[There are a lot of words he could use, but he's trying to be calm right now. 'Surprising' seemed the least inflammatory one given what he might have said otherwise. As for the 'documented phenomenon'...
G'raha explains, simply and concisely, but he focuses in on one particular part of it.]
Soul--
[When the other man looks up he'll find that Dainsleif's expression is entirely unreadable. It's difficult to tell simply by looking at him if he's angry, or upset, or anything in between... but the link will do the job of reading for him. Dainsleif is currently briefly frozen in baffled disbelief. Then it cracks. A strange, bitter amusement seeps through and it's his turn to drop his head into his hands with a muted groan. Soulmates. Soulmates? He digs his thumbs against his temples and hisses in a breath through his teeth. What there is between he and G'raha is... It's been... But he wouldn't have expected...]
... I believe that everything happens for a reason. [He says eventually, speaking down to his knees.] That the threads of Fate are already laid, simply waiting to be followed to their conclusions before another web is spun. [Dainsleif gives a small shake of his head.]
I have never imagined this place to be a part of that. I never thought... I would find reasons to want something more for myself than the future I had already accepted as inevitable. I certainly never imagined you. [The blond man looks up finally, and underneath the turbulence of mixed feelings there is an undeniable, deep affection.] Yet here you are. Someone I'm... immeasurably grateful for.
[He reaches for G'raha's hand, skimming the pad of his thumb over the knuckles.]
[ The confusion, the disbelief, the frustration, those G'raha was expecting. This outpouring of affection, he was not prepared for. And maybe he should have been, with the way Dainsleif usually treats him, and yet, he still doesn't really understand it. He just can't see what it is that makes him so special in the other man's eyes. Not even now that he has one of those eyes himself. He glances away in embarrassment, but his fingers still close around Dainsleif's. ]
It is... difficult to explain. [ Gods, where to even start. ] Red eyes such as mine are unique to my bloodline. The crystal tower to which I have yoked my being was once the beating heart of the Allagan capital city. Due to its importance and power, access to the tower was so highly restricted that only the royal family could open its doors.
[ It's somewhat more complicated than that, but sometimes you just don't feel like getting into the usage of clones as living keys, y'know? ]
When the earthquake struck the capital, the Crystal Tower also sunk into the ground, and the people despaired. The only surviving member of the royal family was sympathetic to their plight, but she was past childbearing age. To ensure that the power of her bloodline would persist into the future should the tower ever rise again, she entrusted it to her most trusted aide and my distant ancestor.
These red eyes are proof of that royal blood, and it is by this boon alone that I am able to command the Crystal Tower. If the concentration of that blood were to wane enough for the tower to no longer recognize me as its master, it would be... troublesome.
[It isn't the first time that he has considered that G'raha does not quite understand just why Dainsleif treats him the way he does, or how special he is to him, but that brief moment confirms it. There's a mental note made there, but he has other priorities in mind right now... particularly the one that almost takes over his mind and makes his heart race every time G'raha looks at him.
The Crystal Tower. He rubs his thumb against the other man's hand while he explains. It's nothing outside of what he's capable of understanding and he nods carefully as he exhales a soft breath.]
You're thinking that this... might have taken something from you, and given it to me? [That it might have split the blood's potency? A valid concern, given the implication of what might happen should that occur. He does not miss that hint.
Dainsleif shifts forwards slightly, bringing his hand up to touch G'raha's cheek.] Is there a way to find out?
[ He raises his hand to cover the one on his cheek as he considers the question. The only way to test it would be with some Allagan technology that would react to the royal blood, but Folkmore is as obviously outside Allag's influence as the First is, where the only Allagan technology is what he brought there himself--
His eyes widen and his ears perk up as a solution occurs to him and he stands up, pulling away from Dainsleif's hands. ]
I have an idea.
[ He heads into the kitchen and pulls out a bowl to fill with water. Once he's got it set on the table, he dips his Spoon in it, and through his gathered Lore, he summons forth a strange machine. It's a cubelike shape, about a foot long on each side, dark grey with glowing purple lines etched into it, and it remains floating in the air under its own power after it's summoned. ]
Node, identify your primary function.
[ The authoritative demeanor G'raha adopts when addressing the node is far from his typical manner in Folkmore, and yet he slips into it smoothly and naturally. The node buzzes and its lower half spins before it replies in a mechanical voice. ]
Bzzt! I am tasked with handling mundane housekeeping tasks that would otherwise distract our citizens from furthering the glory of Allag. It is an honor to be called on to serve a member of the royal family.
