#Congregating Capriccios (AU verse)

[adeadlysong]

remy @ suku: "My skin is full of flowerbeds and you know every way to make them bloom."

@ribbedxgloves

“...Remy, I’m...glad to hear that I make you feel this way.” A faint chuckle escaped the Lion of Darya’s lips. “Perhaps once I get out of the hospital wing, I can find even more ways to make you bloom...”

[adeadlysong]

Reassurance.

@ribbedxgloves

Note: Takes place while Remy and Nuriel are trying to track down the poisoner/attempted attacker of Sukumara and Freyr. Sukumara is worried, and Arlyn is there to reassure him.

“Are you sure they’ll be okay?”

Arlyn could only sigh as he sat by Sukumara’s bedside, rubbing some healing ointment onto the Lion of Darya’s purpled arm, before casting some magic over it, whispering the spell under his breath. The purpling of Sukumara’s arm decreased, skin returning back to normal bit more, before Arlyn looked up at the older man.

“I’m sure Remy and Nuriel will be okay, Ariel.”

Arlyn always called Sukumara ‘Ariel’ in private when it was the two of them, most of the time. It was just how they worked, just how they did things. No one really minded.

Sukumara laid against the back of the bed, looking to him. “I know Nuriel will be okay. He’s a determined one, and we know he’s a tough fighter. But...Remy...” Sukumara shook his head, “He’s not one that generally fights. We all know that. He’s the court jester, not a knight. What if my attacker goes against him? What if he gets hurt? I know Remy is determined...and I saw the fury in his eyes when he said he wanted to go after them. But I don’t want to lose him, either.”

“Nuriel would do everything to protect him first. I know that.” Arlyn put the rest of the small bottle of ointment away in the drawer of a small table that happened to be by Sukumara’s bed, before raising a hand to push some strands of the other’s hair out of his face. “We all love Remy in our own way. He’s been nothing but a joy to us when we first met him.”

“That’s why I don’t want to lose him. He’s...good. Arlyn, he’s too good for me.”

“The more you should cherish him.” 

“I do.” The other swallowed. “I do cherish him. I know we only became lovers more...recently, but I really, really cherish him. His scent. His smile...the look in his eyes, and his sweetness...I am blessed to have him.”

Arlyn looked him in the eyes. “He’s equally blessed to have you, I think. I think he’s happy, knowing that you’re there for him. Both of you should cherish each other.”

“Heh...thanks.” Sukumara smiled, closing his eyes briefly before opening them, moving to completely lie down in the bed. “You’re far better than me at the whole relationship thing.”

“To be fair,” Arlyn pointed out, “I’m engaged to Nuriel and before that, we were courting each other even before the War of the Three Regions—basically, since Tahirah started ruling. We’ve had our ups and downs, and I think every relationship will, but what matters is that the people involved are willing to work it out with each other and not give up. You and Remy...you’re both in a good place right now, I can see that.”

“That’s good. I’m...glad to hear that. To know that Remy and I are in...a good place together.” Sukumara yawned, and Arlyn had his turn to chuckle.

“Rest, Ariel Sukumara. Remy will be here to see you in the morning.”

[adeadlysong]

apollymi: “Just put a bandage on it and I’ll be fine.”

@ribbedxgloves

“Apollymi, someone literally sent an arrow flying at you! For the love of music, I’m glad it only nicked you!”

The Countess paced to and fro as Arlyn carefully used a little healing magic to soothe the cut on Apollymi’s upper arm before bandaging it. Tahirah sighed, stopping in her tracks.

“Nuriel, Sukumara, and some of my soldiers are searching Melodia Castle now, but...I don’t know who did it. And...how they got here in the first place to do so.” She frowned, shaking her head as she looked to the Princess. “Also, the arrow isn’t poisoned if you must know. I just...”

The Countess moved to sit beside Apolymi, looking to her bandaged arm and then up at her face.

“What if happens again? I can’t have this happen again. I don’t want you or Freyr getting hurt!”

[adeadlysong]

SURPRISE!

@ribbedxgloves from here

Arlyn read the letter, listening to Remy’s request as he did so.

“Dear Remy,” He spoke, looking up from the letter and to the court jester, “I am happy to assist you in keeping this secret.” 

 A twinkle appeared in his eyes as he gave the letter back to Remy. “I’m sure Lord Sukumara would be happy to see his second-in-command. When he’s away from the Darya Region, Maria is the one in charge.”

