⟣&. kingslayer be king

[yoroiis]

" H-Hey!! Unhand me you filthy, disgusting-! "

Yank! Ajaw's complaints seemed to fall on deaf ears this time as his small digital tail was snagged in Ral's palm and the tiny dragonlord was pulled away against his will. He'd snap louder, as if a bigger mouth and a more verbal complaint would force the chimera in the lead to release him!

" You-! Rrgh! If you don't stop yanking me around by the tail like this, then it won't matter how many bogus, out-of-line rules you set! I won't follow any of them! Not a single one!! Do you hear me this time!? "

But no matter how much Ajaw snapped and spit, his tail stayed firmly snug in Ral's hand, leaving the 'defeated' dragonlord to deflate himself in a small, annoyed huff.

" Hmph! "

Just wait until he got a chance to tell Kinich how brutish Ral acts when around her ex-boyfriend! As if them going to the hot springs together wouldn't be gossip enough, them ganging up on him to stuff him in a geyser would just be the cherry on top of the quenepa berry pie!

'Oooh, you morons are going to owe me so much by the time we're done here! But go ahead! Keep thinking you've got the upper hand! We'll see who's laughing by the time my side of things comes out later-'

[strifebeholder]

" They're fine. " Mydei would be quick to answer. " It's not like we stay bound to each other all day. They had business and I had mine, so we agreed to venture out on our own for awhile. I just wasn't expecting my path to involve running into an old friend with a noisy little scavenger in tow like you're dragging along. "

But after hearing Ral out and realizing what she'd asked to meet up with him for, he suddenly wasn't against it either. Loudmouthed drama hunters were typically an audience worthy of being of being ignored, but when their presence came with showing the weak, little hyenas who was actually worthy of respect and why-

Then Mydei wasn't against trading a few blows with a creature that needed a severe attitude readjustment anyway. It was dangerous to have a 'former ancient dragonlord' thinking he still possessed enough power to rule a nation -- so in Mydei's opinion, he was just preventing another tradegy!

" You weren't looking to speak with them yourself, were you? " Mydei would ask over a shoulder, already picking the best trail that could lead them to one of the more easily accessible hot spring baths nearby. " I know it's been awhile since you've seen them, but they're certainly not strangers when it comes to 'mingling with the commoners' of this world anymore. Though, for you- "

Would a meeting between Ral and Astrals be any different? Or anymore guarded? Phainon and Ria weren't overly cautious about who they interacted with anymore, but they still had their reserves -- especially with others who had ties to areas beyond the skies like Ral certainly had.

That'd been the reason why Mydei had always been fine with acting as liaison. It wouldn't have been his place to put anyone in harm's way for the sake of a few spoken words and greetings. Though if Ral were persistent enough, Mydei could probably make it happen.

[strifebeholder]

"Myyyyyydei."

Shayan sounded... Bored would probably be the only word to put to it, feet kicking in the air while the two looked out over Cider Lake from the pier's edge. It wasn't all that rare for Mydei to visit, and Shayan loved when he did, but this time? This time he'd been lost in thought for most of the visit, resulting in the two checking out the fish in the lake rather than his cousin's usual, far more exciting, visit.

"How come mom calls you a lion?" Just one of many questions on his 14 year old mind, peeking up at the blonde through messy black bangs. "She's got a tail, but... You don't. Like Uncle Thoma. Is yours like a belly button - Inside?"

" ... "

Mydei would've been lying to himself if he'd said he'd knew where to start with that. Agreeing to watch the teen while everyone else was busy and knowing how to counter his off-the-wall questions were definitely two different matters completely. Besides, shouldn't this kid have started growing up by now anyway? What were his parents even doing with him?

" ...Is that truly what goes through that head of yours? " came an exasperate sigh from the older. " It's just a nickname -- just like I could be asking the same of you, too. By those standards, where is your tail then? Is yours just growing on the inside also? "

How ridiculous this conversation was already.

[transientfrost]

Despite the comfort of having Mydei and his level head with her, Ral couldn't stop the irritated roll of her eyes that followed Ajaw's argument, or the sigh bordering on a faint growl escaping just a second later. "And I've reminded you multiple times, flat fuck, that having friends is not a crime. You claim my being close to Mydei is a horrible, terrible thing to be weaponized against Kin, yet you fail to remember he is equally as close to Kachina and Mualani. Your argument holds about as much weight as air."

There were few that could get under her skin like Ajaw had, enough so she could count them on a single hand... If that had hadn't been busy kneading fingers into her sleeve, that was, easing out the feelings she held into the gesture in a bid to regain her cool. Somehow, he, just like Lunaria, always managed to know right where to poke and prod at the Chimera until she snapped - But luckily for Ajaw, she had one of two people capable of calming her simply by being there with her, making her next sigh a sound far calmer and tired.

