Page 10 of A Winter Courtship
It would have been nice to strike up a conversation with someone, feel comfortable talking to them, feel at ease for once. They could pass a few hours in each other’s company and have a pleasant night together. Perhaps even a few nights before he returned to Ores.
A well-dressed man had approached him.
“What’s a big, strong, blacksmith from the mountains doing in Bordertown?” the man had marvelled, gazing upon Ulrich and running his hand up Ulrich’s thigh.
Like all the others Ulrich had bedded before, the man hadn’t seemed too keen on conversation or getting to know Ulrich. Still, if all Ulrich could get was a fuck, he’d take it.
The man had taken Ulrich back to a room he’d rented for the occasion. Ulrich wished he hadn’t. They’d fucked. And the man had called Ulrich all sorts of names whilst Ulrich had fucked him.
A brute. A dirty beast. An ogre.
Afterwards, he’d looked at Ulrich with so much disdain and disgust. He’d wiped his hands on a fancy-looking handkerchief, as if trying to wipe away the grime of Ulrich. Ulrich had dressed and left, head down, sick and ashamed of himself.
That had been his worst experience in Bordertown. Although, it had one similarity with all the other times. People wanted to fuck Ulrich. He was good enough for that. But afterwards, his bed partner wanted nothing to do with him. They wanted him out of their sight.
And it wasn’t like he’d expected to meet the love of his life in the pub. But some sort of closeness or intimacy would have been nice. A few smiles between gentle kisses. A little affection and gentleness. Even if just for a moment.
That was the last time he’d sought out a companion. And perhaps that was why he was less keen to visit his brother in Bordertown again.
But Lutoth didn’t seem like those men. He clearly desired Ulrich. But he hadn’t made Ulrich feel like all he was good for was a fuck. In fact, he’d given him gifts, talked to him kindly, and called him sweet, pretty, and gentle. He’d said he wanted to win Ulrich’s heart and show how much he cared for him.
Could it possibly be true? But what did Ulrich have to offer the beautiful nymph? How had he managed to catch Lutoth’s eye?
“If he comes back tomorrow, I’ll talk to him properly. It’s just hard to keep a clear head when he’s around. He’s quite domineering and forceful for one so small.” Ulrich felt drawn to that. It called to him and made him yearn to follow him. And it felt vaguely familiar somehow.
Ethel’s body bumped into him.
“I’ll try my best, Ethel, but it’s hard. You know I’m not good at talking to others.”
Ethel bumped into him again.
“Everyone except you. You’re easy to talk to.” He stroked her ear. “You’re a great listener.”
His mind kept spinning, going over the interaction again and again.
For the first time in a long time, he began to hope he might find some connection with someone. He hoped for gentleness and affection. Perhaps even some sweet kisses.
And despite all his uncertainty, he was looking forward to tomorrow. He smiled.
ChapterSeven
Up ahead, Lutoth spotted Ulrich and Ethel walking on the snow-covered path. They moved slowly, taking their time as they strolled amongst the evergreens.
“You’ve already eaten all the reindeer lichen here,” Ulrich said, voice deep and rumbling.
Lutoth fell into step with Ulrich.
“You’ll need to look in other places. Or maybe we have to take different trails if you want to find more,” Ulrich said. “Perhaps you’ve eaten them all along here.”
Lutoth smiled. He noticed that when Ulrich spoke to Ethel, he did so with ease, completely comfortable with his reindeer. Lutoth hoped Ulrich would be as comfortable with him one day. “Morning, Ulrich and Ethel.”
Ulrich turned. Brown eyes beneath bushy brows widened. Lutoth wanted to laugh and kiss the man’s surprised face. He’d so wanted to kiss him yesterday. But he’d needed to control himself. He wanted to court Ulrich properly. But being so close to Ulrich made it difficult.
“Happy Solstice! Today your Solstice gift is something for Ethel.” Lutoth held up a large paper bag. “My auntie ordered it from Bordertown. It’s a special feed. A mix of specially grown flowers for prized horses, but it can also be given to reindeer.”
“Prized horses?” Ulrich asked, taking the bag.
“They are horses lords or ladies own. It’s important that the horses are healthy, beautiful, and strong, as they are entered in competitions. I thought it was the perfect gift for Ethel. Since she deserves the best and needs to be kept healthy, beautiful, and strong.”
