Private This Gilded Cage

[Theryn Hearthfire]

The Guest Suite​

Sky Temple of Arboria​

Zaathru​

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It wasn't a horrid prison he'd found himself in. The bed was large and plush, a constant stream of air drifted in from the windows (perhaps the only thing which had kept him sane), he had a refresher attached, and so far they'd been rather accommodating of his needs... even some of his whims. ​

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How many days it had been he couldn't rightly tell, because he'd spent most of the time trying to forget where he was. Reading books, watching the Temple below from his window, meditating, yoga, and as of today dyeing and cutting his hair. ​

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Life was out of control, and he needed some way to take back the reins even if it was in a small and superficial manner. That Ishani Dinn had acquired the dye for him had actually been a rather pleasant surprise, he had expected her to refuse yet once he'd passed along the message through the Shaal guards at his door he woke to find it alongside his breakfast.​

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He still had a few specks of dye staining the edge of his hairline, but beyond that he was satisfied by the finished result. Cutting back his hair had also brought back the natural curls he'd been born with. Theryn was left feeling like an entirely new man, yet nothing had really changed. He was still stuck here, waiting on the verdict of these would-be-Gods. Would he be permitted to go home? No, Rhiannon did not seem at all willing to let that happen.​

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So then, what?​

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Flopping back on the bed, he stared up at the ceiling and tried to quieten his mind.​

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"Everything will be right in the end" he muttered to himself almost musically, "Happy thoughts, Rin." He'd find a way to smile through it as he always did. Things could not remain bad forever.​

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Darien Cordel ​

 

[Darien Cordel]

It had been but a few weeks since he had been discovered by Arcturus Dinn and 'brought out into the light' as it were his name or at least that of Mercurius spread about the land. He was yet to meet any other of the Pantheon. At least not in more than passing. He was aware that a great many of the members were directly related to Arcturus, if not by blood then by ties just as strong and that made it all the more incumbent upon Darien to play the game well. To make himself indispensable lest they decide the planet was better run as a family affair. Arcturus did not seem the type to do such and indeed they had begun the early days of a symbiotic relationship of learning and advice. Arcturus' wife was an unknown quantity however and by Arcturus' account more paranoid.

Still, it made the decision to come that much more important. In a few hours' time, the pantheon was to decide what was to be done with the man found frolicking in the lands of Adamanthea. The natives ofcourse believed that their Pantheon was merely assessing whether this man was infact a god. There had been prayer in many temples across the land, seeking answers from the skies. He knew for a fact that the temple of Mercuitie had determined that this Theryn was in all probability a god, his high priest had seen signs of it apparently. New weeds growing around the Autumn shrine and an uptick in animal-related mischief on the river. He had claimed to have seen such signs of Desdinova in his dreams. Though it was of note that he had revealed these supposed prophetic dreams only after Arcturus had arrived in the city and the celebration was over.

Darien suspected that had he spurned Arcturus and were he not quite so interested in Theryn his priest would have interpreted his signs in a most different way. Beyond his own city and especially in those cities and tribes which did not post a divine leader the issue was perhaps more keenly debated. There had been a trickster god revealed ... and subsequently denounced as a fraud ... before. Such a god would be by their nature a tough being to pin down. Yet Darien was confident whatever they announced would be accepted by the people.

the real question was whether the pantheon wanted to accept Theryn. Whether he could move with the flow and balance of the world they were building. Arcturus was keen on that. He had his children to think about and for his part, Darien wanted it too. He had found sanctuary on the planet and he had no desire to see the calm he had finally found turned back to turmoil.

Darien leant toward inducting this frolicker into their pantheon, the stories he had heard did make the man seem harmless enough but he had to see for himself. Arcturus seemed content to go with his opinion on the man too, busy as he was erecting the capital from which he would build his domain. That ought not to be delayed, after all part of the reason why Darien had agreed to play the part of tributary was to see the land stabilised and ensure that none thought fit to trifle with them or indeed him and his tribe specifically.

So Darien found himself knocking upon the door of the suite that caged this potential god. His own suite was nearby, though his was not a prison and had been decorated specifically to honour and reference his land and dominion. Perhaps he had it in his authority simply to enter the room but he did not, he waited to be admitted or at the very least invited in. He was joined by two others. An adolescent of each native species, his Speakers. The Zaathri carried a tea set on a tray. Special to Darien he went nowhere on Zaathru without it. Not that he had done much travelling before recent weeks.

The tea was placed on the console table by the door by the Zaathri. The Shaal speaker was standing much closer to Darien than usual. He did not trust the trickster god. He knew Darien to be a fragile sort, Their god and Contra Usul was not like any other god and by definition the opposite of an Usul. There was strength in him the Shaal would never dare deny that but there was vulnerability too. He might be taken advantage of, that was why they had to speak for him and hide him away except for special occasions so that nobody could hurt him.

Glaring at the potential god he moved his mouth as if to speak but then closed it and bowed his head as if thinking better of doing so.

Darien did not glare though, he found himself unexpectedly awestruck. His breath caught in his throat as it did when there was a crowd to be addressed. There was no crowd though. Just one man. A man with mismatched eyes that seemed to see right into Darien. There was an endearing vulnerability in the other, skinny to an almost sickly degree and dressed as he was in the simple borrowed clothes of another. Pearls around his neck the only hint of grandeur. He was sharp too though Darien's mind told him that Theryn was just as dangerous as the blade of a knife.

"You can go" he said out loud to the two natives. Then realising his folly repeated it into their minds, they were still learning basic. The Shaal eyed Theryn suspiciously as he backed away "You are before a God and leader worthy of respect and ... compassion" a new word for him "You better not misuse him" His speak was hissed but that only served to make the gravelly tone more animalistic. Darien shushed him and he bowed low "Regrets Contra-Usul" he said in basic, less confident than in his own tongue then left the room.

Darien for his own part was dressed grandly, they often presented him with new ornamentations and fine clothing. Today was a simpler item in comparison to others. A shirt that seemed to layer and drape over itself, no collar to speak of just a cascading drape of fabric that seemed to melt into the rest and then down his left side to pool slightly by his foot. It was embroidered in shiny threads in metallic tones and purples. His trousers were a rich purple and they too were embroidered. His feet were covered in slipper-like shoes though his right foot was shifting in it as if he was debating taking them off. In his hair shone strands of gold and silver from a very discrete headpiece as if he had wealth growing there and not just hair.

"Good Afternoon Your Highness" for he heard tell this man was a prince in his own world "My Name is Darien Cordel but the Natives call me Mercurius God of Prosperity, Trade and Mediation, Contr-Usul of the Vasmerca Tribe and Mediator of Ámathosi Desert " He looked to the tea set "May I come in and serve you tea before we talk?" he asked, though he had already entered he lingered very close to the door.

"Please treat me as if I am in your home, if you would require something of a visitor there you may require it of me here" No doubt Theryn had felt less than respected of late. All he said was said with a nervousness that seemed ill-suited to a god and leader

Theryn Hearthfire

 

[Theryn Hearthfire]

He had gotten so used to being alone by this point that the soft knock at the door took him by surprise. Turning to face it, still sprawled out on the bed and leaning on his shoulder, he waited to see who would enter. But... Nobody did. That was strange, they had not minded barging in before now. He almost considered calling out, telling them to enter, but instead he made a gesture with his hand and the door swung inward. Guards were on the other side, their eyes narrowing toward him as he dared thought to open the door for himself, but it was not they that Theryn looked at. Nor the speakers flanking his guest...​

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It was the man himself.​

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Theryn moved 'til he was first propped up on his elbow, and then as he took in more of the stranger he sat upright completely and swung his bare feet over the side of the bed.​

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"You're different" he mused, the tiniest hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. His mismatched eyes danced as he looked him over top to bottom, then settled his gaze back upon his face. "To what do I owe the... pleasure?"​

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Warnings came his way from the Shaal, though being that it was spoken in the native tongue he couldn't claim to understand any of it. He knew the intent though, knew that this one was protective of the supposed God at the door of his cage. That glare was impossible to miss.​

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"Yes, yes, don't worry, he'll be in safe hands I assure you" he said with a wave of his hand. Not dismissing the Shaal of course, he'd never think to do that, more hoping to dismiss his fears. His eyes were back on the grandly clothed man the moment he'd finished reassuring the Shaal. As though he could not redirect his attention elsewhere, or simply did not wish to.​

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This one actually addressed him properly, unlike the false-Goddess who had locked him in here. That was unexpected, but he appreciated it all the same. It had been a long time since he'd heard such.​

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A name was given, very vaguely familiar though he couldn't for the life of him settle on why that was. He knew no Darien, after all.​

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"Pleasure to meet you, Darien," he said, patting the bed beside him in invitation for the man to enter and sit freely, "Or do you prefer Mercurius? Or perhaps some title?" A brief glimmer of mischief washed over him, and he broke into a grin. "I'm Theryn, if they didn't already tell you that."​

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There was more than just the bed in terms of seating, of course, an armchair by the bookcase and a chaise by the far window. ​

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When he realized that Darien was bringing in tea he rose up to his feet and offered to carry it instead. "Mother always enjoyed tea" he remarked, "I would never pass on it; thank you."​

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As for treating this place like his home, his brows furrowed ever so slightly before he caught himself. Then he simply chuckled and shook his head. "No, no, I expect nothing for this is not my home. Please, you are the one who is viewed as Divine here, do as you please. The others certainly have." His tone remained jovial, and all trace of his discomfort had been expertly brushed aside.​

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One hand rose slightly, and then from beyond the open window a series of vines began to creep into the room. Tiny flowers budded up together, only to be replaced by plump grapes soon after. "Would you care for some?" he inquired. It was wrong to entertain guests on an empty stomach.​

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Darien Cordel ​

 

[Darien Cordel]

The door swung open but not by any physical hand. The force then. A good first indicator of godhood in these parts but the guards on the door were clearly no fans of the display. Darien pondered what those narrowed eyes might mean in the brief moment he had before he realised he was being looked upon ... nay stared at. Did the guards think this Theryn a god and were simply cross that he had dared open his own 'cell door', did they think him a usurper mocking him with an imitation? was it something else?

He never got to reach or seek an answer before his attention was taken by the heart-pounding, head-spinning reaction to the way this man's gaze felt. the way it followed him forward and never let him go for more than a moment.

All the while the other man looked as if he had not a care in the world, probing himself on his elbow and then swinging himself so his feet dangled over the side of the bed and treaded the air. It was a carefree and almost childlike response. He thought back to a time when he might have been like that. A time when he was small and bright when his father was powerful and it felt like nothing could touch them. They had been touched now. Father was dead and Darien had been cast right to the edge of the galaxy.

The man's seemingly Laisez Faire response to Darien's entry and the way he made Darien feel, which he was certain must surely have been as obvious as a neon sign over his head blaring dazed fool, only made the feelings afflicting him worse. He knew not what he felt or why he felt it but it made it hard to function. Especially since he had to function as a god.

