[ To be honest, it's fascinating to watch. It's an utterly foreign sight, the way Zed's length slowly emerges from the slit, flushed, slick with fluid and clearly stiff with arousal. Avicebron exhales hoarsely, starting to reach forward to touch him, but stops at the last moment. ]
If you'd wait for just a moment. I don't want to hurt you. [ There's the quiet click of metal as he fidgets with his gauntlets, folding back the pointed tips. But it only takes a glance at Zed's face to see that he should hurry; no doubt it's a tense and nerve-wracking situation for Zed to be in, blindfolded and exposed. It thankfully only takes a few moments before Avicebron speaks up again, quiet and calm. ] I'm going to touch you.
[ Avicebron's touch is gentle when he brings his fingers to Zed's cock, wrapping around carefully and dragging slowly down. Without his gauntlet points, his hand is only covered in a thin layer of fabric, a little lacking in wamrth but smooth and deft. He eases his hand all the way down to the base, squeezing gently, then slides his palm back upwards, carefully watching Zed's expression the whole time. ]
I hope this feels pleasurable for you.
[ His words taper off with a hoarse sigh, his grip suddenly jerking downwards when he feels those threads pull taut against his skin. He inadvertently ends up bracing his other hand against Zed's leg to maintain his balance as his spine curls, his skin feeling hotter with each shift of those strings. Even if his noises of arousal are quiet, muffled between shallow breaths, the slight jerkiness to his movements probably says plenty. ]
[It's a small torment to sense Avicebron moving and then stop short, although the anticipation of being touched at all scrambles his mind. So when he's finally grasped and given the friction he desperately wants, Zed can't help the low, guttural sound that slips away from him as his hips roll up automatically.]
Yes-- yes...! [Words are hard to conjure up when he's so fully engrossed in both Avicebron's touch and the noises he's making. It doesn't matter that the strokes aren't regular since the length of him slides easily along, and obviously Zed's still enjoying the attention. For him, reality's narrowed down to just the two of them, and his possessive affliction is absolutely fine with that. In fact, the hand on his leg spurs Zed to reach for Avicebron, dragging him closer to seat him on top of his thighs. (He'd prefer to situate him fully on his lap, but he's also not willing to get in the way of the hand working on him.)
The space between them was completely unnecessary, and Zed's hands are back to exploring once he's done tugging the blond into place. They quickly travel down Avicebron's spine until he's fully grabbing his ass to stabilize him...but also because he just wants to. If he was more clearheaded, Zed would be more careful with his claws. Now is not the case. He kneads intently while the strings begin to consolidate, forming thicker bands that wrap fully around Avicebron's arousal, stroking him more fully in return. There is some merit in holding onto the Servant since Zed's hips continue to twitch now and then, but that slight jostling only adds some friction into the frantic movement.]
[ It's a little startling suddenly being hefted onto Zed's lap. Doubly so when he feels hands shoving under his body armor, fingers dragging against his ass. Avicebron can't help giving a low yelp at the sudden movement, stabilizing himself by gripping at Zed's shoulder with his free hand.
Still, this intimate position isn't bad at all. It takes him a moment to resume the movements of his hand, but once he does, it feels so much more intense. At this proximity he can see the way Zed's stomach clenches, his chest rising and falling with each breath, the muscles in his body straining from the rising pleasure. After a few moments he manages to find a steadier pace, and watches Zed's reactions closely as he pumps his hand.
The only thing that manages to disrupt his focus is when he feel those threads of blood weave together around his cock, forming a ring of tight pressure; he barely gets a moment to steel himself before it rolls rapidly downward, and Avicebron shudders as electricity tingles all the way up his spine. The stimulation's strong enough that he almost doesn't notice when Zed's claws managed to snag at the fabric he wears under the body armor, starting to tear it open.
The skin beneath is speckled with scars, little grooves and bumps that criss-cross beneath Zed's fingertips. Without the fabric in the way, each knead of Zed's hands feels all the more intense, and Avicebron bites at his lip to remind himself -- his focus is Zed's pleasure, first and foremost. Even if each pulse of those blood threads is starting to make him tense, his breaths coming in shallower huffs as he ups the pace of his hand. ]
[Behind the red blindfold, Zed's eyes are narrowed into slits as he tries not to completely lose it from the pleasure he feels from Avicebron's work. He alternates between gritting his teeth to slack-jawed, and there's no stopping the quiet, gratified moans each stroke elicits. A gratuitous amount of precum beads at the tip as Zed rocks his hips into the Servant's hand, greedy for more.
