Answering another of @valiantarcher 's Valentine's Day prompts: Blue for Rinnyx and Aderin (Aderinnyx, if you will.)
I chose to write a true drabble because I like doing that, and because I just wanted something short and sweet as their actual relationship development will happen in-story, and... well, I want to figure out how it goes there!
---
"That's no natural flower," Aderin says the moment she sees it.
I look at my creation with consternation, counting the petals and studying the shape of the leaves. I'd been so careful with it. "What did I do wrong?"
"They don't grow blue in the wild."
"Oh! Well, if that's all," I say, relieved to have made no mistake after all. It's a native Alefi flower, and she knows the variants better than I. But I'd chosen the color carefully. I tuck it in her hair. "There. I just thought it would look nice, if it matched your favorite jacket."
@valiantarcher asked for something happy with small Rinnyx and Dommil. It was fun having a different perspective on Rinnyx in the Cypren bit, so I tried it again here with Dommil!
----
I’m a big enough man to admit that my littlest brother is smarter than I am.
Alright, I suppose I won’t be a man for another year yet - I’m seventeen - but with the last four years I’ve had, I’ll claim it ahead of schedule. Rinnyx is only seven, which probably ought to make it all the more embarrassing that he’s smarter than me, but I’m just… proud of him, I suppose. Not as though I had anything to do with it, but still.
We all speak Pelasian and Idan in our family, of course - you need that, if you want to be able to handle any travelers who come through. But there was a group of Westish merchants staying at our in, sitting together and speaking Westish at their table - and Rinnyx just goes up and starts talking to them. No one ever taught him Westish. They were all delighted with him. I thought he must be talking gibberish to them, but when I asked what kind of nonsense he’d been spouting, I was told he’d actually formed a few sentences. “Not all what you’d call proper speech, mind, but he knew what he was saying.” Just by listening to people talk, travelers who have come through our place over the years, he figured out enough to do that, all on his own. You see what I mean? In ten years more on the earth, maybe I’ve had the chance to come to know more things than he has - though I’m not confident even of that - but he’s smarter than I’ll ever be.
Now he gets proper teaching in language from the chapel school. Mama says the next time we have Westish customers he can order their drinks, though I’m not sure his teacher has been focusing on words for different types of alcohol. I try to help him study, but I’m not much use for that.
I look over the book they gave him for studying, to try to help test him on the words, and it all looks like nonsense to me. I read one off haltingly and he just stared at me in confusion. I try again.
“Oh,” Rinnyx says, and repeats a word that sounds a little bit like what I had been saying, and also sounds as though someone else is speaking out of my brother’s mouth. “That means city.”
“And…” I try very hard to test the next one out in my mind before I say it aloud, but he winces before I get past the first syllable. I want to toss the book in frustration, but instead I look up at the ceiling and take a deep breath.
“I don’t think I’m helping you any, Rinrin.”
“No, you are!” he insists. “Ask me another!”
I just shake my head. “I’m not cut out for this sort of thing like you are.”
“Well,” he says encouragingly, “You’ve learned Pelasian already. Hope Evemar says it’s one of the hardest languages to learn, and you’ve been speaking it nearly your whole life. He’s traveled to lots of different places, so he knows things like that.”
The study of Pelasian is avoided for more than one reason, of course, but it’ true that that’s one of them. To Rinnyx, though, I act as though this is totally new information. “So I did as a baby what plenty of grown men can’t pull off?” I say, raising an eyebrow.
He laughs, and nods excitedly. “That’s right! Do you ever think about how that works? I’m sure it was never so hard for me to learn Pelasian or even Idan as this is, but shouldn’t it be easier to learn things when I get older? I’m a lot smarter than a baby now.”
“It doesn’t seem like it’s hard for you.”
He groans. “But there’s so much I don’t know yet! Come on, come on, ask me another.”
I think for a moment first, about his earlier question. “Maybe you only think it’s harder now because you’re old enough to notice your mistakes,” I suggest. “You said some pretty silly things when you were learning how to talk.”
“Like what?” he says, leaning forward, already forgetting he’d asked me for another word, and I know he’ll drag me off into reminiscing if we don’t get back on track. “Like -” I glance down at the book, and don’t worry at all about pronouncing the next word right. Rinnyx laughs loudly, repeats it, and tells me what it means.
