Welcome to Gaia! ::

Amir's crystal flute nearly slipped through his trembling fingers as he heard the gruff voice from the center of the room. He wasn't exactly intending on winning the prize, but the comment Maximilian made about no one being able to afford the gift stung to the depths of his soul. Never in his entire life had he ever been denied access to anything due to financial issues. In Amir's mind, he truly felt that his father would give him the entire world if he asked for it. This simple scientist must not have fully understood how much influence the Singh family carried, and their heir made a silent vow to enlighten him.

The mechanical machine floated around Amir's torso and came up to face him, “Yes, I'm coming out now. The professor already asked us to leave so you don't have to tell me.” He flicked the whirring machine and nudged it out of his way as he stood to leave. “I didn't realize how many people were here,” the boy commented as he looked around the room. He wanted to admire the beauty one last time, but the crowd was bustling with outraged men and weeping women and Amir couldn't wait to escape from it.

Although there were many instances in his life that Amir was not beyond utilizing his tear ducts to get his way, the behavior he was seeing as he walked out was appalling. He pulled out various business cards from his coat pocket and ripped them up one by one as he saw their owner's reactions to rejection. “And they call themselves grown men.” His eyes rolled and he looked back to see Maximilian sitting at his table, calm and collected. “Now that... That's how a man should act,” the young man whispered with a growing smirk. “He's doing this on purpose!”

Amir brought a hand to his chin and stroked it as he walked toward the exit. Maximilian was baiting everyone in the room! Playing hard to get is a very common business practice since humans are so naively competitive, but he thought these supposed business professionals would be able to see through the act. He smirked as he turned around to give the professor a departing wave, much to the dislike of Ammon who was watching every action and hearing every word from the Sitterbot's camera. “I will certainly be seeing you tomorrow, Professor Maximilian,” he said softly under his breath.

One of the Sitterbot's spindly arms reached out and tapped Amir impatiently on the shoulder. “You're more annoying than the flies, you know that Ammon?” Amir scoffed and waved the buzzing orb out of his face as he walked out of Rheinfels' thick doors and headed for the robo-horse and carriage. He carefully plucked the Sitterbot from the air and waited for Ammon to open the door before he stepped inside the cab and sat down. “So did you enjoy my schmoozing from here or did you end up falling asleep?” he chided playfully and put the bot away.

Ammon wasn't so cheerful and slammed the console box closed and yelled, “What were you thinking when you gave him that hairpiece? Do you even know how expensive it is?” Judging by the blank look on Amir's face, he didn't even have to wait for a verbal response to his question. He sighed and rubbed his tense brow, “I take that as a no. Well it was expensive and your mother spent a lot of time picking it out for you so you better apologize when you get home.” Ammon reached out and gave Amir a small pat on the shoulder, “But other than that, yes, I enjoyed your efforts to network. Did anyone strike your fancy even after the professor dismissed everyone?”

Amir shook his head and leaned against Ammon with a dramatic sigh, “No. All of the men I met with decided to act like spoiled brats—hey, don't even say what I know you're thinking!—and run out with a very loud whine when they didn't win. It's so ignorant of them to not see what Maximilian was doing! I mean, I'm not even very experienced with business but all I had to do was spare one extra glance to his table to see through the act.” He waved his hand, “Bah. Good riddance to those weaklings, I'll find better prospects in the future.”

Ammon chuckled and ran his hand through Amir's hair as the carriage started moving and spoke softly, “Unfortunately a lot of these people didn't earn their money through a business so they aren't thinking in a business mindset. You're lucky to not only have a scientific mind, but also a cutthroat knack for business since your mother and father are both prominent individuals.” He smiled and pinched Amir's cheek, “You're also good with your hands and that's light years more than I can say for anyone else. You'll think of something.”

“Good with my hands, huh?” Amir spoke quietly as he moved to lay his head down on Ammon's lap. “That doesn't matter at all since Maximilian is just interested in the money.”

“The professor seemed plenty interested in the hair pin you gave him, Amir.” Ammon poked the young man's cheek, “You hit the nail on the head when you told him that his partnership would run like clockwork if he spoiled his female friend. Instead of just giving Maximilian the hairpiece, you gave him a hairpiece that will likely get him a woman. From what I've heard of the world above ground, getting a man a woman is the best gift you can possibly get them.”

“I thought there were thousands more women in this world than men because of all the soldiers dying in the war?” Amir questioned with a perky voice, “That's not true?”

“Although women outnumber men in this world, this nuclear winter is damaging their beauty and fertility. Even the daughters of nobles can't manage to fight it off for too long. Your mother spends a lot of money on beauty treatments, but not everyone is as well off as the Singh family.” Ammon cleared his throat, “Adelle, was it?” Amir nodded and he continued, “I saw Adelle through the Sitterbot camera and she was beautiful. I can't even put it to words how amazingly gorgeous she was! And her hips... Her hips were the perfect shape for bearing a child. She's the perfect woman.”

