forum "I would burn the world for you" (OxO Closed)

Started December 01, 2022 by @ElderGod-yellowqueen

tune

Bel blinks, his hand stuttering as the words suddenly hit his ears. His heart stops, stomach plummeting… floating? Fizzling? Surely he must've heard him wrong but then Nico says it again. Marry me, he says and Bel has never been more terrified of such a wonderful idea. "What?" He says quietly. His ears are playing tricks on him. He hadn't been prepared fir such a tender moment to get this serious–he hadn't been prepared for Nico to suddenly ask him for a lifetime commitment.

The only person Bel could ever see himself with is Nico. Nico. Bel had already planned out a life ahead of them, but marriage… Marriage is… Marriage is for sealing deals and securing alliances. It's for political agendas and arranges parties. It's–it's something Bel had practically been sold into at the beginning of this entire ordeal. It's… it's a happily ever after. It's a perfect ending to a perfect book and Bel doesn't know entirely how to answer. Will he be stuck if he says yes? Will he break Nico's heart if he says no?

"Love, you can't ask me a life altering question in the bathtub–" He settles on with a smile. "Please ask me again when you're rested and sure." Because clearly Nico might be sleep deprived and delusional if he wants to spend the rest of his life handcuffed to Bel.

Nico's hand left his waist only to move further up to cup Bel's cheeks. As much as he wanted to lean in and kiss him, Bel needed reassurance. He looked entirely adorable like this, so taken off guard and unprepared. He wanted to kiss the hell out of him. But he didn't. He only smiled gently. He is not hurt by his words. Nico understands that he doesn't quite believe him. He stroked his cheek with the pad of his thumb. "I don't need more rest. I am sure. I want to marry you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I cannot imagine being with anyone else. I love you and I will only love you."

He kissed him once then, soft and swift. "You do not have to give me an answer now. Just don't say no, please. Think about it." Nico would wait as long as Bel needed before he was ready. It was ten weeks or ten years, Nico would wait. As long as he got to keep him by his side, Nico would be happy. He prayed to the gods Bel didn't say no. He wasn't sure what he would do if Bel said no. He would let him go, of course, but what would happen to him? Nico would be crushed. He wouldn't ever be able to find love again. He would fall apart. Without Bel, Nico would likely pass the crown to Miran without a fuss. He would have nothing to motivate him so. He would never take a wife nor produce children. At least Miran's line would have multiple chances to produce an heir to continue the line.

"Just don't say no. Not yet."

"I won't," Bel reassures quietly, as if saying no to Nico had ever been a possibility. It’s not a denial… but it's hardly an acceptance either. Bel's known Nico for a month now, and it's been the most thrilling and adventurous four weeks of his life–he's loved Nico for almost all of it, but it's all so soon. Bel knows he can't be ready until he knows everything has fallen into place. There needs to be a just ruler on the throne. His father needs to be dead. The witchhunt needs to seize. Only then will Bel feel comfortable to say yes. He won't be another pawn in another marriage.

The water has turned cold and Bel slowly dismounts Nico's lap. "I think I'm going to get ready. The earlier in the day I speak to my sister the better." He kisses Nico, long and slow before standing and grabbing a clean, folded towel atop the stool. It doesn't take him long to dry off before he's back in the bedroom with a smile and wave directed at Nico behind him. The back of his mouth tastes metallic, and Bel knows it could either be hunger or his condition. He only prays Nico doesn't taste it on his tongue.

"Thank you," Nico murmured. That was all that he could ask for. He did not need an answer right away. He did not need a yes right away. They would need time. This would need to be over first before anything could progress in their relationship. Bel's father would need to die. The kingdom would need to be cleansed of this black cloud hanging over it. And when everything had settled itself, Nico would get done on one knee with the most beautifully crafted ring and ask only once more. And hopefully then he would get an answer.

