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Imperial Princess Rika Vice Captain
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 Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 5:30 pm
Toutei 1006
Sovereignty
Kyouri stops by one afternoon, offering to lend all his talents to Jilan to help finish a composition for Mid-Year, if that is the boy's intention. ... Apparently he has this much time to spare because he lost his day job.
Celebration
Jilan receives an envelope that indicates the contents are confidential. It contains a great quantity of Silver World paper money, with an unsigned note indicating that Jilan should feel free to use it as he wishes -- so long as he ends his association with evil Sorcerers.
Caesura
At the Mid-Year Festival, Jilan finds himself haunted by a group of unfriendly boys who jeer and tease him whenever he tries to perform or participate in a game. This bullying doesn't go on very long, though, as quite a number of other people, adults and children Jilan might not even have realized know him, come to his defense and scold the miscreants, driving them off.
Fruition
Hiko visits Kinkyou at home, bringing some gifts for Genkyou -- but also speaking to Jilan, wondering if she could obtain some Gaian instruments or artwork through him and if there is anything he might like from her in exchange for his favor.
Submission
A schoolgirl, somewhat younger than Shuuken is and Jilan is physically, boldly introduces herself to Jilan as Seirin, future magical-philosopher. She has heard -- from the librarians, perhaps -- that Jilan is a budding scholar of magic as well, and so she wishes to apprentice herself to him.
Redress
Some sort of very serious situation arises in the offices of the Master of the Census of the Outer Capital, about which Kinkyou does not seem free to speak. She spends a great deal of time at the Palace, sometimes not coming home to see her family for days, and Genka and Genkyou are very worried. Kinkyou herself seems not irritable so much as she is depressed.
Towards the end of the month, Kinkyou begins keeping normal hours again, but it seems that she has been demoted or had some sort of reduction in salary, as the family needs to sell some of their furniture and more luxurious ornaments.
Extinction
Seiran, Seirin's mother, seeks out Jilan in order to scrutinize his handwriting. After observing it, she offers Jilan a job copying books -- not normally a child's job, and paying well, though perhaps more repetitive and less rewarding than others.
Descent
Meirei, who has apparently been studying at a very intensive Naming training school inside the Palace, offers to give any of her books from previous years to Jilan -- her aunt must be wealthy if she can afford to just dump such precious items on him.
Toutei 1007
Quiescence
Kan'i's father, the artist, suddenly perishes, leaving the boy who had been busily preparing for a Naming Ceremony distraught and disoriented.
Gestation
Genka apparently begins working for pay in the palace, doing something having to do with linguistics -- not literature. Genkyou begins accompanying him, and sometimes Kinkyou, leaving Jilan unofficially in charge of the family apartment during the day.
Parturition
The somber mood that has hung over Kinkyou begins to improve, as if whatever trouble she had at work is clearing.
Genka encourages Jilan to participate in the gift-giving and mock-courting of the Red Festival, since he is, after all, a tall and good-looking youth now!
However, Jilan receives fewer flowers and other little gifts this year. Perhaps, though, it is because he is getting to the age where these gifts might be taken somewhat seriously, and it is not usual for girls to go about flirting, especially with foreign boys.
Ascent
Seirin suddenly informs Jilan that she can't be his friend anymore. In fact, all of the students at her school seem to treat him icily towards the time when he is to return to Gaia.
His host family, though, seems terribly sad to see him go, and even Kinkyou, who had not always been the most welcoming, sentimentally speculates on how he had come to be like a nephew to her. Genkyou is especially hysterical at the idea that Jilan may be gone for a very long time.
All Year
Jilan begins growing dramatically taller -- bad for maintaining a fitting wardrobe, but advantageous in other affairs, such as convincing elders to take him seriously... though his choice of makeup still presents an obstacle.
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Posted: Sat Mar 14, 2009 10:17 pm
Excerpts from Jilan's diary while in the Silver World, Toutei 1006-7:Jilan Sovereignty
I asked at the library if they need any help and they said not really. I'll have to try the other library, but it is further away.
---
"Jin,
Hello.
~Jilan"
---
The other library says they do not really need me to work for them, either. I wonder what other job I could get that would be interesting? I am a little afraid to ask Kinkyou, and I think asking Genka might be awkward, too.
---
Kyouri came by to see me today, and offered to help with a new composition for the Mid-Year Festival. I told him I did not really have any other plans to compose anything else, but he seemed so eager to help, so I decided to try one anyway. He seemed kind of sad or anxious or something, too, but did not really mention anything in particular. He is coming again tomorrow to see me, so maybe he will talk to me then about it.
---
When he came today, Kyouri mentioned that he lost his job. After that, he was quieter than he usually is. I hope everything will be alright for him....
---
Maybe if I can get a job, I can ask Kyouri to teach me the two-string viola, and I can pay him for the lessons. He brought his viola today and we played bit together, with me on my zither.
---
I saw Meirei today, but she could not stay long. She did not seem to have much to talk about, either, but when I mentioned that I was writing another piece of music, she had a lot of questions about that.
Celebration
"Jin,
Hello?
~Jilan"
---
Today I received an envelope with an amazing amount of money in it. I have no idea who gave it to me. There is a note that says I can use it however I want, but it feels so weird because the person who gave it to me did not even sign a name. Is it really okay to spend it? I kind of want to ask Genka about it, but I also am kind of afraid to tell him. And what does the mystery person mean about "evil Sorcerers"?
---
I think I have an idea who might have given me the money. Jin always seemed to have a lot. And after what Princess Shuuken said happened with Jin last year - the person sie tried to kill was a Sorcerer or something, I think.
I don't think I've ever met Gan the Sorcerer, though, so I should be alright. I guess Princess is no longer with him. She says he is crazy, but she trusts him, and maybe Jin thinks he is evil? I hope I do not meet Gan now, because I think I would be very confused.
---
"Jin,
I got some interesting mail recently. Did you send it to me?
~Jilan"
---
I bought myself a two-string viola today. Just an inexpensive one that still sounds nice. It felt a little awkward, but I think it was a good thing to buy. I will not spend the money on silly things or be wasteful with it. Tomorrow, when Kyouri comes by, I am going to offer to pay him to teach me how to play my new instrument, because he needs money more than I do.
---
Meirei was going to come tomorrow to see me, but I got a letter from her today that said she was busy with something for school.
Caesura
Kyouri seems cheered up by our lessons, and I think the piece he has been helping me write for the Mid-Year Festival is very nice, although short. He said he would join me to play for the Festival (as long as I stick to the zither and leave the viola to him).
---
"Jin,
Remember when you and I played music together for the Mid-Year Festival?
~Jilan"
---
Some children were bullying me today at the festival, and I ended up breaking a zither string. Kyouri chased them off, but I wonder what their problem is?
---
Genka helped me fix my zither, and helped me tune it again. He said he wants to join me for the festival this week and bring Genkyou, if I want to take a week off of playing and play some games and do other things instead. It sounds like fun, and I feel kind of like I have not been spending as much time with Genka recently. Genkyou seems very excited.
---
The stupid boys came back to bother me, and made Genkyou cry. Another person I thought I recognized but don't really know yelled at them while Genka calmed his daughter down. They should at least be nicer to the little one!
---
I spent today with Meirei, but it was hard to have fun with that same bunch of childish boys bothering us both. I hope they go away before the next time I see her. She said next month was not a good time, though, because she will be busy with school again.
---
The bunch of boys who have been bothering me were getting really unbearable the last two days. I'm in the library right now, taking a break from the stupid Festival.
---
I spent today performing with Kyouri. Everything went okay, fortunately.
---
I am going to enjoy the last few days of the Festival, and no stupid children can stop me!
Fruition
"Jin,
Did you have fun at the Mid-Year Festival?
~Jilan"
---
Kyouri has been coming by a bit less often now that the Festival is over. I think maybe he found some other work, at least temporarily. He still visits for lessons, though. I went to the library a few days ago and got a bunch of books to just read at home. The Festival was more tiring than fun this year, I think, and I need to recover.
---
The library still does not need my help.
---
Lady Hiko visited again today, mostly to see Genkyou and Kinkyou, but she wanted to talk to me, too. She asked if she could get some Gaian artwork or musical instruments through me. I am not too sure where to get things like that in Gaia, but I'm sure Kumoru does. I told her that I would do what I could, but also reminded her that time seems to pass differently there than it does here in the Silver World, and that it might be a few years before she saw me again.
... Not sure if she believed me about the different time thing, because she laughed, but she told me that she would be willing to wait. And since it would probably be a while, I said that she need not do anything for me now. I wrote out a note to her, assuring her that I would do what I could, and try to find her again the next time I came to the Silver World.
I will have to try not to be gone for so many years next time I return to Gaia.
---
Kinkyou told Genka to take me shopping today for some new clothes, since I seem to be getting a bit tall for some of my old ones. While we were out, I finally mentioned the money and the note to him, except for the part about Sorcerers. Genka said that he had borrowed money from Jin before, and that sie always did seem to have a lot, so my theory that it came from my old tutor was not all that outrageous. And then he suggested that I put some of it towards sending myself to school, to make Kinkyou happy... and joked that I should give some of it to him, too.
Submission
Kinkyou came to talk to me about my small fortune today. I tried to pay her some of it in thanks for all she and her husband have given me over the last two years, but she told me that was all fine, and added that she thought Genka's suggestion that I use it for school was a very good one.
---
I had my last viola lesson today with Kyouri, at least for a while. He told me to try to come to the artists' club meetings again every now and then, if I have time after school.
---
"Jin,
I am finally starting school again.
~Jilan"
---
I went to school today, at the place near Jin's old apartment where I went all those years ago. The schoolmaster still remembered me, and was glad that I decided to come back. I'm more of an appropriate age for the classes I am in now, too, so it feels less awkward. Hopefully I will still have enough time to keep up with my own studies in magic and things, too.
---
Kan'i found me in the library today and told me that he's never talking to me again because I'm going to the wrong school. I tried asking him how he was doing and why I had not seen him much lately, and he just left.
---
A little girl found me outside of the library on the way home from school today and informed me that she is a future magical-philosopher. Her name is Seirin and she said she wanted to be my apprentice or something like that. I am not sure what I am supposed to do, so I told her I would think about it. I am not an expert or anything, and I don't know if I can be a good teacher.
---
I ran into Seirin again today and asked if I had decided yet. She seems very eager so I do not want to say no and disappoint her, but I wonder if she would be better off learning from a grown-up? I told her I needed another day to think.
I guess she could learn from a priest, but the ones I have met so far have not been very nice or very helpful. I tried asking the librarians once when I was still trying to get a job if they knew of any scholars who might need help, and they did not know of anyone in particular. So I cannot send Seirin off to someone else who might know more than me.
Maybe I will take her as an "apprentice" for now, if she really is interested. I have to learn everything very well if I have to then teach it to her, right? This is just so strange for me.
---
When I told Seirin yes, she must have thanked me about a hundred times.
---
Kan'i came and visited me at school just after classes, and followed me home. He said he was still not talking to me, but I could talk to him if I wanted. So I told him about Seirin. He seemed to think the situation was funny.
Redress
Meirei did not visit last month, either. School must be getting very tough.
---
"Jin,
I am learning more maths at school and it is still boring.
~Jilan"
---
I came home from school today to a frantic Genka, saying that something had happened and that Kinkyou would not be home until tomorrow, maybe later. I hope everything is alright.
---
The teacher has been sick for a few days, so I have been spending my time in the library instead. Seirin has been joining me, too, when her classes are over, and I have been doing my best to teach her from the books I have already read. She seems very interested - I was afraid I would bore her.
---
Kan'i came to the library today, too, reminded me that he still is not talking to me, and hung around for a little while reading. When Seirin came by, he left. I am not sure if he is mad at me for my choice of school or not.
---
Kinkyou is gone again, so I helped cook again tonight in an effort to get Genka to relax. Genkyou has been upset, too, and following me around when I am not at school. I think tomorrow I will bring Seirin home with me instead of staying at the library so I can keep Genka calm. Maybe Genkyou will like meeting another girl, too.
