Work Text:
Telling Olruggio that he’s leaving the Great Hall did not go as well as Qifrey thought it would. Olruggio, despite being a fire witch, does not have a hot temper—not normally. There’s a baseline grumpiness that’s to be expected from his high expectations of himself that result in long, sleepless nights. He has flare ups, yes, but always with good reason.
So imagine Qifrey’s surprise when Olruggio turns to him with eyes ablaze and brows furrowed in a deep frown. “I’m coming with you,” he says with finality.
Qifrey wrings his hands together and presses his mouth into a firm line. “Oru…”
“You can’t go alone,” Olruggio asserts.
“I have to,” Qifrey insists. They’re full-blown witches, as of today—still in their ceremonial robes in fact; they’ve stolen a moment away in their secret nook—and though Qifrey plans to take the next test and take on students, he doesn’t plan on doing that in the Great Hall and would need to find accommodations somewhere. Time away from prying eyes is too tempting of an opportunity for him to pass up. (There’s a secret added hope that he’d run into brimhats along the way—one he quells to the best of his ability; a habit.)
“You don’t have to do anything,” Olruggio grumbles as he clenches his fists. “You don’t want me to come, do you?”
Qifrey grits his teeth. Of course he wants Olruggio to tag along with him. The two of them, freely wandering around to find a place to settle down, truly alone. Almost like a getaway after a wedding, Qifrey thinks, his new black ribbon weighing heavy on his cap.
However, as much as that is appealing to Qifrey, something inside him insists that he do this by himself. He’ll take Olruggio to his favorite locales once he’s scouted them—-if, by the end of their time apart, Olruggio still decides to become his Watchful Eye.
Qifrey sighs. “It’s not that I don’t want you to. Olruggio, I feel like I need to accomplish something on my own. I swear I will not be gone for long and with as much commission work you earn now, you’ll hardly notice my absence.”
“That’s not true.” Olruggio’s frown twitches.
“Oru,” Qifrey says gently. “Please?”
It’s not enough to make him cave, but it’s enough to soften Olruggio, even though it’s slight. Qifrey won’t get out of this one very easily, not until the minute the windowway closes behind him most likely. That thought alone makes Qifrey’s heartbeat pick up its pace.
Olruggio shuts his eyes, leans his head against the stone wall behind him and asks, “When do you leave?”
Qifrey cringes. At this hesitation, Olruggio’s gaze snaps sharply to his face, narrow and flaring again. “No. Don’t tell me.”
“I knew you’d do this so I avoided telling you until—”
“Shit, Qifrey, until when?! Until you’d already left me behind?”
“It’s not like that! Honest. I’m trying to find a place for us.”
“If it’s for us then why can’t I come with you?”
Qifrey inhales slowly. “We’re talking in circles now.” He straightens his posture with crossed arms. “I leave at first light tomorrow. If…if I don’t see you then, I promise to write.”
He pauses, in case Olrugigo chooses to respond. When he doesn’t, Qifrey trudges back to his room and lays down without shedding neither his boots nor hat. He curls into himself as he doubts. Doubts that he can do something like this on his own, doubts that Olruggio will appear to say goodbye, doubts until he falls so deep into it that he sleeps.
The next morning, Olruggio, Alaira, and Beldaruit are in front of the windowway when Qifrey walks in. He receives a firm punch on the shoulder (courtesy of Alaira), well wishes (colorful ones, as Beldaruit is known for), and multiple hugs (mostly from Olruggio, who seemed more reluctant to let him go with each passing one).
Olruggio demands of him, “You must send updates still. Let me know where you are and if you’re safe. I’ll come after you otherwise.”
Qifrey lets out a laugh through his nose and smiles softly at their joined hands. “I’d expect nothing less of you, darling Olruggio.”
Ah, perhaps that was a little much, Qifrey considers, and with one final squeeze, he releases Olruggio. He sees Alaira from the corner of his vision who’s eyebrows raise as if to say ‘really? Right in front of me?’— to which he sticks his tongue out in response.
