Palace of Ambrosia

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The heat of the summer sun did little to bother Akeem as he made his way through the streets of Vroldafn's capital, brushing off the odd looks that were given to him by those he passed by as he already he was out of place in the home of the Calco. However, the insignia that Guan had given him was sown into the shoulder of the jacket he wore. Despite his best efforts he found little to nothing about the symbol but trusted Guan's word that the mere sight of it would keep away most if not all who would seek to cause him harm. He looked down at his watch, seeing it was just after three in the afternoon he then pulled out a scrap of paper from his pocket which detailed the directions he would take to reach the Gloompond palace. After a few twists and turns, he arrived at the rather looming building, part of him wondering if he'd gotten lost but no amount of wondering would change the fact that he had followed Guan's instructions to a T. 
So, with no room for error in his navigation, he approached the large door, knocking on it twice before taking a step back. The wait was short, the door opening for him to see an only somewhat familiar Red haired woman standing there before moving out of the way and motioning for him to enter. He did so with a slight bow and a smile, entering the palace before hearing the door shut loudly behind him. He turned to face Delores with a friendly look on his face, "Good day, I've seen your face before but I don't think we've had the pleasure of introducing ourselves." He spoke in a polite manner, not wanting to seem rude as he was a guest in their house.
Delores nodded her head politely, yet did little more than so. Clad with a soft smile, Delores took a couple of steps forward, motioning for Akeem to follow her before she began to speak. "So you are Akeem then? I will admit, when Guan-yin said that we would be playing host to a human, I was surprised, to say the least. Calco has such a distaste for the likes of us, after all." She spoke as they walked through winding halls and up grand stairs until they reached the common room. "You may wait here until Guan-yin arrives, shouldn't be long now. My lord, if I may, I know oh so very little about the reason for your arrival, but judging from the little I know, could it be that you and she are here with the intent to strengthen political ties between our two nations?"
At hearing Delores' question he wondered if Guan had spoken to her sister about him or the nature of their relationship. Given this would be their first date he understood why she might not have as to avoid the endless poking and prodding that would come from any sibling when a romantic interest is brought up. He also figured Guan wasn't the type to withhold information without a good reason and so he wouldn't let the cat out of the bag quite yet. "I suppose you could say that. I met Guan in the desert during my first trip to Vroldafn and we kinda became friends." Akeem answered her question as truthfully as possible while holding true to not letting her know he had a romantic interest in Guan. "I know what you mean about the Calco disliking us humans, I got plenty of nasty looks during my trip here. I hope you and Guan don't have to deal with that every time you leave your home, do you?"
Delores nodded in response to his answer to her question. She felt that there was something more going on than he was letting on, but she would let it come as it came, and her ever watchful eye would unravel what their purpose is. "Of course we don't. We may not all be liked, but we are respected, and with due cause. Ever since our time in Sine Missione, we have gained the faith and adoration of the Calco people. More than that, we are the children of the Lord Guang, which puts us in a position of power in and of itself. No one here in Yu'lon would dare to as much as give us a dirty look." Delores spoke as she very gently took a seat on one of the couches, waving a hand to signal Akeem to take a set opposite of her. "So, you two met in the desert? An interesting place to meet someone. What did you two do out there?"
Akeem took the offered seat, sitting down across from Delores as he awaited Guan's arrival. "I was studying the flora here in Vroldafn to complete my thesis at the University of Unianim when she showed up. It was just a coincidence that we happened to run into each other but I'd been out there by myself for a few days and I really enjoyed the company. She took me to these caverns not too far from my campsite to find a flower called The Crimson Drakebell. We actually never found it but we talked a lot and we agreed we'd meet again another time." Akeem explained his and Guan's first meeting to Delores, sure to leave out the bits about the heavy flirting and the kiss at the end. "It came as a surprise when she told me she was the daughter of Gloompond but I guess that just means the world isn't as large as I once thought it to be."
Drakebell and Caves? The Banshee Caverns then. I wonder if he saw the Vitae'dor. Delores thought. "You must be a brave one, coming to Vroldafn for the sake of your studies. Although, I can't help but notice that you refer to my sister simply as 'Guan' rather than her full name. Resorting to nicknames already?" She spoke with a joking tone. Her features then grew a bit more serious while still holding a sweet glint in her eye. "Akeem, is there something I should know about this little get-together? I understand if it is a private matter or something, but I can't help but find myself very concerned about the situation. The chefs are in a full cooking frenzy, the guards are all but absent and our Father arrived not too long ago, asking so many questions about you, practically slaving away to make the palace proper. My lord, how important is this meeting and what is it truly about? Both for my house and for my sister, I hope you understand my concern."
He was somewhat surprised by Delores' words, "I wasn't aware that your servants were putting in so much work just for my visit, it actually makes me kind of nervous. And giving her the nickname just felt kind of natural, she didn't correct me on it so it just kind of stuck." He said with a nervous scratch of the back of his head, having never even noticed he was shortening her name. "I think I understand why you might feel concerned to see your servants and your father in a frenzy, I imagine I would be equally confused and curious if I were to return home and found it in such disarray. Given that my visit is the cause of your concern I'm greatly sorry." He thought before he became quiet as he began to think if he should tell Delores the reason for his visit, "I never intended my visit to be such a big event in your household. I don't know how to measure its importance, it is important to me and given the effort she is putting into it I imagine it is important to Guan as well. Since you're Guan's sister I don't really see the harm in telling you that I asked Guan out on a date before we parted ways a few months ago and she said that it would be better to have it here at your home. Though, the fact that your father is here certainly makes me feel a bit stressed..."
