[IC] We'll take the low road.

[cthulu]

Illiendi was somewhat impressed by Amano's flexibility, many of his past 'masters' had been much less co-operative and it had often meant extra work for the demon later on. It was a pleasant change of pace to have someone put their own ideas forward but accept that the demon knew best and work towards his vision. Between them they had finalised everything that was left uncertain, from clothes, weapons and the like to the more important things like port stops and docking procedures. With food, water and the ship arranged as well as the crew there was little left to do and still time before dinner to get something done.

The demon took his spot by the window, his essence creeping out across the shadows and toying with the candle light, causing it to flicker and sputter but never die out, like a cruel cat and mouse game that could go on eternally. His cold eyes followed the boy to his wardrobe, curious what other little curiosity the human would try to bring with him. Instead of something bizarre it was something mundane, drawing supplies, the demon focused on the reams of paper and charcoal and for a moment seemed to contemplate the words Amano said with great weight and severity. At length he spoke, "I see no reason for you to give up such a hobby, how will you document what you have seen and experienced without drawing it? If you see a dragon how will you begin to explain its features if you have no image for the simple minded fools to see? Bring them, drawing is quite a noble hobby."

The demon stood and made his way over to the desk where the tools had been placed, he flipped open the sketch book and looked at the pictures without comment, "It always confuses me, how you people can look down so on talents like art and music when they were father's greatest gifts to you...other than free will." He shut the sketchbook and turned to Amano, "I can pack these for you, then we must dress you for dinner, tonight we will trial run your new lessons on your family." The demon then, true to his word, would find a way to carefully pack the items in the top of one of Amano's cases which were neatly readied for departure by the door.

The demon would then groom Amano's hair back and help him into a shirt and dinner jacket before excusing himself to go help with serving the meal. He smiled and nodded to the servers, relaying the table with the silverware and the best china in the household, he shined up the crystal glasses and polished the silverware. Replaced the molten candles with fresh ones and managed to find a bouquet of roses from the garden to replace the limp ones in the vases, finding a few tulips to pepper the decoration in favour of the Mrs. of the household. The crisp white linen cloth almost sparkled with radiance and only when satisfied the table and room could look no nicer he waited for Amano's mother and Amano and aided them both to their seats before excusing himself to help with serving.

"THE CHICKENS GONE BAD!" Came the yell of the chef, Illiendi narrowly missing a thrown tomato and hiking a brow,
"Make something else!" Said the maid
"I don't have the time to think of something else!" Illiendi smiled that smooth smile and shook his head, "Dear chef, is the soup course ready?"
"Of course it is!"
"Well, might I suggest that the ladies get ready to take that out? The family were just arriving as I finished setting the table."

The scramble was made and fresh bread rolls, butter and the soups were taken out with the professionalism that Illiendi expected of a household. While they were busy he took the cook quietly to one side and sat her down, it took little effort to will the woman to sleep and with the silence returned Illiendi could work on a main meal. The chicken was indeed off so the bird was offered to the streets for the dogs. Rummaging through what the household had he found a small boar, a piglet really, sizeable enough for a family to enjoy but cooking it would require a special tough.

As the waiters returned Illiendi was finishing gutting and spiking the pig, filling its cavity with garlic's, onions, lemon and lime to give the meat a fresh taste, he had made a marinade of honey and herbs and thrown a cupful of bourbon onto the coals to give a smokey flavour to the skin. He issued all of them with tasks that removed them from the kitchen -serving drinks and finding fresh vegetables to go with the boar. By the time the soup course was done the piglet was succulent, it's crispy skin was tender to the fork and smelled divine.

Illiendi had gone with a plethora of cubed, lightly roasted vegetables; potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots and peas to give colour, a chunky, fresh apple sauce, gravy made from the juices of the cooking pig and a nut roast loaf, made with cashews and walnuts. The starters bowls were cleared away and the main meals sides were taken out, Illiendi bringing the boar for it was quite heavy for the others. With the same grace and poise he approached the table and lay the boar in the centre, refilling cups and goblets with the required liquids and offering smiles to Amano's allies at the table and knowing looks to the brothers who had wronged him. "My humblest apologies, I know you were all looking forward to a chicken meal. I hope this however, will not be a disappointment. Master Hughes, would you care to cut the boar?" The question was posed so that it could be refused and if the man refused to cut then the demon would with great skill cut into the meat. He made idle conversation but would pass topics to Amano rather than keep them himself, allowing the boy to try his new skills while Illiendi was there to keep an eye. When the meal was served to all those gathered he excused himself with a bow of his head and a smile and returned to the kitchen where the dessert -made by the chef earlier- was just coming out of the ovens. A fruity sponge cake but the custard had yet to be made, reassuringly he dismissed two of the help to go keep an eye on the dinner while he whipped up a custard for when they were done, adding too it a little caramel flavour to give it a more rich and deep flavour.

