(no subject)

[goldtoes]

[ Traditional of the indigenous people of Sankharthali, a leader cuts his hair when he wages a war - a signal to the opposition of conflict.

Dhani's, when left loose and straight, moves about his feet thick and dark and coarse. His advisors pull it up out of his face and away from his temples, loosely contained so that it ought not to drag about the floor. When he's working in the fields alongside his people he has it pulled up in colorful fabrics.

Now, as he moves out of the archway and toward the stairs, it's pulled back and woven into place, ghosting at his ankles; he's dressed in bright, warm colors, saffron and reds and crimsons, a collection of loose, light robes with a headchain and hands, arms and ankles decorated in golden jewelry; his nose and lip are both pierced.

Flanked by a pair of bodyguards, he shoos them away and has them stand back as their guest arrives - he has no desire to be intimidating, even if they've dressed him up like a plaything. It's the best way to showcase the exports - precious metals, jewels, beautifully woven fabrics. It feels too ostentatious, still. ]

Welcome, my friend. It's an honor to have you visiting -- [ his hands are gentle and soft as he reaches out to take one of his new guest's, and his accent is cozy and warm. ]

Comments

[suncut]

[ There are always rumors about foreign leaders, but all of Dhani's had sounded foolish. A mild ruler with hair so long that it has to be carried by three men in single-file in order to keep it from touching the ground... Because it's a tradition, apparently. Fewer wars, longer hair, all of that nonsense. Hearing how this one had grown his (though the three-men detail MUST be an exaggeration- it just *must*), it hadn't instilled confidence in Umber. He could only imagine this ruler as feeble. Something must be wrong with him, the grasp he has on his kingdom must be weak... It's naive to think that a gentle hand could successfully control so much land. Then again, if true, it'll be easy enough for him to get his way and then get out of here. Just push until the flimsy thing agrees to whatever they need.

When Dhani is revealed to be entirely able-bodied and lively, Umber is a bit taken aback. He's unsure of where to even direct his attention- everything about Dhani is bold. His open face and steady voice, the gold glittering on and in his skin, the loud colors. Compared to him, Umber and his group of two others look positively plain, what with their usual light leathers, sun bleached fabrics, and scarf-like hoods. Umber's own hood is down, his eyes thickly rimmed in a functional black grease that makes the bewildered look he throws the figure on his left all the more obvious.

The figure, dressed similarly but a bit smaller and curved differently than the rest of them (a woman, most likely), silently lifts a shoulder in a shrug. ]

I suppose. [ Is it really an honor? He wouldn't be here in the first place if all was well. ]

Here. [ The hand taken in greeting smoothly pulls away to gesture at the person that had shrugged only a moment ago, who bends to lift and present Dhani with a large cage. Inside is a sharp-eyed bird of prey, colored a strange blue-black all over its body aside from its white belly and underwings. The one holding the cage is their best master falconer- she'd hand-picked this particular bird as a gesture of good will, and Umber trusts her judgement. ]

[goldtoes]

[ Dhani's own eyes are ringed in kohl, as if they weren't large enough as it was, framed in long lashes. He smiles - bright, dimpled - and bows his head in a thank-you, reaching for the cage. ]

Hello, my gorgeous thing. Do you have a name? [ He tuts in a welcoming sort of way under his breath, extending his fingers along the frame so that the bird might examine him, and switches briefly to his native tongue to speak with it. ] I apologize for the... decor, [ he gestures at himself, ] I tried desperately to get them to lay off, but what are you going to do?

[ He may be a weakling, still, however bold and bright he is. Barefoot, for fuck's sake, without a care in the world. Perhaps the colors are like wildlife: a loud warning with no consequence. ] That aside. Dhani Bhattacharya, king of Sankharthali. Come. We have a feast laid out for you, and we can talk. How was your journey?

[suncut]

[ The woman responsible for the bird answers first: ] That one was trained as Lirpja, but you can call it what you like. [ It makes no difference to her or the bird, whose chest feathers puff in curiosity at colorful Dhani. It responds more easily to whistles and flashes of light anyhow.

