Liris couldn't help but smile when he seemed to catch Ilya off guard with his nakedness. Though he didn't really understand why people got embarrassed by such things, he did know it happened. Still, two men shouldn't be embarrassed, perhaps if he were a woman who had unexpectedly shown her breasts, he would understand better. The smile didn't remain long on Liris' lips, and then the mage had slipped into the tub.

Liris reacted quickly, his strong arms wrapping around the mage easily, and he lifted him out of the tub. For a few moments Liris held him closer, marveling at how it felt to hold another person so close. Liris had never cared to get that close to another person. There had only ever been room in his heart for one, a pale scaled dragon. Liris remained as he was, holding Ilya close and wondering at the warmth of the other's body, even wet there was a warmth there that Liris couldn't quite explain.

Even so, Liris still remained unembarrassed, unfazed at all by the situation at hand, though he did let the other go. A slight smile was on Liris lips. "I didn't realize you were so eager to join me in my bath." He was teasing, finding that he had liked it very much when Ilya's face turned red from embarrassment.

He spluttered and searched for the edge of the tub with his hands so he could pull himself from the water. Before he could, well muscled arms wrapped around him, pulling Ilya from his embarrassing position into another one. The mage gasped, eyes widening at the heat of another body so close to his own. It felt so wonderful and it had been so long since anyone had held him, since he had held another.

Just as the mage lifted his hands to grasp the other man, to pull him closer, he was released. Ilya forced his face into a calm mask, though his features flushed red once more at the mercenary's words. "I didn't realize you wanted any company at all." He wanted to get out of there, to slip into his room and find peace and quiet.. The quiet of solitude he'd known for years.

Liris couldn't help the grin that spread across his lips, things like this, seemed to make the pain in his heart easier to bare, for the moment at least. "I'm only eager, if you're offering." Those hands found Ilya's waist and he pulled the man close once again. Liris was teasing, this man was easy to tease and he found it to be very fun. That warmth, Liris wanted more of it as well, but he didn't mention that or show it.

He let Ilya go, and moved to get into the tub. "It seems big enough for the both of us." That grin was still on his lips, and he shrugged. His expression seemed to say both 'I'm just teasing' and 'I won't object if you do join me'. He sank down into the tub, letting the water close over his body. It felt good, but the heat of the water had been different than the heat of Ilya. It wasn't something he could explain. Liris had had his fair share of whores throughout his lifetime, but he could never remember a warmth like that when holding them.

It wasn't just a physical warmth, it was an emotional one. The kind of feeling he had once felt with a certain dragon connected to him in a way no other being could connect to him. It was no wonder it had eased the pain a bit. He raised an eyebrow at Ilya, and splashed a bit of water at him. Wondering if the mage would run away from embarrassment or not.

Ilya had to clamp his mouth shut to stop himself from gasping at the renewed contact. He couldn't understand what had gotten into Liris so suddenly. Earlier, the other man had been so devastated, heartbroken ... Now he was flirting with, and teasing, Ilya as if nothing had happened. It was probably just the man's way of coping with his loss.

The mage made not a sound as the other man invited him to share the bath. He was thinking now, too caught up in his contemplation to feel embarrassed. Such a bright smile ... and for him ... Ilya found himself wanting to give in, to simply let go and allow himself to be taken, and used to ease a loss he couldn't comprehend. For now the smile was all for him, not anyone else, and what a smile! It was bright and vibrant, so full of life.

Droplets of water hit his skin, drawing the mage from his contemplation. He smiled slightly when he saw Liris's expression. The invitation in his gaze was clear, but ... Ilya moved forward to place a light kiss upon the mercenary's lips. "I'm sorry ... I can't." Liris would probably regret such hasty actions in the morning, and Ilya knew if he spent the night with this man, he would want to have many more. The mage felt certain about that, the wanting, but he had no idea why, there was no real basis for it, save the little while he'd spent with Liris.

He moved to walk away after letting his fingers trail through the mercenary's hair.

For a few moments Liris thought for sure that Ilya would join him, despite the embarrassment the other had shown. Flirting, the thought of that warmth being so close to him made it easy to flirt. Easy to tease, and try to bait the other in staying close to him. It would ease his pain, even if only for a few moments, and that was what he was desperately seeking. A way to ease it without cutting his heart out, so he had jumped head first into flirting and teasing the mage. When Ilya pressed his lips against Liris' the mercenary blinked, that warmth flooding him. Yes. An end to the pain, even if only temporary, but Ilya was refusing his advances.

