Kabru (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
peoplepleaser) wrote2025-07-24 07:47 pm
peoplepleaser) wrote2025-07-24 07:47 pm
open post/au information
See comments for specific au info.
In bullet list format bc that's easiest rn
background & pre-timeskip
background & pre-timeskip
- Utaya was a border village in Almyra that was destroyed by giant monsters from Fodlan, leaving Kabru as the only survivor.
- Kabru was rescued and taken in by Milsiril, a Nabatean who dislikes her own kind and has a habit of adopting human children. She teaches him everything he ever wants to know, except for why giant monsters only seem to exist in Fodlan despite the claim that they come from an animal having absorbed too much magic.
- After much convincing of his very doting and over-protective adoptive mother (and a lot of very intense sword-training), Kabru makes his way to Garreg Mach to try and discover the truth of how/why giant monsters exist, and to join the Knights of Seiros specifically to fight them.
- Kabru uses his connection to Milsiril (who is like a wayward cousin you still care about even if you never hear from them to Rhea) to gain access to the Church library and resources, but Rhea requires that he go through the Officer's Academy before he can join the Knights of Seiros.
- Specific joined House I leave up to whatever makes sense for the thread.
- After the fall of Garreg Mach, Kabru wanders Fodlan with a small "mercenary band" (his canon adventuring party) primarily responding to reports of giant monsters.
- They are not very good at fighting them and barely escape with their lives many times but they don't actually charge for it so...
- When he hears people are gathering at Garreg Mach again, Kabru returns as well.
time-skip
Kabru did not come to the Officer's Academy to attend classes-- what he's reported to Rhea is that he came to join the Knights of Seiros, to join the only organizing body fighting against the monsters that destroyed his home. And that's true, but it's not the whole of it. He knows there are answers here, that the Church holds secrets his own adoptive mother refused to tell him. That's the real reason he's come to Garreg Mach, rather than sign on with a mercenary band that specializes in handling giant monsters.
Unfortunately, either due to his youth or a protective streak drummed up by his being the adopted child of one of her "cousins", Lady Rhea won't allow him to join the Knights until he's graduated from the Officer's Academy. He's slotted into the Golden Deer, which already boasts the vast majority of commoner students at the Academy, so he fits right in. And... well, there's the fact that the House Leader clearly has some Almyran ancestry. It's obvious to Kabru, but everyone else seems to either pretend it's not obvious or genuinely doesn't see it.
It's noted, anyway, along with everything else Kabru notices about his new classmates. Ignatz's not very well-hidden at all love of painting, the strange but crushing guilt Marianne carries, Hilda's insecurity-- he studies his classmates and the church staff at least as much as he studies for classes. Like him, Dorothea is new to the Deer, transferred from the Black Eagles, and nearly as many rumors circulate about her as about their mysterious class leader.
It's when they're tasked with taking care of the horses together that he gets his first real chance to speak with her one on one. "So, how are you finding the Golden Deer? It's a colorful bunch." He gives a little laugh, holding out a sugar cube as a bribe to the horse he's supposed to be grooming.
Unfortunately, either due to his youth or a protective streak drummed up by his being the adopted child of one of her "cousins", Lady Rhea won't allow him to join the Knights until he's graduated from the Officer's Academy. He's slotted into the Golden Deer, which already boasts the vast majority of commoner students at the Academy, so he fits right in. And... well, there's the fact that the House Leader clearly has some Almyran ancestry. It's obvious to Kabru, but everyone else seems to either pretend it's not obvious or genuinely doesn't see it.
It's noted, anyway, along with everything else Kabru notices about his new classmates. Ignatz's not very well-hidden at all love of painting, the strange but crushing guilt Marianne carries, Hilda's insecurity-- he studies his classmates and the church staff at least as much as he studies for classes. Like him, Dorothea is new to the Deer, transferred from the Black Eagles, and nearly as many rumors circulate about her as about their mysterious class leader.
It's when they're tasked with taking care of the horses together that he gets his first real chance to speak with her one on one. "So, how are you finding the Golden Deer? It's a colorful bunch." He gives a little laugh, holding out a sugar cube as a bribe to the horse he's supposed to be grooming.
background (Origins/DA2 timeline)
Kabru joins up with the Inquisition and is initially placed as an interpreter. He passes along some key observations to Leiliana's agents and is then recruited to become one of her agents himself in addition to his interpretation work. After the Inquisition disbands, Kabru uses his connections there to fund and create his own mercenary band, specializing in disposing of dark spawn and demons and offering their services for cheap or free to smaller settlements who normally can't afford the help of mercenaries. He continues to offer his translation services from time to time (mostly from wealthy nobles and scholars wanting texts translated that don't mind a bit of a wait) to supplement the band's income.
- Utaya was destroyed by darkspawn during the Fifth Blight, leaving Kabru as the only survivor as a very young child.
