Sebastian Ellington

Cause i've been dancing with shadows
waiting till the morning after

The vampire had never truly paid much heed to art, at least, not prior to Dorian's existence within his life. He had eyed it briefly, as any true gentleman had but he had not appreciated it to the fully extent in which he was learning to at Dorian's side. At the fae monarch's side, the vampire had spent hours in front of those canvases, learning the difference of subtle hues of colors and the myriad of items required to so create those marvelous paints. He had learned of painting techniques and of meticulous details he might have otherwise missed. However, there was perhaps one aspect of those numerous museums that had prompted his patience even above all of those curiosities he had so learned. It was that simple unjaded look of awe and joy that so crossed the King's features that Sebastian found himself watching his lover more often than not. It was surely a result of that warmth that so spread through his chest at that simper that so rested upon the Dorian's features, just as his presence alone so filled Sebastian with a sense of ease. They had spent a veritable array of days so walking the length of those long, multi-floored museums and yet, Sebastian was wholly assured that his lover had enjoyed every moment of that knowledge he'd so gleaned and that art he'd so admired.

Tonight, however, a wholly different activity so crossed the vampire's mind. Tonight he was going to make good on that promise to show his lover more of that mysterious ice and yet another activity that could only truly be enjoyed in the frigid temperatures that filled London's winter season. Although unnecessary, even the vampire had donned a particularly large jacket, so attempting to fit into that bustling city and too hoping for any hint of warmth that he so often cherished. Still, all of that was entirely forgotten at the edge of that ice skating rink as he watched the small group so make their way around that large circle, some with smooth movements of the mastered skaters and others tripping and falling and laughing along the way. This was what Christmas was supposed to consist of, this unbridled joy despite the cold that so surrounded them. He had watched the way in which Dorian had so studied those individuals as they made their way around the circle, that bright chipper music so filling the air overhead as those blue Christmas lights twinkled over the rink. Sebastian was well aware of that look of confusion and contemplation that crossed his lover's features at yet, he was utterly determined to show Dorian exactly how magical and, too, how fun this tradition could be.

That crash of the young girl who hit the ice hardly caused the vampire to flinch, a small grin instead dancing over his features. It was the sound of concern within Dorian's voice, however, that saw his blue eyes turn towards his lover, that simper only widening ever so slightly. A shrug crossed the man's shoulders as the King inquired to the safety of this very activity. He knew well the sort of 'danger' he was putting his lover into and yet this was perhaps the only time in which Sebastian was so willing to risk it. "Mostly?" He commented, though he hardly gave Dorian much time to contemplate this before he gestured the man over towards the bench. "Come on." It was only once Dorian was seated that he presented the man with those specialized shoes, delicately taking off the protectors of the blade whilst instructing the King with the only safety related warning such a sport held - do not touch the blades. Thankfully, Dorian seemed to understand this easily enough and soon, both of their shoes were properly laced up and Sebastian was on his feet.

He moved to stand before his lover, entirely prepared to catch him as Dorian rose only to abruptly find that center of his gravity entirely shifting with naught but those blades to stand on. A small grin traced his features as he watched the man grab the edge of the bench in an effort to right himself. A soft snort left his nose at the King's observational comment though he hardly took it to heart. "You should see the figure skaters, they make even me look like an ugly duckling." He responded, knowing well that the grace and poise to so dance upon blades was, perhaps, something even his lover could not begin to fathom without seeing it first hand. Still, it hardly took long for Dorian to so fight his footing upon those blades, even if more effort was clearly required to stay upright. A hint of amusement crossed his features as he watched Dorian so suggest he was prepared with but a single gesture, the man well enough aware that the monarch hadn't the slightest idea of exactly what he was getting into. Still, Sebastian hardly offered a word of rebuke, instead making his way towards that opening in the rink to step out on that ice.

He glided with a certain sort of ease after one soft push off, turning in a small circle only for his blue eyes to land upon his lover. It was a delicate balance, being close enough to catch him and yet, far enough away so as to not get caught in the inevitable fall he knew was surely about to take place. He watched as Dorian stepped out onto the ice, immediately lifting his foot to step again and slowly, the vampire shook his head, watching the scene play out exactly as he knew it would. He watched as Dorian's legs so slid out from under him, any efforts of balance so entirely lost before that solid thud entered his ears. Sebastian could hardly help that snicker that left his lips as he pushed himself closer towards the King, he was well enough aware of the way in which those silver eyes he so adored glared at that young child and yet, those playful words only saw him shake his head, offering but a nearly challenging response, "We English don't fall as often as you Italian's." He watched as Dorian so considered his options, clearly unsure how to lift himself off of that slick ice. Slowly, he leaned down towards his lover, offering the man his hand whilst his other one reached out to steady himself upon the wall. "Oh, but I do so enjoy seeing you 'sprawled' out and ready for the taking." He commented softly, those words clearly meant for Dorian's ears alone.

It was only once Dorian's hand was nestled in his that he lifted the fae back on his feet, his own balance hardly wavering as he assisted the King in standing, helping him back towards the wall. "Remember, ma biche, you're supposed to glide. Dig your blade slightly into the ice and use it to push off, then put your blade back down and simply glide until you stop." It was perhaps the simpliest way he might so explain the sheer fundamentals of this whole ice skating affair and yet, he was assured that if Dorian so put his mind to it, he might achieve at least a rough grasp of the art. "Just rest your hand lightly on the edge of the wall, there you go." Those soft words of encouragement left his lips, followed immediately by that same warm smile as his attention remained wholly steadfast upon enduring those falls remained as few as possible.