He goes through the windowway at long last. Qifrey waves back to his loved ones as the spell breaks and the passage closes. Then he takes his first step into the world. Truly and completely on his own for the first time in his memory.
He writes. Almost embarrassingly soon after he leaves. Nearly the second he makes it into a small town and finds a place to camp.
Olruggio, he opens simply.
How long has it been? Already the longest we’ve been apart, for certain.
Qifrey stares at the words until his vision loses focus. Does he come across as needy? It has yet to be a week! Although, what he wrote is true—these few days have been the longest Qifrey and Olruggio haven’t seen each other or spoken… ever. Is it pathetic of him to miss Olruggio so desperately already?
Better safe than sorry, he supposes, crumpling the page up. He starts again:
Olruggio,
I’ve made it to a nearby town called Erith! I have yet to see too much of it but the people seem kind enough. I must say, travel is much dirtier than I thought it would be. I just received these robes and already the white has dimmed from a layer of dust! The spring brings a pleasant breeze but also grime that comes along with it.
Hm. Perhaps I should stop saying how disgusting I feel or you will not want to be near me whenever I return!
How are you today,
dear
Olruggio? Are your commissions going well? I’m sure you have a box filled to the top with requests now. And I’m certain that you will not have the heart to turn a single one of them down—that’s just how you are.
I will take a tour of a simple cottage on the outskirts of town tomorrow and take a day or two of rest here. If your reply is swift enough, you could catch me before I leave here! Do not feel obligated to reply at all, however. I would not want you to feel overwhelmed.
Warmest regards,
Qifrey
He folds the letter as soon as he’s sure the ink won’t smudge and sends it off before he can overthink it. Qifrey does his best not to anticipate a response—that hope could inevitably lead to disappointment. He busies himself inspecting the area, the markets, the cottage. All fine prospects but not exactly what he’s picturing.
He stalls, delaying his leave as long as he bears to. Just as Qifrey is ready to pack and leave a wounded soul, he receives a letter. He damn near tears open the thing.
Dear Qifrey,
I hope I can catch you before you leave—I wrote as soon as I received your letter.
As you predicted, I do have plenty of commissions to keep me busy. None of which are near as interesting to create without your outlandish jokes to accompany me. Alaira has taken upon herself to drag me to at least two meals per day. I mean “drag” quite literally.
Please do not worry about me and send as many letters as you’d like. I like reading your words.
Sincerely,
Olruggio
Qifrey spends far too long committing this small note to memory and tucks it away safely into his pack. He starts the next leg of his journey with a wide smile on his face.
Dearest Olruggio,
I was very delighted to receive your letter just in the nick of time! You’ve always had a knack for knowing what to say and when to say it (don’t let Alaira fool you into thinking otherwise)! Unquestionably, I loved it and thank you greatly for taking the time to send it.
I have spent the past weeks traveling over the mountains and through the Dagda Range. It brought back such memories of the First Test! I remember that we had barely been acquainted then and even so, you risked your balance to catch my errant soarboot. I vowed to repay your kindness even though you frowned at me and shrugged it off, as if saving my chances at passing the test were nothing to give a second glance to.
I must admit, since that day, I have been
yours
your greatest supporter! So I’ll cheer you on with your endeavors, even from afar. Please do remember to take care of yourself in the meantime and give Alaira my thanks for reminding you to eat in my stead.
As of now, I’m in the Upstream Marshwoods, another quaint village playfully nicknamed the Dragon’s Tail. I say “nicknamed” but truly no one remembers the town’s original name! I find that quite charming.
They have a very fruitful collection of smithies here that I think you’d enjoy greatly. Knowing you, you’d be in there asking to watch them work and finding new ways to incorporate magic. I’m sure that they’d love you. From what I’ve seen, some of them remind me of you! With that gruff and grump of an exterior despite having a soft heart.
