Rainbow High [Arvalyn, Talon]

[Finn]

3rd of Frost, Year 121 Steel
Palace of the First Wind

This was not the first party Finn had attended at the Novalys palace, but it was the first one he was able to bring Arry along for. By now, he had observed Lord Aoren and Prince Talon's interactions enough to have gotten his music well underway, so he could afford to split his attention between the lovers and his own, who was mightily impressed that he had earned a commission from their holy Shinsei. It wasn't that Finn wasn't in awe of the man, but he had met him before he ascended even higher than the clouds where the Avialae danced, at least. And Arry didn't believe him when he said that even now, Talon was a man one could speak to, who didn't care so much about appearances and protocols when he didn't have to.

A party like this might not be the best time to prove that theory as the god-prince would likely be performing his roles for the court and other attendees. It was certainly strange to be on the royal guest list, though. This time, he had let Arry dress him appropriately to his own tastes. As such, he felt a bit like a peacock but was taking it all in stride. At least his hands were snugly gloved, the better to keep his recovering hand warm. He still couldn't play as well as before the attack, but he was still working to restore the lute he had bought at Phoma's now that it was the only one he owned.

"...quite the power couple, aren't you?" Lord Yserloo was saying. The Avialae angel of the Golden Peacock Theater recognized the ingenu on Finn's arm as one of his own employees, and apparently, though only a few members of the court had been present for Finn's capstone performance at the Pyrecaeon, word had spread that their beloved Shinsei had been in attendance for a work dedicated to his glory. House Choi was clearly a supporter of the arts, but this was the first time he had paid more than scant attention to Arvalyn Val'Cithaeron.

"Thank you, my lord," Finn said demurely, deferring to Arry in front of his boss. From what he understood, Arry's place was secure due to his friendship with the Theater's impresario, but it wouldn't hurt to charm the rest of that triumvirate.

[Arvælyn]

Arry had been meticulous in curating their looks for the evening. He was making a debut of sorts, so it seemed ill-advised to fall too far afield of his signature style. His own outfit centred around a glistering cloth-of-gold robe with trimming the same hue of blue as Finn's eyes in sunlight. The most notable accent piece was a corset-vest topped off with a high, metallic collar and rounded with boulevards of blue boning that ended in patterned lace. His hair was slicked back and rounded by a simple gold diadem, which might have been camouflaged by his hair if not for the topaz embellishments that rounded the Elvish ornament. Finn's outfit had been curated in the inverse with blue as the base and gold for the trim. It was a more traditionally Southern fashion that Arvalyn found so fetching on humans, rather than the Eastern style of his own garb. With a neatly tailored, damask-patterend coat and matching vest, the look was more traditionally masculine than Arry's- even though Finn had lost the argument about losing the ruffled sleeves, which were draped over his gloves.

All in all, Arry felt that he looked the part of a guest at a palace party, even if he felt like an imposter as he strode with feigned confidence and practised grace through the front gates. He leaned up to whisper with conspiratorial caution into Finn's ear:

"This is like a dream..." Which was about the extent of his capability to put his feelings into words. It was a lovely departure from some of the new timbres impacting their two symphonies of late. There was much that remained unspoken between them since the night Arry's new powers revealed themselves, and it was only because of those new powers that he was able to conceal many the minor chords that had been dominating the latest movement from his fellow Mesmer. These thoughts only flashed through his mind very briefly, before he was soon distracted by the sights and sounds of the fantasy-come-to-life surrounding him. In the company of a divine prince, Arry felt like one himself. As if he might blink whatever he desired into existence on an ephemeral whim...

He blinked at the man addressing them, taking a moment to register the face attached to the statement.

"Milord Yserloo." He inclined his head in a graceful display of abounding respect, accompanied by the sort of faint, aloof smile he'd often seen worn by princely folk in public settings. "Is Your Lordship acquainted with Finn? My mentor, my muse..." He offered, casting an adoring gaze sidelong to regard the human's profile.

"I'm not sure if you were able to attend, but he recently enjoyed rather a triumph a few weeks back with his 'Talon' symphony in B♭ major." His stoical smile hazarded to spread into something more enthusiastic as he boasted about his beloved.

