group
Corbin noticed Dragomir's struggle, moving to help him under the covers.
"Alright, then. If there's anything you need at all, don't hesitate to ask," The king offered a small look of assurance, not exactly a smile, but close enough to it.
Mir’s eyes were beginning to close. “Mm, but don’t you have more important stuff to do than help me…?” What he really wanted was for Corbin to stay with him, but this was the king he was talking to. He had more important stuff to do…
group
"No, not for any time soon," Corbin said softly. "Besides, when the time does come, I'll be asking you to join me anyway." The king offered a smile now, tucking Dragomir in more.
"Try to get some rest, okay? I'm pretty sure Ameil would chew my ear off if I kept you up any longer…" The king chuckled softly, patting Dragomir's shoulder.
Mir snagged Corbin’s hand and kissed the back of it, as he was way to out of it to do much else in terms of respect as his eyes slid shut, hesitating before he let go. “Thank you, Corbin…” he said softly, using the king’s first name for the first time, too sleepy to realize the potential disrespect of calling the king his given name.
group
Corbin found nothing disrespectful about Dragomir's use of his first name, pulling Dragomir's hand up to kiss it in a return, showing respect to the man he knew would be so much help.
"You're welcome, Dragomir. Good night…" The king tucked Dragomir's back in, finally standing up.
(Time skip? Or do you have another idea?)
group
(Timeskip would be good!)
(You start or me?)
group
(aaa, you pleaseee?)
Mir slowly woke up a few hours later, fitfully, tears running over his cheeks as he woke up from his nightmares, sitting up and crying to himself for a few minutes, curled into the fetal position, wishing someone was there to soothe him, but as normal, he was alone… right?
group
Dragomir was alone in his room, but… well, it didn't stay like that for long. There was a soft knock on the door, but when Corbin heard the halfing crying, the king slipped into the room without a word, making his way over to sit next to him. He didn't say a word, resting a hand gently on Dragomir's back.
Mir startled when he felt the hand out of nowhere, hands flying to protect himself as he cowered, eyes wide and scared before he realized who it was. Then he immediately hugged the bigger man, not caring that it might end up awkward after he calmed down, he just needed comfort as he cried and shivered from fear.
group
Corbin had almost pulled his hand away already when Dragomir hugged him. The king let out a soft breath, pulling the man onto his lap and wrapping his arms securely around him.
"I've got you…" The king said softly, fingers going up to gently run through Dragomir's hair.
"No one can hurt you here, I promise…"
Mir buried his face into Corbin’s chest, crying softly, but slowly getting quieter as Corbin soothed him. He eventually was just reduced to hiccups and a wet face as he sniffled, still clutching the king for comfort, relaxing at the fingers in his short, fluffy white hair.
group
Corbin continued to running his fingers through Dragomir's hair, holding the halfling close. He wasn't going to let go until the man was ready, tucking him away in his arms.
"You're safe, Dragomir… I'll make sure of it."
“I’m sorry…. I probably look so pathetic….” He sniffled, not quite willing to stop looking pathetic though. He felt so much safer in the king’s arms. Corbin was so kind and gentle… He finally sat back to wipe his eyes with his hands, still apologizing.
group
"You don't," Corbin said softly, his hand still cupping Dragomir's head as he pulled away. "You've obviously been through a lot, both in and out of the army. I could never ask anyone to come away from that without any traumas. It's alright, Dragomir." The king wiped a few stray tears away, his voice so soft and soothing.
"Don't be afraid to ever ask for me when you're feeling like this," he continued.
Mir looked up at the king, still scared ands sad. “You’re- you’re… sure? B-but you have m-m-more important things to do than take care of me…” He leaned into his hands nonetheless, arms still loosely wrapped around the other’s waist
group
"I'm sure." Corbin ran his fingers through Mir's hair again, leaning just a bit closer.
"This kingdom has hurt you so much… the least I can do is help you through it. I am so truly sorry, Dragomir…"
Mir leaned back in, setting his cheek against Corbin. “It’s not y-your fault…. It’s just the way th-things are here….” He then looked up. “But why d-did you come in here in the first place…? I thought I was being quiet enough that no-one in the hall could hear me…”
group
Corbin wrapped his arms around Dragomir again when he leaned back in, keeping his touch gentle.
"Well… I had come over to check on you anyway, to see how you were doing here. I must say, I'm glad I did…"
Dragomir nodded. “Me too… Thank you…” He leaned up and kissed Corbin’s cheek to show his thanks before going back to the cuddles, feeling much better.
group
"Mm… you're welcome…" Corbin held Dragomir close, looking content to see the halfing doing so much better. The king held the man in his lap securely, letting out a soft breath.
"How are you feeling now?"
“Much better, thank you… I’m sorry for freaking out like that. I… Nightmares don’t really take pity on me.” He sighed and nuzzled. Corbin’s shoulder. “Did we need to do something soon? I don’t think I’ll be getting back to sleep any time soon.”
group
"There's no need to apologize," Corbin said quietly, holding Dragomir close.
"And we have some time before there is anything we need to do, which means we have time to get you new clothes, and have the doctor look at your arm again."
Mir nodded. “Ok. What kind of clothes will I be wearing then? Just a sleeve and pants?” He thanked the gods it was summer. He wondered what was suitable of a concubine while there was snow on the ground.
group
"Yes, that sounds about right. You'll be able to see what pants you're comfortable with, and what fabrics. The tailor will probably have you in the royal colors." Corbin let out a breath.
"Then there's the jewelry… There won't be much, not with the financial state the kingdom is in now, but there will be enough…"
Mir furrowed his brow. “Why do I need jewelry? If I need jewelry, wouldn’t my necklace be enough?” He reached into his ragged shirt and pulled out the gold chain with the ruby roses hanging from it. (Description is also on his character profile) It looked expensive, and not nearly close to being normal for someone of his stature to have.
group
"It's more a mark of status than anything." Corbin tilted his head some when Dragomir showed his necklace, thinking a moment.
"It would do for some of it, but you would need more as well. I'm sorry if it seems cumbersome."
“I would just like whatever else you need me to wear just to not be around my neck. Other than that, I’ll wear anything you need me to. Is jewelry a sign of a concubine? Or just of being a part of the court?” He tilted his head, wondering what else he’d be wearing. Ear cuffs? Bracelets? Anklets?
