tenebrae16

The Truth Behind The Blaze ~ PopeAlessandros x tenebrae16

I love the new user picture by the way, words to live by XD Just wondering though, in case you don't look at the OOC so I'm posting here, if you wanna... I guess reboot this? Because we've had a long break and it's a little jumbled now admittedly. I think we didn't have to plan a lot of things, but maybe we should have started with a little more concrete basis? So if it's okay with you; perhaps we can try starting over with a little more discussion? :)

I'm open to starting any new ideas you have now as well.

The Truth Behind The Blaze ~ PopeAlessandros x tenebrae16

Aw, it's been so long, what have ya been up to?

MxM Royalty (Mikki and Tenebrae16 )

Wood wasn't supposed to hurt him. He knew of the wood fae that lived within the trees of the forest, they respected him enough he would believe, but he must have caused them some form of impeachment. His vision flashed white, then brown as he turned his head up almost in time to receive the blow. His ears rang, deaf to the mocking snub from the guard as he felt the sand cushion his fall. And faintly, he heard the softest chuckle graze his eardrum before the world swam around him. Damn the heart of this world should he lose consciousness though. One blow wouldn't be enough to condemn this planet though.

Blinking away the muddy sand from his lashes, he shook his head and pressed one palm into the fickle surface and pushed himself back up. White grains of sand clinging to his hair, hidden amongst the golden locks. His eyes blazed even beneath his shut eyelids, the light seeping through like sunlight from a curtained window. Burning to the unfortunate bedridden individual, piercing like high beams through the darkness as he stared down at the sand burying his fingers. The cool air was choked with the grittiness of the grains scraping his throat, but all the same he inhaled and exhaled, slowly and surely as if he had to make sure each breath of air was monitored comprehensively to avoid filling his lungs with too much or not enough.

The soft rasp from the forgotten creature drew his attention. His shoulders slumping as he toned down the brightness and heat he was emitting, taking in the weedy nature that was a direct product only from the thrashing of the guard. His fingers curled in the sand, what gave anyone the right to reduce another to this state? If not for the soft footfalls trekking over the sand, the single guard stood before them would know just how lucky he was to have avoided what might've been.

As the rest of the guard came to surround them, he lifted his head, refusing to let a single blow completely dislodge his senses even if the area around his forehead was feeling rather sore and tender at the moment and his vision was still blurred and indecisive. He refused to let a single blow dislodge all of his senses though, lifting his head to stare up at the stranger faces. Their garb no doubt revealed they were of the palace though and should Amanti choose to recognize any of them, they'd be in trouble from the cloth they dawned alone. That was the last thing on his mind now though.

"Take, Take him to the doctor and see that he is tended to and given adequate meals. Let him eat on his own choice. I do not wish to hear complaints from him that you have mistreated a creature belonging to me."

His own command was perhaps dampened by him having to be helped to his feet by another, his own foot still askew to a side so as to not to aggravate the raggedly bandaged wound. Refusing the wince as he listened to them prattle on worriedly in how they could possibly cover up such a blunder on their companion's part. Amanti didn't feel like speaking up and soothing their worries, for now he just wanted to be treated to this Dr "Lei" and for the night to end on a sleepless, hungry note. For now though, as long as they feared, they would follow his orders even if his own position held no real standing in this place other than as a 'guest of the Emperor."

Limping besides the carried creature, his ears pricked at the raspy utterance the creature was trying to form into words, "Hush now, Sindre. You're going to be taken care off now, there isn't anything to worry about." He soothed, gazing at the Mer, eyes drawn to the bruises he had sustained during the brutal clobbering.

He could no longer see the guard, but rest assured he would be well informed of his mistake.

Again, Amanti pushed that out of his mind, glad to leave the dark unsure sand of the shore to the comparable warmth of the palace once more, letting himself be led by the guards, hoping that their entrance wouldn't arouse sleeping minds. Then again, who knew what was lurking within the walls?

MxM Royalty (Mikki and Tenebrae16 )

This was a really bad beginning wasn't it? There was no other way for anyone else to put it. Amanti could recognize the callousness held back in the Emperor's strained dismissal. And the Fae could not help, but wonder if perhaps he was partially responsible for the harshness taken in admonishing the Crown Prince. If perhaps the Emperor was redirecting his contempt towards scrutinizing and berating the slightest mistake in his son's demeanor. Amanti paused in his seat, his grip tightening on the edge of the table as the growing tension between Father and Son ensuing from that single command made him start to feel hot under the collar, the feeling gluing him to the ground he stood on as if he felt it far too awkward to just up and leave in the midst of all the antipathy. Despite what sort of person he might've been coming off as so far, he was not a coward and would not flee once the situation got tense though as who he was, he was not sure if he had right or even means of quelling the two boiling blood of two Dragons.

Nothing could prepare him for the sudden whip of the boy's head to the side as Yao's hand flashed briefly before it was withdrawn gracefully into his robe as if it had not just effectuated such a unsparing action which to Amanti was not validated in the slightest. The boy hadn't...he didn't..do anything to warrant the physical blow. The prince flinched, stepping back before he was shoved aside as Jin-Wei dismissed himself in a huff.

