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maderrSo originally the memorial service for my Uncle was going to be next Sunday.
They changed it to this coming Monday x_X
Luckily my roommate is willing to put up with me in this, and in about twenty minutes or so is taking me the airport.
Arriving late, won't be back 'til Wednesday.
Get to see my family, but man do I wish there was a better reason.
Soooo looks like I won't be writing away the weekend like I thought ^^;; Though will try.I have relative murders to plot first.
Will leave you with what I've managed to add to BM. Pardon any errors, I'll have my betas look it over once I finish the whole shebang.
"So what does all this mean, I wonder," Cerant said tiredly. "Days we have debated this, puzzled over it, and we are no closer to solving the mystery than we were before. I would like to know what the demons are about, why they want the sword so badly – what will happen if they get the jewel which goes with it."
Koray frowned over the jewel in question, and Sorin realized he was starting to feel jealous – ever since his revelation about the demon and Paladin being in love, he had scarcely let it from his sight, taking it out and pondering it whenever he had a moment.
He mentally rolled his eyes at himself, and focused once more on the conversation at hand. "It means we are hapless targets until we finally solve the riddle."
"We should go to the ruins," Koray said abruptly, voice low but firm. "That's where they died…where the sword was made…such a great tragedy would leave ghosts, likely of such power no necromancer would take them unless there was no other choice." He looked up, pale eyes focusing on Sorin's. "Perhaps if we can learn more of what transpired…more about the sword…we will gain an answer, or at least a few clues."
Sorin grunted, displeased at the agreement throbbing sharply in his chest. "The Goddess seems to indicate that is the correct recourse, so it would appear we are going to the ruins. Why did this solution not present itself sooner?"
But he knew the answer, even as he asked the question.
The old castle was only a few days away from the formal borderline between them and the demons. Keeping that border secure had cost more men than Sorin could bear to think about. Ever since the castle had been abandoned, the demons had been attempting to creep in, breach the border slowly…
No one went that far North if it cold possibly be avoided.
"The ruins are some distance from here," Sorin finally said. "To end this matter, however, I would go much further."
"Indeed," Cerant said. "Just shy of two weeks, I should think, if we travel light and move quickly."
"What—"
"Master—"
Sorin cut off his own attempts with a smile, and motioned for Neikirk to continue. Of the two of them, Cerant was much more likely to listen to his alchemist.
"Master, you should not go on such a dangerous journey. It would be the greatest of coups for the demons, should they manage to slay you. Here in the castle, you are protected. Beyond its walls, the danger increases fivefold."
"I know," Cerant said gently, "but a matter this grave and complicated…who but the Goddess can say who or what shall be required? My presence may prove to be of some use, and as King it is my duty to protect my people. In this matter, I feel my role is to accompany the rest of you to the ruins."
Sorin grimaced, but nodded. "Fine, Majesty – but you will do as you're told. We cannot lose you, Cerant. We cannot."
Cerant nodded. "I will obey, Sorin. I give my word." He smiled briefly. "I'm in no hurry to die, I assure you." His eyes flicked briefly to Neikirk, smile softening into deep affection.
He'd roll his eyes, except all he could feel was envious. If he tried to look at Koray like that, he'd likely get snarled at…and he could not see Koray looking so even to save his own neck. Too many thorns, his necromancer…but he would not be Koray without them, and Sorin realized he could live with that.
A sudden laugh interrupted his thoughts, and he mentally gave himself a sharp slap, focusing once more on the present situation – and frowned as he watched Cerant stand and cross the room to where two boxes rest upon a chest at the foot of the bed.
"It occurs to me," Cerant said as he strode back to the sitting area carrying the boxes, "that this journey will be a perfect opportunity to spread the word of our two new officials. A proper Tour is of course out of the question, but people will take notice as we travel and spread the news faster than any official postings could."
Sorin frowned. "What new officials?"
Cerant smiled and motioned for Neikirk to take the top box, then moved around the table to present the second box to Koray. "If you are willing to accept this, then it is yours with full honor and deepest gratitude."
Koray frowned, immediately distrustful – but he took the box without comment and slowly pulled off the lid.
When he lifted out the contents, all the pieces fell into place, and Sorin could not help but grin.
