PopeAlessandros

Never Ending Battle ~ PopeAlessandros x AkiBlue

Images of the cities he passed through fill the former soldier's mind. He calls back the sights, the sounds, the smells. . .In his line of work, he had to pay such close attention. He recalls the attention to detail he paid every given inch, every shadow, every alley, every shop, every guard he passed. He recalls the feeling of terror and unease from the moment he left his unit to the second he returned to his father's side. He never found a way to enjoy his forays into hostile territory, despite all of the truly wonderful things he saw each and every time.

“Streets of cobble rather than dirt.” he murmurs, eyes distant. “A press of people so thick it was hard to breath. So many faces, so many beating hearts, but each one completely alone as they passed one another on the streets.” He turns to look at Hiro, flushing. “A lot of the places were very similar to the larger cities of this country, but sometimes I went a bit further and saw building far plainer, but with an oddly appealing look. Might have just been the novelty though.” Still flushing, he looks back over the water, clearing his throat self-consciously.

His eyes find Hiro's again as he thanks him and he simply nods in response. When asked how he's feeling all he can manage is a shrug, looking embarrassed once more. “Fine I guess.” he mumbles, unable to shake this feeling of bashfulness. “What about you?” he asks, trying to redirect away from himself. He listens quietly as his betrothed talks, relaxing faintly as he hears that the prince isn't completely calm about everything either. His eyes are drawn on occasion to the flickering flame in the other's hand, but he mostly watches that pale, delicate face. Takes in his every expression, each twitch of the lip, every scrunch of the nose. He wants to give his full attention to the man, showing him the respect he deserves.

The conversation ends up on him again and he lets out a slow breath, the tenseness returning. “For me, I am not sure I am quite out of the fog just yet.” His voice is soft, smooth, his gaze falling to his hands. “I know it is not a dream, but that does not stop the hazy feeling I get every time I try to come to terms with what the future holds for me. . .” He sighs softly. “I can try to deny it, to flee the palace, to hide behind my training, to spend my spare hours laying far from the hustle and bustle of it all, but in the end I am drawn back in and reality begins to cloud my mind once again, showing me that my past is falling away, and the future, once so clear, is now a large unknown with few certainties in it. . .”

His gaze flickers back to Hiro, biting his lips gently before going on. “One of those things I am sure of, one of the things I do take strength from, is that. . .That y-you will be there.” He curses his stutter silently. “You have been kind High-. . .H-Hiro, and for that, I am forever grateful. . .” He flushes again, deeper this time. “You are kind, understanding, and I. . .I find comfort in the idea that I have someone willing to spend their life around me who is as understanding as you have been.” Despite knowing he will be married to the man, he can't bring himself to say “who will spend their life with me”. Hiro is still too far from him, despite how close they have been growing. He still can not see the man as anything closer than “his highness”.

When the Roar Falls ~ PopeAlessandros x Raafling

'Mister Aryx is clearly embarrassed. . .Maybe I should have waited until he brought it up?' He feels a faint pang. 'I just won't talk about it any more now. Let it pass, let the idea move on. . .' The tattered shirt settles across one arm and he smiles faintly at the dragon, glad that he seems to be glad for the bath he'd prepared. Viltez can feel his body shiver slightly as he takes in the other man's form, flushing as his guest removes the last bits of fabric. He feels it would be polite to look away, but at the same time something about their interactions before tells him he shouldn't feel bad about looking.

'I mean, we weren't completely nude when we. . .did that. . .I. . .' His thoughts trail off as Aryx moves in close. The pants are placed on one of his outstretched arms but as Aryx steps between them he can feel the shiver returning, urging him to hold the other man. In response, before he can think about it, his tail slides out to wrap around the dragon's waist, trying to pull him in closer. Viltez flushes deeply, both the actions of his tail and his guest's words bringing the heat to his flesh. The touch is soft, comforting, but still rather foreign feeling. He likes the idea that, maybe, one day, it will become a familiar feeling, but the easily depressed part of his mind reminds him that Aryx won't be here forever.

“I was a little worried to.” he whispers. “I thought of you all day. I hoped you were well. . .” He flushes deeper, eyes going to the floor as he feels embarrassed admitting such a thing. Swallowing hard he tries to get his mind back to normal, tries to smile and brush his own words off, but as he looks back up at Aryx he instead lets out a shuddering breath and leans in to place a soft kiss on the other man's cheek. “I am glad you've returned. . .” The soft words tickle the dragon's cheek and he pulls his face back a moment later, worried that he's invading Aryx's space.

