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stardustly2018-01-01 07:23 pm
ofstarlight) wrote in stardustly2018-01-01 07:23 pm
Entry tags:
open scenes post
code by photosynthesis
[ The more his husband carried on, the further Kai's heart sunk in his chest. Not the most friendly of people besides the whole returning his pelt in the first place. A rare act then? How unfortunate to marry someone not very nice or open minded. Sighing, a deepening frown overtook his face. So much for a pleasant wedding day or wedding night. ]
It can't be broken. Selkie bonds are in the fabric of the universe. The water that bonds us all and makes up most of our bodies. We're tethered now and if you fall in love with me the bond will click in fully and neither of us can be hurt. It'll be stronger but it's still official now. [ They couldn't die either but the immortality aspect might freak the fae out at the moment. There were small technical ways to end them but they were rare and hardly a concern. ]
If you try to deny or break the bond, you'll hurt yourself and .... [ One way to end him before the love aspect - break his heart. ] Before you fall in love with me - if you reject me I can die. Selkies can't die of much but we can of broken hearts.
It can't be broken. Selkie bonds are in the fabric of the universe. The water that bonds us all and makes up most of our bodies. We're tethered now and if you fall in love with me the bond will click in fully and neither of us can be hurt. It'll be stronger but it's still official now. [ They couldn't die either but the immortality aspect might freak the fae out at the moment. There were small technical ways to end them but they were rare and hardly a concern. ]
If you try to deny or break the bond, you'll hurt yourself and .... [ One way to end him before the love aspect - break his heart. ] Before you fall in love with me - if you reject me I can die. Selkies can't die of much but we can of broken hearts.
[ Moving further inside, Kai let his eyes sweep around the area, trying to piece together some details about his new husband. A joyful occasion no matter how it happened because selkies needed the bond to stabilize. Something even more important for him because of the instability of his selkie. No one really understood why and for a Prince or troubled everyone in the sea. But now his new husband would help e everything!
Sitting down, he paused almost dramatically as the name registered. Oh. Uh oh. Wow. A hellhound; okay, not just any either but the main one! How mad would the underworld be when they learned of the bond? How furious would his mother and the council be? Poseidon didn't exactly have a wonderful relationship with the underworld. This wouldn't help at all. ]
Uh - I'm Kai. Prince and heir of the selkie kingdom. [ More like the ocean kingdom but he didn't want to freak the hound out more. He would be in charge - no, they would be in charge of all the sea and those who tied to it. Mermaids, selkie, kelpies, sirens and so on. Poseidon being more of an overseer who finalized the laws and passed judgements when needed. ]
But I'm guessing you'll know who I am too.
Sitting down, he paused almost dramatically as the name registered. Oh. Uh oh. Wow. A hellhound; okay, not just any either but the main one! How mad would the underworld be when they learned of the bond? How furious would his mother and the council be? Poseidon didn't exactly have a wonderful relationship with the underworld. This wouldn't help at all. ]
Uh - I'm Kai. Prince and heir of the selkie kingdom. [ More like the ocean kingdom but he didn't want to freak the hound out more. He would be in charge - no, they would be in charge of all the sea and those who tied to it. Mermaids, selkie, kelpies, sirens and so on. Poseidon being more of an overseer who finalized the laws and passed judgements when needed. ]
But I'm guessing you'll know who I am too.
[Easal likes talking. He likes the sound of his own voice. He knows how to talk around things and delve into heard truths, and he takes full advantage of it. There are plenty of seelie like him, but he's aware of that. He tries to keep himself apart by being upfront about it all.
Now here he stands, married to a selkie. Forever and after, as it were. They'll have time to come around to each other at the very least, he thinks. A slow growing relationship should have time to take root.
The blush is adorable. Easal beams.]
Is that the reason! Security! A grand scheme, that. I'd never catch on. I can't think of any others who would either. There are other security measures to worry and fret about, but scents! Oh I like that. It's like a mystery.
[It's true. But the fae, all of them, take advantage of technologies when they're away from their realm of magic. In many ways, magic and letters are simply easier than trying to fuss with something new that needs too many modifications to keep functioning properly. Besides that, the importance of a letter can't be replaced with a few hilarious emojis and Rickrolls (oh yes, Easal knows about the Rickroll. He thinks it's great).]
My father, yes. [It does no harm to confirm what Kai has already pieced together.] I don't foresee an unending ire from him. Really, I don't know that he will mind at all the happening, but if I am lax in reporting in to him he will be quite angry indeed. He does like to be in the know.
[His expression brightens at both the question and admittance, his smile small but genuine.] I am, alas, but the third son and heir. Had you met my eldest brother Ansic in my stead, this conversation would be quite different. A prince yourself! How fortuitous. That is what many will say, I am sure of it. Father included.
And you, your family, will they be disturbed? Seelie are so well known and for so many reasons, not all good.
Now here he stands, married to a selkie. Forever and after, as it were. They'll have time to come around to each other at the very least, he thinks. A slow growing relationship should have time to take root.
The blush is adorable. Easal beams.]
Is that the reason! Security! A grand scheme, that. I'd never catch on. I can't think of any others who would either. There are other security measures to worry and fret about, but scents! Oh I like that. It's like a mystery.
[It's true. But the fae, all of them, take advantage of technologies when they're away from their realm of magic. In many ways, magic and letters are simply easier than trying to fuss with something new that needs too many modifications to keep functioning properly. Besides that, the importance of a letter can't be replaced with a few hilarious emojis and Rickrolls (oh yes, Easal knows about the Rickroll. He thinks it's great).]
My father, yes. [It does no harm to confirm what Kai has already pieced together.] I don't foresee an unending ire from him. Really, I don't know that he will mind at all the happening, but if I am lax in reporting in to him he will be quite angry indeed. He does like to be in the know.
[His expression brightens at both the question and admittance, his smile small but genuine.] I am, alas, but the third son and heir. Had you met my eldest brother Ansic in my stead, this conversation would be quite different. A prince yourself! How fortuitous. That is what many will say, I am sure of it. Father included.