[Talon]

T A L O N

“What’s got you so nervous?” Talon jumped and quickly stuffed what had been in his hands into a pocket when Aoren walked into the room.

“Nothing!” Talon blurted a little too quickly. Aoren squinted at him suspiciously.

“Hm. So you say, love.” Talon blushed a little as it was immediately clear that he was not being entirely truthful. He opened up both his heart and mind to his partner, allowing Aoren to feel his excited nervousness. The expression on his partner’s face softened. He felt his beloved push at the sharpest edges of his emotional turmoil, smoothing them with the steadiness of his warmth. Aoren strode up to him and Talon took in the sight of him.

He was dressed handsomely. A tailored black coat that came down to his knees, beneath which was a black corset-vest with silver and blue accents with polished silver buttons. Tailored black pants tucked into knee high polished boots, all of it came together to compliment the dark feathers of Aoren’s raven wings and the fiery quality to his elemental touched eyes. He was a vision of an ebony warrior, a stark contrast to Talon’s own attire. An elegant white silk coat with a high collar covered Talon’s torso, dropping down just past his knees. The white and gold sleeveless robe that hung loosely about his frame fell like a waterfall. The tailored grey pants and grey-silver boots that he wore were all of the finest quality, with all pieces carefully made to accent his Siltori pale skin and the silver of his wings.

“You have been up to something, you and Rickter. My birthday isn’t for a few weeks, you know.” Talon just smiled at his partner. He had indeed been up to something and it was only with Rickter’s help that he had been able to keep it a secret. The whole palace had been tight lipped and with his mother and brother’s help, he’d been able to keep a tight lid on the events unfolding. With a little bit of innocent Mesmeric magic, they had been able to keep the surprise waiting for Aoren. Tonight was going to be one the biggest night’s of his life. This was to be the more formal of two major events planned but this would be the one where the announcement was made and Talon’s intentions declared before everyone in the territory that mattered.

The more private affair would come later. But first, this night. Talon wanted everything to go as perfect as possible. He reached up and cupped his bondmate’s face prompting Aoren to grasp his wrists lightly.

“I promise to tell you soon, love.” Talon leaned in, pressing his brow to Aoren’s. The two of them shared a quiet moment before the soft clearing of a throat drew their attention. One of the palace staff bowed low to them both. It was time for them to join the party. Talon moved to walk but was halted as Aoren grabbed his face and kissed him fiercely. In that moment, he felt the nervous tension between his shoulders ease. He wrapped his arms around his lover, hugging him close before the kiss came to a natural end.

“I swear if this is another one of Rien’s social party’s, I’m going to burn off his eyebrows.” Talon laughed, shaking his head.

“I promise it is not.” Again, Aoren glared suspiciously at him before the two of them turned to stand in front of the doors. With a nod, Talon signaled for the staffer to open the doors and after a moment, the both of them were announced. As he stepped forward into the room, Talon let the veil of his mortality fall away. The silver-white light of his nimbus began to softly illuminate the air immediately around him and Aoren. The decorations of the room captured the light, adding to the serene glow throughout the chamber. Across the space, Talon took hold of the Light that was in the room and by his divine right, willed the light to be welcoming and inviting to those who beheld it. Talon suffused his nimbus with feelings of confidence and calm to further add to the enjoyable atmosphere of the party.

“Welcome, friends.” He let his voice carry over the party. “Tonight, I wish for all of you to drink, laugh, and enjoy yourselves as you are embraced by the hospitality of House Novalys. Enjoy the evening’s festivities and be merry. Please join me in welcoming the first of the night’s entertainment, all the way from our neighbors in Zaichaer, the Myshalarai Performers!”

As soon as Talon finished speaking, several acrobatic performers somersaulted into place from the edges of the crowd as they began their routine of circus-like entertainment. Applause broke out from the attendants and with that, Talon’s gaze passed over the assembled. His attention came to rest on a familiar face.

“You brought in the Zaichaeri circus?” Aoren’s voice held an edge of excitement to it. It was one of the few things in Zaichaer that he had enjoyed during their visit. Talon chuckled, reaching out to squeeze his partner’s hand.

