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"That didn't go too badly." All right, so far all they had done was walk into the palace and then get shown to their rooms and even then Namjoon had almost slipped on the stairs, because he had been looking everywhere else and not where he was walking, but still. Could have been worse.
Yoongi checked the room routinely, not expecting to find any hidden traps or anything else. This whole building had clearly been designed with form over function, but Namjoon's safety was still a primary concern, so he wasn't taking any risks. "Did you catch a glimpse of your prince?"
He doubted it, given that he had been there to watch them come in, but it was apparently necessary for a lot of fans and feathers to be in the way of actually seeing him. "Some of the men have a bet going that he's actually really ugly and they're just hyping him up."
Wait. Maybe he shouldn't say that. "I'm sure that's not true. Just look at the diplomat they sent to us." They all seemed to be ridiculously good-looking here.
Yoongi checked the room routinely, not expecting to find any hidden traps or anything else. This whole building had clearly been designed with form over function, but Namjoon's safety was still a primary concern, so he wasn't taking any risks. "Did you catch a glimpse of your prince?"
He doubted it, given that he had been there to watch them come in, but it was apparently necessary for a lot of fans and feathers to be in the way of actually seeing him. "Some of the men have a bet going that he's actually really ugly and they're just hyping him up."
Wait. Maybe he shouldn't say that. "I'm sure that's not true. Just look at the diplomat they sent to us." They all seemed to be ridiculously good-looking here.
"I didn't see him. Shit. Yoongi, I can't do this! I know I have to do it and I don't have a choice but have you seen this place? I don't belong here." And they wanted them to stay for a long time. Marry someone. To help negotiate and keep the border safe. Sure, he could throw men at it but what the hell was he supposed to do? He'd break everything in this place. "Half of this place is glass. Yoongi, glass. We had a glass table once in my house. I destroyed it!"
He was going to knock the fucking kingdom down.
"And there's fans and lights. It's so fucking bright here. Why is it bright? Probably all the glass. Oh God." Namjoon crouched on the floor, put his head low and tried not to freak out. Clearly it was going great. He was about to marry some maybe-ugly prince and pretend to be a big, strong leader when he was just some stray dud who couldn't do this. He just wanted to hide away and read.
God, why couldn't Yoongi marry the prince? Oh. Wait. That's genius! He looked up at Yoongi, slightly wild with craziness. "You do it. You marry him! It's genius."
He was going to knock the fucking kingdom down.
"And there's fans and lights. It's so fucking bright here. Why is it bright? Probably all the glass. Oh God." Namjoon crouched on the floor, put his head low and tried not to freak out. Clearly it was going great. He was about to marry some maybe-ugly prince and pretend to be a big, strong leader when he was just some stray dud who couldn't do this. He just wanted to hide away and read.
God, why couldn't Yoongi marry the prince? Oh. Wait. That's genius! He looked up at Yoongi, slightly wild with craziness. "You do it. You marry him! It's genius."
"Relax, Namjoon. I sent Jungkook to find that man who negotiated the marriage. I'm sure he can give you some tips." Frankly, Yoongi had just about given up hope, but telling Namjoon that didn't seem very encouraging, so he kept it to himself and just slapped his friend's shoulder instead. "You will charm your prince yet."
Or at least not make it sound like he was about to rape him, that would be an improvement. "We have about an hour before your tea. That should be enough." It was not.
Or at least not make it sound like he was about to rape him, that would be an improvement. "We have about an hour before your tea. That should be enough." It was not.
"It's not. It's really not. He thinks I'm a crazy rapist who wants to fuck him somewhere lovely. I meant library! What is wrong with me? Oh God." He was on the floor, curled in on himself, shedding all his extra layers as he sat there, small and awkward, all too long limbed and lanky, head buried against his knees. He couldn't do this. He couldn't have someone look at him like that.
How did his brothers do this? "Hyung, he thinks I'm a monster."
How did his brothers do this? "Hyung, he thinks I'm a monster."
The room, as far as Hobi could tell, wasn't exactly very pretty. Rough, dark stone walls, all just lit by fire, flickering. Sinister, he supposed, what was probably more something someone like Cheon went for than any other aesthetic.
He stayed hidden, because the vibrations told him that the room wasn't empty yet. It wasn't as if he was scared of a confrontation, he just didn't want one right now. That was not what he was here for.
He heard the chained up human cry and it broke his heart a little. Clearly Cheon didn't have a heart, or he'd not be fucking him bent over his throne like this, one arm at the back of his neck to keep him down. He tightened his grip, leaning in to hiss near Ten's ear.
"Say my name!"
He stayed hidden, because the vibrations told him that the room wasn't empty yet. It wasn't as if he was scared of a confrontation, he just didn't want one right now. That was not what he was here for.
He heard the chained up human cry and it broke his heart a little. Clearly Cheon didn't have a heart, or he'd not be fucking him bent over his throne like this, one arm at the back of his neck to keep him down. He tightened his grip, leaning in to hiss near Ten's ear.
"Say my name!"
"Cheon!"
Ten screamed out his name as loudly as he could in the hopes he'd stop. The throne dug into his chest at the angle he was at and he hated to do this on the chair his father once sat. He died with honour, trying to defend his kingdom, and now Cheon defiled his youngest son where he'd once sat and ruled. Ten knew he no longer had any honour.
