KrimzonStriker
Master of the Dawn
- Joined
- Oct 3, 2005
- Messages
- 1,933
The skies were bright over the palace gardens. A virtual forest of exotic fauna and overwhelming beauty had been gathered here over the years, for those of the Royal Family to enjoy and to escape to from the overwhelming burdens that came from ruling.
For him, it was simply a place of serenity, filled with nostalgia that added to his peace as he quietly drank his tea. The harmony he had felt wit this place had not changed over the many years of his life, nor did he believe, that the magic it invoked would ever truly wane. Rustling from the grass told him that perhaps the garden was just getting started.
He turned around, smiling as he saw the little figure of his grandson staring back at him looking a bit more then annoyed. After giving a nod his grandson took the chair beside him, and then placed his head on the table in frustration.
Chuckling he patted the small boys head and decided to voice the question the boy was silently pleading for.
What is it this time Xao-lan?
The boy immediately picked up his head and launched into a frantic description of his predicament.
Grandpa Kilik, Nobleman Asos daughter Tasi is always following me around!! She doesnt leave me alone, I cant go anywhere without her popping in to say hi!! The only reason I can even come here is because I made Pu-lan dress up like me!!!
Surveying his clothes for the first time, Kilik finally noticed that his grandson wasnt wearing the usual Royal attire. Instead he was decked out in plan brown cotton pants, a standard blue coat, and gray-vest along with a black linen melon cap to top it off.
Chuckling silently he placed his hand on top of his grandson and started to pat his head.
She probably just likes you Xao-lan
His reaction was immediate and intense.
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!
Still patting his now thoroughly disgusted grandson on the head, Kilik decided to play out the roll of the elderly and paternal grandfather.
You know Xao-lan, I remember a time when I was like you. It must be, what? Sixty years I believe. I was barely 4 years old when they introduced me to my destiny
60 years ago
Kilik, would you come here for a moment?
A young Kilik looked up from the scroll he had been deciphering, along with his puzzled tutor. The young masters studies had always been the forefront of his routine. No one was allowed to interrupt him at this time.
Of course, no one else was the current ruler of the thrown to Tian either.
So the tutor did as he was silently told by the stare in the current Khans eyes, bowing quickly and leaving the room for the two to use privately.
Yes Uncle? he asked cheerfully as the Khan took the seat formerly held by the dismissed tutor.
Kilik, I have special guest coming to the capital soon. Id like to introduce you to some of them when they arrived. Do you think that would be alright?
Kilik looked at him pensively, and then cautiously nodded his head. It was a bit strange, even as a part of the royal family Kilik was not as important as his cousins were, so it was somewhat unusual to include him in front of a delegation of all people.
Three days passed after that meeting, and the whole capital was alive with festivities to bring in the New Year. At the same time a delegation from Ryakhi had also graced the streets of Aral Tiyu, embraced warmly by the people as they indulged in merriment and celebration. It was sometime before they eventually made it to the palace. Kilik was by the Khans side when they did.
The usual banter of cordial greeting was exchanged. Delegate after delegate came to bask in the Khans glory, and there seemed to be no end to them. After the 16th member of the delegation Kilik began to wonder why his uncle had wanted him there in the first place.
Then all of a sudden, a large, slightly chubby figure stepped out of the carriage, closely followed by a much smaller one. It took a moment for Kilik to recognize it was a little girl. She clung shyly behind the taller man, but followed him obediently towards them.
Khan, it is good to see you again! boomed the big man as he enveloped Kiliks uncle in a hug.
The Khan simply smiled politely and let the big man currently crushing his bones continue until finally being put back onto the ground.
Im glad that your spirit and goodwill have not changed Kithal, the Khan replied, then bent his head down to peer back at the little figure shyly looking back up to him. And I assume this is your lovely daughter Raiya, am I correct?
The little girl nodded shyly to answer in the affirmative.