“Come, we should go say hello to a few friends.” Talon guided them both down from the steps until they came to stand before Finn and a golden haired man beside him.

“Finn!” Talon smiled. “I am glad that you were able to make it. You have met my bondmate, Aoren.”

Aoren offered a nod of his head with a smile. Talon looked to the blonde haired man beside him.

“Is this your beloved Arvalyn that you spoke of?”

[Finn]

Finn gave Arry's hand a surreptitious squeeze when he mentioned the dreamlike quality of the evening. He knew it could be dangerous trying to make every day a dream, but he wanted to make Arry happy. At least for this evening, it seemed he was successful.

"I wasn't able to attend," Yserloo said apologetically, "but I heard all about it. Too late to have it performed at the Theater for the Shinsei's birthday, I think. Perhaps next year." He nodded to Finn, who bowed as was appropriate.

By the time said Shinsei made his appearance, Yserloo had broken off to schmooze with someone else, which was fine by Finn. They had made a good impression on him, he thought, which was good for Arry's career, and possibly for his own. They turned toward the Presence, which Finn could feel and he imagined Arry could feel as well. The prince glowed, though he seemed to have a finer degree of control over it now.

"Zaichaeri performers?" he mused as Talon made his grand announcement, glancing to Arry to see if he knew anything about them. "That's him. And that's Lord Aoren with the black wings." He didn't mention anything about Talon's intention to marry his bond mate as that wasn't his secret to tell.

They played wallflowers for a little while, trying to get the lay of the land. Both of them had the ability to gauge the symphonies around them, and Finn certainly did. These were shark-infested waters, and he didn't want to have to rely upon Talon saving him from drunken lordlings as he had the first time they met. Soon enough, though, the man singled him out. Finn smiled, genuinely pleased as he did actually like the prince, though he didn't know that he wanted to be the center of the court's attention. He was sure Arry didn't mind, though.

He bowed to the Shinsei and his bond mate.

"My prince," he greeted him. "My lord Aoren. Aye, this is Arvalyn Val'Cithaeron. Rising star at the Golden Peacock and... well, my leading man."

He could hear Yserloo's symphony, calculating and curious.

[Arvælyn]

"That would be lovely!" Arry failed to sustain his stoic smirk for a split second, at Yserloo's suggestion of having Finn's work performed at their lofty venue. Not so lofty, perhaps, as its premiere, but still- It went to show that being amongst important figures in a casual setting was good for more than just his ego. They hadn't even been here that long and already a career opportunity had presented itself for one of them.

When the prince appeared, Arry's eyes widened and something strange stirred in him. He knew he would be nervous, but there was something else... something deeper. It wasn't mere awe or due intimidation, there was a primal fear. It felt like a kind of recognition, though he'd never seen the prince in this form with these eyes. The unsettling moment passed with a quavering breath as Finn spoke.

Arry shrugged at the mention of Zaichaer. The Antiran actor didn't really follow politics, so he didn't know much about Zaichaer. He'd certainly never been there. He just knew he liked their fashion, though he had no idea what it might imply.

"I got the suit you're wearing from a Zaichaeri tailor." He offered with a slight shrug as his golden eyes darted to one of the tumblers. He felt Talon's presence before his eyes took note of his approach, but when they did they went saucer wide. He felt Finn move at his side, which reminded him to follow suit and bow, though Arvalyn's was more flourishing. He began with his cupped right palm at his sternum, which extended forward at the same time as the right foot did. They then made a graceful sweep to the right, with his right foot pausing behind the left leg as it bent and his right hand continued its circuit until it extended toward Talon as if in offering when he lowered his head and eyes.

"My heart and all I give to thee..." He whispered in Mythrasi. The line and gesture were both borrowed from a role he was presently rehearsing, but it felt appropriate albeit archaic. He blinked at hearing his name uttered by the hallowed tongue of the prince and felt instantly light-headed. He stumbled slightly, catching himself with Finn's shoulder as he rose from his formal bow.

