[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Erion stared blankly for a moment when Kansas charged out of his house, those awful words ringing in his ears. His soul screamed in pain, feeling torn apart as Kansas raced away, but Erion could not move. It was not until Falon, of all people, let out a choked sob that Erion stirred.

"Atar? Atara?" Erion's voice cracked a bit as he looked at his parents, his hands clenched so tightly on his thighs that his knuckles shone white. "What did I do wrong?"

Erion sounded so bewildered, so lost and young that Santhiel jumped up and threw his arms around his son.

"You did nothing, aieramin, my little one." Santhiel held his son, feeling Erion tremble against him. The childhood nickname calmed Erion slightly,and he looked up at his father, his silvery grey eyes wide.

"Well, Sand and the rest of the family should be arriving soon," Mist said briskly, hiding her own dismay behind a facade of practicality. "Let's clear these dishes away, and we can walk over to the house."

Falon lingered behind a moment, as Erion followed Mist into the kitchen. He looked at Santhiel, his usually lively face grim. "If Kansas meant that, I'm going to beat him senseless. I know how much Erion loves him, but that doesn't give him the right to hurt toror'amin."

Santhiel hugged his younger son. "Let's hope this is a misunderstanding, and we can clear it up when we get to your atararim's house."

Mist ran over to hug Sand, torn between her delight at seeing her younger brother and her concern for both Erion and Kansas. When Kansas had seen Erion, he had turned away from the stricken elf. The young man was clinging to one of the humans that were part of Sand's family, a gorgeous young man with black hair tipped with amethyst, and dark-rimmed spectacles that had been knocked slightly askew by Kansas's frantic bids for affection. Sand shot Mist an imploring look as Erion choked back a sob. Kansas reacted by fleeing to his room, and Erion let out a howl that was part grief, part outrage and tore after him, the rest of the family following with varying degrees of urgency. Santhiel kept a tight hold on Falon, however.

The family followed the raised voices, both Erion and Kansas screaming at each other. Kansas was doing his best to push Erion away, and Erion was diving back in, grabbing Kansas's tunic and refusing to be turned away, grabbing frantically at his lover until Kansas finally grabbed Erion's tunic and told them about his vision dream. Erion sank to the floor with a pitiful sob, and Sand rushed over to gather his nephew to him, carrying the stricken young elf from the room with Santhiel on his heels, Falon still firmly in his grasp. Eryn helped support her beloved grandson, her face stricken.

Sand took Erion to the room he always used when he was home, sitting on the bed and cradling his nephew. "Breathe, Erion," he told the sobbing elf, stroking his back gently. "You know that visions do not mean that what is seen will occur. Kansas said his vision has changed, and it may be that there is a way to change it yet again."

Erion looked up at his uncle, his tear-streaked face pale under the tan. "Then we have to try. I can't lose him, I can't. I love him so much it's like fire in my veins. I won't live without him, Sand. I don't think I can go on."

Santhiel winced a little from behind Erion, his heart aching for his gentle son. He did not doubt Erion's words, for he had seen the love between Kansas and his son. He shot Sand a searching look, knowing full well that his lover's brother was far more than he appeared, and rarely promised what he could not give. Erion had his face buried in Sand's chest, soaking his uncle's tunic with his bitter tears.

Santhiel sat beside Sand, and Sand passed Erion to his father, watching as the young elf clung to Santhiel in desperation. Falon hugged Eryn tightly, his eyes brimming with tears at the thought of losing his brother, and Eryn stroked his dark head lovingly. Sand slipped out, and returned to Kansas's room, in time to hear Vale making plans.

"Oh, good, you're back, ithilamin. I need you to open a link with Adalon," Vale said. He looked at Kansas, who looked just as bad as Erion had.

"Of course," Sand said calmly. "I have a small mirror with me."

"But it won't do any good," Kansas moaned, clinging to his three husbands, tears streaking his pale face. He closed his silver-grey eyes. "I can't live without him, and I won't risk his life. I can't do this!"

Sand had finished murmuring over a mithral and silver mirror, and handed it to Vale wordlessly.

Vale waited for a moment until the mirror's cloudy surface cleared, revealing a striking woman with floor-length hair that was pale to the point of being colorless and eyes that were entirely silver, with slitted pupils.

"My Lady Adalon, I greet you, orndarastrix." Vale bowed his head politely.

"Vaecaesin," the woman acknowledged. "I greet you, erthurirl. Is it time?"

"Past time, my Lady. I may have left this too long," Vale replied, letting his grief ring in his voice.

"Then come at this time tomorrow. Bring the kosjdarastrix." The woman gestured, and the mirror went blank, at the same moment as a portal appeared. It was not active, but Vale knew it would open when Adalon wished it so.

"Kansas." Sand spoke up, his voice gentle and filled with love. "Go to him. Neither one of you can bear to be without the other, and you will not undo what you have seen by tearing your hearts out and fading together instead."

Kansas's eyes widened a little at Sand's words. "Erion won't fade. He'll forget me, love someone else." The utter lack of conviction in Kansas's voice was not lost on his husbands.

Sand reached out and touched Kansas's cheek. "Satoshi knows this, and he can tell you it is true. I have come this close to fading myself, and I see the signs in you and in Erion. Go to him."

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

"Do we have everything packed, amaelamin?" Vale slipped behind Yuji and nibbled at his ear as his arms wrapped around his husband.

Yuji chuckled. "You're in a better mood for this trip," he commented mildly, but he turned around to press a lingering kiss on Vale. "You want to tell me what's in the bag of holding for Eryn?"

"No," Vale replied cheekily. "I value my life."

From the master bedroom across the hall, they heard a small shriek of outrage, followed by Sand's most wicked chuckle.

"I wouldn't rush to open the portal, love," Yuji grinned. Vale snickered, his slim fingers toying with Yuji's hair. "What're you doing?"

"Mmm, practicing wedding braids," Vale replied, his green eyes bright.

"I'm not wearing fucking braids!" Yuji protested, trying to pull away.

Vale looked briefly outraged. "Oh, yes, you are, at least one braid. It's traditional for each spouse to undo the other spouse's braids after consummating the marriage, to symbolize their new intimacy. I want at least one braid to undo."

"We've consummated this marriage every fucking way possible already," Yuji growled, his perfect eyes narrowing.

Vale leaned in and kissed Yuji, so thoroughly and so passionately that Yuji almost forgot to breathe. "It's the only thing I ask, verno'amin. I'm yours, completely and without any reservations, but this one thing I want."

Yuji sighed and pulled Vale in for another kiss. "How can I say no to that? But only this one time."

Vale gave Yuji a radiant grin, not pushing his victory. "I'd better give Willow a hand with Hikaru, or we won't live long enough to get married." He took one last nibble of Yuji's lips and sauntered out, hips swaying.

A very flushed Satoshi was heading into Ryuu's room, and Vale pulled him in for a quick kiss, nibbling at his piercings.

"Good morning, mela en' coiamin," Vale murmured, one last swipe of his tongue making Satoshi moan a little, before he swayed off to find Hikaru.

Satoshi shook his head, beyond trying to explain ditzy elves this morning, and hurried in to Ryuu to finish dressing him. "Come on, my little dragon, let's brush that hair."

"Chichi, why can't gifu brush my hair?" Ryuu asked plaintively. "Gifu doesn't pull it so hard."

Satoshi looked at Ryuu, his smile bright. "Then take your brush and go find gifu," he told Ryuu, watching his perfect son dash off. Ryuu had decided that certain tasks belonged to Sand, maybe to make amends for his initial rudeness to the elf, and since Sand seemed delighted for the chance to have time with Ryuu, Satoshi complied happily. He never tugged Ryuu's hair too hard with the brush, but that was Ryuu's excuse to assign the job to Sand, who was now also in charge of bedtime reading and showers. He grinned as he heard Sand greet Ryuu with vast love, and his heart swelled.

Willow was in a good mood when Vale swayed in, all elven grace and eager lips. She melted happily into the kiss, and then patted Vale's ass and gave him a little push toward Hikaru, snugly bundled up in his crib. Aika giggled as Vale stooped to nuzzle her and kiss her as well.

"My ladies are both perfectly beautiful this morning," Vale said, giving Aika another kiss. Then he scooped up the sleeping Hikaru, marveling again at the perfection of that small face. "My sleepy son," he murmured softly. "Sochi-chan."

Willow looked at Vale and shook her head. "Yuji must have been in good form last night, sweets. You're cheerful this morning."

Vale just smiled, his face blissful. "We're going to our other home, and then we're heading to Evereska to be formally married. So, on at least one world, in one of our homes, you'll be my legal wife. Why shouldn't I be cheerful, lirimaer?"

Sand popped his head in, Ryuu at his side. "Should you not be opening a portal, anoramin?"

Vale gave Sand a heated kiss. "Mmm, of course, ithilamin, as soon as my breath returns."

"You're only this happy because you found out that atara arranged for the wedding to be held at Hanali's temple," Sand laughed. "Come on, Ryuu, let us find chichi before otooji gets sillier than usual." His blue eyes shone with love for his elven husband, his tone light and teasing.

"So why the excitement over the temple, sweets?" Willow asked, taking Aika's hand and looking around to make sure nothing important was left behind.

"The Fountainheart of Shimmering Gold is the temple dedicated to Hanali Celanil, our goddess of love, and romance, and beauty," Vale replied. "It is extraordinary, and you'll love it. There are gardens, and a maze, and sweet grottos for wooing your lover, and inside the temple are rooms for wedding nights, so that the goddess can bless our marriage as we consummate it." Vale looked at Willow with a wicked grin as they went down to meet the rest of the family in the living room.

Vale opened the portal, and they all stepped through it, arriving in their living room in Neverwinter, Ryuu giggling happily. He loved portal travel, and thought his otooji was especially wonderful for being able to do it. Aika giggled because Ryuu was giggling, and Hikaru slept through it peacefully, snug in Vale's arms.

As everyone set about settling back in, Satoshi grabbed Sand. "Poldoramin, I need your help with something."

"Always, my heart," Sand replied, and let Satoshi lead him to Kansas's room. Satoshi fumbled under the mattress, and dug out a small box. He opened it to show Sand the glass-bladed knife that Kansas had used. Sand's eyes darkened with grief as he looked at the blade, remembering all the blood from that awful night.

"I want to get rid of this, break the blade and do something with the handle," Satoshi explained. "This part of Kansas's life is over. He's not cutting himself any more." Satoshi's voice was firm, his expression adamant. "I can't take it, Sand. I can't see him like that anymore. And besides, now that we're back on Toril, I can feel him again. He feels... peaceful, happy. He doesn't need this."

"What were you thinking of doing with the handle?" Sand asked, examining It. It was silver, and heavy, and Sand knew he could definitely craft something from it.

Satoshi shrugged. "It would be nice if Kansas had something that would have better meaning, something that could mark a turning point for him. He's been doing a lot of growing up lately. He's better at handling things." He gave Sand a serious look. "Your mother, she can really help him?"

Sand gave Satoshi a gentle kiss. "Yes, she can, and yes, he is maturing a great deal. He needs to find his place, though, and I fear Vale and I have only made it harder, especially me." He stroked Satoshi's hair lovingly. "I did take you away from him, more so than Vale, who is Yuji's."

"I love Kansas, and I'll always love Kansas, and I love that you love him, too," Satoshi replied. "Don't ever feel guilty, though. We've tried for years to help Kansas find himself, and still, as much as we love him, it isn't enough. But since you and Vale came into our lives, and our family, he's been maturing, so you've been good for him, and for us all."

"Your heart is so large and loving," Sand said, kissing Satoshi tenderly. "I am so very lucky to be loved by someone like you, and so very much in love with you. Now, let us go hide in the basement, and see what we can do with this blade."

Satoshi stuffed the box in his hoodie pocket, and he and Sand headed to the basement where Sand kept his alchemical bench. Sand dismantled the knife, tossing the handle in a small crucible and conjuring a small but intense flame to start the metal melting. He tossed the blade into a thin leather pouch and laid it on the bench, handing Satoshi a small crafting hammer. Satoshi nodded, and smashed the blade to bits, crushing even the fragments of glass. He did not realize that he was crying until Sand wiped his face with a soft linen cloth, and gathered him into a tight embrace.

"Hush, cormamin, we will make sure he is never in so dark a place again. He has a mother now, and husbands who love him, and one more who would be his husband if he would have me." Sand nuzzled his face into Satoshi's hair. "We will keep him as safe as we can, and we will be there when he needs us. Now, did you have any inspiration for the silver?"

Satoshi nodded, the answer clear. "A bracelet, with a dragon's head, for our dragon becoming, our Tatsuya."

"I may have enough silver here to craft two such bracelets," Sand said, looking at the crucible.

"He can give the second one to someone else, whoever he wants, or just wear it himself. It doesn't matter." Satoshi looked relieved. "It'll mark a beginning for him, a good one."

Sand smiled, and held Satoshi close for a moment longer before he set to work, his concentration absolute, while Satoshi watched.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Erion looked at Kansas, his eyes silvery in the moonlight. He reached out one trembling finger and caught the tear that ran down Kansas's cheek. "You would give them up for me?" Erion's own eyes shone with unshed tears. "Kansas, 'lokiamin, I can't ask you to do that. I don't want you to do that."

Erion leaned forward, resting his forehead against Kansas's forehead, one hand cupping Kansas's face tenderly. "I love you more than life, and when I am old enough, I want to be your husband, and I will always put you first, above all others. I understand how you feel about your other husbands, and I don't want you to lose them. But I want you now, too. Will they understand? Do they have room for me, too?" Erion looked a little wide-eyed for a moment. "Well, except for Uncle Sand and Uncle Vale. That would be too weird. But I can share you, too, Kansas. I can."