He simply beamed back at her, then took an arm around her fathers shoulder and led him toward a private chamber, followed closely by the two munchkins, who kept a sharp distance from each other.
Three hours after a rather sumptuous meal, they were all kneeling down on their cushions enjoying tea, the Khan and Kilik on one side, Kithal and Raiya on the other.
While the Khan and Kithal were having an animated discussion of recent developments with the rest of the world, Kilik was focused in his own world as he studied Raiya, who was desperately looking anywhere except at him. He could tell she was nervous, but that didnt make him stop staring. Too confused about what exactly was going on he focused on his counterpart who he believed was somehow involved in whatever his uncle was dragging him into.
His examinations proved unnecessary though, because his uncle had decided then to finally shed some light on what was going on.
Kilik, relations between ourselves and the kingdom of Ryakhi have been exceptional these last few years, and after careful negotiation, Kithal and myself have come to an agreement as how to seal this partnership permanently.
The uneasy feeling Kilik had been having the whole night came back in force. Raiya simply stared at the floor, trying to avoid meeting anyones eyes.
As my nephew, and as Kithals daughter, we have decided the two of you will be married, in order to act as a living symbol of our two countries union, and to integrate both Royal Families noble bloodlines together.
He should have been expecting it, it was only natural really, and it was how most agreements were settled these days. Still, he couldnt help but feel as though he had been caught completely off guard. Yet the prospect of marrying someone he didnt know, might have contributed to his surprise.
Eventually, Kiliks uncle and Raiyas father gave the two some privacy out in the Royal Gardens while they discussed important matters abroad and finalized the agreement.
They stood across each other along a grassy clearing in the arboretum, casting shy and hesitant glances toward one another. A strong wind blew then, gracefully lifting Raiyas shoulder-length hair, catching Kiliks attention and making him notice for the first time how cute she looked. He quickly shook his head of that intruding thought. Noticing how quiet and reserved they had been with each other, he felt that he should make an effort to get to know her.
Uh, so uhmm Raiya was it? She nodded her head in acknowledgement. Yeah uhmmm want to play a game?
She looked a bit shocked at his suggestion, and he was half-expecting her to refuse. But she decided to surprise him as well, nodding a little hesitantly. He beamed when she did.
Great, hey cmon I know this really cool place just up ahead, he said eagerly, grabbing her arm and pulling her along. They prowled through the thick fauna for sometime, until they reached a small, man-made river inside the compound. Still excited at being able to show off his secret spot, Kilik continued to pull Raiya along until they came upon a huge tree just on the river bank, overlooking everything. Raiya seemed a bit intimidated at first, but with a little encouragement, Kilik got her to follow him up. Making sure to be especially careful they made their way up to the very top. When they finally reached his spot, he grabbed her hand, while brushing away some of the branches in front of them with the other one, and guided her along to through to what was possibly one of the most beautiful images she had ever seen.
Before their eyes lay the virtual forest that made up the entire garden, Exotic plants, and a coordinated pattern of trees and fauna, brought together into a vast arrangement of color and nature, bathed under the bright starlight from the night sky. Taking in the gorgeous view they had, Kilik barely noticed that Raiya was clinging onto his robe, her small frame leaning into his as they continued to watch.
And then what happened grandpa? asked an awed Xao-lan.
Kilik simply smiled at his now eagerly attentive grandson. I think it best we leave that for another time. You seem to have company, my boy, he said, nodding behind Xao-lans puzzled form. At once, a horrified revelation registered on the boys face as he slowly turned to see the bane of his existence, impatiently tapping her foot.
There you are Xao-lan, Ive been looking all over for you! Your idiot servant led me all over the palace before I finally caught and beat the snot out of him, cried Tasi as she made to grab Xao-lan in a hug.
Xao-lan yelped, slipping out of her reach and ducking under the table, then coming out the other side and running for his life into the garden interior, closely followed by a gleeful Tasi who thought they were playing tag.