Matters only grew worse as Darien was declared to be different from behind smiling lips. Plumped and soft looking. Like the buds of the flowers that were soon to bloom. Eyes scanned him and though he was dressed as befit a divine he felt naked beneath those dancing eyes, stripped by the flick of Theryn's tongue around the word 'pleasure' and it clicked then that he had felt this feeling before a handful of times. In school locker rooms. he'd never had to contend with a voice like that though.

Though he had always planned to send his speakers away when he arrived at Theryn's room it now felt more urgent and he was sure he was sweating fit to put these mountains underwater. Three simple enough words felt like a lifetime on his tongue but he managed them.

The protective hissing of his Shaal companion gave him the time and push to better cement himself and he tied to engage. To look his part as he silently reprimanded the speaker. The way Theryn responded to the Shaal made it seem as if he had understood and so Darien did not give context nor did he explain to the Shaal what had been said , he wanted his speakers gone and it was better that was done soon. The shall inhaled aggressively through his nose at the foreign words from Theryn's mouth. Then he was gone with the far-timider Zaathri.

Darien was alone with this Torturer who seemed to float in place. Nothing truly exerted him.

Darien soon felt hot all over again. sweaty and nervous. The man spoke his name and patted the bed and Darien felt he might be sick or faint. He inhaled gently as he could and then exhaled. "Darien is fine Sir" he stammered remembering his etiquette classes "In here at least not out there" he frowned at the closed door and opted to slip off his shoes ... a good number of people preferred shoes to be left at the door of their home.

Barefoot he moved toward the tea which had already begun to pour itself under his influence, "They told me the name you gave Sir" he confirmed next having remembered too.

"Father liked tea also" he followed up as he prepared a smaller tray of milk, sugar, the juice of a few citrusy fruits anything the prince might wish to add. It was easier to talk while facing away though he could feel those constant eyes upon him like they pinned him in place. He heard the movement of unshoed feet behind him and he turned "Please don't rise Prince Theryn, I can manage" It was the polite thing but also each of these tasks gave him chance to centre himself "I wish to manage".

Darien knew a false joviality when he heard it and he had no doubt that Theryn had suffered a certain extent confined here. Yes it was a comfortable cage but it was still a cage and it was apparent that there had been little respect for privacy "I am not like the others Sir, you said that yourself" he made the finishing touches to the tray "My Divinity is a convenient lie to a benevolent goal nothing more, just because it is said doesn't mean it is true" He said softly so as to be heard only by Theryn "I am but a man who's fate is entirely contingent on the success of this planet"

He turned with the tea tray in hand only to nearly drop it as a vine sprouted through the window to deliver grapes to the prince. Darien knew that there were no limits to what the force could do but he had never seen it so boldly create life before. Father had not be capable of such, snatching life yes, bending and breaking life ... regularly but giving and preserving that had never been part of father's connection to the force, he could heal slightly but it was never neat or particularly effective. Enough to see of small cuts and to stop a person from bleeding out but never more.

This was ... exceptional.

With the tea tray barely held he placed it by Theryn with a small bow of his head then picked up his own cup and sat nervously upon the edge of the chair by the bookcase "That would be kind" he said mumbling slightly

"I hoped we could get to know each other, Sir" he said if given the chance, the words rushed in tune with his heart "If you don't mind".

THUD THUD THUD

Theryn Hearthfire

 

[Theryn Hearthfire]

Flustered and flushed, this Darien fellow made for quite the pleasant sight with his pink cheeks and wavering gaze that refused to meet Theryn's. It was easy for Theryn to understand his own feelings, but picking up on others' was no easy feat. His parents had been largely stoic individuals, they cared, they loved, yes, but they didn't exactly wear their hearts out on their sleeves, not like Uncle Thurion Heavenshield did. He endeavoured to get better at it all the same, especially for moments such as these. Just what was Darien thinking..?​

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Up on his feet, he was fast dismissed from helping with the tea, even urged to sit once more, and he tilted his head a little to one side to hear it said. I wish to manage.... That one phrase left him stumped. Theryn wanted to help, wanted to stand even, but Darien seemed more than genuine in his request that he be left to do it by himself. A soft hum, and then he nodded. "Very well, Darien..." He couldn't help but roll that word, that name, from his tongue as though it were silken. "If that is truly what you wish."​

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He flopped back onto the bed, staring up at the ceiling the way he had been doing before Darien arrived, and whistled a soft, lilting song that spoke of the hopefulness of Spring, the warmth of Summer, Autumn's bounty, and even a little bit of Winter melancholy underlining certain notes. It wasn't loud, and it tapered off as Darien spoke more on his Divinity, or lack thereof.​

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"It really is a shame that none of this is real" he stated, as he propped himself back up on an elbow and turned to watch Darien work. His back was to him, and he couldn't help but make another trailing glance down the man's body. He didn't even try to hide it when Darien turned back his way.​

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"No, it is true, you are nothing like anyone I've met." Not just here, if his statement was to be taken at face value, but beyond too. He'd felt his heart flutter before, but he'd never felt this emboldened by it. That warmth spreading through his core, those butterflies in his stomach, only worsened when he saw the sheer awe on Darien's face as he watched the grapes grow and form. A little speck of wonder could truly change the mood, and he found himself stripped of all of his underlying, hidden somberness, as a result.​

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"By all means..."​

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He could have sent the vines trailing over to where Darien now sat, but he didn't. Instead he plucked a plump and juicy cluster of grapes from the vine and once again placed his soft soles to the floor. He barely seemed to step at all, seeming more like he was gliding on a tiny amount of air, as he crossed the room and held the cluster out toward Darien.​

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Theryn plucked one of the grapes from the vine for himself, biting it in half and savouring the sweet flavours as it burst. ​

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"Keep calling me Sir, and I'll find a title befitting one such as yourself and use it 'til it sticks," he warned, another smile tugging at the corners of his lips. Another grape was plucked, and he held it between his lips for just a moment as he considered Darien's claims that he was here to get to know him. No doubt Rhiannon had put him up to this, finding weaknesses to exploit. It really was a shame, this whole thing was quite the mess.​

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"Theryn is fine. Rin, even." He chuckled, before chewing on the inside of his lower lip as he realized what he had just said. Rin was the name Mysa used for him, and only those close to him dared use it. Theryn discovered that he didn't mind the thought of Darien using that name too if he wanted to, though he seemed intent on upkeeping an air of propriety and Theryn knew better than to push the subject further. ​

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Even if he really was the governing Prince of Aurum. Here? That meant little. Though he knew it was the only thing actually keeping him alive, without that title he'd have been killed on sight by Rhiannon.​

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Maybe he should lean into it more...​

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"And what, pray tell, would you like to know, good sir?"​

He was so close he could sense the thudding heartbeat. His mischievous mind urged him toward plucking a grape free specifically for Darien, but he could already tell that he was pushing it. It seemed a little cruel to keep at it when the man so clearly uncomfortable. With that in mind, Theryn took a slight step back. Begrudgingly, of course. Perhaps he ought to return to the bed, to the tea and its many add-ins.​

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Only he didn't make another retreating step.​

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Instead he made another loose gesture, and from amidst the vine already trailing through the room a series of pink flowers began to sprout and bud, before they unfurled around Theryn's feet. He didn't look at them as he bent down, back remaining straight, and plucked one of them from the vine. Then he reached out and slipped it behind Darien's ear, provided the man allowed him to.​

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"Beautiful" he whispered. The flower was one of his favourites, in fact his Palace back home on Aurum had pillars spiraled in the thing.​

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Darien Cordel ​

 

[Darien Cordel]

What was Darien thinking? He didn't know himself. Not anymore, not since he'd entered this room and seen this man. This god ... he did look god-like in a strange way. A god was not typically so frail looking and yet ... there was something more than mortal about Theryn. The way his eyes shone in separate colours. The barely there nature of his physical smile which seemed to burn brightly for all its subtlety. perhaps so bright that if he smiled more fully all about them would burn. Of all his divinity though the way he could snatch Darien's breath with the slightest word in his direction was the most impactful. Darien was coming to pieces. His thoughts were a string of panicked expletives.

At least until he focused on the tea set. He could sink into the familiarity of it and quiet his mind as he worked. His eyes were given a reprieve from the eyes of this man who was presently a prisoner here. Darien's back got a constant barrage from the prince's gaze but it was better able to take it. Darien had lived a life with eyes on his back so that was easier to filter out. Eye contact was the harder task. His hand trembled as Theryn said his name. Even as he gave Darien what he wanted he found a way to torment him again. The R rolled and it was like a vibration in Darien's lower back. "I do wish it" he answered "Please Sir, Sit" He could say that he was buttering Theryn up to get honest answers from him but he was not. He just didn't want this man to take away his lifeline. There was an element of wanting to do him kindness too though. To see the weight of his feet and to show him care that he probably hadn't received recently.

The presence of Theryn close to him and forcing his breath and heart to pound in his ears was replaced by a soft wilting melody that seemed to run a gambit of emotions. It was enough to break his heart in a million ways and yet there was a part of it that was like a warm blanket around him. He was almost sad to hear it fade as he spoke. It almost distracted him from the constant surveilling eyes. He didn't know how to feel if was he being desired or sized up. He didn't know which was preferable. In either case, he was sure the man would eat him alive.

He rolled from the heel of his left foot to his toes then down back onto his right heel. Like a wave passing through him. Trying to shake some of the tinglings in him. "Who said none of this is real? what the natives call what we do is but one small part ... one small useful story that allows me to unite warring tribes into one and for each of us to build functioning cities where once was only pain and wreckage" He turned his head to halfway look at Theryn catching just the edges of him "It's all real, My prince, the natives just see a divinity in us, what we do is not changed by what they call it but they trust a divine more than they would a castaway ... is it a great sin to fuel their believe with lies than let their stagnation continue through truth?"

The way Theryn answered would be telling.

When the tea was done and Darien stood in awe of the vine he missed the way Theryn's own stomach tightened and danced. He missed the strain drain from his face and the light in his eyes grow brighter. Instead he hurried forth to lay the tray by the reclined prince. He looked divine again propped up as he was. Like he belonged in a state of rest. Tea down and no longer occupying his hands they quivered and he tried to hide it as he crossed the room tea cup in hand. Theryn's words spun around in his head. Was he the wrong man to do this?

Or was Theryn really a trickster god messing with his mind? There was stress in him as he faced all this. The way Theryn made him feel was pleasant ... too pleasant and it was too much. Like his pressure gauge for pleasant was spinning wildly and on the verge of blowing up. By all means, was all the prince had to say as Darien mumbled a desire for grapes. Then he was on his feet again. Floating over the floor as Darien stared at his feet to avoid his eyes. It was as if he did not touch the floor.

Darien always felt like he was walking on fly paper when he was unshoed. pinned to the floor.

Though Theryn did not send the vines they followed like snakes slithering around him and trailing in his footsteps. then grapes were being held out to him. Darien thanked the stars that Theryn didn't touch him, who knew what would have happened if he had? Combustion seemed most likely.

