You need a big god

[reinkarnate]

[The land is a lot different to what he is used to. It feels hot and dry and he can already feel a little homesick for his homeland.

Honestly, he had concerns about pushing a campaign so far away from India. It was not something that he considered a good move, but his father would hear nothing of it. Well, father is pushing it. His mother's husband and king. It was why he lead troops forward into what he considered unnecessary bloodshed.

Karna was not heartless though. He was not one to give up, but he was not a fool. His pride or ego was not worth the cost of having all his men die. He may be the king's "son" but he was still a deity and the masses was still his priority as a deity of charity. It was why he surrendered with the bargain that they would let his men march back to their homes and family in exchange of letting himself be captured. It's why he found himself entering a foreign city among men that he was fighting just before. Leading them was a strong mage with a curious appearance. An abundance of purple hair and long ears. He was sure he heard her being called Nitocris, but he hasn't spoken the entire time. It was probably best that he observe before speaking.

The palace is wondrous and tall and he finds that he's quite taken by the architecture of the his new surroundings. The mage announces their return as they stop in the throne room. Everyone bows as she announces the man before him. Everyone, but Karna. He wasn't going to easily bow to someone that was not his own ruler.]

Comments

[dajakudajaku]

[It was a fool's task, to push a war furthur into a country that was blessed by the gods. As if Ra would allow he and his people to spill blood on the sands of Egypt.

Hearing news from one of Nitocris' familiars that the leader of the enemy army had given themselves up to save their people from the wrath of the Pharaoh.... well, to put it lightly, he was delighted. He sits upon his tall, golden throne now feeling as bright as the sun itself.

A laugh daring to bubble out of his chest and echo around the chamber as he first steals a glance of the beautiful visage of the royal mage who enters first. Always nervous and never speaking up, honestly--she was endearing, but she still had much to learn. But to bring him this individual, the one said to be able to summon the strength of the sun as well...

Dark eyes flash with an odd life as following behind her, set in gold chains, is the pale individual. Wrapped in a cloak to protect pale, fine skin from the brutal rays of Ra's light. He couldn't quite see the face of the being they'd stolen in exchange for the lives of the remainder of India's army, but he was excited, nonetheless.

Standing in front of that magnificent throne of gold, his head tilts back to look down his nose at all who now stand before him. Arms crossed over his chest, a long, hooked scepter clenched in his hand.

There's a long pause, before he bellows out a laugh--high, amused, and most certainly haughty before he throws an arm out. A grand motion with golden gauntlets that shine with lapis lazuli engraved within them.]

Raise your head, all those who stand in front of me! Do not lower your head in the presence of he who was chosen by the gods!

You, who are brought before me--a warrior who has given their hands up in exchange for the life of all those who followed you! Cowardly! But intelligent. You knew your forces were not enough to face the might of he who dares to stand up to the might of the King of Kings.

Look upon my works, ye mighty, and despair. No force in heaven or earth could have changed this outcome. Are you prepared to face what fate has decided for you? Remove your hood, let me look into the eyes of he who gave his life for his land!

[reinkarnate]

[There's a bit of shuffling as he pulls the cloak of his head.

His appearance was startling to probably anyone. Karna was fair with even paler hair. His eyes were a piercing blue enclosed in a red limbal ring and speckled with that same red. Even for a general, the jewelry he wore was lavish. It was obvious that Karna was royalty or even more. Lines of gold that ran over the back of his hand and disappearing under the cloak was visible as he removed the hood from his face. The gold almost look infused to him than to be merely gold accessory.]

It matters not to me what fate has decided. I was instructed to do something and so I obliged. Forfeiting my life is one thing. Forfeiting the lives of my people is another matter though.

Perhaps a fool's errand, but whatever it is means nothing to change what is now. I have accepted what has been decided for me.

[dajakudajaku]

[He's seen the warriors from India himself. Battled alongside his men and fought against those who would be considered 'blessed' by the gods from Karna's country. As such, he's wholly unprepared for the vision that's before him.

