[Shinyama Pavilion] It's About Control (Elhaym)

[Julian]

Annoyed that his question was met with silence, Julian glanced up to the sky with a scowl. A raindrop hit him then in the center of his forehead, forcing him to blink, after which Julian nodded his agreement with Kota. It wasn't until several significant moments later, as they were marching up the stairs of the Monastery, that the gracious host finally took a moment to address Julian's earlier question. "Well, in her own words… you are a flamboyant ninny who complains too much and needs to stay away from the sauce. Very colorful, eh?" And then he grinned. Ass. Flamboyant? Julian did not grin. If Kota looked back to see his reaction, he'd certainly notice that the raven-haired Syliran was not at all amused. He just breathed an irritated sigh and rolled his eyes. At least it was amusing that Kota seemed so quietly bothered that Julian had been the one to rescue her. The musician was a little proud of that, even if the truth was that they had really saved each other's lives. He might have said that to Kota, to ease his mind, but he didn't. It was really much more gratifying to see Elhaym's lover be so protective. Julian told himself it was a touching display. It really was. "She had really already done most of the work for me. I'm no warrior, but I'm glad I wasn't completely useless." Kota did not seem to like that Elhaym had gone to Julian instead of the Shinya for support. It was more than that, wasn't it? Whether or not their pain could be compared, Elhaym felt a kindred spirit in Julian, she must have. She wouldn't have had a knife as beautiful as Hagiri crafted just to gain some consolation. "I abhor violence. Taking a life is vile. It may occasionally be necessary in dire circumstances, but I'm a simple cellist, it's beyond my comprehension. Yours is a world I don't understand, and I hope I never do. What I did that night... it stained my soul." Julian followed Kota through the scenic corridors and stairwells, casting passing glances at the younger servants and prismatic lighting. It was all so delicate and pristine - everything Syliras was not. If he were forced to stay in a city like this, he'd offer no complaints. The dazzling colors and low, comfortable lighting, he found it all so soothing. Even as the tension between he and Kota was growing so palpable, he did remain put at ease by the pleasant atmosphere. After Kota disappeared into his chambers, Julian took to exploring the main living area. Sauntering on the lacquered wooden floor, he gazed up curiously at the swords hung above the archway to the balcony. He couldn't read the inscription, nor properly appreciate whether the swords were functional or merely decorative. It wasn't Julian's inn room, that was for certain. Even though the home was Lhavitian in flavor, it held a level of regality he could clearly observe. His apartment back in Syliras didn't even compare. Julian would have never have achieved this sort of house or status playing at taverns four nights a week. The door reopened and Kota appeared, looking oddly out of place in his traditional Syliran dress. Julian, of course, quite liked it. It didn't seem to befitting on a Lhavitian man, however. This was one of the reasons the musician had let his hair grow out. It helped mottle his appearance a little, giving him his own unique look. Batting away his petty jealousy over their lifestyles, he gave Kota a cordial grin. "I quite like it. The look might suit you better if you didn't frown so much." Julian nearly jumped as Kota barked his command in the native tongue. As the woman who approached him offered to take his clothing, Julian slipped off his silk vest and handed it to her. It wasn't the only thing soiled, but he had to remain decent. His white undershirt now appeared clean, but his sleeves were still blotched and dirty. He'd weather it. "Be careful with it, it's silk. Please." He handed her the garment, not sure she spoke Common. As she left, he called after her worriedly, "And only cold water! Not hot! Thank you!" Kota led Juilan into another room with a more familiar eastern look. Honestly, Julian wouldn't have minded the low table and pillows, but he appreciated Elhaym's sympathy for house guests. "Thank you," he repeated, "for my vest. I feel like I treated her rudely. I... heh. I had servants when I was a boy. It's odd how you don't forget some things." Julian nodded through Kota's explanation of this remarkably Syliran room. "Does she have many Syliran visitors, then? One would think any of her friend would be used to the more locally traditional furniture arrangement." He tossed his head backwards, toward the other room. As the servants delivered tea and condiments, Julian took the moment to more pleasantries. "Your home is lovely, it's an honor to be your guest." He leaned over and inhaled the tea's scent, then reached for the decanter of honey and added a bit to taste. "It's like a dream, walking through here. Your servants are quite efficient and impressive. I lived a life like this, a long time ago. I haven't gotten a glimpse of comfort like this for nearly two decades. It brings back..." He hesitated, glancing down at his tea. He wore a frown. "...pleasant memories." He lifted the teacup and took a cautious sip. After taking a moment to appreciate the flavor, he nodded his approval to Kota. "Thank you for the invitation. It's my pleasure to meet you, Kota." Did he know about Hagiri? Julian sat that wonder for a moment. He decided to say nothing, and let the silence stagnate. This was Kota's home. Let him be the gracious host and make conversation. Julian sipped his tea as Kota asked his question. The musician glanced up at him from under his narrow eyebrows. "No. I never gave it much thought. I believe she did mention being from Syliras, despite appearing native to Lhavit. I related, I myself also being Syliran with Lhavitian heritage. However, I did not come to Lhavit for any specific purpose. I assumed the same might be the case for her." Julian set his cup down. "I was clearly wrong, in any case."

