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Nominalgravy was only two years older than the prince of Rivendell. Yet at the age of 16 he was chosen to be the youngest prince's royal knight. At first the older of the two disagreed, the idea of a young knight protecting his even younger brother had sent Xornoth into a pout. Though his mind was charged quickly when he saw Nom in action. When he learnt that the knight passed all the tests with flying colours. The best that Rivendell could offer.
The funny part of all this. Nom was originally from the crystal cliffs. Being a dragon hybrid it was easy to tie him back to his home. Yet he left at a young age finding the snowy mountains of Rivendell, welcomed warmly by the people and being offered the opportunity of a lifetime when it came to training.
He was knighted, then invited to meet the youngest elven prince and god was he a sweetheart. His smile could melt the snow on his land. His tone was gentle, perfect for a future king, and god his eyes were just mesmerizing. Though it was unprofessional, Nom found himself falling fast and hard.
True to his oath, he stayed beside Scott for everything. Meetings with other empires. Strolls around the kingdoms. Everything and everything, Scott and Nom went through together.
Nom was there. When Xornoth gave in to the corruption. He held Scott as he spent the night sobbing, no matter how unprofessional it may have seemed. By now Nom was more than just a knight. He was someone Scott could see as a friend. Someone he could trust with his life. Someone Scott needed by his side when his last family member was taken from him.
Nom was there as Scott stepped into the shoes of being a ruler. It was the same night the two shared their first kiss. Scott had thanked Nom for everything he'd done and before Nom could ask if he was about to be replaced. The elf had placed a shy kiss on the knight's lips. One Nom would return with more confidence.
Nom was there when Scott found the antlers that Aeor had left him. Nom had in fact been the one to encourage Scott to put them on. The prince looking unsure yet ultimately decided to trust Nom. And later, when they found out they were now a part of Scott, Nom reassured him that he was still as adorable as ever. If not more.
Nom was there when they first captured Xornoth. A few empires came together to do the trick, trapping him in a crystal. Nom supported Scott once it was all over. Tears formed in the prince's eyes as he looked at the crystal that now trapped his brother. Nom gently kissed his tears away causing Scott to giggle weakly. “I've got you Scott.” It was a promise he never planned on breaking.
If only he knew how things would spiral.
Scott ran from the kingdom. Nom had noticed he'd been secretly struggling to control some sort of ice magic, he just never would have guessed Scott would feel the need to flee because of it. Nom searched for a while for any clue that could lead him to Scott. Eventually using the owls to his advantage. Following one all the way to some icy lands somehow even colder than home. There, atop a small cliff, was a castle made of ice.
Nom let himself in. Only to be faced with a wide eyed Scott. “No… Why did it have to be you to come here… I can't risk hurting you Nom.” Nom stepped closer to the prince, wrapping his arms around him in a tight hug. Scott went rigid, like he would kill Nom if he even breathed in his direction.
“You wouldn't hurt me.” Noms tone is soft, gentle. Causing the elf to tremble.
“I haven't got full control of my powers yet.” Scott warns.
“It's okay Scott. I trust you.”
He breaks away from the hug only to hold Scott's face gently. He seems to be paler, though Nom is unsure if that's due to his powers or nerves. Has Scott been sleeping well? How much has he eaten? Scott also seemed to have little ice shards in his hair, cute as long as they're harmless.
“Please come home.”
Scott nods, with the same gentle smile that captured Noms heart all those years ago.
When they returned home, they learnt that someone had stolen the crystal that contained Xornoth. Something Scott had left behind in the hopes that his powers may settle down without him carrying it around. Luckily it didn't take much effort to get it back. Once Xornoths crystal was returned to Scott, he encased the object in ice. Hoping they could finally live in peace.
If only Scott's life could be so simple.
Since coming back, he'd spent a little more time on his own. He and Nom split kingdom responsibilities between them. During the times Scott was allowed to relax. He'd ended up discovering a prophecy, a story and a blade to match.
Something he didn't tell Nom until he was sure of what it all meant.
One night, while they snuggled in the prince's room. Scott broke the silence.
“I need to tell you something.”
“Go on…” Nom was worried, rightfully so, that their peace was about to be ruined.
“I found some things while exploring the outskirts of Rivendell. One was a book of prophecies. There's one in there that worries me. It seemed to be about me and Xornoth how we've always been connected. It states if he dies I would die not long after him.”
Nom was grateful they decided to capture the demon instead of kill him, he wasn't sure he'd ever be able to live with himself if he lost Scott. Even if it was because of something a knight would never have been able to control.
“Well it's a good thing we kept him trapped.” Nom laughs nervously, hoping Scott wouldn't be able to pick up on it.
“Mhm. That would have been an awful way to go out, and I wouldn't have been able to marry you.”
Soon though. Soon they would be.
“Lets hope it stays that way.”
Scott nods, though it's clear something still bothers him.
“I don't know if I'll ever need to use this on him.. But I found a sword as well. It's called the rune blade.”
“Sorry the what now?”
“Rune blade. The story says that it's able to send someone into their ideal afterlife. I'm just… Worried. The timing of me finding this has me wondering how much time I have left.”
Nom runs his hand though Scott's hair, gently playing with a loose strand. “You've got a long life ahead of you, my job is to make sure of that.”
Nom takes pride in the way Scott's body relaxes. Knowing that he is the person to make Scott feel the most safe- as much more than just a knight- fills him with joy. Though he also knows it goes both ways. To him, Scott is a safe place. To him, Scott is everything.
“You're right, I can't wait for the future.”
With that, the two shared a kiss and snuggled up for a deep sleep.
One that would be their last.
A rapture across the empire struck the very next day.
Scott left to go see if the damage was done anywhere else, if not, he would maybe be able to call the others for help. He instructed Nom to take care of the people. Make sure no one was hurt and everyone continued to stay safe.
If only Nom had seen him come back…
If only he'd seen Xornoth reuniting with his brother.
He only heard a piercing cry he knew belonged to his prince.
As he rushed to the scene he saw Scott crumple. Watching in horror as the light dimmed from his eyes. Helpless as Xornoth screamed and quickly followed his baby brother to the ground. His demonic spell to capture Scott fading as they took their last breath.
Nom was there. Holding Scott as he passed.
Nom was there to bury the love of his life.
Nom was there to lay beside Scott's grave.
Nom was there to plunge the rune blade through his chest.
He was there. Bleeding out onto the snow as he dreamt of a life he had been able to save the person he swore to protect.