I like watching how people live, Olruggio. They don’t know what it’s like to live under the ocean without the breeze in their skirts or the natural sun beating down on their brow. The seasons change naturally with the flow of the earth—they can see the grass die off in the winter or the leaves of the trees shift hues as it happens! An amazing thing that they hardly notice until it's upon them.
Do you remember the weather before the Great Hall? I’ll be interested to hear your stories again. I believe that I’ve rambled on enough! I hope this letter finds you with ease.
With fondness,
Qifrey
My dearest Qifrey,
I’m writing back as quickly as I possibly can in hopes of catching you before you leave Dragon’s Tail. You did not say how much longer you’d be there so forgive me if my letter seems a bit rushed.
I do have some memories before I became an apprentice at the Great Hall. I believe I’ve told you some stories of my past—at the very least, you know of my failures. Mostly, I remember the snow, the cold winter that seeped through my boots and shivered from my toes to the top of my head.
…I can imagine you would make a joke about keeping me warm right about now, if you were here with me. Sometimes I dream of you so vividly that I wake with memories we have yet to make. I hear your voice as I read your letters like you’re reading them to me.
I’m sure you do not want to hear my whining about your absence. I’m soiling your good travels—forgive me.
The Great Hall is the same as it has always been. Plethora of boring people aside from some dear friends. Sinocia and Alaira have been working together to ensure I never have a peaceful day. I’ll give them both your regards and they’ve told me to give you theirs as well.
Stay safe,
Olruggio
My sweetest Olruggio,
You assume that you will ruin my travels with your lamenting but I assure you that they reflect my own. I have begun to see you in the clouds that pass overhead. I mistake the campfire’s warmth to yours nearly every day. The months are bottomless and it feels as if we’ve been apart for years.
The food out here is to die for. But I find I’m disappointed I cannot bring some back to you. However, I’ve picked up several recipes for us to try our hand at once we get the chance!
I’m near the Naakwan Downs and plan to base myself in Kahln as I scout out a few potential buildings in the area. I’m hopeful that this is it! That I’ll find a place and be able to return to you once more. If I’m honest, I don’t think I can bear it much longer. I could go on for so much longer but I’ll leave it at this!
With love,
Qifrey
Beloved Qifrey,
Hopefully this letter will meet you when you reach Kahln. If you have the chance, please visit The Starry Sword for me. It’s a magic supply shop, one I’ve always wanted to visit myself. I’ve heard great things about the man who runs it and hopefully, you can find a friend in him.
As for me, I am the same as ever. The days seem to blend into one another—your letters help me gauge the passage of days and give me a much needed respite to look forward to. If not for your written affections, I think I’d have gone mad long before now.
Alaira says I should be more blatant than I already have been so I’ll say it plainly. I miss you, Qifrey. I miss the silliest things about you. I selfishly want you to return to me so I can fix the tilt to your glasses and you can poke the furrow between my brows. It’s…foolish. I’m sorry.
Yours,
Olruggio
My darling Olruggio,
Olruggio! You must warn me before you get all sentimental! I was caught unawares and I’m afraid I only read the beginning portion of your letter before rushing to The Starry Sword myself, where I referred to it and caught a glimpse of the rest. Poor Mr. Nolnoa (the owner) and his little worker were shocked when I snatched the page away and out of their sight! The young boy (Tartah, I believe his name was) had the gall to laugh at me for my red face!!! The nerve!
I say all that but I’d much rather have your words and be embarrassed than to not have them at all. Please don’t feel discouraged in expressing your feelings. Continue! I hang on to every word.
I know you mentioned this a while ago but I also read your letters in your voice. It’s scary how well I can hear it, down to the inflection. You’re unbelievably genuine, lovely Olruggio. I’d be the foolish one if I didn’t admire you.
