Timid Types

Marital rituals are an established partnership that mortals were familiar with, which made it easy to enact. Its ties to loyalty, devotion, singularity (in prehistoric times), and honesty were values Telamon sought out when seeking robloxians to teach it continuously.

An advisor would work, Builderman had suggested it eons ago, as that's how he kept in touch, but that wasn't Telamon's style. To each their own.

So it's no surprise when one does becomes hitched, through its admittedly violent "spouse trial", as it was appropriately titled, that it'd be far from the typical marriage.

Granted, it wasn't cruel or conniving. It's simply a marriage of convenience. No one is to mistreat partners of Telamon, and they got whatever they wanted. Telamon sought them out for advice, insight, and knowledge in exchange for comfort, security, and stability.

But documents become harder to fill out when the selected.. "advisor" isn't behaving the way as those before them.

Speaking to quietly for it to hear, having to strain it's ears to hear their words. Folding in on themselves and refusing eye contact if they weren't forced. They all but shied away from any subject matter that put to much attention on them.

Doing just enough to quench its curiosity before excusing themselves. Had it not been for the necessity of this arrangement, due to benifits, they most likely wouldn't be wed to Telamon at all.

Dusekkar has noticed and expressed his, and other admins, concerns in regards to its spouses timid nature.

Telamon didn't quite understand, but if it brought upon concern, it'd seek answers. Even if the moment wasn't opportune..

Today was a small event, a changelog and announcement of updates. Builderman being the face paired with Roblox, the individual. Other admins attended along with important guests and plus-ones, like; Telamon's spouse.

The pair were far enough away from the stage for there to be conversation, sitting at a table close to the stage by the wall, and that was enough for Telamon to lean over the table and spark discussion.

"Spouse."

"Telamon.."

It tilted its head a favorable amount, it's owlish gaze drilling into them "Telamon inquires about your.. overly polite nature"

"I'm.. afraid I don't understand."

"You're quiet." It starts simply "You make yourself small in Telamon's presence. You've cultivated a certain.. distance from Telamon." It's usual cocky expression more solemn. Curious.

They blink, raising a brow and examining their lords expression before settling their hands in their lap "I'm merely showing respect, my lord. This.. arrangement is for information, not affection. I'm aware you do not possess our emotions, so I do not intend to push this to be something it is not."

They gestured between themselves; "You, the admins, and I are not.." They pause, trying to find a word that fits their feelings, "Equal."

Telamon didn't blink until the end, mostly out of surprise. The distance and odd timid behaviors.. was because they knew there was a difference in power and status, they didn't wish to overstep their bounds or be overzealous. They were conscious of their mortal standing.

How curious...

Telamon's typical cocky grin grew as it spoke "You are my spouse. Does that not make you Telamon's equal by design?"

They merely shook their head, gesturing with their hands as discretely as possible "For robloxians, yes. It is a bond of love and union, but you aren't a robloxian, my lord. You and I both know better than to fool ourselves with frivolous fantasy for what this entails."

They wanted to inquire on what brought this about, why Telamon was more focused on this rather than the event, and why it seemed so.. dissatisfied with their responses, having to note it's smile twitch like they struck an unforeseen nerve.. but they didn't dare let a question bubble up.

Telamon didn't even glance about the room before leaning over the table, coming face to face with them. Noting how they had flinched and clearly restrained from pulling away. "Telamon appreciates your efforts of being.. considerate.. but finds that distance brings doubt. That you are displeased with our union-"

It doesn't get to finish before they all but slam their hands on the table to shout "NO!" Silencing the room and startling even Telamon, who sat up.

They smiled awkwardly to the crowd of confused faces before Builderman cleared his throat and took a note "..Thank you for your input. Any other objections?" Fortunately, smoothing things back over to work, drawing attention away from their table.

"Sorry.." They muttered quietly "I meant; no, I am anything but displeased." The ground was suddenly super interesting right about now.

"I apologize if this has been causing you issues, is there a way you'd like me to proceed?"

Telamon shook its head, leaning close again, it's talons gently scrapping against the side of their scalp. It smirks, amused as they shivered. "No. If this is how you feel, Telamon prefers it. Your authenticity is important to Telamon's understanding."

"..Understood" they were hesitant, they didn't wish to become a liability, but if they weren't to play up a character, they wouldn't. Not like they could with their spouses hands combing through their hair. They couldn't focus their thoughts, feeling almost like they were melting in their skull.

A little ignorant to their state, Telamon continued their conversation while it's menstruations eased its spouses nerves. "You're merely curious to Telamon. Most robloxians Telamon has taken are clingy. Yet despite you seeming no less eager to please, you drift. You hide."

They glanced up to see it's gaze honed in on them alone and bashfully redirected their eyes "Yes, well, I suppose I am merely more aware of where I stand. I know that many feel as if this position is a free ticket to.. many things, but I'd say it's hardly something to brag abou- OW-"

Telamon was quick to pull it's talons back after nicking their skin so as not to further injure them. Yet it's eyes were pin prick thin. Was it angry? Had they misspoke?

"I-I didn't mean- it's an honor to be selected as your spouse! I merely mean it isn't proper to gloat!" They scrambled to correct themselves. "Many are seeking a bond with you that isn't properly suited for the role they are selected for and-" They were hastily cut short by Builderman closing up the event for the evening.

They rose and shadowed Telamon, who seemed to be mildly irritated, or at least, deep in thought. They couldn't help but remain entirely silent, fearing they upset the deity.

They made their way back to the heights and it's mansion, completely unbothered by any looks casted their way by staff and attendants as it pulled them aside to continue their discussion in private.

Telamon sat on the edge of it's bed, or nest, in their chambers, gesturing them closer, patting the spot next to itself. They, of course, obliged, given the tense atmosphere. Sinking into soft quilts and bedding, they'd almost toppled over.

It was first to speak "Telamon believes you are misunderstanding the importance of your role." It began,

"Robloxians are fragile, fickle, you live not but a blink of Telamon's existence. Telamon cares not for mortal fantasies and is happy to indulge as stress, Telamon's learned, hurts your well-being, and under Telamon's care; this is what Telamon seeks to avoid. You can not aid me if you are hurting, yes?"

They merely nod and Telamon grins. Stretching a wing to wrap around the opposing shoulder of it's spouse, a comforting gesture it picked up on from other partners. One they weren't pushing away and melted into instead.

"Speak your mind" it encouraged, leaning closer to be almost eye level with them.

"You don't feel as if we're being unreasonable? To ask so much of a God?" They inquired softly, as if they hadn't meant to speak. Running their fingertips over its feathers.

Telamon only scoffed, amused "You are mortals. Its your job to take up space. It's why you were made;"

"To brighten our world"