[ Honestly, Agreas doesn't have it that bad. The perks of being a supernatural king involve not having to deal with a lot of people and instead being able to do whatever he wants - which suits Agreas just fine. Most people are pretty bothersome anyway, he'd much rather find his comfort in nature. And he's made sure he is able to do that, hiding his castle in the depths of the woods, invisible to humans and blocked off by barriers. The castle itself might look a little old in some ways, but the sprawling gardens and woods around it are much more important to Agreas, and those are plentiful.
But despite Agreas' general aversion to people - the servants in his castle being an exception, perhaps since they're not humans or maybe just since they actually listen to him and don't give him a hard or annoying time - there is still one thing missing. Because even though spending time in nature fills up a good part of his soul, it still felt like there was something missing all this time. Even though he was a supernatural being, even Agreas himself found himself susceptible to a strange feeling close to a desire for love.
No matter what he seems like outwardly, there is a fundamental part of him that wants something to love, it's true. Not that he doesn't like nature and would pick it over absolutely anything.. but nature can't exactly reply to you. And even though there's animals, there's still needs a humanlike body that still makes that not quite work out, no matter how many hours the king spends sitting in the gardens with birds resting on his shoulders or knees, keeping him company while cheeping away.
Over time Agreas has come to understand what exactly it is he wants. As a king, he wants a queen. Once the realisation dawned upon him, it thankfully wasn't too hard to actually set a plan in motion to be able to find someone suitable for that role. Plenty of people wandered into the forest for various reasons - and if they did, the various creatures that are Agreas' eyes and ears would trap the human in the woods as long as they seemed interesting or suitable enough, making the human feel like they just kept wandering around, lost in the forest, no matter how well they followed the path before.
It's happened a lot of times by now. But Agreas... well, he's picky. He doesn't like people, and humans can be a particularly whiny and annoying bunch at times. He at least needs someone with potential, someone who might bend enough to be amusing and capable of giving him what he needs during the eternity they will spend with him.
Today is such a day. News spreads quickly in these woods, and it doesn't take long for Agreas to be aware that some human has been trapped, ready for him to take a look at. Usually he just does it from his castle, not even willing to give the person the time of day, but today he feels like a walk anyway. Why not check out the human in person?
Not that he would look like a very ordinary appearance in the woods. No matter how well a human was convinced they just stupidly lost the way, they can't write meeting a stranger looking like Agreas off so easily as just some stupid bad luck. They'd at least deem he was crazy, wandering with his chest bare and in plain sight and a crown of twigs on his head. And if they bothered to look into his eyes, they might get a heavier feeling - like there's something going on here beyond their understanding.
It's not a problem that can't be easily solved if the human proves unsuitable though, right? There are plenty of plants out here that would use a corpse as fertilizer, plenty of animals looking for a snack. No one would even notice anything out of the ordinary.
Not that Agreas is leaving with an intent to kill per se. If he's coming all the way out here to try and find the human between the thick trees, in the darkness from the way the leaves cover up the sky above them, then he might as well give them a fair chance. He's not the kind of person for wasted effort. ]
[Of course...of course this would happen to him. It's not even like Elijah hates nature, or being outside or anything, but he sure as hell isn't the type to go out into the woods on a leisurely stroll by himself, and he absolutely doesn't want to be trapped outside, wandering around and lost in some forest.
It feels like it's all some big fluke, really. He'd come here for strictly business reasons...and isn't it ironic too? He'd come because he'd heard about all the people who'd either disappeared in these woods, or the ones who'd come back but had gotten lost during their time here too...And all the ones who'd returned had said there was something strange about the experience. It'd sounded like a lot of nonsense too, but enough people'd started talking about it that would give Elijah material for an article to write about it.
He hadn't even planned on going this far into the woods...he'd wanted to take a quick look, and with a guide but somehow...Somehow, it seems like he'd barely made his way into the entrance, where he was supposed to meet his guide. And now...he's lost too.
His cell phone didn't had any signal (of course it wouldn't...why even have a cell phone??) so calling anyone wasn't going to do him any good. And as much as he thought he'd been carefully backtracking...it feels like all he's done is walk in circles for an hour or so. He can't even fully admit to something else either...the feeling that he's been being watched...because that still feels like complete bullshit to him. Honestly, he's had more than his fill of nature at this point...he's starting to get fed up with all of the leaves and tree trunks that all look exactly the same. All he wants is to be curled up on his couch, under a blanket with his laptop right about now...
That's not going to happen any time soon though. He's probably due to a while longer of crankily stomping around through the woods, shoving tree branches out of his face, and scaring off anything that gets too close. Well...almost everything.
For as long as he's been out here, it's startling to hear what sounds like someone approaching...and even more startling to see there actually is someone there when he turns towards the noise.
When he sees the man, Elijah freezes in his tracks. It's true enough that he'd make for an odd sight objectively...wandering around without a shirt, and wearing some makeshift crown on his head. At first glance, most people would probably just think the guy was crazy, right?
But not Elijah. Everything strange about this scenario seems to drop out of the picture...and fade away. The look in the other man's eyes just seems to bypass all of it...Elijah's always been naturally talented at snap judgements...and from what he can see of this person, it seems like he's exactly where he wants to be. Something about the whole situation makes a shiver pass through him, and his heartbeat starts quickening in his chest. It's not even fear, it's...something else. Maybe anticipation...? Excitement......?
He doesn't move from where he's standing, but he turns very slightly to face the other. The irritation from wandering aimlessly through the woods hasn't completely faded, but all things considered- he still looks pretty calm for someone who's facing a stranger after being lost for a few hours.]
