forum The Old King is Dead (Long Live the King) // OxO // Closed

Started June 11, 2021 by @ElderGod-Icefire

tune

Evander shuffled the papers for a moment longer, then let out a breath. "Ambassador, it really is good to have you here." He said, studying Dacian quietly with his grey eyes.

The king's words caused him to lift his chin. Dacian stared back at King Evander, a quiet sigh managed to slip from him. His eyes widened before he eventually glanced away again. He hummed while nodding. "It is a pleasure to be here with you, Your Majesty," He said. "It really is an honor and a pleasure."

He smiled faintly. "With the treaty negotiated, it seems we must turn our attention elsewhere." he said, studying Dacian quietly, calm and thoughtful.

"Elsewhere?" Dacian turned so that he could face the king better. His eyes glistened over as he tried to think of what else that they could go through. Anytime he did try to think, he looked back at King Evander and his chain of thought broke. "What else would you like to go over, Your Majesty?" He asked, softly smiling.

Evander smiled softly as well, considering. "Perhaps we could simply talk of our countries and customs. I don't think we know enough about each other's countries, and I should like to learn."

Countries and customs. Dacian was not able to resist the urge of letting out a gentle sigh. Despite being rigid still, he nodded with a smile. "That sounds like a plan, Your Majesty. I am always intrigued to learn more about Aven! And I would love to tell you everything about Sceivania and answer any questions. Let me be your personal tutor," He chuckled. "Is there anything you would like to know?"

He smiled faintly. "Alright. I am…unsure what to inquire about, so what do you think I should know?" he asked, tipping his head faintly. "What don't I know, I suppose, that I should? Keeping in mind that I'm aware of the basics of your country and how it works."

Dacian titled his head up as he stared at the ceiling for a couple of seconds. He bit the inside of his bottom lip before lowering his chin. His eyes lit up when they met King Evander's. "Well, despite us Sceivanians loving the cold, we really love folk tales and stories. We love them so much, but less than a handful of them have been transcribed onto paper," He explained. "Some are epic tales while others are tragedies, but there's quite the amount of love stories. We are very superstitious despite being monotheistic, so they all deal with spirits, moroi, dragons, angels, and all of that. Actually, there is one with an angel named Dacian, my mother loves it so much that it is my namesake. If would ever want to hear a tale, Your Majesty, I would more than happy to tell you one."

Evander listened quietly, nodding. "I see. If you would like to tell me this tale, I wouldn't be averse to hearing it." he replied, a soft smile flickering over his face. He did enjoy learning about other cultures and their stories; it never hurt to know more about the countries he was dealing with.

In a brief moment of time, Dacian said nothing, but watched as King Evander grinned. The king's gentle smile reminded him of yesterday; oh how charming and warm it is. All he could do was smile back, giving a plain head bow in response. "It'd be my pleasure, Your Majesty," He said in a soft tone. Covering his mouth, he turned to clear his throat before beginning to speak again. "Well, a few centuries ago, the heavens were in chaos. Evil spirits managed to escape hell then break the gates; they were everywhere, killing angels and capturing souls and spirits. In the mist of it all was this simple angel named Dacian. Nobody really paid any attention to him because he appeared to be normal, but they were wrong for he is as mighty as twenty armies and is very clever. Thanks to him and the other angels, they were able to drive out the evil spirits, but one of them caught Dacian, tore off his wings, and threw him down to the earth. He was weak, powerless, and had nothing; he was lost. Thankfully, an outcast, named Nevinovat, had come across the fallen angel and nursed him back to health. Dacian and Nevinovat started to grow closer and closer as time went on. They would go on adventures, eat, and spend a lot of time with each other. But, the people in the village did not like Nevinovat, and he ended up being accused as one of the evil demons. The people in the town went on their way to get him, but when they got to his home, no one was there. Dacian and Nevinovat escaped before they could make it. That's where the story ends; there are various kinds of endings and other details, some even have Nevinovat as a woman, but this version is the one my mother would tell me. I like to believe that they went to live somewhere else and that Dacian was able to get his wings back; the idea of it makes me happy." He paused again, taking a deep breath before he ended up coughing. After he shook his head, he asked, "What do you think, Your Majesty? Did you enjoy the story?"

