middaeg | [ CATCH-ALL ] we're nocturnal creatures

All the way home Bucephalus is exhibiting almost unlimited patience. She's a smart one, she can smell something is wrong. Waver is getting all the cuddles Iskandar is able to afford without risking that his boy tumbles down from the horse with all that wiggling. Saber was not wrong. He does behave as if he was drunk even if Iskandar can't detect a drop of alcohol on him.

"Shh, we're almost home, dearest."

There were certain plants that he heard of that could cause similar effects but they were native of his homeland. Is it possible something similar existed here? Perhaps. Waver was supposed to go shopping. Maybe he accidentally purchased something of that sort from some shady salesman. There's no shortage of those here. Iskandar wouldn't even try asking now. That's a question for the time when the effects wear off.

Once they finally reach their destination and he dismounts everything else proceeds without much hindrance even if he has to perform all the tasks necessary to free his from all her gear and set her to roam the garden, with only one hand. He decided to just carry Waver around with him while he does it. He didn't have the heart to send him home and Bucephalus can be patience personified when there's a true need for that.

Waver is perfectly happy to be carried around. And he only slightly makes a nuisance of himself. While Iskandar is slowly removing the saddle and reins from Bucephalus, Waver wraps his arms around his neck, nuzzling against his shoulder. If he was a cat, he'd definitely be purring; as a dog, however, he's just slowly wagging his tail, ears happily pressed back.

"Rideeer. I love youuu." Waver giggles, nuzzling under his throat and breathing in his scent with shameless obviousness. "You're so strong. It's amazing. And sexy. You know?"

Iskandar can't stop smiling. Oh, he worries, a little, but Waver is in a good mood. His ears and tail wagging are the best proof of that. So that's at least is a good sign.

"I love you too, my sweet boy," he replies leaning down to leave a quick kiss on the top of Waver's head.

His first stop when finally inside is the kitchen. Iskandar picks up the basket with a few leftover meat pies, some fruit and pitcher of water. No wine. He won't risk mixing alcohol with whatever has caused this reaction in his boy.

"Mhm, strong and sexy you say? I like that."

Two cups, a book for himself in case Waver falls asleep, a blanket and he's ready to settle them both on the couch.

"Are you hungry?"

Maybe if he'll eat something the effect would lessen. Though in all truth Iskandar couldn't force himself to complain about his situation now. Oh, they had plans. They always do. But he's as happy to do nothing other than simply sit here holding Waver in his arms. Just enjoying each other's company. He's a man of simple needs.

"Mm-hmm. I like it too." Obviously. Waver happily just holds onto him until he's brought inside, high-touch and snuggly. He keeps rubbing his cheek against Iskandar's jaw to feel the texture of his beard.

But while he's definitely acting silly, it's clear he's not feeling sick and he's got most of his coordination. He's just overly affectionate and babbling like he had way too much to drink without some of the side effects. Or the smell of alcohol.

The mention of food makes his ears perk up.

"Ooh, yes. I could eat, for sure."

Usually, Waver get this cuddly only after they're at least half-way into a bottle of wine. To get so much affection from him without risking hang-over is rare. Iskandar almost feels guilty for how much he's enjoying this. Almost.

"Well, how about a meat pie then?"

He picks one from the basket, presenting it to Waver like a prize. A good thing about those is that they keep well and taste as well cold on the next day as they do fresh from the oven.

"Yes!" Waver grabs it immediately, not nearly as mindful of crumbs as usual, and enthusiastically starts in on the treat.

He's never disliked meat, though he'd spent a long time too poor to afford it on the regular. But though he's lucky enough that his body can still process a variety of foods, his desire for that in particular has still increased.

"Mmm. It's so good..." he groans around a mouthful, relaxing back in Iskandar's arms.

Iskandar laughs. That was utterly adorable. He reaches to brush off some stray crumbles from Waver's cheek.

"You must have been really hungry."

