Written Wonderland

Stephen looked at Novelty with some amount of awe and disbelief, a look that Novelty found exquisite. The light from the fires were distant enough that, in the blue pools of Stephen's eyes, they glittered.

"I will," Stephen said, and within the span of a breath, he was beginning to kneel in front of Novelty, looking up at him with a slight blush. Novelty took it as a gentle ask for reassurance, for permission, and Novelty felt awash with warmth for this man. He suddenly wasn't sure he wanted to leave Stephen behind. Surely someone like Stephen deserved to be with the goddess of desire just as much as any of them. But, Stephen had not volunteered himself. And so, they were star-crossed, and Philip's resolute presence stood with magnetic force behind Novelty. He couldn't have everything.

This really was to be goodbye.

It was only then, with an anticipatory crowd of eyes staring at every tiny movement of Stephen's fingers against Novelty's belt, that Novelty worried that he might be outing these friends of his, some of them lovers. He hoped Stephen would forgive him for that. But, surely, surely, if there was ever a time to put such a relationship on display, it was now. This, too, fleeting as it might be, deserved to be honored. Let it be another form of worship.

Novelty closed his eyes, savoring the sensations of his belt being pulled through the loops of his pants. And perhaps Novelty would never have cause to wear a belt again. How strange to consider. Novelty looked down at Stephen with another wave of warmth, his whole body echoing with pleasure and blushing slightly, the blood pulled up toward the surface of his skin in his exertion and elation.

Trusting his intuitive sense of what Stephen might enjoy in this moment, Novelty gently grasped a handful of Stephen's long, luscious hair, more to stabilize them both than anything. Still, it all felt exquisite, and Novelty let his head fall back in joy, stroking a thumb on the side of Stephen's head encouragingly, lips parted.

Stephen found himself zooming back out from the belt. He wasn't entirely sure why, and so he instinctively turned his eyes up toward Novelty, as though checking in for fresh direction or inspiration. Novelty was already moving, though, and Stephen barely touched the soldier's gaze before fingers slid into Stephen's hair. Light tingles sprinkled Stephen's scalp, blooming into a full-body shiver as Novelty closed his grip. Stephen had to close his eyes as the shiver bloomed, shyness overwhelming the possibility of holding Novelty's gaze in front of everyone while that wave passed through him. Though in truth, the many eyes that were on them were in large part to credit for the intensity of the response; Stephen certainly did enjoy fingers in his hair, but this was also a million other things all at once.

Novelty's thumb gently stroked Stephen's head, and Stephen sighed softly, regathering himself and opening his eyes. Novelty's head was leaned back, his mouth open. Stephen couldn't help imagining taking Novelty into his mouth, hearing the sounds he would make, feeling the ways that his body would respond--but then all those eyes again, ricocheting a million other concerns and emotions through the thought.

Stephen felt a little bit sad, momentarily. Or maybe embarassed. And yet either way, how absurd. He really ought to just be relishing this moment.

And so he did, taking in another deep breath and closing his eyes as he did so. As he exhaled, he let the gentle weight and tug of Novelty's fingers help him feel anchored, and to remind him of his purpose: to undress his lover as an offering to the goddess of desire. He could not let priopriety bid him do any less, in any direction.

And so, resumung the smooth and steady nature of the motions that distraction has momentarily paused, Stephen returned to a state of blissful focus as he slid the rest of Novelty's belt from its loops. He elegantly swirled it onto the ground next to him, though he kept it on the practical side of showy. Then, Stephen slowly raised his gaze to Novelty again, this time with a serene sort of grin as his fingers gently grasped at the top buttun of Novelty's pants. He wanted to watch the soldier, to take in every nuance he could of Novelty's body as Stephen milked anticipation from the moment of tension before the button finally slipped through.

When Captain Kade had told Novelty that the priestess wanted him to go to the goddess nude, this was not even one way Novelty had imagined that taking place. And yet, here he was, a delightful, fantastical spectacle.

Novelty relished the way Stephen shivered through the sensation of Novelty's fingers in his hair. Novelty's cock throbbed slightly, unable to banish the thought of the many times Stephen had so graciously taken his length into his mouth. And, right now, Stephen was in exactly that position. But perhaps that was just barely too vulgar to do in front of their commander. Even still, it felt right to tease at that sort of interaction.