---
Meirei is too busy again this month. I kind of miss talking about nothing.
---
I made dinner again while Genka took care of Kinkyou. She does not seem the same as when things were very busy and she got upset. More like just tired. Genka mentioned to me that she said she cannot tell him what is wrong, which only worried him more. Me, too. I hope things will be okay.
---
Genka, Kinkyou, and Genkyou were all gone from the apartment when I came home today. Seirin was with me, but I told her to go home and that we could read and study more tomorrow. My desk is missing from my room, along with a few other things. What is going on?
---
Kinkyou still cannot tell us what happened, but she has been back to her regular hours again, at least. Genka is still climbing the walls with worry, though, because his wife is still very depressed. They also apparently had to sell some of the furniture. I offered to take some time off of school and give them some of my money, but Kinkyou told me to keep it and just keep going to school.
I will play my two-string viola for her tonight to try to cheer her up and because I have not practiced it recently.
---
My money is starting to run low, too. I'm not sure if I will have enough for school next year.
Extinction
"Jin,
It sure got cold fast this year, no?
~Jilan"
---
Kan'i has been visiting me in the library regularly, but he still always leaves when Seirin is around. I will have to try to spend time with him when I do not have my "apprentice" around, meaning outside the library.
---
We are studying music again at school, which is a lot of fun. I have been bringing my zither to class with me to practice more.
---
Kyouri visited today and brought a simple duet for two-string viola. He did not want to talk about how work was going, but it was nice to just relax and play music with him. Hopefully he is doing alright.
---
I saw Meirei again, and I played my viola for her a little bit. I am still kind of scratchy at it, but she assured me I would get better.
---
Seirin and I are working through a magical textbook that she found at a different library and checked out for me. I think parts of it are still well over my head, but thinking out loud to someone who at least understands the basics has been helping me work through it.
---
Seirin's mother came with her to the library today, which had me worried at first, but she did not seem at all upset by her daughter's "apprenticeship" to me. She was actually interested in my handwriting, and offered me a job copying books. Just in time! Else next month I would have had to quit school.
Descent
It snowed and I could not get to school today, but it was nice spending a whole day with Genka. He seemed kind of down - he admitted he is still worried about Kinkyou's job - but we chatted for a while about school and I think it cheered him up. As soon as the snow melts, he and I made a date to go clothes shopping again... but just window-shopping. After we had our chat, we took Genkyou outside to play in the snow for a little while.
---
"Jin,
I have a job now, too. I start tomorrow.
~Jilan"
---
I started my book-copying job for Seiran, Seirin's mother. I had kind of been hoping the books I would be asked to copy would be magic texts, but I guess there are so many other kinds of books that it was more likely that I would end up with something else. The one I am working on now is some sort thing for bureaucrats that is utterly boring.
At least it is paid work!
---
Kan'i has been more talkative with me again, asking me what I think about some poetry he has been reading in his classes. He had a little poetry book with three poems by High Priest Kouyo (including one I had not yet read!), so I am borrowing it until tomorrow.
---
Today I learned that it is impossible to copy a book about agricultural history while being read a book about telekinetics. Thank you, Seirin....
---
Meirei visited today with a bunch of books for me. She told me that they were some of her old texts from school, and I could have them if I wanted. I can't argue with free books. She told me about her school for once - it is apparently a very intensive school to prepare her for her Naming Ceremony. I suspected it was something like that, with how busy she has been this year. I told her about my new job, and she laughed, imagining me like some old man huddled over a book till all hours of the night with a pen, copying away.
Quiescense, T1007
"Jin,
Happy New Year!
~Jilan"
---
Kan'i came by to visit today looking dazed. I asked him if he had something he wanted to talk about, like more poetry, and he broke down in tears and told me his father died that morning.
I had no idea what to tell him. He stayed for a while and just cried and I cried a little bit, too, and then he thanked me and left.
---
I have enough money to pay Kyouri for another month of viola lessons, but I don't think I have the time now. I sent him a letter today inviting him to come play with me sometime when he is free, though.
---
Kyouri visited so we could play music together, and Genka joined us, too.
---
Kan'i found me right after school today, and he still seemed a little upset. I took him to a sweets shop and we spent some time there. He was very talkative, amazingly, but he talked about maths the whole time. He said it was because maths always had a perfect right answer.
---
I got a letter from Meirei saying not to expect her visits for a while, but that I could write her when I have time. I wrote a short letter back asking how her studies were going, and telling her a little about what I have been doing at school.
Gestation
Genka started working today at the Palace, too. I'm happy for him and all, but it seems like such a big change. I hope he enjoys it and all. It will be so strange coming home from school to an empty house.
---
My latest book for Seiran is a political something-or-another. I am not even really reading it as I copy it.
---
"Jin,
Genka mentioned you one day last week.
~Jilan"
---
Kan'i came to the apartment again today and hung around for a little while, reading while I did my copying work. He was quiet like he usually is, but it felt like a different kind of quiet. Before he left, he lent me another book of maths.
---
This apartment is very lonely with just me here. I am glad I am in school right now, so I do not have to be here alone all day.
---
I caught a cold so now I am stuck at home alone all day. This is miserable. At least I can make a lot of progress on my work for Seiran. As long as my stupid nose does not run on the paper, that is.
---
Sick again today. Kan'i came over and tried to make me some soup. It was not very good, but I appreciated it anyway. He sat around reading for a while, but it was nice just to have company. I hope I do not make him sick.
Parturition
Kinkyou finally seems to be doing better. Genka is always tired, though, from work. Genkyou is always energetic, and is sure to let me know every day how much she missed me. It is strange now with all of them coming home to me.
---
"Jin,
Hello?
~Jilan"
---
The Red Festival is in a few days. Genka suggested that I participate this year, which I had not really thought about. I guess I should, but I need to figure out what all to do.
---
I went shopping today and bought a few books. I found a new copy of a good magical philosophy book that I had borrowed from the library, and got that for Seirin, and I got a poetry book for Meirei. I hope I do this right.
---
I was just sick a few weeks ago and out of school for a few days, but I think I have to skip school for a few days this week, too, just to rest. It will be lonely, but school and work and trying to find time to keep up with all of my studies on my own have been wearing on me. Seirin checked another book out of the library for me a few days ago, so I think I will spend a few days reading that.
---
Copying books is getting amazingly dull. Seiran has nothing interesting to copy. I guess I will just stick with it for the next month, because I just realized I will be going home soon. Home to Gaia.
---
Genka insisted on taking me clothes shopping again today, because I outgrew a lot of my things again already. He insisted on paying for at least some of the new clothes, saying that it was fine now that he was working, too.
Ascent
"Jin,
After this month, I have to go home. See you eventually?
~Jilan"
---
Seirin told me that she can't be my friend anymore. I wonder what I did? I tried to treat her as nicely as I could. Was I a bad teacher? I don't understand!
---
Kan'i is still my friend, at least, and he seems to be recovering. He told me today that he has been busy studying for his Naming Ceremony, too. It must be hard, having just lost his father. He made me promise to bring him something weird from Gaia when I come back.
---
It is hard to believe I will be leaving again soon. And that this time, the leaving is planned. I can at least say goodbye to everyone before I return to Gaia unlike before, but I think that makes it harder. Genkyou especially seems really upset. I guess I am kind of like her big brother almost.
Even Kinkyou said that she has come to think of me as family. I know she and I have not been close, but I will miss her, too, for sure.
---
Seirin's friends are acting weird, too. At least her mother is still being a kind employer. I am finishing up the last book for her now, which is a local history of a place I have never heard of.
---
Well, I leave tomorrow. I have sent out letters to everyone to tell them that I will be gone for a long time, and will try to get in touch the next time I am in the Silver World. This past year has been very rough for everyone, it seems. I hope they will all be okay while I am gone.
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Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2009 7:40 pm
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Posted: Thu Apr 16, 2009 9:21 pm
... Kouyo sensed an unfamiliar Porcelain presence outside the bookstore as he walked towards the door to leave. By the smile on Kumoru's lips when the priest glanced at him, he figured he was not likely to get any answers if the necromancer knew who it was, and so Kouyo did not even bother asking. He paused momentarily just inside the door to let his hair down, then headed outside, the bell on the door sounding above him as he did so.
The stranger's thoughts were quiet, but hardly private. He seemed excited and also perhaps a little shy. Kouyo found him immediately outside the door: a handsome male youth with red hair held back in a low ponytail, and a pair of glasses on his round face-
"Jilan?" Kouyo gasped aloud, his brief surprise quickly giving way to hesitant affectionate warmth. "You were gone for a while, but you look as though you have grown well." The priest could feel it from him as well - a growing tangible confidence that had not been there in the boy who had left for the Silver World.
As soon as Kouyo found him - not that he had been really hiding - Jilan grinned and happily greeted the High Priest. He enjoyed his time in the Silver World, but also missed his friends here in Gaia. He shyly seemed to hint that he had perhaps missed Kouyo in particular.
Spreading his arms to show off his new robes and taller self a bit better, the little scholar laughed softly; he had grown, and he was fairly certain that he was taller now than he had perhaps ever been the last time he had grown up. Jilan felt better, too - more alive, somehow.
And unable to contain himself a moment longer, Jilan stepped up to Kouyo and threw his arms around the priest in a brief but tight hug.
Kouyo tensed momentarily and gasped a little in surprise, but returned the boy's gesture after a moment. He brushed his fingers gently through Jilan's hair as he stepped away again and smiled.
"You will tell me about your adventures, yes?" he inquired.
The youth nodded, grinning back but at the same time projecting that there were some serious matters he wished to discuss as well concerning his time in the Silver World. Jilan reached out to touch Kouyo's hand, asking if the High Priest would like to accompany him to the tea shop to chat for a little while?
Glancing down at his current Gaian clothing, Kouyo gave off a momentary feeling of worry about his appearance, but determined that he was actually not all that dirty. The cleaning in the storage room was effectively done - Kouyo had already begun sorting and shelving books - and he definitely felt the need to wash his hands, but there was no overwhelming need to rush for a shower and clean robes.
... So if Jilan did not mind him being worn out from work, then Kouyo would be pleased to join him.
Jilan promptly started leading Kouyo down the sidewalk, assuring the High Priest that he looked fine. That, and he was just eager to spend time with Kouyo again.
He took the priest to a rather small coffee shop that he had noticed right adjacent to the hobby store, a few blocks up from the used bookstore. Jilan had never been here before, but he had been wanting to try it....
Kouyo had not really seen the place before, though he had been to the hobby shop several times just to browse. Inside, it was small but cozy, and thankfully not crowded at all. He still huddled a bit closer to Jilan, though, still holding his hand while resting his other hand on the youth's arm.
Though the High Priest was still curious about what coffee was like, but he opted instead for a cup of tea instead.
The little scholar got a small coffee, flavored and sweetened so that it no longer tasted like coffee. He had gotten unused to speaking in the Silver World and had a bit of trouble placing his order; after he had done so, he subtly tried to hide behind Kouyo while he converse with the priest: how had Kouyo been these last few months?
Months.... It had been quite some time. The High Priest sighed, glancing upwards as he thought back over everything, and privately wondered what he should tell the youth.
Well, he had made a few friends, like Dame Chourou and her daughter Uki. His thoughts slipped into silence as he told Jilan, "I also suppose I celebrated the Gaian holiday of Valentine's Day."
He was quiet for a moment, then extended his mind to Jilan again with a small smile and a change of subject: "Oh, if you are wondering where your brother is," Kouyo and Setsushi and Dame Tenkyuu have captured the little covert operative and are holding him at the udonya.
Wait, what? Jilan laughed even as he projected his confusion. High Priest Kouyo just means that Xiao Huo is staying with them, yes? That is what Kumoru told him.
The boy missed his brother, and had been sick recently, too. He seemed to be doing alright now, though - in fact, if Jilan wished to have Xiao Huo back, anytime would be fine, as they really lack the space to accommodate him overnight sweatdrop Though Kouyo still wished to see him often.
