Texting Overflows

[magicalvoice]

Just link back to where the thread came from so it's easier to go back and forth when/if necessary. :)

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@evernohr

[magicalvoice]

[From here.]

I could, but I don't know what it'll do to you long-term. I don't speak around people for that reason. I'll have to be incredibly careful with my words. And as far as I know, only the magically inclined have any innate resistance to its sway.

Do you really trust me to hold your very psyche in my hands?

[evernohr]

[It is true that Xander isn't one of the magically gifted members of his family, though he likes to think he has a very strong will. Would that be enough if he changed his mind?

He sighs, leaning against the wall as he considers.]

I'm not sure. What stops you from taking off your mask if I say no? Are you suggesting I shouldn't trust you at all?

[That would be unpleasant. Xander wants to believe he hasn't made a bad judgment call.]

[magicalvoice]

I would never take it off without explicit permission to do so. I've lived this way my whole life once I created this mask.

I'm not suggesting you shouldn't trust me. But I haven't done enough research - I haven't cared to - on what specific phrases or impulses could affect a person and how. And anything I have done was before I realized how powerful my voice is.

I made someone think it was perfectly acceptable to strip naked and do a jig in the town square as a kid. And it took a lot of talking on my part to get him to stop.

I don't want to cause harm to you. A wound can be bandaged, a bone splinted, but the mind. The mind can be much more delicate than we expect. And I hold yours in great esteem.

Of course, I would do everything in my power to reverse things if it goes wrong. But I do not want it going wrong in the first place.

[Worry ties itself into knots in Sylvan's stomach. It's one thing to give a surface-level desire to someone. It's another to delve... potentially deeper. Even if only on accident. Xander rarely relaxes, after all, and so to impose the will to do so might reach deeper than Sylvan expects. He theorizes that there's good reason that Xander is always so vigilant. And if he doesn't phrase himself well enough...]

[evernohr]

[Although he's ​disappointed to admit it, Sylvan is right. He should know better than to chase after a magical fix to his problems, and he really does need to keep his wits about him... now more than ever.

Too many people depend upon him. Taking such a risk would be incredibly irresponsible.]

I understand. Thank you for explaining.

I won't ask you to speak.

Just the opportunity to be out of the castle for a little while should be good enough. I was wrong to try unloading my burdens onto you that way.

[magicalvoice]

No, you're not wrong. It's normal to want to find a release or reprieve from one's burdens if the other methods you know don't work.

I will think on your desire more carefully. There may yet be something I can do, if I am very, very careful. Especially if I can make it easily reversible, or not impact your mental faculties. And if we work together to get you exactly what you require.

Because I do wish I could help you this way, and... I want to at least attempt to develop a plan to try. In the meantime, if you think of anything you'd rather do, please let me know.

I will set my signs to closed, but please, simply let yourself in. No need to knock.

[Maybe he'll regret it, maybe not. But Sylvan's heart truly aches for Xander's pain. While illusions are what he deals in the most, developing a genuine balm for Xander's heart and mind would definitely act as a bandage until the roots of Xander's feelings can be worked on. He holds such a burden, and Sylvan is not immune to noticing the cruelty in Nohr's current king.]

[evernohr]

Thank you for listening and understanding. It is rare to find people willing to do so.

[And Xander once again feels somewhat hopeful that Sylvan may be able to help him in some way. How? He has no idea, but those who practice magic are known for coming up with the most creative solutions to life's problems and overcoming seemingly impossible obstacles.

Leo has shown enormous talent in that regard. But, being his little brother, Xander cannot possibly ask him for help with anything regarding his troubles. He must always appear strong and steady in front of his family.]

I will be there shortly, and I will consider the matter further on my way.

[While Sylvan's shop might have wards around it, the crown prince of Nohr, dressed so brilliantly in armor and fine clothing, cannot hope to travel anywhere without drawing attention. So he leaves behind the majority of his usual bulk and finery, choosing instead to dress in something closer to an ordinary riding outfit, finished off with a cloak to cover his blond curls. He leaves his crown on the desk in his chambers.

Not many people ever get to see Xander away from his retainers, family or soldiers. Still, when he lets himself into Sylvan's strange shop, he feels a real relief to know he doesn't have anybody staring at his back or scrutinizing his every movement. It's only him and one other person... someone who genuinely seems to have his best interests in mind.

That alone feels quite nice.]

Good evening, Sylvan. Thank you for making time for me. [He kept his communications device handy, remembering that is how Sylvan wishes to talk to him while he's here.]

cw: image I linked has a spider-cat.

[magicalvoice]

[Sylvan waits for him just beyond the entryway, in a little sitting area usually used for clients. Unlike the usual emptiness, the table itself is adorned with a tea set and snacks, a soft, fragrant tea steeping in the kettle. A few books are set aside, covering a varying number of topics. At a closer glance, they're all fiction.

When Xander arrives, Sylvan gives a somewhat slow nod from his spot on one of the chairs, wanting to communicate his words without the device whenever possible. Even so, it's unavoidable.]

Anytime. If you wish for tea, please, have a seat where you like and feel free to have as much as you'd like. It's a custom blend of rose, hibiscus, and sweet orange peel.

