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

[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.

[ashandfire]

Only to Yasha-ou. {Ne slips his arms around Yasha's neck, pressing their cheeks together.} My weakness is here in my arms.

[castleworth]

[ He laughs softly, the sound muffled in Ashura's long hair, leaving little trace. ]

And you are cruel when you leave my sight?

[ashandfire]

Exceptionally. {The sound is beautiful. Ashura basks in it.} I do not hesitate to take a life.

[castleworth]

[ His arms leave Ashura as he pulls away with a shake of the head. ]

You make a poor liar.

[ashandfire]

{The spell is broken. Ashura gazes at Yasha, longing thinly veiled in his eyes.}

I am a King. My people are loyal to me because they know I can be strong.

[castleworth]

Murder is not strength, Ashura-ou. Only a means. Would that your hands could have stayed clean.

[ashandfire]

Murder is not the word one uses in war, though I suppose it is fitting.

{A sigh, soft and inaudible.}

People are not led easily.

[castleworth]

Trust more in your power to raise their love.

[ashandfire]

As I have raised yours?