I suppose I could worry a bit less about making mistakes, too. I can’t be doing that badly by him.
When I asked for Rinnyx prompts, @thetreasurechest asked if he likes hugs. Rinnyx loves hugs! Here is a collection of hugs with Rinnyx now that I finally got around to finishing them all
(note: the last one is a spoiler for the book... all the rest happen before it begins)
Comforting hug
I came to the palace after the funeral was over - I hadn't been in attendance, of course, but I'd watched the procession going from the palace to the temple square. I was a familiar guest of the prince in those days, so it wasn't hard for me to gain admittance.
Seyetto had been very busy in the past several days, of course, so it was the first I'd been able to see him. There would be no state business today.
Seyetto opened his door to me right away when he heard my voice, and I stepped inside. He was all in crisp black, and his eyes were red, but dry. Immediately I pulled him into a hug. He was stiff at first, then slowly relaxed. Seyetto had never been much of a hugger, but he was not quick to pull away from me.
When I did, before I had a chance to speak my condolences, he put a hand on my shoulder and said, “Thank you for coming.”
As well thank the river for flowing downstream. I could not have done anything else.
*
Goodbye hug
“Don’t forget to write,” Mama said, standing by my side as we waited for the coach. “But don’t worry about us too much! Worry about your studies more. Not that you need to worry too much.” She put her hands on my shoulders and looked up at me, smiling, eyes glistening. It was enough to bring tears to my own eyes, although I was more excited than I ever had been in my life. “My brilliant boy! And thank your hostess for putting you up, she’s doing a wonderful thing for us. And-”
She’d given me all this advice before, already, but I suppose she wanted to do what she could for me while she still could. I just wanted to put her at ease. “I’ll be alright, Mama, you raised me well,” I said with a smile, blinking back those threatened tears. “And I’ll write as soon as I get there, I promise.”
“Don’t forget about us there at your fancy school,” she said, and then enveloped me in a hug, warm and tight and inexorable. Suddenly I was struck by just how far away from home I would be, and how long it would be before I saw her again. I squeezed her back tighter, pressing my face against her shoulder.
"You know I never could."
Dershan slammed into us from behind, grabbing me and rubbing his fist on my head. "And don't get too full of yourself!" I laughed, and didn't even try to push him away.
I was still disentangling myself from them when the coach arrived.
*
Christian-y side hug
It was a bit lonely, in the times when ordinary classes were not in session at the university, and the students who could go home more easily than I had departed. It would hardly have been worth going all the way to Pelasia and back even if there were no war, for the scant amount of time it would have given me there. But there was a war, so a visit home was entirely out of the question. I was never truly on break myself, but I did not want to be. There was so much I wanted to learn.
I spent the time in intensive private studies with Vetta, practicing my languages with other international students who remained as I did, or attending what lectures the university still presented in the interim. There was plenty to keep me busy. But I missed the activity in the university halls, the full and bustling classrooms, and I missed my absent friends.
So it was a bright day when Saire returned to Mirs and Vetta’s home ahead of the upcoming term, although the day itself was a bleak and cloudy one. I was there to meet her at the door, as she alighted from the carriage, putting a hand to her head to adjust her bonnet. She met my eyes and smiled, hurrying over.
“Rinnyx! Did you miss me?” She asked, arms outstretched.
At the last moment, I had the sense to consider what sort of embrace might be appropriate with an unmarried young woman, and put an arm around her shoulders from the side, giving her shoulder a light squeeze. “Of course! There's too much house for just the three of us."
She laughed, and accepted it, sliding her arm around my back. “Going all proper Pelasian on us?” she said, and I shrugged, letting go. I wasn’t sure it was actually any more proper here to be too free with a member of the opposite sex in polite society, but perhaps I would have to pay better attention.
*
Spinning hug
I was out early in the morning to run errands for Mirs and Vetta at the markets. Initially I'd been assigned the duty as a way to practice my language skills, but now I volunteered for it. I loved walking out and watching the city come to life, seeing all the people out in the streets, gathering the local gossip.
I was bargaining over some eggs when I heard someone behind me calling my name and looked back to see Trine, the fruit seller I patronized, waving her arms. "Rinnyx! Come, come, I need to talk to you! The eggs can wait, come!"
