forum The Sound of War (oxo closed)

Started October 03, 2022 by @ElderGod-yellowqueen

tune

King Sareth nodded. It wasn’t as if he could say no, really. He had hoped for more… material goods as payment. Perhaps even what would constitute as a full on dowry. Riches and treasures, animals and spices. But of course, he wasn’t going to get anything of the sort from this rebel prince. But of course, an alliance, freedom, and a few dragons may be just as valuable, if not more.
“I accept. May Ensian be your ally to the west for the remainder of our days.” The king snapped his fingers, the sound echoing, and a door in the far corner of the room opened. An attendant stepped out and announced, “Her Majesty, Queen Aditya, and His Highess, Prince Theo.”
The mother and her child entered the room. She led him to the others, having offered them her arm. There was a strange sort of hush in the room. The prince’s raven-colored hair was twisted into a small topknot, with some of it left to hang over his forehead and frame his narrow face. Securing the topknot was a silver pin, with a small emerald imbedded in one end. Silver ear cuffs also framed their ears, curling in detailed patterns over the olive skin. They wore a frilly white dress shirt with the large sleeves he adored so much, overlaid with a green silk sash. Despite the decor, and his mother’s practiced smile, Theo’s eyes were glazed over and dull.
Queen Aditya let him go, and her eyes were pinned on them as they approached Thaddeus. Giving him a simple bow, Theo greeted, “Prince Thaddeus Callistar.”

Thaddeus nodded. "The rest, of course, can be discussed in later negotiations. I will not let the family of my betrothed suffer."
He knew the king sought after his gold and resources. Later, they could discuss the menial parts of this marriage. They could hash out trade negotiations and how much gold was enough as a dowry. He would not let them suffer. They were to be his family, should everything go accordingly.
He turned his body as the queen and prince's presence was announced. He watched quietly as they approached. His eyes looked over every inch of the prince, unbashful. Comparing the princes side by side, Thaddeus had certainly seen better days. His platinum hair was red and brown as it was matted in blood and dirt. His clothing was ripped in various placed and dirtied in his blood and others. His wounds had reopened and many of them bled freely. The trip from dismounting his horse to the journey to the throne room had caused too much stress on his body. He needed a healer. He needed rest. But he must secure his alliance, first. He would demand they be wed that night. The sooner the better. The sooner it was over, the sooner he could campaign his war. He would soon reach out to neighboring kingdoms to back his claim. Now that he would have an army, it was less of a risk to support him. And his father needed to be put down.
Thaddeus returned the bow as the prince approached him. "Prince Theo Ilyani."

Theo was barely looking at the other prince. Everything seemed like it was underwater. Voices were muffled and his vision seemed blurred. The only thing that kept them from dissociating completely was the scaly bodies that were coiled around his arms, underneath their sleeves. His serpentine friends had been kind enough to see them through this, and they were very grateful for it.
He tried to take a few breaths and look at Prince Thaddeus with clear eyes. They could see glimpses of muscled skin in the rips of his clothing, smear blood and dirt. They looked away again. So he was one of those princes.
Through the fog of his mind, he felt his father’s eyes on them. He instinctively straightened their posture and kept their head down. “… negotiate the details later,” he heard the king say. “For now, why don’t you wash up? Our healers are quite proficient in water magic. We have prepared rooms for you and your men as well.”

Thaddeus kept his eyes on the prince for a few moments longer. He could tell he was t all there with them so he made no move to advance on him. He had no intentions of scaring off his groom before they were even married.
"I thank you for the kind off her , your majesty, but I must insist the wedding be tonight. We cannot wait any longer. My father grows more powerful everyday." I need access to your armies. He didn't voice that out loud but it was included. He would lead their armies into battle and he would not stop until he won. It was time for his father to step down from the throne and it was time for Thaddeus to rise.
"If we are in accordance, I think I will take advantage of your healers and bath."
Even the gods could see he needed to bathe. He looked horrendous, standing there matted in blood and gore. He wasn't ugly. He wouldn't call himself handsome m, he was too rugged for that, but he did certainly look better clean and refreshed than he did at that moment.
He gave a deep bow to the king, then turned to the prince, giving him a deep bow as well. Had he been clean, he would have kissed his hand, but he doubted the prince wanted dried blood and dirt on his hand.

