Flashback [Boldvine] Befriending the Unfamiliar

[Edmund Morealis]

7th of Autumn, 500AV The Boldvine Estate Riding into Boldvine was like entering a different world. It was quite amazing just how fierce the Konraths had fought back the swamps native to this part of Cyphrus. The marshy waters had receded to where it was possible to grow the expansive bamboo forest through which the Morealis carriage now rode. The young boy that sat in the cushioned seat looked up in awe at the towering vegetation that dwarfed everything around them so easily. Amazement washed through Edmund as he looked up high above him, trying to understand how the plants could grow to be so tall. "This plantation is so very unique," Edmund mused aloud, speaking offhandedly to the refined-seeming man beside him. Dimeer chuckled as he too looked up at the tall shoots on either side of the road. "It is indeed. Lorenzo had done well to pick such a truly unique crop to serve as his family's base production. Bamboo is wonderfully versatile, and the Konraths know well how to use it. Equally intelligent and masterful, they are." With his little mouth slightly agape, Edmund continued to stare up at the tall shoots as they passed by the carriage. Between them, however, the boy saw many other interesting sights. Pools of clean-looking water with stonework paths, fabricated waterfalls that spilled into the many streams that wove through the bamboo. Rushing water could be heard even from the path, and the sheer number of clearings and pools were impressive alone. Each one seemed otherworldly and pristine, a sanitized version of the nature that filled Kenash so rampantly. It was like out of a fairy-tale. "How are the Konraths?" Edmund asked his uncle, turning to look at him. "You said that you have been here many times previously, though on separate series of occasions. Do you know Lorenzo well?" "Somewhat," Dimeer replied smilingly. "The man is much older than I am, and surely has history that I have not thought to ask of. Not that it has any bearing on our current relations, and I can say confidently that I have become familiar with certain aspects of his." Ever since Edmund had first read about the longevity of the two races that the Konraths consisted of, he had found it difficult to believe that such people existed. Nuit were undead, and the Dhani were snakes, but the Akalaks and Konti seemed too pefectly human-like for Edmund to think of them as having outlived any human. How could Dimeer be so collected about them? "I am, however, much more familiar with his kids," the Morealis Head continued, causing his nephews gaze to return. "They are all slightly older than I am, and as such we have grown up alongside each other. Of course, they are still considered youths, whereas I am getting on in years, but that does not change how well we know each other." Edmund's eyes widened a little. "Konraths your age are considered young?" The looks cast at Edmund by his uncle was stern. It was only then that the boy realized that what he said might have offended his uncle and he bowed his head in apology. "Not quite, but in a sense. It is difficult to understand the aging of a race so long-lived, but though they are as old and knowledgeable as I they still posses youthful energy. That is how I understand it, at least." There was a pause between Edmund's questions, during which there was relative quiet. The sound of the man-made waterfalls filled the forest. "Why are the races of the Konrath disliked so generally?" "Ah," sighed Dimeer, sitting back into the coach, "that is something that delves a little deeply into human nature, so it might be a bit beyond someone your age." The man looked to his nephew, saw the determined look, and sighed again. "It might seem strange to you, but most people are distrustful of the unfamiliar. They do not like what they do not understand. For all the reasons you find the Konraths so interesting and unbelievable, others find them frightening and distasteful. The same can be said of the Rajor and the Zulaca: people dislike them because they are beyond common comprehension." Perhaps Dimeer was right in saying that it was a bit beyond Edmund, for the boy could not understand why a lack of knowledge about something would cause people to dislike it so. There was a whole world he knew nothing about, but that did not