fool's gold

How strange this was. Not too long ago, Nagito was a force to be reckoned with - someone who struck fear into others with just his name and reputation, and now... a servant to a wolf King who lacked a kingdom. And the worst thing was that Nagito did not hate where he'd landed! @Ælfrǣd's kindness very well might be a ruse, but the kitsune was well acquainted with ruses, and this would not be his first time encountering a man with a mask. Perhaps he'd be more concerned about such things if Nagito was not also wearing a mask of his own. 

What he did mind was this whole hunting thing. Nagito had hunted many times before, mostly in the century after his birth, but there had also been humans to follow after. Scraps of food to pilfer from their kills, their fish, their grains. Gone were the days where Nagito could lounge on the couch, pull out his phone, and order whatever kind of food his heart desired. 

The fox missed sushi that day, and so decided to try his hand at fishing. 

It was going fairly well, in his humble opinion. One small perch lay on the riverbank, his maw and chest soiled with fish blood, but it was a success nonetheless. Sharp gray eyes scanned the water for movement, aiming to at least try to snatch one or two more, when he spotted it:

A glint, shimmering golden bright at the bottom of the stream. 

Nagito could not tear his gaze from it. It was not so much a conscious decision to dive into the water as it was muscle memory, greedy for treasure and willing to go to great lengths to grab it. Fortunate enough that the water was not quick-moving, Nagito paddled down those few feet and grabbed the shimmering object between his teeth, then used the silt floor as a springboard to push himself back to the surface. It was easy enough to paddle back to shore, and there he dropped the treasure, only to bark out a laugh. 

Pyrite.

A chunk of useless, miserly metal that was not worth the effort he'd spent on retrieving it. 

“Pretty, though,” he said to himself, still dripping wet, fur plastered to his small form as he turned the fool's gold over to catch the sun. Irrationally, he wondered if it would be a worthy gift for a King, and then banished the thought. Of course not, he scolded himself. It was not real gold - a crown could not be made of it, nor would Ælfrǣd be impressed with its quality. 

A wrinkling of his muzzle followed the thought - just why, exactly, had he gone out of his way to attempt to grab treasure for a wolf in the first place? 
 

---

Using the random prompt: While fishing from a nearby river, you notice something shining within its depths.

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while the lord of the rolling lands hunted beside the river, ælfrǣd found himself up the bank a ways, lost in the trancelike insistence of his own worldbuilding. a hall of wood there, and perhaps stones from this earth beside the river, rolled into a path which led one directly to the palace he would build — "there."

thereafter, a surging spall of splintering sadness inside king ælfrǣd. he had yet done nothing and his self-criticism became a flashing impatience, glinting as much as the lines of any battlefront. the man sat to take in the sight of his dour face, sliding a paw around to his belly once more.

pain traced the planes of that reflection in the clear water.

an affliction, inasmuch as he would allow it to be mentioned, had besieged ælfrǣd since childhood. that upon which wolves survived — offal, viscera, meat, and blood — these things curdled his gut. fish. the flesh of hares. young deer. these were things which might support him, and a diet of bland grasses beside.

the one above had made of him a weak man, then set before him a warrior's aim. was it a joke? was it — ah. "forgive me my questioning." no. it was a true quest, a noble cause. the king meant to build what was yet unseen, and as he looked at the land — his land — some sense of relief entered his wearying spirit.

"i trust in you always."

lord nagito would find the exhausted king sitting upright and yet asleep, leant against the bole of a willow-tree overlooking the water. dappled sunlight coursed his face, and ælfrǣd dreamt of winchester.

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Regardless of whether or not the fox understood the desire to bring this wolf a treasure he'd found, he supposed it did not matter. The desire was there, and Nagito had always lived by doing whatever he wished whenever he wished it. Bringing King Ælfrǣd a piece of gold, real or not, was harmless in the grand scheme of things, though he doubted the other man might appreciate such a monetarily worthless offering. That was, of course, assuming the wolf knew of money and fineries and treasures in the way the fox did, himself. If they were from similar worlds, or incredibly different ones. 

