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Chapter Text

Foolish hated this. All of it.

What was it? War. One between The Kingdom of Amadán against the Vadirane Empire. It was rough on both of them but they were pushing in on the opposing empire. Slowly but surely forcing their troops back but now they were call a truce. A meeting. The meeting he was currently attending too.

He saw no need for such a time waste but his advisor had insisted that this was a good thing. Maybe a way to make another powerful allie. Even if not as advanced as them, they still had good qualities. Maybe they weren't the brightest, especially for starting a war against them but harvest was plentiful there.

Supply and demand would always be a thing. But back to his point. Foolish wasn't sure why he had to deal with this, why his General or diplomats couldn't just manage this like normal. Making him leave the comfort of the palace for such a useless thing.

But he was there now at their agreed meeting point in his best suit to put the best foot forward. Foolish did want it to go well, of course he did. What good ruler wouldn't? But it was so much effort Foolish wish he didn't have to do.

In the end it would be worth it was what Foolish kept repeating to himself as he sat through the meeting. The King and Queen of Vadirane across from him as the information went in one ear and out the other, it was just treaty discussion. What they'd given to them and what Vadirane would hand over in turn.

Tuning back in though when the Queen said she was giving them a precious gift from their empire. Pursing his lips slightly before correcting his expression to a bright smile, lips pressed up in a tight smile. "Wonderful, I'm sure its a truly thoughtful gift." He said, as he quickly added. "What is this gift might I ask?".

"Oh! We did a bit of research into your people and your culture, we have given you something of power, of status, a pet." The King said cheerily. That was vague but he guessed that meant a very exotic animal which he could place elsewhere. He didn't have time for pets or the care that went into them.

Nor did he really want to. Feeding, cleaning, grooming, it was so much effort, but he couldn't deny a gift. That was rude.

"I'm sure it'll be adorable then." He said softly, faking his interest as he tuned back out. Letting his General and advisors truly handle it. Puffy was a good General. A short sheep hybrid from a different kingdom. All his staff were, totems didn't do such pyshical, draining work. Wasting time and effort on things that didn't need to be done by them.

They were always given a little extra too their pay for it, a bonus for having to deal with idiots. Even if it was only a little, it gave them something as compensation for such time wasted.

She managed his army and his soilders, wars if they happened. But they weren't common, usually his diplomats could speak it out or people were too scared of their kingdom. Money made it all easier to control. His advisor or at least his main one was Quackity, bright like a light bulb and charming like a flute. The duck hybrid was the one who arranged his meetings and did the hefty amount of paperwork that came with ruling.

Soon when the meeting concluded with an agreed upon treaty. Then he was lead off towards the stable with a promise that his gift would he dropped off at his palace by the time he got back. Not that he was particularly fussed.

He'd find an estate to place the animal, have it be taken care of. His people wouldn't care for a creature to be in his care, it wouldn't be much to show off probably. A servant could get a nice job to watch the pet.

It didn't take long to get back to the palace. A few hours on the back of his horse, following Puffy carefully as a few gaurds flanked them. He didn't particularly like Vadirane. It was sunny but a chilly breeze grazed the place constantly. It was a small place too, even for an empire. Only around eight countries surrounding each other. His kingdom was larger and wealthy. But also resourceful in certain ways.

It was a bustling space, even if totems tended to laze to themselves. Someone took up the hobby of shopping. It all depended on the person. Foolish had hobbies aside for laying around, horse riding sometimes or building. He had lots of crafted miniature buildings. Those were his favourite.

It didn't take long til he could see his palace again. A looming structure of sandstone and stone, it was amazing in his opinion. Even if it got particularly hot in the summer. Something he only knew because his staff needed more breaks and he often started to truly feel the heat by then.

Affer tying up the horses they headed inside and soon was greeted by the steward of the castle. Sam was a tall man, not taller than him but close to his height. The creeper hybrid had short fluffy green curls and was a bigger man. He looked friendly and was one of the staff he favoured more.

Getting a small bow from the man as he spoke. "Your gift has been dropped off your majesty." Sam said as Foolish sighed but nodded.
"Lead the way, I want to get this over with." The totem said as they walked through the hall. Him letting Quackity and Puffy go back to their work as Sam stood outside the room it had been placed in.

Foolish felt his eyes go a little wide at what was within the room. A gaint gold cage, big enough to comfortably fit him inside. Though it was covered with a thick velvet cover, a soft red. Stepping forward he recklessly and uncaring tugs off the cover just to end up gawking at what was in the cage.

Delicate glossy pure white wings sat from the back of a person. Sat on the floor of the cage. Short curls clearly tidied up to be much more presentable. Dressed up in a white dress with lots of jewellery. He couldn't tell what type of bird they were just by looking at them but he was still in shock.

Foolish couldn't say he was suprised fully. He knew it was seen in traditional ways as a very powerful thing to own a hybrid as a pet. Especially since they were considered lower than totems in all aspects. It would be detrimental for him to decline such a gift like he had planned too.

