Bedknobs and Beanstalks, page 17
Tir grunted when Karan stumbled to the bench that ran alongside one wall and released him. The merman's tail slipped from Karan's hold, and the grasp of those cold arms around his neck slackened. The merman's eyes looked enormous in his pale face, and utterly black in the hut's half-light.
"S’ all right.” Karan's teeth chattered. “I'll warm us up."
He turned and pulled out dry wood and tinder from a corner and retrieved his flint stone from the trunk where he kept his belongings. His hands shook. Setting his jaw, he struck a spark on the tinder, but it didn't catch. The second try did. A thin wisp of smoke rose from the tinder, and Karan blew on it, coughing when some of the water he had swallowed came up. Wheezing, he blew on it some more and added more tinder. Once a flame sprang up and began to lick the kindling, he arranged logs on top of it.
Karan knelt before the small fire, warming his hands. Feeling slowly returned to them, first pins and needles, then sharper pain as the blood circulated again.
"There.” He turned to the merman. “Feeling warmer, Tir?"
The merman shrugged, his long hair dripping on the floor. He folded his arms across his chest. “You cannot warm me up, Karan. I am not like you anymore."
Karan nodded and returned his gaze to the flames. What have I gotten myself into?
Tir huddled on the bench as the storm washed over the little hut. Karan cooked soup with some fish heads he had saved from the day before. Questions churned in his mind.
"You're not like the other mermen, are you?"
Tir glanced up. “What do you mean?"
Karan shrugged. “They kill mortals. You saved my life, and you asked to come here with me."
"They have forgotten everything.” Tir shook his head. “They have been in the water for so long, they are turning into fish themselves."
"But not you."
The merman rubbed his hand on his scales. “I force myself to remember."
"How long have you been under this spell?"
"Too long."
Karan nodded and stirred the soup. The merman's lovely face and smooth chest made Karan's body stir. Yet the long, shiny tail that hung from the bench to the compact soil floor made him shudder.
This was no man. This was an odd, eldritch creature. Spell or no spell, Tir was half fish. Cold as one and with the tail of one.
Karan pressed his lips together, his erection dying. He served the soup and gave a bowl to Tir. The merman took it and stared at it as if he had no idea what to do with it.
A mindless creature. Doesn't even eat warm food.
Tir sniffed at the soup. Expressions played on his face. Sadness. Anger. Joy. He sipped at it and his eyes glittered with unshed tears.
Karan stopped eating. “It's not much. A pity for you that you didn't save the life of a wealthy man instead."
"No wealthy men come to this lake. And no wealthy man would take me to his house.” Tir lifted the bowl, as if toasting Karan. “Good soup, I think."
"What do you remember of your life before the spell, Tir?"
Tir's hands clenched on the bowl, threatening to break it. “Very little. Must be part of the spell. Or else I've been in this form too long.” He shook his head. “I have to talk to myself not to forget speech. I sometimes think I am going mad.” He cradled the bowl close to his chest. “I remember a house, full of light and warmth. I remember walking on two legs. Not being alone.” He placed the empty bowl to the floor. His eyes seemed to lose all color. “Take me to your bed."
Karan took a deep breath, dreading the moment, yet knowing he could postpone it no longer. He put away his bowl and carried the merman to his cot. He sat with his back to him, stiff. Glancing to his right, he saw a man so gorgeous his mouth went dry. To his left he saw the tail of a frigid fish.
"Lie down with me, Karan."
He lay with his back to Tir, shivering when the scales of the tail brushed the bare skin of his shins. A crisp scent of moss and wet pebbles wafted from Tir's skin. Karan took a deep breath. Tir's lwet hair drenched the bedclothes and trailed, silky, on Karan's arm. When a clammy hand touched Karan's cheek, he started and fought not to draw away.
"A kiss,” whispered the merman, and Karan gulped, torn between the desire to taste him and to back away. “You promised."
Karan rolled onto his back. The merman's fantastically beautiful face approached his, and the cold lips caressed his, then pressed against his mouth, moving softly.
Karan shuddered. So cold.