That goes for anything else on the table, by the by.

[Sylvan's smile reaches his eyes, gaze crinkling to show what little he can. After a moment, he gestures to the stack of books, and then writes again.]

You are also welcome to the books I have here, or we can talk. Whatever you'd like.

[evernohr]

[Vigilant as ever, Xander makes sure to get a good look at his surroundings, gaze seeking out the locations of any doorways or windows. While he's sure nobody noticed him in the streets, he can't break the habit.

Luckily he doesn't dwell on the issue for too long. Xander turns his attention back toward Sylvan and his next messages. Well, isn't all of this lovely? The tea is fragrant but not overwhelming, the presence of snacks and books further evidence of his host's kind and thoughtful nature.

He smiles slightly in return.]

I will have to try the tea. I'm... still not certain what else I want to do.

[For the moment, Xander busies himself removing his cloak and stepping out of his boots, all of which he sets aside so that he won't trail any dirt when striding into the sitting area and taking a seat on the chair across from Sylvan. His posture is pristine, though the stiffness in his shoulders reflects more than simple propriety.]

Your shop is quite comfortable. I already like it here.

[magicalvoice]

[Sylvan watches him, carefully, noticing the continued stiffness in his shoulders. How considerate-- Sylvan doesn't even bother to go to such lengths, so it would have been fine for Xander to keep his boots on. Maybe he's even more wound-up than Sylvan expected.

[After a moment, he collapses his mask so his face is visible in full, and sets the contraption on the table.]

Thank you. How would you feel about a massage in a little while? After you wind down from your journey here?

[That said, he pours Xander and himself some of the tea, holding his own cup in both hands before taking a slow sip.]

[evernohr]

[Xander picked up the habit of removing his shoes when entering someone else's space during his travels to other kingdoms. If the custom seems sensible and makes life easier for his host, then why not continue elsewhere?

And taking off his footwear can only help with the relaxation bit. At least he doesn't feel like he needs to get up and run off somewhere at a moment's notice.]

Ah...

[He has to read the question twice before the suggestion sinks in. Hopefully the pink flush across his face can be disregarded as exertion from his journey to the shop.]

I've never had one before, though my sister has raved about them.

[That would involve removing more of his clothing, wouldn't it? That will put Xander very much out of his element, but that's likely exactly what he needs. Sticking with what feels comfortable hasn't been helping him in the slightest.

So he nods once, then picks up his teacup. Seeing Sylvan's face without that bizarre mask is nice, though he remembers their earlier discussion about its purpose. Hmm.]

If you don't mind, then I think I would like that.

[magicalvoice]

[Sylvan sees no reason to accost him about his blushing. No, it's just better to not tease him, as that generally will only wind someone up than let them wind down. His smile warms to hear his assent, and he gives a nod, and takes another sip of tea. He lets out a very soft sigh, though it's enough of a sound to bring about the feeling scent of ozone.]

I do not mind at all. I offered.

Then, to minimize what amount of speech I will need to utilize, since I do not wish to touch much else, let alone this device, with oiled hands, here is what you can expect. I will bring you to a private room upstairs. I have several different massage oils that I will bring out. Please choose the one that you like the most at that time. They have different scents. If you change your mind on one, please let me know.

At the very least, disrobe from the waist up so I may attend your shoulders. However, if you feel up to it, you may go as far as you'd like, and I can cover you with a towel if you feel like you want to be nude. I will only touch where you consent, though I will at least offer a mild touch in order to ask about specific places without speaking.

I also implore you to speak up if I ever hurt you or do something that makes you uncomfortable. I don't expect that it'll happen, but I do worry.

[Considering things as well, Sylvan unhooks the armor from his shoulders and chest, setting it aside on the adjacent couch, and removes his outer cloak so he won't track it around anywhere. It'll just make it easier, and he doesn't want to stumble about or trip over stray clothing while attending to Xander's needs.

[He then brings more of the tea to his lips, closing his eyes while he waits for Xander to finish reading his words.]

[evernohr]

[Xander feels a sudden shiver run down his spine at that sigh, though he has no idea why. Pushing that aside, he inhales the tea's delicate aroma, then takes a sip.]

This is delicious. Perhaps I'll have someone try the same blend for me back at the castle sometime.

[The flush in Xander's cheeks quickly begins to fade- that is, until he begins to read Sylvan's next messages.

There's something about reading all of that rather than listening, maybe because it takes longer and his mind conjures different images through text rather than sound, but this massage sounds even more sensual than he previously thought. The color returns to his face so soon after it faded.

It's only natural, Xander reassures himself, that he would think of sex in such a situation. It wouldn't be the first time he's seriously considered seeking out some intimate company rather than wait for marriage as his father demanded of him. One of the main fears that kept him from pursuing that path was the trauma of growing up as the only son of the first Queen, while his father slept with any woman he liked and caused chaos and heartbreak among his siblings. He feared what might happen if he wasn't careful enough, or if someone tried to take advantage and blackmail him.

His father made it clear that he had to be perfect in all ways. What room did those expectations leave for a fulfilling personal life?