Iskandar is more inclined to meat dishes himself. While his other favourites - like olives - are nowhere to be found, wine is less popular than beer or stronger spirits, at least there's no shortage of meat. The city's cuisine features a good assortment of roasts, stews of different kinds, some cured meats but Iskandar usually ends with a variety of pies of different sizes whenever he goes shopping for dinner. They're a good staple food to keep around. With the added benefit being that they both like them.

Waver nuzzles his cheek against Iskandar's palm happily, eyes closed, ears relaxed.

"Mm. A bit." He smiles, kissing the side of Iskandar's hand before returning to his food.

He's happy to finish it off between increasingly sleepy chatter, growing relaxed enough that he might just take a nap on Iskandar when he's done with his food.

Iskandar smiles back. He moves his hand to Waver's head, scratching him behind the ears. It's a delight to see his boy so happy and relaxed. It easies his worries.

He checks if he has blanket at hand, in case Waver doze off. So he wouldn't have to move and interrupt his rest. He does. Whatever was that affected his boy, it might be best to just let him sleep it off.

Oh, he loves the ear-scratching. Waver looks absolutely blissed out, snuggling up and resting his cheek on Iskandar's shoulder to be petted.

"Feels nice," he mumbles sleepily. "Love you."

It's definitely naptime. Full and relaxed and warm in Iskandar's arms, Waver settles in to enjoy the attention for some time before he finally dozes off. He sleeps for a bit, though it seems he's half-awake at least for about an hour -- because any time Iskandar stops petting him or if he moves his hand away, Waver will open his eyes again and whine at him. Eventually, he does actually go to sleep though.

Iskandar leans down to kiss his forehead.

"I love you too, my treasure," he replies quietly. "Now, rest."

For a good hour, every single time he thinks Waver surely must be asleep already and tries to move his hand there's a loud protest. Finally, he gives up and just continues the scratching no matter how soundly asleep Waver seems to be.
Still, he can't help but chuckle. How vigilant his darling is, how demanding! It's nothing short of amazing. Not that he has any reasons for complaining, he loves touching his boy, it's soothing for him too. So that's a mutual win.

Waver sleeps for another hour or so (actually asleep this time, without whining if Iskandar gets tired and stops petting him).

Iskandar's instincts to feed him and let him rest seem to have been correct, at least. When he stirs from his nap, Waver looks significantly more clear-eyed despite the sleepiness. He blinks, brows scrunching together in vague confusion as he tries to remember where he is.

Well, where he is now is actually obvious. And that's not a problem. But he looks a bit confused about the events leading up...

Ah.

"...oh, no."

Yeah, he remembers.

It would take longer to tire him but the scratches did slow down to long, gentle pets. They stop only when Iskandar feels Waver move again. When he opens his eyes, he definitely looks a lot more sober.

"Hm? What's wrong?"

To his knowledge, there's nothing to be alarmed about but then, it is to his knowledge. And his knowledge is limited to what Saber has told him. A bit silly but nothing shockingly embarrassing. What happened before he does not know... so he waits before asking for details.

It's embarrassing enough... Waver squints blearily up at him.

"N-nothing, just... Ugh. Sorry you had to come get me."

So embarrassing!! He'll have to apologize to Saber too. Or pretend he completely forgot and never mention it again.

"I'm not sure... What happened. How long was I asleep?"

Iskandar ruffles his hair. Now, that sounds more like Waver.

"Shh, boy. No need to apologize. I will always come for you."

He drops a quick kiss on the top of Waver's head.

"No longer than two hours."

He looks well but doesn't remember what happened? Hm, that complicates things. Iskandar was going to keep him under observation at least until the next morning either way. Just in case there were some side-effects with a longer time to trigger. Iskandar might need to retrace Waver's steps himself to find the cause. But it can wait.

"I'd like you to rest today. Just so that I am sure, you're fine."

