Chapter Text
“You vow to treat, assist, fight, protect, serve justice and loyalty, not turn your back on King's word and not fall in love with him?” This was more of a statement rather than a question.
“I vow to treat, assist, fight, protect, serve justice and loyalty, not turn my back on King’s word,..” a sigh leaves the new knight's lips as he is kneeling down and facing the ground, “and not fall in love with him.”
He looks up to the King, whose eye looks like a snake's and the other one is covered with a sword. A sword so clean that Phainon can see his own eye in it.
The sword unfolds the eye which is bright just as the other and he sees and feels the sword going down to rest on his shoulder, and then move to the other. He let his head fall back once again looking at the ground. At the red carpet which looks like is carved with gold, if he didn't know any better it might as well be.
“You may get up, dear honorary knight.” King announces and Phainon does as he's told, gets up slowly, finally at eye-level with Mydeimos.
“You may pick a pier, it is not definitive. They change pretty often, through the day or during the week. Suit yourself.” he resists the urge to wink at his new knight.
“Of course, Your Majesty.” He bows his head, puts his sword in his stash and leaves the room. Phainon would dare call this some sort of shame-walk due to the awkwardness he feels, cause in reality there is only pride. A few knights and soldiers silently clap as they get back to their positions, out of the ceremony. Out on the field on the lookout, out near the stables and horses or inside, guarding rooms, taking orders, helping and so on.
Yet he hears some quiet voices that bling every now and then, quite unprofessionally if you may, “Is it just me or.. did the King look at this new honorary knight in some typa way?” there we go..
Another sushed voice joins hidden behind claps, steps and armor clicking, “Oh come on, don't you already stir problems or rumours!”
“ ‘Course not.. but does nobody like spice anymore?”
“Quiet.”
Well, our new knight made a great pick to head for the horses and stables, he does need a horse. He proved his horse riding skills and they are really fine - obviously there is a little need for improvement because he does not have the experience of other knights, but time will resolve it all.
He is fortunate enough for a man working at the stables - feeding and walking the horses. “May I help you?”
He is greeted by a bow which he did not except, yet he returns it and starts, “Yes. I'm here to meet my companion.”
“You're the.. err, new knight, right?” The stable-man gestures for him to follow as he starts walking around in the stables looking for the soon to be new horse of Phainon's.
“That's right.” He looks left and right at all the glamorous horses, greys, blacks, cremellos, and so on. Hell, he might not even make the difference between a palomino and a buckskin. Is there even one?
“Sir, this will be your companion and your right hand, if you may. He will serve you and you may care for him.” He pats the horse while opening the half door of the stall, for a tall light grey to walk in front. A beauty. “Obviously we care for all the horses of this palace but you may spend time with it too.”
The little wooden plank reads “Beau”, it looks like it's carved in. He raises a hand up to the horse's face and lets it sniff his hand, then waiting to be pet. “Beau I see..?” He smiles at the horse.
“Truthfully.” A fine horse. Yet this man doesn't seem so interested in chit-chat and he tries to get the horse back in the stall. “Now I'll show you where the saddles are and we're finished.”
“Alright.” Phainon follows as they enter a big room with a lot of reins, saddle pads, saddles and different kinds of armors.
“You needn't worry about armor for now. If ever needed, someone will help you out.” He flags his hand and boredly asks “Any questions?”
“No, thank you.”
“Good.”
Phainon finally got to his room, quite a big one! But he should keep his hopes pretty low because he was sharing this big room with another three knights. At least it's not six or eight in a room, I guess. It's not that bad.
His side of the room - the quarter, to be more exact - quite empty, to be expected. His bed, a small chest which he divided into two, a half for some clothes and the other half for.. not even weapons or swords, they don't fit and he needs quick access. He put some washcloths, towels, some kind of special oil.. not even he knows what that is, he received that alongside his armor and new sword. Thankfully he had a spot for his sword on the wall, a small loop through which he could attach it. Pretty snart, close and quick access! But what if a bandit somehow broke in, took the sword and plunged it into his chest? That's a worry for later, if it even was one.
Most knights are pretty reserved and mainly greet one another when entering or leaving the room, or when they are deciding who’ll be the first to use the restroom. That's yet another worry for later, most likely tomorrow morning.
Phainon wonders how much it'll take him to get used to the schedule, waking up before the sun rises won't be easy.
In the morning (if you can even call it that.. the sun isn't up yet either) a loud sound was heard. And it echoed. It echoed through the whole space of the castle - from the big palace door to the fences, the horse stable and the knight's house (for the ones that aren't sitting inside the palace due to the low rank)..and everywhere - an irritating sound. Oh, and it doesn't stop. Not yet.
It goes once, it goes twice, it goes thrice.. “CHRIST! Whose lungs are these..” Well, funny Phainon. Get used to it.
He gets up, same as the other knights which either ignore, chuckle, or look like they are on their deathbed and tired over the head of the bugle's sound.