When he died, he stood no chance of following his family now. He sobbed into the throne as Cheon fucked him, trying to submit and make him kinder, gentler, mumbling his name constantly to appease him. Calling him king and lord.
"Please, Gods, help me."
Ten screamed out his name as loudly as he could in the hopes he'd stop. The throne dug into his chest at the angle he was at and he hated to do this on the chair his father once sat. He died with honour, trying to defend his kingdom, and now Cheon defiled his youngest son where he'd once sat and ruled. Ten knew he no longer had any honour.
When he died, he stood no chance of following his family now. He sobbed into the throne as Cheon fucked him, trying to submit and make him kinder, gentler, mumbling his name constantly to appease him. Calling him king and lord.
"Please, Gods, help me."
Tae was no longer nervous around the warriors, at least not with Jungkook there. Jungkook was harmless. A bit of an idiot at times, but mostly an honourable man, who took his duties seriously.
It was an honour for Tae to be in charge of handling all this, really. He was a farmer's son, he wasn't supposed to ever even set foot into the palace. It was his face that had opened the doors for him, but he knew that still meant he had to prove himself at every turn. Being pretty didn't do him much good past the initial hurdle. Especially not around soldiers, as it turned out.
"Is Namjoon-nim dressed yet, Jungkook? I need to go over the ceremony with him."
It was an honour for Tae to be in charge of handling all this, really. He was a farmer's son, he wasn't supposed to ever even set foot into the palace. It was his face that had opened the doors for him, but he knew that still meant he had to prove himself at every turn. Being pretty didn't do him much good past the initial hurdle. Especially not around soldiers, as it turned out.
"Is Namjoon-nim dressed yet, Jungkook? I need to go over the ceremony with him."
"No, he's freaking out over something he did this morning. Give it a few." He had breakfast with Jin and accidentally knocked his plate off the table, cut his hand catching the pieces and bled all over Jin's nice, white table cloth. And almost made Jin cry with fear. So yeah, he was busy bashing his head against a wall and yelling at Yoongi.
"Let me get him for you, Taehyung." Jungkook nodded to the man, polite as he could be, always on his best behaviour. He came over and slammed his fist on the bedroom door, loud and what one may deem rude. Especially given that no one would dare do that to Jin's door.
"Yoongi-hyung, is Namjoon dressed yet? We have to go over cer--cer-- cermonanany?" He forgot what the word was.
"Let me get him for you, Taehyung." Jungkook nodded to the man, polite as he could be, always on his best behaviour. He came over and slammed his fist on the bedroom door, loud and what one may deem rude. Especially given that no one would dare do that to Jin's door.
"Yoongi-hyung, is Namjoon dressed yet? We have to go over cer--cer-- cermonanany?" He forgot what the word was.
Yoongi made his way to the palace's other wing, ending up waiting in front of the door to be let in or for Jin to come out, he honestly didn't care much either way.
Inside, Jin was made to look as beautiful as he could, at least by their standards. He knew by now that Namjoon likely didn't care for his looks, which had awakened insecurities inside him he didn't even know he was capable of. He had never before felt ugly, but having his husband-to-be avoid looking at him seemed to have done the trick. He stared at himself at the mirror, only turning when a servant reported that Namjoon had sent a gift. He had not expected that.
"He's sent Min Yoongi to bring it?" That was very sweet then. Jin had been curious about Yoongi ever since he had heard Namjoon call him 'hyung' and tried to find out about him by asking Tae questions. It made sense now and he supposed he couldn't understand the kind of bonds forged in battle, but he also knew that Min Yoongi was the most regarded warrior that had been sent here, so having him bring the gift did show respect. He hadn't expected a gift at all.
Jin turned his head to look at Jimin, trying to make him look a little less upset. "We should greet him."
Inside, Jin was made to look as beautiful as he could, at least by their standards. He knew by now that Namjoon likely didn't care for his looks, which had awakened insecurities inside him he didn't even know he was capable of. He had never before felt ugly, but having his husband-to-be avoid looking at him seemed to have done the trick. He stared at himself at the mirror, only turning when a servant reported that Namjoon had sent a gift. He had not expected that.
"He's sent Min Yoongi to bring it?" That was very sweet then. Jin had been curious about Yoongi ever since he had heard Namjoon call him 'hyung' and tried to find out about him by asking Tae questions. It made sense now and he supposed he couldn't understand the kind of bonds forged in battle, but he also knew that Min Yoongi was the most regarded warrior that had been sent here, so having him bring the gift did show respect. He hadn't expected a gift at all.
Jin turned his head to look at Jimin, trying to make him look a little less upset. "We should greet him."
"Don't want to." Jimin protested in a petulant manner, his little calico cat nuzzled in his arms as the two of them had spend all morning here in Jin's room, lamenting everything. Well, Jimin had. His cat just licked his face and slept but that sounded as lamenting. Everyone was hurt. Clearly. Chimmy was not happy, just like Jimin. They were one in the same.
Sitting up a little, he did peer over the couch though, watching the door curiously.
"Maybe they sent you a dead body. Dead bird. Oh or some rocks. Remember when you got rocks?" Still waiting for whatever that was about to be reveal. "Oooh, maybe he sent you mud." It would not shock him at all.
Sitting up a little, he did peer over the couch though, watching the door curiously.