Erion slipped his arms around Kansas, angling for a kiss and diving into Kansas's mouth eagerly when Kansas lifted his head, moaning a little. "Marry them, and teach me how to be a part of your family, too." He took a shuddering breath. "We have all the time in the world to talk about your past, 'lokiamin, but I want you to know that I love you, and nothing you say will ever change that. Nothing in your past is going to frighten me away, or make me stop loving you. All that made you who you are today, and who I love today, and tomorrow, and forever."

The tears that shone in Erion's eyes now trickled freely down his cheeks. "I feel like I'm too young and silly for you sometimes, and I can't believe you want me. Will you teach me about how to love you like I should? I want to love you properly, like a husband should. Please?" Erion's eyes were locked on Kansas's eyes, filled with love and pleading and hot desire.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Erion looked at Kansas, the silvery eyes dark with lust, looking so incredibly wanton that Kansas's breath hitched. Erion looked at the beautiful body beneath him, the tight little nipples erect and hard as pebbles, the slim torso well muscled and pale in the moonlight. Kansas had stripped off his sleep pants before laying back on the cushions, tossing them onto the floor. The elf's eyes were drawn to Kansas's cock, standing out proudly from the nest of curls at his groin, and it was Erion's turn to have his breath catch in his throat. Kansas's cock was thicker than Erion's, and his eyes widened a little in anticipation of tasting it.

Shivering just a little from excitement, Erion leaned forward to kiss Kansas, nibbling at his plump lips, the tip of his tongue darting out to tease a little. He trailed kisses along Kansas's jaw and down his throat to where Kansas had indicated, the juncture between his neck and his shoulder, and he nipped, tentatively at first. Kansas made a small mewl, encouraging Erion to nip harder, and the young elf bit down with a little more pressure, and then licked where he had bitten. He could see the reddened marks where his teeth had pressed into the flesh and he shivered again, strangely aroused by the sight. Kansas had turned hid head slightly to allow Erion better access, and the trusting way he allowed Erion to explore him was thrilling.

Erion moaned a little as he let his kisses trail downward again, heading for one pebbled nipple, feeling it hard under his lips as he dragged them across it. Erion let his tongue dart out again, teasing the nipple with little flicks from the tip of his tongue before he chanced a little nip there as well. Kansas slid one hand into Erion's silver hair, pressing him down and encouraging him to be less tentative, and the young elf bit a little harder before suckling on the nipple. He could feel Kansas's cock twitch against his thigh, smearing a little sticky precum on his leg. Kansas moaned softly, his fingers urging Erion downward.

Erion kissed and nibbled the taut muscles along Kansas's stomach, working his way over to Kansas's ribs and seeking the last rib as Kansas arched into Erion's kisses. Erion's fingers trailed along Kansas's ribs as well, the skin so silky beneath them, and the elf mewled a little with excitement as he ran his tongue along the tender flesh beneath Kansas's bottom rib. This time, Erion was a little more confident, and his first bite was deliciously sharp, making Kansas writhe beneath him in pleasure. Erion licked and bit, dragging his tongue along the whole line of the bottom rib, and Kansas shuddered happily.

Erion felt a strange and thrilling excitement as he moved further down Kansas, nibbling along the line of his lover's hipbone and nuzzling the sharp hollow there. He tried to remember what Kansas had done that had so aroused him, and so he let his tongue circle Kansas's navel before plunging the tip into the hollow. Kansas's sharp intake of breath and the way his back arched a little thrilled Erion, and made him feel proud of having coaxed such a strong response from his lover. He was a little nervous about the next part, but he was also intensely curious and more than a little eager, so he moved down again until his cheek brushed against Kansas's cock.

Now Erion reared back a bit, looking at the long thick cock that rose from its nest of curls. He had wrapped his fingers around Kansas's cock before, but it looked bigger now that he was contemplating taking it in his mouth, and Erion shivered again, a small moan of pure lust escaping him. His mouth was actually watering at the prospect of tasting his lover. He wrapped one slim hand around Kansas's cock, looking at the drops of precum that were beading on the swollen head, and he could not resist swiping the head with his tongue. Kansas's moan thrilled Erion, and he licked again, this time letting the tip of his tongue press against the slit. He knew, from touching himself a little, that the cleft under the head was sensitive, and he ran his tongue over that sweet spot, and Kansas moaned louder, his eyes slate blue and gorgeous as he watched Erion explore.

Erion licked his lips, wetting them, and then he took a quick breath and slid his lips over the head of Kansas's cock, his tongue pressing against the cleft.

"Flatten your tongue," Kanss whispered, his voice rough with arousal. His fingers, still buried in Erion's hair, tightened a little as Erion complied, sliding his hot mouth further down the thick cock, and Kansas moaned, forcing himself not to buck into that enticing heat.

Erion slid his lips down as far as he could, his sweet mouth stretched wide to accommodate Kansas's cock, and Kansas thought he had never seen such a beautiful sight as those kiss-swollen lips wrapped around him. Erion was totally absorbed in what he was doing, his breath coming in small puffs through his nostrils as he took Kansas's cock in until it bumped the back of his throat. He halted there, his eyes widening slightly, and Kansas stroked his head gently.

"Fuck, isilmeamin, that's so good," Kansas moaned. He tugged a little on Erion's hair, urging him to withdraw, and the young elf began to slide those pink lips back up along Kansas's cock. "Suck a little, oh, fuck, yeah, like that."

Erion's cheeks hollowed as he sucked, bringing his lips back up until they were at the head of Kansas's cock, and then he slid down again. He repeated that a few times, and then his hand, still wrapped around Kansas's cock, began to stroke in time with his sucking, and Kansas moaned louder, his hips wriggling as he fought the urge to fuck that beautiful mouth with abandon.

Kansas's wanton wriggling served to encourage Erion, and he began to stroke and suck harder and faster, his silvery hair falling around his face like a curtain, his free hand sliding up to rest against Kansas's hip. As he reached the head, his tongue swirled over the slip, lapping at the precum that was forming steadily, and Kansas's moans increased in volume.

"Erion, fuck, I'm close," Kansas gasped. Erion's response was to suck even harder and faster, his tongue pressing down on the throbbing vein on the underside of Kansas's cock. Kansas howled, his balls drawing up, and he pulled on Erion's hair, urging the elf to pull back a bit as the first hot spurt of cum erupted into that tender mouth.

Erion's eyes widened when he felt the cum hit the back of his throat, and he swallowed reflexively, and then more and more cum filled his mouth, the taste salty and slightly bitter, and uniquely Kansas. Erion swallowed as fast as he could, drinking down his lover's cum, a little escaping to dribble from the corner of his mouth, and Kansas thought he would die from seeing something so beautiful as the sight of Erion at that moment.

Erion swallowed until nothing more came, every drop of cum milked, and then he pulled his mouth off Kansas's cock with a wet little pop. Kansas let go of his hair and grabbed Erion's shoulders, pulling him up and plundering that wonderful mouth, licking the small dribble of his own cum from the corner. Erion giggled a little, snuggling against Kansas, his slim body fitting as perfectly as if they had been made to fit together, the faerie lights above them twined even tighter than they had been before.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Santhiel looked at Erion's Kansas as he bowed and said, "Hayashi Tatsuya en Nosse Iradil. It is an honor to meet you. Please accept my humblest apologies for being so late."

Santhiel bowed formally in return. "Santhiel en Nosse Sulandorn. Cormamin lindua ele lle, my heart sings to meet thee. The honor is mine, to welcome to my home the man who has won my son's heart." As he straightened up from his bow, Santhiel broke out into a radiant smile. "Kansas, is it? I heard so much about you last night. And please, you both were up late last night, I'm sure, so we won't worry about being late." Santhiel gestured for a blushing Kansas and Erion to join him at the table in the courtyard.

Mist came out with a tray, her smile wide. She set plates of melon, sweet rolls, a clear soup and mugs of tea on the table. "Hello, my sweetlings. I'm sure you two haven't eaten." She kissed Erion and Kansas both, and then curled up in a chair with a mug of tea, watching as Erion piled a plate with melon and sweet roll and pressed it on Kansas, sneaking in a kiss as he did. Santhiel reached for a sweet roll and tea, relaxing in his chair, and watching as Erion added a bowl of soup for Kansas.

"You need to eat, 'lokiamin," Erion said, giving Kansas a beautiful smile. He heaped a plate for himself as well, and pulled his chair as close to Kansas as he could get it.

"This is all delicious, Mist. Thank you for going to all this trouble for us," Kansas said, ducking his head a little.

Mist laughed. "It's entirely my pleasure, sweetling."

Falon came tumbling out of the house. "Hey, food and no one called me?" He kissed Mist and threw his arms around Santhiel, giggling. "Do I at least get a sweet roll before these two devour everything?" He plopped into a chair and took a sweet roll, grinning.

Santhiel shook his head, his eyes bright. "So, I feel I owe you thanks, Kansas. Apparently, you're going to be relieving me of one rascal, or so I'm told."

Kansas's eyes widened for a minute, until Erion began to giggle.

"I told you he'd thank you." Erion pulled Kansas into a kiss, nibbling his lips happily.

"Erion tells me you're a Vale Guard, Santhiel," Kansas said, still a little shy but trying to make conversation.

"I am indeed," Santhiel said. "For the most part, it's routine patrols these days, but we're always vigilant. The Anauroch Desert borders our lands, and strange things come out of there." He shrugged lightly. "What is it that you do, Kansas?"

Kansas took a deep breath. "Right now, I'm still studying at my college. But what I want to do is become a social worker."

Santhiel looked a little puzzled, and Erion stroked Kansas's arm encouragingly.

Kansas tried to think of a way to explain, and realized he would have to talk a little about his past to have it make any sense at all. "I guess it's because of my own past. I was sold when I was little, and for seven years I belonged to someone."

Santhiel looked both shocked and saddened. "I am so very sorry, Kansas. There are lands that allow such things here as well, but none of them are elven lands. Such a thing goes against all that we hold dear." His silver eyes were very gentle and warm. "To have survived such a thing... there are many elves who would not have survived."

Kansas's eyes widened a little, slightly paler than usual, but Erion's gentle touch and Santhiel's kindness made him feel safe. "It was Satoshi, Sand's husband, who rescued me. He saw me, and saw that I wasn't free, and he spent everything he had to buy my freedom. And that's what he bought. Not me, because he never owned me, but my freedom. Satoshi sent me to school, just like every other kid. I'd never been to school before that, but Satoshi wanted me to be just like a normal teenager, like a normal child. He gave me that back, my childhood and my freedom all in one."

Santhiel nodded, understanding the distinction clearly. "This Satoshi is a good man, and I will be proud to welcome him as a brother."

Kansas grinned, relieved that Santhiel understood, and the elven warrior had a sudden clear look at the Kansas his son loved with all his heart. Santhiel felt a wave of tenderness towards Kansas, and he caught Erion's eye and nodded very slightly. Erion beamed and snuggled closer to Kansas, knowing that his father intended to bless their relationship.

"So, anyway, I thought if I studied ways to help others that were in the same trap I was, children that needed someone to listen and help them find their way, that would be a good thing to do with my life," Kansas finished. "I had Satoshi, and Yuji, and Willow, and they helped me as much as they could, but I really understand, from the inside, and I'll know why they scream, or cry, or rage."

"Cormlle naa tanya tel'uruloki, your heart is that of the dragon, Kansas." Santhiel held out a slim, callused hand, a swordman's hand. "I think such things will matter to you, and so I will say it formally. Hayashi Tatsuya en Nosse Iradil, you have my blessing to claim the heart of my son, and I will be honored to stand as your father in law."

Kansas took Santhiel's hand, his emotions rising up in a huge swell. Erion gave a delighted squeak as Kansas struggled for a moment to find his tongue. He spoke straight from his brimming heart. "Thank you, Santhiel. I can't tell you how much that means to me, because I love Erion, and I want to do this right." He smiled, that incredibly beautiful smile that made him look like an angel.

Erion jumped up and threw his arms around Santhiel, kissing his father's cheek and hugging him tightly. "Atar, thank you! I'm the luckiest elf on Toril!"

Falon looked over at Kansas, his mischievous face serious for once. "Kansas, I'm proud to be your brother." He hopped off his chair and hugged Kansas tightly. Then he turned to Erion. "Be happy together, okay?"

Erion threw his arms around Kansas, and gave him a breathtakingly passionate kiss. "I love you," he murmured, his silver eyes shining with joy, and Kansas just melted into those eyes happily.

[Week 20: 2-20-2011]

Pen Name: BronxWench

Story link: http://games.adult-fanfiction.org/story.php?no=600086356

Type of fic: Flashfic

Rating: Adult

Fandom: Dragon Age: Origins

Warnings: AFFO, ChallengeFic, COMPLETE, M/M, NoSex, OC

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Erion watched Kansas walking away, back to his house, and his heart ached. In the four days since Kansas had come to Evereska with Eryn, Erion and Kansas had been inseparable. Both Mist and Eryn had watched as the two youngsters fell head over heels in love, and since both Corellon and Hanali seemed to approve, neither woman had felt the need to object. Erion had spent every night in Kansas's arms, feeling Kansas's sweet kisses as he drifted into reverie, both of them having quickly learned not to put on their sleep pants right away, and to keep a towel handy for cleaning up after they had rubbed themselves sated against each other.

Falon sighed the sort of sigh only a younger brother could muster. "It's not the end of the world, toror'. You'll see him tomorrow, and atar will be home any moment."

Erion looked at his little brother, shaking his head at his obvious ignorance. "Someday, you'll understand, when you're not an elfling anymore."

"You're only fifteen years older than me, you know," Falon retorted, indignant.

"Race you home?" Erion countered. He did not wait for an answer, instead turning and running down the street, graceful and lithe.

"Hey!" Falon shrieked, and took off after his older brother with a shriek of pure outrage.