And you, your family, will they be disturbed? Seelie are so well known and for so many reasons, not all good.
[ the hound doesn't mean to wince when Kai gives him his name and title, really he doesn't but-- well shit. he knows of Kai, flicker of a mention at a meeting where he attended for show (and was bored the whole time), and knows that he is more closely tied with the god of the sea than most. of course he couldn't have gone and gotten himself engaged to just some selkie; he just had to aim for the heir.
fuck, Adder might just kill him.
with a muffled noise that is half whine and half sigh, Ros drops his head into his hands and rubs his face before carding his fingers through his damp hair.]
Fuck, if 'Don doesn't kill me for fucking shit up, Adder might. [ he looks up, whipcord fast to look at Kai, eyes wide.] Totally not your fault! I'm not-- this isn't because I don't think you're totally husband material or anything but like-- fuck, it's-- well I am sure you realize how complicated it is.
fuck, Adder might just kill him.
with a muffled noise that is half whine and half sigh, Ros drops his head into his hands and rubs his face before carding his fingers through his damp hair.]
Fuck, if 'Don doesn't kill me for fucking shit up, Adder might. [ he looks up, whipcord fast to look at Kai, eyes wide.] Totally not your fault! I'm not-- this isn't because I don't think you're totally husband material or anything but like-- fuck, it's-- well I am sure you realize how complicated it is.
[ Dash scoots to the edge of his seat when presented with the ring. The second he gets ahold of it, he begins looking it over. He's not doing it in such a way that one could assume he's trying to divine its worth though. Rather, it looks like he's simply trying to commit its details to memory. After a few moments of doing so, he then takes it in hand and slides it onto his finger. ] Oh, [ he says simply. ]
It fits perfectly. [ Apparently taking this as a good sign, he smiles in Kai's direction. ] It's really beautiful. [ That said, Dash breathes out. That sure is a wedding ring on his hand. He wasn't fibbing when he said he didn't expect for this to happen so suddenly.
Probably, most people don't.
Either way, he also is moving past this quite fast. His attention shift to what Kai's said after just a second or so of looking at the ring. It'll be there when they're done talking, after all! ]
Wait, you're a prince? [ He doesn't sound shocked, only curious. This impression is enforced by the way he cocks his head to the side. He then points to himself. ] Me too. I mean, not a selkie prince, of course! But a prince, yes. Do you think... [ Dash doesn't finish the sentence, because he's not sure how. ]
If we're destined to be together, that's probably significant. [ Probably.
Most definitely, right? ] I mean, you said it's rare...
I think you're right, we should definitely get to know each other. It sounds like- it sounds like there's a lot to be said.
It fits perfectly. [ Apparently taking this as a good sign, he smiles in Kai's direction. ] It's really beautiful. [ That said, Dash breathes out. That sure is a wedding ring on his hand. He wasn't fibbing when he said he didn't expect for this to happen so suddenly.
Probably, most people don't.
Either way, he also is moving past this quite fast. His attention shift to what Kai's said after just a second or so of looking at the ring. It'll be there when they're done talking, after all! ]
Wait, you're a prince? [ He doesn't sound shocked, only curious. This impression is enforced by the way he cocks his head to the side. He then points to himself. ] Me too. I mean, not a selkie prince, of course! But a prince, yes. Do you think... [ Dash doesn't finish the sentence, because he's not sure how. ]
If we're destined to be together, that's probably significant. [ Probably.
Most definitely, right? ] I mean, you said it's rare...
I think you're right, we should definitely get to know each other. It sounds like- it sounds like there's a lot to be said.
[ Watching Dash put on the ring squeezed at something in Kai's heart and he needed to look away from a second to not rattle out something embarrassing because of the overwhelming emotions moving through him. How could he feel so much for someone he hardly knew? The destined status might have something to do with it actually. Taking a hold of his own ring, he slipped it into his finger, a warmth spreading through him from the action.
Marriages and bonds were very important for selkies.
Ducking his head still, he gave a nod of his head. The bashful reaction would probably last for awhile until they found more even footing with one another. A slight fear of messing things up and harming Dash in some way. With the guy also being a prince, it might complicate things and he really couldn't say how. Most of his kind stuck with other selkies of with mortals who were without magical or supernatural means.
Eventually looking up again, he offered a smile. ]
What are you a prince of if you don't mind me asking you that is! [ They really had a lot to discuss and figure out. So many thoughts were suddenly shifting around in his mind. ]
You feeling compelled to help me is kind of a big sign. There aren't many destined pairs in any supernatural kingdom but they're said to be .....really powerful. [ Sometimes others feared destined pairs as a means of security and power. They might have an issue there. ] Do you know or the guardians or the hunters? We might need to start there and discuss where we'll live. A new bond ....we can't really be apart for the first few months. You'll feel it soon.
Marriages and bonds were very important for selkies.
Ducking his head still, he gave a nod of his head. The bashful reaction would probably last for awhile until they found more even footing with one another. A slight fear of messing things up and harming Dash in some way. With the guy also being a prince, it might complicate things and he really couldn't say how. Most of his kind stuck with other selkies of with mortals who were without magical or supernatural means.
Eventually looking up again, he offered a smile. ]
What are you a prince of if you don't mind me asking you that is! [ They really had a lot to discuss and figure out. So many thoughts were suddenly shifting around in his mind. ]
You feeling compelled to help me is kind of a big sign. There aren't many destined pairs in any supernatural kingdom but they're said to be .....really powerful. [ Sometimes others feared destined pairs as a means of security and power. They might have an issue there. ] Do you know or the guardians or the hunters? We might need to start there and discuss where we'll live. A new bond ....we can't really be apart for the first few months. You'll feel it soon.