"Maybe they sent you a dead body. Dead bird. Oh or some rocks. Remember when you got rocks?" Still waiting for whatever that was about to be reveal. "Oooh, maybe he sent you mud." It would not shock him at all.
Oh boy, time to lose his virginity to a guy who nearly cried during their wedding and not from love. He kissed him and felt him tense, he felt the fear and the dismay, the resignation to his face. Namjoon hated it. He hated that he had to do this to someone. He didn't care if he was a wuss or a coward, he hated that he could make another man feel like this.
He had been told many things to for his first time and Yoongi had talked him down from some of them but he was determined, confident and ready for action.
Namjoon burst in, game face on, ready to be the man -- and then he lost his nerve as soon as he sat Jin. God. Fuck. "Hey."
He had been told many things to for his first time and Yoongi had talked him down from some of them but he was determined, confident and ready for action.
Namjoon burst in, game face on, ready to be the man -- and then he lost his nerve as soon as he sat Jin. God. Fuck. "Hey."
Jin wasn't sure what he was supposed to say. He had never expected to marry for love - dreamed of it, maybe, but he was a prince and an eldest son at that, he wasn't an idiot - but he had never quite thought it would be like this either. He braced himself when he heard Namjoon's steps, wishing he'd be quieter. Wishing he wasn't always so harsh.
He knew what would be expected of him, but that didn't mean he felt ready. Still, he did his best to smile when Namjoon entered, hoping he'd at least not get angry with him.
What now? He had no experience, he didn't know how to go about this. He couldn't be seductive with a man he was fairly sure found him repulsive, based on how Namjoon kept wincing when he looked at him.
"How do you want me?"
He knew what would be expected of him, but that didn't mean he felt ready. Still, he did his best to smile when Namjoon entered, hoping he'd at least not get angry with him.
What now? He had no experience, he didn't know how to go about this. He couldn't be seductive with a man he was fairly sure found him repulsive, based on how Namjoon kept wincing when he looked at him.
"How do you want me?"
"Do you see them? That should be all of yours." Hoseok kept his arms around Ten from behind as he watched the snakes come toward him, proud of his beloved for never showing fear. Of course not, the snakes were his, they loved him. He could feel it. Of course they loved him, how could they not? Hoseok certainly couldn't get enough of his prince and his many charms.
"Can you understand them?" He was curious, turning his head to look at Ten's face. "They love you, all of them."
"Can you understand them?" He was curious, turning his head to look at Ten's face. "They love you, all of them."
"That's all of them. My babies." Cheon had cruelly slaughtered them, some swiftly and some he did in front of him. His beloved little Buttons had been gutted and left to die slowly while he sat there, tied to the throne and unable to move. He saw him just in front, white and yellow with red eyes, slithering towards him. He smiled softly.
"All my gang is here. I missed them so much." He wanted to bend down, to touch them, but he feared moving away from Hobi's safety. He kept close these days, fear was so strong in him. "I can't, no. I don't know how to speak to them but I talk all the time. Dunno if they listen."
"All my gang is here. I missed them so much." He wanted to bend down, to touch them, but he feared moving away from Hobi's safety. He kept close these days, fear was so strong in him. "I can't, no. I don't know how to speak to them but I talk all the time. Dunno if they listen."
Yoongi looked up when Namjoon entered, trying to read his expression and his stance and finally just nodding a little, not needing words to ask the question of how he was and to get his answer. It must have gone a lot better than Namjoon had feared, so that was good to know.
They were alone, so Yoongi didn't bother with formalities, just rose to his feet and slapped Namjoon's shoulder, giving him a slight smile. It was a relief to see is friend like this, after he had seen him before his wedding in total despair. Hopefully him and Jin had finally managed to communicate without the misunderstandings.
"Do you want a drink?"
They were alone, so Yoongi didn't bother with formalities, just rose to his feet and slapped Namjoon's shoulder, giving him a slight smile. It was a relief to see is friend like this, after he had seen him before his wedding in total despair. Hopefully him and Jin had finally managed to communicate without the misunderstandings.
"Do you want a drink?"
"I think he likes me. We cuddled!" That was the best thing that had ever happened to him. A boy cuddled him. A boy who liked him. Kinda. Little bit. That was enough. They shared a bed, they nuzzled and they kissed a little. He was getting there. Sure, people probably expected sex but he was happy with that he had.
"It went so well. So well. Gimme a drink." Grinning, he threw an arm around Yoongi, so excited to be close to him. "Hyung, we talked to me like a person. He opened up and I didn't fuck up at all."
It was a miracle.
"It went so well. So well. Gimme a drink." Grinning, he threw an arm around Yoongi, so excited to be close to him. "Hyung, we talked to me like a person. He opened up and I didn't fuck up at all."
It was a miracle.
Hoseok had made him powerful, strong and light. His movements were fast, his friends were beside him and he moved as one with them. For weeks, he had practised. He and his serpents, they were a team, a unit. They belonged. As one, they would continue his reign of terror.
Jin was not his first target. Many men who had left him, betrayed him and used him had suffered the bite of Hobi's beautiful monster and the attack of his own angry wrath. He didn't compare to her, he felt. She was proud, furious and protective. Even now, she kept close, slithering on ahead of Ten.
Barefoot and crouched low, he watched from the doorway as she slid up to the sleeping pair. Jin and his warrior. How nice. The other snakes around him slowly slithered in too, the floor had many different kids all waiting for Ten's command, sitting like loyal watch dogs. Waiting for Ten's move.
