t is one thing to be loved, and to love in return. If they were only ordinary men with ordinary lives, Acatl would have been content with that. But perhaps that very ordinariness would have spelt their doom; perhaps he would have walked out with their first argument, or perhaps Teomitl would have found other, more pleasant people to give his heart to.
They are not ordinary men. He is the High Priest of Mictlantecuhtli in desperate love with the Master of the House of Darts; Lord and Lady Death smile upon their relationship, and their arguments decide the fate of kings. With a single word, he can twist the order of the world; with a single smile, Teomitl can do the same. The power they balance between them is as terrifying as it is intoxicating, and sometimes he wonders whether he can handle it. Whether it would be safer after all to go back to his cold, lonely bed.
But then...
“You have chosen well,” say his patrons.
“The boundaries of the world are safe,” say his priests.
“I’m listening,” says Teomitl.
Yes, love on its own is a fine thing. But the way their love has benefited the Fifth World? The way that Acatl knows, thanks to that same love, that when Teomitl is Revered Speaker they will never fear again? That’s something else entirely.
Obsidian & Blood, Acatl/Teomitl
t is one thing to be loved, and to love in return. If they were only ordinary men with ordinary lives, Acatl would have been content with that. But perhaps that very ordinariness would have spelt their doom; perhaps he would have walked out with their first argument, or perhaps Teomitl would have found other, more pleasant people to give his heart to.
They are not ordinary men. He is the High Priest of Mictlantecuhtli in desperate love with the Master of the House of Darts; Lord and Lady Death smile upon their relationship, and their arguments decide the fate of kings. With a single word, he can twist the order of the world; with a single smile, Teomitl can do the same. The power they balance between them is as terrifying as it is intoxicating, and sometimes he wonders whether he can handle it. Whether it would be safer after all to go back to his cold, lonely bed.
But then...
“You have chosen well,” say his patrons.
“The boundaries of the world are safe,” say his priests.
“I’m listening,” says Teomitl.
Yes, love on its own is a fine thing. But the way their love has benefited the Fifth World? The way that Acatl knows, thanks to that same love, that when Teomitl is Revered Speaker they will never fear again? That’s something else entirely.