“It’s been a while since Nuriel and I saw her. Maria and Nuriel are practically family, and I know Maria well from past encounters. Her makeup is so excellent, even I’m jealous of how well she wears it...I’m rambling, aren’t I? Apologies. I should warn you, however, that she can be quite the tease! ”

[adeadlysong]

Nuriel To The Rescue!

@ribbedxgloves from here

“Whoa whoa whoa. Hold up. You two haven’t started courting each other yet!? That’s a travesty! Pure travesty!” He then frowned. “...I don’t know if I’m using that word right. I should ask Arlyn. Anywayyyy...”

He took a deep breath. Goodness gracious, for the love of music, how could Lord Ariel Sukumara and court jester Remy NOT have gotten together at this point? It made no sense! Inconceivable, even, that they were still not together!

“When I mean by you two haven’t gotten together, I mean by...you two haven’t, like, courted each other? Confirmed with each other that you want to be together in this way and that you now are together in this way? No kisses or anything intimate? Not even flirting? As of how to go about this...spend time with him, obviously. Since he’s a cannibal, he’ll probably want to sniff you. Arlyn told me he did that a lot with hi—ohhhh shit nevermind you didn’t hear that part! Just...let him sniff you. He’s probably totally interested in that.” 

Nuriel facepalmed himself. Way to go for nearly blabbing that your fiance was being courted by Sukumara in the past, Nuriel. Way to go.

[adeadlysong]

@ribbedxgloves

#remy x sukumara

#/remy will purposely flip his hair and try to get sukumara to get more of a whiff of him

Sukumara: O///O For the love of music Remy WHY

Tahirah: He totally wants to be with you :D Right, Apollymi?

Arlyn and Nuriel: WE SHIP IT XD

Araceli: I SHIP IT HARDCOREEEEE XD GO GET HIM SUKUMARA! 

Candace: O_O What the...? What’s going on?

Usama: Just more shenanigans again. *facepalms*

Sukumara: >///< OH MY GOSH EVERYONE WHY

[adeadlysong]

@ribbedxgloves

#/saved#/apollymi dancing with tahirah is the most magical thing ok#v; the enchanted aria {apollymi/tahirah

Nuriel: I AGREE! Apollymi and Tahirah dancing with each other IS magical! XDDD

Arlyn: I second that statement, love! :D

Araceli: Awwww aren’t they so cute! :3

Candace: :) They are cute, I think...

Usama: I second that as well. 

Sukumara: I do admit they’re quite a wonderful couple. The way Tahirah’s eyes light up when she sees her is bright....ah, just wondering, and trying not to change the subject, but has anyone seen Remy? I was hoping to at least chat with him.

Araceli: Oh? What for?

Sukumara: I did just recently reunite him with his father, I’d like to hope they’re both doing well since I last saw them!

Candace: Yeah, but you could just ask his dad.

Sukumara: Well, um... *does not want to blatantly admit that he wants to spend time with the court jester aloud*

Arlyn: Who said he couldn’t talk to his son, hm? *trying to save Sukumara’s hide* Besides, I think it’s good for you both to bond...

Sukumara: O_O *Arlyn don’t expose me*

Arlyn: ...as friends! Yes! Friendship!

Nuriel: ...Do I sense something else going on here?

Sukumara: NURIEL NO O_O

Araceli: NURIEL YES XD

Candace: WHATTTTT

Usama: *facepalms at the ridiculousness of it all*

[adeadlysong]

@ribbedxgloves

Tahirah: Did I ever tell Remy about Lord Sukumara yet, mun?

Me: Uh...no. I don’t think so. 

Tahirah: Oh. *pauses, blinks* Should I?

Me: Maybe. I don’t know if Remy has met any cannibals before. He might get a bit antsy if you don’t warn him beforehand.

Tahirah: True. *goes off running to tell Remy because goodness knows what will happen if Remy met Sukumara without any beforehand warning?*

Me: ...I think he’ll still get antsy about Sukumara either way. This will be...interesting.

[adeadlysong]

Reunions Galore! (Let’s hope there is little gore.)

@ribbedxgloves

Remy, Arlyn and Tahirah were in the carriage approaching the Darya Region, or rather the manor where the ruler of said region lived. The Darya Region had farms, as well as a port, and the Countess smiled as she surveyed the environment around them.

“Majority of Melodia’s cannibals live here, so cannibalism is pretty commonplace in this particular area. The ruler himself, Ariel Sukumara, is also a cannibal.” Tahirah explained to Remy as the carriage they sat in continued moving. “Because of this, the Darya Region is a center of trade for not just the food cultivated on the land, but also for legalized sources of, uh...human flesh. They do have dietary alternatives for non cannibals, however!’