There's so much he has to pay attention to, and everything is all the more intensified as he relies on his other senses to inform him. The smell of sweat that he picks up is dizzying, and Avicebron's uneven breaths paint an appealing picture in Zed's mind. The only thing that doesn't quite fit his expectations is the marred skin he can feel against his palms. But there's so much else going on that he ultimately discards the observation for everything else more exciting.
The sudden uptake in pace pushes him a little too far to the edge, however, and Zed finds himself uncertain whether he should be cursing his lack of experience.]
Nngh...Caster. I-it feels too good. I want to... [Zed trails off with his rasping as his head dips forward to seek out Avicebron's lips as best he can. He's so close to the end, but he still has a second to be distracted.]
[ He'd been wondering how long Zed would last. Not in any derisive way, but just because he knows how hot-blooded and eager young men can be. So as soon as he starts getting the signals from Zed, Avicebron forces himself to push away thoughts of his own arousal, instead focusing on Zed's.
Not that it's a particularly easy task. The heat of moonlacing is difficult to let go of, and he has to bite hard at his lip to will himself calm. But no matter how good the slow drag of threads against his skin feels, that was never the point -- it was always about sating Zed's symptoms, first. ]
Whenever you'd like.
[ The permission is given easily, his voice a low mutter in an attempt to hide the hoarse edge to his words, and Avicebron squeezes his fingers tight. His hand is beginning to feel awfully slick, the rub of slick flesh against his palm sending shivers down his spine, and he cants his head up to meet that demand for a kiss. He's terribly aroused himself, and it makes him a little more desperate as their lips meet, his breaths coming in ragged pants. But he maintains that quick rhythm at Zed's cock, his free hand kneading at his shoulder. Urging him to find relief. ]
[Given the chance, Zed seals his lips against Avicebron's. He's all teeth and tongue, purely animalistic, and his needy moans reverberate through the contact. Fallen so far from his self-control, yet he unabashedly wants all the pleasure he's been given.
A few more strokes and the spike of Chroma with his climax makes him see stars. It's a simultaneous explosion and numbing of his senses that he can't do much more to signal beyond a muffled gasp. Zed's whole body tenses as he cums in Avicebron's hand, but one last roll of his hips follows to eke out his releases.
He's oddly set on keeping his mouth on the Servant's, but he eventually does break away. A single strand of saliva breaks between them, and Zed's face is completely flushed and satiated. Just like Avicebron wanted.]
...Your turn...
[The fishman's voice comes out just as hoarse as he gathers up enough pieces of his mind to conjure up his concentration. The blood tendrils had stilled while he'd lost himself, but they return with a vigor to repay the favor. Enveloping Avicebron's arousal, they squeeze and stroke from base to tip, adding speed as the seconds tick by.]
[ He'd let his guard down once Zed started looking antsy, assuming it would be easy to reach the finish line. But he might have underestimated that kiss -- just the first graze of tongue is enough to make him stiffen, and it only intensifies from there.
Avicebron somehow manages to maintain that rhythm to help Zed over the edge, but it's not an easy task. The kiss steals his breath away, each little movement earning a flinch; the graze of teeth against a cracked spot earns a spark of pain and the copper taste of blood, but even that feels intoxicating at the moment. It's enough to make him feel dizzy, and Avicebron is barely aware of when Zed finally comes, blearily loosening his grip and feeling the sticky sensation drip from his fingers.
So the sudden, tight coil of threads is almost too much. ]
There's no need --
[ His words come out choked, cutting off with a strangled groan, and Avicebron doubles over at the sudden stimulation. The strokes at his cock are already more than enough, but the coiling sensation around the rest of his body, pervasive and intimate, is overwhelming. It really doesn't take long for him to reach a shuddering climax, biting into his lip hard enough to bleed in a futile attempt to hold back his voice.
It was a sudden, dizzying peak, and Avicebron slumps against Zed's chest as he tries to gather his thoughts afterward, hands braced weakly against his shoulders; his breaths come ragged, his voice escaping in soft pants with each rise and fall of his chest. ]
[Zed has to internally fight himself to keep maintaining the blindfold in place. He wants to respect Avicebron's wishes, but he so badly wants to watch him come undone. Feeling and hearing the man's restlessness is one thing, but there's so much that his imagination has to fill in. Still, he forces himself to remain blind. Zed at least feels fulfilled at bringing about Avicebron's climax. After couple of pumps to see it through to the end, and then the threads retreat out from under his clothes as they're dismissed.