It was a robe – a deeper violet than that which Koray currently wore, made of softest wool. Unlike priest robes, it parted down the center and had at least a dozen fastenings, to be opened or closed to whatever degree the wearer chose. The hem and sleeves were embroidered in silver and gold thread with a pattern of alternating irises and five-pointed stars – symbols of the Goddess. The hood was deep, wide, embroidered around the edge, lined with deep-gray satin. On the chest, right over his heart, the star of the Goddess, exactly as it was on Sorin's armor.
Neikirk held a tunic at least as fine, similar in design to the green one he currently wore – but rather than the odd symbols of the South, the hem and short sleeves displayed a pattern of the Goddess's star alternating with the royal crest, the same star in the space over his heart.
He wondered how hard the palace seamstresses must have labored to get them done as quickly as he suspected Cerant had asked.
"What is it?" Koray asked. "Besides a robe."
"The official garb, assuming you like and approve it, of the High Necromancer."
Koray dropped the robe as if burned. "What?" His eyes widened briefly in surprise, before he gained control and replaced the shock with a scowl.
Cerant stood before Koray, meeting his eyes, every bit the King. "As I said – if you are willing to accept the post. I sincerely doubt it will ever be an easy one. A great crime – a great cruelty – has long been committed against necromancers. We are going to change that, and the best way to begin is to officially instate necromancers as the true servants of the Goddess you have always been. However, that requires necromancers having a leader, the same as the priests and paladins.
"You have more than proven your abilities in the eyes of the throne, and of course I do not doubt She intended this all along, though I'm sure I would never presume to know Her mind. What say you, Koray? Would you accept the title of High Necromancer?"
"He says yes," Sorin said before Koray could speak, knowing he would just launch into protestations or suspicions. He grinned when his audacity earned him a glare.
Cerant looked between them, eyes glittering with amusement. "Koray?"
Koray said nothing, but bent to retrieve the dropped robe. Resuming his seat, he briefly touched his fingers to the embroidery.
"Splendid," Cerant said. "The ceremony to induct you both is tonight. We will leave for the ruins in two days time."
Sorin stood, hearing the unspoken dismissal – as if he needed to hear it with the way Cerant and Neikirk kept sneaking those looks at each other – and waited as Koray caught up with him at the door.
They walked together in silence through the halls. Distantly Sorin thought of all the things he should be doing, needed to be doing…but he was loathe to leave Koray's side. "So what's going to be your first edict as High Necromancer?" he asked lightly. "Every time a Paladin says something stupid to a necromancer, he's to be severely beaten?"
Koray's head jerked up in surprise, and his lips twitched briefly before he looked back down, hair sliding forward to hide it.
He could no more resist the impulse than he could breathing, reaching out and gently pushing the strands of hair back, startling Koray into halting. Gently he tucked the loose strand back behind Koray's ear, letting his hand linger a moment.
It was gratifying, even heady, that Koray did not immediately recoil from his touch. Not so many days ago, he would have. He wanted badly to steal a kiss, but he suspected that somehow it would only result in him having to offer another apology. Somehow, someway, it would undoubtedly work against him to taste that pretty mouth.
Reluctantly he let his hand fall away. "I might have to take issue, on principle, but I concede it would probably be a wise edict. I remember needing more than a few beatings in my youth. No doubt I need them still." He grinned briefly before turning more serious again. "Speaking of such things, you'll probably need to help the scribes pen the official postings to be sent out across the kingdom, pertaining to the new status of necromancers – and maybe you can suggest where said necromancers will be likely to see and read them."
Koray nodded stiffly, and only the fact he was slowly improving in reading Koray allowed Sorin to notice the slight way his grip tightened on the robe he held, the tightening around his eyes and mouth. It was a look of resolve that Koray had when he worked – subverting fear with pure stubbornness.
"Come, if the induction ceremony is tonight – food before hand is a must. Trust me." Sorin winked, and flagged down the first servant they encountered to have food brought to their room.
He left Koray to his thoughts until they were settled at their table with food and wine – always he made certain they brought the dark, sweet red wine of which he noticed Koray was fond. Several thoughts flitted through his mind, things he should say, suggest, but when he opened his mouth he said none of those things he'd intended. "As High Necromancer, you are of course entitled to a chamber of your own. Perhaps in the Church itself, if you wanted…though I have come used to your presence here, Koray, to be honest."