Kilik simply chuckled to himself as he watched them leave, musing a little more about the past, then finally went back to drinking his tea.
For him, it was simply a place of serenity, filled with nostalgia that added to his peace as he quietly drank his tea. The harmony he had felt wit this place had not changed over the many years of his life, nor did he believe, that the magic it invoked would ever truly wane. Rustling from the grass told him that perhaps the garden was just getting started.
He turned around, smiling as he saw the little figure of his grandson staring back at him looking a bit more then annoyed. After giving a nod his grandson took the chair beside him, and then placed his head on the table in frustration.
Chuckling he patted the small boys head and decided to voice the question the boy was silently pleading for.
What is it this time Xao-lan?
The boy immediately picked up his head and launched into a frantic description of his predicament.
Grandpa Kilik, Nobleman Asos daughter Tasi is always following me around!! She doesnt leave me alone, I cant go anywhere without her popping in to say hi!! The only reason I can even come here is because I made Pu-lan dress up like me!!!
Surveying his clothes for the first time, Kilik finally noticed that his grandson wasnt wearing the usual Royal attire. Instead he was decked out in plan brown cotton pants, a standard blue coat, and gray-vest along with a black linen melon cap to top it off.
Chuckling silently he placed his hand on top of his grandson and started to pat his head.
She probably just likes you Xao-lan
His reaction was immediate and intense.
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!
Still patting his now thoroughly disgusted grandson on the head, Kilik decided to play out the roll of the elderly and paternal grandfather.
You know Xao-lan, I remember a time when I was like you. It must be, what? Sixty years I believe. I was barely 4 years old when they introduced me to my destiny
60 years ago
Kilik, would you come here for a moment?
A young Kilik looked up from the scroll he had been deciphering, along with his puzzled tutor. The young masters studies had always been the forefront of his routine. No one was allowed to interrupt him at this time.
Of course, no one else was the current ruler of the thrown to Tian either.
So the tutor did as he was silently told by the stare in the current Khans eyes, bowing quickly and leaving the room for the two to use privately.
Yes Uncle? he asked cheerfully as the Khan took the seat formerly held by the dismissed tutor.
Kilik, I have special guest coming to the capital soon. Id like to introduce you to some of them when they arrived. Do you think that would be alright?
Kilik looked at him pensively, and then cautiously nodded his head. It was a bit strange, even as a part of the royal family Kilik was not as important as his cousins were, so it was somewhat unusual to include him in front of a delegation of all people.
Three days passed after that meeting, and the whole capital was alive with festivities to bring in the New Year. At the same time a delegation from Ryakhi had also graced the streets of Aral Tiyu, embraced warmly by the people as they indulged in merriment and celebration. It was sometime before they eventually made it to the palace. Kilik was by the Khans side when they did.
The usual banter of cordial greeting was exchanged. Delegate after delegate came to bask in the Khans glory, and there seemed to be no end to them. After the 16th member of the delegation Kilik began to wonder why his uncle had wanted him there in the first place.
Then all of a sudden, a large, slightly chubby figure stepped out of the carriage, closely followed by a much smaller one. It took a moment for Kilik to recognize it was a little girl. She clung shyly behind the taller man, but followed him obediently towards them.
Khan, it is good to see you again! boomed the big man as he enveloped Kiliks uncle in a hug.
The Khan simply smiled politely and let the big man currently crushing his bones continue until finally being put back onto the ground.
Im glad that your spirit and goodwill have not changed Kithal, the Khan replied, then bent his head down to peer back at the little figure shyly looking back up to him. And I assume this is your lovely daughter Raiya, am I correct?
The little girl nodded shyly to answer in the affirmative.
He simply beamed back at her, then took an arm around her fathers shoulder and led him toward a private chamber, followed closely by the two munchkins, who kept a sharp distance from each other.
Three hours after a rather sumptuous meal, they were all kneeling down on their cushions enjoying tea, the Khan and Kilik on one side, Kithal and Raiya on the other.
