The morning sun filtered through the slightly drawn curtains, casting warm patches of light across the rug on the floor. The wooden furniture exuded the dry scent of pine, and the stove in the corner still held a residual warmth. A soft fragrance drifted through the air, mingled with the rhythmic sizzling of potatoes being fried in grease coming from the kitchen. It was as if a layer of gentle gold had been plated over the lingering passion of the night before.

  Yggdrasil sat at one side of the long table, draped only in one of Balin’s loose tunics. The oversized hem could barely contain his round, full belly. He looked revitalized, his face flushed with the healthy glow of a good night's sleep. Propping his chin on his hands, he gazed contentedly at the broad, reliable back busily working over the hearth.

  Balin was focused on tossing the ingredients in the pan. His thick black beard had been carefully tucked behind his back, yet a few rebellious strands still dangled over his chest. He sensed the gaze from behind, but he didn't turn around; instead, the smile at the corners of his mouth only deepened.

  Quietly, Yggdrasil stood up. Barefoot, he crept up behind Balin and leaned in, pressing a soft, tender kiss against the rugged cheek framed by that dense black beard.

  "Balin... thank you."

  The sudden warmth caused Balin’s tall, burly frame to stiffen slightly. He turned his head, his cheeks unexpectedly flushing a deep red. In a voice still gravelly from sleep, he grumbled under his breath, "Hey, doing this... so early in the morning... it’s more than a man can take..."

  Yggdrasil only offered a bashful smile and returned to his seat at the table, his eyes overflowing with a sweetness like honey.

  Before long, Balin brought over the spiced fried potatoes, a basket of freshly baked wheat bread, and several thick slices of sizzling roast meat. They sat facing each other, the table between them filled with warm food and an affection that had yet to cool.

  Halfway through the meal, Yggdrasil’s foot strayed beneath the table, his toes lightly brushing against Balin’s thick, sturdy calf. Balin froze for a second, then laughed, stretching out his own foot to hook against Yggdrasil’s, playfully rubbing back. They shared a look and a smile, like two children sharing a secret only they understood.

  This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

  However, as the playfulness subsided, the smile on Balin’s face gradually faded, replaced by a touch of hesitation. He looked down, chewing on his bread, his eyes drifting as if lost in thought.

  The silence made Yggdrasil’s heart tighten slightly. He spoke up softly, his tone a tentative test: "Balin..."

  "Hmm?" Balin hummed, continuing to chew, trying to keep his voice light.

  "You... what you said yesterday, about wanting me to stay by your side... were you serious?"

  At that question, Balin stopped all movement. He swallowed his food and placed his wooden mug down—heavy, yet with a lingering tenderness. He reached out with a large, calloused hand, firmly yet gently grasping Yggdrasil’s hand.

  His palm was dry and warm, providing a sense of comfort more solid than all the food on the table combined.

  "My Yuga," he began slowly, his tone gentle but incomparably resolute. "Dwarves do not make promises lightly, but once a word is spoken, it is firmer than mountain rock. If you are willing, I want to take care of you forever—until our beards are so white we can no longer tell them apart."

  A massive blush swept across Yggdrasil’s face, but he could no longer hide the joy in his smile. He nodded vigorously, gripping Balin’s thick palm in return.

  Just as the promise of "forever" made the air sweet, Balin let out a soft sigh, his eyes becoming complex. "But, Yuga... I have to go on duty at the city gate soon. Do you have plans for where you're going today?"

  The sudden intrusion of reality startled Yggdrasil. He thought for a moment and said, "I plan to head to the Adventurer’s Guild to see if there are any suitable quests. I can’t let you take care of me forever; I want to do something for our life together, too."

  Hearing this, Balin’s gaze shifted slightly. He stood up, walked to Yggdrasil’s side, and crouched down to meet his eyes. His stout, powerful frame was very close, his hands once again taking Yggdrasil’s.

  "Yuga... if you truly go out of the city for a quest today..." His voice was deep and steady, yet hidden within was an uncharacteristic, gentle plea: "I will wait for you at the gate. No matter how late it is, I will be there."

  Yggdrasil looked at the reliable and tender man before him, a warm current flowing through his heart. He could see the reluctance and worry in Balin’s eyes, and those words were the most moving confession he could hear.

  He lightly stroked the back of Balin’s hand and offered a smile. "Alright. It’s a promise."

  In that moment, their fingers intertwined tightly. They didn't know what adventures or challenges the future would hold, but here, in this small dwarven cottage, in the morning light before their brief separation, they knew one thing:

  The parting was only temporary, and this vow would only tie their hearts closer together.