Safe to say everyone is moving quickly, in 15 minutes everyone is done, well prepared and already outside. They sit lined up as someone who looks to be a higher rank speaks.. but Phainon can't quite hear since he is more in the back, further from the voice. He sees some people guard the extremes of the palace, near big stone fences, two soldiers at each entrance, then some people moving to the stables, to the knights’ dorms, to the castle's gate..
Phainon didn't really have time to examine the castle just yet, he might as well do it now as they are assigning chores and he doubts someone will call out his name or pier this early, a lot of people in line. He takes the King's word for the fact he can change the spot almost anytime he wishes, that's one great thing, he just needs to find someone to swap.
Back to the castle, big walls of stone and even bigger and taller round towers, in between these a few passages, where he sees archers lined up. How tiring must it be to stay there almost all the time? On the lookout especially.. wait.. what about those who guard even at night? Phainon didn't even think of that.
Next is a big wooden.. door, that is lowered over some water, it seems to have spikes and.. some other stuff he doesn't know how to describe. It looks pretty solid though! It is currently lowered since there is no danger whatsoever and people need it to circulate, walk freely or patrol.
Back to the palace.. he can't go without mentioning the stained glass windows.. they shine in all their glory and most likely cast colorful shadows inside of the palace, he'd kill to see how it looks from the inside.
Another loud whistle is heard, this time it sounds somewhat fancier and.. once again.. it rings thrice. A trumpet. What the hell do they feed these men to be able to blow into it this loud? This much? Three times back to back?
Everyone who is still in line or formation waiting for orders or schedules turn their heads around and slowly move to the sides. The sun rose and so did the King, he is glamorously walking towards the pile of people waiting for their duties to be assigned.
Everyone bows and Mydeimos greets back, his 2 guards sitting at the edge of the wooden door above water.
It is clear that the King is looking for a certain pair of eyes in the crowd of soldiers, he has an offer for this special knight, but he didn't quite think of how to approach this yet. He tells people to keep going as he starts to walk through groups, when he finally catches sight of a white head, presumably the one he is looking for.
It is not unusual to take out a knight from their group or duty, it can be covered up or a few adjustments made such as bringing a different person to be on the lookout of whatever said job is.
He approaches Phainon which happens to be at the edge of the group, perfect Mydei tells himself. He goes up to him, and said man notices him, he sits still and looks at the man for a second almost dumbfounded, until he quickly lets himself down to bow - to which the King only lets out a chuckle. “Come, follow me.” he says no more.
“Yes, Your Majesty!” Phainon quickly gets behind the King and follows, he wonders whats up.
“I imagine I haven't had the chance to give you a tour of this place, have I?” He stops for a little bit to turn around and look at his newest knight.
“..no, you hadn't.”
Mydeimos points at the stables and the outside training areas, alongside many small houses of the knights, and then they go for the palace.
The big gate opens, revealing a big hallway which had a cold floor, it looked like tiles. Through the middle there was a big red carpet with a golden line near the side ends and cressets on each side.
As they walk further in, the hallway divides into two more, and right where it splits there is a glamorous painting of the King. “On the left there's rooms of higher rank knights, while on the right is the Great Hall, where daily meals, feasts and ceremonies are mainly held. You'll need to come back here after we're done.”
Phainon feasts his eyes as he sees a big room with a few long tables on the sides and in the middle. Not to mention the table that is on a raised platform, assuming that's the King's place, probably nobles as well.
The big chandeliers in the center of a room or the multiple small ones along a hallway make the knight's heart race, not because they might fall, break, or hurt someone, but because of their beauty. The way they shine is mesmerising.
Mydeimos goes left, walks and walks and Phainon notices the amount of paintings on the walls - they are either of animals such as the greatest horses they have and the most loyal dogs. Also, they have hung up different swords and spears. Eventually, they get to a staircase which looks quite fancy, once again a dark red carpet with golden lines, and the handrail had little decorations.
As they get on the next floor, the tapestries almost glow in all their glory. Different patterns and florals are seen on every wall, some are quieter and some are more vibrant and colorful - he feels like he is in a whole different place now.
“A lot of nobles and high rank knights have their bedrooms here, and so does mine.” They stop and look at once again another hallway, except this one is way more exquisite and looks wealthier.
He noticed a few doors had a buck carved in, fewer had eagles, and only one door had a lion. It was pretty obvious that that was the King's room. “The carvings are so well done.”
“Expensive too.” Mydeimos ads as he goes back to the staircase to go down, “There is also a library which I forgot to mention, that one's got an owl carved in. If you're ever interested.”
“It’s time for morgenmete (breakfast), go. We'll spare afterwards.” He gives Phainon a little smile as he is left dumbfounded.
The breakfast was nothing special, bread and cheese, a little bit of water since it wasn't too clear. Thul'd usually get served beer but not really this early in the morning.
When everyone was done eating, each soldier and knight went to their guarding spots and duties, except for a few which had some other assignments which could be attending meetings and having the luxury to read or play a few games. The noble ladies would usually only read and study history and law.
Phainon enters the training hall, a big one with all sorts of things, carpets in some corners, a lot of swords and bows, targets and routes for training. This is one of the many training halls they have.