"He does," Ral confirmed after a second, turning her full attention up to her friend, stress and irritation washing away with the relaxing of her shoulders. "I have invited him to join us, but I don't... Think he's ready for that just yet. I don't blame him, either. To know your mate has a relationship with another just as ancient as she, never mind one she formerly shared a bed with and still holds in incredibly high regard..."

Slowly, her arms unfurled, a hand sliding up to rub at the crook of her neck. "...Lunaria gave me permission to tell him everything. As much as I don't want Kinich in danger, it was only fair he learn what we came from, you know?" Her words were careful, enough for Mydei to hopefully understand without Ajaw picking up on the truth of them; the last thing she needed was for Ajaw to find something else to nitpick and prod at, especially on a topic so sensitive, but... This was the first time she'd been able to talk about such things with Mydei all the same, casting a quick glance in Ajaw's direction before she'd continue.

"It's not that he's unwilling to meet you, he... Needs time to adjust to the idea. Unfortunately, even he's getting tired of Ajaw's prodding about the matter. The way he prattles off, you'd think you and I just had a steamy meetup last night while Kin slept in the next room over and I could leave him at any moment. I will never deny I love you, you are my closest friend, but Ajaw..."

On that, her hand slid a little higher, fingertips rubbing at her temples. There weren't enough words in any language, spoken or written, to explain the irritation the dragon sparked in her! "The agreement was to bring him to you for a taste of his own medicine, so whatever you want to do to him? Have at it. He's so desperate to be rid of me, and I'd just like him to be silent. I'm sure Kinich would, too. Anything you can do to help with that, we're both all here for. Pretty sure Ajaw's afraid of you already, anyway... Probably the smartest thing he's ever done, admittedly."

Mydei couldn't hold her lowkey insults and taunts of Ajaw against her... Could he? "If it finally shuts him up even for a day, I'll pay you back in any way you could ever ask of me."

[yoroiis]

" Hmph! " Ajaw would quickly turn his back on the two with a huff of his own, all in his attempt to muffle both of them and their useless nitpicking. " All I'm saying is that it's highly suspicious for a useless human to still be such 'close friends' with a guy they've admitted to being with before and absolutely nothing be happening! He might not say it out loud, but even Kinich still has some doubts about this guy- "

Ajaw would pause to wiggle his little digital tail from behind him, trying his best not to turn around just to see what Ral and her 'friend' thought of his retort.

" Why do you think he's not here, hm? Because even he doesn't trust this homewrecker enough to be friends with him! He's just not aggressive or coldhearted enough to assert his dominance and say that much to his face! "

As much as the dragonlord was trying to prove himself right, Ral would probably be able to see through Ajaw's annoying prattling instantly! On the contrary, Kinich hadn't followed Ral on her meetup today because he trusted her and her judgement. He didn't know Mydei and didn't have any interest in meeting him just yet, but Kinich knew Ral wouldn't string him along or keep up with old flames after everything they'd been through and agreed to.

Kinich respected Ral's privacy and trusted her enough to know she could keep up with past lovers as friends while still being loyal to him in the end. He didn't need to micromanage her and her interactions just like she often gave him more than enough space to meet with his own female friends in private, too.

Trust and respect on that level were obviously concepts that Ajaw himself couldn't seem to grasp! Even if his back staying turned to both Ral and Mydei was a small sign that he knew this was an argument he couldn't hope to win-

He was just too stubborn of a being to admit he'd been cornered.

[strifebeholder]

Choosing to completely ignore Ral's little pest of guest and his ramblings this time, Mydei would focus his attention on his companion instead. She seemed...irritated and on edge. Rightfully so, considering how this pancake lizard seemed to treat her, but Ajaw was really getting under his skin somehow, wasn't she? That much seemed to show in the way Ral gripped at her clothes and tried to ground herself with soothing touches.

She definitely had more self control than he did if something so disrespectful and rude were attempting to talk down on him. Why didn't she just snap on him? Mydei knew that Ral could have one of the fiercest tempers when ignited...so why didn't she just beat some manners into this degenerate herself?

" Would a trip to the hot springs help...? " Mydei eventually answered, breaking his own silence.

Whether Ral wanted to assume he meant for her to ease her stress with or a tactic in 'Ajaw's attitude adjustment', he didn't care -- a trip to a hot bath somewhere could probably do all three of them some good. Phainon and Ria were busy, Ral's mate was obviously caught up in some job of his own, and Ajaw could use a good steam cleaning of that mouth of his that Mydei didn't see a problem with his idea. Especially when-

" We could probably find a nice, hot geyser small enough to use him as a stopper for. One with enough pressure that we can even take turns seeing who can launch the lizard the farthest. "

[transientfrost]

'Beneficial friends' - She liked the sound of how he'd put the ancient part of their relationhip, agreement loosening her grip on Ajaw's tail for the tiniest of seconds before she'd tighten it back up again. Even so, it wouldn't be that easy, no doubt! Ajaw would do anything to get her away from Kinich despite their bond being life-long, and Ral had a feeling that would include twisting even Mydei's words, lest they put a full stop to it right then and there.

