King Madan

Manish Madan. King, human, husband, father, stargazer, hugger, thinker, tea-lover, book-reader. " All that pain and misery and loneliness and it just made him kind. "

[king-madan]

lacxna​:

“Not at all!” Even if she did, she would cancel all of her plans if it meant spending it with her father. Lips twirled upwards, Safiye sat across from her father, back straighten and hands resting on her lap. A young woman full of poise and grace, qualities that reflected everything Princess Safiye Madan should radiate. “You must be referring to the old Safiye, the child. I’m different from her, a proper adult who can focus on one thing at a time.” Or so she tried to show with this silly charade. She wondered how long she could keep this up before bursting out in a fit of laughter. 

.

The unusual calm and grace of his daughter made Manish involuntarily make a face of surprise, eyebrow raised in thought. He composed himself quickly and smiled carefully, “I am glad to see you have grown. Does this mean you will take on new responsibilities accordingly; learning diplomacy, foreign politics, internal affairs?” he tried to keep his voice serious although his eyes were smiling brightly at Safiye. “The Academy has lent us some old tomes on astronomy and the geography of Atherion. Will you accompany me in dusting off the old bindings?”

[happyheidi]

[king-madan]

eviesummers​:

the stew in front of her had her stomach growling, but the king handed her bread so she ate that first. she took a bite and could’ve melted, smiling down at the warm bread and then back up at the king. “stars above.” she murmured, dipping it into the stew and taking another bite. “they must make the best food for the king.” or maybe she just hadn’t eaten anything fresh in days.

“I don’t need anything. this everything.” it was hard to think beyond her next meal when she’d lived that way for so long, digging into the stew and swallowing it almost faster than she could chew. it was good, she wished she could savor it, but she was ravenous.

.

The king watched Evie stuff her mouth with food like she hadn’t eaten in forever. It made his heart melt completely, filling him with the fatherly urge to help her. She had no one around here, only zippy, but Manish doubted the gadget could help her during the cold nights or hungry days.

“Of course, the hungry have only one problem,” Manish mused, smiling fondly at Evie. “Once they are full they have a hundred”, he added more quietly. “You will need a roof over your head, a safe place to sleep, and eat when you are hungry again.” He thought about the palace’s rooms, enough to house all of Atherion’s inhabitants, but he was unsure Evie was ready to go there. Besides, the town was good to find work and friends. Manish waited until Evie had finished her bowl of stew before he asked, “Evie, would you like to come live at the palace where I live with my family, or do you want to stay here in the town?”

[king-madan]

eviesummers​:

“nope!” she said, glad he’d asked instead of just tried to help. she could push herself, she didn’t need anything. she pushed herself, followed him into the inn, and grinned at the warmth and smells. she could stay here for hours, and she pointed at a two-person table that she could get her chair to easily. “that one.”

she rolled up to the table and steadied herself, smiling as the king of her nation- her king- sat across from her. “do you do this a lot? Or only sometimes?” how lucky was she?

.

The inn was quiet, with only a few regulars at the tables. The room was dimly lit, yet everyone nodded a respectful greeting at the king when he walked in. Manish ordered two large meals from the innkeeper and put them down at the table Evie had chosen. The stew was rich with mushrooms, carrots, potatoes and onions -- the last of the autumn harvest before the spring greens were ready -- and topped with fresh thyme from the herb garden.

Manish broke the freshly baked loaf in two and handed one half to Evie as she asked her question. It felt distantly familiar to be eating side by side with the locals, but Manish felt ashamed to admit he had not done it for a long time. “Truth be told, no, I have not done this in years. I have a large family that needs my attention, but that is of course no excuse to forget my people.” He chewed slowly for a moment, thinking. “You have probably heard of lousier kings,” he said with a wry smile, “but I had hoped to be better. Which is why I want to help you. Tell me, what do you need?”

[king-madan]

1 & 17

1. What does their bedroom look like?

Manish shares a bedroom with his wife, Queen Madan, so its style and decor has been influenced by both. They have a large bed with the softest blankets, covered in rich fabrics and colourful cushions. A balcony at the southern part of the room overlooks the Palace gardens. Some of the roses have grown up the wall and into the bedroom, so that when they bloom the room is filled with a lovely smell of roses. The size of the bedroom is just enough for the two of them and their most precious belongings, as this is their private space.