Those fingers moved through his hair and Liris let out such a sigh. It felt good, it was such a nice distraction. Liris reached out to catch Ilya's hand before the mage could fully escape. That grin was still on his lips. "Ah, well. If you change your mind, you know where to find me." His grip was strong, but gentle, and he released Ilya once he was finished talking.

"Liris ..." Such strong hands, so firm and kind, what would they feel like elsewhere? The thought made the mage waver in his decision. He liked seeing the mercenary grin, and knowing that it was for him, and because of him. "I.. I need to get the, your ... " Ilya swallowed hard. "Bed, I need to get your bed ready."

Ilya failed to mention that the bed in question would be his, and that the mage had decided to sleep downstairs on the couch. The mercenary had lost all he cared for, had been mistreated and then dropped into the ocean without a second thought by the one he'd loved above all others. Surely, giving him the bed he'd spelled for comfort, for warmth, would do him as much good as spending the night with a mage who'd not much experience, and had been alone for years.

Shaking his head, he left the other man to do as he'd said. Each pillow he placed carefully, and changed the bedding to make sure everything was clean. Ilya went out of his way to pick all the softest fabrics he owned.

Liris didn't push it, he just grinned and gave a slight wave as Ilya stammered about the bed and then left the room. That grin faltered once the mage was out of sight, and a low sigh left Liris' lips as he leaned back in the tub, closing his eyes and just feeling the water around him. Now that he was alone, alone with his thoughts and his pain, it was far to easy to dwell on it. Far to easy to be overcome by that pain.

Liris' eyes remained closed as he tilted his head back some. He wouldn't give in to the pain though. He could drown himself in this tub and that pain would be gone, but only a weak person would seek such an easy way out. Though hadn't he been weak earlier, seeking another way out of the pain. A way that might hurt Ilya's heart in the same manner that his own was hurting now. Of course the pain wouldn't be quite as bad, but it would be bad enough. Some humans couldn't take any kind of heart break.

He grunted lightly trying to think of anything other than the pain. There really was no real escape from it. It would take so much time for a wound like that to heal on its own. Liris shook his head violently, eyes opening. No. He should concentrate on getting clean, not just soaking and wallowing in misery. He grabbed some soap and began to scrub at his skin. Before he realized what he was doing, he had begun to rub rather violently at his own flesh.

It had taken him a while, but at last it was ready. Ilya couldn't help but be a little bit proud of himself for having created such a warm, comforting atmosphere. Little globes of light like fireflies floated here and there. The bed was a mound of soft things in welcoming tones, blankets folded back to invite a person to lie down and sleep ... He hoped it would make Liris feel safe.

Thinking of Liris made had the mage's cheeks flushing red as he remembered all the teasing and flirting. He supposed he should go in and check on the man. Though his mood had seemed bright enough, it had been nothing more then a bid for comfort. Suddenly, Ilya was afraid of what he might find in the bathroom.

He jogged to the nearby room and flung the door open. Hastily he moved to kneel by the tub and reached out to grab the other man's hand in his own to halt the too harsh scrubbing. Some of the skin he'd healed had already begun to turn raw. "The bed is ready. You'll be sleeping in my room." Ilya purposefully failed to mention whether or not he would be sleeping there as well. After walking in on this scene, he didn't think he wanted to leave Liris alone for a moment. It could have been so much worse ...

Liris didn't seem to even notice when the door of the bathroom had opened. There was water on his face, tears leaking down his cheeks. Though Liris was unaware of them himself, when Ilya grabbed his hand, Liris blinked and looked up at him. For a moment he didn't seem to recognize the other or hear his words, though realization dawned on him slowly, and he looked down at himself. Liris grimaced slightly, and with his other hand quickly wiped at his face. He had to be strong, especially in sight of another. Liris had always prided himself in being strong, and fierce. Now he felt like nothing but a weak kitten.

He was frowning, looking down at the skin he had rubbed raw. "I didn't mean to.." The words were spoken so very softly, and with a sudden movement, Liris had stood in the tub. He wasn't strong enough, there was no way he could get through this own his own, no matter how hard he would try. He could see that clearly now, but Liris couldn't bring himself to ask Ilya for help. How could the other help him with this pain anyway, other than a spell that would have a much stronger influence on him than on any other. He was more than ready to sleep, at least sleep would be a brief release, as long as he didn't dream of Glimmer. Water dripped down his well muscled body as he stood there, not quite meeting Ilya's eyes and somewhat waiting for the other to lead him to where he would sleep.

