Welcome to Gaia! ::

Prince Diago hated this, it was all for show and while he was doing as his own father wished by accepting this gift -whatever it might be- he couldn't claim to have any real interest in it. Still, perhaps this would at least stop the war that had been moving ever closer over the past few years. This was a far cry from what Diago would rather be doing.

With a trained stoic expression upon his face he watched as the other kingdom made a spectacle of whatever gift they were parading towards him, feathers and dancers, gold practically dripping off everyone and everything. While mildly amusing he wished they would just cut to the point. Finally the procession seemed to be over, large fans of majestic peacock feathers seemed to be covering someone in impeccable clothing, at least that was how it appeared from the waist down. He leaned forward a fraction, interest slightly perked... what were they playing at? Where they planning to gift him the prince himself? He had heard of it in the past, a drastic measure done to ensure peace between nations.... but still... would this nation really go that far? Somehow he doubted it, they had always been a cruel people and Diago often had to put on an act.... and act that made him appear as cold hearted as them.

When someone spoke his gaze wandered to them, and he almost rolled his eyes, probably would have if he hadn't been disciplined on more than one occasion for that very thing. Happiness.... what in the world did they know of happiness?

The fans lowered to reveal a golden haired man, eyes of brilliant blue shining sadly through his features, clearly he was not pleased to be hear either. Good, that made two of them. Yet, as he watched the other slump to a submissive position he had to fight the urge to fall to his knees and force the other to take some pride in themselves. After all, this was no bow of respect... but a position that seemed to scream 'please don't hurt me'... at least in Diago's mind. Those words confirmed it, broken and stuttered, and the 'master'. His eyes narrowed and he looked up at the one who had presented him with his 'gift'. "Get out." He said, looking at everyone who gathered. At first they seemed to be in too much shock to move, but when he rose to stand and said it again, "GET OUT!" They started to move, some whimpered, others whispered that he was being too eager to 'use' his gift, while some commented on his bad hosting skills..... but right then all he could think of was the man they had presented him, and not for the reasons that other expected.

Once the room was clear he turned and looked down his 'gift', noting that the other hadn't moved. Moving to face him he said. "Stand. Name?" Words that clearly spoke of the fact that no one usually defied him. Still there was gentleness in his eyes. He didn't want to harm this stranger, but he had to decide how much of a threat he was to his kingdom...

Diago frowned as he looked at the 'gift', Talios. He said the name, unable to stop himself from hearing it upon his own tongue. "Talios." He frowned as the other spoke of being called a pet or a toy, and he had a very distinctive impression of just how Talios had been used by his previous. A concubine. It made sense in a warped way as to why that had thought to gift him such a thing.... many saw pleasures of the flesh to be a great distraction from war.

Taking a deep breath he watched for a moment. "My name," he started, not meaning to sound quite as aggressive as he currently was being, "is Prince Diago... not master." But his emotions were running high, he hated abuse of power, hated those of power making those below them look and feel demeaned to the point that they wouldn't even look up in fear of being reprimanded.

He took another deep breath, swiftly followed by a third. Part of him wanted to tell his father to send the gift back and go to war after all, but the thought of bringing more torture to Talios was not a favourable one. He rubbed his chin as if trying to think, his sword clanking against the chair as he shifted. "How do you feel about being here Talios?" He asked softly, and as the words escaped him Diago was suddenly stuck with the wonder of why exactly he had just asked that.... he was pretty sure Talios would rather be anywhere else than here, and better yet be free. Moving with a grace known to his station he caught Talios's chin and gently rubbed it before tugging softly until Talios was forced to look at him. "You have beautiful eyes." He commented, again angry with himself for his slip of the tongue... he didn't even know if this man was a spy!

"I don't please you do I." Those words had Diago feeling cold. So cold that he found himself saying, "I never said that," His voice was quiet, his words spoke as if trying to comfort Talios. It was clear that he was clearly dreading something, clearly upset and anxious.... all things that Diago disliked seeing. He had never beaten anyone, not even a slave.... finding that a dash of kindness reaped far better results to fear, and before him was a perfect example of it.

"T...thank you....I...Im sure if you want them....you are free to take them...." What an odd thing to say, Diago thought, wondering what had happened to summon such a response, his frown increased and as he watched his 'gift' it was very much as if he was trying to figure out a rather difficult puzzle. "Hmmmm...." Was the only response he gave, not entirely sure how to answer such comments without causing more harm than good.

