Flashback Keep your friends close

[Styn]

15th of Spring, 502 AV
House Judicar Residence

A thirteen year old boy walked into the foyer from a set of doors that would lead further into the mansion. To his right and left stair cases rose leading off into the east and west wings. The boy himself had a hard look to him, although young he was clearly in supreme physical condition. Fair hair was cut short to his head in the sort of style favored by professional soldiers. Too young to shave, the man child none the less carried an aura of menace, poorly concealed behind a smile that didn't touch his eyes. Brown orbs with a hint of steel that darted around constantly, trying to process every detail, as if studying for a test. He wore soft looking shoes and black breaches. A tight white silk shirt looked maybe a size too small, but did a great job of hugging the developed musculature beneath. The design left arms exposed from mid bicep. Although not sweaty, Styn looked to be either fresh from some form of training or about to engage in some.

Styn stood at the door of the Judicar mansion greeting the guests that were still arriving. The boy tried to maintain a polite and professional smile but his features kept slipping into boredom. His father would often host such gatherings and it wouldn't take very many steps onto the property to see why. While still only a minor house, the Judicar star was on the rise. They specialized in mercenary training and armament and controlled about a quarter of the mercenary forces that were employed throughout the city. Need some merchant guards for your caravan to Nyka? Want some extra protection during your stay? Perhaps a single nights rental of a highly trained body servant to ensure your blood stayed in your veins? House Judicar could see to all these needs and more. Sometimes power was measured in influence or coin, and just as often power was power. House Judicar could field more loyal men at arms then many of the greater households.

While approaching the mansion one could not help but pass the large gathering of rough men and women who were enjoying a party of their own. The grounds of the Judicar mansion were flush with armed men and women getting drunk off their patron's ale. The ruckus was very similar to the atmosphere you would find in a docks tavern. It was meant to feel hostile, often times the merry making would extend to the distinguished guests making their way through the black iron gates. As they walked across the paved walkway, taunts would often be called out, insults and threats were not uncommon. Always the traveler would advance toward the grand doorway that would lead into the entryway where Styn waited, even now, for the next arrival. Of course all of this was a show, the mercenaries had strict orders on who would and would not be hassled.

The noise form outside went all but silent through the gilded oak doors. Clearly a respected ally had entered the gates. Hidden signals would have been passed to those enjoying the evening. Men who were too far gone into their cups would be encouraged to make themselves scarce for a few moments. Several of the mercenary captains would most likely nod toward whoever was now making their way toward the doors. A sign of courtesy to be sure, but a show of strength as well. This dog is well leashed, the actions would say, this is how I am feared by those who serve me. After what seemed an impossibly long time the door was opened and Tyrem Salvos entered.

House Salvos was Judicar's closest competitor. From what little Styn understood of such things the two houses were working on an alliance to unite their interests. Salvos controlled another quarter of the mercenary work that Ravok required, with the last half broken up among the rest of the city. The man was of broad shoulders and stout constitution. Rumor had it that he worked his way up on his own merit through one of the largest unaffiliated mercenary companies. After eventually rising to the head of the organization he had promptly joined it to house Salvos, ensuring his place as the future head. Three generations of Salvos had contributed to their growing monopoly of mercenary trade. It was a big bone on contention. Gaius Judicar had rivaled their strength in just one life time, as one of the Ebonstryfe to boot.

Oddly the man didn't have his son in tow. It was a sign of confidence when visitors would bring their children, knowing that the capturing of one's heirs was a very real possibility. Perhaps things were not going so well for the grand alliance? Styn's face was tightened back into his polite mask, but Tyrem looked ready to chew stone and shit bricks. The man was dressed in a fine dark blue suit, most likely imported from outside Ravok. He was flanked by a pair of guards, mercenary captains by their look. One a younger looking man with blond hair went so far as to glance over his shoulder with a look of longing. It wasn't likely that Salvos would want to part with his men looking like he did tonight though.

House Judicar wasn't overly wealthy. Most of the profits were spent to ensure the mercenary captains stayed loyal. The house was fairly plain, tables without decoration set in corners, taking space but also serving functional purposes in providing light. The doors, while gilded were not set with precious stones, although they looked sturdy enough for all of that. The woodwork, although polished to a shine was not carved by artisans. Still, not everyone could afford a house this size in the Noble district. Tryem seemed fairly unimpressed by the layout, although Styn knew for a fact that the Judicar mansion was larger. Gaius had made sure of it when requesting its construction.

"Can I show you to the lounge?" Styn asked calmly, unfazed by the man's demeanor. Even now, his eyes picked out details that he was sure to be questioned about later. The guards were both wearing longswords, but didn't seem to be wearing any sort of armor under their plain clothes. The cut was well done but the cloth was of fairly common stock. A uniform of some sorts, with the sign of house Salovs on the breast, over the heart. Their boots looked of more sturdy design, most likely part of their armor, leather polished for the occasion. The older guard hadn't taken his eyes off Styn the entire time. A reasonable precaution. Styn was standing in a striking stance developed for surprise attacks. Arms hanging loosely to the sides were only an illusion that could swiftly turn into bloody reality. Not just skilled then, Styn decided, but experienced as well. Many mercenaries were prone to dismiss an unarmed man. The clothing Styn wore was tight, emphasizing his physique, but unlikely to hide a weapon.