The difference between an animal as a pet compared to a hybrid was the management that went into them. Many totems saw it as much harder to tame a hybrid over an animal. Even if half animal, hybrid's always had that human spirit, Foolish had heard tales of how truly stubborn they could be.

It would ruin his status and reputation with his people but at the same time. It wasn't something he had ever planned to do, it was more effort than Foolish like to put into things, which was little to none. But he didn't have much of a choice here. If he was to reject such a formal gift he'd be overthrown in a heartbeat.

It would be like saying that they were equal to him, that they were more than the object that totem society say they were and he couldn't do that. His people would revolt and for sure replace him with another totem. It wasn't the most unimaginable thing, its what happened to lot's of rulers before him.

He startled from his thoughts when he realised the figure in the cage had moved. Head raised from its previous position. Though it was that what caused him to realise they clearly couldn't see, eyes covered in a silk blindfold. Not that he was sure why but scanning the area a little he found the door to the cage, though there wasn't a visible key.

So he just snapped to lock, he could get it replaced later as he opened the door, watching as the bird hybrid's head raised carefully towards the sound. Wings fluffing up in a way that seemed cautious, hesitant. "Your okay.." Foolish muttered unsure himself of how to go about this.

Stepping forward he quickly and with very little care unhooked the blindfold and let it fall to the floor. Which left Foolish staring into pearlescent eyes. Watching as said eyes scanned over him, taking all of him in fully, like they were analysing him. Taking in bit by bit and breaking it down as they pinned their wings to their back.

They stare at eachother for a long moment. Both unsure what to do before the bird hybrid looks away, down towards the ground. He shifted back to fully look at the other. "What type of hybrid are you?" He asked. The best question to start with. Watching as their eyes raised again.

"Swan, a mute swan." Their voice was soft yet deep, similar to that of flowing water. Like a waterfall as it smattered off of the rocks. Foolish nodded that made sense at least. To the fragile white wings alongside the speckles of white locks within their dark brown curls.
"I see." Foolish said dismissvely as he looked towards the door.

Soon looking over the room again as he hummed. "Follow me, this isn't the room I want to keep you in." Foolish said with all the authority he could muster but it had to be well enough as the swan hybrid followed him politely and gracefully behind him. Stepping out of the room he gestured for Sam to follow as well as he lead them towards his own room, choosing the one next to his.

Techically it was connected by a locked door in the corner of the room. It would make it easier for Foolish to check on the hybrid. "Sam make sure to inform the rest of the staff where this hybrid is being kept. I'll give more details later." Foolish said before the man was truly dismissed for the day.

Opening the door to the room, expecting the hybrid to follow which they did as Foolish gestured openly to the room. "Here is where you will stay, if you need anything just ask. It can probably be provided. I'll get you fitted for clothes soon." He said all more confident in the facts than he should be, making it all up on the spot. He'd worry about it later.

The hybrid was quiet, silent on their feet as they nodded carefully as they looked around the room slightly, soon standing in the centre of the room as Foolish continued. "My room is connected to here if you desperately need me but if its not a big concern, theres always staff around." He added as they fell back to the awkward silence from before.

Foolish sighed before walking towards the door that connected said room to his, slipping through it quickly and closing it abruptly behind it.

He was hoping that it wasn't going to disolve into such awkward moments every time he had to intract with the hybrid but there was a chance of it. With how quiet the swan was, but maybe that was the change in environment. Maybe they'd warm up eventually, Foolish truly didn't know or care at that moment as he entered his room.

His frown changing to a soft satisfied smile as he relaxed, shoulders slumping as he wandered into his room. Tugging off his fancy vest and tossing it half hazardly to the side as he continued to strip.

Pondering on what a good job he had done that day, even if it was just attending a meeting elsewhere and then dealing with the gift he had been given as a clear form of alliance and or bribery so that he didn't attack them even with the treaty.

For now he didn't have to worry about the hybrid in the other room or anything really. Not when in the comfort of his bedroom. Nothing of his title or role touched this room. It was his space and his alone. Not many were allowed in, let alone without very good reason. Which was usually just to clean or help him get ready for more important things.

Changing into his pyjamas as he turned on music box he has in his room as he undid his tied bun and changed it into a ponytail. Cleaning off his makeup too before trudging over to his massive bed and fell down onto it. Feeling his little cares and responsibility melt off of his shoulders as he cuddled into his pillow and tugged the fluffy blanket up to his shoulder.

Mind drifting off to the blank landscape that was his dreams as content sleepy feeling draped itself over the totem. Soon letting sleep consume him.

Chapter Text

The feeling of rough hands shaking her awake was normal for Eret. Routine. The same person barking orders as she blinks awake. Prying her eyes fully open as she pushed herself up from her previous position of her stomach.