[Elhaym]

"An easy mistake to make. She is not as forthcoming with her birth right as she should be. There are many Shinya who would go to great lengths for the prestige of her blood, but she acts as if it is a hindrance. Well, that's unfair to say… I suppose to her, living up to your ancestors accomplishments is no easy task."

Kota set his tea aside, leaning forward and forming a steeple with his fingers in front of his face. He had rambled on, and Julian likely didn't really have much idea what he was talking about. He was an affable enough fellow to not have simply raised an eyebrow and snorted.

"In short, her bloodline runs deep in Lhavit. It was lost when a Shinya emissary to Syliras was stricken with an unknown malady. The adults all fell victim to the sickness, but the children survived. There you can trace her blood all the way back to a woman named Sooyun Furuma, then Sanim of the Shinya. She is a legend."

Leaning back again, Kota took his drink back in hand and sipped. As much as he tried, he found it odd sitting in the chair and likely appeared a bird ready to flutter away from it's perch.

"That is not all. She came here by chance while searching for a woman. This woman murdered her brother, killed her uncle more or less, and maimed her father. Elhaym's mother died giving birth to her, so you see her entire family, gone—" He said, snapping his fingers to accentuate the word, "and a bedraggled lioness showed up on our doorstep, demanding information on this woman and seething when she found out we knew who she was. In any case, the offer was made for her to join the order and perhaps have an opportunity to find this woman. That is secondary to the true desires of the order however… we did not intend to raise her as a weapon. We simply wanted her back where she belonged. Thankfully, she has taken to it on her own accord."

Kota couldn't handle the chair anymore. He stood, though he managed to shove his hands deep into his pockets rather than clasp them behind his back.

"She is an interesting woman, no doubt. She tries very hard, but she is more fragile than she knows. She needs someone to protect her. Not like a child needs protection, no. That's not what I meant. She needs someone to protect her from losing sight of what is truly important. Though…" Kota's voice trailed off as he spoke, but he muttered to himself, "Who's to say what is important to her?"

Kota turned, and faced Julian. He wasn't a terribly imposing man. His features were just hard enough to make a believable Shinya, his voice just deep enough to exude masculinity. His eyes darted from the tea in his hand to Julian, and back again.

"Julian, I don't know what is customary in Syliras. In Lhavit, men often do not appreciate another taking such an interest in their heart's heart. So I wonder… what exactly interests you about her? I… never planned to fall in love with her, but I did. She is remarkable in many ways and incredibly lacking in others, but I do love her. Elhaym seems to like you, to enjoy your company. I trust her. I don't want to hate you, Julian. Can I trust you with my heart's heart?"

Perhaps it would occur to Julian now what Kota had done. He had brought the man into his own home, true, but he did not act as if this were his home turf. He wore eastern clothes. He sat in an eastern style room. He shoved his hands in his pockets instead of that statuesque stance with arms clasped behind him, all to usher away thoughts that he was in fact a Shinya asking questions. He had chosen to face Julian on equal footing, not to bully him with imagery and foreign customs. Kota plopped down in the chair again, placing his tea aside and rubbing his temples. He loved her dearly, oh he did. The first time they had spoken at length she had tried to break his jaw. It suited her. Now at times he questioned the proposition they had made to have her join the order in the first place, but that was water under the bridge. An obstacle for a different day.