Stephen sighed and brought Novelty back into the moment, swaying his hips slightly side to side as Stephen finished with the belt and began on Novelty's first button. Stephen drug it out, waiting some time before Novelty felt the release of the button sliding from the hole. Novelty staggered slightly, certain now that he was not going to be able to keep his erection secret from anyone once Stephen had finished. Well, at least that decision had been made for him. He would go thoroughly aroused to the goddess of desire, it seemed.

Novelty's hand grasped Stephen's hair a little more tightly--looking down at the man now, committing this sight to memory--and he allowed his other hand to fall comfortingly on Stephen's shoulder.

Just as Stephen had hoped, Novelty swayed and even staggered beneath his motions, affected and gorgeous and full of delight. It was clear as Stephen worked the next button that Novelty was in a particular state that would be clear to the crowd here shortly. Something in Stephen's chest tensed around the thought of revealing that, but it was yet another hesitation from outside this sacred circle, and he once again released it with a heavy exhale. He also reminded himself of Trevor's state kicking this all off--and hadn't Stephen caught Kade enjoying it, after all?

Stephen grinned to himself as he undid the remaining buttons, slow and steady and relishing each moment, his eyes cast up to Novelty and taking in each nuance of the sight. Then his fingers slowly caressed up Novelty's hips, just enough pressure to trace the lines of contact, before his touch found skin. Stephen straightened up a little bit, leaning in to give his fingers more purchase as they dipped below the band of Novelty's underwear, and gently began to guide fabric down over the curves of Novelty's backside and the delectable tension of Novelty's erect cock.

Gods, Stephen yearned to caress it, to lick and to cradle it, to feel every fold and ridge on his tongue one last time. But, he'd been sure to get that in on their little flower-gathering excursion, which had really been the more appropriate time for it. Now, the order of the evening was to undress this beautiful man, and so Stephen respectfully continued smoothly sliding fabric downward, relishing each inch he got to touch of Novelty's legs along the way.

((OOC: Took a little liberty, hope that was okay <3 If not, can retcon, just may have to sigh mournfully about it))

Novelty wasn't sure he was going to make it through this experience if Stephen was going to insist on moving so slowly with the buttons--Novelty was already beginning to grow dizzy from everything his body ached for. But Stephen was merciful, working through the other buttons with grace and practiced ease. At last, Stephen's fingers dipped below the band of Novelty's pants, eliciting a soft shudder where their skin connected. With it came memories they experienced earlier in the day. Stephen's tongue caressing his length as it slid to the back of his throat, the sensation of pressing Stephen's naked form up against the bark of a wide tree, and--rather unbidden--a memory of Philip's gentle kindness and coaxing the day before.

As Stephen freed Novelty's backside and cock, there was no mistaking Novelty's arousal, and a brief wave of shame and fear swept over him. But, he let it pass with the light breeze that also touched his skin. He was to be a gift to the goddess--no need for shame in this--and the other volunteers were already nude. And, last Novelty checked, at least Trevor's erection was still going strong. Why not his as well?

Stephen slid the fabric down further, exposing Novelty's legs, and the breeze blew between them, eliciting another shiver from Novelty. Who knew the delights or horrors he might experience tonight? As he stepped out of his pants, Novelty let go of Stephen's hair, lamenting the melancholy that came with the falling of those long, gorgeous strands. Someone else would need to admire Stephen now. Novelty nodded his thanks to Stephen, and on an impulse, he leaned forward and kissed one corner of the man's forehead, hoping to convey gratitude for all the fun they had had, even during this miserable war. He made a brief prayer to the gods that Stephen might one day find the happiness he was looking for.

And then, that done, Novelty turned toward the priestess, collecting his clothing in the process and piling it with the others' before standing in front of the woman who would send him to Dehaljadrun.

She was a bit inscrutable, not indicating whether she thought Novelty's choices were frivolous, but Novelty himself stood resolute. He had had his last hurrah. Finally, the priestess nodded and dipped her cloth into the cauldron of hot water.