In his mind, a Son should never leave his Father's side with unresolved conflicts and ill thoughts and a Father should never look at his child with such scorn and fury as if he be better off without the day of his ill gotten birth. And he had no right to interfere in the familial matters of others, let alone that of royals in a kingdom not his own. The atmosphere left behind him made him start to question once more if it was the wisest or even the best choice still to seek protection and friendship amongst the dragons. If their Ruler and his heir was...

"Goodnight, Emperor, I pray you will rest well." He bowed low, keeping his gaze fixed to the ground as he turned on his heel and shuffled off, keeping to his word and hailing a serf to escort him back to his room, even though he wasn't planning on retiring early tonight.

Bidding the serf a goodnight and wishing her well for leading him back, he wasn't sure how much comfort he could take in the fact that his doors were now free of all traces of ink. What worried him most was what awaited him inside his room. But what more was he expecting than not to see Sindre there in his tank? He supposed he could never have trusted the creature to stay put, but he had promised he'd still be here to speak with him. And that was a naïve belief on Amanti's part, but all the same he could not blame the Mer for choosing to hurry his escape. He only wished he had stayed longer, but he wished more that Sindre had made it back to the ocean, however way he had managed to do it. Hopefully.

Stepping into the room, he had expected to see the reminiscence of the tank shattered across the floor, water spilled everywhere, but it appeared that they had swept up the glass and mopped the floor before he came back. Silly of him. The staff here were very effective at least. He didn't know if that was meant to compensate for the strain between their Emperor and the Crown Prince. The negativity of such harsh emotions towards each other still lingered fresh in his mind. It was just wrong.

Making sure no one else was near his door, he closed it quietly and headed straight for the balcony. Eyes fixed on the starry night twinkling outside and ears peeled to the crashing of the waves below. He was convinced that the Mer had escaped out this way, it seemed like the only possible route for the creature. And Amanti wasn't tracking down his tracks and routes to stop him, only to make sure he had gotten to the sea alright. And maybe...well, he did want to learn about the creatures if he could, even though the Emperor had told him never to venture out near the shores, if this was the reason, then he had nothing to fear in actuality, correct? Even with Jin Wei's own attempt to scare him, he didn't believe the was any real danger to these shores.

Very unfortunately, as he crossed over from the polished floor of his room to the rougher chiseled stone of his balcony, he found that not all the glass had been swept up. Several twinkling shards had escaped notice, lying idly in the corner of the night darkened balcony; like fallen stars becoming sharp deadly spears as they embedded themselves into the soft flesh of his heel. His eyes widened and he made a soft squeak before he went down.

Perhaps he should've worn the sandals. Clutching his knee against his chest, the Prince inhaled as he twisted his leg to see the crystalline shard sunk halfway into his foot, deep golden liquid oozing up from around it, shining in the blackness of the night, golden before it dimmed to a silver. Running thickly down his heel until it splashed ruby red onto the floor. Dead finally. Canines digging into his lower lip, lungs filling shakily with air, he tried to still his trembling. Reaching down and drawing the shard, his brow furrowed as it slowly slid from his skin, seeming to never end. Exhaling, he crouched forward, numbing pain flaring in his foot as he set the long spearheaded shard aside. The sanguine across it turning red after it's final brilliant show of colors.

He was not one to keep a pessimistic outlook, but he wondered what more could go wrong in one night.

Making do with torn cloth from his own rags, his foot dangled wrapped in it's loose bandages from over the edge of the balcony as he climbed over the railings. Lowering himself down before he could continue to second guess himself further, he took a breath as he suspended himself from the edge of the rail and let go.

Tumbling onto the soft sands, he rolled, trying to pull in his injured leg close to his body to avoid any further injury or open the wound any wider and split his leg open. Dressed in the rags he came here in, not wanting to ruin the careful weaved silk and satin threads provided for him, he grit his teeth at the pain running through his foot before he attempted to push himself up into a standing position. Hands and knees sinking into the soft sand. Huffing, he managed to find some denser packed land after a good deal of crawling forward. He wasn't even sure what he was looking for; tail tracks? Ah, one step at a time, first step was standing to take a step. Eventually managing to push himself up onto one leg, his minor celebration over this accomplishment was cut off short by the commotion started a little ways away.

Squinting, he glowed a little brighter in the dark, providing his own light as he spotted the dark figures in the distance; a hulking deformed shadow, most likely a guard adorned with bulky armor, and a smaller figure splayed across the ground beneath him. His heart skipped a beat and he tried his best to limp across the sands as fast as he could towards them. Already knowing what he suspected as he approached the small party gathering.