Once he'd steadied himself, he belatedly registered what Talon had said. Not only did he know Arry by name, but apparently Finn had referred to him as his 'beloved'. He looked to Finn with a quizzical, but bright, expression and waited for him to answer. He found himself pleased with the reply and squeezed Finn's hand, as well as caressing his symphony with the notes of how it made him feel to be referred to as his 'leading man'. His heart sung, "I love you." and his eyes turned back to their royal host.

"It is an honour to make Your Royal Highness' acquaintance." The needling fear he'd felt at first seeing Talon was a quiet, discordant descant in the otherwise triumphal movement his symphony sounded to herald this glorious day in his life.

[Talon]

T A L O N

“Finn!” Aoren stepped forward, placing a hand upon the minstrel’s shoulder giving it a gentle squeeze and a pat. He then turned to regard Arvalyn with eyes that were a mix of hazel and living fire. He gave the half-elven man an appraising look before smiling.

“Good to finally meet the lucky man who finally won you over.” Aoren gave Finn a playful nudge in the arm.

“Agreed.” Talon stepped forward then. He offered a bow of his head and spoke, not in Mythrasi, but in its precursor language. The musical notes of ancient Vallenor floated between them as he imparted the greeting that he had shared with Lyra many times.

“Sha’alor di’afel lor ana.” The direct translation was something akin to being pleased that one’s paths had crossed. Nevertheless, it seemed an appropriate greeting given the elven heritage that was plainly evident between the two of them. Talon affixed silver eyes upon Arvalyn, curious as to the manner of person who would have so captivated Finn’s heart. Standing there in the light of his nimbus, Talon could catch a glimpse of the measure of this man’s soul. Gently, he shone a light upon the shadows he saw there. In that single glance, Talon beheld the lofty halls of a silver city in forests that seemed to be made of gold and twilight. There stood an elven woman and a human man and between them a boy that looked much like Arvalyn. The light passed over another shadow to reveal a city that Talon knew quite well, Antiris. Several other glimpses passed before Talon’s eyes in a mere breath and though he got the distinct feeling he could have pried further, he did not.

“Arvalyn.” Talon spoke the name. He listened to it with ears that dispelled the shadows around things, that revealed truths hidden from the Light. In that moment it sounded, not discordant, but not entirely perfect. The silver of Talon’s eyes shone softly and he smiled genuinely.

“Yours must be quite the story to have captured Finn’s attention.” Talon raised a hand. No sooner had he done so, a palace staffer was extending a tray of flutes filled with champagne. He picked up one, handing it to his bondmate. Aoren caught his hand as their fingers touched. The raven winged Kathar kissed the back of it briefly before coming to stand beside him. Taking his own flute, Talon then gestured to Finn and Arvalyn.

“Would you care to share the story of how you both met?” Talon brought the champagne to his lips, tasting it. The taste of pears and a fine berry danced across his tongue. He looked between the two men in front of him, ready and willing to listen if they cared to share the tale.

[Finn]

"It feels a bit like a costume," he admitted to Arry, "but makes me feel as though I fit into this pageantry better." He kissed Arry's impossible cheekbone, and then they were surrounded by royalty. He smiled sincerely at Aoren's ribbing. It seemed a matter of course that he would like someone that Talon liked so well, but it also felt strange to feel more comfortable about some of the most august presences at the party when the lesser nobles and such made him so nervous under his performer's facade.

To the Vallenor, he replied with a phrase that amounted to so say we all. He had been picking up quite a bit from his work with Lyra, though he didn't know that he could hold a proper conversation in the dead language. It was largely a linguistic puzzle that pleased the parts of his mind where language and music were confluent.

As for how they met, "Well, I was busking almost a year ago and this one came over to listen and outshone Ysadrin." He jokingly ducked as if his mild blasphemy would incur a lightning bolt of divine retribution. "Then after two seasons of collaborating on a song for him, he decided we didn't have to be professional anymore and..." He laughed at his own obliviousness. "Sorry," he said to Arry, "I should probably let you tell it with your usual élan. I would do better if we were setting it to music."

Then he blushed because music made him think of mesmeric symphonies and how they purposefully entwined theirs during lovemaking. With Arry's sudden increase in power, sometimes he worried it would be too good and mess him up inside. He really needed to stop thinking about this in public. He tugged at his Zaichaeri collar and hoped Arry would retell things from his point of view, which was sure to charm the prince and his consort.