The washing was surprisingly calming--Novelty felt each of his muscles relax as the hot water moved across him. He began to feel clean, and the shame he felt--from being naked, from fear of having exposed so many of his lovers, from being so open and vulnerable after his long history of being secretive in his role as a spy--all of it began to melt away. By the time the old woman was anointing him with oil, he felt as though he were glowing, and he chanced a brilliant smile to Evan in his excitement.

He thanked the priestess when she was finished and looked next to Captain Kade, who would put the final decorative touches on this whole ritual. Novelty was thrilled to be his captain's canvas.

Serio was full to bursting with pride. The volunteers had each shown up in their own way--and even those watching had allowed themselves to be moved and to participate. They really were doing something here, and Serio was not sure he had ever been a part of something this big, in spirit if not in size. It was beautiful.

He couldn't help but chance a glance or two at the commander through it all. He was proud of them both; they had both risen to the occasion that Captain Rutliff had put before them, and so had those under their commands. This was not likely to be a day that any of them would ever forget.

May the rest of the ceremony go as fortuitously.

Serio did keep a close eye on Trevor, though of course there wasn’t much he could do for the soldier at this point. Perhaps he would intervene if anything went terribly awry -- a loss of consciousness would surely warrant it -- but he hoped for many reasons that it would not come to that. Thankfully, Trevor made it most of the way through the ceremony with just the occasional sway, and a stature of blissful arousal if Serio was any judge. He was pleased with his work, and pleased with his charge. Just one moment of worry arose when it was down to the final two volunteers, but Trevor managed to dip down to one knee, and Serio felt flooded with pride and relief that the soldier had heeded his words.

Borcher’s soldier, the second-to-last of the volunteers before Novelty, was a bit of a wildcard to Serio. He’d known that Lieutenant Holloway had been struggling with his offering, but this cadet had flown under the radar--quite on purpose, if Serio wasn’t mistaken. It was a divine delight, then, when the young soldier began to sing. He didn’t make it long before he broke down sobbing, though, and Serio was heartwarmed to see Captain Rutliff step in. It solidified the trust that they were sending their soldiers off in good care, however many unknowns awaited.

At last, then, it was down to Novelty, Serio’s own soldier. It would be sad to see him go, but never had Serio sent a soldier on a more sublime mission than this.

"I bring the goddess care, tenderness, and the very spirit of worship itself in these vining flowers,” Novelty said to the crowd. When the priestess prompted him to undress, Novelty turned to Serio, offering the flowers he held. The captain stepped forward and accepted the flowers tenderly, offering Novelty a warm smile and nod.

Novelty seemed to hesitate -- or contemplate, perhaps -- before undressing. Utlimately, he approached one of the soldiers in the crowd. After a moment of bashfulness, the cadet gently and playfully removed Novelty’s shirt for all to see. Care, tenderness, and worship, indeed. Serio was moved.

Then, in another surprising twist, Novelty went to Lieutenant Allegre next. The lieutenant was quite heartwarming as he accepted the task of removing Novelty’s boots, and even led the crowd in a cheer. Serio stole a quick glance at Rutliff during that--a brief, indulgent curiosity to take in the captain’s response.

Novelty moved on to another soldier, then--another of Serio’s men. Stephen and Novelty were quite close, Serio had gathered. He’d certainly dared to suppose some possible natures of their intimacy, and it was all but confirmed as Stephen lowered himself to his knees to begin undoing Novelty’s belt, to say nothing of the way that Novelty twined his hands in Stephen’s hair.

There was a certain sort of envy in watching the display -- alongside warm, compersive excitement. Mostly, Serio recognized how unique an opportunity this was, to display such intimacy for so many to see, in such a wholly sacred way. He supposed he had gotten a taste of it himself with Trevor, and he looked back over to the bound and kneeling soldier, allowing himself some gratification in how obviously affected the soldier was. True, he and Trevor had only just met the other day, but their meeting was sacred, and something that Serio would hold precious in his memory.

Thus relieved of his envy, Serio returned his attention to Stephen caressing Novelty’s pants down his legs--truly a beautiful sight. Novelty seemed free as he stood naked before the crowd, gorgeous as the priestess washed him. And then, at last, Novelty’s attention returned to Serio, and Serio grew freshly, delightedly aware of the flowers that he held delicately in his hands, awaiting precisely this moment.