Beautifully pale, like the moon. Eyes that are unlike any human he's ever met--a gaze like a wild animal. One that is quietly cold, predatory. Waiting. There is fire in those umbral rings, and he can feel it in Karna's gaze, and Karna's words. They fill his own chest with a similar fire, and he finds himself even more delighted by what stands before him.

His arms move from the front of his chest to spread out, gripping his long staff to point it down at the other as he takes a single step down from his throne.]

Spoken boldly. I like that! [His voice booms with another laugh, the clear sound of delight on its tone.]

But for them to bring in front of me the leader of their people, their greatest warrior who is blessed by the gods themselves--and a woman, at that? Today, the gods truly smile upon he who is the King of Egypt!

[There's an odd look on Nitocris' face at Ozymandias' next words, a flat expression that really easily reads as--Are you an idiot?]

I accept your surrender, warrior of another land. But your fate is how I see it fit. Are you prepared to hear it, and accept it as your new reality?

[reinkarnate]

[Karna opens his mouth but closes it immediately as he tilts his head curiously. Honestly? He was quite taken aback by Ozy's words because-]

I think you are mistaken. [Did he have a feminine voice? Or perhaps the other was confused.] I am no ruler. More importantly. I am not a woman either.

[The man seemed a bit grandiose. It isn't as though it really mattered if he was prepared or not. He would still have to hear and accept it.] I have already accepted it. I understand that my surrender has given you my autonomy.

[dajakudajaku]

[Much like most other things--the only words and thoughts he's listening to are his own. So while he hears Karna's claim to not be a woman, he's not actually hearing it. Continuing to descend the long set of stairs that lead up to his throne.

It's only when he reaches the bottom that he makes a wide gesture for Karna to be brought fourth to him. Nitocris barking out the order for Karna to walk forward so the king can look properly on him--even if the lingering feeling of how stupid the man seemed in this moment was still on her face.

Once he's close enough, the hand that isn't holding fast his staff reaches up to touch Karna's chin. Angling the man's face from one side to the other, to get a good look at him.

His features are sharp but somehow soft at some angles, and his skin is even more beautiful at close quarters like these. His eyebrows furrow, and he shakes his head. No.]

Do not play me for a fool! There is no need to hide such things from me. While our opponents feel so secure in their strength to send a woman out to lead their armies, I would not give you insult due to gender alone! There are many women on this earth who deserve to be exalted due to their strength and beauty, after all, like my late wife Nefertari...

[And there's a sound, as Nitocris clears her throat. Apparently saving Karna a speech about aforementioned wife. You should be thankful, Karna.

He frowns at the mage, but shakes his head as he seems to re-focus, looking down at the pale man with a nod.]

Very good. That sort of attitude suits me well! I will grow to appreciate it, as we will be within each others' company daily after this day. Let our enemies know that we have taken the pale-skinned warrior as tribute, and she is to be my wife and consort from this day forward. So I have said it, and it is to be known.

[He seems so proud of himself--as how better to insult the enemy after taking a prisoner of war than to station them to become one of Ozymandias' many wives?]

[reinkarnate]

Ah...

[He isn't surprised that the other would disregard his words to some extent, but he could only assume that the other hadn't listened to his words at all. This was...well, a little troublesome and quite awkward. He wasn't sure who it was awkward for. Nitocris, who looked like she was ready to die from embarrassment. Himself, who was being mistaken for a woman. Ozy, who probably looked like a fool. Or perhaps everyone who had to witness this all.

It was truly awkward for everyone if he thinks about it more.]

You are mistaken. [He speaks a little more firmly this time.] I am not a woman. I'm male. I cannot be your wife. [It isn't even as though he was refusing the other. It was just impossible for him to be the man's wife.]

I'm unsure as to how to make this clearer.

[Please. For the sake of everyone in the room right now. Please understand...]

[dajakudajaku]

[Just as the entire room was becoming increasingly awkward with Ozymandias' terrible insight on what he's just gotten from the enemy army. His nose screws up in frustration, and he thrusts his arm out--offering his cane to Nitocris who scrambles to take it from him.

