Aram's · Tales

(Tentative title)

Author: lilian_cho
Rating: G - PG-13 so far
Word count: 100-word drabbles and short snippets
WARNING: For my own ease of reading, all drabbles and snippets 150 words and under will not be under an LJ-cut. Aram has romantic and sexual feelings for his friend Rubin, but Rubin consistently remains heterosexual.

A/N: This 'verse was started as background past for one of the characters in an original fairy tale 'verse of mine. However, as I write more, this 'verse has a different flavor from my fairy tale 'verse, so they probably will end up being unrelated after all.

This DW will be updated as I write more drabbles and/or snippets in this 'verse. Currently I'm focusing on world-building for my Winter's Stone 'verse, so there'll probably only be Aram-centric drabbles for awhile.

Scroll down, and enjoy! (Everything is posted reverse chronologically for easy reading)

"Impressive," the king said, teeth glinting in the sunlight.

Aram inclined his head. "Your Majesty."

King Rubin laughed and clapped his shoulder. "We showed them, didn't we? Those weaklings could never have defeated us."

Aram smiled at his friend. It had almost cost him everything to defend the army from magical attacks. Of course, Rubin didn't know that. Rubin only saw him standing while the three enemy sorcerers crumpled to the ground.

"I chose rightly when I appointed you Court Sorcerer," Rubin continued.

His pathetic heart beat with joy at this praise. How many more times before he would learn?

Aram had taken to wearing gloves at court. Rubin had given him an indulgent smile when he noticed, no doubt thinking that Aram had succumbed to the latest Western fashion.

In truth, his hands were criss-crossed with scars from innumerable spells. In the heat of battle, it was most practical to use his blood for payment. Personal sacrifice is best; nobody knew that better than him.

Rubin didn't care about magic beyond how it can aid his kingdom. And while Rubin regaled his audience with battle stories, Aram smiled and held his wine cup, scarred fingers curling inside pristine gloves.

Aram fidgeted with his gem-encrusted collar. He could get away with wearing a soldier uniform on the battlefield, but nothing less than the official Court Sorcerer garb was good enough for this occasion.

After five years at court, he still felt uncomfortable in opulent clothes, like a weed among hothouse flowers.

"Our guest of honor had finally arrived!" King Rubin lifted his cup in greeting. Everyone sitting at the long table cheered.

"I want you to dance with at least two ladies tonight, do you hear me?"

Aram gave a quick, strained smile. "I won’t disappear at midnight, Your Majesty."