- Kabru was rescued and taken in by Milsiril, a Dalish elf Grey Warden with little interest in continuing her Warden duties. She teaches him everything he ever wants to know (including helping him to learn several languages from around Thedas, as well as all the elvhen she knows), but heavily discourages his interest in joining the Wardens for himself.
- After much convincing of his very doting and over-protective adoptive mother (and a lot of very intense sword-training, as well as a promise to only attempt the Joining if its to save his own life from Blight), Kabru leaves her care and finds work as a mercenary, wanting to help clean up the remnants of darkspawn around Thedas.
Edited 2025-07-29 07:49 (UTC)
In terms of rumors, Dorothea Arnault is a seasoned veteran, having been the subject of more than even she is aware of. When the gentle swell of her mother's belly became evident under the uniform of the estate where she worked, everyone on the staff was eager to speculate whether or not the child's father was the lord of the house, and whether or not this bastard would be lucky enough to be born with a Crest. (She wasn't.)
During her tenure with the Mittelfrank, noblewomen loved to whisper about her behind their fluttering fans, every action she took spawning its own gaggle of rumors. How much money did she really have, and how much of it was given to her by her various suitors? When those same suitors lashed out at her for rejecting their amorous advances, surely it was her own fault for leading them on. (She hadn't.)
Now, as a student of the Garreg Mach Officer's Academy, Dorothea has overheard students and knights alike discussing whether or not she really is the kind of girl who'll sleep with anyone to advance her social standing after someone familiar with the nobleman who sponsored her application floated the idea that she'd fucked him for money.
(She isn't, for the record, and she hadn't.)
One bit of information that never managed to find its way into the rumor mill is this: Dorothea is afraid of horses. So many of her classmates love them, to the point that she's certain she'd never live it down if anyone ever found out, though it would be mild in comparison to most of what she's heard so far. Turns out that a few close calls with the underside of a horseshoe can make anyone wary of them.
Still, she watches with a twinge of envy as he interacts so easily with the horse. Meanwhile, she's standing at arm's length from her designated charge, brushing its fur with rather mechanical strokes. His question is a pleasant distraction.
"Colorful is one way of putting it," she says, laughing softly. She's already locked horns with Lorenz now that they're supposed to be studying together, and Marianne always finds an excuse to scurry off whenever Dorothea tries to talk with her. "They seem kind, for the most part. Eccentric in their own ways. I like them." Most of them.
"And what about you? You're planning to join the Knights of Seiros, isn't that right?"
During her tenure with the Mittelfrank, noblewomen loved to whisper about her behind their fluttering fans, every action she took spawning its own gaggle of rumors. How much money did she really have, and how much of it was given to her by her various suitors? When those same suitors lashed out at her for rejecting their amorous advances, surely it was her own fault for leading them on. (She hadn't.)
Now, as a student of the Garreg Mach Officer's Academy, Dorothea has overheard students and knights alike discussing whether or not she really is the kind of girl who'll sleep with anyone to advance her social standing after someone familiar with the nobleman who sponsored her application floated the idea that she'd fucked him for money.
(She isn't, for the record, and she hadn't.)
One bit of information that never managed to find its way into the rumor mill is this: Dorothea is afraid of horses. So many of her classmates love them, to the point that she's certain she'd never live it down if anyone ever found out, though it would be mild in comparison to most of what she's heard so far. Turns out that a few close calls with the underside of a horseshoe can make anyone wary of them.
Still, she watches with a twinge of envy as he interacts so easily with the horse. Meanwhile, she's standing at arm's length from her designated charge, brushing its fur with rather mechanical strokes. His question is a pleasant distraction.
"Colorful is one way of putting it," she says, laughing softly. She's already locked horns with Lorenz now that they're supposed to be studying together, and Marianne always finds an excuse to scurry off whenever Dorothea tries to talk with her. "They seem kind, for the most part. Eccentric in their own ways. I like them." Most of them.
"And what about you? You're planning to join the Knights of Seiros, isn't that right?"
It doesn't take long for Kabru to pick up on her discomfort with the horses. He's fairly neutral on them himself, but he takes the lead in dealing with the tasks she seems to be avoiding. She seems happy for the distraction of conversation, as well, which he is all too happy to give.
"I agree, they've been very welcoming." For the most part. Hilda was a little awkward about him obviously being from Almyra, but Kabru was able to smooth it over... and Lorenz isn't so hard for him to handle-- in no small part because he's not a woman or Claude von Riegan, of course. That always helps when interacting with Lorenz. "That's my plan. Lady Rhea wanted me to go through the academy as a student first, though." If this frustrates him any (and it does), he doesn't let it show in his face or voice. Kabru is not particularly pious-- he goes to enough church services to not rankle feathers through non-attendance, and keeps his private beliefs just that. It's not quite as odd a move as a diva songstress at the Mittelfrank signing on to the Officer's Academy at the peak of her career, but definitely strange.
