A cheering crowd echoed beyond the stables where the servant boy led Rhae. The ground reverberated from the rhythmic thud of hooves. As they rounded the corner, cloudy dust swirled past, and Rhae coughed as he peered out at the grassy field. With fierce determination, eight horses raced on the field in a fury after the white ball. A loud clack sounded as two mallets collided, and a clang echoed as someone's mallet missed the ball and bounced from the opposing team's leg guard.
Watching the polo ponies pivot sharply, their shortly-trimmed tails sticking straight out as they galloped on a single course toward the goal, was quite a spectacle. Rhae had engaged in a few friendly matches with his fellow knights, but nothing prepared him for the grandeur of this event. He could sense the anticipation among the nobles, each eager to showcase their skills in a more formal setting. Rhae glanced across the field and spotted the arena, taking a simple guess that the jousting tournament would be held there in the evening.
"Lord Rhaegal!" A call came off to the side. Rhae turned his head sharply towards the voice, knowing who it was but surprised that he was called out to in such a manner. He quickly scanned Kaisan's face, but all that was evident was that it seemed he lacked sleep. The evidence of this morning's emotional moments was no longer visible.
"Lord Kai," Rhae greeted with a charming smile, reaching to clasp Kaisan's elbow. Kaisan returned the gesture firmly, guiding Rhae towards where the other players were gathered.
"These are the teammates you'll be joining," Kai said, looking at the other six dressed players. Rhae smiled and nodded politely to each.
"Could you show me where I can obtain a horse for the match?" Rhae asked Kaisan, who nodded in response. Kai waved at the others and directed Rhae to follow him to the stables. The imperial sporting horse stables were impressive. Each stall was large enough to fit four full-grown horses comfortably. They were fancy with curved iron balls and clean live-edge wood doors. Impressive metalworking and woodworking craftsmanship went into this building.
"This will be your steed for the match," Kaisan said, stopping in front of a stall with a dark chocolate-coloured horse. "The tones of his hair reminded me of your hair."
"I see the resemblance," Rhae chuckled as he glanced at the well-groomed horse.
"And over here, you'll find the gear in various sizes. You're on the blue team," Kaisan added as he walked across the room toward a wall of polo gear arranged. Rhae followed behind him, selecting the needed gear.
"Is someone already designated as position one? I don't play too often to be a comfortable pinch hitter." Rhae inquired, thinking of the positions he could feasibly play.
"Unless you want to take it easy at the goalposts and lose to me, you'll be in position two." Kai teased as he patted Rhae's shoulder and gave a playful squeeze - attempting to trigger any competitive spirit in his lover.
"Shall we get to it then?" Rhae replied dryly, his smile lingering, determined not to let Kaisan's competitive nature ruffle his composure. He knew acting impassive would, in turn, set a fire under Kaisan to get a response from him. It was a little joy he would keep to himself.
"Yes, lets," Kaisan replied, brows knitted together in frustration, shoulders slumped as he realized he had lost this mental battle and acknowledged Rhae's subtle challenge. He clicked his tongue as he reached for the stable door to fetch Rahe's horses for the match. Rhae suppressed a grin as he passed Kai, giving him a pat on the head before saddling his horse and leading it out to the field's sidelines.
Rhae waved off Kaisan as he joined his team for their strategy meeting while the current squad finished the last chukka. Once the last whistle blew and the field cleared up, the referee came over for team confirmations. Both teams mounted with the referee's okay and went to their respective sides.
With the start of the match signalled, the thunderous rhythm of hooves shook the ground with each pass of the benches. Some nobles held onto their seats, some onto their hats as they watched the intense competition. Kaisan was, as per every sport he engaged in, still an aggressive player. His mallet raised to his side like a rapier, ready to jab his opponents as his steed galloped across the field toward the wall.
Several times, Kaisan was thrown to a complete stop when Rhae intercepted his path or diverted the ball out of reach between his horse's legs with strategic maneuvers. While Kai knew Rhae was a formidable opponent, he hadn't expected a full challenge thrown at him. Frustrated, he focused on lapping over Rhae and his steed or close shots through his horse's defences with calculated precision. With every successful shot, Kai would throw a smug expression at his partner, who was so flabbergasted at this aggressive targeting that he couldn't help but laugh. Rhae couldn't help but ride up to Kai during the intermission to address the underlying tension.
"My lovely fairy prince charming, why are you so angry with me?" Rhae called out to him, attempting to keep a serious expression to avoid laughing and provoking his lover. Instead, he got distracted by Kaisan lifting the bottom of his polo shirt to wipe the sweat off his face. His eyes were drawn to the toned, peachy stomach in full view as beads of sweat dripped down. He licked his lips and forced his lingering eyes up - only to meet those amused jewelled eyes staring at him in return. Kai rolled his eyes and scoffed.
"I don't know what you're talking about." Kaisan retorted, rolling his eyes dismissively.
"I believe you do very well…" Rhae persisted, amusement dancing in his eyes.
"I have nothing to be angry about. Disappointment, maybe." Kaisan shrugged nonchalantly.
"And disappointment equals aggressive, targeted play?" Rhae chuckled, raising an eyebrow. Kai shrugged his shoulders. "Why are you disappointed in me?"
"I guess you didn't mean it when you said you wanted to paint me or even show you your works," Kaisan replied in a neutral tone, masking any hint of vulnerability. Rhae blinked, taken aback for a moment, before bursting into laughter.