Evander had listened quietly to the story, and took a moment to consider it. "I quite like it." He replied. "I don't believe I've heard it or anything like it before." He smiled softly. "It was good to hear it, thank you for telling it to me." He studied the other man quietly for a long moment.

"You do?" Dacian whispered under his breath. While he looked away, his face gradually began to blush. He was not so sure if the king would like it, only for the sake that he was trying to recall the story without talking too much or forgetting how to say a word in Avenian. Yet the fact that His Majesty says he likes it and is still smiling at him, it simply makes him giddy. Giving a gentle head bow, he said, "I am very glad that you do, Your Majesty. I would be more than willing to tell you so many more, but…." While he tried to speak, he caught notice of how King Evander was looking at him. He shook his head, "Please forgive me, Your Majesty, I lost my words for a good moment."

Evander nodded. "I would love to hear more, if you have the time to do so." He replied with another soft smile. "And you are forgiven; we all lose our words every now and again." He couldn't help but wonder why exactly he was doing this. It wasn't as if he and Dacian could be anything more than friends. But then he wasn't acting like that. He was just being friendly, right?

How could he lose his words right in front of the king? Dacian had no idea why; he was not sure what was happening. He feels so comfortable around King Evander, and yet, he felt a little shy in front of him. At the end of the day, he is only an ambassador, he should not be becoming timid right now. His lips parted, but no words slipped out. They moved as if he was about to speak before he forced them to shut. Pressing the back of his hand against his cheek, he slowly nodded, following with an apologetic head bow.

Evander smiled again, shifting his papers and looking down at them to give Dacian a moment to collect himself without the pressure of the king's gaze on him. He let out a faint breath, folding up the papers and putting them away.

Dacian did his best to collect himself despite not really sure what was wrong with him. Perhaps he was tired after working for most of the day or it could still be him settling down in his government position as an ambassador. And yet, at the same time, those two reasons do not really feel like they could be what is making him acting so stiff and a bit timid. He shook his head at himself then glimpsed over at the king. Out of nowhere, he thought back to yesterday as his eyes observed King Evander, taking in the king's features. "If I may ask, Your Majesty, that flower I had given you yesterday, what did you do with it? Did you keep it?"

He was a little surprised at the question, and flushed for a moment. "I put it in a vase, and it is in my bedroom." He replied, figuring the truth couldn't hurt in this situation. It didn't necessarily mean anything romantic, and it didn't. Of course it didn't. It was just a rose, after all. He looked over at Dacian, studying him.

The king still has the flower. Somehow that fact gave him this sensation of happiness and pride. Dacian was only happy because King Evander has kept the flower, not for any other reason; no other reason indeed. His eyes widened though, just as he took a deep breath in order to relax himself. "Oh, that is lovely," He breathed. Briefly, he looked down at his hands, clasping them together in order to stop from fidgeting. "I should have picked up two more, so then it would not be lonely. Back at home, we never simply give another just one flower, and we do not give even amounts of flowers too. But I do not want to pick all of your beautiful flowers, I will find another gift to make you happy, Your Majesty."

Evander flushed again. "Oh. I…I do not require gifts of you, Dacian. I really do not, it would not be…fair of me." He took a deep breath, blinking faintly at the ambassador across from him. "The flower is quite a lovely gift all on its own."

"But I…." He stopped himself from continuing any further. In an instant, he covered his lips with his hand, lightly tapping them. Dacian was not sure what he was going to say, but he felt the need to stop before saying something absurd. He is the ambassador, not a simple noble or a young university man, he is the head of the embassy. "My apologies again, Your Majesty, I have this strange tendency to 'shower others with gifts' and such," He muttered, bowing his head. "Seeing you smile makes me smile, really it is true. It is like watching an angel beam."

