Post by ubiquitous on Dec 11, 2011 17:04:35 GMT 10
To: Luinae
Message: Merry Ficmas!! ♥ I was so excited to get to write for you, and Kallydar is one of my favourite fluff couples. I had loads of fun writing this, and I hope it's just as enjoyable for you to read.
From: Isha/ubiquitous
Title: Interlude
Rating: G
Wishlist Item: Kaddar/Kalasin, set in Carthak
Summary (and any warnings): Kally is sick of Carthak
Kalasin of Conte takes a deep breath and sighs, letting her eyes shut momentarily. The party celebrating the beginning of Midwinter is in full swing, and Kally is sick of it after only an hour. Indeed, she’s sick of Carthak, with its overt pomp, slaves, strange customs, and mindless courtiers. She misses Tortall, her family, and winters that are actually cold. Only two things make this place bearable. The first are her friends and family who escorted her here, and who will be leaving shortly after her wedding in two days’ time. The other is Kaddar, her betrothed.
“I have to admit, Highness, that Tortallans can be most resourceful.” Kaddar murmurs teasingly in her ear.
“Your Majesty!” Kalasin whispers in surprise as she tries not to jump in alarm. “I err...how did you find me here?” she finishes lamely, knowing that he already knows why she is here.
“Sir Gary warned me that you might take to hiding behind curtains in moments of extreme distress, so when you had disappeared so suddenly, I thought to look behind the wall hangings.” His eyes sparkle with mirth as she blushes, knowing that she is acting childishly. “Nevermind that, there’s something I wish to show you.” Discreetly, he pulls them back into the room.
The Saffron Room is filled with festivities. Jugglers, bards, and Players are littered around the cavernous hall, entertaining their guests as they celebrate the coming of the New Year. They are stopped several times, but Kaddar seems determined to lead them away from the party, almost rudely dismissing a courtier that was particularly insistent on making conversation. Outside the hall, they stroll through the palace gardens, where he once again takes care to avoid their guests. It is easier here than inside, as most guests are strolling couples looking for some privacy within the shelter of the gardens. Kaddar’s hand slips into hers, his fingers interlacing with her own, and she smiles up at him. Kalasin knows him well enough to know that he is leading her somewhere, even as he begins to drum up light conversation. She is glad to be away from the party, but knowing now that he truly had something to show her piques her curiosity. Like her, Kaddar enjoys simple pleasures, and she hopes that this distraction is as sweet as those they have shared before.
They see fewer people as they walk deeper into the gardens that are Kaddar’s pride and joy. In the dark of night, the dimly lit flowers and shrubs appear exotic and mysterious, even though Kally has seen how vibrant they are in daylight. Through a delicately carved arch is what appears to be an enormous, unkempt hedge. Kalasin thinks it a strange centrepiece for a royal garden, but Kaddar is smiling at her beatifically. Then he grins, knowing her confusion. “This, your Highness, is the solar. The perfect refuge from the madness of court.” As understanding dawns on her, Kalasin grins back, admiring his cleverness at incorporating the greenery to ensure his privacy. A small door is hidden between masses of vines and shrubs, the door opens with a touch of his fingers to the lock. They walk inside, an icy chill makes her shiver. Kaddar claps his hands, and the dark room is instantly as bright as day when thousands of small light crystals begin to glow from the ceiling. Kaddar takes a coat from the stand and wraps it around her shoulders as she stares in awe. Her jaw works, but no sound comes out, and she can feel the tears welling in her eyes. She turns to Kaddar, knowing she is gawping like a commoner, but she cannot help it. “Is that…?” Kalasin asks, disbelieving.