Koray said nothing, but the way his shoulders relaxed every so slightly – he was relieved about something. Sorin dared to hope that perhaps Koray had fretted over how his new title would affect their arrangement. Certainly last night had given him some hope, after he had apologized, the way Koray had settled into bed as was his habit…the way he had not pulled away when Sorin joined him, had tugged him close.
Sorin could not help wondering what it would be like if there were no barriers between them, to stroke and touch the entirety of that fine body before they curled up together. He shifted in his seat and directed his thoughts elsewhere, rolling his eyes at himself.
"I cannot imagine anyone will be pleased," Koray said cryptically.
"Pleased?" Sorin asked, then noted that Koray still held fast to his new robe. "Ah, about a High Necromancer joining the ranks of the Goddess's most blessed. There is not much they can do, when the King, the High Paladin, and the High Priest all support it – and if the Goddess did not approve, you would not be able to enter Her sanctuary. People will recognize Her presence in this, and that will erase more doubts than anything else possibly could."
Koray nodded, but did not look convinced. He slowly took another sip of wine, and then another, obviously lost in thought.
"The ceremony is fairly simple," Sorin said, wondering if that was the source of some of Koray's worry. "I'm sure Cerant will extend it to some degree, to give a speech about necromancers and how they have been wronged, how the Goddess truly regards you – and of course, an explanation of alchemy – but otherwise, it is merely a formal blessing bestowed, and your swearing faith and loyalty to the Goddess before the assembled."
He frowned when Koray said nothing, merely continued to sip his wine. "The High Offices receive no allowance, but that is because the crown covers all our needs. It is recompense for the lifelong duty to which we agree."
Most knights, priests, did not have to serve for life. It was not unusual for men and women to serve in the priesthood for several years to gain an education, experience, other such things, before retiring to return to their families or lands. Knights typically served for a period of five years, though most chose to stay much longer. Only the High Offices, Paladins, and the most advanced ranks of the priesthood served for life. Their numbers were small – one Paladin to every province, three others serving beneath him here, and it was much the same with the priests.
For that, the crown covered their expenses and every need.
Still Koray said nothing, and Sorin's concern deepened into true worry. "Koray, does the appointment trouble you so?"
"I know nothing about such things," Koray whispered, and Sorin knew the admission was hard for him to make. He stared hard at his robe, clutching it tightly in his fingers. "I…I am not you, or Neikirk, or Cerant."
Sorin snorted. "If you were us, a poor necromancer you would make. We all of us have our strengths and weaknesses…mine are suited to being High Paladin. Neikirk makes a fine alchemist. Cerant, though he says otherwise, was always the better candidate for King. Yet our unique strengths would fail beneath the weight of necromancy. Your strength far surpasses our own, I truly believe this." He smiled briefly. "If you fear the more mundane aspects of your office, I assure you that if I and my fool mouth can bungle through it, you will no doubt excel."
That earned him a brief smile, Koray taking a sip of wine to try and hide it.
Grinning in return, Sorin swallowed the last of his own wine and then stood up. "Come, High Necromancer, you should dress for your ceremony. Let us see if they got the measurements right, so that there is still time to fix the robe if necessary."
Frowning at him, Koray nevertheless stood up as Sorin only continued to hover over him. Slowly he pulled off the violet robe which had become his favorite since first accepting the few given to him by the High Priest, setting it neatly across the back of his chair before picking up his new one.
In the weeks he'd been at the castle, Koray had filled out considerably – though Sorin sensed he would always be reed thin. He no longer looked like the skeleton Zaede always accused him of being. The weeks had also given him enough time to order all new clothes made for Koray, though his prickly necromancer had of course at first refused them. But the soft breeches and white shirt were of much better quality than the clothes he'd had before, and getting the High Priest to bless them lent Koray additional warmth.
Koray looked good, and Sorin sternly forced himself not to think how much better he'd look with nothing on at all.
Slowly Koray pulled on the new robe, smoothing it into place, fussing with the sleeves, fastening it down to just above his waist so that his belt was easily reached.