Nico kissed him back responsively, almost whining as Bel pulled away from.him and climbed out of the tub. He soon followed Bel, climbing out if the tub. He dried with a towel and wrapped it around his waist. He followed behind Bel, wrapping his arms around his waist from behind. He pressed a small kiss to the side of his neck. "The morning is still early. We have some time to ourselves still."

Bel's barely to the wardrobe when Nico's suddenly around his back. He squeaks, surprised at the sudden contact. He eventually relaxes into it, leaning back into Nico's touch. He tilts his head back, allowing as much area as possible for Nico to kiss. "Should I be expecting you to follow me all day?' he inquires. His voice drips with affection but his mind scrambles. How can he speak with his sister for a cure when Nico is sitting right beside Bel.

Nevertheless, Bel finds himself melting into Nico. He's still without clothes, his towel hanging from one of his hands. He can't bring himself to care. "Love–" He turns around to face Nico. "I need to get dressed." With a small laugh in his voice, he leans forward to kiss Nico.

Hearing Bel squeak was like music to Nico's ears. Ot was such an adorable sound, he couldn't help but give him a small squeeze. "Unfortunately," he murmured, still kissing his neck, "I have things to do that will draw me from your side." This was their last chance to have a bit of privacy. After this, the tents would be broken down and they would be on their way. He wanted just a little more time with Bel.

Nico leans down to take his towel put of Bel's hand and drop it to the floor beside them. He had a wide grin on hos face, accepting the kiss. "And you will," he laughed, "just not yet." They had enough time for a quick go at each other. It would be their last time for at least a week. He wanted to take advantage of the time while he could.

"Eager, aren't you?" he teases, yet he's just as ready. One more time. Hopefully it won't take everything out of Bel. He has siblings to see and he won't be able to face them if he's walking funny, red faced and out of breath. "Just a small go," he says. "I don't think I could take anything strenuous." The claim is half true–he doesn't know if their rounds have any effect on his lungs.

Bel allows himself to be backed up against the bed. It hits his knees, causing them to buckle ad he falls back against the pillows. He smiles up at Nico.

"Hmm, I'm always eager when it comes to you, love. And don't tell me you don't want it just as much." Nico was slowly backing Bel up until he fell against the bed. He climbed over his prince, covering him with his body. He kissed him sweetly. "Are you sore, my love?" He asked. "How about I tend to you instead?" Nico needed no pleasure as long as Bel got his. And as much as he would love another round, he did need Bel able to ride a horse in a few hours. He couldn't do that if he was too rough.

His lips found Bel's neck and down to his chest. His eyes were looking up at Bel, waiting for the answer. "Let me take care of you, love. Let me love you." And while Nico might have a problem for the rest of his day that would surly make riding uncomfortable, he wouldn't mind nor complain. Bel came first, always.

"Just a little," he answers, returning the sweet kiss. Horseback riding is going to be hell. The prince can't bring himself to care. His heart flutters at the proposition. "I wouldn't mind that," he says softly, honestly. Ad long as they're both happy. As long as they're both content. He sighs as Nico's lips latch onto his neck.

"Please," he adds, practically a breath. His hands find Nico's hair, dragging his fingers though the soft locks. If Bel were to die, he'd due happily. He's positive that he's madly in love with Nico. He's positive that he's going to spend forever with him.

(How do feel about Bel getting captured later on the rp?)

Nico grinned as he finally got his consent. Despite being on a time constraint, he slowly kissed down his body, taking extra care to give every part of him some love. He reached uo a hand to lace his fingers together with Bel's before finally reaching his destination.

Nico thoroughly pleased Bel until he was moaning and arching his back. He only lifted his head until well after the prince had reached his pleasure. He reached his free hand up to wipe his mouth before leaning over Bel. "How was that, my love? Are you feeling better?"

(I'm very open to it 👀)

"Good," he says quietly, his chest healing as he recovers from his high. "Never better–" He pants, eyes still closed as his muscles slowly relax against the mattress. This might have been a mistake. Now Bel feels entirely like jelly, he's exhasyted, his brain is sluggish and doused in a pleasure-induced haze. He slowly removes his hand from Nico's hair.