"I know where the damn lounge is," Tyrem barked, moving swiftly past Styn. The older guard subtly put himself between the scion of Judicar and his employer, the younger moving to flank the man on the other side. Are things so bad that they fear an assassination attempt here? Gaius was too subtle for such a maneuver. At least Styn thought that he was. His father had been irritable lately, eager for his next promotion in Ebonstryfe. Styn watched the head of house Salvos flow past, a hint of his former grace still present in the way he moved. A bit of gut showed the man softening in age, something Gaius would no doubt bring up when they spoke. The bustle of activity outside had risen to its former level and there was only one guest left who had not shown as of yet.

Styn knew little of house Hedos. The man had a son though and Styn wondered if he would be confident enough to bring the boy. Hedos was an unknown, Styn wasn't sure what purpose this invitation was to reveal, either intimidation or enticement knowing his father. He'd likely find out exactly after it would have been useful to know. Life had been working like that for him lately. Still, he had his orders. He was to host a gathering of his own for the children of these families. Find out what he could, make himself known to them, and of course establish the dominance of house Judicar early. Styn's mouth twisted slightly in disgust. He wasn't built for the underhanded nature of Ravokian politics. Hopefully I can just avoid being bored, Styn mused. Tomorrow Utgar was going to show him a new hold, but for now it was all business.

[Kelmar Hedos]

15th of Spring, 502 AV Noble District The invitation from House Judicar came as an unexpected surprise to the ten year old Kelmar, but his father seemed none too shocked at the arrival of a small paper slip in their letterbox that gave them access to the event hosted at a large house deeper in the Noble District. Both his parents were tight-lipped about the occasion around him, but they often discussed things as he was leaving to bed. There was some ruckus about it, about the other families invited, but Kelmar could make neither head nor tails of what was being said. Even at that age he had a head for business, though he still could not catch enough of what was being said to be able to accurately tell what his father had planned. He did know that it was something big though. His parents spent all their spare time between managing the stores and auctioning their rarer pieces grooming him for the dinner. As they sat in their private Ravosala, he was running through the lessons in his head. Sit with your back straight, don't interrupt the adults unless talked to, when asked speak about working hard in class, explain business and mention various important patrons, compliment the house and the food and the event, don't tarnish your clothes speak politely, bow to everyone. So much to remember, it was almost an entire mini-course in itself. This was not the first time he attended an adult gathering either, so that they were making such a big deal about it was strange to say the least. Something about this dinner was important for them to make such a fuss. They made especial care to make sure he knew who the Judicars were, worried about their son's ignorance offending their hosts. Most of it was unimportant statistics, but the basic facts were drilled into his head. House Judicar dealt with providing military services to those who needed it, things like bodyguards and escorting goods and fortifying warehouses in the case of valuable materials. Jorvik hired from them every once in a while when they got a particularly exotic piece from abroad, like an Eyktolian mosaic or a Falyndarian carved decoration. Their mercenary contracting was almost a quarter of all such contracts made in the city, though they were more of a quantity over quality oriented family like with their house, which was expansive but with relatively bland decor. The house head was Gaius Judicar, a ruthless businessmen who dealt with his competitors the same way he dealt with his mercenaries - ruthlessly where he could get away with it, and that he was one of the Ebonstryfe did much to boost his family's reputation. All of this the young Kelmar was running through his head as he sat between his parents on the gondola. There was so much to remember, all for the sake of the family face. His father still would not tell him how this event was supposed to help the dynasty he was supposed to build, though he was reassured on many accounts that it would help. To make sure that he represented the house to its fullest, they dressed him in a smooth black silk shirt and a red velvet tunic, his silk black pants and black felt shoes completing a dress suit that even the big names would find impressive. They themselves were dressed impeccably, Jorvik in a matching outfit to his son with gold designs stitched into the front and Cordelia wearing a flowing red dress with fanciful frills around the sleeveless rims and the hem of the fabric. Everyone was ready to show off the family, how they soared no expense for their hosts. Not that Kelmar really wanted to be shown off. He fidgeted the whole way, looking back frequently at the ravosalaman, a hired servant of house Hedos, who kept smiling at him as he turned. There was nothing to do at these meetings, and he hated having to go to them because it was just the adults talking to each other about things that he did not know of. Unimportant stuff like the weather (which was always the bloody same anyway) and who was profiting slightly more and who was liking and disliking who. It was annoying to have to be dragged to these, but what his parents would do if he didn't... Last time when he even suggested that he would not do as told and they spent so long lecturing him and sentenced him to an entire evening without dinner. Not to mention they took away his ability to leave the property for a week, which had to be one of the most dullest places in all of Ravok. "We're here Kelmar," his father Jorvik said as the ravosala drew up in front of the Judicar mansion. He stepped off first, walking up to the front entrance as his son watched the big building uncertainly. A rough shove from his mother jolted him into action. "Move Kelmar," she ordered, forcing him onto the sidewalk and stepping off after him. "Come back for us when the event is over," she to led her servant, who bowed deeply as the Hedos family approached the mansion, Kelmar looking towards the dinner with dread.

