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Mondigan - Earth and Sky by *fongmingyun:iconfongmingyun:

Categories Traditional Art > Drawings > Fantasy

©2006-2009 *fongmingyun
:iconfongmingyun:

Artist's Comments

Original Date Drawn: February 14, 2006

"And thus, the Sky and the Earth promised themselves to each other with one embrace, no matter how many miles, how many years, or how many lives separated them."
- Alisian Myth

Happy Valentine's Day. Marked mature content for homosexuality. Pose is referenced. Rivek (L) is sky, Bohren (R) is earth.

Rivek Ailinar and Bohren of Tabir (c) :iconfongmingyun:

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The weather was wonderfully mocking. The wind between Heilmdor and Brennan blew deliciously crisp. If he had on more than a tunic and long pants, Bohren would certainly have liked to just relax. Nice weather, although suited for fighting, was better suited to picnics and hot tea. He was finally starting to like the stuff after ten years.

A personal friend to both the Prince and Princess, Bohren was a familiar face to the Royal Guard, so they let him pass without questions. An occasional raised eyebrow, but no questions. If everything went well, – he crossed his fingers – he would soon be joining their ranks. His Majesty only selected personal friends to serve on the inner Guard, people he had known since childhood and would rather die before betraying him. Ironically, Bohren knew one of the Princess’s most loyal comrades – maybe the most loyal companion she had – would never find a place with their ranks.

He did not bother to knock or somehow notify his presence before lifting the canvas door to the future royal couples’ tent. They had it pretty nice. Bohren slept one among many other Knights, a middling rank granted to him at such an early age simply because he held a morsel of magical power – but more importantly, a title. It was still rather thankless. He had already been stepped on once by someone who had too much to drink. Nevertheless, he was thankful he did not have to sleep outside. Then again, he knew some that would prefer it that way.

The tent was empty of its royal inhabitants. “They’re meeting with the King,” stated its only occupant.

“Rivek, I didn’t expect to see you here.” The sinewy Alisian was packing and unpacking his own belongings and storing them by the foot of Princess Willow’s bedroll. It bothered Bohren, how close they had to be.

“You should have. I sleep on the ground right outside of here.” Right, Rivek was Willow’s personal servant-cross-guard, purchased off of the burning stake for three hundred pieces of silver. That was the only time that Bohren approved of Brennan’s backwards custom to sell criminals into slavery. Six years had passed, and Bohren still had difficulty not seeing Rivek as a free man.

“So, what did you come looking for?” Rivek was not armed yet. He had been cleaning the tent. He was like that, naturally, meticulously organized, but he did not snap at you if you messed up what he arranged. He just did it again. It made him a pretty good roommate. He said it came from the Alisian training style. They were much more regimented there. They did not pair students together on the first day and order them to spar. They would teach you every strike down to its every arm, leg, and torso movement, and once mastered, they would then have you change it. People could copy you if they wanted to or not. It was a kind of learned versatility that made them terrific in solo combat. Rivek explained that it was mostly, “Strike quick, strike accurate, and strike hard.” Their guerilla tactics made sense, considering their population size. Unfortunately, their war today was a Mainland one.

“Nothing, really. I just came to see how Fenne and Will were doing.”

“Forget me, why don’t you?”

“Well, uh, I… I knew you’d be fine.” He walked over to Willow’s bedroll and sat down on it. She wouldn’t care.

The dark-mage lifted a light mail vest from his bag and set it on the ground. “Armor’s a bother,” he muttered. “What’re you sitting down for? You staying for awhile? I’m pretty sure, at some point, you’ll need to put some armor on. Those channeling beads won’t save you from an arrow in the chest.”

“I know. I’ll get some real stuff on later. They’re for good luck.” He waved his wrist in front of Rivek, the wood, hematite, and swirled metal clinking together in a chaotic, inorganic sound. “You’re only getting ready now because you’re anal, and your dark-blooded self wants to kill something.”

