A Family Endeavour

Yu Gloompond stood at the gates of the Grand Citadel. In ordinary cases you would require a royal summon for even the most admirable citizens to gain the right to pass the gates. But Yu was aware of the position she was in, in which her daughter as in. Akeem had been all that had been on Guan-yin's lips ever since they met, which brought her great joy, considering what it might mean for the future. Yu was of the most favored of the Houses of Vroldafn, and by being such, she stood in possession of a multitude of privileges. Like taking foreigners under her wing to enter the keep. Her pink, curled, shoulder hair billowed in the soft breeze, her lush lips painted a softer pink than her curls, and with soft eyes, she scoured the near area for Akeem to show up.
Yu desired her daughter's happiness above all, and as such, she feared that the woman might be taking a bit more time than she ought to with some of the steps. Well, now she felt was the time to remedy this. Guan-yin was currently occupied with her military training with the aspirants for her host, as she made it a habit to supervise every single one of them on the field and barracks. There were times when Yu found herself worried for her daughter's safety, but she knew better than most of what she could do. And soon, so would Akeem.
Akeem approached the citadel, mind racing with what the intentions of Guan-yin's mother could possibly be in asking to meet with him today. Though he had briefly met her before he didn't know nearly enough about the woman to figure out what it could be she had in store for him. He wondered if she would be the quiet somewhat mysterious type her Guan himself was or if she would tease and harass him like Delores. Not even sure which he would prefer given Mr.Gloompond had been far kinder but Delores had at least been very straight forward. Either way, he hoped Guan-yin would be there to help him alleviate some of the awkward tension he was sure to feel. His thoughts were interrupted by the feeling of eyes on him, something that while now had become rare was still something that happened often enough for him to notice. He had become a familiar face in this city for better or worse but even so he knew he was still an outsider to these people and in most ways wasn't welcome. So as Guan had warned him during their first encounter, he remained cautious and vigilant despite his growing fondness for the country and its occupants.
He reached the gates to the Citadel soon enough, spotting the hard to miss Mrs. Gloompond awaiting his arrival and picked up his pace as to not keep her waiting. He greeted her with a slight bow. "I'm sorry if I'd kept you waiting, thanks for meeting with me today." He said in a friendly but respectful tone. Lifting his head, he looked at the taller woman with unconcealable curiosity in his eyes, "I admit your invitation came as a bit of a surprise. I also expected Guan-yin to be here as well."
"Not that you aren't company enough or anything." He added, feeling stupid for doing so.
Yu giggled softly. "No need to be so cautious with me, Mr Baqir. I understand that I am not as pleasing to be greeted by without your girlfriend in tow." She teased him. "I hope to remedy that within short, however." She spoke as she with a wave of her hand signaled for the guardsmen to open the gateway. She motioned for Akeem to follow her as they made their way towards the barracks, little to his knowledge. They ventured through the winding halls and corridors, passing paintings of councils of the past, and heroes throughout the ages. All the while, Yu attempted to strike up a smaller conversation before they arrived. "I think Guan-yin, will be most pleased to see you again, Akeem. Sometimes it feels like her every breath carries your name with it. Guang and I barely get a word in on other matters anymore." she spoke with a smile which reflected in her eyes. "Tell me, Akeem, and feel no shame in answering in earnest, are your feelings similarly reflected?" Yu spoke, her smile never fading, for she had a feeling that she already knew.
Akeem followed her through many winding and confusing halls as if he were being led into a deep maze. His eyes scanned the paintings as he passed them, not having the slightest idea who they were but given their presence in such an important looking place he had little doubt they too were or at least had been equally important. He felt a bit of pride and equal amounts of embarrassment as Yu spoke of how tirelessly Guan spoke of him even if he hadn't the slightest idea what she could be talking about so breathlessly. At Yu's question, Akeem straightened up, not even noticing he had been slouching as if trying to make himself even smaller in the already occupied hall of giants. "I do, I care about her a lot." He said without hesitation, "I just worry...she's so strong and respectable, and every one of you I've spoken to including Guan herself has talked about the hardships our relationship will have to endure. I admit it scares me a bit. I just worry I may not be good enough..." He spoke the truth to the bitter end, already beginning to wonder if he should have just said yes and been through with it.
Yu seemed more than content with the answer to the question. "'Not good enough', 'Not deserving', all those things are unimportant before how we feel towards those we love. I understand the worry and perhaps even fear for the future, but it should not cloud your feelings. Wanna know something interesting?" She asked loudly, yet she did not even wait for the answer before she continued. "Guang, my love and husband, used to be my master. And not as in teacher, as you might imagine." She spoke with a chuckle, letting that information sink in. "When we discovered our feelings for eachother, we already knew that we would have a difficult time ahead of us. He desired to wed a human, but not any human, a slave of all things."
Akeem let her words sink in, happy that she supported both Guan and his relationship and while her words did indeed give him a bit more confidence in his own self worth they also dredged up the cruel reality of the world they lived in. One where one's freedom was as frail and fleeting as life itself and could be ended in an instant just the same. He couldn't help but shudder at the thought but pushed it aside, knowing he didn't have the time or room in his own mind at the moment to worry about more than whatever he and Guan would have to face next. "Thank you, your words help put my heart at ease. I promised Guan that I would give it my all, and even though I still don't know what exactly I'm up against your story makes me feel like the odds don't matter as much as people make them out to." He said with a chuckle.
"Good lad. Don't let these so-called odds stand in the way of you two. She is happy to have you, and if you feel the same, that is all that should matter." She said when she began to hear the subtle sounds of distant grunts and cries of frustration. A thought then occurred to Mrs. Gloompond, a thought of how previous relations had come to a halt after similar occurrences. Least she could do was try to prepare him at least a bit for what was about to be seen. "I don't mean to belittle or anything now Akeem, and forgive me if I do come across as such, but do you feel secure in your masculinity?" She asked him as they steadily approached, the sounds growing louder and louder by every step.