There's no mess, much to Bel's appreciation. With a careful breath, he props himself up on his elbows. "How much longer until your first meeting?" That'll give him a time frame of how long it will be until he has to speak with his siblings.

(Sweet. Not for a little bit. At least until after they get to the palace. Gotta let them get comfortable first before we destroy it hehe)

Nico couldn't contain the quiet laugh. Bel looked out of sorts now. He pressed a soft kiss to his forehead. He wasn't sure if Bel wanted to kiss him before he had brushed his teeth after that. He wasn't going to force a kiss onto him either. "If you want to rest when we set off you can ride with me for a bit. You know I won't let you fall." Nico would be more than happy to have Bel ride with him. It would give him an excuse to hold him.

Nico looked at the clock on the wall. "Soon, I need to get dressed." He was relevant to pull away though, when Bel was laying there so vulnerable. "You can stay a little bit longer if you need the rest. Our test probably won't be broken down for another hour or so. You can sleep a bit more if you need it."

(yeah ofc akjdjd poor nico and bel,,, I love to put them in Situations)

"I don't need sleep," Bel instantly as he blinks away his blissful high. "I just need a moment." He's tired, yes, but he had plenty of duties ti attend to. He can't lay around in Nico's bed all day and wait for their romantic rendezvous. Bel is a prince after all, and he has his own duties to attend to.

After gathering his bearings, Bel slowly rises from the bed and uses the nightstand as a balancing point. His legs are still a little wobbly. He finds his own clothes in a small section of Nico's wardrobe and the domesticity of it causes his poor heart to palpitate. He decides on a dark shirt with lighter trousers.

(Just sprinkle in a little bit of trauma. Or a lot of trauma)

Nico only smiled as he climbed off of Bel and picked out his clothes to wear for the day. Dark brown trousers and a linen shirt. He would dawn on his leather armor before they set off. It was more comfortable to him than metal armor and easier ti move it. While it did not provide as much safety it was the most he would put on when traveling at least.

He looks at Bel as he sits on the bed, a boot in hand. He admired the prince as he dressed, a lovesteuck look on his face. "Well, even if you chose not to sleep, you are welcome to ride with me anyways." Of course Bel would access to his own horse but Nico couldn't deny the joy that he was filled with the thought of Bel riding with him.

(just a little bit of angst–WHOOPS [spills the entire bucket of angst into the rp])

The loving gaze centered on Bel as he dresses causes his face to redden with a bashful smile. He manages to turn his head away enough to hide the flush as he finishes, tucking his shirt stylishly into his waistband before securing a belt over his hips. He sits beside Nico on the bed, their sides touching as he begins to lace up his boots. Their the ones Nico bought him from the cobbler all those villages ago. The royal ones sit uselessly in the corner of the wardrobe.

"I have two horses now, and it'd be a shame not to ride one of them." Miran had brought Katya with him. Bel's trusty mare has been with him for years. It seems she never ages or fades from her prime. Bel once had a dream where she was a goddess, but that was also when he was suffering from a very high fever. Thicket has spent the past few days recovering from the twenty-four hour sprint they took him on to get to the settlement. "I do appreciate the offer, my love."

Nico finished lacing up one boot before moving onto the next. He watched Bel out of the corner of his eye. He purposely brushed his arm against his as he shifted while finishing up with his second boot. "I suppose it would be," he said as he stood. He outstretched a hand to Bel to help him stand up. He moved to the bathroom, brushing his teeth quickly and running a hand through his hair. He looked at himself in the small mirror before looking back at Bel.

"I still think we have enough time if you want to braid my hair." He did not have enough time but he would make it. Nothing could start without him and if anything was desperately needed, Ambrose would delegate in his place. He sat down on the bed, looking up at Bel expectantly.

Bel makes quick work of his laces, tightening them as far as they could go. He takes a little longer than Nico to finish, but he readily accepts the outstretched hand when it's extended to him. He doesn't release Nico's hand. They stand in front of the small mirror. While Nico brushes his teeth, Brl uses his free hand to fix his hair and adjust his collar.