Darien took a grape for what else could he do and tossed it into his mouth, biting hard as Theryn teased him. He almost choked on the juice and his flushed face went beat red in embarrassment. He bit his lip, and hummed ... unsure what to do until Theryn threw him a lifeline permission to use his name ... a nickname. Darien didn't think he should go so far as to call the Prince, Rin. After all he had to ensure it was safe before he became too attached to this man.

"Theryn ... I will call you Theryn," he said. Not sir anymore. Perhaps he should have called Theryn Sir again just to see what title he came up with but ... no Darien had to get his head on again.

He took a gulp of tea to settle his breathing and his nerves and Theryn drew closer still, their feet almost touching and the prince looming over him as he asked what Darien wanted to know ... Darien had formulated a list of questions but they were all gone now. His mind was just a series of alarms and racing thoughts like bullets from a gun. A riot reigned in his head and he had no words. Theryn eased back but not nearly far enough to take Darien out of danger.

The slight step back was only to advance further on him. flowers bloomed about their feet and then a flower was plucked and placed in his hair. Beautiful Theryn declared. The flower? him? something else? Darien did not know he was too busy shuddering. toes clenching and his head tipping back. Theryn's touch was unexpectedly cold but it was not just that. It was so much more. Darien's head lulled back and he inhaled sharply then exhaled with a slight whimper. This was ... this was torment "I thought I told you to sit Theryn?" he said but he did not seem fully sure.

His head resumed its place and he gazed into Theryn's chest "Why ..... Why? " he stammered "Why did you wish to seek out divines?" He asked

 

[Theryn Hearthfire]

Had he felt any indication that Darien was actually enjoying his little humming whistles, he might have carried on. Instead he respectfully wound down as conversations sparked up again. Darien's back was still to him at this point, and Theryn's eyes were unabashedly taking advantage of the change in view.​

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Things took a slightly more serious, or at the very least probing, turn as his claim that all of this was fake - sadly so - was disputed. Darien was quick to assert the fact that they were doing good here, that the effects of their presence were genuine, lingering, and would better the natives' way of life. One hand rose up, the one he wasn't presently propped up by, and he rubbed at his smooth chin in consideration. ​

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Then it slipped up into his curls as a question was turned his way, and he twirled a few of them by his fringe as he pondered an answer.​

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"You certainly make a good point" the man mused merrily, "Though it is most definitely a shame that you will not get to live forever. The entire Galaxy should mourn such a loss when that day comes." He leaned a little further on his elbow, as though shifting closer to Darien to tell him some great secret. "I'd certainly mourn enough for the rest of them." Maybe he would need to concoct a method to keep men and women young, to stop the ageing process so that death would only come in the form of grievous injuries.​

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Getting ahead of yourself he warned his thoughts. He just smirked softly in response, though it wasn't a malicious act. No, it seemed filled with confidence instead.​

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"I think what is happening here certainly has its benefits, and if you are truly capable of uniting the warring tribes then all the more power to you. I doubt I could do much to help, even if the natives seem to want me to." Theryn frowned more openly and shook his head. "She isn't going to let me leave, and they won't suffer me to live if they believe me some false god, will they?"​

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Laying on his back again he propped his arms under his head and sighed.​

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"I suppose I should try to make a case for myself, if only to get out of this room. It is so... stuffy, even with an open window."​

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What he wouldn't give to spread his legs, to walk among the flowers and the grass. Alas, he'd foolishly come seeking Gods where none lay.​

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When he came before Darien, laden with fruit and flowers blossoming at his feet, the poor man seemed set on choking. He almost reached out to pat him on the back, before he caught his breath again and even managed a response despite his immensely more flustered state. Theryn. Specifically Theryn. He beamed a smile and nodded once. "Much better, no? Now you are you, and I am me."​

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Tea was drank, reminding Theryn that his own cup still waited for him on the bed, and then the flower was set within Darien's hair. The response it elicited had Theryn's cheeks immediately glowing with unexpected joy, softened only by the genuine concern that also leapt up inside of him. Strange, he'd never such concern for one not in his direct bloodline. Before he could ask if Darien was okay, he was reminded of the fact that he'd been bid to sit.​

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"But if I sit, how am I to feed you grapes?" he inquired. It had been a full body reaction to the very brief touch they'd shared, and Theryn would have been lying if he tried to claim that his own body wasn't tormented with pleasant static and the urge to shudder. He inhaled through his nose, and settled his free hand behind his back to try and keep from further contact.​

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Darien did not seem able to survive much more, and he'd so hate to say goodbye before they even really got to chat.​

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Settling down the grapes on the table beside Darien's seat, he slowly backed up until his knees touched the bed and therein sat. "Will this suffice, Master Cordel?" he inquired, his toes curling against the floor until he set back further and let them swing and dangle impishly. Even now he wished he hadn't moved, wished that he was still stood before Darien, but at least the vines and flowers remained where he had been stood, like some strange memorial in Theryn's honor.​

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Or maybe it was meant for Darien's honor.​

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Either way the stammered question caught him fast off guard. Thankfully an answer was already on the tip of his tongue, so it didn't take much to dredge it up.​

​

"Because my Grandpa is regarded as the Sun God of Midvinter, my home. Because deep down I hoped that the whispers I heard through the Force about this place were true... Because if there were living Gods here, then it means Grandpa has a chance of coming back too." He frowned slightly. "Mysa's always so much more certain about the Gods, she has no lack of faith, but I..." ​

​

Theryn shrugged, and seemingly remembered all at once that he had company. He reached for the tea and used it as an excuse to pause his words, taking a good long sip and closing his eyes as he savoured it. He even murmured happily, for the taste and warmth were both divine. Theryn was cold, always cold, it felt good to warm up even if only for a moment.​

​

"Anyway, it seemed like a fun adventure. And it would have been, had the Gods been real."​

​

His gaze drifted back over to Darien now that he was briefly done with his tea, though his hand reached for some of the lemon juice and he soon had some added into his cup. Then he smiled, that small but all-consuming smile. "It's definitely much more pleasant now, I daresay almost worth the gilded cage."​

​

Almost. Theryn really could not stomach feeling trapped like this. Not even for such unexpected eyecandy.​

​

Darien Cordel ​

 

[Darien Cordel]

Like so much of what Theryn did ... and was ... Darien did not know how he felt about it. Some things were painful or uncomfortable in the moment and then soothing and pleasant in the afterglow. Some were pleasant in the moment and then left a lingering discomfort. Some were pleasant and remained so and others were torture and remained so. Darien's mind was a mess and he could barely comprehend that up was up. The whistle was no different, infact it seemed to encompass all the reactions Theryn brought from Darien.

For just a brief moment Darien had rendered his accidental (Hopefully) tormentor mute. His response that just because there was a facade over their works that did not make all they had done fake or non-existent stilled Theryn in thought and contemplation ... Darien wanted to think. Ultimately Theryn found merit in the point. Darien knew there was merit in it that is why it had been made and yet ... As soon as Theryn said as much it was like he'd never had any confidence in the response at all and all it's validity came from the fact that Theryn approved. He shook his head slightly. How was the man doing this to him.

In typical form, Theryn Mused something mind-shattering at Darien then came straight in with another hit. Darien had been in this room no more than twenty minutes and already Theryn was talking of grieving his mortality enough to merit the grief of a whole galaxy. Darien shifted uncomfortably again ... was he being teased? Flirted with? both? Neither? His heart was thudding again and it was like the room was on an axis. Like at any moment, he might tumble over. He had been lavished with compliments and praise since he got into the room and his inability to determine what it all meant was taxing his mind. He could not and would not respond to this latest gushing. That seemed safest. He didn't know what to do with the praise and he'd only end up looking foolish. Darien's idea of hell was appearing foolish. He had a familial reputation to hold up. A legacy to honour.

Thankfully there was a quick movement back to divinity. A safer topic than what Theryn did or did not feel for Darien. There was an expression of melancholy and concern from Theryn, fleeting but very real. He revealed what Darien already expected to be true. Theryn felt trapped and scared. Scared he would be killed, scared he could never leave. He also doubted that he could be a god. Theryn had become more real in his openness. Less like a malevolent spirit and though it did little for Darien it did help settle him slightly "I'm told they think you the god of harvest, Revelry and mischief" Darien remarked "You would only have to bring light into their lives to help, somehow I don't see you having any difficulty with that My Prince" he admitted as he placed the tea down by Theryn's pancaked form.

As for what would be done with him well Darien did not know "I don't know what will happen but I have a voice too, your fate is not just in the hands of one person" he was yet to decide how he would vote or what he would say but he desired to say Theryn should be brought into the fold. He frowned in thought on what to say "You won't be cooped up in here much longer Sir" he said. Once the meeting was done Theryn would either be set free again or he would be dead. Either way no more stuffy room.

To see Theryn in this state of distress though was difficult. Feeling out for the mind of his Shaal Speaker Aerthro and instructed him to see whether permission could be obtained to take Theryn on a walk in the grounds. Anywhere outside of this room.

Distress soon found Darien in the form of choking and shivering. It was as if Theryn was fatal to him. Danger swam all around the air around the prince and yet Darien could not help but be drawn in. Like the pull to jump one sometimes felt on a high ledge. Was it better that he was himself and Theryn was Theryn? Darien could not get an answer to that. too much was going on. His brain was holding crisis talks with his whole body and it continued to be as if there were alarms raging in every part of him. Either because Theryn already affected them or because there were thoughts that he might. His body was trying to decide whether it desired or feared that prospect more.

Telling Theryn to sit had been instinctive in his fight or flight reaction. He could not run away. He had a duty but also ... Theryn was blocking his path up. Not fully but enough that trying to rise might cause them to brush again and then what would happen? He was barely coping after the touch of Theryn's hand in his hair. Was he on fire? Theryn moving away to sit was what he thought he needed in the moment and as the Prince walked himself back Darien felt a weight lift from his chest until ... suddenly Theryn seemed too distant. the pounding of his heart was replaced by an ache and as the tension in his body cleared and he flexed himself to life again Theryn's words rang in his head, a constant circle.

But if I sit, how am I to feed you grapes?

How indeed Darien wanted to be fed grapes by this man. This prince. with his mismatched eyes and his way of being that suggested nothing was truly impactful upon him. He dreaded it too though and now theryn was gone back to the bed. Kicking his feet playfully as he again teased Darien who could only stare as he took calming breaths "You could float them" he mumbled in a quiet squeak. eyes trailing the vines that marked where Theryn's feet had fallen and then up to those impishly kicking legs.

would it suffice? He did not know he just wanted Theryn comfortable. Master Cordel had been called and his mind cast itself back to Luke his childhood nanny. He had always called Darien Master Darien and the rest of the staff had followed suit. He wondered where Luke had gone. Many of the staff had left when the money began to dwindle, Luke had stayed though and he survived the assassination but somewhere along the way they were separated.

"I don't know" he confessed "I just want you comfortable so we can talk"

He was calmer by the time they got around to answering his question. Theryn was a religious sort. He believed his grandfather a sun god and hoped if gods walked here maybe his grandpa would return. Darien frowned in sympathy. He had hoped father would return many times. Then Theryn said something interesting. A name coupled with the fact he was from Midvinter, Darien sat forward "I know a Mysa" he exclaimed "From Midvinter, she was my friend before I had to flee here " He said "Maybe its the same Mysa" Talk of Mysa saw off any chance of talk about scepticism of divinity. Though there was little to say Darien did not believe in divine beings but he did believe in the usefulness of divinity.