Amir reached up and flicked Ammon's nose with a nagging tone, “That's gross. I thought that her breasts were too big and she looked too flashy. Women should be covered, they shouldn't flaunt themselves to that extent.” He ignored Ammon's twitching glare and continued in his know-it-all tone, “So is that the type of woman you're interested in, Ammon? She doesn't suit you. You deserve a more cultured woman and father thinks the same way. You can look at my marriage candidates for someone you like, if you want. I won't be marrying anyone ever, it's such an old fashioned contract and I can make an heir in a test tube if I wanted. It isn't the stone age it was back in the 2000s, you know. We're more evolved.”

Ammon pinched Amir's nose and raised his voice to a strained tone that's rarely heard. “Don't speak ill of women, Amir! They can make or break a man, more often the latter than the former! You'd best be mum about your opinion of them if you're ever within earshot of a female.” He sighed, “You have to win over Adelle, too, you know. Maximilian isn't a one man show and we both know that women look at more than just money; they need flattery.”

“I'll let you handle Adelle, then.” Amir smoothed a finger over his lips with a sly glance to his caretaker, “Yes. Tomorrow I will return to Rheinfels to talk with the professor and you will find Adelle and make her love the idea of allowing me to fund them. Sweet talk her, spoil her, propose marriage, whatever. I don't care what you do as long as it works, OK?” He waited for the flushed Ammon to nod, “Good. I won't be sleeping tonight but you have to look as handsome as possible so you get your rest. I'll be working on my proposal all night, don't bother me.”

When the carriage came to a halt inside the stronghold's covered and sealed garage, Amir hopped out and ran inside. Ammon took his time and slowly walked into the foyer while dreaming of meeting the beautiful woman. He was giddy and blushing like a school girl, and he didn't even hear half of what Amir said. All that mattered was that he was going to see the human incarnation of the goddess Isis after just one night. He could hardly contain his excitement as he staggered back to his room in his rainbow colored daze, “Ah, this is exciting...” Ammon paused and gasped, “Where am I going to get a gift this late at night?!”

Back on the other end of the stronghold, Amir was in his workroom gathering various items. He wasn't sure what he was going to make just yet but he knew it had to be spectacular. “Maximilian liked the hairpin, I can probably make something like that. Jewelry, women like jewelry.” He rambled on with himself as he spread out various jewels and metals onto his desk, “Should I make something for the professor to wear or just the woman?” He bit his lip in thought, “I have all night, I'll just make something for both of them since it can't hurt any.”

Both Amir and Ammon worked throughout the night on their offerings. Ammon called everywhere he possibly could to get an vintage, mint condition headscarf made with the finest silk and jewels. Amir put together a waterproof, indestructible, diamond encrusted biometal watch for Maximilian and a platinum and pearl necklace for Adelle. Neither of them got more than an hour of sleep, but the two eagerly met up in the foyer, ready to go back to Rheinfels. Only one word greetings were spoken between them before they climbed into the carriage and headed out.

Ammon looked at the two wooden boxes in Amir's lap and then looked at the paper-wrapped gift in his own lap. He didn't even think about putting the gift in such a nice package, Amir was groomed for this business through and through. “Did you get any sleep, Amir?” Ammon asked in a tired voice. “You made two gifts... Are your hands alright and everything?” He covered a yawn behind his forearm and leaned against the back of the velvet seat, “I'm so tired.”

Amir, who was surprisingly bright eyed and bushy tailed, just smiled and gave Ammon a pat on the thigh, “I only nicked my pinky once and other than that, my hands are fine. I made a watch and a necklace and also did not get any sleep.” He chuckled and copied Ammon's posture, “So what did you get for Adelle?”

“I got her a silk headscarf with little jewels sewn in throughout the design. I had it flown in from Egypt and it got here about an hour ago. I was so worried that they'd be late that I couldn't have slept even if I tried!” Ammon curled over and held his head in his lap, “So you are also giving Adelle a gift? It's probably going to make mine look cheap.” He sighed and ruffled his hair before sitting back up and looking at Amir, “Did you remember to bring some gold this time? I'll speak to your father if he has any problems with you doing this.”

Amir smirked, “Yes I did and when did you get so gung-ho about this, Ammon?”

“About two seconds after I saw Adelle through the Sitterbot camera,” Ammon said with a carefree grin.

Amir laughed and looked out the window at the familiar path they were traveling. The buildings were still as drab as ever, but the morning light silhouetting them gave off a subtle beauty that he had never seen before. They were a mix of old and new, damaged and pristine, and they were a great record of just how much action Saltaire had seen during the war. Looking out of Ammon's window, Amir was able to see the mountain peaks that surrounded the city. Their shadows were still consuming most of the town, but the sun was starting to overcome them.