[ G'raha lets out a noise somewhere between a relieved sigh and a laugh when the node identifies him as a member of the royal family. Unfortunately, the node isn't done yet. ]
Beep! Warning! Scans indicate that Your Highness has not slept in over 24 bells. Immediate rest is highly recommended.
[Of course he would think of something, but Dainsleif did not expect the solution to come to him so swiftly. He can't help but smile at the way the other man perks up and he follows him to the kitchen, watching in fascinated curiosity as he summons the machine. Technology of a level of advancement now mostly lost to Teyvat is not foreign to Dainsleif, but he doesn't think he's ever seen something like this before.
So he walks around it a little ways as G'raha speaks to it, his eyes flitting to the man at that unfamiliar tone in his voice. Unfamiliar coming from G'raha, but of a kind that the Knight Captain of the Royal Guard of Khaenri'ah has heard before.
He is back at the other's side when the confirmation of his lineage still being fully intact is given and he smiles slightly as he curls a hand over G'raha's shoulder. Not so much to worry about after all.
But then--...]
G'raha. [They are both creatures of habit and one of those unfortunate habits is not sleeping enough, but Dainsleif's admonishment is immediate. He glances to the node and gives a small bow in its direction.]
You have my gratitude for your keen observation. [His own tone shifts too. If slightly wry in its delivery, he is no stranger to dealing with royalty.] Please be assured that His Highness will be escorted to his chambers forthwith, with my personal guarantee that he will not be leaving until he is completely rested.
[ The node calling him Your Highness is one thing. Dainsleif playing along is quite another. ]
You needn't humor it. As advanced as Allagan technology is, nodes such as this are still wholly lacking in true intelligence. You should give it an order of your own. It may still recognize you as also being of royal blood.
[ He's just going to. Steadfastly ignore the part where he should go to sleep. He was going to go to bed when he happened to glance in a mirror this morning, okay, and there's no way he's going to rest easy until the matter is fully resolved. ]
[Oh, but humouring it is the fun part! And while G'raha might be trying to ignore the vocal warning about him getting more sleep Dainsleif will not, and fully intends to make good on his assurances to the node regardless of how little intelligence it might have.
He has his ways of getting this stubborn man to rest.
But then G'raha goes ahead and says that, and the look he gives him is a slightly wary one. The implication had been made, yes... but he isn't sure how he feels about suddenly being acknowledged as royalty by another world's ancient technology.]
Ah... all right.
[He considers for a moment, and not wanting the thing to go whizzing off into his home to perform some task...]
Node, give me more detail on the 'mundane housekeeping tasks' that you perform as part of your primary function. [Just what the heck is this thing capable of doing, anyway?]
I boast many features to make your responsibilities as a royal consort easier!
[ G'raha's ears and tail shoot straight up and although the node continues to prattle on about how it can make food and furnishing and clean and perform security functions, he absolutely does not hear a single word of it. ]
[They must both have similar looks on their faces. Dainsleif feels his face immediately flush red-hot, with all thoughts of the peculiarities of possibly being addressed as royalty completely removed from his head.]
Uh--
[His voice cracks up and octave. He clears his throat.]
You have been identified as designation: His Highness's consort. Your reaction indicates that this is inaccurate. Changing designation to His Highness's favored concubine--
[ The node is interrupted by a panicked outburst. ]
Keep it as consort!
As Your Highness wishes. Designation updated and locked in.
[ The node spins again and G'raha slumps, his ears and tail drooping in tandem. ]
[Dainsleif, more deeply flushed with embarrassment than G'raha will have ever seen him, stares wide-eyed at the node for a few moments more. He then brings both hands to his face, steepling them against his nose and mouth, and closes his eyes as he takes a deep breath.]
Mētrokoítēs... Me ta astéria, dóse mou dýnami. [He mutters softly into his palms, then abruptly turns away to lean against the kitchen counter.
His shoulders start to shake. Should G'raha be concerned enough to investigate... he'll find the man barely restraining his laughter.
[Well that's one way to get Dainsleif's attention back into the present moment.]
Ah-- no, you don't.
[And that's him just wrapping his arms around G'raha, kissing one of his ears lightly, letting out a final little chuckle as he glances over at the node and then squeezing the other man gently in against him.]
Someone has not slept in over twenty-four hours, and I did promise to remedy that.
[Regardless of whether or not the node understood what he was saying.]
And besides, we've both had a shock that affects the both of us rather intimately. I think it warrants more than such a flying visit, don't you?
I can deal with the node. I'd much rather see that you get some rest.