“I thought we'd first do a spar, fist to fist, body to body..” Mydei adjusts himself and rolls his shoulders as his posture is immaculate, he looks at Phaidon with a spark of delight, and what seems like a small smirk. “..and see if you're as fierce as you once were, ages ago when we were both young.”
“Of course, Your Majesty.” it definitely feels a little weird to address him as Your Majesty knowing they were simple friends a few years back. Teenagers somewhat messing around.
“Drop the formalities when it's just us two here.” Mydei gets in position.
“Alright. So.. sparring you say?”
Mydei nods, “You go first when you're ready.”
Phainon walks forward, a sign that they should begin.
He accelerates a little once he gets near Mydei - wait there is a thing he isn't quite sure of yet, is he really going to hit the King? Barehanded, just like that? With his fists and legs, full force? A little fear engulfs him.
Mydei see's Phainon is hesitant, so he goes in and try to land a punch in his knight's face, thankfully he is quick enough to dodge, then Phainon quickly forms a fist and tries to hit in Mydei's shoulder, and, to his surprise the man only gets closer to him. He can see how Mydei seems to open his arms quite a bit and his hands are forming a fist too, as he gets closer he bumps into Phainon, making his punch useless, as if he didn't even touch.
Phainon falls to the ground and before he has time to get up on his own the King lends him a hand, which he takes.
Mydei thinks of something funny, Phainon is focused on his hands and gets taken advantage of, he trips as Mydei slides his leg between the knight's, making him lose balance. Thankfully Phainon manages to balance and sit on his feet, he tries to punch his opponent in the face but anyone can tell from a mile he isn’t using his full force.
“Don't hold back, Deliverer.” Phainon then lands a punch in the man’s ribs which makes him bend for a moment, he thinks he can act again by fisting his head but Mydei plays him again, makes him trip and this time his back falls on the firm floor once again.
Mydei steps dangerously close, his feet glued to Phainon's waist, tracing it. He crosses his arms over his chest as he gives him a slight, mean smile if you may.
They fight more and more, now there are barely any more barriers between them, Phainon is once more comfortable with Mydei.
Each of them gives a jab in the other’s ribs, a punch in the face, a trick at the legs, they are starting to get tired. But they must keep going, you don’t stop when you're tired, you stop when the battle's finished.
“Fight Phainon, fight.”
Drops of sweat paint both men’s faces, they are now on the last round. Who'll be the first to fall down and kiss the floor?
Phainon tries to aim for Mydei's chin, to somehow hit from under it and hopefully have him fall. Yet the man was too fast for any of that, he took the hit but barely bent.
Once again there goes a party of fists and tricks Mydei knows (he should teach Phainon honestly, some were even funny and probably not so effective in a real fight). And it looks like Phainon was defeated once again.
“Well fought.” Mydei waves his hands around, dries himself quickly with a cloth and gets ready to put his cape on and leave. “I look forward to more.” He turns his head back to look at Phainon which is now leaning on his elbows still on the floor, and gives him a smirk.
Phainon goes back to his duties, eats dinner which was at around 2PM, goes on and completes the day, and goes for supper (evening meal). The middle meal was the fanciest one, meat or fish, while the last meal was something lighter.
Next morning tasks are assigned and a group of what looks like people ready to go hunting ask Phainon “How well do ya handle a bow?”
“Pretty well I'd say.”
“Take arrows and hop on. We’re going hunting.” Knights carrier different things on their horses, some had bait, some had arrows and maybe even an extra bow.
They go deep into the forest and their goals are boards and deers, a few game birds wouldn't hurt.
They splitted into two teams, one went with the bait for boars and the other ones went for deers. They hitched their horses on a tree close to the main path.
They had to go on foot to be more precise and quiet, not to startle an animal. They also needed to get headshots, so the animals would die without much pain and fast, if you missed there was a high chance of said animal to live with an arrow in its body. It would be bad for the animal but also, not so beneficial for you. You could retrieve the arrow from a dead animal and use it again after it was somewhat clean.
After a lot of time they managed to get two deers and a few rabbits, while the other group got a boar. This time it was a small party of people, for a more successful hunt they would need more trackers and probably even dogs for a way better result.
To be fair, usually nobles went hunting and fishing. A smaller group of knights could only get a few animals but they were still very appreciated. Nobles would also do fishing as an activity, and less of a duty. They also had some more equipment like fish traps, nets and rods.
Phainon was pretty happy for himself - and truthfully - he is the one which caught a deer. He finds killing animals pretty sad but there's nothing he can do about it really, that is the cycle of life. Animals like deer often die being eaten by bigger animals such as bears, or in this case by humans too.
They return to the honorary grounds quite pridefully, and a few knights come in and help either to carry the animals or to take the horses to the pasture or stables. By the time they are back it's almost night, yet just in time for supper, Phainon's favourite.
He wonders what tomorrow has in store for him, he can't lie that this schedule is still somewhat harsh on him but he'll soon get used to it. Yet, it's now night, he's leaning on a wall and looking at the sky, shining in it's all glory, and he can't help but think of the sparring he and Mydei did. The power that man has and the confidence he not only has but tries to encourage Phainon for more is an honorable thing. He can’t help himself but hope they'll spar more or do some more activities together. He looks forward to all kinds of missions though.