And just like that, the pieces fell into place. She mentally grinned but on the outside, she breathed a sigh of relief. "That is more soothing than you may know. For a moment I thought that this would be some grand, nation quaking event coming up, something I would have been entirely unprepared for. To know now that it is 'just' a date... I am glad that you were able to answer me, and my mind can finally be put at ease. And do not be concerned about father, he can be a bit intimidating, but he is actually a very kind and caring man. I am sure that he won't do anything to scare off the man who managed to charm dear old Guan. However, these circumstances still leave me concerned..." Delores said. "As you may realize, Guan-yin is in a position of great respect and power and can thus not just court anyone, much less pick anyone for a mate, if it is taken that far. What's more, I am not sure if you could bear to go through the things she will have you go through, regardless of whether she intends it or not. There are many trials and tribulations for a noble, much more so for her."
Akeem lifts his hand up to cover his embarrassed blush as Delores brought up the possibility of becoming Guan's mate, pretending to be considering her words as his mind wondered to the good look he'd gotten of Guan's figure in the cavern that day. Shooing away the thought, he lowered his hand and clearing his throat. "I'm glad I was able to put your mind at ease, I'd feel terrible if I had to leave you worried. I thank you for the warning as well, Guan told me herself that pursuing a relationship with one another would not be an easy task and that there would likely be many trials ahead. I know that my status as a noble in Ishtar means nothing to the people of Vroldafn, that to them I am nothing more than a lowly human walking among them. Even so, I am prepared to work hard to become someone worthy of standing beside your sister, I promised her I would try and try I will." He said with a warm smile, remaining unfaltered by Delores' somewhat ominous warning.
Delores smiled and gave him what appeared to be a nod of appreciation. "I am glad to hear that Guan has finally found someone willing to go through it, to test the limits ahead, and for that, you have my appreciation. I wish for my family to be happy, and I hope that you can help Guan to become just that, no matter the obstacles ahead of you. It might be difficult, but I hope that you can contend and claim the title as the number one man in her life. As it stands, that position could belong to someone more fitting." She spoke. A faint knock could be heard against the closed door. "Come in." Delores called, and through the door came a human, clad in typical servant attire and whispered something into Delores' ear. Her smile grew wider and with a wave of her hand, she dismissed the servant. "I believe that is my cue to take my leave. Guan-yin has arrived and should be waiting for you by the entrance. Go now, meet with your beloved." Delores teased. Down at the entrance stood Guan-yin, her attire that of a hooded figure until she removed it. Little did the people know that the robe and hood was an illusion. With a wave of her ringed hand, the illusion vanished, leaving her clad in a yellow and blue ball gown, a small diadem on her brow and some select pieces of jewelry to accent the rest of the attire, trying to make a respectable mixture of both their cultures when it came to dresses and other frivolous items. It made her feel a bit uncomfortable, thanks to both the corset and the unusual pick of clothing for her, preferring to have arrived with something a bit easier to get into and a lot more subtle.
Through Delores' words, he realized she wasn't being as nice as she had first seemed. The slightest hint of less than friendly teasing as she spoke of the possibility of another becoming the 'number one man' in Guan's life. Something that anyone with half a brain would know not to say if that genuinely wished the best for someone. However, he did not address this, figuring that it would be unwise to upset a resident of the home he himself was just a guest in and so he did not say a word, just waving goodbye when she left the room. Akeem took a breath and let out a quiet sigh, not really knowing what to expect when he was Guan again after their few months apart. He made his way back from where Delores had led him, finding the entrance hall and there stood Guan. Akeem was left speechless as he saw her in the beautiful gown and adorned with jewelry, "...I-uh, wow. Guan, you look incredible...Now I feel like I underdressed a bit." He spoke in reference to his simple attire of a dress shirt and pants slightly hidden under a flight jacket with the insignia on its shoulder. "I almost didn't recognize you for a moment though, you certainly look different than woman I met out in the desert but I'm pretty sure I'd know that platinum blonde hair and deep brown eyes anywhere." He said, not wanting her to feel like he thought there was any difference between the woman before him and the one he met that day several months ago. He took off his flight jacket and placed it on a rack beside the door before offering his arm to her, it actually having been some time since he had to remember the proper manners of a nobleman. "May I have the honor?"
Guan's body screamed to get out of her clothes, but she restrained her inner urges so that she could continue to look presentable, besides, it would appear that she received the response she wanted, so maybe it wasn't all bad. "You may." Guan spoke as she took his arm in hers, letting him guide her up the stairs before she whispered into his ear: "If you can't find your way to the dining hall, just let me direct. I can still make it look like you are leading." She said with a slight giggle. "Forgive my tardiness, the court demanded my attention for longer than expected. No rest for the wicked. I do hope that it hasn't been a miserable experience to be here yet, I asked Delores to do everything she could to make your visit as positive as she could possibly manage. With that said, how has she been as a host so far?" Guan said, her cheerfulness giving way to some suspicion.
"I waited months to see you again, Guan, having to wait a few more minutes was within my ability; Especially when it was worth the wait." He said with a warm smile as he got a closer look at the gown that she had dressed in. The beauty and nobility that she radiated made him feel as though he were courting a queen, however, he had no idea how she could feel comfortable in such attire. "As for Delores...she is certainly a bit more mischievous than she first lets on. I couldn't tell for certain but it seemed like she may not like me, she tried more than once to discourage me from seeing you and while at first, I thought it was just teasing, her second attempt made me feel as though she didn't like the idea of seeing me and you together..." Akeem said, not wanting to badmouth Guan's sister but given that Guan herself seemed suspicious of how Delores had treated him he couldn't help but wonder if there was some kind of rivaly between the two women. "I brushed it off though, as I said, I waited months for the chance to see you again, there was no way a few words would scare me off." He said with a slight chuckle in hopes of reassuring Guan that he planned to keep his promise and stick by her side.