It's the next motion that's the rudest--but not a single person in the chamber would be able to raise complaints about the actions of the god-king Ozymandias. Except for Karna himself, after all, as it was the front of his robe that's being grabbed and torn open. Certainly it's likely Ozymandias was far more gentle with his wives and lovers, but being told that he's wrong and mistaken, well...

It's clear he doesn't take nicely to it. He's got an irritated expression on his face as he takes in the view of Karna's now bared chest--flat, and decorated, certainly.

And it's starting to creep in that he really may have been mistaken, but... also...]

It is true that women warriors do not gain ample bosoms due to the muscle they gain during their training. And as such--

[You can see that he's about to pull free the rest of Karna' robes, but that's when a gentle hand moves to lay on the wrist of the great king, momentarily distracting him from his task.

While he, the great and mighty King of Kings is to do what he likes with that which he owns, may I suggest as a former Pharaoh that furthur shaming this warrior before your court seems cruel. Shall I instead move them to your chambers so you may question them more later, Sire?

She gives Karna a quietly apologetic glance before bowing, low, to the tall man. Perhaps suggesting that Karna should do so as well, what with how the hand that holds Oz's staff taps against Karna's thigh.]

[reinkarnate]

[For what it's worth; Karna's expression doesn't seem to change at all through the entire debacle. He seems to easily accept the other suddenly thrusting the front of his robes free so that the other could see. He really was flat with the large red gem embedded into his chest jutting out more than his chest.

He only really idly wonders if his appearance was truly that misleading.

Karna certainly shouldn't be taking this so calmly.

It takes him a moment to register what Nitocris wishes for him to do. For her sake (and his own and everyone), he obliges.

Karna gives Ozymandias a bow expected from where he's from. He gets down to his knees before pressing his forehead against the ground.]

[dajakudajaku]

[Everything about this meeting has gone from delightful to confusing and frustrating. Not a feeling the king appreciates at all, really, and it shows in his furrowed brow, and in piercing gold eyes. A hand moving up to his chin as he seems to consider what Nitocris is saying--considering telling her that she's speaking out of line--but also considering that she's becoming more bold. Something he likes, and therefore he settles with the idea that he will let this pass the moment that Karna gets on his knees before him.

It was that sort of attitude he truly did like. Bold and certain, but willing to know when to bow your head. That solar flare in his chest rekindles itself and with a motion he snatches his staff back from the jackal-eared mage.

Thrusting an arm out and giving it a wave--he nods his head with one heavy motion.]

So be it, then. Take ... the prisoner to my quarters. Bathe, a change of clothes, food.

I will see to the rest of the war council and its report and then will see you there shortly, during my hours of rest. Do not try to escape, or I will kill you on sight the next time we meet.

[The last threat seemed idle, at best--more of a formality than an actual serious claim to Karna's life.

A low hiss, like a sigh of relief escapes Nitocris as she raises her head, before looking down at Karna who was still on the floor.

Once the pharaoh has his back turned, she offers him her hand.

Come on. He really hates it when people don't immediately follow his commands.]

[reinkarnate]

[The threat was honestly useless unless Karna actually wished for death. Of course, this was honestly an issue in itself with the golden armor from his father infused with him. Details and semantics and he wasn't interested in trying to flee.

Even if he were to successfully escape the palace, he knew that it would be difficult for him to ever return home. His knowledge of the geography was poor at best. It wasn't as though India was down the road.

Karna takes her hand and gets back to his feet.

By the time Ozymandias retires to his room, Karna had been given a proper bath and put into loose, white robes. He was looking out the window with his head propped up by his hand. It seemed he was rather curious about the city, but wise enough not to leave the room to sate his curiosity.]

[dajakudajaku]

[It's about an hour before any sign of the Pharaoh appears. Whether or not it's due to the fact that he's actually taking time with the war council--or if he's waiting to see if Karna will make a break for it if he were given enough time is a mystery. Whichever it was, when he does show up, he's looking less frustrated than he was within the last few moments of their first... exchange.