King Sareth nodded. “I only wish to offer my hospitality, but I understand.” He looked to his council, wife, and son, then returned to Thaddeus. “The wedding will be tonight, then, and no later.” He eyed the blood dripping from Thaddeus onto the floor. “Go, before the blood stains the rugs.”
Theo returned the bow. He did not really have much of an opinion of Thaddeus at the moment, they only assumed he was one of those rough, hardened warrior princes who were born with a sword in their fists, like his older sister. Nothing like him. They remembered to breathe again. A small hiss that only he could hear rose up.
Are you alright, Theo?
He will be. They should be. They didn’t understand why he was reacting so poorly to this. He was glad that the Vallasarian prince did not kiss his hand, he would have seen it was shaking. This was for the good of Ensian and Vallasaria both.

Thaddeus smirked in the regards of his blood dripping on the floor. Without another look, he turned on his heels and followed the attendant that appeared before him. He was led to the infirmary, where healers attended to him. The bathed and washed him before even attempting at his wounds. There was so much grime on him that it took almost an hour to rid his body completely of the blood and dirt. It revealed his platinum blonde hair, his muscular mody lined with old scars and new wounds. The healers worked quickly, healing his body of his wounds, many of them turning into new scars on his body.
When he was healed and well, he was led to his chambers for the time being. He pulled off the remaining rags on his body and collapsed in the bed, where he promptly fell asleep. He did not wake until a maid was shaking him awake, telling him it was time to get ready for his wedding.
He got up and let them dress him in fine clothes. He was happy the found the colors of his house, red and black, to dress him in. It was fine clothes, much finer than he would have ever chosen for himself. His hair was plaited out of his face and the remaining strands fell down his back. When he was dressed and ready and looking like a new man, he was led out of his chambers to the ceremony that had been put together in such a short time. His few men were already there, as most of the palace was. He bowed in front of the king and queen, showing his respect and gratitude.

I want to bite him.
Theo chuckled, a soft, sad sound. “Of course you do. He was covered in blood and wounds, all the better, right?”
The snake coiled around his hand, flicking her tongue at him. Do you like him, Theo?
They were quiet for a moment. “It’s too early to tell, I think,” he said. “But I do think he will be the one to liberate us. That’s the best I can hope for.”
Does that mean I can bite him? The snake’s eyes looked hungry, though not for food. For violence, perhaps.
Theo gave her a look. “No. He can’t liberate us if your venom kills him, Ko.”
Ko hissed in disappointment. Theo sighed, and pulled out a small cotton ball. Lightning fast, Ko struck and sank her fangs into it. “There you go,” he chuckled again.
It was at that moment that a maid entered their chambers and ushered them to prepare for the wedding. In his haste, Theo had to leave Ko and the other snake, Vivi, on the windowsill.

King Sareth and Queen Aditya sat on their cushions in the front of the room. On either side sat the wedding guests: nobles, palace residents, relatives, Thaddeus’s men. In the center stood a shaman, an older woman dressed in soft silks and her hair braided with gold and ribbon. A bowl of water and a ceremonial knife were laid on a table before her. In one corner, a musician played an uplifting melody on a bamboo flute.
As Prince Thaddeus entered from one end of the room, Prince Theo entered from the opposite. Though he had the same hairstyle and accessories from before, he now had a light touch of rouge to his lips and cheeks. They also wore a flowing dress of silks and sheer fabric, mainly of blue, green, and white. Intricate lace covered the sleeves and the edges of the garment. Although they could feel themself shaking slightly, the scene was familiar. He remembered this from his sister’s wedding, and the knowledge comforted him. He only wished his sister was here. When he saw Thaddeus, they studied him for a few moments as though seeing him for the first time.
When the princes had entered and came close enough, two of the shaman’s apprentices approached them and asked each prince for his hand. Thaddeus’s wrist was tied with a red ribbon, the Callistar crest sewn with gold thread. Theo’s wrist was tied with a blue ribbon, with Ilyani crest sewn in silver thread. The apprentices then directed them to the center of the room, where the shaman was waiting.