When they're done, Bel offers a close lipped smile. "I'd be happy to," he says. Their height difference is small, but it makes it quite difficult to braid back Nico's hair. He brushes through it first, trying to think of a decent style. Most of the more complex designs he knows aren't meant for Nico's hair texture. It would likely result in bald patches and broken pieces. While Bel would still love him if he was bald, Bel would rather not be responsible for that. Instead, he braids back Nico's bangs and pulls the rest of the loose hair back into a ponytail. A few pieces are left loose to properly frame his face. "You're very handsome," he compliments gently, leaning down to kiss Nico's forhead.

Nico closed his eyes as Bel worked on his hair. A rumble of pleasure left his chest at the feeling of his fingers running through his hair. He loved it. He loved this, Bel taking care of him. It felt nice to be vulnerable with someone. He hadn't been in a long time. At least not voluntarily. But this was different. This was peace and happy and vulnerable. And he knew he could be with Bel. He knew he was safe with Bel, always.

As the prince finished on his hair, he stood up and stretched. He pulled Bel into a kiss before stepping back. "Alright, I've got to go now, love. I'll see you later alright?"

"See you later, love," Bel says quietly, accepting the kiss and trying not to feel disappointed as they pull away. "Don't overwork yourself." He watches Nico leave, waiting just a moment to bask in isolation and silence. Before he leaves, Bel grabs one of Nico's cloaks to keep himself warm. The morning is cool as Bel steps into it. Some of the tents are already in the process of being dismantled and packed. The process seems relatively simple and Bel has to wonder how often these people have to move.

The trip to his siblings' tent is a short one, far enough to be out of ant earshot but close enough so Bel wouldn't feel completely isolated. Miran is missing, Valera is sleeping on a cot, and Treya is sitting cross-legged on thr floor, messing with her different chemicals and powders. "Trey," Bel agrees her gently as he takes a place beside her. "I have a few things to ask of you." She raises an eyebrow, carefully turning to face her brother. "I'll pay you in countless brownies." That seems to intrigue her.

Nico looked back at Bel one last time, smiling at him, before exiting the tent. He pushed his shoulders back and held his head up high. Now that he had escaped the high that was back in his tent, his exhaustion was starting to creep in once more. But he couldn't let it show. He couldn't let his people see just how tired he was. So he smiled and nodded and helped a few people with dismantling a tent when it had gotten stuck.

Then he was in his meeting. All it was was making the finishing touches on their plan and finalizing it. One that was done, orders would be sent out to the soldiers that would be their escorts and guarding their group, what their rotation was. The finalized each place they would stop for the night and at what time they expected their arrival. They assigned several of their people to hunting duty once the food would begin to get low. And then all that was left was to speak to his people and set out on the road.

(agh happy 800 posts)

Treya had asked about a thousand questions, all while fiddling with her little chemistry set. At one point, the liquids had evaporated into a foul gas, which Treya quickly subdued with a grayish powder. She hadn't been suspicious of a sleeping tonic. She's made many of those for soldiers who couldn't sleep after returning home from a violent crusade. She had been more skeptical of a medicine. "I'm not a healer," she says quietly, finally setting down her little vials. She looks to Bel. "Is it what mother had?"

The question is surprising. Bel hadn't even been thinking of causes, only of cures. Genetics would make sense, he supposes. Bel's constitution had always been questionable. He's been sick more times then he'd like to admit. "Perhaps," he answers. He wonders if Treya even remembers their mother. She had been four when Dionn was killed. Are Treya's only memories of their mother when she was sick? "I don't know why now–"

"There's a reason Father kept you in the palace for so long." Treya is quick to cut him off. She only allows brief eye contact before she's back to her tiny experiment. "You've been in a whole new high-stress environment for the past month, Bel. I wouldn't exactly think that to be easy on your body."

And the prince hates how much that makes sense. "So the sleeping drought?"