Arlyn chuckled sheepishly, sitting with Tahirah and Remy. “Forgive me, I should have informed you all that earlier before we went. I was once here for period of three weeks, and...well, I got accustomed to their way of living pretty quickly, hence why I’m the one here with you. If you need any help or questions, you can always ask me if you’re not comfortable asking the actual cannibals.”

“You also know Lord Sukumara well,” Tahirah leaned towards Arlyn, quirking an eyebrow and smiling. “And I’m sure he’d be less willing to go hurt a guest right in front of you for your own sake.”

The icy advisor’s fiddled with the sleeves of his shirt, face faintly flushing. “Erm, well, yes, I suppose that’s another thing...”

Tahirah simply giggled and said nothing more.

It did not take much longer for them to arrive at the manor of the Darya Region’s ruler, who stood right at the entrance. As Tahirah, Arlyn and Remy got out of the carriage, said ruler of Darya was already there to greet them.

“...Countess Zakiyaa. It is a pleasure to see you again.” Ariel Sukumara stood, dressed in a dark jade military coat, with boots and dark trousers to match. He moved towards her, and Tahirah extended her hand to him. Bending forwards, he kissed the back of her hand, inhaling deeply, before letting go of her hand and straightening himself. “I am honoured to have you visit.”

Tahirah smiled back at him, nodding once as she lowered her hand to her side. “And I am happy to see you again as well, Lord Sukumara. I’ve brought my advisor Arlyn, as well as Remy...”

“Arlyn?” He looked to Arlyn, who simply smiled back at him, giving an acknowledging nod. Both men maintained eye contact for a moment, before Sukumara gave him a nod in return, a faint smile playing on the edges of his lips, before looking to Remy, inhaling deeply as he leaned towards him, just a bit.

“Remy, is it? ...You smell like your father. Not surprising.  And, it is a pleasure to meet you as well.” 

“Speaking of Remy’s father,” Tahirah managed, as Sukumara straightened himself once more, “How is he faring?”

Sukumara tried not to grimace. “Other than partially disturbed by our practices, which is unsurprising given how he’s no cannibal like the rest of us, he is relatively well. I’m sure he’d be happy to see his son. I can bring you to see him now, if you wish.”

[adeadlysong]

@ribbedxgloves

#/saved#/these two are 2 pure 2 cute and must be protected at all costs#/remy will protect them#adeadlysong#otp; you are my comfort zone {apollymi x tahirah}

OH MY GOSH THEY ARE TOO PURE AND CUTE. YES. XDDD

Remy will protect them and same with Sukumara and Arlyn and Nuriel.

Sukumara: Candace, Usama, Araceli? We could use more help with protecting them?

Araceli: I think you got this. You’re the Lion of Darya! And by the way, GET WITH THE COURT JESTER WHILE YOU’RE AT IT XDDDDD

Candace: O_O Wait, you two are a thing!?

Sukumara: Wha—I—AAAA O////O

Arlyn and Nuriel: WE SHIP ALL THE SHIPS! XD

Usama: *facepalms* All of you and your shenanigans again...Why?

[adeadlysong]

remy: "Sometimes, Tahirah, I find myself unable to not think about Lord Sukumara? He's such an engaging, intriguing man and talented in music. I admire him so much! What is happening to me?"

@ribbedxgloves

“I believe it’s a very simple answer, Remy! I think you love him!” The Countess giggled, clapping her hands together. “I think you two are cute together. You two should talk more! I bet he’d love to talk to you more...”

[adeadlysong]

remy: "Looking at you like what, Lord Sukumara?"

“...Like a cat in heat, honestly. Those are the only words I have to describe it.”

And fuck, Remy smelled good. Why did he smell so exceptionally good today? Oh no. Oh no no. The cannibal felt this awkwardness, unsure of what else to say or do. 

[adeadlysong]

remy: *licks his lips around sukumara*

@ribbedxgloves

“...Remy? Why are you looking at me like that...?”

[adeadlysong]

Before Departure.

@ribbedxgloves

Note: Takes place after Tahirah located Remy’s dad.

“Arlyn, my love!” 

Nuriel held a hand to his own chest, practically beating at it as he reached towards his beloved with his other hand. “Do not go on this weary journey! Stay here in Melodia with me, safe in this land, in this castle, in our chambers, in my arms!”

