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 Posted: Sun Feb 18, 2024 1:30 pm
Omari twisted the teacup in his hands, the hybrid inspecting the golden details and appreciating the craftsmanship behind it. Normally he would not be as inclined to study such a thing in detail, at least not at your teashop like this in comparison to the artifacts he helped study back home, but he also had decided to arrive especially early for today’s meeting. One could only eat so many little cakes while waiting, no matter how delicious they were, and so he continued trying to pass the time by looking at various objects and watching as others came and went from the little cafe that was nestled in the upper districts of Sulburi. He had reserved a table in a private corner that was in the upper levels of the two-story building, the walkway encircling the upper floor giving him full vision of the entrance on the ground floor below with the customers taking their time at the tables scattered there. His own table was near an entrance to a balcony, the private area holding four of the circular tables to give plenty of room for gatherings, and despite only meeting one other person today the hybrid had gone ahead with reserving the whole space. His guest was an important sponsor, after all, the heir to the Cyrillus family name that could offer a lot of funding for student scholarships and the like. He had sent several letters to Calix Cyrillus before, the pair exchanging ideas after being introduced briefly at a party, and soon enough their letters turned into a meeting with them once more meeting in person for another proper discussion. Instead of going to the academy where Omari knew wandering eyes would probably bother the young heir, the hybrid had opted for their initial meeting to take place at a cafe known by both of them. Apparently Calix’s grandmother often came here for cakes and tea just as his own mother had once come here often when she ran the academy. Even Omari had come here a bit while visiting Sulburi before and had continued the tradition of holding some meetings here and enjoying sweets as well whenever he needed to take a walk outside of the academy grounds. Unlike his more casual attire when he did come this way though, the hybrid had taken some care to dress up a bit more than usual, layered silks in turquoise and gold showing off his new colors even since that strange pollen had swept through the area. Golden bangles with embedded gemstones chimed lightly as well whenever he shifted in his seat, the hybrid peering around the room once more before the arrival of others had him straightening up.
“Come right this way, sir.” One of the waitresses, a petite Oban girl with flushed cheeks, caught Omari’s attention as she guided a teen towards his table. “Please let me know if you need anything else.” She whispered towards Omari, bowing slightly before leaving so that the pair could get settled at the table. She had already set the table with sweets and freshly cut fruits, a warm glass teapot sitting in the middle of the table so that the pair could serve themselves with the tea that Omari had already ordered.
“Thank you.” Omari smiled as she departed before rising from his seat to greet Calix. “So we meet once again.”
[Omari 1]
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Posted: Sun Feb 18, 2024 1:31 pm
“So we do.” Calix looked over the other hybrid, a small smile on his lips as he raised a hand in greeting and took a seat. Usually he was more wary of others but he had gotten to know Omari through their letters, the pair having a similar love for the arts which had connected them over the past few weeks of various communication. Others that he trusted had also looked into this academy for the arts to prove that the hybrid was indeed honest with his desires since there was only good news from that place ever since Omari had taken over. There had been some troubles at first, a couple of years back, but Calix had seen the reports proving that the other man had indeed done his best to resolve things without harming any innocents. There had been a few mentors dismissed, some sponsors cut but none of the students had suffered from being caught up in trouble that was beyond their control. It was admirable, to say the least. Others surely would have taken the easier road for riches and sacrificed a few young artists along the way rather than risking everything to help them instead. It had encouraged Calix to speak with his own grandmother and father to see if he could get the approval to step forward as a sponsor since surely an academy for the arts would do nothing to trigger issues for his own family, the arts seemingly innocent in comparison to any military connections.
And so here he was dressed in what he hoped was more subtle attire to hide his exact status, Calix wearing dark crimson silks with some golden embroidery but leaving behind the finer clothing he normally wore at more public events. He still wanted to impress a bit so he kept some golden accessories, his locks styled as usual with golden bands around his wrists and the locket holding his family crest tucked beneath his robes. It was enough to have it in case of emergency, but best to not show it off towards everyone he encountered on the way to his grandmother’s favored café. The staff knew him here at least and showed him respect as soon as he walked in, guiding him straight towards Omari without question.
[Calix 1]
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Posted: Sun Feb 18, 2024 1:31 pm
Omari nodded as he took his own seat, the hybrid leaning across the table so that he could pour the tea for them “This is a spiced tea, a bit of cinnamon and chai.” He expressed as he carefully slid a cup over for Calix and took one for himself. “The glass kettles here are always so beautiful. You can watch the tea leaves unfurling inside, if you arrive early enough.” It was a playful jest, mostly on himself since he knew that he was the one who had willingly arrived almost an hour earlier than planned. How could he not though? He had to make certain that everything was properly prepared for Calix, especially since they were meeting outside of the academy.