"I'm sure you've been asked this a million times, so I apologize for that... but why did you come to the Academy?" He poses the question with simple curiosity. "You must have a goal of your own in mind to make such a drastic change like that."
"I agree, they've been very welcoming." For the most part. Hilda was a little awkward about him obviously being from Almyra, but Kabru was able to smooth it over... and Lorenz isn't so hard for him to handle-- in no small part because he's not a woman or Claude von Riegan, of course. That always helps when interacting with Lorenz. "That's my plan. Lady Rhea wanted me to go through the academy as a student first, though." If this frustrates him any (and it does), he doesn't let it show in his face or voice. Kabru is not particularly pious-- he goes to enough church services to not rankle feathers through non-attendance, and keeps his private beliefs just that. It's not quite as odd a move as a diva songstress at the Mittelfrank signing on to the Officer's Academy at the peak of her career, but definitely strange.
"I'm sure you've been asked this a million times, so I apologize for that... but why did you come to the Academy?" He poses the question with simple curiosity. "You must have a goal of your own in mind to make such a drastic change like that."
The fact that he's willing to take over for her where the horses are concerned is a huge relief. It's hard to explain why they frighten her so much without sounding a little pathetic, like she's fishing for pity somehow. Instead, he asks her why she's here at Garreg Mach and she cringes a little, internally. Well, it's not like she hasn't explained this before. He'll probably judge her for it, but she's come to expect that by now.
"I don't mind the question," she says, casually waving a hand as she works to clean and organize around the stables. "It's understandable that people would be curious, especially when they don't really know the inner workings of the opera. The truth is that I'm here to secure my future. There's always going to be talented and ambitious girls vying for the spotlight on stage, and I've been performing for eight years already. At this point, I'm ready to meet someone and settle down, and I thought Garreg Mach would be a good place, since my classmates are all around the same age as me."
Dorothea is painfully aware of the politics of it all, that she would be a trophy wife at best, but that's better than the alternative. Even being the subject of the uncharitable rumors circulating about her will be worth it in the end if she gets the outcome she wants.
"I hope that answers your question. I'm sure you've probably heard all kinds of chatter about it by now."
"I don't mind the question," she says, casually waving a hand as she works to clean and organize around the stables. "It's understandable that people would be curious, especially when they don't really know the inner workings of the opera. The truth is that I'm here to secure my future. There's always going to be talented and ambitious girls vying for the spotlight on stage, and I've been performing for eight years already. At this point, I'm ready to meet someone and settle down, and I thought Garreg Mach would be a good place, since my classmates are all around the same age as me."
Dorothea is painfully aware of the politics of it all, that she would be a trophy wife at best, but that's better than the alternative. Even being the subject of the uncharitable rumors circulating about her will be worth it in the end if she gets the outcome she wants.
"I hope that answers your question. I'm sure you've probably heard all kinds of chatter about it by now."
Kabru listens closely while he tends to the horse's hooves, watching her from the corner of his eye. It seems she's being truthful-- still anxious around the horses, and taking the excuse of cleaning up the environment to step away from them.
He smiles amiably. "That's very practical. Most of the other students here don't need to think of their futures in that way-- their lives are already planned out for them. I imagine a famous songstress would get quite a lot of potential suitors, but if you're here looking for people your own age... they must have all been quite a bit older. I certainly can't blame you for not being satisfied with that. You're worried you don't have the time or opportunity to find a love match, so you're trying to secure the best chance you have at a long, prosperous life... and a significantly older husband dying long before you could leave you in a difficult spot."
He smiles amiably. "That's very practical. Most of the other students here don't need to think of their futures in that way-- their lives are already planned out for them. I imagine a famous songstress would get quite a lot of potential suitors, but if you're here looking for people your own age... they must have all been quite a bit older. I certainly can't blame you for not being satisfied with that. You're worried you don't have the time or opportunity to find a love match, so you're trying to secure the best chance you have at a long, prosperous life... and a significantly older husband dying long before you could leave you in a difficult spot."
It's not a good idea for the king to just go down and greet guests in the courtyard, so Laios is waiting on the balcony instead — in armour, the way he always has to be if he leaves his well-guarded private rooms. There's already been two assassination attempts. "Hey," he shouts down, the moment Kabru steps out of the carriage, lifts a hand in a wave. Doesn't notice that people turn and look. "Welcome home!"
He could have just sent a text, sure, but that's never Laios' first thought. It's not even his last thought, most of the time. All his friends have business elsewhere in the world these days, and he misses them, but nobody really gets more from him than a picture snapped every couple of weeks - as Kabru discovered the hard way.