[Styn]

15th of Spring, 502 AV
House Judicar Residence

The foyer door swung open, pulled outward by the two mercenaries stationed at the gate. They would be a bit more stoic then their companions who lined the walkway, regardless of the reception, they would have a description of who was expected. If spoken to, they would be curt and deflective. The door guards weren't there to speak, but to open and close doors. Revealed in the entryway stood a family of three. Jorvik and Cordelia Hedos, behind them the boy. Younger and smaller then Styn, as he had been led to expect. "Please enter and be welcome House Hedos," Styn said as they seemed to hesitate before proceeding. As soon as they were clear of the doorway the mercenaries outside pushed the thick double doors closed with a solid thud, as if cutting off their escape.

The room was plain, but well lit with candle flame. Still, the effect caused the shadows to dance over bare walls as the doors boomed closed. Styn stepped forward in that uncertain moment with quick balanced steps, hands held loosely at this sides. He tried to move in the space between observations. His voice would place him several feet in front of them, his stance before had been a balanced but very still posture. The door would then close behind them, and even if this did not cause a flinch the change in air pressure would draw attention to the sides of the room. Most people would not think to keep part of their attention on a child who was so obviously not moving. When their attention came back to Styn - if the kata was performed correctly - it would appear as if he had teleported to their location. He would once again be standing in the hidden strike stance as he had been before.

"Can I show the two of you to the lounge?" Styn asked. What was the next part again? Styn pondered. Oh right, Styn allowed a cruel smile to tug at his lips. He was to leave out the child in his request and do what he could to put them off balance. Such maneuvers would have been less effective on the head of Salvos for three reasons. First the man was a long standing business partner of his father and had many dealings with house Judicar. House Salvos knew exactly where they stood. Second the man had come with two guards who, as annoying as it was to admit, would make short work of Styn. Finally, the man knew exactly who the scion of Judicar was, a piece of information that these three would only have if they had someone describe Styn in detail to them. How much would they retain? Gaius had several children after all.

Styn's eyes would not leave the gathering before him, picking out details for later use, his mind constantly asking, What do I see?. Any verbal question would be answered with the following, or he would just start talking again if there was no reaction at all after a minute or two of awkward silence.

"Father believes that children should be neither seen nor heard," Styn said pivoting smoothly as if attacking someone who suddenly appeared behind. He stepped off with a languid walking kata, deceptive in that the slouched shoulders and boneless walk cast the illusion that he was moving far slower then he really was. Arms at his side would pump half as often as he stepped, but with the appearance that each forward swing would coincide with a step. He would seem to glide across the floor, taking his time, eyes expecting one thing would be inclined to dismiss how fast he was moving. A minor loss of attention from one thing or another, and suddenly he would be standing in front of the door to the lounge.

"I will of course make sure nothing happens to your son," Styn said as he pivoted again hand reaching out to the door without opening it. The adults had not followed him as expected however, and were exchanging what seemed to be last minute instructions to their child. Straining his ears he tried to make out what was being said, not caring how obvious he was about it. After a few moments he cleared his throat. "Really though, you are the last to arrive and I believe that dinner will shortly be served." Another cold smile greeted the Hedos family. Styn's eyes slid toward Kelmar, where he continued to look until opening the door. As the inner doors were pulled open, a light sounding music issued forth. The soft murmur of conversation, uninterrupted by yet another arrival, continued.

Kelmar Hedos had a look of innocence about him. Dark hair in loose locks where Styn's was short and fair. Their builds would look similar if Styn didn't spend several hours each day in physical training. He didn't detect even a faint hit of menace from Kelmar and it didn't seem to be artifice, or if it was it was to a degree that Styn was unable to recognize. One could never really be uncomfortable in a material such as silk, but the boy didn't look happy to be dressed as he was. Styn's own wardrobe might match the quality, but these were also the clothes he wore every day. On the surface Kelmar seemed to come from a more complete family structure, at least in that both parents attended to him and he seemed more child like. Maybe this was how love should look, but Styn felt himself unmoved with any feeling of jealousy. Gaius was preparing him far better then this child to face the world.