"Hmm…" Sorin said with a faint smile, suddenly thinking of something. "It looks good, but something is missing." He turned sharply on his heel and strode to the chest at the foot of his bed. Kneeling, he threw back the top and rifled through it a moment, looking for…ah, there it was. He had not looked upon it for ages, but had always kept it.
He walked back to Koray. "I do not often wear jewelry of any sort, as I have learned the hard way that it can all too easily be used against me in battle. I also simply do not favor it. This was given to me years ago, as a thank you. I kept it, but never really felt it suited me."
Ignoring Koray's wary looks and the way he stiffened, Sorin reached behind him and slowly fastened the bit of leather in place, unable to resist brushing lightly over soft skin as he pulled away.
Koray reached up to gingerly touch the simple medallion – the Goddess's star done in plain silver.
"It is traditional to give gifts to the newly inducted," Sorin explained. "It suits you, where it did not suit me, and now I would say you look perfect."
Koray sneered at the adjective, but did not reply, dropping his gaze and looking more blatantly nervous than Sorin had ever seen him.
He reached up to delicately touch one fine-boned cheek, relieved that it was warm, fiercely, possessively happy that he was the reason Koray was warm these days. "Koray…" he drifted off, not quite certain what to say… He brushed his thumb over those fine, pale lips, and started to lean down—when a sharp rap at the door interrupted them.
Swearing softly as Koray withdrew, Sorin stalked to the door and opened it. "What?"
"High Priest says you should both arrive early, before the crowd does."
"We are coming," Sorin said tersely, then slammed the door in the servant's face.
He turned back to Koray, who stood silently at the table, sipping the last of his wine, carefully avoiding Sorin's gaze.
Sighing, Sorin moved to ready himself for the ceremony.
They changed it to this coming Monday x_X
Luckily my roommate is willing to put up with me in this, and in about twenty minutes or so is taking me the airport.
Arriving late, won't be back 'til Wednesday.
Get to see my family, but man do I wish there was a better reason.
Soooo looks like I won't be writing away the weekend like I thought ^^;; Though will try.
Will leave you with what I've managed to add to BM. Pardon any errors, I'll have my betas look it over once I finish the whole shebang.
"So what does all this mean, I wonder," Cerant said tiredly. "Days we have debated this, puzzled over it, and we are no closer to solving the mystery than we were before. I would like to know what the demons are about, why they want the sword so badly – what will happen if they get the jewel which goes with it."
Koray frowned over the jewel in question, and Sorin realized he was starting to feel jealous – ever since his revelation about the demon and Paladin being in love, he had scarcely let it from his sight, taking it out and pondering it whenever he had a moment.
He mentally rolled his eyes at himself, and focused once more on the conversation at hand. "It means we are hapless targets until we finally solve the riddle."
"We should go to the ruins," Koray said abruptly, voice low but firm. "That's where they died…where the sword was made…such a great tragedy would leave ghosts, likely of such power no necromancer would take them unless there was no other choice." He looked up, pale eyes focusing on Sorin's. "Perhaps if we can learn more of what transpired…more about the sword…we will gain an answer, or at least a few clues."
Sorin grunted, displeased at the agreement throbbing sharply in his chest. "The Goddess seems to indicate that is the correct recourse, so it would appear we are going to the ruins. Why did this solution not present itself sooner?"
But he knew the answer, even as he asked the question.
The old castle was only a few days away from the formal borderline between them and the demons. Keeping that border secure had cost more men than Sorin could bear to think about. Ever since the castle had been abandoned, the demons had been attempting to creep in, breach the border slowly…
No one went that far North if it cold possibly be avoided.
"The ruins are some distance from here," Sorin finally said. "To end this matter, however, I would go much further."
"Indeed," Cerant said. "Just shy of two weeks, I should think, if we travel light and move quickly."
"What—"
"Master—"
Sorin cut off his own attempts with a smile, and motioned for Neikirk to continue. Of the two of them, Cerant was much more likely to listen to his alchemist.
"Master, you should not go on such a dangerous journey. It would be the greatest of coups for the demons, should they manage to slay you. Here in the castle, you are protected. Beyond its walls, the danger increases fivefold."
"I know," Cerant said gently, "but a matter this grave and complicated…who but the Goddess can say who or what shall be required? My presence may prove to be of some use, and as King it is my duty to protect my people. In this matter, I feel my role is to accompany the rest of you to the ruins."