"It'll be done by tonight."

(WHAT? WHATS WRONG WITH BEL? WHAT ARE YOU DOING? LEAVE MY BABY ALONE.)

Nico had spent the better part of his morning in his meeting. When they finally dismissed, he had gone into the camp to offer his hands where ever they were needed. He helped breakdown homes and package things away in wagons. He checked Ober their rations in person. He had heard the numbers but he wanted to verify it anyways. It soothed his anxiety. They would still need to hunt toward the end of the journey but they should be alright. Water was being filtered and stored as the rest of the camp was being packed. While they would try to stay near a water source it wasn't always going to be possible. They needed to have water in reserves for when their supply ran out.

A couple hours after midday and it was like the camp had never been there. The only tell was the indents in the ground from where their things had been. It would take time for those to go away. But they would be long gone before anyone came across this campsite. Nico was stroking his horse's mane as the last bit was being fixed. His poor horse, who had traveled so far already was about to travel more. When they reach Blakkast he was going to give him a very long vacation.

( ͡°( ͡° ͜ʖ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)ʖ ͡°) ͡°)

They have to pack up their tent, Val and Treya clearly familiar with this sort of process. The youngest sister packs all of her elixirs into a small side bag. Tied by their straps to the bottom of the bag are a quartet of masks, ones that latch onto the bottom of the jaw and hook over the nose. Bels seen those before. He's seen them donned by warriors marching through noxious smoke.He prays Treya will remain civil for the time being. For being so small and unthreatening, Bel believes wholeheartedly that Treya should be the most feared heir.

Val's exhausted. While most would look at her usual face of stone and think nothing of it, Bel can see the small shifts in her posture, the sluggish movement of her eyes. It takes a majority of the afternoon to pack. Treya's scribbling in a small journal. It's a grocery list of sorts, everything she'll need for a sleeping drought. A breeze picks up and Bel coughs into the crook of his elbow, wincing as he pulls away and notes the dark specks soaking through the charcoal fabric of his shirt. Valera gives him a look of pity… sympathy?

Not long after, Miran surfaces with a small cavalry in tow. Bel brightens upon seeing his favorite white mare. "Katya–" he coos, reaching fir her snout. She whiskies and snuggles into his touch. Flip, Miran's beloved horse, huffs. Bels sure to give her a little love as well.

Nico watched Bel from a distance. He wanted to give him time with his siblings and if he went over there he would be interrupting it. He only smiled, watching him with his horse. He looked happy. Nico swore he was going to do everything in his power to keep Bel happy like this. He would do anything for him.

Nico climbed his mount, circling around so he was at the front of the group. He was the only one on his horse, everyone else waiting for instruction. With a clear of his throat, he waited for the voiced to quiet. "Today, we are leaving the place we have called home for a time. It's time for us to find a new home. We leave for Blakkast. There, we will tale up residence at the palace while we plan. We plan for war. And then we will take back our home and free it from its tyranny. Today is the start of a new beginning. Now we ride."

There was a small cheer that went around some of his people. There were shouts of a agreements and magic sparking before those with horses mounted their rides and the rest prepared to take the journey on foot. They would travel no faster than their slowest person.

Nico's strong voice catches Bel's attention. He turns from the mares and up to Nico, already atop of Abraxas. He's so… professional, at ease but hardly casual in front of this many people. There's a cheer that causes Miran to roll his eyes, quickly mounting Flip to be the second one on horseback. Bel can't hide the affectionate shake of his head. Always the competitive one. Val and Treya quickly follow on their own steeds. Markon is Val's mount, a mahogany dark stallion with a quick temper. Treya has the largest horse with shaggy blond hooves and a pitch black coat. His name is Edwin and Bel nearly got trampled by him the day the stablemen had first bought him.

Thicket is left to a boy with a hobble and a crutch. Bel carefully hands the boy Thicket's reins with a gentle smile. "Will you take care of Thicket for me?" Bel asks, noting how the boy's eyes light up as he nods vigorously. His mother almost looks as if she could cry.