This then was served and with the servants offering to do the cleaning away Illiendi took to the dining floor while the family finished their dessert.

[PopeAlessandros]

Great relief washes over him as Illiendi calls his hobby “noble”. He's never thought of it as such, what with most people laughing at it and calling him a dreamer when they spot him sketching a flower or a leave with deep concentration. He feels warm, happy, and gives the demon one of his brighter smiles as the beast comes over and begins actually looking at his art without scoffing. He wants to thank Illiendi, but he knows such over expressions of emotion are not something the creature understands and contents himself with smiles and happy swaying. He listens intently as the demon speaks on the matter of art and how foolish humans have become about such things and feels like Illiendi is speaking his own thoughts aloud. Nodding he motions for the demon to go ahead and pack them however he sees fit and goes over to his wardrobe to pick out something to wear for the evening.

'Mother likes the red bow, so I think the rust with the black shoes. . . .' He pulls out an outfit he thinks will work, pulling on the easy bits before settling and letting Illiendi cater to his hair. He does his best with his bow, letting the other straighten it before putting on his jacket and settling it properly against his chest. Nodding, he lets the demon go with a wave and paces over to the window overlooking the garden. Opening the curtains and window itself, he lets the gently breeze bring the smells form below up to his room, bathing him in their soft scents. “I think I will miss this place. . . .Just, a little bit. . . .” he murmurs, looking down at the beautiful place beneath him. He can't see what happened bare nights ago between his mother and the creature now serving him. His view is clear, and sees only the peaceful, innocent place he's always seen.

When at last it's time to head to dinner, he leaves his room and falls into the tall, proud walk Illiendi is training into him. He meets his mother on the stairs and with a graceful smile and bow he offers his arm to take her down to dinner. She smiles warmly back at him and takes his arm without a word, patting his cravat with a cheerful look before turning to be lead town to the dining room. He keeps his posture as they walk in and nods slightly at Illiendi when he spots the demon waiting for them. Seats are soon taken and the exotic looking man leaves for the kitchens, leaving him alone with his mother. She provides the talk at first, tittering on about learning to take care of the flower he gave her while also expressing her continues lack of true enthusiasm for this “little trip” he's decided to take.

He's spared much in the way of needing to respond as his father arrives soon after, taking away all the attention from him. Normally, this would be perfectly fine by him, but he knows that he needs to stop being so happy to be out of the line of attention and tries to come up with something to interrupt with while his father is complaining about his “troublesome and meandering” conversations with a foreign merchant today. He opens his mouth to cut in, wanting to bring up his trip, but his brothers arrive with loud voices, making his mouth snap shut quickly. The middle brothers seem to be in disagreement about the affections of a girl they both talked to today and do nothing to curb their talk as they take their seats and soup is placed in front of them.

The eldest and his wife are absent, but this is no particular surprise as they often have meals in their room rather than enduring the younger siblings and critical father. It does leave Amano with only one real ally at the table and this fact keeps his mouth shut save to take in food through the soup course. When Illiendi appears however he can feel his confidence bolstered. His father waves off the carving duties, looking only slightly miffed at not having the meat he'd wanted.

Amano catches his cues perfectly, carrying on small interactions when handed to him by his manservant, surprisingly drawing some of his mother's attention away from his father, a feat he's never accomplished before. His father recognizes this happening and a calculating expression crosses his features. When Illiendi's gone again however, the youth falters and his father sweeps the conversation back up with a satisfied smile.