All of them, even Umber, seem to sag the slightest bit in relief at the promise of food and a more pleasant place to sit. They'd all ridden at a punishing pace, and while their horses had been bred for generations for exactly that, then human side of the equation tends to wear down much easier. Time is something they don't have the luxury of wasting much anymore, though. ]

It was fine. Productive. [ Which is his very roundabout way of saying fucking exhausting. Unlike Dhani, however, Umber can't stand to let himself come across as soft to a stranger.

Tired and burdened as he is, he nearly forgets the introductions. ] Umber. [ He clarifies his identity- their previous communications hadn't specified who exactly would show up, just "one of the brothers." The other two are named soon enough, indicated with a motion of his hand. The woman to start, and then their third. ] Marl, and Pallo. We hope we haven't kept you waiting.

[ Socializing politely is a chore. Why hadn't he convinced his brother to come instead? ]

[goldtoes]

Lirpja. Beautiful. Inside, then, yes? [ He turns his back on them without a care in the world for the fact that they might put an arrow or a sword through him, if they wanted to, and gathers his robes about his feet with one hand so he can take three, four steps up to the palace. ]

Productive. [ Dhani laughs, soft, shaking his head. ] You didn't, but I don't mind waiting. The time you've arrived is exactly the correct one, whatever time it happens to be.

[ What? ]

I can have you shown to your quarters if you'd like, before dinner, but if you'd prefer to sate your hunger first, just say the word, hmm?

[ It's not really a palace as much as it is a sprawling villa, one of massive windows and open arches and tile to let the breeze filter through. He glances around and finds a nearby hand of house, beckoning her over - ] would you be a lamb and ask the carpenter to come see me this evening? Thank you, my darling, [ and she's off cheerfully. Everyone seems happy to be here, in fact, even the boy sweeping dust out of the tiled hall with a straw broom. ]

[suncut]

[ Umber wonders if he hears Dhani properly; maybe he's tired to the point of words making less sense to him, but no- Dhani is simply eccentric. And... buoyant.

Correction, all of them are, from the passing servant girl to the sweeping boy. It's bizarre. Umber's people aren't perpetually sour or regularly abusive towards each other, but they are hardened in a way that seems entirely absent from these ones.

He ends up with a faint frown on his face, absorbing the contrast. ] We'd best eat first, I think. [ No, he knows they should. If any of them tuck away somewhere soft and quiet, they'll go unconscious. Best to get the formalities out of the way as soon as possible, before they all crash in a heap for a few hours. ]

[goldtoes]

As you wish. Smart choice, after travelling so far. I'm familiar with it, though mostly within the borders... even so, the territory is so expansive that it's sometimes weeks back and forth. [ As he moves, Dhani is shedding his gold, passing it to a waiting guard who looks - just - absolutely unimpressed with the whole ordeal, his mouth pulled into a bracket of a frown and his eyes tired. Off come the bracelets, and the chains, and the beads - he leaves the collar and the nose ring and the lip jewel, and the rest is abandoned to somebody who he assumes will take care of it.

There's a flash of steel at his hip. A scimitar, laid hidden in the layers of robe and silk and cotton. A dagger at his thigh, too, under it all - one he has never had need to use. ] I should say now that I encourage you to make yourselves at home while you're here. The space is as much yours as mine; there's training grounds to the east, if it interests you. A natural hot spring just in the mountains to the north that, for what it's worth, is a delight after a long ride; but do let me know so I can arrange transportation for you, I'd hate to have you walk.

[ The door to the dining hall is open when they arrive, although not especially busy - there's help puttering about, and it seems more a communal event than it does a strict one. There is no such thing as rank and caste, not really, here - there's three guards sat with two hunters and a couple of servants, dining together at the far end of the table; at the one Dhani gestures to, there is a feast laid out for - well. A king, really. He asked about a hundred questions and sent someone off to research at some point, and then badgered the cooks into creating a combinations both traditional for Dhani's people and familiar to Umber's, a mix of dishes that, he hoped, would ensure everyone had at least something to eat. ] Sit where you like, hm? I imagine someone will be coming through with ale or mead or... something... shortly.