[Oh, he can tell that G'raha just wants to go off somewhere and sulk by himself, and maybe try to figure out how to shut that node down now that he's summoned it, but all of that is going to result in... well, in him not getting any sleep.]
Won't you indulge me, Raha? [Gently, he gives one of the smaller man's ears a brief rub.] Call it a favour.
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2023-01-21 09:09 pm (UTC)G'raha explains, simply and concisely, but he focuses in on one particular part of it.]
Soul--
[When the other man looks up he'll find that Dainsleif's expression is entirely unreadable. It's difficult to tell simply by looking at him if he's angry, or upset, or anything in between... but the link will do the job of reading for him. Dainsleif is currently briefly frozen in baffled disbelief. Then it cracks. A strange, bitter amusement seeps through and it's his turn to drop his head into his hands with a muted groan. Soulmates. Soulmates? He digs his thumbs against his temples and hisses in a breath through his teeth. What there is between he and G'raha is... It's been... But he wouldn't have expected...]
... I believe that everything happens for a reason. [He says eventually, speaking down to his knees.] That the threads of Fate are already laid, simply waiting to be followed to their conclusions before another web is spun. [Dainsleif gives a small shake of his head.]
I have never imagined this place to be a part of that. I never thought... I would find reasons to want something more for myself than the future I had already accepted as inevitable. I certainly never imagined you. [The blond man looks up finally, and underneath the turbulence of mixed feelings there is an undeniable, deep affection.] Yet here you are. Someone I'm... immeasurably grateful for.
[He reaches for G'raha's hand, skimming the pad of his thumb over the knuckles.]
Are you going to tell me what has you so worried?
no subject
Date: 2023-01-22 05:25 pm (UTC)It is... difficult to explain. [ Gods, where to even start. ] Red eyes such as mine are unique to my bloodline. The crystal tower to which I have yoked my being was once the beating heart of the Allagan capital city. Due to its importance and power, access to the tower was so highly restricted that only the royal family could open its doors.
[ It's somewhat more complicated than that, but sometimes you just don't feel like getting into the usage of clones as living keys, y'know? ]
When the earthquake struck the capital, the Crystal Tower also sunk into the ground, and the people despaired. The only surviving member of the royal family was sympathetic to their plight, but she was past childbearing age. To ensure that the power of her bloodline would persist into the future should the tower ever rise again, she entrusted it to her most trusted aide and my distant ancestor.
These red eyes are proof of that royal blood, and it is by this boon alone that I am able to command the Crystal Tower. If the concentration of that blood were to wane enough for the tower to no longer recognize me as its master, it would be... troublesome.
[ On account of it would kill him. ]
no subject
Date: 2023-01-24 08:21 pm (UTC)The Crystal Tower. He rubs his thumb against the other man's hand while he explains. It's nothing outside of what he's capable of understanding and he nods carefully as he exhales a soft breath.]
You're thinking that this... might have taken something from you, and given it to me? [That it might have split the blood's potency? A valid concern, given the implication of what might happen should that occur. He does not miss that hint.
Dainsleif shifts forwards slightly, bringing his hand up to touch G'raha's cheek.] Is there a way to find out?
no subject
Date: 2023-01-26 02:49 am (UTC)His eyes widen and his ears perk up as a solution occurs to him and he stands up, pulling away from Dainsleif's hands. ]
I have an idea.
[ He heads into the kitchen and pulls out a bowl to fill with water. Once he's got it set on the table, he dips his Spoon in it, and through his gathered Lore, he summons forth a strange machine. It's a cubelike shape, about a foot long on each side, dark grey with glowing purple lines etched into it, and it remains floating in the air under its own power after it's summoned. ]
Node, identify your primary function.
[ The authoritative demeanor G'raha adopts when addressing the node is far from his typical manner in Folkmore, and yet he slips into it smoothly and naturally. The node buzzes and its lower half spins before it replies in a mechanical voice. ]
Bzzt! I am tasked with handling mundane housekeeping tasks that would otherwise distract our citizens from furthering the glory of Allag. It is an honor to be called on to serve a member of the royal family.
[ G'raha lets out a noise somewhere between a relieved sigh and a laugh when the node identifies him as a member of the royal family. Unfortunately, the node isn't done yet. ]
Beep! Warning! Scans indicate that Your Highness has not slept in over 24 bells. Immediate rest is highly recommended.
no subject
Date: 2023-01-26 07:35 am (UTC)So he walks around it a little ways as G'raha speaks to it, his eyes flitting to the man at that unfamiliar tone in his voice. Unfamiliar coming from G'raha, but of a kind that the Knight Captain of the Royal Guard of Khaenri'ah has heard before.