Akeem wasn't prepared for the question, not even sure what she was asking. He tried to think on his feet, the question processing in his head as he began to hear odd sounds in the distance. "I would like to think so?" He answered, but quickly realized his tone was far more of a question than it could ever be an answer. "I mean, I don't feel insecure about being a guy if that's what you mean...or well, I know I'm not as tough as some other guys but I'd like to think I have other qualities that make up for that..." He tried to correct himself only to come off as totally insecure and wanting to pull out his own hair for acting like an idiot. "Can I ask why you're asking me this?"
"Oh, nothing. I just hear that it is not uncommon among other men to feel insecure if their woman is a bit more physically superior." She spoke simply, as if it was the most natural thing in the world to say. The sounds had reached their peak, the grunts and rage-filled cries reaching a peak as they stood before a simple wooden door. "The nobles often come here to this balcony to get a view of the newest soldiers for the Unit Commander's host. Not too high as to make them think they would usurp the queens authority, but also not so low as to 'meddle' themselves with such brutish behaviors." Yu spoke as she laid hands on the doorknobs. "Ready or not, Akeem, you are about to see a brand new side to your lady." She said as she softly pulled the doors open, as to not make any grand entrance. She stepped onto the balcony, looking over the field for her target.
A radiant sun that scorched the land hung high in the sky as the men and women of the compound trained, dressed in little more than shorts and sportsbras for the women. Boorish growls and cries of frustration as an opponent were thrown roughly to the ground. Below them came the lashing sound of a whip, the holder of said whip being obscured from view. With just one snap, the pace increased amongst the ranks. Women and men gathered on the same ground, unheard of otherwise, and training in both sword and shield, spear and bow, fists and kicks. In the midst of the trainees stood a pair in a wrestling match. A Calco Woman of unusual size and a calco man. They had been throwing blows at eachother for the last 45 minutes now, and the frustration was swelling in them both. However, with that last grapple from the man which plummeted her into the sand, things were boiling over. The woman rose back up and began screaming at the man. "Who do you think you are?!" She shouted. "You should really learn how to respect your betters!" She yelled while poking him in the chest. He was about to raise a hand to her when another strong lash came that halted everyone in their tracks. One thud. Then another.
"Dare I assume that you are speaking of yourself?" Spoke a voice from below. It was familiar, yet harsher and deeper. The whip was coiling back into its original shape as the owner of the voice stepped into the sun. Dressed like all the rest came Guan-yin. The calco woman appeared as if death itself had reared its head before her.
"He keeps pulling dirty tricks on me, Ma'am. H-He should know to treat a noblewoman better."
"If you came to be pampered, I suggest taking off now. I have no use for the spoiled, the rotten and the weak. He treated you exactly as you deserved to be treated: Without mercy and absent thought of pity. I suspect that you would treat him as such without second thought, but when the tables turn..?" She left the question hanging, waiting for the response. Luckily, the woman knew better than to mouth back at this point. "A quarter less of your meal. All your meals!" She cried out, the response immediate. Their gazes turned to the Calco woman, who now felt incredibly small beneath their eyes. Her insolence had now cost them all a substantial portion of their food.
"Back to training!" She shouted with another lash, which she set down to walk up the field, grabbing a log that was two times thicker than her frame and began carrying it over her shoulders, and together with her soldiers, they began to lift it up into the air and lowering it excruciatingly slow. She looked up towards the horizon as her common distraction, only to catch a rare sight. Her mother stood there waving, and next to her...
Guan-yin didn't say anything and barely showed any acknowledgment of their presence beyond a somewhat lingering look at Akeem, a look that spoke lengths of how she had missed him. If he saw it though, that would have to wait to be seen.
Once again, and what seemed to be a common trend since he began his trips to Vroldafn, Akeem didn't really understand what the person before him was saying but as she opened the door with such theatrics he knew it wasn't the time to hesitate by asking questions. 'A new side to Guan, what could she mean?' Akeem thought as he stepped out onto the balcony to stand beside Yu. He watched several men and women training in every way imaginable under the sweltering heat of the sun. The unpleasant sound of something cutting the air with a crack pierced his ears as he continued to watch the soldiers work with precision despite their appearance of haste. For another few moments, he watched with little understanding of why he had been brought here until he noticed a commotion with two of the Calco who had been wrestling, their motions halted by the sound of a whip cracking into the air yet again. He watched, unable to hear clearly of what was being said from where he stood but quickly noticing the familiar blonde hair of Guan whose voice spoke firm and clear, easily heard even from this distance. She had seemed angry, more so than he had ever seen her and when the commotion was over with another crack of the whip she moved on to do something else.
It was then that Yu began to wave down and for a brief moment, he caught Guan's eyes. After hearing her from only moments ago he wasn't sure if he should respond in kind with Yu and wave or let Guan continue undisturbed and so he picked the latter. Akeem turned toward Yu, "They're training really hard...and Guan seemed angry. Did something happen? Or is she always like this when she trains?" He asked, wondering how she could lift something as big as that log.
Guan-yin began to feel a bit self-conscious about herself by now. She was considerably more muscular than the ideal female body, and such hoped that she was not currently turning off Akeem with her workout and finely built frame. Despite her worries, she made certain to not show any of it to her comrades. Yu could almost feel her daughter's insecurity. Yu smiled softly at Akeem, in an attempt to help soothe him. "Angry? No, you've got it all wrong. There is no rage or frustration within her. Only authority and discipline. I don't know how much you know of her military career, but she learned the hard way how much work it would take to reach anywhere in this life. Because of this, as you've seen here, she takes offense to people who think their titles makes them entitled to the easy road."
"Guan has been through the rough and tough, more than most of our soldiers can speak of, and she would see to it that all of these men and women are prepared for the same. Her actions may seem heartless and cruel at times, but every deed is for their betterment. The Humble General, they often call her. It is a well-deserved epithet. Has she told you how she got it?"
Akeem shook his head, "She hasn't," he admitted. "To be completely honest, she hasn't spoken a great deal about her military career current of former. But she's mention things like Sine Missione and that she held a high rank but nothing in detail beyond that..." He said as if realizing it himself for the first time. "I'd figured that with the Calco's distaste for us humans that it would take more than being the daughter of a nobleman to gain their respect but I've never pried further than I thought was appropriate. Mother always said to respect a woman's privacy, and I certainly didn't want to push Guan for more than she was willing to give. Is that moniker important?"