[Arvælyn]

Arry felt something within him recede, as if obfuscating itself and with it absconded that strange, morbid fear that had accompanied his regard of Talon. He was left, instead, with the more immediately justifiable fears that came with meeting a celebrity of such renown- Foremost the fear of humiliating himself.

He blushed at Aoren's words, even if the jest was more at Finn's expense than his own. His face was already flush from the rush of standing in the presence of a royal demigod, but the blood seemed to collect more at his neck than his sunkissed cheeks. He was prone to be star struck even in his own circles, so the privilege of meeting a divine being was enough to render him a bit lightheaded and unsteady on his feet. He might have fainted if too strong a draught slipped through the nearest window.

He inclined his head, though he was not familiar with the tongue Talon spoke. He hadn't grown up speaking Mythrasi, and still wasn't a master by any means, so he didn't have the aptitude to mark its commonalities with Vallenor. He knew enough to hold a conversation, but his pronunciation was far superior to his grammar. At least he was adept enough to memorise lines of Mythrasi text for the frequent occasions that he was cast in the role of "Elf #1".

He blinked and canted his head toward Finn. He'd never heard the human speak Vallenor before, and was clearly taken aback. The moment passed, and Finn began to relate the tale of their first encounter.

"He makes it sound like such a pragmatic decision," Arry chuckled, "I fancied him the entire time, I just needed a trice to work up the courage to say aught about it. After we'd performed the song live, I figured- Well, I was brave enough to put my heart out there in front of a crowd of strangers, why not give it a go with this one?" He shrugged one shoulder, a bit bashfully and glanced down.

"Aye, Finn, I daresay we should set it to music." He glanced coquettishly to from Talon to Aoren, and added: "If you keep setting other people's love stories to music and not our own, I am like to grow jealous." He teasingly nudged him with his shoulder. Remembering himself, he cleared his throat and looked to the Avialae before them.

"And, um... What of Your Royal Highness? How did you two forge your Bond?"

[Talon]

T A L O N

Talon listened attentively, studying the two men over the rim of his champagne flute. He did not need to touch upon the powers of Semblance to see that the two of them cared deeply for one another. Where Arvalyn shifted, Finn’s movements shifted to lean into him. They were like two stars rotating one another. He was glad to see that Finn had found happiness.

“I am glad for the both of you.” He smiled. “Please take care of Finn. I have found he is often too hard on himself. A fact I am certain you have not missed.”

At the mention of love stories being set to music, Talon blushed. He dipped his head with an almost shy look to his bondmate who merely tilted his head curiously. Talon quickly took a deeper sip of his champagne to distract his thoughts. Thankfully he did not need to wait much longer before the subject shift from love songs to the meeting between himself and Aoren.

“He saved me.” Aoren stood up a little straighter. His elemental touched eyes burned softly as he recounted the story. “I’m not from Kalzasi. I’m sure you can tell by my accent.”

Aoren chuckled before clearing his throat.

“I am from the Imperium. Life…life is very different for Avialae there.” Aoren hung his head briefly. His expression grew dark for a moment. Talon could see the flash of memories in his lover’s mind. Around them, some of the conversations had grown quieter as those not familiar with the story listened in. Talon did not mind. Across the bond, he sent a trickle of encouragement to his partner. He pushed at the edges of the memories that were most painful to Aoren, smoothing them gently. He performed the equivalent of a mental hug. The Kathar shook himself free of the memories.

“I left that life. Came here to Kalzasi, following stories I’d heard about it as a boy. Imagine my surprise when it wasn’t the lawless den of mutated beasts I’d always been led to believe.” There was a collective chuckle from not just Talon but from the listeners around them. Aoren took a drink from his champagne glass then brought it down. His eyes found Talon and Talon felt warmed by his stare.

