Work Text:
Warnings: m/m, Benn Trilett/Tahn Dorn,
...
Tahn leaned against the wall hidden in shadows watching the children. For almost a month they had stayed here. A month of being a constant reminder of what the Trilett family had lost. It was time for him to be moving on. His injuries had healed and the guard around the manor was ready if Samis launched another strike.
He doubted he would. Even if he was seeking to hurt Tahn. Samis knew his forces were not strong enough to get through. The man in his reported state would not be able to sneak in either.
Lucas the only remaining companion was no killer. He would sooner torture a stray animal than attack a living person. It was a miracle the other had survived this long under their master.
The thought of Lucas brought back memories better left in the past. Tahn feared the flames. Lucas feared the dark. They had been forced to watch over each other's punishments. If they lied it would be doubled or tripled. They soon learned not to lie or take it easy on each other. Or he had. Lucas tried to hide that he wasn't using his full strength but Samis knew. He always knew.
Tahn shuddered. No. He would not think about that now. He was free of Samis. The bastard could not control him any longer. It was time to find his own way now. Time to go.
With light footsteps, he turned and headed back outside. No one paid him any mind as he headed towards the forest. They were used to him taking his walks around this time. Smoke was waiting in the forest as he asked. Vari didn't understand why but he accepted that he was leaving.
As he entered the forest he felt eyes upon. They weren't unfriendly but did make him wary. Did Vari tell someone? If he did it would have gotten back to Lord Trilett. Don't let that be Lord Trilett. Let it be Vari or the Lady.
It took him a few moments to reach the clearing. His black and grey gelding was tied to a tree. Upon seeing Tahn he nickered a greeting. Tahn smiled softly as he moved closer. It would be good to ride with him again. Where he went didn't matter as long as he stayed away from Samis and without being a reminder to the Trilett family.
Tahn ran a hand over Smoke's shoulder before untying his reigns. Footsteps approached and he knew immediately it wasn't Vari. They were too loud and almost overshadowed another set. He knew the second that was Bennamin Trilett. The first however was Lady Netta Trilett.
Turning keeping a firm hand on the reigns he said darkly, "You shouldn't follow me, Lady. Following an assassin into a forest is foolish."
"You wouldn't hurt me," she declared sincerely, "If your intention was to hurt me you wouldn't have defied Samis."
Tahn rolled his eyes to the sky and said, "If you try and sneak up on an assassin don't be surprised when you end up with a knife in you. We are built differently than you."
"Won't you at least say goodbye to the children?"
He shook his head as he said, "They know I am leaving. They have always known the simple truth. We say our goodbyes when we meet. When we meet again it is a blessing. To say goodbye is to bring bad luck."
The woman flinched before stalking away and he could hear her muttering. Well, that was that then. She had feelings for him but Tahn didn't feel the same. He pulled himself into the saddle. As soon as he was in it he saw Benn leaning against a tree. There was an unknown emotion in them that made him pause in turning Smoke.
Hesitantly he said, "I meant what I said, Lord Trilett."
The man sighed and pushed himself off of the tree. He approached without saying anything. Without a word, he gave Smoke a pat on the neck. It made Tahn uncomfortable.
Why wasn't he saying anything? Didn't he want Tahn to stay? Every time he tried before Benn had been there to stop him. Out of everyone, he was the only one with a chance.
Tahn was uncertain what to say or do. Benn didn't look at him and continued to check his saddlebags. The Lord's hands touched the sword at his side. It was the sword that had killed so many people. So much blood stained his hands. Could he ever be redeemed?
"Are you sure you are well enough for this?"
Tahn nodded.
Benn sighed sounding tired, "Go. I'll follow your custom and won't say goodbye. Instead, I'll remind you that without you I would not be alive now. No matter how much time passes you will have a place here. This I swear to you."
Tahn didn't have anything to say to that. This man was truly something else. He should have thrown Tahn out as soon as he could ride. Instead, he was offering a refuge for whenever he needed it.
What had he done to deserve this kindness? It couldn't just be that he saved the man's life. There had to be something more. But when Benn looked into his eyes he could only see sincerity.
Unable to keep looking into those eyes he urged Smoke forward. Then said, "Thank you. For everything."
Benn simply moved back and allowed him to walk forward away from him. Tahn could feel the eyes on his back and felt the urge to turn around in his saddle. If he did he knew he would not be able to stop himself from going back to Benn. It was why he tried to avoid him.
"Don't turn around," he muttered under his breath, "Don't turn around. Don't turn..."
He wasn't able to stop himself he turned in the saddle. Tahn caught the sadness and longing in Benn's eyes. He couldn't do it. He couldn't leave.