mean he disliked it. Adults could be very strange. About a dozen chimes later, the Morealis carriage emerged from the bamboo forest and was confronted with the gentle slope of a hill, at the top of which stood a multi-tiered house built almost entirely out of bamboo. Its arches and columns, its steps and roofs, all were fashioned out of the massive blades of grass in some way or another. Despite the building material chosen, it looked as sturdy as stone, and was very much designed to allow people to enjoy the bamboo forests which surrounded it. There were even third floor balconies and vistas from which people could enjoy themselves. It was all so beautifully distinct that any remaining boredom from the three bell journey vanished for the boy. "Now, do you remember what I told you?" asked Dimeer, causing Edmund to turn and face his uncle. "Because so many of the Konraths are my age or much older, I have asked in advance that they have someone supervise you." "I remember, Uncle," Edmund replied sincerely. "The Konraths do not have any kids my age with which I can play, so I should be looked after to make sure I do not do anything troublesome." Dimeer nodded. "I know that you do not require a chaperon, but the Konraths are unfamiliar with you. Just behave as well as you normally do, and I am sure you will be fine." The carriage pulled up to a stop in front of the Boldvine manor as Edmund nodded back his understanding. Both members of the Morealis dismounted from the carriage and approached the frontal steps of the manor, where someone was waiting to greet them. She was pale white and with blond hair the color of healthy wheat, but noticeable of all were the scales that covered the back of her outstretched hand. With her smile, she seemed truly like a beutiful fairy-tale creature like Edmund had read about, as beautiful and maybe more so than the manor and its surroundings. Then she opened her mouth to speak, and Edmund was utterly lost. Doubled was the boy's confusion when his uncle began talking back as the two shook hands, except Edmund could not comprehend a word they were saying. Edmund thought that he had read about most languages that the world had to offer with the studies he had to partake in, but this was completely alien to him. It flowed really well, and was in fact rather pleasant to listen to, but the frustration still built with the knowledge he could not understand a word. After more words were exchanged, the pale woman turned to Edmund smiled. Thankfully she did not bend down to talk to him, which Edmund found grew tiring past the age of eight. Even more to be grateful for was that she was speaking Common. "You're Edmund, right?" she asked in her bright voice, whichw as light as a feather. "I'm Atia Konrath. It's a pleasure to meet you." She offered her hand, which Edmund looked at for a quick moment before taking it quickly. The scales on the back of her hand felt strange, but it was not an unpleasant sensation. "I am Edmund, yes. Pleased to meet you too, Miss Atia." "Oh my, how polite," Atia observed, her smile never wavering. "I'm going to take you both to where my father, Lorenzo, is waiting for your uncle. Then we'll see what we can do about showing you around the manor. Does that sound good, Edmund?" For the first time in the visit, Edmund's wide-eyed amazement was replaced with a warm and eager smile. "Indeed it does, Miss Atia. Thank you for accommodating me." As promised, Atia led Dimeer and Edmund into the manor, through the many pieces of marvelous work that the Konraths used as furniture. It was quite unlike Blacksugar, and not at all in a bad way. When they finally reached a large closed door at the end of a hall within the manor, the Konti Atia turned to face them both again. "Lorenzo is waiting inside," she said to Dimeer, opening the door for him and standing to the side. Before entering, Dimeer turned and looked at Edmund, sharing a smile. "Take your time to explore as far as the Konraths will let you, Edmund. I will be here for a bell or two at least. Do be careful." Edmund nodded, and Dimeer faced back toward the room where Lorenzo was waiting. Once he had entered, Atia closed the door behind him, leaving the two dynasty heads to their own business as she walked over to Edmund. She smiled again. "Well then, let's see what we can do about showing you around."