Days pass and turn into weeks,
Weeks pass and turn into months,
Months soon become one year and who knows how many more to be.
Phainon has been upgraded from a simple knight to a high ranked knight which would serve as a bodyguard for the King and also a companion of the king.
The ceremony for said event caught some people off guard, in only a year Phainon became so much more that others didn't really achieve in more years. Some people are even jumping to conclusions, what if the king and this now former knight had private meetings and stuff like that? What if they knew each other beforehand even though that was less likely? Who knows what kind of relationship they had or have?
Everything was true and the only unknown thing was their relationship. Phainon didn't know it either but he wouldn't dare look at himself as anything more than a bodyguard and companion. He obviously still had his own and normal duties, or ones he had in the past or even in the beginning.
Well, somewhat of a small ceremony was held tonight. After all, it is a big upgrade but it was justified by his hard work, loyalty, good at a lot of things, and the list goes on. Should I mention he got a room inside the castle AND on the same floor as the King? Some people would roll their eyes and shrug in annoyance. How could Phainon achieve this and almost no one else who's been in here for longer? Jealousy was a strong emotion to some but they had to be professional. Making a fake rumour of them dating, having any kind of relationship stronger than friendship and bodyguard could get them in trouble, or the worst of them all a rumour how Phainon would not only fancy the King but like him to a far extent.
Thankfully there was no rumour and no one would dare make one. Punishment is hell of a thing and has been seen through the years.
“We gathered here - like in every single evening, but today with a celebration.” King Mydeimos stands up from his chair and everyone stays still and observes. All eyes on him.
“Our knight Phainon,” he gestures for him to stand up, “has been graded higher for his flawless work, loyalty and trust. Truly a companion and a bodyguard I could not be more happy about.” He raises his glass with wine, while the knights are served beer, “Everyone please congratulate him.”
People now stand up and clap for Phainon. No matter if you were jealous, happy or sad from who knows what reason, your mood would get lifted because such events and ceremonies couldn't help but spark something in you. Not to mention the meal you had in front of you, a bigger portion of meat, more bread, and a lot of beer. A win for everybody.
They sang, danced, and celebrated really in the true form. They ate as if they never saw food, drank like they never saw liquid, and so on.
Everyone including Phainon and Mydei drank a respectable amount - not enough to get hella drunk but also not so little so they can't enjoy themselves a little.
They danced together, for what felt like hours, will they be as tired at the end of this party as when they spared? Phainon finds himself wanting to do that not only once again, but many times. And why though? It was obviously painful and Phainon could admit that he only really likes sparring with Mydei. Maybe a fight but this time with swords and armor? Since he got a new sword, even shinier (he didn't even know that was possible) and its little cloth had one blue gem and one red gem. Complete opposites on the color wheel.
“Now, being my bodyguard and companion, I do have one request for you.” Mydei looks sly.
“And that is?” Phainon is somewhat excited, he himself doesn't know why.
“Carry me to my chamber.” Was it the alcohol, was it a dream of Mydei’s, was it simply a genuine request.. we'll probably never know. Or at least not now.
Phainon slightly laughs at that and easily lifts up the King, and starts walking towards said room. That's quite easy, he has to admit.
“My ceremony and still your request?” says Phainon as he carries Mydei bridal style. He's still quietly laughing.
Even when the inside party was done, knights outside made a fireplace, got a guitar to sing on and danced around.
The next day the world erupted and war was decided upon a distant and far realm, a realm which has barely met the sun. A palace of steel covered in icicles longer than a human body, snow higher than hills and rivers frozen as mirrors. A land untouched as most would call it, where snow swallows people but the second part is just a myth. Maybe the youthwont't bargain into it.
Patrols have been sent, and as this was a long road for the knights The King allowed them time but hoped for a letter in return. Or a soldier to come back to update, or even better.. come back triumphantly with the sacred crown. A crown of thorns with gold, reddish pink gems in contrast with blue, a feast for the eyes and a trophy for the wise.
It’s not just that, but the sentimental value it holds is enough to break Mydei apart. Tore him open even.
Before day rose he sent out knights and patrols to this realm and trackers in any and all directions possible. He even sent out the hunters to trace people down.
This shall either end in a red war or a vile stealth. One way or another, he'll get what's his back.
And like that one day passed.
And now it's been two days, no word but suspense.
Knight Phainon has been spending more and more time tending to King Mydeimos – he is visibly down and tired. He has been barely caught closing an eye for the past two nights,
And it turns into three nights, which morphs into a fourth and final night.
No man back. No update. No letter. No nothing.
“I need you.” Caught Phainon off guard.
“W..” he thought for a second how to answer. Obviously, he wanted to ask what and why – he figured out that the crown is the problem and no returning soul with the smallest update – yet he pondered. And he wishes he could ponder more now. “Yes, Your Majest..”