“Snow?” Kaddar smiles as he dons his own coat. “I am told it is.” He gestures vaguely at the circle spanning several yards. “It isn’t much, but–.“
His reply is cut off as Kalasin kisses him passionately, overcome with emotion. “It is wonderful,” she breathes when they part, and if a tear or two has leaked out, he doesn’t mention it. Donning the jacket properly, and tugging on nearby mittens and boots, she jumps into the snow, much to Kaddar’s amusement. She beckons, and he joins her, the two of them building a small snowman. They exchange banter and gossip as they pile the snow, and much to Kalasin’s delight, Kaddar is just as excited as she is. Small sticks and big buttons are conveniently placed on a nearby shelf, and they decorate and dress him as they create a personality for the snowman. The snowman is a little clumsy and small but Kaddar is rather impressed with their creation, prompting Kally to retort that he acts as if he hasn’t made a snowman before.
Kaddar looks at her a little oddly, saying simply, “I haven’t.” Her eyes widen as she realises the truth of his words, and that his excitement isn’t just from her company.
“Does it ever snow in Carthak?”
“Not in the capital. They do say it snows once every hundred years or so in Ekatullum,” he adds wryly.
“We’ll have to spend every winter in Ekatullum then,” she replies mock-seriously.
“We will,” he pledges, unable to keep the amusement from his voice. “Although, we could have snow right here…” he hums a small tune, and snow begins to fall from the ceiling. Kalasin gasps as the snowflakes land on her outstretched hand.
She leans her head on his shoulder, looking at the snowman and admiring the beauty of the moment. “Thank you,” she says quietly.
“You’re welcome.” He kisses her head lightly. “I know it’s hard for your, leaving your family and home behind, and coming to this strange land. Although,” he jests, ”I think most would say that Tortall is the stranger land.”
“I miss them all terribly,” she admits, “I miss Tortall too.” Kalasin looks up to meet his eyes. “But I have enjoyed getting to know you, and I look forward to the life and family we will build together.”
“I look forward to it too, and all the court knows that I’ve been smitten from the moment we were introduced.”
“Really? Is that why your mother hates me?” she teases playfully.
“My mother can’t possibly hate you. She thinks you’re good for me,” Kaddar grumbles,” I can’t wait until you become Empress and start changing things, she’ll be a little less smug then.” He grins, and Kally laughs, “Though after the havoc Daine wreaked, she might be less shocked by sudden changes.”
Kalasin is thoughtful for a moment, wondering how to ask the question that has lingered in her mind the past few months. “Do you love Daine?”
Kaddar doesn’t ask her how she knows. “Daine and I were merely friends. I’ll admit, I fancied her because she was beautiful and kind and full of wonderful ideals, but it was just a boyish crush. And now I know that my desire for her was because she was free, in ways I wanted to be and never could be.” He pauses for a moment, letting her mull it over. “Does that answer your question?” She nods, and he touches his lips to her hair. “Good.” He takes her face in his hand and lifts her chin so her eyes meet his. “You’re the only woman I have ever loved, and I want you to know that.”
Kally nods again. “I -.”
His finger on her lips silences her. “Don’t say it. Not unless you mean it.”
It makes sense, but the thought worries Kalasin. How will she know if she’s sure? Doesn’t he care if she loves him? What if she never says it?
She doesn’t realise that she’s spoken the last thought aloud until Kaddar murmurs softly. “It doesn’t matter. It’s enough for me that I love you and that you are mine to love. Your love would make me the happiest man in the seven kingdoms, but I would rather the live with truth than illusion.”
Kalasin looks up at him, seeing the love in his eyes and the hearing the sincerity in his words, and in that moment she knows, that this, whatever this feeling is, her affection for him is love, and she does return his love for her. She also knows that this isn’t the time to say it. Instead, she kisses him softly, savouring the sweetness of his cold lips and the warmth that floods her body. His fingers twirl in her hair as she sneakily scoops up some snow in her hands. Moulding it in her hands, she asks him innocently if he’s ever heard of a snowball fight. At his quizzical look, she crushes the snowball against his chest and ducks out of his embrace, laughing and making another snowball.
***
Two days later, they are wed in front of hundreds of stuffy nobles in an almost gaudily extravagant ceremony. Kaddar seals their vows with a chaste kiss, and Kalasin murmurs a soft, “I love you,” against his lips as they part. His eyes widen in surprise, before his lips split into a grin. Looking into her husband’s adoring eyes, she knows that however much she misses her homeland and family, this is truly her home now.