The beautiful snake curled slowly around Namjoon, like a vice grip, slowly startling the warrior awake. Namjoon cried out and suddenly the thing latched to his throat and bit him, poison activating swiftly through his body. He gargled, useless and pained, unable to move any part of his body. He could look, however, at the snakes fucking everywhere in their room.
And a boy in the middle, his clothes shiny and almost scale like, his red eyes glowing in the dark.
Jin was not his first target. Many men who had left him, betrayed him and used him had suffered the bite of Hobi's beautiful monster and the attack of his own angry wrath. He didn't compare to her, he felt. She was proud, furious and protective. Even now, she kept close, slithering on ahead of Ten.
Barefoot and crouched low, he watched from the doorway as she slid up to the sleeping pair. Jin and his warrior. How nice. The other snakes around him slowly slithered in too, the floor had many different kids all waiting for Ten's command, sitting like loyal watch dogs. Waiting for Ten's move.
The beautiful snake curled slowly around Namjoon, like a vice grip, slowly startling the warrior awake. Namjoon cried out and suddenly the thing latched to his throat and bit him, poison activating swiftly through his body. He gargled, useless and pained, unable to move any part of his body. He could look, however, at the snakes fucking everywhere in their room.
And a boy in the middle, his clothes shiny and almost scale like, his red eyes glowing in the dark.
"Namjoon?!" Jin was startled awake, immediately looking at his husband and freezing in fear, he almost made himself go for the snake, but then he noticed the hissing all around the room, looked around and he saw Ten. Ten, with glowing eyes and a glowing stone on his forehead, looking like a demon version of himself.
He knew he should scream, alert the guards. He was certain that Yoongi wouldn't be far, as far as he could tell that man just plain never slept. But he couldn't bring himself to scream, instead he just stared at Ten, the bed sheets pooling around his hips, his upper body as bare as Namjoon's. He liked to feel his husband's skin against his.
"Ten?" His voice was shaking, fear clearly obvious. "Is it really you?"
He knew he should scream, alert the guards. He was certain that Yoongi wouldn't be far, as far as he could tell that man just plain never slept. But he couldn't bring himself to scream, instead he just stared at Ten, the bed sheets pooling around his hips, his upper body as bare as Namjoon's. He liked to feel his husband's skin against his.
"Ten?" His voice was shaking, fear clearly obvious. "Is it really you?"
"Shh. I'm here. It will get better soon..." Really, all Jin had to go on for that was Ten's word and he had no idea if he could trust that, but he had to. He helped Namjoon sit up and held the tea cup against his lips, carefully making him drink, having made sure it wasn't too hot. Namjoon was sweating a lot, he had to make sure he'd have enough fluids inside him. "You are fighting so bravely."
Of course he was. "My warrior husband."
Of course he was. "My warrior husband."
"I'm fine. Doesn't hurt." It did. He felt a pain he'd never experienced before and all he wanted to do was scream but he couldn't. It was weak and he had to be brave and strong. He sipped the tea as before he could, trying not to lose his mind in the pain. He didn't know what to do - he just wanted Yoongi to fix it. Always fixed it.
"You okay?" He had to make sure Jin was okay, even if he could barely keep it together himself. "No pain?"
"You okay?" He had to make sure Jin was okay, even if he could barely keep it together himself. "No pain?"
"Tell the men that Namjoon is recovering from the fight." It had been easier to tell everyone that there had been an assassination attempt - from Cheon, of course - and that Namjoon had bravely fought for his husband and gotten injured in the process than try to explain the whole snake business. Yoongi saw no reason for anyone but him, Jin, Ten and Namjoon to know the truth, especially since the lie was helping his cause: Taking down Cheon.
The men were fired up now, but Yoongi didn't know how long he could keep Ten's presence a secret when Ten seemed to always be lurking. He felt his presence, even when he couldn't see him. "I want a report, Jungkook. How is morale?"
The men were fired up now, but Yoongi didn't know how long he could keep Ten's presence a secret when Ten seemed to always be lurking. He felt his presence, even when he couldn't see him. "I want a report, Jungkook. How is morale?"
"Uncertain. They, erm, well, they think this place is cursed. They're old fashioned. The men have been seeing things. Glowing red eyes and snakes everywhere. I think maybe they're getting restless in such a weird place. And with our leader down, you know, uncertainty spreads." Jungkook didn't know what to think about any of this but there was a few snakes around the place lately and that was kind of weird. He asked Tae if it was normal and apparently, it was not.
He frowned at Yoongi and tilted his head to the side. "What is happening, hyung? Please. Tell me. I wish to know." He knew something was up.
He frowned at Yoongi and tilted his head to the side. "What is happening, hyung? Please. Tell me. I wish to know." He knew something was up.
Yoongi got down on one knee and bowed his head before his lords, relieved to see Namjoon sitting up and endeared by how Jin would still not leave his side, as if fearing he might suddenly fall ill again.
"Thank you for getting the cure, Min Yoongi." Jin held on to Namjoon's hand, so glad to feel that the fever had gone down. He almost looked healthy again now and it was such a relief.
"Ten gave you the cure earlier. I just got something to lessen the symptoms." Credit where credit was due.