As he and Novelty closed the distance between each other and met in murmuring proximity, it was tempting to share soft words of affection and pride. In truth, Serio might have indulged in it, but so many different words all came to mind that none could make it past the others. So instead, he simply offered Novelty a warm smile, and allowed his hands to begin their work.

Serio enjoyed exploring the differences between this plant and rope. There was additional delicacy called for, here, as flower petals brushed lightly against skin and vines had their own opinions about which ways to bend. This was more of a puzzle, discovering and adapting to how the plant would best grace Novelty’s form. It was decidedly fun. All the moreso as he reminded himself that his soldier was both naked and aroused, entrusting Serio with his body and this experience before he would offer himself to the goddess of desire. They were close now, to whatever contact with the goddess would look like, and Serio happily stoked an eager thrill within him, all while continuing to wind these delicate flowers carefully across his soldier’s skin.

Novelty did his best to breathe calmly, but it was difficult as his captain approached him. Kade looked as though he might say something--he had a strange lightness in his eyes--but ultimately he didn't, offering Novelty what seemed like a fatherly smile. Pride, perhaps, Novelty thought, correcting himself. Proud of Novelty? Or maybe just proud that the ceremony was going as well as it had.

But there was not long for Novelty to think before Kade began unraveling the painstakingly curated bundles of flowers and began draping them over Novelty's form. They were cold and firm in places, light and feathery in others, and a shiver cascaded through Novelty's body. Out of the corner of his eye, Novelty watched Kade weave the delicate flowers as his captain paid close attention to the direction of the bend in each vine and stem. It made Novelty feel perfectly attended and cared for, allowing him to relax a layer deeper. He closed his eyes, and immediately, his mind worked to imagine what the goddess might be like--and what she would think of each of the volunteers and their offerings. But, even that Novelty tried to push gently away. He wanted to be in this moment, right here, where Captain Kade was weaving flowers all around him.

With gratitude, he noted that Kade avoided wrapping the flowers in places that would make it difficult to walk, and in general, Novelty had worried about chafing the flower petals off, but Kade seemed well aware of this potential problem, weaving with ease and quiet, amused determination.

He was going to miss his captain. Novelty had learned much from him. He had to hope that he would meet Captain Kade again in this life, if Captain Rutliff truly was going to trade out the volunteers when the war was over. An ache made itself known in Novelty's chest. This was going to be difficult. And yet, it was an honor and opportunity that Novelty could not, for the life of him, pass up.

Novelty's breath hitched each time Kade's fingers touched his skin, even though he knew it was happening for practicality's sake. Still, the anticipation of those light touches sent Novelty's nerve endings ablaze. He quickly flushed from cheeks to feet.

((OOC: I can continue if Kade is roughly finished, but I wanted to give you an opportunity to post again from his perspective.))

Novelty swallowed hard. He'd already been visibly aroused, but this was a new level of pleasure. A softening. A surrendering.

These flowers had been bathed in that purple light coming out of the forest floor--gone though it was when he and Stephen revisited. Novelty smiled, remembering how they'd played around anyway.

He really was leaving. Entirely. Novelty's chest ached, though there was a soft smile on his face. He was near to tears now.

There weren't so many vines. There were only as many as he and Stephen could properly untangle. But, they had, tying them gracefully with bundles of string. Still, Kade was already nearing the end. Novelty didn't feel clothed exactly. Adorned, more like, Novelty thought. He liked the taste of the word in his mouth.

And then Kade stopped. Stepped back.

Novelty lifted his head. Straightened his knees and his spine. Looked instinctively toward the priestess before anyone else.

She did not hesitate. "Do you intend to serve the goddess of desire, of shadow, of mist, and of purpose of your own free will?"

Novelty closed his eyes, and with every ounce of his being, he said, "Yes." His knees immediately grew weak.

--

A crackle. But not from the sky. From the air inside the circle where the volunteers stood. The portal was opening--purple-white and glowing. So soon, the priestess thought, but then again, she had never sent this many people to the goddess at once. The gravity of their combined dedication was pulling the land open to her realm anyway.

