[ Both the ire at his unexpected visit and the defensive posture doesn't seem to phase him at all. Instead he giggles again, bobbing up and down joyfully. He looks almost tickled.
Especially since he saw those eyes dart to the window, and the understanding. Hoho, the King is familiar with Faeries? ]
Ah yes, and such a late visit as well. Yet it is terribly hard to get an audience with such a busy King.
[ He doesn't ask for forgiveness, for in his mind, there is no need. The man is up anyways, is he not? A perfect time! ]
I have come with a proposition for you, Oh King, so our Realms cease their inane fighting and settle into peace and prosperity. Will you hear me?
[His upbringing has been ...unorthodox, to say the least, who is to say he has not been amongst the fae in some capacity? Or perhaps, had an interest in researching them.]
Yes, that would be because I am busy.
[He says sleep deprived and with half a finished glass of wine on his desk. Still, despite that, his eyes are sharp. The blade in his hand is firm.]
I suppose that will depend. Who are you to make such a proposal to begin with?
[ Busy makes him giggle again, and though it's hard to tell, he tilts his body in such a manner so Seamus can see he's looking at the cup of wine. Yes. Very busy. The question makes him smile and he twirls a little, beaming. Actually beaming, he lights up a bit again. ]
You may call me Percival Vietta Clearwing, Oh King. I am the Unifying Monarch of the Seelie and Unseelie Courts, and King of the Fae Realms.
[ He flutters closer, his expression sweet and kind. ]
[Well. That was quite a proclamation. Though his instinct is to call that into question, he knows the Fae cannot outright lie. That very straight forward claim bust be true in some way, and currently he cannot turn it inside out, himself, to find where it could be a twist on the truth.]
[There is a lot to unpack about that. What do you mean unified monarch. What do you mean he is the King of all the Fae Realms. What do you mean the Seelie and Unseelie courts are no longer at odds.]
[He has been visited by the King of Fae and he has been rather uncouth to him thus far. Knowing how easy to offend fae are supposed to be, he finds himself going still once more. This situation suddenly got very precarious. He has to wake up now, have his full attention on this conversation.]
...I am King Seamus Maverick of the Milkcrown Kingdom.
[A thoughtful pause.]
Surely you did not just give me your true name.
[Of course, he didn't either. Seamus Maverick is the name he has always known, but it is not his birth name. Not his True Name.]
[ Hm! The name rings as a name but it doesn't spark the possessive feel ownership would. Good. The King gave him a name, but one that won't invoke the magic. Indeed, he is dealing with someone who is well aware of how the Fae operate.
He laughs softly. Covers his mouth with a coy look. ]
Surely you did not give me yours.
[ He crosses his legs in midair, hovering there, planting his elbow on his knee and his chin into his hand. He quite likes this human. Yes, he chose right, he believes. There is something about this one. Something that beats like drums deep in his soul. ]
Would you perhaps wish to discuss this after sleep? I can invite you to my Kingdom, where time stands still, so you may rest and the dawn need never come again.
[They are on the same page, then! Very well, now he understands where they both stand. He has the King of Faeries in his bedroom. Saints.]
[To that offer, Maverick scoffs. No, he may be tired but he is not so exhausted that he finds that a good idea. To be whisked away to a place unknown, to be turned into a tree, or a pillar of marble, or some other such thing. Or to be placed in a gem to be worn on some Fae's neck as jewelry. Dawn would never come, indeed.]
No, I believe we can speak just fine here, since you've come all this way!
[He pulls out his chair once more, taking a seat. His sword remains at his side.]
Would you like a nice teacup to sit in? Or is it possible you can take a much bigger form, so we may discuss this as civilized Kings? As it turns out, I am quite curious about your proposal!
[ He's about to flit over to join the other, when the question and request makes him pause. Hm. This was his idea, and as much as it's easier to escape like this, he should meet the other on equal footing. ]
Mm, oh very well! I suppose I could join you proper!
[ Except a Faerie is always going to be a Faerie. They live and breathe whimsy. So before he takes a human size, he darts over to the desk in front of the King, sits his tiny butt down on the edge. The shifts. So Maverick suddenly almost has a lap full of human sized Faerie, the King crowding into his space, legs draped on either side of him as he sits on the desk. And smiles down at him.