Oh, no. He remembers. It's just embarrassing and awkward. What he's less sure of is why he ate that stupid plant. It had just smelled so enticing. And then instinct took over.

"Okay... I think I'm all right." Actually he's still feeling pretty relaxed, but more conscious of it. "I, er... I got distracted by some plants and then I guess I embarrassed the hell out of myself with Saber. I don't know how it happened, but I think it was some kind of drug or something... But don't worry, I feel okay."

"Let me be the judge of that."

You don't get to argue with a healer. Especially, if the said healer is your own Bonded. And King. Who is worried. Worst combination.

"You did seem drunk." That's why Saber called him... So drugged is close enough but unknown plant? How is he supposed not to worry now?

The chances that Iskandar is going to let Waver out of the house on this day just plummetted.

"If this was an unknown substance, we don't know what the longterm effects might be."

Not until HE is sure everything is fine... and probably will like to get a second opinion. Iskandar might know quite a few things about healing now but he's not specialist on drugs or poisons. He's not going to risk overlooking some potentially dangerous symptoms.

Waver was just ashamed and confused until now. But when Iskandar phrases it that way -- and with the echo of his worry ringing through their Bond -- Waver's ears droop uncertainly. He feels... a little anxious. Though, weirdly, he can kind of tell that he should probably be more uncomfortable than he is. Logically, he can assess the situation and understand why Iskandar is worried, and why he should be worried as well, but where his thoughts might have started spiraling negatively otherwise and his pulse gone fast, he actually feels quite calm.

"It's weird because I remember a bit better than if I'd had too much to drink, and I don't feel sick or anything." So that's at least an improvement on too much wine. "But it's still... hazy."

Waver shifts in Iskandar's lap to sit up more, rolling his shoulders to stretch them and rubbing his neck.

"This is going to sound crazy. Please don't get mad... I'm mad enough at myself already. But I couldn't help it. That stupid plant. Its scent was something I'd never encountered before, and it was-- Well..."

No easy way to say it.

"...I think I might've... tasted it. Not on purpose!"

Iskandar scratches his chin. Now that he thinks of it...

"Well, you were more - how to say it - unrestrained in the way you behaved but your speech wasn't blurred and I didn't notice you having any problems with coordination. So maybe the drunk comparison wasn't that great."

And really affectionate. That's the part he liked and wouldn't mind seeing it more often but not at a price of his boy getting drugged on some unidentified substance.

"I'm not mad. I would be if someone had drugged you on purpose. Clearly, this wasn't the case. It was an accident. So if anything I'm just a little worried." He thinks for a while before continuing. "Was it where Saber has found you?"

Because if it was then it affected only him, not Saber and not Iskandar when he came to pick him up. In truth, he hasn't noticed any unusual smells but on the other hand, he wasn't actually paying attention to anything or anyone other than his boy at that time.

"Do you think it could be useful?"

Yes, he really wouldn't stop Waver from experimenting. As long as all was done in a safe, controlled environment, under his supervision. Alchemy is Waver's domain and Iskandar trusts his expertise in this matter. If Waver thinks it's a direction worthy of pursuit, Iskandar is more likely to help him in his research than try to persuade him against it.

"Yeah, around there. I was going shopping, and then I smelled something interesting, and I was just... drawn to it. And then my memory is a little fuzzy. Saber ran into me not long after-- I think." His sense of time is also a bit fuzzy.

"I... don't know that it's entirely worn off. But I definitely don't feel as flighty anymore."

As for usefulness, Waver looks intrigued at the suggestion. His ears perk up, and he taps his lower lip. And gets momentarily distracted by the sensation, but not as badly as before. It's like when he can tell he's tipsy, but can easily choose to ignore it and not act inebriated, even if he's aware of it. Except it isn't alcohol.

"Before I say anything about whether it can be useful, I need to find it again figure out what it is. I'm not going to experiment with a random plant when I don't know the potential side effects of taking it. That said... if it's safe, I think it could be relaxing in much smaller doses."