Greeted with the sight of a frowning face of their mother. Or more the tight lip expression she always held. It just looked like a frown too those who knew her. Usually she did have to be woken up, the inconsistent schedule always meaning she slept in, which would lead to her not being fed normally.

Watching as her mother moved out of the room, not a word spoken. What would she even say at this point that hadn't been? There was no more venomous words to be placed upon her. Not that she wanted to hear more of sharply shared words. Lazily streching as she pullee herself up from her bed.

Slowly making her way across the bedroom, which didn't change much. The room was small and crammed with only her needed stuff. Which was a wardrobe for clothes and her vanity mirror.

Turning on the lights of the mirror as she sluggishly shrugged off her sleeping gown. Letting the fabric slumping at her waist as she moved to hang it up. Spreading her wings out as she looked into the mirror, the delicate feathers needed pressed back into their perfect positions. Her gown did help but not much at keeping them in place.

It was a bit she hated, maid's hands feeling through her feathers, cleaning them up into this perfect appropriate perception. Eyes also hidden by the veil she wore daily. The major flaw of her natural composition.

Something her parents had always grimaced at. Her eyes where as pure as white snow, disturbing in the way the presence of bugs could be. People found it alarming to be gazed upon by someone without pupils so instead they hide them. Hidden by thick yet transparent fabric. It was no use if she couldn't see through it, even faintly.

Then she'd just trip into things and was seen as clumsy. That wasn't acceptable. No Eret had to be graceful and elegant. Otherwise she was disgrace to the whole family line. Maybe it was because she was the eldest or the only girl in her family but she always found it unfair that all the pressure was on her compared to her brothers.

Or maybe it was because she was the only one who had very clear hybrid traits. The most her brothers had was white streaks running through their hair compared to the wings that Eret was blessed with in her father's words.

It just her luck really that it made her better for marriage. It had made many suitors much more eager for her hand but the issue was it wasn't the right type. Never the perfect pick to her parents standards. Always too low on the ladder that was noble statuses. They wanted her to marry the best of the best whatever that ended up meaning.

Soon pulling herself up from her vanity table as she finshed her makeup. Quickly getting dressed first into a soft bluebell shade sun dress, it going just to her knees with some thicker straps at the top. Tying a ribbon around the waist of it, making a dainty bow at the back of it. Placing on a matching headband with a white veil coming down from it.

Moving to the door as she leaned out, turning to her side as she saw one of the maids. "I'm ready for my wings to be to groomed." She said softly, hiding the tone of disgruntalment under it.

The worst bit of any morning, carefully yet strange hands pressing and pulling at her wings, her fragile feathers. Worried only about not injuring her wings, not how they achieved the perfect look. But yet she sat perfectly still as a pair of maids came in and sorted her wings then she was ready for the day.

Now it was breakfast, the second most awkward event of her routine. Dinner was always worst. But thats because they always had to talk about something they did that day and she always got scolded for doing to little. Unlike her brothers who could do nothing all day but hang around and get away with it. Pushing the thought away, it was unlady like to complain.

Walking into breakfast there was a weird sense of tension. Her brothers whispering faintly too before they fell deathly silent when she walked in. Gently placing herself in her seat as she eyed each member of her table. Keeping her expression schooled to a neutral look.

The expressions across the table said this was going to be a more stressful day already. Her brothers wore an astounded expression, barely hiding the way their eyes darted from her too her parents then to eachother.

Her parents looked much calmer, her father held a stern look. Her mother looked happy, pleased for once. Their eyes settling on her fully. Which meant it was a situation about her. Was this when they tell her she was finally getting married? Sent off to live with someone who just wanted her for looks and power?

They'd definitely be like her parents, Eret was sure of that. Otherwise they wouldn't have been acceptable as a candidate. So now she had to prepare for some loveless arrangement with someone she barely knew.

"The King has contacted us with a proposal and we have accepted it." Her father started out, she felt her eyes widen in shock for a split second before she gathered herself again.
"What was the proposal?" She asked, hoping they'd at least tell her where or who she was arranged with.

"That you will be given to King Foolish, of the kingdom of Amadán. You will be sent there today once you are ready. Since they wish to send you off quickly so that you are on time." Her father added which made her paused, face falling out of its neutral look into confusion.
"Why there?" Was all Eret could manage.

Why was she being sent so far, there was no way she was chosen personally by him. Eret wouldn't have even been on his radar not for a long shot.
"We needed someone to be a war prize, for the treaty the royals are all agreeing too. Me and your mother offered you up." He stated.

Of course they had, the power they could get from a deal like that was immense, unfathomable to most. Before Eret could think on it further her mother stood up and starting to usher her out the room with nothing more than a comment on getting her ready to leave.

Which felt like it should have taken longer, or maybe it was the whirlwind of emotions fogging her mind that caused time to pass to fast. Her mother helping her into a long white silk dress, for purity her mother said. The slit down the thigh of it made her think otherwise. It was clear a dress they had planned for her to wear when she left. It clung to her figure perfectly accentuating her curves.