I excused myself and jogged over to her. Trine was always a good source of gossip, and liked to hear whatever stories I'd found out as well, but it was unusual for her to be this urgent about it. It must be something good. "What is it?" I asked, leaning against the side of her booth.
"I've just had someone come through here from the docks, and you know what they said? There's a ship in the harbor from Contran."
"Contran?" I stood up straight. Contran had been under blockade by the Westin navy for nearly two years. Had it finally broken? Was the war going badly for Pelasia?
"He said," Trine continued on, "that the war on the continent is over. Idana's surrendered to Pelasia."
It was over. It was over, and Pelasia had won, which meant Seyetto must be safe. They would all be safe now, no more fighting, no more fear. It was over! I laughed aloud, and on impulse grabbed Trine in a hug, spinning us both around.
*
don’t-let-go hug
By the time came back from Ybern, Mama and Fenwing and Enno had already mourned Dommil together, and I had mourned him alone. It was hard to bring up. I hadn't managed to put the detail that I had seen Dommil die in a letter, but they did know I'd been the last of us to see him alive. Maybe they wanted to hear something about that, but what was I supposed to say?
So I didn't say anything about it. We're good at that in this family.
But then Dershan came home on leave. He'd been away from the rest of them when it happened, too. I don't like to play favorites, but despite being closest to me in age, Dershan was never the brother I was closest to. But we met eyes, once we'd gathered together and looked around at what was missing - we'd never all be together again - and we understood each other.
We slipped out for a walk together after dinner, without having to say a word about it. "Was it clean?" Dershan asked. He was a soldier, too, he knew the sorts of things you saw in war.
I swallowed. "He didn't feel any pain."
All I wanted at that moment was a hug from Dommil, but he wasn't there, and Dershan was, so I crashed against him and held him tight, and he patted my back, and we didn't say anything else.
@valiantarcher suggested Rinnyx and Cypren, and I went right to this "missing scene" - something I considered writing, but other scenes ended up serving the purpose. Currently non-canon, technically, but like, it could be canon. And then I decided to write it from Cypren's perspective just to get a different look at Rinnyx.
***
The Emperor’s translator found me on the day before the imperial party was set to depart, not long after the coronation. I had been avoiding any engagements but those I was absolutely meant to attend, my purpose here being done, and at those of course he was always working, no chance to speak to me - certainly not without the Emperor himself hovering over our shoulders. Not that he would have understood us, but it would have put a damper on the conversation all the same.
It would have reminded me too forcefully that Rinnyx Glade was a close and personal friend of Emperor Seyetto, which would have made me a little less inclined to be open to friendship with him myself. When the Emperor was not right there, it was easier not to hold it against him. The Emperor was still a man, if that was far removed from all that he was to me, and a man must have friends, and those friends may well be reasonable and good-hearted people - Rinnyx certainly seemed to be. There was no reason he ought not be friends with a young man who had been his schoolmate. And for his part, he seemed not to hold my having been on the opposite side of war from his homeland and his friend against me, so I felt I did owe him the same courtesy. All the same, I did not particularly want to think about Emperor Seyetto’s personal life and friendships.
So I was glad that Rinnyx had found the place in the city I was staying and come to call in his time off - which must be very minimal, the Emperor did not seem to use any secondary translators that I had observed. I might have wondered how I had earned such distinction, but a few conversations with Rinnyx had painted a picture of a man who cared little for rank, and my status as a political pariah meant nothing to him.
A bit ironic, that.
“I’ve heard you’ll be going to Leska,” he said, casually, after we had exchanged our greetings and made some polite small talk over tea. He had a gentleman’s manners, if not a gentleman’s birth. And he had probably known that I was going to Leska before I did.
I sighed. “Yes, off where I can’t cause any trouble. I assume that was the reasoning. Well, it would be a lie to say I’m looking forward to it, but perhaps I can count myself lucky I’m not losing my head for treason.”
Rinnyx looked uncomfortable at that. Perhaps he disliked thinking of Seyetto the Emperor as much as I disliked thinking of Seyetto the man. Not that I particularly liked thinking of Seyetto the Emperor, either, but I had built something of an identity around opposing him. It was easier to oppose an idea than a man.