[Estrellir Konrath]

The Morealis. A blank page, as far as Estrellir was concerned, despite their reputed excellence in etiquette and sugar monopoly. Behind the official face, she remembered afternoons of play and laughter, although those days were long past. As a grown Konrath, she wouldn’t be allowed for such memories to dictate her behavior in front of guests.

Lorenzo’s second daughter had retreated to her suite and was standing at the large window overlooking the entrance area. A webbed hand touched the glass as she observed Atia greeting Dimeer and the little boy in his company. He seemed just like a Morealis, polite to a fault, if a little stiff.

After they’d disappeared inside, a modest knock disturbed her solitude and an elderly house slave stuck her head in. “Your sister asks for you to come downstairs, miss.” Estrellir merely nodded. If the message came from Atia, ‘your sister’ was enough to set it apart. There could be no truer sister than Atia. She was the epitome of a Konrath, only topped in skill by their eldest brother and heir, and the perfect Konti. As she left her suite, Estrellir passed by the mirror without a glance. The pastel green dress, sent to her just a few bells ago, fit her well enough and her ivory hair fell past delicate shoulders in the usual wild curls.

Walking down the corridor, she couldn’t help but sigh to herself. The slaves out and about pretended to ignore her. They had more important tasks to do… as did everyone on the house. Even her younger sister Thia served the family with her taste and thirst for social gatherings. Estrellir was still searching though. Nothing fit.

As she descended the stairs, she tried a friendly smile. It came out a grimace, so she gave it up soon. Since she was still drifting, Lorenzo saw fit to put her to use wherever an additional pair of hands, ears or a polite face was needed. She’d have enjoyed entertaining Dimeer, an acquaintance from more careless years, yet she only got a glimpse of him as she crossed the hall on ground floor.

Atia turned at the noise of her steps. “Sister, it is good you found time.” Estrellir resisted the urge to grimace as Atia proceeded to introduce her. “Edmund, this is my younger sister Estrellir. She’ll show you around the manor and the plantation while your uncle is busy. Would you like that?”

Estrellir gave a polite nod. Strange how fast humans grew up… almost irritating. She was as old as Dimeer, yet he’d ascended to the top of his house and his nephew was looking up at her with the bright eyes of a child. And where did she stand?

As Atia left, Estrellir led Edmund away from the door so they wouldn’t disturb conversation in Lorenzo’s office and started walking back through the hall. Soft armchairs and cushions were scattered on the floor. “So is there anything in particular you’d like to see? We don’t need to stay indoors. I could also give you the basic tour though.” With a shrug, she tilted her head and waited for him to decide where to go, what to do.

Watching him, the Konti had to admit she felt a tiny spark of curiosity about the human child. How did they behave and how much did they understand? She found it difficult to guess his age.

Boxcode by Verena

[Edmund Morealis]

The two stood there for a while, and Edmund wondered what it was that the Konti had planned. She had not asked anything that would require an answer, nor had she taken him off somewhere yet. "She should be here soon, don't worry. Estrellir will be more than happy to help guide you around the place. Out of all of us, she probably knows best about all the structure and beyond, since she has such large amounts of free time these days." So that was it. Atia would not be hosting Edmund as he had been led to believe. That was fine, since he had no reason to impose on Atia specifically, but he was a little confused about what Atia meant by having free time. Was it possible that, on any plantation belonging to a dynasty, there would be that much time to spend with oneself? Even though he was a child, Edmund was faced with countless studies and tasks that were required of him to mature into a Caretaker. Did this Estrellir own a business so fully that she did not even need to be present for it to be run? From the direction of the stairs, Edmund noticed another Konti slowly approaching, this one wearing her hair in wilder curls that fell over her green attire. It was quite different from Atia's more carefully organized look, but both still appeared elegant to the unbearably young Morealis. After being introduced to the newcomer, Edmund bowed gently once to Atia as she left. He had learnt that adults liked being bowed to, so he was trying to make it a habit. He turned to face Estrellir, who he decided looked not all that happy, and smiled as warmly as any child could. If he was to become a burden before they even began, that would not bode well for the future. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Estrellir. I am Edmund Morealis, nephew to Dimeer. I apologize for imposing, you should have no need to worry about me. I hope we can get along." Quite wisely, Estrellir saw fit to guide them away from the room where his uncle and Lorenzo were currently conversing. Edmund followed the Konti to the lounge area, marveling once again in all the fine furniture the Konrath enjoyed displaying. He sort of wanted to jump on one... "Anything in particular I would like to see?" Edmund wondered, biting his lip in thought. This was his first visit to Boldvine, and it was all so different and new to him. Honestly, he had not the faintest idea of where to start. "I suppose a tour might be nice, but really I do not think I will be as interested in all the things the adults like. So I do not know where to start." The boy thought for a moment, then realized that he had with him a native to Boldvine. She would likely have opinions about the manor and its estate. He looked back up at Estrelliler and smiled. "What is your favorite part of the manor? Let us start there, and work our way around. I would rather not head out into the plantation just yet, since we are here already, and I am sure there is plenty to see." It was with a warm smile that Edmund regarded Estrellir, and not a bit of it was forced. His was an age where it was easy to get along with everyone, and if Estrellir's less than enthusiastic response to being his chaperon weighed on him he did not let it show. It just meant she was normal, for he was pretty sure that he would not be too thrilled about showing around a stranger. Also adding to his eagerness was that this was a Konti, the strange beautiful creatures he had only read about previously. He would have loved to get to know one better.