[ A few moments together and Kai already picked up on Easal's love for talking and waxing on about everything. But for some reason he rather enjoyed it and liked hearing what the other guy had to say. Almost waited for it, in fact, but Easal had a way of making someone feel very engrossed and focused on. Did he do it everyone? A seelie thing or just a personality trait? He really needed to learn and meet more seelie to properly judge. If only he attended the summit's in the past with his mother he would have a better handle on all of this. ]
Sometimes someone doesn't want someone to know what kingdom or realm you are from but if you know the scents it's impossible to hide. It's like breathing. [ Kai explained with a little shrug. Plenty tried to hide theirs in past, of course, but it never worked well. ]
You should write to him, then. I will contact my mother later. She's probably in meetings at the moment. [ Being worried had little to do with putting off telling his kingdom. Little at all.
Oh good! Not the heir or the eldest son in any regards. He heard tales at the eldest seelie sons and none of them were nice. He didn't know if they were actually true but still yet. ]
I don't think they'll be too upset if your kingdom isn't ....but they might be a bit worried how ...seelie don't really have the best relationship image.
But we can get to know each other and prove all of that wrong. Selkie can be seen as - tempting. So, we both have images to overcome.
Sometimes someone doesn't want someone to know what kingdom or realm you are from but if you know the scents it's impossible to hide. It's like breathing. [ Kai explained with a little shrug. Plenty tried to hide theirs in past, of course, but it never worked well. ]
You should write to him, then. I will contact my mother later. She's probably in meetings at the moment. [ Being worried had little to do with putting off telling his kingdom. Little at all.
Oh good! Not the heir or the eldest son in any regards. He heard tales at the eldest seelie sons and none of them were nice. He didn't know if they were actually true but still yet. ]
I don't think they'll be too upset if your kingdom isn't ....but they might be a bit worried how ...seelie don't really have the best relationship image.
But we can get to know each other and prove all of that wrong. Selkie can be seen as - tempting. So, we both have images to overcome.
[ The recognition settled over the hound and not in too pleasant of a way from Kai's viewpoint but it made sense. They were from literal opposite sides of existence - the sea and the ground. At least, they weren't the ground and the air given the greater rivalry there and how much war tended to break between the two factions. An exhausting plight, honestly, when there were greater things to take care of such as the actual state of the world. The universe even.
Frown tugging at his lips, Kai tried and failed to not take it all personally. How could be not with the whining and face covering? Did Ros find him unappealing? He knew he might not have the stunning beauty of the sirens but he thought he at least had some attractive points.
Adder. Right. The god of the underworld and not a friendly person at all. Kai had only met him once and vowed never again after the encounter because yikes. ]
You think I'm husband material? [ Proabbly not the main focus to make there but he couldn't help himself and the way it bubbled hope again within him. ] My mom is going to be really mad. She thought you were - snarly. I remember now that time the two - the sea and the ground had a summit. That didn't go very well, did it?
[ A pause and then - ] Do you remember me from - back then?
Frown tugging at his lips, Kai tried and failed to not take it all personally. How could be not with the whining and face covering? Did Ros find him unappealing? He knew he might not have the stunning beauty of the sirens but he thought he at least had some attractive points.
Adder. Right. The god of the underworld and not a friendly person at all. Kai had only met him once and vowed never again after the encounter because yikes. ]
You think I'm husband material? [ Proabbly not the main focus to make there but he couldn't help himself and the way it bubbled hope again within him. ] My mom is going to be really mad. She thought you were - snarly. I remember now that time the two - the sea and the ground had a summit. That didn't go very well, did it?
[ A pause and then - ] Do you remember me from - back then?
[ really the only thing that Ros can focus on is how this might make shit worse for Adder. how the god of the sea might try to claim that Adder orchestrated all of this in order to have some sway or pull in his domain. how this was some elaborate plan to claw at more power, even if Ros knows that the god of the underworld wishes for no such thing. if the circumstances were different, if he wasn't The Hound, and Kai wasn't heir to so much it wouldn't be an issue. well, it would be less of an issue, but--
Ros blinks at the question, realizing now how he wasn't paying that much attention to how this would be affecting Kai. how what he was saying might come off far more hurtful.]
Of course! I mean-- from what I know of you? Which I guess is mostly things in passing, but still, I don't want to be shallow and say you'd make a great husband just because you're gorgeous but I just-- fuck. It's all-- [ another whine. take pity on him, Kai, he is not an orator for a reason okay. he snarls and kills shit, he doesn't sway things with fancy words.] I'm so not good at this, I'm sorry.
[ he looks even more sorry when Kai says that his mother will be furious. he vaguely remembers her, from once upon a time, beautiful much like Kai, with a tempest of a temper.]
Yeah nothing between the sea and the land go over well, especially when orchestrated by the air. [ there is a snort at that, before:] Honestly, no. I was-- I was more focused on making sure no one tried anything with Adder. I mean, it is my job.
[ a small smile. ] You're mom wasn't wrong, I am usually pretty snarly at those things, never one for rules and political things myself. Just ... well, guarding I guess.
Ros blinks at the question, realizing now how he wasn't paying that much attention to how this would be affecting Kai. how what he was saying might come off far more hurtful.]
Of course! I mean-- from what I know of you? Which I guess is mostly things in passing, but still, I don't want to be shallow and say you'd make a great husband just because you're gorgeous but I just-- fuck. It's all-- [ another whine. take pity on him, Kai, he is not an orator for a reason okay. he snarls and kills shit, he doesn't sway things with fancy words.] I'm so not good at this, I'm sorry.
[ he looks even more sorry when Kai says that his mother will be furious. he vaguely remembers her, from once upon a time, beautiful much like Kai, with a tempest of a temper.]
Yeah nothing between the sea and the land go over well, especially when orchestrated by the air. [ there is a snort at that, before:] Honestly, no. I was-- I was more focused on making sure no one tried anything with Adder. I mean, it is my job.
[ a small smile. ] You're mom wasn't wrong, I am usually pretty snarly at those things, never one for rules and political things myself. Just ... well, guarding I guess.
[ While wars were started over people and love before in the past, Kai never anticipated being apart of such a thing. Would their union cause a battle? A fierce debate over boundary lines and what constituted pierr for each section? Selkies were powerful in their pursuit of allure and the grasp of the water element but those of the ground were just as lethal. They commanded the shadows and the life force.