Guan let out a sigh that was fueled by relief and frustration. "Don't let her get to you. If I were to guess, she has no ill intent against you, it's me she has a problem with. She's not trying to drive you away because of any dislikes on your behalf. She does it because she knows that would wound me. I... I guess that I am no better than her in reality. It's an endless back and forth of spite and jealousy." Guan admitted, feeling ashamed. "Still, I am glad to see you so dedicated to this." She said as she squeezed his arm a bit harder. She subtly led him through the halls until they reached the dining hall, a vast table set beneath an even greater chandelier, the lights dimmed so that the light from the chandelier's candles proved the main source of light in the room, allowing for a comfortable and cozy atmosphere. The mat which covered the floor detailed the rise of the Gloompond family, the walls adorned with inscriptions in the stone and grand paintings of the ladies who came before. "We'll sit at the edge over here, right across from each other. Akeem, if you don't mind me asking, what did Delores say to try and dissuade you?" Guan-yin asked as she let go of Akeem's arm and began to take her seat.
Akeem took his seat across from Guan, somewhat sad of having to let go and lose that physical closeness he'd felt as they moved through the castle arm in arm. "I don't think there is anything wrong with a bit of sibling rivalry, it happens. I fought with my brothers and sisters all the time when I was younger. As for what she said, first, she just told me the same things you did when he met. That if we were to have a relationship it would be full of difficult trials that we would have to work through. I already knew this of course so it didn't really affect me, however, the second thing she said did catch me a bit off guard. She said that I was in competition with other possible suitors and that they might just be more fitting to stand at your side than I. I personally didn't know what to make of her words, be it that there are other men with their eyes on you or that there is another in your life you are considering giving your heart to. It just seemed a bit of a cruel thing to tell your sister's guest when we haven't even had our first date yet." Akeem spoke with an uneven tone as if it were a bit harder to play off its effect on him than he'd originally thought it would to say out loud. "Not that I believe her though, especially not now that you've told me of your sibling rivalry. You don't seem like the type of woman who would accept a date when you had your heart set on someone else."
Guan smiled softly, yet her eyes were filled with sadness and fear. "To my knowledge, there are no other men with their eyes set on me, and the only one I have my eyes set on is the one in front of me." Guan spoke kindly, yet her tone wavering ever so slightly. "As for her second comment... There has been another man but... Forget it, you're just gonna think ill of me if I say it." Guan said as she braced her head in the palm of her hands, starting to feel her confident facade shaking, her emotions slowly getting the better of her. She mentally cursed Delores for putting her in this position.
"No, please, don't worry. You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to, it would be wrong of me to expect you to unload your entire life story on me during our first date. No matter what has been or was before we're here now, right? I'd much rather move forward than to spend all my life looking back, wouldn't you agree?" He said with a smile in an attempt to help reassure Guan that Delores' words had not bothered him, figuring that if it is something she feels the need to talk to him about she would once they became closer. "It's been a bit since we last talked, why don't you tell me how things have been since we last saw one another?" He asked, wanting to help move to a hopefully much brighter conversation topic.
Except it is part of me now and will continue to be... She thought to herself, making herself smile so that her sullen mood would not show. "Thanks, Akeem, your understanding is appreciated. I am sorry to say that my life has been rather uneventful. Beyond training with the men, attending some sermons and trying to convince the rest of the Queen's Court to abolish the slavery practice." Guan spoke, trying to speak with humor regarding some rather humorless topics. But then she thought of something. "Actually, there was something. I was overseeing my mother and father's wedding only a few weeks ago. You should have been there, I think you would have enjoyed it. The ceremony took place underneath the Vitae'dor and the after party was held in the Queen's castle in the Capitol. I know that the Calco may seem stuck up and haughty, but trust me when I say that they are all party animals."
"A wedding? That certainly does seem like a lot of fun. I'm sorry I missed it but finals had me cramming. Thanks to your help though I think I was able to create an impressive thesis, and luckily this year was my last so I won't have to worry about schooling for the time being unless I decide to go for a Doctoral but I think I'll take a break before I make that decision." He said with a warm chuckle, "I'm a bit surprised though, I would have thought your father was already married. I suppose there is no telling how long it might take someone to find the right person though, so congratulations to them." He spoke with a bit of celebratory cheer in his voice. "It seems like you've been busy, I'm glad you could find the time to settle down for an evening and that you chose to spend that moment of reprieve with me. I can only imagine how hard it must be to fight to change a tradition that has been going on in this country before even our great grandfathers were born."
"Well, he and mother had already found each other long before this wedding took place, it was just not until now that they were permitted to have an official ceremony to cement their marriage by Vroldafn's law, my mother is a human after all. You might know of her, seeing how you've been aware of many other members of my family so far. Yu Gloompond, or Shimamura as she went by previously. I don't think that father has ever looked as happy as he did at that moment they pledged their vows." Guan spoke with a hearty smile. "And as for the slavery, indeed, traditions are a difficult nut to crack, but this is an unacceptable practice, one which I hope to bust open sooner rather than later. It will take time, but I have my hopes." As she said this, the door which connected the dining hall to the kitchen swung open as the servants came in with the first course of the meal. Two of them carried a plate each of scallops with mango vinaigrette, bedded on top of a variety of different beans and vegetables, and from the third one arrived a much bigger plate which was placed between Guan and Akeem, filled with little luminous mushroom tartlets, hand plucked from the Banshee Caverns, a detail she was sure that Akeem would pick up on. With a gracious nod of gratitude, the three human servants took their leave back into the kitchen. "Doctoral, then? You are considering a higher education? Still botany as the main subject?" She asked as she picked one of the many tartlets and began to indulge herself, careful not to overeat herself, lest the dress start to grow tighter than it already was.