The Power of The Fallen ~ PopeAlessandros x AkiBlue

The jerk of fluttering wings at his side catches the demon's attention, but rather than looking over, he simply continues rinsing off. He knows much more attention on the angel will lead him into something he will regret, so for now, he forces a distance between them. His eyes remain locked off on some distant point, his every effort going into keeping himself from ravaging the lovely beast sharing the bath with him. 'The exposed skin and flushed appearance from the hot water really doesn't help' He grumbles silently to himself, shifting uncomfortably and carefully redirecting his gaze even further away from the epitome of temptation settled against the side of the tub. He shifts a little bit further away, stretching and yawning, more than ready to try out the new sleeping arrangements.

However, relief apparently is not in his immediate future. Aoba comes drifting over, half hidden behind one wing as he looks up at him with the most adorable and tantalizing bashful expression on his face. Keeping his desire hidden – at least out of his eyes, his body not quite so cooperative – Kuro raises an eyebrow in question, wondering what the angel is up to being so cute. He visibly twitches at the sound of his name being called so softly, that little sing-song nature of it making his everything tighten. “Yes?” he murmurs, his voice deep, and soft.

Aoba's usual string of uncertainty and shyness brings a small smile to his lips, the familiarity giving him a little bit more control over himself. Sure, he knows he shouldn't have expected anything else, but can he really help thinking that, maybe, Aoba was actually responding the same way? A demon can dream, can't he? Images found only in yaoi novels had indeed passed through his head – the needy uke, devoured by passion and desire, calling out. . . . - but as Aoba remains the ever innocent youth he's always been, Kuro finds that well of control he'd built over time being around the angel keeping him properly contained.

“I'm glad too my Little Mouse.” he murmurs smoothly, his voice picking up a bit of it's old vigor. He chuckles, agreeing silently that being “so mushy” would repel the smaller demon, pulling many a disgusted face from him. 'He really can't help the innocent adorable thing ca-' His thoughts are cut off, his heart taking it's leave for an instant. Soft, warm lips are on his own, the pale, slender body attached to them far closer than is particularly safe for it to be. His body goes rigid, eyes widening even as his hands clench impulsively into fists. He can feel his nails cutting into his palms as it finally hits him that Aoba is kissing him, and if he moves a muscle, Aoba won't be able to get away unraveged.

And then, without warning, Aoba is gone. He's only a pace or two away, heading for the edge of the tub, but Kuro feels the absence as if he's a million miles away. He watches, eyes still wide, as the angel climbs out of the tub and mumbles his way out of sight.

It takes a long minute for Kuro to move, his rigid body falling back against the side of the tub in a tight, boneless heap. He has no room for thought at the moment, a rough keening noise leaving him as one of his hands slides forward to bring him some relief. He'd wanted to wait. Wait until Aoba was ready to just be with him. His head falls back over the edge of the tub, his body shaking with desire. He thought he could hold off doing something like this. He's never really had to do such a thing, the people he's had desire for being all too willing to couple with him before he drew their souls from them. But with Aoba, with this infuriatingly innocent and tempting angel, it's all he can do to keep from calling him an insufferable flirt and teaching him just how much an unintentional flirt riles him up.

Slitting eyes look to the room Aoba uses for sleep, falling closed after a moment as images of the younger man pass through his mind, teasing him to completion. The window overlooking the back yard is in full view of the tub and Kuro imagines Aoba seeing him like this. His fire leaps about his body, steaming the water, threatening to break the tub itself if he's not careful. But careful is the last thing he wants to be at the moment. He does however arch his body to lessen the chance of breakage, the shivers and shakes passing harshly through him just before he calls out, head snapping back harshly and he finds the release he'd been seeking.

'It's not enough. Never will be enough. I want Aoba. I want him, more than anything. I want to see him crying out under me, or riding me, his wings fluttering with desire, those eyes bright with passion, those hand clinging needily, that voice. . .' he lets out a whine, his free hand coming up to cover his face as the images setting him in motion again. This time, he takes a little longer, working his entire body and by the end he's feeling more relaxed and is able to get out of the tub.

With a groan, he empties it, letting the water run out on it's own while he snatches up a towel and begins drying off and heads inside. 'I swear, next time, I won't be in shock, and. . . .And. . .Should I warn him? Tell him not to do that again?' He shakes his head hard, the idea of telling Aoba to put distance between them unacceptable. He knows that doing such a thing would make him think he'd done something wrong, and the truth is, it's the exact opposite. He's doing all the right things, it's just the fact that he's doing it with a demon that's making it all dangerous. 'So, I have to be the one to check himself. I gotta be careful, and find a way to make distance when I'm too keyed up, until. . . . .Until he's ready' Leaning against the wall of the stairwell he lets out a whine. 'But how long will that be!?'

