Page 40 of Noble Charms

Noble remembered the certain, earnest version of Aria from their youth. And then thought of his own cocksure, womanizing self. “We’ve come quite far from the first time we met, haven’t we? Built up these whole lives in the city and lost them, all at the same time.” Aria peeked up from the edge of his cup. Noble wanted to keep his gaze this time, and so he raised his glass. “I propose a toast.”

Aria hesitated before lifting his wine.

“What was it V. Rose said in The Bard Bride?” Noble grinned until Aria had no choice but to smile in return, and then he said, “To those of us starting again.”

ARIA

After four years at university with a schedule that began at sunrise sharp, Aria's biggest hurdle upon arrival to New Hieroph was waking up mid-afternoon, working through the evening and most of the night at pubs, and going to bed after the sun began his climb.

If the city hadn't been so beautiful at night, he would have surely burned out. Failed. Returned to Argosin, or worse, to his mother's home. But New Hieroph thrived after dark. Streetlamps and lanterns of many styles—stained glass fronts, green copper cages, wooden torches—lined every avenue and bathed the city in a warm glow. The tallest towers climbed high overhead with windows above that blinked off and on as the city went to sleep, woke up, and went to sleep again.

Nights like this one, where misty rains bathed the flagstone sidewalks and cobblestone lanes and the autumn air smelled crisp, Aria could have wandered with his umbrella for hours without complaint. It was so beautiful and strange. The veil of magic that covered the world was strong here. Aria’s own gifts came to him with blessed ease, which allowed him the ability to create a bubble around them. Noble’s warmer body temperature filled the air, keeping them comfortable.

And even better: he didn't even need to hold his own umbrella to stay dry. Noble had it, holding it high above their heads as they strolled. They'd fallen quiet, walking shoulder-to-shoulder down Histonian Lane—taking in the cozy brownstone townhomes belonging to many of Noble's peers. This was one of Aria's favorite streets, as the trees lining the sidewalk reached as high as the five-story homes, and dropped leaves the size of dinner plates. The leaves softened each step he took and, on occasion, he got to enjoy that familiar, pleasant crunch underfoot.

Aria broke their peaceful, prolonged silence. “These homes are lovely. I love the metalwork on this one here.” He gestured to the wrought iron fence featuring a number of bronze woodland creatures dancing across the top. He'd never be able to afford a place like this, but at least he'd gotten to live with Ellor for a time. “Which neighborhood are you in?”

Noble said, “Harbinger Bay.”

At the northeast point of town. They actually could reach it if they continued up Histonian Avenue. Granted, it'd take a half hour. And then, as if to make a point, the Hieroph Tram rolled by, bell ringing. If Aria and Noble hopped onto the tram, they'd reach Noble's place in ten minutes at the most. Its small red carriage swayed on the in-ground tracks, and the open sides offered silver poles that pedestrians may grab to come aboard if they like. It was run by elven magic, just like the rest of the city. No wonder Aria’s soul called to this place.

No wonder Aria’s soul felt more settled on this walk. He asked, “You’ve a home near the water, then?”

Noble nodded. “Yes. On it. I've a jetty that doesn't get used.”

“How nice. Lucky for you that you got to keep it.”

“I would rather have my wife than the house, but…"

“You say that,” Aria tucked his hands behind his back, warming them together. “But moving is a bear. Trust me.”

“You were living with Ellor, you said?”

“Yes.”

“You just moved out.”

“I did.”

Noble whistled in sympathy. “Moving isn't too bad unless you've just done it. Give it a week, and you'll have already forgotten how hard it was. That type of feeling never lasts long.”

“A week? Surely not.” Aria had moved many times over the years—as rents went up, or buildings came down, or his relationship with Ellor grew more serious. “At least six months.”

“How long did it take you to forget that you hated me?” Noble asked, raising an eyebrow. Aria narrowed his gaze at Noble's profile. Noble smirked. “Well?”

“I'm calculating.” Aria paused. “From the first time or the second?”

Noble tossed his head back and laughed. There was something satisfying in hearing him laugh like this. Earlier in the afternoon, Aria thought maybe Noble's subdued manner was a permanent fixture. A residual of his time with his Virginia. “Where did you move to?”

Aria said, “I'm in a temporary spot. Sort of…a hotel? But I'm renting it straight from a kindly orc woman.”

“You'll have to move again soon.”

“Unfortunately.” Aria grumbled. “I swear—losing my job and moving around are the two things I've been the most stressed about. Losing Ellor? I barely feel that at all.”

“I envy you,” said Noble. “Sometimes it feels like my heart will never again feel that warm, satisfied rush of affection for someone. I'm not even excited at the prospect of having sex with someone new again. I don't want someone new.”

“Oh,” said Aria, pursing his mouth as Noble pointed out something he'd yet to realize yet.