She had to keep going. The priestess added her strength to the land to hold it together. Tehlunae wanted to time this right--for all their sakes. She looked at Evan and suspected he was beginning to feel it, too. He had been to the goddess' realm several times by now and would recognize its scent. Like fertile soil, the priestess thought.

Next, she looked to the commander. Oomizuao, the priestess thought, nodding.

--

Mizu nodded slightly in recognition, understanding that everything could unravel in this moment. Our last volunteer has been dedicated.

Had she made a terrible mistake? Lance, she thought, but she refrained from looking his direction. Instead, she dropped to one knee. Many around her instinctively did the same. Everything quieted.

Curling her hand into the soil, Mizu wanted to believe. Softly, like stroking the cheek of a lover, her emotion thick in her throat, she said, "To the goddess."

"To the goddess."

"To the goddess," this last barely a whisper out of the commander's lips. The potency of the phrase did not need volume to convey it.

A flash and a sound like pulling, like rolling, like opening that called the commander's attention back, her head snapping out of reverence.

This was so much different than even the shimmer, and Mizu was amazed. Light erupted to three feet in diameter quickly and grew to five and then six feet. The wind swirled around them all to meet it. Mizu sucked in a breath, offseting her urge to panic. The priestess nodded again in her direction, reassuring her. They had time.

Mizu resolutely got to her feet and shouted into the swirling wind toward the volunteers, "May you never doubt our gratitude for what you have done here. You will be remembered!"

Then she looked at Captain Rutliff--Evan--shaking her head as though to say, this better be worth it. A familiar gesture to Evan by now, to be sure. But then she shook her head and smiled slightly. This was magical. What was the harm in believing until proven otherwise?

--

As the portal began to open, Lieutenant Allegre's eyes opened. This was different than the red portal the priestess had summoned before. What was this new magic? His eyes opened wider, and he looked at the priestess, who was confirming what he was seeing. Xavier sucked in a deep breath and took several quick steps toward Evan, pulling him abruptly into a quick hug.

"Take care of them," Xavier said, pressed as close as he could be to Evan, tears in his voice.


--

Novelty's eyes opened wide, hearing the sound coming from behind the other volunteers. He looked at the priestess, who gestured blindly with one hand, ushering him to quickly go inside the inner circle. Not wanting to miss his chance, he stepped determinedly through, casting a glance back at Serio with deep and profound gratitude before he stood, with his fellow adventurers, on the threshold to the goddess' realm.

"Do you intend to serve the goddess of desire, of shadow, of mist, and of purpose of your own free will?" the priestess asked to Novelty, their final volunteer.

"Yes."

A loud crackle pierced the air within the circle where the volunteers stood. Evan pivoted to look, thrill and anticipation boiling up and down his core. A portal was opening.

"To the goddess... To the goddess... To the goddess." the commander spoke softly--sensually, Evan dared to think.

A flash of light and a loud rolling, opening sound pulled Evan's gaze back to the center of the circle, where the portal began to take shape, wind swirling around the gathered soldiers.

"May you never doubt our gratitude for what you have done here." Miyamoto yelled now, ensuring her voice would carry over the wind and over the opening portal to each of the volunteers. "You will be remembered!"

Evan was almost drawn to look at the volunteers, to take in their responses to the commander's words, but his attention was captured by Miyamoto's gaze falling on him, her head shaking in a familiar gesture. Evan couldn't help turning up a broad grin. Just you wait, he nearly beamed at her, his countenance full of thrill and excitement. Crazy as all of this was, he truly did believe in what they were doing here.

Then all at once, there were arms around him--Xavier's--and a teary murmur in his ear, "Take care of them."

Evan shifted, pivoting his body toward Xavier, pulling his arms free to wrap them around the lieutenant and pull him in close. All of it was automatic, compulsory to his body before his mind even had a chance to question whether he "should", here in front of the commander and everyone else. It didn't matter. It was important that Xavier could feel that he mattered. One of Evan's hands caressed warmly up into Xavier's hair, the other tightening its steady embrace around Xavier's back. There was nothing to say--he wanted to just drink in every ounce of this moment while it lasted.