"Thank you for getting the cure, Min Yoongi." Jin held on to Namjoon's hand, so glad to feel that the fever had gone down. He almost looked healthy again now and it was such a relief.
"Ten gave you the cure earlier. I just got something to lessen the symptoms." Credit where credit was due.
"I'd thank Ten but I don't know where he is. Also he did kind of ... almost kill me. Not overly feeling endeared to him." Even so, he couldn't hate him. In pain or not, he'd heard what he'd said to Jin as he held him down and it was hard to hate him. He hated Cheon. "Thank you for your efforts anyway, hyung."
Holding Jin's had, he squeezed it a little and leaned into him. He was loved. Loved by a hot guy. What was world this was.
"He's always been saving me, you know? That's how we met. He saved my life... then yelled at me."
Holding Jin's had, he squeezed it a little and leaned into him. He was loved. Loved by a hot guy. What was world this was.
"He's always been saving me, you know? That's how we met. He saved my life... then yelled at me."
Jungkook didn't know what he was doing. He never did these days. He had such purpose when he and his men found a lost locket in the woods. Shiny, golden, fancy. Perfect for Tae! Jungkook had snagged it instantly and hurried all the way from the training camp to the palace just to give it to Tae.
And as soon as he entered the hall where Tae was working, he lost his nerve, his words and he just wanted to leave. Could he leave? He could-- Damn it, no, Tae had spotted him.
Marching forward, Jungkook towered over Tae in an intimidating fashion and then lifted the necklace from his pocket, dropping it on the table in front of Tae. "There."
And as soon as he entered the hall where Tae was working, he lost his nerve, his words and he just wanted to leave. Could he leave? He could-- Damn it, no, Tae had spotted him.
Marching forward, Jungkook towered over Tae in an intimidating fashion and then lifted the necklace from his pocket, dropping it on the table in front of Tae. "There."
"...hello, Jungkook." Tae smiled at him in slight confusion, trying his best to mask it. One day he would figure them all out, but apparently it wasn't today. He looked at the necklace and tried to remember if he had done or said anything that would result in something like this being thrown before him. He came up empty, so he eventually looked at Jungkook again.
"What do you want me to do with this? Do you want it valued or cleaned?" Maybe that was it. "I can tell you where that's done."
"What do you want me to do with this? Do you want it valued or cleaned?" Maybe that was it. "I can tell you where that's done."
It was late, but Yoongi knew the habits of just about everyone in the palace well by now, as someone who had to ensure his lords' safety. So he knew that Jimin headed out into the garden this late almost every night. He didn't know why, but he knew that he did it. And tonight, he fell into step beside him as he headed for the door, clearing his throat to make sure he was aware of his presence. He knew he could be too silent at times.
Jimin was leaning on the rails of the garden, bare foot and loosely dressed, just getting some fresh air before he had to go to bed. He liked to look at stars, he used to sit outside and do it all night but father always told him he was crazy, going to die of hypothermia or whatever nonsense he came out with. When Yoongi cleared his throat, he frowned and turned his head back. "Hey."
"Do you feel it?" Hoseok crouched down next to Ten, watching him curiously. He had given him a lot of power - probably a fair bit more than he should have - but he suspected that it might take him a long time to actually understand it all, to fully control it. That was why he was intent on guiding him when needed. "It happens every night. There's someone out there, praying to you. Not for you. To you. You have a worshipper, my sweet."
He smiled at him, reaching out to run a hand along the side of his face, a finger tracing the teardrop he had embedded in his forehead. "My beloved. You'll have temples built for you one day."
He smiled at him, reaching out to run a hand along the side of his face, a finger tracing the teardrop he had embedded in his forehead. "My beloved. You'll have temples built for you one day."
Ten leaned into the hand and nuzzled against it, he didn't know how he felt about that. The world was weird these days, nothing fit right. He had every single piece at hand but he didn't have any way to put it together. He wanted to go back, more than anything, to when things were easy, but he knew it could never be like that again. It had changed. He'd changed. Mentally and physically.
Looking up at Hobi, he smiled a little, faint but there. "Why do people worship me, hyung? I haven't done anything."
Looking up at Hobi, he smiled a little, faint but there. "Why do people worship me, hyung? I haven't done anything."
"You know, when you promise someone to write to them every day, no one expects you to actually go through with it. It's all right to skip a day." Yoongi said it while he looked at the stars, wondering whether Jimin ever looked at them and thought of him. He was going to have to try and get some rest soon, but right now he enjoyed leaning back by the fire and sitting with Jungkook and Namjoon.
Fighting would happen soon, he could feel it. Calm before the storm. He wondered if the others felt it too.
Fighting would happen soon, he could feel it. Calm before the storm. He wondered if the others felt it too.
"I like talking to him, I miss him." And this was the only way they could talk. And they had like five different discussions in one letter. It took some time. He was writing by the fireside, hasty and eager, scribbling down all his thoughts and feelings. Jungkook peered over and watched curiously, wishing he could write something himself.
"Can you pass on to Taehyung that I--I-- I said hi." Romantic. Good enough.
"Can you pass on to Taehyung that I--I-- I said hi." Romantic. Good enough.
"Are you ready, beloved?" Hoseok asked the question, one arm around Ten. Then he led him around the corner into the cavern where he had brought Yoongi before. No longer wearing his armour or any weapons, Yoongi was clad in dark colours still, his body entirely lifeless. He was stretched out on a flat stone, looking not unlike an altar, pale and seeming closer to death than life.