17. Preferred mode of dress and rituals surrounding dress

Usually wears longer gowns, such as kaftans, in reds and yellows, with wide trousers underneath. Always wears shoes as being barefoot reminds him of his childhood spent in poverty. He tries to always dress like a king, it helps him play the part. When going into the forest he will change the red and yellow to green and blue garments, still richly decorated but slightly more adapted for walking or riding. The change of colour is his way of becoming part of the land and fitting into the environment. He sees a lot of symbolism in clothing and knows that what you decide to wear signals a lot to your surroundings.

[king-madan]

eviesummers​:

“I wasn’t alone the whole time. There were lots of places with people who helped. but…” she shrugged,  rolling back and forth a little bit on habit more than anything. she liked keeping her hands busy on the wheels. “My mom and dad always said I had to get here. and I’d be safe. so I did, and… here we are?” she smiled, happy and nervous, admitting something like that to the king.

“you’d buy me food?” she asked, eyes wide and excited. “yes please!” she really wanted food. “I’d love that, please. um, your royal king… man…” okay, so she’d never really been versed in politeness. but her stomach grumbled audibly at the idea of food, and she nervously covered it, as though that would make it stop. “food’s hard to get. please.”

.

Her words made him smile. It warmed him that she had met good people out there too, willing to help a traveller in need. “Here you are,” he chuckled, “And you are safe.”

“Of course,” he told her and he meant it. It would have been the least he could do to bring her into the palace and ask for food to be put forth, but he guessed he better take it slower with the girl. After all, it could be overwhelming to walk into the large stone corridors, sit in the halls, eat with golden forks. An inn was simpler, less intimidating and formal, even if the Madan palace was a very beautiful and inviting castle. “Just follow me. Do you need any help with... Zippy?” he asked before leading the way towards the inn. He held up the door for her and helped her into the building of stone and wood, with a fireplace always lit for the ambiance. “Which table speaks to you?”

[drlelandsoffice]

The Excessively Detailed Headcanon Tumblr Meme

[never-willbe-normal]

tigersniper :

Send me some numbers, and I will tell you:

What does their bedroom look like?

Do they have any daily rituals?

Do they exercise, and if so, what do they do? How often?

What would they do if they needed to make dinner but the kitchen was busy?

Cleanliness habits (personal, workspace, etc.)

Eating habits and sample daily menu

Favorite way to waste time and feelings surrounding wasting time

Favorite indulgence and feelings surrounding indulging

Makeup?

Neuroses? Do they recognize them as such?

Intellectual pursuits?

Favorite book genre?

Sexual Orientation? And, regardless of own orientation, thoughts on sexual orientation in general?

Physical abnormalities? (Both visible and not, including injuries/disabilities, long-term illnesses, food-intolerances, etc.)

Biggest and smallest short term goal?

Biggest and smallest long term goal?

Preferred mode of dress and rituals surrounding dress

Favorite beverage?

What do they think about before falling asleep at night?

Childhood illnesses? Any interesting stories behind them?

Turn-ons? Turn-offs?

Given a blank piece of paper, a pencil, and nothing to do, what would happen?

How organized are they? How does this organization/disorganization manifest in their everyday life?

Is there one subject of study that they excel at? Or do they even care about intellectual pursuits at all?

How do they see themselves 5 years from today?

Do they have any plans for the future? Any contingency plans if things don’t workout?

What is their biggest regret?

Who do they see as their best friend? Their worst enemy?

Reaction to sudden extrapersonal disaster (eg The house is on fire! What do they do?)

Reaction to sudden intrapersonal disaster (eg close family member suddenly dies)

Most prized possession?

Thoughts on material possessions in general?

Concept of home and family?

Thoughts on privacy? (Are they a private person, or are they prone to ‘TMI’?)

What activities do they enjoy, but consider to be a waste of time?

What makes them feel guilty?

Are they more analytical or more emotional in their decision-making?

Would they consider themselves a Type A or Type B personality?

What recharges them when they’re feeling drained?