Anyway, there's more to do when you're a king than when you lead a small adventuring party, so he just allows himself that one bright moment, colour in a week of grey, before going back to the court to listen to petitioners. He's getting better at those now that he has a system: if it's about holdings he delegates to the treasurer; if it's a crime he sends it to trial; if it's something related to monsters he's only allowed to speak for five minutes before coming to his conclusion. When it's politics, something about their borders or another kingdom, he tries to think through what Kabru would say (WWKD?) and says that. It's going to be so much better to have the real deal back. That's a big part of why he's so relieved, he's pretty sure.
His staff remind him, politely, that there's paperwork to do. He's kind of behind on signing things. Someone else reminds him to eat; the kitchen staff are well-trained and very diligent. One of the makeshift royal guard they've put together stops to talk to him about armoury inventory. He says something about swords, and iron shipments. Laios thinks he manages to respond. He doesn't realize his feet have carried him to Kabru's rooms until he gets there, pounds on the door.
He could have just sent a text, sure, but that's never Laios' first thought. It's not even his last thought, most of the time. All his friends have business elsewhere in the world these days, and he misses them, but nobody really gets more from him than a picture snapped every couple of weeks - as Kabru discovered the hard way.
Anyway, there's more to do when you're a king than when you lead a small adventuring party, so he just allows himself that one bright moment, colour in a week of grey, before going back to the court to listen to petitioners. He's getting better at those now that he has a system: if it's about holdings he delegates to the treasurer; if it's a crime he sends it to trial; if it's something related to monsters he's only allowed to speak for five minutes before coming to his conclusion. When it's politics, something about their borders or another kingdom, he tries to think through what Kabru would say (WWKD?) and says that. It's going to be so much better to have the real deal back. That's a big part of why he's so relieved, he's pretty sure.
His staff remind him, politely, that there's paperwork to do. He's kind of behind on signing things. Someone else reminds him to eat; the kitchen staff are well-trained and very diligent. One of the makeshift royal guard they've put together stops to talk to him about armoury inventory. He says something about swords, and iron shipments. Laios thinks he manages to respond. He doesn't realize his feet have carried him to Kabru's rooms until he gets there, pounds on the door.
Oh dear, that's not a very dignified look... the permanent residents already know the general demeanor of their king by now, but some of the representatives from other kingdoms look disturbed. More than a few of them are giving Kabru curious or suspicious looks, for having received such a public and friendly greeting from the king himself.
Smoothing over the rumors about his and Laios' relationship is a task that never ends. His official position in court does not reflect the favor with which he's treated-- it's part of the reason Kabru had offered to go liaison with the Western elves. Not only was he the best equipped for the job, some time apart would hopefully give the rumor mill time to move on to something else. So much for that.
Oh well... it's still good to be home. It takes a while for Kabru to get back to his rooms, since he has to keep stopping to greet people-- castle staff, diplomats, merchants. Though he may only officially be the prime minister's assistant, he hasn't lost any of his charms, and he doesn't hesitate to use them in service of the new kingdom. He stops by Yaad's office to brief him on the trip, and is immediately waved off and told to take the rest of the day off after his journey. Someone's already taken his luggage back for him, and it's waiting for him on the bed when he closes the door behind him and lets out a weary sigh. Even for him, socializing after such long travel is draining. Yaad was probably right to shoo him off. He starts to unpack, clothes and diplomatic papers and gifts spread out haphazardly on the bed when a loud knock comes at the door, making him jump.
Only one person knocks at his door like that. The king going to his favorite's private rooms the very night he returns from abroad is also not going to help those rumors... Kabru sighs with equal annoyance and fondness, puts his socializing face back on, and answers the door. "Good evening, Your Majesty." Always his title when there's any chance of being overheard.
Smoothing over the rumors about his and Laios' relationship is a task that never ends. His official position in court does not reflect the favor with which he's treated-- it's part of the reason Kabru had offered to go liaison with the Western elves. Not only was he the best equipped for the job, some time apart would hopefully give the rumor mill time to move on to something else. So much for that.
Oh well... it's still good to be home. It takes a while for Kabru to get back to his rooms, since he has to keep stopping to greet people-- castle staff, diplomats, merchants. Though he may only officially be the prime minister's assistant, he hasn't lost any of his charms, and he doesn't hesitate to use them in service of the new kingdom. He stops by Yaad's office to brief him on the trip, and is immediately waved off and told to take the rest of the day off after his journey. Someone's already taken his luggage back for him, and it's waiting for him on the bed when he closes the door behind him and lets out a weary sigh. Even for him, socializing after such long travel is draining. Yaad was probably right to shoo him off. He starts to unpack, clothes and diplomatic papers and gifts spread out haphazardly on the bed when a loud knock comes at the door, making him jump.
Only one person knocks at his door like that. The king going to his favorite's private rooms the very night he returns from abroad is also not going to help those rumors... Kabru sighs with equal annoyance and fondness, puts his socializing face back on, and answers the door. "Good evening, Your Majesty." Always his title when there's any chance of being overheard.