But his heart was still beating, however faintly, and his chest moved a little as he breathed.
"You've chosen your champion well. He didn't even hesitate."
But his heart was still beating, however faintly, and his chest moved a little as he breathed.
"You've chosen your champion well. He didn't even hesitate."
"Is he okay? He's going to be okay, isn't he? Hyung, he's my champion... I don't want to hurt him." He frowned as he looked at Yoongi, moving away from Hobi briefly so he could approach and check him over. He didn't doubt Hobi, he just felt concern. He eyed up Yoongi and checked his pulse and temperature before turning back to Hobi.
"I don't know what to do. I can't sleep easily." And he didn't want to waste time. "I-- I'm scared to, it's harder now."
He usually only slept because he had to.
"I don't know what to do. I can't sleep easily." And he didn't want to waste time. "I-- I'm scared to, it's harder now."
He usually only slept because he had to.
"Yoongi, hurry up already."
"Yes, hyung." Yoongi bowed and moved faster to put up the targets. He hated it, but it was part of service and no matter how well he might have done in battle, for now he was still the same rank as these guys and he was the youngest, so it was up to him to do the grunt work. He was hoping to be promoted very, very soon and chances were quite high, which was probably also why the others were heckling him more than usual.
The fighting had been hard and when they had stopped in this kingdom on their way back home and had gotten the offer to stay a few days, at the palace no less, of course their commander accepted. It was like nothing he had ever seen here. The people smiled in a way he wasn't used to, the wildlife and plant-life was unfamiliar, the sun always seemed to be shining and it was no wonder people were mostly clad in silk.
They had removed their furs and were mostly walking around without their armour, unless they practised with swords. It was up to the higher ups to converse with the royal family and dine and celebrate, but they had set camp in what seemed to just be one of many open spaces within the palace. There was no need for tents when the weather was this mild and Yoongi spent every night looking at the stars and thinking about what might be ahead of him. His darkest days were over, it seemed, so perhaps it was only fitting that he was here in this beautiful land for the last time he'd have to let these idiots order him around just because he was younger.
"Yes, hyung." Yoongi bowed and moved faster to put up the targets. He hated it, but it was part of service and no matter how well he might have done in battle, for now he was still the same rank as these guys and he was the youngest, so it was up to him to do the grunt work. He was hoping to be promoted very, very soon and chances were quite high, which was probably also why the others were heckling him more than usual.
The fighting had been hard and when they had stopped in this kingdom on their way back home and had gotten the offer to stay a few days, at the palace no less, of course their commander accepted. It was like nothing he had ever seen here. The people smiled in a way he wasn't used to, the wildlife and plant-life was unfamiliar, the sun always seemed to be shining and it was no wonder people were mostly clad in silk.
They had removed their furs and were mostly walking around without their armour, unless they practised with swords. It was up to the higher ups to converse with the royal family and dine and celebrate, but they had set camp in what seemed to just be one of many open spaces within the palace. There was no need for tents when the weather was this mild and Yoongi spent every night looking at the stars and thinking about what might be ahead of him. His darkest days were over, it seemed, so perhaps it was only fitting that he was here in this beautiful land for the last time he'd have to let these idiots order him around just because he was younger.
"Pssssssst. Don't go there. Psssst! Fuck, no! Nooo." Fucking Soba! He never listened to what he was told. Ten was on his hands and knees, hurrying at his temperamental little snake who hissed angrily at commands and slithered too fast, disappearing in and out of the grass. Curse his colouring. Why couldn't he be like Udon? Udon was quiet and nice!
He was sure one of his sisters let him loose. He was locked up and now he was loose and there they all were, hanging off the balcony and giggling as Ten had to hurry into the army's camp and get his snake back before one of these brutes killed it.
"They're going to fire at your snakey, Ten. Hurry up!"
"Fuck you, you idiots." Trying to keep low and out of the way of the targets, the young prince leapt after his loose snake and tried to grip it, to keep low and out of the way. He was going to get shot. And if he got shot, he was telling dad!
He was sure one of his sisters let him loose. He was locked up and now he was loose and there they all were, hanging off the balcony and giggling as Ten had to hurry into the army's camp and get his snake back before one of these brutes killed it.
"They're going to fire at your snakey, Ten. Hurry up!"
"Fuck you, you idiots." Trying to keep low and out of the way of the targets, the young prince leapt after his loose snake and tried to grip it, to keep low and out of the way. He was going to get shot. And if he got shot, he was telling dad!
Yoongi was very unsure about any of this. The teasing had not helped, he knew he looked nervous. Battle was different, he could go fight anything or anyone. He'd rather be doing that. Instead he stood in front of a door that looked entirely too fancy, holding a snake and already feeling out of his element.
Whatever. He had survived worse. He swallowed and finally knocked on Ten's door, waiting for him to open.
Whatever. He had survived worse. He swallowed and finally knocked on Ten's door, waiting for him to open.
"Hello, Min Yoongi! Hey, Udon." Ten held out his arm and the snake slithered free and happily explored Ten's new shiny robes. He had purposefully dressed in shimmering material, almost like snake skin. He was a lot more attacked to the snakes than his brothers and sisters were, he always felt akin to them. "He loves shiny material."