It was approaching 10 A.M. when the carriage finally reached Rheinfels' front entrance. Amir and Ammon carefully looked over their gifts once more and then, once they were satisfied, stepped out onto the slushy ground. “It snowed again last night,” Amir said with a grudging sigh as he traipsed through the dirty substance. Yet another one of his fine jodhpuri was now tainted with nuclear snow but it wouldn't get Amir down, not even remotely. Today was his day to prove just how lucrative a partnership with the Singh family could be, and he was also looking forward to proving to Maximilian just how lucky he is that Amir was interested.

“Good luck, Ammon.” Amir held out his hand to his trusty sidekick.

Ammon shook the hand and nodded his head, “Good luck to you, too, Amir.”

“Make me look good!” Amir winked and knocked on the door.

It didn't take long for a familiar face to answer the knock. Maximilian was genuinely surprised to see the young noble he denied the day before and a stranger at his front door, but tried not to let it show too much. He had thought that the youth's pride would prevent him from dragging himself back to make another offer, but it was now apparent that he had misjudged Amir which delighted him to the core of his being. It truly was like taking candy from a baby, he thought as he finally opened his mouth for a greeting. “Oh, hello again Amir. What are you doing here?”

“Hello Maximilian, I'm here to fulfill my promise from last night.” Amir lips curled into an innocent smile as he extended his hands to give the professor the two gifts. “But first, these are for you and your partner. This time they are both hand made by myself, so they are far more meaningful than that trinket I gave you last night.” After Max took the boxes, Amir stepped back and included Ammon in the circle. “This is my caretaker and adopted brother Ammon. He was quite smitten when he saw your partner last night and would like to offer his gratitude for co-hosting the ball last night.”

Maximilian visibly twitched when Ammon was introduced. His eyes scoured the younger man for a flaw but found none; he had youth, beauty, fine clothes, and money. This other man had all the aspects that the scientist had a hard time maintaining, and he had them without even trying. However, a happy Adelle made for a better day and it wasn't like Ammon would see her more than this one time. “It's nice to meet you, Ammon. Adelle is in her room right now but I will fetch her for you. As for you, Amir, I'm looking forward to what these lovely boxes have inside them. Follow me.”

The group made their way inside the familiar, although still slightly dirty, grand hall and toward Adelle's room. Max rapped hastily at the door and called for the woman before placing a hand on Amir's shoulder and guiding the heir to his study. “We'll just be over there in my study. Ask Adelle to bring you there when your conversation is over. Also, please keep in mind that I will not let you leave this building if you do anything inappropriate to her.” The professor didn't allow any time for Ammon to reply and just continued down the hall to his study.

“Ammon won't touch her so you don't have to worry. He's convinced that the gods will smite him if he even so much as touches a woman before he is married to her.” Amir chuckled as Max accidentally let out a small sigh of relief and followed him into the room. “Relax, professor! As much as I love Ammon, he doesn't know what women want. Take a peek at what's inside the white oak box.” He sat down in the seat Max pointed at and crossed his legs, “I assure you that if the hairpin didn't get you where you want to be with your partner, this will and then some.”

Maximilian lifted a brow, “Oh really? And here I thought that that hairpin was all a young man like you could scrounge up.” He took the lighter box and unhooked the onyx latch, “You said you made this, correct?”

Amir ignored the age comment, nodded and urged Max, “Yes, now open it! I want to know what you think of it.” He traced a finger around his own lips as he watched the professor toy with the box. “The longer you wait, the more time Ammon has with Ms. Adelle, you know.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Max huffed as he opened the box to reveal the intricate platinum necklace laced with pearls. It took him a minute for his brain to register whether what he was seeing was real and, once the verdict came in, he turned to Amir with wide eyes. “Where on earth did you get pearls?! With all the waste dumped into the ocean, I thought all the oysters and clams and stuff died off! How... Are these really real? Wow. I don't know what to say.” He shook his head in disbelief and slumped into the chair, “How old are you again?”

“Yes, they are real, and age doesn't matter when you have connections and an old family, Maximilian.” Amir leaned back with a smug look, “Now that I have impressed you with the rare items I can give, open up the second box to see the gift I made for you.”

Maximilian didn't think that Amir could outdo himself in a million years but even a gift half as amazing would still be worth more than he could make in a really good year. He stroked the darker wooden box and flipped the latch, gasping at the sight of the diamond encrusted watch. It was so beautiful and expensive looking that Max wanted to cry, “This is amazing, Amir! Did you really make this?” He ripped it out of the box and put it on to admire it.

“It's waterproof, too, since I heard rumors that your work deals with a lot of water.” Amir grinned, “Now let's get down to business, shall we? I have a contract right here that I would like to share with you if you don't mind.” He pulled a scroll from his inner chest pocket and walked it over to Max, “You are welcome to suggest changes but I do believe that this draft will be to your liking.” Amir moved back to his seat and allowed the professor time to read it.