"Yes, when I start something I normally like to see it through until the end. So if I'm going to go to university I may as well explore all it has to offer me. Besides, the difference between a masters and a doctors is a lot more than some might think." He spoke before picking up one a glass in front of him, smelling the purple liquid inside, discovering it to be wine. "I hope you achieve in your goal as well. Slavery in this country may be a tradition but as they say, tradition is meant to be the preservation of fire and not the worship of ashes. Everyone says they love it when things stay the same but if that were true then there would be no such thing as progress. Everything we gain in life comes from sweeping away the ashes of our failures to make room for new burning passions." Akeem said, letting his own passionate feelings seep in a bit as he spoke despite not meaning to. "Anyway, forgive me but while the name sounds familiar I don't know Yu personally, however, I am glad your father has found his better half." He raised his glass slightly, "I know he isn't here at the moment but that's no reason not to toast to a new union so may we toast to your parents' marriage?"
Guan nodded as she raised her own glass in unison with him. "To them! And to a love that will last forever." She spoke and allowed her glass to gently meet his after which they both took a sip of their beverage. "You are as poetic as ever. Except I believe that if our nation is to have a future, the fire has to be quenched, or rather the inferno we have made out of it and sweep the ashes away. Slavery has brought our people nowhere, it is just a mild convenience at this point, if even that. We are despised by our fellow nations, we are looked down upon by man and our trade and political arrangements are weaker than ever with a steady decline. We should never forget our trespasses, for the world will not. I just hope that I can save my home before the stubbornness of my fellow nobles would bring it to ruin, but for that to happen, I must make them see the value of human life, to see the use that the people of the world could bring into Calco culture beyond free labor." She spoke confidently. She then gently shook her head. "But enough about that, I think we should spend our first date with more pleasant talk, and not indulge in more sensitive and grimmer topics. So with that said, if I may ask, what made you wait for me? Was it simply because of a promise? I can imagine that there would be many other options back home which would prove easier to court."
Akeem smiled softly, his eyes looking downward but it was not his plate he was staring at but instead he was in deep thought, raising his head to meet Guan's eyes again, he spoke. "As I said, I've spent the great majority of my life working on my studies. Ever since I was young it was my main focus and there were few distractions for me. I won't lie, there were girls in the past that had caught my interest and even some I thought I had fallen in love with but none of them worked out. I was either too busy with college or they were different than I thought they were. I mean, it happens, teenagers are supposed to be like that and its supposed to give us life experience to some degree." He went quiet for a moment as if to reorganize his thoughts before speaking up again, "The woman I met in the desert just a few months ago was interesting, from her appearance to what she said to how much she knew and yet she was a mystery to me. The more I spoke with that woman the more my interest grew, she was far more than a pretty face and it felt nice to be in her company. I felt a connection, and I thought that maybe she felt it too. I was happy when she said she would give me a chance and excited at the idea of learning more about her. I guess you could say I waited because of that connection I felt, that feeling came before I said anything about promises or even told her I was interested."
"It may sound superstitious but I believe in things such as fate, destiny, and luck. While I know they aren't so strong that you can reach that destiny without hard work and dedication I know you will reach those goals so long as you follow your own dreams. I probably never would have met you had I not spent all those years studying and going to college and so I don't feel like such a strange meeting is something I could call coincidence. So I want to see this through and confirm if the connection I felt to you was truly that of the red string of fate." Akeem spoke smoothly as he explained his thoughts to Guan before realizing how much he had rambled on. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to ramble like that. I probably should have shortened my explanation," he said with a nervous chuckle before sipping his wine again. "So, what about you? Your story is likely much weirder than my own, why would such a beautiful and intelligent noble military woman allow a strange, foreign young man she found alone in the desert to strike her fancy?" He spoke teasingly with a bit of a smirk on his face.
Guan allowed a hesitant smile to spread. Should she... If we are to have any future, then honesty will be key. She thought to herself. She gulped down the last of her tartlet before she spoke up. "I suppose that you could say that there are three key factors that affected my decision. The first was, as I think I have spoken well and enough about, is that adorable passion of yours. Such a 'simple' topic to dedicate oneself to, and yet you find such youthful and innocent joy from it. I suppose that you could say that I adore it even. Any innocence has been long since drained from me, I feel. Second of all, and I beg of you to not take this the wrong way... I'm growing desperate. Not in the sense that I'll accept any man who would begin to try and court me, what little there are, but in the sense that I am growing lonely. I have so few to share my ambitions and passions with, even fewer who can claim to truly understand me. This loneliness is maddening, and when I met you, I felt something I haven't felt from another person in ages. I felt... I am not certain on how to describe it. The best I can think of is that I felt genuine attraction to you, an attraction I haven't felt since... Well, one I hadn't felt for a very long time, and I wanted to hold out hope for that affection, and hope that it would be reciprocated. I didn't want to give up on that opportunity. Calco say that in the rare occasion that you feel a connection as such, it must be pursued, for no other being will ever be able to connect with you and please you as that one can, and therefore, as an inofficial Calco, I couldn't ignore those signs. I may not be the most faithful servant of the gods, nor am I too keen on fate, but this is the one time I may tolerate such idea. Lastly... I need to move on. I can't be stuck in a perpetual state of longing for someone I can't have. By this and more, I decided to take my chances, and hope for a life with that young and silly man in the desert."
Akeem felt his chest tighten as Guan spoke of things such as loneliness, a great deal of sadness welling in him to learn just how fragile the outwardly strong and stable woman was deep down inside. "Despite being only a few years older than me you talk as though we are decades apart," he spoke with a warm chuckle to hopefully lighten the mood just a bit. "I don't think that is a bad thing though, you seem to possess the wisdom of a great sage and at the very same time you maintain the body of a Goddess," He continued with his signature smile as he swirled the wine in his glass. "I wasn't aware of that bit of trivia in Calco culture, I'd be lying if I said that didn't make me feel special. I'm glad I'm not the only one who can feel that connection and know of what meaning it might hold enough to pursue it. If our feelings hold true and we are meant for one another I certainly hope that I can earn my place at your side and the ability to banish the feelings of cold and loneliness from your heart." He spoke before following in her footsteps and finishing his glass of wine. He had purposely avoided continuing onward to talk about Guan's final point. He did not know who it was she felt so strongly for as to feel the need to move on from. Whether this be a man out of her reach or a former lover he did not want to know. However, despite his trust in Guan's judgment and in herself he couldn't help but feel the creeping sensation that he may very well be nothing more than a fallback guy for Guan to quell her loneliness until someone better comes along.