[suncut]

[ The shedding has Umber snorting quietly under his breath. There's something absurd about it- treasures that could fund entire cities being passed so carelessly from hand to hand, but aside from that thought, the trinkets are hardly paid much mind. What really happens to catch Umber's eye is the flash of a weapon, his curiosity stirring. Pretty things are just that; pretty, and while his people have an appreciation for decoration, the heart of their attention tends to lie in practical objects. A bracelet is nice to look at, and can be traded for important goods when necessary, but a dagger, for example, is a lifeline.

Pallo is old and experienced enough that he finds no shame in treating himself to extra indulgences, so of course he's the one to perk up and express his interest in the hot spring. And all three of them will surely find themselves at the training grounds at some point. ]

You've done too much, really. There's no need to go so far with us. [ Umber has to say it, because the dining hall is something else. None of them quite expected such a spread.

Despite his protest, their familiar foods are a comfort, and the effort behind the gesture is endearing. Their home is fairly unforgiving and they've grown accustomed to working with what little the land provides. Most of their cuisine is made up of greens, seeds, root vegetables, small game. Fish are little and an uncommon treat, and large cuts of red meat even rarer. Anything out of the ordinary will absolutely catch their eye... Even Umber is eager to try some of the things that look new to him.

Damn Dhani and his overzealous preparation. ]

[goldtoes]

Perhaps not. But it's rare that we get guests; often I'm the one travelling elsewhere. [ Which is, of course, true - either he's travelling within his own borders or without, and rarely does anybody have any need for them.

Then again, anybody doesn't get to see the training grounds that Umber and his people will find later. Anybody doesn't get to see the precision of a crew of men and women who have been trained the same way Dhani has, in scimitar and hand to hand combat; anybody doesn't see the archers that can shoot a target nearly three hundred metres away, some on horseback. Everybody knows that Dhani refuses to engage in war.

What he doesn't say is how difficult this feast was to prepare - that, despite the spread, it took absolutely ages of arrangement - to have things brought in, to have them kept fresh and carted the long, long miles from home. He doesn't say how many strings he had to pull, how many favors.

He takes his seat not at the head of the table but across from Umber, making it especially clear that they are, as seems to be the case with him, welcome to anything and everything they might desire. ] If I'm being honest, I'm a touch too excited for the company, but what can I say?

[suncut]

Is it? [ The surprise in his voice is more obvious than he'd like. Umber and his own keep to themselves, of course, but that's mostly due to the difficult terrain boxing them in. Great for defense, though not so great when one of the primary methods in and out of the country is devastated. He'd assumed, though, that a massive kingdom such as this would be a hub of activity and foreign visitors.

Must not be much reason to travel to a place where there are no conflicts or issues to resolve.

Umber pauses in the middle of reaching towards a plate of nicely-arranged stuffed leaves, hand freezing in mid-air as he glances at Dhani, the empty seat at the head of the table, and then back again. He's learning that this ruler is... very informal. It's- different. How are his advisors not having a fit? Are they just as strange? Probably.

He clears his throat gently, placing a few of the leaf-rolls on to his plate at last. ] Your allies don't come to meet with you? To trade?

[ Probably for the best. If he goes to such lengths for all of his visitors, he'd have to sell all of his pretty gold things. ]

[goldtoes]

[ It helps, of course, that the advisors all know Dhani can handle himself. Dhani has never killed, but could if he needed to; Dhani has never drawn his blade in any way other than training or a playful spar. Dueling, for example, over the last chicken breast, or the last scone.

But Dhani's advisors know this. They let him do what he wants because he can be trusted to take care of himself. ] Rarely. I tend to be willing to meet in their territory, but we have few exports. Agricultural, primarily. Jewels and gold, but those are less in demand than things like rice. We are, for the most part, a very... mm. Humble. Country. A lot of farmers. Mining. Self-sufficient but not especially well positioned to trade.