Laios knows he can't just scoop Kabru into the kind of tight hug he'd give Falin — for one thing, he's still wearing armour. So he's gentle when he goes for it, palm broad between Kabru's shoulderblades. He smells like iron and cured hide. Distantly, there's the sound of footsteps on the stone floor pausing, retreating.
Laios' expression is blissfully free of even the concept of court machinations when he pulls back, gold eyes fixed on Kabru. "Hi," he says, a little more casual now he isn't yelling it excitedly from up high. "Can I come in? There's something we need to talk about."
Laios' expression is blissfully free of even the concept of court machinations when he pulls back, gold eyes fixed on Kabru. "Hi," he says, a little more casual now he isn't yelling it excitedly from up high. "Can I come in? There's something we need to talk about."
Somehow, Kabru doesn't see the hug coming at all-- but Laios is very physical in his affection, and it's been a few months. He's careful not to read too into it, returning the affection with a brief squeeze to Laios' arm. Clearly, the man has missed him, and not just as an unofficial advisor. As a friend.
It's hard to be too annoyed in the face of that, even with the exhaustion of travel weighing on his shoulders, or the faint footsteps in the distance meaning more damage control for Kabru later. Kabru's armor these days is the finery of the court, though right now he's dressed down in more practical traveling clothes. He'd made an effort to look decent in the carriage before coming in, but he's dreadfully aware that he smells like the road.
He peers out at the hallway past Laios, just double checking if there's anyone else about to watch him invite the king into his private rooms, alone, at night. "Must be important..." He moves aside to let Laios in before anyone can come down that hallway to see it, quickly shutting the door behind him once he's in. Tries not to feel like they're doing something salacious. It's just talking. "Sorry about the mess-- you caught me while I was unpacking."
If it weren't for the castle staff, his room would always be a mess, but never mind that.
It's hard to be too annoyed in the face of that, even with the exhaustion of travel weighing on his shoulders, or the faint footsteps in the distance meaning more damage control for Kabru later. Kabru's armor these days is the finery of the court, though right now he's dressed down in more practical traveling clothes. He'd made an effort to look decent in the carriage before coming in, but he's dreadfully aware that he smells like the road.
He peers out at the hallway past Laios, just double checking if there's anyone else about to watch him invite the king into his private rooms, alone, at night. "Must be important..." He moves aside to let Laios in before anyone can come down that hallway to see it, quickly shutting the door behind him once he's in. Tries not to feel like they're doing something salacious. It's just talking. "Sorry about the mess-- you caught me while I was unpacking."
If it weren't for the castle staff, his room would always be a mess, but never mind that.
Laios comes into the room, raking a hand through his hair, pulse high in his throat; when the door closes, it feels a little like he's just found a safe room after nearly getting his ass kicked. Except monsters, a dungeon, he'd know how to handle that. Make a plan for healing, getting stronger, going back out again.
He gives a dismissive wave to Kabru's apology. "I didn't mean to interrupt. Here, I'll help out." Procrastinating what he actually wants to say because he doesn't know how to say it, and because he likes tidying up. It's not like he gets to do it for himself anymore. Bending, he picks up a discarded travel cloak and shakes it out, folding it, edge to satisfying edge.
"The thing is." He's really just going to have to blurt it out. He tries to sound calm about it, instead of like an overtired toddler; it mostly makes him sound a little careless. "I don't think I can live this life anymore."
He gives a dismissive wave to Kabru's apology. "I didn't mean to interrupt. Here, I'll help out." Procrastinating what he actually wants to say because he doesn't know how to say it, and because he likes tidying up. It's not like he gets to do it for himself anymore. Bending, he picks up a discarded travel cloak and shakes it out, folding it, edge to satisfying edge.
"The thing is." He's really just going to have to blurt it out. He tries to sound calm about it, instead of like an overtired toddler; it mostly makes him sound a little careless. "I don't think I can live this life anymore."
"Oh-- you don't have to do that." Kabru gives a token protest, but Laios is an unstoppable force when he wants to be.
He's stalling. Kabru takes the papers over to his desk while Laios handles the clothes, keeping an eye on the king. Waiting him out. It's a good thing, that Laios is thinking through his words, if this is really so important.
And then the careless fool blurts out a sentence that nearly takes Kabru's feet out from under him. What? What is he saying? Is he planning on fleeing the country or something?
Kabru takes a slow breath. Laios having doubts is not a shock. He knows he's given up a lot for this position-- a position Kabru and Yaad had pushed him into, that he struggles with and feels unsuited for. But he is making progress, and Kabru knows Laios always has the well-being of his citizens in mind when it really counts. That's the most important thing. He just has to talk him down from-- whatever this is.
He keeps his tone purposefully light, non-judgemental. "What happened while I was gone to have you questioning yourself like this? I'm back now, so let me help lighten the burden."
He's stalling. Kabru takes the papers over to his desk while Laios handles the clothes, keeping an eye on the king. Waiting him out. It's a good thing, that Laios is thinking through his words, if this is really so important.