At Aoba's door he summons up some silk sleeping pants before knocking, setting the towel just inside the bathroom. Hearing Aoba call out he opens the door slowly, peeking in before entering properly, making sure the angel isn't doing something that will make him jump his bones automatically. Just seeing Aoba is tantalizing, but with a smile Kuro closes the door behind him and crosses his arms over his chest. “So, do you prefer being near the wall, or the edge?” he asks smirking, taking in the little room in a glance and realizing “big bed” is a relative term. 'His bed in heaven must have been tiny!'

Never Ending Battle ~ PopeAlessandros x AkiBlue

Akito had most definitely been alert when the guard had approached his betrothed, but he'd kept it hidden well behind the guise of patting the horse's neck and checking his tack. He knows he should trust everyone in the palace without question, seeing as he's the new guy after all, but he can't exactly stamp out a lifetime's worth of trained instinct in a matter of months.

He is finally able to relax as the palace falls out of view behind them however and he can feel himself breathing more easily. The warm body in front of him, the steady motions of the horse. . .Something about it all is very peaceful. The laugh that tumbles from the other man's lips brings a smile to his own, a few more muscles relaxing. He's still nervous around the man he's meant to marry, but he feels far more in his element atop a horse and away from prying eyes. He shifts the horse gently once they leave the woods, taking them almost immediately off the road. Vendors and sellers have been coming in often enough that Akito wants to avoid having a run-in with someone delivering flowers or foods for the upcoming nuptials.

They skirt along the edge of the wood, making a calm beeline for a nice pond Akito discovered on one of his forays – well escapes – from the palace that is surrounded by high grass to provide a good bit of privacy for their quiet outing. His head tilts as he hears the question from over his shoulder and tries to silently determine what “a lot” entails. Given how little Hiro even leaves the palace grounds he's sure any amount of travel is “a lot”, so he's not quite sure how to respond.

“I traveled when it was required of us.” he replies simply. Knowing that's not exactly what Hiro wants to know however, he goes on. “Because of my specialty, sometimes I would travel without the unit, so I suppose I traveled more than they. For the most part, the unit stayed around the war front, but I would occasionally have a job alone in an enemy city, so I would go along my myself as to not raise suspicion. A couple times a year I'd say, after my qualification was confirmed.” Pulling off to the side a bit Akito carefully dismounts before holding his arms out to help Hiro down as well. Once the prince is on his feet the once soldier moves a little ways off to tie the horse to a branch of a log hidden in the tall grass that he saw peeking up as they came upon it.

Turning, he offers one of his small, quite smiles to the other man. Turning back around he leads the way forward, carefully brushing the grass aside so as to not accidentally step into the pond he's looking for. Once he finds it he calls out for Hiro to watch his step, circling the water until he comes to a side of it that has clearly been used more than others, leaving the grass flattened and perfect for sitting on. Turning, he ushers the prince forward, taking his seat only after making sure Hiro's comfortable. 'Well, as comfortable as he can be not sitting on one of those plush seats or cushions they have all over the palace' he muses. 'I swear, some of those rooms are nothing but pillows. . .I wonder if his bedroom is like that too' He flushes at the thought, having not even seen the other man's room yet.

True, spending any amount of time in such a place with the prince would lead to rumors, which is partially why he's not asked. The other part of it however is his own fear of something besides rumors. While Hiro's made no inclination towards intimacy himself – well, beyond getting closer than he's used to and occasionally touching him when he doesn't expect it – he's not sure what would happen at that level of “alone” with the beautiful man beside him. Flushing a little deeper he shakes his head, making a slight clicking sound so Hoko knows he can go explore. The sinuous beast slides out, stretching, and is off in the grass in moments. Looking over at Hiro, Akito clears his throat, trying to push back his embarrassing thoughts and smile, this suppose to be a peaceful time.

When Realms Collide {AkiBlue & PopeAlessandros}

The little minions are just flitting out of the kitchen when Crios arrives through one of the back entrances. He feels nervous, watching his lover shouting orders like a general, his focus and determination making him look rather appealing. It also keeps the foxy doctor in place for some time, his instinct to let the man he loves work and leave him be to do so winning over his own desire for contact. He's turning around to leave when a wave of fatigue passes through him making him catch himself on the door frame. 'I need. . . .Hugs. . . .' He pouts silently to himself and is once more at war with himself.