All the same, nobody said she wasn't allowed to have fun with it, either, the Guardian's 'sweet' smile slowly morphing into a broad, amused grin. The whole point of this meeting was to shut the dragonlord up once and for all, but... Kinich wouldn't mind if she treated Ajaw like he treated everyone else for a little while, did he?

"You hear that? Even he says that's over, and has been. For a long time." Giving Ajaw's tail another swift yank, she'd release it; he couldn't go far without her as far as she was aware, and even if she were wrong on that, all it would take was a yank via Kinich's bracelet once she got back home to drag him back, no doubt. He wouldn't be gone long, if he chose to escape - Though something told her his need to argue and insult would keep him in place all the same. The dragonlord was nothing if not a jerk first and foremost, after all!

Crossing her arms over her chest, Ral turned her focus up to Mydei in full. "I've been nothing but honest with my mate. This one has decided, however, he loathes my existence and the fact I make said mate happy so much, I'm an enemy to destroy, along with our bond. Once I told Kinich about writing you, and told him rather honestly who and what you were... You've become a weapon for this flat, molded pancake in his desperate bid to split Kinich and I, ignoring the bond I have with him is life-long - Just like the friendship you and I have."

She'd stressed that one word: Friendship. Not for Mydei's sake, but for Ajaw's, of course. "And for that, I apologize. But while I offer you the challenge of a living piece of Natalnese history in a... We think he's a genuine dragonlord, I also offer him a taste of his own bullshit, too. If he won't believe me that you and I haven't been anywhere close to a bed in damn knows how long, than I'm going to make him hear it from you. One person can be claimed a liar. Someone like you agreeing with me? Not so much."

"Also, I'm giving you full permission to use him as a punching bag if you like, Mydei. I'm tired of him doing it to me, Kin and I agreed it's only fair he learn. Which is also why I brought him along, so... Have at him if you like. Doesn't that ound like fun, Ajaw? Seeing just what Mydei has in store for you?"

[yoroiis]

" I've told you over and over that I don't care about the reasons! Or what this meatbag has in store for me! Just unhand me, you wretched little -! "

Pop.

Ajaw's tail would finally slip out of Ral's grasp with a comedic snap, giving the tiny dragonlord enough time to skitter a few paces away like a bug on the run. Once there, he'd turn around and face the two annoyances with his beady eyes blinking in irritation from behind his digital sunglasses. He couldn't run far from Ral. As the one with access to the bracelet he was normally 'stored' in, disappearing would just mean being dragged back later-

So instead, Ajaw would sit and stare from enough steps away that he could easily see a move for him if Ral or her muscled sidekick decided to make a break for him.

" Hmph! You say that like Kinich has even believed a word I've said so far. I keep trying to tell him that you two still can't deny that you're close, yet every time I do, he tunes me out like I'm just another yowling Yumkasaur. "

Which wasn't unusual. Kinich didn't tend to listen to Ajaw much unless they were out on a job and he had no choice. If anything, the dragonlord would whine that it was Kinich's abuse of him that made his attitude as bad as it was -- even if that was a lie. Ajaw was rotten to core from beginning to end. Still, he really didn't appreciate the glances he was getting from Ral and her 'friend'.

" ...Don't look at me like that, worm. I know you. Just like I know you've probably asked Kinich how he feels about this one yourself. You might be slow, but even you're not THAT stupid. "

[strifebeholder]

" ... "

There was something truly grating about the way this creature spoke. His comments weren't sharp enough to force Mydei to act out of turn yet, but the degradation and mockery in his tone were enough to earn Ajaw a pointed, angry stare from the prince. This abomination of Natlan's history didn't have any reason calling himself a 'lord' if his attitude were this self centered and uncaring. It didn't matter whether his people were dragons, warriors, or maggots-

Ajaw didn't deserve to lead anyone at all -- just like Mydei's opinion of the small lizard had already hit rock bottom.