Sine Missione? She told him about her old squad? Yu thought to herself surprised. "I would say so, yes. It tells grand lengths of her dispossition to her soldiers. You may know how high ranking soldiers and generals and such often gets better rations and quarters than the common soldier. Guan never accepted any of that. She would eat ordinary rations, help with the same chores and often even sleep in the same tents as her men. The Humble General is the name that resulted from her acts of kindness and down to earth disposition. I believe she would have gotten to learn every soldier's name if she only could. It was these acts of hers which made her so popular with the military, which in turn made her general, then unit commander, and ultimately moving beyond the militant organization."
"If I may be so bold, Akeem, you should not fear to pry a bit with Guan. I know that it is not always considered appropriate, but if you don't try to learn more and more about her, things may not turn out so well. If she thinks you are going too far, trust me, she will tell you. But considering how you seem to know about her Sine Missione days, I think she would be willing too indulge with plenty of your questions. Sine Missione isn't exactly considered her proudest moments to her. Do you know what it means, those words?" She asked him, turning her full attention to Akeem. Akeem seemed a bit confused in response to her question as he softly shook his head. "It means: Without Mercy."
Akeem hadn't even finished processing the first bit of information that Yu had offered him before the next came with a far darker tone with the others. "Oh..." Was the first thing to leave his lips but he knew they couldn't very well be the last as he leaned against the balcony rail and looked down at Guan. "That's certainly not a cheerful name for something...but it does explain something I've been curious about." He said, motioning toward his shoulder and the insignia sewn onto his jacket. "She gave me this when we first met. She said that while it wasn't a guarantee of any kind that it might help keep me safe while I was in this country. I suppose no one would want to mess without someone in or associated with a group with a name like that."
"What did a group like that do? I wouldn't think the Calco would name a group that for pure intimidation purposes. So if it is something enough to scare off a Calco, then I imagine it must be something rather important...and probably scary..."
"Black Ops missions first and foremost." Yu answered simply. "What else, they were not called that at first. They were just a squadron like so many others, named by letters and numbers. Then came the day when that changed. A neighbor nation had been so bold as to claim one of our provinces some sixty years ago. Then, just seven years prior from where we are now, she took it back. She had been tasked to surround the city, but to wait with the siege until they arrived with proper force. With all due cause perhaps. She was outnumbered six to one, and with those grand walls, there was no chance for victory. Some part of me believe that her superiors wanted her dead with this mission. They knew what kind of woman she was, what she was working towards. She hoped that she would attack, to try and assault the city without them. Much to their joy, she did, and to very much their surprise, she succeeded."
"She was only meant to harass and deny them supplies. Instead she attacked the city and claimed it for their own. This was just mere hours before they arrived with the proper army. Eventually, the enemy surrendered. They laid down their weapons and surrendered themselves to their whim. Guan had every man and woman who bore our enemies colors rounded up on the streets, waiting for the main force to arrive. When they did, I can only imagine the look on their faces. The then current unit commander still sought to bring her low with a simple question and offer: What should be done with the prisoners?"
"She offered Guan the choice to decide what should become of them. She expected Guan-yin to order their release to the enemy's borders, giving the Unit Commander credence to the idea that she was a human sympathizer. Instead, she turned to her own soldiers and simply declared her only order: Sine Missione. Suffice to say, Guan acquired the admiration of the entire Vroldafn force. They greeted her with four beats to the chest when she walked them by, telling her that she was Calco in all but blood to them now. She gained the adoration of the people with her deeds, but I think she still suffers from her own choice."
The story sent a visible shiver down the young man's spine, feeling that despite his college education he knew so very little about the world and also very little about the woman he cared for. He'd known Guan was a capable woman, a strong woman, but with these new details being revealed he couldn't help but wonder what exactly she was capable of. He suddenly felt very small and wondered just how much was left of Guan that he wasn't aware of. How could he claim to know her when he knew oh so very little? How could he possibly stand by her side if she were a stranger to him? And when all was finally out in the open would he even want to? He thoughts swirled in his head and for a moment he felt dizzy, placing his hand on the balcony rail to keep his balance. He took a quiet, but deep breath, not wanting Yu to think he might be second guessing his feelings or was in so way disgusted by the story he was heard. Turning to her, he could only think of one thing to say, a question. "What do you think about it? Do you think she made the right choice? Or if there even is a right choice in that situation?"
Yu felt the hesitation in Akeem, and she sought to make her best effort to soothe him, if she could. "It all depends on who you ask, dear. To the people, she made the right choice. In my mind, I believe she did the best out of a very poor situation. But I assume that you are leaning more towards; 'Was it ethical'? In that regard I will say that I think she and I are of the same mind: No it was not." Yu stated simply. "I'll tell you this much: After that decision, that command, she did a lot of soul searching. She studied myths and legends of the afterlife, various faith's ways to find salvation. She woke up for weeks crying for them to stop the massacre. She have only ever confided this to me and Guang in the past, and mostly Guang, I'll be honest. A few days later I found her with that wooden ring on her finger, and she seemed a lot more at ease." Yu answered in full. "Yet, now as the words have left me, I fear that I may have overstepped and made you uneasy, Akeem. I do apologize."
Akeem shook his head, "No, I wouldn't say uneasy, it's all just a bit overwhelming. There's no need to apologize but thank you for worrying. I don't know if it is just the feeling of growing up or something unique to me but ever since meeting Guan and graduating college it just feels like I know less about the world than I ever thought I did. I left my home and studied hard because I wanted to understand something, I don't know exactly what. But now that the world has completely opened up to me I feel like I'm lost." He said, letting out a sigh before continuing. "I know that Guan is strong, way stronger than me...and not just physically. I've known since we met, it wasn't hard to tell. If what you say is right and she does still have this turmoil in her heart I don't know how I could help." He turned toward Yu with a weak smile, "I guess I'm beginning to understand what all of you meant by hardships. It's something Guan and I will have to face together, even if we don't know quite how to go about that yet."
