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Once Nazrik had been assigned to Veilwatch Camp, he received considerably more training than before the festival. Having to move to a new place on post to arrive on time for the early training and also cohabitation with the other warriors at camp. Which turned to be important to guarantee a proper hunt beyond the forest.
Their efforts were congratulated after the days of their hunt, to boost the morale of the warriors by letting them know of the impact in their victory. A few wildborn will show up to receive the troops coming back, words of admiration and thankful for their protection against the beasts that threaten the camp on a basis.
When children got lost on the woods, they deemed it a noble task to hand to Nazrik in specific as he had those blessed spears by the goddess that wouldn't fail tracking down his foes. Capturing every beast it crossed paths with and delivering them right to the other side by Nazrik's hand. He took on the job, as any other, with more regard than others expected. As looking for missing people let alone kids wasn't as important or worth in efforts.
Seeing as having more mouths to feed within the camp became an apparent issue once the population grew by a couple few. Warriors were valuable, support was important, healers were irreplaceable and mates to be kept protected but the kids after a certain threshold were either fated to serve the goddess or an inconvenience to keep around.
Every member of the tribe served a purpose and for that reason they all contributed. Thanking the warriors blessed by the goddess as part of a routine and providing with gratitude for their needs.
Even if Nazrik didn't align with their wishes or reasons completely he still acknowledged the importance of protecting his kin. Proving himself by doing his best at any task assigned to him.
When tasks were completed for the day, they were expected to train in their own time and rest for the next day ahead. Keeping in mind to maintain a proper schedule and deliver expected results. He wouldn't voice his complaints out loud, unlike his roommate and bosom friend did, Zehir.
A goat of similar age to him, a frame slightly thinner than his own and a complexion that made a striking contrast to his. Always finding a way to vent his emotions and see the better side of things. Perhaps due to being a goat, he never seemed to fear taking life by the horns.
Zehir knew when to strike a distracted foe, how to smile at the crowd despite an exhausting day and the time to let go of the negative energy that bubbled up from strenuous activities. Never letting mistakes cloud his vision completely. He used that same assertiveness to guide Nazrik through his emotions. As though guiding him with his eyes closed.
For Nazrik, a warrior able to track every prey and not let any foe escape his field of view the aspect of relation escaped him every time. He never knew what was to heavy to say. Finding himself lost at times. Calming down when he located a spot for his own, where he gathered his thoughts, winded down and let himself relax with whatever melodies stroke his souls.
It was a simple comment from Zehir, "Why don't you use your voice to distract yourself? I'm not telling you to scream your lungs out just letting the wind pipe open once in a while. Like singing." That gave Nazrik the push and idea to let himself go from that stagnant place. Where every day was rinse and repeat with no visible end in sight. Stuck no more.
Approaching the table by their common space, Nazrik made eye contact with Zehir. Who sat by the table with slightly vacant eyes. Startled by this, Zehir flinched back, "Shit...Nazrik!"
"Is something the matter?" He inquired carefully, as to not dismiss Zehir but letting him express his worries if he wished to. Managing a softer tone.
"Ugh..." Zehir pinched the space between his eyes, before he stood up from his seat. "I don't know how to tell you this exactly."
"I'm sure you can figure it out? I'm all ears." Nazrik crossed his arms and the corner of his mouth twitched trying to hide a curve forming. "Breath and shoot the target."
Zehir did as told, taking a breath and letting go with his eyes closed. When they were opened once again he possessed a determined expression. "Care to keep me company?"
"Is that not what I'm doing this moment?" Nazrik relaxed his stance, but his eyes wandered across Zehir's face not really catching the meaning behind his words.
"The mating season is with us soon, thus let's stay close for a while." Zehir's ears lowered slightly and he glanced downwards at the table.
"I..." Nazrik covered his snout momentarily. Swallowing hard his own words. "I...will think about it."
[...]
The mating season for each of the wildborn were different, based on their own individual traits and groups with similar aptitude. Most were at the time of spring, for goats it was shortly as winter rolled around. That's when they inevitably will search for warmth and companionship. Culminating with a proper display of affection.