Then Bel's on his own horse. Katya's familiar beneath him, the leather saddle well-molded to the shape of his thighs. The pressure is slightly uncomfortable but Bel will get used to it. It's not long before the group begins moving, Bel staying somewhere in the middle and Nico up front. within a week they'll be in Blakkast. Sella will take care of them. They'll pool their allies and charge. Within the next three months, Bel will be free.

Nico did not like making speeches. He wasn't good at it. While it was easy to make friends and talk to people, speeches was an entirely different thing. It wasn't stage fright or anything of the sorts. It was simply just addressing people like that. He wasn't good at it. Part of it likely stemmed from him hating taking such a position of authority. He didn't like having to show his power despite knowing it was needed of him. It made him feel out of sorts and uncomfortable. These were his people yes, but they were also his friends and family. He didn't like treating then differently.

Nico took up the front along with his men. There were six of them now that Ambrkse was joining them this time. They were a sight to behold, each of them. They were powerful and strong and unbreakable. At least, that's what everyone thought. But they knew better than that. They knew they each had vulnerabilities that coukd be exploited. Such as they would do anything for one another.

Nico turned his head back, searching the crowd for Bel. He spotted his prince further back, surrounded by his siblings. As much as he wanted to ride next to him, Nico wasn't going to tear him away from his family. The siblings had been apart from each other for too long. It was time to let them be together.

Bel sits atop of Katya, his siblings om their respective steeds falling around him. Per usual, Miran takes the front with the sisters on either side of Bel. Usually it would be Treya in the middle, but Bel's fully aware of the protective glint that shines in all their eyes. As soon as Edwin gets to a steady pace, Treya begins to dig around in her bag. The horse, a massive Clydesdale, is known for his large back and even gait. He makes the perfect mobile lab for her alchemy.

"I don't know if I'll make it to Araniel," Val speaks, jolting Bel out of his study with her soft voice.

"What do you mean?" Bel replies. Bel's supposed to be the sick one. Val should be healthy and fit, unless–but before a flare of anger can surge through him, Val speaks.

"I don't think I could face him," Val answers. Her hands clutch tightly at Markon's reins. Bel knows her well enough to know that she'd rather be spinning and winding her favored chained dart, but that would hardly convey a friendly image to the already wary citizens. "Miran's always been the brave one. You're the rounded one and Trey's the intelligent one." She sighs. "I'm the quiet one. Father forgets how much he scares me." She looks to the sky, gaging the amount of daylight left. "I might stay in Blakkast. Or move back to Cobrass. Maybe I'll drop off the map completely."

"Whatever you choose," Bel says carefully. "You will always be missed and welcomed by me." And that ilicts at least a small smile from his younger sister. Granted how little she allows her stone face to break, Bel considers it a win.

(unless you have anything huge planned for travelling, maybe we could skim over it until they reach the mountains of Blakkast? With Bel and Nico separated it might be a little difficult to rp it all out akhdjjsks)

(Time skip os good.)

The trip had gone rather soothingly over the week. The trip was taking a little longer than intended to but they did have a few elderly and small children. They were bound to hold up their party. Braxton and Laurent were sent off with a few other to go hunting before they reached mountains. Nico didn't want anyone straying from their group once they entered the hostile grounds. They needed to ahbeneough provisions to last then to the palace.

Bel was spending most of the trip with his siblings. Nicandros was not happy about that. The first couple of days had been fine but now he was beginning to get irritated. The ration part of his brain told him they were his siblings and they had bee separated for a long time. They were just catching up. But the irrational part was blocking that voice out. Nico felt something for him that he had never felt for anyone before. He wanted all of Bel's time. Which wasn't possible but he coukd at least try.

He had been pouting until Amrbose finally told him to grow up and get over it, and even then, he still sulked some. It was alright, he thought, Bel coukd spend his days with his siblings but come night he was with Nico. He would set uo their bedrooms right next to each other and they would fall asleep side by side. And somehow, despite being in separate bed rolls and falling asleep apart, Nico woke up each morning curled around Bel. It was instinct. He reached out instinctively for him in his sleep and held on tight. And he wouldn't let go until dawn.