Thaddeus' attention was on the small prince in front of him. Even when he stopped for the apprentice who tied a ribbon around his wrist, his eyes were steady on Theo. As they were led to the Shaman, his eyes watched Theo. At no point did he look away. Standing so close in front of him, he realized just how small the prince was compared to himself. Thaddeus towered at about six foot two and was pure muscle. He had a large build that was riddled with scars. His features were hardened by war and death. He was not a handsome man nor would he ever claim to be.
Theo was the opposite of him. While he was only a couple of inches shorter, they were vastly different. He was small and lean. He had soft features and a scholar's eye. He didn't think the prince in front of him had ever seen the battlefield before. Theo was vastly different than the men he typically bedded. They were soldiers, many of his own. They were hard and strong and understood the way of their lives. They wanted nothing more than a night with and vice versa. The women were different, but the women didn't matter either, not when he was about to marry a beautiful man. part of him worried he would be too rough. He was scared if he even touched him the wrong way, he would shatter in his touch. He would have to focus to be gentle with his touch, if Theo even wanted him to touch him. Besides the obvious of needing to consummate the marriage, he wasn't sure the prince would ever want Thaddeus to touch him.
It was no matter. Thaddeus was there for an army and an army only. If Theo did not want him, he would not force anything on him. It wouldn't bother him if the prince took on other lovers while he was gone at war. Someone would need to occupy him and it would not be Thaddeus. He had a war to win. And he would not stop until he won it. It was likely he wouldn't be around Theo very much. At least not when the war progresses. He would need to stay at the palace to asses the army and speak with the generals and make plans. But once everything was set, he would be gone for most of the time.

Suddenly, Theo was very aware that he was being watched. Their gaze drifted to the taller prince, and felt his shaking intensify. It was uncomfortable being watched like this, like he was some rare creature, a fairy. But all they could do was swallow and look away.
The shaman motioned them to come closer and stand on either side of her, giving each a calm smile. Taking their hands, she tied the trailing ribbon strings together, and by extension tying Theo and Thaddeus together as well. They stood around the bowl of water, the knot of ribbon hovering over it.
Theo might have zoned out a little; something in their perception blurred. He heard the shaman speak, a traditional speech announcing the union of two princes, of two families. They heard himself repeating vows, saying “I do,” when the shaman asked if he would take Thaddeus as their wedded husband. It did not seem real. Things were happening, but it did not mean anything to him at the moment. Only the gaze of Thaddeus and his parents on them gave them the sense that they were a participant, not a spectator.
And then, everything became painfully real. Theo came back to himself, realizing what was happening. The shaman had taken the ceremonial knife and sliced it into his wrist, making tiny carvings through the ribbon and into their skin. Theo remembered to breathe. As the shaman moved to do the same to Thaddeus, he gazed at his wrist. It was a character from an ancient language only shamans and other spiritual leaders were taught, but Theo knew it meant ‘bond’ or ‘link.’ Blood oozed from it, soaking the tips of the ribbon.
“You may now bond your blood,” the shaman said. Knowing what this meant, Theo took Thaddeus’s arm, aligning the insides of their wrists so that the blood from their wounds would mix. It stained the ribbons, and dripped onto where the ribbons were tied.