The scent of blood is also a nice distraction in the meantime. The bloodlust that bubbles up in response is dampened considerably, yet he finds himself craving it nonetheless. Avicebron has a short moment to relax against his chest before Zed wraps an arm around his waist while his other hand gently angles his chin up. Even blind, he's able to find the blond's lips with ease and lick away blood languidly.
Still buzzed from his release, Zed's more than happy to quietly hold Avicebron and try to engage another kiss if he's allowed. Less rushed and needy, more sensual. Content and leisurely. He...can't seem to help himself, and he's not entirely sure that it's the moonblessing at work.]
[ A pleasant white fog's settled over his thoughts, and it takes far too long for him to try and take it off. It's the touch to his waist that finally rouses him, and Avicebron sighs quietly in mingled exhaustion and contentment as he cants his head up. He tentatively allows the kiss -- he intends to pull away after a second, but it ends up being far longer than that before he breaks it.
His hands brace against Zed's chest as he sits up, his weight gingerly resting against Zed's thighs. ]
... was that enough to satisfy you?
[ His voice is still a little breathy, his skin still tingly in thin lines where the threads had pulled taut. Avicebron tries not to think about how that had felt, swallowing thickly to try and return his voice back to its usual, quiet deadpan. ]
You seem calmer now, at least. How do you feel?
[ Maybe they can end it at this point, before going any further. It'd be best for Zed. ]
[A small voice inside his head wants to say no, he isn't and just continue freely kissing the other man...but it's quickly shut out when Avicebron's tone shifts. It feels like a line being drawn, and there's a vague uneasiness that Zed can't quite place. Maybe it's because he can't see what kind of expression Avicebron's making.]
...Good. Better. [There's some hesitation-- would it be too weird to thank him? He's grateful, really. For Avicebron's patience and willingness to work with him despite his persistence, despite his different nature. Zed ends up rubbing circles against his lower back instead, moving on to another thought while enjoying the little sparks of Chroma under his fingertips:]
You? Er, that was...the first time using my blood like that.
[ There's probably some lingering need for intimacy, but the worst of it seems sated. Avicebron gives a quiet sigh in relief, with just the slight edge of satisfaction. His tone of voice softens just a touch. ]
There was no need for you to worry about me. But ... you did well. You're quite deft. And attentive.
[ And as much as part of him enjoys the knead of fingers against his back, he gently eases himself off of Zed's thighs. He might have agreed to this session out of necessity, but he still worries about the ramifications of dragging this out too long.
There's the quiet creak of metal as he lowers his mask once more, then he touches Zed's arm to get his attention. ]
O-oh, I see. My experience is limited, so... [He trails off as a self-conscious heat rises to his face. Well, at least it sounds like he did okay? That's good, probably. Navigating the aftermath, however, is a different thing entirely. As soon as Avicebron retreats, Zed can't help feeling the loss of the man's weight and warmth. He hikes his pants back up quickly, urged by his sense of propriety that he had thrown out the window moments before.
The sound of the mask being put into place evokes a feeling in his chest that he can't quite put his finger on. Still, the blood slides away back into the cuts he'd made once Avicebron gives the signal. Zed glances at the earthen walls that were lost to him until now, but his gaze quickly returns to the blond:]
This wasn't what we initially agreed upon...but thank you. [There, it's out.] And I'm sorry I put you in such a situation.
[ Ah, so the blood returns to his body. He'd had some worries that bloodloss might be a concern, and Avicebron's shoulders dip slightly in a silent sigh of relief. When Zed looks to him, he manages to hold that eye contact for a moment before dipping his gaze slightly. ]
Mm. As long as it was helpful to you, I don't mind. You needn't apologize.
[ He could probably stop there. Zed already seems to feel bad about what happened, and he doesn't particularly want to salt the wound. But still ... Avicebron pauses before continuing as patiently, as gently as he can manage. ]
But you should probably consider me a last resort for these things. I would be happy to help you resolve any aggression in the future. But when it comes to intimacy, you deserve someone better.