“We're leaving tomorrow morning.” and he can't turn his head to look at Phainon.
And he can't look at that pretty face now.
And he can't imagine what his face looks like now.
And he can't stand to believe he is willing to put Phainon in such a danger for what looks like a selfish mission to Mydei.
“Quite the mission.” Phainon says after he sees the whole plan. “That will be a long ride.”
“I've sent a few plutons of people, none have returned and neither have I received anything back.” Mydei is starting to think that something is off, and sending more soldiers isn't a solution. “Tomorrow morning we leave.”
He closes the map, rolls it and puts it back in the library shelf. “I have a spare one in my bag..” he mutters quietly and he seems to be in deep thought. “Go and pack your bags, I'll go do some arrangements for the patrols.”
Told and done, food for them and their two horses, water, clothes that can contain them warm, and so on..
The sun barely rose, it was still somewhat dark. They met up in the front of the palace on their horses and got on the road. They didn't exchange any words really, there wasn’t much to talk about anyways.
They've walked and canterred for a few hours now, every now and then popping an apple to their horses and stopping by a river or two for water. Soon, the nice and warm weather will be gone, they'll enter a realm of ice and cold, snow on every path (if you could even made it out), heavy trees, some so heavy they risk falling and breaking. And.. the forever frozen rivers. Not to mention the slippery.
“Can already start feeling the cold.” Mydei says, steam coming out of his mouth as he speaks, and soon his breath will be tainted the same.
“I feel like,” it's starting to snow, and it hits them in a hatred way, that Phainon has to make an effort to talk and look now, “there was a cabin somewhere. Weren't there?”
“An abandoned house. Deeper in this forest.” He lets out a sigh, scrunching his eyes.
“Soon there'll be no more light, not only is the sun going down but the weather is terrible.” Phainon would lie if he said sometimes is around him. Be it fear, be it cold, be it the way the snow hits him. Not to mention how he has to almost shout for his words to reach Mydei's ear. The wind is awful.
“We packed,” he breathes heavily as he tries to look in the horse's saddlebag, “some lanterns.” He digs and digs and eventually gets out a wonkey one, and he signals for Phainon to stop for a moment as he also pulls on the reins.
“We have a problem.” He looks down at the lamp and then up at Phainon. “I need fire to light it up.”
Real comedy. A fire for their lanterns, in the middle of a snowstorm.
“Well.. we can still try..” Phainon says as he looks around, only to see every single little branch wet and full of snow. Hell, some trees even had icicles.
“We must continue on like this.” They start trotting forward, it looks like they are walking into a void.
“Can't even get the map out, it'll get wet and rip.”
The wind is shuttering so loud and it only aggravates the situation. For how long they have been walking now, they should be pretty close to the abandoned cabin.
Mydei wouldn't admit it, at least not yet, but he is starting to feel the cold way too much. Phainon is somewhat good, he has his cape tucked in too, but that won't hold for long.
After what felt like a really long time, they spotted a fallen cabin. Thank the Lord, Mydei's eyelashes were already icy. They did have snow, after all, it must be about -25 degrees.
“Thank God.” Phainon sighs of relief.
“One of us should check the door, we need to get the horses in too.”Mydei says as he sees Phainon get exactly on business.
The horses have been taking big steps and getting their hooves high up in the air to be able to walk and trot, but now Phainon has this problem too. The snow is so high he can hardly walk.
Mydei took Beau's reins as he slowly got closer to the cabin, leaving some space between him and Phainon. They are almost excited that once they get in they will have light since they'd be able to make a fire, also not to mention the warmth.
A grunt was heard and it was Phainon which couldn't open the door (i mean.. look around, rivers are frozen, trees are heavy with snow and even icicles, this door is obviously stuck and takes brute force to be opened). He slammed his shoulder into the door not once but twice, fortunately enough for it to crack a little so he could now simply pull on it.
“All good, come in.” He says as he takes a step in and thinks the cabin is stable enough for now.
Also, this is a big door. A door so big it can get mistaken for a barn door, but it's better this way since their horses will need a place to stay in as well.
Mydei dismounts and now leads both horses in, hitches them in a corner and starts getting stuff out of their backpacks and saddlebags, while Phainon is fighting nature. If this is the 20th time I mention the wind, Phainon would mention it at least 5 more times.
“Wind so strong,” he gasps for air “could barely close the door.” He says as he rests in his hand leaned against the cold wall - before his hand gets way too cold and quickly takes it back, shaking it.
“We need to set up a fire.” he hurries to get out resources such as the bedrolls they packed and their blankets but almost to no avail. Thankfully they packed some.. branches. Yes, they packed branches. Truthfully they are for use so, can we really comment?
They start the fire and as they wait for it to warm up this empty and abandoned place, Phainon notices Mydei is somewhat cold.
Somewhat, too cold.
Phaino sat across but is now inching closer to Mydei. He untucks his cape, takes it out completely and drapes it over Mydei’s back, as he gives him the corners to hold on. “You?” Mydei asks in a low tone.
“Me.. what?” He is.. genuinely confused.
