Darion and Tolrek have posted under their sections in The Characters Say…
They’re both pensive about what the last few months have meant for them. Neither is sure what the future holds but hope is growing about whether they’ll get back together.
Darion hears from Tolrek and is unsure how to feel in Vaironian Tides, Chapter 21. Here’s a peek:
The caller didn’t have to identify himself; Darion knew. He remained quiet, unsure what to say. He wrestled with his anger, his pride and his pain. He was glad that Tolrek had called but the rebel had left him. There had been no warnings, at least none that he could figure out. He’d gone over everything he could consider, trying to see where there had been a hint of what Tolrek had planned to do. He’d thought that if he couldn’t find an answer, then many other things Tolrek had said and done had been empty too.
Izdahl’s concerns about the interactions between Armando and Dagmar grow in The Architect’s Guardian, Chapter 21. Here is an excerpt:
While he changed out of his suit, Izdahl watched Armando work, still bothered by their conversation. Then, he went to take his shower. As water cascaded down his body, he thought about his exchange with his lover, which had been surprisingly heated. He was unnerved by the quick rise of Armando’s anger. He wondered if moments of strife like this would occur. He was concerned that, somehow, Dagmar’s actions were designed to create conflict. He speculated that the Kelcho’s ultimate goal could be to separate him from Armando. He would do everything he could to stop that from happening. Armando meant too much to him.
Kouta and Ryuu take their activities outside the house, in Balance, Chapter 20. Here’s a snippet:
Kouta bit his lip to keep from laughing at the circumstances. He didn’t know why Ryuu wouldn’t admit who was with him. Maybe he thought his employee would automatically guess why they were behind a locked door. It was too tempting not to exploit the situation.
Darion is dealing with the aftermath of Tolrek’s decision in Vaironian Tides, Chapter 20. Here’s an excerpt:
During the daytime, Darion could occupy himself with the preparations to fight Ersha. However, the nights were particularly difficult. He’d had all reminders of Tolrek removed from his home but the memories were not so easily displaced. There were nights he found himself wandering towards the room where Tolrek had stayed, at least until the rebel had began spending time in Darion’s bed.
Izdahl is so revealing in The Architect’s Guardian, Chapter 20. Here’s an excerpt:
Armando’s words ended. He had reached the center of the magazine. There was a ten-page photographic spread of Izdahl. Through 25 pictures, he showed off his excellent physique in a series of nudes. The virile, confident expression on Izdahl’s face and his beautiful body guaranteed that he would be the source for many fantasies. Armando felt jealousy burning at the center of his stomach, as he saw his lover so blatantly and casually on display.
Balance, Chapter 19 is the calm before a major storm. Here’s a snippet:
The object of Ryuu’s affection laughed and shook his head. Ryuu had returned home from the grocery store. He didn’t yet know Kouta was on the phone. At the moment he’d announced his sexual intentions, his mother was giving Kouta tips on making tortellini, one of Ryuu’s favorite dishes. Kouta had put on the speakerphone function, so his hands could be free, as he prepared the food and chatted with Mrs. Kobayashi. An unexpected outcome was Ryuu’s salacious request being broadcasted.
There’s stunning news in Vaironian Tides, Chapter 19! Here’s a portion:
Tolrek had found out about the deaths of his closest friends two weeks ago. He had buried his sorrows by spending as much time in bed as he could with Darion. Tolrek had demanded lengthy sexual sessions from Darion; sometimes twice a day. Tolrek teased the negotiator, agitating him, goading him until Darion exacted retribution from Tolrek’s body. Darion understood that this was Tolrek’s way of releasing his stress about the situation; the negotiator hadn’t complained about his lover’s significantly increased sexual appetite, until now.
The Architect’s Guardian, Chapter 19 is up! Here’s an excerpt:
Armando’s remark only served to further irritate Izdahl. He knew he had overstepped his bounds, not thinking of the consequences of publically downplaying the importance of another clan’s leader. While everyone knew the hierarchy, it was particularly in bad form for one Kelcho’s follower to be dismissive of another Kelcho. During the time when the clans had their most brutal feuds, battles were started over those types of insults; the Nitelge pride had overrode their restraint.
Balance Chapter 18 is an emotional ride for both Kouta and Ryuu. Here’s an excerpt:
The most difficult part of the issue was hearing the entertainment reporters debate about how Ryuu would react. It increased Kouta’s concern. Ryuu would be returning soon and Kouta wasn’t ready to face him. He didn’t think it was possible to be prepared to explain things to Ryuu. He knew how much his lover valued privacy. Yet his actions had touched off a situation that had the press doing further prying.