Mist put the platter of freshly opened voratae, glistening in their shells and garnished with lemon slices, next to the salmon. The rice was steaming hot and a bowl of sauteed mushrooms sat near the rice.

"Would any of my men care to eat?" Mist called out, laughing.

Santhiel was in the courtyard, lying on his back in the grassy verge, Falon crouched on top of him and shrieking with laughter. Erion was sprawled nearby, his silver eyes bright as he watched Santhiel wrestle with his younger son, his thick silver braid fast coming undone. He had shed his gorgeous mithral plate mail as soon as he got home, leaving it in his study along with his weapons, and donning casually loose pants and a tunic before heading out to spend some time with his sons.

Now all three jumped up and hurried in to wash and sit themselves down at the table to enjoy Mist's meal.

"Voratae!" Falon crowed happily. He reached fro the shellfish, only to have his hand smacked lightly by Erion.

"Atar first, elfling, before you eat them all and he gets none," the silver haired youth grinned.

Falon made a face but he passed the platter to Santhiel.

"I was only gone a tenday, utinuor," Santhiel laughed. "Of course, you both grew while I was gone, didn't you?"

"Don't encourage them, love," Mist said, her eyes bright. "They'll be back to back with you all night, checking their height."

Santhiel laughed again, his silver eyes bright as he looked at his lover and his sons. "Well, something must have happened while I was gone, if you're both acting like I missed so much."

"Erion's in love," Falon said quickly.

"Ah, atara, tell him to shut up!" Erion yelled, turning bright red. "But, yes, I did meet someone."

Santhiel turned a bright smile on his older son. "Tell me everything, then," he encouraged.

Erion really didn't need encouragement. He talked for fifteen minutes nonstop about Kansas, and how smart he was, and how accomplished, and athletic, and beautiful. Erion described Kansas's dragon tattoos, and his black and blue hair, and he took a full five minutes to discuss every shade that Kansas's eyes could turn. Erion was totally oblivious to the looks his parents exchanged, a silent communication that left Santhiel grinning more than ever.

Erion finally paused to take a quick drink of his tui, pushing some of his silvery hair out of his face. Falon went to open his mouth and shut it abruptly, shooting Mist a surprised look.

"So when do I meet this Kansas?" Santhiel asked. "If he's stolen my son's heart, I'd like to at least thank him for relieving me of one rascal."

Erion started to giggle, loving his father's teasing. "He's coming over tomorrow, right after breakfast."

Mist raised a delicate eyebrow, but Santhiel just laughed. "I suppose that means I should wear sleep pants tonight?"

"Don't you even dare," Mist said, snickering.

There were ram berries for dessert, with a bowl of Taren's custard, and Santhiel opened a bottle of wine to share with Mist, while Erion had another glass of tui. Finally, Erion and Falon wandered upstairs to their rooms, yawning and ready for reverie. Santhiel quirked a brow at Mist, who grabbed the wine with a sultry look and they headed for their room, Santhiel's arm sliding around Mist's slim waist as her hips swayed.

Erion slipped into his own sleep pants and hopped into his bed, snuggling down into the soft feather padding, and the piles of cushions, and the silk quilt. He lay there, but try as he might, reverie eluded him. He would get close, but then he would realize that his side was cold where Kansas's heat belonged, and there was no warm shoulder to nuzzle, and no one was playing with his moonbeam hair and teasing him about how it tickled. His lips did not tingle with that last sweet kiss, and he stared out the window, trying to will his thoughts to Eryn's house, hoping for a glimpse of the beautiful blue faerie light that marked Kansas's soul. He thought he saw just a faint glimmer of blue, and then he realized his eyes were swimming in tears.

Erion slid out of bed, grasping his favorite cushion, his sleep pants hanging low on slim hips. He wandered through the darkened house, his bare feet making no noise, disconsolate and missing Kansas fiercely. Finally, he wandered into Falon's room, prodding him sharply enough to to startle the younger elf out of his reverie with a shriek that could have woken all the dead in the Anauroch Desert. Erion promptly burst into tears, and Falon, shivering and terrified at the sight of his older brother in such a state, began to sob as well.

Mist and Santhiel burst into the room, taking in the entirely uncharacteristic sight of both their sons sobbing like the world had just ended, Santhiel, his silver hair loose and hanging to his waist, scooped Erion into his arms, trying to make sense of the muffled sobs and gasping pleas, while Falon launched himself at Erion and wrapped his arms around his brother, wailing loudly. Mist put her arms around Falon, cradling her sons from behind while Santhiel tried to soothe Erion enough to get some sense out of him.

"I can't reverie," Erion managed to choke out. "I can't sleep because I'm cold and he's not there to be tickled by my hair and the faerie light is gone." Erion sniffled and tried not to burst into tears again.

Mist caught Santhiel's eye, and they had another silent conversation. Mist reached out and stroked Erion's slightly sweat-damp hair. "Go to him, sweetling."

Erion looked at her for the barest of moments, looked at Santhiel, and sped to his room, grabbing a tunic and pulling it on backward in his haste and he tore out the door, barefoot, a silver-haired moonbeam as he raced across the hill to Eryn's house.

Eryn's house was unlocked, as were all the homes in Evereska. Erion dashed in and tore up the stairs to Kansas's room, opening the door and wailing when he saw the empty bed, his hands fisted in his hair as he dropped to his knees, fresh tears streaming down his face.

Eryn woke abruptly from her reverie, hearing her grandson's wail, and beside her, Kansas sat bolt upright in her bed. He turned frightened eyes to Eryn, who just smiled.

"Go to him, sochi-chan." Eryn gave Kansas a gentle push, and he leapt out of her bed, racing down the hall and crashing into his room. He saw Erion, collapsed in a heap on the floor, and he threw himself on top of his elf.

:Erion," Kansas moaned, wrapping his arms around the distraught elf.

"Kansas!" Erion gave a sob of relief and all but crawled into Kansas's lap, wrapping his arms around the imp. "You weren't there, and I couldn't reverie and I woke the whole house up and I scared Falon half to death..." Erion thought for a moment and started to giggle a little. "Falon screamed like an elfling."

Kansas was stroking the silvery hair, his own eyes brimming with tears. "I couldn't sleep without you, either, isilmeamin. Jitsubo let me stay in her room, but it isn't the same as you."

"Take me to bed, 'lokiamin, my dragon." Erion scrambled up and let Kansas lead him to the big bed, peeling off his backward tunic and curling up against Kansas, his slim frame molding perfectly against the imp. They looked up, the blue light wrapping itself around the silver moonbeam, and Erion smiled. Kansas pressed a tender kiss to Erion's lips and by the time Erion had slipped into a peaceful reverie, Kansas's eyes had closed, his arms tight around his elf.

It was the first time in seven years that Kansas forgot to worship the dawn.

[Who Do You Write Like?]

Maybe you're just very well read?

Well, thank you! That's a much nicer way of looking at it!

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Vale began to laugh, his merriest laugh, green eyes sparkling as he stopped Yuji's nervous stream of words with a searing kiss. "Do you know how beautiful you are when you're all flustered like that?" Vale asked when he finally broke the kiss so Yuji could breathe. "I think this is the perfect room for our master bedroom, and I hate to break it to you, but you're stuck with a ditzy elf."

Vale tangled his slim fingers in Yuji's hair, his green eyes growing a little more serious but still brimming with love. "I'll say it in all the ways we share. Amin naalle, verno'amin. Watashi wa anata o gozen, otto. I am yours, my husband." The next kiss was even more heated, Vale offering himself to Yuji totally.

Yuji bit back a sob, his gorgeous brown eyes filled with tears of joy. "How did I get so lucky, love? To find the one ditzy elf who was so perfect? Do you know what that does to me when you say that?" His hands slid across the pale gold of Vale's skin, teasing the steel rings in Vale's nipples and loving the way Vale arched into his touch. Vale's head fell back, and Yuji bit at the sweet tender skin under Vale's jaw, nipping and sucking until he left a vivid purple mark.

Vale's hands had wandered to Yuji's ears, stroking the shell and sending sparks of electricity straight to Yuji's cock. Yuji moaned and pushed Vale onto his back, tugging off the elf's sleep pants with desperate urgency before shedding his own, his cock so hard that it ached. Vale's cock was just as hard, already dripping precum, and the elf let out a wanton moan that sealed it for Yuji. He grabbed for his jeans, finding the small tube of lube, and he smeared a little onto his cock.

Vale's green eyes were locked on Yuji's perfect brown eyes, and he obligingly scooted down a bit as Yuji lifted the elf's ass and pulled him onto his thighs, spreading those pale, firm cheeks and exposing the quivering pucker between them. Yuji lined his cock up and slid the head past the tight muscle, watching Vale's face light up with pleasure as he was breached. Vale hooked his legs over Yuji's shoulders, wriggling to drive himself further onto Yuji's cock as he mewled happily.

"Fuck, Yuji, you feel so good in me," Vale moaned, wriggling his ass even more to encourage his husband.

Yuji growled a little and thrust forward, burying himself in the heat of Vale's ass right up to his balls, and Vale let out a howl of pleasure, his head falling back, gold and green strands of hair spread out beneath him. Yuji thrust hard, pounding Vale's ass and working his prostate, the elf moaning almost non-stop in abandon as Yuji turned his head to worry another love bite into the pale thigh. One hand worried Vale's nipple rings while the other wrapped around Vale's hip, steadying him against the relentless pounding.

"Touch yourself," Yuji gasped, and Vale obliged, slim fingers wrapping around his straining cock and stroking hard and fast. The sight of Vale wantonly tugging on his own cock made Yuji's balls tighten sharply, and he moaned, so close to losing himself in his elf. Vale arched suddenly, his back forming a perfect bow, and he came hard enough to spatter his own chest and face with cum, his ass molding itself around Yuji's cock. Vale howled as he came, and Yuji howled with him as his balls emptied convulsively and he filled Vale's ass with what felt like an endless stream of cum.

Finally spent, Yuji shuddered and leaned forward to lick a bit of cum from Vale's lips as the elf shivered in the last throes of pleasure. Yuji pulled out carefully, dragging one last moan from Vale, and they curled up in each other's arms, spent and filled with contentment.

Sand looked at Satoshi as they lay tangled together on the floor of Kansas's room, disheveled and in need of another shower. Sand was not quite sure whose ass hurt more at the moment, but he did not think Satoshi cared about that any more than he did. They were also both in need of a shower again, but that was even less of a concern. What Sand was more concerned about was the small undercurrent of worry he felt through his bond with Satoshi.

Sand smoothed amethyst-tipped black hair off Satoshi's forehead, leaning over to kiss him. "What is it, cormamin? I can feel you worrying." Sand nuzzled his face into Satoshi's neck, nibbling a little at his skin.

"I was just thinking about the wedding," Satoshi admitted, wrapping his arms around Sand. "I don't know, we're going to make all our unions legal?"

Sand kissed Satoshi's neck softly, having stopped nibbling before he made a visible mark. He had left enough love bites elsewhere, and he knew Satoshi was shy about them showing. "I suppose we will. Is that a problem?"

"So you're going to finally marry Vale officially?" Satoshi asked. He rested his cheek against Sand's strong shoulder.

"Yes, I will, but I was under the impression that the vows would be different than what you and I will exchange. We are lifemates, and my primary vows will be to you alone." Sand stroked Satoshi's soft hair. "You are my first, my love, always."

Satoshi trembled a little, the joy of those words rendering him speechless for a moment. When he got himself under control a little better, he murmured, "Does Vale mind? Is he upset?"

Sand tilted Satoshi's face up, and looked into those black eyes that so captivated him. "Vale will be making his primary vows to Yuji, and that is how it should be, my love. Vale and Yuji are bound soul to soul, as we are bound to each other. The love I have for Vale is still real, but it is different. You are my life as well as my love." Sand reached one arm out and hooked his jeans, fumbling in the pocket.

"This may be an odd moment, but it feels like the right moment." Sand pulled out a small pouch and sat up, tugging Satoshi into a sitting position as well, facing him. He opened the pouch and took out a chain with a medallion suspended on it, the symbol of House Iradil engraved on the medallion. "I would be honored beyond words if you would wear this, my husband. I am so very proud to call you a member of my House."

Satoshi's lips trembled, and his eyes filled with tears of joy. "Yes, poldoramin, my first husband. I'll wear the symbol of your House." He bowed his head a little so Sand could fasten the deceptively delicate chain around his neck, and watched as Sand took out a second medallion and offered it to Satoshi to fasten around Sand's neck. Satoshi let Sand gather him into those strong arms and hold him close as they exchanged tender kisses, the morning sun blessing them and turning them golden.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Sand looked at Satoshi curiously. "Do we want to do this, cormamin?"

"Yes," Satoshi said firmly. "Yes, we want to go to the movies. I'll call you, Tomo-chan, when the movie's over."

Satoshi took Sand by the arm and led the laughing elf off toward the cinema. Satoshi purchased two tickets for an action thriller, and then led Sand over to the refreshment stand, purchasing popcorn and sweet tea and soda. Then Satoshi guided Sand to the balcony seats, and headed for the very back row of seats.

There were advertisements and coming attractions for other movies playing already, and Sand watched the screen with wide eyes. "What an interesting magic this is," Sand murmured.

"It's not magic, it's mechanical," Satoshi replied. He grinned at Sand's expression, and offered him the sweet tea. Unlike Vale, Sand did not care for soda, claiming that the carbonation bothered him. Sand did like popcorn, however, and he amused himself by feeding Satoshi as well. Finally, the lights in the cinema dimmed, and Satoshi moved to sit closer to Sand, letting the piercings in his lower lip rub gently across the shell of Sand's ear.

Sand turned to look at Satoshi, a slow smile forming on his lips, and he leaned in to nibble Satoshi's lower lip. "I begin to see the attraction," Sand whispered, and then he murmured a few words in elven. "No one can see us, my heart, but we will need to be quiet."