The contract was rather vague and didn't ask for much from Amir's side. Such lax requirements were an breath of fresh air compared to the contracts he was subjected to by the government. However, it appeared to be too one sided for the schemer-at-heart's unease to subside. “So you just want to see what I'm doing a couple of times a month and get your hands on the product I'm offering?” He looked at Amir with a questioning gaze, “And you will pay me 5000 gold per visit?”

Amir nodded, “Yes. I will likely visit your laboratory three times a month, all of which will be scheduled at least a week in advance. If you keep reading, you will see that I am also offering to furnish Rheinfels with a full biometal coating to protect from any possible post-war skirmishes.” He stood up again and put a hand on Max's shoulder, “But most of all you will have the Singh family name backing you up and, not to sound conceited or anything, that is the biggest thing anyone can offer you.”

Maximilian would definitely have to discuss the contract with Adelle before making any decisions, but it certainly looked promising. “Give me a while to think it over, OK? This is quite a lot you're offering for seemingly so little, so please excuse me for being suspicious.” He stood up and put the contract on a stack of papers, “However, I will let you see some of what I'm working on since you gave me something that will get Adelle in bed with me.”

“You'll let me see what you do?” Amir's voice dripped with excitement, “I really want to know if the rumors are true.” Although he didn't understand what was so special about Adelle that made men fawn over her so much, he decided that getting a glimpse at what Maximilian was working on made up for the disgusting lust in the air. “I heard something about princes and then another thing about superhuman help, I've heard so many things and now I finally get to see what's true.”

“Calm down,” Max replied as he pushed a finger on the intercom button. “Tibalt? Come upstairs to my study, there's someone I want you to meet.” He moved back to sit on the desk and crossed his arms, “Now keep in mind that this is a prototype and not the cream of the DNA crop, but I hope this will satisfy your curiosity.” The professor grinned as he watched the boy wiggle closer and closer to the edge of his seat; he was such an easy noble to milk.

Once the toadlet made his way upstairs in into Max's study, Amir shot up out of his seat and gasped. “He's so handsome! And—are his hands webbed? He's wet?” He looked back at Maximilian in hopes of getting some questions answered but the man stayed silent. “So the rumors about you dealing with frogs were true. How interesting...” Amir looked over every inch of Tibalt countless times before he was satisfied with the peek he was given. “You are very talented, professor. I would absolutely love to have one of these in my care.”

Judging by the frightened and mildly defensive look on Tibalt's face, Max knew that it was time for the boy to return to the water. “Alright, you can go back to whatever you were doing Tibalt,” he said with a wave. The tan skinned boy quickly ran out, much to Amir's disappointment, and left the two alone again. “I will discuss the contract with Adelle and if she feels you are suitable, I will indulge your curiosity some more and maybe, just maybe, give you a prince of your own.” He grinned, “Now, I'm expecting someone so you and your caretaker should head home.”

Amir sighed as the visit came to a close but grudgingly followed Maximilian out of the study and to Adelle's room. Both Max and Amir weren't too pleased at the sight of an obviously flustered and disheveled Ammon stepping out of the woman's room. Amir spoke first with a stern voice, “Good timing, Maximilian is expecting some guests so we have to go now. Do you have everything?” He grasped firmly onto Ammon's wrist and tugged him toward the entrance, “Thank you for seeing me, Maximilian. I look forward to hearing your response!”

The professor managed a small nod, “Thank you for visiting with such fine gifts. I will get back to you on the contract as soon as Adelle's looked it over...and after I give her that gift.” He smirked and turned to Ammon, “Your little friend is very crafty, the gift he made will surely land me Adelle's affection no matter what you said to her or gave her. Better luck next time, goodbye.”

Ammon was too wrapped up in his haze to notice Maximilian's not-so-subtle jab and Amir's painful grip. He had a wonderful talk with the goddess and he looked forward to seeing her again for anything. If Adelle had asked him to leave the Singh family, he likely would have. He finally knew what the term “siren” really meant, and he didn't care at all. “Today can't get any better, Amir. Can we come here again soon?”

Amir opened the carriage door and pushed Ammon inside, “Only if he accepts the contract.” He climbed into his seat and slammed the door. “And you're only allowed to come if you promise not to let yourself be alone with that woman.” Amir leaned back with an annoyed stare directed at Ammon, “So what happened in there that made you all giddy?”

Ammon sighed happily and rolled his head back, “She's a wonderful woman.”

Humorously enough Madame X had been drowning out the world at her desk, having thought she heard something tapping until she took a headphone out to notice that there were shadows beneath her door, and not just one. Huh? Placing her music player down she rushed to her vanity for a quick glance in the mirror to make certain that she was at least presentable- though not quite adorned in anything as fantastic as the night of the banquet. "Hang on a sec Max-" she called yet managed to reach the door swiftly afterward. There was a pause before she gave each of the Singh's a very kindly smile and pushed her door completely aside though was saddened to see the one she recognized from the banquet (or at least she was sure she had seen his face walking around) leave with Maxy. She was left with Ammon, whom which she did not recognized but could make the assumption that he was related to Amir. "Well hello... I don't believe you or I have met..?" she said then left the door open and stepped back into the room, silently inviting him in so that she could converse.