It made such a mess.
Nodding along, Kai reached out a hand to squeeze Ros' arm. ]
It's okay. I get it. This is unexpected and complicated in a lot of ways but we need to decide how to go from here.
[ Holding out the ring box again, he smiled. ] But first we need to take care of this. I mean - unless you don't want us to wear wedding rings.
It made such a mess.
Nodding along, Kai reached out a hand to squeeze Ros' arm. ]
It's okay. I get it. This is unexpected and complicated in a lot of ways but we need to decide how to go from here.
[ Holding out the ring box again, he smiled. ] But first we need to take care of this. I mean - unless you don't want us to wear wedding rings.
[ none of this boded well. neve was feeling anxiety claw at him, sink it's teeth in to stay. this was awful. he didn't want to hurt this person, but he didn't want to be bonded to them either. he'd spent so much time rejecting bonds, only to find himself trapped in such a powerful one?
it made him want to run.
more anxiety washed over him as kai kept talking. ]
What does that mean? [ die? if he doesn't accept this, kai will... die. this doesn't make sense, either. they could just pretend it's not happening, couldn't theY? ] Can't you just... go your own way?
it made him want to run.
more anxiety washed over him as kai kept talking. ]
What does that mean? [ die? if he doesn't accept this, kai will... die. this doesn't make sense, either. they could just pretend it's not happening, couldn't theY? ] Can't you just... go your own way?
[As one of seven children, it doesn't take much for individual traits to bloom. Anything to stick out. Talking - getting people to talk - is just Easal's favorite thing to do, really. It isn't genetic; that's something of a blessing. An entire family, let alone kingdom, of chatterboxess would likely drive everyone insane.]
That's almost poetic. Like breathing! Nothing you can do to stop it but to stop it entirely. Though breath can be held in and covered, at least for a moment. I suppose a heavy dose of perfume would do much the same for scent... ?
[Easal no you cannot break this perfect security hack by smelling like Snookie]
Yes, yes. I shall get on it, have no fear of that. My father can wait on a notice long enough for me to sit and finish this conversation, unless you would care to add a paragraph of your own onto the damn thing.
[It may not sound overly appealing, because he did not wish it to be, but the offer is real enough. Real, but no less horrifying. Writing a foreign dignitary out of the blue to say you've married their son? Sounds like something out of a gossip rag.]
There is always something. Well! I, as my own man, do not have much of a relationship image to be burdened with, or with which to burden you. A pity. Is that too boring?
[He's making light, the smile gives him away. Easal has dated rarely. The need for a connection, a solid bond to the other person, has kept him at more than arm's distance in terms of romance.]
I'm not like to change it now, so it must make do. Ought I know anything more to tell my father, or your mother, or anyone else in between?
That's almost poetic. Like breathing! Nothing you can do to stop it but to stop it entirely. Though breath can be held in and covered, at least for a moment. I suppose a heavy dose of perfume would do much the same for scent... ?
[Easal no you cannot break this perfect security hack by smelling like Snookie]
Yes, yes. I shall get on it, have no fear of that. My father can wait on a notice long enough for me to sit and finish this conversation, unless you would care to add a paragraph of your own onto the damn thing.
[It may not sound overly appealing, because he did not wish it to be, but the offer is real enough. Real, but no less horrifying. Writing a foreign dignitary out of the blue to say you've married their son? Sounds like something out of a gossip rag.]
There is always something. Well! I, as my own man, do not have much of a relationship image to be burdened with, or with which to burden you. A pity. Is that too boring?
[He's making light, the smile gives him away. Easal has dated rarely. The need for a connection, a solid bond to the other person, has kept him at more than arm's distance in terms of romance.]
I'm not like to change it now, so it must make do. Ought I know anything more to tell my father, or your mother, or anyone else in between?
[ rituals and traditions are upheld for a reason; there is a magic in them, a binding essence that goes deeper and farther than simple magic or basic spells. something that fuses together souls and being. Ros knows now that there is no removing this bond between them, not easily at least, because the ritual has been done and Kai has accepted it. and, now that he knows what to look for in his own being, he can sense the trickle of change in himself; the lick of sea wind and the hum of the ocean in his bones. it means that on some level, subconscious or not, Ros also accepted it. no matter how much trouble it was going to cause the parties involved.
there is another sigh and Ros gives Kai a small smile.]
Sorry, bet you never thought you'd get stuck with a hell hound, huh?
[ who would want to? Kai seems so-- so nice. sure, selkies can be cruel and violent creatures as well, but there was an air to him that implied he was usually at least a kind being. so very unlike Ros.
ah yeah, the ring. Ros blinks at it, automatically reaching out to pick the ring box and eye the band inside. it was-- well it looked fragile and beautiful.] You want-- I mean, you're sure you want to? I really don't think I am husband material, I am sure if you asked Don he could break this...
[ wait, no. this--]
Not that I want to! I am just-- saying. I'm not, well you remember what I'm like. I'm still bound to the underworld, that will always be my number one. [ he thinks, he doesn't know. this between them might change that. might shift that focus and possessiveness onto the selkie and wouldn't that be one fucking disaster after another. he was ruthless when he needed to be.] I like-- I like the ring though.
there is another sigh and Ros gives Kai a small smile.]
Sorry, bet you never thought you'd get stuck with a hell hound, huh?
[ who would want to? Kai seems so-- so nice. sure, selkies can be cruel and violent creatures as well, but there was an air to him that implied he was usually at least a kind being. so very unlike Ros.
ah yeah, the ring. Ros blinks at it, automatically reaching out to pick the ring box and eye the band inside. it was-- well it looked fragile and beautiful.] You want-- I mean, you're sure you want to? I really don't think I am husband material, I am sure if you asked Don he could break this...
