That look in Navia's eye just as she rolled him only made Théadan's grin grow all the wider. Her voice was filled with a rich sarcasm as she 'agreed' that a prince would never do such a thing, but the smile on her face told of how much she enjoyed, she even rewarded him with a kiss. Then the massage was resuming, and Navia was continuing the story. His guess had been wrong, but it was no matter, hearing of how Akhevan attempted to court Marut was an interesting tale for Théadan to listen too. The god tried repeatedly to woo her with riches, always being denied, and from those riches that he would leave behind something new and beautiful was always created, even the jungle they had journeyed through on the way to the spa was given a mention, along with many sights he had yet to see. Though the mention of Navia's favourite flower '<i>rajjana</i>' drew his attention, committing the word to memory, but her description of it also conjured a memory of that night he had stolen her from Vanam, how she had drifted to sleep while Wyndagar rode them to his army's camp, and the field of pure white flowers they had passed through. Was that the flower she spoke of?<br/><br/>There was more to the story though, and as Navia's hands finished massaging his back, she drew him close, her hands reaching around in front of him, and her cheek to his temple, her soft words slipping into his ear quietly as the story continued on through all of Akhevan's attempts to charm Marut, only to be refused. When the story took a turn, and Akhevan was hunted by the people he had taught to hunt, Théadan remained quiet listening intently. It was sad to think of this god feeling betrayed by those he had tried to help, having been refused repeatedly by the woman he loved. No one deserved to be alone, and with multiple arrows having pierced the flesh of Akhevan's body, it sounded like the god would die, even with Marut having chased away those who had hunted him. It sounded like it was to be one of the bittersweet stories, a confession of love come to late to be enjoyed and rejoiced upon.<br/><br/>For Théadan it was a relief did not take that turn as he had started to expect it would, but instead Marut healed Akhevan, and a smile tugged at Théadan's lips. The confession of love he had anticipated to come from Marut, instead came from Akhevan, as he offered it all to Marut as he had nothing more to give. There was certain to be wisdom in this story for the Khluri, Théadan had to wonder how many listened to it, he knew well their proclivity for jewellery, this story to Théadan's ears was a lesson of true wealth, that an unconditional love is far richer than all the jewels of the world. As Navia whispered in his ear the story's end, he knew she too spoke of her own feelings for him, and he felt touched by it.<br/><br/>He remained quiet for a short time, thinking over the story, enjoying the touch of his lover, and feeling how fortunate he was to have love and be in love with Navia. Their own story was a long one, and he had to wonder in generations to come, when their journal filled with their experiences together was found, what would the people who read it think? His hands idly stroked up and down her shins, before he finally spoke. "That was a good story." He said quietly. "It had a little magic to it, a little adventure, and a lot of soul." He could understand why many Khluri chose to believe it as a truth. "Thank you for telling me." He let out a small contented sigh, but soon shifted from where he was sat between Navia's legs, twisting around to face his lover. Rising on to his knees, and placing his hands on Navia's thighs as he looked to his lover.<br/><br/>Théadan said nothing at first, only waiting a moment before leaning forward to press a soft affectionate kiss to his lover's lips. He needed to express a little gratitude to her, but words were not always forthcoming, this felt right after the story she had told him. When they separated, Théadan lingered close, enjoying the mix of cool water, and Navia's warm body close to his. He had questions for the story though, Marut and Akhevan had declared their love, but surely there was more to their tale. "What became of Marut and Akhevan after though?" He asked, it was often the way of such tales to leave the ending there, but these were two of the Khluri gods, there would surely be more of their story, a little added extra to colour the lives they have together. "Did they have children? Might they have tales of their own?"