forum The King Welcomes You~ OxO Version (Closed)

Started February 16, 2022 by @Serpentess health_and_safety language

tune

On’nyosh did have his eyes on Alzayz’ shoulder, but that wasn’t the only thing he was looking at. His eyes roved over her entire form, admiring every bit of her beauty. She was utterly gorgeous! And from the desert, his home!

As he stared at her, his mind drifted to his own appearance. Did he have any noticeable wrinkles in his clothes? Was his hat perfect? Was his hair fine the way it was, or should he have left it out of its typical braid? Would she like seeing his flowing, wavy locks scattered on his shoulders? Would she like…

Shut up! Focus! Focus. She just got here. You don’t know her at all. She is gorgeous, though… Damn it, focus!

He nearly burst into laughter at his own whirling thoughts, but managed to hold it in. Though, he didn’t miss the chance to snicker when Xavier interrupted Raegan. He savored every moment he could get to mock the Queen.

Then, he heard her name. Cicada, living proof that the beauty of Mai’djēn women was vastly underappreciated in the north. But, he knew few desert natives with Common names. ‘Cicada’ was a translation, it had to be. But, he didn’t know which language it could be from, which nagged at him.

After a moment, On’nyosh cleared his throat and bowed.

“Well, I can’t tell you exactly what brought you here… unless the gods decided to be smart for once and create the living personification of a star, but beyond that, I, On’nyosh, the King’s Jester, am deeply honored to meet you, Lady Cicada,”he said.

---

Alexandra stared a while longer, ignoring Raegan’s near insult. She pondered if the prophecy could be true, that this woman could be the one to save the kingdom. If so, then trouble was coming fast, and this lady didn’t look like a warrior at all.

She tapped her chin in deep thought, listening to every word that was said. Cicada, a pretty name, perfect for a woman of the desert. Was it prophetic as well? There was so much in the name that could also, in a way, be linked to the prophecy. Though, it hopefully didn’t mean that Lady Cicada would take forever to train. Then, it would just be a waste of time.

A subtle roll of the eyes was all Alexandra would give as a reaction to On’nyosh. The jester liked to annoy her, but he was smart enough to know not to piss her off. Alexandra had made it no secret that she loved using lightning bolts.

After another moment, Alexandra curtsied. She then glanced around the throne room before once again settling her gaze on Alzayz.

“Lady Cicada, I believe you were summoned here by the gods themselves. There is a prophecy that says a warrior marked by the gods would save this kingdom from an ancient evil. You have that mark,”Alexandra explained.

Alzayz's face flushed at On'nyosh's compliment and the air around her slightly heated up. She wasn't exactly unaccustomed to being complimented for her appearance, but this was the first time anyone had done it so openly. Or so grandly. However all those feelings left her as her eyes widened at the sorcerers words, "What?"

"Exactly what Lady Alexandra said," King Xavier replied in a softer manner. He could see from Cicada's shocked appearance she wan't expecting this, "Long ago we were given a prophecy, and it seems the time has finally come to fulfill it. The markings on your shoulders are near identical to the three symbols of our gods, there is no mistaking who you are."

"But I'm no warrior. I can hardly use a sword for anything other than dancing," Alzayz shook her head in disbelief, "And this mark means nothing to me. It's just a birthmark that happens to resemble your gods symbols."

Raegan scoffed ever so slightly, "You most certainly are no lady either."

On’nyosh chuckled when Alzayz flushed, giving her a charming smile. He then, without really thinking about it, reached up to straighten the large, reddish feather on his hat.

He listened to Alexandra and Xavier, his eyebrow raising a bit at their words.

Prophecies? Marks from the gods? Why do the gods always have to get in the way? Half the time, the prophecies never happen!

Though, his eyes brightened a bit at Alzayz’ reply. Sure, she wasn’t a warrior, but she could dance, and with a sword! He pondered what sort of dancing she did, because his own race was iconic for belly dancers, and they sometimes performed with swords. Did she know any Ssuthorai?

His mood almost immediately soured when he heard Raegan, and he turned to her with a derisive snort and a displeased look nearing a glare.

“Says the old bit… ahem… elf. Let’s just say, you aren’t really a lady at all, your grand majesty,”he retorted.