“Shut up,” Rivek said, throwing a pewter bowl at Bohren’s head. He caught it. “And stop showing off.”

Bohren waggled his wrist again. The noise, though ugly, was amusing.

“Look,” Rivek sighed. “I do, in fact, notice that you’re wearing the damn feather charm I gave you. I keep telling you, there’s not a speck of dark-magic left in those. There wasn’t any the moment after I plucked them from my back. Anyhow, even if there were dark-magic in there, all it would serve to do was hinder your own light-magic powers. Why’d you have to bring them now? When was the last time you wore those, anyhow?”

“The Vigil and Final Exams. I think they helped me pass. Why? You didn’t see them?”

Rivek didn’t respond. Right. Stupid, stupid move, Bohren. Rivek wasn’t there for the final exams. He was in the infirmary recovering from burn wounds.

Careful not to separate the fibers, Bohren used his fingertips to play with the two slate-grey, black-barred feathers. He knew that feathers fell apart naturally as all things tended to rot, but these were magic. They weren’t going to so long as Rivek was alive. “I told you, they’re for good luck. And besides,” he smirked, “you know yourself that any sort of heightened emotion will create a greater magic output.”

He knew Rivek purposely was ignoring the mention of heightened emotion. He was wrapping himself up, forearm to wrist, in thin leather. The Alisian bracer was more mobile than the metal ones most Mainland knights used. He was not doing a very good job. Bohren thought it was a bit of a shame to hide Rivek’s delicate arms, but he figured it would preserve them for after battle. “Do you need help with that?”

“I’m fine.”

Time for a change of subject. Odd, though. Rivek was not the talkative type, but it was not usual for him to brush off questions so quickly. With Bohren, he was usually more honest. “So, where did they put you?”

“Will is staying with the mage’s contingent. They don’t see fighting unless it gets really bad and makes it all the way up here, which I hope it won’t. I’m alongside Fenne. Will put me there, much to his father’s dismay.” He gave a weak smile. Rivek held a bitter grudge against the Brennan King. It was well-deserved, though. The man signed his death warrant in the first place. “I don’t see the point of sending a Prince directly into a melee combat situation, but he insisted on it. He can be really stubborn… or spoiled. I don’t see how watching people die makes you a better king.”

Bohren got up with a little sigh and wrapped his arm around his friend’s shoulders. Rivek’s eyes were green, not the usual blue. It meant his heart was beating quicker than normal. Bohren wondered what it was. He certainly didn’t seem excited. The crisp weather had made his irises pale, and it reminded Bohren of spring. “Look, are you scared?”

“What? I said I’m fine.”

“I know this whole pitched battle isn’t your thing. You’ve told me: ‘Fights belong between individuals and in barrooms.’ Trust me, I’ve lived with you long enough to know when you’re right. It’s not that often, but some of what you say just can’t be argued with.”

Rivek jabbed him in the side with his elbow. “Ass.”

“Ow, violent little darkling, aren’t you?” Only Bohren could get away with making fun of Rivek’s heritage. Even so, he still received a kick in the shins. “So, on another subject, do you get a horse?”

“No, can’t afford one. It’s the sword and my own feet for me.”

“Oh.” Rivek had taken a mahogany box from his bag. Ah, here it was, Rivek’s most prized possession. The Alisian sash that reminded him, even if he was a servant here, he was a citizen in another society across the sea. He proceeded to wrap the length of blue silk around his waist. “You need help with that one?”

He could tell Rivek just did not want to argue. “If you insist.”

Bohren gasped a little. Rivek usually did not let him get so close. His arms passed around Rivek’s waist one, two, three times. It still amazed him, how thin Rivek was. Thin, but hardy like a wild bird of sorts. When Rivek grew sick, he tended to lose weight. Bohren hated that. Once, he saw Rivek go from one hundred and fifteen pounds to eighty-five in under two weeks. The thought still bothered him. No bulk muscle, Rivek had said. Alisians don’t have bulk muscle. “I bet you’re just wearing this for good luck, too. What do you do if it tears?”