Then she was given a lot of jewellery, a thick neck piece which had a chain attached too it.. before she even could process that anklets and bracelets were placed upon her. Then a set of connected rings for each finger of each hand. Alongside earrings, a sun and a moon. That was for their kingdom he was sure of that. Their religion. Following the moon goddess and the sun god in turn.

In turn the renewal of the cycle, of rebirth, life and death all tied into one. Sighing slightly as her wings were groomed for a second time before she was whisked away to a carriage. Soon once sat in the carriage her mother took her headband. Replacing it with a silk blindfold. Something she couldn't see through. Great.

The trip was awful, bumpy and uncomfortable. She was struggling to sit perfectly still in the back. Her mothers eyes burning into her even if invisible to her sight. They sat in pure silence until they arrived. To where she was rather gently guided out of the carriage. It was suprisingly soft her mothers movements.

Soon the sound of heavier foot steps greeted them. Their hearing streching to truly hear stuff. "Ah, Mrs Brine. Hello. I hope you had a good trip?" A deep yet soft voice rumbled.
"It was a nice trip yes." Her mother's voice said as they continued forward, continuing to have her hand on Eret's back as they slowly walked into what she assumed was a building. Feeling much warmer by then.

Sandels and dresses made it much colder but it was nicer, cozy inside where ever they were. She could guess that they were in a palace probably. They listened to her mother having a faint conversation with the gentleman who greeted them. Apparently the steward of the palace, soom they reached what she assumed was a room. Where the conversation abruptly stopped. Or well, the man's voice wavered off.

"Ah. We were told you were aware of this." The man said as she heard her mother quickly reply.
"I was, just a little suprised by the size." She was lying but the man clearly was ethier sympathetic or didn't care. She felt herself tense up a little as she heard a lock click open and a doors hinges.

"Watch your step." Her mother instructed as she was guided to the entrance of something. Tapping it with her foot first and then took a weary step. It was a metal, she thinks. From the cold feeling under her hand as she was positioned to sit down on something that was definitely metal and definitely uncomfortable.

Her mother told her not to move. Then she left, the light shifted slightly to a darker colour as she heard something, fabric sounding being moved.

Eret wasn't sure how long she had been sat there. It was getting sore, whatever bar she was sat on digging into her skin. Especially holding herself in place, perfectly still.

It felt like hours until she heard heavy footsteps. Ears twitching slightly as the door to the room opened. No voice spoke, just the hulking steps coming closer. She couldn't tell who it was. Not that she was expecting too, Mother had definitely left. So she was alone. Eret knew no one.

That was a scary thought, knowing no one within the place she'd be living in for who knows how long as she felt the light change again as something hit the ground. Causing her to cautiously raise her head. Even though she couldn't see, she could hear the faint of someone elses breathing. Before he spoke.
"Your okay.." the voice cared some suprise too it, it wasn't as deep as the man's voice from earlier was, it was like silky sand under the desert sun.

Then something snapping and the door to whatever she was sat in opening again. Then she felt the blind fold being snatched off her face. Looking up, tensing up in place as she made eye contact with the person who had taken it. It was the king. She faintly recongized him from an old portrait she'd seen. Staring into pure Emerald eyes that were familiar to her pearlescent ones.

He was a built man, muscles clear under his shirt. Suit jacket undone as his slacks ruffled. Shoes poorly laced as she blinked at him. Before the king spoke again. He didn't look rather kingly. "What type of hybrid are you?" He asked, clearly not informed.

"Swan. A mute swan." She informed, watching as he reacted. Getting barely any response as he nodded and dismissed it with just an "I see". There was no care too it apparently. She would have thought he'd care more. She was a classy hybrid, but he seemed to not care at all as he looked away. That was a little annoying.

It'd ruffle her feathers if she wasn't a pro at keeping herself to a neutral expression. Even if a bit offended, she was better to try stay on his nice side. Especially since it looked like he could easily wring her neck if pushed the wrong way. She couldn't be sure he wouldn't get pyshical or something similar. He could be awful for all she knew for now, she'd play it safe.

He shifted, clearly thinking before he stepped out of the cage. Gods.. she ingored the fact she had been sat in a cage, what that implied. Eret could dwell on that fact when she was alone. When it wasn't a bother to anyone to be upset, because no one would know.

"Follow me, this isn't the room I want to keep you in." The king instructed, sounding authoritative as she nodded lightly. Tucking her hands infront of herself. Now finally getting to look around the palace. The place was pale sandstone with stone floors. Carved into intricate patterns.

The place was nice ane warm at least. They walked down the hallway for awhile, passing a lot of doors and a stairway til they reached a door which the king entered. But just before doing so he turned to the man following them.
"Sam make sure to inform the rest of the staff where this hybrid is being kept. I'll give more details later."