[ Some things are easy to observe, even though he's only seeing this human for the first time in these woods. Elijah's reaction is a clear one. It's not as if Agreas has never approached any human personally before, he has done it a few times when they seemed interesting enough-- those are exactly the vanished people Elijah had been researching, the people who never got to leave the forest since they were unlucky enough to run into its king and didn't get to live to tell the tale.
But those people always reacted differently. There's a reason why he's still looking instead of taking one of those men or women as his bride, his queen - whenever he approached them, they always seemed to fly into a panic. Either they stepped backwards until they tripped over their own feet or a branch and tumbled to the ground, eyes wide and sweating, or they just plainly tried to run away.
A foolish idea. Who could outrun a forest demon in his own domain?
Fear isn't interesting. Agreas doesn't necessarily need people to like him, but he definitely doesn't desire a queen he's only keeping by his side through a rule of fear. He doesn't want anyone who will shy away from his touch or even his very presence, let alone for someone like that to stay by his side for an eternity. No, Elijah's reaction is far better than that. Despite Agreas' overwhelming presence that seems to press down on anyone that meets him in this forest, it doesn't scare the human. Instead he's staring with a gaze that the demon hasn't often seem from humans here, if at all. Elijah is affected by his presence, but it's closer to.. hm, what exactly? Sometimes humans are so mysterious, but Agreas can only guess it must be something like instinctive awe, like the look in Elijah's eyes is saying he's waiting for something, even if he's not sure yet what it is.
Agreas isn't some horny demon that would immediately jump the other for it though. He isn't some lowly succubus or anything - if he really was that needy, he could just have jumped the first human he trapped here before discarding them. No, if it's about as something as important as a queen, then these matters take time.
And so he slowly approaches Elijah - taking casual steps, almost as if he's on a pretty normal non-lost walk in the forest here. As if, despite his human presence, he doesn't seem like a little bit more than that, something a little odder.
His gaze, however, doesn't leave the human. Not even for a moment. ]
Lost?
[ It's a pretty casual question if you consider this whole situation - enough to almost feel comically out of place here and now. But Agreas figures the human could use some prompting to decide on how to fully react to all of this, and there's something faintly amusing about how humans just can't win against the magic hanging here in the forest. ]
[Instinctive awe is probably the closest to what he's feeling...even if it's impossible to determine exactly what it is about this person's presence that's so overbearing. Elijah isn't the type to automatically conclude that he can't be human...and yet, the possibility does pass through his mind right now. There's something about the idea that just seems to click into place- at least, based on first impressions. It's definitely something wouldn't believe if he weren't seeing it in person for himself.
Even as the man takes a few steps closer to him, he doesn't feel threatened. He still feels frozen to where he is- glued to that one spot he's standing on, even though he can manage to move himself to face the man fully. And the closer he gets, the more it seems like that presence is weigh down on him...and oddly enough, there's something about it that he likes, quite a bit. There's something about the man that just seems naturally powerful...but that isn't necessarily what's drawing Elijah in...even if he can't completely place what actually is.
The question makes him give a small, breathy laugh though. Maybe it's not too much of a ridiculous thing to ask since he...actually is lost, but...Hearing the other man ask it like that- somehow it gives Elijah the impression that he knows exactly what's going on here. Like this man knows perfectly well that he has been lost, and even that he was expecting to see him here too. Maybe that should be unnerving...maybe it is a little. But more than anything else, Elijah still feels that sense of excitement building up in him. He likes the idea that this man could've been waiting for him...even if, objectively, that also seems like complete bullshit.
He shrugs a little in response- seeming pretty casual even now. If this stranger is going to be casual to him, there's no reason for him to act any differently.]
I don't know what else I'd be doing out in the woods by myself for a few hours.
[Sarcasm hasn't left him either, apparently.
He keeps his eyes fixed on the other too- watching his every move, and wondering what he'll do next. There's a slight tenseness to the way he's standing, but other than that...it's almost as if he's just inviting the other to keep on coming closer.]
[ The small sound Agreas lets out at the human's reply almost sounds amusing. After all, he could think of plenty of reasons to wander the woods by yourself for a while - he's done it extremely often, after all. But he does know most humans aren't as fond of nature as he is, and he's at least willing to tolerate that.. as long as they don't go as far as ruining nature, anyway. There's been enough humans who got trapped in the forest and proceeded to pull out plants or kick trees out of frustration, and they definitely belong to the group that never returned after disappearing.
But Elijah having no particular reason to be out in the woods by himself for that long doesn't really bother Agreas. Nor does the fact that Elijah isn't exactly being the most submissive or obedient right away with that tone.. because he actually likes that, in a way. He doesn't doubt that the other must know that Agreas isn't just a normal person, yet he isn't immediately afraid. It's good. It's interesting.
And considering the human isn't backing away when Agreas approaches, he's just taking that as more incentive and just go ahead to do what he wants to do - he'll see how Elijah reacts to it after the fact. He's way too used to just taking whatever he wants as a king, anyway.
And what he wants right now is to reach out to slide his fingertips against Elijah's cheek.. which is what he just does, despite this being the first time the two of them have ever seen each other. ]
You're not by yourself right now though, hm?
[ Not that it is what Elijah was aiming at. He knows it very well, but he can't help but say it, seeming a little amused all the same. It's a positive kind of emotion though, because this human seems closer to the type he's been looking for for a queen than any other he's trapped here before. Not that it means he's looking to explain anything to the other just yet. Maybe if Elijah asks, but for now he's way too busy looking the other over, almost as if he's inspecting him or something. ]
[Honestly, in most cases, Elijah doesn't like to be touched at all...let alone by a complete stranger. It's not that he can't stand contact or anything, it's just that most people don't have any business laying a hand on him. But when this man reaches out towards him...he doesn't find himself bothered by it at all. He doesn't even flinch, or shy away as the hand gets closer- simply standing there, continuing to watch.