"Both of you," he added as the barista served both of their drinks. Kouyo handed Jilan his coffee after giving it a cautious sniff, and then went over to sit at one of the tables.
Jilan eagerly followed the High Priest and climbed into the chair across from him. Of course Jilan will visit as often as he can. He studied three years in the Silver World, learning more about magic, and he wanted to learn more from High Priest Kouyo. Perhaps he could get a head start on studying Porcelain magic, so he would be better at it even before his Naming Ceremony?
... Because he already has a Name. Had one. The boy's brow furrows a little and he fixes his glasses as they start to slide down his nose. He still has it?
The little scholar's mind churned with confusion as he sipped at his coffee. There was nothing in any of the books he had yet read about ... whatever had happened to him. Perhaps the priest knew something?
The High Priest had heard of no such thing, either - of a boy growing into a man, then becoming a boy again. He would not have believed it, either, if not for Jilan. He at once seemed both older and younger than Kouyo. Though of course he had likely been judged by his appearance in the Silver World, no? And generally regarded as a child? The priest suggested that perhaps the little scholar not trouble himself with trying to figure out the mystery of it just yet?
Jilan looked to be nearly nine, if not of that age already. Physically, of course, Kouyo hastily corrected. So his worries about his Naming Ceremony were certainly understandable. The High Priest did not think he would have any trouble when the time came, but perhaps it would be best to wait until afterwords to really start seriously studying magic. Jilan was also a musician, too, no, if Kouyo recalled correctly? How far had his steps wandered in the last three years in the Silver World, and how far might they wander again?
Kouyo smiled gently and took a sip of tea. Then, realizing his own musings about the youth had wandered, he clarified to be sure Jilan caught his meaning - he had a few years left to be a child, so there was no immediate need to trouble himself with intensive study and difficult questions. The High Priest closed his eyes and sighed softly; he was hardly old, himself, but if he awoke one morning a child again....
High Priest Kouyo would relish the extra time to do what he loved to do.
... Right?
Silence stretched for a moment, and the scholar fidgeted uncomfortably and hesitantly wondered if he was wrong? Or had been offensive?
The High Priest gave off a faint but definite feeling of surprise, which then faded into silence as he looked deeply thoughtful for a long moment.
No, Jilan was quite correct. And Kouyo also studied magic before his Naming Ceremony - this was rare, but not unheard of. What the priest meant to say, though, was certainly not that he judged Jilan unsuited or unready for such studies. His projections take on a deferential tone, suddenly addressing Jilan as his elder: little bird Kouyo would be pleased and honored to teach Jilan what he can, but he did not want the scholar to feel that he must start now. This priest knew that he had read his old biography with his poetry, and wanted to be sure that Jilan wished to learn in order to grow into Jilan. Not to grow into Kouyo.
Jilan sipped at his coffee drink, his red gaze lowered as he pondered the High Priest's words. He did not doubt himself - he loved making music, but could not see himself proceeding much further in it, as his true passion was really in magic. But Kouyo's rank in the temple and experience intimidated him slightly, and so when he projected his feelings to Kouyo, they were touched with the shyness he thought he had finally started to shed.
The priests of the Silver World seemed very distant and unhelpful the few times Jilan met them, and so he had not really wanted to try to study magic with any of them. He learned what he could on his own from books and such, but that could only take him so far. Perhaps learning to perform simple feats of magic would help the little scholar better understand some of what he had already read, as well. And he knew no one better than High Priest Kouyo to instruct him.
So, Jilan formally requested: will High Priest Kouyo teach this little scholar Porcelain magic?
Though his mind was already made up by the time Jilan asked the question, Kouyo was quiet for several long moments before he responded.
He considered what Setsushi had mentioned - that Kouyo could train young priests here in Gaia. It was also interesting, seeing how the boy had changed during his time in the Silver World. It had been gradual for Jilan and not likely seemed strange, but for Kouyo to see him for the first time after three months, now three years older, and with such goals in mind for himself....
Jilan's mention of the behavior of the priests troubled Kouyo somewhat, as well, though for now he made no further inquiries. Perhaps he had just been unfortunate in whom he had chanced to meet.
"I will teach you as well as I can," Kouyo told him finally, then smiled as the scholar's face lit up with happiness and excitement. Then he added, "I hope you will share your stories of the Silver World in return."
Of course he would! Jilan grinned and blushed and thanked Kouyo. He could come over whenever Kouyo had time? He could ride in to work with Kumoru and leave with Kouyo from the book shop?
Kouyo pointed out with a satisfied touch to his feelings that he was nearly done with his work at Whitestone Used Books, and so would not be there much longer. But Setsushi's home, where Kouyo still took up space, was not far, and Jilan knew how to get there. When he was done cleaning the storage room, the High Priest would have all the free time in the world, he supposed, and so would welcome Jilan any time.
Jilan nodded, leaning across the table to grasp Kouyo's hands. He would look forward to it, and he would work hard to learn, as well. He would have it no other way for himself.
Perhaps he would alternate days or weeks between learning with Kouyo and learning with Kumoru? His human father was also going to continue instructing him in human magic, but for now, Jilan was far more interested in developing his own natural skill. ... Also, the youth needed to get better at speaking aloud again, as he had allowed that ability to fall by the wayside while in the Silver World....
So he would study both forms of magic? Though the High Priest suddenly felt concerned at this idea, he did not show it. It troubled him to think that Kumoru somehow held Jilan in his claws, and was as cruel to the boy as he had been to Kouyo... but he also hoped that Jilan would not be so devoted to his human father if the man hurt him.
... If nothing else, however, it made it clear to the priest that Jilan did in fact plan to follow a path separate from his own. He only hoped that the little scholar's aspirations would not lead him into trouble.
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Posted: Mon Apr 20, 2009 12:23 am
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Posted: Sat May 09, 2009 6:20 pm
Lynod It wouldn't be long after Jilan had returned from his multi-year trip to the Silver World, where he expanded his horizons and grew into the guise of a young man, that he would hear the furious steps of a familiar foe racing towards him. As he makes his way to Setsushi's humble, but well-established, shop, possibly before he can even turn, a light but solid form crashes into him, two arms encircle him, drawn him close, and attempt to squeeze any remaining breath from his lungs. The form, pressed against him, soon pulls back to reveal the red-headed, wild-eyed, confident and grinning Shuuken. Warmth pours from her as she looks up to Jilan--
--and instantly dissipates as she narrows her eyes. When did Jilan get so tall? Asahi Kumoru Jilan's eyes go wide as something crashes into him and squeezes a yelp of surprise out of him. He staggers and just barely manages not to fall, his glasses and the books in his arms falling to the dust. As he gathers his wits, the little scholar feels Shuuken's familiar warm feeling, and responds after a moment with a shaky but warm feeling of his own.
Princess Shuuken! Wait, she should hold still or let go of him for a minute so he can get his glasses before they get stepped on! He had a whole other year to grow after Princess left. Jilan of course remembers that it was a much shorter period of time for her over here in Gaia, but - what's that look for? Lynod Shuuken, however, does not release the scholar. Instead she digs her fingers into Jilan's back as she proceeds to rise, now obviously standing on the tips of her toes--and still not rising above her companion. Shuuken snorts in annoyance before shoving her face into Jilan's own: When did Shuuken tell Jilan he could grow taller than her?! However, the vicious words are accompanied by excitement and happiness. The princess releases her captive and kneels, her hands sweeping up his glasses and positioning them on her face before her hands begin to draw his books from the dust.
When Shuuken rises once more, she wiggles her nose as she peers at Jilan through the spectacles--how does he manage these things? Asahi Kumoru As the Princess gets on her toes, Jilan very hesitantly wraps his arms around her, just for a moment. His heart still pounding from being caught by complete surprise, the little scholar tells her with a blush and a smile that he must have forgotten her lack of permission because Princess was not there to remind him for one whole year.
When she lets him go, he relaxes visibly, and half-crouches to help her retrieve the books and glasses. Jilan laughs as she trys on his glasses, and explains that they stay put much easier when he is not moving around or being tackled. ... Perhaps it is a matter of balance?
How has Princess Shuuken been since she returned? What has Jilan missed in Gaia? Lynod Everything, Shuuken informs Jilan promptly. A crooked grin occupies her face as the glasses slip down her nose, seeming to only accentuate the mischievous expression. Her fingers pluck the glasses from her face and, again, she moves to the tips of her toes as one hand delicately places the spectacles on their owner's very slight nose.
Shuuken proceeds to turn away from Jilan, the majority of books occupying one of her arms as she walks in the opposite direction he was headed. After a few seconds she glances over her shoulder and smiles broadly. Would Shuuken's ally care for some ice cream? It must have been ages since he had some--a full year longer than she had to suffer!
... Even if Jilan doesn't want ice cream, however, he'll need to follow Shuuken to get his books. With that point made most clear, Shuuken whips her hair to the side with a quick jerk of her neck just as she begins to dart away from the scholar. Asahi Kumoru Jilan closes his eyes and smiles, holding very still while Shuuken puts the glasses back on his face. Then he adjusts them carefully, trying to find that one spot where it seems easiest to get them to stay put....
And, ah, Jilan admits that he is still in the process of adjusting back to the food and water of Gaia again. However, he thinks that, if he is going to have a stomach ache later, he would rather it be from ice cream with Princess Shuuken than from anything else. Where did she have in mi--
-- WAIT, where is she going with his books? The boy snatches his glasses from his face again and folds them carefully, holding them in his hand as he starts to run after her. Maybe Jilan's legs are longer, but the little scholar is far from the athlete Princess Shuuken is. Lynod But she never gets too far ahead of him--that would eliminate the fun of the little jaunt through the streets. As As the scholar follows the princess, she darts down alleys and into unfamiliar streets, her image always just in Jilan's sight. Down one street, the princess even twirls around lazily, the books tucked in her arm as laughter rings like bells around her. Just a little farther, Jilan, just a little farther!
And with that she continues to run, moving along at least another city block filled with a myriad of different creatures and genders before she stops in front of a door, a neon sign of a vanilla ice cream cone displaying most prominently in white and yellow above her head. With a grin she jerks the door open, causing a bell to give off a few clumsy notes before she darts inside. Asahi Kumoru A few moments later, Jilan stumbles through the door behind her, stopping a moment just inside the parlor to bend forward and rest his hands on his knees while he tries to catch his breath. Princess has developed a new training regimen for her allies since Jilan last saw her? If so, then he will have to work on the running. He stands straight again and proceeds to fidget with his clothing, still panting as he fixes his robes where they got out of place.
The little scholar will certainly sleep well tonight, at least, after that exercise. For his mind as well ... once he gets his books back. The youth jabs this last thought playfully at Shuuken as he reaches to take the tomes from her. Lynod And the parlor shines with a whiteness that can only be rivaled by a hospital. However, unlike a hospital, the shop smells of rich, sweet smells rather than sharp disinfectant. Shuuken leans forward, a hand on her knee as she peers at the struggling Jilan.
Shuuken promises that she'll teach Jilan a little of the athletic arts if he'll tutor her from his books. After all, Shuuken will never be the scholar he is. Shuuken rises, setting his books on a table as figures mill about, selecting their ice cream which sits behind a glass case. The princess moves a hand forward, gripping Jilan's shoulder and squeezing it slightly: Shuuken is happy to once again see Jilan the Brilliant. Even the small time she spent without him was too long--she grew too used to his companionship in the Silver World.
At the mention of the Silver World, however, Shuuken pauses, troubled feelings beginning to emit from her and cover her face in place of customary makeup. Asahi Kumoru Once he has regained his breath and his energy, the scholar again sends a warm, happy feeling to the Princess. He is glad to see Princess Shuuken the Brave, as well - though he has many friends in the Sil- in the other world, he still missed Gaia and everyone he has met here.