He's as ethereal as any Faerie would be. Inhumane and delicate, his wings fluttering to a stop against his back and relaxing down. But there's something plain about him too. The lack of embellishments on his outfit. How his crown is a simple laurel, floating behind him but untouched by gems. In fact, the only piece of jewelry is the blue gem attached to his chest, holding his ruff closed. Which is nothing but hydrangea, that rustle a little as if there's a breeze. ]
[Yes, though this Fae seems to be quite friendly, he is frequently testing him, it seems. Sizing him up, possibly as one King to another. Whatever this proposal is must be big. His mind wants a little wondering what it could be. A treaty? Is there the potential to do something about the Fae conflict here and now? It can't be that easy, he needs to stay on guard.]
[Especially if there is subterfuge involved. If he's a distraction for-]
[Oh.]
[Distraction, indeed.]
[Seeing him up close truly is a change. Sure, he could make out his delicate features before, but now he is ....so close. Of course he's beautiful, they all are, which makes them all the more deadly. So he's read, anyway.]
[ Aha! He finally got a reaction! Not as big as one as he wished, but the pause and the throat clear makes him beam in delight, wings vibrating loud enough now to make a slight buzzing sound. ]
Oh, quite! Is it all right? I can move.
[ Though he makes no move to do so just yet, of course. He quite likes having this human king trapped here like this. For a human, he's very pretty, and he enjoys looking at him. His eyes are beautiful and there's a mark over his eye- ah, is that a scar? Oooo-
Ah wait, no, don't get distracted. He hums gently, swinging a foot lightly back and forth. ]
Ah yes, my proposal!
[ He beams, leans forward, cups the Kings face. ]
I request your hand in marriage, so that we may unite the Human and Faerie Kingdoms together, putting aside our strifes and turning instead towards prosperity!
[Ah, no no. Calm. Peace. He needs to keep his wits about him or this could go tits up easily if he is not paying attention. Fae cannot lie, so pay close attention to his words. Find loopholes, do not show any sort of weakness- even if he's sitting on his desk like that holding his face.]
[It takes a lot to not flinch away from him, not because he's offended or startled, but he is just ...not used to being touched in such a way. Gently and weirdly intimately. But he holds his ground, even if his expression mirrors his surprise for the barest moment.]
[A treaty, indeed. Ah, just not the one he was expecting.]
I see.
[Okay, he needs more information. He's got to pull his intentions out of him somehow. While the notion of a political marriage is far from strange, he does not believe anyone has ever tried to solve a multi-realm conflict in this way.]
And you chose me amongst your pick of Kings and Kingdoms, why?
[ Goodness, he loves this little humans reactions. The man's trying so hard, but he's so sleep deprived and he's had such a rough week that he's letting his composure slip. It makes him smile, fingers stroking lightly against those cheeks. Hm? That look in his eye. Is he uncomfortable, but isn't saying something? Interesting.
The question makes him hm! rolling around in his mind how much to reveal. But, well... he is sincere in his desire. And he wants Seamus to stand with him. Yes, he sort of wants him to submit to him, but that can be gently chipped at over time.
So, the truth it is. ]
Because my Seers saw you. Show me, I said. Show me the human who can convince all the human realm to join in peace with ours. And you appeared. Covered in blood but with eyes filled with weariness. I know you desire peace too. And you have the power to achieve it, by my side.
[He is a little, but now that he's acclimated that look in his eye fades. This is no different than being held with a blade to his throat, after all. The danger these soft hands represent is the same. Perhaps unsurprisingly, that weariness makes its appearance.]
[Instead he braces for this Fae's pretty words so he can pull them apart and look at them closely. Knowing that lying by omission is more than an acceptable loophole, so he's already assuming he's not getting the entire story.]
[That sure is something to be told, though. He isn't sure how he feels about having Seers foretell some grand purpose when all he wants is to hole up in a study and read books. He sighs.]
I've been King for less than a week, Are you certain you can trust such a vision? That's quite a tall order, you know.
[He says like he wasn't already planning some pretty hefty measures to try and end this war. Of course his proposal is potentially enticing but only if he can ensure equal footing with the King of Fae.]