It's already fairly obvious that the other is examining him in one way or another...and it gives the impression that he's looking for something he wants too. There's no way for Elijah to know if that's true or not unless he stays...and for some reason, he can't help but want to see if the other will find something he likes. Elijah himself likes the thought of that too...No matter the fact that he knows next to nothing about this "king", he can at least conclude that he'd like a reaction like that.
So he closes his eyes as those finger tips brush against his cheek- letting himself focus on the sensation of the touch. Something about it makes a shiver pass through his body, and he has to fight to keep himself from leaning into that hand more too. Even though the stranger touched him first, he doesn't exactly want to seem needy for it...and yet...he really doesn't want it to stop.
A moment passes and he opens his eyes again- still not making any move in either direction.]
I guess I'm not.
[It doesn't seem like he'll be leaving anytime soon either, so he takes a moment to look the man over too. He's not looking for anything in particular- more just that he's curious to see what he does find.]
And were you planning on keeping it that way for a while?
I don't think you'll ever leave this forest again. [ Either way, that much is true. Because Agreas has never actually shown himself to any of the humans and let them leave these forests again in the end - the only ones that left to tell the weird tale of mysteriously going missing in that forest are the ones that he only watched from a distance before he deemed them unfit to be his queen. But somehow with Elijah it doesn't quite feel like that... Mostly since Agreas wants this time to be right. Elijah could be his one chance to find the person he's been looking for for such a long time now, deep within the forest.
He's saying it with a surprising casualness in his tone for the content of his words. Most humans would freak out at hearing those words, after all, and with a good reason. Even if Agreas isn't necessarily implying that Elijah will end up dying here in the forest, it still means that Agreas isn't planning on letting him go back to his regular life, to everything he's known until this point.
It doesn't seem to bother Agreas though, and he strokes the human's cheek for another moment before pulling his hand back. He tilts his head a little instead to regard the other, the crown of twigs and thorns not falling out of his hair at the movement - like it's just nested in there.
Elijah really does seem perfect as long as he doesn't get too unreasonable right now. It makes the forest king feel an odd sort of sensation - almost some sort of excitement that he's never felt before in his eternal existence. He actually is eager to take the human back to his castle, to make him his queen. ]
... You're sharp anyway, aren't you? [ He can see that much in Elijah's eyes. It might be part of the reason he hasn't freaked out yet like some other humans have at the mere sight of him, who knows. It's something that Agreas likes about the other, anyway. ] You know nothing here is normal.
[ Because this is his domain - and he certainly isn't normal by any means. ]
[That statement...does send some alarm through him this time. Not necessarily because he's afraid of dying, though. He really doesn't get any sense that this stranger wants to kill him, or even hurt him...at least, not yet. But on paper, Elijah sure doesn't like the idea of getting dragged into some forest and never being able to leave again. He came to spend a few hours here at best, nothing more...and while he doesn't necessarily dislike the forest or anything...he's still the type to spend most of his time inside.
It's strange though- all of those worries flash through him in an instant, but then fade towards the background again. Like they're not that important...more like an inconvenience. And it's not as if they don't matter at all...but...
He just can't bring himself to worry about that as much as he normally might. This is something he can deal with later- all the everyday things that're supposed to be bigger concerns. How he'd get home, back to his apartment, his job, his regular life...He can pass all of that up, if going back there meant losing this chance here. Even though he doesn't necessarily know the full story of what's going on right now...he knows for sure that he'd regret it if he tried to leave in this moment.
This time he does lean into the man's hand, just slightly, before he pulls away. Maybe because he knew the other would pull his hand back...and just like he thought- the absence of the touch just makes him want it right back again.]
Hmm...so you're saying that does include you?
[As far as not being "normal". Even though it's phrased as a question, it's more like a statement. There's nothing "average" about this man...as ridiculous as that might seem in an objective sense. But Elijah's sure that even if he saw him in a more mundane setting, he'd feel the same way.
He is sharp though, and he feels a small, stupid rush of pride at that fact being acknowledged. But it's because of that...that he can tell the other seems somewhat excited about something.]
Then maybe you can tell me why I won't be leaving.
[ He doesn't give an answer to what Elijah is asking at first. Probably mostly because the question itself makes it clear enough that they both know the answer to that question. Sure, Agreas might not exactly be the type who walks around among humans and understands everything about them and their society (far from it), but he does have a pretty decent understanding of what is normal to them and what isn't.. and so he knows that humans finding someone like him wandering around in the forest is a pretty weird thing to him. Not just his general appearance, but with Elijah being as close to him as he is right now, Agreas is sure Elijah can see that something about Agreas' eyes is a little off, like they're much older than they ought to be for his physical appearance. The closest thing the other gets to a reply is a low hum, like he's telling Elijah to consider the question.
But it isn't like he's planning on being mysterious here forever. Sure, he's already been looking for his queen for a long time, so it's not like a few moments more or less are really going to matter at this point. But he does want to keep Elijah as interested as he seems right now, and no matter how convinced he already is about the other's potential, the best way to fully test him on whether or not Elijah can fulfill that position is to just drop the bombshell and see the human's reaction to it. ]
You're going to be my queen.
[ Short and simple - Agreas doesn't even blink as he says it, like it's a totally normal thing to tell someone. It is to him though.. being a forest demon god and all, just picking someone to be his queen isn't all that weird. It doesn't even matter that Elijah is a guy. It isn't about the femininity of the title of queen, it just means someone who will be his side as the king of this forest. His companion for a long time.
And Elijah... well, he does seem perfect. But if he doesn't react all that well, then it's not like there's much stopping Agreas from killing the human if he tries to run away or anything of the sort - it'd suck to start his search all over again, but if it has to be done, then so be it. ]
[Hearing a statement like that...even if it's said so casually, it drives home the point. Elijah's life won't ever be the same now.