And then the careless fool blurts out a sentence that nearly takes Kabru's feet out from under him. What? What is he saying? Is he planning on fleeing the country or something?
Kabru takes a slow breath. Laios having doubts is not a shock. He knows he's given up a lot for this position-- a position Kabru and Yaad had pushed him into, that he struggles with and feels unsuited for. But he is making progress, and Kabru knows Laios always has the well-being of his citizens in mind when it really counts. That's the most important thing. He just has to talk him down from-- whatever this is.
He keeps his tone purposefully light, non-judgemental. "What happened while I was gone to have you questioning yourself like this? I'm back now, so let me help lighten the burden."
Laios kind of thought Kabru would be mad — not that that tone actually means he isn't. He smooths out a crumpled shirt and carefully folds it down to a neat square. "I'm not questioning myself," he says, tone taking on a slight edge. That's never been how this works for him, Laios knows who he is. It's the rest of the world who doesn't really get it. Sometimes he resents that, and sometimes he perseveres, but either way it's tiring.
"I'm questioning what we're doing here," he continues. "The whole time you were away I kept thinking, I have to make the decision Kabru would want me to make. But how does that make any sense? Shouldn't it just be you?" Making the decisions, he means.
"I'm questioning what we're doing here," he continues. "The whole time you were away I kept thinking, I have to make the decision Kabru would want me to make. But how does that make any sense? Shouldn't it just be you?" Making the decisions, he means.
Oh, he's definitely mad. Especially so for Laios springing this on him the moment he's back in the kingdom. Literally has not even unpacked. But Kabru has far too much practice stifling his anger. Even Laios getting testy with him doesn't provoke more than an irritated twitch of his eyebrow before Kabru's expression settles again.
"It can't just be me, because I am not the king." Kabru explains with more patience than he thought he could have in this moment. "I'm flattered that I'm your baseline for decision-making, but Laios..." Kabru meets his eyes head-on, his smile falling into a more serious expression. "You are smarter than you give yourself credit for. Even when you're taking my advice, it's still you making the call, judging that advice against everything else you've heard-- and you haven't always agreed with me." Kabru had initially been very uncomfortable with welcoming the orc population to settle in Melini, but-- they've surprised him. He's been doing a lot of re-evaluating on demihumans, thanks to Laios' decisions. It's easier to see now that his fear of monsters was driving those feelings. "The outcomes speak for themselves. Melini is growing, the people are able to eat... everything's coming together, it just takes time."
"It can't just be me, because I am not the king." Kabru explains with more patience than he thought he could have in this moment. "I'm flattered that I'm your baseline for decision-making, but Laios..." Kabru meets his eyes head-on, his smile falling into a more serious expression. "You are smarter than you give yourself credit for. Even when you're taking my advice, it's still you making the call, judging that advice against everything else you've heard-- and you haven't always agreed with me." Kabru had initially been very uncomfortable with welcoming the orc population to settle in Melini, but-- they've surprised him. He's been doing a lot of re-evaluating on demihumans, thanks to Laios' decisions. It's easier to see now that his fear of monsters was driving those feelings. "The outcomes speak for themselves. Melini is growing, the people are able to eat... everything's coming together, it just takes time."
Edited 2025-10-27 09:23 (UTC)
Laios smooths his hands over the neat squares of clothing after he folds each one, nodding along with what Kabru is saying with every appearance of listening. He's aware that he isn't expressing himself well. Words get harder after he's had to talk to a lot of people, and he's still working through what he means himself.
Kabru is right, that things are coming together. The Golden Kingdom taking back its place in the world, bringing the traditions of the way things were into a new age. The people who had once lived in the dungeon living within the walls of the city here instead. And his curse, like a gift to the people, keeping everyone safe from monsters so long as he lives.
"If it was just that..." he trails off, smooths a wrinkle, tries again. "I know what kind of kingdom I want to rule. But I don't think it's possible to build it." Everyone expects things to be a certain way. It's not all that different to how he grew up. Laios' brow is furrowed, and he looks up at Kabru again. "What I'm trying to say is, maybe you should be king."
Kabru is right, that things are coming together. The Golden Kingdom taking back its place in the world, bringing the traditions of the way things were into a new age. The people who had once lived in the dungeon living within the walls of the city here instead. And his curse, like a gift to the people, keeping everyone safe from monsters so long as he lives.
"If it was just that..." he trails off, smooths a wrinkle, tries again. "I know what kind of kingdom I want to rule. But I don't think it's possible to build it." Everyone expects things to be a certain way. It's not all that different to how he grew up. Laios' brow is furrowed, and he looks up at Kabru again. "What I'm trying to say is, maybe you should be king."