“I repair it. I can sew, you know.” Bohren tied the ends of the sash together at Rivek’s right side, so the knot wouldn’t get in the way. Bohren knew Rivek was left-handed, and he always kept that in mind. Having finished, he did not move from where he stood. He liked the proximity, the closeness.

“Rivek, you’ve got nothing to worry about. I’ve seen you fight, and even if you’re beaten or hounded by a zillion other men, you’re damned good at what you do.” He nudged himself in closer to Rivek. Every muscle in the Alisians body was tense with fear, or worry, or something. And whatever it was, Bohren wanted it to go away.

“I… I… Well…” He was breaking. Bohren did not like to make Rivek reveal things, but he knew that the slight-bodied hawk-mage would feel better about it in the end. Besides, who else could Rivek tell? “Will put a lost of responsibility into my hands. I don’t want to come back and see anyone hurt.”

“Hey, it’s because she believes in you.”

“Look, she’s a naïve little girl and doesn’t understand. I’ve got other things to deal with that you light-mages and normal people don’t have.”

“So that’s what you’re afraid of, losing control?” Here it comes.

“Shit, come on, you always read about it. That’s what people remember you for – that you went crazy. That such-and-such dark-mage went into Wrath and mauled an entire damn village before falling down dead himself. And if he didn’t die, then someone else went and killed him. It’s bad, you know. It’s the first thing they tell you on the Islands if you’re born with dark blood: If you’re going to die after Wrath, you go into Pardon where your stupid body doesn’t care about surviving anymore and your mind comes back to see that you’ve destroyed everything you ever loved.” Rivek’s eyes had gold from pale green to yellow gold. He was going to panic.

“Falcon - !” Don’t cry. Gods, I don’t want to see you cry. Hell, don’t cry just so you won’t see me doing it.

“Need I remind you not to call me that? That whole thing is dead and over.”

“Rivek… I… You have more self-control than that. I’ve seen you through a lot of things, and you’re smart, level headed. Come on, I know you can just reduce this down to a business, and you’ll be fine.” Rivek was almost shaking. He was really afraid. It was starting to bug Bohren, too. He did not like to see Rivek like this, not at all. It scared him somewhere deep within his chest and made his stomach ball up like a pebble.

Bohren just could not help it. He pulled Rivek in closer until they touched, until it was almost embrace. Even though the entire company had not bathed in days, Rivek smelled like he always did, a little of birds, a little of dirt, a little of mint and pine. It was good in the cold. “Bohren, if anything does go wrong, you know, just… I don’t mind. If there’s anyone I’m going to let run me through on a knife, it’s you.”

“I’m not promising you that. You’re being stupid, and I know you’re not going to hurt anyone. You’re too nice for that, and if you know it’s coming, you can avoid it. Look, Rivek, there’s nothing wrong with being an Alisian, being a dark-mage. I don’t care, and I very well know that you can handle it. Besides, if anything, - on or off the field – if your brother, Artor’s not there, if Sal’s not there, if Fenne’s not there, and – hell of all hells – Will’s not there, I’m going to be there to help you through it all. I’ve been here for – what? – over ten years. I’ve stopped counting.” And I will always be there.

“Come on, Rivek, I may have hated you at first, sure, but we were kids. I mean, back then, I didn’t know someone your age could fix a broken arm. I’d be nowhere in math without you, and I admit, it felt kind of good once you finally learned how to read Common. I had to steal my father’s spellbooks so we could learn. School would have been so much worse without you. I’m not in the least bit sorry that we stole stuff from the kitchen because you were always so good at it that you never got caught. I could have sworn you had some other sort of experience.” Somehow, Rivek’s arms had made their way around Bohren’s neck, and his head rested against his chest. He kind of hoped that the Alisian could not tell how fast his heart was going right now. “You made life a hell of a lot of a ton more worth it, and you taught me a lot of stuff, too.”

