smartass_captain

From:

This time we'll be fighting together.

When Felix takes his husband's hand, it's only a moment before they materialize in their room in Bruma. A lamp has already been lit on the desk, illuminating a room whose small windows are covered by snow drifts. Their packs have already been set out by the bed, half laden with food, water and other useful supplies. The door is propped open to the lower floor of the Caelus family home; the floorboards creak gently as Felix goes over and calls a greeting to anyone waiting on their arrival.

It's his brother who comes down the stairs, arrayed in his steel armor beneath a plain travelling cloak and hood. Stratos nods to them both, though both men might think his scrutiny lingers on them in particular.

"Uncle will be waiting at the north gate with the horses," he says as they pull their own leather gear out of its chest and strap it on. "With any luck we can be done with this all by night's end, but we've supplies enough to cover any emergency."

"The sooner we get to it the better, then," Felix says, with a determination that makes Stratos blink in surprise.

But he nods, then. His little brother has had time enough to steel himself for this. It's honestly a relief that Felix isn't faltering or cringing now. "I'll wait for you upstairs."