Satoshi gasped a little, his eyes bright and his hand fisted in Sand's long hair. His other hand reached down to cup Sand's groin, feeling the elf's cock pressing against the fabric of his black jeans. Sand was already opening Satoshi's belt and unfastening his pants, pushing them past Satoshi's hips when the man arched his back to lift his ass out of the seat. Satoshi's boxers followed quickly, and then Sand slipped off his boots and peeled off his jeans and boxers, his pale skin almost luminescent in the dark of the cinema.

Sand leaned over, his mouth hot as he slid his lips over the head of Satoshi's cock, his tongue swirling across the tip and teasing the slit. He lowered his head, his throat relaxed, and he took Satoshi's cock to the root, swallowing twice and feeling Satoshi shiver beneath him. Sand drew back slowly, savoring the feel of the cock in his mouth, his tongue pressing firmly against the underside as he pulled his lips up and released Satoshi. Satoshi managed to stifle a mewl of protest, and Sand put his mouth close to Satoshi's ear.

"I want you in me, now." Sand's eyes glittered as he straddled Satoshi, positioning Satoshi's cock at the puckered ring between his cheeks. He lowered himself onto Satoshi's cock, the man's hands wrapping around his slim hips and clenching convulsively at the elf took him fully within his ass, not stopping until Satoshi felt his balls pressed up against Sand's cheeks. Sand slid his hand up Satoshi's shirt until he found a nipple ring, and he tugged it sharply, his mouth covering Satoshi's to muffle his sharp mewl of pleasure.

Sand set up a fast pace, slamming himself onto Satoshi's cock with wanton glee. Satoshi's head fell back, and Sand leaned into him, grinding his cock against Satoshi's stomach as he devoured that tight mouth. Satoshi was writhing, his thighs trembling as he strained upwards, pressing into Sand. His balls ached, drawing up, and he nipped at Sand's lips. Sand could feel the closeness of Satoshi's orgasm through their bond, and Sand fed back the sensation of Satoshi's cock pressing his prostate and sending wild sparks of pleasure through Sand's belly. Satoshi hissed into Sand's mouth, all but sobbing as he exploded, filling Sand's ass and shuddering. Sand's ass clenched tightly around Satoshi's cock, milking every last drop of cum, and Sand's breath was hot against Satoshi's ear as he licked the shell.

Then Sand carefully eased himself off Satoshi's cock, and put his knees on the armrests of Satoshi's seat. Straightening his thighs, he bumped Satoshi's lips with the head of his cock, precum smearing across his husband's lips. Satoshi parted his lips eagerly, his tongue darting out to lap at the head of Sand's cock, the ball stud teasing at the cleft beneath the head. Sand bit his own lip hard to keep from crying out as Satoshi opened his mouth further, taking Sand in as far as he could until sand was bumping the back of his throat. Sand could taste blood when he bit down harder on his lip as Satoshi relaxed his throat and buried his nose in the curls at the base of Sand's cock. Satoshi swallowed hard, his thoat muscles massaging Sand's cock, and Sand's hands clenched in Satoshi's hair as he let loose, his hot cum spurting down Satoshi's throat as his balls drew up and emptied. Sand shuddered, Satoshi gripping his ass tightly enough to bruise as he swallowed every drop of cum.

Sand slid down again, his mouth finding Satoshi's mouth as he plundered that delicious cavern, tasting himself on his husband. Then the elf slid off, finding his clothing and dressing silently as Satoshi pulled up his own boxers and pants, grinning like a maniac as Sand settled back into the seat next to him, wriggling close to his husband and bringing his mouth close to Satoshi's ear.

"I like movies, cormamin," Sand murmured, before dispelling his magic.

Tsutomo met them with the car, Satoshi still grinning like a maniac and Sand chuckling, as they piled in and headed to the new house. When they pulled in to the property, Satoshi's eyes widened. It was even better than he remembered, and he bounced out of the car, pulling Sand along with him.

"You've got to see this place," Satoshi said eagerly. He tugged Sand along with him after they had said a fond goodbye to Tsutomo, who wanted to get back to Hideko.

The family was gathered in the living room when Satoshi hurried in with Sand. Vale threw an arm around Sand and pulled him into a hug.

"I'm sorry I was irritable earlier, my moon," Vale murmured, nuzzling Sand's ear. "So, how did you like the movie?"

Sand made a pleased noise, arching into Vale a little. "I think Satoshi and I will have to go to another movie, soon, I think." Sand slipped out of Vale's arms and went over to kiss Willow, who tugged him down for a longer kiss when he would have pulled away too soon for her liking.

Yuji looked up at Sand, who leaned in and gave him a kiss on his lips, his blue eyes darkening a little as he gazed into Yuji's perfect eyes. Yuji just chuckled and swatted at Sand good naturedly.

"Listen, Satoshi. You need to pick out a room, you two," Yuji said. "There are two master suites on the second floor. Pick one."

Satoshi kissed Yuji happily. "Really?" His head was already jumbled around with his memories of the house, and he couldn't remember the bedrooms all that well. He did recall that one master bedroom had a tatami floor, and his eyes lit up. "Come on, Sand!"

Sand followed Satoshi up the stairs, and to Satoshi's delight, his memory had been correct. The south master bedroom was a tatami room, and had a small balcony, and Satoshi looked at Sand expectantly.

"This is what would make you happy, cormamin?" Sand asked. His slim hands caressed Satoshi's face, his blue eyes brimming with love. He kissed Satoshi, pouring all that love he had for his husband into the kiss. "Then let us go tell Yuji."

Yuji and Satoshi ran out with the car to pick up some take-out, and Vale and Sand helped Willow with getting the children's rooms settled. Sand still found Vale's non-stop chatter with Ryuu in a mixture of English, Japanese, and elven to be incredibly amusing, but he had to admit that he was impressed with the way Vale had adapted so easily to life in this world. Dinner was a giggling sort of affair, with Vale cradling HIkaru while he ate deftly with his chopsticks. Yuji helped Aika, and Satoshi fussed a little over Ryuu, who giggled at his father. After dinner, Sand and Vale appointed themselves in charge of bedtime, and Yuji and Satoshi cleared up the dinner dishes.

"I have one more surprise for you," Satoshi told Sand. He took Sand into the large bathroom on the first floor, watching with delight as Sand's face lit up when he saw the huge tub. Yuji and Vale had wandered in behind them, and Vale began to laugh at the look on Sand's face.

"We'll never get him out," Vale warned Yuji.

"Nonsense," Sand replied, his eyes fixed on the vast tub, longing written on his elegant features.

"Well, not tonight, at least. It'll take too long to fill that thing," Yuji said.

"Next time, my moon," Vale reassured him, and the glint in his green eyes was just as bright as the glint in Sand's blue eyes.

[Who Do You Write Like?]

::snickers helplessly::

Jack London, JK Rowling, Ursula K LeGuin, Ian Fleming and Willliam Shakespeare, to name a few...

I have serious doubts about my mental wellbeing!

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Erion snuggled close to Kansas, sated and thinking about his reverie when Kansas touched a strand of blue faerie light that wrapped itself around a silver moonbeam in a languid dance.

"Can you see this? Can you see how our souls fit together so perfectly?" Kansas's whisper reached Erion's ears perfectly, and the young elf looked up in wonder.

"Those are our souls?" Erion snuggled closer to Kansas. "That's beautiful. They dance together like they belong with each other forever." His eyes were wide in the dark of the room, but somehow Kansas could see the reflections of the faerie lights in them. "Your blue hair and my moonbeam hair," the elf giggled softly. He pressed a sweet kiss on Kansas's lips. "This feels so right."

Kansas held Erion a little tighter, feeling a wave of love rising up in him for this innocent young elf. "It does feel right." He watched as Erion's gaze grew distant, the elf slipping into his reverie, and then Kansas fell asleep, more at peace than he had been for a very long time.

The dawn light woke Kansas, and he looked down at the beautiful young elf pressed perfectly against him. Erion's silver hair gleamed in the first rays of the sun, and he shifted slightly, coming slowly out of his reverie, a sweet smile curving his lips.

"I thought it was a dream, but here you are," Erion breathed, his eyes full of wonder. "Oh, Kansas..."

The way Erion said his name, with such perfect love, made Kansas want to wrap his arms around Erion and stay right there beside him, just like this. "Good morning, my beautiful elf," Kansas whispered into the silver hair. Erion's warm breath tickled him, and Kansas sighed happily.

"I was right last night," Erion murmured. "I am the luckiest elf in Evereska."

Kansas was about to answer when a gentle tapping on his door interrupted. His eyes wide, Kansas scrambled out of bed and opened the door a bit to find Eryn there.

"Jitsubo," Kansas said, feeling a small surge of panic. How would Eryn react to finding Erion in here with him, he wondered. Part of him wanted to try and hide this from her, but another part, a part that had not been very vocal before now, insisted that Kansas tell her.

"Good morning, sochi-chan." Eryn reached out to touch his cheek gently. "You look rested, more than you have lately. That's good." She smiled. "Mist was wondering if her errant eldest might have spent the night here. I was already in my reverie when you returned, so I thought I would come and check."

"Mist is here?" Kansas asked. As he thought about it, he realized this was for the best. What he felt for Erion was not something to be hidden. He did not want to sneak around, stealing moments with the elf who had captured his heart in a web of moonbeams. Taking a deep breath, Kansas opened the door all the way, and walked back over to the bed to sit beside Erion.

Erion sat up, his face radiant as he leaned into Kansas, fitting himself under his arm. "Good morning, atararim. I had the best reverie." He gave Kansas a look of such love that Eryn's breath caught in her throat.

Eryn smiled, her eyes so full of love as she looked at the young couple on the bed. There was a feeling of rightness that surrounded them, and she offered a quick prayer of inquiry to both Corellon and Hanali Celanil. Both responded with a gentle affirmation, and Eryn's smile widened. If the First of the Seldarine and Lady Goldenheart wanted to bless this love, who was she to quarrel?

"Let's go down to the kitchen, my loves, and have some tea and breakfast. Taren made sweet rolls last night." Eryn led the way downstairs, her heart full of joy. Her healer's instincts told her that this was what Kansas needed, and Erion's blatant happiness only confirmed it.

Mist was seated at the kitchen table when Eryn walked in with Kansas and Erion. She looked at her mother, and in that peculiar silent communication shared by mothers everywhere, she read the gist of things in her mother's face. She stood and walked over to Kansas and Erion.

Kansas's heart was pounding as he waited to see what Mist's reaction would be. He was sure he could not bear to lose Erion, already feeling such a deep love for the elf, but he wanted Mist's blessing. He suddenly understood why Satoshi had asked Eryn's blessing, and why Satoshi had been so damned nervous.

Mist tilted Erion's face up. "Utinuamin?" Her voice was sweet and gentle.

"Atara," Erion replied. He stayed comfortably snuggled against Kansas, his slim body molding perfectly to the young human.

Mist turned to Kansas, and he was surprised by the warmth in her gaze. "Kansas?" She gave him that same searching look she had given her son, and her smile widened, as if what she saw pleased her.

"Mist, I asked Erion to stay with me last night." Kansas was proud that there was no trembling in his voice. "If anyone should get in trouble, it's me."

"Now why would anyone be in trouble?" Mist asked, but she looked very pleased. "All I ask, Kansas, is that you treat him with love and gentleness. If you can promise me that, then you have my blessing."

Kansas felt a wave of relief followed by a wild elation, but he managed not to shout his pleasure to the rafters, instead looking at Mist seriously. "I promise that I will love Erion and be patient with him, and never ask him for more than he's ready to give."

"Well, now that that's settled, shall we tuck in to these sweet rolls?" Eryn asked briskly. She turned to get the tray of pastry, wiping a happy tear away as she rejoiced in the new love forming between her beloved grandson and this cherished son of her heart.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Erion choked back a sob as he realized that Kansas thought he was pulling away because he did not like the kiss. The truth was, Erion had never been kissed before. Never. And now, what had he done? He had scared off Kansas, who probably hated him right now, because he was surprised.

Erion had pulled on his own breeches by now, and he grabbed the rest of his clothes and Kansas's clothes. The only place Kansas would know to go was home, and so Erion took off running in the direction of his atararim and her home. He spotted Kansas near the Academy of Magic, stopping for a moment and looking lost.

Erion never slowed. He ran full tilt, crashing into Kansas, the tears streaming down his cheeks, his strong hands grabbing Kansas's shoulders.

"Don't run, please!" Erion looked into the silvery eyes of the young human. "I wasn't," he began, and then stopped, his cheeks flaming red. He took a deep breath and squared his shoulders, looking like someone about to drink one of Sand's potions, and Kansas's heart sank. "No one's ever kissed me before."

Kansas looked at Erion, dumbfounded. How could this beautiful elf not have been kissed before? And then Kansas remembered something Sand had said, that elves did not engage in any sort of sexual activity before forty. And jitsubo said he was forty.

Erion lifted his chin a little, his tearstained cheeks still bright red. "I just turned forty in Marpenoth, two months ago. So, maybe I don't know how to kiss, and maybe I'm not very good. I did like it, though. I just didn't expect..." Erion's voice trailed off, and he took a gulping breath. "So, I'm sorry, because I think I liked that, a lot, and I want you to know that I was just --"

Erion's voice broke off, but this time it was because Kansas's lips were on his again, softly, just lips, and Kansas's hand was cupping his cheek, and Erion leaned into the touch. The young elf moaned a little, his lips parting and this time it was the tip of his tongue that flickered out to touch Kansas's lips.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Erion yelped as Kansas splashed him, laughing and kicking off to swim after Kansas, his strokes sure and graceful. They were alone in the warm water of the pond, and Erion could not take his eyes off the perfect round ass that peeked out of the water, the blue dragon seeming to watch him as it guarded what Erion could only think of as the greatest treasure he could imagine. He shook his silvery hair as if to shake off the sudden desire to wrap his arms around this human, and melt against him, his lips suddenly burning to touch those thick pink lips while his fingers danced through that gorgeous black and blue hair. And those eyes... Erion was definitely sure that someone would need to write a poem about those eyes, their color shifting like the sky before a storm.