“Well, that was threatened,” I said mildly, as though the thought created no terror in me at all. Many think me fearless, for how boldly I take my stand, but let me assure you I do fear losing my head. “Not in so many words, I’ll grant, but it is the punishment for treason, which I have been informed speaking of Illis as king would be considered.”
“It is not as though you were forming a conspiracy against the Emperor or anything,” Rinnyx said. I had considered it, of course, but it seemed to me likely to accomplish little more than killing off the loyalists that were left. I was unlikely to retain much influence anywhere, but the rest would still be there as a counterweight.
Or so I liked to tell myself. I didn’t really know what could be accomplished at this point.
“And you do not think your Emperor would kill me for a few words, only an active threat? I tend to think he’d be as good as his word. Thankfully, I have refrained from committing any further treason.” Any that could be proven, at least. Long live the king could easily mean the pretender the Emperor had placed on the throne. Rinnyx must have suspected I did not mean any such thing, but fortunately he too did not wish for me to lose my head.
Rinnyx did not answer my question. “Being an ambassador doesn’t sound so bad.”
“Oh, maybe not. I would rather not be kept away from home for so long, but maybe it’s for the best.” Maybe I would find myself committing treason, if I stayed.
“How long is your term there?”
“Seven years. With the possibility for renewal.”
He looked down at his tea. “I like traveling well enough, but I’d want to be home again by then, too.”
I shrugged. “I suppose I’ll make the best of it.”
“Do you suppose I could keep in touch?”
“Could you?” I asked in return. “I have no opposition, but will the Emperor?”
“He doesn’t read my mail, if that’s what you’re asking.”
I gathered this to mean that Rinnyx had no intention of mentioning our correspondence to his friend, which was as I would prefer. “Then I would welcome your letters. I’ll need some word from the outside world, isolated up there in those mountains.” Cynically, I also thought it could hardly be to my detriment to cultivate a friendship with someone so well connected, at the heart of imperial power. To think I’d fallen so far that a translator was a connection to reach up to for me. But to tell the truth, I’d have welcomed a letter from Rinnyx without all that. It was nice that there was someone to whom I was not just the blue lord, but a person.
If he could do that for the Emperor, he could surely do that for me.
🖊, 🖊, and 🖊 for any three characters you want to talk about, please?
I want to talk about Rinnyx because I miss him, but I talk about him a lot, so how to arrive at something new?
Have I ever talked about how Rinnyx has ADHD? See, I didn't realize that he did when I made him, I thought "this isn't something ADHD related this is just normal." But the reason I thought that was because I also did not know that I had ADHD. He's probably got combined type, not inattentive like me, he's much more hyperactive. And like many high achievers with ADHD, he's got some serious imposter syndrome. One handy thing: while he doesn't live in a world where ADHD can be medicated as in ours, he's learning how to affect his own mind through magic - that could probably have some applications here.
and now for some characters on the projects I'm actually currently working on:
Lady Amaranth is the firstborn immortal, and she has been married, oh, a few dozen times in her life. The immortals are all in one family, see, so it's only mortals available as partners. There are a lot of opinions among the immortals on relationships with mortals - some scoff at the idea they could ever have an equal partnership, some don't see the point in commitment to someone so comparatively shortlived, some have lost before and don't want to go through that pain again. Amaranth signs up for that pain over and over. She looks death in the face and chooses love. She's got a portrait gallery in one of her houses as a memorial to all of her husbands, and it's her most private sanctuary. She's also, at this point, not likely to be interested in anyone under like, 35. It makes for a funny contrast as she stopped aging in her mid-twenties, but actually has centuries on all her partners who look as though they have decades on her.
2-4 for Seyetto, 8 & 19 & 26 for Rinnyx, 8-9 & 11-12 for Tavina, and 14-15 & 20 & 24 for Aderin, please?
Thank you for the questions!
Seyetto
2. How old are you? How do you feel about that?
I am twenty-three. I feel good about that. I believe I have accomplished a good amount for my age. Not that I intend to stop at that, mind.
3. What food are you craving right now?
Right now? (He considers for a moment) Black coffee.
4. What is your dream home like?
I have never wanted to live anywhere other than than where I do, which to be fair is a palace. I wouldn't change a thing. I mean, I have updated some of the decor since becoming emperor, but that's just surface level.
Rinnyx
8. What's something you'd like to learn how to do?
I'm working on learning Leskan now. Really, I would like learn to speak every language, in the whole world. All of them.