Iskandar nods. So most likely there was nothing worse than what he saw. Still, he intends to keep an eye on his boy at least until morning. Waver might look better, and he does, but Iskandar prefers to err on the side of caution when it comes to his treasure.

"Well, that house belongs to someone. They should know what grows in their garden. Maybe they imported some exotic plant or bought the seeds from the circus people."

Or it came from the Wilde like so many of the weird plants he brought himself from his expeditions.

"I will ask Wilders' apothecary if she recognizes it. If this thing was brought from the Wilde, they'll be able to tell. Maybe even studied its properties already." He will also ask her to come and see Waver. The lady is an experienced, even if a little unorthodox, healer and Iskandar has learned a lot from her.

"Hmm... yeah. We'll ask around. I'll just be more careful. Or try."

He's a little worried by how much he really couldn't help himself. He's never experienced that before, that sort of instinctive urge to eat... a plant. He's experienced plenty of other instinctive urges, even some of them to eat something -- like meat, or blood, which is uncomfortable to think about -- but not exactly like this. He'll need to get to the bottom of it.

But that's a problem for later. Right now, he's no longer worried and trying to gauge how he feels to record it later. It's... not bad, honestly.

Though he's inclined to agree with Iskandar that he should be monitored, so far it seems okay.

"In any case, hopefully there's nothing to worry about. ...except maybe apologizing to Saber. Augh..."

"Dearest, I don't think you have much to apologize for." Iskandar shakes his head than bows down to kiss Waver on the forehead. "Our honourable King of Knights will not die if someone hugs her once in a while. Actually, I think that it should happen more often. Maybe she would relax then." He pauses. Now that he thinks about it... "It's strange but I've never heard about Saber's Bonded. She has to have at least one, doesn't she?"

Iskandar sighs. Please don't tell him she's trying to tough it out on her own with the misguided opinion of I'm expendable and thus should not inflict myself on anyone or some similar nonsense.

"She deserves a cute girl that would force her to take care of herself. That's what I think." And of course, Waver needs to hear his opinion. "But enough about Saber. You need to rest. I can bring you a book if you're not sleepy." He would even read it to Waver if his love would wish so.

"I guess..." He still feels it was very rude and awkward. But maybe he'll just pretend it never happened.

"Er, now that you mention it... no, she doesn't talk about anyone like that. But it might be she just values her privacy. We've talked about the importance of it before so she doesn't risk her mind to the moons, but she seems to be doing well, so I assume she's figured it out."

Iskandar's observations and opinions are met with an amused snort from Waver.

"Of course you do. But you shouldn't go around telling people things like that. I don't think she'll appreciate it."

Waver makes a face at the suggestion of more rest, but before he can argue, at least Iskandar offers a compromise.

"I'm not sleepy at all. But sure, I could read." Probably. If it turns out he's not quite there yet, he'll let Iskandar read to him happily.

Iskandar shrugs.

“Laugh all you want but I’m simply right. She’s so uptight. Half of her problems comes from the fact she doesn’t let herself have fun.” He furrows his brows realising he might have gone too far with that last conclusion. “Even if it doesn’t. It’s definitely not helping.”

Risk and privacy aside, both are important matters but it wasn’t what he meant when he said that. It’s just... sad.

“That’s why I’m telling this to you and not to her.”

It’s not as if she magically starts listening to him. They had one civil conversation while drinking tea, one quest where she got infected exactly because she’s so stubborn. That’s not enough for him to barge in with unwanted advice. She’s her own woman.

“I doubt she’d listen to me anyway.”

Iskandar sighs. It’s still sad. He shakes his head. This is a problem for another day. Right now he’s simply grateful his boy is feeling better.

“As I said, I’m done talking about Saber. What book do you want me to bring?”

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tryhard - 2020-08-14 18:54 (UTC) - Expand