[ Zed's made himself presentable, so Avicebron snaps his fingers to send the earthen walls crumbling back into the ground. The air's immediately a little less stuffy, the distant sounds of the city returning. Thankfully, there still isn't a single person in sight. ]
[Hearing Avicebron put himself down still doesn't sit well with him. He's not sure exactly what he means by it, but his biggest guess would be insecurity about his physical differences. Could it be worries with the prosthetics or whatever he's hiding behind that mask? Zed's not exactly bothered if that is the case, but mostly because there's many similarities between him and his Master. Avicebron's physique is normalized to him. (And it's a plus he doesn't wear an animal skull for a mask.)
Or maybe this is just his way of letting him down easy. Zed thinks he should take the hint (real or not), but...]
I felt comfortable with you. And I didn't really mind the blindfold. [It's a quiet note. One that makes his face even more pink as he stands up and looks away. It feels so awkward to put his thoughts out there, yet it sounds like something Avicebron needs to hear:] I can't say what I do or don't deserve, but I enjoyed it. If it comes to a point where we end up in a similar situation, it won't be something like a last resort or that I find you lesser than others.
[...It feels like his heart is pounding out of his chest.]
[ ... it's good to be young, isn't it. To be earnest and sincere. Not that he was ever so honest as Zed is now. Hearing those words sends a strange prickle through his chest, equal parts nostalgic and pained. Avicebron regards Zed quietly for a moment before speaking calmly. ]
You 'don't mind the blindfold.' Most would have said 'I don't care what you look like.' [ Despite his word choice, it's not criticism, not at all. His tone of voice is softer than usual in that moment before evening back out. ] You're a considerate person, agreeing to my request without question or argument. Even in the heat of the moment, you honored that request. And I feel you should associate with someone of equal integrity.
[ In other words, it's not entirely a matter of appearances. Zed belongs with someone fundamentally better than him.
But Avicebron moves on before Zed can protest, slowly getting to his feet; he pulls the folds of his cloak closer around himself to hide any rips in his clothes. ]
Well, that is only my advice, in the end. If we ever find ourselves in a similar situation again, I doubt I'd be able to turn you away. But for now, it may be best to retire and rest. What do you think?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
If you'd wait for just a moment. I don't want to hurt you. [ There's the quiet click of metal as he fidgets with his gauntlets, folding back the pointed tips. But it only takes a glance at Zed's face to see that he should hurry; no doubt it's a tense and nerve-wracking situation for Zed to be in, blindfolded and exposed. It thankfully only takes a few moments before Avicebron speaks up again, quiet and calm. ] I'm going to touch you.
[ Avicebron's touch is gentle when he brings his fingers to Zed's cock, wrapping around carefully and dragging slowly down. Without his gauntlet points, his hand is only covered in a thin layer of fabric, a little lacking in wamrth but smooth and deft. He eases his hand all the way down to the base, squeezing gently, then slides his palm back upwards, carefully watching Zed's expression the whole time. ]
I hope this feels pleasurable for you.
[ His words taper off with a hoarse sigh, his grip suddenly jerking downwards when he feels those threads pull taut against his skin. He inadvertently ends up bracing his other hand against Zed's leg to maintain his balance as his spine curls, his skin feeling hotter with each shift of those strings. Even if his noises of arousal are quiet, muffled between shallow breaths, the slight jerkiness to his movements probably says plenty. ]
no subject
Yes-- yes...! [Words are hard to conjure up when he's so fully engrossed in both Avicebron's touch and the noises he's making. It doesn't matter that the strokes aren't regular since the length of him slides easily along, and obviously Zed's still enjoying the attention. For him, reality's narrowed down to just the two of them, and his possessive affliction is absolutely fine with that. In fact, the hand on his leg spurs Zed to reach for Avicebron, dragging him closer to seat him on top of his thighs. (He'd prefer to situate him fully on his lap, but he's also not willing to get in the way of the hand working on him.)
The space between them was completely unnecessary, and Zed's hands are back to exploring once he's done tugging the blond into place. They quickly travel down Avicebron's spine until he's fully grabbing his ass to stabilize him...but also because he just wants to. If he was more clearheaded, Zed would be more careful with his claws. Now is not the case. He kneads intently while the strings begin to consolidate, forming thicker bands that wrap fully around Avicebron's arousal, stroking him more fully in return. There is some merit in holding onto the Servant since Zed's hips continue to twitch now and then, but that slight jostling only adds some friction into the frantic movement.]
no subject
Still, this intimate position isn't bad at all. It takes him a moment to resume the movements of his hand, but once he does, it feels so much more intense. At this proximity he can see the way Zed's stomach clenches, his chest rising and falling with each breath, the muscles in his body straining from the rising pleasure. After a few moments he manages to find a steadier pace, and watches Zed's reactions closely as he pumps his hand.