[Estrellir Konrath]

Neither his bow nor his smile stirred her features. In fact his words rather bewildered her. Need not worry? The very fact that she'd been asked to entertain him was enough to worry about. Even if he turned out as well-behaved as he seemed at first sight, that wouldn't change.

Nevertheless, appearances had to be kept up, especially in front of a Morealis. “It is nice to meet a nephew of Dimeer's too.” As they returned through the hall, Estrellir patiently waited for the boy to answer her question. While he was repeating her words and thinking aloud, she absentmindedly wrapped a lock the color of ivory around her finger. The way he analyzed her words and separated his taste from an adult's made her lift an eyebrow. Were all human boys so serious or was it the Morealis upbringing? That might even be a detail worth investigating.

It seemed her feet already knew where to carry them as they were leading back to the staircase she'd just descended. Estrellir regarded his suggestion with a thoughtful hum. “Well, I have to say I prefer the plantation grounds to the manor itself. You'll see what I mean soon. For now I'll provide you with what you asked for.” Her speech came out a little stiff. The second daughter tended to stay silent if she could, thus her voice got rusty during certain periods of time. Various harvests happened in Fall, burying everyone in work.

After climbing the stairs, they'd go down a long corridor. Everything smelled of bamboo instead of wood, a slightly papery and less solid scent. The Konti was used to it, of course. At the end of the corridor she led him round a corner. “So is it true that Dimeer is your guardian?” Despite the roughness in her voice, the Konrath knew what polite conversation meant. If the boy talked like an adult, he'd be treated like one too.

Soon they arrived at an opening, curiously lacking a door, and Estrellir gestured for her guest to enter first. The room was little more than a sparsely furnished niche with fragrant mats covering the floor, cushions scattered about and a few candles on low drawers. Large windows dominated the opposite wall and allowed a generous view of the plantation, fields crossed by waterways and dotted with islands of relaxation for residents and visitors alike. Slipping in behind Edmund, Estrellir extended her arms, scales glittering on her skin. “People come here to meditate or for light conversation. During the day it's mostly empty though. It's a good place for thinking.”

Boxcode by Verena

[Edmund Morealis]

There was something in which Estrellier said it that made Edmund think that she was very much unhappy to be charged with him this afternoon. Despite claiming it was 'nice' to meet him, a child's intuition of adults told Edmund that Estrellir thought something much closer to the opposite. It made him sad, but it would not do well to even further disappoint this mystical Konti woman.

Quite clearly she was already thinking of somewhere to go, for no sooner had he finished his request than she had started walking. It was in the direction from which Estrellir came, and Edmund could see in front of them a staircase leading into the upper floors. Hearing that she enjoyed the plantation grounds to the manner did not surprise the young boy at all - it was like something straight out of fiction on the Konrath plantation. There was a riddle in her reply, though. She would provide him with what he requested, which was her favorite place within Boldvine, yet he would soon see why she enjoyed the plantation so much more? How could one enjoy both the manor and the plantation at once?

Once Edmund's young mind latched on to the puzzle, it did not let go. His little body began moving of its own accord as he tried to figure out what Estrellir meant, climbing the stairs close behind her. Then he noticed that he was climbing stairs, and a big ridiculous grin spread out onto his cheeks as he solved the little word play.

This was something he kept to himself, though. It was doubtful that Estrellir meant for her words to be such a riddle, so she would find Edmund's little accomplishment completely dull. That was not something Edmund wished, but he could not help himself from grinning stupidly as they topped the stairs and made their way down the hall.

They rounded the corner, and Edmund found himself surprised as Estrellier asked a question. "He is, sort of," the boy replied, thinking about his words. It was not a question many asked, so he really had to give it some thought. What exactly was his relationship with his uncle? It was fatherly a little, but Edmund spent a lot of time alone reading or with his sister or studying. He did not really see Dimeer all that much in a day. What did that make him? "I never see my father, and Dimeer takes good care of me even though I sometimes do not see him either. So yes, I think that makes him my guardian. Right?"