For both of them, it will be their first season together in a confined space. Since the two of them swiftly moved residence a couple months ago, as their assignment to Veilwatch came through.
Nazrik didn't know the first thing about the mating season and nor did he care about such things. Warriors job wasn't to help repopulate rather show his worth through actions in battle and protect his kin. Whatever were two goats supposed to do? Bash their horns together?
He went to his room, singing a soft melody to fill that empty feeling of confusion that struggled in his chest. He didn't wish for the mating season. For most of his life he disliked the idea. For mates were reserved for rambunctious wildborn who wouldn't know control. Yet the idea of Zehir, to share company wasn't an instant reject.
Having the hesitation flash across himself and settle in the pit of his stomach. Did the idea made Zehir feel stuck as he? Sure, the worries of the tribe were not the same as having a mate but felt different to Nazrik. You wouldn't ask anyone about companionship on such a delicate subject. He couldn't simply say no on the spot. Not agree immediately without a proper...something. A sense that made him feel secure.
[...]
The next couple days, the beasts of the forest increased their groups size. Showing much fierce competition against the warriors. Setting them up with challenge after challenge. Dividing the troops and sending them to the very first step that of strategize.
Nazrik stuck one of his spears on the ground, holding it for support and he whipped his head to look towards Zehir. Who somehow lay flat on top of the grass, arms extended and the bow by his side. Letting a loud groan escape him. If any other saw they would have thought him injured, Nazrik however knew how this one feign and functioned.
"Are you throwing a tantrum? I thought you gotten over your kid stage at this point."
"I'm thinking..." His eyes were set on the clouds above them, that quietly merge to form bigger ones and even grey the skies. "it might rain soon."
Nazrik crouched beside Zehir directing his gaze at him, without any of the humor from before "I also have eyes, Zehir. Was keeping you like this though?"
Zehir sat up staring directly at Nazrik, "The prospect of rain. Hate not being able to wash my fur properly." He shook his head. "No, isn't suffocating to continue everyday doing the same?"
"Is what we signed up for. To serve and protect the rest of the wildborn, following what the hunting goddess wants for the tribe-"
"Spare me the religious speech. You and I both know, you trust your own eyes more than those spears. The goddess hasn't done anything for us in along time. Sacrifice after sacrifice, blood spilled and for what? These beasts keep crawling out of their nest every damn day. When will we have peace?!" As each word felt heavier Zehir dug his claws unto the mud beneath him, in search of a better hold, of ground. He closed his eyes and exhaled deeply.
"Well, I feel better after letting that out. Only thing I do ask of you, is to consider that break...uh season event with me."
"So that's how you view it?"
"I mean, I don't like to call it by it's real name. I rather called it a much deserved break."
Nazrik took fully Zehir's expression, his exasperated outburst did left him with a much relaxed look afterwards. One that filled even Nazrik with a little excitement for the idea. If it were a break then he wouldn't hesitate to have it with Zehir. They knew the heavy burden they carried and how their minds struggled to stay in the right place.
A rustle from a set of bushes nearby, called their attention immediately with Zehir taking hold of his bow and standing at once. Holding the tension of the bow with and arrow aiming at the direction of the sound. His stance unfaltering with no signs of distress and instead the fierce nature of a warrior.
Why did he doubt this one couldn't make him feel secure?
[...]
"Listen up, a few wildborn will be on their seasonal break. This doesn't imply we will do no training today, in fact nobody is slacking off! We are to do the same thing as we do any regular training. Sharpening our weapons and testing them with our might!" The chief said with a boisterous tone to himself, a warm smile drew on his face as he let his hands by his waist.
"We go by pairs, anyone who's done sharpening step up." He extended his hand towards the front of their formation. "The best of three gets to leave first. Sounds good as motivation?"
Shouts erupted from the group, excited for the new development and eagered for the fights to begin. These weren't designed to waste time more than they were for training each other.
As they divided in the their preferred small groups or pairs, Nazrik and Zehir did the same. Following along with the plan, sharpening their weapons. Even if they were perfectly on point there was always room for improvements.