So that gentleman was named Sam. Said man nodded before leaving, clearly dismissed as the king entered the room fully as Eret followed. He stood in the centre of the room as she followed to stand close beside him. She wasn't sure if she was allowed to speak, she watched his carefully as he stared back for a bit before speaking.

"Here is where you will stay, if you need anything just ask. It can probably be provided. I'll get you fitted for clothes soon." The king said as he stood, clearly looking for a reaction. To which he got a small nod, to show she heard before they stared again. Awkward silence taking over as she looked around.

"My room is connected to here if you desperately need me but if its not a big concern, theres always staff around." He added quickly before quietness took over again. The king giving a firm nod before hurrying out the room again. Going through the door he was just speaking again before locking it behind him. Which told her more than his tones had. Not to bother him.

So she'd have to go to servants and staff if she needed anything. Which was fine. She wouldn't need a lot, so Eret began to explore the room. Though it was very bare, very, very bare. Nothing but the bed and some towels. Which were in the bathroom.

Cleaning herself up from her makeup up and soon realising she had nothing to change into. Which left her with two options. Asking someone for a change of outfits or sleeping in what she had. She'd try finding someone. Not wanting to ruin her reputation here before it was even a full day.

Peeking out of the door, she looked down the hallway, both ways and saw no one. Probably because of how late it was. Sighing slightly, she didn't want to sleep in the nude or nearly nude. Not when she wasn't use to a place. Eret sighed and moved to go lay down and sleep once she took off the jewellery.

Curling up under the somewhat fluffy blanket as she soon started to nod off. At least the accommodations seemed comfortable.

Chapter Text

Foolish had completely forgotten about his current issue in the other room as he rolled over in bed. He had a good internal clock, usually waking up in the late morning on schedule. Usually around 9 and 10 o'clock. Not that it truly mattered, he could sleep the day away if he really wanted. It would just dent his reputation, as much as totem culture appreciated laziness. There was limits to that even then..

He shifted to get up, groaning as he felt the cold of very slightly breeze with the palace hit him. As it transferred from the cold of the night to the heat of the day. Being a desert based kingdom went there wasn't really any seasons outsideof maybe sand storms plaguing the area sometimes.

Tiredly stumbling towards his closet as his jaw streched with a yawn. Tail flicking lazily at his feet as he started to go through his clothes. Recalling faintly that he had to go out today. So he chose a slightly more fancy casual outfit. A thin mesh turtleneck like shirt with a pair of slightly rolled up trousers that reached his just past his knees. The side of the trousers cut to show off some thigh.

Moving to put on a emerald pair of stud earrings and a thick chain necklace. Alongside his connecting rings. Walking out of his room was ready, heading off to breakfast. Barely acknowledging the cold though slowly heating up cobble flooring.

It was just as he got to the dining room doors he was stopped by Sam. The steward had a slightly worried look as he approached. "Your highness, uh, what should we do for our uh... guest's breakfast?" Guest? They didn't have a- oh, ohhh. The swan hybrid. Techically they weren't a guest.

"Oh the pet. Um, I don't know, just do whatever I'm having I guess." Foolish really wasn't sure what a hybrid like that could even eat. He was sure they'd be fine for this morning with whatever the cooks had made.

"Ah, alright sir." Sam said, the creeper hybrid giving a bow before he was off again. Sighing slightly as he jogged his memory and remembered that his new.. pet. Was why he was going out.

He could just throw it in some of his clothes for now. Until they got down to the seamstess and got it some fitting clothes. Shaking that off, he could ingore that until after breakfast.

Which hadn't lasted as long as he had wanted it too. Because he now had to deal with this issue that had arrived on his door step. Was this what people meant by the spoils of war? Cause if so he'd not be starting more of them.

Sulkingly waltzing down the hallway. He did not want to be spending his day this way.

Eret's morning had been, calm? No one had truly startled her awake, what had woken her was the gentle movements that had entered her room. Gentle footsteps tapping off the stone floor.

Opening her eyes to the sight of a man stood rather nervously to her side. He was tall, around her height, maybe taller. But he was much thinner, lanky. Thick fluffy ginger hair being pushed back. Hearing faintly the muttering of thank gods as she sat up.

"Hello?" She mumbled, gathering herself quickly. Appearance was everything after all. Watching him suddenly jerk to life fully.

"Ah- Fundy, I'm Fundy. Ma'am?" He was clearly unsure of himself, now that she was getting a better look she could tell he was a servant of sorts. At least from the uniform.
"Just call me Eret." She said softly as she moved to get up, thankful to see her wings were rather organised still. The boy wasn't bringing them up so she'd avoid the mention of them needing preened into place.

"Eret, well um.. breakfast should be here soon. Its cooked cod and some blueberries." The fox hybrid said as he unfurled his tail slightly. "His highness will probably come collect you later." He added as Eret nodded.