Then Theryn was flirting or teasing again and Darien found he was in free fall again.

 

[Theryn Hearthfire]

"Harvest, Revelry, and Mischief" he hummed in response, echoing the man's words, "Well, I do so enjoy a good party." He grinned as he said that, magically doing away with the nerves and fears which had begun to arise. One minute they were there, the next it was as though he'd never been concerned in the first place. If that was all they sought from him as Lysius then he was sure he could comply. After all, he was known for his bounties...​

​

A promise that he would not remain cooped up fast followed, and he nodded his head to hear the words. "I suppose you are correct." Theryn agreed, "Either I will be freed from this cage and be permitted to roam, or... well, I suppose I'll fast get my wish to see my Father and Grandpa again." That wouldn't be so bad, right?​

​

Maybe then Mysa would take over Aurum. No doubt the natives would benefit more from that in truth.​

​

When bid to return back to a seated position, Theryn begrudgingly did so. He noticed however that in doing so a look of conflict crossed Darien's expression. He'd wanted this, right? Yet he seemed unhappy now that it had been carried out. Theryn almost rose back up, but for now he thought better of it, especially when a suggestion was made. Float the grapes?​

​

Oh, the smile he beamed in response was brighter than any he'd ever produced in his life, and a speck of mischief glistened in his eyes.​

​

He didn't say anything, instead he snatched the grapes from the table at Darien's side, rendering him incapable of plucking them for himself, and delicately swiped one from the vine. Slowly, surely, he inched it closer to Darien through the air, until it was floating just before his lips. Tentatively brushing against them, in fact. At this point Theryn was lounging again, propped upon his elbow, body turned so that he was facing Darien pointedly and legs stretched out across the bed. His toes twitched as he teased him with the grape.​

​

The confession was met with the raising of a brow. All of this was just to make Theryn more comfortable? He chuckled slightly, though before he could speak on it talks had turned to home. Mysa's name, and Midvinter itself, elicited quite the unexpected response from Darien who swore that he knew someone by that name from that world.​

​

"Mysa" he hummed again, with a small nod, "About yay high, white hair, beautifully icy eyes?" He'd made a gesture to give an indication that she was much smaller than he. ​

​

Knowing that this man had earned the friendship of his sister made his heart all the more aflame. Mysa did not keep a great many friends, but she was fiercely loyal with those she had... In fact, just thinking about that left Theryn remembering why it was Darien's name had sounded so familiar. It was like a lightbulb went off in his head, and he sat bolt upright and soon was back on his feet in excitement.​

​

"Darien Cordel!" He sang the name quite pleasantly, spinning once and facing the man once he halted. "You're The Darien Cordel? What a fantastically small Galaxy! Mysa claims you're her best friend, you know? Said that you met as children, and she misses you dearly. Do you still have, uh... Crikey, what did she say its name was? Stuffy..? Sorry-- Darth Stuffy?" Little did he know he was a letter off.​

​

His excitement spread through him, and soon he was dancing forward toward Darien quite theatrically, almost fae like in nature. "Oh it is so wonderful to finally meet you. You're even more beautiful than she made you out to be."​

​

Theryn's mind drifted back to the fact that Darien had stated the only reason he'd insisted that he sit was for his own comfort, and thus he quite plainly refused to adhere to it for now. Instead, without putting much thought behind it, he stopped before the other man and wrapped his arms around him. Screw the outcome of the meeting, whatever happened it would be worth enduring for just having had a moment of this man's time.​

​

This he was certain of.​

​

Darien Cordel ​

 

[Darien Cordel]

Darien was relieved when the smile bloomed again on Theryn's face. It was like a fire lit all around him but Darien did not mind. The fire was better than the sharp icy pricking of its absence. Theryn seemed to be the type of person to whom a smile naturally belonged. Not all people were like that. Darien didn't feel he was like that. His father certainly hadn't been and Darien liked to think his face suited the same elegant look of contemplation and dignity his fathers did, perhaps without the subtle judgment. "You could be our prince of Bread, Roses and Circuses" he urged "Is there not divinity in the freedom of frivolity?" Darien did not think himself divine but becoming stranded on Zaathru had taught him to find divinity in everything.

The feeling in his stomach as Theryn so casually spoke of death was like none he'd felt before, it was like someone had wrung his stomach like a saturated towel, then filled it with lead balls. He had known this man for under an hour and yet something told him if they killed him Darien would grieve for him like they had known each other a lifetime. He did not know what he felt for Theryn or what Theryn felt for him but he knew that something unique in his life had passed between them. Like he saw Theryn in a way that was only his and more importantly like Theryn truly saw him.

Saw him and took him down to his composite pieces. Making him into nothing .... and everything.

The smile he got when his low mumble, meant only for him, was heard and clearly acknowledged told him immediately that he was in danger. There was fiery mischief in those eyes and it was akin to seeing a physical fire to Darien. He was frozen in place. The grapes were snatched away and remained at Theryn's side. Darien's head screamed at him to flee from the unseen danger but his heart was clear in its desire to stay. To live for being in the presence of Theryn did feel like life again. Not a string of duties or fleeing. HE was terrifying but it was the sort of terror that made one feel electric and inflated not small and insignificant.

If Theryn was just mocking or tormenting him with as much carelessness as he seemed to exhibit he would break Darien into pieces.

Through the silent air, a grape floated and brushed against his lip, not close enough to go right into Darien's mouth unless it moved or he did. the slight touch of it was like the prickle of a nettle though. A million spines and not smooth skin. Not the smooth skin he might want to touch him ... or dread touching him. That smile was still there still brighter than ever. The fire still burning through Theryn. His toes twitched refusing to be still as if it was not enough engagement to be watching Darien squirming like he was on a hook, there was energy left over for idle movement.

He opened his mouth to see if Theryn would float the grape in, if he did not the man-turned-boy again leant forward to take it from the air himself.

Everything he did seemed amusing to Theryn. All he said and all he did was always met with a laugh or smile. It felt friendly but it felt cruel too and Darien swang on a hook between the two. A visceral image of his predicament in his head.

Teasing him did not last for long, however. Mention of Mysa brought it to its end ... or at least to a hiatus as excitement overcame Theryn he described Mysa and Darien nodded "She had a toy ... a god called Eár if I recall correctly and she was smaller when I knew her ... or saw her last it has been a long time perhaps ten years"

That made him feel guilty as Theryn realised who he was and revealed that Mysa still called him her best friend despite all the time that had elapsed and the fact that he had been unable to contact her. She had offered him safety on Midvinter but when the time came he could not take her up on it. He would not bring his danger upon her home or her family. She missed him ... he missed her. She was part of his old life when things were carefree but she had been there when that world fell apart too. He could say none of this. All he managed in that moment before Theryn was twirling and dancing forward on feet that barely touched the ground "Darth Stuffty"

He thought he was the dark lord of the sith and Darien still hadn't told him he wasn't because it would upset him "He's safe in my room"

With that almost gasp Theryn was spinning and bouncing forward and declaring Darien more beautiful than he had been described. even more, suggesting that Mysa had called him beautiful. That left a funny feeling in him but it paled next to the way being called beautiful felt. There had to be a trap in it.

"Beautiful?" he queried as he was snatched into a hug by the much taller man "I don't understand" He confessed again. Theryn must have been teasing him. Surely. Surely this was not happening. He hadn't even thought to ask how Theryn knew Mysa. Clearly, they were close but how close?

His arms feebly wrapped around Theryn with little choice but to do otherwise and he waited for the axe to fall.

When Theryn finally released him the first thing he did was gaze up at him. Transfixed in shock and awe "You stood again ... " he mumbled.

Theryn Hearthfire

 

[Theryn Hearthfire]

Bread, Roses, and Circuses?​

​

"I've heard of bread and circuses, but roses?" He whistled again in consideration, then beamed. "Beauty, and love, is just as important as food and entertainment, wouldn't you agree?.. I certainly do."​

​

If Theryn had been able to read Darien's mind and discover his fears that he was just being a tease, that his words and actions held no sincerity, he might have been rather brokenhearted himself. As it was all he could tell was that Darien was uncomfortable, uncertain, but also testing the waters himself. If it had only been the first two he would have stopped, it would have saddened him to do so but he was ultimately respectful. He took no for an answer; consent was important after all. But having picked up on those tiny hints that the man wasn't entirely sure how to feel about it he felt it prudent to do... something. However small.​

​

For now the grapes would have to suffice.​

​

He couldn't keep the grin from his lips as he drifted the first of the grapes forward. He expected that Darien might choose to snatch it from the air, so imagine Theryn's surprise when instead he teased back by simply opening his lips and waiting to see what would happen. Theryn was temporarily stunned, for all the teasing he did it had never really gone far in the past. He may have been almost twenty but that didn't mean he had any real experience with any of this. He just.. knew what he liked, and acted on instinct.​

​

Before Darien had to lean forward to bite it, Theryn gently nudged it past his lips, brushed it against his tongue in the process, and felt his cheeks warming up. He wanted to ask if that was right, if it was what Darien had been wanting, but he found himself temporarily lost for words. Just watching Darien eat the grape which he'd so gently drifted his way was... stirring. He didn't even know why, he just felt a need to swallow down a strange lump which had formed in his throat, and to shift to keep the stomach butterflies from drifting further than they already had. He felt warm and tingly and his heart had begun to skip beats while simultaneously feeling as though it were rapidly beating.​

​

Instead he began to drift another. In fact even as he got up and danced his way toward Darien the fruit kept drifting his way, pausing just as it touched his lips again. A little firmer this time, though still soft and oddly timid when compared to how confident he had been thus far.​

​

"Éar" he corrected softly, feeling his heart skip once again as Darien tried to speak something which was so deeply entwined with the Valkyri. "Yes, she is rarely apart from that figurine. She let me play with it when I was younger, and only in more recent years have I realized how privileged I was. Perks of being the baby of the family, I suppose." He chuckled, younger brother yet he towered over her now.​

​

As for Stuffty, it seemed as though Darien still kept the teddy close at hand. "A mighty bear, I am sure." Another hum, "I have one of my own, though it's a Beorni not a traditional bear. They're from Midvinter. My brother gifted it to me when I was a babe. I... I called it Elio, because sometimes they'd call me that. I learned later that it was just my middle name, so I guess my poor bear doesn't get a special name."​

​

That made him frown just a little. Was it wrong of him to have named his stuffed Beorni after himself, however unintentional? "Maybe he needs a new name."​

​

That didn't matter for now, though, nowhere near as much as Darien's more serious confusion when he was swept into a hug and called beautiful. He didn't understand? Didn't understand what?​

​

"You're gorgeous" he chuckled, "What about that don't you understand, petal?" Finally releasing Darien from his embrace, he took just the tiniest shuffle back. Ready to retreat again, as Darien wante---​

​

"I did" he said, tipping up his chin and peering down at Darien indignantly. "You said you banished me back to the bed to ensure my comfort, but it is so cold and lonely over there. Not at all comfortable." Well it was nice and plush, and he'd very much have liked to lay there if only Darien were closer. But he wasn't. He took that tiny step closer, until his knees brushed against Darien's. "Would you be so cruel a taskmaster as to send me away... again?"​

​

Reaching out he brushed a little of Darien's hair from his face. "You do seem adamant that I sit... I suppose I can humour that."​

​

Only Theryn didn't back up, instead he lowered himself down and settled softly within Darien's lap, perched on his knees and barely putting any of his weight down he was still supporting himself, perhaps more strained because of it than he had been by standing, but he didn't care. Because it left him feeling utterly elated.​

​

He could only hope he hadn't taken a step too far.​

​

Darien Cordel ​

 

[Darien Cordel]

Talk of love entered into the mix ... perhaps that ought to have confirmed that he was being flirted with but Darien'd anxious mind told him it could just as easily be torment.

