iconoclassist | My desire for elfs is great.

My desire for elfs is great.

[So. As per the arrangment, certain elves went out wandering in pretty short order, almost as if they were trying to keep out of the way while the politics of keeping a pet elf were sorted out. Her sense of timing is nothing if not impeccable--she returns in a couple weeks, and she appears to have brought a couple captured criminals, two lions and a giant white stag with her. Also, some incredibly tall bows that most of the guard can't even manage to pull back. The stag itself was carrying enough potted plants and shooting to turn her room into a veritable forest, as well.

Wandering does seem to have left her in a better mood, but it is curious that reports of various natural disasters being fixed seem to follow in the wake of her travels, all across the province. It's not really possible to travel all of Aravalle in a fortnight on foot, is it...?

Well, questions aside, by the time evening rolls around, she's making faces at the dresses helpfully provided by the staff, and Konstantin probably fond the more friendly of the murderbeasts trying to get into his room for play.]

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[Well, it turns out that murderbeasts and him get along pretty well. Something about how predators recognize bigger predators or vampiric dominance or some other rot; whatever, it's hardly like he put stock in it.

But he will be walking about, greeting his staff for the evening apparently accompanied, as it is, and listening to the stories and the complaints about having to redo the gardens again, with no small amount of amusement.

The criminals, though, that gives him pause.]

[Poachers, the both of them, or so they claim--they're suspiciously well-spoken and well-armed for such. And reports on what was brought back as their effects include a stunning and truly terrifying amount of poison--and wooden stakes.

So not just poachers.

The both of them are badly wounded and were given into the care of the guardsmen, but they're alive, and will remain so until he decides otherwise.]

[It doesn't take very long, for the situation to be explained by him and by the guards, and well. It doesn't take him very long to decide. Men are awarded trials, in this nation. Men have a right to defend themselves, too. If the odds are against them, lethal force is fine. And other than the king, Konstantin is the highest authority in Aravalle.

It's not long before he's walking from the jail cell with the blush of health about him.]

[One of the murderbeasts did peel off when the decision was made...about the time he leaves the jail, it's returned, with elf in toe.]

...Ah. I thought you might want to have a...look at them yourself.

The matter's handled. It's of no further concern.

[And that seems to be about as much as he wants to say on the matter.]

You've been gone a fair while, Shirin.

I wanted to see some things for myself.

[Tilting her head.]

I may have somewhat underestimated the time it would take. I wouldn't call it a loss, though...I've heard any number of interesting things.

I imagine so. An elf in these lands is not unheard of, but far from common. But, I suppose, the question remains: what have you decided, Shirin?

...Well for one, I've decided we're not having this conversation here, in front of what will probably end up being your entire household staff, so.

[She gestures for him to follow her, and she appears to be heading right back to her chambers.]

Do you know your maids write fiction speculating on the romantic relationships in this place? It's...flattering but I'm not sure you breathe enough for so much heaving chests.

I've taken to trying to more. It seems to put the staff at ease.

[Vampire problems, man.]

But very well, I will hear your answer in private, then.

You'd think your staff would be used to it.

[But, once they get to her room, she's...sighing a little, and actually reaching up to undo that ever-present ponytail of hers. Turns out, she has way more hair than it looks like.]

...I suppose this is a little silly, isn't it? You know, and I know, that I already made the decision to stay. But...I won't stay as a pet, or as a servant, Konstantin. I'll stand here on equal footing, or not at all.

I realize I've little to bargain with, but that's simply the way it is--my pride's all I have to my name. I can't very well just throw it away.

I offered you a place as a servant because it circumvented the political machinations would make you staying here rather difficult. I can understand the blow to your pride, though.

[He is deeply considering this idea.]

You have precious little to bargain with. Your blood, i suppose, and the plants you have brought. A token effort -- but not an unnoticed one.

Those...may not be a concern much longer. Or rather, if the signs I'm reading are true, the Queen will have a much bigger mess to make than fussing over what happens to me.

[She goes quiet, for a time.] ...Or is it the politics on the human side of things, that concerns you?

I am the king's trusted companion. My own loyalty is beyond reproach.

[He smiles.]

So, you wish to be an equal. I can except it.... Offer me some token of loyalty, is all I ask.

A token...[She's thinking this over for a minute or two, before rummaging around in one of her drawers for something--a key on a chain, with a fiery opal set in the center of it.]

As I said, I don't exactly have the tools for a proper tattooing...and I can't exactly do that to myself, anyway. This will have to be enough.

I was asking you to swear loyalty, Shirin.

[He laughs and reaches a hand out to her.]

But I suppose if you are to be my equal the king will be demanding that in time.

Do...do you not do fealty markings? [SHE IS VERY CONFUSED but she'll take his hand.]

We do not. Perhaps we should.

[He will pull her in close. Now here's the question. Is he going to go for a kiss or a bite?]

[Well, bite might be trickier with all this glorious hair in the way. She's definitely not trying to escape either outcome.]

Well, it needn't be tattoos...I think I've plenty of ear left that I can pierce. Finding the proper stone might be tricky, though.

I don't recall your hair being this long when you left, Shirin. What did you do?

[He is watching her, curious -- she can see his fangs, though if he intends to use them is another question entirely.]

I work primarily outdoors but didn't want to cut my hair short. It's been this long, I've just got about a century of knowing tricks to keep it manageable.

[...Well, what happens if she just reaches up and traces a finger along his lips.]

You know, I feel like I've been exceptionally honest with you...isn't it your turn to be honest? It feels like you want something.

Mm, I suppose that I could be...

[He is leaning in and kissing her. And perhaps a bit more properly than he usually does - he has a hand on the small of her back, and a hand on her cheek as they do so, all of the sudden.]

[Well, this is surprising, but she's definitely not complaining. She's a little more awkward when it's not done in a violent, passionate haze between tearing clothes off, but she's still a pretty good kisser. More importantly though, something's just occurred to her.]

...Konstantin. I'm not very good at this. So if you don't tell me what you're thinking, I won't know.

No. No, I will not.

[Her neck may be covered, but dagger ears have points and he has a tongue.]

Now pull your hair back.

[She huffs a little, but she'll pull her hair over to one side so he can get to neck. Sure, he pretty obviously just ate but, that was also a clearly touchy subject so she's not bringing it up.]

Really.

Shirin, you're going to live among humans, you're going to have to read them as I have. After all, I am a man, more or less, even if I am sometimes much more and less.

[She can feel him smile against her neck.]

Besides... I know the reaction that my fangs bring. Yours is not that. You enjoy this more than I do, I think.

[But she's getting him biting into her throat. He's not drinking much, just more that he wanted to bite into her, it seems. Really just slowly sink fangs in, take his time, and then slowly, pointedly lick the wounds closed.]

Hhaaa....

[There's less noise this time, but it might be because he's left her literally breathless and it's hard to be loud that way.]

T-that seems unlikely...you're not even biting to drink, most of the time, anymore. I think you're getting something from this I can't quite understand...

[Actually, no, Shirin, you understand boners just peachy.]

[He chuckles.]

Yes, why would I ever want a beautiful woman gasping and writhing in my arms, addicted to the pleasure that I can uniquely bring her? Truthfully, it's a mystery even unto myself. A riddle perhaps for royal historians in a brighter, more learned time.

[Snorting.]

Just going to keep ignoring what I'm getting at, aren't you? Fine.

[Looks like it's time for the double-handed ass honk.]

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My desire for elfs is great.

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