"That couldn't be helped when I'm not only distracted by every moment with you but also trying to keep up with this younger, more energetic man," Rhae replied, his laughter subsiding into a gentle smile. But I assure you, my intentions were sincere. I do want to paint you."
Though Kaisan rolled his eyes, his face softened as his facade wavered. Rhae rode up and parked his horse beside Kai's, reaching over and taking his hand.
"You love, you are my muse, you inspire me. Even in his moment, with your domineering presence on this field, as you direct your anger at me, I want to paint you in this moment. Your strength, your grace on the field—it's all part of why I find you so captivating."
"You could charm the birds from the trees, Lord Rhae," Kaisan replied, trying not to meet Rhae's eyes, not wanting to give in to his sweet words - but his heart swelled.
"I would not lie to you, deceive you, or attempt to charm you for personal gain," Rhae assured him, gently stroking Kaisan's hand, who finally met Rhae's gaze. A small smile fought at the corners of his lips, attempting to fight it and not wanting to appear he lost to Rhae.
"Alright, Lord Rhae. I'll hold that against you if you ever change your mind." Kaisan nodded. The referee's whistle interrupted their moment, signalling the end of the intermission. Rhae and Kaisan exchanged a brief nod before mounting their horses again, ready to resume play. The match's second half continued with heightened intensity, each team striving for the lead.
As the game progressed, Rhae focused more on supporting his teammates strategically. He communicated with them fluidly, adjusting their positions on the field and coordinating attacks. Kaisan persisted in aggressive tactics, determined to prove himself on the field.
The match remained closely contested, with neither team yielding easily. Each goal was hard-fought and celebrated with cheers from the sidelines. Rhae felt the adrenaline rush as he maneuvered his horse and swung his mallet. Beside him, Kaisan mirrored his intensity. Their rivalry on the field only fuelled their mutual respect and admiration — maybe even making them both set a goal for who would win in the chambers that evening, possibly turned on by their partner's antics.
In the match's final moments, Rhae faced Kaisan head-on, both fiercely competing for ball possession. With a swift maneuver, Rhae broke away and made a decisive shot toward the goal, scoring a point for his team. The crowd erupted into applause.
As the match concluded with Rhae's team's securing a narrow victory, the players gathered in the center of the field to exchange handshakes and congratulations. Kaisan approached Rhae with a genuine smile, his earlier tension dissipating.
"You played well," Kaisan admitted in frustration, offering his hand.
"As did you," Rhae replied warmly, shaking Kaisan's hand firmly. "It was a good match."
"You certainly kept me on my toes," Kaisan chuckled softly.
"Likewise. We make quite the opponents, don't we?" Rhae joked.
"Yes, we do." Kaisan nodded, a glint of pride in his eyes.
With the tournament concluded, Rhae and Kaisan joined the other players in leading their horses back to the stables. They walked side by side, sharing light-hearted banter. Despite their competitive spirits, there was an undeniable pull between them - the atmosphere noticeable to any passerby.
When they finally reached the stables, Rhae unsaddled his horse and began to groom it, enjoying the quiet moment of reflection. Kaisan joined him, leaning against a nearby stall door.
"You know," Kaisan started, his tone thoughtful, "I never expected you to be so skilled at polo."
"As a fife lord, I've fought in a few campaigns against monster waves, civil wars and territorial fights. Swordplay and horsemanship are my strengths," Rhae replied, lost in thought as he moved to shuck the horse's hooves.
"I suppose we both have our surprises." Kaisan smiled warmly.
They fell into a comfortable silence, the sounds of horses shifting and the distant murmur of voices from the tournament grounds filling the air. Rhae glanced at Kaisan, struck once again by his partner's presence—the way his features softened in the warm afternoon light, the quiet strength that resonated within him, the contract of the luxury stables that fit so well with Kai's posture and familiarity. Rhae stopped his thoughts there and shook his head.
"Thank you," Rhae said suddenly, meeting Kaisan's gaze. "For taking me along to all these different events. I would have normally been held up in useless discussions and meetings that never go anywhere."
"I wanted you to experience this. To be a part of something that matters to me, things I enjoy and have talent in but never have a chance to participate actively," Kaisan nodded, his expression earnest.
"I'm glad," Rhae admitted, smiling genuinely. "And I look forward to many more moments together." Kaisan's smile widened a spark of anticipation in his eyes. With that, they finished tending to their horses in companionable silence, their bond strengthened by the shared victory and the promise of future endeavours. As the afternoon sun began to work towards early evening, casting a golden glow across the stables, Rhae felt a deep sense of contentment—a feeling of belonging that he knew he had found with Kaisan.
"Oh, it's gotten late!" Kaisan explained, standing straight. "We need to go change."
"Ah, that's right. Jousting," Rhae mermmered. He turned with a smile. "Meet me by the garden?"
"Of course!" Kaisan flashed his toothy grin and turned to leave. He paused by the stable doors, turned to Rahe, who was watching him go and blew a kiss. Then he turned and ran, his bright red neck visible at a distance.
FOOTNOTES:
Polo: A team-based mallet and ball game played on horseback, 4v4. It is a traditional sport played out on a field and is known as the world's oldest team sport.
Position 1: Similar to a forward in hockey or a striker in soccer. An attacking offensive player.
Position 2: Offensive/defensive player, sometimes switches with number three.
Position 3: Usually the best player on the team, like a quarterback.
Position 4: The primary defender of the goal also moves the ball to the attackers.
Pinch Hitter: A substitute batter/striker, usually during critical moments.
Chukkers: Sets of the match that are seven and a half minutes each, six chukkers per game