"Hold! Stop! I am the Prince of the Fae!" He called out, voice partially lost to the winds as he approached the weary guard. He doubted they believed him in his rags and with his own wild version of a fast limp. He didn't care if they believed him, he just wanted them to cease their actions. Nearing them confirmed his worst fears and he legs gave out just as he reached the limp sea creature. Knees hitting the sand, he hovered over the man, filing away the fact that it was undoubtedly the same creature, only with legs this time, afraid to shift him in fear of hurting him more. Turning up to the guard, his eyes glowed brighter; the darker side of the sun seeping through, "You, bring him to a doctor! Now! Don't just stand there!"

---

The waves engulfed his form as he dived into the safety of the dark waters. Drifting along the currents, through the rocks smoothed over by centuries of erosion, he stared, watching. Infuriated. The crashing waves hollowly echoing his anger as they angrily whipped their arms across the shore, clawing forward like some gigantic beast eager to climb out of it's pit and reek havoc upon those guilty of treason. Helpless, he watched them bear down on the young Mer creature. He watched them raise their weapons even when he was already down and his blood boiled and bubbled over. Foaming, burning, dark eyes watching, thirsting for revenge. His legs flicked across the surface as he watched a second beast crawl over the sandy dunes of the shore and kneel by the child of the sea.

And then, the waves washed over him and those watching eyes were gone. For the moment.

MxM Royalty (Mikki and Tenebrae16 )

As a guest, he really had no right to comment about the table mannerisms of his host or that of his host's distempered son. One could wonder if all that muscle was gained only through the sheer force of him stuffing his gob full overpowering that of the calories in his food. Amanti sat blinking, honestly taken aback by the sudden ferocity in the Prince's appetite; he doubted he could spoil this monstrous hunger. And being of a quiet and passive disposition, he flinched when a hand came down to loudly smack the beast's claw, Amanti nearly expecting the ravenous creature to turn and hiss at who dared interrupt it's meal time. At the very least, the hunger stricken creature was gorging itself mostly on what smelled of marinated meats; something that the Fae would rather not have to given an explanation for why he could not let it pass through his lips.

Turning back to the Emperor, he bowed his head, unable to help but observe the harsh weary lines weighing down a man that might've still been handsome in his age if not for the constant worry of his brow or the deep purplish vein throbbing dangerously in his forehead, threatening to burst at any second. It was plain and simple for all to see that the man was aged beyond his years, not just by the weight of his position, but the added burden of his 'trying' son. Simply put, it's remedy like anyone would agree that Jin Wei was to be the death of his brow beaten Father and come that day, many a dragon and creature a like would be holding bated breath as they waited to see how the Prince would ascend the throne and proceed to overtake his father's reign. Hopefully, the youth still had a few more centuries left to grow out of his adolescence.

Striking a smile in answer to the man trying to play off his son's actions, one that hopefully showed that Amanti did not mind his aggressiveness towards his dinner. Vaguely, it was comical to an extent watching him wolf down the pork bao, meat juices dripping down his lip.

At question to his appearance, his brow knitted and he anxiously pulled at his long sleeves, wondering if his fingers had skittered over a clasp or button or if he was wearing his robe backwards or if perhaps they noticed his lack of footwear. He soon realized what the Emperor was referring to. 'Appearance' in his mind, did not refer to what others believed it did.

He would not berate the Emperor for being curious, but it was quite rude to ask so openly about his 'seasons', akin to making some rude jest at a lady in public; the nature of which should not be discussed at a dinner table.

"Oh, no, please, pay no heed to it. It is..a birth defect." For there was very little other way to put it; what befell him and no other fae, "I am very much enthralled by your gracious gift. In fact," He paused, glancing at the Prince and his callous comment, turning away, "It-ah, Sindre is very good company. Despite his appearance and lock of knowledge over certain land based customs, he is very civil and pleasant to converse with. In fact, I've had a very engaging conversation with him and I believe there is so much more to learn from him if we only allowed him to see us as friends as well. This is a very rare opportunity we have to really learn about such fascinating creatures, perhaps even involve ourselves in helping each other."

He concluded with a small smile tugging at his lips, like a student seeking praise after having just finished a long pondered over essay and speech. That hopeful smile quickly faded into a crest fallen gaze when the Emperor seemed to so casually ignore his suggestion and proceed to ask him about his disposition towards his room. Well, it wasn't out of intention probably, the man seemed more exhausted as the night waned on and perhaps Amanti should bring it up once more when he was in a more negotiable mood. Sindre technically belonged to him anyway so by right he did not need the Emperor's permission to release him, but he would rather it so no more creatures would suffer the same fate upon this shore.

He jumped as the doors swung open and the chambermaid threw herself before them, but it was her words that stuck him more deeply. Amongst the flippant dismissal of the king, he shot up from where he stood causing his bowl to shake. Suddenly, he felt quite awkward, realizing his readiness did not match that of his unbothered host. Slowly, he slid back down into his seat, feeling somewhat disturbed by the unperturbed remarks made by the emperor and the scornful dig by his son. This wasn't what he wanted; yes he wanted Sindre found, but the Emperor's emphasized words made his stomach toss, knowing his words had truly been ignored.