Very well, let's discuss this seriously. A political marriage of this scale will require negotiation, though I am sure you had hoped to gain my blind agreeance through my sheer exhaustion, hm? You did pick quite a specific night to appear to me, after all.
[ Even more interesting! A dullness. An acceptance. This human is so, so tired. So fascinating. Tired, but he doesn't yield. Tired, but he endures. Another battle to face.
Something wretches in the Faerie Kings heart, and he lets his hands slip down from the humans face. Pulls himself back. Looks "offended" though his words lack the bite. ]
Our magics are never wrong.
[ No, the real reason he pulled back was he realized he didn't want to make that look in his potential partner to be's eyes anymore. He didn't want to be the cause of the weariness.
Ah. No. Oh dear.
He perks up when Seamus agrees to negotiates, wings vibrating hard as he carefully moves himself around him and off the desk. A little gesture and he pulls a chair from ... somewhere, the seats look almost organic as he sets it down and sits himself down beside Seamus. ]
The truth, my darling? Somewhat. But I am sincere in my desire. The war has gone on too long. Both sides have suffered loss; children taken, kin mutilated for their spell components. Our lands run rich with blood from both sides. I wish to see it ended. No more. And while, if you had succumbed to me in some way, I would have gladly taken your burden from you and ruled while letting you rest in the peace I would bring - an eternity of nothing but joy and bliss until your end - I truly desire you by my side.
[ He sets his hand over his own heart, giving the King an earnest open look. Eyes wide and soft, gentle and imploring. ]
I believe we can bring peace, together. Please, I will trick and tease you no more. Let us discuss openly and candidly.
[There is the barest flicker of relief in his eyes as he pulls away, and that look begins to fade, too. Instead there is a sharpness, an interest. This Faerie King, Percival, wants to speak seriously with him. If he so claims he will drop the games, then he will give him the benefit of the doubt.]
[He sips from his glass and then begins to ready some papers, dabs his quill. Puts on his glasses.]
We are in agreement for that, at least. I agree that this senseless conflict has gone on too long. I do not believe either side even knows where it began, which tells me that the fighting has become truly pointless. I've no desire to continue it in any shape or form, not when resources can be funneled into much better purposes.
[But he will not get too ahead of himself there. He does not need to talk of his plans yet. He begins writing things down.]
Your offer is the temptation of the devils themselves, but you would be no more suited to ruling the human realm than I would be ruling the Fae. If these two sides are accept peace in any form that isn't conquest, then there needs to be balance. If we were to marry, it would be a partnership to maintain that balance, to ensure fairness on both sides, do you not agree?
[ Carefully he prods those words for any lies, or tainted meaning, but no. No, Seamus is being upfront. Honest. It makes him relax, curl one leg over the other, knees resting together. He folds his hands together on the top one.
Before he agrees, however, before they go further after Maverick lays the base, he raises a hand to stop him. Gives him a gentle look. ]
Would you not like to rest until morn, so that your mind is sharp and ready for this? I can give you my word, as binding as a contract itself, that I will do nothing to disturb you or allow others to disturb you. Or, perhaps, I can give you a quick boost of energy?
[ This is the last time he will offer. It behooves him to offer this 'favor' to his Human King. He wants him to trust him, join his hand with his willingly, so that they may raise them together. For that, a favor can be given.
[Look at him go, diligently writing things down, making notes of things they've already spoken up, starts making the outline of what will eventually be a contract. He's picking apart any potential loopholes, making a list of stipulations on his end-]
[He pauses, looking up. Pushes his glasses up a bit, and though he is very lucid and focused, the circles under his eyes are quite stark, it's true. He squints a little, as if he's trying to see through whatever this might be.]
[But that's a look the Faerie King has yet to give him and it ...seem sincere. Hm.]
We've barely begun, my dear. Surely you're not getting second thoughts now that you've gotten me with a quill in my hand.
[The offer of a boost of energy does make him hesitate.]
And what in return would you require of me for such a gift?
[ The glasses on his face make him so refined and dignified. Though they amplify the dark circles, and it makes Viri feel superior in his assessment. Which puts him in a better mood, his wings vibrating gently and his smile returning some of the light to it. He knows best. Defer to him. Listen to him.
Of course he scoffs the moment the word gift is used, and the idea that he's having second thoughts. ]
It is not a gift!