Message: Merry Ficmas!! ♥ I was so excited to get to write for you, and Kallydar is one of my favourite fluff couples. I had loads of fun writing this, and I hope it's just as enjoyable for you to read.
From: Isha/ubiquitous
Title: Interlude
Rating: G
Wishlist Item: Kaddar/Kalasin, set in Carthak
Summary (and any warnings): Kally is sick of Carthak
Kalasin of Conte takes a deep breath and sighs, letting her eyes shut momentarily. The party celebrating the beginning of Midwinter is in full swing, and Kally is sick of it after only an hour. Indeed, she’s sick of Carthak, with its overt pomp, slaves, strange customs, and mindless courtiers. She misses Tortall, her family, and winters that are actually cold. Only two things make this place bearable. The first are her friends and family who escorted her here, and who will be leaving shortly after her wedding in two days’ time. The other is Kaddar, her betrothed.
“I have to admit, Highness, that Tortallans can be most resourceful.” Kaddar murmurs teasingly in her ear.
“Your Majesty!” Kalasin whispers in surprise as she tries not to jump in alarm. “I err...how did you find me here?” she finishes lamely, knowing that he already knows why she is here.
“Sir Gary warned me that you might take to hiding behind curtains in moments of extreme distress, so when you had disappeared so suddenly, I thought to look behind the wall hangings.” His eyes sparkle with mirth as she blushes, knowing that she is acting childishly. “Nevermind that, there’s something I wish to show you.” Discreetly, he pulls them back into the room.
The Saffron Room is filled with festivities. Jugglers, bards, and Players are littered around the cavernous hall, entertaining their guests as they celebrate the coming of the New Year. They are stopped several times, but Kaddar seems determined to lead them away from the party, almost rudely dismissing a courtier that was particularly insistent on making conversation. Outside the hall, they stroll through the palace gardens, where he once again takes care to avoid their guests. It is easier here than inside, as most guests are strolling couples looking for some privacy within the shelter of the gardens. Kaddar’s hand slips into hers, his fingers interlacing with her own, and she smiles up at him. Kalasin knows him well enough to know that he is leading her somewhere, even as he begins to drum up light conversation. She is glad to be away from the party, but knowing now that he truly had something to show her piques her curiosity. Like her, Kaddar enjoys simple pleasures, and she hopes that this distraction is as sweet as those they have shared before.
They see fewer people as they walk deeper into the gardens that are Kaddar’s pride and joy. In the dark of night, the dimly lit flowers and shrubs appear exotic and mysterious, even though Kally has seen how vibrant they are in daylight. Through a delicately carved arch is what appears to be an enormous, unkempt hedge. Kalasin thinks it a strange centrepiece for a royal garden, but Kaddar is smiling at her beatifically. Then he grins, knowing her confusion. “This, your Highness, is the solar. The perfect refuge from the madness of court.” As understanding dawns on her, Kalasin grins back, admiring his cleverness at incorporating the greenery to ensure his privacy. A small door is hidden between masses of vines and shrubs, the door opens with a touch of his fingers to the lock. They walk inside, an icy chill makes her shiver. Kaddar claps his hands, and the dark room is instantly as bright as day when thousands of small light crystals begin to glow from the ceiling. Kaddar takes a coat from the stand and wraps it around her shoulders as she stares in awe. Her jaw works, but no sound comes out, and she can feel the tears welling in her eyes. She turns to Kaddar, knowing she is gawping like a commoner, but she cannot help it. “Is that…?” Kalasin asks, disbelieving.
“Snow?” Kaddar smiles as he dons his own coat. “I am told it is.” He gestures vaguely at the circle spanning several yards. “It isn’t much, but–.“
His reply is cut off as Kalasin kisses him passionately, overcome with emotion. “It is wonderful,” she breathes when they part, and if a tear or two has leaked out, he doesn’t mention it. Donning the jacket properly, and tugging on nearby mittens and boots, she jumps into the snow, much to Kaddar’s amusement. She beckons, and he joins her, the two of them building a small snowman. They exchange banter and gossip as they pile the snow, and much to Kalasin’s delight, Kaddar is just as excited as she is. Small sticks and big buttons are conveniently placed on a nearby shelf, and they decorate and dress him as they create a personality for the snowman. The snowman is a little clumsy and small but Kaddar is rather impressed with their creation, prompting Kally to retort that he acts as if he hasn’t made a snowman before.