The mage answered, but not with words as he reached out to help the other man step from the tub. He used only the barest of hints of magic and was surprised when the skin began to heal itself. Truly, magic did have an amazing amount of effectiveness on the mercenary. That was for later though, the curiosity about such things.

Ilya guided Liris the few steps it took for them to reach the mage's room. He pulled and pushed at the other man until they were both standing by the bed. Wordlessly, the mage began to undress. He couldn't bear to leave Liris alone, no matter what happened he simple couldn't leave. It took but a few moments for the mage to be in near the same state of undress as the other man, save for the cloth giving him some sense of modesty.

He glanced at the other man before slipping under the covers, shifting and moving so there was a large space left beside him. Ilya lifted a hand, and beckoned Liris to join him. Trying to predict what might happen during the night escaped the mage, he didn't even want to think about it.

That warmth had started the return. The warmth that came from another person who genuinely cared. Liris was silent as Ilya helped him from tub, he looked down at his raw skin when he felt the tingle of magic across his flesh and watched as it healed. It hadn't taken much magic to do that, still it made his skin tingle a bit. He let Ilya guide him the short distance to the bedroom. He remained silent, even as the mage undressed. Though he did want to say something, something flirty, something to bait the other.

It didn't seem like he needed to say anything as Ilya crawled into the bed and then motioned for him to join. Liris blinked, and almost smiled though he hesitated a few moments before slipping into the bed. A slight shiver ran over his body, and his skin tingled slightly for a moment more. The bed was so soft, so warm, so comfortable. The lightning in the room seemed to add a softness to the atmosphere as well. All in all it was a very cozy place, this bed and this bed room. Even more so by the fact another person was in the space with him.

That emotional, physical warmth of another body flowed over him and Liris turned towards Ilya. Those arms wrapped around the mage and he pulled him close. Hiding his face against the mage's flesh as he closed his eyes. It felt so good, it put his heart at ease and before he knew it, Liris was falling asleep. He felt safe. He hadn't felt safe in days.

He held his breath, somehow afraid that Liris would turn his back and walk away. The mage relaxed once it became obvious that such a thing wasn't going to happen. Ilya smiled as he was pulled close, and shifted slightly to make himself more comfortable. It seemed like being with him did ease some of what haunted Liris's heart, and he was glad of that, though there was no telling how long it would last.

Carefully, Ilya lifted a hand to let his fingers run through the other man's hair gently as he heard Liris' breath become shallower. Soon after, the mage followed suit, somehow feeling needed helped him close his eyes and drift off, even though being held as he was while falling asleep was somewhat unusual for Ilya.

Thankfully Liris' sleep was a peaceful one, and a very much needed rest. Normally he was one to rise with the sun, but as the sun rose, Liris continued to sleep. His body and mind needed the rest, and perhaps once he did finally wake he would feel better. Maybe some of the pain in his heart would have eased, it was doubtful, but it was a slight possibility. He held to the mage gently as he slept, far more comfortable with that other body nears his than he had ever thought he could be. Liris had wanted to rise with the sun, to get an early start. Though if Ilya didn't wake the mercenary sometime that morning, Liris wouldn't wake on his own until well after noon.

The mage shifted, groaning slightly as he opened his dark eyes. For a few moments, he was rather transfixed by Liris' sleeping features, bu he forced himself to shift away and scramble out of bed. They had so much to do that day, and so little time. The sooner they left the city behind, with each person who might be able to recognize Liris, the better. Mumbling softly he listed supplies to himself as he dressed in dark robes, then wrapped the belt around his waist once more.

He glanced at Liris once more and reached out to run a gentle hand through the other man's hair again. The mercenary needed rest, and food. Nodding to himself, the mage walked down stairs and spent a good half hour preparing breakfast. Eggs, meat, bread, fruit, there was a sample of all of these and more on the table. He'd probably gone and over done it, but as he walked back into his room and leaned over Liris to shake the man's shoulder, he couldn't help but think it still wasn't enough. "Wake up, there's much to do today."