'Well, talking in front of him, let along to him has always been difficult at the best of times. . .But I can not give up!' Taking a deep breath, he decides to start with something he's always felt passionate about, and with Illiendi's support of it, now feels confident that he's in the right. Looking to his mother he clears his throat and smiles as he manages to catch her eye. “Mother, I was wondering, since I am unsure if I will have much room for too many gifts on my trip, would you like for me to sketch some of the lovelier fashions I come across so that I may have them made for you upon my return?”

Her eyes light up while his father looks none too pleased. Before he can say anything however, his mother lets out a delighted sound. “Yes, well, that sounds lovely my dear. I'm not sure such foreign styles will suit me, but I would love to see the noble life in other lands. You have always been so good at capturing the beauty in things my dear Amano.” She smiles brightly.

Feeling emboldened Amano replies, “You could make even the most wretched dress shine like the evening sun mother, so I do not think we need fear the style not suiting you. It is your beauty that would make the dress glow.” She giggle happily at this, covering his face shyly. The pause however gives his father an edge to cut in on.

“So, you're bringing those time wasters you call a hobby along with you, hmm? I thought with the announcement of this trip you'd had grown beyond such childish ambitions.” His tone is scathing, but calculated, and Amano finds he's able to answer back easily.

“I will need some way to document my travels father, and we both know that a picture is worth more than many a scholarly scroll on a subject. Being able to see something beyond words to describe it will give more life to what I am able to see and experience in my travels, and with some more practice, I will be able to share this new part of the world with more people better than some dry old scholar could.” He keeps his tone respectful, but the note of confidence is something his father is still not used to.

He gets a bit hot and looks ready to snap at his son, but Tawney pipes up first. “So you're trying to say your kiddy scribbles are better than anything you could write? Man, you must have bribed the tutor to give you good marks then, seeing as those “pictures” are pure crap!” The two older brothers laugh together over this while his father takes on a slightly satisfied smile, obviously feeling that Amano had been properly rebuffed.

Amano however, isn't done. A small spike of defiance sparks inside of him and he replies smoothly, “I don't know why you are laughing Burtus. I know for a fact you bribed your own tutor with favors for him not to tell father you spent half your lessons asleep after a long night of drinking.” The face his brother has is priceless. He and Tawney are completely still, and it is the lack of denial that turns his father's wrath from Amano's smart mouth, on to his more robust son. While his father lashes into an inquiry on the matter, Amano turns his attention to his mother, speaking softly with her about all the things he wants to capture with his art while he's away so he can share with her when he gets back. She is only slightly distracted by her husband's muted anger, and manages to smile at her youngest as she speaks softly with him.

When at last it's time for dessert and Illiendi returns to the room, the youth is feeling quite proud of himself. He smiles at the manservant and nods slightly, showing him silently how good he's feeling. His eyes however go quickly back to his mother and their discussion on maybe finding some fabrics she's not seen before and sending them to her should he be able to. Burtus has fallen silent, staring at his dessert with a mix of shame and anger – mostly anger – but he dares not say anything to Amano now that Illiendi's back in the room. Tawney doesn't look up either, eating his treat quickly in a clear desire to leave as soon as possible.

'I made no promise to keep those things I've seen my brothers do secret, so I feel no shame in pointing them out to father now. After all, my brothers are suppose to be taking over positions of power in this town and starting off based on lies will only lead to ruin. . . . Not that I mind them failing and being seen as the self centered fools they are. That just rolled off my tongue so easily, I couldn't pass up the chance to say it' He lets his father take back his mother's attention, complaining about Burtus and explaining that he'll need some re-education while she gives him sympathetic looks and nods.

And finally, the meal is over. Kissing his mother's hand he leaves her and his father to continue their “talk” and makes his way out of the room, motioning for Illiendi to follow. Taking a sharp turn in the hall outside the dining room he makes his way out the back door to the garden. The sun is nearly set, setting the sky on fire and making the place glow an intense orange color. He takes a few minutes to catch his mind up with his actions before letting out a chuckle and turning to look at the demon with broad smile.

Unable to contain himself he describes how he'd put his foot out and actually took part in a conversation at the table. He goes on to talk about how he'd derailed his brother's insults and turned his fathers anger from himself and on to the other. “I know it's not much, but it's more than I've been able to do in the past by far. Mother never pays attention to anyone but Father normally, and tripping Burtus up like that. . . .I felt good.” He smiles proudly, puffing up slightly, hoping Illiendi will approve.