He quickly pushed away such negative thoughts, feeling guilty for doubting Guan when she'd gone through so much trouble to make him feel welcome into her home and her heart. "The food is delicious and the wine is wonderful. I can tell you have a very accomplished group of servants in your home. I know this couldn't have been easy to prepare so I want you to know that I really appreciate all of this, there are few places I've ever felt so welcome."
Guan took notice of how he never addressed her last point, to which she could understand why. It could not be easy for him to hear that there was someone else which she also desired. She never showed this outwards, however, but rather appeared gleeful and joyous. "I am glad that you are enjoying our hospitalities. I wished for this to go as smoothly as we could muster it, hoping to make a good impression. It was indeed a grand effort to accomplish all of this but..." Guan reached her hand forward, reaching out towards Akeem, placing her hand above his. "I think that you are more than worth it."
Akeem felt the soft warmth of her hand above his own, the lingering touch of her unexpectedly soft and gentle hands brought a much warmer feeling to the young man's heart and a slight blush to his face. "I-I...Thank you, you flatter me." He spoke we a slight stutter, little different from their exchange in the caverns. For some unknown reason Guan had the ability to do this to the poor boy, to make his heart beat like a drum and his words catch in his throat with little more than a hand on his own or a smile on her face. He swallowed hard, clearing his throat, "T-That being said," He spoke with a stutter before catching hold of his confidence. "I don't think you should be trying so hard. The Guan-Yin I met only a few short months ago left more than enough of a lasting good impression on me. Whether we're feasting like royalty or eating bread together in a dark cavern, so long as you are there then I can be sure I am in good company." He spoke, turning his hand over to gently grasp her own before leaning forward and placing a brief kiss to the back of her hand.
Their dinner continued with more talk and flirting in between the bits of delicious food until their stomachs were full and the two were ready to move on from the dining room. Guan offered Akeen a short tour of her home, the large palace surely containing some interesting things. He agreed, not wanting to part ways with Guan just yet or to cut any plans she might have for their evening short.
The two of them traversed the palace grounds, Guan making short explanations of several of the decorations and rooms, many of which had much added flair to it as to not make it boring, all while also talking about more important matters, such as what Akeem thought of his second visit to Minstrel, what he does now in between times of study, how beautiful the garden is, how lovely the weather was today, and cracking some jokes. After the little tour, Guan and Akeem arrived before a grand double-door, ornate with golden inscriptions and pointlessly advanced patterns. "This is our last stop. This is the Gloompond treasury." She spoke as she swung open the doors to reveal a room containing armors, weapons, dresses, and jewelry of all manners of origins and looks. "Unlike the typical means of the word, our treasury holds our family's most valued objects throughout our history. We tend to put more value on history than riches." She spoke with a smile, one that quickly faltered. She knew that time was running short and that they would soon depart, and there was something she wanted to address before that happened. "Akeem... There is something I would like to talk to you about. Or, like might be a too strong word. More like I feel it needs to be talked about." She turned a bit on her heel and took Akeem's hands in her own. "Akeem, you have made me feel things I didn't know I could feel, and your infectious smile has made me grin more than I have in years. For this and more, you should know that I have come to care for you a great deal. Your calls always made my days brighter, and your jokes lift the spirit. And because of this, I want you to be aware of the big picture. It isn't pleasant. I'd even call it a potential game-changer. The one I'm trying to move away from is-" Guan's gaze then shifted from Akeem to something over his shoulder. "Father?"
Guan swiftly lets go of Akeem and began to position herself in such a fashion as to appear appropriate. The over two meter tall, tanned and scaled man offered a comforting smile in her direction, a smile she seemed to miss. He then turned his attention towards Akeem, and his eyes seemed to darken ever so slightly. "Sir Baqir. Guan-yin, daughter of mine, if I may, I would privately invite Mr. Baqir to my study. I hope I won't be interrupting too much?" Guang spoke calmly, with a soft tone of sadness and love in his voice. Guan turned back to Akeem, giving him an uncertain look that yelled; What do you want to do?
Akeem felt a growing sadness well within him as she released his hands from her own as though it was the warmth they provided that kept her words from weighing on his heart enough to sink the fragile ship. The sudden appearance of Guang did not have a strong effect on him at first, the sudden shock and disappointment of being left in ignorance of what Guan had to say to him. However, he eventually noticed the man and took his place beside Guan before giving a slight bow. "I hope I am not intruding, Guan was just giving me a tour of the palace. I sincerely hope we did not disturb you." He spoke as though each word caught in his throat, the stomach-churning feeling persisting as he tried to move on with speaking to Guang in spite of his worry of what it was Guan had to say. When being invited to speak privately with Guang, Akeem's eyes moved to glance at his partner beside him, reading the look in her eyes which told him to make his own decision. As a guest in Guang's home he had not right to refuse the invitation to speak with the man and in nearly any other situation it is likely that Akeem would look forward to talking to Guang as he was the father of the woman he intended to court and would need his approval to do so to any degree. "Please do not worry, Guan was just about to tell me about a few of the items in this room. I would be honored to finally speak privately to the man I have heard so many great things about." He spoke with a noticeably shaky voice, moving forward to leave Guan-Yin's side and join Guang, looking over his shoulder in hopes of shooting her a reassuring gaze, though, he had no way of telling if the look on his face was anything close to reassuring.