[ wait, no. this--]
Not that I want to! I am just-- saying. I'm not, well you remember what I'm like. I'm still bound to the underworld, that will always be my number one. [ he thinks, he doesn't know. this between them might change that. might shift that focus and possessiveness onto the selkie and wouldn't that be one fucking disaster after another. he was ruthless when he needed to be.] I like-- I like the ring though.
[ What Kai's saying causes a lot of thoughts to rise in Dash's mind. Where he had been momentarily watching with a certain, growing happiness at Kai's reaction to him wearing the ring, then Kai putting his own ring on his finger, he now feels like his brain's filling with thoughts faster than he can keep up. They're going to start pouring out of his head any moment. ]
You can ask! Of course you can ask. [ He offers a reassuring smile. ] I'm just realizing though... I mean, I didn't know who I was until recently. So I may not be able to answer all your questions. You might know more about who I am than I do.
My mother's a goddess. She used to rule over the godly realm. [ He shrugs helplessly, like he's saying 'no biggie.' He really doesn't know how else to handle delivering that piece of info, to be honest. ]
Are you- is this going to be hard on you? I'll do anything I can to help. [ He scoots a little closer to Kai, perhaps without even realizing he's done so. ] Oh, and can you tell me more about this bond? [ The words don't sound uneasy, but they don't have the same note of curiosity as before. Dash is treating this seriously. He holds out his hand for Kai to take, if he'd like. ] What does it involve?
When you say we can't be apart... [ Dash thinks he understands, even without feeling what it is Kai says he'll soon feel. He thinks he understands. But it would be good to have that confirmation, he thinks. Just to be sure they're both on the same page.
It sounds like they'll need to be there as much as possible, as long as possible. The way Kai talks, their chance encounter may've been even more significant than Dash could've realized. ] I'm sorry for all the questions. I want to do the right thing though, I really do.
You can ask! Of course you can ask. [ He offers a reassuring smile. ] I'm just realizing though... I mean, I didn't know who I was until recently. So I may not be able to answer all your questions. You might know more about who I am than I do.
My mother's a goddess. She used to rule over the godly realm. [ He shrugs helplessly, like he's saying 'no biggie.' He really doesn't know how else to handle delivering that piece of info, to be honest. ]
Are you- is this going to be hard on you? I'll do anything I can to help. [ He scoots a little closer to Kai, perhaps without even realizing he's done so. ] Oh, and can you tell me more about this bond? [ The words don't sound uneasy, but they don't have the same note of curiosity as before. Dash is treating this seriously. He holds out his hand for Kai to take, if he'd like. ] What does it involve?
When you say we can't be apart... [ Dash thinks he understands, even without feeling what it is Kai says he'll soon feel. He thinks he understands. But it would be good to have that confirmation, he thinks. Just to be sure they're both on the same page.
It sounds like they'll need to be there as much as possible, as long as possible. The way Kai talks, their chance encounter may've been even more significant than Dash could've realized. ] I'm sorry for all the questions. I want to do the right thing though, I really do.
[ Shadows flicked underneath Kai's skin, solidify what he already knew to be true - the universe had accepted the bond between them and wanted to settle it deep. The very galaxies would rise and fall between them and forge something new and unexpected. A new beginning and one without any true ending because of the awakening immortality the bond caused for them. But Kai supposed immortality already existed for Ros and his ties to the underworld. A hound; of all the options in all the galaxy, one of the darkest found a way to his side. Did it speak of his own darkness? Did it scream to life on his veins? Gazing at Ros now, he wondered. He questioned so many things.
For the most part, he listened and nodded, shaking his head a few times to give Ros a chance to work through the surprise and figure out his conclusion. Would it be the one best for both of them or what the ground and sea desired most? The rivalry would continue no matter what happened between them, though. ]
He can't break it or you'd die. If you die, I'd end up dying from a broken heart. There isn't a way to break this. You're - you already feel it, don't you? Sea in your veins. The scent of the ocean washing over you. [ Kai moved a little closer, reaching out for Ros' cheek. ] I think you might be better than you realise but we'll both have a lot to figure out.
[ Grabbing for his own ring, he slid it on his finger. ] I understand the underworld being what is most important. I don't mind being second or third.
For the most part, he listened and nodded, shaking his head a few times to give Ros a chance to work through the surprise and figure out his conclusion. Would it be the one best for both of them or what the ground and sea desired most? The rivalry would continue no matter what happened between them, though. ]
He can't break it or you'd die. If you die, I'd end up dying from a broken heart. There isn't a way to break this. You're - you already feel it, don't you? Sea in your veins. The scent of the ocean washing over you. [ Kai moved a little closer, reaching out for Ros' cheek. ] I think you might be better than you realise but we'll both have a lot to figure out.
[ Grabbing for his own ring, he slid it on his finger. ] I understand the underworld being what is most important. I don't mind being second or third.
[ The multitude of questions were expected, especially with all the newness of the situation. Not many knew of bonds and what they actually entailed but luckily Kai paid attention with all the lessons. Poseidon would be pleased at least someone heeded the warnings and knew of the signs to look for.
Listening carefully to his new husband, his eyes widened for a bit at the revelation. Oh wow. The godly realm existed above even Zeus! But just below the cosmic guardians. A kind of check and balance to all the supernatural and magic existences. So, yes, he did know of it. ]
The godly realm is .... really powerful and not too often one from there ....is here. [ On the ground he meant in their current realm of existence. The godly realm tended to just oversee and watch to keep everything in check. ] You - must have abilities? Uh - immortality too. Have you wondered why you've never gotten sick? [ Sicknesses never influenced him either except for sea based ones but they were very rare.
Reaching back to clasp Dash's hand, he kept a smile on his face. ]
We'll work this out, never fear. The guardians are cosmic and exist above even your realm. They command all things. The other - they hunt and eliminate. Destined pairs are rare like I said and we'll have a tether nothing can break.
[ He gave a squeeze of Dash's hand as if to reassure him. ]
With the bonding, we'll be able to feel what one another feels and can inspire emotions too. We can communicate telepathically and can share each other's dreams. Uh - we can share abilities and stabilize what we have for one another.