From the start Adelle could tell this man was nervous but incredibly well mannered. She always appreciated this from Max since many a coworker in the day had the audacity to think of her as an undignified woman. With the door still open Adelle offered Ammon a seat anywhere that he liked as she whimsically moved about and started up a batch of tea. "I personally wasn't expecting any visitors today then I would've dazzled myself up a little more. It's always daunting when some rich noble comes by and I don't have hardly anything of value to wear." Well that was kind of a lie in terms of unique outfits. She had designer but nothing like the stuff that the Singh's wore.

After a bit of casual chatting and a few cups of tea, Ammon already had Adelle giggling and laughing over tales about him and Amir in action in their youth and the occasional blush or mannerisms that had Adelle aware that he was on some sort of level of infatuation. Still, she was delighted to hear things not strictly revolving around the MOTHERLAND or frog experiments. The man had a charm to him that made him feel like a friend she had had forever, yet it had only been approximately an hour after her partner and Amir left for the study. She was then surprised by the presentation of a most marvelously wrapped gift and couldn't help but fade to a slight pink in the face. "...are you serious?" she couldn't help gasping. Even a minor visit like this didn't prompt any gift giving, why was he presenting her with one- and a VERY nice one at that! When she pulled the beautifully adorned scarf from the box she could not help but stroke its every thread. "Its... simply GORGEOUS." Ammon would've received a peck on the cheek if only this wasn't so sudden and magnificent. Still, it was hard not to resist returning the gesture beyond words of admiration.

--

"I'm sorry to say that the taste of tea is just getting bitter now and whatever I have left has gotten cold. Besides, Im sure that Max and Amir have finished up whatever they have been discussing by now.." she said then stood and politely took their cups over to where her practically archaic tea set sat then returned to Ammon. "It was a pleasure meeting you and I would be thrilled to talk over a cup of tea again."

By now their meeting had become a very modest friendship, something very unusual from the mistress of Rheinfels in her thirty something years of life. For even someone who belonged to such an incredibly wealthy and noble family, Ammon exhibited the traits of a traditional yet mature individual. (Or at least Miss X assumed him to be very mature though was blind to his internal struggle over what to think of her.) With a final bidding of adieu, Adelle gently brushed his forearm and then advanced for a hug, figuring some sort of higher form of affection would probably turn the man another color. "Maxy's office is just down the hall , to the right, should be the first room on that wall adjacent to this," she smiled and waved when he was out of her room, unable to help giggling a little to herself at the tone of color in his face after shutting the door, and further cleaning up the tea.

--

By the time Maximilian had returned to her door, Madame X was in a very lighthearted mood. Ammon had been a wonderful guest even with the short time given to meet him. Plus he gave her a most fabulous gift that she was currently sporting around the top of her head and some of her neck. Though it didn't match what she was wearing at the time, she would certainly make something match it within the evening. Her bliss was evident when she pranced over to the door, opening it to Maximilian and cocking her head slightly. "Yes Maxy?" she asked, hardly imaging what else she could possibly be spoiled with this morning.

....What in the world was she wearing though? It certainly wasn't part of her outfit that was picked out for the day, Adelle would never mix colors like that. What was worse is that it shimmered much too 'Singh-like' and Max already knew what Amir had made her. Not to mention she didn't give him the same burst of excitement and anxiety over the idea of receiving something special as she had multiple times before.

Although Adelle could not read Max's mind she could tell something was nipping his ear and not in any affectionate way either. Reaching up for a moment to softly scratch her cheek she waited for him to speak again after such a strange hesitation. Usual Max would be smooth and suave from the moment he opened his mouth. Surely he didn't change his mind all of a sudden. "Max..?" His cough was particularly suspicious but before she could address it any she was held in a gaze then turned.

The quietness was perhaps the most confusing aspect of this moment now, and yet Adelle found it impossible to conjure any words of substance to figure out what Max was doing. Finally making a move..? was her initial thought when his fingers caressed the skin on her neck and then the cool feel of metal came to follow. Whatever was on her neck was heavy... and heavy neck candy was usually something out of this world. "..."

Adelle turned her head ever so slightly in the direction of her mirror and what she saw practically knocked her off balance. "Maxy...." she whispered and stepped forwards ever so slightly. "...you... got this for me?" she asked, though when he spoke she furrowed her brows a bit. It was almost clear to her now why he said that... what was dangling from her neck now was not something that Maximilian could afford to just splurge on for her. It must've come from the Singh family. Finally she turned and looked up to his face with a sympathetic frown.

