forum “Mystery is art, don’t you know?” (OxO, Mature, Closed)

Started May 29, 2024 by @Serpentess health_and_safety language

tune

Meg laughed, shaking her head, at the exaggerated expression, getting the distinct feeling that Amrien was poking fun at both herself and Tearion. But her amusement faded at his sheepishness. “I was teasing. It's… there’s nothing wrong with it being instinctive. And I didn't really mind.” she assured.

When he started explaining the hierarchy of his homeland, Meg listened intently, fascinated by his family history. Though she was curious about what circumstances led him to cut ties with his biological family and end up as an adopted member of Tearion’s family, she chose to keep those questions… thoughts to herself to avoid being too nosy or bringing up more unpleasant memories for him. “That… so, you're royal in two families? No wonder you're so… refined,” she admitted thoughtfully, remembering two specific actions he used earlier.

Nwalan giggled at Meg’s laugh, happy that he had gotten that reaction. He liked making people laugh or, at least, smile. It helped keep him in a cheery mood as well.

He nodded at her words, relaxing a bit. It made a difference that she didn’t mind. In general, he usually either avoided revealing his telepathy or avoided using it. Most people would never know of his presence in their mind, but those that did know, regardless of how, he tried to be respectful of. De’Tearion had gotten him into that, mostly because he had hated telepathy for the longest time. It took De’Tearion getting married for him to finally become lenient with Nwalan’s habit of mind reading.

Returning to the present, Nwalan sensed Meg’s thoughts shifting to a deeper level. She was likely hiding something, comments or questions, but he didn’t pry. If she wanted to keep something to herself, he’d give her that. Her continued interest in him was more than enough reason to do so.

“More or less. I vary from one to three royal lines, depending on how they are defined. Tearion’s wife was royal as well. Yet, my time as a courtier indeed shows,”Nwalan replied, chuckling at the end.

“Three?” Meg’s eyes widened at the admission. For a brief moment, the thought of curtsying and giving an apology fitting one of those period piece stories popped into her head but she decided against it. If he preferred honesty and didn't mind her bluntness then she didn't see a point in pretending. But she might tease him later. “Well, you're really something else then, aren't you?” she smirked. “Aside from your abilities, I mean.”

Nwalan chuckled and nodded,”My own bloodline, Tearion’s line, and his wife’s line. Though, I was only heir apparent briefly, before I met Tearion.”

He snickered at her words, then shrugged.

“I suppose I am. Though, this land seems to be quite different from the kingdoms of my homeland. I am unsure where or if I have a place here,”Nwalan replied.

Meg shook her head and chuckled. “What are the odds?” The question was mostly rhetorical until she started thinking about what his homeland was like. Maybe the odds of such a coincidence happening were greater there. He did say that there were multiple kingdoms…

“From what you told me, it certainly sounds very different.” she agreed, raising a brow at his last comment. “What do you mean by that?”

Nwalan chuckled,”My situation was unique. Maybe only somewhat for the… ‘outer’ kingdoms. Yet, for the ‘inner’ kingdoms, it was truly unique. My kin and Tearion’s kin are mortal enemies, have always been. Our bond together was the antithesis of our existence. He should have hated me, and I him, yet that was never our bond.”

He used ‘outer’ and ‘inner’ kingdoms as a more subtle, and far less complicated, reference to the human and forest kingdoms of home. He then smiled nostalgically at the memories of his last comments, snickering at the disbelief on his real father’s face when he had announced to the entire Forest Council that he would stay with De’Tearion, instead of return home as tradition demanded. That day had started the greatest days of Nwalan’s life.

Nwalan nodded at her agreeing comment, then shrugged at her question.

“The culture here be far different from what I am used to. I know not where I can be useful, or if I should even bother trying to find a place and instead continue my travels. Back home, I was a courtier, a bodyguard, a tactician, even Court Sorcerer in the court of Tearion’s wife. Court and war is what I know best. Be that even necessary here?”Nwalan answered.

Meg raised a brow at the news of the actual uniqueness of the relationship between him and his adoptive family. It almost sounded more like the start of a story she would read about as opposed to something she would ever encounter… but it didn't make it any less interesting. Though I wonder if that old bias is why Tearion didn't like telepathy at first…

“Honestly… war is something that happens everywhere. But here… I wouldn't know how you could get into an official position like that.” she admitted. “And I only know of one place that has a court and it’s across the ocean but I know less about it than I do the politics here. I doubt Court Sorcerer is a position there either.” she explained thoughtfully.