But now they had reached the mountains. Nicandros had kept a loose leash kn his people thus far ad it had been rather safe. They were too big of a group for small bands of bandits to truffle with and they had enough guards and weaponry to steer away the others. But now they were about to enter a mountain range filled with terrifying beasts. This was when he got more strict. And when he wanted Bel by his side to better protect him. He sent Ambrose to get hos little prince. Nico at least wanted to speak to Bel before they entered the mountains.

The trip, thank the gods, is entirely uneventful. Bel chats merrily with his siblings, checks in with Treya on her alchemy, and steals glances up at Nico leading the pack. A few times, their eyes meet and Bel smiles before blushing like a teenager and turning away. The night falls and Bel stays awake until a firm arm eventually wraps around his torso. Only when he and Nico are an odd in-between of their bedrolls does he finally feel the pull of sleep. His sleep is dreamless but easily interrupted by whatever creature crawls through the underbrush. There's safety in numbers, however, and nobody would dare attack this big of a group radiating this strong an aura of magic.

Together in the night and separated during the day–Bel doesn't have to be beside Nico to know that the other man is suffering. Bel inquires of the sleeping tonic, and Treya replies that she was unexpectedly low on lavender extract. They had to stop in a field to allow her to harvest some. She mushes it into a pulp atop of Edwin's sturdy back. By the morning they reach the base of the mountains, Treya presses a glass vial of deep blue liquid into Bel's palm with a simple instruction. "One drop is an hour."

With the group sitting at the base of the mountains, marveling up at the imposing peaks, Bel takes his chance to weave through the crowd and up to Nico. Miran follows closely behind. "Sella said she would meet us here," Miran supplies, his firm voice beating Bel to breaking the silence. "It shouldn't be long."

As if he had been the catalyst, a grating roar sounds from above. Everyone around the heirs tense, but Bel has never felt safer. Descending the perilous slope is an armored figure riding a puma as large as Treya's horse. The cat has pointed teeth, intelligent eyes, and ears pressed back flat against its head. Its silvery fur blends against the stone. The closer Bel looks at the cliff, the more pumas appear from their natural camoflague. Atop of them all are armored soldiers with lances three meters long and daggers strapped to their belts.

"Hello," says the leader, carefully reaching up to lift their helmet. Falling from its confines is dark hair, braided in with silver to form dozens of tight, back-length cornrows. Her eyes are sharp, as clever as the cat's she's riding. Her smile resembles Miran's, a near-cocky but assuring one. Her gaze falls upon the leader. "I'm assuming you must be Nicandros?"

Nico turned his head as Bel trotted up to him. He leaned over to place a hand on Jo's thigh and gave jt a small squeeze. Everyone here knew they had relations. If they hadn't back at the camp they certainly would know now by the fact that Nico cuddled the prince every night. And while he was sure there were some whispers, his people kept it relatively quiet. His people had never seen him happy with someone. Never seen him in love before. And if this was who Nico chose to spend his life with, there was no stopping him.

Despite Miran being on the otherside of Bel, he leaned over across the horse to kiss Bel on the lips softly. "Hello, love," he said quietly. He's missed this, having Bel by his side. Having him at night just wasn't enough for him. He had never been a possessive man until Bel had come along. And now he wanted to be by his side always.

It was only then that he acknowledged Miran, nodding at him. He turned his gaze forward. Not a moment later, a puma came into view. He tensed, his hand moving to rest on his sword. It wasn't until he saw the people that mounted that he relax, just barely. A domesticated puma would be easier to handle than a wild one. Though he supposed it depended on their riders.

Someone approached then, a woman. He could tell even with the distance. She took off her helmet and there was no guessing that this was Sella. She looked too much like Miran for them not to be family. He bowed her head in respect to her. "I am. And you mist be Sella."