Thaddeus was hardly paying attention to the shaman. His entire focus was on the prince in front of him and his need for this to be over. He was ready to eat, drink, and sleep. He hadn't had a proper meal in a week and his stomach was hurting. He was ready to drink some good ale and wine. Then he would be ready for bed. He understood they were meant to consummate their marriage but he wasn't sure if Theo had any desire to. And Thaddeus found he didn't particularly care. He wouldn't force him into an act he did not wish to participate in. In time, it could be consummated, if not that night. or perhaps never. And if anyone questioned their marriage, he would cut out their tongues. He would not let another bash his marriage nor his husband. He did particularly love cutting things off people.
He repeated the vows the shaman said to him and said "I do" at the appropriate time. He didn't flinch as the knife sliced through his skin. It was nothing compared to what he had endured getting there. Thaddeus was still as the prince in front of him took his arm, aligning their wrists. Perhaps he had some spunk to him after all. Not many people put their hands on Thaddeus willingly. He was forced to be reckoned with, everyone knew that. Many people feared him. He needed to be feared.
Despite himself, he bent his head down and pressed his forehead to Theos. Their noses touched just slightly. "I promise to you, no harm shall ever come your way. You will want for nothing. I will do everything in my power to make sure you are happy." He promised. He would do just as that. He understood that this marriage was not Theo's choice. That he may not be happy about it. So he would do whatever he could to bring happiness to his life. He wasn't cruel to those undeserving of it.

Theo stiffened, surprised by the prince’s move. He could only nod faintly in reply. No, this was not his choice, and no, they were not happy about it. If it was up to him, they would never marry at all. However, he did care about the his people and wanted to protect them. If this was the only way they could ensure that, then so be it. However, it seems that they hadn’t really understood just how much would change until now.
When the ribbon was bloodied enough, Theo let go of Thaddeus’s arm. At the shaman’s direction, they slipped the ribbon off of their wrist, letting the tied ends drop into the bowl of water, which glimmered slightly with magic. After a second or two, the colors seemed to bleed together, and the blood stains disappeared. A vibrant purple color appeared, creeping up the length of the ribbon. The shaman raised her hand, raising the water from the bowl and washing it over the princes’ wrists. When she let the water back into the bowl, it had stopped the wound’s bleeding and left a thin scar behind.
The shaman nodded and smiled. “You are now husbands,” she said simply. The wedding guests applauded, and Theo spared a glance at his mother and father. King Sareth looked impatient. Queen Aditya looked scrutinizing. And Theo started shaking again.

Thaddeus only broke his gaze to take off the ribbon around his wrist and watched the water. He stared at it as it changed colors and as the woman used her magic to heal them with the water. He flexed his wrist, testing it, and seeing how the scar stretched. It did no damage nor did it prevent any of his movement. That was good. He needed his mobility to be in top shape.
Looking back at his prince, husband now, he noticed he was shaking. He couldn't decipher the reasoning behind it but he noticed Theo was looking at his parents. A distraction, he decided, was what Theo needed. He offered his arm for his husband to take. "Come now, husband, let's go to our wedding feast and eat." He whispered the next part, "We do need to keep up appearances."
With his husband on his arm, he walked them into the main hall where the feast was prepared. As the newlyweds, their table was at the back of the hall, looking over the other tables. It was typically where the king would sit with his queen, but as the newlyweds, it would be their seat for the night. He heled Theo sit down on his cushion, making sure he was settled. He took the seat next to him and instantly signaled for a glass of wine.
"Are you wanting to do speeches, husband, or shall we forgo them?"

(Thanks)

Hearing Thaddeus’s words, Theo adjusted his posture and managed to steel themself. They couldn’t freeze up like this now. Focusing on his breathing, he took their new husband’s arm and walked to the main hall.
The tables were set, plates set out for each guest and the choicest foods in dishes in the center. Theo nodded his appreciation to Thaddeus and sat down, smoothing his dress out of the way. The guests followed inside after they were seated, the king and queen taking spots near the newlyweds. Theo looked around, trying to keep himself from zoning out again. He wished Ko and Vivi were here. In the corner of their vision, they saw a servant bring Thaddeus a wine bottle and fill his cup.
He turned to his husband and sighed. They knew their parents were expecting him to say something, but… “Perhaps we should forgo the speeches. I’m sure you are famished and would want to eat right away, and I don’t think I’m in the right headspace to speak. But, I won’t stop you if you want to say something.”