He hoped he was not being made a fool of. By himself or by this man and his painfully tender gaze. Darien inhaled at the first question, he was sure that he had it correct. Bread and circuses were the means of distracting the masses but bread and roses were what they needed. Why couldn't Theryn be a prince of all three? That seemed to click in the other man's mind before Darien had to answer and instead he was left with the second question. Did he agree? He nodded, swallowing he nodded again "yes" he confirmed. fearful that if Theryn asked he might agree to put his hand in the exhaust port of a frigate.

Knowing that Theryn was not even twenty yet might have led to an even greater hesitation from Darien in accepting this man's advances. Yes, Theryn was a man-grown but Darien was afflicted with a world-weariness that made him feel sometimes as if the youth of his life was spent. Despite being in almost every day less experienced than Theryn he would still feel like something of an anchor. He would hate to be that. Perhaps some of that was a fear of losing another person ... or being a person someone lost. Father, Mother, Luke ... even Mysa If truth be told. Darien had become resolved to be alone and yet ... Theryn seemed to have him hooked.

Perhaps in his own way, he was flirting too.

Floating the grape had been his suggestion after all. He told himself he hadn't wanted to be heard but was that the truth ? It was true that he had still spoken aloud despite being well accustomed to silence. It was true too that he could have plucked the grape from where it hung in the air. In hand to completely kill any pretence of a steamy act or budding romance and yet he had not. He had opened his mouth and his alternative was still to lean forward to take the grape from the sky directly to his mouth as if Theryn was hand-feeding him. Could that be the act of a man who did not want to be romanced?

Deep down Darien wanted to be romanced. He wanted to be seen in the way he thought Theryn saw him. He wanted someone to say 'You are tired and you have fought so long alone, lean on me ... let me care for you' could he really have a prince to rescue him? Did he deserve that?

The grape passed over his lip, scraping having been expertly lowered as if purposefully meant to stimulate. then it was over his tongue again pressing just slightly upon the muscle and going further than would have been possible with physical fingers. He closed his mouth and began to chew. The fruit exploded with flavour. Darien was conveyed back to his childhood of fine foods and decadence. The natives tried here to feed him well but they knew few recipes and often cooked simple foods. The effect of years of life with little and certainly no permanence. When one was constantly locked in battle food had to be efficiently prepared and nutritious. Excitement was a luxury that could ill be afforded. At least they were starting to experiment with spice and flavour now.

Swallowing took longer than normal as he found his stomach seemingly claiming now to be full and his throat unwilling to open the way.

No sooner had he swallowed as a second grape followed. There was more firmness to this one but no loss of compassion. This one was easier to swallow ... perhaps because Theryn was advancing on him at a lick. Not a time to be chewing. He needed all the breathing room he could get.

"Éar yes" he confirmed kicking himself for having messed it up, Theryn seemed not to mind though. It seemed too that Theryn was Mysa's brother. He could perhaps see a little of her in him but not much and perhaps it was just a trick of his eyes. A longing to see familiarity now he knew it was there. He did not manage to ask anything to confirm his assumption before talk continued to move on. Theryn was talking with eagerness and information was spilling from him. It was endearing but it left Darien struggling to get words in. Struggling more than he already did. Darth Stuffty had been a stalwart companion for all his known years but Darien could not get that information in time, the words catching in his head and Theryn had moved on to talk of his own stuffed animal Elio. A Beorni. Darien had never heard of such a creature but Theryn explained that it was from Midvinter.

Theryn seemed to regret the name he had given to his companion. Not viewing it as special enough finally he managed words "Just because it is your middle name does not prevent it from being special" he replied with a slight tone of complaint in his voice "I do not think you should change the name of your Beorni" It was bold of him but he could not stomach Theryn saying something so closely linked to him was not special.

He was soon pressed close to Theryn. Forced to breathe him in. He smelled good. Floral and sweet, a weighty but light smell if such a thing was even possible. It caught in him and yet seemed only to encourage him to breathe more deeply. He was now told he was gorgeous, a petal and it served only to make his head spin more. Like he was on a fairground ride "How? ... why?" he mumbled. He had not been called such things. Not ever. People had called him handsome as a child but that had always seemed to be aimed more at his father than at him.

Theryn was half a foot back from him now and Darien could breathe in untouched air ... it seemed half full without Theryn's perfumed scent though. Curious.

The prince seemed indignant at being called out for standing. He had stood and he would stand again if he pleased that lifted chin told Darien. Who are you to tell me what to do those eyes asked before something far softer and more jovial came from Theryn's mouth. The bed was lonely and cold ... no comfort at all Darien frowned in guilt and sympathy. How long had Theryn been lonely, how much cold had that poor skin felt? enough to chill it clearly. He was called a taskmaster and asked if he could be so cruel. The insistence on sitting had not meant to be a task and Darien had no desire to be cruel. He was frantic to rebut all that was said.

His mouth opened to speak as Theryn again moved close enough to touch. Knee brushed on knee. Cold fingers brushed hair from a fevered brow and Darien would be humoured. How became apparent before Darien could ask as Theryn settled into his lap. His tall form straining to balance on the edge of the chair, knees wedged into the little space that remained and Darien was blinded to all but the fabric of Theryn's shirt so he shut his eyes. Quite subconsciously he inhaled again. Breath loud in the silence of the room.

"I want you comfortable" he whined, head grappling with the fact that even crowding around him Theryn did not seem to bring the additional heat one would expect. He cooled Darien. The bewildered apprentice wrapped an arm around Theryn to offer support and he leaned his head against the man "Tell me how to make you comfortable ... Sir" He sighed.

A Knock sounded throughout the room, harsh and loud, quite different from Darien's earlier knock and then the door was swinging open and Aerthro was stomping in. He would not like seeing Theryn knelt over his god if he caught them.

Theryn Hearthfire

 

[Theryn Hearthfire]

Theryn, in all his excitement, did not realize that he was monopolizing the conversation. It was nice to speak with someone who knew his sister, who still seemed to hold swathes of innocence while simultaneously being world-weary. It was a strange combination, but it was found to be very endearing by the man with dancing eyes. ​

​

When Darien did manage to get a word in edgeways, his tone had shifted into subtle complaint. Theryn wondered if he'd done something wrong, but the only words which accompanied that tone spoke to the notion that changing the Beorni's name was unnecessary, that it could be special even if it was a name shared. In fact, he seemed rather adamant that the name not be changed.​

​

"Is it strange that I miss him?" he pondered aloud. Elio wasn't here with him, and in a way he was glad for that because it would have meant he'd have been destroyed in the crash. No, he was dutifully waiting back on Aurum, hidden away in his Royal Suite. "I wish I could show you." ​

​

Just as their closer proximity had Darien breathing in his scent, did Theryn do the same of him. It made his head spin softly, and he quipped another tender smile. Tea lay heavy over him, no doubt influenced by the way in which the teapot had followed him here, plus another scent he could not fully pinpoint. Deeper below these lay hints of cigarra smoke, which did have him perk a brow softly. Theryn had never met anyone who smoked.​

​

None of that mattered though, for he was still disputing the words he'd said. How's and why's lay heavy on the air, and Theryn's expression turned just a little more sympathetic. "Your eyes, for one, are like a mist rolling over the sea," he stated, "And the way you hold yourself is mesmerizing." The way he spoke left no room for dispute, he said it all as if it were a well known fact. "From the moment you walked into this room, nay stood upon its threshold, you've held my attention. Stolen it, even. You are stunning, Darien, you put these flowers to shame, and they hold my most favourite petals."​

​

Making a gesture to the plants still trailing through the room, gently brushing against their feet, he looked upon Darien with an intensity which he didn't even try to hide. No, it was almost as though he wanted it known and undisputed.​

​

What he said was no doubt enhanced by his actions as he stood in defiance, eyes glistening in humour, and made his small plea concerning the loneliness of the bed. His decision to sit upon Darien's lap? Well, Theryn broke through any remaining doubts. At least he hoped he had. And Darien did not stop him, did not push him away, did not tell him to move, even his physical state did not shift in discomfort. All that Theryn could hear following it was the heavy beating of his own heart, and the deep breaths Darien took.​

​

Darien's words turned to soft whines, and then quite unexpectedly he had an arm around Theryn, seemingly just for support at first until his head came to rest against him too. Theryn's heart and mind raced a million miles a minute, and he lifted up a hand to gently brush against Darien's cheek, encouraging him to find rest and comfort where the other one settled.​

​

"I am comfortable" he began to assure him, at least until Darien made his plea... attaching that forbidden title to the end of it. Theryn tutted, and gently shifted Darien's head with tender fingertips slipping down from cheek to chin. "We've talked about this" he whispered, his tone taking on a slightly more authoritarian edge though it somehow remained softened, a subtle little warning perhaps, "When we're alone, Darien, I---" The brisque and noisy knocking interrupted his words, and he glared toward the door even as it swung inward.​

​

There was never any privacy, was there? Rather than leap up, he remained where he was and even settled just a tiny bit more of his weight into Darien's lap. His head tipped up with indignation, only this time there was nothing in the way of that added softness or playfulness he'd presented to Darien previously.​

​

"You were not permitted to enter" he stated, "Why must everyone treat this door as though it does not exist? No doubt I'd find more privacy in the actual dungeon." Tempting though that was, he was glad to have been meeting Darien here, where the vines could flow quite freely. He could feel Darien stiffening beneath him, could feel the panic rolling through him, and that only made Theryn all the more indignant.​

​

"You dare touch His Holiness?" the Shaal spat, though being that it was in his native tongue yet again Theryn did not know what it was he was saying. He could guess though, especially when the Shaal stomped closer and glowered more threateningly his way. "Get up."​

​

Theryn did get up, though not because he knew what it was the Shaal had been ordering. No, he got up because the Shaal tried to reach out to tug at his arm, and Theryn decided that things had gone much too far much too quickly. He took one step from Darien and his tempting lap toward the Speaker and drew himself up to his full height in doing so. Manic was a word often used to describe him, he was intoxicatingly lighthearted, prone to sing or dance or hum at a moment's notice, and was always cheerful. There was a flip side to that though, when those manic tendencies turned slightly heavier, some might say darker.​

​

"Do not presume to touch me."Another step, forcing the Shaal to take a step back in the process. He was not Theryn in that moment, he was the Crown Prince of Aurum, whom none dared touch or command. He gestured back to the door. "Try again... Please." Those steps and words had caused him to soften, that flash of annoyance fast leaving him. This wasn't his home, wasn't his place, wasn't his Speaker. He turned all at once back to face Darien, and bowed his head.​

​

"Forgive me, please. I have no right to order around your men, this room.... it's constantly choking me."​

​

Had he just blown things so quickly? His heart sank, and he hung his head further in a very rarely shown sign of sorrow. He wanted to scoop it back up immediately, wanted to lift his head and smile, laugh, brush it off entirely, usually he'd have no qualms with that. Heck, usually he wouldn't have felt the need to apologize or explain himself.​

​

There was something about Darien though, it left him wanting to be good and proper and kind.​

​

Sincere, even.​

​

And one could not hide behind faked emotions and be sincere.​

​

Darien Cordel ​

 

[Darien Cordel]

It was easy to monopolise a conversation with Darien. Though he could be quite verbose when he did talk actually getting talking was hard for him. He often ended up falling into the habit of merely watching silently as others talked. He could watch Theryn all day though he could hardly admit that. Perhaps not when he was so cooped up though. Even knowing him for such a short period of time Darien could tell Theryn was made for large open space. Darien rather liked the cosiness of the room. Safe behind walls and doors. Though he wasn't imprisoned behind those walls and doors.