And he would be glad to teach her what he can, if Princess really thinks little Jilan is the best one for the job sweatdrop What would she like to know? The youth then examines his arms for a moment, holding them out straight, then flexing ... and laughs. As far as his own athletic training goes, perhaps Princess Shuuken can help him get a bit more muscle in his arms? So he can carry more books, of course.
His thoughts trail off as Jilan notices just how many different flavors of ice cream seem to be residing behind the counter. And he wonders if his friend has been here before, and if so, what she likes? Jilan thinks he will need a recommendation, or he will never be able to decide what flavor he wants sweatdrop Lynod And the dark mood hovering over Shuuken is lifted by Jilan's well-placed words. A slight smile curves across her lips and she inspects his arms before extending a hand to squeeze at one of them: Shuuken whistles as if impressed, a grin spreading along her face as she looks up at Jilan. He has gotten much stronger than when he last saw him--half as many books made him struggle before.
Shuuken's eyes then move to the multitude of flavors before she snorts slightly, obviously having faced their frustration before as well. After several moments of debating the advantages and disadvantages of different variations to herself, Shuuken's spine goes erect as she points a finger at the counter: Strawberry with the little chunks added in--that is Shuuken's favorite, and her recommendation! Asahi Kumoru Really, does the little scholar look all that much stronger? Jilan has his doubts, and squirms a little when the Princess squeezes his arm... but knows better than to give any indication that she is plain wrong. Or, well, maybe it was just easier for him to carry more because his arms are just longer?
The youth's thoughts trail off as Shuuken offers her sudden advice. If that is her favorite, then he will try that! It has also been way too long since Jilan had a Gaian strawberry. And so he digs his wallet out of an inner pocket in his robes and pokes through the assorted bills to try to separate out the Gaian money from the Silver World money he keeps forgetting to remove and save for his next visit.
... Ah, will Princess Shuuken permit Jilan to pay for her order as well? he asks with a sweet but nervous smile. Hopefully she will not clobber him just for asking. Lynod Shuuken peers at him for a few moments, her head cocked to the side; those wild eyes of her's then dart down to the money before moving to meet his (understandably) nervous eyes. Surprisingly a grin bursts onto the scene and she nods.
Shuuken will allow it--mainly because Shuuken is very poor and Jilan appears very rich. She moves to the counter, her neck craning back so she might see Jilan even as she distances herself from him. Shuuken thanks Jilan--but where did he get all of that money?
She pauses, her brows suddenly rising--has he taken up the life of a Bandit? Or worse yet...
... A prostitute?! Asahi Kumoru Jilan stops mid-step on his way up to the counter and gapes at Shuuken, his thoughts pausing momentarily as his face turns the approximate color of a Gaian strawberry. Prostitute!? He could never! Whatever gave Princess that idea!?
Clearly flustered, the youth turns away from his friend and fixes his glasses. He had a job in the Silver World, copying books. He made his money that way. And since he has returned to Gaia, he has been receiving his usual small allowance from his father. Jilan wants to try again to find a job here in Gaia, but it seems that most places are still unwilling to hire someone of his "age", even though he is older and taller than he was. Lynod Shuuken bursts into laughter both telepathically and auditorially, her body eventually hunching over as her arms wrap around her stomach as if to hold in its contents--ooohhh Goditehehehurtsehehe! She continues like that for a while, and Jilan might wonder that it's a miracle she isn't rolling in the floor.
When she gains some composure, and after all eyes have fallen on her in annoyance, Shuuken wanders towards Jilan, her eyes cutting to the youth as her hands rest behind her head. Well, it has to be Jilan's hips--he just shakes them so salaciously! And with that she bumps his thighs with her hips before settling her forearms on the counter.
Behind it, a female Gaian with blonde hair, blue eyes, and noticeable disinterest glances at them, seeming to say "what'dyawant?" Shuuken raises an eyebrow, snorting at the women as she seems to decide just how to deal with her--Jilan can probably see the cogs turning inside of the princess' head. Asahi Kumoru ... Jilan timidly and warily thanks Princess... and wishes he could sink into the floor. Perhaps for a few moments, he had been plotting a method to embarrass her back, but the little scholar is now not sure if that would be possible without a bit more careful planning.
After he has regained his wits again, though, and observed that Shuuken has still not made any attempts to place their orders yet, Jilan attempts anyway:
"Two mediums, harvest strawberry flavor, for me and my girlfriend, please," he says, speaking slowly and enunciating as carefully as possible. And then Jilan turns his head to look at Shuuken as he asks her if she wants a waffle cone or toppings or anything with hers? Lynod And those words cause Shuuken's eyes to widen. She stays silent for several seconds, staring right through the waitress as she rings up the order--there are only those words and a dead silence.
And then Shuuken explodes, her fist grabbing Jilan's collar and shoving him forward while her other hand is at her side, ready to slap the scholar silly if need be. When did Shuuken tell Jilan that he was her boyfriend?! While her actions are obvious to all around them, and the server has actually stepped back, the words are private.
That might be partly because Shuuken's cheeks are now as filled with flames as her eyes. Asahi Kumoru Jilan had had a feeling that this part was coming, but realizes now, of course, that he had not adequately planned for it. A small grunt of pain escapes his lips as the girl shoves him against the counter, but at least Jilan keeps a hold on his wallet. His glasses, on the other hand, fall off of his face and onto the counter, but the little scholar makes no efforts to retrieve them at the moment.
He was joking, joking, of course, he hurriedly assures her, holding his arms up in an attempt to protect his face. He just thought- She said he could pay for her ice cream- There is a Gaian custom-
... Jilan swears he will not do it again... as long as Princess will not call him a prostitute again gonk See? He is so stupid he cannot even keep Princess happy while they are just buying ice cream anyway. Lynod And Shuuken pauses at that, her cheeks seeming to burn even brighter at Jilan's words. She looks away, eying the ground, considering all he said, all that he feels...
... And she snorts before a hand comes up to smack his cheek ever-so-softly. Her head then rises as she grunts, a brow rising in annoyance once again. Jilan is such an idiot to be a scholar. Maybe that is why no one will hire him?
She then turns, her forearms hitting the counter once again as she stares at the ice cream.
... If Jilan asked, Shuuken might agree to such a proposal. Her head swivels, her hard eyes and fiery cheeks laying into him as she keeps all possible emotions contained inside of her.
Might. Asahi Kumoru The youth holds very still and lets her hit him, and continues to radiate his apologies. Just a joke, just a joke, he assures her, though his own cheeks have again turned pink enough to match the lines of makeup drawn upon them today.
And then, abruptly realizing that the person behind the counter is still waiting for the rest of their order, Jilan very cautiously inquires again if Shuuken wants a waffle cone or sprinkles...? Lynod And the woman stares at them, the two apparently having lost themselves inside of their private conversation. Eyes still linger on them...
... before Shuuken grunts ungracefully. Both. Asahi Kumoru "Both ice creams in waffle cones, please," Jilan tells the cashier, still speaking slowly, though his voice wavers a little nervously. "One with sprinkles and the other one just plain." And he avoids looking at Shuuken while he fumbles the money out of his wallet to pay for the treats.
... And quietly figuring to himself that he is probably lucky to still have all of his teeth so he can eat his waffle cone, the little scholar quietly curses his own stupidity while he waits for the ice cream. Lynod And Shuuken waits in silence as well, watching the bewildered blonde go about her way dipping scoops. Shuuken's eyes peek over to Jilan before going to focus on the ice cream, cool indifference seeming to now coat her features.
Did a man saying such things to Jilan scare him so badly? If he's to be a scholar of some renown, he would best be able to handle a little more than that. Shuuken pushes herself off of the counter before beginning to move for the exit, her normally explosive emotions once again held to herself. Asahi Kumoru Jilan watches her head for the exit and wilts a little, hesitantly inquiring if she still wants the ice cream? He had really just been kidding before, he promises; if the little scholar had known Princess would get so upset, he would not have made the joke....
Wait, scared by which man saying what? The youth glances around at the nearby patrons of the ice cream parlor, and at the people behind the counter. Lynod Shuuken pauses before glancing back, clear annoyance displayed on her face. What does Jilan mean which man? Shuuken turns more now, her hand moving to give her fist one pound--Shuuken, of course! And as is obvious, all eyes are on them--after all, they've started being quite a nice reality show for the patrons. Asahi Kumoru Tension forms in Jilan's shoulders as he realizes that quite a few people are still staring at him. But he meets Shuuken's gaze with a blank look of incredulity.
... When did Princess become a man? Lynod Shuuken narrows her eyes before stepping forward, her arms folding before her chest. Shuuken has always been a man--no woman of Porcelain descent acts as she does, no woman of Porcelain descent can become a Sorcerer as Shuuken has. Asahi Kumoru Jilan stares at her for a moment, raising one eyebrow, then turns away, giving off a faintly agitated feeling, though it is not directed at Shuuken. He takes the ice cream from the people behind the counter when it is ready, though, and when he approaches his friend again to offer her the cone with sprinkles, there is a faint smile on his lips.
And he thanks Princess- Prince? -for enlightening him. Or should he call her Sorcerer-in-training now? Lynod And that reaction most certainly confuses Shuuken. She frowns for a moment, seeming to think about it before shrugging. Shuuken's just a Sorcerer-in-training for now, she supposes. Shuuken's frown deepens as she scratches her head, admitting that perhaps Shuuken has not received any real training just yet.
She takes the cone, glancing up to Jilan whose negative feelings have completely disappeared to be replaced by a smile. ... What's wrong? Jilan is very poor at hiding his emotions from Shuuken. . . Asahi Kumoru Attempting to evade her question, Jilan tells Shuuken that he has had a bit of his training, but so far it has not been terribly exciting. Kumoru's human magic is awkward for him to learn since he is not used to speaking... and he only got more out of practice while he was in the Silver World. And as for learning from High Priest Kouyo, the two of them just seem to chat, now that he thinks about it, so Jilan has not learned any amazing spells, but it is more enjoyable than slogging through Kumoru's magic primers.
Aah, and that reminds the little scholar, he had been going to meet the High Priest when the Sorcerer-in-training intercepted him. The youth heads over to where she left his books on a table, and straightens the stack of them as he settles down on one of the chairs. There was no real arranged time, so Jilan is not in danger of being late or anything, but he probably should not linger here too late.
What has Shuuken been doing since she returned from the Silver World, Jilan cautiously inquries? Lynod Shuuken is far too stubborn to be dissuaded by Jilan's change of subject. After giving her ice cream a single lick, she moves a hand to grip his shoulder and hold him in place, as if planting him in one spot would keep him from artfully dodging her questioning.
Why did the mention of Shuuken being a man bother Jilan so much? Does Shuuken scare him now? Her eyes soften as she smiles slightly--the two are allies, aren't they? Shuuken would trust Jilan with her life--so why will Jilan not trust Shuuken with this? Asahi Kumoru Jilan watches Shuuken as he licks around the edges of his ice cream cone to keep drips from running down the outside, then shakes his head. He is, ah, quite frightened enough of Princess already, and so this changes nothing in terms of his healthy fear. And it would certainly take more than that to disrupt their alliance. Her choice does not really bother him at all - though if she wishes to become the best man ever, too, then Jilan may have to at least try to be sporting competition sweatdrop
... The youth was right in following Princess's suggestion to try this flavor of ice cream, though. How is it with the sprinkles? Lynod Shuuken grins at him, her mood apparently elevated by his words. Shuuken glances down to her cone of ice cream and gives it another lick before biting into it. After a few crunches, she leans over and suddenly bites into Jilan's ice cream.
She chews for a few more moments before nodding quickly--she much prefers it without sprinkles. They distract from the true flavor, she decides. She bites back into her ice cream, chewing thoughtfully. Shuuken thinks Jilan will be a great man if he continues as he is, though the best is obviously reserved for Shuuken. Does the future not excite Jilan, though? To morph and grow, to expand his name and abilities, Jilan has so much power and choice before him! Shuuken glances up to him, her elbow faintly colliding with his stomach.