The only thing that manages to disrupt his focus is when he feel those threads of blood weave together around his cock, forming a ring of tight pressure; he barely gets a moment to steel himself before it rolls rapidly downward, and Avicebron shudders as electricity tingles all the way up his spine. The stimulation's strong enough that he almost doesn't notice when Zed's claws managed to snag at the fabric he wears under the body armor, starting to tear it open.
The skin beneath is speckled with scars, little grooves and bumps that criss-cross beneath Zed's fingertips. Without the fabric in the way, each knead of Zed's hands feels all the more intense, and Avicebron bites at his lip to remind himself -- his focus is Zed's pleasure, first and foremost. Even if each pulse of those blood threads is starting to make him tense, his breaths coming in shallower huffs as he ups the pace of his hand. ]
no subject
There's so much he has to pay attention to, and everything is all the more intensified as he relies on his other senses to inform him. The smell of sweat that he picks up is dizzying, and Avicebron's uneven breaths paint an appealing picture in Zed's mind. The only thing that doesn't quite fit his expectations is the marred skin he can feel against his palms. But there's so much else going on that he ultimately discards the observation for everything else more exciting.
The sudden uptake in pace pushes him a little too far to the edge, however, and Zed finds himself uncertain whether he should be cursing his lack of experience.]
Nngh...Caster. I-it feels too good. I want to... [Zed trails off with his rasping as his head dips forward to seek out Avicebron's lips as best he can. He's so close to the end, but he still has a second to be distracted.]
no subject
Not that it's a particularly easy task. The heat of moonlacing is difficult to let go of, and he has to bite hard at his lip to will himself calm. But no matter how good the slow drag of threads against his skin feels, that was never the point -- it was always about sating Zed's symptoms, first. ]
Whenever you'd like.
[ The permission is given easily, his voice a low mutter in an attempt to hide the hoarse edge to his words, and Avicebron squeezes his fingers tight. His hand is beginning to feel awfully slick, the rub of slick flesh against his palm sending shivers down his spine, and he cants his head up to meet that demand for a kiss. He's terribly aroused himself, and it makes him a little more desperate as their lips meet, his breaths coming in ragged pants. But he maintains that quick rhythm at Zed's cock, his free hand kneading at his shoulder. Urging him to find relief. ]
no subject
A few more strokes and the spike of Chroma with his climax makes him see stars. It's a simultaneous explosion and numbing of his senses that he can't do much more to signal beyond a muffled gasp. Zed's whole body tenses as he cums in Avicebron's hand, but one last roll of his hips follows to eke out his releases.
He's oddly set on keeping his mouth on the Servant's, but he eventually does break away. A single strand of saliva breaks between them, and Zed's face is completely flushed and satiated. Just like Avicebron wanted.]
...Your turn...
[The fishman's voice comes out just as hoarse as he gathers up enough pieces of his mind to conjure up his concentration. The blood tendrils had stilled while he'd lost himself, but they return with a vigor to repay the favor. Enveloping Avicebron's arousal, they squeeze and stroke from base to tip, adding speed as the seconds tick by.]
no subject
Avicebron somehow manages to maintain that rhythm to help Zed over the edge, but it's not an easy task. The kiss steals his breath away, each little movement earning a flinch; the graze of teeth against a cracked spot earns a spark of pain and the copper taste of blood, but even that feels intoxicating at the moment. It's enough to make him feel dizzy, and Avicebron is barely aware of when Zed finally comes, blearily loosening his grip and feeling the sticky sensation drip from his fingers.
So the sudden, tight coil of threads is almost too much. ]
There's no need --
[ His words come out choked, cutting off with a strangled groan, and Avicebron doubles over at the sudden stimulation. The strokes at his cock are already more than enough, but the coiling sensation around the rest of his body, pervasive and intimate, is overwhelming. It really doesn't take long for him to reach a shuddering climax, biting into his lip hard enough to bleed in a futile attempt to hold back his voice.
