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

[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.

[reinkarnate]

[Ozymandias is going to have a bit of a mental crisis when he realizes that Karna has absolutely no interest in any of the beautiful women here.

Ah. The other is surprisingly very loud even at such an hour. He hopes that it isn't inconveniencing anyone else...]

That is true... [Karna wasn't the type to hesitate either. If this was something he had to learn, than he will learn whole heartedly.]

You are very confident. [Someone sure loves to talk about themselves.]

[dajakudajaku]

A king is not a king if he is not confident. [He says this in a way that comes off as both entirely arrogant and extremely practiced. Apparently, he's either expected Karna to say this, or he's heard it been said before.]

And it is an attractive trait for any one person to have.

If you do not show confidence, you do not have the power to have others look up to you. Regardless of what it is you're confident about.

[And now he smirks, an almost playful look on the pharaoh's face.]

But aside from that, if you'd like to see why I am so confident, then perhaps you should share my bed with me tonight.

[reinkarnate]

[Karna doesn't comment that he feels like the other has recited, maybe to a mirror, this before.

What Ozymandias says next catches him off guard a little. The usual stoic expression on Karna's face changes to that more of someone who has been slightly flustered.]

Is that what you wish?

[The other was much more forward than what he's used to.]

[dajakudajaku]

[Ah, finally some emotion was showing up on Karna's face. He had seen the fluster move like a wave over the others' stoic face, and those focused eyes were now wandering with the emotion. Ozymandias liked that, and decided this moment was enough to move forward, letting both hands travel up Karna's front. Letting one remain against his clavicle, as the other travels up the side of his neck, fingers tangling into that shock of white, messy hair.

He's standing awful close to the other now, merely an inch at most between them, looking down at him with an oddly warm look on his face, eyes hooded with a thoughtful expression.]

And if it is, would you have any sort of complaints, Hero from another land?

[His voice, while still loud, had dropped to a low purr--like some large, wild cat.]

[reinkarnate]

[Even Karna, who rarely shows emotions, glances away from the other. Almost bashful. This was very outside his element. He could step onto a battlefield with pure confidence. Help others without hesitation no matter how messy the job.

Matters of intimacy? Completely foreign. New. Awkward.]

I'm not one for complaining. [Even if he may have taken a step back unconsciously.] I will comply with what you wish.

[dajakudajaku]

[He noticed that step backwards, and he takes his own step forward to compensate for it. His fingers travelling up a little furthur, calloused fingers running up and along the back of his ear as he looks away from him.]

So you say, and so I expect. But you are looking away from me now, despite your words.

Are you repulsed at the idea? Or perhaps you are shy?

[reinkarnate]

I am not repulsed.

[His answer was at least firm at that.]

Even I can be flustered in such an intimate situation. I have already said that I am inexperienced in these kind of things. Certainly, it isn't that surprising.

[He places his own hand over one of Ozymandias' own.]

Is that a problem?