(Sorry for the late response. It’s been hectic lately)

Nwalan immediately noted her pondering thought about Tearion’s dislike of telepathy. He almost asked her how she knew about it, as he hadn’t told her. But, he quickly remembered that she could perceive facts more keenly than the norm. Still, it caught him off guard.

It also made him curious if cultural bias had played a part in De’Tearion’s disapproval. Though, if it did, it had been a small part. His primary reason for disliking telepathy was due to concealing his emotional instability. Tearion may have been an exceptional warlord, but he’d never had the heart of one.

Nwalan listened closely to her, humming in thought. He then sighed, his gold eyes growing distant as they scanned the nearby tapestries.

“Obscurity swallows one whole, does it not? Even after lifetimes spent in both the light and shadows, being truly obscure be… I know not the word. Nightmarish, I suppose. What be a nightmare though, except another reality? One without a masterpiece?”he rambled, speaking his gloomy thoughts aloud.

Nwalan slowly stood, turning to face one of the tapestries he’d been under. It was a landscape, depicting a meadow of blooming flowers beneath a rising sun. It was a gorgeous design, one that left him torn between sad memories and pleasant nostalgia. A single iridescent tear slid down his cheek.

(It's ok.)

Meg’s eyes widened at his profound sentiment of obscurity. Though she nodded thoughtfully as she considered her own opinions on it. “I guess… it could be something of a nightmare. But sometimes I wish I was more obscure,” she admitted. “Or maybe just more ordinary. I’m sure I’ll be forgotten eventually, but my art will last.” she smiled faintly for a brief moment before sighing as her mind replayed some more unpleasant memories from her school days. “Do you fear obscurity?”

She followed his example and stood up, feeling the pins and needles as the blood rushed back into her legs. It hadn't escaped her notice that there was a tapestry above them but she hadn't payed much attention to it in favor of learning about Amrien.

Nwalan’s eyes drifted back to Meg as she spoke. He listened to her words, intrigued by her views on the concept of obscurity. Though, he didn’t immediately answer her question.

In fact, it took him a long moment to answer. Her question was one he had never considered, and the tapestry in front of him made him realize how conflicted his feelings actually were about it. The quiet serenity of the tapestry’s meadow, so peaceful, so beautiful, but so lonely. Which side did he favor?

“I know not if I fear obscurity. I suppose ‘tis possible. I… I enjoy the silence and the freedom of it. Yet… I… Obscurity be for the loners. I am no loner, though I am only somewhat a social creature,”he said, a few more tears sliding down his face as he continued to stare at the tapestry.

He quickly wiped his eyes then looked at Meg.

“I have been alone before in my life, yet it had been mostly voluntary, or otherwise necessary. This… I… know not,”he added.

(Sorry, I’ve been struggling with a reply for this one.)

Meg waited patiently, curious to hear his answer. There was something about the way he spoke, not necessarily just his sentence structure, that was just so intriguing. Not to mention this was the first time in a long time that she hadn't felt so alone. In a way, he was relatable because his abilities were so similar to her own, and the fact that he wasn't put off by hers.

“Around here, we call that being an ambivert.” she smiled softly. “Someone who enjoys both being alone and being around others. Honestly, I'm not sure if I’m an introvert or an ambivert myself but… I guess I've gotten used to being alone.” she shrugged, meeting his tearful gaze. She gently placed a hand against his upper arm, remembering his earlier… attack. “Are you ok?”

(It’s alright. I honestly got a little stuck with the ending of my last reply, so that probably didn’t help much lol)

“An ‘ambivert’… Hm…”Nwalan mumbled, fascinated by the new word.

Though, he was quickly reminded of his erratic emotions when Meg put her hand on his arm. He sighed, brushing a hand through his thick hair.

“Too much talk of loneliness and too much raw nostalgia in the tapestry in front of me. ‘Tis a pity, as it be a beautiful design. I… also am unaccustomed to being completely alone,”Nwalan said with a timid chuckle.

“Thus… shall we do something else? Possibly something more entertaining? I have yet to cause any true mischief here. And, I am utterly lost. This art gallery was the first place I saw after arriving,”he added, a bright gleam growing in his eyes as he spoke. It seemed like an abrupt mood change, but Nwalan was simply trying to hide his discomfort with mirth. He wasn’t as skilled at hiding emotions as he used to be, though he’d never been as great at it as Tearion.