Before him sat a man who carried currents of unrest that beat against his chest. Elhaym claimed to only be attracted to strong men, but he knew different. Elhaym was attracted to men who needed her, much like she had found that he needed her. Their love was true now, but wasn't that what had brought them together? He had to know where Julian stood. He wasn't sure if he would kill him if he harmed their bond, but the mere notion boiled his blood. He might try, even it meant losing everything else. It wouldn't matter. One cannot survive if their heart's heart stops beating.

[Julian]

This conversation about Elhaym felt tense. Julian still hadn’t decided whether Kota was extending a peace offering or preparing to declare war. The Lhavitians, particularly the Shinya, were peculiar folk, and he still had a long way before he understood any of their customs or minor subtleties. Lifting his teacup, Julian sipped more of the aromatic beverage, listening while Kota spoke on about Elhaym’s past at length. He sounded like someone who had known her a long time. It sounded like Elhaym’s story had a great deal of significance to Kota, so Julian politely remained quiet and didn’t interrupt. The way the man shifted in his chair like a child receiving a lecture was a little distracting, but he tried not to focus on it. He considered offering to switch to the other room if it made Kota more comfortable, but it would disrupt the moment. Just briefly entertaining the notion was enough for Julian to miss a few sentences of what Kota was saying. A bedraggled lioness? Julian smirked at the comparison. It was a good one. Her story was rich and fascinating. Never an idealist, he found himself struggling with the idea of vengeance, or honor, or finding one’s place, any of that. His own mother had been murdered, but her killer was more than likely already dead. His wife was gone, but that was mostly Julian’s own fault. In times of doubt, Julian had no silent dogma to cling to, some personal religion to calm him. Even when speaking to Elhaym herself, he’d found it difficult to swallow her philosophy as his own. They were very different people. Now knowing what Kota had told him, this was even more evident. Elhaym’s life had been one of personal redemption and vindication. Julian’s was just one of… hell, he didn’t even know what. Though Lhavitian blood did flow in him, Julian wasn’t sure he could agree with Kota or Elhaym’s definitions of what was “truly important.” As far as he was concerned, he was Syliran born and bred, for better or worse. After Kota posed his question, Julian stared at him for a moment in contemplation. He took the last sip of his tea and then set it down. “I’ve never been in love, Kota. The woman I married was… she was remarkable, but I never saw her as much more than a close friend. She balanced me. Kept me from losing sight was of was important, which was being true to myself. Your Elhaym reminds me of my Liara. And,” Julian paused to laugh softly at himself, “were I in your place, I would not have gone through such great lengths to form good terms with a potential rival. More likely I’d see that he was left bleeding in the street. That isn’t customary in Syliras, necessarily, but I can be possessive. Suffice to say, I’m glad our places are not swapped. You are a very honorable man, Kota.” He tapped his teacup thoughtfully as he paused, glancing downward. “To be more direct, I have no real attraction to Elhaym. Not that she isn’t beautiful in her right. Romance is a sort of thing that simply doesn’t interest me. It was a starry-eyed and idealistic young man who proposed that bond to Liara. That isn’t who I am anymore. Still, I miss… being balanced. There’s a void, and in my confusion I thought Elhaym could fill it. These days I simply lack good composure. Liara was the one who managed my social life before.” He smiled briefly. Best not mention that he wouldn’t have minded getting Elhaym in private, but that wasn’t something he took very seriously. Julian didn’t keep the best track record for platonic female acquaintances. “To that thought, however, it’s my opinion you should marry that woman before someone else does.” Julian lifted his head to meet Kota’s eyes again. This evening had been full of surprises, as seemed to be very much the case whenever Elhaym was involved. Kota was a pleasant person, beyond a doubt, and Julian found the idea of crossing him exceedingly difficult. There were no hard feelings, no resentment. Elhaym certainly deserved someone like him. “Asking balance from a woman like Elhaym might be a little much, after what you’ve told me. The truth is, I moved to Lhavit trying to escape the wreckage of my life in Syliras. I wanted to start new. Despite Liara’s wasted life, I still know nothing of myself and who I am. I do know what I DON’T want to be, which is why killing that man in the street did so much to dishevel me. I’m sorry if I caused you any alarm. I certainly understand your place in this.” Glancing toward the door, he wondered what had become of his vest. He shouldn’t have handed it off to someone he didn’t even know. Rowan Meredith’s own servants were hardly the cream of the crop when it came to competence. Anxiously, Julian stepped out of the seat, resting his hand on the table. It was probably about time to leave, seeing as their conversation was drawing to a close. “I can’t tell you with any certainty that I’m a good man, Kota, but you have nothing to worry about when it comes to Elhaym. What we have is a friendship forged in blood, and although she has seen several sides to me that I don’t often like to share, the idea of coming between what you two share is completely off the table for me.” He glanced toward the door again. Would Elhaym even appreciate Kota talking at length about her personal history? Ah, that was their own problem though. He’d leave them to it. Julian turned back to Kota, walking over to his end of the table. Stopping in front of him, Julian offered his hand. “It’s been an absolute honor meeting with you, Kota. It’s my hope that you and I can become friends.”