He had yet to ask. It was one of many growing mysteries that Nagito was hoping to unravel. 

His work was not done yet. A small perch and a piece of pyrite were far from an ideal meal for a fox and a wolf, and so Nagito would need to continue his fishing if he were to feed the both of them. And so, he fished while the wolf he followed wandered further down the riverbank. It would have been a more attractive sight in his masculine human form, he thought, shirtless as he basked in the midday sun, but now his fur was plastered to a thin, delicate body, dripping dirty river water as he attempted, repetitively, to snag another fish from beneath the surface. 

It took an embarrassingly long time for him to capture another - this one slightly larger, a snack more befitting a wolf. Whether or not these two small fish would be substantial enough a meal for both of them, however, Nagito had decided that he was done drenching himself. And thus began the arduous task of dragging the morsels toward the King - he'd stopped, very briefly, and considered leaving the pyrite behind before he changed his mind and slipped it into his mouth alongside the two fish tails, intent on making only one trip. 

Nagito dragged the objects before the wolf, at first believing he was simply at rest, but as the kitsune opened his mouth to greet him, he hesitated. Ælfrǣd's gilded eyes were shut, the tree branches cascading warm light down on his dark pelt and highlighting the silver interwoven within. 

For a moment, the fox was struck silent. Wolves really were quite beautiful, weren't they?

Quickly, the thought was banished from his mind, and he decided that it truly was a good time for a nap. Nagito moved nearby, placing only a foot or two of space between them, and laid belly-down on the smooth pebbles. His fur was still wet from the river, unkempt and clinging to him in several spots, but the broken sunlight warmed his back and made it far easier for him to close his eyes. 

He drifted off within moments. 

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dreaming was damned. ælfrǣd floated in a velveteen sea of shimmering darkness through which mother's voice and father's stern look reached with insistence. from time to time it seemed the exhausted young king might awaken, but he did not. instead the one above spoke through the gloaming of thoughts lit by sleep.

at length, he came awake. ælfrǣd was comforted to see that he was not alone; his stomach growled for the fish but he remained still, his eyes tracing the features of the fox lord. what curious creatures they were, not so different from a wolf at all. why then had the one above ordained that they should be enemies, that enmity should exist between his kind and that of lord nagito?

their home must be a home for all, the king decided, shifting back against the treebark. compelling, that sun above, warming his limbs until ælfrǣd found himself again in the sweetest sort of stupor. it was to him that thoughts of a wife came. he was an organized man who knew that aesthetic could not outweigh wisdom — but still he was a man.

was it vain to hope that any bride might be fair?

such things did not matter if she was pious and dutiful; they would find a way to make one another happy, ælfrǣd knew, as had his parents and theirs before them. the lot of a royal was to have such bonds decided, and yet the king would never admit that he carried a dire fear for the entire process and its carnal expectation.

dragging himself thankfully away from such thoughts, the royal set himself to wait. lord nagito had been fishing, though it had not been bid. it made ælfrǣd wonder why the other followed, and resolved him all the more firmly to be worthy of such service.

it must be the goal utmost of any king who meant to be worth a chronicle.

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It was not a long nap. It was not. And even so, he was haunted. Sharp amber eyes and clever tongue, hidden behind smirking lips. One who matched the kitsune in wit and daring and held their heart in his hands. He'd had so many pleasant memories with him, and yet the thought of their time together settled a bitter taste on the back of his tongue. 

When most of his dreams consisted of his smile, why had his last memory been of his lover's back?

Nagito woke with a start and an aching in his chest that felt so utterly, devastatingly real that he had to press a paw there to ensure he was not bleeding out onto the dirt he laid upon. He could feel the stake there so vividly still, twisted and causing his heart to falter beneath the sharp, splintered material. 