Leaving Guan-yin in the treasury, he followed Guang down the hall, feeling a somewhat overwhelming presence of the man as though he stood several feet taller than himself despite only being about five inches so. When the two entered his study, the door closed behind him with a quiet click that made the poor boy's heart jump up into his throat as if seeking to force its way out of his mouth. "I hope my presence in your home isn't a bother, I hadn't expected such an extravagant welcome. And I swear I wasn't trying anything with your daughter, I would never be so disrespectful as to do so under your roof...or anywhere...I mean, I like Guan, I do, It's just that it's only our first date and I...I'm going to stop talking. Please forgive my rudeness." He finished his ramblings with a face as red as the fireplace that bathed the room in light.
Guang turned to face Akeem, and his features weren't anywhere close to how he appeared in the treasury. His grim gaze was gone and in its place, a cheerful exterior. "Relax, my boy. Besides, if you had tried anything, I would have known and I wouldn't try to be so civil." he spoke in a joking manner as he pulled up a chair and propped it up opposite of his own desk and chair. Guang took a seat behind the desk and leaned forward, resting his chin on his hands as he eyed Akeem from head to toe. "Please boy, take a seat. I have no intention of blowing a gasket over absolutely nothing. Guan has told me plenty about you, and I just desired to get to know the man myself, you'll allow me." He spoke, waving a hand towards the seat in front of him. "I'd offer tea, but I think you've drunk and eaten plenty already, and I don't want to occupy too much time from you and Guan. I would just like to know a couple of things about you, so you can give me the abridged version of your character, and then I'll ask a couple of questions and you may be on your merry way to your dear."
"Yes, Sir," the boy nodded before taking his seat across from the man, his cheery appearance did little to quell Akeem's nervous feelings as this was the first time he was in such a situation of meeting the father of someone he cared for and the fact that Guang seemed to have quite the high status in the political world only made the encounter all the more nerve-racking. "I...I'm Akeem Baqir...as you already know..." He spoke, not feeling as though he was getting off to a good start. "I'm the eldest son of a noble family hailing from Northern Ishtar but over the past few years I've been studying at the University of Unianim in Hylion, I recently graduated with a masters in Botany. I know it isn't an interesting hobby but I've been interested in the study of plants for some time, even during my childhood, going so far as to learn wood magic to help me further my knowledge of the subject. I have an apartment in Unianim but my main home is a small log cabin in the town of Galdrabok just south of the capital where I live alone..." He continued, trying to give a rundown of everything he felt Guang might want to know about him. "I like to help others...I like to use my plants to make life for people easier, creating new medicines or growing foods that can exist in rough climates. I want to use my knowledge and my magic to help people and to...while I know it might sound over dramatic or a little cheesy, I really mean it when I say I want to use my abilities, my knowledge, to make the world a better place for everyone. When I was younger, my grandfather used to tell me that I was meant for great things, things greater than anything I could do at home or taking over the family business. I followed my heart and my dreams because I think that if my grandfather was telling the truth, whatever great things I am meant for will be at the end of that road." He said, his voice becoming more confident with each word, no longer fumbling to speak as though he had completely forgotten Guang was there and was simply reminding himself why he worked so hard to make it where he was today. His eyes looked up to meet Guang's "I'm sorry, I hadn't meant to ramble."
A hearty chuckle escaped Guang's lips. "My, Guan didn't exaggerate, you are a bit of a rambler. Though I'll admit that it is every bit as charming as she said, your explanation leaves little for me to ask." He spoke with a smile. "You've told me plenty about yourself, so how about your family? If I understood it right from Guan, then your family are of noble blood, deeply rooted in trade, is that correct? What kind of position does your family have in Ishtar? Are you of a high or low standing on the political totem pole?"
Akeem cleared his throat, "That is correct. My family has held a high position in Ishtar for several generations. My family owned many of the ports and routes that are were for trade between the different countries of Ashvattha long ago where we gained our wealth before we were given a position of nobility by the great-grandfather of our current Queen." He spoke, trying to figure out exactly how much to tell Guang. "I do admit our family took a hit during the short war that occurred six years ago between Hylion and my country but with our new queen we are recovering faster than I thought we would and our position political position has been restored. If I had to tell you our exact position on the political totem pole I would say my father holds a position similar to an Earl. Since Ishtar is such a large country the monarch cannot rule it all on his own, placing his trust in several people to control the different territories the country is divided into. My father is in control of many of the port towns, requiring him to travel a lot to keep things in order. He answers directly to the king so I would say our family's position is quite high." Akeem did his best to explain, admittedly never having learned much about his own position.
Guang simply nodded in affirmation. "So not only a noble but one of greater importance. I am glad to hear this, lad. Make no mistake, while I would have supported Guan all the way even if she had picked herself a common beggar, to know your heritage will help to stifle some of the inevitable protests. With my beloved daughter's high ranks there will be those who'd rather see her in the arms of a 'proper' Calco man." Guang said as he picked up a piece of paper and scribbled something on it. "Before I let you go there are two things I'd like to bring up. First off, is if there is anything you'd like to know? Whether it would be what to expect or how to handle yourself in our lands? I don't know what Guan has said but that emblem on your chest will not protect you from everyone, especially not the tricky ones." he spoke with a hint of grave seriousness though also a hint of comfort as to not frighten the poor boy too much. "What's more, I would like to offer you, on behalf of the Gloompond family, my sincerest apologies."
The young man had plenty of questions, so many that he might be able to take up the rest of the day with all of them but he knew he shouldn't keep Guang for too long and he knew Guan was waiting for him. "Thank you, Sir... I mean Guang, for your warning and for your hospitality. I will be sure to watch my back. I understand fully that what keeps some trouble away tends to attract a completely different kind of it. As for questions, I think most of what I wish to ask will be better learned through experiencing this country for myself and the rest can be answered by Guan-yin when she is ready. I do feel the need to ask why it is you are offering me an apology? I haven't experienced a single rudeness during my time here and I completely understand why you might want to talk to me if I'm pursuing a relationship with your daughter." Akeem asked, finding the apology odd to say the least.
