything else. Well, he thought wryly, at least he was managing not to gawk.

Outside the cave, Grey, Tam’s loyal steed, was still patiently waiting, its glossy coat gleaming in the soft light filtering through the trees. Idris swung himself effortlessly onto the horse’s back, a practiced motion he’d perfected over countless trips. When Tam climbed up behind him, Idris expected him to take the reins, but to his surprise, Tam simply rested his hands at his sides, his gaze calm and steady.

“Would you like to take control?” Tam asked, his voice low and measured.

Idris considered the offer for a moment. The thought of guiding Grey, of commanding the horse’s movements, was a heady one. He had seen how fast Grey could go before, and the idea of controlling that speed, of being the one to direct the animal’s power, felt exhilarating.

“Will he let me?” Idris asked, glancing back at Tam.

Tam nodded. “He knows you by now. You have nothing to fear.”

Idris was filled with a sudden, almost childish excitement. “Yeah, okay then. What do I do?” he asked, eager to get started.

“Well, first you pick up the reins,” Tam said, his tone dry.

Idris immediately reached down, his fingers brushing the reins. “Thanks,” he muttered, rolling his eyes, though the gesture felt a little futile with Tam right behind him.

“Sarcasm?” Tam asked, his voice light, amused.

“Sarcasm,” Idris replied with a grin.

“I think I am getting the hang of it,” Tam said with a satisfied smile. “Now, once you have a hold of the reins, you need to gently nudge Grey with your knees. Both at once, otherwise he will just turn around.”

Idris followed his instructions, tightening his legs slightly on either side of Grey. The horse responded immediately, taking a few hesitant steps forward. It was smoother than he’d expected.

“Good,” Tam murmured, his voice soft. “Now, if you wish him to go faster, just squeeze a little harder.”

Idris gave a gentle squeeze, and Grey’s pace quickened, moving from a slow walk into a brisk trot. The movement was smooth, responsive, and effortless in a way that made Idris feel connected to the horse in a new way. His previous experiences with horses had been less than ideal, and the memory of Kayla’s stubborn steed—who had spent most of their ride attempting to chase after her horse rather than following his commands—was still fresh in his mind.

“And I steer by tugging the reins?” Idris asked, starting to feel more confident now that he was in control.

Tam nodded. “Yes, but gently. Gently, Idris.”

Idris, eager to test his new skills, tugged on the reins a little too hard, and Grey snorted, tossing his head in protest. Thin tendrils of smoke curled from his nostrils, and Idris immediately regretted his enthusiasm. Tam’s hands came up to cover Idris’s, gently guiding him to adjust the reins. With a soft pressure, they turned Grey’s head, and the horse obediently veered to the right.

“Like that,” Tam said, his voice quiet, though there was a note of approval in it. His hands stayed resting atop Idris’s, grounding him, guiding him.

Together, they maneuvered Grey through the woods, taking turns between galloping full speed for short stretches and allowing the horse to cool down with a slower canter. Idris felt as though he were flying—truly flying—his body moving with Grey’s, the rush of air against his face, the trees blurring around them. He was in control, and it was intoxicating. It was as though nothing in the world could touch him. Nothing, except for Tam’s hands on his, guiding him, steadying him.

At some point, Idris realized that he didn’t care where they were going anymore. The destination no longer mattered—this, this was what mattered. The feel of the wind, the rhythm of Grey’s movements, the presence of Tam behind him. It was enough to be here, to live in this moment, and he didn’t want it to end.

Eventually, Idris slowed Grey, bringing the horse to a gentle stop. He glanced around, realizing they had wandered quite far from the cave. He didn’t want to get lost, not so deep in Faerie.

“That was great,” Idris said, turning to look at Tam, his voice breathless. He couldn’t wipe the grin off his face, his chest still full of the exhilaration of the ride. He probably looked ridiculous, but he didn’t care. He had just ridden the fastest horse he’d ever known, and he had done it on his own terms.

Tam gave him a small, satisfied smile. “You did well,” he said, his tone quiet, but warm. There was a pride in his eyes, a softness that made Idris feel even lighter. “Would you like to see how fast Grey can really go?”

Idris, still catching his breath, raised an eyebrow. “How much faster can he go? I thought we were already flying.”

Tam grinned. “Just wait.”

They switched places, with Tam now seated in front, and Idris was instructed to wrap his arms tightly around him. He obeyed, feeling a sense of anticipation rise in him again.

“Do not let go,” Tam warned, his voice serious now, though there was a gleam of mischief in his eyes.

Before Idris could reply, Tam dug his heels into Grey’s sides, urging the horse into a full sprint. The transformation was immediate. The world around them seemed to fall away as Grey surged forward, faster than Idris could ever have imagined. The speed was almost unreal, a blur of movement that sent them flying through the woods. The trees seemed to leap out of their way, and Grey cleared rivers with a single leap, all while Idris clung to Tam’s back, the force of the ride almost overwhelming.

It felt like nothing he had ever experienced. The wind rushed through him, and for a moment, it was as if they weren’t riding on the ground at all, but soaring above it, untouchable. It was wild, exhilarating, and intoxicating. The closeness between them, the way they moved together, felt so personal, so intimate, that Idris could hardly separate the feeling of the wind and the thundering hooves from the feel of Tam’s body beneath him.

And then it hit him. A wave of realization, sharp and sudden. This was more than just a ride. This was more than just a moment of adrenaline-fueled excitement. Idris was falling for Tam, and it terrified him, because he knew this world wasn’t his. He wasn’t meant to be here, and the feeling of falling for someone like Tam—a fae, so unlike anyone Idris had ever known—was both thrilling and terrifying.

He held on tighter, burying his chin into Tam’s shoulder, trying to block out the overwhelming rush of emotions. He couldn’t let this moment spoil him. Not yet. Not while they were flying.