" If no one's entertaining you, then shouldn't that be your clue to stop talking? Your tricks are founded in falsehood, just like your ego is built on pillars of sand. You wouldn't even be a good match in a training contest, let alone someone trustworthy enough to believe anything that comes out of that selfish mouth of yours. "

Mydei would finish his bunt insult with another fiery glare before he'd shift his attention back to Ral. Ajaw wouldn't try anything under his watch -- Mydei would make sure of that -- but he also didn't see much of a reason to escalate things when this creature were such a lowly existence, that even hyenas and vultures were more noble lives than him. Still, that left the question:

" ...What do you want me to do with him? From what I've heard already, he wouldn't be much fun to drag around. His words are as flat and useless as his body is, so I appreciate that mate of yours for not taking his jabs like the truth. "

" He's got a good head. " Not that Mydei had actually met Ral's mate, Kinich, yet for him to solidify that fact -- but out of the pair, he could already tell that Kinich would be ten times more trustworthy than the dragon company he kept.

[transientfrost]

@strifebeholder from HERE!

It was oddly easy to ignore Ajaw's ranting beside her when Mydei had questioned her like he had - Especially when her answer was pure laughter, casting a glance to the 'dragonlord' before refocusing her attention on the taller. There was something amazing to her about hearing someone else call Ajaw a 'thing' that there was no wiping the wide grin off her lips now! "Unfortunately, you're right. But I thought you might enjoy the 'challenge' of meeting a real dragonlord of Natlan's history."

More like she'd brought Ajaw along to finally shut him up, and Mydei was her 'tool of choice' to make that happen! She'd gone months listening to his complaining and scheming and lies, most of them designed to force her mate away from her, and she'd had enough - If he wanted to know more about her 'big, hot ex', she was more than happy to provide as much... But Ral wasn't so stupid as to assume just a glance was all it would take, either.

Oh no. Ajaw wanted to put his nose into the immortal's business, and she was all too excited to introduce the two properly, giving the glorified, flatened lizard's tail a tug in hopes of quieting his complaints, if not silencing them outright. "What's wrong? You've been talking endlessly about Mydeimos, ever since I told Kin about that letter I sent him before - Is he not everything you dreamd of, Ajaw? This married man who could easily make you flatter than you already are? Who already knows you're just a flat disk of hot air and nothing more?"

Could Ajaw switch into his bigger dragon form without Kinich nearby? Ral wasn't sure, and while a part of her was eager to find out, she knew it wouldn't be a problem. Both she and Mydei had beaten bigger and more terrifying beings in their countless millions of years of life; poking and prodding Ajaw into trying something wouldn't be a problem, especially with the two of them combined against him.

"Mydei, Ajaw. Ajaw, this is Mydeimos... The very same 'ex' you keep trying to throw in Kin's face every chance you get."

[yoroiis]

The joke was definitely on Ajaw this time!

Much to Ral's unspoken relief, the small version of the Dragonlord couldn't transform into his more powerful self with Kinich so far away -- so far now, Ajaw was stuck as the tiny pixelated version he was often in. This form didn't offer him much in scare tactics; especially not when the guy he'd been forced to meet was so...large and intimidating himself. But that wouldn't stop Ajaw!

He'd heard enough about this moron to be able to make assumptions already! He was Ralphina's discarded ex, clearly someone she was still happy to be with, and wasn't that good of a goody-two-shoes if Kinich still chose to avoid him like he did! Never mind that he reeked of rust and some unspeakable fruit.

" Rrrgh...! Would you stop yanking my tail so hard!? " Ajaw would finally yowl to break his own thoughts. " It doesn't matter who you're trying to show me, pulling on my tail like it's a kite string isn't gonna make my vision any better, you...! You lowly worm! I didn't even want to come on this trip anyway! This is cruel and unusual punishment! "

Especially when the last words Ajaw had heard Kinich mention was that 'he'd be out collecting quenepa berries while Ajaw and Ral were bonding'. The Dragonlord didn't want Ral or the bonding! He just wanted food and to be left alone!

[strifebeholder]

" ...Hmph. What a miserable existence to be stuck with. " The comment had verbally slipped out, but Mydei had meant every syllable of it.

This 'dragonlord' was all bark and no bite; weak like a defanged hyena still trying to hold onto its last scrapes of carrion with what little pride and dignity it had left. Mydei couldn't understand why anyone would want to be associated with a creature so far removed from its former glory such as this one, but he'd trust Ral had her reasons.

At least her grip on Ajaw's tail seemed to be keeping the small, insignificant lizard in check while it ranted away about not wanting to be there. Truth be told, Mydei almost wished Ral would've left the dragon behind, too. How noisy this thing was-

" If it helps with the situation any, scavenger, whatever lies you're trying to spread are completely unfounded. Ral and I might've been beneficial friends long ago, but there's nothing like that in between us now. Of this, you can take my word for. "

Not that Mydei could sense any kind of threat in Ajaw, but just to set rumors straight with his own voice, he'd still keep his replies level headed for now.