Breakfast was fine, it was delivered by the nice sounding gentleman from when they had first arrived. Only now getting to actually see the man. She'd gotten a glance at him when they had walked to her new room but that had only been the back of the man. He loomed over her by a good foot and had a much wider and softer building compared to her or the boy. He was much clearer a hybrid than the boy.

Who only had a few notable features compared to the creeper like features that decorated the man heavily infront of her. It was much more visible on the man who she learned was also the steward of the palace. That made more sense to why the King had told him to tell the other servants things. Sam was the one in charge of them.

The breakfast was delicious, she hadn't expected her food to be as fancy was it was but she got to sit at her new vanity table and eat in peace as Fundy and Sam left her after she assured them that she was comfortable. They seemed kind at least.

Which was a good thing, she wouldn't be fully alone in this palace at least. Maybe she could make a friend or two. Soon looking up as Fundy slipped back into the room. He had a soft light blue dress in hand. "I realised you probably don't have a wardrobe yet and wouldn't want to be wearing the same clothes- so uh, one of the ladys was willing to give you a dress."

He said as Eret looked over the dress. Admiring it and the generosity of this place. At least in the moment. "Thank you. Tell them my gratitude." She said as she stood up, earning a warm smile from the younger man before he slid back out of the room again.

Moving to stand infront of the mirror in the room,she started to slowly get into the dress. It was a soft baby blue dress, with a long flowy skirt, it sitting just below her knees. The dress had a ruffled top, connecting around her chest to her biceps. It was a rather loose dress but even then, she thinks it was meant to be longer.

But it still looked good on her so she wasn't going to complain. Though she was startled from admiring herself while adjusting how the dress sat with her wings by the door bursting open.

Whirling around to be met by the king staring at them. The totem's skin shining glittery in the sunlight that beamed into the room. Jewellery only accentuating it. "Ah- your all ready dressed." He said like a burden was relieved from his shoulders. "If your all ready, the carriage is waiting for us so we can go to the town."

Eret realised she hadn't caught his name yet. "Before we go my liege." She started, quiet and soft. "What do you wish to be addressed by?" She asked. Noting the slightly confused expression before it fell back to neutral.

"Oh. You can just keep using liege." He said, earning a small nod from Eret as they left the room. Her trailing silently behind like last time. The carriage was nice. Nicer than any carriage she'd ever seen. It was large and Ingraved with slopes and patterns. The horses drawing it was a pair of shire horses.

Usually it was fancier draft horses but then again the King seemed of pure gold so maybe they needed much stronger horses due to that? Eret wasn't sure nor did it matter much. They were adorable none the less.

The King gestured for her to climb into the carriage first where he followed right after. Sitting across from her once they were both in. The seats were soft and plush. It was a well insulated carriage alongside the fact there was a lantern above them, it was as intricate as the rest of the stuff she'd seen so far.

Even if it wasn't on, she was sure that if it was it'd make it look even prettier. It was an extremely smooth ride to the town at least. Or really city. It was much too big to be classed as a town. Soon pulling too a stop as they reached a wealthy looking row of shops.

There wasn't many people out and about, though the few that were was mostly totems. Women dotted the street in little groups. Most having a servant or two following after them. Or at least she assumed that the people were servants, most were much less fancy in their outfits.

Alongside the little knowledge she had about the kingdom. They weren't known for their equality with hybrids. Unlike most places, the kingdom of Amadán was rather famous for their snobbish behaviour. Totems as a culture saw themselves as higher beings.

And so hybrids if they ended up around there wouldn't get the best paying job probably. Eret wasn't fully sure how they were treated, all she knew was that Totems were egotistical in nature. Maybe she could ask Fundy or Sam. Would they answer a question like that?

Probably not. Most definitely not. Eret herself wouldn't be telling a person they just met stuff like that. Especially if it put their employer in a bad light.

She could feel eyes on them as they walked down the street. The grounds heat was bleeding through her shoes as the two walked. Eret glanced over to one of the groups they passed, whispers spreading around the group faintly as the two walked away.

Soon approaching a tailors shop called 'Savvy Fits' it was a little place, at least from what she could see through the window.

The King went in first, holding the door for her and all as they went in fully. A bell that hung on the door lightly ringing. Eret watched as the King's face light up as a small woman came skipping around the corner.

"Your cheery, is Prideful not around?" The King spoke as he moved forward. That was an odd name. Maybe it was a weird nickname?
"Foolish, yeah, no shes off for today." The small woman said as she looked to Eret and added "Who's this?" The cat hybrid asked.

The King's name was Foolish? The awkward silence that followed as The King looked to them and then back to the woman. Before shrugging. "I do not know." The King mumbled, looking towards Eret he gestured to her.

She took that as a sign to introduce herself. "Eret, Eret Brine." She said getting a nod from the woman as she looked back towards the totem. "You don't know their name- did you kidnap them Foolish?" The cat hybrid chirped playfully earning a flustered offended sound from the king.