Shuuken looks forward to what he will become! Make Shuuken proud! Asahi Kumoru Hey! The boy shoves at Shuuken a little when she steals a bite, playfully, of course, as his mock indignation and smile indicate. He falls quiet, though, licking around the edges of his cone again, as he listens to her for a moment.
And he admits that the future worries him somewhat. The little scholar has his path planned out, but there are still so many unknown parts, too. Jilan anticipates difficulty - the faint hint of upset from earlier returns briefly before passing by - but... well, he has two teachers he trusts, and who will keep him working very hard. And if Sorcerer-in-training Shuuken is going to be keeping an eye on his progress, too....
Jilan blushes and suddenly focuses his attention on his ice cream, not looking at Shuuken. Little Jilan will try to do his best to make her proud. Hopefully.
And focused on his cone as he is, the youth is not at all expecting her elbow, gentle as the jab is. He jumps as she touches him- and manages to get a bit of ice cream up his nose in the process. Lynod Jilan isn't so little anymore, Shuuken indicates as she peers up at him. Shuuken's jealous, really--the scholar is starting to make her feel small.
The princess seems to think on his progress for several moments before smiling slightly. There's always difficulty in one's path if they choose to become greater. However, Shuuken knows that Jilan will overcome all obstacles in his path, Shuuken knows that Jilan will become a great man. Obviously, the Sorcerer will be there to push him when he needs it, but...
... But Jilan should be fine on his own. Her eyes narrow when she sees the ice cream on his nose, and she points to the treat-based mess. Of course... he will need the occassional nudging, it seems. Asahi Kumoru Jilan lunges for the napkins and snuffles into one, radiating embarrassment. Aaaaah soverycold gonk Once his face is clean, though, he looks up at Shuuken again, a sheepish grin on his lips.
And he thanks her sincerely for her confidence in him. The scholar knows the Sorcerer-in-training will overcome her obstacles, too... probably much more easily than him. So she should not worry, either. Er, if she is worried, that is. She will always be braver than little Jilan. No matter how tall he gets.
... And if she is always going to be keeping an eye on him, then he will not be able to do things like this, right? Jilan inquires as he leans down suddenly to attempt to steal a bite of her ice cream in exchange for the one she took from him. Lynod And the princess is more than surprised at Jilan's lunge forward--he gets a mouthful of ice cream for his efforts in addition to a wide-eyed Shuuken. In fact, she stares at him for longer than necessary before a slow grin winds across her face.
In moments, she's laughing vocally and loudly, one arm raising to wrap around Jilan's neck and pull him down to her level. Still laughing, Shuuken tells Jilan that he's free to attempt that as many times as he wants. Of course, Shuuken will kill him the next time.
And with that, Shuuken stops laughing and instead stares at him solemnly. Shuuken will kill him.
... And after a brief pause, Shuuken explodes into laughter once more. Asahi Kumoru The sprinkles are good, but Jilan is not sure they are worth his life.
... However, when his magic skills have improved.... The scholar lets the threat hang in the air, and joins Shuuken in laughing.
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Posted: Sat May 09, 2009 11:22 pm
Jilan knocks on the door to Setsushi's house, and waits only a moment before pushing it open slowly and sticking his head in. The High Priest is home now, yes? Because he brought his silly little brother, too-
-Who lets himself right into the house, and motions for Jilan to enter as well.
A moment later, the High Priest, dressed in just his under-robes, peers around the screen from the private half of the house, stretching as he gives off a profoundly content feeling - apparently he had a very relaxing nap after work. Kouyo quickly assures Jilan and his brother that he was just waking up anyway, though, and that Xiao Huo did not disturb him.
Then, blushing faintly and excusing himself, the priest again retreats behind the screen to put on the rest of his robes. He hopes Jilan will forgive him for not being ready for his arrival.
Xiao Huo promptly climbs onto one of the chairs and makes himself comfortable, his mind already cooking up some new adventure for his dolls.
The little scholar assures Kouyo that it is quite alright - he got excited and came a little early anyway sweatdrop
Is it true that Kouyo will be taking his brother to the Silver World? That is what Xiao Huo told him, but Jilan of course takes what the little one tells him with a grain of salt, and wants to be sure....
The High Priest emerges again, more fully dressed and with hairbrush in hand, yawning and rubbing one eye. He smiles faintly as he tells Jilan that yes, they will be going. Probably not right away, because Kouyo has some things to finish, but perhaps if it looks like it is taking too long, then he will send the little one on ahead.
And he settles into another chair across the table from Xiao Huo, feeling the young boy's excitement about the trip and adding his own.
The youngest boy looks up from his dolls momentarily when the High Priest addresses him, then goes back to playing.
... For a moment at least. Then he suddenly slides down off of his chair and creeps under the table and grasps the end of Kouyo's red drapery that hangs down his left arm. And starts to unwind it from around the priest. Can he borrow it? eek
Jilan's mouth hangs open and the scholar radiates a feeling of terminal embarrassment. Undressing the High Priest--!?!/ gonk
The High Priest can do nothing but laugh as the little Porcelain unwraps the length of red fabric from around his arm, then goes to the other side of his chair, and yanks the other end free from where Kouyo had had it tucked behind his sash. He assures Jilan that he will not die without the drapes.
However!
Kouyo catches the other end of the cloth before Xiao Huo can tug it out of reach. "Tetsuhi," he says softly and with a tiny smile, sending a thread of thought out privately to the boy to get his attention. That is his real name, yes? He is welcome to borrow the drapes as long as he is careful and does not tear them or get them dirty.
The boy whirls around and stares wide-eyed at the High Priest. His mind is silent with shock for a moment, then he rushes at Kouyo, fists flailing.
After he worked so hard to keep his real identity secret, the High Priest knows his name anyway!? ... Kouyo probably knew the whole time and was just messing with him. BUT THE PRIEST WILL KEEP IT TOP SECRET, RIGHT? He is not one of those evil bad spies?
Kouyo holds his hands out, a look of concentration crossing his features momentarily as he projects gentle calming feelings to the child. None of Tetsuhi's little punches touch the High Priest. He had not at all been expecting the boy to get so upset, though - it troubles him somewhat, too, if his little make-believe world of spies and secret missions is truly so important. Hopefully the little one's imagination will not cause him trouble as he grows up... but Kouyo tries to keep in mind that he is only a very small child now.
He catches Tetsushi's hands in his own after a moment, and softly reminds the child that he is just the High Priest, not a spy of any kind at all. He serves the Name, of course, so he must always be honest, but... if Tetsuhi really does not want him to tell anyone about his true identity, then Kouyo will not.
Then he looks up at Jilan as well. Tetsuhi's adopted brother Jilan is also honest, yes? And will be able to keep the secret if Tetsuhi wishes him to?
When Jilan is able to start his brain again, he nods, simultaneously projecting his agreement with and apologies to Kouyo. Though... he is relieved to see that the High Priest is not upset or angry, and realizes once he has had a few minutes to calm down that it was probably a bit silly to expect the priest to be upset in the first place.
Thus relaxed, the little scholar steps up behind his flailing brother and wraps his arms around him, and assures Tetsuhi more firmly that the little boy's secret is safe. Jilan is going to be a mage, not a spy. And Tetsuhi thinks he would make a bad spy anyway, no? He starts to move his little brother away from Kouyo slowly.
Calming down a little, the boy giggles impishly and nods. Jilan would be terrible at it, with all of his worries slipping out everywhere. He is much safer in a library with a book all the time.
... He still thinks the High Priest may prove a worthy foe, though. Tetsuhi eyes Kouyo warily, but he cannot keep the smile from his lips or his projections.
Kouyo urges the child to run along and play for a little while, and do... whatever it was he needed the red drapes for. There are, uh, top secret things he must discuss with Jilan. He will always keep an eye on Tetsuhi, codename Xiao Huo, but it is not something the little spy needs to fear.
Kouyo, Revealer of Really Big Secrets, would do best to be wary of Xiao Huo, though! The boy tugs his hands from Kouyo's gentle grasp and steps away from him. Then he drapes the borrowed length of red cloth around his shoulders like a cape, then strikes a pose.
... Then runs to the bathroom to try to get a good look in the mirror at how awesome that just was.
Doing his best not to be embarrassed by the boy - he is just a child after all - Jilan drags a chair closer to Kouyo and sits beside him.
And he asks when Kouyo plans on going to the Silver World with Xiao Huo? The little scholar can tell him more about the place, if he likes, since he has spent so much time there recently.
... Recently? In the last few years? Months? Thinking about it hurts the scholar's brain a little sweatdrop
Ah, the High Priest is a bit curious about the difference in the flow of time. He only plans to stay there for one year, rather than three like Jilan, but time is always shorter in Gaia, no?
Well, Jilan is uncertain of the exact differences; it may even be a bit random. He does not recall the date when he first arrived in the Silver World the first time, because it happened by accident - to this day, the boy still cannot recall how precisely he arrived, except that one day he was there.
Jilan shrugs and glances up at Kouyo, smiling weakly as he rests a hand gently on Kouyo's arm. The High Priest will probably have a better chance of figuring it out than this little one.
... If he may ask, what does High Priest Kouyo want to see and learn in the Silver World?
The priest places his hand on top of Jilan's, and studies their fingers, smiling shyly as he admits that he hopes to just see more of his own kind and live among them. However... his primary objective is to learn more about the Silver World in general. It is not truly the Silver World - Kouyo believes Jilan has heard the explanation from himself or from Setsushi at some point already?
So... while Kouyo hopes to live and to enjoy himself and to make friends over there as Jilan has, he also harbors his suspicions, and wishes to at least try to be sure that the place is safe.
Jilan hopes so, because he has many friends there now.
The boy's melancholy fades quickly, and he perks up. He can write down where they all live, so the High Priest can get in touch with them if he wants to or needs to. His closest friends are not rich people, but if Kouyo needs music or companionship, he is fairly sure they would be happy to spend time with him.
... Though... Jin is quite rich. But Jilan is really not sure if sie is still a friend, exactly.
Who is Jin? Jilan has mentioned hir before - his first tutor, no?
Well, if Kouyo does meet hir, Jilan hopes it is on good terms. Jin was his first tutor, and a strange one, at that. Let him do as he pleased for the most part, but supported his schooling and such with hir seemingly endless funds. Sie apparently does work for the Silver Empress; sie would disappear for weeks at a time, but never told Jilan what sort of work sie did, exactly.
Ah, and he trusts the High Priest to keep a secret, but Jilan received a large sum of money while he was in the Silver World, the last year that he was there. The gift was anonymous, but he thinks it may have come from Jin. If the minstrel was indeed the source of the cash, though, that was all Jilan heard from hir over the last three years.
Except for what he heard from Shuuken - about Jin trying to kill her Sorcerer friend.
Jilan's melancholy seems to have returned.
Kouyo keeps his thoughts hidden, though a pensive look settles over his features to match Jilan's as he considers both what Jilan told him and what he learned from his visions. He allows a gentle feeling of reassurance to flow into the youth after a moment, then tells him that he might like to meet this Jin. One who works with the Silver Empress would likely have valuable information about the nature of the place. Whether or not sie volunteers it is another story but... well, meeting Jin would be a start.
He assures Jilan that he will be careful, of course.
And then moves his hand to rest it on the little scholar's shoulder. Kouyo would also like to know more about Jilan's other friends in the Silver World, as well. Many of them are musicians, yes...?
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Posted: Wed Jul 01, 2009 11:26 pm
Jilan shuffled into his father's study, laughter rippling through the air around him as he gathered the extra folds of fabric in his arms so he would not risk stepping on them and tripping.
Too big, but very nice nonetheless, he announced and stopped where Kumoru could see him. The little scholar spread his arms, letting the folds of the Naming Ceremony robe Meirei and her mother had given him fall around his feet.
Smiling, Kumoru rose to his feet and went to meet Jilan, pulling his reading glasses down his nose a little to peer over the tops as he examined the garment.
"Well, you still have a few more years before it really has to fit, right?" he said, reaching out to tug at the fabric in a few places. "Looks like it nearly fits you in the shoulders, but it is still a bit too long. Sleeves, too," he appraised. "Quite lovely, though, I must admit."