He is back at the other's side when the confirmation of his lineage still being fully intact is given and he smiles slightly as he curls a hand over G'raha's shoulder. Not so much to worry about after all.
But then--...]
G'raha. [They are both creatures of habit and one of those unfortunate habits is not sleeping enough, but Dainsleif's admonishment is immediate. He glances to the node and gives a small bow in its direction.]
You have my gratitude for your keen observation. [His own tone shifts too. If slightly wry in its delivery, he is no stranger to dealing with royalty.] Please be assured that His Highness will be escorted to his chambers forthwith, with my personal guarantee that he will not be leaving until he is completely rested.
no subject
Date: 2023-01-27 01:18 am (UTC)You needn't humor it. As advanced as Allagan technology is, nodes such as this are still wholly lacking in true intelligence. You should give it an order of your own. It may still recognize you as also being of royal blood.
[ He's just going to. Steadfastly ignore the part where he should go to sleep. He was going to go to bed when he happened to glance in a mirror this morning, okay, and there's no way he's going to rest easy until the matter is fully resolved. ]
no subject
Date: 2023-01-27 10:02 pm (UTC)He has his ways of getting this stubborn man to rest.
But then G'raha goes ahead and says that, and the look he gives him is a slightly wary one. The implication had been made, yes... but he isn't sure how he feels about suddenly being acknowledged as royalty by another world's ancient technology.]
Ah... all right.
[He considers for a moment, and not wanting the thing to go whizzing off into his home to perform some task...]
Node, give me more detail on the 'mundane housekeeping tasks' that you perform as part of your primary function. [Just what the heck is this thing capable of doing, anyway?]
no subject
Date: 2023-01-28 12:59 am (UTC)I boast many features to make your responsibilities as a royal consort easier!
[ G'raha's ears and tail shoot straight up and although the node continues to prattle on about how it can make food and furnishing and clean and perform security functions, he absolutely does not hear a single word of it. ]
no subject
Date: 2023-01-29 02:38 am (UTC)Uh--
[His voice cracks up and octave. He clears his throat.]
What did you just call me?
no subject
Date: 2023-02-01 09:41 pm (UTC)[ The node is interrupted by a panicked outburst. ]
Keep it as consort!
As Your Highness wishes. Designation updated and locked in.
[ The node spins again and G'raha slumps, his ears and tail drooping in tandem. ]
Well, I... suppose that's the matter settled now.
no subject
Date: 2023-02-01 10:34 pm (UTC)Mētrokoítēs... Me ta astéria, dóse mou dýnami. [He mutters softly into his palms, then abruptly turns away to lean against the kitchen counter.
His shoulders start to shake. Should G'raha be concerned enough to investigate... he'll find the man barely restraining his laughter.
Consort. There's a title he never saw coming.]
no subject
Date: 2023-02-05 08:58 pm (UTC)I believe it is time for me to return home.
[ He gives up on today, okay. He's calling a mulligan and starting over. ]
no subject
Date: 2023-02-05 09:05 pm (UTC)Ah-- no, you don't.
[And that's him just wrapping his arms around G'raha, kissing one of his ears lightly, letting out a final little chuckle as he glances over at the node and then squeezing the other man gently in against him.]
Someone has not slept in over twenty-four hours, and I did promise to remedy that.
[Regardless of whether or not the node understood what he was saying.]
And besides, we've both had a shock that affects the both of us rather intimately. I think it warrants more than such a flying visit, don't you?
no subject
Date: 2023-02-09 10:39 pm (UTC)Do you want me to go sleep or to stay for a longer visit?
no subject
Date: 2023-02-09 10:53 pm (UTC)You can do both.
[He cups the side of the other man's head, skimming his thumb gently against G'raha's temple.]
It wouldn't be the first time you'd slept here. Surely it doesn't seem like such a strange idea.
no subject
Date: 2023-02-12 03:09 am (UTC)[ An unconscious man does not generally make for good company, and an embarrassed one just might be looking for an excuse to sulk privately. ]
Surely you would rather not have the node stay here as you go about your day?
no subject
Date: 2023-02-14 10:38 pm (UTC)[Oh, he can tell that G'raha just wants to go off somewhere and sulk by himself, and maybe try to figure out how to shut that node down now that he's summoned it, but all of that is going to result in... well, in him not getting any sleep.]
Won't you indulge me, Raha? [Gently, he gives one of the smaller man's ears a brief rub.] Call it a favour.
no subject
Date: 2023-03-13 11:09 pm (UTC)If that is what you wish.
[ With that, he pulls out of the embrace so he can head for the bedroom. ]