Work Text:
Kephale’s light shines as bright as it does throughout the day even at the Curtain-Fall Hour. Phainon should feel tired and retire soon, but alas his mind is too preoccupied by thoughts that makes it impossible for him to rest. Even before realising his status as a Chrysos Heir he never really gave much thought to matters of the heart, having his family close and being busy enough with various tasks. Of course he also never imagined meeting the fierce warrior of Strife who made it impossible for Phainon to forget him, fighting with his bare fists, decimating enemy after enemy with unwavering faith in his victory. Their battle which lasted 10 days and 10 nights made a home in his heart that day, as did the lionhearted prince.
So really it was to nobody’s surprise when the two Chrysos Heirs started to show affection towards each other – which the public did notice, no matter how sneaky they thought themselves to be – and later on claimed each other as theirs. There was no grand announcement or anything of the sort, rather it was the air around them that changed. From the constant bickering which was what you’d usually see from two friends to stolen glances, quiet words and near-impossible to see touches. Of course it also gave a good idea just how close they have become when Phainon forgot to pull his collar high enough and the innocent citizens of Okhema witnessed the claiming bites that were a clear warning to everyone. Mydei was a different story, as he could not bear marks on his body, the Deliverer – sly as he is even if you thought otherwise – managed to stake his claim; the prince of Strife constantly smelled of the warm scent of Phainon, never really leaving his lovers residence.
Their sparring sessions were a public spectacle that many hurried to see if word arrived of it. This too has changed. They still showed their strength for all to see every once in a while, but for the most part they preferred to have their duels privately where the punches could be soothed with sweet kisses or the pent up energy could be converted into acts that did not concern the public eye. Another thing that the pair thought no one knew, never noticing the eyes that fell on them time to time, like that of a bard’s that almost fell on his face upon noticing them. Or that one occasion when a lonely maiden hurried home and in her haste failed to notice the voices that were too loud to ignore by the time they reached her ears. Safe to say she kept the secret of Lord Mydei’s moans being on pair with that of a brothel’s worker.
Other citizens also claimed secrets of their own. For example the fruit merchant who started to bring more pomegranates with him on Mondays when he realized the Prince’s little frown was from not being able to buy enough, and of course that was a grave humiliation for a businessman as renowned as him. There was also the little restaurant that the pair of lovers frequently visited. On Wednesdays the kitchen already had a fresh batch of pancake batter at the ready by the Lucid Hour as the great Mydeimos was in a rather sour mood throughout the day when one time the chef forgot to bring one necessary ingredient. The bearer of Strife did not make a scene or act in any way that was below his status, but the pout that was reported by many that day was enough for the workers to never neglect anything that the Prince might need.
Of course the Kremnoan detachment should be mentioned if we want to talk about witnesses. Having the utmost care and attention towards their leader they were kind of vary upon learning the fact that a man – who was not a warrior of any status which is just, really, a downgrade from Gorgo, bless her soul – bewitched Prince Mydei. Those uncertain thoughts remained until Phainon’s brave act of defeating Nikador. Should the Strife’s Coreflame had been claimed by the Deliverer they would have made their peace with it. Alas, fate is a fickle thing and it seemed their Prince really was born to carry the weight he was destined to. There were few who clung to the old ways of Castum Kremnos and immediately believed that this is a sign for their Prince to lead them home, and claim the throne that he had the right to, which would bring back the glory of the warrior souls. However most had to come to terms with their Prince choosing his own way and ending a chapter which should have been closed for a while now. A much as it pained them, they had to witness Lord Mydei’s departure to shoulder the weight of the Black Tide and protect the place where he yet had to make precious memories at.
The parting of two souls which occurred just a few days ago was a heartbreaking spectacle. All who came to bid goodbye to the Prince and offer their best wishes noticed the subtle stiffness that radiated from Mydei. The tense lines of his shoulder that already carried so much weight, the curling of his fingers which destroyed so many enemies and oh, his eyes. Those eyes that never wavered in the face of hardship now held trembling irises, for it had to etch every line of that beloved face to memory, so as not to forget any detail that it’s owner has come to love. Everyone who had gathered knew that they have to give the pair a moment of solitude for it might be the last time they could enjoy each others presence. Their final words were quiet, soft things that the wind did not carry on, it stayed with their owners to give them solace in the times to come. A whisper of a promise that they have yet to realize could never become reality. And then the brave Prince of Castum Kremnos made his way towards the never ending strife which he was born to fight until his last breath.
Okhema changed after the disappearance of the Chrysos Heirs. It was a reminder that Amphoreus was existing on borrowed time and it did not have long. So now, Phainon stood in front of Kephale’s light and gave himself a moment. Just a passing flicker of time where he let himself feel everything which he dared not speak to anyone, lest the faith of the citizens might falter upon realising their Deliverer is just as insecure as any of them. Just for a second he cursed his golden blood and the fact that his time with the one who carved a place in the deepest place in his chest was never going to be enough. The face of Mydei, soft and satisfied among his pillows flickered into his mind and he already grieves it. Imagines it between shelves of books, dragging his finger on the spines until he finds what he needs. Saying Phainon’s name in that private way of his which is reserved for the Deliverer. Spending a whole day tucked away in a corner sharing their opinions and enjoying each others presence.
But just as quickly as those images appear, Phainon opens his eyes to reality, feeling the moisture that had gathered there and wants to find a way down his face. He lets the tears fall, burying the life his soul yearns for with them. He has a duty which he has committed to and the last thing he wants is to let down his companions who had sacrificed just as much as him - if not more - for the future. So he wipes the tears away and lets a smile rest upon his face. It’s not fake, not really. More bittersweet than anything. But it is also necessary for the upcoming times, so even if he has a hard time managing it he pushes trough. Turns his back on the Worldbearing Titan and makes his way home to try and get as much rest as he can for tomorrow. And maybe, just maybe, they will have enough strength to overcome all the dangers that threatens their home and they could finally rest without the burned of the world on their shoulder.