It's a very finite thing to say too, isn't it? "You're going to be my queen"...meaning Elijah doesn't even have the option of saying no. Maybe something like that would petrify most people...especially given the fact that he's almost certain this man isn't human. But the finality of that statement actually sense a cold rush of excitement through his veins.
Maybe it's something to do with the fact that Elijah himself is so possessive of people, but the reverse is also true in some cases. Especially right now. He feels absolutely, undeniably thrilled at the idea that this..."king" saw something in Elijah that he liked...enough to take Elijah for himself, without even taking no for an answer. That someone, presumably in a position of power, wants him for a companion. And a companion that he'd want by his side for a long time, given what he'd said...
A shaky breath slips out from his lips, but it's not one of fear...and his eyes widen- practically shining with intrigue by now.]
Your...queen...?
[His voice is softer too- quivering slightly- but it should still be obvious enough that it's not because he's bothered by the idea. Not at all. Even the title of "queen" might bother some men, but not him...Not when it's said like that to him.
Without even realizing it, Elijah's body drifts towards the other- very slightly leaning over towards him. Like he's once again subconsciously asking for the other to touch him. If he's going to take Elijah, then he should do it.]
[ Of course Elijah doesn't fully understand. Even though some things are obvious to glance from this situation, like the fact there's something supernatural going on, it's not as if you could tell everything about Agreas with a single look at him, or what exactly he expects out of a queen.
But that's not important right now anyway. Elijah doesn't have to know everything just yet... what's more important than that is the fact that the human seems excited at the prospect anyway. Even knowing nothing about it, he still seems eager to be Agreas' queen, eager to be near him more.. he really is an interesting human in his own right, Agreas can't imagine many humans this attracted to someone else after having only seen them for a few minutes.
At least Agreas does give the human what he's longing for. A hand moves to cup Elijah's cheek - not entirely softly, but not roughly either. If anything, it's a little off, like that hand hasn't touched many humans before and is only now figuring out how to do so. But a moment or two later he's already leaning in, moving his face closer and closer to Elijah's now he knows the other isn't going to try and get away until their lips are touching in a very short kiss, almost more a peck than anything else. Like Agreas is just getting a taste of Elijah, just seeing more of him to make sure this is really what he wants for the rest of eternity.
But nothing is deterring him from the other so far. Not in the slightest.
Although.. he still can't help but point it out a little, since it's such unusual behaviour for a human, no matter how much it pleases him to see. ]
[The hand on his cheek is already enough to get Elijah's heart racing faster again...And the fact that it does feel like the other man isn't used to it- that just makes him all the more interested. Because if this isn't something this king's used to, that must mean Elijah's at least one of, if not the first person he's tried this on...and that's a thought he likes quite a lot too.
He sees the kiss coming, naturally, as their lips get closer and closer...but no matter that fact, it does nothing to prepare him for it. The moment they touch, Elijah feels a violent shiver pass through him, and he lets his eyes close...drinking in that small sample of what could be his. The more this man gives him, the more Elijah wants...and even as he pulls away again, it feels almost like some form of torture. Of course he's eager...eager for more of all of this. The other's question on it actually makes him chuckle a little in turn.]
So do you.
[After all, it was this other man who approached him first...then declared Elijah his queen, and now kissed him. And it's not as if Elijah was doing anything to deter him- he'd been encouraging him, if anything. But he hadn't come out into the woods in search of anything like this, that's for sure.
Of course, that doesn't mean he isn't interested. Honestly, he couldn't imagine turning down an opportunity like this- even if it means throwing away...well, much of everything that's familiar and comfortable in his life. It doesn't feel like such a hard decision though...he knows that even if he lived, and left the forest, he would regret turning away from this for the rest of his life.]
[ It's a claim Agreas isn't going to deny. Despite not exactly being eager in the overly enthusiastic sense - Elijah has got him beat there, it's absolutely radiating off the human how intrigued he is by all of this - he still knows that it's not like he's feeling apathic about all of this. There have been so many humans who wandered into his forest, but this is the first time he's ever seen one as suitable for the role of his queen as Elijah is. It's almost eerie how perfect he is.. as if it were fate.
Despite being the god of this forest, he doesn't necessarily believe in things like destiny and fate. But even despite that, there's no doubt about it that Elijah is perfect for him, and that there's no way he's ever letting go of the other anymore now. So in that sense it's a good thing that Elijah shows absolutely no signs of wanting to leave to begin with, hm?
The question from the other makes him tilt his head a little in contemplation before speaking up. ]
Humans tend to fear what they don't understand.
[ Which is, if you'd ask Agreas, not even really the worst quality about human beings - there's a lot worse things he could say about them, especially when it comes down to the way they treat nature. What he's saying right now feels more like a fact than any kind of insult to him. He's seen humans paralyzed with fear at the very sight of him, humans who immediately tried to run away, tripping over their own feet in panic.
To be fair, some of those humans saw him in a form slightly less human.. but even some of them who saw him plainly like this instinctively felt that he was something to be afraid of.
... Not that they were exactly wrong, mind you.
There's something faintly showing above his head, shimmering and almost transparent in the slight sunlight filtering through the leaves - like it's nothing more than an illusion. His crown of twigs extending up, tangling into a pair of antlers extending from Agreas' head.. and then it's gone again in an instant. ]
Are you not afraid, human?