LMAO THE LAST CHICKEN BREAST i feel that

[suncut]

[ It's such a strange arrangement. He nods slowly, his eyes averted as he browses the selection of things on the table. ] What's to stop them from taking your mines or your fields?

[ It's not a threat, not really. There's no need for it to be, yet. Dhani is very charming and startlingly generous, and Umber's intent in coming here wasn't to scare. But it's an important (if a little tense) question all the same. ]

THE SIBLING WAR the only war dhani has ever gotten into

[goldtoes]

[ Dhani's big brown eyes narrow a little, and when he smiles the dimples appear in his cheeks. ] An army.

[ And he's calm and easy as he says it, lifting a spoon of tabbouleh. He means it, though. They are disarmingly powerful, and ready to act on a moment's notice. ] It has, occasionally, happened. Not wars. But minor conflicts. There is a reason you don't hear much of them. They never get very far.

crush them dhani. never show mercy when it comes to snacks and siblings

[suncut]

You do have an army. [ Umber smirks, cutting a quick glance over at Marl, who snorts in to a cup as she drinks. She'd gotten in to a severe argument with one of their acquaintances back home. Their peer had insisted Dhani had no army, that there was no need because he simply bewitched any would-be enemies with dark magic, and that's why everyone adores him so much. She'd nearly lost her mind at how idiotic it'd sounded.

She may have been a little tipsy at the time.

A whole hidden army that can suppress threats before they become big news is enough to make Umber's chest flutter a bit all on its own, no magic needed. ] If you were to fight, you'd have to cut it, wouldn't you? [ He gestures at the hair. ] Or is that a tall tale?

slaps an antsy umber down while we wait for pallo

[suncut]

[ It's still dark out, and it likely still will be when Dhani comes to fetch Umber... But he has been awake for too long already, restless and buzzing about. He's cleaned and dressed himself, arranged some of his personal belongings and papers, and snooped through the room a bit. The last task hadn't yielded much, but that's to be expected. This room is probably empty more often than not, reserved for guests. Still, it kept him occupied for a while.

Now he's run out of things to do. All that's left is... nothing, really. Suppose he could always wait in the hall until Dhani comes around to collect him? That's asinine- him, wilting around uselessly.

Umber fusses with the jeweled bangle around his wrist, resting discreetly beneath his sleeve. Resigning himself to unproductive hall-haunting. There won't be much traffic at this time of morning, at least. Less judgement. He sighs, finally opening the door. ]

<3_<3

[goldtoes]

Dhani, in the morning, is relaxed and casual - when he hasn't gotten captured by attendants, his hair is pulled into a loose braid over his left shoulder, and the only real jewelry he bothers with is the collection of earrings that he never takes out.

He promised breakfast, and he's true to his word, toting with him a basket. Bread, cured meats and cheeses, fruit, hot tea and small ceramic cups to pour it into, roasted chickpeas for snacking. Light, but with enough fuel to keep them going all day.

But the footsteps that breeze down the hall aren't Dhani's, who tends to announce himself with a jaunty trot and maybe a hum of singsong nothingness; these are almost silent, except for the faintest tap of boot soles on stone. A hunter, maybe. Experienced, at least, in remaining undetected - he's got a leather folder under one arm, but the door swings open when he's maybe three feet away and he reaches for his weapon.

Right. His grip relaxes. He straightens, just a little, and eyes Umber with... not suspicion, exactly, but the wariness of a feral cat. His scalp is shaved down to the skin, eyes dark and calculating; his robes are black, pleated, military issue with a high collar and epaulets at the shoulders, rank splashed across him in piping, patches, decor. The pregnancy mutes how intimidating he might look, but only marginally. And he doesn't apologize for startling, exactly, but he bows bald head a few degrees in something approximating it. "Ah." If Bao was the type to feel stupid, he might, here, but he's not. So there. "One of Dhani's guests, I take it."

instantly thinking of jumpy cat videos over here

[suncut]

A jolting mass of pitch-black immediately outside the door isn't what Umber expected to find- it's understandable when he jumps a bit. Just a bit. Turns out neither of them are a danger to the other but they're still locked in a stare, though Umber's is a bit less intense. He tilts his head to the side after Bao relents and speaks.