“Work was hard to find. I didn’t know a lick of Synskrit when I first came and it was very clear I wasn’t from Kalzasi. Some people could put two and two together. Others didn’t. I hit a low point and volunteered my service to the Dead Legion for a year. Was a roof over my head. Food in my belly. I’d fought my whole life. What was another year in some new pit?” He shrugged his shoulders before going quiet. Talon physically reached over and took one of Aoren’s hands. He wove their fingers together before pressing a kiss to the back of it. He gave it a gentle squeeze.

“I was on my Warren March. I found him and several shinaegri. Aoren was injured. I have little skill as a healer but what I knew, I used to dress some of his wounds. He refused to leave my side upon learning of the tradition of the March. I was…taken aback by his ferocity.” Talon chuckled. Aoren scoffed.

“He means he was shocked by how opinionated I am about the Warren March.” Talon shook his head with a fond smile.

“A cave-in separated us. I thought that would be the last I ever saw of him.” Talon recalled the event as clearly as if it were happening in front of him thought it had been years ago. This time, Aoren squeezed his hand.

“I’m not that easy to get rid of. We ran into each other again as I was finishing up my service to the Dead Legion. He asked me to train him. And…well…he’s been stuck with me ever since.” Aoren grinned before downing the rest of his champagne. Talon rolled his eyes.

“Truly, it has been a journey.” Aoren leaned in to plant a kiss on his cheek. It was warm. Across the bond, the promise of other kisses filled Talon’s thoughts eliciting a rise of color to his cheeks before he cleared his throat. Aoren smiled mischievously, speaking softly.

“You can say that again.” The two stared into each others eyes for a moment before they returned their attention to Finn and Arvalyn.

“Our Bond came later. Following the disappearance of…of my first Bondmate.” Talon flattened the memories that threatened to intrude on the moment. He shoved them away and let them go. It was far easier to do than it had been in the past. The pain was no longer sharp, cold and agonizing. Instead of a dull roar that threatened to overtake him it was just the memory of a very distant ache attached to a face he made an effort to forget.

“And that’s us!” Aoren chimed in. “Not quite as fancy or romantic as love ballads and treasured performances.”

Talon just smiled. Around them some applause broke out as the listeners ooh’d and aww’d at the story. It was then that a voice broke through the small applause.

“A story worthy of our brave Shinsei.” Talon did not miss the immediate darkening of Aoren’s expression before he smoothed it away. He turned his attention to the speaker. He resisted the urge to frown. He stood taller than Talon by just a few inches. Dressed in colors of red and gold, colors that accentuated the golden feathers of his wings, stood none other than Karam Senue. The Heir of House Senue bowed at the waist upon meeting Talon’s gaze.

“Lord Senue.” Talon offered only the barest hint of a nod of his head. The gesture caused some whispering among the other nobles. To anyone who knew him, that minor acknowledgement was the equivalent of a shout and announced to many his stiff reception of the man.

[Finn]

Finn sensed Arry's faltering and offered him a surreptitious squeeze of the hand; he didn't know what was wrong, but he wanted him to know that he was there for him whatever it might be. And his question was helpful, for the which he would have to thank him later. He paid close attention to the symphonies of Aoren and Talon—who had thankfully remembered to tone his down from its natural divine fortissimo—as they told the story of their meeting and the early development of their friendship, at least. He could have wished they would continue toward at least the first hints of romance, but of course, they had drawn an audience and he supposed that wasn't the sort of thing they would share before a crowd.

Regardless, it was all good research for the song he was writing on Talon Novalys' behalf.

He was about to thank them for the story when another commanding voice broke in. While he had been a guest at several of these parties now, he was not the sort to keep up on palace gossip. What little he knew of Karam Senue was that he had grown up in the countryside, which made him want to like him, as he was a village boy still in many ways. It was also said that he was no fan of his father's, which could have made him a friend of House Novalys, but the Shinsei's steely response suggested otherwise.

Finn hadn't met the heir of Great House Senue, but he bowed respectfully anyway. Everyone here was of a loftier rank and heritage than his. He cut a glance at Arry, wondering what he gathered from the sudden shift in the flow of the mood, then listened to the newcomer's symphony, hoping for some warning of what was to come. He felt as though it was the right and patriotic thing to do to offer aid to the crown prince with whatever knowledge he could glean, though he was certain Talon could handle himself.