His head still held high when he approaches the other, he waves his hand at the man. He doesn't say anything, but it appears to be some sort of wordless command for the other to rise and speak to him, face-to-face.]

Your expression is that of boredom. I gazed upon your face upon making my way up here, and you look as if the spirit has left your eyes.

[No, Oz, that's just how Karna always looks.]

Are you already forming a sense of homesickness, or is my grand city not to your liking?

[reinkarnate]

[He doesn't rise from where he's seated. Not because he's trying to be rude, but Karna was not particularly good at reading these kinds of things. Verbal communication was bad enough as is. How the hell was he supposed to know what the other wanted from him wordlessly?

He tilts his head and glances out the window before looking at him.]

Bored? I am curious as to the streets below and that is why I was looking out.

[He pauses as he considers his words.]

I am not bored. I have been criticized before that I do not show particularly strong emotions, so it may just be that. [Aka: This is just how my face is.]

I think it is normal to be homesick. My father's influence does not stem this far. [He didn't mean the king, but whom he shared blood with.]

[dajakudajaku]

[There's a twitch in his face when Karna chooses to reply to him without moving to stand. He bites it back for now, however--he can teach the other how to obey his motions later. Instead, now was the time to talk, and to decide to do with... him. His gaze is flitting along the others' body, and though he loathes to admit it, he was wrong to judge the other on first glance. The robe Nitocris dressed the man in was loose enough to make it a little more obvious than it had looked before.

But, to counteract his irritation, Karna's words seem to soothe him. Being curious suggests interest, after all--and if Karna could admit to wanting to see more of his Grand Works, then perhaps there was merit to the man after all.]

Is that so? I do declare, having noticed that your gaze has not once faltered or changed since you have come under my power. I, at first, likened it to you being in a state of spiritlessness due to having given yourself up to fate.

[he takes another step forward, the thick-soled sandals he wears making an obvious clicking on the stone floor of his quarters.]

You are in the Land of Egypt now. No matter how strong your powers are, you are now under the power of the Gods of this land. They will not allow a foriegner to unleash their full power within the city they have seen fit enough for me to govern.

[Sad for you.]

Stand. I want to get a better look at you. I still have not decided on what fate I should truly leave you with.

[now that the title of 'wife' was ... inappropriate.]

[reinkarnate]

[Ozymandias is gonna have to tell him these things. Karna isn't going to just rise because the other made an odd gesture he didn't understand.]

Ah. No, I am quite taken by the change of scenery. [It's hard to take him seriously with the monotonous tone of his voice and his unchanging expression.] I have easily accepted my karma. There is no reason for me to despair. [Even a negative outcome was an outcome. Normal.]

If I had wished it before, I would have done something instead of surrendering. I had decided that I valued the lives of your and mine people over a potential victory. Everyone wishes to be victorious, but I would gain nothing for what was already an irresponsible campaign. [It was obvious that Karna was aware that the battle was unnecessary, but that he loyally still followed it.

He raises to his feet. Standing upright, he was only just a smidge taller than the other.]

[dajakudajaku]

[He has to take a moment. A hand placing itself against his chin as he attempts to truly comprehend the others' words, a squint in those dark gold, hawk-like eyes that are staring down at Karna.

'Karma'? 'No reason to despair'? Truly this man was putting on a brave face--as no prisoner of war would say such strong things in a situation like this. He... he simply cannot understand it at all.]

While it is true that you gave yourself up in exchange for the lives of those who were fighting alongside you, truly you must have some sort of regret for doing it. While you saved the lives of many, for all you know, I could have you beheaded at dawn in front of the entirety of Egypt to send your people a message.

Truly, do you still think that your actions themselves were not irresponsible as well? It is very likely that, as your men arrive home unscarred and with the story of your actions...

Your name will be spat on in the streets, and your family would know great shame.

Even still...