Styn moved even as the door closed. His left arm lashed out to wrap around the shoulders of young Kelmar. The stance of opening a door quickly turning into an attack with ease. If the boy tried to step back he would step forward, if needed he would increase or decrease the speed of his strike to secure the child to his side. The last thing both parents would see if they looked back would be a grinning Styn, with his left arm slung behind the neck of their heir, hand extended to firmly grip Kelmar's upper arm. Unless of course the boy managed to dodge in some unexpected way. There, Styn thought, Gaius can expect no more from me then that.

Once the door was completely closed Styn would look down toward Kelmar, regardless of their physical proximity. "You look hungry. Should we start with something to eat?" Styn would not however, attempt to hold onto the child if he tried to shrug off the arm.

[Kelmar Hedos]

OOCSorry for the late reply, New Year's Day had me pretty busy. Hope it's up to your expectations with your own writing style. All the jeering and catcalls and drunken shouts frightened the little Kelmar a tad bit, but as he shied away he received a firm tap on the shoulder from his mother. He knew all too well what that meant, and immediately tried to fix his composure, walking straight alongside his parents and regarding the mercenaries with a mixture of fear and slight disgust. They allowed these drunken pigs to populate their courtyard? It was shameful to see one's troops so out of order, regardless of profession. Such a lack of control seemed hardly fit to handle sensitive missions and jobs from employers. Regardless, the little boy was still afraid of the big men and women who called and jeered at the approaching Hedos household. Jorvik and Cordelia, however, were much more in control. Even in the face of such bald-faced rudeness, they strode forward as if presenting for a member of the Black Sun itself - which they were. The mother cast her gaze about disapprovingly, being one used to dealing with the upper crusts of society in her auctions and deals, but the father understood what this was and knew also that these unruly mercenaries could be reigned in at a moment's notice. Their officers were positioned strategically throughout the crowd, in places where they would be able to hush their followers at a moment's notice if the command was given. In the meantime, they were surely meant to intimidate anyone approaching, like they had been doing to his son (it was shameful that he reacted the way he did). It was just a shame that Gaius did not reign in his dogs for the Hedos' arrival. Or maybe he wanted this kept a secret even from his men. Regardless, as one they entered the Judicar mansion, waiting at the doors for them to be opened. As the guards did so, young Kelmar watching them curiously, trying to imagine what it must be like to have a job opening doors of all things. He could sympathize with the boredom they must be feeling, especially in front of all their drinking comrades. His parents paid them no heed or any attention at all for that matter, only watching the door as it opened, waiting somewhat impatiently for them to have completed cleared the way before walking in, their son following behind. A voice had beckoned them in, but the head of Hedos had begun his entry before it finished speaking, showing his obvious disregard for those who were not his equal in the family. As the doors slid shut behind them, the resulting noise seemed oddly like a crash to the Kelmar, more than a slam. The young boy reacted immediately and turned back to see a dark door that was lite but nonetheless framed in shadow. His heart did a little dance, but he geared his mother too much to let any emotion show on his face. Speaking of whom, his parents did not even glance back at the loud noise, and Cordelia proceeded to examine the room while Jorvik sought for someone to speak with. There was only one, so his gaze settled on the muscular child in the hall. They all heard him, but only Jorvik replied once they entered, as was proper. "I do not need a child to bid me entrance," he answered, looking directly at the young Judicar as he spoke. Head Hedos' eyes cut through the uncertain light and watched as the boy walked forward, unwavering. Cordelia was surprised, though not startled, at the boy's sudden appearance when she returned from her observations of the room, but Kelmar was absolutely stunned by the planned performance and nearly did believe that he had teleported. "I hope that Gaius does not greet all his guests this way, there are many who would take offense to being greeted by someone of your age," Jorvik commented, watching his target's reaction. Obviously each member had a different take on the boy before them. Cordelia saw his presence as an insult to their status and a pathetic attempt at impressing them, that they were to be greeted by a child, even a well-groomed one. However, she was wise enough to keep such commentary to herself, after all people tended to become defensive around their offspring, though she never understood the instinct. Jorvik saw the man-child as a promising specimen for what Gaius assuredly had in mind for his son, and his greeting their family spoke volumes of the confidence the Ebonstryfe had in his son - well, one of them anyway. He had not received particularly detailed biographies and descriptions of each child, so this boy's identity yet remained anonymous, though it was completely unimportant to the head Hedos. Kelmar, on the other hand, could only see a tall stocky boy with muscles rippling like a soldier and clothed in comfortable-looking if bland and simple garments. He looked to be a bit older than Kelmar, and quite a bit more reserved and in control, something that the little boy could not decide whether he liked or not. Who he was exactly escaped Kelmar though - his parents hadn't wasted effort in teaching him to distinguish between Gaius' children. Quite clearly it was one of the Ebonstryfe's sons, though it could have been some random street urchin for all Kelmar knew of this place. He doubted it though, the presentation and physical condition of the lad was far too great to be some random child. Fir and sculpted to the point of being perfect; and quite scary too if he had to admit it to himself. The Hedos still refused to let anything show on his face, fearing his mother even more, but his eyes were awash with uncertainty and curiosity and wariness. Raising an