Liris slept peacefully even when Ilya moved about and slipped from the bed. Normally such things as being touched or soft sounds would wake the mercenary but he felt completely safe he needed the rest far to badly for years of trained instincts to kick in. The scent of food seemed to waft through the house, but it didn't rouse the exhausted man, Liris didn't wake until Ilya shook his shoulder and spoke. Those eyes opened slowly, then closed for a few moments, as if Liris was fighting it. This bed was so comfortable. Those eyes opened again, followed by a yawn.

The scent of food hit him, and his stomach growled almost ferociously, it brought a grin to his lips for a brief moment. There was far too much to do and all Liris wanted to do was sink further into the warmth and comfort of that bed. "..Ilya.." The mage's name slipped from Liris' lips softly, his grin had slid away, the pain was returning, but right now, surrounded by this warmth and comfort it was slow in the coming. Still it wouldn't take long. He sat up almost slowly, the blanket slipping down his form and coming to rest in his lap.

How long had he slept? Probably too long, and he wanted more. Another yawn, and then Liris burst into motion. Standing from the bed, in all his naked glory, and he stretched, wincing slightly as he raised his arms over his head. The muscles pulling underneath that brand, causing it to awaken with a dull aching pain. It was nothing though. Those eyes were on Ilya. "I smell food." Liris did love big meals, though he didn't expect that Ilya would cook a feast for him, besides the mage had no way of knowing what kind of voracious appetite Liris had.

The mercenary decided rather quickly he would do his best to not eat all of Ilya's food.

He laughed, and shook his head slightly at the other man's abrupt movement. Ilya tried not to let his thoughts linger over the way his name had sounded on Liris' lips. No, that wouldn't do. There were far more important matters to let his mind dwell on. "You're getting dressed first." He did blush at the words, lowering his head to the ground.

Then he was standing and motioning to the chest at the bottom of the bed. "Pick what you want from there, I'll wait for you downstairs." Ilya turned and walked away. What was it about the mercenary that flustered him so easily? Hard to say. Some things the mage knew for certain. Protecting Liris, and helping him heal, had somehow become foremost in his thoughts. That could prove to be dangerous on their journey.

At the moment, in Liris' opinion, food was far more important and wanted than clothing. Though if Liris wasn't so hungry he was sure clothing would be at the fore front of his mind. He looked to the chest that Ilya motioned towards, wondering if the mage had anything in there that would actually fit him. Liris shoulder's were broader, his muscles thicker from much use. He would just have to dig around and see, and make sure he had something that covered the mark on his shoulder blade. Liris had grimaced slightly, and glanced towards the mage just in time to see him head back off.

Left to his own devices once again. Liris hesitated before moving to the chest and opening it. He dug around in there until he found something suitable, perhaps a little tighter than he would have liked but still mostly comfortable. Dark breeches, a dark tunic, and a pair of traveling boots. The last piece of his ensemble was a dark hooded cloak. Though the tunic's sleeves were long enough to keep the mark covered, it wouldn't hurt to have the extra security of a cloak around his shoulders. All of this took a few minutes, and then Liris was coming down the stairs, following the scent of food. It was hard, to not think about things, but he was forcing himself to focus on the mission at hand.

Whatever was happening, whatever dark forces were gathering, had to be stopped. That was the only thing he could afford to think about at the moment. That and food.

He had prepared two plates, already heaped with food. There was still more then enough, he thought, for the two of them remaining upon the table. Ilya's back straightened when he heard the tramping of boots coming nearer. Like a moth drawn to the flame, he walked to Liris's side the moment the other man had descended the steps. The mage smiled. Wringing his fingers for a moment, he took a deep breath. "I hope what I've cooked..." It didn't really matter if Liris liked it, in the long run.

They needed to leave the city on their quest once they were ready. All they had a right to be concerned about was the Grey Tower. There was no room for anything else. His decision the night before had been righter then he thought. "I've set a plate for you already," said the mage neutrally as he moved to sit in front of his own platter.

Liris' attention went to Ilya immediately as the mage came to his side. It was kindof cute, the way Ilya wrung his fingers for that moment. That thought, seemed to ease the pain in his heart somewhat..Perhaps Ilya really could help him recover from such a thing..At least, a little bit. Enough to where Liris would no longer be a danger to himself. Once this was over, depending on how it ended, and Liris was almost certain he already knew how it would end. He or Glimmer would die, and if it was the dragon, then Liris really would need someone to keep him from harming himself.