Sorin grimaced, but nodded. "Fine, Majesty – but you will do as you're told. We cannot lose you, Cerant. We cannot."
Cerant nodded. "I will obey, Sorin. I give my word." He smiled briefly. "I'm in no hurry to die, I assure you." His eyes flicked briefly to Neikirk, smile softening into deep affection.
He'd roll his eyes, except all he could feel was envious. If he tried to look at Koray like that, he'd likely get snarled at…and he could not see Koray looking so even to save his own neck. Too many thorns, his necromancer…but he would not be Koray without them, and Sorin realized he could live with that.
A sudden laugh interrupted his thoughts, and he mentally gave himself a sharp slap, focusing once more on the present situation – and frowned as he watched Cerant stand and cross the room to where two boxes rest upon a chest at the foot of the bed.
"It occurs to me," Cerant said as he strode back to the sitting area carrying the boxes, "that this journey will be a perfect opportunity to spread the word of our two new officials. A proper Tour is of course out of the question, but people will take notice as we travel and spread the news faster than any official postings could."
Sorin frowned. "What new officials?"
Cerant smiled and motioned for Neikirk to take the top box, then moved around the table to present the second box to Koray. "If you are willing to accept this, then it is yours with full honor and deepest gratitude."
Koray frowned, immediately distrustful – but he took the box without comment and slowly pulled off the lid.
When he lifted out the contents, all the pieces fell into place, and Sorin could not help but grin.
It was a robe – a deeper violet than that which Koray currently wore, made of softest wool. Unlike priest robes, it parted down the center and had at least a dozen fastenings, to be opened or closed to whatever degree the wearer chose. The hem and sleeves were embroidered in silver and gold thread with a pattern of alternating irises and five-pointed stars – symbols of the Goddess. The hood was deep, wide, embroidered around the edge, lined with deep-gray satin. On the chest, right over his heart, the star of the Goddess, exactly as it was on Sorin's armor.
Neikirk held a tunic at least as fine, similar in design to the green one he currently wore – but rather than the odd symbols of the South, the hem and short sleeves displayed a pattern of the Goddess's star alternating with the royal crest, the same star in the space over his heart.
He wondered how hard the palace seamstresses must have labored to get them done as quickly as he suspected Cerant had asked.
"What is it?" Koray asked. "Besides a robe."
"The official garb, assuming you like and approve it, of the High Necromancer."
Koray dropped the robe as if burned. "What?" His eyes widened briefly in surprise, before he gained control and replaced the shock with a scowl.
Cerant stood before Koray, meeting his eyes, every bit the King. "As I said – if you are willing to accept the post. I sincerely doubt it will ever be an easy one. A great crime – a great cruelty – has long been committed against necromancers. We are going to change that, and the best way to begin is to officially instate necromancers as the true servants of the Goddess you have always been. However, that requires necromancers having a leader, the same as the priests and paladins.
"You have more than proven your abilities in the eyes of the throne, and of course I do not doubt She intended this all along, though I'm sure I would never presume to know Her mind. What say you, Koray? Would you accept the title of High Necromancer?"
"He says yes," Sorin said before Koray could speak, knowing he would just launch into protestations or suspicions. He grinned when his audacity earned him a glare.
Cerant looked between them, eyes glittering with amusement. "Koray?"
Koray said nothing, but bent to retrieve the dropped robe. Resuming his seat, he briefly touched his fingers to the embroidery.
"Splendid," Cerant said. "The ceremony to induct you both is tonight. We will leave for the ruins in two days time."
Sorin stood, hearing the unspoken dismissal – as if he needed to hear it with the way Cerant and Neikirk kept sneaking those looks at each other – and waited as Koray caught up with him at the door.
They walked together in silence through the halls. Distantly Sorin thought of all the things he should be doing, needed to be doing…but he was loathe to leave Koray's side. "So what's going to be your first edict as High Necromancer?" he asked lightly. "Every time a Paladin says something stupid to a necromancer, he's to be severely beaten?"
Koray's head jerked up in surprise, and his lips twitched briefly before he looked back down, hair sliding forward to hide it.
He could no more resist the impulse than he could breathing, reaching out and gently pushing the strands of hair back, startling Koray into halting. Gently he tucked the loose strand back behind Koray's ear, letting his hand linger a moment.