[ He can already guess the answer to that with the way everything is going and with the look in Elijah's eyes, but he still wants to hear it from the man himself. ]
If your eagerness is greater than your fear, perhaps you should tell me your name. [ It sounds less like a request and more like an order, although not a very direct one - more like a very, very heavy suggestion. ]
[As much as it'd seemed obvious already...that statement about humans fearing the unknown- referring to them as if they're the "other" in this case...it really seems to be the first thing to drive home a confirmation that this being in front of him is most definitely not human. Of course, there's even more afterwards...the shimmering light...and then the flash of those antlers. No matter how easily someone could chalk that up to a trick of the light, Elijah knows they were real. It's something that seems to go beyond even instinct- like there's not any room for doubt.
His heart beats faster in his chest than it has since the man first walked up to him...like the brief sight of those antlers ignited an even stronger feeling inside of him. He stares up at the space where they'd been a few moments longer- like he's unwilling to miss a chance at a second glimpse. His lips are parted very slightly, and his eyes stay open wide- the light from the forest itself reflected in them now. A part of him almost wants to reach out...to touch the space where the antlers had been. But his body feels frozen after that and for the time being, his hands stay where they are.
Still, there's no question whether it's eagerness or fear on his face...it's plainly written there for the other to see. But that makes it easy to give an answer too- even as another breath shudders out of his mouth.]
Elijah...
[There're always stories...about names holding power. Even if they were always folklore, it feels like right now...it might hold a little more weight. Whether that's true or not, he still doesn't feel fear from handing his over so easily...Maybe in part because he can't help but wonder...can't help but desperately want...need to hear the way his name sounds when it's said in the other's voice.
And yet, some small, defiant part of Elijah had almost wanted to wait and ask for the man's. The part of him that doesn't like being ordered around...But this is one of the few times he'll compromise somewhat. Even if that doesn't necessarily make him a docile little lamb either.]
[ It's not difficult to know just what exactly Elijah is staring at like that - even though, now the antlers are gone, it just looks like the other is staring at the empty space above Agreas' head instead. And despite the other's lack of answer, it's still pretty obvious what said answer would be. Elijah isn't afraid.. if he was, then he would have turned on his heels and ran the moment he caught a glimpse of Agreas really being something more than just a human.
But instead the human is still standing here, looking utterly mesmerized.. fascinated, even. The light of the forest being reflected in Elijah's eyes is a beautiful sight, and Agreas definitely wants to see more of it. He's always preferred the beauty of nature over anything else, but he is sure Elijah would be beautiful too in his domain, with the light of the forest in his eyes, with flowers adorning his hair..
A small near-smile curls around his lips once the other mentions his name though. It's true - names do have power, even though Agreas doesn't necessarily plan on abusing that power. It's just.. well, it's natural to want to know the name of his queen, right? ]
Elijah.. [ He repeats the name, a low rumble. It seems to satisfy him enough to not even have to give much consideration to the human's request. It's inevitable that Elijah will become his queen at this point, so there's no reason to not give out his own name as well. ]
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But despite Agreas' general aversion to people - the servants in his castle being an exception, perhaps since they're not humans or maybe just since they actually listen to him and don't give him a hard or annoying time - there is still one thing missing. Because even though spending time in nature fills up a good part of his soul, it still felt like there was something missing all this time. Even though he was a supernatural being, even Agreas himself found himself susceptible to a strange feeling close to a desire for love.
No matter what he seems like outwardly, there is a fundamental part of him that wants something to love, it's true. Not that he doesn't like nature and would pick it over absolutely anything.. but nature can't exactly reply to you. And even though there's animals, there's still needs a humanlike body that still makes that not quite work out, no matter how many hours the king spends sitting in the gardens with birds resting on his shoulders or knees, keeping him company while cheeping away.
Over time Agreas has come to understand what exactly it is he wants. As a king, he wants a queen. Once the realisation dawned upon him, it thankfully wasn't too hard to actually set a plan in motion to be able to find someone suitable for that role. Plenty of people wandered into the forest for various reasons - and if they did, the various creatures that are Agreas' eyes and ears would trap the human in the woods as long as they seemed interesting or suitable enough, making the human feel like they just kept wandering around, lost in the forest, no matter how well they followed the path before.
It's happened a lot of times by now. But Agreas... well, he's picky. He doesn't like people, and humans can be a particularly whiny and annoying bunch at times. He at least needs someone with potential, someone who might bend enough to be amusing and capable of giving him what he needs during the eternity they will spend with him.
Today is such a day. News spreads quickly in these woods, and it doesn't take long for Agreas to be aware that some human has been trapped, ready for him to take a look at. Usually he just does it from his castle, not even willing to give the person the time of day, but today he feels like a walk anyway. Why not check out the human in person?
Not that he would look like a very ordinary appearance in the woods. No matter how well a human was convinced they just stupidly lost the way, they can't write meeting a stranger looking like Agreas off so easily as just some stupid bad luck. They'd at least deem he was crazy, wandering with his chest bare and in plain sight and a crown of twigs on his head. And if they bothered to look into his eyes, they might get a heavier feeling - like there's something going on here beyond their understanding.
It's not a problem that can't be easily solved if the human proves unsuitable though, right? There are plenty of plants out here that would use a corpse as fertilizer, plenty of animals looking for a snack. No one would even notice anything out of the ordinary.
Not that Agreas is leaving with an intent to kill per se. If he's coming all the way out here to try and find the human between the thick trees, in the darkness from the way the leaves cover up the sky above them, then he might as well give them a fair chance. He's not the kind of person for wasted effort. ]
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It feels like it's all some big fluke, really. He'd come here for strictly business reasons...and isn't it ironic too? He'd come because he'd heard about all the people who'd either disappeared in these woods, or the ones who'd come back but had gotten lost during their time here too...And all the ones who'd returned had said there was something strange about the experience. It'd sounded like a lot of nonsense too, but enough people'd started talking about it that would give Elijah material for an article to write about it.