eyebrow, Jorvik cast a glance down to his son. "The two of us?" he repeated, unfazed by the man-child's following smile. It was intimidating to be sure, but the head of Hedos was a self-important and arrogant merchant, believing himself to be invulnerable and thus able to cast off such looks with relative ease. Cordelia's face hinted at uncertainty, and to anyone observing it could be mistaken that it was out of concern for her son - who was obviously not coming with them - but that was not the case. She was afraid that her child would embarrass their name in her absence, spoiling their reputation with some foolishness or immaturity. Of course, the boy was much more susceptible to such scare tactics. It took him a bit longer to realize what the implications of the boy's offer was, and as soon as he did that knowledge along with the host's accompanying grin caused a flash of fear to shoot across his face and send his arm grabbing for his mother's hand. Only to have it slapped away by the very same hand he was searching for. Now he was truly on his own, or soon going to be, left alone by both the hosts and his parents, in an alien and potentially inhospitable place that he had little knowledge of. It planted a seed of worry in him, which could easily sprout into something more terrifying. But he would remain stoic. He would not risk his mother's anger and disappointment, he would do his best to keep himself devoid of emotion on the surface, even if inside he was roiling with doubt and fear. After that brief tell, he quickly resumed a relaxed posture and expression, though if one looked into his eyes it would be easy to tell his true feelings. "Why does Gaius see fit to remove our son from us without asking permission?" Jorvik asked, wording in that he was beinng separated from them rather than them being separated from him, hinting that his primary thoughts were for himself and his wife and not his son. Which was fair, to some extent. The greeter's answer seemed to satisfy him to some extent, and as the boy began walking away both parents turned their attention to their child, though it is not the attention that one might expect that a mother and father would give. "Remember, do not shame us with your ignorance or comments," Cordelia warned in the same tone someone might use reassure their newborn. "We are here on very important business if you remember, and we need to make an immaculate impression on the Judicars. You can't undermine our efforts with any stupid mistakes." The greeter's assurance did not matter to either parent, though it served as an announcement that they ought to be meeting Gaius. Quickly the head of the family sought to wrap it up, neither of them caring whether they were overheard or not as they deemed the boy unimportant in the overall scheme of things. "Simply remember your lessons," Jorvik finished, having a bit more confidence in the heir that he helped groom. "I've taught you well not to shame our family, so just keep your mind active and you will do fine." Kelmar nodded blankly, trying to restrain his fear and keep it hidden, doing his best to do as he'd been told. So much of this place frightened him: the uncertain light, the scary child greeter, the lack of familiarity, the lack of people. Yet he would carry on as he'd been raised, as he was compelled to out of habit and fear for something even worse. The man-child's call from the lounge doors caught both of the elder Hedos' attention, and Jorvik extended his arm to be taken by Cordelia, the two of them walking dispassionately towards the entrance. Looking at the other boy's face, Kelmar was once again greeted with another cold smile that sent shivers down his spine, though his parents were unaffected. As the doors opened, they walked calmly through without pause until they were through and the doors were closed behind them. Not once did they look back. As for Kelmar, he nearly jumped out of his skin when the other boy made a sudden move as if to attack. It only turned out to be an act of companionship, though how much warmth was in the motion was entirely up for debate. He remembered his lessons though and kept relatively serene, taking deep breaths to calm his nerves. This other child scared him, but he did not let it show. It must be grand, to be raised to instill fear in others rather than constantly get scared yourself. He was not sure whether he envied this boy yet or not, but right now anything seemed better than his current imprisonment with his father's tutoring, unable to see the world except from a glass window. Surprisingly, the other boy's question was one of company and not antagonism. Now that they were alone, he seemed - to Kelmar at least - somewhat more relaxed than at ease than when he was in the presence of his parents. Was that all a facade, a show for the house of Hedos? The young lad couldn't be sure, and so remained as emotionless as he could himself until he could find where this stranger stood. For the moment though, some food wouldn't go amiss. "If that is no trouble, yes please," Kelmar answered, remaining as polite as he had been taught. He did not shy away from the other boy's ambiguous embrace, but he did not find it particularly warm or welcoming at the moment either. Above all, it was respectful not to break the contact, which was also important when representing the family. "I am Kelmar Hedos, son of Jorvik and Cordelia Hedos and heir to their businesses when both pass." His introduction felt a little untimely as he was the visitor not the host, and he was unsure of whether he should extend his hand for a shake in this position. "May I have the honor of knowing who you are?"

[Styn]

Styn stared at the closed door lost in thought. He had done everything that had been asked of him but somehow he felt dissatisfied with the outcome. He had heard the taunting from outside as the Hedos family made their way toward the mansion, which made his own instructions make more sense. However, despite his efforts, he wondered if this was really going to have the effect that Gaius anticipated. Jorvik in particular had seemed less then impressed with the show and Styn still wasn't sure if that irritated him or not. Soft man like that? Lets see how many punches his money can stop, Styn thought uncharitably. House Judicar philosophy was an ideology of might makes right. You only had as much wealth as you could stop someone else from taking from you. Having the law on your side was beneficial, not needing the law was ideal.