[Omari 2]
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Posted: Sun Feb 18, 2024 1:31 pm
“Is that so? They are lovely though.” Calix let out a soft laugh as he accepted the tea. “It seems you’ve been waiting for a bit then.” At least the tea was still warm, the perfect drinking temperature that he appreciated as he took a sip. It left a warm feeling in his throat, the spices tingling as he enjoyed another drink of the brew. Leaning back in his seat, Calix studied Omari and tilted his head thoughtfully. “You look slightly different from our last meeting. Was it the pollen?” Or some sort of artistic expression where he dyed his hair like others did? Though his gaze was also different, Calix realizing that it truly had to be the pollen which caused such a drastic change in the other hybrid.
[Calix 2]
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Posted: Sun Feb 18, 2024 1:31 pm
“Ah, you noticed.” Replied Omari lightly before taking a sip of his own tea. “The pollen affected a few in my family, it looks like you weren’t touched though.” It was strange how there seemed to be no rhyme or reason to who was affected by the pollen. Even those with some Aishan blood still changed, at least their earthling traits did, so only the pure Aishans seemed to be unaffected along with the few Kahi in the area. That was one perk of running an academy for the arts with so many students and staff, rumors and gossip spread quickly like wildfire within their halls. “Still, I am the same as I was before. The only difference is my coloring is slightly off, but my health and mind are fine. How have you been?”
[Omari 3]
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Posted: Sun Feb 18, 2024 1:31 pm
Calix nodded, his gaze thoughtful as he studied Omari and listened to him. “My family managed to be untouched by the pollen and there’s nothing worrisome to report about my health.” So he was doing perfectly fine. Calix leaned back in his chair as he thought about matters. As much as he enjoyed the idea of spending more time with Omari their time was limited, as usual because of their busy schedules. “Now that we have the pleasantries out of the way should we discuss business or continue with idle chatter?”
[Calix 3]
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Posted: Sun Feb 18, 2024 1:31 pm
Omari set his teacup down, a soft sigh escaping his lips at the accusation. “It has been some time since we managed to sit down together. It’s nice to get to know more about you, outside of exchanging letters.” He protested with a slight frown before giving a shrug as if accepting things. “Still, I do understand the importance of adhering to a schedule. Your studies and training take up a majority of your time as the heir while my business in the academy keeps my own schedule quite full.” The hybrid acknowledged before moving to pull out a journal from his own belongings. “Here.” Inside was a list of upcoming events, a roster of talented students who needed aid and some other details about the academy’s growth and even the recent discoveries from the treasure hunters who worked with him. “I prefer to give this to you in person rather than risking a courier. Surely you understand those worries considering what I’ve dealt with in the past.” All the corrupted sponsors he had cut from the academy wanting to take advantage of those students needing aid, pulling them away from his academy with their own offers were always a threat so he tried to keep personal information away from any prying eyes. There were also some outside competitors who would try to ruin any special events scheduled for the year, planning their own celebrations or even trying to destroy reserved festival space for their competing performances.
[Omari 4]
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Posted: Sun Feb 18, 2024 1:32 pm
“We’ll have to schedule more casual affairs then.” Replied Calix with a small smile despite his earlier accusation, having the feeling that the other hybrid wasn’t simply trying to flatter him with his words. From what he had gathered Omari simply enjoyed learning more about those he worked with, especially after dealing with some past betrayal from false allies. “I’ll have a break in a few weeks, perhaps we can schedule an excursion somewhere or I can spend an afternoon at the academy to explore the grounds more.” He had visited once, just briefly, and would love a chance to return there to see all of the changes that Omari had reported. And speaking of reports…Calix took the journal and opened it, flipping through the pages of handwritten notes from Omari with the numbers and such that were also tucked inside. “You seem to be doing well. Do you truly need more aid?”
[Calix 4]
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Posted: Sun Feb 18, 2024 1:32 pm
“Of course.” Omari smiled. “I can clear my schedule for two weeks from now, feel free to take an afternoon to come visit.” Classes would be quiet then, the grounds mostly empty since it was a holiday where many would return home during the week break or go into the city to enjoy the festivities. “I want to show you the museum, I think you would appreciate the newest pieces of artwork that we’ve found for the collection.” Ceramic pieces, tablets all with decorative etchings of ceremonies long forgotten from the wandering tribes that once lived in the Oban deserts before forming the nation they knew today. Omari had even taken a few pieces, putting them together and researching them to create a recreation of the dances that they had etched there. Once he perfected it then he would share it with others, performing for an upcoming festival or simply at the academy for one of their events. “As for the aid aspect, it would be greatly appreciated. We are doing well, but I would love to include a few more scholarship students in our numbers.” He explained quietly, reaching over to direct Calix to the page where he had written down potential students from those who had been scouted or applied directly to the academy. “I trust you to be a better patron than those we parted ways with.”