The decision is made a lot easier as the sudden jerk of his body caught his lover's attention and without a thought he sets the rest of the kitchen to keep going on his way across the room and stops right behind the limp tail of his beloved silently. Crios can feel him back there and his ears twitch as his head rotates to look at the red head. The pathetic expression he can't keep off his face prompts Cho to lead them out of the kitchen and into a small alcove in the back hall where he can wrap his lover up in his arms, petting his hair gently.

Crios sinks against him, enjoying the embrace and letting his tension seep out. Cho can feel something a little off about his smaller partner but doesn't mention it, instead murmuring, “Well, this is new. . .You don't normally come to see me while I'm at work. . .” 'Especially when you know I'll be busy' He keeps the thought to himself however, not wanting to drive his beloved off by making him feel he's being a bother.

Crios mutters something unintelligible, but Cho doesn't ask him to repeat, knowing that when he's finally able to express himself, the proud minion will speak up and make his words known. Truth be told, now that he's in his lover's arms, he doesn't even know what he wants next. The comfort of having Cho here, with him, holding him, it seems as if all things could fall away and he would be left content, as long as Cho doesn't let go. He does however need to say 'something to the man he loves, leaving him hanging not an option. So, pulling back ever so slightly he murmurs loud enough to hear, “I just felt like coming to see you. . .” Cho's grip tightens and Crios lets out a contented growl, burying his face in the red head's neck and just taking in his scent.

~*~

Not knowing what else to do with their time, Inui and the other two head to Seishu's old room and form a cuddle pile in the middle of the bed. Spike takes a pillow all to himself and seems to be watching them as they speak quietly about the state of things between their guardians. Rasha has fun making the other two blush as he teases about the intimacy he's sure has happened while they are away in their own little world, and makes a vague comment about “knowing how good Seishu is in bed” that leads to very bashful but curious inquiries.

~*~

[i]~The darkness feels somehow worse than it ever did before. His insides writhe and he feels so alone.

[b]So long away from him

So long here in this darkness

Being tormented. . . .

And somehow this is way worse

Getting him back

Then being alone. . .

He tries to look around, find something, anything, but despite getting the vague feeling that Enasi is somewhere nearby, there is nothing he can really hold on to to actually find any comfort in the idea and the upset of it all prompts him to wake despite his drugged state.~[/i]

Opening his eyes Seishu looks around, the comfy bed not much of a comfort as he sees that Enasi is indeed not in sight. What he does spot however is a furball who is looking at him with an eyebrow raised and an ear twitching. Rolling painfully on to his back he lets out a groan. Moving is not the most pleasant activity at the moment. “Hey Hops. How you doing?” he murmurs, knowing he doesn't have to raise his voice he keeps his voice low as to save himself some pain.

His ear twitches at the nickname. “Well enough Night.” he replies, letting out a faint huff. “Been chasing you down for what seems like forever, nearly got exposed to the entire human race, watches my guardian slowly change into something near unrecognizable, and oh yeah, got shot in the chest with a huge needle just to keep my wits about me enough to hunt your pale behind down.” He shrugs, keeping his tone casual. “So, you know, doing well, considering.”

Seishu's eyes narrow at the needle comment and he lets his focus shift slightly, trying to figure out what he's talking about. “A shot? What for?” he asks, trying to fight the haze of drugs and get his bearings. With Enasi gone, he knows he needs to keep himself distracted least he lose himself to the pain.

The big furry ear twitches again. He's not the best to explain this, but he knows Seishu. There's no way a half answer will work here, so he does his best. “It seems that, being around you makes dream denizens like me and the others susceptible to depression and overwhelming sorrow.” He rubs the spot over his heart where he'd been injected, remembering the pain of it all. “So Crios got the brilliant idea that a shot of properly mixed positive energy and perfectly blended positive blood mixed with negative energy injected into us would somehow palace everything out and help us handle the negative feeling overload.”

The guardian looks very confused, but manages to follow it all for the most part. “So, wait, whose blood was used?” He hasn't the faintest idea who would have this magical, perfectly mixed blood, the haze of the drugs making thought a very tedious task indeed.

“Rue's.” Harper responds simply, watching the guardian stare in shock.

Trying to process the idea that Rue is somehow unique enough to be used as some kind of reagent for helping others adjust to having him around Seishu's eyes fall closed. Before he can get through any real thought however the darkness takes him again and he settles there, lonely, but with some food for thought to distract him this time.