[strifebeholder]

With an overly wide, sweet, almost scheming smile, Ral came to a stop before her friend... If only to turn her focus up to Mydei with a glint in her eye that almost hinted at a good time, if he wanted it. It wasn't often she came to him like she did now, but he wasn't one to hold her plans against her, and that was exactly why she'd chosen to go through with it!

"Mydeimos~! I'm so glad to see you here-" She'd... Invited him out for the day, but... A little bit of acting would go a long way, especially when paired with her gesture to her companion: A familiar, clearly irritated 'dragon' forced to make the trip to see him with her. The less Ajaw picked up on her plans, the better! "I wanted to ask, have you met Ajaw here? He's a big, strong dragon - Weren't you wanting to meat one of those at one point?"

A challenge. She'd introduced Ajaw as a challenge, something she knew Mydei couldn't pass up, careful to keep the 'sweet' smile in place, lest the dragon figure out just what she'd hinted to the demigod in the letter she'd sent in invitation. "You know, he's actually a Dragonlord... That's what he says, anyway. I don't know how true that is, though."

Piss off Ajaw in the process, though? She's down for that~!

" ...That's a 'big, strong dragon'? "

Mydei wasn't convinced -- and that much was evident just from his uninterested tone. This 'dragon' looked more like a children's digital play thing. Not something that the Kremnoan prince would've taken for a worthy opponent; let alone something with a status noble enough to claim a title such as 'lord'. Maybe it's attitude was fierce, but Mydei doubted a creature such as this could pose any real threat-

And so he'd half huff a laugh in Ajaw's direction.

" Hmph! I'm not sure if this is your idea of a joke or not, Ralphina, but you know I've felled lions with fangs bigger than this lizard. He may call himself a 'Dragonlord', but even I can tell he's only a 'lord' in imagination alone. "

Mydei would quietly take another moment to size Ajaw up, who'd gone red with an annoyingly loud rant as his counter protest to Ral's grip and the prince's own assessment. Hmm, but wait-

" ...Isn't this the thing that mate of yours ventures around with? Why would you want it near you? "

[tipsytern]

Stellar Photography | Healthy Desserts With Precise Nutritional Balance

The brocade box in your hand is as crimson as a war banner, its gilded patterns shimmering in the lamplight. Beneath the lavish packaging lies a handmade healthy high-cal dessert with strictly controlled nutritional ratios. Its texture is rich and refined as if the maker knew the recipient's tastes by heart.

Take it. This medal belongs to you alone.

[transientfrost]

"Stars, ass, same thing," Ral joked in reply, shoulders shrugging and lips curled into a gentle and amused smile despite the gentler tone of her voice. Mydei was completely in the right to be irritated, after all! Lunaria's interest in something, or someone, usually came with an annoying catch of some kind and the situation they'd found themselves in was no different, the moon's annoyance taking over far more than her concern over some kind of leak happening. All gods forbid Mydei got five minutes with an aunt he'd likely been missing for countless centuries!

So when he questioned about where the Astral's focus had been, Ral couldn't hold back a laugh, jerking a thumb up to the skies as if to say Lunaria's head had been right where he'd previously mentioned it to be. "She's got her eye on so much this world, I'd be more surprised if she wasn't watching Aria. How do you think she knew what happened so fast? All hail queen of the moon's asshole, you know."

it was true, too. He'd not left his aunt's side for more than a few minutes at most when Lunaria had appeared to breathe down the Guardian's neck, yanking on her 'leash' with a huff and an order to remind Mydei of just why secrets needed to remain hidden as they had. Aria wasn't fully awake and the tiniest misstep could cause a problem, a concern Ral understood far too well, but what harm was there in letting him have a visit with his aunt, especially when she could finally give him the interactions he'd likely been missing? Never mind the fact he was as ancient as she and knew the rules and reasons for their secret keeping just as well!

Having a chance to relax and reconnect with someone who had made clear she had at least some memories wasn't a crime, and for a moment, an apology stuck to the tip of Ral's tongue. She had no reason to, she knew, nor did she have to, yet it still sat there regardless when she also knew nobody else would. There wasn't another soul that would be apologetic for the things he'd gone through and yet still had thrown in his face - At least, none who understood quite like Ral did, prompting a small swallow to get the words to go back down to her chest. Mydei deserved better than the hand he'd been dealt as far as she was concerned, even if he did still have his spouses and a fairly decent life worked out in his favor-

But it was his mention of information that helped push back her desire to apologize, eyes widening slightly in return. "Then that lead I've been trying to chase since Teyvat... Shit. If we do have a leak, then that's something we need to be concerned about. I'd been hoping when nothing came up in Teyvat, then that meant we'd be in the clear, but..."