Blushing a little, the boy nodded, curling his fingers around the ends of the sleeves and holding his hands up to examine the embroidery. As long as he would be fit to wear it for his Naming Ceremony when the time came - the robe belonged to a dear friend's father. Jilan never met him, but he was nonetheless very grateful for the gift.
The necromancer nodded, removing his glasses and folding them, but still holding onto them for the moment. "And the next time you return to that world, you will be preparing for that ceremony, no?"
Jilan nodded. He was not all entirely sure what would be required of him, but he knew at least that he would be asked to answer questions by speaking aloud.
"Then your magic training with me will be helpful, I suppose," Kumoru told him with a smile. "You study to figure out what you will need to say, and I will help you say it clearly."
Peering up at his father, the little scholar expressed that he had thought of this as well ... hence why he felt so silly forgetting so much while he was gone in the Silver World. He promised he was doing his best, though, and that the last time they had worked through reading the first magic primer, everything had seemed familiar enough.
And then he asked his father if he had had any sorts of tests when he was young? Like to become a mage? Jilan fidgeted with the longer end of the asymmetrical robes he was trying on over his regular clothes.
"Tests?" Kumoru repeated, brows drawing together as he glanced upwards, trying to remember. "Working through the magic reading primers were the first things we really had to do at the Tower. We would keep up with the lessons, which got more and more difficult, adding more and more characters of my homeland's magical alphabet, until we could not learn any more."
He turned away and returned to his desk to fetch the old-looking paperback copy of the first one that he and Jilan had been working through, and flipped through the pages. "This one is all sounds native to our home language, so it is easy. Just knowing these, there are spells I could teach you. Just simple ones, though. More difficult books teach you more characters, and more sounds." The mage glanced up at the boy again with a faint hint of a fond smile on his features. "So you probably would not benefit at your Naming Ceremony learning beyond the first book. But, of course, I will teach you as much as I can, because being able to read more of the writing means you can learn more spells.
"That was how we were sorted out."
Taking in all of this information, Jilan nodded slowly. It made sense, and even sounded somewhat like the Naming Ceremony - figuring out what each person had learned and dividing them that way, by ability.
Jilan also wondered, though, were there girls in the Tower learning to be mages, too? Or even in Kumoru's classes?
"Of course," the necromancer replied with a slight laugh. "The Tower of Wings would take whomever they could get their hands on, male or female."
The boy started squirming out of the oversized Naming Ceremony robes, and the mage stepped forward to help him with the garment. "Why do you ask?" he inquired after a moment.
Once he was out of the robe, Jilan took it back and worked on folding it neatly and carefully, stopping once as he worked to push his glasses back up his nose again. In the Silver World, boys and girls study separately at his age. He thought it was strange at first, but after living there for so long, he has gotten used to it.
... Still, the separation of sexes continued especially after Naming, and he was more used to Gaia, where anyone could do what they wanted. Jilan looked down at the robes, fiddling to align the edges just so. While he did not really mind who all was in the classroom with him, he did worry that he might not be able to do what he wanted because he was a boy.
"Well, you aren't a native of that place, don't forget," Kumoru told him, reaching out to rest a hand on his shoulder. "You've grown up here, and even if you had come from the Golden World or the Silver World, you can do what you want here in Gaia."
Well, one of his friends who was a girl (Jilan fiddled more intently with the robes, though they were, by this point, as nicely folded as they could get) wanted to be a Sorcerer, devoted her whole self to that pursuit, but never could be because she was a girl. So she decided to be a boy and ... it was very confusing for Jilan. Not because he was uncomfortable with it, exactly, but he just did not think she should have to be a boy in order to be a Sorcerer.
... If that made any sense. He sighed a little, wilting, and started towards the door with his robe. Jilan had lived with it in the Silver World, and gotten used to it, and was learning more about what it meant to be a Porcelain man now that he was getting older and becoming an adult (... again), but it was still difficult to wrap his little brain around the why of it all. He liked his people and he was very happy to finally know about where he had come from, outside of Gaia, but after growing up once differently, Jilan suspected it would always remain strange, having to paint odd numbers of lines down his cheeks to be truly accepted and so forth. The scholar trailed these thoughts behind him as he shuffled out of the study towards his own small room in Kumoru's house, to put the robe away in a drawer for his eventual Naming Ceremony.
The necromancer followed, not really sure what to tell the red-haired boy, as he had learned nearly everything he knew about the Silver World Porcelain through Jilan himself. Of course, the world he himself had left to come to Gaia was hardly progressive enough to have completely eliminated such divisions, but Kumoru was not sure he fully understood the whole situation for the Porcelain. And he was not willing to press Jilan about it now.
"Well, regardless, I will keep teaching you my magic if you wish it," Kumoru told him finally, stopping to stand in his doorway while he put away the robes. "And I can teach you how to be a proper Wind Mage, I suppose, since that is what I know best. If you think that would help you."
Be like Kumoru? So quiet and stern and cool? Jilan's projections made it obvious he did not consider these bad qualities at all - on the contrary, he admired his adopted human father quite a bit, and wondered if he could ever live up to such standards. Were all of the Wind Mages supposed to be like that?
Kumoru laughed once, harshly, and glanced away. "They have a certain code of honor, but yes, male and female both. I just do not believe they teach it well anymore, but the Tower's corruption is not something you will ever have to worry about...."
The boy nodded, and considered for a moment. Kumoru seems much more like a Porcelain woman than a man... a thought which makes Jilan giggle, but more out of nervousness than out of humor. He doubted it would help his confusion, but a code of honor sounds like a good thing to learn regardless of what he is. Jilan sighed a little, and knit his fingers together.
"I will teach you as well as I can, then, but I guess now you will always be a child of two worlds, Jilan," Kumoru said, faint concern showing in his eyes as he peered down at the little scholar. "I doubt Gaia will ever make you choose one world or the other, but I cannot speak for your Silver World."
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Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 10:42 pm
Jilan glanced between his father and the box in his hands, a few threads of confusion slipping into his projections of thanks.
"What is it?" he asked slowly, turning the small box over in his hands before scratching at one of the pieces of tape holding it shut with a fingernail."Just a little something for you," Kumoru told him with a smile. "Think of it like a birthday gift, I guess."But the little scholar's birthday was not until October. Or that was when they ordinarily celebrated, at least....
Jilan's thoughts trailed off as he picked the tape off and lifted the lid off of the box. Then his features lit up and he set the lid aside on his nightstand in favor of picking a small chain from the cotton padding within the box, and lifted out the silver pocket watch from inside.
"I like it," he sighed happily, beaming as he cradled it in his palm and examined it."Hopefully it will help keep you from getting too lost in your books," the mage said, laughing softly. He leaned forward to point to the knob at the top. "This one is a wind-up one, not a battery-powered one, so you will have to make sure you wind it every day ... but I figured that way, you would not have to worry about the batteries running down if you ever take it to the Silver World with you."Jilan nodded, and wound the knob a little experimentally. He held the watch to his ear, smiling at the ticking sound it now produced, and then went to winding it up the rest of the way.
Such a fine gift for nothing, though! The youth thanked his father again."You were not here last October, so I had to make up for that somehow." He shrugged and started to turn to go. "Today seemed as good a day as any."
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Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2009 10:08 pm
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Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2009 10:45 pm
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Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2009 10:47 pm
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Posted: Thu Dec 10, 2009 1:31 pm
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Posted: Thu Dec 10, 2009 1:51 pm
Lynod Shuuka bursts into Kumo's shop, her eyes darting around, searching for that single Porcelain that has her focused attention. Of course, not seeing him, Shuuka grunts and starts banging his fist on the counter as he sweeps his head to look about.
Heeeyyy! Where're you, Jilan? Shuu knows you're around here somewhere! Asahi Kumoru There is a single muffled thud in response, accompanied by an audible gasp and a brief pain-shaped thought; a moment later, the little scholar raises his head above the counter. Jilan's red eyes widen momentarily as he fixes his glasses, and he projects surprise with his greetings.
"Shuuken," he murmurs. It has been a while, hasn't it. Aah, and can he help her? Is his friend here for a book, or just to see him? The red-haired Porcelain blushes faintly as his thoughts betray that he hopes it is the latter. Lynod Shuu snorts, shaking his head. Why would Shuuka come for a book? Shuuka can get a book anywhere. However, to get Jilan, Shuuka has come here!
Shuuka smiles slightly, folding his arms across his chest. "My name is Shuuka," announces the Porcelain proudly, his chest puffing out, "So you should start calling me that!" Asahi Kumoru Jilan is confused for only a short moment before he nods and smiles. So his sorcerer friend has a name now to go with his new self? The little scholar will try to recall the new name, but hopefully his friend will not be too cross with him if it takes him a bit to adjust? sweatdrop
For a moment, his gaze strays to the scratched surface of the table, and he gives off a distant feeling of admiration of his friend's courage, to change his name like that....
But that aside, what does Shuuka want to do with the little scholar right now? He has about ten minutes left to work today, but after that, he is free to leave. Lynod Shuuka smiles proudly at Jilan's praise, his chin jutting a bit more as he nods as happiness radiates from the Sorcerer. Shukka moves a hand forward, grabbing at Jilan's shoulder and giving him a slight shake.
Why must Jilan praise Shuuka so highly when Jilan himself is capable of so many great things? Shuuka sighs, her forehead, moving to faintly smack against his own.
Jilan must use his head!
Shuuka then pauses, a silence dwelling between them at Jilan's question. Shuuka eventually smiles weakly, his brows rising. Shuuka, ah, can't quite remember right now. Asahi Kumoru Well, he has been studying his magic when he is not here selling books. Jilan laughs nervously as Shuuka bumps foreheads with him, and fixes his glasses again when he releases him. Kumoru has finally taught him a few little spells, too, but nothing too impressive yet.
And if Shuuken has no other plans, then, well, the little scholar was sort of itching for a cup of coffee, if she would like to join him? Perhaps he could show her the little bit of human magic he now knows, too? Lynod Shuuka blinks for a few moments before his eyes go wide, wonder filling his breast and freely filling the room. Jilan has learned magic?
Shuuka scrambles onto the counter, his face pressing close to Jilan's own as a grin dominates his lips. Shuuka has to see what Jilan can do! While maybe not mighty now, Shuuka knows that Jilan will be a great wizard yet! Asahi Kumoru Well, of course he is learning magic because Jilan wishes to be a great magical scholar across all the planes, he asserts, and hesitantly gives off a prideful feeling like he had felt so many times before from Shuuken -- but squeaks with surprise and shies away as his friend climbs onto the counter and into his face.Master Whitestone appears then in a swirl of darkness and shadow behind the little scholar, laughing softly as he catches Jilan before he can fall over backwards. Then he holds him out towards Shuuken.
"If you want him so badly, I can let him go a bit early," the white-haired human says, an amused smile still tugging at one corner of his mouth. Lynod Shuuka leaps from the counter, his clothing and hair seeming to jerk from him like the fur of a frightened cat. He leaps to the floor, crouched and seemingly ready to run or charge, depending on the circumstances. Instead of violence, though, he gets a smile.
... Y, yeah! Shuuka will accept this! Shuuka moves to stand, his hand pressing against the counter as he looks Whitestone up-and-down. ... Who is the human? Asahi Kumoru Aodhagan gently guides the slightly-bewildered Jilan around the end of the counter and lets him go, then pushes his own dark-tinted glasses up his nose a bit as he scrutinizes the other Porcelain. He seemed pleased by her reaction, though, and places his own hand on the counter beside hers as he leans a bit closer.
"I am Aodhagan Whitestone, the one who owns this little shop," he tells her after a moment. "Hence why the sign outside says, 'Whitestone Used Books'. May I ask who you are?"Jilan joins Shuuka and touches his arm gently, still giving off a little nervous feeling. Master Whitestone is his boss, and before Shuuka asks, no, the little scholar has not yet learned how to teleport like that sweatdrop Lynod But Jilan will, and that's all that matters comforts the Sorcerer as he peers up at Whitestone. Shuuka suddenly smiles brightly and nods, his hand squeezing Jilan's own to reassure him.