Tir pulled away, his eyes lost in shadow, his mouth a thin line. “Two more nights, Karan. Then I shall free you of your promise."
* * * *
The storm raged outside, and the roof creaked and leaked. Karan's sleep was uneasy. Something cold and heavy curled around his legs, turning them numb. He dreamed it was a snake, wrapped around him, its huge head rising to swallow him.
Karan awoke, heart pounding. The bed shook. A keen filled the air. Something crashed.
Beside him, the merman thrashed on the bed, his tail thumping the floor.
He was dreaming. And, from the looks of it, nothing good.
Karan reached out and shook the merman's shoulder. “Wake up, Tir!"
The merman's hand shot out and grabbed Karan's arm. His eyes opened and blinked like dark fires in the blackness. “Where am I?"
"You're in my hut.” Karan winced as the merman's cold grip turned painful. “Remember? You saved my life. You came home with me."
"Did I walk? Did I..."
Karan swallowed against a knot in his throat at the hope that colored Tir's voice. “No,” he whispered, “you didn't walk."
The merman said nothing for a while. He glanced around the hut, and his tail thumped on the cot. The wind danced on the roof. “So nothing has changed.” He made a sound somewhere between a laugh and a sob. “I had these dreams—more like memories—of running and strolling and even dancing..."
His fingers loosened their grip and Karan sat there, trying to make out the merman's face.
"I thought you were having a nightmare."
"Now I am.” Tir's tail thrashed. He lay back down. “I am doomed."
Karan's eyes smarted. By God, Tir sounded so defeated. He had never seen a merman without a grin or smirk on its face before, without a song in its mouth. This one threatened to break his heart.
"Sleep, Tir.” Karan lay down and brushed a strand of blue hair from the merman's face. As that cold tail curled over his legs again, he wrapped his arms around Tir and drifted into sleep.
* * * *
Karan woke up to find Tir observing him with a frown.
"Morning,” Karan mumbled.
Bright sunlight streamed through cracks in the walls and the small window, brushing the merman's form with gold. Sitting like that, his tail hidden in shadow, he looked mortal, so desirable and handsome.
Dangerously handsome.
Karan had to get out for a moment, gather his wits. “I'll be back. Just need to stretch my legs for a while."
Tir said nothing, so Karan rose and left the hut in a haste. He strode out into the morning and made for the shore, littered with broken branches after the storm. No boats were out on the lake. No sign of the mermen either. He sat on the beach and threw pebbles into the waves. The sun warmed his shoulders.
No boat. I'm destroyed. My mother needs the medicine. What shall I do?
The sun rose higher.
If Tir hadn't been there, I'd be dead now. I owe him.
He buried his fingers in the mud.
I need to leave the lake, seek work somewhere. When Tir's three days are up...
He heard a crash and shouts behind him. “Tir!"
Karan ran back to his hut and saw Basile dragging Tir out of the hut by the armpits. The merman struggled in the fisherman's grasp. His tail was lodged in the door of the hut, threatening to break it.
"What the hell are you doing?” He ran toward them.
Basile looked up, face red. A bruise marred his cheek. “I'm taking this monster away. He cast a spell on you. You're damned!"
"You'll be damned, if you don't let go of him right now!” Karan slammed into Basile and threw him back.
The merman fell to the ground and curled up, breathing heavily.
"I'll tell the merchant you're under his spell.” Basile pointed at the merman. “He won't buy from you anymore!"
Karan stood up and watched Basile regain his feet. “Do what you want. I'm ruined anyway. My boat's gone.” Karan took a deep breath. “Leave."
Basile raised his hands, shook his head, and walked away.
Tir swore. Karan couldn't make out the words, but the tone was unmistakable.
The long blue hair trailed in the mud and the iridescent tail swirled in it like a snake as Tir pushed himself up with his arms. He snarled.
Karan backed away, fear gripping him. “Hey, don't—"
Tir turned in a shower of liquid mud, his powerful arms followed by his tail. Karan gulped. He backed away until hit the wall of the hut. He molded his body against its surface, his heart banging in his chest.
A fist slammed into the ground. “Damn it!” Tir's voice shook. “Even you are afraid of me."