[ Harumph! He taps his foot a little in air. ]
It is a King knowing that these talks will benefit both our realms, and making sure that my subjects both current and future, are not - eh, uhm, to human phrase it - "fucked over".
[ He blushes to using such UNCOUTH language but it truly fits here, he thinks. ]
It is a safeguard so you do not sleepily write something down that is incorrect. Not that I won't be reading over your shoulder of course.
[ And though his words are like this, his eyes are still soft and gently concerned. His voice fades a little and then returns, kinder. Gentler. ]
Humans are not meant to go this long without sleep, darling. Are they not? It hurts you, pains you.
[His response makes him laugh, but its not really at him, and he isn't feeling an inherent dread from offending a fae, no, this feels like it's putting them onto more equal footing. If the Faerie King got to make him squirm a little earlier, then it's only fair he returns the favor in some way.]
[However, with a crooked little grin in place, he leans against his hand, ink smudging here and there.]
Life is pain, dear, especially in the Human Realm. We are to endure, for it's what makes us strong. I, being that I am King, am the strongest of all. Do not fret, even if in the unlikely event that something were to slip through, I intend to have at least one very careful set of eyes comb things over before a proper contract is written up, and I imagine you have your own court to confer with.
[But he sees that the King is being insistent, and while he does not want to trust it yet, he thinks there's no harm in prying a little more.]
Can you promise that your little "boost" would only give me the energy to remain focused without having other adverse affects? Such as suggestion and gullibility?
[ OH NO CURSE HIS FAERIE INCLINATION FOR CUTE THINGS!! The little smudges of ink now smearing across Seamus' face from his fingers makes his heart flutter again. The man is adorable. Adorable and lovely and he wants him as his human so badly. It takes a lot to fight against the natural instinct to simply find a way to ensnare him.
That instinct down, he does seem to be in a more whimsical mood now due to it. Or maybe it's the little grin on the humans face. Or maybe it's the use of dear, the human matching his energy. Playing a dangerous game with the King of Games. His wings flutter and he leans in in turn, bringing their faces closer together. ]
Life doesn't need to be pain, darling. I do not doubt your strength, your ability to endure, the fire of your spirit. But vitality wanes in mortals without sleep. The mind wavers, wanders.
[ He smiles and leans forward just the little bit more to boop their noses together. It leaves behind a little touch of faerie dust. It tingles. ]
So suspicious! It will do nothing but boost your energy. Merely accept it.
You can't blame me for being cautious! Though I am certain you had hoped to find someone reckless in me, instead.
[Very well, then. He got him to at least confirm the limits of this little spell of his, whatever it may be. Hopefully he will not regret this, because for all his bravado, he does need sleep, he has been going too long without it, and his mind is firing on all its cylinders to keep him his facade.]
[There is a worry he may make a terrible error because of it, and this is so important that he cannot afford that to happen.]
I will accept your offer to boost my energy, then.
[Because saying just "I accept" without modifiers would spell trouble for him, he's sure.]
[ The tingling from the dust on his nose spreads quickly across his entire head. Seamus will feel like a hand squeezes down hard against him, briefly. When it relaxes, energy floods through him. The week of exhaustion will slough off, and he will feel like he has gotten several nights worth of rest.
Of course, this is just a boost, and it won't last forever. And the energy crash after might actually make him pass out into sleep.
[That pressure around him nearly sets off ...something he can't quite identify. A strange sense of panic that flared under his skin before it was gone just as fast. Then that rush of not just energy, but wakefulness. It makes him realize just how tired he had been, now that it was gone.]
[God how had he made any decisions before this, he'll never know.]
[He lets out a long exhale, letting his mind finally settle to start working, to start picking everything apart, to bring the rest of him up to speed. Yes, okay, he can continue now.]
Yes.
[Pause.]
...Thank you. Truthfully, I didn't intend on sleeping for some time as I've meeting to attend to the moment the sun rises. [Which is in a few hours.] We haven't time to waste, so let's begin.
[He starts rewriting everything, Saints there's ink everywhere. Look how messy his handwriting is.]
Now, for our hypothesized union, we both wish to end conflict and you have proposed us ruling together, yes? I believe a gesture of goodwill and sincerity from the Fae would be to release the humans that have been trapped in your realm, made into trinkets and furniture by your kin.