Kabru had set out to the island with the express purpose of conquering the dungeon and becoming the ruler of the land-- and now, he has to continue to insist that he cannot take the job to the man who currently has it. Funny how things change. But he'd only ever wanted it as a means to the end of closing the dungeon, and giving a political foothold to short-lived races. So long as that is happening, he's happy to lend his assistance wherever it's best suited.
Right now, as far as he can see, that's this. Kabru sits on a cleared spot of the bed, folding his hands in his lap. "Okay... let's say you abdicated, and I took up the throne. Think of how that looks from the outside. I did not defeat the Mad Mage, much less the demon. I'm not your heir. I have no legitimate claim to the throne, other than your willingness to give it to me. Rumors of foul-play would surface-- I must have done something to usurp the throne. Perhaps blackmail, or some type of mind-control magic. How would we combat these rumors? The only reason we're recognized as a sovereign nation by our long-lived allies at all is because of that story. Your story. It's intrinsically tied to you."
Right now, as far as he can see, that's this. Kabru sits on a cleared spot of the bed, folding his hands in his lap. "Okay... let's say you abdicated, and I took up the throne. Think of how that looks from the outside. I did not defeat the Mad Mage, much less the demon. I'm not your heir. I have no legitimate claim to the throne, other than your willingness to give it to me. Rumors of foul-play would surface-- I must have done something to usurp the throne. Perhaps blackmail, or some type of mind-control magic. How would we combat these rumors? The only reason we're recognized as a sovereign nation by our long-lived allies at all is because of that story. Your story. It's intrinsically tied to you."
Laios' fists clench, and then unclench again, fingers tingling. It's trying to think like this that's been grinding him down. He can put himself into a third party's outlook on his own actions if he tries, and he's right more than half the time. But only when it's someone he knows, a position he understands. Rumours of foul-play is harder to conceptualize, unless he's looking at things from the perspective of Kabru, who is pretty likely to worry about something like rumours. Like, after this much time, he can at least work out, probably Kabru doesn't want me to come and draw attention to him by greeting him directly in the courtyard.
His lips press together, tongue on the back of his teeth, and then he claps his hands together decisively. "If I didn't abdicate, then I would still be in a position to counter the rumours with the truth, right?" Full steam ahead on this idea: "We can just get married."
His lips press together, tongue on the back of his teeth, and then he claps his hands together decisively. "If I didn't abdicate, then I would still be in a position to counter the rumours with the truth, right?" Full steam ahead on this idea: "We can just get married."
Rumors themselves don't bother Kabru near as much as what those rumors might lead to... and widespread rumors of a secret coup could spell disaster for their fledgling kingdom. There could be an uprising, they would certainly lose the support of their allies-- it would be a disaster. In his effort not to entirely catastrophize, he may have undersold the potential danger there, but he's still trying to help Laios think about these things on a broader scale. It's easier to explain it in smaller steps.
Before he can continue in that line, Laios makes him very glad he's already sitting down because he has just pulled the rug out from under him. Married. To Laios. It's rare for Kabru to be speechless, or flustered, but Laios has managed to render him both. In fact, he is probably the most singularly talented at doing exactly that. Once he's worked through his impression of a fish, Kabru brings a hand up to his face, rubbing his heated cheek, gaze shifting away from the blond. "Don't say that so casually. I-- That would--"
But now he's thinking about it. The political implications, that is, because if he thinks about anything else right now he's going to combust. His hand settles over his mouth as he thinks. "There'd be the issue of an heir... and ideally, your marriage should help strengthen the kingdom by reinforcing an alliance with one of the other nations."
Before he can continue in that line, Laios makes him very glad he's already sitting down because he has just pulled the rug out from under him. Married. To Laios. It's rare for Kabru to be speechless, or flustered, but Laios has managed to render him both. In fact, he is probably the most singularly talented at doing exactly that. Once he's worked through his impression of a fish, Kabru brings a hand up to his face, rubbing his heated cheek, gaze shifting away from the blond. "Don't say that so casually. I-- That would--"
But now he's thinking about it. The political implications, that is, because if he thinks about anything else right now he's going to combust. His hand settles over his mouth as he thinks. "There'd be the issue of an heir... and ideally, your marriage should help strengthen the kingdom by reinforcing an alliance with one of the other nations."
"I've told Yaad before, I don't think it's a good idea to return to a system based on family inheritance. That's not me being selfish," a tiny quirk of his lips, slight self-deprecation. "If we can build a system based on merit, then it overcomes the divide between the people and the ruling family, and it reduces the emphasis on lifespan. I know we need way more political strength before we can make radical changes, but I'm not going to put aside a good option now for reasons that might not matter later."
Hey, it turns out he's thought about this. "As for the other thing..." he's thought about that, too, has gone so far as making lists of all the eligible nobility in other kingdoms. He's known since he was young that his marriage was going to be political, and that pressure has only increased since he accepted the throne. "Isn't elevating a skilled diplomat going to do more for our overall position amongst the other kingdoms than favouring one alliance?"