I dream of a future with you. Whenever I enter a new cottage or atelier, I picture where you’d put your workshop, where your notes would scatter across the floor, the ink stains on the desk’s lacquer. My daydreams of a time hereafter belong to you and you alone.
Ah. Now I understand your compulsion to apologize. I feel as if I’ve revealed too much but I’ll return your vulnerability with a bit of my own and leave my thoughts as they’re written.
With adoration,
Qifrey
My love
, My most treasured Qifrey,
Alaira suggested I start with that opening. As much as it embarasses me, I can’t say it’s untrue. She misses you by the way. She remarks “that fucker” under her breath if your letters to her are too curt but we both know she doesn’t mean much by it.
Anyhow, thank you. For returning the favor. You did not have to do that, nor did I expect you to. I know that we’ve given our tassels to one another but I…I don’t know. I would not want to assume anything of you—or that you yearn for me as I yearn for you. The same way, I mean.
You’re
a treasure, no already said that,
a…
warming glyph? no
cherished
friend lover darling I love, I adore you
person.
Goddamnit.
Sorry for all the ink splatters. I would rewrite this if I did not have an upcoming deadline. I await your return eagerly.
Yours,
Olruggio
Dearheart,
I know this might be a large ask, but is there any way you can break away from your commissions and meet me in Kahln? I think I’ve found it! I want nothing more than to show it to you and get your final approval. If it’s not possible, I will embark back to the Great Hall immediately.
Most sincerely,
Your Qifrey
Beloved,
I’ll be there tomorrow. Please be expecting me.
Love,
Your Olruggio
Olruggio flies through his current projects with an unholy speed he’s never known before. The perfectionism takes second place to his longing. It’s nearly been a year. A whole year since he’s seen Qifrey. Too long. Far too long.
Alaira has told him numerous times that he’s “acting lovesick” but from Olruggio’s perspective, he’s acting perfectly reasonable. It’s only natural that he’d talk about Qifrey a lot—they’ve gone through their most notable moments together and spent a majority of their time together. He knows Alaira is exaggerating. He’s working, going out to basic functions, spending time with some of his other friends so no, he is not “moping around the castle.”
(But sometimes he sure wants to. Don’t tell Alaira.)
He checks his reflection a final time. His stubble is growing in full now, less patchy. It makes him look older than he is but he’s becoming attached to it. Nodding, he grabs his pack of essentials and leaves.
Olruggio carries himself with a semblance of dignity through the castle, giving courteous greetings to passersby and poking his head into the medical spire to let Alaira and Sinocia know that he’s leaving. They both send him a wink in sync with one another. It almost feels practiced but he doesn’t comment on it.
When the windowway closes behind him and he finds himself in the city of Kahln, all that decorum dissipates the second it hears his name. “Olruggio!”
The world tips, axis tilting at an angle that makes it hard to stand upright. Ahead stands Qifrey, as beautiful as he was the day he left. His single eye crinkles with his crescent moon smile, wide and tide-turning. Olruggio rushes over, runs and trips over unfamiliar upturned stones, no longer the respected witch of the Great Hall but Qifrey’s genuine and steadfast Olruggio.
“Qifrey,” he calls back as Qifrey launches himself into Olruggio’s embrace.
He holds tight and the words he couldn’t bring himself to write flood into his mouth. I love you, he wants to blurt. I love you, as he’s written and marked out and thrown away thousands of times before this day. “Never again,” he actually says.
Qifrey shakes his head. “No. No, never for that long again.”
“Good,” he grumbles into Qifrey’s shoulder. “Thank goodness.”
Qifrey pulls back just enough to place a lingering kiss on the bridge of his nose, the space between his brows, his forehead, his cheekbone. He cups Olruggio’s face between his palms and grins again. “Are you ready to see the atelier?”
Olruggio brings their faces close and presses their mouths together, short and loving. “Yeah. Let’s go.”
Qifrey chuckles, throwing his arm around Olruggio to lead him out and through the city, over rolling hills to take him home.