"Don't worry about a thing, husband. I will take care of it." Thaddeus stood, clearing his throat to get everyone's attention. he could keep this short and simple. Already his stomach was growling at the smell of the food. "Thank you, everyone, for joining us on such short notice. I am happy to be joining our two houses together to defeat my tyrant father. Together, we will rid the world of his evil." Cheers came from the tables and he paused for a moment until they subsided. "Now, I know you are all expecting a nice speech, but to be frank, I haven't had a proper meal in a week. So, let the feast begin."
He took his seat back on the cushion. He grabbed Theo's plate and put a little bit of everything on it before handing it back to his husband. He dished up his own food with monstrous amount of food. He truly was starving. After taking a sip of his wine, he dug into his food. He soldiers knew better than to come up while he was eating to congratulate him. They would wait until he had his fill. They were hungry as well. He would rather them eat now and they could speak afterwards.

Theo nodded a bit as Thaddeus spoke, sighing with relief. Though, he was quite confused when he just grabbed his plate to fill it with food. It wasn’t like they couldn’t do it themself. He eyed Thaddeus as he wolfed his meal down, shook his head, then sneakily added and put away certain foods as they pleased. He then asked a servant to pour him a cup of tea, and he was set. They ate a few bites, sipped the tea and… stared. Unlike his husband, they didn’t feel like eating much. Was it just nerves? He just sipped his tea again. Maybe it would calm them.
A few distant relatives came up to him to give Theo their congratulations. He just nodded along to their talk, said something about restoring the kingdom with his marriage, and they were satisfied. They could feel his mother’s eyes on him, but she and his father were apparently speaking to a courtier, and could not come over themselves just yet.
Then, he felt something climb over their dress. Peeking under the table, they found a coffin shaped head and beady eyes looking back at him.
Prince.
It was Vivi. “What are you doing here?” He whispered.

Thaddeus had finished eating rather quickly and even gone for seconds. When he had eaten his fill, he only gave Theo a glance before he was getting up. He refilled his wine, now on his third cup. He walked over to his soldiers, who clamoring and laughing loudly. He was glad to see them having such a good time after the past week they had. They deserved to drink and enjoy themselves.
He sat down in the middle of then, instantly getting cheers and hands clapping on his back. He only waved them off and their previous conversation resumed. They drank and laughed and told old stories of each other, as warriors did at weddings, apparently. At least there was no bloodshed or fights.
By the time Thaddeus returned to Theo's side, he was stumbling and well on his way to being drunk. He only held out his hand to him. "Come, husband, it is time for bed, unless you would rather stay." He was thankful his words had not yet begun to slur. It meant he still had some control of his body.
But right now, his body was screaming at him to go to bed. He had eaten and drank his hearts content. And now he was ready for bed. To sleep nothing else, unless his husband decided to press on the matter.

I missed you.
Theo chuckled. “Aw, is that so? I missed you too.” He held out his hand, letting the snake climb onto it. She was beautiful, an inkmouth python, she was called. Her head was pure white, but her body became darker and darker until it was pure black at her tail. And, as the name suggested, she had a black mouth and a black tongue, which she flicked at Theo. They kept her hidden from sight, however. Inkmouth pythons were highly venomous, and it wouldn’t be good to cause alarm.
He didn’t mind that Ko wasn’t here. She must be doing her own thing somewhere else. So, Theo just tried to relax with Vivi while their husband was with his men. Her scaly body on his skin helped calm him somewhat.
When Thaddeus returned, he hid Vivi in the folds of his dress. Theo eyed him, seeing a flush in his cheeks and a stumble in his step. Just how much wine did he drink? They then felt someone watching him, and turned to find the queen staring at them and motioning for Theo to come to her. But he already knew what she was going to say, and didn’t need to hear it.
“Keep yourself out of sight,” he whispered to the snake, and set her down on the ground. Standing up and taking Thaddeus’s hand, they said, “Yes, I think I will retire for the night as well.”