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]

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?

[dajakudajaku]

While you speak truth, that it is only too often that a virgin blushes profusely when experiencing their first taste of something profoundly intimate, but as fierce a warrior as I have been told you had been on the front lines; I find it strangely endearing that you are so docile when considering being intimate with someone.

[To be dangerous in battle but gentle and soft in the bedroom...
The more Karna spoke, the more intrigued Ozymandias found himself with the other.

His fingers shift a little under Karna's far paler white ones, aiming to grab it. Pulling it forward, palm up--to place a kiss at the center of it. Golden hawk's eyes flicking up to catch Karna's otherworldly own. A smirk on his face.]

I see no problems here, oh pale one.

[reinkarnate]

Interacting with others is...difficult. [Just everyday interaction was a bit troublesome at times. It was one thing to give orders or to take orders on the battlefield. To deal with all the intricacies in even a normal conversation was a lot more.

It did not help that his ability to see the true intentions of others made for either awkward conversation or none at all (Ozymandias seems too boastful to really lie).] I had not considered more intimate settings with anyone, much less someone I had only made acquaintances just hours before.

[Ah. The man was surely a charmer.] You can easily charm even the most vicious snakes to your whim. [A vague admittance that the other surely has his attention.]

[dajakudajaku]

[If Ozymandias did feel to need to lie, he would probably be extremely obvious about it. Instead, he's most definitely the type to announce his true intentions--good or not--with a sense of pride and a sense of 'and what are you going to do to stop me?' on top of it.

He could easily comment on the 'aquaintences' comment that Karna was already more than that now, just meeting or having known each other for a long time aside. But Karna had just toed over a very dangerous line.

One that made a swell of glee race up Ozymandias's spine, and settle on his face in the perfect image of a man having just found gold. Karna complimented him--and for people in Ozymandias' court, it was very dangerous. But Oz looks entirely delighted.]

Are you likening yourself to a snake, Karna? Because if that's how you feel, I am none too surprised. If your gaze is one that is caught easily in mine, perhaps we will get along marvelously with this arrangement after all.

[Translate: if you're charmed by me, then I'll keep you forever.]

Come. Join me in bed, and we shall talk more, there. I would like to get a better look at you, as well.

[reinkarnate]

It was an observation. I do not think that I fit the image of a snake very well to liken myself to one. [He did not have the qualities of a snake, although he does not think being compared to a snake is bad. Just that he was not like one.]

I imagine that your appearance and gaze can easily catch many. I do not see why mine is any different. [Karna no.

Ozymandias' statement was a little puzzling to him. Maybe because he takes it a little literal and didn't quite get the subtext.] We are so close right now. How would you get a better look? [What a pure statement.]

[dajakudajaku]

[Karna, no. Feeding his ego more will have disastrous consequences and all of Ozymandias' court are going to whisper at you to consider what you say before saying it to keep their beloved, but noisy king under a certain level of volume and topic of conversation.

Because, yes--Karna's next comment about catching the eyes of many only makes the man seem to puff up even more, that little curl at the top of his head almost bouncing with how he squares his shoulders, standing tall.]

Of course! There are many who would wish their entire lives away at the chance of having me return their affections! Which is why you should be honoured, in a way, that your country's loss has landed you here in my lap. There are many men as well as women who would give up their lives to stay at my side. But as the God-King of Egypt, I must only choose the finest of people to keep as my company. As a great warrior and prince of a rival country, you far more than suit me. [He had no idea Karna was a deity yet, but certainly if he DID know, he'd comment even furthur on it being suited to him, too.

A hand moves after he finishes his colourful little speech... and it lands on Karna's shoulder.]

...I meant that I wanted to relieve you of your robes, Karna. I can hardly see what is now mine with all these layers on you.

[Look at that golden armour, and the black bodysuit. Covered by a loose-fitting robe... he wanted to see what hid underneath it all.]

[reinkarnate]

[Ah. The other certainly didn't seem to know how to keep their volume in check. Then again, even Ozymandias' normal speaking voice seemed to echo to some extent. Maybe the man was just naturally very loud. They had the kind of presence that filled entire spaces upon entering. For good or for bad, he isn't sure.

He does hope that they aren't disturbing people though.]

Ah, well. One still has to get used to the idea of being captured regardless if it is an honor or not in the eye of the beholder. [People don't exactly want to be captured than technically be told they're to keep a bed warm.

Karna reaches up to Ozymandias' face. As he reaches up, the black and gold of what he's wearing underneath seems to melt away until pale skin makes contact with his face.

He lets his hand drop and he looks away, his face turning a visible red. To shed the armor gifted by his father in such a situation...]

I-I see...

[dajakudajaku]

[It's very possible that he is disturbing people--as the hour is getting late and the sun is already mostly set within the horizon behind them. Oil Lamps have already been lit in the sconces around them, a low set of lamps also being lit just over the King's bed to give some light to his chambers that could be snuffed before he settled down for sleep.

But it was also arguable that his court was extremely accustomed to their loud and over-the-top king. and all those who could be bothered are so used to it that they tend to tune him out. Besides, if he was making noise, it meant he was alive and well.]

You will grow accustomed to it, I assure you--

[He starts on another speal about how he was likely going to make Karna fall madly for him or some such nonsense, but for once the loud king is absolutely silenced by one of the others' actions. It wasn't touching him that did it--no, he expected Karna to touch him sooner--it was the odd sight and feeling of that outfit suddenly melting away as if it were less physical and more an illusion that sat on his skin.

His hand darts up, catching Karna's wrist as he gazes on him with a silent sort of awe and interest, turning the arm over in his grasp.]

...What sorcery is this? I knew you were a great warrior, I was not informed you were a magus.

[reinkarnate]

[People would probably be more alarmed if he were quiet while awake, but it must have taken some time to grow accustomed to such an oddity...]

I am not. My skills sit with a bow or lance.

[He gives the other a quizzical look. Was the other not aware?]

It is a gift. It protects me from great harm, but it takes a lot of energy to maintain it as it is always active. I do not usually relieve it in the company of others... I must apologize for my hesitance.