He hadn't even planned on going this far into the woods...he'd wanted to take a quick look, and with a guide but somehow...Somehow, it seems like he'd barely made his way into the entrance, where he was supposed to meet his guide. And now...he's lost too.
His cell phone didn't had any signal (of course it wouldn't...why even have a cell phone??) so calling anyone wasn't going to do him any good. And as much as he thought he'd been carefully backtracking...it feels like all he's done is walk in circles for an hour or so. He can't even fully admit to something else either...the feeling that he's been being watched...because that still feels like complete bullshit to him. Honestly, he's had more than his fill of nature at this point...he's starting to get fed up with all of the leaves and tree trunks that all look exactly the same. All he wants is to be curled up on his couch, under a blanket with his laptop right about now...
That's not going to happen any time soon though. He's probably due to a while longer of crankily stomping around through the woods, shoving tree branches out of his face, and scaring off anything that gets too close. Well...almost everything.
For as long as he's been out here, it's startling to hear what sounds like someone approaching...and even more startling to see there actually is someone there when he turns towards the noise.
When he sees the man, Elijah freezes in his tracks. It's true enough that he'd make for an odd sight objectively...wandering around without a shirt, and wearing some makeshift crown on his head. At first glance, most people would probably just think the guy was crazy, right?
But not Elijah. Everything strange about this scenario seems to drop out of the picture...and fade away. The look in the other man's eyes just seems to bypass all of it...Elijah's always been naturally talented at snap judgements...and from what he can see of this person, it seems like he's exactly where he wants to be. Something about the whole situation makes a shiver pass through him, and his heartbeat starts quickening in his chest. It's not even fear, it's...something else. Maybe anticipation...? Excitement......?
He doesn't move from where he's standing, but he turns very slightly to face the other. The irritation from wandering aimlessly through the woods hasn't completely faded, but all things considered- he still looks pretty calm for someone who's facing a stranger after being lost for a few hours.]
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But those people always reacted differently. There's a reason why he's still looking instead of taking one of those men or women as his bride, his queen - whenever he approached them, they always seemed to fly into a panic. Either they stepped backwards until they tripped over their own feet or a branch and tumbled to the ground, eyes wide and sweating, or they just plainly tried to run away.
A foolish idea. Who could outrun a forest demon in his own domain?
Fear isn't interesting. Agreas doesn't necessarily need people to like him, but he definitely doesn't desire a queen he's only keeping by his side through a rule of fear. He doesn't want anyone who will shy away from his touch or even his very presence, let alone for someone like that to stay by his side for an eternity. No, Elijah's reaction is far better than that. Despite Agreas' overwhelming presence that seems to press down on anyone that meets him in this forest, it doesn't scare the human. Instead he's staring with a gaze that the demon hasn't often seem from humans here, if at all. Elijah is affected by his presence, but it's closer to.. hm, what exactly? Sometimes humans are so mysterious, but Agreas can only guess it must be something like instinctive awe, like the look in Elijah's eyes is saying he's waiting for something, even if he's not sure yet what it is.
Agreas isn't some horny demon that would immediately jump the other for it though. He isn't some lowly succubus or anything - if he really was that needy, he could just have jumped the first human he trapped here before discarding them. No, if it's about as something as important as a queen, then these matters take time.
And so he slowly approaches Elijah - taking casual steps, almost as if he's on a pretty normal non-lost walk in the forest here. As if, despite his human presence, he doesn't seem like a little bit more than that, something a little odder.
His gaze, however, doesn't leave the human. Not even for a moment. ]
Lost?
[ It's a pretty casual question if you consider this whole situation - enough to almost feel comically out of place here and now. But Agreas figures the human could use some prompting to decide on how to fully react to all of this, and there's something faintly amusing about how humans just can't win against the magic hanging here in the forest. ]
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Even as the man takes a few steps closer to him, he doesn't feel threatened. He still feels frozen to where he is- glued to that one spot he's standing on, even though he can manage to move himself to face the man fully. And the closer he gets, the more it seems like that presence is weigh down on him...and oddly enough, there's something about it that he likes, quite a bit. There's something about the man that just seems naturally powerful...but that isn't necessarily what's drawing Elijah in...even if he can't completely place what actually is.
The question makes him give a small, breathy laugh though. Maybe it's not too much of a ridiculous thing to ask since he...actually is lost, but...Hearing the other man ask it like that- somehow it gives Elijah the impression that he knows exactly what's going on here. Like this man knows perfectly well that he has been lost, and even that he was expecting to see him here too. Maybe that should be unnerving...maybe it is a little. But more than anything else, Elijah still feels that sense of excitement building up in him. He likes the idea that this man could've been waiting for him...even if, objectively, that also seems like complete bullshit.
He shrugs a little in response- seeming pretty casual even now. If this stranger is going to be casual to him, there's no reason for him to act any differently.]
I don't know what else I'd be doing out in the woods by myself for a few hours.
[Sarcasm hasn't left him either, apparently.
He keeps his eyes fixed on the other too- watching his every move, and wondering what he'll do next. There's a slight tenseness to the way he's standing, but other than that...it's almost as if he's just inviting the other to keep on coming closer.]
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But Elijah having no particular reason to be out in the woods by himself for that long doesn't really bother Agreas. Nor does the fact that Elijah isn't exactly being the most submissive or obedient right away with that tone.. because he actually likes that, in a way. He doesn't doubt that the other must know that Agreas isn't just a normal person, yet he isn't immediately afraid. It's good. It's interesting.
And considering the human isn't backing away when Agreas approaches, he's just taking that as more incentive and just go ahead to do what he wants to do - he'll see how Elijah reacts to it after the fact. He's way too used to just taking whatever he wants as a king, anyway.
And what he wants right now is to reach out to slide his fingertips against Elijah's cheek.. which is what he just does, despite this being the first time the two of them have ever seen each other. ]
You're not by yourself right now though, hm?