Ral left out a huff, lifting a hand to rub at her temples. Speaking of these things in public was a bad idea, sure, but at least they both knew to keep details to a minimum; who would understand what a 'Teyvat' was unless they'd been involved with it, anyway? "You don't have details.. How much of it have you heard? If it's as bad as that sounds, then at least I can say her irritation has a legitimate reason this time, instead of just being annoyed you dared meet with family you haven't properly seen in centuries. Anything in your network we need to be concerned about, yet? ...Past the fact there's rumors out there, I mean."

[strifebeholder]

" Aside from knowing enough's awakened to be able to hold a decent conversation with my aunt? That's it. Anything else and I'm in the same position as you- " He'd defend himself with a stubborn cross of his arms over his chest at that.

" Which is why I think Lunaria's judgement is a little one sided if she's sending her battalions to counter me of all people. Has she already forgotten that I haven't been subjected to the same cycles as most everyone else? My 'deaths' are simply because they're needed for something else to continue -- and I haven't forgotten where I come from. Unlike the others. "

Mydei hadn't made a name for himself over the ages for being a humanitarian, yet his own cycles were simply by choice to keep the destruction in someone else at bay. The 'Ruin' in Ria needed something to be 'reset' to fulfill it's sense of duty, so both Phainon and Mydei had taken it upon themselves to act as a catalyst for that cycle.

It wasn't easy work. Sometimes the cycles were harder to bare than others -- but both him and the Dawnbringer knew that their 'resets' were necessary to keep Ria functioning like a normal person in most worlds. But that didn't mean that Mydei's senses were completely erased in between rebirths either. Unlike a majority of those with ties to their original home era, he was still acutely aware of what Halcyon was and had been-

And he'd done a very good job keeping those secrets to himself over the ages, too! If Lunaria really was accusing him of being the secret breaker among this timeline, then he'd fight the Astral himself to defend his honor. Aria's ability to recognize him wasn't Mydei's fault.

" So here- " Unfurling his crossed arms, Mydei would eventually stretch a hand out to hover it in place in front of Ral, palm side down. " Go ahead and smack for my 'mistake' of flirting with a 'well guarded secret of the old ages.' Say you punished me so you can make the Moon Goddess happy. "

[transientfrost]

"You've no idea how quickly I would take you up on that, even if it gave me just a few hours without Lunaria up my ass." Though her tone was light and carried a hint of laughter, a sure sign of further jokes and teasing, her words were also honest - Something she knew he'd pick up on. Though Ral did her best to hide it, to keep it buried and out of sight, she couldn't deny the countless millions of years had left her exhausted on a level few could ever even hope to understand. Even an hour without the moon's grip on her leash would have been a godsend!

And yet all the same, he was aware of that. Their meetings had been infrequent through the worlds, sure, but Mydei was one of an incredibly small handful of people who knew her soul more than the woman. Her secrets, her feelings, what made her tick - He and Kinich were the only two who had ever been granted access to that, and for that reason alone, she'd not hesitate to accept his offer with a turn of her back to him, stepping out towards the gestured sidewalk. If he wanted to hurt her, he would've done it worlds ago, after all.

Once her feet had started moving, however, jovial teases turned to a soft, knowing sigh, focus shifting back to the thoughts and worries at hand despite the still light air surrouding them. "I'd love to, actually... Thank you. I've missed you, you know? It's been too long since I last got the chance to see you - Always is. I just wish this time wasn't due to... This."

It was her turn to vaguely gesture, though unlike him, hers was to the world around them. The relatively quiet place they'd found themselves in, surrounded by traces of their home... Traces that felt warming yet concerned the Guardian, gesture turning into a small, slight shrug. "She wanted me to scold you, you know. I think she's afraid of you - Rightfully so, at least, though I didn't think Aria would remember enough to come to you like she sounds like she did. You... Are all right with that? It' been a long time since you've been able to reconnect with her, too. Your mane isn't ruffled, but you are all right?"

The question wasn't buisness - It was open and clear concern, green gaze turning up to the blonde. She knew Mydei's weariness as much as she did her own, and his longing for his family occasionally giving him homesickness; how was he taking the meeting? How had he been since he'd left his aunt's side - How... Was he? "You know I'm here for you, Mydei. Always."

[strifebeholder]

Hmph. Why was it always such a sobering feeling whenever anyone brought up family so out of the blue like this? Ral usually knew better than to approach the topic so openly with him, just like Ria and Phainon usually did, but -- as it turned out, work really was Ral's reason for being so nearby. Mydei couldn't help a small, almost inaudible huff at the question. As if someone like him would've stopped for two seconds to listen to the 'scoldings' brought forth from some lunatic moon Astral.