Guang allowed himself to chuckle. "Maybe it wasn't as insulting as they made it out to be then. I heard of that my daughter, Delores, might have made you uncomfortable, or at the very least given the wrong impression of my family and daughter. Delores can prove a bit difficult from time to time. Apparently, she spoke less than pleasant words towards the end. If you will allow me, I would like to know exactly what it was she said. If not for anything else, to make sure how severely I have to correct her behavior..." Guang spoke as she mumbled that last sentence.
"Ah...Yes, once Guan told me of their sibling rivalry I tried not to think much of it. I'm sure you have a lot to deal with so I didn't think you'd find a few teasing words something worthy of an official apology. Delores just said that Guan might have other suitors more worthy of her. Guan is certainly a beautiful and intelligent woman so the actual thought that there might be others that wished for her heart wasn't a surprise but I guess hearing it said out loud made me feel a bit insecure. I don't think she really meant anything by it though and I really don't blame her. I'm a foreigner from a land that is not exactly seen in the best light since the war in a country already not known for accepting outsiders, trying to start a relationship with a high ranking military official who happens to be her sister. I can understand not taking kindly to me, " Akeem spoke with a wave of his hand, not wanting Guang to worry himself over some harmless teasing.
"Other suitors?" Guang asked in confusion. "Guan has no one else, at the very least no one which she has shared with me, which would be a bit out of character for her..." Guang spoke, a feeling of concern growing in his chest. "Trust me in this, my boy, whatever she said, it was not out of worry, spite or concern regarding you. I'll have a talk with Delores and Guan alike once this is all over." Guang said as a smile spread upon his features once more. "Thank you for your time, lad. If there are any questions or concerns, you now know where to find me. I'll allow you to return to Guan now, please, do enjoy the rest of your stay." he said as he gestured towards the door as an additional way to say that he was now free.
"I see, that certainly settles my heart a bit," Akeem answered, standing up and taking a slight bow. "Thank you, Sir, It has been an honor meeting you and I hope that this will not be the last time." He walked out the door, leaving Guang in the room. Out in the hall, Akeem felt like a heavy weight had been lifted from his shoulders. While Guang did seem to be a good guy, the young man couldn't help but feel nervous meeting not only the father of the woman he was interested in but a high ranking noble he knew nothing about. He took a deep breath once he was around the corner away from the door, exhaling quietly before he returned to where he had left Guan. "I hope I didn't make you wait too long," an awkward chuckle escaping his lips as he knew it was rude to keep a lady waiting but also that he hadn't had much choice in the matter this time around. He didn't bring up her cut off words from earlier, wanting to cling strongly to Guang's insistence that he didn't know of anyone else Guan might be interested in and he wasn't quite ready to possibly be pulled down from that vine. "I know I said it before but you really do look lovely, though, I can't say I think you look comfortable in them." He tried for a light conversation starter.
Guan positively beamed when Akeem returned to the room. She walked over to his side and gave him a small peck on the cheek. "Not at all, I have been most patient, and diligently waiting to hear how your meeting with father went." She spoke as she wrapped her arm around his, holding him tightly close to her as she showed him the way out of the treasury and towards a different location, one which they haven't visited yet. Up the stairs they went until they reached a long corridor, and along the walls there were doors with various colors due to the differing choice of wood for them and with plaques put on them, carved with symbols and signs unrecognizable for Akeem. She stood before a bright red door as she turned around to Akeem with a sly look on her face. "I do indeed hope that my choice of attire pleases you. However uncomfortable it might be, it is all worth it for your sake. But if you want to relieve me of my pain..." She spoke as she took his hand in her before guiding it to the string which held her dress together at her back. "You are free to do so as well." She spoke, her mischevious grin never leaving her features.
Akeem was taken aback by the colors and symbols lining the long corridor as Guan lead him deeper into the castle but had little chance to admire them as they quickly walked past to the end where a large red door stood before the both of them. Before he had time to ask where it was they were, Guan spoke and as she did he tried to come up with a response but all of that went out the window when he felt her guide his hand to the string that held her dress together. His sun-kissed skin became blushed like a tomato, he wondered if he misheard her or something of the like but the mischievous grin on her face seemed to tell him otherwise. "I...I don't...I mean, I want you to be comfortable, I do..." He spoke, still not used to being teased and certainly not used to such a gorgeous woman being interested in him. Regardless of his nervous talk, his hand seemed to unconsciously pull the string his hand had been guided to. He had promised Guang he had no impure intentions with his daughter and yet his mind had begun to wander off into less than pure places. "I'm sorry, my hand moved on its own. I don't want you to think I've got a dirty mind or anything but I can't stop blushing like an idiot." He used his free hand to try to cover his growing blush.
"You're so easy, dear." She spoke with a slight giggle. With the string pulled her knot began to come apart ever so slightly. She took a deep breath and then exhaled as her clothes eased up around her frame. "Thank you, Akeem. Trust me, I know you meant no ill intent, you're just being a man. Come now, there is one last thing I want to show you before we must part ways." She said as she opened up the door from behind and led Akeem inside. The room was bright red along the walls, adorned by a variety of medals and material objects to describe her martial and military prowess. Her bed was a queen size with a pink veil shrouding it from the outside world and at the window, there was a desk with a variety of papers and stacks together with some decorative flair of animal figures which would be considered exotic to a citizen of Vroldafn, such as Horses, turtles, eagles and various other animals. "I hope you don't mind, but I need to get re-dressed. I have an important meeting soon which must be addressed, and I can't go and meet him in a ball dress." She spoke as she held her dress in her grip around her waist, waiting for his approval to switch attire.
