Chapter Text
It was perhaps inevitable that they actually started traveling together. A year later and Edgin once again needed money to support his family, which had been what got them in such trouble in the past. Xenk was right there beside him, the now ever companion to point out on a man where they should go. The Paladin looked excited on the prospect of walking the path again, so Edgin let himself be excited in return.
Holga stayed behind with Kira this time, as Edgin only planned for being gone the better part of a couple of months. He was getting too old for year long grand adventures after all. Xenk was all to happy to accompany him where ever he wished. In fact the Paladin seemed to have a list of things and people he wanted to check in on. And Holga had just unfortunately broken a rib, so she needed rest.
She would never rest if they were out on the road, or even take anything to help if it dulled her sense. Edgin loved her so much, but he couldn't take that warrior pride of her if it made her suffer. He told that to both Xenk and Kira; they'd even agreed.
Kira seemed to only approve of Edgin going because he was going with Xenk. Which was a bit insulting, but also nice to be worried about. He completely ignored the fact that he'd heard there conversation about it when he got out of bed a little bit earlier then normal one day.
"You'll take good care of him right Xenk?" Kira asked sweet and sadly. If it was up to her, Edgin would never leave anywhere that wasn't with her. Someone had to look after Holga though.
"Have no fear Kira, I will never let anything bad happen to your father so long as it's in my power to do so." Xenk offers majestic and kind. Edgin had learned recently that thanks to magic in the Paladin's oath, Xenk can not lie.
"But like- you'll make sure he doesn't get lost and lonely too, right?" Kira questions.
There was a pause, giving away that Xenk Yendar had not really thought about those things being an issue. Why would he? He spent so long alone on the road himself that it wouldn't even occur to him. In the end the Paladin nodded at the girl and gave her a small soft smile.
"Edgin will be my top priority during our time away." Xenk said easily like it wasn't embarrassing at all. "Your father will return to you unharmed and as happy as he was when we left."
Kira had hugged Xenk tightly. Smiling like she knew something that no one else did. "You return happy too, okay? And remember to bring dad to some taverns along the way! He likes to pretend he's too old to be the one singing and dancing for a crowd but I know he loves it."
Xenk had looked terribly interested at the thought of watching Edgin preform. So much so, that Ed had come out of his hiding spot to interrupt the moment. He didn't need Kira telling all of his secrets after all. And if he didn't stop them now he might have teared up from how loved he felt. He's gotten sentimental in the last year of his life. Reuniting with loved ones will do that to you.
Edgin was completely fine with letting Xenk map the route and way. It's not like there wouldn't be rude rich people to liberate money from wherever one went. And he wasn't just going for a large special score anyways. He just wanted enough money to continue to put food on the table and to be able to buy Kira whatever she should want. Which is why the first priority was whatever Xenk actually wanted to do.
The first three days of traveling went down just as traveling usually did. The ground got hard real fast on Edgin's back, but he still enjoyed it. Xenk didn't even seem to mind that he constantly talked or hummed or strummed his lute to keep himself busy. All in all, Xenk was a good traveling companion and they made good time to the tavern of the next town over.
Edgin pickpocketed money for their room off of a very loud and very handsy drunk as Xenk immediately helped kick him out of the building. People possibly saw Edgin do it and no one cares in the least. The young waitress was so happy that they'd helped get rid of him, she'd gotten them a first round of ale on the house. It was a kind gesture that Edgin was certainly not used to. Xenk didn't protest either, simply sitting so close by his side at their chosen table that they were touching.
The ale tasted awful, but the company was delightful.
"Would you be interested in performing tonight Edgin?" Xenk asked quietly while sipping at his drink. He focus on Ed was always shocking, even after all this time they'd spent together. He really knew how to make a guy feel special.
"No." Ed simply denies and gets to catch a glimpse of how disappointed Xenk looks. He's never seen him pout before in the entire time they'd lived together, but to be far Edgin doesn't usually deny him anything. It makes him want to explain why. "I still know a lot of the people here and if I try to give a performance; no one would let me live it down. Plus, they probably wouldn't even tip. Sorry lot of bastards."
Xenk seems to have gotten used to the term Bastard being an insult because he says nothing about it. Or maybe, he just chooses to believe Edgin knows that all their parents were unmarried. Edgin doesn't ask which one it is. He just sighs and settles his head against Xenk shoulder, and rest his eyes for a moment. It will be nice to sleep in a bed tonight.
The Paladin tenses for a moment, as though he's trying to check if there is a threat around them. And then he melts into Edgin's willingness of touch, the same as he always does. The man doesn't change. Edgin is grateful for it, even if he's never really understood it. Edgin sometimes gets the feeling that Xenk would carry him around in his pocket if he could.
They finish their drinks and go to said room. It's small, but inn rooms always are. Especially the single ones. In a regular house, the room would probably be a closet. There is just barely room for the single bed, the wardrobe and a table with a wash basin. There was not even a window! Still it was cheap and most importantly, not outside.
They strip down and try to refresh themselves a bit with the pitcher of water provided. They are honestly both a little gross from traveling but that just always seems to be the way. This town isn't big enough to have something like a public bathhouse either. They could technically go down and order one for their room, but that's a lot of effort and honestly, probably too expensive.
It's fine. They're both a bit dirty and a bit sweaty. It's not like they don't know enough magic to keep themselves from being gross. Everybody does now days. But magic is not meant to replace water completely, because eventually it doesn't work as great as it should. Or make one feel clean. Sure magic can whip away dirt or cover smell, but it's not the same as the sweet relief of soaking everything off into water. Just thinking about it makes Edgin long for his comfortable little home.
It is the same problem as food during a journey and food at a civilization. You can make stew on the road if you want to take extra time for it, but most people just bring easy to eat things for the journey. The clean up and time waste is often too much to want. Those who have the magic to travel or the money to buy their way are those who are better off for it. Edgin has never been so lucky. Plus, who wants to hear a bard sing if they've never been on an adventure of their own?
They cuddle together on that small single bed close enough to be mistaken as one person. Edgin can feel Xenk breathing into his hair and feel his muscles flexing as he holds him close. Edgin always seems to be the little spoon. He doesn't mind it, but hopes that Xenk knows that if he needs to switch then Edgin wouldn't mind. At the very least, Edgin is never cold at night with his portable Paladin heater.
A kiss to the back of his neck.
"Edgin, quiet your mind and rest. There is a 6 days journey to the next town and I'm hoping to catch someone with a trade route tomorrow."
"Gonna play guard?" Edgin teases, still trying not to shiver from the touch of lips he just received. Had Xenk ever done that before?
"If it would mean you get to ride in the cart, then yes."
Edgin tenses and his eyes that had been drooping pop open once more. "You don't need to do that just for me!" He speaks fast. Xenk just smiles and shushes him.
"I know your feet are hurting. Do not argue with me Edgin, I do not wish to cause you injury." Xenk whispers, voice low and deep.
"Still, it would be faster if we cut through the forest!" Edgin argues for the sake of arguing. It's like in his blood to argue when told not to.
"Time is not an issue. I wish for your comfort above all else."
Edgin thinks about kissing the man and not for the first time either. It's been more frequent as of late too. Xenk Yendar is just the type of man who deserves to be kissed for his kindness. If not Edgin, then someone should do it. Reward the man for everything he does in life to help people.
They sleep without saying another word, but Edgin dreams of nothing but kisses on dark mouths. In the daylight, in the dark and in their bedroom.