Evander blinked at the compliments, not having been expecting them. "Oh, ah, my thanks, ambassador. It's…it's quite the compliment, and you're so kind to say it." He swallowed faintly, smiling a little bit at Dacian. "You're a very kind man." He added. "It's…it's a good trait, don't let anyone change you."

Rubbing the back of his neck, he let out a soft laugh. His lips spread, creating a wide beam. Dacian was caught up in what he heard for a few moments; he swore he felt his heart jump out of nowhere. "Thank you so much, it is an honor to hear such words from you, my king. To be honest, Your Majesty, I feel very comfortable around you for some reason and that is why I feel as if I should and can give these kind of compliments to you," He admitted. "It feels so….natural, if that makes any sense. And your words leave such an impact on me as well. They are mellifluous."

He smiled again, quiet and soft, grey eyes contemplative as he studied Dacian. "My thanks again, Ambassador. And…I feel quite the same of you; you are very easy to talk to." He didn't know why they both felt this way, it seemed odd, but at the same time, quite a welcome thing.

To him, it appeared as if they are on the same page. Does the king truly feel the same? What even is this feeling he has? Dacian had so many questions, so many words were piling up on his tongue. "I am glad to hear that you feel the same, it is a wonderful thing to hear indeed," He hesitantly nodded. His hands began to fidget again. "I must ask, Your Majesty, is it normal for one's heart to feel very warm and go at a quick pace from time to time? I am only asking because for the last few days or so, I have been feeling this way and I am a bit lost. Even though I am relaxed with you and your gracious presence, I….I…I feel a rather bit flushed right now. Maybe I need fresh air…"

(sfgdbkjb "heartburn, ambassador")

Evander hesitated, studying Dacian again. "We can go out to the gardens, if you like. Or at least out to the courtyards." he suggested, shifting in his seat but not quite getting up yet. "I hope you are not coming down with an illness, that would not be enjoyable for either yourself or anyone else with you."

Uncrossing his legs, he gently sat up while clearing his throat. Dacian took a swift glimpse out the window before facing King Evander again. Only in a matter of minutes he lowered his head, still fidgeting with his hands. He shook his head, "I have been gravely ill before. and I do not think I am. Maybe it is just my mind, but I would love to go out to the gardens or courtyards if that is alright with you, Your Majesty." Glancing up at the king, he lightly smiled, "Are you alright yourself, Your Majesty?"

"Then let's go outside." He replied. "And yes, I am perfectly alright. Thank you." To tell the truth, that wasn't the truth. He wasn't alright, not with the monster and not with the way Dacian made him feel, but he couldn't, wouldn't tell the truth. It was…not something that would be good, for anyone involved.

(Ooh so the song "King" by Lauren Aquilina reminds me of Evander)

(I agree; it does suit him really well!)

Dacian almost shot up out of his seat till he glanced over at King Evander then slowly sat back down. "That is very good to hear, Your Majesty," He smiled. Looking at the king, he wondered if he really was okay or if there was something else. All those curiosities from yesterday and all the other days wandered in his head. Did the king feel the same as him too? Could that be possible? He held out his arm, motioning to the door. "After you, my king."

(:D yeah)

Evander got to his feet, heading towards the door. "Thank you, ambassador." He said, leading the way out to the courtyard. "Here we are, I hope you are feeling better?" His gaze flickered over to Dacian curiously, hoping the ambassador was not feeling ill.

Once the king began to walk, he finally stood up and followed. Dacian held his hands behind his back as they arrived to the courtyard. The feeling of fresh air did make him feel a bit better, but when he would look at the king, he still felt strange. Before answering King Evander's question, he turned his head and covered his mouth while coughing; then he cleared his throat. Lightly, he nodded at first. "A little bit, I should be fine," He responded, giving a reassuring smile. "Thank you so much, Your Majesty."