[ Viri smiles brilliantly as Seamus says its better, humming a delightedly little noise. See, his darling? He knows best!
And Seamus may get the sense he messed up by thanking him by the way Viri's eyes twinkle just a little. The sharper look that comes to them. Though, of course, he says nothing and merely tsk!s gently. ]
My darling, however do you expect to rule by depriving yourself! When we are married, I do insist you take better care of yourself. I shan't have my husband perish from overtaxation!
[ Yes, write that down, that's a stipulation. He scoots himself closer so he can look at the paper, pleased to see all the notes. Good!
Though he grimaces to the idea of releasing all their humans. Ugh, he has the right to request it though. Viri hems and haws a bit, wings vibrating. ]
Oh, darling, that is a large request and one that might be difficult to fulfill. But I shall attempt it, if you agree to attempt to release all my kin who have been captured in turn.
[ Both sides have committed such crimes against the other, it makes Viri sigh lightly, frowning. ]
[...He catches it, finally, now that he's more lucid. That in his foolishness he thanked a Fae. The Fae, at that. He doesn't let it show on his face, but there is a sinking dread in his gut that he will try and push through. Worry about that later, there are ways to negotiate a debt.]
[He scoffs gently.]
If such a thing could kill me, I would have been dead seven times over.
[Hm, hm, he knew that would be a big ask, which is why it was the first thing he brought up. He watches him for a moment before nodding, writing that down.]
That's fair, of course. I believe the release on both sides will show a sincere effort of reconciliation. How else are we to foster trust on both sides? When we are both holding hostages.
[And he knows it may yet be impossible to retrieve all on both sides, but it's the attempt that really matters. He knows the first voice of outrage from his kingdom will be over a lost family member that stumbled into a faerie ring.]
On that note, if we marry you will not be allowed to turn me into anything. I will not be a trinket for you to wear, I'd very much like the remain human and in possession of all my faculties.
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Especially since he saw those eyes dart to the window, and the understanding. Hoho, the King is familiar with Faeries? ]
Ah yes, and such a late visit as well. Yet it is terribly hard to get an audience with such a busy King.
[ He doesn't ask for forgiveness, for in his mind, there is no need. The man is up anyways, is he not? A perfect time! ]
I have come with a proposition for you, Oh King, so our Realms cease their inane fighting and settle into peace and prosperity. Will you hear me?
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Yes, that would be because I am busy.
[He says sleep deprived and with half a finished glass of wine on his desk. Still, despite that, his eyes are sharp. The blade in his hand is firm.]
I suppose that will depend. Who are you to make such a proposal to begin with?
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You may call me Percival Vietta Clearwing, Oh King. I am the Unifying Monarch of the Seelie and Unseelie Courts, and King of the Fae Realms.
[ He flutters closer, his expression sweet and kind. ]
May I have your name?
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[There is a lot to unpack about that. What do you mean unified monarch. What do you mean he is the King of all the Fae Realms. What do you mean the Seelie and Unseelie courts are no longer at odds.]
[He has been visited by the King of Fae and he has been rather uncouth to him thus far. Knowing how easy to offend fae are supposed to be, he finds himself going still once more. This situation suddenly got very precarious. He has to wake up now, have his full attention on this conversation.]
...I am King Seamus Maverick of the Milkcrown Kingdom.
[A thoughtful pause.]
Surely you did not just give me your true name.
[Of course, he didn't either. Seamus Maverick is the name he has always known, but it is not his birth name. Not his True Name.]
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He laughs softly. Covers his mouth with a coy look. ]
Surely you did not give me yours.
[ He crosses his legs in midair, hovering there, planting his elbow on his knee and his chin into his hand. He quite likes this human. Yes, he chose right, he believes. There is something about this one. Something that beats like drums deep in his soul. ]
Would you perhaps wish to discuss this after sleep? I can invite you to my Kingdom, where time stands still, so you may rest and the dawn need never come again.
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[To that offer, Maverick scoffs. No, he may be tired but he is not so exhausted that he finds that a good idea. To be whisked away to a place unknown, to be turned into a tree, or a pillar of marble, or some other such thing. Or to be placed in a gem to be worn on some Fae's neck as jewelry. Dawn would never come, indeed.]