Still, Styn had to admit to being impressed in spite of Jorvik's lack of physical presence. When Utgar looked at him like he had been looking at the Hedos family he felt like pissing himself most the time. The difference in power had to be similar, he was doing alot better these days after all. He had landed three solid hits last week, Styn doubted the businessman would be able to do so well, even with his adult height and weight. There were ways to pull and push a man that would break him just as quick as two hundred pounds of face pounding. It had been wise of the head of Hedos to realize that Judicar intended no favor in Styn's presence, but would the man really have preferred a servant to have been waiting? Jorvik appeared to care more about his age then his attitude, something he'd be sure to hear about from his instructors if the man made mention of it in his talks with Gaius. Just what I need, another impossible task.

The woman had seemed a bit more pliable, and yet there was steel there as well. Once again completely devoid of physical backing. Did money really confer that level of confidence? Makes me want a bigger allowance, Styn thought with a smirk. Anything more then zero mizas would be an increase of course. The girls were given pocket money to buy this or that, not Styn though. His time was filled with training, what need had he for money? If he had time to think about spending mizas perhaps it was time for him to master a new skill, and were his instructors being too easy on him? Rhysol save me from the tender mercies of my soft hearted teachers, Styn thought with no small amount of irony.

This of course brought him to young Kelmar Hedos. The boy had been staring wide eyed yet attentive the entire time. Far from being overwhelmed he seemed to be taking everything fairly well. Styn doubted he would be doing half as well in a similar situation. With a family that valued physical ability so little, it might just be that they were more similar that he had first assumed. Maybe both of us have loveless parents after all, Styn decided. Seemed to be a Ravokian requirement. Revere Rhysol as Mizahar's gift to man? Check. Constantly plot against your neighbor? Check. Member of the secret society of the hugless? Welcome to Ravok, you'll fit right in! He'd need to do something to put the boy at his ease, that part of the evening was done if Styn had anything to say about it.

The silence stretched out a bit longer then Styn intended, getting lost in thought as he had been. He was no quick or deep thinker though, so with a shake of his head he took a step to the side removing his arm from the extra still scion of Hedos. The kid sure was polite. Styn wondered how many times he had to be whipped before that had sunk in. With a slight flourish of his left hand he crossed his right over his midsection and bowed deep, mocking but not intending anything by it. "The honor my good man, is mine, or perhaps we are mutually honored to make each others acquaintance this fine evening. I have the good fortune to be named Styn Judicar, scion and heir to the Judicar empire. Such as it is." Styn looked up with a grin, more then content to play now that the nights business was concluded, at least his part in it. No mention was made of how he was to treat Kelmar, only that he was to make sure no children passed into the lounge. The quick change of character would just have to be dealt with.

"If you'll follow me, we'll make a stop by the kitchen." Styn pivoted smoothly and started to make his way back toward the front door, clearly heading toward the right stair case, he continued to talk on his way, pausing briefly if Kelmar made any sort of reply. He would turn to look over his shoulder or cock his head attentively at any remarks. The steps of his walk were smooth and fluid, trained kata adding the appearance of grace that would never come naturally. A close observer might notice a look of concentration on the boy's face. "Most of the other children are fed before they arrive. I think the other families don't talk about father's infamous dislike of kids as a joke. The first time a new child shows up they are always starving. As if being hungry enough will force you to eat all your vegetables or something." Styn grimaced once for vegetables as he started to ascend the stairs.

There was an easy cadence to his voice making it obvious when he was done making a particular point. There was also another pause at the tail end of his last comment for Kelmar to speak. If any questions were asked Styn would answer them briefly almost briskly. It was a habit from his instruction and his tone would be clipped, different from the grandiose way he affected when making an unprompted statement. Inquiries were to be answered as efficiently as possible, statements were to be delivered like a mercenary captain giving his troop a pep talk. Clearly the child wasn't a socialite. Comments not in the form of questions would garner a nod of acknowledgment, so that Kelmar wouldn't feel like he was talking to a wall.

The twin stair cases came out on an internal balcony which branched off to the east and west wings of the house. Heading to the closest door to the right Styn pushed it open and called out "Don't shoot," before looking over his should toward Kelmar with a wink. A sparse hallway stretched out ahead, lit by candle, like below. The walls were once again absent of adornment or hangings. The first door to the right was open, another source of brighter illumination casting a glow into the corridor. Styn made a production of peaking around the corner and changing his kata to a stalking version that emphasized moving silently for a few steps. A grunt from inside the room announced the presence of a man. As Kelmar followed Styn into view he would see an older mercenary in rough leathers with a crossbow propped up against the side of a chair. The man was flipping through a worn looking book and would eye them both before dropping his gaze back toward the pages.