[ Not that it is what Elijah was aiming at. He knows it very well, but he can't help but say it, seeming a little amused all the same. It's a positive kind of emotion though, because this human seems closer to the type he's been looking for for a queen than any other he's trapped here before. Not that it means he's looking to explain anything to the other just yet. Maybe if Elijah asks, but for now he's way too busy looking the other over, almost as if he's inspecting him or something. ]
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It's already fairly obvious that the other is examining him in one way or another...and it gives the impression that he's looking for something he wants too. There's no way for Elijah to know if that's true or not unless he stays...and for some reason, he can't help but want to see if the other will find something he likes. Elijah himself likes the thought of that too...No matter the fact that he knows next to nothing about this "king", he can at least conclude that he'd like a reaction like that.
So he closes his eyes as those finger tips brush against his cheek- letting himself focus on the sensation of the touch. Something about it makes a shiver pass through his body, and he has to fight to keep himself from leaning into that hand more too. Even though the stranger touched him first, he doesn't exactly want to seem needy for it...and yet...he really doesn't want it to stop.
A moment passes and he opens his eyes again- still not making any move in either direction.]
I guess I'm not.
[It doesn't seem like he'll be leaving anytime soon either, so he takes a moment to look the man over too. He's not looking for anything in particular- more just that he's curious to see what he does find.]
And were you planning on keeping it that way for a while?
[Considering the way things are going.]
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He's saying it with a surprising casualness in his tone for the content of his words. Most humans would freak out at hearing those words, after all, and with a good reason. Even if Agreas isn't necessarily implying that Elijah will end up dying here in the forest, it still means that Agreas isn't planning on letting him go back to his regular life, to everything he's known until this point.
It doesn't seem to bother Agreas though, and he strokes the human's cheek for another moment before pulling his hand back. He tilts his head a little instead to regard the other, the crown of twigs and thorns not falling out of his hair at the movement - like it's just nested in there.
Elijah really does seem perfect as long as he doesn't get too unreasonable right now. It makes the forest king feel an odd sort of sensation - almost some sort of excitement that he's never felt before in his eternal existence. He actually is eager to take the human back to his castle, to make him his queen. ]
... You're sharp anyway, aren't you? [ He can see that much in Elijah's eyes. It might be part of the reason he hasn't freaked out yet like some other humans have at the mere sight of him, who knows. It's something that Agreas likes about the other, anyway. ] You know nothing here is normal.
[ Because this is his domain - and he certainly isn't normal by any means. ]
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It's strange though- all of those worries flash through him in an instant, but then fade towards the background again. Like they're not that important...more like an inconvenience. And it's not as if they don't matter at all...but...
He just can't bring himself to worry about that as much as he normally might. This is something he can deal with later- all the everyday things that're supposed to be bigger concerns. How he'd get home, back to his apartment, his job, his regular life...He can pass all of that up, if going back there meant losing this chance here. Even though he doesn't necessarily know the full story of what's going on right now...he knows for sure that he'd regret it if he tried to leave in this moment.
This time he does lean into the man's hand, just slightly, before he pulls away. Maybe because he knew the other would pull his hand back...and just like he thought- the absence of the touch just makes him want it right back again.]
Hmm...so you're saying that does include you?
[As far as not being "normal". Even though it's phrased as a question, it's more like a statement. There's nothing "average" about this man...as ridiculous as that might seem in an objective sense. But Elijah's sure that even if he saw him in a more mundane setting, he'd feel the same way.
He is sharp though, and he feels a small, stupid rush of pride at that fact being acknowledged. But it's because of that...that he can tell the other seems somewhat excited about something.]
Then maybe you can tell me why I won't be leaving.
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But it isn't like he's planning on being mysterious here forever. Sure, he's already been looking for his queen for a long time, so it's not like a few moments more or less are really going to matter at this point. But he does want to keep Elijah as interested as he seems right now, and no matter how convinced he already is about the other's potential, the best way to fully test him on whether or not Elijah can fulfill that position is to just drop the bombshell and see the human's reaction to it. ]
You're going to be my queen.
[ Short and simple - Agreas doesn't even blink as he says it, like it's a totally normal thing to tell someone. It is to him though.. being a forest demon god and all, just picking someone to be his queen isn't all that weird. It doesn't even matter that Elijah is a guy. It isn't about the femininity of the title of queen, it just means someone who will be his side as the king of this forest. His companion for a long time.
And Elijah... well, he does seem perfect. But if he doesn't react all that well, then it's not like there's much stopping Agreas from killing the human if he tries to run away or anything of the sort - it'd suck to start his search all over again, but if it has to be done, then so be it. ]
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It's a very finite thing to say too, isn't it? "You're going to be my queen"...meaning Elijah doesn't even have the option of saying no. Maybe something like that would petrify most people...especially given the fact that he's almost certain this man isn't human. But the finality of that statement actually sense a cold rush of excitement through his veins.
Maybe it's something to do with the fact that Elijah himself is so possessive of people, but the reverse is also true in some cases. Especially right now. He feels absolutely, undeniably thrilled at the idea that this..."king" saw something in Elijah that he liked...enough to take Elijah for himself, without even taking no for an answer. That someone, presumably in a position of power, wants him for a companion. And a companion that he'd want by his side for a long time, given what he'd said...
A shaky breath slips out from his lips, but it's not one of fear...and his eyes widen- practically shining with intrigue by now.]
Your...queen...?
[His voice is softer too- quivering slightly- but it should still be obvious enough that it's not because he's bothered by the idea. Not at all. Even the title of "queen" might bother some men, but not him...Not when it's said like that to him.