Would you say that they have a superiority-complex? Inferiority-complex? Neither?

How misanthropic are they?

Hobbies?

How far did they get in formal education? What are their views on formal education vs self-education?

Religion?

Superstitions or views on the occult?

Do they express their thoughts through words or deeds?

If they were to fall in love, who (or what) is their ideal?

How do they express love?

If this person were to get into a fist fight, what is their fighting style like?

Is this person afraid of dying? Why or why not?

[king-madan]

eviesummers​:

she nodded, blushing a little. “I don’t know if she saw my future or what. but her tent was warm.. and I hope she did.” she said good things. Evie wanted to believe that good things were close for her. she wanted good things.

“it’s okay.” she said, even though none of it was. “it was four years ago.” All her parents had wanted for her was a life without fear of hunters, and here she was in a place where that was possible. she wondered if they were watching her, if they knew. “oh, I… I’ve been saving up for dinner, but I don’t actually have money yet.” she was furiously blushing now, nervous and embarrased. “but if you need to sit down, your…. um… highness… you can! that’s okay! I can come with.” she hoped he wasn’t planning on just eating in front of her, that would be torture. when was the last time she’d had a good meal? “I like to sit too.” she joked.

.

“That is a long time to live on your own,” he said, kind eyes watching her. He realised this meant that Evie had only been fourteen when she lost her parents, still a child and she had to survive without them. It was a harsh life Manish recognised far too well himself. The memories made him almost shiver, but he kept his emotions in check in front of the girl.

He regretted his proposition when he realised the embarrassment he had caused her. Perhaps she felt awkward in his company. He was this rich and powerful stranger, despite his good intentions she might be unwilling to take his help. But he had to make sure she was fed though and it was clear she had no means to feed herself. “Well, I was hoping you would let me pay for you,” he said carefully. “They have a special offer, two meals for the price of one,” he added, mostly as a joke, but he had a feeling the owner of the inn would not charge the king full price anyway. “I would like to make you feel welcomed after your long journey here.”

[king-madan]

eviesummers​:

“Not yet. I turned eighteen last week, so… orphanage didn’t have a bed for me.” she said it like it didn’t hurt, like she was so totally over it. she was, sort of. even though there was an ache in her gut, not just from hunger but from being alone. “an oracle said I’ll make friends here, though. I’ll be safe. and she can see the future, I think.” she hoped against hope that it was all true, that she’d be okay.

Evie could feel her shoulders relax, likely visibly, as she was promised hunters wouldn’t be here. they were illegal here. The king had just told her as much. yeah, she was never leaving this country. even if she starved alone on the street, it would be better than fearing for hunters. at the question, though, her eyes grew somber and she looked down. there was a moment where she just shook her head. but this was the king, and he’d asked a question. and he’d been so nice to her so far. “hunters.” she murmured, looking away. “on our way here.”

.

Manish nodded gravely at her words. It was a tricky situation, coming into a new land without any job, shelter or knowledge beyond rumours about the place. “You’ve met the oracle?” he asked, not too surprised but not too pleased either. Manish had still not made up his mind about what he thought of oracles. He found it unlikely that a single person could possess that much clairvoyance. Then again, he wasn’t born in Atherian and there were still many things he did not know about it. Besides, he wasn’t about to take away the girl’s hopes of a bright future in Atherion, in fact he meant to do the exact opposite. “Then it shall be so,” he said smiling.

“You have my deepest sympathy,” he said softly. It was as he had feared then, she had lost her family on the way. The girl was lonely and looked like she hadn’t had a proper meal in a while. Manish was silent for a moment, thinking. Then he rose to his full height and said, “I would like to hear more about you, but let us move the conversation to a more comfortable place. Allow me to accompany you to the inn and buy you a hot meal. They make delicious stew here.” He smiled and gestured in the direction of the inn down the street.