It's funny, in a way. That's how they're thought of? As Dhani's guests. Dhani's amusements. It should be insulting, and if he were anywhere else or in any other sort of mood, it probably would be. As things stand now, he sort of gets it. He's entertained by the concept. "Essentially." He pauses, then, casting a puzzled look over Bao.

It's not the pregnancy that baffles him (though he is rather significantly far along, isn't he), it's the manner of dress that does it. "Did he send you?" This is a heavily decorated individual, playing messenger or go-getter is hardly suited for someone of Bao's station... But Dhani doesn't do things conventionally either, does he.

you're not wrong tbh

[goldtoes]

Bao's smile doesn't reach his eyes, it's a ghost of a thing, but it's there just the same. "No. I simply didn't expect the door to open. Dhani, as he's wont to do, didn't bother to warn me where anybody was." He glances back over his shoulder, though he's still on guard.

"He should be along shortly. Last I saw him, he was being scolded for eating grapes while Adhira was trying to put your breakfast together; he may whine about her smacking him for it. But you didn't hear that from me." He jostles the folder at his side, as if to indicate it being his purpose for scurrying about. "He wanted to ensure Aanya knew to take everyone through my advanced drills this morning and not let them off easy, since we've got an audience, so I was off to her." And then he had, roughly, seven thousand hours worth of meetings to attend to, which was neither here nor there.

[suncut]

A coincidental crossing, then. Excellent timing, Umber. Go ahead and frighten the infant right out of someone. "Ah- I apologize, then." The sentiment is spoken awkward enough that it nearly makes him grimace, and he decides to blame it entirely on Dhani. Who isn't even here.

It's Bao's story that's done it. Without being present, Dhani's chaotic nature continues to throw Umber off his guard... Scolded and smacked for poaching grapes, gods above. "Creating all of this extra work was never our intention." This meeting was supposed to be a simple affair, all business, but it's turning in to more of a carnival. There's no changing it now, though. Umber isn't so bold as to think he can convince someone to defy their king. All he can do is offer his sympathies to those who are caught up in the storm.

"For what it's worth, we've been plenty impressed already." Umber peers at the folder tucked against Bao, and gestures to it mildly. "We'll be seeing your drills?" Bao's army, then? It would make sense, what with all of the pins and patches attached to his clothing.

[goldtoes]

"Hardly. It's not exactly an unusual occurrence." He smiles again, this time a little more genuine.

"And it's not extra work. Trust me when I say we're all excited to have the company. It's rare that we're privileged enough to host, so it's --" A privilege. Having them around, he means. Funny. And Dhani seems to have come on like a puppy, bold and bright and bumbling, and the people around him are mostly just trying to corral the sheer unbridled joy and zest for life. "I'm glad you're enjoying your time here. His Highness aside, of course." They're close, the way he talks about him - playfully, fondly - and shakes his head. He's clearly not related, but they're family.

Something about being asked of his men brightens him, slightly. "You will. It's a joint effort, of course, don't let me fool you into thinking I'm the only one running the show. Aanya is responsible for most of our swordplay, it's her specialty; Mal'aat's mostly horses and mounted archers. I don't want to say I oversee it all, but..." But he does. "Strategy is where I shine. That's all." He taps his fingertips against the folder.

[suncut]

He hasn't seen or heard of any resentment from their presence here, so that's a relief. If negotiations go well with Dhani and they come to an acceptable agreement, then maybe... Well, he's getting ahead of himself, isn't he? No need to make plans for a hypothetical just yet. It would be good for Ulera, though, he thinks- strengthening an alliance.