“Ain't you cold?” Mydei asks again and his response is a head shake, “well then, won't you be cold?” - to which Phainon doesn't respond, pretends to be busy by searching in his bag.
He takes out his lamp and notices the other man's lamp is already out but empty, he takes both of them closer to the fire and tries to light them up. One lamp, a glorious success - the other lamp? On the other hand, a war. It'd get lit up for two seconds and by the time he closes the little door and goes to place it on the floor, it's out.
Sigh. Sigh. And another sigh.
“Leave it. You're getting cold.”
“I'm not, I’m moving above fire.”
“And I'm not stupid not to notice your frozen fingers which barely work.” He carefully adjusts the cape he got, opening it for Phainon to go join him.
And he does. And he needs to move closer to Mydei again. And he needs to inch in so close that their legs touch and their shoulders bump into one another.
A hug position would be so beneficial.
“As soon as we warm ourselves a little we need to feed the horses and get the map.” Mydei announces, even though he wants to keep Phainon close for longer.
Maybe forever even.
“How far must we be?” Phainon turns his head to Mydei and he suddenly gets hotter. To turn his head around and notice this blonde man was already looking at him? Well, he should thank his body for the adrenaline rush because he is no longer cold and his fingers are finally functioning again.
“Theoretically not so far, practically dangerously far.” The hell is this realm made of? Is it a whole different ground? Is it controlled? The cold is insufferable and the road is long and tough.
Phainon gets up to give both horses some apples as he rummages for the map and eventually a blanket. They'll need it.
He takes the map and places it on the ground, rolls in open to see the glory of this place. The cabin is somewhere after the first half, so there should be a little more than a quarter of the way to go. It sounds doable but who knows how they'll get treated tomorrow? Will a heavier snowstorm break them? They also need to take in consideration that if the weather is so bad they can't risk their lives and the horses’ lives.
At worst, they'll be stuck for maybe one or two more days. But looking at the bright side (which clearly isn't outside) they have one another.
“We should sleep.” Is the only conclusion spoken.
“Yeah.”
They lay out the bedrolls and one blanket for each, sleeping around the campfire.
Until it turns worse and they notice the wind manages to break through little spots of the wooden cabin. Which makes it once again, even colder.
So cold. They already have a fire running, what more can they do? Somehow unite the power, like stacking two blankets on top. That's quite a good idea.
But they have one blanket each.
Sharing is caring and sharing the blankets would suffice more warmth and also not to mention the adrenaline rush Phainon would get and maybe Mydei too (it'd help!) And then-
“Did you zone the fuck out.”
“What?!” Phainon quickly turns around to Mydei.
“I've called your name out like twice now.” Mydei seems unphased.
The white haired man can't do any better than leaving out an “oooh” and a little laugh and a stupid smile.
Mydei grunts and almost doesn't want to ask again. “Are you cold?” He pinches his nose.
“..kind of. You too?”
He wants to skip “small-talk” and get going on fast. Though it's a little awkward to ask this outloud. “...”
“...”
“.. we should stay close and use both blankets as one.” He finally gets on with it.
And Phainon would lie if he said he wasn't hoping for this. Or like, thinking of this. I mean.. that's why he was zoned out actually!
“Oh that’s a good idea!”
No shit.
They move closer one to another and wrap the blankets around them. Their bodies are so cold that they can feel one another's breath on the other's face and body.
Morning comes and as they go outside to catch a glimpse of reality their hopes and dreams vanish as the weather is still as harsh if not worse. It means they are stuck together here for one more day.
Mydei is a little anxious as he doesn't know anything that awaits them and the way he didn't receive any news on the situation. He is battling in his own head but then his gaze suddenly softens and his eyes catch some life in them as he watches Phainon sharpen his knife, and then his arrows. Maybe sword is next, he has so much time to clean them too and do Mydei's set as well.
He doesn't quite know what it is, but seeing the noble knight staying down like that, sharpening his tools kind of does something to Mydei.
He gets up to pet his horse and then turns around to Phainon, and walks closer to him. He quietly sits down, his back heavy on the wall behind him.
Phainon doesn't seem to acknowledge him too much, let alone mind him. That, until he notices Mydei looking at his fingers insistently.
“You haven't patched them up yet?”
“...no?” he thought for a moment, his fingers looked quite fine except for the parts which have bled from the extreme cold. Patching them up now would be useless. Oh and his older scars, he never thought much of them.
“Well, you should do that.” Mydei's tone sounded a way it never did ever before and Phainon really can't put his finger on it. It sounded so careful as if he was talking to a rare and expensive trinket. Not even that, something far more fragile.
None said anything, they kind of just sat like that for a while.
Mydei got up and went to search his saddlebag. He found some bandages, unfortunately he has no moisture for Phainon’s damaged fingers. Probably a week of care would make his hands flawless once again. But this doesn't mean that makes him any less attractive - actually it makes him even hotter,
Hold on who said that..
Now back to business, “are you done?”
“Cleaning my weapons?” He tilted his head, in such a cute way, Mydei thought.
“Yeah.” He was met with a nod.