[ Probably a lot to take in and he wished he could reveal it all slower and more gentle but they needed to figure it all out. ]
You'll start by smelling the ocean, feel the sea in your bones. You'll want to be closer. As close as possible to me and as things are clicking in and forming, we won't want to be apart.
Listening carefully to his new husband, his eyes widened for a bit at the revelation. Oh wow. The godly realm existed above even Zeus! But just below the cosmic guardians. A kind of check and balance to all the supernatural and magic existences. So, yes, he did know of it. ]
The godly realm is .... really powerful and not too often one from there ....is here. [ On the ground he meant in their current realm of existence. The godly realm tended to just oversee and watch to keep everything in check. ] You - must have abilities? Uh - immortality too. Have you wondered why you've never gotten sick? [ Sicknesses never influenced him either except for sea based ones but they were very rare.
Reaching back to clasp Dash's hand, he kept a smile on his face. ]
We'll work this out, never fear. The guardians are cosmic and exist above even your realm. They command all things. The other - they hunt and eliminate. Destined pairs are rare like I said and we'll have a tether nothing can break.
[ He gave a squeeze of Dash's hand as if to reassure him. ]
With the bonding, we'll be able to feel what one another feels and can inspire emotions too. We can communicate telepathically and can share each other's dreams. Uh - we can share abilities and stabilize what we have for one another.
[ Probably a lot to take in and he wished he could reveal it all slower and more gentle but they needed to figure it all out. ]
You'll start by smelling the ocean, feel the sea in your bones. You'll want to be closer. As close as possible to me and as things are clicking in and forming, we won't want to be apart.
Uh - not entirely. No matter what you put on, I'll still be able to pick up on your forest scent and know what realm you belong to. [ Few knew how to pick up on scents so well, though, Kai had just been trained harder in all kinds of matters. The sea wanted to ensure their heir kept a certain edge over everything with abilities, knowledge and everything in between. If only they knew Kai wanted to maintain his mortal life and not rule at all. He cared so little for politics and power exchanges.
Considering about the letter, he shook his head. ]
I'm sure whatever you include will work just fine. The sea will know shortly.
As for relationships - uh - once our bond fully clicks in, you won't be able to be with anyone else. [ Giving an apologetic look, he set down the ring box again for Easal. ]
The bond will connect us in a lot of ways. You'll feel a need to be closer to me soon. I'm sorry for that. The beginnings of a selkie bond are overwhelming for a non selkie but given you're a seelie, I'm not sure how it might work on your end.
[ Without really thinking about it, he reached out to squeeze a hand along Easal's arm as a means of comfort, most likely and also his own need to be closer. ]
It'll pain you to be away from me during the honeymoon period of this and you'll feel drawn to water. [ A pause. ] What are your abilities? They'll impact me in return.
Considering about the letter, he shook his head. ]
I'm sure whatever you include will work just fine. The sea will know shortly.
As for relationships - uh - once our bond fully clicks in, you won't be able to be with anyone else. [ Giving an apologetic look, he set down the ring box again for Easal. ]
The bond will connect us in a lot of ways. You'll feel a need to be closer to me soon. I'm sorry for that. The beginnings of a selkie bond are overwhelming for a non selkie but given you're a seelie, I'm not sure how it might work on your end.
[ Without really thinking about it, he reached out to squeeze a hand along Easal's arm as a means of comfort, most likely and also his own need to be closer. ]
It'll pain you to be away from me during the honeymoon period of this and you'll feel drawn to water. [ A pause. ] What are your abilities? They'll impact me in return.
Selkie bonds don't work like that. I - uh - can't just go my own way. [ Kai started to explain, pulling the sleeves of his jacket to cover his hands in a nervous habit he adopted as a child. The nerves at the moment higher than he could ever remember experiencing before. What if Neve vocally rejected him and turned away the bond? It just so happened to be one if the most painful deaths anyone could ever experience. ]
You'll feel the bond soon and won't be able to be apart from me. Selkie bonds are intense in the beginning.
[ Looking down at his hands, a tremble worked up his spine. ] I can - try to see if there's a way we can stand being apart.
You'll feel the bond soon and won't be able to be apart from me. Selkie bonds are intense in the beginning.
[ Looking down at his hands, a tremble worked up his spine. ] I can - try to see if there's a way we can stand being apart.
Really! My! I should be quite wary of any hide-and-seek games against you, then. The odds are stacked against me already.
[It does seem a handy thing, he can tell. If it is possible to learn, he'll have to look into it sometime. He does quite like being able to one-up his brothers.]
Yes, that sounds quite ominous, did you know? The sea will know. [He considers the box, watching and doing nothing with it for now.] I do not in the least doubt it, or your ties to it, but such phrasing is quite splendid.
[He does pause more at the bond talk. He can't call to mind any firsthand accounts of it, or even secondhand. A silly romance novel his sisters liked, maybe, but that's three quarters garbage and one quarter heaving bosoms.]
Parsed as thus, what you are saying is, I believe, something I do understand and quite well at that. The bond is a concept kin to a fated match, yes? A soulmate.
[He doesn't wait for an answer. Easal's hand moves nearer the box, never quite making contact. He's still sorting his thoughts in his head and out loud.]
Yes... Oh, and those do happen, you know, among fae. Instantaneously. Imagine looking across the room and catching eyes with someone and suddenly half your soul returns to you, a half you never knew was missing even one day in your life! I've heard it explained like that, you see. One simply knows who they are meant to have and to hold. That kind of bond that exists within two people deeper than heart and bones.
[The touch is nice. He appreciates that it is his arm, that it is polite in its intimacy. Easal's gaze returns to Kai's hand a long few moments before he looks back to Kai's face.]
Are we there now? In the honeymoon period; I know we are not in water. I should be able to tell that much, though!
[Not a good joke, but it makes him smile wider. He's handling this. Enjoying it.]