One step at a time. The current step is making it through Dhani and Bao's demonstration, which will be easy enough. He's been looking forward to it. "Of course, everyone plays their part." He softens a bit, watching Bao with an almost-smile. "Everything will come together- it'll be outstanding, I'm sure."

Bao doesn't really need Umber's reassurances, he's got the credentials to prove his capabilities. But he says them anyway. It's nice to hear it aloud now and then. "We may be in need of your assistance later, if all goes smoothly." Umber's not sure if Bao knows why they've come to see Dhani, but he'll probably find out. They're going to need a strategic mind.

[goldtoes]

Bao tips his head, amusement soft but evident. "Dhani can point you my way when you need me. If not, I spend most of my time in the barracks' war room. It's the first door on the left when you enter the hall."

He turns his head and glances over his shoulder at the sound of uneven, pattering footsteps on stone.

"Speak of the devil himself. Enjoy. And good luck."

It's said lovingly, of course. He sees Dhani as an older sibling, more or less, but not so much so that when he rounds the corner, moonlight splashed across the side of his face and the edge of steel flask, Bao straightens up and bows his head in greeting and deference. Alpha and omega matters little here - not compared to rank, anyway. Bao grins - coy, the little bastard - at Umber and sweeps off in a bundle of black.

"Gooood morning," Dhani brays, speeding up to break into a trot.

[suncut]

Speak of the devil himself.

Umber's eyes widen to some degree, a look of realization and vague anxiety ghosting over his face before he turns his head towards the sprightly footsteps. It's like he'd somehow fucking forgotten how much Dhani is, and he's only just now remembering as Dhani's barreling towards him with all of his enthusiasm.

Good luck? He'll need it, definitely. Is there something stronger? Maybe Bao will pray for him. He should.

"Good morning, yes..." Even at this hour Dhani is fresh, dazzling the morning with pleasant looks and charm. Umber is almost annoyed... He feels washed-out and a bit withered in comparison, but then again, he could have forced himself to sleep more. It's his own blunder.

He's about to make another, evidently, by staring dumbly. Gods... There's a basket on Dhani's arm, though, and yes- there, that's it. He can manage a basket. "Would you like me to take that?" Umber reaches a hand out, gesturing towards the basket, ready to relieve Dhani of his burden.

[goldtoes]

Bao is off with his rhythmic, drill-honed click-click against the stone; Dhani traipses across them in leather sandals, kohl-ringed eyes wide and bright despite the hour as he passes the basket over.

"I would appreciate it, thank you -" it's heavier than it looks, but maybe that's Dhani being lightly built, stronger than he looks. He's bright, grinning, extends his free hand like one might escort royalty. His hands are soft - but sword calloused.

"Come, then. I see you've met Bao'aat," he starts, sounding pleased as punch about it. "How did you sleep?"

[suncut]

Umber's surprised by the weight of it- Dhani had carried it easily, he'd half-expected the thing to be light. He compensates well, though, and even manages to touch Dhani's hand without making an idiot out of himself.

"Bao'aat, is it?" He'll have to remember that. Umber hadn't asked his name at the time. He'd only seen a little of Bao'aat, but he'd liked him so far... As for how he'd slept, he hums and shrugs. "Well enough. It's always difficult in a new place." He pauses then, eyeing Dhani... "Did you sleep? At all?" Is he ever still or quiet long enough to sleep...?

[goldtoes]

"Bao'aat, yes. Mal'aat's favorite. One of our scouts - or, that's how started, anyway." He grins, bright and dimpled and cheeky. "Is there anything I can do to make your time here more comfortable?"

Dhani pulls at the braid over his shoulder, twirling it around his hand, and he laughs. "I did, yes, believe it or not. I always do!" And really, could he be this bright without sleep...? Hard to tell. "I slept, I got up, made the rounds, bothered our entire kitchen, got smacked--! The audacity! Can you believe?"

Yes, actually, we can all believe that.