Would it ever stop hurting? 

It took a moment for the fox to remember, exactly, where he was. At once, however, he dropped his paw and affixed a more neutral expression to his face, dark eyes wandering toward the wolf King he had decided to follow. Not much time had passed - Nagito's fur was still damp, though it was more comfortable than it had been when he'd first clambered out of the river, and the fish did not smell spoiled. 

“It was a good day for a nap,” he announced with a tight smile - a bit more plastic than usual. His dreams were unimportant, shoved toward the back of his mind where they'd resurface when he closed his eyes for rest once more. “Winchester has a wise King.” Playfulness edged his tone - a tease, for his falling asleep sitting up, though he would not begrudge Ælfrǣd his rest. 

He turned, then, to the fish he'd managed to capture. It occurred to him that he could test the King, to see which he'd choose, but it seemed cruel to do so when he'd already fed the kitsune the larger half of his prey before. Nagito was careful as he dragged the more substantial of the two prey items to the wolf's feet, stepping back with a sweep of his tail. “For you,” he announced, and then settled with his own, deciding to wait for the King to eat first before he took a bite. That was proper, was it not? “It has been a while since I've fished, but it was a fun challenge.” It was the truth - when Nagito had been a young fox, he'd taken great pleasure in the act of fishing. It was no different now, as unused to it as he was. 

For now, he did not mention the fool's gold. It sat, glittering, on the dirt nearby.

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"ah - ha," ælfrǣd laughed softly, coming awake and blinking rather foolishly at the fox lord. a fish was laid before, and his stomach gave a loud outcry of want for it. embarrassed, the king nevertheless took up a bite of the waterfood. "thank you, noble nagito," he said in a crisp voice that did little to forswear how ashamed he had felt.

but only for a moment.

hunger was a spicy flavoring. ælfrǣd was unsure he had ever tasted a fish so fresh or flaky, and returned with polite eagerness for more. but split between a wolf and a fox, well — they would need something larger, and that meant muscle. and that meant connection. lupine claws toyed with a silverflashing fin, and he mulled over how next they should move.

"this land is so inviting," said the king instead, upon his lips a reverent murmur. "clear water and good food. places where one might commune with oneself, or with the one above." he squinted a little toward the sun, causing the gold to glitter and bringing ælfrǣd's attention to bear. "i should like to accompany you next time."

the ruler meant to be silent, but asked, "did you find that in your forays?" for it felt that the lord invited curiosity, and so the king did not shy away from it. but he made no move to ask again, supping on the larger bones and tossing them into the water as he watched sunglow turning all to gold. "winchester has a wiser lord. let me ask you, what did you make of lady katja?" he inquired. "i have considered that i should begin courting, and soon. she has connections to lineage and land. do you think me too swift?"

after all, she was only the first he had met. perhaps he might wait and build first. lord nagito, again, an advisor in this.

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As they ate, it became abundantly clear that the food would not be adequate. A wolf's belly was far bigger than a fox's, after all, and Nagito would likely have to grab several more of the elusive creatures to feed the King. 

"No need for thanks," he dismissed immediately, waving it off as though it were a fly buzzing by his ear. "You would do the same." Had done the same, which was the entire reason why the fox still followed. Ælfrǣd was a strange wolf, indeed, and Nagito both thought him intriguing and found himself strangely endeared to the upcoming King. Ridiculously so, but endeared, nonetheless.

It was highly unlike the kitsune to trail after someone like this. Survival, it could be called, or entertainment. A morbid curiosity in hopes of seeing how it played out, or an interest in learning how a kingdom was built. King Ælfrǣd's ideas were grand and likely unrealistic, but that devout determination was part of his charm. 

Nagito would follow. A fox only had a few precious years to live in the wild, and trailing after a wolf that did not want to tear him limb from limb was better than being slain by a stranger. 

