#astralsofeos

Happy Holidays @astralfennec just wrote this little drabble for Ifrit and Carbuncle. (From Ifrit on @astralsofeos) So here you go!

Ifrit stared at the small things he'd made with a slight frown. It had been an age since he spent any of his labor really creating something, and quite some time since he'd had the strength too. But so much of himself was returning in recent days, even with so little belief or worship given to him by humans. It was enough, for this, at least.

He waited for Carbuncle to appear, his own face shuttered, awkward as he held out the bracelet. A pale gold with a single ruby dripping from it, and a matching one hung from his own wrist, and a flame flickered inside of both gems.

Ifrit arched his brow at the young astral, reclining on one of his broken thrones, one of the many places he skulked in as he recovered from his death over time.

astralsofeos answered:

Send “ ⛓ ” for an arranged marriage starter

Shiva smiled softly at the young prince, her hands clasped in front of her, as Ifrit half sprawled on a lounge in the room she’d summoned Loqi to join them in. It was a place that existed  somewhat on the border of things. But she made no effort to conceal herself, or Ifrit. Though both appeared in a more human scale.

“I won’t drag you, either of you, out in suspense. A member of your line, Loqi, has been promised to me, to marry as I see fit, since your family took the name Njordsson. In exchange for my protection,” the goddess said, gently.

“As such. You can marry as a proxy of sorts, for me. A new bridge, in these days, is required, between Lord Ifrit, and myself. He is…quite affected by the scourge. Together, the marriage will help him slowly rid himself of it. And renew both our powers. But you shall be his, in name and in deed. You will learn of him, as few other’s ever have. And you must serve us both, my dear and faithful Loqi,” she said softly, reaching up to cup his cheek.

“I would not call on you for this, unless the need was most dire. And while I could call on your mother, or your uncle, for this…they are better suited for other work, if needs be.”

Perhaps this was why Loqi had never been named heir to the Imperial throne. That honour had gone to his little sister on the day of her Naming, and Loqi honestly wished Aurora joy of it. He’d never been comfortable with the notion of ruling, so to be passed over after his mother’s coronation had been an honest relief.

He looked from his goddess to Her Belovéd, seeing both his handsome face and the Scourge afflicting his lean body, and wondered if the Oracle might not be the better choice.  ...then again, the Oracle’s power came from Bahamut. According to Uncle Freyr, those involved in the new covenenants were doing their best to avoid the Draconian’s notice.