Dawn of the Unconquered Sun (Part 8 of the Ignaius-Saga)

First Steps into a New World

Maybe it was the rest, maybe it was the medicine, at some point the room stopped spinning. The king observed how it was possible to be deeply thankful for small things one usually took for granted, like being in a non-spinning room.

Finally it was time to bath and get dressed. When travlling in the realm his style and wardrobe was often slightly adjusted as a reference to local traditions and customs. He suspected he would get an outfit in traditional Auroran style sooner or later, but his initial wardrobe consisted on the most impressive pieces of court fashion, plus a few local styles. He had insisted that Variel got his own stylist, something that had lead to the closest of an argument he ever had with Variel, who obviously feared that his rather peculiar preferences for plain, simple and dark clothes would not be tolerated. The king had insured him that the aim was not to erase, but highlight and perfect his own style, but Variel was clearly still uncomfortable by having the attention of so many people aimed just at him and his looks.

He had made sure that he had enough outfits for himself that would match Variel's color preferences for evenings like today, so they were eventually both dressed in a dark, matching blue that contrasted nicely with all the bright colors that surrounded them. Variel looked truly beautiful, almost like on the first day he had met him.

They had still a few minutes, so he sent everyone out. He wanted a moment alone with his beautiful, beloved husband to be. "You look wonderful. It makes me want to fall in love with you all over again," he stated and accentuated his words with a kiss that was unusually sweet and soft. "There is nothing to be worried about tonight. Relax, enjoy - and stun everyone with your beauty." He was aware by now that this was exactly what Variel found hard to do in this setting, but it could not hurt to encourage him. "I will be there and more important Vis will be there. You will be fine."

A faint blush colored Variel's cheeks an adorable pink, seeming to decorate him even more. He smiled, still shy whenever he received such compliments. "Thank you..." he murmured, gladly accepting the kiss and then laying his head on Tanier's shoulder. "I... suppose these aren't so bad," he finally admitted about the clothing he was wearing. "I was afraid they would be really gaudy." His dark and toned down navy, burgundy, and grays had turned into bright crimson, blue, indigo, and silver. They were still mostly solid colors and none of them too light, but they were more eye-catching. He supposed that if everyone else was wearing bright, vibrant colors, his more subdued style would actually draw more attention to himself.

He didn't spend anymore time than that thinking about his clothing, though. Tanier's praise and kiss were more important than what anyone else thought about his clothing. As he rested against the older man's shoulder, trying to relax himself before heading off into a large social gathering in a strange place, his silvery hair looked blue as it reflected their clothing. This place was determined to give him more color whether he actively tried or not.

Holding Variel was high on Tanier's list of things that made him instantly happy. It felt good on the same animalistic level that holding a baby or kitten did, for it was exactly the same innocent trust that he could feel whenever Variel leaned against him.

So at least the king was very much relaxed and happy as they walked to their destination. More and more people joined them, until their small group was complete. Tanier smiled as he saw Airen wearing a most beautiful and stately dress in exactly the same blue like he and Variel were dressed in. Still he had to admit that he was already starting to see - or rather feel - the incompatibilities of their dress with the local climate, but this could not be helped.

He offered Variel his arm when they were ready to enter, smiled and gave a wink to the waiting servants to admit them.

Variel took the king's arm and tried not to grip too tightly, lest he wrinkle the sleeve of his outfit. They were announced, including the king, each of his present family members and those with the highest rank, and - of course - Variel. The young lord noticed the surprise in many people when they heard his family name, and it made his stomach tighten up. Fortunately, most returned their attention to the king. Visorro-Kior also got an introduction, and it wasn't too difficult to imagine that some recognized it, if for no other reason than the tragedy and horror of his parents' death. They had been nobles, after all.