Styn gestured toward the man grandly. "This here is Narin, best shot with a light crossbow I've ever seen." Dropping his voice to a conspiratorial whisper, Styn continued. "I hear that's because he lacks the strength to pull back a heavy one, got to be twice as accurate when you lack power, or so I've been told."

Regardless of Kelmar's reaction Styn stood in the doorway long enough for the man to look up again. "I'll be sure to pass along to master Gaius how much fun you seem to be having," Narin said simply. Grumbling to himself Styn hurried the rest of the way down the hall, being a bit more snappish with any questions that the heir to house Hedos might ask. Face dark with irritation, more at himself then the guard. Stupid Narin, can't take a joke. After several twists and turns the boys arrived at another staircase, this one much more narrow and less elaborate. Descending these steps put them at the door to the back of the kitchen. Good humor seemingly restored, Styn pushed the door open and commanded the cooks and helpers, badgering them into letting him take a seat with Kelmar in the corner and out of the way. Soon both boys had a small sample of the nights food in front of them, the general hustle of the staff a clear indicator that dinner was soon to be served.

It occurred to Styn that Gaius wouldn't want him to establish any sort of relationship with the heir to House Hedos. Especially one not based out of fear and obedience. The thought had been floating around ever since the foyer door had closed, but he seized onto it now with both fists. After all, it wasn't that he was specifically forbid to befriend the boy. "So Kel, do you mind if I call you Kel?" Styn said with a grin but then continued without giving him a chance to answer. "What do you like to do when your parents aren't beating manners into you?" The question was a bit loaded, but Styn's instructors always said that when unsure of your facts, that a bold question could often get to the bottom of things. The walk had told him some things about the boy, now it was time to learn a bit more.

[Kelmar Hedos]