Yu returned a far stronger smile towards the young man, placing a hand gently on his shoulder. "I am certain that Guan is equally lost on how to move forward, dear. If I may voice my thoughts, I believe simply being there for her when she needs it would be a fine way to begin. Perhaps that is even all that is needed." She spoke when she looked over the field towards her daughter when she started to brighten up. "Oh, it seems like they are finished now. Come, let's go and meet with Guan before the Court event. I am sure that she will be ever so happy to see you up close and personal." She said with a wink. "Just follow me."
Guan meanwhile had hurried away towards her changing room. While she had not approved, the court had deemed it fit that the queen of Vroldafn should not publically shower and wash herself amongst her soldiers. So now she had her own reserved room. She quickly got herself a wash off and applied all manner of scented lotions and the likes, wanting to be shown at her optimal state for the man who had captured her heart. After she was done she wrapped a towel around her body, stepped out of the shower room and began drying her hair.
Yu led Akeem through the halls until they stood outside of Guan's changing room. But now as she thought about it, she had not told Akeem what kind of room this was, which filled her mind with a devious idea. "Why don't you go in, Akeem? It's her study, and I think she would be very happy to have you to herself for a bit, without this ol' hag getting in between, don't you think?" She said, ready to close and keep the door closed in case that he took her up on the offer.
Akeem had time to think as he followed Yu down the winding halls once again, thinking about her words and cursing his own inexperience in the ways of women and romance. He'd focused so hard on his studies, on educating himself that he all but tossed aside the more human and personal aspects of life until he had met Guan. Yu had said that all he might have to do is simply be there for her and he wondered if he could even do that right. So lost in thoughts he almost didn't even notice they had reached their destination and was nearly startled when Yu had suddenly stopped in front of him. She notified him that Guan was waiting in her study just beyond the door. He nodded, "Thank you for all of your help. It really does mean a lot to see and talk to a kind face in a country where I don't get much beyond nasty stares. I'll take all the advice you've given me to heart." He said with a respectful bow, moving past her and opening the door with a final friendly nodded to Yu. His weak smile had become a gentle and grateful one as he closed the door behind him. Turning into the room he immediately froze with the realization that the room he had entered had not at all been a study as a towel-clad Guan stood just across. As though time had stopped, not even his face could contort to convey his feelings nor did it seem he could move his body. Then, without even a word the lag had ended and his body moved like lightning to grasp the door handle only to find it unmoving. This is impossible, what kind of door locks people inside like this? He thought with panic as the doorknob barley jiggled under his grip. "No, This must be some mistake! I promise I didn't mean to bust in while you were changing. I swear, I was told this was a study. But the door won't open." He spoke with a cracked voice, the image of Guan burned into his brain even though he'd seen her for less than a second as his body shook with dread greatly overpowering any feelings of arousal.
Guan was startled at the sound of the door opening. Her first instinct was shock. Few were so brazen as to enter in the middle of this. When she thought of that, she thought that maybe she should behave as if she was infuriated. The Council deemed it unfitting for a royalty to be enetered upon. SHe turned around with rage plastered on her features, ready to chew out whoever was there. Then it sunk in. That face, that voice, that demeanor. Who else could it be? As he was occupied with the janking of the door, she began to smile widely as she walked up to him and hugged him from behind, placing a chaste kiss to the back of his head. "I've missed you." She spoke soft and sweetly. After a few moments of the embrace, she parted from him and returned to her bench, starting to get dressed, beginning with her most essential garments and her top. "How have you been? I hope that Mother has not been too overbearing?"
Akeem stopped shaking when he felt the warm embrace of Guan against his back but his heart continued to beat like a drum in his chest. "I-I've missed you too, it's been too long." He said, his voice more steady than before despite having to work so hard to get the words out. He let go of the door and let out a content sigh of relief that she wasn't angry at him. He faced the door as he listened to her dress, only turning around when she spoke to him again. "I've been well, I've been working towards getting a merchant's pass and a license to sell medicine in Hylion. It has been a bit lonely without you though," He continued, trying not to stare but feeling it difficult to not make eye contact when talking. "Your mother was nice and she was very helpful, more talkative than I imagined she would be though" He chuckled a bit before motioning toward Guan, "What about you? I'm sure you've been kept busy with training and other endeavors? It looked like you were working really hard out there."
Guan chuckled. "Well, in my experience it is lifting for the morale to see your superior officer do the same back breaking labor as the rest of them. Besides, you don't think I get this kind of physique by sitting still, do you?" She jokingly gestured to her own toned frame. "You see, those men out there? They are the freshest recruits towards the Queen's Guard. I feel that the best of the best should be trained by the best. They need to protect the 'most important' woman in Vroldafn after all." She scoffed. "Also, Merchant? I was under the impression that you were aiming for some sort of scientist? Is it just a step on the way, or were I on the wrong track?"
"Indeed, anyone would be lucky to have you as their guard. But I guess the queen will have to settle for the ones you train." He said with a chortle as he leaned against the door. "And yeah, it's just a stepping stone. Now that I've graduated college I need to work my way up to something like that. So, as much as I hate to admit my father is right, being a merchant is probably the best way I can do that. Get my name out there, and then by the time I've stumbled onto something through my research I'll already be a recognized name. Besides, now that I'm out of college I need to get a job. We all have to start somewhere, right?" He said with a shrug, "That's at least how I rationalize it. I'll get my license and open up a small shop where I can sell medicine's I've made myself. Nothing that'll save the world of course but hopefully it'll help some people out who can't afford the more magical stuff." He said, speaking with a bit of pride. Knowing that while he wasn't much in terms of strength or magic but he knew plants more than most knew themselves.
Guan-yin nodded with a smile. "Maybe I can help you with that someday. I'd love to get the chance to help you out in a more practical sense sometime." She spoke as she put on the last of her attire, which was minimalistic, body-hugging and serving the single purpose of covering her essential parts for something else to be carried on top of them. "I do hope that you get to live your dream. I don't know a lot of people whom have managed that." She spoke with a slightly saddened smile.
Akeem noticed to the sad look on her face despite any attempt to dampen its appearance. He knew that with Guan being a military woman she was sure to have seen many deaths on both sides. A mix of those she knew well and those she hadn't even known the names of. But with the information that Yu had given him, he couldn't help but wonder if perhaps it wasn't her fallen enemies or comrades she spoke of but rather perhaps she spoke of herself. "I hope so as well, I plan to work hard to make it work..." He gave pause, looking Guan in the eyes, "and what about you? Are you one of the people living their dream?"