Mydei took one of Phainon's hands in his own and brushed his thumb over it for a short while, feeling every scar, his skin going up and down every now and then. He placed the man's hand on his knee as he got the bandage roll, made a small piece enough for a finger and he cut it with his teeth. He took the palm on his own once again and carefully wrapped his index finger.
He lowkey wishes this could happen more. Now.. I didn't say who exactly but you can take a wild guess - both.
Maybe if they ever spar again and Phainon gets wounded, Mydei will help him bandage up. He wouldn't mind getting hurt that much if this was the outcome.
And they sat quietly, doing that for some time. None spoke, only the wind outside and the fire inside, horses’ neighs every now and then.
“The weather looks better but now it's too late to go. It should be the same if not better tomorrow morning.” Mydei sits in the door frame with the door slightly open. What a crooked door, gives them nightmares due to the sounds it makes. “We should rest now so we can leave early in the morning.”
“Come on.”
They put out the fire, took their horses outside and got on. A long journey awaits them and this two-three days “break” didn't help much.
They walked, trotted, took a small break, went again, and walked and walked,
and there it was.
A glorious tall building with frozen rivers circling it, a castle covered in snow and ice, a whole new world unfolded.
It was no longer so dark like in that never ending forest, it now looked alive and eerie. Maybe too eerie.
How will it be at night?
“Got your costume?” Mydei asks as he changes into an expensive looking suit.
“Yeah. All set.” Phainon on the other hand looks a little like a bodyguard, not enough for people to question it really, it was still pretty elegant.
“We need to be careful. This can be a set up.” Mydei looks a little worried, “Our identities shall not be revealed.”
“Yes sir.”
They walked in and slightly bowed down to the guards, slowly but surely making their way into this frozen palace. A big banquet was still being celebrated.
What could be the reason? Surely not The stolen crown. Surely.
As they enter, a hall bigger than King Mydeimos’ palace. Wowzers jealousy.
Decorated as hell. Holy crap there is so much. Flower chains on the walls, flower chains up the corners where walls meet and from the floor to the ceiling. Holy chandeliers - what the hell. Lights, tables, hell even the chairs look extremely expensive. A lot of paintings and their frames are carved with gold, you can almost smell It.
Well this is not the time to get lost in this sea of details.
“Holy shit.” Phainon quietly says.
“...”
“I'm almost intimidated!”
“We should go upstairs, you see that big long table and whatever the statues are?” Mydei asks as he slightly points to it, getting closer to Phainon. “I go on the left and you take the right, we meet up there silently and discretly. Anything you hear you eavesdrop but be careful.”
“Alright. Let's go.”
They walk on the planned paths and meet upstairs by the big window, but to no avail. No word of a crown, no word of any of their knights, and no sight of either.
They don't have many options and neither time. Mydei thinks of going and speaking with someone, a noble perhaps, but how can he ask about the crown without… asking about it? I've heard, there's.. yknow a crown here! Can we see it? It will surely sell.
Sell yourself into their prison.
Well, talking isn't an option.. eavesdropping isn't doing much.. so they'll have to follow a high rank and somehow find a way to the crown. A hard job for just two people.
“Go sit by that statue. I see patrols are working so we'll have to follow them subtly.” Mydei almost orders Phainon to - he feels like they are back and that he needs to use formalities to talk to him. He wonders how Mydei feels when people or, he himself, Phainon, calls him «King Mydeimos» or «Your Majesty»… too deep in thought, he needs to get to work.
Phainon quietly went in his position, not only by the statue but also his back straight and chest out. He looks out of the window as he tries to hear some more about the crown, until now they had no success.
As he sits and waits for the patrol, presumably listening.. he gets lost. Not in the details or whatever is going on because he has been looking at a certain individual.
Mydei. Who else could it be?
He stared and stared but not zoned out or something like that, rather taking him in. The way he stands and how you can defy his arms muscles just a little (and just enough) through his suit. And the hair. Oh and that face.. sometimes he wonders how close could he get to this man? Closer than the times they'd spare and learn how to dance, is most likely impossible and only a wild thought that swims in Phainon's mind constantly. Also their time at that old cabin, the way he got his fingers patched by Mydei, the way they looked at one another and the way they shared a blanket – oh and they were soooo close. Like hugging.. was it? Cuddling even maybe but wait - no, it was less than that but.. it's complicated. Or it is all in his head.
This king to which he vowed not to fall in love with.
But there's no more time for that, wrap it up Phainon. The patrol is on and Mydei is ready to follow. They haven't had much time to plan other than.. following and eavesdropping which lead them to no success yet! Still they must carry on subtly.
And so the patrol of four knights walk and quietly - if even - talk. Mydei has already been walking but slowly, taking in the design of this palace. Hell, it's cold here too. Not as cold as outside but enough to be felt.
Phainon turns around and starts walking as silently as he can. He merely tilts his head back and out of the corner of his eyes he sees Mydei coming near. He suddenly gets warmer! Oh wow is Mydei radiating heat or is Phainon starting to blush a little bit. Actually blame the situation they are in - to follow a patrol and retrieve the crown.