My abilities. Combative, magical, mental? If you are impacted by my use of spear and shield, I should like to know more of that. In the magical sense I am much more useful both on the battlefield and off. I can heal. White magic, they say in some parts. I don't see anything white about it. I can close wounds and repair injuries with my power. It is what I am meant to do. To heal. Still I must fight as well, so you see how truly terrible that power is, to be the causation and cure.
[It does seem a handy thing, he can tell. If it is possible to learn, he'll have to look into it sometime. He does quite like being able to one-up his brothers.]
Yes, that sounds quite ominous, did you know? The sea will know. [He considers the box, watching and doing nothing with it for now.] I do not in the least doubt it, or your ties to it, but such phrasing is quite splendid.
[He does pause more at the bond talk. He can't call to mind any firsthand accounts of it, or even secondhand. A silly romance novel his sisters liked, maybe, but that's three quarters garbage and one quarter heaving bosoms.]
Parsed as thus, what you are saying is, I believe, something I do understand and quite well at that. The bond is a concept kin to a fated match, yes? A soulmate.
[He doesn't wait for an answer. Easal's hand moves nearer the box, never quite making contact. He's still sorting his thoughts in his head and out loud.]
Yes... Oh, and those do happen, you know, among fae. Instantaneously. Imagine looking across the room and catching eyes with someone and suddenly half your soul returns to you, a half you never knew was missing even one day in your life! I've heard it explained like that, you see. One simply knows who they are meant to have and to hold. That kind of bond that exists within two people deeper than heart and bones.
[The touch is nice. He appreciates that it is his arm, that it is polite in its intimacy. Easal's gaze returns to Kai's hand a long few moments before he looks back to Kai's face.]
Are we there now? In the honeymoon period; I know we are not in water. I should be able to tell that much, though!
[Not a good joke, but it makes him smile wider. He's handling this. Enjoying it.]
My abilities. Combative, magical, mental? If you are impacted by my use of spear and shield, I should like to know more of that. In the magical sense I am much more useful both on the battlefield and off. I can heal. White magic, they say in some parts. I don't see anything white about it. I can close wounds and repair injuries with my power. It is what I am meant to do. To heal. Still I must fight as well, so you see how truly terrible that power is, to be the causation and cure.
[ Playfulness. An easy term, silken almost and one he would already label Easal with despite their limited interactions so far. The man seemed to thrive on making a production of his own thoughts and emotions. Were all seelies the same way and took up all the space around them? Theatrics would be another fitting label and very different than some of his own.
But how could be really judge?
Lips twitching at the edges, he responded with - ]
Even without the scent advantage, I would still win. You'd be easy. But I could teach you the scent language. You might not have known scents can speak just as words can.
[ Now he happened to smile fully, giving a nod of his head. ] Oh, I'm aware and the sea isn't something you want to trifle with. It hums in my veins. [ Not that he happened to be combative at all, not on purpose anyway.
The talk of soulmates squeezed his heart and again he nodded. ]
Something similar yes but your image sounds much more romantic. I'm sorry to have taken that from you.
[ Perhaps not the best joke but he appreciated the attempt to lighten the air. ]
Not until you feel the draw. The bond hasn't clicked in until you do.
[ The magic sounded intense on Easal's end and understandably worried him when his selkie could be intense already. The two of them bonded together could be lethal. Would it make someone want to eliminate them to stop the possibility of something happening? A horrifying thought he decided to keep to himself. ]
You're kind of like your own ying and yang. Curious. We'll see how it impacts me. Do you wish you could give it up?
But how could be really judge?
Lips twitching at the edges, he responded with - ]
Even without the scent advantage, I would still win. You'd be easy. But I could teach you the scent language. You might not have known scents can speak just as words can.
[ Now he happened to smile fully, giving a nod of his head. ] Oh, I'm aware and the sea isn't something you want to trifle with. It hums in my veins. [ Not that he happened to be combative at all, not on purpose anyway.
The talk of soulmates squeezed his heart and again he nodded. ]
Something similar yes but your image sounds much more romantic. I'm sorry to have taken that from you.
[ Perhaps not the best joke but he appreciated the attempt to lighten the air. ]
Not until you feel the draw. The bond hasn't clicked in until you do.
[ The magic sounded intense on Easal's end and understandably worried him when his selkie could be intense already. The two of them bonded together could be lethal. Would it make someone want to eliminate them to stop the possibility of something happening? A horrifying thought he decided to keep to himself. ]
You're kind of like your own ying and yang. Curious. We'll see how it impacts me. Do you wish you could give it up?
Easy! No! Oh, no, that can't be. I am quite the active player, I can promise you that. I would not so easily lead you to me with my words. I can do silence.
[Not that he could doubt anyone for disbelieving him. But silence is a necessary skill in war. A tool. Talking is a comfort.]
If they can speak as words can, I should consider it an honor to learn. You call it a language; I like that. Much more intrigue.
[He can only imagine what the full might of the sea in physical body might be capable of. It's a fun thing to laugh about, but less so when the reality is so very there.]
Apologizing! What for? If we two are to have such a bond, I shall not want another. Will you not take the place of that fated match? I'd think you must. No, you must indeed, if the power is that great. Fate itself is being reshaped by your words.
[As dramatic as it sounds, he believes it. Fate has been rewritten. It's ... a relief, in many ways. Easal has always been slow to care for and open up to partners. The bond he needed was never really there and had not been yet found. Worrying that some stranger would call out his soul and he would be stuck decades, waiting to feel or be close to them, was a real worry. Not, fortunately, a much reviewed worry, but one that still came back unannounced.]
It wouldn't do to be unable to tell whether or not I am honeymooning, eh? Oh, you can say it that way! I don't mind.
[His own yin and yang. Yes, that's only too true. The question makes him shake his head immediately, though. He knows the answer. Always has.]
Never. I could give up fighting on the front lines. I would never be bothered again. But this power is a part of me, after all. I could no sooner give up my right arm. I am a healer; it might reattach.
[Not that he could doubt anyone for disbelieving him. But silence is a necessary skill in war. A tool. Talking is a comfort.]