It was gratifying, even heady, that Koray did not immediately recoil from his touch. Not so many days ago, he would have. He wanted badly to steal a kiss, but he suspected that somehow it would only result in him having to offer another apology. Somehow, someway, it would undoubtedly work against him to taste that pretty mouth.
Reluctantly he let his hand fall away. "I might have to take issue, on principle, but I concede it would probably be a wise edict. I remember needing more than a few beatings in my youth. No doubt I need them still." He grinned briefly before turning more serious again. "Speaking of such things, you'll probably need to help the scribes pen the official postings to be sent out across the kingdom, pertaining to the new status of necromancers – and maybe you can suggest where said necromancers will be likely to see and read them."
Koray nodded stiffly, and only the fact he was slowly improving in reading Koray allowed Sorin to notice the slight way his grip tightened on the robe he held, the tightening around his eyes and mouth. It was a look of resolve that Koray had when he worked – subverting fear with pure stubbornness.
"Come, if the induction ceremony is tonight – food before hand is a must. Trust me." Sorin winked, and flagged down the first servant they encountered to have food brought to their room.
He left Koray to his thoughts until they were settled at their table with food and wine – always he made certain they brought the dark, sweet red wine of which he noticed Koray was fond. Several thoughts flitted through his mind, things he should say, suggest, but when he opened his mouth he said none of those things he'd intended. "As High Necromancer, you are of course entitled to a chamber of your own. Perhaps in the Church itself, if you wanted…though I have come used to your presence here, Koray, to be honest."
Koray said nothing, but the way his shoulders relaxed every so slightly – he was relieved about something. Sorin dared to hope that perhaps Koray had fretted over how his new title would affect their arrangement. Certainly last night had given him some hope, after he had apologized, the way Koray had settled into bed as was his habit…the way he had not pulled away when Sorin joined him, had tugged him close.
Sorin could not help wondering what it would be like if there were no barriers between them, to stroke and touch the entirety of that fine body before they curled up together. He shifted in his seat and directed his thoughts elsewhere, rolling his eyes at himself.
"I cannot imagine anyone will be pleased," Koray said cryptically.
"Pleased?" Sorin asked, then noted that Koray still held fast to his new robe. "Ah, about a High Necromancer joining the ranks of the Goddess's most blessed. There is not much they can do, when the King, the High Paladin, and the High Priest all support it – and if the Goddess did not approve, you would not be able to enter Her sanctuary. People will recognize Her presence in this, and that will erase more doubts than anything else possibly could."
Koray nodded, but did not look convinced. He slowly took another sip of wine, and then another, obviously lost in thought.
"The ceremony is fairly simple," Sorin said, wondering if that was the source of some of Koray's worry. "I'm sure Cerant will extend it to some degree, to give a speech about necromancers and how they have been wronged, how the Goddess truly regards you – and of course, an explanation of alchemy – but otherwise, it is merely a formal blessing bestowed, and your swearing faith and loyalty to the Goddess before the assembled."
He frowned when Koray said nothing, merely continued to sip his wine. "The High Offices receive no allowance, but that is because the crown covers all our needs. It is recompense for the lifelong duty to which we agree."
Most knights, priests, did not have to serve for life. It was not unusual for men and women to serve in the priesthood for several years to gain an education, experience, other such things, before retiring to return to their families or lands. Knights typically served for a period of five years, though most chose to stay much longer. Only the High Offices, Paladins, and the most advanced ranks of the priesthood served for life. Their numbers were small – one Paladin to every province, three others serving beneath him here, and it was much the same with the priests.
For that, the crown covered their expenses and every need.
Still Koray said nothing, and Sorin's concern deepened into true worry. "Koray, does the appointment trouble you so?"
"I know nothing about such things," Koray whispered, and Sorin knew the admission was hard for him to make. He stared hard at his robe, clutching it tightly in his fingers. "I…I am not you, or Neikirk, or Cerant."
Sorin snorted. "If you were us, a poor necromancer you would make. We all of us have our strengths and weaknesses…mine are suited to being High Paladin. Neikirk makes a fine alchemist. Cerant, though he says otherwise, was always the better candidate for King. Yet our unique strengths would fail beneath the weight of necromancy. Your strength far surpasses our own, I truly believe this." He smiled briefly. "If you fear the more mundane aspects of your office, I assure you that if I and my fool mouth can bungle through it, you will no doubt excel."