[cthulu]

The snippets Illendi witnessed he was rather impressed by his protégé, with his chores done after dessert he followed Amano outside into the last rays of the setting sun and settled against one of the benches half hidden in the long shadows. He listened quietly to every word that spilled eagerly from Amano’s lips, his eyes holding the liquid gold of the last rays of the sun much longer than any humans ought to, even as the sun itself started to turn crimson, his eyes still held the gold. It would be quite unusual, perhaps disconcerting to most, shrugged off as a trick of the light. It certainly was unusual on his stoic features, which remained unmoving throughout the story.

By the time the excited human had come to the end of his tale the demon was already deep in reflection. It seemed his training was paying off, or at least the boy was using his last few free hours to show his family exactly what he thought of them. It was all the demon could do not to poison the food of all but Amano’s mother. While no true benefit came from killing the humans –and there were by far many worse- it would have made for a much quieter, and thus more pleasant, household if he had. “Not much?” He purred back at his master, “In all your years these people have underestimated you, even your mother. Do you think they do now?” He asked with a curl in his tone like the cat who had got the cream. “You finally showed them what you could have been all this time and they were forced to recognise it. You are going to leave them with that thought, that image of you and return more than even that.”

He took a pause, a moment where his eyes half lidded to allow the feeling around the household to saturate into his very being before opening them again, the sun by now had escaped them and instead a silvery light remained instead. “I’m proud of you.” He finally stated. While the words were warm enough his tone made it hard to tell how deeply they really resonated with him. He stood from his spot and approached the boy, the shadows clinging and grabbing at his legs like love sick puppies, until the light forced them back into their corners. “The hard bit will be the goodbyes. Keep them short, sweet and to the point. Especially with your mother, the love between you two could derail your trip.” He didn’t seem to mean it in a cruel way, but he had seen many brave men turn cowards at the sight of their Mother’s tears. Amano was not a brave man in Illiendi’s books, he was no coward either.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

And so finally it had come, the leaving day, Illiendi had had all the luggage loaded onto a wagon and taken to the docks. He’d finished Amano’s packing himself, making sure the sketching material was well packed for the journey. He’d visited the sister-in-law in order to assure her of their safe journey and that she ought to write, often if she could. He’d gifted her a bird who could ‘find them to deliver letters’ if there was any need for them. Though she’d been asked to –where possible- keep it quiet from the family, including her husband, so no one could get the wrong idea. He’d also visited Chesia again and offered her a final reassurance that no foul deed would come to her son and as long as the plant was alive she could take comfort in the fact, so too was Amano. For the younger brothers he offered nothing but left a ‘parting gift’ on the table for them both. One received an expensive looking soap –which had been cursed to leave the skin stained no matter how much one scrubbed at it-, while the other had been left a comb –cursed so that whenever it was used the hair would start to grey-. The elder brother got his assurance that the family would be fine during this time and as for the father. He got nothing. For ‘what could you get the man who has everything?’.

The final part of the play was unfolding, Illiendi had seen to it that the square had been told of Amano’s departure and his travels. He’d prepared and scripted the boy on what to say and how to answer the jeers or cries of his ‘impossible’ mission. A soap box had been set up for him and by it Illiendi stood with the Captain of their ship on the other side. The three were sketched by an artist while Amano delivered his speech and Amano kept eyes on the crowd for any foolish interlopers to their plan. The game was about to begin and the anticipation for what was to come was utterly delightful.

[PopeAlessandros]

The demon's response makes Amano flush slightly, taking his words as praise and letting them wash over him pleasantly. For some reason, the approval of this hell spawn means more to him than any opinion his family may have of him in this moment and, he knows there's something off about that, but as Illiendi speaks, he decides to simply revel in the feeling. 'Deep thought cam come later. For now, I just want to be happy, to feel happy, and to let myself feel good about this. I did something I've never dome before, and now. . .Now I know I won't just fold back on it' He smiles broadly at Illiendi. 'I will have him at my back, holding me up, pushing me forward. Bringing me into a place where I will no longer need support'

Illiendi states his pride in him and the youth puffs up a little more, his eyes following his servant as he approaches. His head tilts back as he comes in close, the breath stilling in Amano's chest as he looks up into those silver orbs. The pale sky growing dark behind the demon's head frames that dusky face, the almost metallic light of his eyes shining out from another world and piercing through him as sure as a razor's edge to his heart. He nods, words not coming to him in this moment. He's not afraid, but nor is he completely settled. He swallows to try and settle his dancing heart, but in the end he simply has to look away and motions for Illiendi to join him as he heads to his room for the evening.