[Elhaym]

"And I you, Julian." Kota said, rising to meet his guest. He took his hand as Elhaym had shown him Eastern men do, careful not to apply too much pressure. Apparently there were layers upon layers of meaning of a 'handshake', according to Elhaym. Of course, the same could be said for a bow. "I appreciate your honesty. I know Elhaym would approve. You are welcome here any time, my friend."

Kota motioned for Julian to leave first, and followed him back into the large living space that dominated his home. He briefly stretched out as if his lower back was bothering him, likely a side effect of having sat in the overstuffed chairs for more than a few seconds.

"Tatuo, bring the man's clothes." Kota said in a sharp tone, immediately producing a blur of sky blue from one of the smaller rooms within. The young Viraya approached Julian with his silken vest neatly hung on a hangar. She offered it to him graciously, even going so far as to assist him in putting it on and smoothing it to perfection. She appeared completely oblivious to the sodden stains on his sleeves, likely in effort not to offend him.

"They will show you the way out." Kota said dismissively, though he didn't intend to be rude. Thoughts whirled inside his mind as Julian's departure was made final by the click of his door's lock. Kota reached to his lower back, underneath the crimson coat that he wore and fumbled for the object that had been the true source of his discomfort. He pulled free a sheathed knife, very similar to the one Elhaym had in fact given Julian although much less ornate. He strode towards one of the younger Viraya, and thrust the sheathed knife into his hands.

"This needs oiling. See to it, and mind that you don't nick your finger." He growled, putting a certain emphasis on the last part. The Viraya nodded without hesitation, and set off to his task. It would be well if he didn't nick his finger, as spending the next few hours sprawled on the floor numb and helpless would not bode well for him… or Kota. There were several things Elhaym didn't know he kept, such as that poisoned blade.

Kota casually unlaced the top portion of his undershirt, striding towards the violin he kept in the corner. He needed to think. Grasping his instrument, he made his way out and onto the wide balcony overlooking the mountains of Kalea and the courtyards below. The air smelled like clay, but at least the rain had stopped. Thankfully his balcony was dry as he pressed himself up against the stone walls, letting out another sigh. He really didn't think badly of Julian, not after speaking to him in person even so briefly. He had been… honest. Honest in his feelings for Elhaym, as sure as Kota could tell. He had a disturbing theory about the man. How could someone so obviously untrained in any martial style have saved Elhaym without something to fight with? He'd seen that tiny knife, bent and warped beyond repair. That wouldn't have been enough. Of course the Shinya who had spoken to him at the time had said that his face was bloody from the fight, but Kota had had suspicions. They had proved false; any user of the arcane inevitably turned to their perverted magic whenever thrust into an awkward situation. In his opinion, that type especially. He had been ready to plunge that knife into the man's heart at the faintest sign that he was a threat to Elhaym. No one would miss an Inn's musician, would they? He shook his head as he considered what he had been willing to do. The Viraya would have said nothing most likely, but he would have been found out eventually. He honestly didn't know what he would have done had that happened, but he would have made it work. He would have made everything okay for her, even if not for him.