The more Diago saw and heard the more he frowned. This 'gift' they had given him was far from whole, and while that didn't bother him it got him wondering as to why exactly they had given him such an obviously disturbed young man... and, worst still, he couldn't help but wonder what exactly they had done to him to make him react like this. It was bad, he was sure of it. Removing his hand since he didn't intentionally wish to cause pain he considered the words carefully. "Did they tell you why they had selected you to give to me?" He wondered if the answer would give him any insight behind their thinking... or was it possibly that they simply didn't see Talios like this, or notice the way he flinched and shook at the slightest of touches. It was clear he was no willing concubine.... which left only one alternative, and the thought made him cold to the core.

He searched the mans face, the way he held himself, the way the clothes fitted him... all of it, and something didn't feel right, he just couldn't put his finger on it. He stepped back, attempting to bring some little comfort to Talios as he thought.

"Come." He finally said, breaking the silence that had fallen between them. "Allow me to show you around. I am sure no one has done so since dragging you here." He offered a slight smile, trying to reassure though he was sure that Talios would feel more comfortable in anyone else's present but his own.

The reply that came was far from what Diagonal had been expecting, how could they give a gift of peace away as another gift of peace? Something didn't seem right, but he wouldn't linger on that right now for it did little good to either of them. He didn't comment, couldn't.... Because right now there things he wanted to do to that b*****d Prince Alderan that would make the devil himself blush and turn away, but one day the other prince would get a taste of his own medicine. Of that Diago had no doubt.

The tour of the caste was relatively straightforward, several people glared at him, clearly upset that he had kicked them out of his throne room earlier, tough. He introduce Talios to the areas he would need and use regularly -the bath house, the kitchens, the main halls and corridors....next washing room. Originally his father had asked him to keep Talios in his room, but that was starting to seem like a bad idea, a very bad idea.... But it would be a day or two before an alternative could be made; the strange fallen prince would have to bare his company for a little longer. He paused at the door,his hand tentatively upon the handle as he contemplated what he should say. Honesty, he decided, was the only sound course of action. "For now, you shall stay here with me.... But I shall make arrangements for you to be given your own room. Should you wish it. Only then did he turn to look at the guy, offering a small reassuring smile before opening the door to his room, or rather rooms. It was a vast suite, with a walk in bath at the far end, a room clearly used for work and study, books of every description littered bookcases... And then there was the bed, an elaborate creation with carved mythical animals making up each arm of the poster bed, an untold story living and breathing to be captured by the imagination. Awe inspiring. A small makeshift bed with thick ruby blankets had been assembled beside it, the furthest point from the door. "For now, treat this as your room."

He turned to examine Talios, curious to see if he had pushed to far with the very timid creature. "Relax. He said after a while of silence, "I will not hurt you..." a thought occurred and he added swiftly, "Or touch you, if that is your wish."

"I....I am fine sleeping in your room....." Given what he had seen already, Diago very much doubted that was true... but he didn't comment, at least the guy was talking a little more, and not quite so nervously, the stammer had noticeably started to dissipate. Curious.

"I am not sleeping with you? I don't understand...I was given as a gift.... you may do as you wish with me....please.....it is all I know...." For a moment Diago just looked at him, taking in the panic in his eyes and the shift in his movements, it was clear that this was making him uncomfortable. "I have never shared my bed with anyone...." He said, hoping to shed some light on the situation, "...if it would make you feel better, you may join me in my bed.... but I won't..." He paused for the right word, "...force anything of you." That seemed reasonable? Right? He didn't know, in truth Daigo had had no idea what to expect of his 'gift' and considering he had originally anticipated that the gift was simply a ruse for a spy to be placed within his household he hadn't intended to get too close.... but Talios seemed to need the reassurance, and part of being a good Prince was knowing what others needed and wanted.

"Y....you should probably see what has been done to me....." Those words sent a chill down his spine.... and his frown was obvious as he watched Talios remove the top of his robe. Scars marked what would have been toned perfection.... thousands of them, several looked shallow and near insignificant while others were much larger and had obviously hurt... a lot! Torture? They had tortured him? His frown deepened and he approached, his head tilting slightly as he examined them all. "Hmmmm...." He said turning away from Talios and walking towards his bed to sit down. When there he leaned on his knees, and placed his head upon his joined hands. He was in the mind to kill Alderan himself! "Did Alderan do all of them to you?" Diago eventually asked, his words hushed and barely audible as his bit back the bile that had threatened to rise in his throat.