19. If you could say one thing to everyone in the world what would it be?
I would say - (He pauses) I need to consider the exact phrasing. Because the message I would want to say is to... to be good to each other. Be kind. Listen to other people, and be understanding. But I'd want to form it as a Word so that everyone would have to listen. Not - not to force them to do anything! I wouldn't be dominating their minds, just... you know... persuading.
26. What's a talent you have that you're proud of?
I think I'm pretty good at talking to people, and getting them to talk back. And I can imitate accents pretty well! That's fun.
(Author's note: he is perhaps the most talented magic user alive. Mentioning his skill im magic for this question did not occur to him.)
Tavina
8. What's something you'd like to learn how to do?
I'd like to learn some of the latest dances out of Ruveld. Or maybe to play another instrument. I could probably improve on what I know already first, though, I spend more time on drawing and sewing than music but I do want to be well rounded and accomplished. Or I'd like to learn how to make Seyetto listen. I know it's possible for him to act like a normal person, Rinnyx does it.
9. What's a nice compliment you've received?
Rinnyx has told me I am unforgettable.
11. If you could turn into any animal, what would it be?
I would like to turn into a bird. Flying would he fun. Probably some type of cute songbird!
12. What's a pet peeve of yours?
There's nothing more annoying than when the hem of my dress gets wet. And it starts clinging.
Aderin
14. What's your best memory?
The first time I got my article printed in the paper.
15. What's your favorite thing to wear?
My blue jacket. It can make even my plainest dress feel nice. And blue makes me feel happy.
20. Describe your dream date.
Long walk somewhere outside, with a picnic, or else finish up at a little cafe. Talking about everything and nothing.
24. What would you do with 3 wishes?
I would want Alefor to be free and able to stand on her own, without anyone trying to take her again. Is that one wish or two? Well I'll call it one. I'd wish I could always be back home again whenever I wished. I like traveling, but I do miss home (and it would make it easier to get articles back quickly instead of having to mail things out, such a hassle. Maybe I ought to wish to move between anywhere instantly, not just back to home.) For number three, I don't know, world peace? I suppose you ought to wish for world peace when you can.
8 & 9 for Seyetto, 12 & 17 for Rinnyx, 18 & 22 for Tavina, 23 & 26 for Aderin, 1 & 11 for Taron, 14 & 19 for Betrin, 3 & 21 for Dommill, and then 24 for The Machine and 4 for Valeraine (if that story is occupying brain space currently), please?
thanks for the questions! let's get to it
sorry that this took awhile! but it do be how it is
Seyetto
(I just want to note that this man was extremely recalcitrant.)
8. What's something you'd like to learn how to do?
Hm. I've been looking into Ornali enchanted weapons lately. I'd like to know how to operate some of those.
9. What's a nice compliment you've received?
Oh, let's see. I get compliments all the time, of course, but how many are sincere? (he thinks about it) My Uncle Hartin told me I remind him of my father.
Rinnyx
12. What's a pet peeve of yours?
Oh, haha, I don't think I'm very easy to annoy - (he suddenly remembers) Oh. People who talk a lot without saying anything. Just the most inane, empty flattery, or else self-aggrandizing, performative nonsense. It's... it's just so boring to translate.
17. How many people are you willing to die for?
Oh, I guess I'd die for anyone, if they needed it. I mean, if it would save their life, not if it would save them from being five minutes late to work or something. But for something serious, sure.
Tavina
18. What's the worst thing you've ever done?
I am very well behaved. Despite what some people would tell you. I don't know, maybe I've crossed a few lines fighting with Seyetto but it's the only way to get a reaction out of him.
22. Who knows you better than anyone?
My companion, Isletta Ellwynd. Out of all my ladies she's been with me the longest - since we were thirteen. I can talk to her about anything. And I do.
Aderin
23. What's the last thing you dreamt about?
I was late with an article because my editor kept giving me absurd specifications for what I ought to be writing and then rejecting my attempts when I followed them to the letter. I promise he's actually very good to work with in real life. I just tend to dream about stressful situations. Or remember those dreams. Maybe the stress wakes me up, and all the really nice dreams are lost to the night.
26. What's a talent you have that you're proud of?
I like to think I have a way with words. Useful for my writing, of course, and a little bit of Speaking on the side. It keeps my little garden beautiful.