"Forgive me, but I feel a little weary from my journey. I do not think I have the appetite for this feast you have prepared. My greatest apologies for the trouble you had to go through, but I believe I shall have to retire early to bed." And to look for Sindre. He really couldn't have gone far could he? Unless...he prayed the drop from the balcony would not be too steep if he chose to flee from there.

---

He could see the lights. He was watching them fixedly.

MxM Royalty (Mikki and Tenebrae16 )

Admittedly, the Mer creature was somewhat adorable or at least endearing in his peculiar mannerisms and speech impediments. In a way, he felt like he had some ancient inter-species connection with the creature. And very much so was he interested in it's physiology, but also in the astute, though unusual, observations he made off handedly. It was akin to that of a really bright child actually; some things, Amanti could laugh off easily, like his out of place exclamation to liking feathers and his brief tirades about his clothing finds and travelling. Sweet and naive with the kind of spontaneous nature of youth. A very charismatic youth that didn't know his own appeal, but made others aware of it all the same. But other instances, the Mer said things that made Amanti pause and ponder, falling into a thoughtful silence at questions he should've and probably had asked himself before over and over again.

And if he could not answer himself, how could he answer Sindre?

He believed he could handle harsh words and foul phrases slung his way, despite the delicate nature of a Fae. He would like to think his skin was thicker than it physically, at least enough to handle the sharp slice of quills, but they did say the plumage of a dragon was coarser than any other creature, but perhaps he was starting to look into this metaphor a little too deeply. It was not a question meant to be answered aloud anyway though Amanti would have really liked to known the source of the crowned Prince's enmity toward his arrival. Could it be he was truly just hated? He wasn't sure if he felt better or worse knowing that was the case.

And did this influence his decision for relation? That was a question he could answer to the Mer, but needn't as the Mer cut himself off. And he wasn't sure if it was better to say the hard truth out loud or leave himself to ponder whether it was the truth or the right reason. He wanted so badly not to knock himself off course though, after he had come so far. He didn't want to suddenly second guess himself and make. His entire journey here for nought. If he came back to his people with not only the news that he hadn't obtained any protection from them, but the most fiercest and mighty creatures in the world were as mean-spirited as the were rumored to be. It sounded vacuous in his own mind.

And his family, "I suppose," He had answered to the Mer, "I will look forward to going home though and telling them about the world. It has not changed as much as I thought it would, we have kept up with the times well at least even if we have not wholly involved ourselves in it's shifting politics and cultures. I suppose that the journey is worth that relief." And he couldn't imagine what the policies and culture of the met was like. If they were as sedentary and private of a society as the Fae were or if perhaps they ruled the seas collaterally or had a hierarchical structure in place. Wonder seemed to understand the title of a prince though he would not make any assumption without substantial evidence or confirmation.

All the same, it did not stop him from wondering about his latest aquatic acquaintance. And as he wondered, he also wandered until he realized he did not know where he was meant to go. The winding marble floors suddenly seemed dizzying in their repeated patterns and as for the wallet, well they seemed just as mocking as they scrutinized their ditsy little guest wandering lost and barefoot along their marble spines.

Fortunate for the Prince, though perhaps unfortunate to the sinister plans of another, it was a problem easily rectified with the passing of another serf in his path. A quick hailing down, a low bow and a quick explanation and the serf led him to where he need go. And as they descended down the corridor, Amanti felt relieved as he passed more spectacular carvings and woven tapestries adorning the hallways for as splendid this place was in it's grandeur, it was repetitive to an extent and the prince was sure he could've spent days wandering the halls like a weary Spector until he found where he needed to go.

He wished to make his entrance discreet, being fashionably late was out of his vocabulary. Ushered into the smaller dining hall, he bid a hasty thanks to the serf and then an even hastier bow to the Emperor and Prince sat awaiting him.

"Pardon my tardiness. I was...lost admiring your tapestries. We do not have such woven silks in out land, I was curious as to who has weaver something so fine." He said, same politeness, same tone as he was ushered once more to take the seat next to the emperor. Back straight, posture mimicking, Amanti stared down at the complex feast laid out before him and hastened to silence the soft rumble of his stomach.

The air felt strangely tense as if he had just arrived at the end of some unresolved conflict, but he would not interfere with personal parenting methods.

Compared to before, he had simmered down, though his new appearance might still draw some double takes.

Strange delicacies he was sure that he could only somewhat discern through smell and looks alone. Waiting grace, he pondered exactly what looked 'safe' to eat. He was not a very picky eater normally, but the restrictions placed on a fae's diet could be stifling. He was willing to break a few simple customs if it meant pleasing the Emperor though and...well, he glanced up briefly at the Prince across the table from him before he lowered his head and not his tongue. Not wishing to speak of ink or sentient living center pieces.