Sometimes it disgusted him that the Shinya were so adamant on the use of projection and the flux. Sometimes it disgusted him even more that Elhaym herself now held those seeds of destruction at her fingertips. It ground away at his soul that he had to teach them to her. He focused as much as he could on meditation. That was one of the few things that could stave off pure madness, and he would not have her go insane. He had seen the result of that all too well. His violin rested idly at his side while his eyes fluttered, lost in memories.

He had been only fifteen, an Acolyte as Elhaym was. Kijana had been his best friend, a Chaktawe girl of all things but still his closest confidant all the same. In fact, they were more than friends. Too young to truly love, yet he had known in some part of him that they were destined for each other. A young man's dreams, shattered in an instant by the most vile of vile. A predatory bird swooping down upon the Shinya of Lhavit, unleashing hell and murdering her own kind. He would never forget the sight of Kijana running, her obsidian eyes showing fear untold until the instant she was sliced clean in two by a sphere darker even than her eyes. He had seen her die, and he had seen the woman who was responsible. Oyama Tye, who now called herself Crow. He owed the Sanim his life; in that instant she had turned on him, and Jun Lhutav had engaged her in what ultimately ended in her retreat. Madness. That was what the art of magic brought upon the world.

She needed him, but he needed her more. He needed her to be strong, strong enough to do what he never could. He needed her to kill Oyama Tye. He would protect her in any way he could, if she could only… but he loved her too much to wish that on her if thought about it. He loved her too much to send her to her death. He wanted Oyama Tye dead. He wanted Elhaym alive. He wanted... to think of nothing right now.

"Tatuo, would you sing for me?" He said aloud, the young Viraya immediately bowing and appearing on the balcony. As he propped the violin against his chin and brought the wand to it's strings, he had one final thought before the music overtook him. Perhaps he had lied to Julian. Perhaps they had intended to turn her into a weapon. He hated himself.

The sounds of his strings radiated throughout the courtyards below, accompanied by Tatou's surprisingly clear voice. Kota's melody was rich with despair, and she adjusted her vocals to suit it. The song was one of Elhaym's favorites, a Lhavitian song about a man who claimed he would dance with demons if only his beloved would never shed a tear again. As if his thoughts had summoned her, Elhaym appeared in the doorway draped in a thin blanket. Her black hair was disheveled and thick red lines ran across her face, no doubt sleeping on her arms again. She looked tired, worn and beaten. She looked beautiful. She shuffled towards him and placed her head against his back, draping her arms around his middle. Her eyes were still heavy with sleep, and she swayed as he continued to gently saw at his violin. In that moment he was content. If only he could stay like this forever.

If only…

[Julian]