Arlyn sighed, facepalming himself. “My dear Nuriel,” He uttered, brushing blond hair out of his own face, “it’s only a week long that I’ll be gone. You don’t need to pump up the dramatics so strongly.”

Nuriel still went at it anyway, his own amber eyes gazing into the other’s blue ones. “Oh, how I will yearn for your presence so strongly during your absence! How I think back on the nights and days we’ve spent together...”

“Love, I need to accompany the Countess and Remy so that they’ll be safe going there and back.” Arlyn couldn’t help but chuckle faintly as he looked to his beloved fiery advisor. “However, I will miss you, Nuriel, while I am gone. Quite strongly so.”

“And I will miss you, Arlyn!”

Both of them grabbed onto each other and pulled each other in for a kiss, teeth gnashing together and the like. A hot and heavy makeout.

Of course, they were in the courtyard, so it wasn’t like they were about to start stripping and the like. Some of the servants happened to pass by and quietly, quickly, passed by them to give them their privacy anyway, out of respect. As Arlyn and Nuriel pulled back from kissing to breathe, Nuriel spoke first.

“Love...? Is Remy aware that Lord Sukumara is a cannibal?”

“Um. No. I don’t think so.” Arlyn blinked, staring back at his beloved awkwardly. “Do you think I should tell him?”

The fiery advisor frowned. “I don’t know. Perhaps Lady Tahirah might have told him already...” 

“Well,” The icy advisor sighed, “Cannibalism is legal in Melodia. And I know for a fact that it’s certainly legal where Sukumara comes from. I wouldn’t be surprised if Remy put two and two together.”

“True.” Nuriel blanched. “Wait...Remy’s father is currently in the area where Lord Sukumara rules, isn’t he?”

“...Yes. Why do you—oh.” Arlyn paled as he tried to imagine the poor man sitting down with Sukumura for dinner, only to find human eyeballs in the soup being served. “Oh, shite. I do hope he’s retained some sanity by the time we do reunite Remy with him.”

“Yes, I hope so too.” Nuriel gently gripped Arlyn’s shoulders, gazing softly at him. “Pray that he’s still not too in shock, and same goes for his son.”

“Oh, Nuriel,” Arlyn gently hugged him, “I will pray, and pray hard.”

[adeadlysong]

Let’s Duet!

@ribbedxgloves from here

Tahirah smiled as she looked to Clopin and Remy both.

“Arlyn plays the flute. Nuriel, meanwhile, specializes in violin. Both are quite wonderful duet partners...most of the time.”

She was not about to elaborate on how many times she’d seen them break into a fight while rehearsing with each other. At least not now. There were some hilarious stories stemming from that, however.

“Ah, that reminds me...do either of you play instruments, by any chance? Or sing? Or both? I’m just curious, that’s all.”

[adeadlysong]

An Icy Flutist’s Attempted Reassurance.

@ribbedxgloves from here

“Yes, you have to, for the sake of reuniting with your father.”

Arlyn took a deep breath. He thought that would reassure the poor trickster, but aparently not. Well, then...He sat beside Remy gently, pausing, and then turned to look at him.

“Sukumara is nice. A gentleman, really, and yes, a charmer. I know he has his cannibal traits, but that’s just who he is and we need to be respectful of that. And cannibals do not just go out and bite the first people they see, either!” He nearly huffed at that, but stopped himself as he thought of the Darya Region’s ruler.

“Let me tell you about Sukumara...I met him during a war, about eight years ago. I snuck into his territory, as he was one of three leaders trying to dethrone Tahirah under the belief that she was too young to rule Melodia properly. I posed as a servant, a female one, and...well, got close to him. Nothing incredibly physically intimate or anything, just stayed by his side. Over the weeks, I grew to realize that despite his cannibalism and rough edges, he’s a good and gentle person inside. He didn’t really want to be involved in that war in the first place, even, and actively refused to have any of his forces involved in the final battle despite risking the wrath of the other two commanders. And....”

He swallowed, pushed a few strands of hair behind his ear, and spoke again.

“He fell in love with me. In three weeks, too—I never expected that. He literally proposed to me, too. Of course, I was in love with Nuriel, and I didn’t want to lead Sukumara on any further, so I told him no and revealed myself as who I really was. He could have gotten angry, feasted on me alive as he pleased for deceiving him for so long, but he let me go free. He and I still keep good correspondence to this day, albeit in secret. If there is anything that you should learn from this, and something I learned from this, it’s that people are often better than they seem, no matter how intimidating they first appear. We need to have hope in people, regardless of their nature. I...do hope that eases your worry a bit.”