"No- their uh- um. A war prize.." earning a wince from the woman as she looked towards Eret and quickly changed the subject. "Well I'm Tina. The seamtress of this place." Tina introduced as she smiled softly. "What can I do for yous too?" She added.

The King seemed to have wandered off to preoccupie himself. Leaving Eret to talk. "I need a wardrobe, since my stuff won't be brought here." She said, assuming that was why the king wanted her to go to the tailor.

She really hoped he didn't want anything specific given the fact he was off poking about at the male side of the clothe racks. "Alright, well lets start with getting your measurements." Tina said as she led Eret into the back. Once they were away from where the other could hear Eret asked.

"Is the King's name really Foolish?" She asked getting a chuckle from Tina.
"Oh yeah, It is. Totem naming conventions are a little odd." Tina said as she continued "Totems are named traits." Tina said, which made it make some more sense.

She thought it was a rather odd way of naming people but she couldn't really judge, she didn't know much about totem culture. Maybe the palace would have books on it? It'd be a useful thing to learn.

Eret couldn't risk offending people, especially if she was to stay in the good books of The King. She wanted to stay on his good side. She wasn't sure of his temperament yet. Maybe he'd be aggressive maybe he wouldn't. She didn't know yet.

The little room she was lead to was cozy. Small but nice, Tina had her stand on a slight raised platform in the middle of the room as she went to fetch the measuring tape. It was a rather cluttered room but woth the size of it Eret wasn't too suprised.

Maybe different types of fabrics were sorted upon a wine rack within the room, a sewing machine was tucked into the corner with a few mannequins. Though there seemed to be a little back room, though it seemed like a small closet. Soon Tina returned with the measuring tape and they started the process.

The town that was closest under his heel was the town of Amber. It had such lovely shops, even if he didn't see the owners around often. Totems owned shops mostly around there but always had staff to run the shops for them.

Prideful's tailor shop was the most popular tailor due to it being his personal place to go to. Which meant getting to talk to Tina, a joyful cat hybrid who worked there. She was sweet and excited basically all the time. It was also better when Prideful wasn't there, she was a lovely noble woman but she could be rather snippy and blunt with her fashion opinions.

He left the pair after a bit to go poke about the clothing that was out on the racks. He couldn't really care much for what his.. pet? Eret? Wore. He was sure Tina could guide them if needed to keep to royal fashion. He wasn't fully sure where or who Eret was back when they were in Vadirane. It wasn't really important now.

Foolish sighed as the thought of all the noble or higher up totems who had seen them when they had walked through the town. It was going to be the talk of the place soon. The whole kingdom would eventually be aware that he had claimed a war prize.

The idea left a sour taste on his tongue. The amount of work that would come alongside it was going to be exhausting. Internally groaning as he realised he'd for sure be expected to hold a ball soon. To both celebrate the winning of the war but also to show off Eret, his war prize and basically arm candy.

The mental effort it would be was going to be a pain, even if he didn't really have to do any actual planning. The higher up palace staff would be the ones to sort it all out.

He shifted as he heard faint conversation approaching as he scanned the racks. Soon seeing Eret and Tina, Eret had a bag of what he could only assume was some clothes. "Your tailored stuff will be a few days but until then, those are some fitting stuff off the rack." Tina said before getting her payment and disappearing again.

Which left him and Eret standing for a moment. Foolish didn't let it get awkward again as he quickly filled the silence. "Let's go get lunch." Foolish said as he lead the way out of the shop as Eret quietly followed again. He wasn't sure why she was being quiet with him. She'd been talking to Tina fine.

Was he scary? Maybe, Foolish pondered as they headed down the street towards the café that he liked.

Chapter Text

It was a little cafe, small and cozy. A local small buisness, they didn't really have those stores that where linked up and all. They weren't really needed. Foolish didn't even fully pay attention to it since that wasn't his job. He was the king and did not need to worry about it.

Had a few hybrids dotted about, there was a few totems about. Mostly at tables, or booths. One was stood lazily lounging at the host stand, chatting to what seemed to be the hostess, a young looking deer hybrid. Relaxation was what Foolish remembered his name was, a short tubby humming bird totem.

Known for his semi lack of style, never one to follow the trends just wears what he always does. Loose flowy patterned shirts, trousers that were loose until they were cuffed at the ankle. Barely any jewellery, except for a pair of earrings usually. Different designs and all but all bejewelled in some way.

Foolish smiled as the two approached the host stand. Forcing it to stay up when Relaxation looked past him and at Eret who was still staying distinctively behind him. Clearly looking the swam hybrid up and down. "Got a pretty little thing? Finally huh." The coarse voice of the other totem from years of smoking and poor habits.

"Yeah, I guess one could say that." Foolish said dismissvely, really not sure how to approach the topic. It was technically, theoretically a very good thing especially for a totem like him but it was still so awkward to even think about. Maybe awkward wasn't the word?

