▲ my life is just constantly existing at ungodly hours
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Feb 22, 2021 19:10:01 GMT -5
Post by achromatic on Feb 22, 2021 19:10:01 GMT -5
Cassian shook his head. "Not much," he admitted, "I took a few oil painting lessons when I was younger, but after a while, I stopped. I used to doodle in some of my notebooks, but you know, you spend too much time doodling in class and the teachers get really annoyed." He laughed lightly. "Pretty sure they confiscated half of my doodles, but it was nice. Helped me clear my head sometimes. They weren't anything fancy though, not like the ones you see at the museums and galleries."
The boy shrugged. "You know it's pretty normal to have a country home, and if they keep it hidden and have a yard big enough, it shouldn't be a problem. Not to mention, you know, my family business is in security so it'd probably be a good thing. It's free advertising for my father anyway."
He gave Aela a smile. "I'd like that," he replied quietly, "I've always wanted to go to Guivre."
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Feb 23, 2021 6:38:58 GMT -5
Post by nostalgic on Feb 23, 2021 6:38:58 GMT -5
"Then let's go," Aela said, reaching out to squeeze his hand. It had become a sort of silent signal of compassion between the two, one she resorted to when she found herself struggling to speak it aloud. "We can plan it together- or you can go wild with the travel secretary and plan it yourself. And I'll think about the summer cottage, since it is a good idea."
She stretched out in the sun, leaning back against a tree, a little heavy-eyed from the food and the warmth. "And you're free to take more art lessons if the fancy ever strikes again. There's plenty of artists who would kill to teach the king."
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▲ my life is just constantly existing at ungodly hours
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Feb 23, 2021 12:02:27 GMT -5
Post by achromatic on Feb 23, 2021 12:02:27 GMT -5
He chuckled, glancing up to the sky, enjoying the warmth. "I wouldn't mind going together," he hummed. It was easier now that they were sort of friends, rather than awkward enemies. "We could see the dancing lights together. It'll be fun...but I don't know if the food will be good." He made a face. "I bet they just eat oysters and seals and stuff."
Cassian shrugged. "Maybe...I'll think about it I guess," he sighed, "it's not really a usual hobby for a king, is it?" He knew the nobles constantly looked down on the artisans, and well, he wasn't sure how they'd feel about it if he enjoyed doing something like that.
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Feb 23, 2021 21:43:09 GMT -5
Post by nostalgic on Feb 23, 2021 21:43:09 GMT -5
"Then we'll plan it soon," Aela said cheerfully. "I suppose I should order some clothes for cold weather. It doesn't get nearly as cold down here as it does up there. Though the food will be interesting." It was fun to think they could go on a trip together, to flout the rules of traveling only when necessary that her father had imposed.
Perhaps it was not a customary hobby, but who cared? "Think about it," she said, leaning her head back against the tree and closing her eyes. "We can both kick the expectations to the curb. Maybe I'll take up acting while we're at it. We can be the artistic royal duo."
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▲ my life is just constantly existing at ungodly hours
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Feb 24, 2021 5:21:23 GMT -5
Post by achromatic on Feb 24, 2021 5:21:23 GMT -5
The thought of it was...exciting actually. "Well we still haven't made any customary diplomatic visits," he gave her a sly grin, lifting his head in a haughty way, "I believe to...continue our good relationship with these other realms, we simply must visit. I'm sure they expect us to make our rounds as newly crowned king and queen; it'd be rude not to visit these other countries and see what trade offers we can provide."
He snorted. "We'll be the laughing stock of the country, but I guess we just have to decree a new law where they're not allowed to laugh at how horrible our skills are," he laughed, taking a bite of an apple, "we can go full phoenix emperor like they do in Koji."
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Feb 24, 2021 7:01:55 GMT -5
Post by nostalgic on Feb 24, 2021 7:01:55 GMT -5
"You know, I think you're right," Aela said back, opening her eyes and looking at him, ignoring the way that sly grin of his made her heart flutter. "We should definitely make the rounds. We can plan all of those trips soon." The sun was making her drowsy, and she yawned, holding a hand over her mouth as she did so.
"Very soon," she muttered, letting the sun pull her eyes closed again. "After I finish my nap, maybe."
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▲ my life is just constantly existing at ungodly hours
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Feb 24, 2021 7:41:14 GMT -5
Post by achromatic on Feb 24, 2021 7:41:14 GMT -5
He laughed. "Sounds good," he hummed, lying back onto the picnic mat as well, "it feels like forever since that last picnic we went on." It had only been a couple of months probably, but it practically felt like years. The weather that day had been just as nice as today. The breeze ruffled his hair, and he closed his eyes momentarily, content to simply exist.
"I still bet I could beat you in a race though," he joked, "next time you can kiss my ass instead."