“Are you fine?” Mydei asks out of nowhere but his lips almost brush over Phainon's ear. Lord.
Lord above you don’t know what Phainon experiences right now.
“Yeah yeah.” He says without a second thought as they notice the guards take a right.
They follow but sit back enough not to be seen. They notice how a hallway grows in front of them, a really, really long one. With pillars on each side and big curtains stopping light coming in. The place here is lighted but not quite, it is far darker than the main hall where the party is hosted.
The two men can't walk in the middle as they’d be seen, so they decide to walk each on a side and hide by the pillars since.. this hallway can't go on forever. They must meet somewhere.
They silently walk and follow but they grow more and more anxious, the guards say nothing and just keep walking.
There comes a time when they need to take a turn and they abruptly stop. They see they gesture something but they can’t tell what, until they see two guards go back.
Both Phainon and Mydei instantly freeze and glue onto the pillars and are not seen. Victory! For now.
The two guards continue forwards and now the hallway gets tighter but there are still pillars on the sides which looks like a win. What is a glorious loss is how well guarded this place gets.
Knights on both sides.
“What now?” Phainon whispers and he feels the tips of his fingers start to tremble. Soon his whole palm.
“..” Mydei sits and observes.
They can't go back now. This option was long overdue since they endured such a road until here, the merciless cold did not leave bruises on them for them to give up now.
“If needed I'll die on this hill.” Is the only thing he whispers clearly annoyed.
Mydei says nothing more and walks forward and takes shelter behind a pillar.
Phainon is left with nothing but follow.
So they go for it. Pillar by pillar. Pillar by pillar. Again and again.
Until Phainon notices a guard will surely see him so he hurries as quietly as he can (somehow) to the next one. Where Mydei stands.
“?!” He gestures confused. Phainon only tilts his head and in less than a second Mydei takes a step around the pillar and pulls Phainon close. Closer than they were before.
They are so close that their whole bodies are now touching, their faces so close they can not only feel their breaths on their faces but their eyelashes almost morph. Phainon stabilizes himself by putting his hands on the pillars and having Mydei right between his arms. He almost looks like he is underneath but we can't get lost in the details now. They must focus.
Phainon takes his hands back after the guards are somewhat out of the way and before he manages to take a step back or say anything, Mydei drags him back by the collar. And they are eye to eye, nose to nose and lips to lips. And Mydei's eyes don't give out too much other than the look of a snake. Like usual – but Phainon finds them mesmerising.
Mydei quietly grunts and pushes him back just as fast, and starts walking forward while Phainon follows close.
They manage to sneak around some corridors and once again hide after pillars or curtains. These knights really don't care or are this dumb.
And after reaching a level underneath ground, they see it. A crown under a frozen glass. With icicles even. What a shame.
Phainon reaches to touch it until Mydei quickly takes his hand away and looks at him infuriated. “Are you sick?!” He shots as quietly as he manages but his nerves get the best of him. Phainon might not realise and Mydei won't verbalise that he could've gotten a frostbite from it.
The man says nothing and just looks at how Mydei inspects everything around and finds a stroll. Before he picks it up to read it he makes sure there is no secret mechanism that will alert the whole palace and drive them into death.
He reads and raises an eyebrow. Well what he just read makes him question his sanity, not because of the request written on the page but the whole situation.
It drives him mad.
The crown has been cursed, and it will only leave its space when forms of affection are shown. There is no worth in trying to break it open, the glass is thick and frozen.
The forms of “affections” are not simple acts like holding hands or hugging – they've tried that. Nothing. Not even a crack.
Or does it not work because there are wrong persons? That should not be the problem, it was never specified what kind of people can break the curse.
“Well..?” Phainon scratches the back of his head.
“We can't stay here for much longer.” He places his palms on the little desk under the pillow on which his crown is resting.
He wishes he could smash it.
He wishes he could break it.
He wishes he could destroy it.
He wishes to get his crown back now.
Phainon wears a face full of worry and looks at Mydei and the way he is eyeing everything. Hell, he'd be afraid he'd turn into a snake and look at him as if he is prey. Maybe that would be a better scenario and should become reality.
“You understand the requirement?” He asks.
Phainon nods.
“The demand?”
Phainon nods once again.
Mydei is eyeing him and he doesn't know whether to go for it or not. He wouldn't do anything without consent but still with it things can be messy.
So should they just go in blind and be messy? Could they maybe continue it messy too?
Mydei takes a step forward and so does Phainon. Their mouths are shut and they are sure they can hear and feel their own heartbeats.
“Well..” Phainon breaks the silence “let's..?” Well that's harder than he ever imagined.
And he wishes this was a lie but Phainon wanted it so bad that he was happy this thing is happening right now. He would lie if he said his heart isn't beating so fast right now out of excitement. He'd give his life for this – he partially did. I vow not to fall in love with The King.
But now it's nothing. Nothing to lose, probably nothing to gain. This is his duty. Soon, probably nothing he will desire anymore.
Mydei cups Phainon's face and he takes a last breath “you sure?”.