Although Edmund knew where they were headed, he still was not quite sure what to expect when they arrived. The view of the plantation from Boldvine was something else.

From here, there was an excellent view of the truly expansive bamboo forest with its little pockmarked clearings about the place, little gaps in the tall trees where it did not grow and instead made way for a pond or a miniature waterfall or a little glade for appearance or contemplation. He could not see each from here, since the height of the bamboo made such a sight difficult, but some were clearly visible. Being able to get a big picture view here from Boldvine was also something to marvel at.

"No wonder," Edmund replied as he walked forward toward the edge. Without thinking, he planed his bum on the ground and rested his head on his knees, looking out at the entrancing view of the Konrath plantation.

"It is so peaceful here, almost timeless. I have never meditated, but I would like to learn. Do you meditate, Estrellir?"

[Estrellir Konrath]

Estrellir was surprised to see her guest crack a smile while climbing the stairs, but she refrained from commenting. For all she knew, it could just be overwhelming excitement of exploring a new playground.

When Edmund explained his relationship with his uncle, she tilted her head. “I think so too. Your father is supposed to take care of you, but if someone else does that, they’re your guardian.” The explanation was followed by a short nod. “I grew up with Dimeer, you know. Atia too. You could say we’re childhood friends.” She left it at that. Of course, the boy she’d played hide and seek in the bamboo forest with had matured into a gentleman and ascended to the top of his house. Time had washed away everything they’d shared once.

Estrellir couldn’t help the curl of her lips at Edmund’s wonder. Light steps carried her to his side before she sank on a cushion, ignoring the folds in her dress. An opalescent violet and silver lily shone at the back of her left hand as she rested it on her knee.

With a thoughtful hum, she turned towards the boy. Did children his age usually show interest in meditation? Surely, he was shaped by Morealis ideals and Dimeer specifically. In a few years, he’d have absorbed their impeccable manners into his bloodstream or throw them out of the window. Which would it be … Avalis hadn’t granted Estrellir the ability to answer that question yet.

She shook her head. “No, although some of my brothers and sisters do. I don’t quite understand how it works, but most tend to sit like this.” With her back straight, she crossed her legs and rested both hands on her knees. As she lifted her violet gaze towards the bamboo forest and its wonders, her breathing became slower and deeper.

Eventually she sighed and broke the posture though. At the end of the day, she didn’t have an inkling of talent in martial arts or the suvai, so meditation had never struck her as useful. “If not meditation, what kinds of things are you studying, Edmund? What does your education look like?”

Boxcode by Verena

[Edmund Morealis]

It felt good to hear Estrellir, though she was a total stranger, confirm Edmund's thoughts. She was an adult, and having the assurance of any adult was greatly gratifying.

What was startling to Edmund to consider, however, was that this woman was as old as Uncle. Had she really grown up with him? Dimeer had indeed been raising Edmund for as long as the boy could remember, and even as an infant the man seemed very experienced. Any time when he was a child must have been long ago, and even the impulses of young adults such as Remy and Dimi seemed long behind the head of the Morealis. To have grown up with him really put Estrellir's age into perspective, since she herself very much reminded Edmund of his cousins. Not only that, though, but she must have seen a side to Dimeer that Edmund never had the chance to - when the impressive man was much more like Edmund at his current age. The boy looked at Estrellir in a new light with growing respect, beyond that which was due to a normal Konrath.

The sound of collapsing cushions brought the young child's head to turn toward the Konti again, the shimmering of her gnosis catching his eye. It was a gnosis, was it not? Whereas the boy seemed to study every race touched by sunlight, his knowledge of divinity was comparatively minuscule.