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Feb 24, 2021 21:04:23 GMT -5
Post by nostalgic on Feb 24, 2021 21:04:23 GMT -5
"So crude," Aela said, but a smile was playing on her lips. "But you still don't have a prayer of beating me. I wouldn't put it past you to get lost again."
After a bit of a doze, she stirred, packing her book away. She had meant to read it, but sleep had been more appealing. They would have to head back soon enough... "Still think you can beat me?" Aela asked, standing and stretching. "Are we racing for a prize? Aside from ass kissing?"
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▲ my life is just constantly existing at ungodly hours
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Feb 24, 2021 21:47:27 GMT -5
Post by achromatic on Feb 24, 2021 21:47:27 GMT -5
He laughed. "Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me," he replied in a sing song voice. He sighed, leaning back as well. The weather was so nice, Cassian almost dozed off, but instead, he was lost in his own thoughts and daydreams. By the time he looked up, it seemed as if Aela had fallen asleep. He didn't mind, it really was a good day to nap out here.
He often thought it was the best kind of nap, the kind where one soaked up the sun–often at a beach back in Vela–and the warmth would seep in even after taking an afternoon nap in the shade. For a dark fairy, Cassian really did enjoy daylight
When Aela woke, he chuckled at her bedhead. "Oh, you want a competition?" he teased, "name me your prize and I'll name you mine."
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Feb 24, 2021 22:10:31 GMT -5
Post by nostalgic on Feb 24, 2021 22:10:31 GMT -5
"Don't laugh at me," Aela said, kicking his shin playfully. "A prize I'd like?" The first things that came to mind were not ones she could utter aloud with her new vow of abstinence, so she searched for alternatives. "You cook a meal for me. I quite enjoyed your pie the last time we cooked, with Jessi."
She grinned, strapping the picnic basket to her waiting horse. "What about you, darling husband? What will your prize be?"
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▲ my life is just constantly existing at ungodly hours
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Feb 25, 2021 4:42:20 GMT -5
Post by achromatic on Feb 25, 2021 4:42:20 GMT -5
Cassian gave an actual, genuine smile at that. He always did enjoy cooking, even if it wasn't the kind of stuff children of his stature were supposed to do. "Deal," he hummed, "you can tell me what you want me to make if you win."
He had to think for a little bit, before smiling to himself. "If I win, you take a secret trip to Vela with me," he declared, "and we can pretend to not be the king and queen and you can come to a house party with me." He thought it'd be fun, despite the absolute scandal of it all, but hey, it wasn't as if he wasn't already creating scandal after scandal. Why would another one matter?
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Feb 25, 2021 6:22:18 GMT -5
Post by nostalgic on Feb 25, 2021 6:22:18 GMT -5
Aela considered it for a long moment, since that was a lot more risky than a formal trip to Guivre. In the end, though, it sounded fun to pretend to not be a queen, and it wasn't like she was going to lose anyway. "Fine," she said, grinning over at Cassian. "Our prizes are settled."
Up into her saddle Aela went, adjusting herself on the back of the horse. "No cheating this time," she warned him. "On your mark, get set, go!"
With a squeeze of her legs, her horse started off, moving swiftly in the direction of the castle. The wind on her cheeks and the sun on her face rejuvenated her, and she grinned as she guided her horse along the forest paths, curious to see if Cass would catch up.
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▲ my life is just constantly existing at ungodly hours
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Feb 25, 2021 6:33:56 GMT -5
Post by achromatic on Feb 25, 2021 6:33:56 GMT -5
Cassian might've been born by the sea, but that didn't mean he had a disadvantage here. He had grown up with the same horseback riding lessons as any, and it didn't take long for him to catch up. "Better start packing for the trip!" he laughed as he urged Safa to go faster. He wasn't going to get lost this time and he sure as hell wasn't going to lose.
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Feb 25, 2021 7:58:32 GMT -5
Post by nostalgic on Feb 25, 2021 7:58:32 GMT -5
Aela spurred her horse on, feeling the wind whip her curls back as she sped up. It was useless, however. Cassian's lead he'd gained was too great, and he was indeed the first to make it back to the stables. "Excellent riding," Aela said breathlessly, dismounting and grinning over at him. "When do we leave for Vela, my lord? I'm excited to see your hometown."
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▲ my life is just constantly existing at ungodly hours
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Feb 25, 2021 8:25:16 GMT -5
Post by achromatic on Feb 25, 2021 8:25:16 GMT -5
He grinned as he arrived back at the stables. "You can kiss my ass this time," he called out with a smirk, as she came to a stop. It was definitely an improvement from the last time they went on a picnic, he'd have to say. Of course, there were still a few things to be done before he could claim his prize. He was still...nervous about the meeting with his father. They had prepared, over and over again, but it didn't help his nerves all that much.
"After the meeting?" he spoke, his expression slightly apprehensive again, "I mean, we'll need to plan for it anyway and I can send a letter to the guys about our upcoming trip, so they have time to prepare."
He was excited to show Aela around, just not exactly excited for the things he had to accomplish in between the time.