[Omari 5]
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Posted: Sun Feb 18, 2024 1:32 pm
A spark of interest did make his gaze gleam, the golden hue bright in the sunlight that flickered through the cafe windows. “You know me well. I’ll come visit and see those pieces then.” He would find an afternoon and send notice to Omari, the appeal of seeing new pieces far too great for the teen to resist. “Perhaps I can even invite my aunt along?” Alinta was more about fighting, training constantly for the military but it would be a good way for her to take a break and potentially keep him from having to be escorted with a full guard again. “I see your point, is there any way that I can witness the talents of these prospective students for myself?” He was not about to abuse someone’s situation, but Calix was always curious to see the progress of those at the academy.
[Calix 5]
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Posted: Sun Feb 18, 2024 1:32 pm
“Your aunt? I don’t see any issues with her coming along.” Omari agreed with a nod, happy to greet Calix and any guests he would bring to the academy. “I’ll prepare for whatever date works best for us both.” The festivities would give him some flexibility and he could rely upon at least a couple of his staff to linger behind if they had such an important guest visiting. If not then he would have to hope that his own tea making skills were not completely rusty, the thought bringing an amused smile to his lips as he pondered it. Though that smile did disappear for a moment, Omari blinking as he considered the request and slowly nodded as he came to a solution. “It’s not an unreasonable request. Attending the classes would perhaps be a good introduction, but if you’re worried about being too obvious and making them nervous then I would recommend attending our next event. It’ll be hosted at the academy in a month and various students will be performing that evening. I could speak with those who I’m hoping to get sponsorship for and have them perform, without mentioning your appearance to keep them from being overwhelmed.”
[Omari 6]
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Posted: Sun Feb 18, 2024 1:32 pm
“Good.” Calix nodded. “I think the afternoon twelve days from now should work. I’ll send a notice and you may confirm if that works for you then.” He would have to check his schedule once he returned home and confirm with his father that there weren’t any meetings he was unaware of scheduled for that time, but surely it would be fine to visit then. The hardest part would be getting Alinta to agree to visit with him, Calix not thinking Qaisan would even give a museum a moment of attention. “As for the event? I think that would be ideal since I do not wish to overwhelm any of your students. I’ll find a way to attend so that I can witness these talents you’re vouching for.” He looked over the list, his lips pressed into a thoughtful frown as he read over the names and silently crunched numbers. “I can help sponsor three more for now. I’ll leave it to your discretion whoever you decide to sponsor with that funding.” That would be within his own ability based on his allowances, something he could do without getting approval from his father who was acting as the current head of the family. He would trust Omari’s judgment and see the students for himself when he attended the event in a month’s time. If he disagreed with the other hybrid’s choices then he would confront the matter afterwards.
[Calix 6]
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Posted: Sun Feb 18, 2024 1:32 pm
“As always I appreciate your aid.” Omari replied with a bright smile as Calix agreed to sponsor three more students. That would help so much! It left two more to support, but he could always find a way to support them even if it meant seeing if they could handle a bit of work at the academy. He could always see about locating another sponsor as well, Omari knowing how to play any upcoming events to scout out those he could trust. He was much more wary now, but not unwilling to work with others once he found out more about them. “Do you have any other concerns or questions for me? Or do you wish to review that information at home and discuss it at our next meeting?” SInce Calix was intent upon visiting the academy to see the expanded collection in the museum then it would be plenty of time for him to review the information inside of that journal and inquire about anything that bothered him.
[Omari 7]
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Posted: Sun Feb 18, 2024 1:33 pm
“You’re welcome. I enjoy supporting a good cause.” Calix replied, reaching for his teacup once more so that he could take another sip and enjoy the moment. Even though he had been against some idle chatter it was rare that he wasn’t staring at a pile of books as of late and so he found himself a bit more willing to relax since he had planned time for this. It was nice to just take a moment and enjoy some tea with someone he considered almost a friend, the young heir slowly warming up to Omari the more that they met up like this. Between the letters and these meetings it felt like they would establish some sort of bond indeed, something good for Calix who had to make trustworthy allies as the heir to the Cyrillus name. He couldn’t hide forever in his family’s shadow, that was for certain and so this was a start. Any of the students he sponsored as well could emerge as talented artists he could rely upon as their patron, watching them grow and relying upon their talents as necessary. “I would prefer taking the time to study the information before asking any additional questions. You’ve already agreed to my request to witness these talents, that was the most pressing thing on my mind.”
[Calix 7]
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Posted: Sun Feb 18, 2024 1:33 pm
“I see. So we’ll wait until next time to discuss more business, the sponsorship was the only request I truly wanted to ask today.” Omari replied, tapping his fingers against his own teacup as he studied Calix, who seemed to be relaxing more in his seat. Was that a sign that he was willing to linger instead of leaving now that he had gotten the desired information? It would be nice if they could just spend a few more moments catching up, Omari enjoying a chance to interact in person instead of simply through ink and parchment. “Do you attend festivities often, Calix? I know you appreciate the arts, but I’ve never heard about you actually attending any of the public festivals.”
[Omari 8]
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