As for what Theryn had done wrong he had committed a grave sin indeed, he had suggested that something which was part of him was not special and worse had implied that it was because of it's part in him that he had not. Darien's feelings revealed something his brain did not yet know. He was infatuated with the man before him. Transfixed. So yes Theryn had done something wrong.

"missing our companions is not strange ... especially those who bring us comfort in dark times" He answered with a shake of his head. It touched Darien that Theryn would wish to show him the stuffed toy. To bring him in on something so intimate and vulnerable. Darien thought for a moment "I shall lend you Darth Stuffty" he declared "To comfort you" The bear was a little singed and worn from the advance of years and the crash but he also smelled strongly of Darien and there were plenty of cuddles left in him.

He would help Darien was sure.

Just as the enveloping scent helped Darien as they pressed together. It was a battle but Darien thought that the scent was more help than hindrance if the truth be told. Theryn smelled as a prince ought to. Well ... not strictly actually. there were notes beneath the main perfumed scent that seemed unprincely. The smell of solid and torn grass. He could almost picture Theryn in a more muddied state. the hems of his clothes stained by pollen, soil and grass. A prince of the trees then perhaps.

The sympathetic look his query elicited made Darien feel like jelly. He was not refuting the compliment. Perhaps he was all of those things but no one had ever told him before and he was confused ... and curious. What could this man, this prince see in him? Darien might have been a catch befitting a prince when father was alive and at the height of his power but now? Now all Darien had was his city and a false mantle of divinity and the city would be lost if he ever got found out. All the same, compliments poured forth from Theryn like wine from a decanter and Darien's cup was overflowing. He had eyes of rolling sea mist. He was mesmerising a thief of all the princes' attention. Darien was rendered almost goldfish-like as he stared up at the man. Theryn sounded so certain, so sure and yet ... "No one has ever spoken of me like this... No one " he looked down sheepishly "Are you making a joke at my expense?" he asked timidly, genuinely.

What was he meant to say ... should he tell Theryn all he felt about him? That, Darien, feared, would seem insincere now. Should he kiss him? Touch him? Darien was hot all over again and his head felt like it was filled with air. He was nauseated and panicky and yet ... He felt more complete than he had in too long.

A hand gestured to the vines still trailing over the floor and they moved to brush Darien's feet and against Theryns too. They were linked by vines. His favourite petals ... before Darien. He'd called Darien his petal and Darien now felt guilty for even asking if this was all a joke. It was so sincere. Sincerity proved twofold as Theryn took up residence in his lap. Darien fell into him and yet still he found no warmth. Theryn was like an ice pack. It helped soothe Darien's raging blood and heated passions but it was strange.

That did not stop him from settling with his head to Theryn's chest as the man urged. The chill hand down his cheek was further comfort and contentment grew in him as he expressed his desire. A comfy prince. In that moment had Theryn suggested it he might have allowed himself to be taken to the bed to lay beside the prince. No more but that was more than he had thought to do. Events had conspired to stop that happening, however.

His repetition of the word Sir to start. That had not been forbidden per se but he had been told that using it again would bring a consequence. The fact he had said it probably meant he wanted to see what that consequence was. He was flirting ... Trying to anyway but it was not clear if Theryn had picked that up. There was a soft authority in his first words as he tipped up Darien's head and the beginning of something ... a promise, or a threat. Darien never got to find out which. A fist hammered on the door and disrupted them. He felt Theryn tense around him. the legs on either side of his gripped tighter and the hold became more firm as a death stare was sent at the door.

Neither said anything and yet the door swung open. His speaker rushed in and Darien expected that Theryn would leap from him but he did not. he shuffled further into the chair and sat more of his weight in place. Darien could not find the words as he remained stuck under Theryn watching as a prince took him over. Lifted head and from what Darien could see firm features. An extreme distaste for all he now surveyed, for his eyes went everywhere but Darien.

Theryn spoke first and with more command and authority than he had with Darien. It was clear now that he considered himself to be speaking with a being that was below him. Different from Darien, no care for softness or gentle challenge. The Shaal got the brunt of days of boiling anger at the indignity he suffered. The Shall shot back in his aggressive growl and Darien was stuck between them. Emasculated as they fought over him. The Shaal perhaps meant to respect and cherish Darien by being so aggressive but he did not. In stomping over and arguing with Theryn he showed he had no faith in Darien's ability to look after himself and blind ignorance of all he had interrupted. The flower in his hair might have given away that this was a romantic moment but Shaal did approach partnering differently. Less wooing and more winning.

The approach of the Shaal caused Theryn to rise and Darien slumped forward initially as heaved in a breath. The two beings squared up to each other as Theryn raged and then all at once the prince ran out of steam. He turned completely from the Shaal to look at Darien and apologise. He confessed what Darien already knew ... the room was choking him. Darien looked at him sympathetically from the chair and the adolescent Thrall found his backbone again, having had to back peddle, to try to return to fighting, he tried to put Theryn onto his knees.

"You should be on your knees before ... " His gruff and growly voice spitting his native tongue like venom suddenly stopped as his hands went to his Neck. He was not fully cut off from air as Darien compressed his throat and prepared to speak into his mind but breathing was now a laboured chore.

Darien was angry, perhaps as angry as Theryn had been though he came to it later. His sea mist eyes were sharpened into moon rays on the waves as he pushed himself up to his feet with one hand. He lifted Theryn's head with his left as his right gripped the Shaal through the force "Sit" he instructed softly "Relax"

Then he turned to glare daggers at the Shaal as he spoke into his mind "You speak my words but do not dare speak for me again" His words made the Shaal gargle in pain as they passed through his mind like blades using his psyche as an icerink.

"Sorry , Sorry , Sorry " the Shaal gargled in his native tongue as he fell to his knees, foam building up around his mouth.

"In Common ... I know you know the word" Darien mentally hissed back causing more pained noise to force from the small opening in the Shaal's throat.

"Sorry , Sorry , Sorry" the Shaal repeated this time in a rough version of the common tongue. Darien let him go and the Shaal fell to the floor on his hands and knees panting. Darien felt a calm coming into him again and the dark hook slipping.

"I was trying to protect you and see you respected Contra-Usul , I am sorry"

He stepped forward until he was over the shaal and gave him a moment to breathe and then spoke into his mind again more calmly, causing no pain this time "I am a god I can handle myself, it is not your place to decide my orders for me ... speak what you came to say and then leave ... you can practice knocking and waiting for admittance somewhere away from here until I have need of you"

The Shaal panted some more "Her Holiness the supreme lady of the skies ... she says the prisoner can go outside with your holiness ... but to kill him if he tries to run" Darien nodded "Good, Out then and remember practice knocking"

Darien watched as the Shaal got to his feet and lumbered out, the guards who had moved to watch all shuffled back into their seats "Tell the guards ... people knock and wait" Ofcourse the Shaal would know that people did not mean gods. When the door was closed again Darien moved to Theryn and it was his turn to touch the other man's cheek "Are you okay?" he asked with a frown "I am allowed to take you on a walk outside ... we can get Darth Stuffty on the way"

Theryn Hearthfire

 

[Theryn Hearthfire]

Darien's offer had the Prince's eyes widening in surprise. It was a most unexpected gift, and it nearly proved enough to bring up tears, he could feel the prickling in the corners of his eyes. He was well practiced in hiding tears, though, so they did not fall because he willed them not to.​

​

"But then, how will you find comfort? I cannot part you from your teddy, will not." The idea of having something to hold was rather enticing though, wasn't it? He'd have to make do with the pillow.​

​

Theryn had become something of a duality in more recent years, capable of brushing up well, looking mighty and Princely, clothes pressed to perfection, but when he got time to be alone, away from the spotlight? It was all he could do to run wild. Meadows were his favourite, especially when the wildflowers blossomed, and his clothes always ended up muddy, stained with not just pollen and grass but the flower petals themselves.​

​

He was happy either way he looked, they both held their allure It felt simply divine to find all eyes on him, as he wandered through some ball, or feast hall, or even just the city of Azar itself. Yet rolling in the mud? Climbing trees, and picking wild berries? That was what his soul cried out for, his heart yearned for, it reminded him of home, of Midvinter, of children being wild and having not a care in the world.​

​

Knee to knee, all of those feelings he'd begun to develop intensified. His eyes were even more beautiful than they'd first seemed, his hair looked delightfully soft, and his plush lips seemed rather inviting. So too was his scent alluring, he didn't wish to breathe any air without it going forward.​

​

His sympathetic expression shattered entirely, as did his swiftly beating heart. Just as he had feared, Darien believed that he was toying with him. Reaching out, he softly tipped up Darien's face and set his gaze upon his. "When it comes to matters of the heart, Master Cordel, I will never joke." That such was even in question made him feel nauseous.​

​

Leaning forward, Theryn gently settled his lips upon Darien's right temple. Soft, lingering, but kept in a respectful spot upon the man's body.​

​

"You are like a fresh blossom breaking through the early spring snow" he reassured him, in all his refusal to let up the compliments, as he sat down, perched within Darien's lap. While Darien rested against him, and brought an arm around his waist, Theryn brushed idly against his cheek.​

​

Whatever threat he was about to make, or consequence he'd have Darien suffer, was fast gone, lost to the mist of memories in his mind. Instead their existence became consumed by the Shaal. It was becoming clearer and clearer that Theryn did not speak the native tongue of the Shaal, he wasn't even really listening to what the Speaker was saying. It wasn't that he believed them below him so to speak, but more that he was used to receiving far more respect than he had as of lately, he was the Crown Prince of Aurum, talks had already been had about simply coronating him even with their Queen alive (her mourning had taken a great toll), nobody stormed into his rooms, nobody yelled at him so vehemently, and nobody grabbed at him.​