Slowly Diago brought his gaze up to look at Talios, his eyes clearly probing for the truth. A thought lingered.... for 12 years this guy had mingled with the guy who had obviously done this to him, and while he was now 23 his reactions seemed almost childlike.... he couldn't imagine the life he had been forced to endure, and knew that he would destroy kingdoms to get any of his brothers back should something similar have ever happened to them.

"Of course Diago....I will do anything that you wish......" Diago's eyes narrowed a little, he couldn't remember letting Talios use his first name on it's own, it was almost like an intimate caress.... and Diago certainly wasn't prepared for it. Such thoughts were all forgotten though the moment he saw Talios's back. He drew in a hissed at the sight. Property of Alderan. It was as if they darkened Prince was taunting him... what an insult to give him a gift that had so obviously been 'used' and claimed by another... perhaps this gift was an act of war rather than peace? A constant taunt that should Diago ever use the guy as Alderan had that Alderan had touched him first. He glowered in Talios's direction, his thoughts dark as he contemplated the meaning of this.

"Get dressed." He snapped, his anger at Alderan no longer containing itself. He stood up again, pacing the room slightly.... at least until Talios's next words made him freeze in shock. Daigo shouldn't have been too shocked, he had assumed as much but to hear it.... and to hear that he was only eleven years old... well, it was enough to make his blood run cold.

Perhaps part of his reaction was due to the fact that he wanted to kiss each letter, each scar and take away the pain... replace it with tenderness, replace with something far stronger than the memories Talios currently held. The thoughts scared the crap out of him.

Daigo said the only thing he could say. "I won't send you back." How could he? Yet at the same time... what was he meant to do with such a gift? His frown deepened and his attention seemed to bore into the back of the door as he contemplated his options. For now though they had an 'agenda' to stick to. "Get dressed," the command was softer this time, but Diago didn't turn his attention towards Talios or look at him, simply remained with his attention upon the door. "We must attend the peace meal.... since you are my.... gift..." He practically spat the word out. "...you will also be expected. To my left will be a cushion, you are to kneel upon it." Finally he turned to look at Talios, the unusual colour of his skin, the eyes and hair that spoke so clearly now of a foreign land. A fallen prince. His fallen prince. "Don't look at Alderan. I have a feeling he will try to taunt us both.... let me deal with him." He nodded once as if that decided everything.

Without another word he walked towards his wardrobes and pulled down a box. Inside was, what could only be described as, a collar. It was elaborate in design, thinly spun strings of gold that had solidified to form a sold and unmoving ring. It was decorated with the finest gems and clearly spoke of the position a servant held. The princes personal servant. "Here." He said, taking it out and spending a moment to twist it in his hand before handing it to Talios. Normally he would put it on himself, but due to the guys obvious dislike at being touched Diago believed it better that Talios did it himself. "Will mark you as mine. None shall touch you." His words had meant to be reassuring.

Prince Diago wasn't looking forward to this, he hated these stuffy affairs at the best of times, but this was one that held vital importance. His kingdom, or rather his fathers, was larger than Alderan's, part of the reason why the much more aggressive rulers hadn't invaded... that, and Diago's line were known for their unbeatable strategy and cunning.

Walking with a practised grace to the hall he bowed his head slightly in welcome to some of the other guests, his eyes not looking at Alderan until after he was settled within his chair at the head of the table. His clothing was of the highest quality, embroided with gold thread and precious jewels, it was worth a fortune. As instructed Talios knelt on the cushion beside him, but it was clear from his body language that he was beyond aware of Alderan and his presence, even more so when the b*stard dared to speak with such command that it may have startled a lesser man, but not Diago, he had been conditioned to dish and take such words.

Cool, calm words left his lips even as he noticed that Talios had begun to move towards his old master. "I fear you have misunderstood, Prince Alderan. Talios," He purposefully said his name, hoping it would break the curse the darker Prince held over him. "is now my property." Again he used the word 'property' on purpose, revealing in a subtle way that he was more than aware of his treatment of Talios, and perhaps on some level to taunt the other as to why and how exactly he had come to learn of such things. "Now. Talios. Please return to your position. To return to Prince Alderan will be consider an act of war." He smiled, tilting his head with fierce determination at Alderan, he knew the guy wanted war but he wouldn't risk it... not yet at least. His focus was cool and controlled, an air of 'don't mess with me' exuding from him as he held his gaze unflinching.

In a calculated movement he leaned forward, his sword purposefully clanging against the chair. Everyone else had been stripped of their weapons, a clear power play from Diago's household. Picking up his wine glass he leaned back and watched.