---

The cry rang out into the hallowed night, sorrowful melancholy; a deep unfiltered sound cutting raggedly through the night. Pausing only to take a shaky breath before it's sobbing continued. Until his lungs were torn and his throat was hoarse and each breath felt like swallowing sea urchins, but still the sound continued, desperately beseeching comfort. Echoing, resounding, playing back as it answering it's own pleas. Until even the sea was a distant memory and water seemed like an elixir kept from his shredded throat. And he licked his lips and blew into the horn until he could no more but rasps and watch as the stars answered him pitifully and the waves crashed behind him, bidding him come home before the night left him helpless. Like a drunken fool, he blocked those calls and threw his instrument down in anger. It wobbled and rolled across the smooth sand before, as if in an act of anger or revenge at it's ignored symphonies, the waves swept it back and dashed the innocent instrument across the rocks. Glittering shards scattered in a final musical crescendo.

And should he care? Should he cry over his instrument lost when his voice was already gone and he had not the will to play it anymore? When his search was endless but fruitless and futile? SHould he care if he chose to lay down her end let the sun dry his flesh and the gulls pick apart his scales? Perhaps, perhaps so. For his hallowed cries may not have been answered, but certainly they had awoken the night guard.

MxM Royalty (Mikki and Tenebrae16 )

The door stopped shut of crushing the dragon's foot, Amanti holding it just inches shy from those wiggling toes that were simply asking for it. He wasn't the kind to slam the door shut on someone, even less so to injure others even if knowing the constitution of the dragon; he would be fine a few moments later even if he had slammed the door hard enough to cut off the circulation to his toes or something. It would only serve to anger him as well. His wrath was something he didn't want to incite, though he didn't wish for him to enter the room and further agitate the Mer creature. Letting the door swing back to it's aforementioned position, he peered back up at the dragon. Blinking and reeling back at the finger suddenly thrust into his face before he met those constricted pupils with his own blazing eyes. In a staring contest, it would be hard to say who could make the other avert their gaze first.

Jin Wei with his own intense emotion thinly veiled by those brilliant inhuman eyes or the mere Fae who had the summer sun burning in his own pupils, bright, but reluctant to burn those folly enough to stare into them. And as the prouder prince spoke, the other bowed his head and peered up at him through the stray golden locks falling in front of his face; sun light filtering through the treetops and cutting through the darkness of the forest. Unable to outshine the sun all the same. The metaphor didn't fit the demeanor though as the prince kept his head down as if willfully accepting the apparent berating and harsh accusations that the dragon was giving him. His hands coming to rest on the metal edge of the door, the softest sizzle coming from the slowly warming metal. Eyes cautiously studying that wiry smirk sent his way, one that didn't quite meet the Prince's eyes and wouldn't have made a difference if it had appeared or not at all; meaningless that couldn't be better summed up in any other amount of words.

And when the foot slid out from the gap in the doorways and the draconic prince turned away with one more scathing comment tossed carelessly back at him, the fae opened the door wide enough to bow even if the Prince could not see it, choosing to thank him, "-for informing me of the meal and being so indulgent to my friend. I will try to dress appropriately so as to see I do not impair your appetite tonight."

Pause, contemplation. Straightening up, he began to close the door, stopping short before the Prince could tread out of earshot. Expression blank, eyes on the floor, his voice echoed calling down the hallway despite his softest tone, "I would like to think I am not a fake, Prince Jin Wei, I just think perhaps you are not used to someone trying to be kind to you."

The door shut quietly.

Turning to the creature, he was happy to find some friendly face within him amongst all that he had met so far on his journey and brief beginnings of his stay. Gaze softening, as if the Prince could know what he was like if all he was urged to give was a neutral stance and emotionless stare to him, "I am alright, Sindre. Words are nothing more than feathers; the quills are sharp, but if you know how to handle them, then they are barely a tickle." He recited though his words were a little weary and worn and he hoped that the look he had was enough to convey that he wished not to talk about the crown prince.

Carpet tickling his bare feet in reminiscence to the grassy plain he loved to tread on, he made his way over to the beautifully engraved wardrobe, fully stocked with clothes for him. He was somewhat taken aback by the many clothes awaiting him (and somewhat relived that they were free of ink) and a marveled at how soft they were. Like nothing between his skin as he carefully fingered the cloth. Soft and airy, but heavily adorned with golden thread and sequins. Extravagant, he could praise it, but he wished he need not wear it. It smelt like nothing, not like his home and admittedly, he somehow pictured he'd feel vaguely nude in such silky clothes.

The slight rocking of the glass scared him out of his hazy daze, dropping the cloth to rush over to the thank and press his hands against it, "Careful, careful." He chanted, his heart nearly jumping out of his chest. If it tipped over, well, he didn't think that the creature's soft skin would deal well with cutting splintered glass though the Dragons were well renowned for their glass work, and all things related to smelting and heat (though dwarves might beg to differ).

Keeping his hands worriedly inspecting the glass, "I hope to stay only as long as I need to establish a friendship between my people and the dragons, but I do not wish to stay much longer. I miss my home. I miss my family. It is strange, I've never been away for more than a day. I suppose, it is like if you've never been away from the sea until now..." His fingers slid down the glass silently as he bowed his head and inhaled, thinking himself a poor choice to send to make relations with the dragons, but honestly, there couldn't have been anyone better.

