timeskips ahoy

[iconoclassist]

[So. Some time has passed on all these adventures. Eventually, people did settle down--well, some of them. Oryn's trading is doing well, Tora and his wife were, one presumed, well-off and not eating people. Sanaz had, of course, wandered off again, but such things were expected.

In the case of a certain elf, she had said there was some business she needed to sort through in Ra-Zehman, but in deference to how badly the desert agreed with him, been incredibly stubborn on sending Konstantin home ahead.

Which brings us to today, where a cloaked, tall woman has wandered right on into the castle, freaking out the guards who swore they never saw her come in, followed by a gleaming white stag and, one assumes, a veritable menagerie somewhere outside waiting.

What do.]

Comments

[fieldarcanum]

[What do you think he's doing? He's sitting on the throne since he is now the king, one leg crossed over the other, leaned on his hand, glass of wine in the other hand. The rest of the court doesn't know what to make of her.]

It has been some time.

[iconoclassist]

Not so long, in the grand scheme of things. But some unorthodox measures had to be taken...your Highness.

[She does push her hood back, before kneeling as is proper. Apparently someone saw fit to beat manners into her before releasing her back into the wall.]

[fieldarcanum]

I see your time in the courts of Ra-Zehman have tempered you some. But do rise, old friend. Ceremony does not suit our purposes here.

[iconoclassist]

Is that so?

[Well, then. He wanted her to march right on up to the throne to hug him, then, right? Nevermind the fuss this is certain to call.]

I missed you.

[fieldarcanum]

[He will pull her into a tight embrace, then, with the hand not occupied.]

So I see! You never were one for being so open before...

[iconoclassist]

Even I get tired of keeping up appearances and dancing around the rules, Konstantin.

[Switching to Elvish is probably more for her benefit than anything else.]

It was a pain in the ass to convince them to let me stay here! Guides don't usually get assigned new territories like this...

[fieldarcanum]

I think we can find you another title beyond "guide" if the notion bothers you too much.

[But he'll brush his lips along her ear and whisper.]

But stay draped over me like this and you might cause a scene.

[iconoclassist]

That's almost tempting.

[She shudders, some, and then stands...although not before kissing him pretty roughly.]

Maybe this once, I could enjoy causing a scene?

[fieldarcanum]

[He looks up at her, taking a drink from his glass, and considering.]

Is that your aim, Shirin? I am certain that you're capable of it... though I am curious to what end you intend to do so.

[iconoclassist]

Oh, I came with a message...that I'm sure they'll all start flailing about once they pick their jaws up off the floor.

[Digging around in her cloak, to produce a rather official looking envelope, with the Queen's seal and all.]

As a gesture of thanks towards Aravalle's continued friendship with Ra-Zehman, from this day forward a Guide will be assigned to protect the life and health of this country as if it were our own soil.

[She salutes, arm across her chest, and bows partially, so he can't see the absolutely shit-eating grin.] This guide, in point of fact.

[fieldarcanum]

Ever has Ra-Zehman stood as an ally of Aravalle. We accept this most gracious gift of the empress. I hope you will find your stay to be to your liking.

[He's as subdued as ever, but he does seem to be very pleased with this announcement.]

[iconoclassist]

I'm sure I'll find this agreeable as my new home.

[The chittering has finally started up from the court, and she can't quite hold a laugh.]

Although, perhaps I should wait for you, as to not further disturb your courtiers?

[fieldarcanum]

I will retired to my chambers shortly, have my servants guide you.

[He sighs, some. Oh boy, politics. This is why he went on adventures for years.]

[iconoclassist]

[No, he went on adventures for years because his father literally forced him. But, either way, she'll go to wait in his chambers...or rather, curiously inspect his chambers since, you know, she hasn't actually been to Aravalle before.]

[fieldarcanum]

[Well, given it's a grand castle of white marble and burnished steel, it kind of looks like the sort of chambers he should be ordering the execution of peasants from. Possibly having freaky orgies with summoned fiends or something? But she'll find enough of his personal touches around to prove he's not, in fact, a monster, and still the same man she knew then.]

Sorry to keep you waiting.

[iconoclassist]

It's fine. I kept you waiting a couple years...I can wait this long in return.

[Really, this just all leaves her wondering a lot of things about Matthias. But she'll turn to face him, once he comes in.]

[fieldarcanum]

[A man is allowed certain eccentricities when he's a widower and also is pretty much Dracula. But he smiles at her all the same and walks over to her.]

You have been absent for quite some time, it is true.

[iconoclassist]

I didn't expect them to make a fuss for quite this long, or I might have done it differently, I'll admit. But...I got what I wanted out of it. My duty won't keep me from you, now.

[fieldarcanum]

It's true. You've no reason to ever leave my side again, Shirin. Indeed, you are welcome never to do so again, if you wish.

[He smiles down at her, perhaps taking her hand in his.]

[iconoclassist]

Ohhh? Care to spell that out, Konstantin?

[She's perfectly happy to take his hand, maybe even step closer to him. She's just as warm as he might remember her being. Really, in two years, the only thing that's really changed is the length of her hair.]

[fieldarcanum]

You would love for me to do so, wouldn't you? Despite having spelled it out for you before, so many times. And yet you have never done so, to my recollection. You have always asked I do so, in word or deed. Curious...

[iconoclassist]

Hmm...perhaps it's just that you never asked?

[fieldarcanum]

Then tell me, in word or action, what it is you have been burning to say this whole time, Shirin.

[iconoclassist]

[Well, then. Since he asked, she'll reach up to take his face in her hands...and then just bump her forehead to his?]

...I love you. Since long before I was even comfortable with the idea that I could fall in love.

[fieldarcanum]

If a man who was literally a monster could find love, why would you be unable to, Shirin? What makes you less deserving?

[He will hug her to him, then, cloak or no.]