No, I believe we can speak just fine here, since you've come all this way!
[He pulls out his chair once more, taking a seat. His sword remains at his side.]
Would you like a nice teacup to sit in? Or is it possible you can take a much bigger form, so we may discuss this as civilized Kings? As it turns out, I am quite curious about your proposal!
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[ He's about to flit over to join the other, when the question and request makes him pause. Hm. This was his idea, and as much as it's easier to escape like this, he should meet the other on equal footing. ]
Mm, oh very well! I suppose I could join you proper!
[ Except a Faerie is always going to be a Faerie. They live and breathe whimsy. So before he takes a human size, he darts over to the desk in front of the King, sits his tiny butt down on the edge. The shifts. So Maverick suddenly almost has a lap full of human sized Faerie, the King crowding into his space, legs draped on either side of him as he sits on the desk. And smiles down at him.
He's as ethereal as any Faerie would be. Inhumane and delicate, his wings fluttering to a stop against his back and relaxing down. But there's something plain about him too. The lack of embellishments on his outfit. How his crown is a simple laurel, floating behind him but untouched by gems. In fact, the only piece of jewelry is the blue gem attached to his chest, holding his ruff closed. Which is nothing but hydrangea, that rustle a little as if there's a breeze. ]
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[Especially if there is subterfuge involved. If he's a distraction for-]
[Oh.]
[Distraction, indeed.]
[Seeing him up close truly is a change. Sure, he could make out his delicate features before, but now he is ....so close. Of course he's beautiful, they all are, which makes them all the more deadly. So he's read, anyway.]
[He clears his throat after a moment.]
I do hope that's comfortable.
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Oh, quite! Is it all right? I can move.
[ Though he makes no move to do so just yet, of course. He quite likes having this human king trapped here like this. For a human, he's very pretty, and he enjoys looking at him. His eyes are beautiful and there's a mark over his eye- ah, is that a scar? Oooo-
Ah wait, no, don't get distracted. He hums gently, swinging a foot lightly back and forth. ]
Ah yes, my proposal!
[ He beams, leans forward, cups the Kings face. ]
I request your hand in marriage, so that we may unite the Human and Faerie Kingdoms together, putting aside our strifes and turning instead towards prosperity!
1/2
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[It takes a lot to not flinch away from him, not because he's offended or startled, but he is just ...not used to being touched in such a way. Gently and weirdly intimately. But he holds his ground, even if his expression mirrors his surprise for the barest moment.]
[A treaty, indeed. Ah, just not the one he was expecting.]
I see.
[Okay, he needs more information. He's got to pull his intentions out of him somehow. While the notion of a political marriage is far from strange, he does not believe anyone has ever tried to solve a multi-realm conflict in this way.]
And you chose me amongst your pick of Kings and Kingdoms, why?
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The question makes him hm! rolling around in his mind how much to reveal. But, well... he is sincere in his desire. And he wants Seamus to stand with him. Yes, he sort of wants him to submit to him, but that can be gently chipped at over time.
So, the truth it is. ]
Because my Seers saw you. Show me, I said. Show me the human who can convince all the human realm to join in peace with ours. And you appeared. Covered in blood but with eyes filled with weariness. I know you desire peace too. And you have the power to achieve it, by my side.
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[Instead he braces for this Fae's pretty words so he can pull them apart and look at them closely. Knowing that lying by omission is more than an acceptable loophole, so he's already assuming he's not getting the entire story.]
[That sure is something to be told, though. He isn't sure how he feels about having Seers foretell some grand purpose when all he wants is to hole up in a study and read books. He sighs.]
I've been King for less than a week, Are you certain you can trust such a vision? That's quite a tall order, you know.
[He says like he wasn't already planning some pretty hefty measures to try and end this war. Of course his proposal is potentially enticing but only if he can ensure equal footing with the King of Fae.]
Very well, let's discuss this seriously. A political marriage of this scale will require negotiation, though I am sure you had hoped to gain my blind agreeance through my sheer exhaustion, hm? You did pick quite a specific night to appear to me, after all.
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Something wretches in the Faerie Kings heart, and he lets his hands slip down from the humans face. Pulls himself back. Looks "offended" though his words lack the bite. ]
Our magics are never wrong.