"Huh? Ah yes, I will have to change." He said, turning back hurriedly to his wardrobe and picking up the fallen robe. Making sure it was not ripped or dirty; the problem with such beauties were how fragile they were. He found the same polished sandals beneath his bed, tucked away neatly as if quietly waiting someone to fulfil their only purpose. He'd worn shoes before, but not something quite so smooth and...well, to any other; they were beautifully worked pieces of art, carved to a point. To him; they were skinned pieces of dead wood, impaled by woven string and strapped to his foot. How easy it would be to take a misstep. He was not used to the elegant float of royalty and thus looked rather clumsy in the clogs.

"I will..I will try to be fast. I may take some time to speak with them, but I will try to be back soon to speak with you. Perhaps your own food will have arrived by then." He spoke whilst he climbed onto the bed and affixed the blankets to the posts on either side of the bed, making a sort of makeshift changing screen for him to hide behind. The top of his head visible as he bid farewell to his worn brown cloak and his own loose weaved garments underneath. Clothes did not make a person, but he felt like someone else as he slid into the silken robe. Shivering at the cool thread sliding over his skin that really did make him feel like he was still wearing nothing.

"How do I look?" He asked, sliding off the bed and from behind the screen. Surprisingly, the robe fitted him almost perfectly and at least it allowed freedom of movement. It really was rather gaudy for him, but he hoped he at least looked descent enough for the Emperor. He couldn't say the same for his walking though, finding it somewhat difficult to maneuver his way around in the sandals that didn't seem like they were made for him. Well, if he went barefoot, surely no one would notice under his robe.

"I will be back soon, alright?" He patted the glass, "And then...then we will discuss how to get you back to your home." A solemn promise. A serious gaze before the fae turned away and hurried to meet his hosts for dinner, hoping that he wouldn't overstep his boundaries if he hadn't already with the prince.

---

The land was a forgotten feeling, oddly familiar, but no comparison to the foamy waves or the drifting currents. The sand squelched wetly in between his toes, irritating his skin. The air, whilst still traced with the lingering salt of the sea, was dry and cold as it rushed into his lungs. Smooth conch held cautiously in his webbed hands, he licked his lips and brought it to his mouth, fingers over the carefully chiseled holes in it's side. He prayed Sindre was here, he prayed he could hear his cry. This time. This time please. He already wanted to dive back into the choppy waters behind him, but he stayed even as a cold breeze knocked against him. Inhale, and then the horn sounded hoarsely into the dark, crying out into the night.

MxM Royalty (Mikki and Tenebrae16 )

It was...troubling, simply put, listening to the creature-Sindre, here minded himself for that was his name. Straining his ears for the creature's voice was muffed and slightly garbled through the water and the glass, he listened with his brow knitting further and further and a worry in his heart that grew heavier and heavier. To hear that he'd been lied to, that apparently this creature supposedly hadn't been washed up and had even spoken, begged and called even for it's own freedom and right to deaf ears that decided he would better do as some sort of living ornament, made to be admired in his rather pitiful and plain glass cell.

And though he was curious and ,childishly so, delighted to meet this confirmed 'Merfolk' in what could be in a once in a lifetime opportunity, well, that sense of discover failed to overwhelm the rather sick feeling churning, bubbling and rolling tumultuously in the pit of his stomach at the thought of having such a intriguing and gorgeous creature so gravely mistreated. The feeling only intensified like a growing storm as the Mer went on about his treatment or rather lack of the proper kind.

The fae were a feeling kind, pacifists. Even the thought of them forcing the Mer's jaws open and shoving something distasteful to him, not taking into account that the Fae did not eat meat as it sickened them greatly, down his throat was enough to make Amanti's face scrunch in repulsion and disgust. Wrinkling his nose.

At the very least, he was glad he could offer the Mer some relief as he sunk to the bottom of the tank, practically purring, if fish could purr. The tank was awfully cramped width wise though and Amanti felt sorry to see the creature squashed at the bottom. He couldn't even fully rest himself and even suspended in fluid, Amanti suspected it still used up some energy to stay upright and afloat.

Sindre's own sleepy question eventually snapped him out of his heavy haze. And he returned his gaze to meet his, a certain sadness staining those golden globes as he sought to empathize with him and his plight. He didn't need to try very hard to. Still, when he finally realized what the creature was asking, he pulled his hands off the glass and shook his head, "Ah no, I came here on my own will. To..to seek relation with the emperor...and my own people." He slowly trailed off, gaze falling to the ground as he begun to question if he even still wanted protection from the Emperor if he was the kind of man to ignore the will of other creatures and imprison them as ornaments. He knew dragons were obsessed with outward beauty and value, but this had to be taking it a step too far. How could he guarantee that the same thing wouldn't happen to his people as it had Sindre? And more importantly, did he actually have the luxury of a choice?

"Ah, you do not have to address me by my full title, Amanti is fine." He said softly, distracting himself from sućh worrying thoughts when he realized the creature's funny little speech idiosyncrasy, managing a small bemused smile, albeit it being still a little sad over all with his pinched brow and dampened gaze. That quickly turned to surprise as the mer switched from a comfortable sleepy eyed creature to a panicked hissing animal, conered where it stood-uh floated. Amanti's gaze snapped towards the doors as the loud knocker chose to just shout brashly without permission.