Shuuka is Shuuka! Shuuka pauses, growing more guarded as he eyes Whitestone. ... Whitestone treats Jilan well, right? Magic's good, and so is having a job, but it's only worth it if Whitestone is being kind to Jilan.
Shuuka doesn't take his eyes off Whitestone as he waits for his reply, his chest puffing out ever-so-slightly. Asahi Kumoru Jilan assures his friend that he is just fine with the job. It gets a little lonely sometimes, when business is quiet, but then that also means he has plenty of time to read. It gives him some extra time to study, too, though most often at work, he just reads for fun. He actually rarely sees Master Whitestone and while he is a little ... intimidating, he has not given Jilan any trouble. The little scholar relays all of this privately to Shuuka, and does not look at his boss while he does so."Shuu-ka," Aodhagan pronounces carefully, glancing at the other Porcelain for confirmation that he got it correct. "And of course I treat him well. Little Jilan is quite a good worker for me." Lynod Shuuka suddenly nods forcefully, her hand extending and gripping for Aodhagan's own. Shuuka snorts, her brows furrowing as she stares up at the man. Shuuka will always remember Whitestone's kindness to Jilan! If Whitestone should ever need anything, he only needs to call Shuuka's name and the wind will carry the word to Shuuka's ear!
Shuuka then releases Whitestone, his arm wrapping suddenly around Jilan's shoulder. Coffee and magic! Shuuka demands both of these things! Asahi Kumoru The human nods, smiling again as he shakes the Porcelain's hand firmly. "I will keep your offer in mind, and hope that it is a windy enough day if I should ever find myself in need." He laughs once. "And if you ever need me for whatever reason, I always have a magical eye on this place. So if you come here and ask for me, then I will hear it.
"... and though I know correlation does not imply causation, I must wonder if every red-haired member of your kind requires some sort of guardian." Aodhagan glances at the pair of Porcelain, quirking an eyebrow, then down at the sleeve of his brocaded coat. Then he bows and vanishes in much the same way he appeared. Jilan mentally stammers at both Master Whitestone's comment and Shuuka's arm suddenly landing across his shoulders, but then agrees that, yes, coffee and magic would be an excellent idea. Does Shuuken remember where the coffee shop is? He cannot remember if he has taken her there yet. Otherwise, he can lead the way. Lynod Shuuka blinks at the retreating form of Whitestone, confusion dotting his face. What did Whitestone mean by guardian...? Shuuka eventually just shrugs before glancing to Jilan, smiling winningly at him.
Shuuka has never had coffee and only knows of it from McDonalds commercials.
"Mc... Cafe," murmurs Shuuka, rolling the delicate word between his lips before nodding. Is that where they're going? Or does Jilan have somewhere else in mind? Asahi Kumoru As he leads his friend out of the bookshop and down the sidewalk, seeming a bit more relaxed once they are outside. And, well, he supposes they could have McDonald's coffee, which is actually not half-bad for fast food coffee, but if Shuuken has never had coffee before, then they will definitely have to go to the little cafe up the street for her first cup.
Jilan heads up the sidewalk to a small cafe nestled between two other shops, and opens the door for Shuuken. After this place, McDonald's coffee might not be good enough for her. If she likes it, of course - Kumoru calls it an "acquired taste", though Jilan had it somehow from his very first cup.
By the way, he is paying, he projects with a friendly bit of forcefulness as he ushers Shuuka inside. Lynod Shuuka blinks at Jilan, about to argue before he's urged inside. Shuuka snorts, suddenly pressing a finger against the taller youth's nose. Shuuka will pay for Shuuka's own! Jilan doesn't need to worry about the money for his, either!
Shuuka pauses before releasing a grin. Shuuka would like to say that, but he is flat broke. Shuuka supposes he will be in the debt of Jilan the Razor Mind. Shuuka shrugs faintly before wandering in, sniffing noticeably at the coffee.
Ehhh? Is that the coffee that Jilan's so wild about? Asahi Kumoru 'Jilan the Razor Mind'? ... He actually sort of likes that, he admits, gentle happiness coming from him as he steps inside as well. And then he inhales deeply through his nose, closing his eyes. Yes, that is the coffee he loves so much. Such a sophisticated smell, no? He thinks it goes well with books and magic. Especially late at night, or early in the morning.
The little scholar likes his with a bunch of sugar but no cream, mostly because the cream has been upsetting his stomach recently. Sometimes he still splurges and gets a mocha, which is a coffee with chocolate and milk in it, but sometimes the steamed milk in those bothers him, too. ... Though, looking at the menu, the "gingerbread latte" for the holidays sounds like it might be worth the potential discomfort to try.
And really, Shuuka need not worry about debt, certainly not for now. Jilan wishes to share something he likes, and his friend's company is enough in return, especially after all this time. He then turns and looks up at the menu, hoping the blush on his cheeks will not be too easily visible. Lynod Shuuka smiles broadly at Jilan's words before shaking his head! Jilan is being an idiot! Shuuka will repay Jilan for all his goodness, whether it is in the form of money or something else.
Jilan should be assured of that!
Shuuka then pauses, furrowing her brow and staring up at the menu before them. He stares at it, fidgets, and stares at it further before grunting... Shuuka still isn't very good at reading English he suddenly admits, his hair bristling at the damned sign. He glances over to Jilan, an annoyed frown coating his lips.
Can, uh, Jilan translate? Shuuka will be sure to work harder at the language soon so this doesn't happen again! Asahi Kumoru Oh, sure ... although he thinks a bunch of the names of the items are Italian, not English, because that is supposed to make them sound even better. Let's see, there is just plain coffee; and there is the latte, which has milk in it; and a cappuccino, which has frothed milk on top, too; and the mocha, which he told her about; and then the espresso shots, which are like miniature concentrated coffee. Aah, Jilan warns against one of those - he tried one once and was freaking out for several hours until all the caffeine finally started to wear off sweatdrop
Then they just have a bunch of flavors they can add to the coffee, like hazelnut and almond and peppermint and Irish cream, and raspberry, and strawberry, and gingerbread like he wants for his....
The little scholar turns back to Shuuka and smiles, telling him that coffee on its own is sort of bitter, but the flavors help that if he is not a fan of bitter. Lynod Shuuka stares blearily at the signs that are madness to him but seem to produce so much sense to Jilan. Shuuka rubs his eyes, looking at the incomprehensible words once more before glancing to Jilan.
... Shuuka likes the idea of freaking out for several hours, but Shuuka thinks that Setsushi might freak out if he sees Shuuka doing that. Shuuka moves a hand to his chin, rubbing it contemplatively as if he was planning for a campaign.
... Shuuka has always liked peppermint... Asahi Kumoru Well, there is a peppermint latte, too, to match the gingerbread one for the Gaian Christmas holiday. Maybe they can get one of each, and he will share a taste of his with Shuuka if he will share a taste with Jilan? He has not tried either of them before. Lynod Shuuka blinks before his cheeks grow red. Despite the color of his cheeks, he nods quickly and raises a thumb in approval.
Shuuka is more than happy to share with Jilan! The experience will help them experience Christmas even more! Maybe they will become knowledgable of the holiday by tasting the--
And Shuu rambles on, talking about how they must share the lattes for knowledge of Gaia, the Greater Good, and possibly world peace.
It might become obvious that Shuuka might have ulterior motives. Asahi Kumoru Jilan grins back and softly lets Shuuka know that he is going to go order now, without interrupting him, of course. Then he steps up to the counter, where the barista greets the little scholar by name, and orders the pair of drinks, paying with bills he takes from a nice and new-looking wallet. Then he returns to Shuuka's side and ushers him towards the pick-up end of the bar.
What has Shuuka been up to lately, he wonders? Lynod Shuuka scratches the side of his cheek, glancing away as embarrassment still coats his face. A shrug leaves his shoulders as he trudges after Jilan.
Becoming a Sorcerer, essentially. Shuu will be leaving soon. A slight smile plays across his lips as he sweeps his eyes to Jilan. When Shuuka returns, well, he won't even recognize Shuuka. Shuuka will possibly be ten feet tall when eyes that burn like embers and sorcery beyond the scope of even Jilan's well-educated mind! Shuuka bursts into a broad grin.
... Or he might know a little magic. Asahi Kumoru Leaving soon? The little scholar echoes the thought back with a touch of disappointment, and is quiet for a moment. But then he grins back at Shuuka and tells him that Jilan will be changing, as well, probably here in Gaia, since he does not really have any plans to go back to the Silver World just yet. Though ... he is interested in visiting. Jilan has a few more things to figure out first, he muses a bit distractedly, fiddling with the front hems of his robes and blushing ever so slightly.
... Oh, right, and Shuuken wanted to see some of the magic he has already learned, right? He takes a ready stance and looks to his friend. Is she ready for this? Lynod Shuuka pauses, a frown lining his face. ... Jilan's not going soon? His brows knit as he folds his arms.
... Jilan needs to go soon, though. Shuuka will be a few years older in what Jilan will see as a few weeks. For Jilan to be so much younger...
Well, it might screw things up, things Shuu does not want to see mucked about. Jilan's friendship is important to Shuu, and if a few years suddenly stand between them, it might..
Shuuka huffs, all thoughts of magic having fled from his head. Asahi Kumoru Jilan pauses a moment with his mouth open, ready to speak the words of one of the little cantrip spells Kumoru taught him, but snaps it shut at Shuuka's words, brows furrowing slightly.
Yeah, that is true.... He had not realized that his friend was thinking of leaving soon to go back. The little scholar had had no plans, maybe somewhat as a result, he admits, but knowing this now.... He agrees that the age gap would be ... ah, strange? Jilan smiles weakly and reaches back with one hand to fiddle with his short ponytail for a moment - difficult to articulate the proper feeling for it.
He hurries on, reciprocating the sentiment that Shuuka's friendship is important to the little scholar as well. And so, well ... ah ...
... When will Shuuka be leaving? Jilan will, if nothing else, have to see to getting leave from his new Gaian job before he can head out. Lynod ... Jilan will go one day, won't he? Jilan will fill the gap? So things will be right, so they won't grow distance, he will one day go, won't he?
No hopeful smile appears on Shuuka's lips: only a frown dots them. Shuuka seems already predispositioned to believes what he will, apparently, or perhaps he read something in Jilan's words?
Whatever the case, Jilan is now facing a rather upset Sorcerer. Asahi Kumoru Fortunately, just then, the coffee is finished, and Jilan takes the opportunity to fetch both cups for himself and Shuuka. Then, with a small nervous feeling, he turns back a moment later and projects a calming thought to his friend as he offers the aspiring Sorcerer her coffee. Aah, perhaps Shuuka misunderstood? sweatdrop Jilan was saying he can try to get ready to go at the same time, if that is what Shuuka wants?
... Unless she's leaving like, tomorrow or something, in which case that might be too soon. But if she is, he adds hurriedly, he will promise for sure that he will go to the Silver World soon, as well. To catch up to her. And he has friends he can visit in the Silver World, as well, so he is certainly looking forward to going back.
Hoping that helped clear things up, the little scholar watches her over his cup of coffee as he takes a hesitant sip. Lynod Shuuka blinks before a broad grin lines his face, his hands moving to grab at Jilan's shoulders. He gives him a quick shake before nodding promptly.
Shuuka likes the sound of this! Shuuka grows pensive suddenly, seeming to analyze her counterpart before she nods. Jilan needs to go there for a purpose, though. If he goes just because of Shuu, well, how much of his time will be wasted? Shuu won't allow that, dammit! Jilan needs to make the most of his time if he's to truly become the Razor Mind! Asahi Kumoru Hot coffee! the red-haired Porcelain reminds his friend when she shakes him, but manages not to spill any on his hands. A moment later, once he has regained his composure, Jilan heistantly lets Shuuka know that he has plenty of reasons why he can visit the Silver World. To accompany Shuuka would be one of many. There are plenty of things for him to study there, too - he would never allow time to go wasted.