​

In fact it was rare that any back on Aurum touched him.​

​

On his knees? Yes, the Shaal was certainly capable of that. His back was turned, his guard down, all that mattered in that moment, all he cared to focus upon, was Darien. So he felt his knees buckled, felt them knock against the hardwood floor, felt the jolt jump through his body. Theryn bit back the expletive which instinctively wanted to rise up, he was a Prince, he did know better than to have no control over himself, but all the same he wished to scream it.​

​

Instead he settled on a simple expulsion of air, an oof so to speak.​

​

Soft orders graced him following his collapse, and a warm hand tipped up his head. Darien looked like a man reborn in that moment, filled to the brim with confidence, grace, and a true divinity. Theryn found himself sinking back onto his butt, bending his legs at the knees and simply watching as the Shaal was commanded so brilliantly. The Prince of course had no idea what was being said, until everything briefly turned to Basic. Several apologies dropped from the Speaker's lips, then he was breathing again and fleeing the room at the request of his God.​

​

Somewhat stunned as he was, it took him a moment to blink and realize that Darien was now knelt before him. Over him, really, for Theryn wasn't the most upright in that moment. A warm hand settled against his cheek, and he drew in a soft breath of relief to feel it, a tingle through his body to know it belonged to Darien.​

​

"Mmm? Quite fine" Quite fine indeed. He turned his head slightly into Darien's touch, then let out a small sigh. "I am most sorry, that was unbecoming of me."​

​

What came next took him quite by surprise.​

​

He could go outside..? With Darien? "Outside? Really..?" He lifted his head and peeked up at the God, for he was most divine with that afterglow of adrenaline sweeping across his face. Even without it, Theryn might argue. "In the grass, perhaps, Your Holiness?" Force, he hoped so.​

​

Darien Cordel ​

 

[Darien Cordel]

It seemed his offer to lend Theryn Darth Stuffty came as quite a surprise. A touching one if Darien was to believe the brief flash of emotion his eyes caught on the man's face before he hid it again. It was true to be without Stuffty would be hard but he was not suffering in the way Theryn was. His family were all dead so though he mourned them he did not have to worry about them. Theryn had a family ... at least he had Mysa and he was a prisoner while Darien was free. One of them certainly needed comfort more than the other.

"I would only be lending him to you," Darien said "I can find comfort in other things for the few days you will need him ... " Darien pressed his lips in concern "You need him more than I do" Darien took a deep breath "I want you to have him" Darth Stuffty might even protect Theryn. Darien hoped he wouldn't need protection ofcourse but he did not know the rest of the gods. He'd only really met Arcturus. He seemed reasonable and as Darien saw it the god owed him a favour.

Even if this man was making a fool of him Darien would save him. He had to save him because he could play no part in the killing of someone like him ... even if he did decide to kill Darien.

He had spoken his fear out into the world now. His head hung and he waited to hear whether he was a fool for falling for a cruel joke or whether he would merely be a fool who had doubted genuine feelings. Gentle but freezing cold fingers tilted his head up and forced his eyes to lock on Theryns. They were soon misting up as the prince declared with such certainty that he would never joke about matters of the heart, so the heart was in it too. He didn't cry in a great wailing help but he did need to blink away a few tears.

"Okay ...." he whimpered "Promise?" He mumbled.

His first answer was a kiss on his temple. It was like the touch of ice and then it was on fire. The power this boy had over him. He could torture him with the slightest brush of skin.

He was a fresh flower now as he lay against Theryn their arms around each other. He realised as they sat in that brief stillness between the initial confirmation of comfort and the interrupted words, which might have been threat or promise, that he had not been physically comforted like this since he last saw Mysa and if not for all that was happening he might have sobbed. He suspected he would sob later. This would be a lot for him when he realised all that had happened. All he might lose.

He ought to be used to losing people now but it never stopped hurting. If he didn't save Theryn could he ever face Mysa again? What would he say to her ? How could he even look her in the eye ... no it was too much it was all too much. Perhaps that had been what brought the dark up inside him and made him call to the more destructive flows of the force to punish his upstart speaker. That and watching Theryn forced to his knees. Who knows how far the speaker would have pushed if Darien had not snapped? Thankfully Darien never had to find out. He couldn't apologise to Theryn right away but he urged him to sit expecting him to go to the bed or the lounger ... he remained on the floor hugging his legs to himself.

He hadn't felt confident or graceful. Only angry. Indignant perhaps. He was angry for what was being done to Theryn. It was upsetting to him to see the man ill-treated but he was also angry for himself. This Shaal had thought himself worthy of speaking for a god, of taking it upon himself to pull someone from his presence. It made him look weak and he could not have that. He was their god, yes but he was also their Contra-Usul. He had to be strong.

He would be strong.

Once Aerthro had scurried away he did feel a rush of strength and confidence. He could be mighty and strong given the right encouragement. It seemed Theryn was the right encouragement.

Theryn seemed so shaken as Darien knelt before him. He smiled in what he hoped was a reassuring way as the man blinked at him. It must have been a hellish few days for the Prince and Darien longed to make it just a little better. His hands moved to rest on Theryn's knees. Those poor knees and down the Prince's legs right to the tips of the prince's toes. "You do not need to be sorry, I am sure you have been under a lot of stress, I am sorry he got so ahead of himself ... I do believe he was trying to protect me but the Shaal can be much too aggression minded" He stroked back up to settle his hands on Theryn's knees again.

Perhaps a trip outside would be enough to make it up to Theryn. "Really, I promise we can spend the rest of our time together outside once we have Stuffty" he nodded, blushing as Theryn used one of his many titles "You don't need to call me that in here"

Carefully he got to his feet again and looked around "Do you have shoes?" he asked, scanning again as he told the guards he was takingTheryn on a walk and asking what it would take for them to leave the pair alone

 

[Theryn Hearthfire]

Just lending it for a few days still felt a little much, like he was somehow unintentionally taking advantage of Darien. He wasn't, not consciously at least, if anything he didn't want the man parted from his stuffy at all.. Yet Darien seemed incessant. "Well, only if you promise to visit" he said, his cheeky little grin coming back into play, "Then he shan't miss you, and you can get in all the cuddles you'd like."​

​

From who exactly? Well, that was up to Darien to decide he supposed.​

​

Darien's insecurities tore at him as he tipped up his chin and saw those eyes misting over for real. His hand shifted up from the man's chin, knuckles gently grazing across his cheek bone as his thumb stretched out to wipe away the tears as they left trails in their wake.​

​

"I promise" he whispered solemnly, "And I will keep on promising, keep on confirming as much, for as long as you need me to." That first kiss to his temple was soon followed by a second to his other, and then their eyes were locked again. He could feel the tremor of unreleased emotions washing through the man, and in response he held him closer, tighter, buried his face down into his hair to let him know, in no uncertainty, that he was safe.​

​

As chaos fell and Theryn was knocked to his knees, he sat and stared at the pair as they engaged in a mental duel of words. He continued to simply stare once all was said and done, to look upon Darien with sheer awe. Rhiannon had claimed there were no real Divines here, that this was all make believe, but as he looked up at the man all he could see was Godhood incarnate. It was as though he was glowing, radiating, he could have been treading air for all that Theryn knew and he would not think it out of place.​

​

He just nodded simply as the man spoke to him, assured him there was no need for apology, that he understood the stress and pressure he was under. The hand which was drawn up and down his leg, from knee to toes and back again, caused his breathing to hitch and his body to shiver. Warm... So very warm.​

​

Theryn didn't want that feeling to stop. Goosebumps danced along his exposed skin, and he found himself staring at Darien's lips, unable to even really look him in the eye right now. Intoxicating, that's what Darien Cordel was, he took all of the air in the room and scrunched it into a small circle around himself, and it was only there, in his presence, that Theryn could possibly breathe.​

​

"I wish to be sorry" he whispered, "I seek forgiveness, not erasure, petal..."​

​

The promise was reiterated alongside reddened cheeks, and soon the shoe was on the other foot for it was Darien insisting he not speak titles when they were alone. He couldn't help but smirk slightly. "But you are oh so Divine, Your Eminence" he cooed, pushing his luck just a little just as Darien had earlier. ​

​

With that small act of teasing out of the way he seemed to soften once more. And more than that, find his confidence, his strength. He rose up to his feet as Darien spoke with the guards, who informed him that he was already permitted to take Theryn to the gardens alone, in their own tongue of course. The man asked him about his shoes, and he slowly shook his head.​

​

"I was not wearing them when I crashed here" he muttered, "And I don't much care for them regardless. Would it bother you to find me barefoot in the lawn?"​

​

Waiting for Darien to lead the way, so that he could not be accused of trying to make a break for it, he wandered out of the room and toward that which Darien presently occupied. It felt weird, in fact the first step he took across the threshold was hesitant, he even held his breath for it and walked upon his tiptoes. Eyes darted down the hall, only no icy Goddess came storming down toward them. ​

​

Only then did he exhale. Only then did he hasten to stand alongside Darien, still lagging behind just a step so as to upkeep the power balance which was intended to be between them. After all, Darien was a God and a free man. It was Theryn who was here by force.​

​

Darien Cordel ​

 

[Darien Cordel]

Darien was insistent. In a way giving Theryn the use of Darth stuffty now was sort of like paying Mysa back for being there for him in the days following the death of his father. He was glad he didn't have to keep pushing through, insisting once was hard, twice almost impossible he had dreaded having to pluck up enough to try a third time "I will visit every day if you let me" he promised, how many days it would take for the other gods to arrive he didn't know but he would not leave Theryn locked in here alone anymore. Seeing Theryn grin again made Darien's face light up. He wondered who he was going to get cuddles from and he hoped it would be both Theryn and the bear.

Theryn gave very nice cuddles.

Though Darien teared up Theryn drew no spoken attention to the wetness, simply brushing it away with the movement of a cool thumb and knuckles along his cheek. Darien appreciated that. It spared him embaressment but still allowed him to be comforted.

Then he promised. Darien's heart thudded violently at those words. He had never been given the blanket promise of reassurance. Father had always tended to his fears but he had never said that if Darien needed it he would always offer up promises of reassurance and confirmation. Darien wished to beleive he would but Father was always slightly distant given his work. Theryn seemed utterly genuine though and anyy further worry or doubt Darien might have expressed was silenced. A secound kiss to his left temple came. His bleary eyes locked onto Theryn's mismatched ones and then he was being pulled in tight to be almost cradled by the man in his lap. He felt a weight settle on his head holding him in place and began to let out air as if deflating. the stress in his shoulders loosened and for a moment there was a feeling of more complete safety.

Once the choas settled and with Darien apparently glowing with adrenaline they were before eachother again, eye to eye. Atleast for a little time. The tables had turned in many ways it seemed. Now his touches were making Theryn wriggle and pant. Still Darien did not deviate. moving his fingers steadily across the beutiful skin of the prince. Prehaps one day his prince. It was alarming to think like that and yet ... enthralling too. He felt powerful in that moment. The haze of his defence of the prince coupled with the effect he was now having upon him.