Xander thought of pursuing men as well. He would feel more at ease without the risk of pregnancy, but... that still left the possibility of blackmail, which could be even more harmful thanks to the taboo.

When he contacted Sylvan, he was at his wits end with stress and frustration. And now he reads this description of a massage and wants nothing more than for Sylvan to direct some "mild touches" to more private places.

Maybe he will choose to be nude after all.]

I understand. That does sound very relaxing.

[Even if he seems more tense than before... Sylvan can't know the particular reason why that is. Seeing his host remove some of his clothes right there isn't helping him focus better, either.]

Feel free to direct me however you like. I know it won't be easy if you can't speak.

[magicalvoice]

[Sylvan nods, offering a gentle smile, and, after another moment of debate, takes his gloves off. They're not the hands of someone who has really ever seen combat, but is no stranger to hard, physical work. His nails are blunt and kept mostly short.

[It's just easier to leave what he doesn't need down here, while he's thinking on it.]

Certainly. Whenever you're ready to, we'll do it. At your pace.

[Sylvan chalks up Xander's blushing to shyness, rather than any lewd thoughts, and also busies himself with adjusting his hair, pulling the cord loose in order to retie it all higher on his head and loop it around a few times into a sort of makeshift bun.]

Regarding the tea, I'd be happy to give you some of my stash, as well as the recipe itself with the required measurements. If it brings you some happiness, I am happy to share, in kind.

[evernohr]

[Sylvan has a very nice smile. And all of that hair- he really does have a lot of hair. Even more than the men in the Hoshidan royal family, and that is already a great deal.

Xander takes a few more sips of the tea to stop himself from staring at Sylvan's hands while they work his hair up and out of the way.

Soon those hands will be on his bare skin. Hopefully Sylvan won't find the amount of scars on his body to be too off-putting.]

...Thank you. You are very generous.

[Xander stands when he feels he is ready to head upstairs, but he hesitates with the communication device in his hand, just in case Sylvan has anything else he wants to say before they go. It's strange being the only party able to speak out loud. He doesn't want to accidentally cause any insult.]

I am ready if you are.

[magicalvoice]

[Once he's ready to give this a try, Sylvan's smile lingers, and he nods. Device left on the table, he stands up and leads the way at an easy pace. His boot-clad feet make the stairs creak on the way up, and they come to a room with a softer atmosphere. A flick of a switch and the oil candles along the walls gently alight as the circuitry activates, and then he switches it off to remove the excess power use.

[Sylvan busies himself, setting up the table with a soft cloth and plush pillow made from a rolled, fluffy towel, and he pulls over a modesty curtain for Xander to disrobe behind. He offers him a towel, just in case he may meed it, and then works on pulling out the various massage oils, lining them up on another table. Each has a hand-written label of what scent they have. There's a range from floral to mildly sweet, and a few that have no scent at all.

[Once satisfied, he pulls off his outer robe and belts and tosses it over a chair, revealing a high-collared white shirt with golden trim and a pair of matching trousers. Sylvan unbuttons the sleeves and starts rolling them up his arms until they're above his elbows. He has a few scars here and there, but nothing major.]

[evernohr]

[Xander leaves his device behind as well, then follows Sylvan up the stairs and into a room that should make him feel more relaxed, but might actually accomplish just the opposite.

No- at this point he's entirely responsible for feeding into that stress. In trying to work up the courage to just let go, he has instead made himself more anxious than before.

How unbecoming of a crown prince. He can lead armies into battle, but the thought of defying his father's expectations makes his chest tighten and his shoulders stiffen.

It seems that he'll have to take the next step abruptly, in an instant, when he can't think it over any further. That is, when Xander steps behind the curtain, he exhales a slow breath and then goes on to strip himself completely naked.

That takes care of one major barrier to relaxation, and he's really rather proud of himself for making the bold choice. He still wraps the towel around his waist, of course, but otherwise tries to act casual when wandering back from the curtain to peruse the different oils. For now, Xander doesn't look over at Sylvan. He doesn't want to see his reaction, surprised or anything else. Instead he examines the oils, and ends up putting aside a few of the milder scents as his preferred options.]

Any of these should do.

[Finally, Xander turns toward Sylvan. His host looks handsome dressed in a casual manner. There's no way to know what he thinks of a body like Xander's, trained and fine-tuned throughout the years in an endless quest to seek an unobtainable perfection in battle. A multitude of scars are evidence of both his triumphs and failures throughout that journey.]

And now?

[magicalvoice]

[Sylvan nods, offering a faint smile, and gestures to the table. It'll keep his body at the perfect height so Sylvan doesn't have to bend over tremendously. For now, he inspects the oils that Xander wishes, noticing their milder aromas, and, on a whim, combines two of them, pouring some of each into the palm of his had.

[In spite of his calm demeanor, his heart pounds as he takes in Xander's body. Scars and all, Xander is beautiful. He looks away as his face turns the slightest bit pink, and he steels himself with a breath to calm down.

[But should he get comfortable on that table, Sylvan rubs his hands together to warm the oil between them, and first places a gentle touch to Xander's shoulder. He regards him in askance, caressing him with the pad of his thumb.

[Is even this small touch okay?]