Erion realized that they had reached the far bank when he ran aground, his knees bumping the bottom. His cheeks pinked again as he waited for Kansas to laugh at him, but the imp was not laughing. Instead, he had a look of concern on his face.

"Are you okay?" Kansas asked.

"I'm fine," Erion said, giggling sheepishly. "The bottom's really soft here." He stood up to show Kansas his unblemished knees,and then realized he was still more than a little aroused. His cock was more slender than Kansas's cock, but they were about the same length, and Erion did his best to pretend that he did not notice his semi-hard cock jutting out from the nest of silver curls.

"So, anyway, the best jumping place is over there." Erion gestured, his hand brushing Kansas's hair, and his knees went wobbly. He ignored the wave of heat that ran straight to his groin. "It's better if we get out here and climb up. Follow me!" He turned and ran, lithe and golden brown, his silver hair streaming water as he slicked it back.

Kansas followed, his mouth dry as he chased that round ass, and that incredible back. Erion threw him a glance over his shoulder to see if Kansas was following, and Kansas grinned, picking up a little speed to catch up with the elf.

Erion hooted, increasing his own pace, reckless with the game and wanting to impress Kansas with his speed. He was shocked when Kansas matched his speed, and then tapped his shoulder as he passed Erion. Erion yelped in playful indignation, and then yelled, "Right there! That's the jump place!" He put on a desperate burst of speed and passed Kansas, spinning gracefully and diving off the cliff, a brown and silver streak plummeting toward the blue of the water below.

Kansas watched, his breath catching in his throat at the display of grace and beauty that was Erion, and then, when he saw that silver head emerge from the water, Kansas offered up a quick prayer and followed his heart over the edge.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Eryn watched in delight as Kansas kicked off his shoes and took off to explore the house, screams of delight marking every discovery. She watched him stop by the shelves in the living room, and look at the small pieces of art and the things Sand had brought home and declared to be artifacts. He whooped his way through the dining room and Eryn knew he was in the library when she heard him shriek with laughter. She knew Sand's habits concerning the state of his desk had not changed, and she found it as amusing as Kansas did.

Eryn realized that she had completely forgotten to tell Kansas about Taren, her dear friend who was her housekeeper, cook and close confidante. She headed toward the kitchen, knowing Taren would be curious about the sudden burst of noise. Just as she reached the kitchen, she heard a small squeak as Kansas encountered Taren.

"Oh, sochi-chan, perfect," Eryn said. "I want you to meet Taren. She's my dear friend, and helps with the cooking and things around the house. Taren, this is my son Tatsuya, but we call him Kansas."

Kansas sidled up to Eryn, looking at Taren shyly from under his bangs. Taren was a moon elf like Eryn, slightly taller and slender, with jet black hair in a sensible braid that hung well past her waist, and wide grey eyes. Her gown was a brilliant crimson, with a woven belt in every color imaginable, the ends tipped with silver beads, and she had a small smudge of flour on her nose.

"Oh, I'm so glad to meet you," Taren exclaimed. "Eryn, you never said! Honestly, I would have made some treats to greet you." Her already wide eyes grew larger when she saw the tails of Kansas's dragons. "Are those dragons?" Taren slid up her sleeve to reveal an intricate tattoo of a griffon, the colors so vivid that the griffon looked like it might take flight at any moment.

Kansas immediately forgot every bit of shyness, and bounced over to examine Taren's tattoo. "I didn't know elves liked tattoos," he said eagerly. "Well, Sand and Vale like mine, but they don't have any, so I didn't think elves liked getting tattoos."

Taren laughed happily. "You'll have to see the rest of my tattoos later. But right now, I think Eryn wants you to pick out a room. Hurry back, and I'll have something ready for you to eat." Taren pressed a quick kiss to Kansas's cheek, and he grinned as he darted back out to race up the stairs, whooping again in sheer exhilaration.

Kansas headed for the east wing of the house, opening doors until he found a room that seemed to be perfect. The tall windows faced east, and there was a balcony more than big enough for him to bring a chair out. The bed was enormous, and covered with the same kind of silk quilts Sand had back in Neverwinter, only these were brighter and more vibrant. There was a beautiful tapestry on the wall depicting an eagle rider, the colors making it look almost alive. Kansas threw himself on the bed, and shrieked in delight at the softness of the mattress, just like Sand's bed. He wriggled into the cushions and quilts happily, giggling when he looked up to see Eryn in the doorway.

"I think this is my room, jitsubo," Kansas giggled. "It feels like me."

"Oh, sochi-chan, I'm delighted to hear that," Eryn said. coming over to sit on the side of the bed. "I'm so glad to have you home."

Kansas scooted over to throw his arms around Eryn, falling into the warm hug she gave him and wriggling happily when she kissed his hair.

"I did want to warn you, though, that Mist is on her way over with her two sons. Mist is my daughter." Eryn stroked Kansas's cheek, smiling at the imp, her eyes overflowing with love. "Her sons are, let's see, a bit younger than you, comparatively speaking. Falon is twenty-five now, so he's still in school, and Erion is forty, which is I think like being eighteen on your world, or so Sand explained." Eryn laughed a little at her own confusion. "Ugh, I never get that quite right, but I'm sure about Erion, at least."

Kansas sat up, the prospect of someone close to him in age making him perk up even more. Then his habitual shyness flared up, and he gave Eryn a look from under thick lashes. "Do you think they'll like me?"

"I don't see why they wouldn't love you at first sight," Eryn replied. "Now, let's see what goodies Taren has in store for us. I'm hoping it's some nice dula and and some salmon. Dula is like a potato, I think, and Taren slices them thin and fries them. I do know we have sweet sortani melon."

Kansas's stomach agreed with that idea, and together Eryn and the imp went in search of food, the delightful aromas leading Kansas straight to the kitchen. They ate in the kitchen with Taren, and Kansas tugged up his tight little t-shirt to show Taren his dragons' heads, delighted by her honest admiration. They had no sooner finished eating and clearing away the dishes when a lovely elven woman, black haired and blue eyed, and looking quite like Sand, burst into the kitchen followed by two young elves.

"Atara!" Mist flung herself into Eryn's arms, hugging her mother. "It's good to have you home again. I've missed you! And this must be Kansas." Mist turned to the imp and waved at her sons. "Falon, Erion, come and hug atararim and meet Kansas."

Falon was the image of his mother, looking like a teenaged boy, all dark hair and wide blue eyes, his skin tanned. Erion made Kansas suck in a breath and stare in rapt fascination. He was as tanned as his younger brother, but his hair was long and silver, shimmering in the light that streamed into the kitchen. His eyes were the most exquisite shade of grey, with a blue ring around the iris. He was the most beautiful young man Kansas had ever seen in his life, and he was looking right at Kansas with a charming blush, equally bewitched by the imp. He was so beautiful that Kansas completely forgot to be shy, especially when Erion's face lit up with the most perfect smile.

"Kansas? I've been dying to meet you. Atara says I'm to show you everything in Evereska and make you feel at home, and I have some perfect ideas of where to start." Erion beamed at Kansas and held out a slim tanned hand.

"You might want to hug atararim first," Mist said dryly, but her eyes were warm as she looked at her son and Kansas. Falon was already wrapped in Eryn's arms, and then bounced over to Taren for a hug as well.

Erion giggled and dragged Kansas with him as he hurried over to hug Eryn. "Welcome home, atararim. I love you."

"I love you, too, utinuelle." Eryn kissed her namesake grandson with evident love. "Now go, the two of you, and explore."

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

The Vale Guard bowed deeply as he caught sight of Eryn in her priestess's robes, the white and blue of Corellon unmistakable.

"Arwen en amin Iradil," the Guard began, and then, with a look at Kansas and another bow, he began again. "My Lady Iradil, we did not expect you, but our hearts sing to see you." His eyes felt on the medallion around Kansas's neck, and he bowed again.

"This is Hiyashi Tatsuya of House Iradil, my son by my word and will," Eryn said, her arm through Kansas's arm.

"A star shall shine on the hour of our meeting, young Iradil," the Vale Guard replied. "Evereska welcomes you home."

The Guard touched something on his belt, and the stone simply vanished, revealing a path that traveled by gentle switchbacks through a series of planted terraces down the steep slopes to the valley below. The slopes were still misty, but the valley was drenched in sunshine, and Kansas's keen young eyes could make out the gleam of marble and blue of water past a tall wall. A gilded gate sat in the wall, at the end of the winding path. Beyond the wall were three hills, and atop them sat Evereska. There were blueleaf trees and shadowtops everywhere, and gardens.

Kansas looked at Eryn, his eyes huge. "Jitsubo," he whispered. "It's so beautiful. Is it really real?"

"It is real, sochi-chan, utinuamin, and it is your home." Eryn pointed. "Do you see that hill, to the right of the water? That is Moondark Hill, and our home is there." She looked at Kansas carefully, her healer's instincts taking over for a moment. "The walk is not as long as it seems, but if you are tired, we can arrange another method of getting down to the Meadow Wall."

The Guard nodded. "I can summon a pair of the Kingfishers, Lady Iradil."

Kansas opened his mouth to say that he was fine to walk, but Eryn gave him a look that sparkled with such mischief that he decided not to say anything.

"Would you, please? My son has been ill, and I would not want to strain his health." Eryn smiled brightly at the Guard, and he touched something else on his belt, speaking briefly in murmured elven.

It was only a minute before Kansas heard the whirring of wings, and a pair of giant eagles landed, chainmail-clad elves seated on them. He looked at Eryn in wonder.

"Come, my dear, let's get you mounted up." Eryn led Kansas to one of the eagles, the elven rider holding out a hand to the imp.

Kansas climbed up carefully, using the mounting stirrups that hung from the saddle. Light as he was, the eagle barely noticed the additional weight, looking at the imp with a wise black eye as he got settled behind the elf. He looked over to see Eryn similarly mounted.

"They will take us as far as the Meadow Wall, and the rest of the walk is very easy." Eryn grinned, looking almost as young as Kansas. "Shall we?"

The eagles took off, circling lazily down the slopes that surrounded Evereska. The elf in front of Kansas turned and grinned. "You can shout if you want to," he said, his eyes friendly. "She likes the noise, my feathered lady. She'll scream with you."

Kansas giggled, his cheeks pink, but he did let out an exultant yell, and the eagle screamed with him, Eryn's bright laughter ringing out to complete the song as Kansas arrived home.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

The next morning found everyone in a flurry of activity, packing bags of holding and corralling children as Vale prepared to open the portal to Tokyo.

Sand remembered something he had left in his room and dashed back upstairs.

"Ithilamin! Get your gorgeous ass back down here now!" Vale shouted, and turned around to see Ryuu elude Willow, who had her arms full with Hikaru. Satoshi took off after Ryuu, who was halfway up the stairs in hot pursuit of his gifu.

Yuji chuckled, Aika safely in his arms, and Vale turned to glare at him.

"It's like herding pixies," Vale complained. "Did anyone remember to let Hideko know that we're coming, or are we planning on scaring the shit out of her?"

"What a mouth you have, sweets," Willow laughed, putting her face up for a kiss.

Vale grinned and kissed Willow, lingering a bit, while Hikaru managed to snag a handful of Vale's hair. "Eru," Vale muttered, gently peeling his son's fingers open and kissing Hikaru's head. Then he walked over to the foot of the stairs.

"Whatever it is, we don't need it! Let's get going!" Vale ran a hand through his hair.

Satoshi appeared at the top of the stairs with Ryuu, who was protesting loudly.

"Otooji, too big a voice! Itai!" Ryuu frowned at Vale, and then burst out giggling over Vale's expression. Satoshi gave Vale a crooked grin, his glasses slightly askew, and Vale gave up and chuckled.

"Okay, no more yelling, but if gifu doesn't get down here in the next minute, we are leaving without him," Vale warned.

"GIFU!" Ryuu shrieked, loud enough to make Vale clap his hands over his ears. "We got to go!"

Satoshi was struggling not to laugh, and Vale reached out and straightened his glasses, stealing a kiss.

Ryuu leveled a stern look at Vale. "If this is a hurry, no time for playing husbands."

Sand finally reappeared at the top of the stairs, looking utterly tranquil. "Why is everyone yelling?"

"Lle lakwenien? Tula sinome, sii', ithilamin, n'ala amin quoralle," Vale growled.

Sand ran gracefully down the stairs, stopping to kiss Vale lightly before slipping his arm around Satoshi's waist.

Vale threw his hands up and headed back to the living room to open the portal, and Satoshi looked at Sand.

"What the fuck did he say?" Satoshi asked.

"Literally?" Sand chuckled. "First he asked me if I was joking, and then he told me to come here, now, before he choked me."

"I meant it!" Vale's voice drifted in, and Sand threw his head back and laughed.

"We'd better go, cormamin." Sand grinned happily. "He might be serious this time."

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Sand turned to Willow and held out a hand. "You do look tired, Willow. Why don't you sit, and I will fetch some tea, or some wine, if you prefer. Have you tried Saerloonian Glowfire? It is quite refreshing and light."

Willow held up a hand, a small smile creeping over her face despite her desire to remain furious with the damned elf. "The wine, okay? It'll help me relax, and one small glass won't hurt my milk."

Sand smiled and went into the kitchen, returning with a chilled bottle of pale wine. He opened it and poured a glass for Willow, and she took it, sniffing curiously.

"It smells like pears!" Willow exclaimed.

"It does," Sand agreed, sitting beside her with a glass of his own. His hair was still loose after the shower, and he had not even bothered to braid it at his temples like he usually did. In the sunlight streaming into the living room, his hair shone like silk, and Willow had the urge to touch it.