If his brow wasn't already furrowed, he would have knit it again hearing the prince's voice ring loudly through his door. Wincing as his new friend(?) screeched and made his ear drums come close to bleeding. Perhaps he should be glad tha the banshee pitched shriek was muffled by water and glass. As lightly as he could, he patted the glass and hoped to reassure the creature. Heating the water again since he had seemed to enjoy it so much earlier. One more gentle tap on the glass as if to cement some hopeful plea for the Mer to quieten, and he approached the door.

Shivering at the cool metal against his fingertips before he let it swing open just enough for him to squeeze his head through and block the view into the room with his body.

Even at this shocking revelation, he kept his expression calm; with not the slightest pinch of his brow as signal to his own troubling thoughts, "Prince Jin-Wei..." He started and then trailed offC seemingly momentarily at a loss for words, "It is pleasure to speak with you again. Yes I did very much enjoy your artisric gift. I am only sorry that it must be erased. As for Sindre," he glancedx backwards and bowed his head, "I am very much enjoying his company. Please if no one has already, send my humblest regards to the Emperor for this gift though if it is not too much trouble to request, may I please have some fish or seaweed. I believe Sindre is underfed and it is near time to eat."

And oh to a fault he was in some regard, but he mustered a smile; a tight lipped forced smile, but a smile all the same at the Prince, "Other than that, I thank you humbly for the thoughtful accomodations." And he begun to close the door.

MxM Royalty (Mikki and Tenebrae16 )

It was really enchanting to see the creature float through the water. It's lithe thin frame cutting through it like a hot knife through butter. Scales shimmering with each shifting movement, playing with the light like crystals; homesickness, such a overcoming feeling that reared it's head surprisingly quickly, made him think of the dripping icicles hanging precariously off the tree branches come Winter time, when the sun came up and turned those simple sculptures into deadly, but beautiful melting time bombs. Perhaps that was somewhat a stretch to compare the two entirely separate entities, but he honestly missed his home already, where the people were less..hostile and judging in his opinion.

Brought back to the creature, he could imagine it-he, though he wasn't sure if the Mer had genders, would be marvelous to watch swimming through open waters. Though..what consequence might befall him if he let the Emperor's gift swim free? This was supposedly his latest aesthetic, and admittedly the creature was something to behold, but it had been given to him as a gift so rightfully the creature was his even if he didn't want to own and keep it captive. Still, it would be rude and he did have to get on the Emperor' goodside. His thoughts were interrupted by a raspy voice and he finally realized that the Mer had breached the surface of it's tank and was speaking to him.

Stunned for a moment, he just sat blinking as the creature introduced its-himself, as far as Amanti knew, and begun to fire questions at him. Snapped out of his daze when-Ssindre started off into a panic. Hissing words leaving him too hurried and rushed for the Fae to follow.

Holding his hands up, palm facing forward, a universal sign of friendliness, he tried to calm the Mer, "Calm down, calm down. You'll tip yourself over at this rate. Calm, I don't intend to keep you here. My name is Amanti, prince of the Fae though currently we are in the empire of the Draconian Emperor, Yao Long. You need not give me anything and you are in no danger or here on your own fault. Please calm down and tell me how you came to be here? I was told you washed upon the shore and refused to speak since then?"

"You are...If I may ask, what exactly are you? In my life I have never seen a creature like you before." He had to crane his neck upwards to look at the creature as he spoke. The tank and the creature atop of that dwarfing him. It was rather tiring on the neck actually and he would have creaks later if he continued to hold his head up in such an unnatural position, against the direction of his spine. The four poster bed was close by but didn't offer enough height either. And he was in no mood now to create a stair well unless one wanted a singed carpet. He figured he could put himself to some use still.

"The water looks cold.." The creature may have been more fish like than he knew, so he may have been cold blooded. Gazing up at the creature to gauge his reaction, he pressed his palm against the glass and the water slowly warmed, "Is that alright? You..you know you look rather underfed as well, have they been feeding you properly?"he tried to ask as politely as he could observing the ribs he could see in his pale almost translucent skin.

MxM Royalty (Mikki and Tenebrae16 )

He exhaled and his breath was an oxymoron; a mixture of a biting Winter breeze and the hot tang of a summer's day all rolled into one. And though the Fae were a private species, understudied either because of that or because nobody thought them worthy of being marked down in an encyclopedia as anything more than 'simple fairy folk', this open display of confusion belonged exclusively to him and him only. And he supposed, this was why this weighty burden was laid upon his shoulders as well. Closing his eyes, he let the calming darkness wash over him for a second, letting it bind down the heat threatening to intensify and calm the icy protest spiking in protest to the former.

The sun burned through his eyelids, flaked with red flares and dark sunspots, all traces of the silver moon gone with the Winter. White locks replaced by golden strands and the air around him grew stifling. Luckily his back was turned to the servant girl when he very calmly spoke; his appearance changed but his demeanor and tone the same, "Thank you."