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Feb 25, 2021 8:49:07 GMT -5
Post by nostalgic on Feb 25, 2021 8:49:07 GMT -5
"I don't know if you washed it," Aela retorted, unsaddling her horse. "And you better not pull that stunt you did last time, or I'll have to slap you again."
She wanted to offer to prepare for the meeting again, but it wouldn't be of any use now. They'd practiced enough- all that was left to do was actually sit down and negotiate with his father. At least, once they were done, they had their trips to look forward to.
"After the meeting," she agreed, brushing out her mare's mane with steady strokes.
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▲ my life is just constantly existing at ungodly hours
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Feb 25, 2021 12:00:12 GMT -5
Post by achromatic on Feb 25, 2021 12:00:12 GMT -5
He laughed. "I'll think of a better prank next time," he joked, as he brushed his own horse, slowly falling into the depths of his own thoughts. As much as it was more comfortable with Aela now, it was...difficult to be himself. It wasn't just the fact that he didn't know how to without being his usual asshole self, it was just...a lot to think about. He'd never admit it, but he was still scared. The nightmares seemed to be held at a distance now, but the thought, the knowledge he had, that he had almost killed her because he couldn't control himself in his sleep...
A shudder ran down his spine. He wasn't going to be his father, he told himself. He wasn't going to be his father. He wasn't going to lose control again. He wasn't. He couldn't. He wouldn't.
The awkward silence seemed to settle down, as he remained silent, uncertain of what to say after their enjoyable day. Now that they were back in this castle, it just felt like he was wearing the clothes of a king that didn't quite fit him.
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Feb 26, 2021 8:54:26 GMT -5
Post by nostalgic on Feb 26, 2021 8:54:26 GMT -5
"Good. I'm expecting something that's actually funny for both of us," she grumbled good-naturedly, putting away the brush and walking in a relatively comfortable silence back to the castle. Aela was no mind fairy- she could not tell what was going on in that brain of Cass's, so she generally assumed he was just uncomfortable about the upcoming meeting with his father.
The days leading up to the meeting were nerve-wracking for them both, mostly because Aela worried about Cassian. She could handle his father well enough, but if Cass folded publicly... it would ruin the image of the crown being united in their opinion.
She waited outside of the meeting room for Cass on the appointed afternoon, dressed in a jaunty green dress. Since it was a formal meeting, Aela had said they should wear their crowns, as it would leave more of an impression. Her hand went up to adjust hers now, leaning against the wall as she waited.
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▲ my life is just constantly existing at ungodly hours
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Feb 26, 2021 11:18:57 GMT -5
Post by achromatic on Feb 26, 2021 11:18:57 GMT -5
The days were tough on Cassian, to say the least. He was relieved, that the nightmares hadn't returned. He had yet to properly sleep on his own bed, often waiting for Aela to fall asleep before sneaking off to the couch, or the guest room, or somewhere else where he didn't feel as if he could hurt anyone. His sleeping patterns were better than before, but he still found himself more tired than usual, more quiet and wary these days than before.
Part of him agreed with Aela. He was a king now, for gods' sake. Shouldn't he act like one? Be more bold, more brave, less of a pushover? Still, he found himself flinching at the idea of having to confront the man who had plagued his nightmares for years. If his brother had been king, he thought miserably, he'd never have had this problem. The two got along like a house on fire, and here he was, the oil to his father's water.
On the day of the meeting, he found himself pacing, the crown on his head felt heavy, as he dressed in his dark suit, the royal jewelry on his neck felt clunky, like a chain weighing him down.
Deep breaths, he thought. Deep breaths, as he found his way towards Aela, immediately holding his arm out, for both their appearances and in an attempt to have some sort of support from his one ally in this situation.
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Feb 26, 2021 11:58:34 GMT -5
Post by nostalgic on Feb 26, 2021 11:58:34 GMT -5
Aela took his hand and squeezed it before looping her arm through his, keeping herself close to his side in an attempt to let him know that she was there, that they had prepared, and that she would be the one person working with him, not against him.
They entered the room where Cassian's father, his assistants, and the council waited, sitting at the large round table. Aela inclined her head as a servant announced "King Cassian and Queen Aela Sutcliffe", then walked with Cass to their two seats at the head of the table.
No matter how awkward Aela could be in new social situations, mediation and diplomacy was her specialty, and one of the few areas where she felt that she thrived. "Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, and an especially warm welcome to our guest, Lord Rotherhithe. We're glad you could make it," she said with a smile, sitting in her chair and folding her hands on her lap.
"It is certainly commendable that you are so concerned about the security of our nation's highways. Cassian and I share your sentiments, and we're eager to work together to find a suitable proposal for everyone." Aela was glad that she was the monarch born to the position, since it meant less attention would be on Cassian and more would be on her. She wasn't sure how Cassian was feeling right now, but she knew that this was something she could handle.
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