~*~

The day had finally come. Amano can hardly believe it. He'd delivered the second flower to his mother and did as instructed. A hug, a smile, some soft words, then he was gone. He'd offered his brothers nods, his elder brother a handshake, and a smile at his sister-in-law, before putting up with some pomp from his father who insists on coming with to see him off. Assured by Illiendi that all of his luggage has been taken care of, he lets the man lecture a bit as they head for the docks, his father using his own money for a carriage so he can show off a little bit on his own, supporting his son in this endeavor.

Eventually he tunes the man on, using the time to go over what he's suppose to say to the crowd Illiendi had seen fit to gather for his departure. He can feel his nerves attacking his insides and pray he will not lose his meager breakfast in front of half the town. 'Okay, so, not half the town, I'm not that important, but a good number of people I'm suppose to be impressing, not amusing. . . .' Letting out a soft sigh, he snaps his mouth shut as the lurch of the carriage coming to a stop threatens to aid in his stomach's attempt at showing off it's contents.

His father exits first, shaking hands and greeting those he knows from the crowd. Amano pauses at the top of the stairs, letting his face be seen by those gathered before descending, Illiendi falling to his side as he makes his way through the crowd, the taller male seemingly parting the crowd with his mere presence as he stalks gracefully along. Amano is no slouch, he's been practicing, and he manages to carry himself with a firm stride as he moves through the gaggle of chattering folks, stepping up to the place set for him and shaking the captain's hand. As Illiendi mounts the soapbox behind him Amano raises his head, the tilt of his eyes indicating he's ready to speak and quieting the crowd.

'It's really weird to actually command attention like this' he muses, shaking off the thought as he spots his friend in the crowd and uses her teary face to spread a strong smile on his own. “I thank you all for coming today.” he starts, doing his best to keep his eyes moving so he doesn't look like he's just reciting what he's been told to say. “As you all know, I plan on taking my leave of this place, and for quite some time. I plan to take myself to lands far beyond where sane men travel, and bring back for you the wonders I find there.” He hears a few scoffing comments about how he's more likely to be sent back in a pine box before even reaching such a place, but lets them ripple off, acting as if they are clearly beneath his notice.

“I have long spent my time hidden away. Being the youngest son of a man I am sure most of you know well as a man of wealth, I have little place here among you now. But come my return, I will have a place, and it will not be in question. I will use my strength gained from surviving as the youngest son and show you what powers are often hidden beneath the thin veil cast over people like me.” There are definite jeers, but Amano feels the power of his conviction and simply chuckles. “Doubt me if you must, but see you never forget, I will remember these doubts, and they will simply push me along as they always have.” He can see his father's face through the crowd and can see that, over all, he approves of his words and Amano lets out a breath.

He'd done it right.

Stepping back he raises a hand in valediction and the crowd applauds. Turning on his heel he steps down, following behind the captain as he leads the way on to the ship. The sailors are rushing about, getting things ready, and Amano silently thanks the captain for being not only prepared to leave immediately, but for washing up a bit before the speech. He'd been a bit worried since the last time he saw the man he'd worn something that wouldn't look out of place on a street bum. He doesn't care what the man wears on any given Sunday, but having him dressed up for the show had helped to put his mind at ease.

Once on the ship, Amano takes to the side nearest the shore. He smiles and waves to the few people waving at him, giving them a positive last impression. Once they begin pulling out of the harbor however, he retreats, moving to the bow to watch the horizon. 'I'm doing it. I'm leaving. I'm heading off on my own to make my fortune. . .' His glance falls on Illiendi at his side and he smiles softly at the man. 'Well, not on my own, but for myself at least' He catches the demon's eye with his soft look before looking back towards the curve of the earth, letting the faint wind take his hair as he tires to relax into the new reality he's facing, head on, with the ever present darkness at his side, bringing him comfort.