As Estrellir spoke, Edmund turned on his seat and faced her. That was the polite thing to do. It was mildly disappointing that she did not see fit to meditate, which is what Edmund often thought of when he thought of the mysterious Konti. Still, he was appreciative of her demonstration. He wished he knew why meditation usually required such a stance, but he doubted Estrellir would be able to provide him with an answer. He was intent on getting that answer, though, as meditation would undoubtedly prove useful for centering one's sense of self and control themselves to an even greater degree. Self-control was important to many aspects of life beyond just physical exertion, which Edmund did not practice anyway.

"I study a number of things, mostly of an intellectual affiliation," Edmund answered, smiling wide. There was not much to tell about himself, but he could talk about his education for quite a while.

"Language, to begin with. I have been told that it is key to be able to talk to people in many languages, some of which they are more comfortable in. Mathematics and general logistics are also important for me to be learning, if I am to manage our household one day. Learning to organize and command with authority are also part of my education, along with some business techniques that will assist the family."

There was a lot more Edmund could tell her about his education, but most were not interested that far. Instead, the boy tried to think about a way of turning the conversation back around to the plantation and Estrellir herself.

"How about you?" he asked with an inquisitive cock to his head. "Do you study anything in particular here at Boldvine, or do you have a profession of some sort?"

[Estrellir Konrath]

The boy seemed curious and interested to learn more about meditation, but he didn't ask any further question. Perhaps he thought it impolite to press when she'd already changed the topic. Whatever the reason, Estrellir noted his interest with surprise and committed it to memory. When her blue brothers were his age, all they wanted was fight each other and roll around between the bamboo.

His focus on intellectual subjects didn't come as a surprise, although some of the details did. Estrellir raised her brows. "Why would you learn languages if Common is all you need to interact with any and all visitors? Most who come here speak some sort of trade dialect that's easy enough to understand." Part of her was defensive of their culture and way of doing things, part of her merely wanted to test the young Morealis. Was he simply learning what others wished him to know or did he study topics of interest out of his own will? Did he question decisions even if Dimeer made them? His answer would say much of his value as a politician, a matter of importance to the Konraths.

Judging from that curriculum, Dimeer strove to mold Edmund into a caretaker of his household. While that role was a diplomatic one more than anything else, Estrellir still thought it couldn't hurt to assess the boy's skills and abilities in the field of politics and business as well.

Suddenly she rose from the cushion and took a few steps towards the door before turning back. "Will you follow me outside? Now that you've seen the magnificence of our lands, don't you wish to stroll among them, no?" If he didn't, she'd comply, of course. But Estrellir longed for some fresh air herself.

While they descended the stairs, she picked up the question he'd asked earlier. "I've studied many things and considered a couple of professions. Most of my sisters possess some skill with the suvai, our traditional way of self-defense, or unarmed combat, but I proved far from talented. Arts were too quiet and not useful enough. I'm not good at any craft, although working with bamboo and metal seemed rather nice." She shrugged. "I do a bit of everything around the household until I decide on a profession both useful to the Konraths and interesting. You don't happen to have any suggestions?" The last words were delivered with a half-smile.

Back on ground floor, Estrellir led the way through a narrow corridor and out a back door mainly used by servants. Suddenly they stood in front of a bed of pure white flowers that cast a fragrant scent into the air. Without hesitating, Estrellir followed the pathway around it and walked deeper into the gardens surrounding Boldvine.

Boxcode by Verena

[Edmund Morealis]

Estrellir was not the first to ask about the utility of learning other languages when Common was the primary spoken language of Kenash. Such studies were not part of Dimeer's initial curriculum, even. It somehow felt right, though Edmund himself was not entirely certain as to why. He would have to think fast for Estrellir's benefit, as he was put on the spot rather abruptly.

"It seems proper," Edmund answered, frowning in thought as he grappled with his own thoughts. "It is not my intent to demonstrate my intelligence, rather to learn what insights various languages offer into the culture of those who speak them. Additionally, many people prefer to discuss in a language they are familiar with, so in that case it is less about the capability of conversation and more about the comfort of the participants. Many people questioned the utility, and I was required to ask quite frequently before Dimeer would pay for the lessons."

Edmund hoped he had adequately explained himself to Estrellir, though he could not be sure. He was only ten - his comprehension of complex topics was bound to be facile-seeming. All he could do was hope that Estrellir did not disapprove of his trains of thought, though even if she did he was unsure how he could react.

