"Good, my star." The gentle and warm words are accompanied by Anders' hand smoothing through Alaric's hair in approval. Then he scoops out a bit more of the salve and starts again -a bit down from where he'd left off- to chase each tense line of muscle and each potential node of tension as he works the mixture deep into Alaric's skin. The line of Alaric's shoulders and the back of his neck receive even more attention until Anders' fingers move out to the shape of his love's upper arms. The last bit smooths down to Alaric's hands which receive a more brief massage and a kiss to the back of each when Anders is done.

"Wonderful, Alaric. Now...tell me how you're feeling. First physically, then mentally."