#karaon

Maybe they should SPLIT. UP. XD

But yeah, Rannon looks good in all kinds of hairstyles! But being such a creature of habit, I think he would feel extremely uncomfortable if he had to change his hair for any longer period of time. He’s worn it short since he was very little (and actually almost got a sliver of approval from his dad for once when it was first cut) so growing it long would feel unnatural and also vaguely like doing something wrong.

I’m sure both Isokell and Akari - and Narcissus for that matter - would be delighted to help out with brushing and styling Rapunzel-hair, though. ;)

As an aside on the theme, he also looks quite different when not wearing his circlet crown;

He offered to forswear it when he gave up his titles and family name to marry Isokell; technically he is not a prince by blood anymore, only through his marriage to her.

...does Isokell ever come with him to hold his hand?

Isokell sensibly feels that it’s good father-son bonding time, and that the panicked concern is good for helping Rannon getting more in touch with his emotions. u.u

I’m sure she had a calm, friendly talk with Keela when the arrangement was first made, about how delighted she is that her old friend is mentoring her son so he will stay safe. Not once making any threats or being anything but pleasant, but still managing to convey “I love you, but if you harm a hair on his head, I will end you and all you hold dear.”

Aww, that twitchy eye!! Poor poor Rannon.

Rannon has pretty much become the neurotic hockey mom who comes to his son’s every training to backseat drive and flail at the trainer at any perceived foul. He will certainly not leave Keela alone with his child, unattended.

But at the same time every single slash and parry, even with wooden blades, has him literally writhing.

He may not be chewing down his nails physically, but spiritually he’s hyperventilating into a paper bag before the session’s halfway over. ♥

Thank you very much for the ask!

It’s always guesswork what scenes and characters catch people’s attention, so being prompted to talk about it is absolute gold, I cannot stress this enough. ♥♥♥

But yes, Keela becomes Karaon’s mentor in sword fighting, and it does work out pretty much as Rion intended - Karaon is very easy to like and Keela is not in the habit of resenting innocent children, so they quickly learn to get along.

Even though Karaon isn’t very fond of the fighting itself - it’s difficult and strenuous and violent and occasionally painful, none things he likes - he tries his best to please both his new teacher and his father, both known to be such great warriors. He isn’t bad, he masters the basics, but it’s clear he’s not a born fighter - and in another rude gesture aimed at his own childhood, Rannon makes it very clear the boy shouldn’t be drilled and hammered into a soldier by force if he doesn’t want to.

That pressure aside, Karaon likes spending time with Keela - they did decide when they first met they would be friends!

And while Keela may feel a bit ambivalent about the whole arrangement at first, it does come with the benefit of reducing Rannon to an absolute nervous wreck every single sparring session. Which is a new look for him, and deeply entertaining. u.u

They daren’t call the boy tyrant-spawn to his face, but for every ten dozen smiling faces, one will hiss at his back, spit at his shadow. Not much disturbs his sunny smile, but he still starts in surprise when it happens, faltering.

A determined clang of metal-shod wood on stone cuts the muttered curses short.

“He is the son of your crown princess,” says Isokell’s First Servant, voice strong and unwavering as it only is when he speaks for her and not himself. “He was chosen by Chima, blessed like no other in living memory. If he is loved by the great Goddess of Judgment, you should probably withhold yours.”

The agitator slinks off in surly silence, chastised. Sunny smile returning, brighter, Karaon takes the hand reaching out for his.

“I didn’t think you believed in the goddesses,” he says, thoughtfully, falling in step with the familiar rhythmic clang of the staff on marble floors.

“I don’t,” says Maqaxha softly. “But they do. I am sure my God will forgive me a small matter of blasphemy to silence such cowards. A small sin among all of mine, all things considered.”

Karaon smiles wider and squeezes the warm hand hard.

“I’m glad you’re my friend.”

“And I am ever grateful to be yours, young Sati-rehu.”

And this is how fast we can crank out adorable art when we don’t line and color stuff! says my impatient brain.

Rannon snoozing with Karaon and Meimere. Being a King and/or military leader is nothing compared to managing two energetic kids 24/7 - wears you out like nothing else.

Karaon: "Look daddy, I drew you a smile on this one because I didn't want you to be sad. And I added a small dragon."

I know, right?! I do think Karaon is the youngest, or at least one of the youngest, so many of his older siblings would already have moved away from home, maybe even started families of their own. But there would probably be at least a few who would be more than willing to start a new exciting life in Kayalana. :)