---

Alexandra noticed Alzayz’ look toward On’nyosh and subtly rolled her eyes. There he went again, after another woman. She wondered how Alzayz would react if she knew that On’nyosh was almost as promiscuous as the whores in a brothel, and only restricted because of his duties as Jester.

Alexandra took a deep breath to focus on the situation again. Of course, Alzayz was no warrior. The only thing going for her at the moment was her dancing. That meant she was most likely quick and agile, two things that were always useful in any fight.

Alexandra glanced over at Raegan when she commented, completely expecting On’nyosh’s retort. So typical of him, of them. She couldn’t remember a day when On’nyosh and Raegan had gotten along.

With a small shake of her head, Alexandra turned back to Alzayz.

“What about magic, Lady Cicada? Do you know any magic?”she asked.

---

Avectus finished his prayers, looking down at the bottles in his hand, now full of dark, purplish liquid. He knew this liquid. It meant that another village would be converted this day.

Turning to the side, Avectus tied the bottles to his belt, then clapped his hands, summoning Quincy. Even though he could easily convert a village on his own, it seemed a bit easier with Quincy around. She was so devoted, a soul dedicated purely to their dark deity. He appreciated that. So few other initiates were as devoted, and it was a grand gift indeed that she had been but a child when he’d found her, a moldable child.

“We go to a new village this day, my dear. At this rate, we will be heading for Vordine very soon. This is good, very good,”he cooed, quite pleased.

Avectus then stood and headed for the temple entrance. Quincy knew what she needed to bring. She was well aware of what her own body needed, whether food or clothes or something else. They didn’t need any other supplies for the conversion.

"Watch your tongue jester," Raegan glared over at On'nyosh. The jester would have been executed years ago if she had her way in the court. However the court was still in the hands of her husband as such, the jester remained. At the mention of that, wench, before her having any semblance of magic, something meant only for those of power and privilege her face turned to a snear at the other girl.

King Xavier gave a look at Raegan. His wife hadn't been having a good day before this unexpected meeting, and it seemed to be effecting her current actions. He remained silent as he waited for Cicada's response.

Alzayz could feel the hostility from the queen and while she had every attention in remaining polite, this bitch was pushing her limits. Unkonwingly to Alzayz heat began rolling off her in waves cause the entire room to go up a few degrees. However she remained composed for the most part and she completely ignored the queen's glaring eyes, "Please just Cicada is fine. I don't believe I have any magic. And even if I did, I doubt I am the hero your prophecy speaks."

---

Quincy smiled at Avectus. The man was like a father to her taking her in after she had been so cruelly abandoned by her parents. The only thing she really had was a bag packed with essentials for the trip that hung loosely by her hip. SHe spotted the village and nodded very slomenly, "That is wonderful news Father Avectus. The sooner we are able to help all these poor souls, the better."

(Wave. I found a bit of time and inspiration and finally finished this reply! There’s a lot going on IRL, so my activity is most likely going to remain as erratic as it’s been lately, but I figured I’d get this up)

---

“My tongue is already forked, so screw me,”On’nyosh replied, unfazed by Raegan’s tone and glare.

He was well aware of her hatred for him, which was one reason why he loved mocking her. The fact that Raegan couldn’t touch him was absolutely hilarious. Though, he did make sure to keep in mind any possibilities of King Xavier either siding with her, or disappearing. Then, On’nyosh would need to vanish before Raegan caught him.

On’nyosh noticed how Raegan’s glare turned from him to Alzayz, and he narrowed his eyes at her. He didn’t mind that Raegan hated him, but he wouldn’t stand for the old bitch going after a newcomer who would potentially save the kingdom that very bitch led.

After a moment, On’nyosh glanced at Alzayz, noticing the rise in temperature. He couldn’t help a grin, particularly when Alzayz spoke. He then took his hat off and fanned himself with it. He wasn’t hot, and was actually enjoying the warmth, but exaggeration was a key component of his work.

“Damn, either the sun just got closer, or someone is underestimating themselves. Because, this cold ass room finally got a drastically needed rise in temperature, even if it was only slight,”On’nyosh commented.

---

Alexandra glanced over at On’nyosh again, and shook her head. When did he ever shut up? Why did he always have to reply to someone’s retort?

She then nodded in acknowledgement at Alzayz’ words. Alexandra sighed, opening her mouth to speak. But, as always, On’nyosh interrupted her.