"Of course I do Max... I.. I love it," she replied, then reached out towards his cheek. "...but I just... this is so... flamboyantly gorgeous.." Her words were coming out at a dreadfully slow rate, however, tender in every way. "Don't... tell me this was part of the trade for an egg," she said now leaning close and actually nuzzling him nose to nose. "I guess I should ask did Amir offer this or was it part of the deal?" Well she knew. "If not, Max, just.. you don't have to give me all the riches in the world for every princeling you sell," by now her lips were close enough to touch and with a smile now she gave him a kiss. "And the Singh family appears to have really nice things but they haven't got a handsome scientist creating handsome frog princes."

Even being a slightly material girl Adelle found that just the gesture in general of Max's was what really made her happy when he would attempt to gift her with extravagant things. It was to the point now where she felt guilty when knowing that he worked a million times harder than her on this project.

Whether or not Adelle was serious she had the intentions of seeing Max smile. When he didn't seem to respond quite the way she expected though she bit her lip and inwardly grunted. Now she had wished she played along and let Max convince her that he got the necklace. This nervous to defeated look he displayed was saddening when it resulted in his slow retreat. "I'll... uhm... let you go then yourself..." she replied figuring it probably best that she didn't go and awkwardly compliment every last thing the Singh family had to compliment on seeing as it would be highly out of character for her not too.

Ammon was so pleasant though, she wanted to get to talk with him again on that same mutual level they were earlier that morning. He was just an interesting person and would talk about things she enjoyed talking about. "Oh..." she then spoke as he began to move his way out. "Goodnight... Max..." she replied and stood near the doorway while he left not even bothering to shut it on him. Afterwards she walked over to the mirror to look at the two gifts adorned on her body and sighed. I may be flashy but that doesn't mean I need flashy gifts to be happy.

After a good long time of reflecting (and perhaps repenting) Adelle had nothing else to do but lay in bed with her desk lamp on and her book laying over the covers. It was impossible to read right now, especially when she caught herself reading the same sentences a million times over. What was really on her mind though was Max's visit tomorrow. She could only imagine how hard it would be for him to clean up his disposition in front of the Singh family, especially towards the one whom which she had spoken with.

Eventually Madame X had crashed with even the light still remaining and no checking up on her princeling who was more than likely still wandering around the lower levels of Rheinfels. He truly was the most fantastic gift she had been given in her entire life yet she could not find the appropriate words to tell him that. 'Hey thanks for the frog prince Max, it was my favorite gift ever.' were nothing like the gratitude she wanted to express for Brodi's existence. Not to mention he provided her with a home that overall could be considered far more grand than her previous penthouse.

Amir denied Ammon's existence for the entire car ride home, the elevator trip down to their floor, and through their entire lunch. It was awkward for both of them, since the two often indulged in witty banter with meals as often as the rich spent money. For Ammon, he wasn't sure whether the silence was due to his ward being nervous over the business deal or his own "business" with Adelle. Ammon was really only following Amir's orders, or so he told himself, and he did please the woman. For Amir, he wasn't sure how long he should make his adoring caretaker sweat it out; he got too close to the woman and he'd pay for it. All the heir wanted was for Ammon to win Adelle over, not bend her over...and Amir's imagination was running wild.

The silence wasn't broken until the ceiling hissed and a panel opened up to reveal two mechanical arms. A hologram appeared on the table below and introduced the next course: dessert. The chef was supremely pleased with his creation, particularly due to the rareness factor when it came to the ingredients. Even in the 21st century, saffron and cardamom pods were pricey and this dessert was reserved for special occasions or the rich. Now, however, the war has destroyed much of the land used to cultivate these and other ingredients and only lab grown specimens are available. Ah, but not for the Singh family who somehow managed to find real, all-natural ingredients. There were limits to their reach, though, but they have not found it just yet.

The chef hologram disappeared and the mechanical arms started lowering the desserts to the table and as if they were checkered flag being raised, once the porcelain plates graced the surface, mouths started moving. Ammon was first as he peered over at Amir with doe-like eyes and a quiet, uncharacteristic voice. "Are you angry with me?" he said as he daintily poked at his saffron shrikand with his pure-platinum dessert fork. It was not at all enjoyable for the proud, parent-like Ammon to be so meek, but he knew that Amir would relish in the defeat so he indulged and waved the white flag. "Look, I don't want you to be upset with me over what Adelle and I did--or did not do--I have no idea what you are thinking. I simply followed orders and got her to like the idea of working with us, that's all. So I'll ask this again, are you angry with me?"

Amir took a while to respond, as if he really had to think about the answer, but eventually his lips parted and his tenor voice slipped through them. "Not really," he said with a nonchalant tone. His eyes never lifted from his dessert, and the room fell into a deafening silence for another long minute before he spoke up again. "You've been cooped up down here almost as long as I have; I can't punish you for doing what any normal man would do." He cleared his throat, pushed his dessert forward, and stood up. "But if you do it again, I will be mad. Now, I'm going to go have some fun with SurREALity, so don't bother me. At all. Just because I'm not angry doesn't mean I'm not upset."