You know no despair, and you accept this 'karma' of yours?

As Anubis weighs the hearts of those in death, I truly must hear your answers to this. As your answers may do similar to weigh yourself in front of me. Your burden should be heavy, and yet you speak as if you are as light as the feather that tips the scale.

[reinkarnate]

I do not regret my actions. [It's stated without much of a second thought. He had made them and he had to accept them for what it is.]

If that is what they wish to do then there is very little I can do to stop that here. I may have brought shame to the king and my mother. [He didn't refer to the king as his father however-] If I were to let my people be massacred so far from home, it would be a shame to my father in particular. It would be a shame to my title given.

I am happy to accept the ridicule because I know that the families that are reunited will be thankful that they may not have to mourn the loss of many. The plight of my people are not something that I can easily turn a blind eye to for the sake of victory. [He should have been more forward about his concerns about it, but the king was not fond of him. A child born from his wife, but not his child. It must have been an insult and their relationship had only ever been strictly political.]

Considering this. It would be an acceptable death.

[dajakudajaku]

[Much for his merit, he listens to Karna. He doesn't interrupt, and he doesn't bark out arguments or call out his doubts to what the other is saying. He's got the eyes of Ra, after all, and it was quite difficult to lie to him so long as he's paying attention.

But Karna's voice was solid and true throughout his answer. His speech was clear of any hesitation, and it was spoken from the heart. Even someone like Ozymandias couldn't see misleading lies in such blatant truth, even if he cannot understand it. Which, he doesn't. At all. Everything about this baffles him. To give one's life for the people...

It was something a Pharaoh did, not a warrior from a country that did not hold the blessings of Ra.

He reaches forward, fingers smoothing over Karna's chin to take a good look at his face. Pulling him forward with that hand as he finishes speaking, accepting that death might be in his future without a single flicker of fear in those umbral ringed eyes.]

Wonderful.

[His lips move into a wide, wide grin. His eyes sparkle with an oddly gleeful look as he lets go of Karna's face, throwing his arms out as he roars out a loud, raucous bout of laughter.]

Wonderful! Truly, you are like like the Nile, as well! Never bending and moving straight forward--but always giving to those around them regardless of what goes on around it.

To be as the Nile is to be as a Pharaoh--and that sort of attitude I have always held a fondness for.

No, I shall not have you killed in front of a crowd. It would be a waste of a soul such as yours--no, I will not squash it. Surely, the gods would shame me for such a thing.

I have decided. While you cannot be my wife, there is no reason you cannot be my consort. Your beauty is matched only by the purity of your soul, and I have decided I wish to keep it for myself!

Your interest in the scenery around you had best remain aflame, as these streets will now become your home. Its people, your people. I would only hope you grow to love them as you have your own.

[reinkarnate]

[If Ozymandias was a little more interested in who Karna was and not his own ego; the other would figure out that Karna was far from mortal. That he was not an average human. Honestly, the gold infused to Karna's skin that can be seen along with the large gem embedded into his chest should have been a giveaway.

Ozymandias really just didn't consider that Karna was pretty much a minor deity from India. The reason why he would give himself for his people was that he was gifted the title of charity. Like the sun that gives life, Karna held out his hand to any that needed it.

It did not have to be his own people.]

Ah... [He decides not to mention that killing him would be nigh impossible. It didn't seem important to bring up to the other if there was no intention to kill him anyways.

He closes his eyes for a moment before opening them again.] It matters not to me if they are my people or your people. I will treat them all the same. [He smiles at the other as though the warmth from it was from the sun itself.]

[dajakudajaku]

[...Oh. That smile. While the tall Egyptian King's expression does not falter, his face seems to pause in thought as he stares at the other. The gaze is so piercing with those gold eyes that it might seem sharp, but...

There was just something about that smile that's familiar. It's warm, bright, and kind--if he wasn't so blind to certain truths, it'd click for him, maybe, that Karna was like the sun.

His thumb drags a line down along Karna's cheek and the curious look on his face flickers to something nearly intrigued, but...

