Voice Test

[ashandfire]

I cannot dissuade you from this choice, however I warn you that I will not be easily led. Some are born to be followers whilst others are born to be rulers. I am of the latter, much smaller, group. Why else would I be a King?

{A light laugh follows that speech.}

Now, tell me what you have planned.

Comments

[castleworth]

Your generals won't thank you your kind heart.

[ashandfire]

I have already failed them. I shoulder that blame, Yasha-ou.

[castleworth]

You are too frail for the sword, let alone a burden.

[ashandfire]

Yet I outlived you. Is my frailty a strength, then?

[castleworth]

It is what gives Ashura-ou's beauty.

[ashandfire]

{Ashura's breath catches in nirs throat.}

You never knew my wish.

[castleworth]

Kings have no wishes. Only duties and their crown.

[ashandfire]

We are people too, Yasha-ou. Every man, woman and child should be aware of their mortality.

[castleworth]

Then speak this wish. I shall stand your witness to it.

[ashandfire]

I wished to resurrect you.

[castleworth]

[ The silence is inevitable, hard and hard-won.

Then his hand goes out in a barely-sketched gesture. ]

...Ashura-ou. You are wasteful.

[ashandfire]

{The smile that follows is bordering on bitter.}

My heart says otherwise.

{Regardless...}

It was a wish that could not be granted.

[castleworth]

It was a child's wish, or a lover's. They both turn to nothingness at war.

[ashandfire]

{The latter is correct. Ashura's heart aches every moment ne sees Yasha-ou.}

We led the war. The Moon Castle stood between us.

All of that has been left behind in this land.

[castleworth]

Then let me share your burden on my broader shoulders, and no man need know.

[ashandfire]

{Ashura tentatively reaches out, expression troubled.}

A burden is no gift.

[castleworth]

[ And he reaches in turn, fingers tangling, slow. ]

Then let Ashura-ou smile, and so reward me for service.

[ashandfire]

{It's too much. Ashura steps forward and rises up to press their foreheads together.}

You can have as many smiles as you like.

[castleworth]

[ A strain on his neck, their height difference, but he tilts and makes do. ]

I shall have the one. Any others can be Ashura-ou's gift, and not his payment.

[ashandfire]

Fair enough. {The smile softens - something private to be shared between them.} Seeing you alive makes me feel generous.

[castleworth]

And foolish.

[ But he smiles in return, all the same. ]

[ashandfire]

Then let me be a fool. {A hand touches Yasha-ou's cheek - lightly. Each touch is a gift.} I can withstand the moniker.

[castleworth]

[ He hesitates briefly under Ashura's inspection, before coming down on one knee, closer in reach. ]

I shall cut down the man who gives you one worse.

[ashandfire]

{Ashura strokes his fingers over Yasha's cheek, taking full advantage of the position.}

Do you think I would let them live? {Nirs lips find a temple and ne kisses the skin with soft reverence.}

[castleworth]

[ He leans in, feline in accepting the caress, before his arm catches loosely on Ashura's waist in something close to embrace. ]

I think you are kind.