Foolish couldn't place what word it was. But it felt bad. It was a weird feeling for a man who was use to such a joyful life. Of course he had stress here and there but this wasn't that. It was something new, that he truly didn't know.

It felt like a weird stone in his stomach. No matter how much he wanted to brush off that feeling he couldn't. Currently due to the fact that he was being followed by the person causing that feeling.

Which wasn't really Eret's fault. She didn't have any choice in this. Foolish couldn't say that he really did ethier. Mostly because he really didn't want to have a riot or something like that.

A revolution, a revolt was always a worry for the king. Mostly due to his own status with totems hierarchy. All of it from the fact that the elements were seen differently. So were animals but it didn't help that all his family had been wind elementals.

Eagles, hawks, vultures, big birds. Some dainty ones at times, or flightless but almost all of them had been birds. Or maybe at worse an earth elemental. At least until Foolish was born.

The bastard child of the king but since he was the only 'heir' and most nobility was to lazy to care, he was still crowned. But Foolish knew that he was looked down upon for the fact that he was a water elemental.

Due to the fact that they were connected to the sea and it was seen as dirty, filthy. To come from the murky depths, compared to the angelic clouds and cliffs. Techically that was very, very accient myths but they were still a mentality held by many.

It was something rather religious. Blessed by the god of life with your element. Decider of worthiness and fate. But so did names in the same way? It was a very complex system. Complicated to explain or know. He'd never been truly religious. Which probably didn't help his public apperance a lot of the time.

It made his ruling life a little difficult at times. But then again the appearance of Eret could fix that. It could fix his reputation. But that felt wrong. To use someone who probably didn't even want to be there. Foolish hated this. He didn't want to think about it.

So he'd ingore it, for now. As they were led to a table, specifically a booth. It felt really awkward to be sat across from Eret as she sat down. Her head was hung low, wings tucked, hands tucked in her lap. "You can uh, order whatever you want." Foolish chirped.

Which didn't change much if anything about her demeanor. Other than raising her hands from her lap to grab the menu that was infront of her. Foolish blinked but focused himself upon his own menu when he realised no conversation was going to happen.

He wasn't sure what customs Eret held from her home land. Maybe this was normal? That made him more nervous. Was this what ever outing would be like? Would she be like this with other nobles?

Or well, he wasn't very sure that she wasn't technically allowed to? By his standards yes, he didn't care or think it'd be fair that she couldn't but, old laws and ideas.. he'd have to check.

That would make it very awkward if she couldn't, that'd be very annoying. It was also going to be a process to look into Eret's culture. He should be open with it at least. To try and mix hers and his. But that wasn't exactly needed.

Foolish would debate on that later. Since he was being pulled from his thoughts by a deer hybrid walking over to take their order.
"Uh, lemonade and the salmon sandwich please." Foolish said as he smiled at the waiter. A scrawny little man, with crooked teeth.
Eret quietly and very formally put in her order "A water and the tomato soup for me please." The menus then took out of their way.

Which left them both unable to look elsewhere.. or well, Eret continued to stare at the table. Foolish, moved from looking at her to the table, then back to her. Wanting to try and engage conversation.

"So, how are you finding everything?" Foolish asked, watching as Eret's head jerked up. Like she wasn't expecting conversation. Feeling the tension thick between the two.

"Lovely.. it's all very lovely." Eret said, voice just as soft as it'd always been. Just as shy as well. Which wasn't a bad thing technically. Really it should be expected.

It was a new environment and all that would make anyone shy. Maybe she’d warm up and bloom from her shell the longer she lived around him. Or just within the kingdom. It would hopefully inspire a change in behaviour. Foolish wasn’t sure how much he would be able to survive this dynamic if it didn’t change.

Because this awkwardness was making him feel ten times worse about the other’s business of living within the palace. Even if he’d provide all she wanted and could ever need.

It would be detrimental to both of them if they couldn’t get along. It made him wince about the fact that he might have to teach Eret about totem ways and culture. Since hers could be a polar opposite to his, which would come across poorly to the totem nobles at least.

God, why did this have to come with so much work? He guessed it build reputation, as a caring ruler and person but still. It was a hassle he didn’t enjoy. Foolish could technically dump it onto his palace staff or even send Eret to live in another of the places he owned.

But then he’d be unable to manage the care personally and it would be in rather poor taste. To abandon them in an unknown house with no one they knew. But he guessed that had already happened actually. But not by his doing. Foolish wondered if Eret knew that.

“That’s good. It is quite a great place. I’ll have to show you around at some point.” Foolish said, keeping his voice soft and gently, not wanting to add to the other’s nervousness. That wouldn’t make this process any easier.

It wasn’t a bad plan actually, to give them a tour around the village and also the palace. It could help them feel more at home within the palace. A good plan really, brilliant actually! See? Foolish could have good ideas. But then the conversation sunk back into a lull of silence.

Before soon food was brought out them. Foolish went like this was going to be a long afternoon.