That earned him a brief smile, Koray taking a sip of wine to try and hide it.
Grinning in return, Sorin swallowed the last of his own wine and then stood up. "Come, High Necromancer, you should dress for your ceremony. Let us see if they got the measurements right, so that there is still time to fix the robe if necessary."
Frowning at him, Koray nevertheless stood up as Sorin only continued to hover over him. Slowly he pulled off the violet robe which had become his favorite since first accepting the few given to him by the High Priest, setting it neatly across the back of his chair before picking up his new one.
In the weeks he'd been at the castle, Koray had filled out considerably – though Sorin sensed he would always be reed thin. He no longer looked like the skeleton Zaede always accused him of being. The weeks had also given him enough time to order all new clothes made for Koray, though his prickly necromancer had of course at first refused them. But the soft breeches and white shirt were of much better quality than the clothes he'd had before, and getting the High Priest to bless them lent Koray additional warmth.
Koray looked good, and Sorin sternly forced himself not to think how much better he'd look with nothing on at all.
Slowly Koray pulled on the new robe, smoothing it into place, fussing with the sleeves, fastening it down to just above his waist so that his belt was easily reached.
"Hmm…" Sorin said with a faint smile, suddenly thinking of something. "It looks good, but something is missing." He turned sharply on his heel and strode to the chest at the foot of his bed. Kneeling, he threw back the top and rifled through it a moment, looking for…ah, there it was. He had not looked upon it for ages, but had always kept it.
He walked back to Koray. "I do not often wear jewelry of any sort, as I have learned the hard way that it can all too easily be used against me in battle. I also simply do not favor it. This was given to me years ago, as a thank you. I kept it, but never really felt it suited me."
Ignoring Koray's wary looks and the way he stiffened, Sorin reached behind him and slowly fastened the bit of leather in place, unable to resist brushing lightly over soft skin as he pulled away.
Koray reached up to gingerly touch the simple medallion – the Goddess's star done in plain silver.
"It is traditional to give gifts to the newly inducted," Sorin explained. "It suits you, where it did not suit me, and now I would say you look perfect."
Koray sneered at the adjective, but did not reply, dropping his gaze and looking more blatantly nervous than Sorin had ever seen him.
He reached up to delicately touch one fine-boned cheek, relieved that it was warm, fiercely, possessively happy that he was the reason Koray was warm these days. "Koray…" he drifted off, not quite certain what to say… He brushed his thumb over those fine, pale lips, and started to lean down—when a sharp rap at the door interrupted them.
Swearing softly as Koray withdrew, Sorin stalked to the door and opened it. "What?"
"High Priest says you should both arrive early, before the crowd does."
"We are coming," Sorin said tersely, then slammed the door in the servant's face.
He turned back to Koray, who stood silently at the table, sipping the last of his wine, carefully avoiding Sorin's gaze.
Sighing, Sorin moved to ready himself for the ceremony.
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Date: 2007-07-28 07:09 pm (UTC)Hope everything goes well with your journey and your relatives behave better than expected!
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Date: 2007-07-28 07:28 pm (UTC)And I'm sorry about your uncle. And I hope your relatives behave themselves!
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Date: 2007-07-28 07:30 pm (UTC)Good luck on the trip.
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Date: 2007-07-28 07:32 pm (UTC)At least I take solice in the fact that yes, they will get together. I hope.
And why, when I see the Goddess in this story, I think of Yuko from xxxHolic?
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Date: 2007-07-28 07:34 pm (UTC)Have fun on your trip, even if the reasons are less than favorable. <3<3<3
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Date: 2007-07-29 01:20 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-07-28 07:59 pm (UTC)Yay BM. If slowly and piece by piece is what it takes for this story, so be it :) *sporks BM for never cooperating*
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Date: 2007-07-28 08:34 pm (UTC)BM: Yay they are going to the ruins (to speak with the ghosts!!) and Cerant is awesome and yay Koray will stay in Sorin's room and almost!kiss!!!! A very happy-making addition.
*hugs*
Yay!