"Your mother will make sure he's okay, right?" Willow asked, looking into Sand's blue eyes.

"She will, I promise you that. You really do look tired, Willow. It must be hard, with Hikaru having you up all hours," Sand said gently. He reached out and ran slim fingers through her auburn hair. "And to have all the added worry of Kansas's injuries? I'm glad you were able to get a chance to rest after my mother healed the worst of Kansas's injuries."

"Yes," Willow replied, sipping the cool wine. "I was so exhausted, I couldn't keep my eyes open."

"Well, we were all here for the children, so it was for the best that you rested." Sand watched as Willow nodded, the revised memory taking hold as naturally as could be.

Willow looked over at Sand, wondering why on Earth she had been annoyed with him, or her husbands. She sighed a little, chalking it up to being overtired and overwrought. "Did I remember to thank you for helping our imp, sweets?"

Sand smiled, a radiant smile that made him look as young as Kansas. "There's no need for thanks, truly. I love him as well. I've come to love you all, quite deeply." His fingers were playing in Willow's hair again, and she gave in to the urge to touch the black silk that spilled over his shoulders and down his back.

Sand smiled again as Willow tugged on him, her hand sliding to the back of his head, her face tilting up to let his lips meet her. Sand dove into the kiss, and as her lips parted, he explored her mouth thoroughly, his arm sliding around her back to pull her close. Willow nipped his lower lip, her hand straying to stroke one elegantly pointed ear, and Sand shivered a little and moaned into the kiss as he put his wine glass down.

Sand's fingers were deft as he unfastened her blouse, his lips exploring her creamy pale skin as he revealed it. He lavished kisses along the swell of her breasts, cupped in a lacy bra as he slid the blouse off her shoulders, draping it over the back of the couch.

"You are so very beautiful, Willow," Sand murmured, his hands busy with the waistband of her pants. He slid them gently over the swell of her hips, pausing to kiss her belly, and Willow moaned softly as his hot breath tickled her. Her panties were as lacy as her bra, and Sand sighed appreciatively. "Vanimaer, beautiful one," he murmured, cupping her breasts and kissing the tops, teasing flicks of his tongue tracing the edges of her bra. He reached around and unfastened it, and Willow leaned back as his thumbs stroked her swollen nipples.

Sand quickly stripped off his t-shirt and loose linen sleep pants, his cock hard as Willow arched her back under his touch. Her skin was so very silky, and Sand leaned forward again to kiss his way down her belly and along her hip, easing her lacy panties off and draping them with her other clothing as he kissed his way over to the soft curls between her thighs.

"Oh, fuck," Willow whispered, her hands fisting in Sand's hair. He parted her thighs, his tongue dipping into the folds of her pussy to lap at her clit, a small moan of appreciation escaping him as he traced lazy swirls and circles. He could feel her thighs trembling already, and he stroked his tongue more firmly over her clit, teasing the hooded nub with the very tip of his tongue.

"Oh, shit," Willow groaned, her back arching even more. "Fuck, Sand!"

Sand's tongue found the nub again, and Willow screamed, her thighs closing around his ears as she writhed beneath him, lost in an explosive orgasm. Sand laved soem more, long broad strokes that kept her quivering for several more moments, her head thrown back and her eyes closed in ecstasy.

It took another minute or so before Willow was able to release Sand, and he gave her that radiant smile again as he moved up to enter her, pressing in with a wanton moan of his own.

"Oh, vanimaer, you are magnificent," Sand murmured, sliding his cock into the liquid heat of Willow's passage until his balls were snug against the firm curve of her ass. "Do you know how lovely you feel?" He began to thrust, a sweet steady pace that had Willow moaning again as the heat built in her belly, his cock angled to graze her clit with every thrust. Willow's legs were wrapped around his slim hips, and her hands dug into his shoulders, and she screamed again as she felt another wave of pleasure rush through her, the elf never pausing in his steady rhythm.

"Fuck, FUCK!" Willow howled, her legs tightening around Sand. He leaned in and kissed her, a fierce and searing kiss, her lips tender from their earlier kisses. She wasn't even quite sure how he managed, but one strong arm slid around her. the other gripping the back of the couch, and Sand rolled himself with his cock still buried in her until he was sitting up and she was riding him.

Willow set a faster pace than Sand had done, feeling that generous cock gliding over the sweet spot inside her as he lavished kisses on her breasts, lapping up the few drops of milk that had leaked out when she came. Her hands strayed back to those elegant ears, and Sand moaned as well, his cock twitching as she teased the tips of his ears.

Sand could feel his balls tightening, and he gripped Willow's curvy hips, encouraging her to ride him a little harder, a little faster. He could feel the muscles of her passage rippling along his cock, signaling that she too was close, and he moaned again, a lush and wanton sound that made Willow shiver a little.

A few more thrusts, and Willow cried out again, yet another orgasm ripping through her. This time Sand howled along with her, his balls drawing up as he came, his back arching and his head falling back.

Thoroughly spent, Willow slumped forward into Sand's arms, her face buried in the crook of his neck as his slim, strong fingers stroked her back. He turned his head to nuzzle her hair, pressing soft kisses to her temple. He cradled her like that for several minutes, enjoying the feel of her sweat slick skin against his, the scent of her filling his nostrils.

"Amin mela lle, Willow," he told her. "I love you."

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Sand had smiled when Satoshi remarked on Kansas's pendant, but then Satoshi's next words sent a chill up his spine. Still, he had promised Satoshi that there would be no dark corners, no secrets between them. He had bared his soul to Satoshi once already, and Satoshi had returned only love and acceptance. That was not something to be repaid with deceit.

"Kansas saw the telkiira when I caught him. I could not find an open bond, not Vale's, not yours, and I do not have one to Kansas." Sand paused, wondering how to put this in a way that Satoshi could understand. "I needed a way in to where he had fled, inside his mind. Here, in this reality, he was just cutting himself and licking his own blood. Inside, though, there were huge walls, black and terrible. I used the telkiira to get past those walls. I can do it without causing harm, cormamin, and I swear to you that I caused Kansas no pain or harm."

Sand's blue eyes pleaded with Satoshi to understand the desperation that had driven him to use his power so. Satoshi nodded, and Sand relaxed visibly. The elf touched Kansas's cheek again, very gently.

"I could not hurt him, my heart. That much you must believe. But when the walls dissolved, enough to let me pass, I saw his world within." Sand paused again, the memories so vivid in his mind. "The mind produces its own reality. In that realm, we are who we truly are, no disguises. I saw Kansas, and he saw me. And there were dragons, fighting in the sky above us, their blood falling on us like rain." Sand's eyes were dark blue as he remembered. "He was tearing down his world. I watched mountains crumble and fall, and lakes run black. In the middle of it all was Tatsuya. In there, he is always Tatsuya, and the dragons serve him. He is a god."

"I always thought it was just something he said, that it wasn't real," Satoshi breathed.

"His dragons, on his thighs, they live in there. Migime and Hidarime, his right eye and his left eye. They tore my shoulders open to try and keep me from him." Sand breathed out a shuddering sigh. "And yes, cormamin, I saw some of his memories. I saw, and I will never forget what I saw." A single tear trailed from the corner of Sand's eye to fall on the arm under his head. "I don't know why he let me live, but he did. But he must meet Adalon. I have never been more sure of anything in my life. After the wedding, Vale must take him to Adalon."

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Eryn had stepped out to give the men privacy to talk, but returned to the room when Yuji and Vale left, smiling at the sight of Sand and Satoshi cradling Kansas between them. This was a healing greater than anything she could bestow as a cleric, the healing that came with unconditional love. She thought that Kansas was asleep, until she heard his voice, calm, and steady, and stronger than it had been.

"Thank you both for what you did. Thank you for loving me so much." Kansas burrowed tighter between Sand and Satoshi, his eyes tightly shut.

Eryn realized that Kansas had not heard her return, and she waited for a few moments before she made a slight noise, loud enough to alert Kansas to her presence.

"Are you awake, sochi-chan?" Eryn asked softly.

"A little, jitsubo," Kansas murmured, his eyes fluttering open. He looked up at Eryn with a small, sweet smile.

Eryn smiled back, letting all her love for this very special imp shine in her eyes. "Yuji asked me if it would be possible for you to return to Evereska with me, ahead of the rest of the family. I need to go back and make arrangements, and prepare the house for everyone. I've had so much of it shut up for so long." Eryn laughed lightly. "Mist lives with her lover, even if she won't stoop to actually marrying him yet, and Hawk is never home. So, it's mostly just me, so I would actually enjoy the company if you would come with me."

Kansas's smile widened. "I'd like that, jitsubo. I want to see Evereska, but the rest of you had better come fast. I mean in less than two weeks, or else." He looked at Satoshi very seriously. "Please?"

Satoshi pulled Kansas to him, nuzzling his soft hair. "I swear it, love. We have to get married legally, don't we?" He smiled at Kansas's face lit up.

"Wonderful," Eryn said happily. "That will give Kansas and me plenty of time to get everything ready. Oh, and we need to make the official recording of your name at Cloud Crown Palace, although you are already on my personal roll. I was going to put you down as Hayashi Tatsuya of House Iradil. Does that sound about right?"

Kansas's answering smile was so perfect and radiant that Eryn did not need words to know how he felt. She reached around her neck and unfastened a delicate chain. A small platinum medallion hung from it, the likeness of Selune and Her Tears engraved on the cool metal.

"This is the symbol of our House. Wear it proudly, my son." Eryn hung it around Kansas's neck and kissed his forehead, her eyes shining with unconditional love for the young man. "Now rest, my dears, all of you."

Kansas reached out and caught Eryn's hand, his eyes filled with tears of joy. "Jitsubo..." he whispered.

"Always," Eryn replied. She watched as he sighed and settled back between Satoshi and Sand, letting a healing sleep claim him, nightmares banished for the moment.

Vale looked at Yuji, his green eyes filled with dismay as he dragged Yuji into their room. "This is all my fault," he moaned. "I shouldn't have let him go, I should have warned him."

Yuji grabbed Vale's shoulders. "Vale. Look at me."

Vale bit back a sob, turning his face away from Yuji with a wail. "I did this, just as much as that filth. Oh, fuck, Kansas..." Vale's voice trailed off into a sob.

"Vale!" Yuji's voice was sharp this time, commanding, and the elf's head whipped around, tear glazed green eyes wide. "You didn't do this to Kansas. None of us was thinking straight. Fuck, Vale, all I could think of was you, and fucking you until you screamed the house down. I didn't stop him either."

"But I gave us those potions," Vale said brokenly. "Why didn't I think? Charm potions? I must have been out of my fucking mind."

Yuji put his arms around Vale and drew him in to a tight hug. "Stop it, love. Don't do this to yourself. Kansas punishing himself is enough, okay? You need to let this go."

Vale buried his head in the crook of Yuji's neck. "I want to listen, I do..."

"Then just do it. Listen to me, love. Trust me." Yuji lifted Vale's face, kissing the elf with a possessive fierceness. "And no confessing your feelings of guilt to the imp, do you hear me? You'll just break him all over again. Let it go, and let's worry about Kansas healing and us all getting married at what's going to be the biggest fucking wedding Evereska ever saw."

Vale hiccuped a small laugh, his green eyes brightening a little. "Just hold me for a minute more?" he pleaded, pressing against Yuji.

"You do that again, and it'll be more than holding," Yuji warned, and Vale's small giggle made Yuji take a deep breath in relief.

"Yuji? Thank you, amaelamin." Vale sighed, content in his husband's arms.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Sand cradled Satoshi gently, his own face streaked with tears, but he smiled a beautifully sweet smile as he looked into Satoshi's eyes. "Oh, my heart, I love you so very much, and you are a formidable warrior yourself. I am proud to be your husband, for the way you so fiercely fought for Kansas's sake."

Satoshi looked at Sand and at himself, their clothing ruined beyond merely cleaning or repair. "You know what I want? I want to burn these fucking clothes, and I want to shower until I feel fucking clean again."

The undercurrent of raw grief tore at Sand's heart, and he pulled Satoshi into a kiss, nibbling his lower lip tenderly. "And then we can go and see how Kansas is doing."

Satoshi bit back a sob. "What the fuck did you see? When you caught him?"

"Dragons," Sand replied, his own eyes dark with the memory. "Dragons, and a young man who is a god." He sat up carefully, and called a fireball, tossing it into his fireplace with practiced ease. Then he reached into the nightstand, finding one of Vale's stashes of healing potions. He offered one to Satoshi. "We might want to be walking without a limp, for Kansas's sake."

Satoshi nodded and drank the potion. "You know Willow is fucking furious. We should have fucking warned you. She's got this idea about justice and the law."

Sand drank his own potion and then began to strip the remnants of his clothing off. "I have acted as a lawyer in the courts of Neverwinter. I've always tried to abide by the law, and what we did today may have skirted the edges, but Vale would have done worse. And the City Watch stills looks at me like some sort of hero, all wide eyed and courteous. They would have washed their hands of it all and given them to me anyway." Sand collected his clothing and tossed it into the fireplace, as Satoshi followed suit. "Justice in Neverwinter is fairer than in other places I have dwelt, but at the end of it all, death is a frequent penalty."

Sand followed Satoshi into the bathroom, and they stepped into the oversized shower stall, turning on the dual showers and luxuriating for a moment in the feeling of hot water sluicing over their bodies. Sand reached for the soap and began to lather Satoshi generously, massaging his shoulders as he did so. Satoshi grabbed a scrubbing sponge and began to scour himself roughly.

"Justice is such a fluid concept. What we did today is justice, as I see it. Cruel, perhaps, but no more cruel than the crime, and I will not feel guilt over this." Sand sighed, running his soapy hands down Satoshi's back and over his sides. "There are lands here on Toril where slavery is still common, although here on the Sword Coast it is not permitted. Life is cheap and life is harsh, and we can only do what mortal beings can do. We can love and live as best we can."