If they can speak as words can, I should consider it an honor to learn. You call it a language; I like that. Much more intrigue.
[He can only imagine what the full might of the sea in physical body might be capable of. It's a fun thing to laugh about, but less so when the reality is so very there.]
Apologizing! What for? If we two are to have such a bond, I shall not want another. Will you not take the place of that fated match? I'd think you must. No, you must indeed, if the power is that great. Fate itself is being reshaped by your words.
[As dramatic as it sounds, he believes it. Fate has been rewritten. It's ... a relief, in many ways. Easal has always been slow to care for and open up to partners. The bond he needed was never really there and had not been yet found. Worrying that some stranger would call out his soul and he would be stuck decades, waiting to feel or be close to them, was a real worry. Not, fortunately, a much reviewed worry, but one that still came back unannounced.]
It wouldn't do to be unable to tell whether or not I am honeymooning, eh? Oh, you can say it that way! I don't mind.
[His own yin and yang. Yes, that's only too true. The question makes him shake his head immediately, though. He knows the answer. Always has.]
Never. I could give up fighting on the front lines. I would never be bothered again. But this power is a part of me, after all. I could no sooner give up my right arm. I am a healer; it might reattach.
[ the more he hears, the more kai stands there looking upset, the more upset neve gets too. it's a frustrated, confused kind of upset. he doesn't understand how this could just happen, how to get out of this, why it makes his chest hurt to see this person look like this.
he doesn't want to hurt anyone. but he doesn't want to be married, either. ]
I'm not — [ maybe they should go inside before they talk. he purses his lips, jerking his head back toward the inside of his place for kai to follow as he turns and heads for the living room. ]
he doesn't want to hurt anyone. but he doesn't want to be married, either. ]
I'm not — [ maybe they should go inside before they talk. he purses his lips, jerking his head back toward the inside of his place for kai to follow as he turns and heads for the living room. ]
[ With a soft laugh, he attempted to muffle the humor with his hand, not wanting to offend. Who knew how sensitive Easal might be to being teased and laughed with. Some beings were incredibly sensitive and proud, unable to take even the tiniest slight. ]
It's more the aura you give off and how expressive it is. There's a lot of ways to find you, I imagine.
[ Probably not the most reassuring thing in the world, especially for those who wanted mystery or the ability to slip away. But selkie made it very difficult to do either as most marine beings did. They were able to detect plenty of things. ]
Oh, now that I think about it, I don't - you probably wouldn't have been able to see the pelt unless you were meant to. Might be much more to this that we need to figure out and deal with.
[ It still worried him either way because seelie had quite the rep for one thing and for another what if they did not get along well? ]
Do you feel anything yet? [ He gave a nod, moving his hand away finally to settle back in his own seat. ] I understand, I would not want to give up being a selkie. It can be a challenge but its who I am.
It's more the aura you give off and how expressive it is. There's a lot of ways to find you, I imagine.
[ Probably not the most reassuring thing in the world, especially for those who wanted mystery or the ability to slip away. But selkie made it very difficult to do either as most marine beings did. They were able to detect plenty of things. ]
Oh, now that I think about it, I don't - you probably wouldn't have been able to see the pelt unless you were meant to. Might be much more to this that we need to figure out and deal with.
[ It still worried him either way because seelie had quite the rep for one thing and for another what if they did not get along well? ]
Do you feel anything yet? [ He gave a nod, moving his hand away finally to settle back in his own seat. ] I understand, I would not want to give up being a selkie. It can be a challenge but its who I am.
[ Not what? He wanted to ask but Neve started moving inside because he had a chance to and he followed in after him as if on instinct. The selkie bond already clicking in then. Sooner than he anticipated but how would it work on Neve's end? They were different beings and all.
Standing there, he brought his arms around his torso, more like hugging himself than looking cocky with his arms crossed. ]
I'm sorry. [ Not that he had any true blame in the matter but Neve seemed so upset. ] I can ..make an audience with the guardian of the sea...see if he can do anything.
[ Oh, he could, undoubtedly, but it would cost him his selkie and he would have to leave behind everything in the process. ]
Standing there, he brought his arms around his torso, more like hugging himself than looking cocky with his arms crossed. ]
I'm sorry. [ Not that he had any true blame in the matter but Neve seemed so upset. ] I can ..make an audience with the guardian of the sea...see if he can do anything.
[ Oh, he could, undoubtedly, but it would cost him his selkie and he would have to leave behind everything in the process. ]
[Proud, sure - but he's not above laughing at himself. He knows that it's a ridiculous idea, anyway. He likes making people relaxed. He's half playing now.]
Auras too? I imagine mine would be quite unique. Do they have a scent as well, auras? Perhaps more personal than a simple fae one?
[He isn't about to try and hide. Wouldn't dare. He likes the idea of all this, in a weird way. And anyway, it's great fun now to be learning all of this new information. A real good time for all.]
Oh? I certainly saw it, or I'd have not returned it to you. I'll take stock in that idea.
[Easal is certainly not helping with those worries, being so flouncy and carefree.]
... Ah, well! Yes, I can admit there is something. [He's too aware he's been focused on that ring box these last few minutes. He likes being this close to Kai. There's a lot to focus on besides that, at least. He isn't used to being infatuated.] I do understand that feeling. We are used to ourselves now.
Auras too? I imagine mine would be quite unique. Do they have a scent as well, auras? Perhaps more personal than a simple fae one?
[He isn't about to try and hide. Wouldn't dare. He likes the idea of all this, in a weird way. And anyway, it's great fun now to be learning all of this new information. A real good time for all.]
Oh? I certainly saw it, or I'd have not returned it to you. I'll take stock in that idea.
[Easal is certainly not helping with those worries, being so flouncy and carefree.]
... Ah, well! Yes, I can admit there is something. [He's too aware he's been focused on that ring box these last few minutes. He likes being this close to Kai. There's a lot to focus on besides that, at least. He isn't used to being infatuated.] I do understand that feeling. We are used to ourselves now.
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