His words quickly confused her and she looked at the jester with a raised eyebrow. Alexandra then replayed his words in her head, glancing back to Alzayz and finally noticing the temperature change.

“Jester, you might not be as stupid as I thought,”she said.

“Obviously. I act like a dumbass. That doesn’t mean I am one,”On’nyosh immediately replied, putting his hat back on with a flourish.

Alexandra frowned at that, not bothering to respond. That only made On’nyosh snicker.

---

Avectus glanced over his shoulder at Quincy, a small smile on his face.

“Indeed. And, the more souls we save, the greater our Grand One becomes. His power relies on our belief, as you well know,”Avectus said.

He then turned away to focus on the journey. A few hours walk was their only obstacle to getting to the village. Then, the conversion could begin.

Alzayz was used to her blood running warm and couldn't feel the change in temperature she was causing. She looked from the king and queen to On'nyosh, and then finally to Alexandra, "I, what are you talking about? The room is no hotter than it was before."

Raegan opened her mouth to make some snide comment, but one look from Xavier shut her up for good. Xavier had known whatever his wife, his queen, was about to say it was not going to do them any good in this moment. They needed Cicada's help, whether Raegan was willing to accept that fact or not. He stood from where he had been sat and looked at Cicada as her eyes met his, "But it is Cicada. You may not notice it, for whatever reason, but you have some type of heat or fire magic."

He turned to Alexandra before Cicada had a chance to speak, "You are willing to train her, correct?"

---

Quincy nodded softly as she heard is statement. Soon those poor souls will be saved, and then they can go and spread the word of the Grand One, saving more souls in the process. She steeled herself for the last hours of the walk and then softly smiled at the good work they were about to do.

(Alright. I finally have something, lol)

---

“Oh, the room is definitely hotter, and not just because there’s a gorgeous woman in the room,”Ōn’nyosh commented. There was a subtle perverted connotation in his words, and Ōn’nyosh was genuinely curious if anyone would notice it.

Ōn’nyosh snickered when Xavier shot Raegan a look. Served the bitch right! She should know by now that he would never shut up, so why did she keep talking to him? It only served to get her in trouble, which was absolutely hilarious.

He then composed himself when Xavier stood to speak. He pondered if he could do anything to assist in Cicada’s training. He was only a jester, but he was worldly, and could fight quite well with a sword. And, with his tongue.

---

Alexandra rolled her eyes at Ōn’nyosh. She otherwise ignored him. Though, she did take note of the look Xavier gave Raegan. She would have to keep an eye on the pair until Raegan calmed down fully.

She listened to Xavier’s words, then turned at his question, glancing back and forth between the king and Cicada. After a moment, she hummed.

“I am, Your Majesty. Though, I will admit that fire magic isn’t one of my strengths. But, I will do my best, regardless,”Alexandra replied.

---

(Do you want to do like a timeskip with Avectus/Quincy where they reach the village? Or do you want to wait on them for a moment? Or just continue like they’re going? I’m a bit stuck on what to do)

(Yeah, a timeskip for Avectus/Quincy would be a good idea).

Alzayz was far too shocked to respond at this point. While the heat was not exactly affecting her, and the room's temperature was slowly rising once more, the compliments and current situation most certainly was. Xavier was the one taking action as he nodded at Alexandra's agreement and turned back towards Alzayz, "Then it is decided. Cicada, Lady Alexandra will train you in using your magic while one of our gaurd will train you how to fight with a sword so that you may be prepared for whatever is to come."

"Do I not get a say?" Alzayz finally found her voice again at hearing her fate being decided forward. She managed to take a step towards the royal couple. Raegan tensed up and looked prepared to cause a scene, though Alzayz moved no further as she repeated herself, "Do I not get a say in my own fate? While there is the slightest possibility that I am the person your gods promised, there is no guarantee."

"You do get a say," Xavier reassured Alzayz as he decided to stand to match Alzayz's initiative. Raegan also stood with his statement and let out a sharp "Xavier-" before the king cut her off once more by continuing, "But please, at least give us the chance to be proper hosts and persuade you. I will give you your own room in the castle, all of your needs will be cared for, and you will have free reign to go where you please. As I said Lady Alexandra and one of the guards will be more than willing to train you in the art of magic and the sword. And in return, all I ask is that you learn a bit about the prophecy, what it means, and why it might be yourself."