[ No, the real reason he pulled back was he realized he didn't want to make that look in his potential partner to be's eyes anymore. He didn't want to be the cause of the weariness.
Ah. No. Oh dear.
He perks up when Seamus agrees to negotiates, wings vibrating hard as he carefully moves himself around him and off the desk. A little gesture and he pulls a chair from ... somewhere, the seats look almost organic as he sets it down and sits himself down beside Seamus. ]
The truth, my darling? Somewhat. But I am sincere in my desire. The war has gone on too long. Both sides have suffered loss; children taken, kin mutilated for their spell components. Our lands run rich with blood from both sides. I wish to see it ended. No more. And while, if you had succumbed to me in some way, I would have gladly taken your burden from you and ruled while letting you rest in the peace I would bring - an eternity of nothing but joy and bliss until your end - I truly desire you by my side.
[ He sets his hand over his own heart, giving the King an earnest open look. Eyes wide and soft, gentle and imploring. ]
I believe we can bring peace, together. Please, I will trick and tease you no more. Let us discuss openly and candidly.
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[He sips from his glass and then begins to ready some papers, dabs his quill. Puts on his glasses.]
We are in agreement for that, at least. I agree that this senseless conflict has gone on too long. I do not believe either side even knows where it began, which tells me that the fighting has become truly pointless. I've no desire to continue it in any shape or form, not when resources can be funneled into much better purposes.
[But he will not get too ahead of himself there. He does not need to talk of his plans yet. He begins writing things down.]
Your offer is the temptation of the devils themselves, but you would be no more suited to ruling the human realm than I would be ruling the Fae. If these two sides are accept peace in any form that isn't conquest, then there needs to be balance. If we were to marry, it would be a partnership to maintain that balance, to ensure fairness on both sides, do you not agree?
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Before he agrees, however, before they go further after Maverick lays the base, he raises a hand to stop him. Gives him a gentle look. ]
Would you not like to rest until morn, so that your mind is sharp and ready for this? I can give you my word, as binding as a contract itself, that I will do nothing to disturb you or allow others to disturb you. Or, perhaps, I can give you a quick boost of energy?
[ This is the last time he will offer. It behooves him to offer this 'favor' to his Human King. He wants him to trust him, join his hand with his willingly, so that they may raise them together. For that, a favor can be given.
Without the string of a debt attached. ]
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[He pauses, looking up. Pushes his glasses up a bit, and though he is very lucid and focused, the circles under his eyes are quite stark, it's true. He squints a little, as if he's trying to see through whatever this might be.]
[But that's a look the Faerie King has yet to give him and it ...seem sincere. Hm.]
We've barely begun, my dear. Surely you're not getting second thoughts now that you've gotten me with a quill in my hand.
[The offer of a boost of energy does make him hesitate.]
And what in return would you require of me for such a gift?
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Of course he scoffs the moment the word gift is used, and the idea that he's having second thoughts. ]
It is not a gift!
[ Harumph! He taps his foot a little in air. ]
It is a King knowing that these talks will benefit both our realms, and making sure that my subjects both current and future, are not - eh, uhm, to human phrase it - "fucked over".
[ He blushes to using such UNCOUTH language but it truly fits here, he thinks. ]
It is a safeguard so you do not sleepily write something down that is incorrect. Not that I won't be reading over your shoulder of course.
[ And though his words are like this, his eyes are still soft and gently concerned. His voice fades a little and then returns, kinder. Gentler. ]
Humans are not meant to go this long without sleep, darling. Are they not? It hurts you, pains you.
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[However, with a crooked little grin in place, he leans against his hand, ink smudging here and there.]
Life is pain, dear, especially in the Human Realm. We are to endure, for it's what makes us strong. I, being that I am King, am the strongest of all. Do not fret, even if in the unlikely event that something were to slip through, I intend to have at least one very careful set of eyes comb things over before a proper contract is written up, and I imagine you have your own court to confer with.
[But he sees that the King is being insistent, and while he does not want to trust it yet, he thinks there's no harm in prying a little more.]
Can you promise that your little "boost" would only give me the energy to remain focused without having other adverse affects? Such as suggestion and gullibility?