And, well.... He admits with great reluctance that there are certain things that are just as easily worked on there as here in Gaia.
Jilan falls silent for a moment, but breaks the silence with a soft nervous laugh. Talking about going back to the Silver World after all this time makes him more eager to go back. But first, does Shuuka want his peppermint coffee, or can he drink his friend's too? They can go sit down at a table, too, and keep chatting there? Lynod Shuuka blinks for a moment before looking down, staring at the coffee in Jilan's hands.
"Oh!" exclaims the Porcelain before his hands scoop to grip the cup. A grin pops back on his face as he wanders to a table, his hand jerking out a seat. For the Lady! Shuuka bows slightly to Jilan, his eyes twinkling. He then moves to another seat, tugging it out and flopping down in it. Asahi Kumoru Jilan chokes a little on his coffee at Shuuka's words, and sets his cup down on the small round table to put both hands to his mouth while he coughs. He projects shakily that he is okay, though, and climbs into his seat across from the Sorcerer. A few moments later, the little scholar softly asks ... how Shuuka knew, blushing and deciding for the moment to study the wood grain of the tabletop very carefully.
Aaah, but more importantly, how does she like the coffee? Lynod Shuuka blinks slowly, cocking his head to the side as he watches Jilan.
Eeh? How did Shuuka know what? The second question is ignored as Shuuka leaaans across the table, his elbow settling upon it. With his coffee forgotten, Shuuka stares Jilan down.
Shuuka demands answers! Asahi Kumoru Oh, just some silly thing he has been thinking about lately. About ... how it might be easier to study magic like he wants if he was a woman in the Porcelain world. It seems almost like he is not expected to ever know very much, just because he is a boy, and Jilan wants to be the Razor Mind who knows everything. And, well ....
... It seems sort of silly to bring it up with his friend, since Shuuka so desperately wants to become a man, and Jilan was ... lucky? Maybe? To be born that way? The little scholar rests all ten fingertips on his coffee cup and turns it slowly on the table, his mind becoming quiet. Maybe this is because he grew up in Gaia, and Gaia is so different from the Golden World.
He forces a tiny smile and glances up at Shuuka before taking another long drink of gingerbread latte. He can trust his friend not to tell anyone about this, right? There is a bit of nervousenss in the otherwise-calm inquiry that Jilan is unable to completely hide. Lynod Shuu stares at Jilan, his eyes as wide as saucers. He opens his mouth, closes it, and opens it again but no words come out.
And then Shuuka snaps out of his stupor, his hands slapping against the table! But, but, that's not fair! Jilan shouldn't have to be a girl if Jilan doesn't want to be a girl! To have to hide, to change just because of what people say--
Shuuka shakes his head quickly, his hair wildly whipping from side-to-side. Jilan should have the same opportunities as any woman! Asahi Kumoru The red-haired Porcelain thought the same thing about Shuuken when she first told him that she wished to be a man - that it was not fair and that she should be able to be a Sorcerer anyway. But ... if Shuuka is doing what Shuuka feels is right by being Shuuka, then Jilan's friend can be whatever he wants and Jilan cannot judge.
With regards to himself, though, well, Jilan still is not sure sweatdrop He should stay the same Jilan, stepping through a portal from Gaia into the Silver World. But ... somehow, he changes anyway. Or he feels like he does. It is a very odd feeling, and the little scholar is still not sure if it is the right one.
Setting his coffee cup down, he traces straight lines down his cheeks from his eyes to his jaw. That is why he has adopted so many customs of his people after spending some time growing up a second time in the Silver World, and yet still rarely, if ever, wears make-up. It seems so simple, yet it intimidates him a little, painting those single lines on his face. Like a line in the sand, too, because it seems to mean more than just "boy" - even more than he perhaps knows already, since he is just now ... maturing.
Again.
Jilan turns sideways in his chair, grasping the back of it in one hand, and his coffee in the other, and stares out the window. If only he was braver. He would not really need to change his name to pass for female, at least. Lynod ... Jilan is brave. Shuuka jerks up from his seat, his eyes narrowing. To pass as a female, to reject social norms, to defy what people would think of him, where people would have him? Is there nothing braver than to fly in the face of society?!
Jilan has show his bravery before, in attempting to help Shuuka save the Golden World. Jilan was willing to follow Shuuka then, regardless of what dangers, and now Jilan is doing what is best for Jilan!
How can Jilan think he is not brave? Shuuka snorts, shaking his head sharply. Jilan is the opposite of a coward! Asahi Kumoru Jilan is just not one hundred percent sure what is best for him right now, honestly, he admits with a small sigh after a moment's thought. Shuuka has always seemed very sure of himself, at least to the little scholar. And, well, Gaia is much less structured with a lot of their rules than the Silver World (and therefore apparently the Golden World), so the Gaian Porcelain is just used to different things.
He only feels like there is something not quite right with him when he is with other Porcelain in the Silver World.
So, maybe he will just embrace it finally. Embrace his weirdness and turn it to his own advantage, like his father suggested. Even though connecting with his own kind but being unable to completely adapt and rejoin them makes Jilan feel a little bit alone.
Perhaps if he became like a Porcelain woman, though, that would be more like him, and he would not have to stand out and feel so completely out of place. Jilan just still feels like he is struggling with it all. The red-haired Porcelain sighs and gives off a small uncomfortable feeling, unsure that he wants to talk about this much more. Lynod ... Shuuka's hand darts across the table, grabbing at Jilan's own and squeezing it. The Sorcerer lets out a sharp, derisive snort, his head shaking from side-to-side as he glares at something that lies beyond Jilan, beyond the cafe.
Shuuka will one day bring equality amongst man and woman. Jilan shall not need to feel uncomfortable, feel less. Shuuka gives a sharp nod, his jaw setting firmly. Jilan is not weird, Jilan is merely right and one must stand for rightness and all it carries.
Shuuka will stand by Jilan's side, this the Sorcerer promises. Asahi Kumoru The little scholar turns back to his friend, eyes wide for a moment, but then he nods and smiles, projecting his thanks. A faint blush touches his cheeks as he curls his fingers around Shuuka's hand in return, and then looks up at him as he reminds his friend that he will be there if the Sorcerer needs any help. Or, well, Jilan will do his best to provide it if he can.
He laughs a little and adds that he is not completely sure yet if Shuuka will just be able to speak his name to the winds to reach him but if he learns such a spell in the future, he will be sure to let him know sweatdrop Lynod Shuuka will be there if Jilan should ever need him. Jilan is one of Shuuka's most stalwart allies, someone Shuuka has complete confidence in. Without Jilan, Shuuka may not have succeeded as well as he did in the Silver World. Without Jilan, Shuuka might have felt alone, but that is most certainly not the actual case: Jilan was there.
A smile blossoms on Shuuka's lips and he sighs slightly, a hand moving to his latte. He raises it, giving a casual sip -- and pauses. Shuuka blinks a few times, peering down at the cup as pleasure floats from him. Soon the Sorcerer is supping from the cup like an eager child (which he partly is, of course). Asahi Kumoru Jilan lets Shuuka's hand go and curls the fingers of both hands around his own coffee again, a content feeling coming from him when he detects his friend's happiness. Liking the coffee? They will have to come here together more often - the High Priest is not terribly fond of the drink, and Kumoru has been a bit too busy to make lengthy trips here with Jilan, so it will be nice to have someone else to drag along for his caffeine fix. He can come here pretty much every day he works at the bookstore.
Then he pries the lid off of his latte and tries to lick the whipped cream stuck on the underside of the lid as discreetly as possible as he slides the cup across the table to the Sorcerer. Does Shuuka still want a taste of his gingerbread latte thing, too? It's pretty good. Lynod Shuuka would like that. He practically beams as he attempts to chug the scalding latte, but proves unable. He pauses at the offering of the gingerbread latte and in moments slips its counterpart to Jilan. In seconds his tongue pokes out and testingly licks at the whipped cream, a ripple of pleasure slipping from him before he happily downs the latte.
Shuuka would like that very much. Jilan has good tastes, muses the Sorcerer, his eyes closed from the onslaught of taste. Asahi Kumoru The little scholar takes the peppermint coffee and takes the top off of that, and dips a fingertip into the whipped cream get some of it along with the mint crumbles on top. Then he takes a cautious sip before grinning at Shuuka. His friend made a good choice of beverage, too. Coffee and magic, seems like a natural partnership, no?
Which reminds him, is Shuuka ready for Jilan the Razor Mind to show him what bit he has learned? Lynod Shuuka's mind seems to quickly forget the pleasurable gingerbread before it, and instead focuses completely on Jilan. The Sorcerer nods his head quickly, his neck craning to get a better look at the Wizard.
Shuuka not only wishes to know, but Shuuka demands to know. A broad grin lines his face as the energetic figure fidgets, as if Jilan's display of arcane actions cannot be revealed quickly enough. Asahi Kumoru With a small shy feeling of pride, Jilan takes another sip of Shuuka's peppermint latte and returns the cup, leaving himself more space on his side of the small round table. Then he held both of his hands together, cupped with his palms facing up as though to hold water, and very carefully spoke three words of magic.
Almost immediately, a soft round white light appeared a few inches above his hands and hovered there, casting its glow onto the little scholar's grinning face along with everything else at the table. Bashfully, Jilan projected a little feeling of ta-da~, and then asked Shuuka if he wished the light to be a different color. Lynod And Shuuka's eyes go wide as saucers at the appearance of light, surprise and excitement leaping from his tiny frame. Shuuka grips the table, shoving his body forward and his head towards the light, unable to look away. Jilan already knows how to do something like this?! At the question, Shuuka's head quickly nods with an immediate response spilling from his mouth.
"Red," announces Shuuka, "I want red!" Asahi Kumoru At his friend's reaction, the boy's shyness all but vanishes, and he eagerly speaks another pair of words to the light, which changes the light red. This is really the only spell he has mastered so far, but he has a few others that he is studying. He might be able to cast another one or two, but he is not fully confident in his abilities with those. The light is still plenty cool, though, he thinks, right?
He has gotten pretty good with the different colors, though. In fact, the little scholar thinks that maybe he has more control over his little light spell than Kumoru has over his. Jilan can do any color, try him. Lynod A wicked smile suddenly lines Shuu's lips as he leans forward, a finger prodding against Jilan's nose. Shuuka demands to see...
... polka-dot. And Shuu's eyes then dance down to the ball before looking at Jilan, a grin spreading across his lips. Alright, maybe Shuuka is being unfair with his demands? Asahi Kumoru The sphere of light wobbles and shifts colors slightly as Jilan's expression becomes one of concentration. He is not sure if he can do patterns like that - he was only asking about colors....
After a moment, he manages one round white dot on the otherwise-red light, and flashes Shuuka a hopeful smile. Good enough? Lynod Shuuka blinks before erupting into laughter, a wave of amusement sweeping from him. He nods his head once he can control the laughter, his bright eyes locking upon Jilan's face
Shuuka was right to call Jilan the Razor Mind. Already Jilan can do something such as that without any prior attempts to do so. Shuuka now is sure great things will result from Jilan. And when Shuuka returns, well...
A broad smile lines Shuuka's lips as he nods. They shall be true allies, then. Asahi Kumoru Jilan let out a sigh of relief, and the light shrank down to the size of a pea before vanishing completely. Hopefully he will not often have need for polka-dotted lights but ... he supposes he can work on the technique a little since it amuses his friend so. The little scholar smiles gently and reaches for his cup of coffee, using his other hand to remove his glasses and then rub the bridge of his nose.
As soon as Shuuka knows when he will be leaving for the Silver World, though, he should let Jilan know. He can try to come along, or at least make arrangements to go not long after. He will keep studying his magic as long as he is in Gaia, at least.
... Working on things like how to perfect a light with dots on it that does not give him a headache sweatdrop
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