Michlah sits in the arms of the beautiful half-elf. The young traveler’s cheeks warm up in the closeness they share. He shudders, holding onto those smooth and toned forearms, scooting closer to Tybalt, shuddering. “I’m scared,” he whispers. “What’s going to happen to me? I can’t… I can’t be a monster forever, can I?”
“To cure your disease,” Tybalt begins, “requires much work. It is a quest in its own right, and the one who partakes of it is often doomed to failure as they fall to their animal desires.”
“Can’t I… control them?” Michlah asks, “At least long enough to acquire the materials I need?”
Tybalt squeezes Michlah tighter, nuzzling his head against the merchant’s hair. “You need not be alone. We can travel together, first to confront the one who had wronged you and then to seek the necessary steps to save you. Of course, if you lose control of yourself, I should be there to keep you tamed using my powers.”
A throb warms Michlah’s head. He rubs it, and Tybalt takes his hand, kissing it. I will endeavor to keep it painless when more violent means are unnecessary.”
Michlah’s blush only deepens when he hears that. “Oh, I see, so when you say you will use your skills upon me, you mean the infamous touch of the Paladins of Love?”
Tybalt smiles, tilting his head, patting his partner. “Of course, our reputation precedes us, but know that the Knights of Love only do what is necessary and what is desired. How much would you desire would be up to you.”
Michlah gulps, his tongue poking out, lapping at his lip. “I uh, well, that really depends, doesn’t it? They indeed touch their targets and their lovers intimately to administer their healing. I never thought exactly what it meant if it was symbolic or how far things went.”
“As you can see,” the paladin says, motioning over his body, “I have a magical cloth here to keep my sword away until it is most needed. It is only ever used as a last resort. Palms and fingers always are uncovered so I may caress. My chest is bare, so those I tend to may be close to my heart. That is the nature of our code of conduct.”
“I never thought I would be able to see such a treatment in person, let alone be the recipient of one. Are you sure what you can provide will not cleanse me of the curse coursing through my veins?”
“The most potent of my abilities would scour the monster from this world, if necessary, with a holy smite. Only those strong in mind, body, and soul could escape unharmed. I do not wish to put anyone through such a trial unnecessarily.”
“If there’s anything I can do to ease our worries, I will be happy to do so.”
Michlah stands up, and Tybalt lets go with no issue. The traveler paces around the floor, wringing his hands, staring at the floor.
Tybalt sits back, his hands on the mattress behind him on either side.
“I’m not a slut,” Michlah says, glancing at Tybalt with quick and furtive glances.
“I have made nor will I make any judgments.”
“How can you say such things?” Michlah says, whirling around. “By having random sex with a stranger, have I not perverted the idea of love? Have I not broken some unforgivable taboo by simply seeking my own desires?”
Placing a hand upon his own heart, Tybalt shakes his head. “It isn’t what we desire that causes us to pervert love, but what we do with those desires. People desire intimacy and connection. If it is love you desire, and it isn’t tainted by fear, hatred, or greed, and if you do no harm in pursuing it, and those affected by what you do are not harmed, then there is nothing wrong.”
“It sounds like so much,”
“Because Love, like any weapon, is powerful and dangerous. It asks us to let our guard down and to be our most vulnerable.” Tybalt taps his breast. “And when we are vulnerable, we can open up to greater understanding, or we can be destroyed by the sting of betrayal. You were the victim, Michlah. This isn’t your fault.”
“How can you say that? I’m a victim to my own desires, uncontrolled like I’m some sort of animal.”
“Let me ask you some questions. First, do you willingly or unwillingly cause harm and seek not to make reparations for the harm you cause?”
“What, no? I mean, not that I know.” He gasps. “The guard.”
“That remorse you feel? Is it genuine? Or are you putting on a show for me?”
“What?” Michlah snaps, whirling around to Tybalt. “Of course, it’s genuine. What do you take me for?”
“Someone confused and scared, seeking desperately comfort and support. That is what I am here to provide you.”
“And how will you do that when I could turn into that monster again?”
Tybalt pushes himself up, standing over the more petite man, his eyes burning with that dedicated passion of the knights of love. “I shall educate, train, and guide you as much as I can and as much as you are willing to accept.”
Michlah grips his gown, biting his lip, his glance sliding down Tybalt’s body, resting between his legs. “And you will use that? Please?”
Tybalt places his arms akimbo, showing his teeth in a grin. “If you wish and are careful, then we shall.”