Kaddar looks at her a little oddly, saying simply, “I haven’t.” Her eyes widen as she realises the truth of his words, and that his excitement isn’t just from her company.
“Does it ever snow in Carthak?”
“Not in the capital. They do say it snows once every hundred years or so in Ekatullum,” he adds wryly.
“We’ll have to spend every winter in Ekatullum then,” she replies mock-seriously.
“We will,” he pledges, unable to keep the amusement from his voice. “Although, we could have snow right here…” he hums a small tune, and snow begins to fall from the ceiling. Kalasin gasps as the snowflakes land on her outstretched hand.
She leans her head on his shoulder, looking at the snowman and admiring the beauty of the moment. “Thank you,” she says quietly.
“You’re welcome.” He kisses her head lightly. “I know it’s hard for your, leaving your family and home behind, and coming to this strange land. Although,” he jests, ”I think most would say that Tortall is the stranger land.”
“I miss them all terribly,” she admits, “I miss Tortall too.” Kalasin looks up to meet his eyes. “But I have enjoyed getting to know you, and I look forward to the life and family we will build together.”
“I look forward to it too, and all the court knows that I’ve been smitten from the moment we were introduced.”
“Really? Is that why your mother hates me?” she teases playfully.
“My mother can’t possibly hate you. She thinks you’re good for me,” Kaddar grumbles,” I can’t wait until you become Empress and start changing things, she’ll be a little less smug then.” He grins, and Kally laughs, “Though after the havoc Daine wreaked, she might be less shocked by sudden changes.”
Kalasin is thoughtful for a moment, wondering how to ask the question that has lingered in her mind the past few months. “Do you love Daine?”
Kaddar doesn’t ask her how she knows. “Daine and I were merely friends. I’ll admit, I fancied her because she was beautiful and kind and full of wonderful ideals, but it was just a boyish crush. And now I know that my desire for her was because she was free, in ways I wanted to be and never could be.” He pauses for a moment, letting her mull it over. “Does that answer your question?” She nods, and he touches his lips to her hair. “Good.” He takes her face in his hand and lifts her chin so her eyes meet his. “You’re the only woman I have ever loved, and I want you to know that.”
Kally nods again. “I -.”
His finger on her lips silences her. “Don’t say it. Not unless you mean it.”
It makes sense, but the thought worries Kalasin. How will she know if she’s sure? Doesn’t he care if she loves him? What if she never says it?
She doesn’t realise that she’s spoken the last thought aloud until Kaddar murmurs softly. “It doesn’t matter. It’s enough for me that I love you and that you are mine to love. Your love would make me the happiest man in the seven kingdoms, but I would rather the live with truth than illusion.”
Kalasin looks up at him, seeing the love in his eyes and the hearing the sincerity in his words, and in that moment she knows, that this, whatever this feeling is, her affection for him is love, and she does return his love for her. She also knows that this isn’t the time to say it. Instead, she kisses him softly, savouring the sweetness of his cold lips and the warmth that floods her body. His fingers twirl in her hair as she sneakily scoops up some snow in her hands. Moulding it in her hands, she asks him innocently if he’s ever heard of a snowball fight. At his quizzical look, she crushes the snowball against his chest and ducks out of his embrace, laughing and making another snowball.
***
Two days later, they are wed in front of hundreds of stuffy nobles in an almost gaudily extravagant ceremony. Kaddar seals their vows with a chaste kiss, and Kalasin murmurs a soft, “I love you,” against his lips as they part. His eyes widen in surprise, before his lips split into a grin. Looking into her husband’s adoring eyes, she knows that however much she misses her homeland and family, this is truly her home now.