" She's out of her mind, " came a dissatisfied grumble from Ral's side. " Does she really have her head so stuck up in the stars to think I would've approached Aria on my own? Just because I recognize someone as kin doesn't mean I completely loose all self control at the sound of their voice. I do still respect boundaries. "

And Mydei had taken insult to that! Especially when it certainly hadn't been his fault to invite unwarranted headpats from his aunt of the old Era. If anything, Mydei would've kept his distance and simply watched his aged old family member had Aria not snuck up on him first -- and his quiet pout as both him and Ral treaded the sidewalk would say he felt his opinion was right.

So much so, that Mydei wouldn't even entertain Ral's original question to him.

" Hasn't 'Her Majesty Lady Moon Goddess' been keeping up with Aria on her own? Because if she hasn't been, then maybe she should. "

Defensive, avoidant, uncooperative. Mydei had been perfectly fine talking to Aria, but something about knowing Lunaria was tracking him just for the simple act had ruffled his attitude more than meeting an old family member had. Still, he'd huff out a tip to Ral about the situation in the only way he knew how-

" Don't pin me to the details because I don't know, but...there's information circulating in this cycle that hasn't resurfaced in several millennia and I would've assumed an Astral of her standing would've found the source of it all by now. Because if she really does think it's me spreading rumors... "

An intentionally loud step from Mydei would voice that Lunaria should've been scared of him! Because he'd stomp those allegations right out of the Moon like the God of Strife himself.

[zephyrine-gale]

Mydei

[angry-suggestion]

Bare your teeth, show you aren’t as weak as they once knew you to be. 

[strifebeholder]

She'd never get enough of moments like this. Soft, quiet moments in the dead of the night, laying wrapped up in his arms... The cool chill of the air had nothing on the warmth radiating off him, like a warm, comforting blanket she couldn't quite burrow deep enough into, no matter how close sne snuggled into his hold. Phainon had been kept out late, leaving them to slide into bed without him per his request to 'not wait up' after a long day, and she'd admit, not having him on her other side felt odd, but...

it was hard to say the cool air bothered her any with Mydei's arms around her, a soft hum rumbling free from the Astral. Slowly, she'd tilt her head with it, too - All to brush her lips across any part of him she could reach, soft and tender kisses spanning his cheek, the side of his neck, shoulder, bicep... If it was exposed skin and she could reach it, it was getting kissed, pausing only long enough for a lazy lick to trace one of his tattoos. Such a thing usually ended up with her back pressed to the bed and a hungry lion readying himself to devour, but when had that ever stopped her from all but worshiping her husband?

"I love you," came the soft whisper between kisses, followed by a soft string of praise to match. Remidning him how wonderful he was, how handsome, how sweet and powerful, how big and golden his heart was... All peppered with declarations of pure, unfiltered love between, her nose brushing up against another of the red designs marking his body. "Always. Forever."

" -hm. "

Maybe his hum in agreement might've been lackluster and rude to most. After all, Ria was showering him in a type of loving affection that others could've only hoped to obtain, yet Mydei knew his silent reply wouldn't be taken the wrong way. He was a man of few words on the norm when it came to intimacy and couldn't hold a flame to Phainon's flirty poetry when it came to verbal devotion and love.

But Mydei had long since realized he didn't need flowery language to convey how much someone meant to him.

So his hum would melt into the arm wrapped around Ria pulling her closer and in a little tighter; his head leaning over to press against the top of hers in a protective, yet quiet hug that still spoke volumes. The hand of his still left free would silently reach over his own middle to massage and carefully caress the delicate skin of his princess that rested against his side so he could take a deep, relaxed breath.

She smelled of soft flowers, clean fabrics, and soothing bath salts -- enough to lure Mydei into a quiet trance of his own. And he'd let out another sigh; this one peaceful and full of love itself before his thoughts eventually mumbled back a genuine-

" As do I you. "

[transientfrost]

@strifebeholder from HERE <3

"I could, but something tells me scolding 'Mydei the yearling' might just get a door slammed in my face. Since when do you accept headpats, though?"

Despite her teases, Ral had figured as much. Halcynians seemed to be waking at an alarming number, and from what she remembered of Aria herself, the Fenix had always been prone to passing out affection and smiles like to not do so would rob her of her ability to breathe. She had always been the most open and welcoming of the elemental birds, and when it came to family, she refused to hold back - Which meant Mydei's claim of being found first made sense, too much so to be a result of their friendship clouding her sense of reason.

Still, while she'd used work as an excuse to come find him, it was far from her reason for the visit, pushing off the doorway she'd propped herself up on to stand straight before him, keeping one hand on her hip as the other dropped down by her side. Lunaria had wanted answers, wanted him questioned and scolded like a child, yet Ral couldn't find in her to bother. Mydei knew just as well as she what was at stake, so what was the point in giving him the runaround with the moon's annoying 'rules'? She'd not seen him in years; they had more important things at hand!