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[ OH NO CURSE HIS FAERIE INCLINATION FOR CUTE THINGS!! The little smudges of ink now smearing across Seamus' face from his fingers makes his heart flutter again. The man is adorable. Adorable and lovely and he wants him as his human so badly. It takes a lot to fight against the natural instinct to simply find a way to ensnare him.
That instinct down, he does seem to be in a more whimsical mood now due to it. Or maybe it's the little grin on the humans face. Or maybe it's the use of dear, the human matching his energy. Playing a dangerous game with the King of Games. His wings flutter and he leans in in turn, bringing their faces closer together. ]
Life doesn't need to be pain, darling. I do not doubt your strength, your ability to endure, the fire of your spirit. But vitality wanes in mortals without sleep. The mind wavers, wanders.
[ He smiles and leans forward just the little bit more to boop their noses together. It leaves behind a little touch of faerie dust. It tingles. ]
So suspicious! It will do nothing but boost your energy. Merely accept it.
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[Very well, then. He got him to at least confirm the limits of this little spell of his, whatever it may be. Hopefully he will not regret this, because for all his bravado, he does need sleep, he has been going too long without it, and his mind is firing on all its cylinders to keep him his facade.]
[There is a worry he may make a terrible error because of it, and this is so important that he cannot afford that to happen.]
I will accept your offer to boost my energy, then.
[Because saying just "I accept" without modifiers would spell trouble for him, he's sure.]
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[ The tingling from the dust on his nose spreads quickly across his entire head. Seamus will feel like a hand squeezes down hard against him, briefly. When it relaxes, energy floods through him. The week of exhaustion will slough off, and he will feel like he has gotten several nights worth of rest.
Of course, this is just a boost, and it won't last forever. And the energy crash after might actually make him pass out into sleep.
But he doesn't need to know that. ]
Better, my darling?
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[That pressure around him nearly sets off ...something he can't quite identify. A strange sense of panic that flared under his skin before it was gone just as fast. Then that rush of not just energy, but wakefulness. It makes him realize just how tired he had been, now that it was gone.]
[God how had he made any decisions before this, he'll never know.]
[He lets out a long exhale, letting his mind finally settle to start working, to start picking everything apart, to bring the rest of him up to speed. Yes, okay, he can continue now.]
Yes.
[Pause.]
...Thank you. Truthfully, I didn't intend on sleeping for some time as I've meeting to attend to the moment the sun rises. [Which is in a few hours.] We haven't time to waste, so let's begin.
[He starts rewriting everything, Saints there's ink everywhere. Look how messy his handwriting is.]
Now, for our hypothesized union, we both wish to end conflict and you have proposed us ruling together, yes? I believe a gesture of goodwill and sincerity from the Fae would be to release the humans that have been trapped in your realm, made into trinkets and furniture by your kin.
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And Seamus may get the sense he messed up by thanking him by the way Viri's eyes twinkle just a little. The sharper look that comes to them. Though, of course, he says nothing and merely tsk!s gently. ]
My darling, however do you expect to rule by depriving yourself! When we are married, I do insist you take better care of yourself. I shan't have my husband perish from overtaxation!
[ Yes, write that down, that's a stipulation. He scoots himself closer so he can look at the paper, pleased to see all the notes. Good!
Though he grimaces to the idea of releasing all their humans. Ugh, he has the right to request it though. Viri hems and haws a bit, wings vibrating. ]
Oh, darling, that is a large request and one that might be difficult to fulfill. But I shall attempt it, if you agree to attempt to release all my kin who have been captured in turn.
[ Both sides have committed such crimes against the other, it makes Viri sigh lightly, frowning. ]
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[He scoffs gently.]
If such a thing could kill me, I would have been dead seven times over.
[Hm, hm, he knew that would be a big ask, which is why it was the first thing he brought up. He watches him for a moment before nodding, writing that down.]
That's fair, of course. I believe the release on both sides will show a sincere effort of reconciliation. How else are we to foster trust on both sides? When we are both holding hostages.
[And he knows it may yet be impossible to retrieve all on both sides, but it's the attempt that really matters. He knows the first voice of outrage from his kingdom will be over a lost family member that stumbled into a faerie ring.]
On that note, if we marry you will not be allowed to turn me into anything. I will not be a trinket for you to wear, I'd very much like the remain human and in possession of all my faculties.
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