She gave a half-hearted laugh in return. "No... No I guess not. But then again, do I deserve to?" She asked to no one in particular. Catching herself getting a bit too self-conscious and preachy, she instead decided to answer the question at hand. "I am not exactly living the dream. I worked to get the adulation and appreciation of my people. I got it. And where did that lead me? I am now in a position of power and authority. I have what I wanted. And yet I just feel so unfulfilled. Maybe I deserve that?"
Akeem shook his head, "I can't pretend that I know the answer to that...I wish I did but I don't." He said as he walked forward and gently took Guan's hand, a small gesture but one he meant nonetheless. "But the way I like to think of things, can you ever truly be wrong when you think what you're doing is right? And even if you don't think it's right, maybe someone can do the wrong thing for the right reasons? It's more complicated than I think anyone could possibly understand..." He let his words trail off, "Don't be mad at her but your mother told me about Sine Missione. Not the details or anything, just the gist of it. So I can't claim to know the full story and I doubt anyone besides you know what was going on in your head at the time or even if it still bothers you. Maybe I'm making a fool of myself right now. But if it does, I don't you should let it..." He finished, really hoping he wasn't making an idiot out of himself.
For a moment, Guan was filled with dread at those words. She told him about that? "...Father knows more than well. I... I haven't told many people about my time during those days. Beyond Mom and dad, only my siblings know of what transpired... Akeem, I care for you a lot. Which is why I did not want to tell you of this so soon... Do you want to know the full story?" She asked with dread. She feared for how this would make him think about her if she were to tell him. She had only ever told the full story to her father, because she felt certain that he could never stop loving her. Akeem... "I don't know If I can just 'not let it'. It is a horrible time in my life, the one which haunts me till this day. The people love me for what I did, and I can feel nothing but loathing for it."
He held up his hand, "I don't want to make you have to relive it again if you don't want to. You can tell me the full story when you're ready, maybe in the far future when you're able to finally say it's all behind you. But whatever the story is, be it gruesome or otherwise, I don't want you to think it will change how I feel. I want you to know that the only reason I brought it up is that I don't want you to think you have to carry your burdens alone. You told me the day we met that pursuing a relationship would be difficult and filled with hardship. I want to help you not feel that unfulfilled feeling. What good would it be for me to achieve my dreams if the person I care about doesn't even feel worthy of theirs?" He spoke tenderly, reminding himself of own mother for a moment.
Guan sighed softly in slight relief. "It's not a matter I think I'll ever be able to put behind me. And it is not that I don't want to relive it, it just... leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. Makes me feel like less of a woman, like a monster more than anything. There weren't only soldiers there, that day... Most of them had already been killed in the battle prior. More than three-quarters of the people that were put to the sword... They were civilians. Men and women who had braved the dangers of staying behind. Fortunately, there were no children among them, all having been previously evacuated before the siege began. I did many unethical things that night and day, things I couldn't let leak out. Each of those survivors in the city were a witness of some sort and... For the sake of the nation of Vroldafn, I couldn't allow it to get out." Guan let out, feeling the weight growing less heavy, yet still there. "I may have had reasons. I may have excused it for my own sanity, but in the end, it can't be escaped. Any human looking at my deed will call it an act of merciless slaughter for the sake of a title. And I am of no heart or ability to rebuke them."
Akeem's lips curled into an understanding smile. He knew he couldn't hope to understand what Guan was feeling even if he could live out her memories himself but he wished he could understand even if it were only for a moment. He moved around her and sat down on the changing room bench and reached out to gently take her hand into his own, "It sounds awful, feeling that way. What you did was wrong, you said it yourself and you can't forgive yourself for it. You don't think you ever will. Maybe that's okay? when people do bad things, it's only natural to regret them, right? No matter how small or big they are. Some you can move on from and some you can't. You can only try to do better in the future, no matter what you did back then. I don't like hearing you talk about yourself the way you are but I know that it's important to know how you feel, how this sort of stuff affects you. I've realized that nothing I can say will make you feel differently from how you've already decided to feel and I could never begin to understand those feelings that you're going through. But even if I can't help rid you from them I want you to let me share in your burden. It might sound presumptuous of me to say, but even if the day comes where you can't even look at yourself in the mirror anymore, you'll always be the Guan I know and love. Even if the entire world turns against you, as long as you'll allow it, I won't abandon you." He spoke softly, his tone serious with all hesitation and timidness seeming to have completely left his body.
Guan felt compelled to reject the words, as if to accept their comfort would somehow make her a lesser human for it. She looked up at the man to rebuke him, only to see something she had never seen in him before. Unwavering determination, absent all doubt. She did not want to fight him on the matter anymore after having seen that. But then something clicked in her head. Something he had said that now surprised her, and she suddenly felt the urge to go all the way with it. "Love?" She said softly, giving him a cheeky grin. "Was that what you said? Are you saying that you love me, sir Akeem?" She teased with a lean towards the wall.
Akeem's eyes softened, a smile forming on his face along with a soft but noticeable blush. He thought for a moment, not even realizing he'd said the words when they'd left his lips as if they'd come as naturally for him as breathing. "I did, I said it and I meant it. I've never felt this way for anyone before, the occasional crush, the fleeting feeling of wanting to become closer to someone. But those feelings are different from what I feel for you. I want to be there for you, to stand beside you as an equal even if I'm too weak to do that now. I want to see you smile and to know when I look into your eyes, without a word said between us, that you feel the same way about me." He said with a shine in his eyes before realizing the teasing tone of her words and worrying he might have said too much. "Is it okay to feel that way? Did I go too far?"
Guan chuckled softly in response. "Of course it is. I know you are a usually timid soul, but there is no need to be cautious with me. Because I-" Guan was then interrupted by herself when she took a look at the clock above the door. A moment of silence when she became wiser to their current situation, and how ill-befitting it would be of her to be seen with a man, and man, in her changing room. "O-One moment. I'll finish later." She said as she walked by Akeem and opened the door ajar, taking a look at her mother who was still outside. "Had your fun, dear?" Yu asked with a devious grin.