"Angry and upset are the same thing, Amir!" Ammon said as he stood up to follow his young friend. It was too late, though; the door to Amir's room was already sliding shut and the heavy-sounding locks followed. He collapsed back into his chair and thunked his head onto the table. "He's doing this on purpose, that little brat," Ammon muttered out as he took a huge bite of dessert. "Adelle is a beautiful and talented woman, I don't know why he insists that she's not good for me; she's perfect!" Two plates of dessert and one giant stomachache later, Ammon was done moping and he waddled back to his room in hopes that Amir wouldn't take forever to forgive him...and that Adelle would call soon.

(INSERT PRETTY DIVIDER HERE)

Ammon was up early for an impromptu business meeting with Abhay (who didn't seem to care about time zone differences in the slightest) when one of the guards' images appeared up on one of the many screens that adorned the walls of the conference room. The guard reported that an unscheduled vehicle had triggered numerous alarms along the Stronghold driveway and sent the staff, particularly security, in a tizzy of calls and identity checks. However, after scanning the vehicle, they had found the identity of the driver to be none other than Professor Maximilian: the very same individual that two Stronghold residents visited the day before. After Ammon's face dropped and a groan escaped his chest, the curious Singh patriarch wanted a full story on who this stranger was but, luckily for the Egyptian, Abhay had to cut off communications and get ready for another meeting.

The guard was dismissed and Ammon took the elevator up to the ground-level floor to greet his unwelcome guest. Amir was likely sleeping, most definitely ignoring him, and he didn't want to disturb the spoiled heir just yet. No, he needed to talk with this Maximilian person. There were quite a few investigations and requests that needed to be made before Ammon would let this stranger come into Stronghold and talk to Amir or else his adopted father would skin him alive. Security and safety were the two highest priorities for every resident with the exception of Amir, who was the primary object that needed protecting. This wasn't going to be an easy task, but Ammon hoped that the professor wouldn't mind after some compensation.

Ammon waited for the elevator to decompress and open its doors to the tainted outside world. It was loud and not very kind on the ears, but the feature was necessary to protect the environment inside Stronghold from being contaminated. "Professor Maximilian? The real entrance is over here. That's just the service door," Ammon said in a voice as welcoming as he could manage. "If you had told us that you would be visiting, we would have sent someone to pick you up or at least allowed you into the garage so your feet wouldn't get wet. Come on in out of the cold, I assume you are here to discuss business with Amir?" Ammon hung his head out of the elevator and waved for Maximilian to come over, "Please do hurry. We don't want anyone to know about this door."

Ammon looked over Maximilian from head to toe, measuring his wealth and power with just a glance. He obviously could not afford a decent brand of anti-aging serum, if any, and he looked more like a raccoon than a man. It was a wonder why the beautiful Adelle would be living with this deteriorating specimen, but Ammon distinctly remembered that the woman didn't have a ring on her left hand so he assumed this man was a relative. (After all, no good woman would ever live under the same roof as an unrelated man of similar age.) Either way, Maximilian was no competition to the Egyptian and he only served as an object of envy at this point. However, the professor was a business partner to Amir and Ammon had to respect that fact no matter how good it would feel to decline him entrance.

Maximilian's voice dragged Ammon out of the confines of his own mind and he couldn't help but answer. "That is true, and I suppose we did impose on you yesterday since we came unannounced," he said as he reached out and stuck his hand in the identification chamber. It scanned Ammon's bone structure and hand print before flashing a green light. The doors closed and the elevator hissed as the air started filtering. "The atmosphere inside is as pure as the Earth once was before industry, it is very healthy," he said before taking a moment to think over the professor's question. "I apologize, but I do not know what salesbots are. We have a secret entrance to protect the home from those who wish to harm us, as well as the government."

Ammon pressed a button and the elevator started moving down until it reached the conference room. It was the perfect place to conduct business, either via hologram or in person. It wasn't too far into Stronghold and didn't even indicate that there was anything below the expansive room. The chairs came in a variety of styles depending on individual tastes, and all were tucked neatly under the floor, which provided extra cushion between the surface and the lower, more important floors. However, Ammon didn't care to show this off to Maximilian and merely called up two chairs on opposite sides of the table. "Please, have a seat. I would like to get to know you a bit more before Amir comes to meet you," he said with a calm tone. "If you don't mind, I would like to start with what product you are offering that Amir is so interested in."