Nazrik let out a sigh, taking a seat by a tree trunk and testing the edge of one of his spears. The rock used for the sharpening had seen better days but it was usable for a few more. He made sure his grip was steady to slide it across the blade in diagonal.
Beside him Zehir sat without making even the slightest sound, he knew of his presence because he saw him follow along. There wasn't an explanation needed as to why. In fact it was a given that they will take the match and fight like every other time.
"Nazrik, I'm not fighting you today."
Nazrik stilled, the blade in his hand trembled and he unknowingly bit his lower lip. They didn't need to fight as always. Not that they agreed to be exclusive match of each other. Is simply became that way since they were accustomed to even before they were warriors.
A barely audible sound came from Nazrik "Okay..." as if he were forcing to say something in acknowledgement.
Then Zehir rested his arm over Nazrik's shoulders. His breath close to Nazrik's ears, even no words spoken sent a flare of signals for his nerves. The fur in contact even threatened to stick up.
"You sounded too sad...and lonely while saying that. Just ask me to fight you, like we always do." Zehir spoke in a tone that barred no warnings, loud enough for Nazrik but quiet enough that no one else caught it.
"You didn't want that though? Are you making your mind or making a fool of me?"
They turned their heads, gazing into each other's eyes as if nothing else mattered. Forgoing taking proper care for their arms. Their focus solely centered on each other. The season was just around the corner but never close enough.
"Fight me and find out"
They rose from their seats, took their distance as they walked to the center. Their weapons didn't need more care they needed the action that bleed them for the battle and war. Ready for any challenge by the hands that wield them.
Nazrik, pointed the spear at Zehir and so did Zehir. Those around them too focused on their own things didn't see the goats taking center stage. Directed for the action.
Zehir stroke first, his sword delivered a left swing countered by a clank from Nazrik spears. He carefully regained his stance and guarded for an attack. His eyes called determination but the smile on his face showed mischief.
Their weapons collided once then twice as their strikes were close to each side, refusing to leave an opening or take a hit. At first it really felt as a challenge of the mightiest, hearing the metal clank against each other. Along the way it felt more like a dance, as they were exchanging twists and turns to block one way and attack the other.
If Nazrik attacked the right side, he charged with his body to leave no opening. His footwork did leave an opening for Zehir to take advantage as he stepped back. Turning and pointing his blade at the left side of Nazrik's back.
Letting go of the tension that rested on their shoulders, finally their eye contact softened. As if letting go of the frustration and past disappointments.
Zehir allowed a big smile on his face. "I win, let's enjoy this season break together."
In exchange getting an almost grin at the corner of Nazrik's mouth. "Alright."
[...]
They are eventually let go for the season break, allowing them time to properly rest and find a match during said season. Unlike others time where they didn't spend it together, this one they gave it a chance. Enjoying the lax mornings and peaceful afternoons for the meantime.
Zehir hugs Nazrik from the back, his arms wrapped around his abdomen as he rested his chin over Nazrik's shoulder. A low sigh escaped his lips as he confessed what held him down, "I don't what to be so distant."
The silence speaks for themselves in the minutes that follow, none daring to take the next step. As if any wrong step would lead them through pain. Was it right to ask for more? To wish they could be honest with themselves.
Nazrik allowed his hand to hold onto Zehir, with a tentatively gaze at his side. He felt his heart burning, loudly speaking for himself. How he didn't reject this contact. How Zehir knew exactly what he needed and how to dip into his heart.
Not standing the silence anymore, Nazrik broke their close distance to make room enough to collide their foreheads together. As instinctual as it felt for goats to bump their horns and push for dominance, he felt right being still. Moving to brush his lips over Zehir. Slotting together, without any restrain and carefully moving along. Their lips perfect, and much more was the warmth it transmitted along them. Whatever cold and distance excited vanished.