The merman's head was bowed and his arms trembled.
A wave of grief washed through Karan and tears stung his eyes. What must it feel like, to be so hated by everyone?
"Come here, Tir.” Karan bent his knees and opened his arms. After a slight hesitation the corded arms went around his neck. He lifted the merman with a grunt.
"Take me back to the lake,” Tir said.
Karan blinked in surprise. “Why?"
"I will fish for us."
Karan stared, surprise melting into relief. “All right."
He carried the merman to the lake and released him on the shore. “You are coming back, aren't you?"
The merman stared at him for a moment, then winked and dove into the water, his tail splashing on the surface. Karan waited on the shore, trying to follow the movements of the silvery form.
Tir dropped fish after fish on the shore, and Karan caught them as they writhed. He pulled his knife from his belt and gutted them. When he looked up he saw Tir staring back. The merman was half outside the water that moved like liquid glass around his torso. His long hair floated around him. His smile was wide and happy.
I wish he smiled more.
* * * *
That night, Karan cooked the fish on the fire and they ate with their fingers, curled in front of the flames. The flickering light cast the merman's torso in lines of red and black, his profile in sorrow.
"What are you thinking?"
Tir smiled. “You stopped that fisherman, Basile. You fought for me to stay."
"I made you a promise."
The faint smile faded. “True. A promise.” Those shapely lips thinned. “You are a man of honor, Karan. I am lucky."
Karan bowed his head. He flicked a fishbone into the fire. He felt guilty for having left the merman in the hut alone. “Basile didn't hurt you, did he?” In the fire's mellow light, he saw something dark on the merman's chest. “What's that?"
He drew closer to Tir, who stiffened. Karan trailed his hand on that strong chest. A dark bruise with the clear imprint of fingers spanned the merman's shoulder and collarbone. “Does it hurt?"
Tir's hand caught his wrist. “Yes."
Karan looked up into deep, moss-green eyes. He stared, breathless. Something told him the merman wasn't talking about the bruise anymore, but that if he opened his mouth to ask, the moment would shatter.
Then Tir released his hand and his gaze, and leaned back. “It is nothing. I am tired."
Karan snatched his hand away.
What's wrong with me? Is Basile right? Is this some kind of spell? Why do I want to touch him, stroke his skin?
He carried Tir to bed and lay next to him. The cold tail weighed on his legs, and Tir's chilled hand touched Karan's cheek. “One kiss."
Karan leaned in, letting those soft, cool lips caress his. He felt Tir's rough tongue, cold as ice, slip into his mouth and play inside.
His stomach roiled.
Tir pulled back, his eyes soft and wet. “Good night, Karan."
Karan tried to answer, but his throat felt too tight. He nodded, not sure the merman saw him. He forced his eyes closed and tried to sleep.
* * * *
He dreamed of Tir as a mortal. He sat next to Karan, dressed in soft leggings, the fire gilding long dark tresses as he leaned close. His lips, when they touched Karan's skin, were warm. His hand gripped Karan's shoulder, hot as fire.
Karan kissed Tir, and those lips tasted of ripe strawberries. Karan moaned, deepening the kiss, his arms pressing Tir's hard body to his. Tir's long legs wrapped around him, pressing their erections together. Pleasure bloomed in Karan's belly and he moved against the other man.
Tir's fingers twisted in Karan's short hair, his long bangs, and his mouth trailed down Karan's throat, sending fire down his body. Tir lowered him to the rug as the flames danced behind him. He bent over Karan, undid the laces of his pants and took Karan's cock in his mouth.
Karan's body arched into that wet heat. Tir's firm lips dragged up and down Karan's length. Desire filled Karan until he thought he might die of need. Tir's long, silky hair caressed his hips and lapped against his skin like waves.
Karan wanted Tir. He wanted to keep Tir there with him.
Tir sucked harder, his tongue pressing against the underside of Karan's shaft, his hand wrapped around the base, sending Karan over the edge. He gasped and bucked, need clenching his belly and tightening his balls. He cried out as his body rocked with the ripples of pleasure and his legs shook. He fought for breath.
He knew then he wanted more than Tir's body. He wanted his heart.