While the Khan and Kithal were having an animated discussion of recent developments with the rest of the world, Kilik was focused in his own world as he studied Raiya, who was desperately looking anywhere except at him. He could tell she was nervous, but that didnt make him stop staring. Too confused about what exactly was going on he focused on his counterpart who he believed was somehow involved in whatever his uncle was dragging him into.
His examinations proved unnecessary though, because his uncle had decided then to finally shed some light on what was going on.
Kilik, relations between ourselves and the kingdom of Ryakhi have been exceptional these last few years, and after careful negotiation, Kithal and myself have come to an agreement as how to seal this partnership permanently.
The uneasy feeling Kilik had been having the whole night came back in force. Raiya simply stared at the floor, trying to avoid meeting anyones eyes.
As my nephew, and as Kithals daughter, we have decided the two of you will be married, in order to act as a living symbol of our two countries union, and to integrate both Royal Families noble bloodlines together.
He should have been expecting it, it was only natural really, and it was how most agreements were settled these days. Still, he couldnt help but feel as though he had been caught completely off guard. Yet the prospect of marrying someone he didnt know, might have contributed to his surprise.
Eventually, Kiliks uncle and Raiyas father gave the two some privacy out in the Royal Gardens while they discussed important matters abroad and finalized the agreement.
They stood across each other along a grassy clearing in the arboretum, casting shy and hesitant glances toward one another. A strong wind blew then, gracefully lifting Raiyas shoulder-length hair, catching Kiliks attention and making him notice for the first time how cute she looked. He quickly shook his head of that intruding thought. Noticing how quiet and reserved they had been with each other, he felt that he should make an effort to get to know her.
Uh, so uhmm Raiya was it? She nodded her head in acknowledgement. Yeah uhmmm want to play a game?
She looked a bit shocked at his suggestion, and he was half-expecting her to refuse. But she decided to surprise him as well, nodding a little hesitantly. He beamed when she did.
Great, hey cmon I know this really cool place just up ahead, he said eagerly, grabbing her arm and pulling her along. They prowled through the thick fauna for sometime, until they reached a small, man-made river inside the compound. Still excited at being able to show off his secret spot, Kilik continued to pull Raiya along until they came upon a huge tree just on the river bank, overlooking everything. Raiya seemed a bit intimidated at first, but with a little encouragement, Kilik got her to follow him up. Making sure to be especially careful they made their way up to the very top. When they finally reached his spot, he grabbed her hand, while brushing away some of the branches in front of them with the other one, and guided her along to through to what was possibly one of the most beautiful images she had ever seen.
Before their eyes lay the virtual forest that made up the entire garden, Exotic plants, and a coordinated pattern of trees and fauna, brought together into a vast arrangement of color and nature, bathed under the bright starlight from the night sky. Taking in the gorgeous view they had, Kilik barely noticed that Raiya was clinging onto his robe, her small frame leaning into his as they continued to watch.
And then what happened grandpa? asked an awed Xao-lan.
Kilik simply smiled at his now eagerly attentive grandson. I think it best we leave that for another time. You seem to have company, my boy, he said, nodding behind Xao-lans puzzled form. At once, a horrified revelation registered on the boys face as he slowly turned to see the bane of his existence, impatiently tapping her foot.
There you are Xao-lan, Ive been looking all over for you! Your idiot servant led me all over the palace before I finally caught and beat the snot out of him, cried Tasi as she made to grab Xao-lan in a hug.
Xao-lan yelped, slipping out of her reach and ducking under the table, then coming out the other side and running for his life into the garden interior, closely followed by a gleeful Tasi who thought they were playing tag.
Kilik simply chuckled to himself as he watched them leave, musing a little more about the past, then finally went back to drinking his tea.
OCC: Man this story took me awhile. As you can guess, thisll probably be a two-part piece. So stay tuned for more. And daft, when is the update?
Or he wouldn't worry at all if you know what I mean 