He lifted Rivek’s chin up, and the dark-mage’s arms dropped. Bohren kind of wished they had stayed there. Still, Rivek was three inches shorter than him, the perfect height. All he had to do was lean over to whisper in his ear. “Seriously, Rivek. If anything, nothing’s going to happen kor io ama te.” Because I love you.

He placed his hand on Rivek’s cheek, skimming his fingers along his friend’s trademark scar which he found ever so slightly attractive, and brought him in for a kiss. It tasted like everything he had always wanted.

Rivek fell back a little in surprise, breaking the connection. He stuttered. “Bohren, I… I…” His eyes changed, softening as if he resigned something within himself. “Io, di.” I, too.

For the first time ever, Rivek kissed Bohren back. He held him close. Their hearts began to beat slower in tandem, and Rivek’s eyes faded back to sky blue.

Comments


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:iconanimas42:
~Animas42 Apr 6, 2006, 8:52:36 AM
just perfect *_*

--
The door opens and you open your eyes widely expecting to see a clown, but there isnt anybody there... 6OoO9
:iconsa55y:
~sa55y Apr 12, 2006, 12:05:54 PM
This has got to be my favourite of yours. it's all very soft, and smooth, and detailed! Where'd you get that cool stamp from ;)

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=^..^= Commission me? [link]
:iconfongmingyun:
*fongmingyun Apr 12, 2006, 12:21:19 PM
Thank you! My great-aunt got me that stamp for my birthday three years ago - she had it made in Hong Kong, where she lives.

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Note me for Commission. See here for more information - [link]
:iconsa55y:
~sa55y Apr 12, 2006, 12:29:31 PM
I wanted one from china but my mum wouldn't make me one!! She said they're stupid @_@

But you just reminded me... When I went to japan this firm I worked at gave me a stamp as a goodbye present...it's not as cool as yours...but it says my name! and it's red! *excellent* I'm going to stamp my stuff...this is gonna be wikid *evil cackle*

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=^..^= Commission me? [link]
:iconfongmingyun:
*fongmingyun Apr 12, 2006, 12:44:39 PM
How is mine any cooler than any other one? It's just my name, lol "fong ming yun" XD! But yeah, they are cool indeed.

--
Note me for Commission. See here for more information - [link]
:iconkalkie:
*kalkie Apr 12, 2006, 6:39:56 PM
=^v^= Aaaaw.

even when Rivek nearly got bbq, subjected to slavery, forced to live with a society that has an anti-Alisian mindset that thinks he's just gonna go berserk one day and kill the whole lot of them, its wonderful to know he's got friends.

ReAAaLLy close friends. :XD:

--
2 Times One Half=my comic.
And other comics
:iconfongmingyun:
*fongmingyun Apr 12, 2006, 6:54:36 PM
It's not as bad as he sometimes makes it out to be. Good friends are essential. X3 Pshaw. Bohren's sweeter than Riv, tho. I like him better as a person.

Close is right. ;) Hahaha....

--
Note me for Commission. See here for more information - [link]
:iconfall-:
~Fall- Apr 22, 2006, 10:16:32 PM
This is seriously beautiful :heart:
best kissing pose- I struggle with them greatly!

Love the tones, details and characters.
What makes me cry is that mature content ; ; man love is like any other form of love.
*bites tongue* I know you decided to lable it like so; I shall hush.
:iconfongmingyun:
*fongmingyun Apr 23, 2006, 9:20:26 AM
Thank you! ^_^ It was referenced, and that majorly helped. Google images = da bomb.

Haha, i labelled it this way because I've come over some flack about it before when RL people that I know check out my DA. Ugh, too many of my friends are male.

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Note me for Commission. See here for more information - [link]
:iconcalined:
~Calined Jun 19, 2006, 1:17:08 PM
really nice :D
i like the shading and the feather-stuff and all that jazz:aww:

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just my :twocents:
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