As Theryn's eyes lowered Darien's did too going first to the princes lips and then to his legs and onto his feet. He watched the goosebumps appear and smiled even broader. Then Theryn was explaining he wanted forgiveness and not erasure. He wanted to be sorry ... to Darien. Or petal he called him again making Darien blush even in his powered up state.

"Is it enough for me just to say I forgive you ?" he asked glanceing to Theryn's hand "Or do you need to think of a way to make it up to me?" he asked looking up with a genuine expression. Forgiveness not erasure

Theryn was calling him divine afterall. Darien had not and was not actually forbidding Theryn to use his title he simply offered him up the ability not to but he could see that Theryn though he had been cheeky and as Darien's hands moved back down Theryn's legs to settle upon the tops of his feet Darien leant in "Are you trying to be naughty? ... Sir" He teased back. Something about Theryn made him feel more confident than normal. when he wasn't sick with terror of him that is.

Soon enough it was time that they got on with getting Theryn out of the room for a temporary reprieve. The gaurds were quick to say that they would never presume that a god could not handle the responsibility of the prisoner. There would be no shadow. That was good it meant Theryn could better enjoy his freedom. The only worry then was Theryn's attire. The most glaring his bare feet. Theryn confirmed he had no shoes having crashed without them and not having been provided with any.

Darien paused in putting his own shoes on to gaze sypathetically at Theryn "You got dragged all this way barefoot ... your poor feet" he pouted "It would never bother me what you wore, esspecially if you don't like shoes but I would worry about how you got to the lawn barefoot ... I don't want you suffering discomfort ... if you want shoes I can get some sent for you ... " he looked at his feet and then Theryn's they were not likely to be the same size.

Once Theryn was free .... Theryn would be free ... Darien would just have him carried when he didn't want to wear shoes.

Only when they had resolved that did Darien begin to lead them out. Theryn moved tentitivly at first. hopping on his tiptoes as if sneaking out but soon becoming comfortable to walk properly albeit a step behind Darien. If he had his way Theryn would work proudly beside him but he knew better than to do that. It was important that it be seen that Theryn was treated as a prisoner until a decision on him had been made. So single file it was to be.

Darien's suite was the floor above Theryn's in a quiet corner. No doubt Arcturus' selection for him. It was kind if it was. The door was gairded by two shall but they differed from the others. They were Darien's men. Marked by their gold plate with it's coloured acents and more noteably the fact taht both had a right horn significantly shorter than the left. Weapons were forbidden in Mercuitie. Only the gaurds could carry them and only on duty. The price they paid was to have a somewhat embarassing but not permenant mark for Shaal that was a docked right horn. A reminder that they served the city and its people from an eqaul place not above them.

Darien's room itself was peaceful and plain. He had more decoration than Theryn's and more in the way of comforts. His harp sat in the corner by a french window which led to a balcony. There was a secound tea pot and plenty of cushions. Once the door was closed Darien took Theryn by the hand and led him to Darth Stuffty before handing the bear over "Sit down while I find another layer ... do you need one ?" He asked as he crossed to the wardrobe.

 

[Theryn Hearthfire]

Darien would visit him every day, if only Theryn would allow it? The Prince nodded his head, eagerly at first before he caught himself. It would not do to get too ahead of himself, what if Darien only wanted to return to see Stuffty? He swallowed, and then smiled. "I would like that. I'm sure Stuffty would be more than grateful to see you. However will he get through the night without you?" His words hovered on the edge of a double entendre, though how intentional that was was hard to tell.​

​

All that he knew was that he'd very much like to see more of the man.​

​

Theryn did not let up in his protective hold of Darien until the Shaal made it impossible to remain in place. It was nice to feel the man softening, as though a weight was being pushed from his shoulders. Nice to hear the gentle exhale of relief. Theryn turned his head, about to press his lips into Darien's hair, when the interruption came.​

​

The moment truly ruined, the tender touches he was presented with in the aftermath felt all the more sacred. Darien had fought for him... And now he knelt before Theryn, he stroked his legs and gave reassurance. Then came a question, which in and of itself sent a fresh shiver down his spine. Was him stating his forgiveness enough? Yes, that would always be enough if it was what Darien willed, and yet there was a tiny jolt of excitement as he considered figuring out ways to make it up to him.​

​

"Both..?" came his whispered response, "If you choose to accept my apologies, then that will always be enough... But finding some way to make it up to you sounds.... fun." Another grin, though this one was underpinned with just a touch of nervousness in his brow.​

​

Darien's response to his repeated use of his divine title had him leaning in toward Theryn. A challenge hung in the air between them, his feet gently set beneath the man's hands, and he bit the inside of his lower lip. "Whatever am I to do with you?" he whispered, as he reached up a hand to gently dance the fingertips across Darien's cheek. "You must truly be Divine, Dari-darling, for you have me quite firmly under your spell. Bewitched, and most willingly so."​

​

Was he trying to be naughty? Was Darien?​

​

"What if I am?" he inquired, perking a brow and gently smirking, "You're being rather bold yourself, Petal. A little too bold, perhaps..." Every muscle in his body yearned for that last gap between them to be bridged, for his lips to seek more than just temple or hair, but what if that ruined things? Theryn could feel his heart in his throat, and instead he moved his other hand and gently grasped at Darien's shirt, pulling him closer. He did not lean in for a kiss, however, instead his head turned slightly as he set his lips to Darien's ear.​

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"Were I not your prisoner, I'd make you regret it, Your Holiness... See that title replaced with tender begging." Not that Theryn had any experience with such. All he knew in that moment was that Darien had consumed him, and he wanted the teasing to go further, wanted to see where it would take them. Theryn wasn't even entirely sure if he wanted the reins, but in that moment he had to convince Darien that he would.​

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It felt... vital.​

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Darien picked up on the fact that he'd been dragged across the continent to the Sky Temple on bare feet, and he nodded softly, almost humbly in response, cheeks and eyes lighting up when Darien referred to his feet as poor. They were hard done to in that case, weren't they? He was used to frolicking through meadows, soft grass, dirt, but the ground had fast turned rocky the closer they got to the Temple. Even now they showed small signs of the abuse they'd endured, not that Theryn tried to show Darien at all. Quite the opposite, he did not want the man to find out at all. He knew it would upset Darien further, and frankly Theryn wanted to forget that part of the journey.​

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"I promise I will be fine without, though I appreciate the concern. A swift walk to the lawn is nothing compared to a cross-continent trek."​

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Then they were off down the hall, up a flight of stairs, and before the door to Dari's room. He kept his head down along the way, even when they halted. Just as Darien presumed it had been picked quite specifically for its quiet surroundings and location by Arcturus himself.​

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He peeked up only when he heard the door opening, but upon seeing the fierce Shaal with their docked horns he looked back down. As much as he'd been longing to get out, now that he was free from the room he felt an ever present weight upon him, as though eyes lingered all around, and death awaited him at any and every corner.​

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"A-Adamanthea, she... sanctioned this?" he inquired, once they were inside the room and the door had closed. Even now he couldn't shake the fact that she wanted him dead, simply for his existence here. What if this was just a ruse to make it seem as though he were trying to escape?​

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Was Darien in on it?​

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He held his breath, heart fighting to keep a flow of oxygen even with his refusal to draw in more. The hand in his was warm, gentle, and as he was dragged toward the bed such thoughts were immediately banished. No, certainly not. He couldn't be in on it.​

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Theryn wrapped his arms around the dog-eared bear and held him close, leaning down slightly to inhale the scent. It was an intensified form of Darien, caused by years of use. Divine, perfect. When asked if he needed another layer, he quickly said a soft "No thank you, Petal." He longed to feel the cool air on his skin, bundling up would only make him feel further smothered.​

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He didn't sit, though he had been bid to do so, instead he wandered across the room, Stuffty still in his arms, and knelt before the harp. Oh, blessed music. It had been so long since he'd had an instrument to play. He was not totally familiar with harps, but he did use a lyre here and there on Midvinter and they were similar.​

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Reaching out he brushed his fingers against the array of strings, then settled Stuffty into his lap in order to pluck a haunting yet sprightly melody into existence.​

​

Darien Cordel ​

 

[Darien Cordel]

Darien caught the initial enthusiasm of the nod, he was shy and not always well-versed in social cues but he could tell there had been an eagerness in Theryn's approval of his frequent return. Whether that was from a desire to see him that much or simply a way to mitigate his own guilt at having taken Darien's stuffed toy ... all be it temporarily. There was a clue in what Theryn said though. How would they sleep that night? "I will come as often as I can but you'll just have to give him lots of love when I can't be here" Darien wasn't going anywhere near entendre until he knew whether all this was some joke at his expense.

If he'd thrown Stuffty into the balance though something in him must have known it wasn't.

Even with the assurance later given Darien could not justify staying the night. That would bring too much attention onto them and besides Darien didn't know if he was ready for such a bold declaration of intent. He didn't even know what his intent was. Theryn made him feel so many new things and he needed time to process them. To figure out how everything joined up. Until he could he was happy with the hugging and gentle touching. They would have time to figure out what more they both wanted ... eventually.

He hoped. If he didn't think about the looming threat over Theryn maybe it would never come to fruition. They would never have to worry about gods and death.

Both? An apology was just accepted but still making up to be done. It felt ... too much for Darien to accept. He had not wanted an apology at all. It had been Theryn who insisted that he wish to be sorry and he did not want his apparent transgression merely erased. he wanted it forgiven.

"I forgive you but ... " he ventured "Only on the provision that you do something soon to make it up to me" Who was he to deprive Theryn of what little fun he could find after all?

His leaning in was having his desired effect, he saw Theryns plump lip shrink as he chewed upon it. The thud of his heart was loud in Darien's ear ... or was that his own heart? The feet softly trapped beneath his hands twitching slightly and those hands trailing his cheek as Theryn declared himself bewitched. It was intoxicating Theryn was correct an intoxicating moment. Yet another pet name circled around his mind. Dari-Darling and a question hung unanswered in the air. Darien did not know the answer. He didn't know what he wanted Theryn to do. If he were not rested on his hands he'd have shrugged but he could not so there was only the coy smile.

He didn't answer in time. before the words passed his lips more came from Theryn. First nothing untoward. what if Theryn was trying to be naughty "Well I would say you can call me any title you like so you aren't naughty for that ... but trying to be naughty well ... " he hummed as a disappointed parent or teacher might. Then Theryn was talking. There were smirks and tender names but there was also an allegation that he was too bold. To a mind less fragile than Darien's they might have seen that it was flirtation but Darien had never been bold before, at least in this way, and it had taken a lot for him to be. He had fuelled it with the adrenaline and at the words all that fuel was gone.

His hands fell from Theryn's feet even as The prince leaned forward to seize his shirt and say more words that carried double edges. "I already regret it" Darien promised the tone of everything lost on him. he heard only the words. "I promise I do"

Too Bold

He knew them to be true.

"I'm sorry ... I'm sorry I was just playing along ... trying ... I don't know what I'm doing" He sobbed