The two men clasped hands, as Julian hoped Kota would, seeing as he was catering so much to his eastern cultural tastes. The musician offered a calm smile. “Thank you. I should hope to hear your violin in the near future. It’s a fantastic compliment to the cello.” Julian winced at his own comment, which sounded arrogant. “Nevermind the poor wording. It’s been an absolute pleasure.” As they walked back out into the main hall, Julian was surprised when Kota’s servant took an initiative in dressing him in his vest. Again, Kota’s sharp tone quietly frightened Julian, but he suppressed his reaction. The way the master of the house yelled, one might think that the servants had done something wrong, or were simply so incompetent that they needed strict, harsh tones to usher them into their duties. That would have been a dull conclusion: Julian knew something of servants. He assumed that it spoke more of his warrior nature, which Kota had so carefully stowed away for this meeting. Julian followed the servants through the door, shouldering Kota’s abrupt goodbye. It was just as well. The tension was finally eased off his chest, and he took solace in the measured silence as he was led to the Monastery’s exit. This had been educational, meeting Elhaym’s lover. Julian wasn’t altogether sure what to make of the man, but only two things could be assumed when someone as devoted as Kota was willing to have tea with another who appeared to vie for his beloved’s affections: he was either very stupid, or very cunning. Though Julian had been genuine in his conversation, taking anything he said at face value would have made Kota gullible. On other hand, proposing good terms with him would allow a jealous lover to keep closer tabs on the possible competition. Elhaym was special, certainly, and Julian would have liked to pursue a friendship with her. Kota was mistaken if he thought Elhaym was any sort of obsession of Julian’s, if not downright paranoid. Granted, Julian probably would have gone a physically intimate route if Elhaym had let him, even if he’d known she was involved with someone else. At this point however, Julian severely doubted she would have let him cross that line. Any friendship they formed would have most likely gone on without much event. Even still, none of what had just happened sat well with him. Kota, undoubtedly, was likeable, talented, and generous. But Julian didn’t like him. Him, or anyone who presumed to impose themselves the musician’s personal business. As if they had any right. The musician never used his magical profiency for the meeting. He’d considered it, and had it ready, but there was never an opportunity: or rather, a need. Though he was a hypnotist, Julian saw no point in using his minor magic skill if he could accomplish tasks without it, including observation of potential adversaries. Magic was a double edged sword, and as exampled by his run-in with Elhaym on the Zintia several weeks ago, and it must always be used with care and respect. On top of that, he had not registered himself at the Temple, which he was beginning to wonder about. No self-respecting hypnotist would expose himself. If he was found out, however… well, Julian wasn’t clear on the consequences, but he’d gotten the idea that they would be very bad. The cellist offered a few muffled goodbyes and a nod of farewell at the servants as he left the Monastery. Taking this moment to adjust his hair and neaten his ponytail, he walked out into the damp streets, the recent rainfall still heavy in the humid air. Lhavit sparkled even more than usual, the moisture glinting off the streets and the sides of buildings. This city was so deeply ingrained in its own culture, whereas Syliras was more a hole in the ground where people chose to huddle together out of self-interest. Lhavit… had a soul. A voice. He attributed most of this to Lady Zintila, the face and the heart of Lhavit. Though he had never much stock in his own Lhavitian heritage, he was more grateful for it now. Every day, he grew more in love with this city. It unclear where Julian stood with Elhaym or Kota, but it was only a minor detail. He did not take his association with Elhaym as seriously as Kota did, but he wouldn’t be deterred by Kota’s gentle intervention. This was a matter of principle. Julian would be controlled by no one. A friendship with the Shinya might prove useful, however, so he would use the alliance with Kota and Elhaym to his advantage, if the need ever arose. Perhaps, in time, he could grow to like Kota if the man loosened up a little. A true friendship was not at all out of the question. That would simply depend on Kota. A familiar musical voice began to sing a slow, enchanting melody behind him – the sound of a violin, the cello’s sister. Julian slowed in his tracks, pausing to listen to it for a moment. He only turned around after Tatuo’s voice began to intermingle with the rich, velvety song. From the street, the musician looked up at the balcony, where he could see the image of Kota and his servant sharing some sort of moment. A true music lover, Julian stood there for a short while, watching. The people of the Shinyama peak passed around him as he watched, taking in the song like a fine wine, pausing and even closing his eyes momentarily to appreciate its flavor. Would it change his view of Kota? It was unclear. All that mattered at that moment was the music. All else, even Julian’s oversized ego, was secondary. As a pair of arms appeared around Kota, Julian’s mood soured. It must be reiterated that Julian had no particularly powerful feelings about Elhaym, but standing here and watching this, he felt snubbed. Hoping the servant was watching, he took the opportunity to be petty. He focused on Tatuo, then lifted his hand and waved at the three. That wasn’t the triggering gesture – much too obvious. But when Julian turned with a certain flourish, he sent a subliminal hypnotic message to Tatuo – he’s going to play a flat note. Kota didn’t, but Tatuo, who would have attempted to adjust for it, did. Music was insulted in that moment, which brought a hidden smirk to Julian as he walked on back toward his room at the Shooting star, but it was worth it. - End -

[Ophelia]

Experience Julian: +3 Rhetoric, +1 Bodybuilding, +1 Hypnotism Elhaym: +3 Meditation, +1 Acrobatics, +3 Flux Lore Julian: Afraid of Heights, Shinya Meditation Training, Alone, The Wrong Idea About Elhaym, Territorial Jealousy, Friendship Forged In Blood, Liara's Replacement?, Disliking Kota, Lhavit Has A Soul, Pettiness Elhaym: Core Strength, Shinya Meditation Training, Overgiving, Knowing Pain Notes Sorry I couldn't give much by way of lore to Elhaym... you were kind of passed out, though! Heh. Oh, the love triangle. Will your dramas never end? For my sake, I hope not - they're fun threads to grade. Onya!