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]

[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.]

[reinkarnate]

A God-King. How peculiar that there are more situations of that existing. [It's curious to him although the other was more boastful about it than himself. Karna had no interests in boasting himself up though. He was too matter-of-fact for that.] To learn from mistakes is wise though. It is a good trait to have. People are quite impressive in their ability to take even the harshest mistakes and to overcome them.

[Hard work is wonderful.]

I think it may be a little unfair. [Unless he was wrestling with someone who held immense power...one would be very surprised. Not that Ozymandias would realize.]

Ah. Then I will have to be honest that it is not an activity I have ever done. [Ozymandias may not believe someone as attractive as Karna has never had interest in sleeping with someone. Ever.]

[dajakudajaku]

[More situations of that existing? His eyebrows furrow. He knows nothing about heathenish gods of other pantheons, so he's not quite sure what Karna means by that. A hand settles on his chin as he gives the other a puzzled look.]

Is it a common thing, outside of Egypt? Only the Pharaoh, he who is fit to sit on the throne, is someone who can be a god as well as a mortal. It is not a birth or privalege that just anyone can be born into.

[God, what the fuck are other gods if they let just anyone be a god-king? Thin blood, he decides. Nodding his head to himself in silent agreement.

He was ready to comment something on the wrestling bit, but it's Karna's comment on never having taken part in an activity such as sex, well...

Needless to say, he's both partly baffled and....

....Apparently delighted.

A sort of glee absolutely sparkles in his eyes as his teeth click together in a wide smile.]

A powerful, pure warrior as well as a virgin? The gods truly do smile upon me this day, and bring me a wonderful gift. It is hard to believe that you have not given your purity away to another with such a visage such as yours, but I would be the last in Egypt to complain if I am the one to claim it for myself.

Yes, most assuredly, I will show you what there is to enjoy about it. Being with a man is far different than being with a woman, for certain, but it can be just as enjoyable. I will delight in showing you. Rejoice, as you will be experiencing it with me and not some common ilk.

[reinkarnate]

I would not say it is common, no. But I suppose it's moreso that if asked for it; they can gift upon a mortal a child. [Which was more along how he came to be.] Although, I also do not think it is common for someone of lower stature to receive a gift. Even the gods must deem one worthy for such a thing.

[Ah. Karna looks a little surprised. Ozymandias' reactions are peculiar.]

There were merely other things I prioritized over physical pleasure. It would also be questionable of me to take on a partner I was not serious about given that I would be considered for the crown after the king. [Lots of complicated politics he held no interest in.]

You seem rather excited about this though. [He tilts his head and taps his chin.] I am not interested in women though, so something like that would not matter if it is different or not.

[dajakudajaku]

[He's... quietly losing interest in talking about gods and gifts that aren't granted by his own pantheon, and it's clear by the look on his face. He gives a little sigh and he chooses not to focus on it--it didn't matter. The enemy's army could not penetrate the territory of Egypt, so clearly their gods were lesser than his own, and that's where it ends.

Instead, he has other things to focus on. Like how the other was talking about political marriage, the fact that the King of Kings was excited about the idea of being Karna's first, and....

Not having an interest in Women? He looks baffled, once again.]

Those are things you need not think on, anymore. As you are no longer in any place to take a crown, as the closest you will get to one is by sitting at my side. Your interest in women may change once you get used to living with my Harem--they are some of the most beautiful women to ever be born under the sun.

[And this is where he waves his hand, as if signaling he doesn't wish to be argued with. ...Not that Karna would recognise it.]

And being excited is more than understandable. Take a moment to think about it logically, Karna! [The first time he's used the young man's name.] When eating a banquet, does one not always want to be the first person to cut into a perfect cake? Do you not take some delight in the first few bites of a meal, or when visiting a garden, are the most beautiful flowers not the first to bloom? The best of a harvest the first borne fruits?

It goes the same for pleasures of the flesh. One's first time is always the purest, and there is truly a wonderful feeling knowing you are the first to give another satisfaction and completion that they have never known before.

I am certain you will come to understand when I call you into my bed for the first time.

[reinkarnate]

[In all honesty, Karna never actually had interest in taking the crown in the first place. Position of power wasn't really something that he cared for. He didn't earn it through hard work but by convenience of being his mother's son.]

I can appreciate the beauty of others.... [It's not quite the same to be interested in them though. He wonders if the other realizes what he meant.]

I would assume that the lack of experience may be a problem. [He had never looked at someone and been tempted by such passions. Or perhaps he had never thought too much to look at someone in that way.]

I lack the experience of being intimate with others.

[dajakudajaku]

[Karna's comment on being able to appreciate beauty seems to be more than enough to placate the headstrong King of Kings for now, at least. He blinks once, and then gives one heavy nod of agreement. No, he does not realise what you mean at all. He's just hearing what he wants to hear and that's something like hearing Karna admit he thinks women are beautiful. Good.

However, any other thoughts on that topic are blown aside with a powerful laugh from the darker-skinned male as he tips his head back to let out a powerful laugh.]

Don't think so critically! A lack of experience means nothing. You learn from trying new things, and you cannot get experience without first attempting.

Besides, you will be lying with me. As I said, I will be sure to take good care of you. Of that, I can promise.