Of course, there was the unspoken reason for learning the various languages spoken by the Dynasties, and that was to promote the possibility of eavesdropping on supposedly private conversations. Edmund, young as he was, was not shy to the tactic of visitors to Blacksugar switching languages suddenly in an attempt to hide their thoughts from their hosts. It was rude, but it would not be so bad if Edmund were able to understand what it was they were saying. The young boy made a note to ask Dimeer what language he had been speaking when discussing with the earlier Konti.

When Estrellir offered her answer to the same inquiry, she seemed to Edmund totally unsure as to what she desired to do. At least she owned up to it, which for itself counted as some form of determination. It really cast into perspective Edmund's decided path through his early years, how he was so determined at such a young age.

Without answering, Edmund stood up quickly and followed his host back into the manor, keeping quiet as he trailed behind her. Clearly Estrellir wanted to go somewhere, so he had no intention of denying her.

Though perhaps her question was offered in a jesting manner, Edmund nonetheless answered honestly. "It sounds as if you too have difficulty with a number of active professions. Perhaps you should consider something of a societal bent?" he ventured. "As in, a profession where you deal with people, perhaps talking to them or learning about them. There are many professions that exercise mind rather than muscle or creativity, so perhaps you should consider a few of them instead." It was the best Edmund could do, but hopefully something he mentioned gave Estrellir an idea.

His small legs scurried over the wooden floors of Boldvine as he tried to keep up with Estrellir's strides, out through the manor and out into the garden, where he was confronted with his first glimpse of the Boldvine gardens. It was not so much the sight of the white landscape that reminded Edmund of snow that impressed him, but rather the overwhelming smell the accompanied the sight. Perhaps he should ask Estrellir later what kind of flower it was, if it was any particular kind, since he decided he rather liked the smell.

However, until then, he would follow behind Estrellir quietly. She was the host, clearly with somewhere she desired to go, and so Edmund would have to be polite and follow closely until she decided to stop.

[Estrellir Konrath]

"You are clever to think so far ahead," was the only comment he got. In fact it had never occurred to Estrellir, but once he put it into words, albeit crude ones, it seemed clear as day. You had to give people what they wanted, know their wishes and grant them, to eventually get them to do what you wanted. It was a principle both her father and Atia knew and used very well, Estrellir realized, although she had no idea how many languages they spoke. Two or three, however, was probably more than the average Dynast understood.

Breaking into a teasing grin, she turned to Edmund and switched into soft and lilting Kontinese as easily as others changed their shoes. "So have your studies been going well?"

Once outside, she stretched as lazy satisfaction crossed her features before taking a path that led through the field of white flowers. Their boots thumped over a small arched bridge made of bamboo as they crossed a little stream. Working around a field of violet and blue flowers with delicate petals, Estrellir led Edmund deeper into the gardens that surrounded the manor itself. Before long they followed a narrow path that wound around patches of bamboo and carefully cropped reeds that obscured their sights. The Konrath, of course, knew where they would end up.

"Yes," she said in response to his suggestion. Professions that exercised the mind - a reasonable conclusion. "There are many of those, perhaps too many. It will take some time and research to decide between all of them." She momentarily narrowed her eyes, thinking. "Some are more needful than others, of course, especially in a social environment such as this. Speaking of which, I'm curious and I hope I'm not overstepping any boundaries with this question... How do you like Dimeer's decision to educate you in the ways of a caretaker? Does it seem enjoyable to you?" Every word was spoken clearly, concealing a burning desire to know and understand.

A hint of a smile had returned to the corners of her mouth. While they were talking, she slipped through a narrow part between two young shafts of bamboo. Being smaller and gifted with the acrobatic skill of a child, Edmund would be able to follow without difficulty. Before their eyes the bamboo shrunk back to form a sort of clearing dominated by a small lake. A painted bridge in brilliant shades of red, green and yellow stretched over the spot where the stream they'd crossed earlier poured into it.

Estrellir entered the bridge and laid a hand on the balustrade. If one looked down to the right, a small waterfall was trickling over a couple of smooth round stones, singing an ode to the beauty of nature.

Boxcode by Verena