"I only hope to dress appropriately for the Emperor and his family tonight. I apologise for the state of my attire. I understand it presents more problem for you to stock my wardrobe with cloth and clothes, I did not wish to be an imposing guest. I hope I will not continue to be for the remainder of my stay." With the same politeness and courtesy as before, the prince seemed not to care whether he was speaking to a serf or an Emperor. Was that a fault of his own character or of the Fae themselves? It was hard to say, but the sound of wheels rolling heavily across the polished floor distracted him before he could choose to ponder the natter any further.

He turned and his eyes flashed, his mouth agape at the sight though thankfully his own shock was hidden by the shadow of his hood. How could he not be in awe of what the guards slowly wheeled towards him? The ornamented tank was one thing, beautiful in it's own right though glass and metal did not mix would with the nature of a Fae and he couldn't help but feel a slight aversion as it was brought towards him, but what truly stunned him was the ethereal creature floating inside the crystal clear liquid in the tank. Despite it's sickly pallor, it was a gorgeous being with it's lithe frame and iridescent scales. And Amanti could not help but picture this Elysian glowing under the pale moon light; an image that could be captured and framed for but a second before it disappeared forever into the murky depths of the ocean, never to be seen again. A brief sight bereft of any unsatisfaction in what feeling it bequeathed to those blessed enough to witness it.

And so, Amanti was utterly horrified.

Deaf to the words from the guards, he stepped forward and pressed his palm against the glass. Lifting his head up to stare at the demure creature floating inside the sad parody of the ocean. At least that was all he managed to think before the guards began to wheel the creature forward and he was forced to step aside and let them pass, eyes following intently as if afraid they might run of with the creature on a moment's notice. Stepping forward when the guards moved aside, he stood in the doorway, too occupied with this so called 'gift' from the Emperoro to pay attention to the extravagant and exquisite nature of the room befitted for him. Later, when he had time to study his new lodging, he'd ponder about how it was a world away from his own home beneath the stars, trying too hard in it's embellishment to the point it was crude in some way. It would be something he'd keep mum about to his host though, that and the feelings about this 'thoughtful' gift laid upon him.

"Send my utmost thanks to the Emperor for this gift, I am..I am truly speechless." He said softly to the servant girl, stepping into his room. One hand alread on the chilling metal door as he offered a wavering smile from under his good as he nodded to the serf. Awkward in his farewell as he slowly closed the door upon her. Pausing to calm his racing heart that had seemingly jump started after his initial shock. Inhaling, his shoulders heaved before he turned around to face the sublime creature.

The golden trimmings on it's tank seemed like such a crude mockery compared to the breath taking view off the ocean waves rolling and crashing onto the shore at his balcony. Sea salt spraying forwards as foamy waves met the soft sandy bed, the stagnant water of the tank an ill contrast.

Firstly, he removed his hood, breathing in deeply as he stepped forward. Unsure how to approach this creature.

Long ago, it was said the fae had part in the entirety of the planet. The sky, the earth, the sea and the under dark. Over time though, they were sectioned off from each other. The under dark grew to belong to the dwarves and the fae of the sea became known as the fabled Mer. Only the earth and the skies belonged to what was in essence still a fae. So in some way, he and this creature were distant distant relations. He should be able to at least relate to him in some way. Form a connection?

Hesitation still made him pause as he approached the tank though. Watching the creature's gaze, he glanced at his balcony. It looked large enough to fit the tank and for him to squeeze in there as well. Turning back, he was taken aback by the creature's gaze; it's eyes stark against the pale contrast of it's face.

"Ah, I suppose you'll be happier nearer the sea won't you? Hold on okay?" He said, unsure if the creature could hear him through the thick glass as he pressed his palms flat against it and pushed. The fae were not know for any feats of strength either, but the wheels turned slowly, protesting on the carpeted floor. The tank rocked dangerously, teetering on the table, water sloshing over the side onto the carpet. Amanti stopped, afraid it might topple and completely shatter. At most, he was able to get it near the entrance of the balcony which was the closest that he dared to have it lest a comedy of errors lead to a very regretful action.

"Here, is it better?" He asked, pressing his face. Closer to the tank, not expecting a real answer.

---

Days...he had not seen him for days or nights or the hours inbetween. And he searched all his usual places and the places no one else but he could swim in. He swam deep into the dark where he might've hidden, fighting against the crashing pressure, and then to the surface where the sun was warm, but the finding was unlikely. He lifted rocks and cried out into sunken ships until his lungs were filled with water and he was blue in the gills, but to no avail.

Paranoia trapped him when he was not searching, filling his head with fearfu thoughts of legendary predators with gaping maws and rows of dagger teeth, of torn scales and eerie white bones glistening in the light filtering from the water's surface. But he struggled not to listen, plugged his ears shut and beat down his worries until he saw proof, so wen there was no evidence, he could only conclude one thing.

If he was nowhere to be found in the water, he must be on the surface.