Ammon relished in the apparent discomfort that Maximilian was feeling. It was nice to see the "intruder" on edge with the surroundings, as if he had never experienced such a technologically advanced security system in his entire life. Which, of course, meant that he wasn't used to riches and was more prone to rags, the latter of which was confirmed with one glance at Maxmilian's cheap outfit. It was obvious that the man tried to dress to impress, but Ammon's eyes were trained to pick up on even the most subtle wear on both the people he met and the clothes they wore. Adelle, as opposed to her companion, wore finer clothes and, according to his research, she had much more money thanks to her fashion and business sense. However, with no last name to help filter the results, Ammon was unable to uncover her past. The roadblock was the same for Maximilian, and it was unsettling.

When Max decided not to sit, Ammon shrugged, sat down on the plush chair, and crossed one leg over the other. "Suit yourself, although I am in charge of Amir's safety and you, my friend, don't have a record that I can easily access," Ammon said as he laced his fingers together and set his hands in his lap. "I will be honest in the fact that I'm not interested in the product, but if it has something to do with Amir, I will be coming into contact with it. Simple logic, really." He shrugged and leaned back into his chair, looking up and Maximilian. "Well if you're so quick to get rid of me, I'll oblige, but please do contact me again. I would like to discuss some things regarding Adelle if at all possible. I'll get Amir," Ammon said calmly as he commanded the computer to notify Amir of Maximilian's arrival.

During the security scare caused by Maximilian's arrival, Amir was locked away in his room until the driver and car were deemed safe. He had a good idea of who it was and the image he brought up on the wall's monitor confirmed his theory. In a matter of minutes, the heir was dressed in fine clothes and his hair was pulled out of his face with an expensive and gaudy hairpiece. After a once-over in front of a mirror, he was out the door and up the elevator without receiving Ammon's call. Amir was very eager to see Maximilian, especially since this visit was likely due to contract negotiations, and he nearly ran into the conference room when the elevator reached its destination. "Maximilian? You should have called, we would have prepared a brunch in here," the young man said with a brilliantly white smile. "Please have a seat, Ammon will go get us some food."

"I will? Oh, right, I will," Ammon said with a defeated sigh that contained a hint of humiliation. Despite being the heir to Vari's father's business, Amir was still in charge of Stronghold and unless it directly affected the safety and security of either Amir or Stronghold. Unfortunately, despite Ammon's biased opinion, Maximilian passed the weapons scanner inside the elevator and was deemed safe. With a sigh, the Egyptian spared one more glance to Maximilian before speaking again with a cold tone. "I'll bring some dates to tide you over until the two of you decide on your order. Call me if you need me, I suppose." Ammon turned, nearly punched the button that lifted the door, and stomped out.

"Hm, I think he still might be upset because I ignored him yesterday," Amir nearly sang without worry. He turned to Maximilian with glee and urged him to sit down, "This might take a while and I don't want your legs to get tired. You're a scientist, after all, you're probably on your feet all day working hard. Please relax while you are here, professor, it does the body good." He sat down in his own char and looked at the other man with wide eyes. "I am really looking forward to working with you, Maximilian. How was the contract I gave you yesterday?" he questioned, almost sounding too eager for his own good. Many would consider Amir's actions to be desperate, but the young heir was just excited about his very first business deal.

Amir rather enjoyed the jealous looks that Maximilian was sending toward Ammon. He could only assume that the two were talking about Adelle before he came into the room since even the normally business savvy Ammon was attempting to have a brain aneurysm. It amused Amir and he wanted to see an instant reply, but unfortunately the conference room did not have any recording equipment. He leaned toward Max as the other man started talking and attempted not to make a fool of himself by letting the other see how excited he was. It was Amir's first trip to the conference room for actual business, and hopefully it would end with his first contract.

"No, meeting with you is not a waste at all!" Amir said with a small laugh. "My father is still alive and handles all of the business, I'm just an heir in training." He looked down with a very soft sigh before waving it off and straightening up. "Ammon is the only one who is busy with business, I just have projects assigned to me by my tutors. Technically, I'm not supposed to be making business deals on my own yet, but what they don't know about won't kill them." Amir grinned as he took the contract and looked it over carefully, "So you changed the amount of visits to one a month and raised the cost per visit?"

Amir wasn't exactly sure what to do next since he wanted to visit Rheinfels more often since it was incredibly mundane to stay at Stronghold day in and day out, but he really wanted in on this deal. "Well the increased cost isn't a problem, but one visit per month," he trailed off and grew quiet as he stared at the sheet of plastic and tapped the pen on the table. Amir thought of a few different scenarios, but nothing worked in his favor until he heard a knock on the door and saw Ammon's face pop up on the screen. He grinned, "You or an acceptable proxy come visit me and I'll add this to the contract."

The sneaky little prince scrawled out something that Max would find most enjoyable: "Ammon will not attend the visits and will be kept from seeing Adelle." It would be hard for Amir to enforce the latter, since Adelle wasn't someone he could control, but he figured that if both Max and himself worked together, Ammon and Adelle would not see each other. "I don't like the relationship, either. So do we have a deal, Professor Maximilian?"