He closes his eyes to let out a sigh. A smile replacing the look in another moment as his teeth click together.]

If you keep an attitude like that, you run the danger of catching my attention a little too much. You should be careful, lest you risk me suspecting you are trying to catch me off my guard one day.

[Make him like you too much and then one day you try to kill the man who took you as a spoil of war, for example.]

[reinkarnate]

[Hm? The other was staring at him so intently he wonders if he had said or done something to cause it.

It's Ozymandias' words that follow that makes him wonder even more about what exactly the other wanted from him. What's he supposed to do about his face and attitude if it's just how he is???]

Ah. Are you saying that I have to change my attitude on top of my face? [He can't really change either to be honest. At least changing his face would be fairly difficult.] I'm not very good at being underhanded though, so I don't think there would be any cause for concern over that.

[dajakudajaku]

[Hah. Well, maybe he wouldn't need to change his face, so much. More, he would rather see more expression on it. So, to, that, he abruptly shakes his head. No, wrong.]

Your appearance needs no changing. As I said, your visage is beautiful as it is, adorned in silk and gold. I simply think it would be better suited were you to smile that warmly more often. A quiet expression does not suit you.

[Ozymandias' way of saying 'you're prettier when you smile', or somesuch nonsense.]

And so you say. I can take merit from your words, certainly, but time will tell if I can grow to trust them. Perhaps you are not underhanded as it stands--but men turn wild in the face of what they want.

[Such as returning home.]

For now, I will have you stay here, and learn from my concubines. Your job as my consort isn't simply to keep my bed warm at night, after all. Though, as a warrior, I do suspect you may find jobs like weaving, carving, writing, cooking, and painting to be boring.

[What a smirk.]

[reinkarnate]

I cannot say that I will smile more than not. I will try my best though.

[He's just got a very subdued personality...]

You are not wrong there. [Honestly, it was why he was in this situation in the first place. If the king had not been so greedy and want for more power and land...]

I will do whatever is asked of me. Things like that are not something I am unfamiliar with. I will do what is asked of me if it is to relieve the plight of others. [He was no stranger to manual labor of any kind. His own people had plenty of issues that he had helped with before.] I enjoy a good fight, yes, but assisting has always been a priority.

[dajakudajaku]

Of course I am not wrong. I am the Pharaoh of Egypt. Like the Sun is assuredly to rise in the sky, it is not often that my words hold mistake.

[Not often. Just sometimes. You know. When you're taking a first gaze upon a stunningly beautiful man and mistake him for a woman.]

Perhaps if you win enough of my trust, I will allow you to wrestle with me. [There's a wide grin and another of those loud laughs--as he tosses his head back to belt it out.

Once it ends, he finally takes one last curious look at the other as he realises something.

Realises... something he should have asked. Hours ago.]

What is the name you go by?

[reinkarnate]

[He smiles at the other as he tilts his head.]

If I recall, you had mistaken my appearance a moment before.

[It wasn't said maliciously. It was very matter-of-fact.]

I don't think I am one for wrestling. It is not a strong suit of mine.

[Karna's physique was far from ideal for something like that.] If that is what you want to do then I will oblige though.

[Ah. He guesses that the other either didn't pay attention or was never briefed on his name.]

It is Karna.

[dajakudajaku]

[There's another twinge of annoyance on his face. Wow how fucking dare you.]

As I said--I am not often wrong. I would be a poor king if I did not admit that even I were all-observants like the powerful gods of this world. While I am a God-King, I am still part mortal. And to be mortal is to constantly be learning things in preparation for ascension into the heavens.

[What a grandiose way of saying 'everyone makes mistakes.' Shut this guy up.]

Perhaps you aren't suited for it, but you could learn. Even a small man can learn how to properly battle a bigger one with just their bare hands.

But if I am to be honest, I far prefer wrestling that is done in one's bed, rather than mindless rough play with another for so long.

[He's a man, after all--and he was making his intentions with Karna pretty clear.]