Taron
1. What is the worst thing that's ever happened to you?
Oh, hm... well... you're supposed to say the war was really bad. I mostly didn't even get to see it, though. And the war made Cousin Seyetto emperor and it means I got to be king, so it was actually pretty good. Let me see.
11. If you could turn into any animal, what would it be?
Obviously I would turn into a dragon. I do already have a dragon (he says proudly) but if I could be a dragon I think that would be even better. As long as I wasn't a dragon all the time. There's nothing more powerful than a dragon. And they're just... so incredible.
Betrin
14. What's your best memory?
The last Queen's Night before the war. It always used to be my favorite holiday. The whole family was together then. My cousin was chosen the Queen for our celebration, and I was one of her handmaidens. It was great fun helping come up with commands that she ought to give. I got to stay for the dancing. Everything was so beautiful. I suppose they'll likely make me Queen this year, though I don't see the fun in that when you're queen already.
But thinking about times when everyone was still here sometimes makes me sad. So maybe my best memory is something simpler. The view from the our summer home in the mountains. The cake I had at my twelfth birthday. It was a very good cake.
19. If you could say one thing to everyone in the world what would it be?
I don't know. It isn't as though they would listen just because I sais it. And most things I would really want to say could get me in trouble. So I probably just wouldn't say anything.
Dommil
3. What food are you craving right now?
What am I not? Army rations aren't the most inspiring meals. I'd give a lot for a a plate or three cooked up by my mother in front of me.
21. What are your hobbies?
A lot of the men like to blow off steam setting up fights and wrestling matches and the like - sometimes we'll make a show of it for festivals and the like. I can put in a pretty good showing - been wrestling with my brothers moat of my life, ha. It's not quite as acceptable now that I'm an officer and all, but I don't completely fit in with the other officers anyway. I'll play cards with them but I won't gamble. I'm raised better than that.
And as they they are always occupying a little space in my brain:
The Machine
24. What would you do with 3 wishes?
How does it work? Are there parameters? Does it have to be within the realm of possibility?
(I explain to him that he can just wish for anything. He considers this.)
I would wish for that meddlesome being to let me go. I would not need to know what the rose is for then, but I would wish it anyway because... because I do not want a gap in my knowledge, that is all. Not because it is annoying me. I am above that. And I would wish for someone who can actually keep up with me to talk to.
Valeraine
4. What is your dream home like?
Huge garden, just flowers everywhere. Located in a busy spaceport, so I can watch all the ships flying in and out, and fly in and out myself when I feel like it. I don't really want one that's too big, not again, but I could do with a little more space. Room for family. Room for a nice workshop. A big balcony, or maybe a place on the rooftop. Somewhere I can go and look at the stars at night.
Rinnyx + tornado, Seyetto + night (djsjdjfj Seyetto autocorrected to Seattle do you ever have this problem)
Thank you! And no, I type Seyetto often enough my phone knows it well, lol
--
Rinnyx
He flies in the classroom of Dor Fortian Arill like a whirlwind and within a week the delicate social balance they maintain has been upset. He is sitting next to Seyetto every day. Every day! And what are the rest of them supposed to compete for now? How is the prince going to show them any favor? It is not as though Rinnyx is making any use of it. But he blows aside their previous assumptions, their belief that the prince is impossible to befriend. No one else befriends Seyetto, but Rinnyx sweeps more and more of them up as suddenly they realize they are friends with him as well, that he wants to be their friend as much as he does Seyetto's. Seyetto is his favorite, but not because he is prince. (It is unclear why. Many privately think they would not want to be friends with Seyetto if he were not the prince.) Rinnyx doesn't care for rank. He has no ambition. And though he seemed to many at first to be a slacker he is somehow at the top of the class. They cannot pin him down. They can only be carried along in his wake.
--
Seyetto
It is in the darkest hours of the night when Seyetto visits the temple of Sophona and kneels before the black marble statue of the Lady. He is all in black himself, head to toe. Black coat, black gloves, even his black hair. It is not enough. He wishes he could wrap all himself in shadow, that no one need see him but the Lady. He knows he cannot hide from her.
Lady Sophona, Queen of Night, who holds both life and death in her power, he prays. Why would you let this happen?