The mercenary shoved those thoughts away almost forcefully. A smile made itself present on his lips. "It smells wonderful, I'm sure it'll taste better than it smells." That smile turned to a grin. It was so easy to be playful around Ilya, easy to hide the pain behind a playful attitude. Liris was no fool though, he knew he needed the mage for more than one reason. His eyes were drawn to the plate, and for a moment there was a twinkle in Liris' eyes.

Liris wasted no time in sitting down in front of his plate and digging into the food there. It tasted wonderful to the mercenary and he noticed there was more food on the table, and if there was enough, Liris would eat seconds, even thirds. And whatever might be left after that. Of course, he would let his host eat his fill first. Liris really didn't want to eat Ilya out of house and home. Especially at one meal time.

The mage felt heat rise to his cheeks at the as yet unwarranted praise. He didn't think of himself as being an expert cook. Hopefully his guest thought otherwise. Ilya settled down at the table after waiting for the former dragon rider to do so. He settled down to eat, relishing the way his guest demolished his food more then whatever he set to his lips. It was wonderful, seeing how Liris enjoyed each piece of food. Though ... most likely that was due to how hungry he'd been during his captivity.

"Does the food live up to your expectations?" He glanced at the other man after setting aside his fork. Upon his plate were nothing more then crumbs. Ilya was done, completely stuffed with meat, breads and fruit. He'd only had one plate but that was enough for him.

Liris made short work of his meal, and once he was certain the mage wasn't going to eat more than one or two plates of his own, Liris began to finish off everything edible left on the table. It was so delicious and he had been so very hungry. Though he was sure he would have thought the food very delicious even if he hadn't been famished.

When Ilya asked that question, Liris gave him an easy smile, wiping some of the food from his mouth and swallowing what was in that mouth before replying. "Ah. Best home cooked meal I've had in a long time." Liris wasn't exaggerating, though, other than his own cooking, or what he could buy in taverns he was sure when he had last had an actual home cooked meal. So this definitely was the best. Liris had finished off everything.

Still, they were wasting time by sitting here and enjoying a meal, as if nothing were wrong in the world. He shook his head a bit, and stood. The idea that Ilya might want to clean and put away his dishes didn't even occur to the mercenary. He had never really done much of that sort of thing in his life, living outdoors one cooked on a fire with a stick through a hunk of meat. That didn't really leave much dishes to need cleaning or putting away. "We should be moving though...It was a good meal, a much needed one, but we can't really afford to waste time." The words were spoken matter-of-factly and he pulled the cloak tighter around his broad shoulders.

"So impatient ..." mumbled the warrior mage with a shake of his head. Ilya stood and crossed his arms. "We go nowhere until the dishes are done. I'll wash, and you can dry." Turning upon his heel, the tall mage made his way to the sink. With a twist of his wrist he made water flow from the pipes and using magic, he heated it. He threw in a bit of soap as well, to make sure the dishes he plunged into the mixture would be easy to clean.

Ilya drew a cloth from a nearby drawer, and placed another on the nearby counter. He began his work, cleaning the dishes with deft movements. He refused to leave his home in any kind of disarray. It simply ... wasn't done.

Liris looked positively baffled. The safety of the world was at stake, and the mage wanted to do some housekeeping? Time was against them, even though the mercenary wasn't sure how much time they had. Still his heart told him this quest was imperative and that any delay could spell disaster for them and everyone. Liris Stormborn seemed to be at a loss for what to actually do now. Though Liris could not help but think that if Ilya were a woman, he'd make a good housewife.

It took a few moments, but Liris regained his composure, looking just a little irritated as well. "Clean dishes will do you no good, mage, if evil befalls the whole world." He was shaking his head, a stern look on his face and he had crossed his arms across his chest. "We don't know how much time we have to stop whatever is happening, so any delays only add to the danger. We must make haste, and there is still a matter of shopping for weapons." Liris had hoped the only major delay they would have would be weapon shopping. He was very peculiar about his weapons, they needed to be strong, and expertly crafted.

The mage rolled his eyes and continued cleaning the dishes with quite efficiency. "Be that as it may, I don't wish to return here after our quest to a filthy home. Besides, I doubt a few minutes to do this will make much of a difference in the long run." He laughed slightly. "It would go quicker if you helped."

Ilya motioned to the cloth he'd set aside to dry the dishes. The cupboard where the plates went lay open, nearly empty, waiting for the dishes. The dark clad man didn't intend on budging.