[king-madan]

atherionsheart​:

aditi   loved   the   gardens   ,   it   was   where   she   picked   her   herbs   and   flowers   .   the   weather   today   was   one   of   her   favorites   the   sun   was   out   and   she   was   able   to   walk   barefoot   through   the   gardens   .   a   small   basket   rested   at   the   crook   of   her   elbow   as   she   made   her   way   into   the   castle,   she   didn’t   want   to   go   back   into   the   castle   and   away   from   the   sun   .   seeing   her   husband   she   stopped   and   placed   the   basket   on   the   ground   next   to   the   seat   .   “   i   would   love   to   ,   ”   she   told   the   other   walking   over   and   pressing   a   small   kiss   to   their   temple   before   joining   him   .   “   what   kind   of   tea   speak   to   you   today   ?   ”

.

Manish smiled warmly at his wife as she planted the soft kiss. Like a flower it bloomed in him, spreading warmth to all the parts of his body that the sun could not reach. “I ask for something that would taste like summer,” he said, putting his hand on the table between them for her to hold, “Perhaps they’ll add some dried strawberries.” He looked out over the garden again, “Have you noticed how early the roses are blooming this year? I hope it means something good. We could use some good news right now.”

[king-madan]

princessbrielle​:

“he said he’s going to go home and practice. i’d hope next time he comes to visit I’d be able to speak a little more with him.” if he liked her, she hoped he’d practice. and if he practiced, she knew he’d improve. “I’d love to take him to the ocean. thank you.”

“Papa, don’t cry. if you start crying I start crying, and if I start crying I can’t see you sign.” she was certainly tearing up now, even though it was all happy, all good things. it felt so good to be in a family that loved each other this hard.

.

“Next time you will hopefully not be interrupted,” he didn’t add by what, but it was clear he meant the worrying event at the Unity Ball. He really didn’t want to bring it up, causing the event to appear of greater importance than it was. It would only cause unnecessary worry.

“Sorry, sorry... don’t mind your old father,” he signed, chuckling at her words. Manish quickly wiped the corners of his eyes and smiled warmly at Brielle. He lifted a hand and caressed her cheek before putting it down to sign, ”I am happy for you that you have found someone you are fond of. Love is a beautiful thing, and it needs time and care to grow, just like your roses. I hope we can invite your prince again soon.”

[etherea1ity]

so many worlds to see through the window

(via)

[king-madan]

lacxna​:

“I would love to!” Safiye had the same plan in mind, well, somewhat. She was going to call for tea and cakes and whatever else can be fed to the birds. Birds were always her favorite company to have when it was beautiful like this but tea with her father? Even better. Quickly rounding the table, Safiye sat down across from the man, hands folded carefully on top of her lap and smile bright on her face. “I see we both had the same thing in mind. I was coming out here again to enjoy quality time on my own.”

.

Manish smiled at his youngest daughter, glad that she had decided on a calmer form of activity for this afternoon. It was a shame to complain, but she was awfully free-spirited, just like her mother. Of course, that was what Manish loved about her, and also what drove him insane from time to time. “What a pleasant coincidence,” Manish mused. “You did not have anything else planned then?”, he couldn’t help himself but ask, “It is unusual for you to have only one idea on your mind at any given point in time.”

[king-madan]

eviesummers​:

“I want to make chairs for other people. and braces and canes and stuff. I remember when I got mine, and it made everything way easier, and i figured out all these ways to improve on that design, and… I don’t know.” she just thought she could make a difference, for some people, maybe. so while she liked tinkering on just about everything, that was the dream. “But I do all sorts of work. I can dig graves, and deliver packages… actually i’m great for message deliveries. I’m fast.” she took just about any job, she didn’t want the king to think she wasn’t a hard worker. she was!

“You’re also pretty tall.” she said, smiling. the king was so cool, which she hadn’t really expected out of him. weren’t kings all stiff and your-highness-y? “My mom and dad heard hunters aren’t allowed in atherion. that’s true, right?” she figured she may as well ask the king. he was in charge. or married to the lady who was in charge, anyway.

.

“That would be really helpful to those who need it,” Manish said. He nodded quietly while she spoke, her delightful ramblings filling the space where they were standing between the houses. “I hear you are a girl of many talents. I’m sure we can find something for you to do, once you have settled. Do you have a place to stay?”