Holding the door open, he gestured for Yoongi to come in and pointed at the clothes on the bed. "Do they work for you? They're my brothers. A lot less colourful. I thought you'd like something simple, drawing less attention. So black!"
Holding the door open, he gestured for Yoongi to come in and pointed at the clothes on the bed. "Do they work for you? They're my brothers. A lot less colourful. I thought you'd like something simple, drawing less attention. So black!"
The battle was over. Yoongi had moved away from the others, partially because there was still a lot of weirdness after recent events - him riding away on a giant snake god and returning with a sword that glowed when he used it, a day of impenetrable fog buying him enough time to catch up on sleep after a sleepless night before this battle. There were a lot of rumours flying around and growing and it was just easier to disengage a little, leave the men time to digest.
Namjoon had made him promise that he'd recount it later, so that was coming, but for now he was happy to be silent. To not have to fight. He walked down to the river shore and knelt down, cleaning his sword and then putting it back into its sheath, hoping he'd not have to draw it again for a while. He cleaned his face with some water and was just considering if he should try to wash more when he heard an unusual sound.
Yoongi frowned and then he got up, quietly walking into the direction of the sobs. Oh. He ended up crouching next to the baby, holding out a hand. "Hello. You were hiding here, huh?"
Namjoon had made him promise that he'd recount it later, so that was coming, but for now he was happy to be silent. To not have to fight. He walked down to the river shore and knelt down, cleaning his sword and then putting it back into its sheath, hoping he'd not have to draw it again for a while. He cleaned his face with some water and was just considering if he should try to wash more when he heard an unusual sound.
Yoongi frowned and then he got up, quietly walking into the direction of the sobs. Oh. He ended up crouching next to the baby, holding out a hand. "Hello. You were hiding here, huh?"
Siwoo looked up at the big scary man, not sure what to feel. He reached out to tentatively hold onto Yoongi's hand, silent and curious as he calmed his sobs a little, somewhat stunned out of them. He looked over to the right and his lower lip wobbled again as he remembered why he was out here. "Eomma." His eomma fell. A bad man hurt her and she wasn't getting up. They wanted to hurt him too, he was sure of it. Good thing they all ran away.
Off to fight the invaders, ditching the small child alone in the woods. Siwoo had been hiding out here but no one had come back. And he was cold, wet and hungry. He wanted to go home again. He whined for his eomma again and then started crying once more.
Off to fight the invaders, ditching the small child alone in the woods. Siwoo had been hiding out here but no one had come back. And he was cold, wet and hungry. He wanted to go home again. He whined for his eomma again and then started crying once more.
"We're almost there. Thank God."
"No point in being back, everything is awful." Jungkook had been in a mood since his gift of heads had been robbed by wolves and now all he had was dumb little trinkets to gift. He sincerely missed his head bag but such was life. During the next war, he'd pull it off and bring back even more heads! All in separate bags so they're harder to steal.
"Stop being a baby. You're more of a baby than Siwoo." Namjoon dismounted careful, Siwoo was dozing in his arms and he had to be careful. He left his men to handle his horse and hurried ahead, Jungkook behind him. "I can't wait to see Jin!" He was so close now. Just a few more steps!
"No point in being back, everything is awful." Jungkook had been in a mood since his gift of heads had been robbed by wolves and now all he had was dumb little trinkets to gift. He sincerely missed his head bag but such was life. During the next war, he'd pull it off and bring back even more heads! All in separate bags so they're harder to steal.
"Stop being a baby. You're more of a baby than Siwoo." Namjoon dismounted careful, Siwoo was dozing in his arms and he had to be careful. He left his men to handle his horse and hurried ahead, Jungkook behind him. "I can't wait to see Jin!" He was so close now. Just a few more steps!
Edited 2019-02-20 21:51 (UTC)
"Welcome home, Namjoon-nim!" Tae bowed to his king and then looked at Jungkook, smiling a little bit brighter. "Welcome, Jungkook."
His heart was beating fast, but he had to focus on his official duties. "Jin-nim is awaiting you in the throne room, Namjoon-nim. He wanted to greet you outside, but there's protocol."
He shrugged. There was always protocol for everything, he certainly spent enough time studying it. His expression turned serious when he noticed something. "Where is Yoongi-hyung?"
Had something happened to him? The letters they got came with delay, but usually Yoongi was always by Namjoon's side.
His heart was beating fast, but he had to focus on his official duties. "Jin-nim is awaiting you in the throne room, Namjoon-nim. He wanted to greet you outside, but there's protocol."
He shrugged. There was always protocol for everything, he certainly spent enough time studying it. His expression turned serious when he noticed something. "Where is Yoongi-hyung?"
Had something happened to him? The letters they got came with delay, but usually Yoongi was always by Namjoon's side.
"I'm Jackson." Jackson simply appeared by Ten, since that seemed like the easiest way to do this. He bowed his head lightly, then reached up to rub the back of his neck. "See, down North I'm sort of a big deal."
Oh, culture differences. That coupled with how young Ten was? Jackson was already expecting this to not go as smoothly as one would hope. "Is this the spot you will have your first temple built?"
He looked around, nodding his approval. "Cosy. I like it."
Oh, culture differences. That coupled with how young Ten was? Jackson was already expecting this to not go as smoothly as one would hope. "Is this the spot you will have your first temple built?"
He looked around, nodding his approval. "Cosy. I like it."