"Remind me to reprimand you for what you did, but can you escort Akeem to the Royal Courtroom?" Guan asked her. "There is a final thing I want him to see before we all retire for the day."
Yu nodded. "Of course. Come along, Akeem! Let's leave our lady to get fully dressed before her aides come. Would be hard to explain to them why you are in there with her, wouldn't it?"
"Yes, I suppose it might be..." He responded, a bit disappointed that Guan hadn't gotten to finish what he thought she was about to say. Still, part of him felt he didn't need to hear them even if he certainly wanted to. He gave a half-hearted wave and smiled as he left the room and rejoined Yu's company and began to follow her away from the room. "I think you made a mistake before, Ma'am... surely it was an accident, right? The room Guan was in wasn't her study." He asked, a bit upset that she might have purposefully placed him in such an awkward situation but giving her the benefit of the doubt since she had been so kind and understanding until that point.
Yu seemed unabashedly aware of her actions, as her smile seemed to indicate. "Oh, I was fully aware of what I did." She spoke with a wider smile and a slight tilt of the head. "I weighed the options of your internal comfort and my daughter's joy, and as a mother, I made the second choice. I knew that your visit would make Guan happy, and complain as you may, I think it made your day too. My daughter is quite comfortable with her body being slightly displayed and I knew you would be too uneasy to walk in on your own. What's more, had you not, you would not have had the chance to catch up before the next meeting." Yu spoke as she began to walk towards the Royal court, waving for him to follow, all while displaying absolutely no regret over her actions. "That, and I think you needed a pause between surprises."
Akeem was surprised by the almost apathetic way that Yu admitted to her trickery and his eyes narrowed a bit as she spoke. Whether her intentions were absent of malice or had good intentions behind them, and even if she was right in some way or form, he didn't like being tricked or played with. Regardless, he felt like his initial opinion of her being shattered. Where he once saw a kind heart, not unlike his own, he now didn't know what he was seeing. He wanted to open his mouth and speak in his defense but he couldn't. He followed in silence, the only sound being their footsteps. They made it to a large door, many voices could be heard on the other side, more than could possibly fit in the average sized room. "I suppose this is the royal court...I admit I'm a bit intimidated by the idea of being here. Like I don't belong, I've never even seen your King and Queen after all..."
Yu was about to turn around and speak when another voice of a far more masculine nature spoke up. "We don't have a king, and our queen is not that picky with her attendance." Came the voice of Guang Gloompond, who walked up from behind. He then looked to Yu with a soft and loving look in his eyes. "My love. A pleasure to see you again, Akeem. Come, this door is for the common masses. As one of the twelve great houses, we will attend from above them. We would be honored to have you accompany us as a guest. The stairs to our platform is this way. Neither we nor Guan will accept a no." He said with a good-hearted look in his eyes. Then, behind him emerged Delores as if from smoke. She smiled at Akeem before bowing. "A joy to see you again, Mr Baqir. Come to bear witness to our Queen's glory?"
He was about to speak before Delores did so before him. He returned her bow and smiled, "It's nice to see all of you. Thank you for having me, the honor of joining you is all mine. I'm looking forward to learning more about your government and culture," He said for courtesy's sake even if the presence of all of them did only raise his anxiety. His eyes looked around before he followed the others up the stairs, knowing that he might feel more at ease if Guan were here but she was nowhere to be found. He worried his own interruption had made her late in getting ready and how it might make her look if she showed up late. He brought his thumb to his mouth and chewed on the nail, wishing that he could have the courage and ease of mind he'd shown earlier when talking to his beloved. He followed the Gloompond family up the stairs and to a different door, all of them entering and finding their seats. Glancing around, the large and open room was filled with unfamiliar faces and groups who seemed eager to keep to their own.
Within the considerably sized court were twelve platforms, one of which were occupied by the Gloompond family and their guest Akeem, together with some of the other important houses that were vassals to their region, none of which appeared pleased to see this foreigner man among them, walking as if he was even slightly welcomed among them. Yet they knew better than to raise voice to their concerns when they had noticed the emblem sewn to his chest. Down on the halway floor stood a huge mass of people who awaited to catch a glimpse of their queen.
Two drummer women of overly gaudy attire stepped forth from both the left and right door to the throne of stone, beating a rhythm upon their drums, both in order to catch the attention of the room as well as pave the way for the queen to enter. From the left walked a man of slightly more ordinary attire, though it wasn't much better to the common eye, carrying a scroll with him. As the drums beat softened, he spoke up: "Be blessed, ye citizens of Vroldafn. The eyes of the heavens be upon us, as today, as tomorrow. Now, feast your eyes upon their greatest blessing unto us. The Harbinger of Peace, The Silver Headed, The Humble Regent, She Who Wrought an End to the Calamity, The Unit Commander, Master of the Sands, The Silvered Herald of a Dynasty to Last a Thousand Years, Master of the Sine Missione. I present to you, our Queen Elect: Guan-Yin Gloompond!" He announced and the response was immediate. a roar of applause from the common people but a more restrained one from the noble houses. From the door behind the throne she emerged, clad in a royal crimson dress which appeared rather uncomfortable, a crown of Silver and the brightest jewels, and two beautifully designed clasps which held her royal cloak of crimson and leopard fur trimming, walking the steps to her throne, and as she sat herself down on it, the applause died down.
Akeem watched the event begin, quickly noting the odd clothes the drummers wore but for all he knew it could be completely normal to everyone else. When the next person came out, he couldn't help but crack a smile at his odd way of speaking though he did his best to hide it from the others lest they find it rude or insulting to their culture. However, as he listened he noticed a few words that sounded familiar but was ready to ignore them when an all too familiar name was spoken. Akeem letting out a verbal "What?!" at the same moment the crowd below them let out a deafening round of applause. He looked side to side to the Gloomponds who sat beside him, his own vision seeming to blur their faces as a sudden episode of dizziness came over him. This must be another joke, right? He thought as if to rationalize it all in his head, but the more the thought about it the more insane it sounded until it's insanity became more so than the idea that Guan really was the queen of a nation. How could this be? This can't be right but if it isn't then what is? Guan is a queen? But then what the hell does that make me? His thoughts ran at a mile a minute as he tried to regain his composure and think straight. He took multiple deep breaths, his hand clutching his chest as though it would collapse in on itself if he didn't.