Akeem was helplessly embarrassed by Guan's teasing but even so, he let out an internal sigh of relief, not knowing if his heart could have handled actually seeing anything. When they entered the room, he couldn't help but look around, the blush on his face slowly clearing away as he found many strange and important looking objects. He knew Guan was important to Vroldafn but even so he had never expected to see so many medals and objects. He knew little of Guan's culture and of her people and while he of course intended to change this he felt bad for not understand the things that must have so much meaning to Guan. He turns his attention back to her when she begins to speak and he quickly nods, understanding her and turning to face the other way. "Yes, of course, I promise not to look." He said as he concentrated heavily on the wall in front of him, trying to think of the woman only a few feet behind him. "So, this meeting. May I ask what it is about? Only if you can tell me, course, I'd rather not find myself in an 'if I tell you I'll have to kill you' kind of situation." He chuckled nervously, bouncing slightly on his heels at the sound of moving cloth and zippers as he maintained his full attention on the wall in front of him.
Guan-yin chuckled to herself. "No, nothing that severe, though I will admit that I can't share all the details. An 'escaped' member of our society has returned to our soil, and this half-bred 'mutt' has requested an audience with me. I am not entirely sure what to expect from this. His message was cryptic at best, and the best that I could gather was two things." As she said this she was finally done with her change. A royal-red jacket, embroidered in golden cloth, pristine white gloves and black fur across the edge of her red cape, adroned with various symbols of her accomplishments, the attire from her days as Unit Commander. "You may turn around now." She spoke as she sat down on her bed. "For one, he believes that this meeting is crucial for us both. He might acquire something he needs and depending on my answer, it could shift the course of my... of how my house will tread forward from there on out. Secondly, he said something along the lines of that things could turn ill for my nation if my answer is 'incorrect'... I will admit that I am a bit scared, Akeem."
"I see...I can certainly understand why you might find the situation somewhat intimidating. But from what I can tell you don't really know what this person wants right now, so there is a chance he's just bluffing to make this meeting happen at all. From what you said the guy sounded like some kind of criminal, I doubt he can really have anything he can hold against you or your family. But if this person is as bad as I'm getting out of this why did you accept meeting them in the first place? I mean, I know you're a busy person so you must think this is important for you to have found time for it." Akeem turned to face Guan, the young man deep in thought as he wondered what somewhat like that could once. "Maybe he wants some kind of pardon? If he did something bad and is on the run, getting a right ranking military official like yourself to back him when he begs for a pardon. Just try to be careful, alright? I know you're strong and all but I can't help but worry that the girl I like is meeting with someone so dangerous."
"Your concern is touching, Akeem. I am not scared that he can cause me or my family harm. I think he means that what I say can influence the course of the rest of my nation. My answer could very well shift the political structure of Vroldafn..." Guan spoke as she shuffled over and patted the spot next to her, inviting him to sit down with her. "I don't think that he is likely to come for the sake of a pardon. It would seem that he was born outside our borders, born from an 'unholy' union between a Calco and Human. If he wants to come back, no one can stop him. So I'm guessing that such is not his purpose for asking this audience of me." She sighed.
"That is a pretty heavy burden to bear on your shoulders," he sat closely next to her. He knew in any other situation the sight of someone like Guan, adorned in the honor and glory of her military attire, would likely intimidate the young man who has done his best to avoid drawing attention to himself but while Guan indeed radiated an aura that demanded respect that no one could ignore he knew she was only human and that she too had worries and stress that weighed on her. He moved his hand over to lightly fall on top of her own. "I don't know how much my opinion means, or if I even have a right to say it but no matter what happens I'll support you. You're someone dear to me and while I still have a lot to learn I trust you and the choices you make. I'm sure there are plenty of people who trust you just as deeply, people who know you far better than I. Just, whatever choice you make, make sure not to doubt yourself." The often shy boy did his best to act like a man and comfort Guan, leaning over to press a chaste kiss to her cheek in a display of daring affection, "A kiss for good luck".
Guan felt his lips against her cheek and she felt herself swelling with confidence. "Thank you, Akeem. Are you sure that you have not had any proper relationships before? You're pretty good at this when you want to be." She spoke with a smile. "I thank you for your vote of confidence all the same. It makes me feel like I can handle this with bravado... I am so sorry to say this, but I think our time is running to an end today. My meeting is gonna happen very soon and I can't keep the man waiting. Are you staying in Vroldafn any longer or are you heading home right away? Either way, my family can grant you a place to stay or offer proper escort out if you want it."
"You really think so?" He spoke with an embarrassed chuckle as she questioned just how green he was when it came to relationships. "Yeah, I'm staying in a hotel not too far from here. It isn't anything fancy but it works. Besides, I wouldn't want to intrude on your hospitalities for too long and I think if I'm ever going to be worthy of you I'll need to learn to survive here on my own." Akeem explained, squeezing Guan's hand a bit harder before letting go and standing up. "I could use that escort, though, I have a feeling I could get lost in a place like this." He said with a slight chuckle before clearing his throat, knowing Guan was still worried about the meeting despite her words. "If you need to talk about it afterward, just call me. No matter what time it is, I promise I'll pick up." He said, acting casual as to not continue adding to Guan's stress.
"Thank you, I may just need to unwind some time after that. You know where my father's study is, just go ask him for help with the escort. If he seems reluctant, which I doubt, tell him that it is by my request." She spoke as she took a look at the watch on the wall. She took his head between her two hands and pressed a short kiss upon his lips. "I'm sorry, but I'll have to go now." She said when she reached down one of her pockets and unearthed a small, pristine, white stone with blue carvings. Crushing it in the palm of her hand, a gateway opened up behind her. "Goodbye, Akeem. I look forward to our next time." She said and stepped through the portal. In the short span of taking a single step, she was now within the walls of the Golden Keep, the main castle and seat of the crown in Vroldafn. Plenty of aides, servants and guardsmen stood at the ready to be of service. Waving them off she took the side entrance to the throne room and placed herself upon her smooth throne of chiseled sandstone. "Bring him in." She commanded. The doors swung open, revealing the man of interest for the day, a Half-Bred Calco man with purpose in his every step forward. "Welcome, Lord of Cinders."