Make Me Purr, or Roar. . . ~ PopeAlessandros x Crawkid

Jin's eyes dart downwards as he hears fingers drumming on the plate and he can feel his heart jump into his throat. 'Does he want more? I only made so much, I should have made more! I am a horrible host!' The panic dies a little however as suddenly the Seeras is pointing at him. He can feel the being's magic wash through him and he shivers slightly, the soothing nature of it stilling the chimes around the room. 'I guess I was just being too excitable. . .' He can feel his metaphorical ears and tail drooping, but at the idea of visiting the elder with a Seeras at his side Jin is once more a bright smiling figure.

“That would be good! I'm sure he'd know better about everything and could help with whatever you need and. . .” His voice trails off as he is hit with the sudden sad idea that he's not enough for this creature he reveres so much. His smile stays in place however, not needing to bother the Seeras with his own insecurities. “I think he should be home today as there aren't any major events going on right now besides the offering, but I took care of that, so, yeah!” Jumping up he begins getting ready. Little wisps is wind trail through the house here and there as he rushes about, his excitement getting the better of him.

He pauses as his hand lands on his flight suite and he looks over at the Seeras, clearly nervous. “Um, flying would be the fastest way, but if you'd rather walk, we can do that too. I mean, it's up to you really. I'm sure I could fly us there just fine, but I know a lot of people are uncomfortable in the air, and, um, yeah. . . . .” He flushes brightly, realizing he's rambling and cutting himself off before it gets too far.

Over the Hill ~ ClosetMonster x PopeAlessandros

Heh. We seem to keep missing each other. Kinda sad really. I love this RP. Despite the long lengths between posts, it's in my top 10 of all time. Funny, huh?

Who Will Break? ~ PopeAlessandros x Raafling

Kiel creeps in slowly once he spots the little ones in the distance, intent on seeing how they are fairing and to not interrupt should they be doing fine on their own. He manages to find his way behind a rose trellis near enough to see and hear the youth and smiles softly as they seem to be both calm and talking quietly. He can hear her question to Zach, asking about how anyone could pick on him, and finds himself more curious for the answer than he thought he would be. He's wanted to work with Zach, to help keep him from winding up a bloody pulp again once he takes his leave, and thinks that perhaps he can gain a little insight if he listens carefully.

What the boy has to say however makes him a bit sad inside, his heart calling out as he hears the crack in his voice. 'I would never reject you little one. Please, don't think like that. I'm here for you, just as I am for all my children. I am sorry I've made you feel this way, please, forgive me. I will right it all with you, I promise. . .' His own eyes tear up a bit and his betrayal of the past night seems even worse inside his heart as he sees the boy ready to cry and he moves away from the garden, taking to the path so he can enter the scene properly and not just appear from out of nowhere. He knows eavesdropping is bad, but when it reveals vital information Kiel needs to help his little ones, he can accept that the lord will forgive him his behavior.

~*~

Looking up at Zach sadly Sarah shakes her head hard as Zach's claim that Kiel would reject him, biting her lip as he talks about her having him all to herself once he's gone. “Father Kiel won't hate you. He's not like that. No matter what!” She feels almost affronted that Zach thinks that the “perfect” father would be anything but completely accepting and loving of anyone. “No matter what you think, Father Kiel doesn't push anyone away, not ever!” She looks down at her hands, watching them shake more now that she's upset. Clasping them together she speaks a little softer. “None of us have him all to themselves. I. . .I know I'm just another lost little kid to him, but. . . .I'm not gonna be mad that I have to share.” Her voice drops to a whisper. “It's better to have a little love from a friend than living unloved. . .” After a beat, she goes back to trying to draw her flowers, feeling very embarrassed at having spoken up so firmly and kind of afraid that Zach will be mad.

~*~

Reaching the garden proper Kiel calls out softly, alerting the little ones to his presence and giving them both a big smile and wave. After a moment's hesitation Sarah stands up, setting the sketchbook down, and races over to give Kiel a hug. He's worried for a moment that she's upset. Looking to Zach questioningly he tilts his head, then turns his gaze back to her, his warm smile quite soothing as he pets her hair gently. “Something wrong Sarah?” he murmurs kindly. She shakes her head against his middle and pulls back, looking both nervous and happy.

She leads him back towards the bench and picks up the sketchbook, holding it in front of her chest for a moment. “Don't laugh.” she demands softly, then holds it out to Kiel without waiting for his promise not to.

“I see no reason to laugh.” he says softly, looking over the shaky lines with the same reverence one would a finely carved work of art. “It's beautiful. I can see how hard you worked on it.” She squirms, but looks happy. Kiel shifts his focus on to Zach, tilting his head. “Did you work on something as well?” he asks, his gaze going to the sketchbook in the boy's hands.

We'll take the low road.

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.

We'll take the low road.

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.