Date: 2007-07-28 08:44 pm (UTC)Good luck at the funeral and with your family, boeth are hard enough without the other!
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Date: 2007-07-29 01:10 am (UTC)If any of your relatives start making trouble, remember that you've got a posse of fangirls who'd be willing to lay a smackdown on those jerkbags. Or at least, to indirectly insult them over the internet. *nod*
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Date: 2007-07-29 01:22 am (UTC):D...
:3...
:|
.... >_______>
D:<
I swear, you're just trying to make us slap that poor servant, yeah?
<3333
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Date: 2007-07-29 01:23 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-07-29 02:26 am (UTC)Help?
Thanks very much!
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Date: 2007-07-29 06:17 am (UTC)*SLAP* You idiot. Why must you be so blind? He wants you. You want him back. WHAT IS THE PROBLEM BESIDES THE FACT YOUR YEARS OF ALIENATION HAVE LED YOU TO BECOME DISTRUSTFUL AND WARY, NOT TO MENTION HATEFUL OF OTHER PEOPLE AND THEIR PITY?? *wibble* Do you not SEE how much I LOVE you and ADORE YOU, and that my feeble offerings you might consider pity is in truth, my blind, mad, utter devotion for you?
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Date: 2007-07-29 12:11 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-07-29 06:20 pm (UTC)Long-time lurker (nah, only for a month or two) who's now having the gall to comment. hope you don't mind overly much. ^__^
Anyway, first of all, my condolences. I'm terribly sorry about your uncle. Losing family hurts a lot.
Second, I LOVE your stories.
...which should be pretty obvious, since if I didn't I wouldn't have lurked for months, and then leave a comment, but rather just vanish after the first visit....
*cough* sorry 'bout that. Attention span not the best, I admit.
Yes. I must admit I'm not a very good reviewer, as great fiction reduces my brain to a pink, squishy goo, robbing me of my ability of coherent speech, leaving me squealing, smiling and giggling like a rabid fangirl.
...no, wait, I am a rabid fangirl. Never mind....
Moving on! I'm especially fond of angsty characters, those hurt and now wary of others in particular, so obviously, I love Koray to itty bitty pieces. Neikirk's insecurity in The Alchemist also squeezed my heart. I just want to hug them close and make all their pain go away~! >_< So, yeah, your stories really touch me (not like *that*), and I hope you manage to beat them into submission so you can continue writing. You make wonderful, believable characters and worlds, and I love the religion of this world. XD The Goddess rocks, and sometimes, it feels like she's a slash/BL/yaoi-fangirl..... Was that blasphemy..?
Anyway, the point was, I'm really enjoying your stories so far, and I've been rambling for far too long now. Hope you're having at least half as fun writing as I'm reading.
Oh, and your mood pictures? They're from various manga by Naono Boura, right? I worship her! Three Wolves' Mountain, which seems to be most greatly represented here, is the love of my life.
(sorry 'bout the long comment suddenly out of nowhere....)
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Date: 2007-07-31 09:37 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-08-01 01:24 am (UTC)1) I love the way that Koray and Sorin are still kind of developing their relationship. I mean, in their story (or at least, what I think of as their story), they got together, but a great deal of them getting together was...unspoken, implied. And it's fun to see them trying to translate that unspoken into spoken, and I LOVE watching that little dance that they're doing, trying to figure out where the boundaries of their relationship are, where they want them to be, how deep they want it to be and how willing they are to translate that need and desire to the other.
And as an aside, I love how Koray wants so badly (or at least, I imagine he does) but he just can't bring himself to ask or make himself vulnerable enough to ask. He's adorable. ^______^
2) I love Cerant and his move to make Koray High Necromancer both because Koray is that good and to draw the Necromancers back into the fold. I also love how that decision kind upsets that almost stagnant balance that Koray and Sorin have, forcing them to think about their relationship and think about how it could or might change in the future. (Of course, all that being said, Sorin snuggling up with Koray? *_______*!!! I loves. *hearts*)
3) I LOVE Sorin's assertion that even though Cerant downplays himself, he was always the better candidate for king. *hearts* ^_____^
4) I LOVE Sorin's reassurances to Koray about his place as High Necromancer, and I adore the medallion gift he gave.
5) *twirls you about* I totally heart your writing, you know that right? ^____________________________________^!!!