“Yes, it is beautiful.” Meg nodded with a gentle smile when he laughed, but couldn't help a brief laugh of her own at the attempt to change the topic. “Mischief? Unfortunately, I don't know if I can help you there…” she admitted. “But, if you're up for a walk, I know a good place to get something to eat.” she offered, thinking that maybe the fresh air and a change of scenery might help him.

“Of course you can. We puff up each other’s hair, make it spiky, and we run around screaming and shrieking like demons for a time. We have to keep people light on their feet, else they will get lazy and inattentive,”Nwalan replied, laughing immediately afterward at how odd his idea might sound to her.

His amusement turned to intrigue at her suggestion and he hummed in contemplation. Did he dare go with her? He had never eaten before in his life, as he didn’t need to. None of his kin required sustenance, being the creatures they were. However, it didn’t mean that he couldn’t eat… So, why not?

“I mind not walking. Lead the way,”he said with a soft smile.

Meg laughed with him at how ridiculous the idea sounded and shook her head. “It does sound pretty crazy… and kinda funny. But I wouldn't want us to get in trouble for disturbing the peace or something.” she admitted.

She nodded when he agreed to the walk before turning back towards the main exhibit hall. “Just stay with me. I’ll keep you safe.” she assured with a smile.

(Sorry for the late reply. Had my own bout of writer’s block. I may have already said this elsewhere, but I forget lol…)
(Also sorry this is so short/skimpy)

“Ah well. An idea for later times perhaps,”he casually replied, chuckling.

He smiled at her, moving to walk beside her. Though, her words intrigued him.

“Keep me safe? Be it not the duty of the man to protect the woman?”he said with a light smile.

(I guess we've both been struggling with writing 😅)

“Maybe.” Meg shrugged with a slight smirk, not completely turning down the offer but still not sure now was the best time.

She turned on her heel, raising a brow at the question. “I hope you're being facetious. Because I can assure you, I’m more than capable of holding my own in a fight.” she pointed out confidently.

(Lol yeah…)

Nwalan chuckled, but said nothing else about his offer.

He paused when she turned, eyeing her curiously. Clearly he was in a place with a wildly different view on propriety. Or, alternatively, Meg’s youth had been spent in a place of no honor. Why else would she have reacted so to his words?

“I was being serious, yet I meant no disrespect. I also am quite aware that you are more formidable than you seem. Still, ‘tis the gentleman’s way to guard a female, even when she be a better warrior than he. Besides, it always be amusing in such circumstances, because any threat has no idea what they are about to face,”he replied with a gentle smile.

“Ok.” Meg nodded at the explanation, taking a breath. “I guess that island of yours is more… traditional that way. But it's still a relief to know that you weren't being rude. I've just heard comments before, growing up, about how girls can’t or shouldn't fight… need to be protected because they can't protect themselves…” she tried not to get upset at those memories. “My dad taught me how to defend myself before he… after that I took classes for two reasons. One because it felt right and I believed it was what he wanted.” she admitted with an awkward smile. “I knew you were “old world”, I just didn't expect you to be that much of a gentleman.”

Nwalan nodded, confirming that his homeland was indeed a very traditional place. He then rose an eyebrow in surprise at her next comment, scoffing at the thought that people would refuse to allow women to fight.

“To leave a woman unable to defend herself be… The sheer idiocy of that! One might as well commit their species to extinction by doing that!”Nwalan burst, shaking his head incredulously.

“I am glad your father defied the fools that believe a woman should be defenseless. And, your decision to continue training honors him,”he replied.

A chuckle escaped him at her last statement.

“It be how I was raised. Honor be paramount. Tearion believed in true honor, and defied all of his kin and nation to prove their corruption of it. After all, be it honor for an entire nation to torment someone, especially a female, for simply being… different? I think not,”he said.

Meg had to admit she was surprised by his outburst but nodded. “I agree. It’s a stupid old way of thinking. That only a “man” is able to fight or defend… anyone. It’s not as common anymore, fortunately, except in some idiots with a superiority complex.” she admitted, hoping to assure him. Though she blushed at how he shared her opinion of why she should continue to train. “Thank you.”

“That is… very admirable. He must have been a virtuous person.” she smiled. “I think my father would have liked Tearion. And… I probably would too.”