It was a sudden, dizzying peak, and Avicebron slumps against Zed's chest as he tries to gather his thoughts afterward, hands braced weakly against his shoulders; his breaths come ragged, his voice escaping in soft pants with each rise and fall of his chest. ]
no subject
The scent of blood is also a nice distraction in the meantime. The bloodlust that bubbles up in response is dampened considerably, yet he finds himself craving it nonetheless. Avicebron has a short moment to relax against his chest before Zed wraps an arm around his waist while his other hand gently angles his chin up. Even blind, he's able to find the blond's lips with ease and lick away blood languidly.
Still buzzed from his release, Zed's more than happy to quietly hold Avicebron and try to engage another kiss if he's allowed. Less rushed and needy, more sensual. Content and leisurely. He...can't seem to help himself, and he's not entirely sure that it's the moonblessing at work.]
no subject
His hands brace against Zed's chest as he sits up, his weight gingerly resting against Zed's thighs. ]
... was that enough to satisfy you?
[ His voice is still a little breathy, his skin still tingly in thin lines where the threads had pulled taut. Avicebron tries not to think about how that had felt, swallowing thickly to try and return his voice back to its usual, quiet deadpan. ]
You seem calmer now, at least. How do you feel?
[ Maybe they can end it at this point, before going any further. It'd be best for Zed. ]
no subject
...Good. Better. [There's some hesitation-- would it be too weird to thank him? He's grateful, really. For Avicebron's patience and willingness to work with him despite his persistence, despite his different nature. Zed ends up rubbing circles against his lower back instead, moving on to another thought while enjoying the little sparks of Chroma under his fingertips:]
You? Er, that was...the first time using my blood like that.
no subject
There was no need for you to worry about me. But ... you did well. You're quite deft. And attentive.
[ And as much as part of him enjoys the knead of fingers against his back, he gently eases himself off of Zed's thighs. He might have agreed to this session out of necessity, but he still worries about the ramifications of dragging this out too long.
There's the quiet creak of metal as he lowers his mask once more, then he touches Zed's arm to get his attention. ]
You can uncover your eyes.
no subject
The sound of the mask being put into place evokes a feeling in his chest that he can't quite put his finger on. Still, the blood slides away back into the cuts he'd made once Avicebron gives the signal. Zed glances at the earthen walls that were lost to him until now, but his gaze quickly returns to the blond:]
This wasn't what we initially agreed upon...but thank you. [There, it's out.] And I'm sorry I put you in such a situation.
no subject
Mm. As long as it was helpful to you, I don't mind. You needn't apologize.
[ He could probably stop there. Zed already seems to feel bad about what happened, and he doesn't particularly want to salt the wound. But still ... Avicebron pauses before continuing as patiently, as gently as he can manage. ]
But you should probably consider me a last resort for these things. I would be happy to help you resolve any aggression in the future. But when it comes to intimacy, you deserve someone better.
[ Zed's made himself presentable, so Avicebron snaps his fingers to send the earthen walls crumbling back into the ground. The air's immediately a little less stuffy, the distant sounds of the city returning. Thankfully, there still isn't a single person in sight. ]
no subject
Or maybe this is just his way of letting him down easy. Zed thinks he should take the hint (real or not), but...]
I felt comfortable with you. And I didn't really mind the blindfold. [It's a quiet note. One that makes his face even more pink as he stands up and looks away. It feels so awkward to put his thoughts out there, yet it sounds like something Avicebron needs to hear:] I can't say what I do or don't deserve, but I enjoyed it. If it comes to a point where we end up in a similar situation, it won't be something like a last resort or that I find you lesser than others.
[...It feels like his heart is pounding out of his chest.]
no subject
You 'don't mind the blindfold.' Most would have said 'I don't care what you look like.' [ Despite his word choice, it's not criticism, not at all. His tone of voice is softer than usual in that moment before evening back out. ] You're a considerate person, agreeing to my request without question or argument. Even in the heat of the moment, you honored that request. And I feel you should associate with someone of equal integrity.
[ In other words, it's not entirely a matter of appearances. Zed belongs with someone fundamentally better than him.
But Avicebron moves on before Zed can protest, slowly getting to his feet; he pulls the folds of his cloak closer around himself to hide any rips in his clothes. ]
Well, that is only my advice, in the end. If we ever find ourselves in a similar situation again, I doubt I'd be able to turn you away. But for now, it may be best to retire and rest. What do you think?