OOCSorry about the delay, had this written days ago but I haven't been able to post because I've been in China, and this site blocks servers from there. Kelmar shifted his weight from foot to foot as the silence dragged on, unsure of what to do next. He had never been in a situation before where the other party had simply not reacted, causing further doubt to wrom into his mind. Jorvik's grooming covered all kind of intellectual stimulation and handling both hosts and guests, but they all required input. All of Kelmar's programming - that's what it really was - included reactions to other people like a good little boy, not taking the initiative in the face of inaction. Fortunately, the other boy solved that soon enough. The over-the-top, blown up parody of incredibly posh presentation set the young Hedos' mind at ease. So this was the real boy, Styn he called himself. This was who Kelmar would have to talk to for the rest of the evening until his parents had deemed it time to depart. The prospect wasn't unpleasant to think of at all. Earlier must have been a performance for his parents' sake, perhaps at request of Gaius himself, to try to intimidate and scare the elders in the family. The little boy nearly laughed. His parents? The unshakable walls of stone? The prince and princess of pretentiousness? Those who thought themselves to be Rhysol's gift to Ravok and the future rulers of an imperium that would stretch across the city itself? The god's heart would stop beating before he shook the Hedos' to any measurable degree. After returning Styn's bow with one of his own - smaller and more genuine - Kelmar followed the older boy as he led the way towards one of the staircases on either side of the room. As for the young Hedos, he was unsure of what to really do. He was in the house of a generous host, a business partner of his father's - or so he believed - and as such had to go through the motions of remaining silent and being respectful and answering questions politely and blah de blah de blah. Yet his childish instinct and curious spirit made Jim want to bout out questions about the mansion and the family and the food, ask about the mercenaries in the courtyard and how boring it must be to have a job at the door, to inquire about the act and if it really all was just one intimidating performance. What made Kelmar lean towards the second mode of behaviour was that his parents had trained him forever in treating the adults and established members of other trader families with respect and almost reverence as any good son of a dynasty should. However, they had never mentioned what he was to do in the presence of another child of another family. They probably considered other families' children as insignificant as he was, and thus probably hadn't given much thought in instructing Kelmar how to react around them. His initial response was a practiced routine for every living organism, even rats if they stood up and asked his name (which hadn't happened yet unless kelvics counted), so it was done out of seemingly ancient habit. Beyond that though, he had no idea what to do. In the end, after all the turmoil both inside himself and on his face, he decided to act in his own interests. He didn't do that nearly often enough, and his parents weren't here to witness anything. All that was left was Styn, but he didn't seem the type to go off telling tales. Besides, everyone's opinion was subjective based on their own values and experiences as Kelmar had learnt long ago, so if Styn liked what Kelmar was then what he went telling other people would be good, as he was the only one here. "So there are other children here?" he asked as they began ascending the stairs, looking curiously at Styn. It was always polite to reply to what was being said, and the mention of other children made Kelmar's heart flutter with excitement and a bit of doubt. "By the sounds of it they have already eaten most of them, is there a waiting area we go to after the kitchen?" Now that he had torn down his own reservations, the questions and speech were coming easily. Styn's longer strides and military if relaxed gait meant that the shorter Hedos had to compensate by increasing his pace to remain just beside and slightly behind the older boy. The position was drilled into his memory as one of respect and camaraderie, the very same place where his father would have walked wihen someone else was leading the way, his posture as ever remained as exceptional as could be, keeping his back raised and straight and lifting his feet up off the floor. A true child of the study hall. "Back there," he asked, "did your father ask you to put on that show for us? Just my parents then by the looks of it, I am probably too insignificant to him. Do you have any idea why, and did he give any instruction as of what to do with me?" his eyes wandered around the house. Poorly lit it was not, but the way some of the lanterns flickered cast shadows in th corners and had an overall feeling of uncertainty in those edges of the room. Kelmar wanted so bad to just run around the house, exploring and frying lost, but that would do nothing but both offend his hosts and shame and enrage his parents, neither of which seemed very appealing. "This house is so big." The comment wasn't to prompt a discussion, not from Styn at least. "Is it easy to get lost? Not for you I assume, you live here, but do newcomers often wander the halls and lose their way?" His next question was a bit more tentative as it was a request that he was unsure whether was polite or not. "After we have eaten and visited the other children, do you mind if we explore a bit?" When Styn gave what seemed like an order, the younger boy looked curiously and warily around the hall they'd just entered, expecting to see some kind of awesome hidden man with a crossbow in the shadows, but there was none. Then he caught Styn's wink. Another joke. This true heir to the Judicar name was turning out to be quite the antic, even despite his stern demeanor. As they continued walking through the hall, Kelmar's gaze constantly swept the walls, looking for things that weren't there. It took him a second to realize that they lacked any decorations whatsoever. "Your walls are so bare," he commented. "It must get dull to look at, though I suspect being from a military-like family you wouldn't care. Still, my father would probably take it upon himself to decorate these halls if he saw them. He believes that appearances must impose authority, even that of a wall, and to do that one must adorn them apropriately." Curious, the Hedos heir peered into the room and saw the lean yet strong man sitting at the desk, head in book and weapon at side. Someone who was prepared and knew how to fight. The boy longed to learn, as he'd tried (and failed mind) to get in a few childish brawls himself. He stepped forward and bowed slightly, taught to treat all people with respect, just some more than others. "Kelmar Hedos, son of Jorvik Hedos," he introduced. "Pleasure to meet you sir." Giggling boyishly at Styn's joke, he nonetheless noticed Narin's reply and looked to Styn as the older boy walked away, hurrying to catch up and follow. There was definitely a change in demeanor, and Kelmar could sympathize. Any word reached his parents about misbehaviour and he would never hear - or feel - the end of it. So he kept tactfully silent behind the older boy, following him down what appeared to be a back set of stairs which opened into the bustling kitchen. It was filled with cooks of various age and size, all hurrying about to get the last bits of the meal prepared for the host of merchant families. Quiet and lacking physical presence, the boy had no time to bow to everyone (not that they were paying attention anyway) and instead let himself be led to a corner where he and Styn sat and were served what looked to be samples of the much bigger dishes being brought out to his father and everyone else. Immediately he picked up his dinnerware and was about to start eating when he remembered his manners and set it back down on the table, waiting for his host to eat first. "The-they don't-" Kelmar stuttered, caught off guard by the bluntness and abruptness of the question. His parents made it clear that he was to express to everyone what a happy little boy he was. However, it seemed Styn had known ahead of time about his parents' disciplining, and resigned himself to the fact that heir Judicar was aware of it. Bad acting on his oart then. "Well, there really isn't a time when they're not tutoring me. It's mostly my father, he sits me down in the library study and teaches me everything about business and politics that he knows. It starts from when I wake up, which is always done by my keeper at the seventh bell, and goes until the evening meal in our dinner hall. The morning and midday meals are brought to me in my free time by my keeper, which lasts only half a bell each to eat and read whatever I wish as they keep me in the library." He took a pause, breathing deeply. "Every once in a while though, they let me out into the city. They give me a few bells to just go wherever I want, and I usually spend most of that down by the docks or in Nitrozian Plaza. It's fun talking with other people, running around with other kids, watching the performances by the streetmen. It's fun and freeing, and I get to move around a lot, not like when I'm cooped up in the study. Sometimes I try to sneak away from my father who accompanies me, using the other people as cover, but it never works for very long and he's usually angry and ends the excursion whenever I try." Eyeing his food, Kelmar was nonetheless controls enough to wait. And while he was waiting, he may as well make conversation. "How about yourself?" he asked Styn. "You're very well-muscled and fit, taller than most boys your age. You're about twelve, thirteen, right? I doubt all that muscle just got there by eating your vegetables." He grinned at the allusion to Styn's earlier comment. "Have you been training all your life? It certainly looks that way from your muscles, and come to think of it your walking has been very thought out, another result of practice? That man, Narin, seemed go be familiar with you. Does he help train you? What weapons do you use?"