Starting with the Guardian's laugh at being called on her reasoning, her own shoulders shrugging slightly in reply. "Sounds like Ria and Phainon... I'll catch them later, though. I'm sure you've realized I just used work as an excuse to see you." Point blank, blunt, and honest - All the hallmarks of their relationship in one sentence. "...Even if I can't say you're wrong, either. Had to get away from the Terrible Twosome for a bit - If it's not Lunaria breathing down my neck, it's been my mate's flat, moldy pancake of a... Kind of dragon. The former wants me to do my job with you? I'm here doing it, even if it's not how she wants it done."

She'd pause there, reaching out to catch her friend's hand for a quick squeeze that lasted for all but a second. "You are looking well. I take it meeting with Aria didn't ruffle too much of the lion's fur? Or... Is it something still on your mind?"

Up for some time with an ages-old friend?

[strifebeholder]

" Mighty hunter as you are, you really don't do a very good job of covering your tracks when I could tell you were using 'work' as an excuse from paces away. "

Mydei couldn't help an amused laugh of his own, crossing his arms over his chest at his retort as a subtle sign he'd long since dropped his guard around Ral. She might've been able to intimidate others with that 'here for business' attitude -- but not him. No matter what the Moon herself through Ral was out doing, being 'scary' and 'intimidating' to him was far from it!

" Hmph, as if Lunaria doesn't already know that I don't find her intimidating in the slightest. If you need someone to knock a little sense into that secret keeper, then call her here! I'm certain I could earn you at least a few days to yourself without her breathing down your back like a starving dog- "

Even if the slight shift to his pose to let Ral snag his hand for a light squeeze would be enough to tell her he was joking with that remark. Phainon and Ria would probably materialize from the skies in fiery judgment just to yank him back should he go starting fights with more Astrals. So instead, Mydei would offer Ral another type of confront in a second suggestion, followed by a small shrug to motion toward an emptier sidewalk just behind them.

" Aria is Aria. Even if I would've said my mane got ruffled, I doubt she would've seen that as an excuse to stop her affection. It's easier to take it all in stride, like we should. So since you're not here for 'business', maybe we should take a walk? Something tells me we could probably spend the rest of the morning catching up. "

[rpmusings-galore]

     NOTHING can erase the pain of losing someone you  l o v e. 

                  You carry it with you for the rest of your life, 

                          however   l o n g   that might be. 

The best you can hope for is that, over time, the wound begins to heal. 

But, no matter how STRONG we are, no matter how HARD we fight…

                           the  scar  always  stays  with  us.

[strifebeholder]

Ral's expression was one of amused exhaustion, one hand propped up on her hip while the other arm pressed against the doorway up near her head. She'd nearly forgotten how tall her old friend was, having to tilt her head back just slightly to meet his gaze, but that was fine - The fact he was there and alive and whole was more than enough for her, lips curling into a slow-forming smile. "So I heard you made a friend with a certain ice bird."

Her job as Guardian required approaching him over his earlier interaction, but the way she'd spoken, light and teasing, said she wasn't there to work. As far as she was concerned, Lunaria could shove her own head up her ass; she'd only taken the 'job' for an excuse to see him! Who cared, really, if he'd gotten a chance to reconnect with his aunt? There was a bunch of shit going down behind the scenes, he deserved the chance to see people he cared about, in her opinion!

Hence why her smile morphed into an even slower to form grin a moment later, green eyes all but sparkling along with her tease. "Contrary to what the moon's bright ass thinks of things going on lately... If you had a good lunch, I'm not bothered. You're looking good, though - How're things?" How are you? I missed you. Despite being mated and learning how to open up better with Kinich's help, it was still a little difficult to get the right words out, evebn to someone she'd known through multiple versions of the world. If she knew him like she did, though, he'd be able to read through it fine, and for that, she'd not try to correct herself any.

"Did you and the spouses settle into Bunkyo okay?"

" Are you sure that's not why you're here? To scold me like some yearling who ended up talking to the wrong people? Because if you are, then you'll know that it wasn't me who found her first. She came to me wanting to pass out head pats. "

Mydei didn't sense any hints of hostility in Ral or her tone though, so he doubted she was here to 'collect on work' like she normally would've done with anyone else. Confronting him over speaking with Aria was probably the least of her concerns as it sounded, so Mydei would simply tease at the fact before moving on, completely unbothered.

" Well enough, I guess. Ria and the Dawnbringer are still out enjoying what they can of the city, and unlike me, they actually seem to appreciate all the clamor this place has to offer. If you're looking for either of them though, then you're asking the wrong person. " Mydei would quietly shrug at that; a sign that he wasn't playing keeper right now.

" Or are you just out and about to try and escape someone yourself? "

[criimsu]

quick practices that turned into phaidei ☀️🍷

[eliseliedl]

The son of Gorgo will be crowned in blood