The first to part away was Zehir, holding a hand in front of Nazrik calling for a moment. "Hold on. I didn't know you be a good kisser, geez." A delicate blush tinted his cheeks and made his ears twitch. He clearly enjoyed the interaction with little room for disagreement. Zehir resumed their kiss, opening his mouth enough for Nazrik to slip inside which went without protests.
Nazrik's hands trailed along the lower back of Zehir, one settling above his belt while the other pushing him closer to his frame. Everywhere he touched a tingling sensation made his fingers twitch, he wasn't used to the touch of another but felt intrigued to explore. Wanting to know what Zehir enjoyed and what was off limits.
When he slipped his hand through the lose belt a gasp escaped Zehir. Making him wrapped his arms over Nazrik's shoulders for stability. They burned through the kiss, with deep buried emotions surfacing for once. Letting go of what held them back.
Nazrik pushed Zehir against a wall, carefully supporting him. At some point his arms ended resting upon the wall. While Zehir grabbed Nazrik waist. Giving themselves a break, they fell apart. Eyes glazed at each other with many emotions written across. Hunger, adoration and wanton spell over.
The presumed fear having vanished from their field altogether, what was so scary about taking control of their feelings a letting them show. If Nazrik had known his feelings would feel this liberating he wouldn't have pushed away at the first sign of emotion, instead he will have dived headfirst.
A vague image surfaced of the time they were clashing horns. When he felt tremors ran through his skin and fur stick up with nerves on point. The two of them so close, while barely having cloth to cover themselves, a single glance let him catch the fine details of Zehir's manhood. Which hadn't been an issue before but at the time it distracted him for no apparent reason. His eyes glossing over every now and then, enough to wake up a dormant sentiment within him.
Spoked out of his wits, he let their horns tangled together. Pushing here and there to force them off. Only working to exhaust himself and having to leave Zehir to retake control of the situation. Leaving with no proper excuse for his sudden change in behavior other than his silent stare. Making a fool of himself.
Shaking his head he drifted the memory away, speaking to Zehir about what continued to drag his mind. "Is this...uh part of...the mating...sequence?"
Zehir eyes stilled at the question, leading to cover his face with his hand. "Goddess, no. No, not at all Nazrik. That's not...this isn't." Inhaling air to film his lungs then letting go, he continued. "I'm not expecting that this will lead to that. We don't need to. A kiss is all I ever need, if my demands do change..." Zehir took hold of Nazrik hands on his own, giving him a soft smile. "I will let you know."
"Oh...is not?" Nazrik exhaled in relieve, letting go of a breath he didn't know he was holding. Finally feeling as though a weight had drifted of his shoulders. Before he couldn't tell the reason but it made more sense.
"We don't need to to push further than a kiss. I personally don't feel to keen on the idea itself. Nor do I want to pressure you." Zehir caressed Nazrik hands making small circle movements on top with his thumbs. "I would rather squabble with you or train together. It was never about a kiss."
Those last words left Nazrik in a slump, his tails becoming still and he expression turning complicated. At one side he was excited for the prospect of braving up for the first step but on the other conflicted that it didn't matter...or was necessary. When he very much...needed it. "Oh I see."
"Hey, don't go sad on me. I didn't mean it that way. It was nice, sweet and...perfect."
"You want to kiss again then?"
"Yeah, but it doesn't have to be now. I rather you do it spontaneously. No pressure to continue." Zehir's hand touched Nazrik's chest right beside his heart. "I will take anything you want to give me and cherished it."
At that Nazrik close their distance with an embrace, where his arms carefully wrapped around Zehir's shoulders and their horns slightly bumped together. If Zehir really meant those words it made it easier for Nazrik to understand and express himself better. From the low demands to leaving him space to take action. "Does that mean you'd do the same?"
"Only if you are alright with it. Can't have you freak out on me for bumping horns again."
"You remember that?"
"Clear as river water, your eyes were staring too much and they made me nervous. Too nervous, so is partially my fault."
"L-let's not go back there." Nazrik let go, turning around only having his tails gave him away for swaying like his nerves. He grabbed his two spears setting off for the door. "Are you tagging along?" His monotone voice returning to usual as though nothing happened.
"Yes!"