Guan waved at her people as the applause came to a close. She wished that she could look at Akeem right now, but her duty required her to focus upon the more common people. With a smile, she nodded towards the announcer. "From the lands of Baleria, House Skryia have come to pay tribute to the crown!" He spoke as one of the families upon the platforms stepped down to then walk up towards Guan, carrying with them a chest. Delores walked up to Akeem, having swiftly taken note of his panicked state and put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Sir Akeem, are you well?" She asked, not wanting him to make a fool of himself before the entire court. "I know this is a lot to take in."
He turned his head to Delores, his mouth opening but unable to think of anything that would be appropriate to say to describe how he was feeling. He knew she must have known, that all of them would have had to know and simply didn't tell him. The hand on his shoulder felt cold and distant, unrecognizable despite knowing it's origin quite well. He shook his head at her, answering her first question as he tried to put all the pieces together. He felt stupid for letting something like this go over his head for so long, furious that it was kept from him for so long. "None of this feels real," was all he could manage as he leaned forward and stared down at the floor.
She removed her hand from his shoulder as the second family approached to make tribute. "Let me guess... You feel foolish, betrayed, confused and aggravated by the circumstances? If so, I can't say that I blame you nor that I can't relate to that." She spoke, trying to reach out to him. "I... Can't say I like her much, but I do earnestly believe that she did not want to cause you any hurt."
His leg began to bounce up an down as if to try and somehow burn away the excess energy building inside of him. "I guess I've always been easy to read I knew that. But I never thought I would be just as easy to fool, to trick, like a puppet." He all but hissed through his teeth but was quick to realize that what he felt wasn't anger but rather, hurt. He raised his head and turned to Delores, feeling sorry for hissing at her as he had. "I'd like to think she didn't do it to hurt me. I really want to believe that, I just can't think straight at the moment. But that doesn't change the fact that she didn't tell me something so important, because she didn't think I was worth telling the truth to or because she didn't trust me enough to let me know. Both are equally hurtful..." He trailed off and shook his head with disappointment but even he didn't know who that disappointment was aimed toward. "Today I told her I loved her, and in return she made me feel like a fool."
Delores simply listened and nodded as he spoke, taking in his words as the third family offered their tribute. "Well, women tend to make men feel that way... Sorry, wrong time for jokes. I didn't say those things because you are easy to read, Akeem. I mentioned them because they are emotions I felt when I heard of her upcoming ascension. I had worked just as hard as her, I felt, and I had been working by father to take up the political role. Then she came and just 'stole' it away from me. All the same, you bring the options of 'Not being worthy' and 'Not trustworthy' enough'. Have you considered the idea that she didn't tell you at first because she wanted to be loved as a woman first and not an icon? You may be more altruistic than any of us thought, and that is on us then, but I do believe that she just wanted you to care for her as a person above all. Wealth and power does horrible things to people, and she knows it more than most." She spoke as she leaned on the railing with him. "She may not have said it in words yet, but she loves you. It was that love that made her fear what this title would do to your relationship. Not due to what you might do, but what others around you might do."
Akeem listened to the words of the much wiser woman beside him and let out a sigh, "I guess I really didn't think about it like that. I mean, it would still have been shocking, no matter how or where I'd heard it from. But I just wish I'd heard it from her, not like this, not from some weirdly dressed guy just reading his lines. If I'd heard it from her, I wouldn't feel like everything has just be pulled out from under me and I could talk to her about it then and there but having this dropped on me when she may as well be miles away? It isn't fair, like she expected you all to handle however I reacted. You're asking me to take her feelings into consideration when it feels like she didn't do that for mine. I appreciate your help, I do, I just need to talk to her as soon as I can. I shouldn't be a burden on you."
"I agree that it was a very poor way to handle the situation. I am very sorry that you feel this way, but I am sure that Guan can explain herself far better than I ever will. It was not fair of her to not explain this to you in person. Guan can be... insensitive in her execution, but she most likely thought she was doing something for the better..." The announcer then looked further down the scroll to announce the next family. "From the Blackrook Mountain, House Gloomponds have come to offer tribute to the crown!" Delores seemed less than happy with this announcement. "It is our turn to offer our gift to the queen. Do you want to come along, or would you rather stay here?"
Akeem knew he didn't have more than a moment to decide. "It would be rude of me to stay after Guang invited me to sit here with you all." He said before standing with all of them even though his legs felt like rubber when he placed weight onto them. He smiled a bit, "You say you don't like Guan but you jumped to defend her rather strongly. You're a good sister, even if you can't get along." He said lastly before following the lead of Guang and Yu. Like the other families before them, they stepped down from their platform and walked toward Guan. Akeem kept up his smile as half-hearted as it may be, not wanting to cause Guan any more stress than she was most likely already under.
"I am not trying to be a good sister. I am trying to be a good Human Being." Delores said as she waved him with her. "The Gloomponds." Guan spoke absent a single hint of pleasure or appeasement. "What offer do you bring before me? This ceremony was one of faithful giving to the crown, yet I find you... sorely lacking." Guan's voice was cool and absent of most emotions, not even sparing Akeem as much as a glance. The Gloomponds bowed humbly while Delores stepped forward, kneeling before Guan. "Your Grace, it is true that we bear no physical offering to present you with." Delores began as she waved an arm towards the families which had already stepped up. "We carry no gold, for that you have a plenty. We give you no jewels, for you carry more than any citizen ever could. We offer no songs of glory or splendor." She spoke as she rose up.
"Then why appear? If thine family is to turn up short, why not remain home and spare yourself the embarrasment." She spoke, leaning her chin on her fist as short laughs and scoffs echoes through the chamber. Delores smiled at this. "For I know that none of the gifts until now have trully satisfied you. The gold will weigh as feathers before your migty hoardings, the jewels will lose their shine in envy before your vast collection, and you can search for years for the right bard for your songs, only for them to turn up lacking in your gracious ears. I stand here to offer you something which can grant you all of this and more aplenty. I come before you offering blood. Six thousand true and faithful of the Blackrook stand ready to be trialed and tested by your grace's hands, for your army, your guard, or wherever you so choose to have them."