“Indeed. It be wasted potential. Hm… Good. Though, I see I shall be keeping my eye out for any ‘superior-minded’ folks that need a good lesson in humility and rationality,”he commented, half joking with the last bit.

He smiled softly at her thanks and nodded.

“You are welcome,”he cooed.

“In his own way, he was. Tearion had many flaws, and was often harsh, yet devotion was his greatest virtue. It was his sister, Agatha, that he had protected. And, I believe he would have liked you as well, due to your training alongside the similarities you have with Agatha. He also would have respected your father, at the very least,”Nwalan replied.

“I almost want to know what kind of lesson you would use to teach them.” Meg snickered, knowing he was joking… but in the brief time of knowing ‘Amrien’ told her that he had a mischievous streak.

“What similarities do you think I have with Agatha?” she asked. “I have to admit that I’m curious about her. You speak just as highly of her as you do of Tearion.”

A giggle escaped Nwalan at her comment.

“Oh, it depends, yet I can think of a wide variety of things to do. Some folks only need a chiding, while others need more exotic methods,”he replied, giggling more.

He was still joking, but there was an undercurrent of honesty in his words. If a situation called for it, he wasn’t above torturing someone half to death to make a point. Though, he doubted that would be received well by… anyone from Earth. So, torture would be a last resort. Being a prankster though… that might come in handy.

At her question, Nwalan couldn’t help the warm smile that lifted his lips as he thought of Agatha.

“She was never as bold as you. Yet, you share a similar strength of will. She also had an artistic side, yet she never had the chance to truly explore it. I suppose… hm… Forgive the analogy, yet… you are a blooming flower, where Agatha never had the chance to properly bloom. Had circumstances been different, I sincerely believe she would have become a formidable influence on the nation, even the island. Though, as she was, she certainly had considerable influence on both Tearion and me,”he said.

Though their first meeting had been under strange circumstances, Nwalan had recognized Agatha’s capacity for influence and power immediately. She had never been allowed to develop those skills, given that she was always being tormented and threatened by everyone around her, but the devotion she inspired in De’Tearion was enough of a clue.

Sure, they were siblings, twins even, but De’Tearion could’ve abandoned her and taken the throne without a care, or could’ve just left to become a Shaman. And yet… he had defied every law and tradition that they were born to, just to protect her. She had given De’Tearion the strength to meet a council that hated him head on, and to eventually cow everyone into near submission. On his own, De’Tearion would’ve never been so ambitious.

On Nwalan’s own, he would’ve never left his father’s side, and would’ve become just another tool in the cruel politics of the forest.

“Exotic?” Meg inquired with a raised brow. “I usually just go for a… demonstration of why they shouldn't mess with me but your method sounds so… deliberately vauge.” she pointed out, unsure if that was a good thing or a bad thing. And that fact just reminded her of how little she actually knew the man walking with her. She didn't even know his real name.

She smiled a little as he called her bold, though the expression turned sympathetic as he told her about Agatha. “She died young.” she sighed, understanding his comparison. “I’m so sorry. She certainly sounds like an incredible person. I don't know much about your island but I hope her memory can still influence it and its people.” she said sincerely.

Nwalan chuckled awkwardly.

“I use the term ‘exotic’ as a way to be tactful. I am unfamiliar with this land’s… traditions. Laws. In my homeland, punishments are often harsh, depending on the kingdom. Though, from what little I have seen, and from what you have told me, this land be a much tamer place. Thus, I shall keep my methods simple. Chidings and small fights, at most, if it can be helped. Though, I will admit I have done far worse things to protect the honor of another, especially Tearion and Agatha,”he elaborated.

To hear Meghan state one of the harsh truths of Agatha’s life hurt. Nwalan almost visibly flinched when she said it, and he faltered for a moment, not only with words but with his walking. But, she didn’t seem to quite catch on yet to the second harsh truth of Agatha’s life that he’s been hinting at. Nwalan was almost afraid for when that inevitable moment came.

“She was wonderful. Yet, ‘tis her influence not that be remembered. ‘Tis Tearion’s, for the way he protected her. Instead of their shared agony. As I said before, ‘tis a long and sad tale,”Nwalan said, his voice quiet and strained.

He quickly wiped his eyes as fresh tears started to roll down his face. He didn’t want to show too much sorrow in public. He doubted he’d have another fit so soon after purging one, but some of the other things he tended to do when he was sad would attract just as much unwanted attention. He wanted to avoid that at all costs.