"I don't know you." Ten inclined his head in a half-hearted bow before turning his attention back to the small stones that had gathered around a little snake statue. It was small and clearly not even close to finished but it was the start. One day he would have a temple here, Yoongi had told him as much. His people wanted a God to worship and apparently that was him. And that also meant having somewhere to do it.
He wasn't sure how he felt about it though. He didn't know how he felt about anything lately.
Including random guys talking to him. He was from the North? That was where Yoongi was from. Weren't they brutes and fighters? Why would they come here? "If you've come to claim this land, it's not yours. Go away."
He wasn't sure how he felt about it though. He didn't know how he felt about anything lately.
Including random guys talking to him. He was from the North? That was where Yoongi was from. Weren't they brutes and fighters? Why would they come here? "If you've come to claim this land, it's not yours. Go away."
"Hoseok-nim, how hard is it to get one of these?" Ten asked as he gestured to the pearl in his forehead, lowering his hand back down to continue petting his snakes. He liked where Hoseok lived, it was always such a safe place and he came back often - usually bringing him gifts. Whether or not Ten was becoming a God, he still gave Hoseok tribute... in the form of berries he picked and cool looking fruits but hey.
Way better than gold and diamonds. Who didn't love food? "Are they dangerous?"
Way better than gold and diamonds. Who didn't love food? "Are they dangerous?"
"They are power." So, yes. Power was dangerous. Hobi stretched out, looking over at Ten and smiling a little. They discussed many things, so he wasn't suspecting anything, simply tried to think of the best way to explain it. "It's a quest of sorts. Getting one. At least initially. After that... I gained my own pearl a long, long time ago. By mortal standards, anyway. And after that, ever since, I've been growing the one you have now. But I couldn't do what I've done for you for anyone else again for a long, long time. It's power that I've gathered over time. Godliness?"
He shrugged and reached out, stroking the hair back from Ten's forehead. "I have no regrets with my choice."
He shrugged and reached out, stroking the hair back from Ten's forehead. "I have no regrets with my choice."
"Siwoo, it's time to be up and about. Come on, little darling." Jin lifted his little son from his crib now that nap time was over, cradling him against himself. He knew he needed a while to wake up.
Not unlike Namjoon, who had fallen asleep with a book across his face. Jin smirked at him now, pointing at him to show Siwoo. "Look who is asleep. Do you want to help wake him up, yes?"
Not unlike Namjoon, who had fallen asleep with a book across his face. Jin smirked at him now, pointing at him to show Siwoo. "Look who is asleep. Do you want to help wake him up, yes?"
Siwoo was very happy to cuddle appa as he slowly woke up, content and just a little sleepy still. His eyes were all sticky and he rubbed at them, whining lightly and then turning to where appa pointed. At dada - who looked very silly right now. He was making snoring noises and it reminded Siwoo of a bear.
"DADA!" Siwoo squealed in excitement, giggling and now way more awake. Namjoon, remarkably, didn't stir. To be fair, he had slept through louder.
"DADA!" Siwoo squealed in excitement, giggling and now way more awake. Namjoon, remarkably, didn't stir. To be fair, he had slept through louder.
Yoongi was tired and lost in thoughts. He had seen something curious happening with the sky lately. Maybe he wouldn't have noticed normally, but Jimin's wish for a star had made him pay more attention than he normally would have. Something unusual was going on and he felt the urge to go and find out about it, battling it out with the urge to return to the palace, to finally rest.
He supposed he had always been the type to keep going, as weary as he might be. Weary enough to miss at first that he was walking onto a freshly washed floor. He stared at his dirty shoes and then looked up at the man mopping the floor, bowing in apology. Back where he came from, shoes were basically worn all the time outside of bed and bath time and it might be similar around here, judging by the roughness of the clientele, but he knew different customs from Ten's and Jin's kingdom. Besides, he just plain felt bad for the poor guy who had to keep cleaning.
So he bent down and started to undo his shoes. "Apologies, I didn't notice."
He cleared his throat. "Rough job, huh?"
He supposed he had always been the type to keep going, as weary as he might be. Weary enough to miss at first that he was walking onto a freshly washed floor. He stared at his dirty shoes and then looked up at the man mopping the floor, bowing in apology. Back where he came from, shoes were basically worn all the time outside of bed and bath time and it might be similar around here, judging by the roughness of the clientele, but he knew different customs from Ten's and Jin's kingdom. Besides, he just plain felt bad for the poor guy who had to keep cleaning.
So he bent down and started to undo his shoes. "Apologies, I didn't notice."
He cleared his throat. "Rough job, huh?"
"Uh-huh." He responded through gritted teeth so he didn't say anything stupid and get his pay docked. He had a habit of saying the wrong thing, pissing off people stronger than him and he just didn't want to deal. He just wanted to put his head down, clean the floor well enough so that when the manager came to inspect it, he might get paid this time and avoid any incidents. Gently pressing his face into the mop handle, he exhaled a small sigh and then started up again. "It's fine."
It was not fucking fine. He had redone this floor six times today. SIX. And one guy tracked freaking horse shit inside so no, he wasn't thrilled to do it again.
"Do you need a room? I can call the owner for you."
It was not fucking fine. He had redone this floor six times today. SIX. And one guy tracked freaking horse shit inside so no, he wasn't thrilled to do it again.
"Do you need a room? I can call the owner for you."
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