His chest ached - a flicker of phantom pain ghosting across his expression. It vanished straightaway, schooled into neutrality once more. 

The land was inviting. Suspiciously so. How had Nagito come across not one, but three wolves now who did not immediately slaughter them like the pest his kind was seen to be? How had they managed to feed themselves? The weather was so fair and the land so peaceful that Nagito felt the briefest hint of suspicion take hold. When would the other shoe drop?

"You are welcome to accompany me whenever you wish," he said, and meant it. It would be fun to have a fishing partner - they'd be likely to catch more, if they worked together. His ears swiveled, then, attention back on the faux-precious rock, and a hint of embarrassment warmed his cheeks. "It was at the bottom of the river. I do not know if the King has use for treasure, nor that it could be considered such, but it... was meant to be a gift." 

There was no sense in being dishonest, when he'd brought it all the way over here to the King's feet. Pretending there was no reason for it would be ridiculous. 

He preened at the compliment, and huffed a soft laugh. "You flatter me," he said simply, dismissing the statement breezily. Someone wise would not have had their life cut short the way Nagito did, but it was not as though the King knew that. 

Lady Katja. Nagito squinted in thought, and then realized he must be talking of one of the two large wolves on the mountain. The woman - Nagito briefly wondered if Ælfrǣd had a preference for them, or if it was strictly for procreation. A King needed an heir, after all, so his search for a Queen was not surprising. 

Nagito chewed slowly on a small chunk of meat, mulling over his response. "She was striking in appearance, and well-spoken," he said, words carefully chosen. Certainly not what the fox preferred, as his tastes had always run more masculine, but objectively the wolf had been unique and strong-looking. Someone who could end Nagito's life with a shake of her head. "But, of course, she would have to be open to courting. Would this be a marriage of convenience, or would you hope for love, as well?" The word was sour in his mouth and churned his stomach. Nagito had never wished for love - had avoided it for centuries - and it was the one thing that had led to his downfall. Yet, he continued, as though he did not feel at risk of regurgitating the food he'd just eaten: "If that is not presumptuous of me to ask."

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"did you hear the high king's talk of gods? they are pagan," ælfrǣd sighed a little, his bias flaring hot and high. "love might — not be possible under such conditions. i would treat her well, of course, ensure she is given all the rights and comfort to befit a queen of winchester. but love."

he tossed fishbones into the water. "it is not necessary for a successful marriage." this had been taught to ælfrǣd, bred into him; he had witnessed it, generations of dour couples who did not touch and had no affection for one another. he had been born from such a union, though he blamed no one for it. "not when it is a king's marriage to make."

because his tone had become harsh, he modulated its sound and looked again to the glittering bit of gold. "a gift," ælfrǣd said softly. "now it is your turn to flatter, lord nagito." observant eyes inspected. "i think it would be to our advantage if i were to wear a crown of sorts. something to signify that i am what i say. we are visual beasts, after all."

he reached to toy with the stone now. "you found this deep in the river? that is a skill indeed. i will come with you another time, yes, and witness this feat for myself." lips twitched in a genuine smile. "you continue to teach me things." his eyes turned over the gracious land so granted him; ælfrǣd drew a long breath.

"i should have something in hand before i approach the lady katja, do you not think? or perhaps, a — gift. a gift that will suffice," ælfrǣd murmured, his gaze telegraphing pleasure in both the foxlord and this potential prospect on the horizon.

to have winchester in his hand first might take many years and spend his youth, but he would be in a better position for a queen then. but the king was a romantic beneath the stuffy scholarliness; a courtship wherein they fought together in the aim of building a kingdom appealed far more.

it was simply not realistic.

a lady needed quarters, servants, maidens, guardians. her own apartments, her own luxuries. he had not any of these things.

yet.

he bowed his head then, waiting for nagito's wise voice, listening to the flurry of insects, and searching among all these for the still small voice of the one above.

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