Murmurs and gasps of shock resonated, and even Guan now revealed a hint of glee with a restrained smile on her lips. Guan then rose from her seat, spreading her arms wide. "The Gloomponds! Ever faithful subjects of the crown, none to be their match. I realize however that this act will make you seem weakened before the eyes of the other houses." Guan spoke. "Any daring to question our strength and resolve may well search deep in their hearts to find the courage to make attempt at testing it." Delores replied proudly.
"Well said... As a sign of the crown's gratitude and humbled personage, I will grant the Gloomponds one boon to be used as they see fit. Name your request, and see it fulfilled." Guan smiled as she said this. "I wish for this guest of ours to be granted an audience with thee, my queen. He has travelled far for this moment and been a faithful friend to our family. I would see his trip payed off in the full splendor of your majesty." Delores spoke while waving towards Akeem.
"Outrageous! Unthinkable! A human, an outsider, to be granted an audience with the queen?! With or without sigil, you can't mean-" THe noble lady was interrupted, not by any signal or voice, but by the mere fall of Guan's countenance. "Pray tell, Lady Blacksand, what became of the last humans who wore that badge?"
The noble stood visibly shook. "They-They became regents, your grace..."
"Indeed. Any person so proudly granted and carrying the symbol of Sine Missione is a person worthy of time, consideration and above all, my protection. Now, keep your silence." Guan spoke, before returning her attention to Delores and, finally, Akeem. "Thine request is humble and agreeable. Bring him to my chambers before dusk. We shall speak when all of this is through. You are dismissed." And with a nod from the family, they rose up and returned to their platform. Delores approached Akeem and asked: "How do you feel?"
Akeem couldn't help but feel eyes like daggers at his back as he nervously bit at the nail in his thumb. He was very lost as to what had just happened but judging by the reactions of the others in the room it wasn't something normal. "I don't have the slightest clue what was going on back there but I feel like you just put me at the top of several people's shit list..." He said through his teeth as he continued to chew at his nail. "I certainly hope that you don't make a habit of that sort of thing or I feel rather sorry for your friends..." He spoke, half joking and half simply trying to relieve his own tension and keep himself from meeting the eyes of anyone besides Delores. "So, what exactly did you just do? I know I'm going to meet with Guan but why did everyone in the country have to know that? And why were they pissed about it?" He spoke with an air of naivety.
"Well, for one, I did offer you the chance to keep out of it by staying behind. And this way, she can't be dragged away to other affairs before meeting with you first. What's more, I know it may not be to your liking, but if you are going to be any kind of partner to her in the future, you will have to eventually get used to some attention. Both bad and good. As for why they are mad..." Delores trailed off as they reached their platform once more. "YOu need to understand that humans haven't been in any position of authority or capacity to be considered worthwhile for either a queen or our previous council's time. To them, that you are offered that time is a disgrace to them, as you are essentially being placed first in line. Calco dont hate humans, they just look down on them. The only reason that me and Guan are in the positions we are now is because we are basically not even human in their eyes any more."
He nodded as she spoke, letting her know he was listening and understanding what she was saying to the best of his ability. "I see...I know you're right. It's just that given the weight of what has been dropped on me today, I thought I might have more time to figure things out before being thrown out into the crowd like that. You know what I mean, it's all happening so fast...I certainly didn't want my first public appearance with Guan to be with me as I am now. They're right about me, Guan just gave me this insignia for my protection. I didn't earn it or anything like that," he said with a sigh. "Does being someone worth respecting in their eyes really mean losing your humanity?"
"Not... Quite, but also yes?" Delores replied, unsure of how to adequately respond. "Guan certainly did something truly inhumane back during our Sine Missione days, but she still beats herself for it, so I wouldn't say she has lost anything, we just... Added some Calco. Calco think humans are weak, but that is not why they look down on them, it is that they will never put the good of the Calco people above that of their fellow humans. They consider us Calco because we have proven them wrong, but stuck in their old ways, they refuse to acknowledge it as a faulty rule and rather chose to see it as that we are simply something akin to 'Calcos born in the wrong bodies'. In their eyes, one can't balance the line, you are either one or the other. So to them, yes, you must all but forsake your humanity to be respected as a human being. In reality, I'd say it is quite a bit more complicated than that. I mean... Look at her..." Delores spoke as she gestured towards Guan on her throne, receiving another gift. "She was a human in their eyes. A slave even, but raised in a noble household. That wasn't sufficient. But now, through her efforts she was chosen by the people to lead them. She lost a piece of herself that day... And I honestly think you are helping her rediscover that part of her being."
Akeem followed Delores' finger and watched as Guan accepted another gift. "This place is certainly more out there than I'd expected. Not that anywhere else I've been has been simple or easy to understand either. It's just, back home and in Hylion I felt like I at least understood my place there better..." He said before turning back to Delores, "Guan told me... about Sine Missione. Well, more accurately, Yu did; but Guan filled me in a bit more on the details. I know it still hurts her and all I think I can really do is be there for her. I hope you're right, about Guan healing from that trauma. I don't know if there are many people around her that can understand what she's going through, even fewer people she can let know about how she feels. When I first met her she seemed so strong, almost unstoppable and cool-headed. I don't think I would have easily believed that she could be hurting so much inside if I were told about it back then. I guess it goes to show how deceiving appearances can be. It seems I'm learning a lot about that today," he said with a half-baked chuckle.
Delores chuckled. "Don't be decieved. She can be all of those things and more still if you put her on the spot, but like any human, she has her flaws and weaknesses too. But yes, one is easily fooled by the front she puts up. But the fact that you know even a fraction of all this speaks volumes of how she feels towards you. I am not telling you to not feel hurt or disappointed, but I am telling you to try and see the silver linings in this." Delores finished as a royal guard appeared behind them. "Apologies, My Lady, but the queen has requested that the human be escorted to her chambers right away." And as these words had left his mouth, it was clear as day that the ceremony was dying down, as the last of the gifts had been given and all that was left was the speech made by Guan. The guard turned to Akeem. "Sir, this way, if you please."