Jehan

Jehan sighed with relief as the pointed rooftop of the Blackspire Manor came into view above the trees. A good day’s travel had brought him to the next topic of his investigation, and a good topic at that. Readying his paper and pen, Jehan was determined to jot down as much as he could about the place.

With his familiar, Inkwell, in close proximity, he began circling the enormous building.

“Absolutely pristine” he remarked, running a gloved finger over smooth, black bricks.

The courtyard was barren, with a misty fog obscuring the cobblestone paths. Every so often large figures could be seen, which sent a chill up Jehan’s spine. This was certainly something he needed to get used to.

After a few hours of poking and prodding, making small comments about the statues and architectures, Jehan supposed it was time to rest for a moment. He hadn’t really considered the essentials as he packed. Though who wouldn’t consider a trusty pen and paper essentials?

His stomach rumbled as he sat atop a perfectly polished marble bench, letting Inkwell drink from the fountain’s water. With his knees to his chest, he let himself contemplate how he was going to get food, or even a place to sleep.

“Can I help you?” A deep voice sent a chill through him, and he looked up.

A very large, masked man was greeting him. His blue hair cascaded from a burlap hood. As Jehan stood, he couldn’t help but feel intimidated by the size difference.

“Oh, me? How silly! No- I’m just here to inspect the place, I’ll be out of your hair shortly!”

“You’re hungry.” Was all the man replied.

“Oh Inkwell and I are just fine, right girl?” Jehan looked to his familiar for support, only to receive a disgruntled huff in return.

“Maybe a little, then..”

“If I keep you for the night, do you promise to leave in the morning?” The man asked.

“How could I deny such gracious hospitality, thank you, good sir! Lead the way!” Jehan smiled in return, linking arms with the man.

This seemed to surprise him, but if he had any qualms, he did not voice them.

//Time skip//

“Will I ever catch your name?” Jehan asked as he sipped from his mug. His coat and scarf had been shed at the door of this man’s hut, he didn’t need the extra warmth when there was a crackling fire to greet him.

“Maybe when you give me yours” he replied, Jehan swore he was smiling under that mask.

“Jehan Du Moulin at your service!” He extended a hand, which was shook with hesitation.

“Eridanus”

“Beautiful! Similar to the constellation, no?” Jehan’s grin seemed to be from ear to ear.

“Perhaps..” Eridanus said, drifting into thought. Often he’d bring his mug to where his lips would be, pause, then set it back down.

Inkwell began to sniff at Eridanus’s hand, and she was soon gently head butting it.

“She wants you to pet her” Jehan finally spoke.

“Oh..” Eridanus let his fingers glide through her fur, finding a gentle pace that left the Quillrunner purring.

“Have you ever had a pet?” Jehan asked, tilting his head.

Eridanus shifted uncomfortably, “I have not, animals are often deterred by my presence”

“Maybe it’s the mask” Jehan prompted.

“Why would you think that?” He replies, shocked.

“Well, I couldn’t help but think you looked threatening when I first saw you.. I can’t see your face”

“There’s no need to...” Eridanus drifted off.

The two sat in an uncomfortable silence for what seemed like forever. By then Jehan had drained his mug, and was looking at Eridanus expectantly.

“What is it?”

“You haven’t touched your tea!”

“I-“

“If I’m here to investigate, I’d like to investigate everything I can” Jehan put his hands on his hips, “If I’m going home tomorrow, it won’t be such a big deal if peek?”

Eridanus was speechless. Nobody here usually asked him questions, or kept him company. Just him and his thoughts. He might have invited Jehan over, but now, this loud, insistent man was breaking through his barriers almost instantly. It was annoying, but somewhat refreshing.

“You’re going home anyways, just this once..” He finally spoke.

Jehan had already gotten up from his chair, and was standing next to Eridanus, who turned to meet his gaze. First, his hands made their way to his hood, which Eridanus let him remove.

Wavy blue hair was exposed, soft and lightly curled. Splitting these sections of hair were two impressive antlers, shimmery and black, adorned with jewelry. Jehan had seen his antlers and hair, of course, but not so close up. He let his thumb trace the base of one shimmering antler, to which Eridanus let out a small noise.

“Just.. get on with it..”

He had almost forgotten the mask.

“Right! Right..”

Fumbling with the ribbon that kept it on, Jehan pulled back the onyx guise to expose...

A beautiful man...

“Wow..” he breathed, letting his eyes scan the dark face before him.

“What? What is it?” Eridanus insisted.

“Oh, nothing.. just.. pretty...uh.. eyes”

That wasn’t a total lie, the shade of violet that gazed back at him was breathtaking. But not as breathtaking as the entire face staring up at him. To think he kept this covered up.

“No hideous deformities or anything, tell me, why do you keep yourself hidden?”

“Don’t like eye contact..” Eridanus shrunk from his gaze.

Jehan gave a small chuckle, before handing him his mask. “I didn’t mean to overstep..”

“No no.. you’re fine... just new is all..”

Jehan replied with a noise of acknowledgement.

//time skip//

A small cot on the floor was much more welcoming than the forest floor. So Jehan didn’t complain when the creaking occurred as he tossed and turned. Eridanus had gone somewhere into the house, probably to sleep too.

Inkwell was curled by his legs. Her sleep continued to get disturbed whenever Jehan would change positions. Finally, she let out a huffing noise to show her disapproval, and moved to the floor.

“Goodnight, girl” Jehan cooed as he closed his eyes.

As he opened them, he expected the glare of the morning sun to meet his tired face. But instead, it was Eridanus, who was sitting on the floor and petting Inkwell.

He was cross legged, gently running his large hand over her face. Inkwell’s purrs rumbled throughout the room. Jehan kept silent, trying to watch as much as he could.

Eridanus had a scar just grazing his top lip, did that feel different from his normal, smooth skin? And his hair, was it soft to the touch? Jehan let these thoughts make their way through his head, only to be roused from them with a small gasp.

“How long were you awake?” Eridanus asked.

“Long enough to know that you should get a cat, good sir, I think she liked you”

“Don’t have the time...”

He kept stroking Inkwell in silence as Jehan stared, dumbfounded.

“You were uncomfortable, you kept tossing”

“Oh no, don’t worry about me, you’ve done en-“

“You can take my bed, I’ll sleep out here..”

“No no! I couldn’t!”

“I insist.. I can handle some discomfort” Eridanus replied, but Inkwell nudged his hand.

“I could just stay with you.. in your bed” Jehan suggested.

Eridanus bit his lip in thought, “just stay on your side”

//time skip//

A warm bed, piles of blankets, a purring cat. These sensations greeted Jehan as he opened his eyes. How could he forget the best one, though? A young man, sound asleep.

He must have turned at some point, because he was now facing Jehan. Even though Inkwell obscured his chest, since she was wedged in between them, he could see the face that had blessed him since his arrival.

Jehan could go over and over again about the features that were before him. A wide set, but handsome nose, strong jaw, etc. but rather than list them, he decided to appreciate them. Before violet eyes blinked open.

“Good morning” Jehan greeted.

“Hi..” was all he got in response.

//time skip//

“Well, we’ll be off then!” Jehan grinned as he tied up his scarf. Eridanus had offered to walk him to the edge of the forest, where he’d begin his long trek home. Inkwell gave the large man one last head butt before joining her owner.

“Safe travels” Eridanus said, giving a small wave. He wasn't wearing his mask. As he turned to walk away, his hand got grabbed, making him turn around.

“I think I have a few things left to inspect, think I can come back next week?”

He rolled his eyes, “don’t be late.”