Satoshi turned around to face Sand, letting the elf soap his chest, hissing a little when Sand played idly with his nipple rings. "Is that the answer? Just do the best we can?"

"I can think of no better answer. We try to do good, and hope for the best." Sand smiled a little and leaned in to kiss Satoshi sweetly. "Have I told you that I love you, cormamin? I am supposed to be adept with words, but there are not enough words to tell you how I feel about you. You are a wonder to me, so fierce and yet with so much love for all of us."

Satoshi took the soap from Sand and began to lather the elf, running his hands over the pale skin and feeling the heat of Sand's body beneath his fingers. Sand leaned in to his touch, his blue eyes darkening with love and desire, his cock half hard already, and Satoshi nuzzled Sand's ear, rubbing the piercings in his lower lip over the shell of the elf's ear.

"You make me crazy," Satoshi murmured. "I look at you and I want you. You fill me up, and complete me in ways I didn't know existed. I love you. How did you say it, forever?"

"Ten'oio," Sand replied, seeking Satoshi's lips.

"Ten'oio," Satoshi repeated. He kissed Sand, without the desperate urgency of earlier, this time love in every movement between them as they washed away the darkness and fell into each other instead.

Vale came downstairs with Ryuu chattering happily alongside as he carried Aika on one hip and Hikaru against his chest. Yuji looked up at the rather odd picture of fatherhood that Vale made, chattering to Ryuu and Aika in the same baffling mix of English and Japanese, and then cooing to Hikaru in both languages plus elven. Ryuu and Aika were freshly showered and dressed, and Hikaru was drowsing, a drop of milk at the corner of his mouth.

Vale shrugged apologetically as he stooped to set Aika down. "Hikaru woke, and Willow fed him. Then she told me I was on duty. She's really pissed, amaelamin."

"Eh, Sand didn't know." Yuji smiled at Vale brightly as the elf picked up the portable cradle and set it on the floor, laying Hikaru gently down and disentangling a small hand from his hair. "You look very natural as a father, you know."

Vale gave Yuji a wry look, but together they managed to get the children fed, and sent food upstairs for Eryn and Kansas. Willow did come down for breakfast, and while she fussed and cooed over the children, she was still short-tempered with her husbands until Yuji mentioned the idea of asking Eryn to take Kansas to Evereska with her. Their brilliance was rewarded with a slight thawing in Willow's manner, and Yuji even got a fast kiss on the cheek.

Kansas was healed, and mostly sleeping, but Eryn was worried more about his mental state at the moment. She was far from an innocent, and it had been more than obvious what had happened to Kansas, but she deemed he needed to spend the day sleeping rather than being questioned, and so she bided her time and merely watched as he slept. Even when he woke at dinnertime, the imp was subdued and asked to eat in his room, and Eryn stayed with him, making sure that he felt as loved and safe as possible.

There was enough tension between Willow and her husbands and Sand as it was, and Eryn was fairly sure she knew why. Eryn knew her son and Vale well enough to know that Sand had been sent hunting for the culprits, and he had taken his husband Satoshi with him. Eryn sighed to herself. When she had lost her husband, she had joined the party that went after the culprits. Cleric or no, Eryn was as well trained in weaponry and fighting as any other Evereskan elf, and her prayers and divine spells had been more useful than not. Still, Willow came from a land where justice was held to a high standard, and others dealt with the criminals, and Eryn could not fault Willow's intentions or devotion to justice.

The tension persisted into the evening, and when it came time for the children to go to bed, Satoshi and Yuji took their children upstairs while Willow went off with Hikaru, pointedly closing the bedroom door once he was fed and asleep in his crib. Vale and Sand were left to their own devices in the living room for a bit, and Vale decided this was as good a time as any to speak to Sand. Vale opened a bottle of elven wine and curled up on the couch next to his husband, toying idly with his long black hair.

"When we return to Tokyo, you should really let Kai do something with your hair," Vale said. "Maybe some amethyst streaks to match Satoshi? Or red, to be different. That would look wonderful."

Sand chuckled a little. "No more dull daggers and families of squirrels, I see." He reached out and touched Vale's hair, the pale blond shot through with emerald strands. "You've changed, anoramin, and all for the better, I think. Loving this family of yours has been good for you."

"It has," Vale agreed, dipping in to kiss Sand sweetly, savoring the moment. "Ah, ithilamin, we lead such complicated lives when it comes to love, don't we?"

"Are you worried about our bond?" Sand asked. "Do not be. I was hasty when I bound us, before all that nonsense that came between us. I never asked you if you were ready, and I should have."

"But if we hadn't been bound, we never would have wound up on that vacation, and we wouldn't have met Yuji or Satoshi." Vale grinned and took a healthy swallow of wine. "I don't know about you, but I think I'm going to entice Yuji to fuck me bowlegged tonight."

Sand burst out laughing. "There's a fresh batch of healing potions in the basement, should you wish to tuck them away in the various hiding spots you have."

"We do have a favor to ask, though, Yuji and me," Vale said. "Before I wander off to be wanton, that is. Willow... This isn't going to go away after a night's sleep. This is serious, and I was wondering if you could make her forget about the whole vengeance thing? Maybe think she napped after Eryn took care of Kansas?"

Sand poured a fresh glass of wine for them both. "You know what you are asking? I can do this, and she will be none the wiser, but that is an odd request from you."

"I know," Vale replied. "I don't ask lightly."

Sand leaned in and kissed Vale, his long fingers running through Vale's hair with easy familiarity. "I will take care of it. Now, grab some more wine and go enjoy Yuji."

Val grinned, and chose a bottle of wine that he thought Yuji would enjoy. It was a stronger wine, dark and with a slight sweetness that did little to mask its potency. He ran up the stairs lightly, dancing into Yuji's bedroom to wait for his husband.

Yuji did not make Vale wait long. He came in only a few minutes later, his eyes lighting up when he saw Vale and the wine. Vale was barefoot and had discarded his shirt, and his tight tank top clung to the lean muscles of his chest and stomach. His jeans hugged his ass and Yuji noticed, with a great deal of amusement, that Vale had managed to wear out a few spots, leaving delicious tears that showed the pale gold skin beneath. Vale gave Yuji a sultry look over his shoulder, his hips swaying suggestively as he walked over to pour a glass of wine for his husband.

Yuji took the wine and downed a gulp, finding it nowhere near as intoxicating as the desire in Vale's green eyes. The elf sighed as Yuji slid a hand into those green and gold strands, and tugged Vale into a searing kiss, feeling the elf melt against him. Yuji grinned his sweet, crooked grin as he looked at Vale, his perfect eyes as heated.

Vale winked back and peeled off his tank top, stretching as he did to show off his flat, tight stomach, his nipple rings glinting. Yuji growled a little, deep in his throat, and he caught Vale around his slim waist and tumbled him onto the bed, winding up crouched over the supine elf, never spilling a drop of wine. He could feel Vale's cock pressing up against him as the elf wiggled teasingly.

"Oh, no, not yet, my wicked elf," Yuji laughed. He dripped a little of the dark red wine onto Vale's chest, and bent down to lap it off, his tongue dragging over the steel nipple rings he had brought back from Tokyo for Vale, and Vale moaned lasciviously as he writhed beneath Yuji's tongue. Vale's hands slipped under Yuji's shirt, sliding along that silky golden skin, and Vale moaned again, begging for a kiss. Yuji obliged, plundering Vale's mouth, claiming him as thoroughly as possible before sitting back up.

Vale let his fingers dance down the buttons of Yuij's shirt, opening them deftly and sliding the shirt back and off Yuji's shoulders. Yuji let the shirt fall to the floor as Vale peeled his tank top up, running his hands along the hard muscles of Yuji's stomach with a mewl of pure lust.

"Hold this." Yuji gave Vale the wine glass and finished peeling off his tank top, Vale's free hand already sliding up to tweak a nipple and roll it between slim fingers.

"Gods, Yuji," Vale moaned. "I need to taste you, please." He wriggled impatiently, and Yuji chuckled as he slid off the elf and stood. Vale bounced up eagerly and was out of his jeans and boxers in a flash, his cock rock hard and standing up proudly as he reached for Yuji's waistband. Vale opened Yuji's jeans and slid them down, moaning again as Yuji stepped out of them. Yuji's boxers followed and he sat on the edge of the bed as Vale crouched between his knees, his green eyes bright.

Yuji dribbled a little of the wine on his own hard cock, and Vale mewled and slid his hot mouth over the head and along the shaft, his tongue flattened against the underside and his throat already relaxed as he took Yuji in to the root, his nose buried in the soft black hair of Yuji's groin. Vale slid back and then down again, humming a little and it was Yuji's turn to moan as the vibrations shot up his spine. Vale pulled back slowly, sucking as he did so, his cheeks hollowed. He released Yuji with a soft pop, his kiss swollen lips wet.

"Stand up," Yuji said, and he stood as well, putting the wine down and bending Vale over the bed, that perfect ass presented and ready for the taking. Vale threw another sultry look over his shoulder as Yuji positioned his spit-slick cock against Vale's pucker, and he breached the elf in a single thrust, sliding in until his balls were pressed against Vale's cheeks. Vale howled with joy, gloriously full, and he pushed backward to make sure he had all of Yuji within him.

"Oh, fuck, Vale, you're so tight," Yuji moaned happily, and he began to thrust, Vale bucking back into him eagerly as he leaned over the elf, one hand on his hip and the other reaching for a nipple ring, tugging and twisting.

"Yuji, shit, oh fuck!" Vale yelped as Yuji slid over his prostate, sending fireworks exploding behind his eyes. Vale could feel his balls tightening already, so eager was he for this, and he mewled, his ass wriggling delightfully. "I can't... I'm going to cum," Vale whimpered.

"Then cum for me, love," Yuji groaned, his own balls drawing up as Vale's ass began to tighten around his cock. Vale howled, his ass clenching almost painfully, and Yuji screamed with him as he filled Vale's ass, his cum even hotter than that tight passage. Gasping, he fell forward, slumping onto Vale's strong back as the elf mewled through the last throes of his own orgasm, his cum splattering the bed below.

Vale slid off Yuji,s cock, easing his husband down on to the bed, and he crouched between Yuji's thighs, lifting his balls and dragging his tongue along the cleft of Yuji's ass until he was pressing against Yuji's asshole. He thrust his tongue past that tight muscle, one hand dropping to stroke his own cock, hardening again under his fingers as his tongue opened Yuji.

"I'm ready," Yuji moaned, his fingers buried in vale's hair, his back arching as he felt Vale's tongue plunder him. The the elf was moving, his dripping cock replacing his tongue as he carefully pressed in to Yuji's ass, watching the rosy flush creep up over Yuji's cheeks as he slid all the way in. Yuji's lags wrapped around vale's slim hips, and the elf began to thrust, a slow and steady pace, gliding across Yuji's prostate lightly, and making him howl each time.

"Oh, fuck, Vale," Yuji moaned, as vale leaned forward and claimed his lips for a burning kiss. "Come for me, love, fill me up," Yuji pleaded.

Vale stroked a little faster, and his back arched as his balls tightened. "Ah, fuck!" Vale howled, and he stiffened as he came, hot spurts of cum flooding Yuji's ass. He shivered, his whole body relaxing all at once, and Yuji pulled him down to rest on his chest, stroking Vale's back as the elf nuzzled into his neck.

They lay like that for a few moments, until vale was coherent enough to slip out f Yuji and roll to the side. Yuji turned to face him, and they kissed softly, fingers trailing along the other's face, their eyes bright with the love between them.

"Vale," Yuji murmured. "I'm sorry."

"Whatever for, amaelamin?" Vale asked, pressing another kiss to Yuji's lips.

"For smacking you," Yuji said, his perfect eyes searching Vale's his expression one of regret and dismay. "I'm so sorry, love."

Vale smiled, his face radiant. "It's forgiven, and forgotten, verno'amin." He stroked Yuji's cheek. "Thank you, my love, for caring enough to worry, though. Did I tell you yet today that I love you?"

Yuji smiled as well, his glorious crooked grin, and Vale melted into his arms, utterly content.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Sand walked over to the sylvan elf that was still held by his spell, his sword still loose in his hand. Satoshi joined him, glaring down at the sylvan.

"Why is this one still alive?" Satoshi demanded. He glared at Sand.

"I want to question him," Sand replied, and the tone of his voice made Satoshi look at him sharply.

The sylvan looked up at Sand and growled. "What makes you think I'll answer you?"

"Because if you do not, I will rip what I want to know from your mind in the most painful manner imaginable," Sand replied. He tapped the skin just below his collarbone, and a violet gem appeared, suspended from a delicate chain. "Do you recognize what this is?"

The sylvan's eyes widened in surprise. "That is a telkiira, a loregem." He looked uncertain for the first time.

"It is," Sand agreed. "I wield high magic, the magic of the Feywild. You should know what I can do, and will do if you dare defy me." Sand gestured, and the sylvan was freed from the spell that had held him fast.

"Ask." The sylvan sat up, but made no move to stand.

Satoshi was tense, every muscle coiled, and the burning hatred in his eyes as he watched the sylvan sent a wave of heat to Sand's groin. The club was back in Satoshi's hand, held loosely, but the tension in Satoshi's frame made Sand very aware of how quickly that could change. Sand sheathed his sword, a clear gesture to Satoshi that the wild elf was his.

"You saw the pendant that Kansas wore, did you not?" Sand asked. "The anorongil, the dawn star?"

"Where did the little slut steal it from?" The sylvan's voice dripped contempt.

Sand nodded to Satoshi, who brought the club down on the sylvan's ankle. He moved so quickly that the wild elf never had a chance to dodge.