The remark about his height made Manish laugh, “I- I suppose I am.” He smiled, “That is right. Atherion is a land of peace, where no one is hunted for who they are.” If she was afraid of hunters, Manish thought, then there was more to this girl than met the eye. It was common for magical beings to travel to Atherion seeking sanctuary, unfortunately not all made it there. “Your family...” he began carefully, knowing he was treading a potentially vulnerable topic, “are they here too?”

[king-madan]

princessbrielle​:

“well, he seemed very nice.” she answered, trying to ignore the big dorkish smile growing on her face or the way her blush was almost certainly creeping down her neck and up her ears. her father was someone she was always able to talk to, and that wasn’t stopping now. “his signing could use a bit of work. but we talked about our favorite colors, and the mountains… he quite likes the sea, I think I might have to send him some seashells.” she’d promised she would.

“I’m always right about roses, see the sign?” right next to her rosebush was a sign with her name laid in gold. Brielle’s Roses. the roses were hers, from the moment she was small and had asked to be put in charge of all the roses on the palace property. they were hers, and she assigned gardeners she’d befriended and trusted to look after them.

“Nice is good,” Manish added, inviting her to elaborate on her impression of the young prince. She was blushing, just like the roses around them, the emotions making her even more beautiful. Manish’s eyes shone with happiness as he relived his own first infatuation through her. “That is a good start. I am sure you can teach him to keep up with you in longer conversations. And one day you can take him to the ocean.”

Manish looked at the plaque by the roses, a fond memory of little Brielle bubbling up in his mind. “Ah yes, my darling, your first royal decree. I will never forget that day,” he grinned at her, remembering the gardener’s surprise at being ordered by someone so young. “The roses have brought us a lot of joy. Just as you have,” he paused, blinking away some tears that were often brought out by his sentimental nature, “And just as I know you will bring your future family.”

[king-madan]

princessbrielle​:

“Papa…” she whined, fighting off a blush as she physically pushed the sign away from herself. he’d definitely noticed what she’d noticed, Brielle was realizing. there was, in fact, a very cute prince who she’d spent the night speaking to. but as much as this was embarrassing, her parents had always been people Brielle could confide in. “Was he looking at me?” she asked. “after we were talking?” she’d been looking at him.

“I like it when we’re good.” she nodded, grasping one of his hands momentarily, before releasing it so he could speak to her.

.

Manish could not help but feel a little embarrassed himself. No, not embarrassed, excited, for her. He had once experienced the same courting, longing, wondering as she was experiencing now. “Oh yes. With admiration and longing,” he signed, a warm smile on his lips. “I am sure he wished he could have the whole evening only with you. What did you speak of?”

“So do I, my dear,” he said, giving her hand a quick squeeze. His eyes scrutinised her for a moment, wondering if she was burdened by worry herself. But she seemed so happy, he didn’t want her to think about frightening things. “And if you’re right about the roses, I think it will remain good.”

[king-madan]

eviesummers​:

she nodded, shifting her legs within the chair, looking down at it. She knew it wasn’t pretty, that parts of it were more patchwork than original. but it was hers, and it should’ve stopped working a year or two back if she hadn’t treated it so well. “All me. I mean, I st-… borrowed some parts, but just the ones nobody else was using. and I used them.”

“Is that me?” she asked, a flutter of excitement in her chest at the concept. she wanted to stay here, wanted to be a citizen. and the oracle had said she would be safe here, that she would find her place. she was thrilled. but hearing it from the king was even cooler. “I’m Evie.” she said, turning a bit so her wheel wasn’t facing him, her face was. “It’s… a little scary to meet you, but good?” she admitted, a nervous smile on her face.

.

“If you could do something like this with borrowed scraps... I can only imagine what you could do with your own tools and the proper materials.” Manish was not very handy himself, but he had an interest in trinkets and gadgets and thought himself to have quite the eye for good craft. “If this is what you like doing I’m sure you could find a job in this town. We need crafty people.”

That excited response was a reward worth more than gold to Manish. He knew he had guessed right about the girl, and hopefully he could help her make this place her home. “Pleasure to meet you, Evie. Welcome to Atherion,” he smiled. “Scary? Because I’m the king?” he asked, almost surprised. “You’ll soon see that such titles matter little around here. In these lands everyone is equally important and deserving of a good life.”