"Tir."
The beautiful man pulled back. Karan frowned. Something was wrong.
A tail curled around Karan's legs, cold and slippery.
Karan flinched. He pulled away. “You're a half-fish, not a man!"
Then he was drowning in cold water. Mermen swam around him, in blurred streaks of color, and Tir was not among them.
* * * *
Karan woke gasping. He turned to Tir, but the bed next to him was empty.
He swung his legs off the cot and raked a hand through his hair, mussing it more. Pale dawn light slanted through the small window.
"Tir!"
The hut was empty.
Worry laced his thoughts like poison. He pushed the door open and stumbled out into the grey light. “Tir! Where are you?"
Why aren't I relieved he's gone?
He ran to the shore and found the merman dragging himself towards the silvery wavelets, his long hair and tail muddy.
Karan rushed to his side. “What are you doing?"
The merman didn't look up. “Goodbye, Karan.” He dragged himself around Karan's legs.
"Stop. Please don't go."
Tir paused. His muscled back shimmered with sweat. His arms trembled slightly. “What did you say?"
Karan passed a hand over his face, trying to collect his thoughts. “One more night. That was our agreement."
"I release you of your promise,” said Tir and his stony voice cracked.
"Don't.” Karan walked around to face him. “Don't release me. Stay another night."
Tir's eyes widened. “You wish me to?"
The thought of him leaving hurt Karan. He wanted to hold Tir close, to make sure he was all right. Wanted to see a smile on his face again. “Yes."
"Half-fish and all?"
Karan tensed. He must have talked in his sleep. He grabbed Tir's shoulder. “Come home with me. Please."
Tir said nothing more. When Karan opened his arms, he clasped Karan's neck and allowed himself to be carried.
Once inside the hut, Karan deposited the merman on the rug and set about making a fire. He felt Tir's intense gaze burning a hole in his back. Turning, he noticed the merman's scratched hands.
Karan put water in the pot to boil, and threw herbs in it from a shelf on the wall.
"Are you making an infusion?” Tir tilted his head to the side and his green eyes sparkled. By God, he was beautiful. His soft lips were half-open, his cheeks smooth and glistening like polished stone.
If he were a mortal...
"Yes. I thought...” Karan hesitated, suddenly feeling like a fool. “To clean your hands. They're scratched. Here, look at your palms.” He took one of Tir's hands and turned it over, tracing a cut oozing blood. “But maybe mermen don't get sick.” He gave Tir a questioning look.
"We half-fish also get sick.” Tir's voice was colder than his skin.
Karan bit his lip and nodded. He took the corner of a clean cloth and dipped it in the water simmering with sage and thyme, and carefully tended Tir's injured hands.
The merman closed his eyes.
Karan cleaned every cut he found on those strong hands and arms, watching Tir's body react to his touch. The merman's small nipples hardened, a vein in his throat pulsed and his breath became quicker.
If Karan ignored the tail and lack of anything human beneath the waist...
Pressing his lips together, he stood.
Tir's eyes snapped open. He frowned, then looked away. “Thank you."
Karan took his secret bottle from underneath the cot and poured two cups of the clear alcohol it held. “Here."
The merman took it, sniffed at it, and coughed. “What is this?"
"Liquor. Let's drink.” Karan raised his cup, trying to think of an appropriate toast. “To tonight."
Tir's hand shook, spilling some of the drink. “To tonight.” He gulped it down, and began to cough again.
A smile pulled at Karan's lips. Grinning, he tossed the drink back, and felt it heat a path down his throat to his stomach, chasing away the chill.
"I think,” he said, “that another one is in order."
"Why?” Tir eyed his empty cup with a frown. “It tastes awful."
"Helps you relax.” Karan shrugged and poured more. He raised the cup to his lips. “Besides, I'm ruined. I'll need to leave this lake and seek work somewhere else. Might as well finish all I have here."
Tir drew in a sharp breath. Karan looked up.
Tremors ran through Tir's body. His tail hit the floor madly, sending dirt flying. “You are leaving.” He gulped down the drink, mouth twisting. “You are right. Let us finish this."
