Darion and Tolrek meet face-to-face after months have passed with them apart in Vaironian Tides, Chapter 22. Here is an excerpt:
The words echoed in Tolrek’s head. He hadn’t heard that Darion was seeing anyone. He searched his mind to see if he remembered anything about that. Darion looked at him out of the corner of his eye. He gave the rebel a secretive smile, enjoying his bit of cruelty.
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.
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.
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.
Vaironian Tides Chapter 18 has many developments! Here’s a small part:
As he listened to Tolrek’s recounting of the brawl, Darion marveled at how the rebel managed to charm himself out of so many situations. But, Darion knew he had larger worries. Tolrek had almost heard the truth about his background. Now, the negotiator realized that the rebel would store the Behadan’s words in his mind. There was only so much Darion could do to prevent Tolrek from investigating.
Chapter 17 of Vaironian Tides is up! Some bits and pieces:
In Tildari culture, lovers often spoke each other’s middle names during intense moments of pleasure. It had been the same between Darion and Jarrick. It was times like those that Jarrick now thought of and the memories drove into his heart. Darion had known that would happen. He had not forgotten that Jarrick’s strongest releases occurred when his middle name was called with loving fervor.
Chapter 16 of Vaironian Tides is up! Some bits and pieces:
Tolrek was suddenly at Darion’s eye-level. The negotiator had picked up the rebel, shaking him several times. Darion appeared to be one rude comment away from throwing him.
“You would do well to control your mouth,” the negotiator said, his voice a low, dangerous, rumble. His arms shook, not from the strain of holding Tolrek but from the struggle to keep himself from hurting the rebel. “Surely, I have been quite indulgent.”
Chapter 15 of Vaironian Tides is up! Some bits and pieces:
The rebel paused, having an inner battle about what to do. Part of him wanted to mash Jarrick into the ground. The other part remained concerned about Darion’s reaction. He and the negotiator were beginning to get back on good terms, having refreshed their relationship. He was reluctant to ruin the progress they’d made. Yet, he thought that Jarrick was deserving of a pummeling.
Chapter 14 of Vaironian Tides is up! Some bits and pieces:
Darion’s heart was heavy. He’d been quite open with Tolrek just now. Yet, his words went unacknowledged. It stung. It was not as if they’d never exchanged verbal expressions of love. Perhaps deep down inside Tolrek was still holding resentment about Darion’s actions with Jarrick. Darion hoped that was not the case.