Without even realizing it, Elijah's body drifts towards the other- very slightly leaning over towards him. Like he's once again subconsciously asking for the other to touch him. If he's going to take Elijah, then he should do it.]
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But that's not important right now anyway. Elijah doesn't have to know everything just yet... what's more important than that is the fact that the human seems excited at the prospect anyway. Even knowing nothing about it, he still seems eager to be Agreas' queen, eager to be near him more.. he really is an interesting human in his own right, Agreas can't imagine many humans this attracted to someone else after having only seen them for a few minutes.
At least Agreas does give the human what he's longing for. A hand moves to cup Elijah's cheek - not entirely softly, but not roughly either. If anything, it's a little off, like that hand hasn't touched many humans before and is only now figuring out how to do so. But a moment or two later he's already leaning in, moving his face closer and closer to Elijah's now he knows the other isn't going to try and get away until their lips are touching in a very short kiss, almost more a peck than anything else. Like Agreas is just getting a taste of Elijah, just seeing more of him to make sure this is really what he wants for the rest of eternity.
But nothing is deterring him from the other so far. Not in the slightest.
Although.. he still can't help but point it out a little, since it's such unusual behaviour for a human, no matter how much it pleases him to see. ]
You seem eager.
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He sees the kiss coming, naturally, as their lips get closer and closer...but no matter that fact, it does nothing to prepare him for it. The moment they touch, Elijah feels a violent shiver pass through him, and he lets his eyes close...drinking in that small sample of what could be his. The more this man gives him, the more Elijah wants...and even as he pulls away again, it feels almost like some form of torture. Of course he's eager...eager for more of all of this. The other's question on it actually makes him chuckle a little in turn.]
So do you.
[After all, it was this other man who approached him first...then declared Elijah his queen, and now kissed him. And it's not as if Elijah was doing anything to deter him- he'd been encouraging him, if anything. But he hadn't come out into the woods in search of anything like this, that's for sure.
Of course, that doesn't mean he isn't interested. Honestly, he couldn't imagine turning down an opportunity like this- even if it means throwing away...well, much of everything that's familiar and comfortable in his life. It doesn't feel like such a hard decision though...he knows that even if he lived, and left the forest, he would regret turning away from this for the rest of his life.]
Is it really so strange if I feel the same way?
[When neither of them have never met before now.]
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Despite being the god of this forest, he doesn't necessarily believe in things like destiny and fate. But even despite that, there's no doubt about it that Elijah is perfect for him, and that there's no way he's ever letting go of the other anymore now. So in that sense it's a good thing that Elijah shows absolutely no signs of wanting to leave to begin with, hm?
The question from the other makes him tilt his head a little in contemplation before speaking up. ]
Humans tend to fear what they don't understand.
[ Which is, if you'd ask Agreas, not even really the worst quality about human beings - there's a lot worse things he could say about them, especially when it comes down to the way they treat nature. What he's saying right now feels more like a fact than any kind of insult to him. He's seen humans paralyzed with fear at the very sight of him, humans who immediately tried to run away, tripping over their own feet in panic.
To be fair, some of those humans saw him in a form slightly less human.. but even some of them who saw him plainly like this instinctively felt that he was something to be afraid of.
... Not that they were exactly wrong, mind you.
There's something faintly showing above his head, shimmering and almost transparent in the slight sunlight filtering through the leaves - like it's nothing more than an illusion. His crown of twigs extending up, tangling into a pair of antlers extending from Agreas' head.. and then it's gone again in an instant. ]
Are you not afraid, human?
[ He can already guess the answer to that with the way everything is going and with the look in Elijah's eyes, but he still wants to hear it from the man himself. ]
If your eagerness is greater than your fear, perhaps you should tell me your name. [ It sounds less like a request and more like an order, although not a very direct one - more like a very, very heavy suggestion. ]
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His heart beats faster in his chest than it has since the man first walked up to him...like the brief sight of those antlers ignited an even stronger feeling inside of him. He stares up at the space where they'd been a few moments longer- like he's unwilling to miss a chance at a second glimpse. His lips are parted very slightly, and his eyes stay open wide- the light from the forest itself reflected in them now. A part of him almost wants to reach out...to touch the space where the antlers had been. But his body feels frozen after that and for the time being, his hands stay where they are.
Still, there's no question whether it's eagerness or fear on his face...it's plainly written there for the other to see. But that makes it easy to give an answer too- even as another breath shudders out of his mouth.]
Elijah...
[There're always stories...about names holding power. Even if they were always folklore, it feels like right now...it might hold a little more weight. Whether that's true or not, he still doesn't feel fear from handing his over so easily...Maybe in part because he can't help but wonder...can't help but desperately want...need to hear the way his name sounds when it's said in the other's voice.
And yet, some small, defiant part of Elijah had almost wanted to wait and ask for the man's. The part of him that doesn't like being ordered around...But this is one of the few times he'll compromise somewhat. Even if that doesn't necessarily make him a docile little lamb either.]
Will I get to hear yours, too?
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But instead the human is still standing here, looking utterly mesmerized.. fascinated, even. The light of the forest being reflected in Elijah's eyes is a beautiful sight, and Agreas definitely wants to see more of it. He's always preferred the beauty of nature over anything else, but he is sure Elijah would be beautiful too in his domain, with the light of the forest in his eyes, with flowers adorning his hair..
A small near-smile curls around his lips once the other mentions his name though. It's true - names do have power, even though Agreas doesn't necessarily plan on abusing that power. It's just.. well, it's natural to want to know the name of his queen, right? ]
Elijah.. [ He repeats the name, a low rumble. It seems to satisfy him enough to not even have to give much consideration to the human's request. It's inevitable that Elijah will become his queen at this point, so there's no reason to not give out his own name as well. ]
I am Agreas, the lord of this domain.