"I suggest you rethink that response," Sand suggested. "Kansas was given that pendant by his husband, Vale en Nosse Anorongil, Captain of the Cloaktower Guard and member of the governing council of the Guild of the Many Starred Cloaks. Vale happens to be my husband, as is Satoshi, the gentleman who just shattered your ankle."

The sylvan's face was pale, his pain obvious. "So he's a pet of sorts?"

Satoshi moved again with that eerie speed, and the sylvan howled as his other ankle was shattered.

"Kansas was also formally adopted into my House. By our laws, the laws that govern all elves, he is not to be harmed by any other elf, and yet you felt free to do so." Sand raised an elegant eyebrow. "Your half elf associate and the rest of the scum that were with you are dead. So are your companions. The only choice left before you is how badly you die."

Tears were streaming down the sylvan's face, but he still managed a glare. "He's human!" He filled the word with such utter contempt, and Sand nodded to Satoshi.

Again, the Japanese man moved with preternatural speed, and the sylvan's right hand and wrist made a sickening crunch at the club impacted them.

"So is my husband." Sand folded his arms and looked at Satoshi. "He will last a long while like this, my heart, won't he?"

"Long enough to regret not fucking dying sooner," Satoshi grated out.

"Mmm," Sand agreed. "I will admit, I am looking forward to his screams."

Satoshi shifted slightly,and the sylvan flinched. "He can't fucking scream for long enough to make up for one tear from Kansas. Not even if he fucking screamed until the world ended."

"True, my heart, and he hasn't even screamed much yet. You can fix that, I think." Sand reached out and stroked Satoshi's cheek lovingly.

The sylvan tried to dodge, but Satoshi had anticipated him, and the club landed squarely on his left wrist and hand. The sylvan screamed in spite of himself, ending in a choking sob.

"Last chance. What made you think that you could violate our laws and get away with it?" Sand tilted his head a little, examining the sylvan as though he were vermin.

"The little slut thinks he's good enough to associate with elves? He isn't good enough to speak to elves!" The sylvan's defiance was unbelievable, and Satoshi snapped.

Satoshi looked around and saw a splintered branch on the ground, and he snatched it up. He worried a good-sized splinter free and grabbed the sylvan's shattered right hand, hearing the elf hiss with pain. Satoshi jammed the splinter under the sylvan's fingernail and shoved.

Now the sylvan screamed in earnest, his broken hands making it impossible for him to fend off Satoshi. Satoshi readied another splinter.

"He wanted it," the sylvan choked out, when he could draw a breath again. "You should have seen the way he was all over us. It didn't even take that much Feywine."

Satoshi rammed the next splinter home, and the sylvan collapsed, his shrieks making Sand's ears ring. It took longer for his screams to die down, and finally he raised a tearstained face to Sand and Satoshi.

"The little whore took two cocks at a time in that pretty ass, and never missed a stroke of the cock he was sucking. Little slut loved it...." The sylvan let his head drop again.

Sand looked at Satoshi, his rage washing through Sand and mingling with the moon elf's own fury.

"What did you just say?" Satoshi reached down and fisted his hand in the sylvan's hair, dragging his head up.

"He took two cocks, mine and my brother's, and he loved it! He was moaning like a whore the whole time!" The sylvan choked as Satoshi shook his head. "Then he took my cousin and that sailor, and he took Marsh and the fancy human lord. He never stopped begging, not for a moment!"

Sand felt his heart plummet as he heard those words. The telkiira pulsed and he knew there was more.

Satoshi was barely able to contain himself. Everything he was wanted to rip this darker elf to pieces with his bare hands. He wanted to feel the blood as it ebbed out, and watch the sylvan die slowly.

The sylvan continued on. Whether or not he realized it, he was dead the moment he had said those words. "That was nothing. He was so ready for it, so needy that he took Marsh and the dock worker on after we were done with him...both of them in that ass, but it wasn't so tight anymore..."

Satoshi threw the sylvan on the ground, face first, and looked at Sand. He did not need words. Tears had washed a clean path through the blood that marked Sand's face, and he gestured, the telkiira pulsing again. The sylvan's armor vanished, and his body contorted so that his ass was in the air.

"How tight are you, you fucking piece of shit?" Satoshi growled. He took the club, and breached the sylvan's asshole roughly, the elf's howls of agony barely beginning to satisfy Satoshi's desire for vengeance. Sand immediately used a spell to hold the sylvan in place, and then brought him up to a kneeling position to allow Satoshi to use his fists to pummel the sylvan's face. Sand watched impassively as bone shattered under Satoshi's fists, and he wondered for a moment if his husband even knew that he was crying.

The elf was choking on his own blood as it trickled down his throat, and Sand adjusted his angle under the spell so that the blood fell to the ground instead. Satoshi grabbed the dagger from his belt and grabbed one of the sylvan' ears, twisting the sensitive tip painfully and then cutting it off altogether. Sand hissed a little, and Satoshi looked up at him, but Sand merely nodded.

"Help me," Satoshi grated out, looking at Sand. Sand released the spell, letting the sylvan fall forward onto his hands and knees. His shattered hands and wrists would not support his weight, and he fell forward onto his face, equally battered and thoroughly unrecognizable. Satoshi laid a hand on the handle of the club, and looked up at Sand. Sand laid his hand over Satoshi's hand, and together they began to press downward, the sylvan having no escape for the inexorable progression of the club through his guts. His screams echoed throughout the Back Alley for a long, long time, as Kansas's husband and his elven spouse tore him apart one slow inch at a time.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Sand flicked a quick glance over at Satoshi, who appeared to be going for an unarmed assault. Sand gave a mental nod. He had seen Satoshi fight like this in the tavern, and he was the equal of many a monk in the skills necessary for unarmed combat. Sand knew he would be aware if Satoshi needed help, and he knew he was fast enough to be able to come to his husband's aid.

In the meantime, there was a sylvan ranger with a sword bearing down on Sand, and he brought his own blade up, falling easily into the defensive stance of a bladesinger. The sylvan was aggressive, his swordwork fast but flawed, and Sand took full advantage of the openings presented. He used his own fine blade to parry and conjured a magical blade to wield in his off hand. The sylvan had to break off his assault to parry the magical blade, and Sand's longsword hummed as he slid it past the opening presented to score a long shallow cut that laid the sylvan's leather armor open, a faint line of blood following seconds later.

The sylvan screamed his defiance, and Sand parried another wild swing, darting forward and laying open the other elf's arm to the bone. Sand followed with a fast spell that staggered the sylvan with a burst of intense cold, rime forming on his leather armor. A slap with the flat of his runesword shattered a large chunk of the leather, and the sylvan swore as he caught one foot on the frozen pieces of armor as they fell.

Sand spun, all grace and flying hair, and sank his longsword into the sylvan's exposed chest, murmuring another spell that sent a line of flame down the blade to disappear inside the sylvan. As the other elf stood there, impaled and dumbfounded, Sand lifted one booted foot and casually shoved him off the blade, watching as he exploded into flame. The sylvan's screams as he collapsed and writhed in agony on the sere field lasted only moments, but each one was music to Sand's ears.

"Nadorhuan," Sand muttered, spitting on the burning corpse. "Mandu' sana lle, saurar."

*Translation: "Cowardly dog," "Abyss take you, foul one."

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Sand looked at the man on the bed, his eyes cold and hard. "I will read the truth of it in your mind." The violet glow pulsed brighter and Scarlet moaned again, but he did not resist like Marsh had done. In fact, the whole thing lay on the surface of his mind, and Sand read him easily. After a long moment, Sand released Scarlet from his domination and turned to Satoshi.

"He knew, and he let it happen. He saw what they did, and he did nothing, said nothing. He turned his back and went to sleep, while Kansas wept so hard he couldn't breathe." Sand's voice dripped contempt. "And later, when the sylvans were done with Kansas, and Marsh decided to take him again, this one joined in." Sand tightened his grip on his sword.

Satoshi's eyes were as hard as Sand's and his voice just as cold. "Then he fucking dies. Do it."

"No!" Scarlet begged, his tears flowing copiously.

Sand just looked at him. "Coward," he spat. "You did nothing, you said nothing. He was so pretty that you just had to have him." Sand raised his sword and brought it down, hard and fast, striking at Scarlet's neck and nearly cleaving it from his body. He watched the blood geyser for a moment, and then slow as Scarlet's heart ceased pumping.

Satoshi grabbed Sand, spinning him around and crashing him into the far wall, his mouth on Sand's mouth, hard and demanding. Sand growled back into the kiss, returning it with equal ferocity as Satoshi yanked at the laces of his breeches. Growling again, Sand shoved Satoshi's hands out of the way and undid the laces himself, letting Satoshi tug the breeches down past his slim hips.

Satoshi spun Sand around, and as the elf braced himself against the wall, Satoshi tugged his hips back and fumbled his own stiff cock from his cargos. There was no foreplay, nothing gentle or loving about what followed. Satoshi rammed his cock into Sand's ass, and the elf howled and shoved backwards at the same time as Satoshi set up a punishing pace. Satoshi's hands gripped Sand's hips hard enough to bruise, his balls slapping against Sand's ass with every savage thrust, and only Sand's braced arms kept his head from slamming into the wall.

It was catharsis, pure and simple, all their pain over Kansas and their rage at his tormentors coming out in a brutal fucking that left them both shuddering as Sand spilled without even being touched, and Satoshi emptied himself in Sand's ass a moment later. They stayed joined for a moment, both of them breathing raggedly, and then Satoshi pulled out, a sob catching in his throat.

"Fuck, Sand," Satoshi moaned, looking at the livid marks on his husband's hips.

Sand straightened slowly and turned around, pulling Satoshi to him and holding him tightly for a moment, nuzzling the amethyst tipped hair.

"It's nothing, my heart. I love you, ten'oio, forever." Sand pulled Satoshi's face up and kissed him, tenderly this time, nibbling at the pierced lower lip. Satoshi returned the kiss just as tenderly, his fingers straying into Sand's silky hair. When they finally broke for air, Sand tugged his breeches back up and laced them as Satoshi straightened out his own clothing.

"I have an idea where the rest have gone. There are three more, and they are wild elves," Sand told Satoshi. "They will not be as easy as these fools, but they are no match for us."

"Where are they?" Satoshi looked at Sand, no hesitation in his heart.

"The Back Alley," Sand replied. "It is a slum, near the Dolphin Bridge." He snorted. "They put up a fine gate to make the citizens of Neverwinter think that the rabble was confined, and a small group of City Watch to keep an eye. The dregs of Neverwinter live there, and it is where they would go in hope of disappearing."

"Then what are we waiting for?" Satoshi asked. "Let's finish this."

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Vale nodded, turning and racing out of the room. He flung himself into his room, all thought of propriety and proper behavior gone. Eryn was already awake, to Vale's relief.

"Please," Vale moaned, his green eyes wide with grief. He was not sure who he was more worried about at the moment, Kansas or Sand, and he hated asking Eryn to come and heal her sons. "Arwen en amin Iradil, saes, ta naa Sand ar' Kansas." He turned and fled again, not waiting to see if Eryn was behind him.

Vale slipped past Sand and Willow, pausing to look at Kansas, bloodied and battered on the bed as Satoshi and Yuji did their best to clean him off. Eryn was right behind Vale, and shoved him unceremoniously out of her way.

"Get healing potions, now," Eryn muttered to Vale. She took the cloth from Yuji, patting his shoulder reassuringly. Then she murmured a healing prayer, her hands glowing as she stroked the worst gash on his thigh, healing it seamlessly, the dragon tattoo pristine once again. Eryn's blue eyes darkened as she took in the other injuries, not just the myriad small cuts that Kansas had inflicted on himself, but the other damage to his slender body.

Vale returned from the bathroom, a small woven basket of potions in his hand. He offered it to Eryn, looking at Kansas and seeing the damage wrought to the imp, and his expression hardened. His eyes flickered over to Sand, who was trying to sit up with Willow's assistance. Vale took one vial, and handed the rest to Eryn. He knelt by Sand, taking in the blood running from Sand's shoulders.

"Ithilamin," Vale murmured. "What the fuck happened?"

Sand drank the vial's contents, and looked at Vale, his blue eyes bleak. "There are no words, anoramin." He sent Vale a silent plea to wait until Eryn was done. "How is he?"

"How the fuck should he be?" Vale slumped forward, letting Sand embrace him. He murmured, too softly for the humans to hear, "Do what needs to be done and I will see that no one interferes. Take Satoshi. Don't ask why, just do it."

Vale stood and returned to Kansas's side. He sighed, his heart aching for the imp, feeling helpless and frustrated as Eryn eased Kansas up and slowly fed him a healing potion.

Eryn looked up at the family. "I will stay with him. Go, and let him rest now, and let me care for my son. I will get you if I need you."

The family gathered themselves, each one kissing Kansas softly before leaving the room. Sand led them downstairs, and found a bottle of dwarven whiskey. He poured for them all, somber and grim.

"Kansas believes he betrayed us. I believe he did not, and I told him so." Sand looked at his whiskey, and then drank it straight down without flinching. "I don't know what happened. I was afraid to push to find out. I barely got him back as it was, but I intend to find out. Satoshi, I would like you to come with me, my heart."

"You didn't think I'd let you go without me, did you?" Satoshi growled. He slugged back some whiskey, and gasped, his eyes watering. He looked at Sand, who had poured another glass of the whiskey. "What the fuck is this?"

"Dwarven whiskey. It's a little rough, I grant you." Sand drained the second glass without blinking.

Yuji stood, his perfect eyes hard as ice. "I'd rather be with you than sitting here, but I trust you, Sand. Make them fucking pay, you and Satoshi both."

"Our word on it, Yuji." Sand looked at Satoshi. "Whenever you're ready, my heart. I believe I have an idea of where I wish to begin." The moon elf looked at Yuji again. "When we return, I'll tell you all I can, I promise, but we need to do this first."