Hey, it turns out he's thought about this. "As for the other thing..." he's thought about that, too, has gone so far as making lists of all the eligible nobility in other kingdoms. He's known since he was young that his marriage was going to be political, and that pressure has only increased since he accepted the throne. "Isn't elevating a skilled diplomat going to do more for our overall position amongst the other kingdoms than favouring one alliance?"
Laios has clearly put thought into this-- it's not something he just blurted out on a whim. A merit-based system of inheritance is actually a nice idea, too, though figuring out how to implement it will take time, let alone getting people to buy into the idea. That's all things to think about later, though.
He's making solid arguments, and Kabru is admittedly pretty impressed. He gives it due thought, fingers rubbing at his chin in a fidget. "It would also eliminate the issue of other nations vying for control of us through your marriage." He admits slowly-- there are a few potential candidates Kabru would have strongly advised against for exactly that reason.
Kabru's hand lowers, and he looks Laios in the eye again. "You've put thought into this. Did you really come here tonight to ask me to marry you?"
He's making solid arguments, and Kabru is admittedly pretty impressed. He gives it due thought, fingers rubbing at his chin in a fidget. "It would also eliminate the issue of other nations vying for control of us through your marriage." He admits slowly-- there are a few potential candidates Kabru would have strongly advised against for exactly that reason.
Kabru's hand lowers, and he looks Laios in the eye again. "You've put thought into this. Did you really come here tonight to ask me to marry you?"
His eyes are so blue. Laios is suddenly embarrassed — for all the time he's spent trying to "think like Kabru", he realizes he's kind of forgotten to take his desires into account at all. A light watercolor flush heats the bridge of his nose.
"No," he says, glancing away, studying Kabru's room, the last few items from his bag. "But it's not the first time I've thought about it, either. I know it's a big ask, so take your time. If you don't want to—" His easy, polite response stutters, because he's not actually sure what other solutions they have, short of carrying on the way things are until something in him breaks. But he's solved more impossible problems. If Kabru doesn't want to marry him, that's just. He can. It'll be fine. His feelings aren't important here. He looks back now, anxious, knowing it's pointless to try and read anything off Kabru's expression but doing it anyway. "I'd understand, if you don't want to."
"No," he says, glancing away, studying Kabru's room, the last few items from his bag. "But it's not the first time I've thought about it, either. I know it's a big ask, so take your time. If you don't want to—" His easy, polite response stutters, because he's not actually sure what other solutions they have, short of carrying on the way things are until something in him breaks. But he's solved more impossible problems. If Kabru doesn't want to marry him, that's just. He can. It'll be fine. His feelings aren't important here. He looks back now, anxious, knowing it's pointless to try and read anything off Kabru's expression but doing it anyway. "I'd understand, if you don't want to."
arranged marriage meets fake dating au smfh (i love it tho)
peoplepleaser
2025-10-29 04:43 am (UTC)(link)
The blush shows easily on Laios' face; Kabru studies his expression intently, reading the worry, the uncertainty, the feeling of helplessness and overwhelm. For as much as Laios still manages to surprise him, he's very easy to read like this.
His hand covers his mouth as his lips try to twitch into a smile. Laios has been thinking about marrying him. For very logical, practical reasons, but still. "We'll have to discuss it with Yaad. And you'd have to court me officially. Since I'm not from a neighboring kingdom, we'd have to make it look like a love match."
Which, obviously it isn't. Laios is just looking for help with a responsibility he never wanted-- help that Kabru is very well-positioned to provide. And they're friends, which is more than can be said about Laios' other marriage candidates. Of course he'd prefer that over marrying a politically convenient stranger.
Now they're on the same completely incorrect page, since that's exactly what Laios has been telling himself. He needs a strategic partner to help him with the social aspects of ruling; marriage solves that problem; Kabru is always Laios' first thought for a candidate because he's the most qualified for the role. That's all. It's totally logical and practical.
"Courtship, huh," Laios nods. "I can do that." He doesn't have much experience, given his parents arranged his betrothal when he was too young to do more than go through certain motions. They'd worked out the details about gifts and arranged brief meetings under a chaperone. But even as an adult it's just a series of traditional procedures, right? Political theatre — not his favourite way to live or rule but not something he struggles with so long as there's thorough instruction.
"So that's a yes?" The bright feeling trying to burst out of his chest is relief, obviously. He might have to hug Kabru again.
"Courtship, huh," Laios nods. "I can do that." He doesn't have much experience, given his parents arranged his betrothal when he was too young to do more than go through certain motions. They'd worked out the details about gifts and arranged brief meetings under a chaperone. But even as an adult it's just a series of traditional procedures, right? Political theatre — not his favourite way to live or rule but not something he struggles with so long as there's thorough instruction.
"So that's a yes?" The bright feeling trying to burst out of his chest is relief, obviously. He might have to hug Kabru again.
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