Coriander thought that owning a full drawer of gloves would be enough. It wasn't such a popular element of clothing that it had to be changed too frequently, unlike all the major parts. He thought that in this aspect, he had enough variety to pick and choose for any necessary purpose. But he just couldn't find an appropriate pair, or to be more precise, a pair made out of appropriate fabric or leather. The green dragonskin gloves should be thick and insular enough, but the texture was so rough that writing with them on would cause the text to smudge.
Perhaps he should take the risk anyway. Smudged text might be inelegant, but it might be enough of a hint for the Baron to suspect that something was going on. It was bad form to aim for a complete victory, without letting one's target make a counterplay. He picked the dragonskin pair out of the drawer, but inspiration struck before he managed to put it on. There was really no reason to wear gloves in the first place! After all, if he got poisoned, perhaps the Baron would hear of it and connect the dots - maybe come to a wrong conclusion that Coriander himself fell victim to a similar plot, perhaps even seek him out! Falling victim to the Malice venom would be worth it!
Coriander closed the drawer and picked Malice out of his poison cupboard. He was about to begin writing when a servant knocked on the door. How unfortunate!
"My lord, someone came to see you" the voice reported.
Well, he couldn't help it. He could always finish writing the letter later. He put Malice back in the cupboard, shuffling the bottles a little. He kept his poison carefully mislabeled, just so that anyone messing with it would meet an unpleasant surprise, but it wouldn't help against those knowledgeable enough to recognize that. So, just in case, he changed the positioning every once in a while. It couldn't hurt, after all.
Coriander made his way downstairs, heading to the drawing room to receive the guest.
The Coriander estate was essentially what she'd expected-- though of course little surprised the ambassador's daughter.
Kana waiting in the sitting room where she'd been directed, dressed in one of her mother's old kimonos: something "exotic" and "vintage" enough to be all the rage in fashion here on the mainland. Silly, but it certainly made an impression, which was honestly all she was aiming for at the moment.
Purple and gold silk spilled off her shoulders and her hair was down in a loose plait that swept elegantly over one shoulder, her head tilted to the side slightly as she looked around the room. Pleasant, well lit, a soft fire sputtering in the hearth. Perfectly charming.
Hm.
It was a pleasant surprise to see Kana Moonglade. Coriander half-expected Marquesse Aensland to show up - but then again, if it was the Marquesse, she would probably smash her way inside, rather than patiently wait in the drawing room.
He bowed before approaching - as a host, he would have to perfectly adhere to the rules of etiquette. Proper hospitality was a part of the game, and he enjoyed playing far too much to just ignore the rules. "Be welcome, Lady Kana Moonglade, in my house." He was already skirting the rules a bit, considering that he was neither the lord of the house, nor the heir, but that could be forgiven.
"May I offer you some refreshments?" he began. In this one aspect, the merchant roots of his family held an advantage over the traditional nobility - all those connections and suppliers to draw from. Perhaps he should send a servant to the cellars to see if they had any Thanati wine to match her garments...
"Hello, Master Coriander." She smiled and rose to dip into a half curtsy when he greeted her. "Some water would be lovely, thank you," she added in response to his offer, smile softening slightly.
She took her seat again and tilted her head at him. "And how does the day find you?"
"Hopefully, it doesn't. I'm in hiding at the moment" he quipped. "I've been trying to fool Countess Sarossa into thinking that I'm a vampire. If I'm seen during the daylight, it might raise her suspicions. Although, I've grown tired of this act, so I may drop it at a slightest temptation."
A servant knocked on the door. "Some water for the lady, please" Coriander commanded.
Kana laughed chimingly and tilted her head. "Ohhh, should I be playing along then?" she teased lightly. Pressing a hand to her chest, she widened her eyes and made her voice go a little breathy. "Am I to be a victim of vampiric nature, Master Corriander?"
"Only if you're anaemic" he warned her, stroking his chin in pretend thought. "I have to watch my iron intake. I'm still a Serenian, and I fear being a vampire did little to help with it. I was considering finding some animals whose blood doesn't contain iron, but this isn't just as stylish as drinking from humans, I fear."
She chuckled again and shook her head. "Then unfortunately I believe you shall have to find a snack elsewhere. My apologies." She dipped her head to him with a playful little grin, eyes sparkling.
"Oh no!" Coriander groaned in mock horror. "What am I supposed to do! The way it's going, I won't even have time to worry about vampire hunters at this rate, when feeding itself is such a problem!"
A servant knocked on the door. Probably they brought water. "Enter" Coriander called. A woman wearing the livery in his family's colours came in, bearing a crystal pitcher and two chalices. She placed it on the table and poured some for Kana, before turning to face him.
"Would you require anything as well, my lord?" she asked.
"Do you happen to be anemic?"
"No, my lord."
"Then I require nothing" he responded. It was for the best - he didn't actually want to drink the blood of a commoner. She left.
"Well then, how can this poor starving vampire help you?" he asked.
Kana smiled as she watched his antics, then rolled her eyes theatrically when he turned his attention back to her.
"Well, now that I know you're a vampire, I wonder if you really could help me with my...idea." Her eyes glinted, half playful, half scheming.
Ah, there it was. The promise returning. Coriander leaned forward, a spark of expectation matching the one in her eyes. "Then, how can this humble vampire help you? Do you need some blood sucked? Some feeble mortal minds controlled? Someone's deepest desires read like an open book? " He could continue as long as he had sources, but it would be rude not to let his guest speak.
"Oh no, nothing so complicated, I assure you." Kana tilted her head the other way, debating for a moment, then decided bluntness might be her best option. "As it happens, Master Coriander, I am in need of something quite simple. A husband."
Coriander's eyes widened slightly in surprise before he collected himself. That was neither what he was prepared to hear nor anything he was ever asked about. He was not a matchmaker, after all. Those nobles who respected tradition usually either made their choice alone, or requested the aid of a professional. They would scorn his opinion and dislike him as a troublemaker. And those less traditional usually had a will strong enough to make their own decisions.
But Kana Moonglade still asked, and he already promised to provide. He couldn't even say that he was unwilling - it was something new that could be interesting. Matching people together was a skill he could always improve, and he was pleased to have such a surprising chance to do so. "A husband? Well then, I shall endeavour to find someone worthy, although I can only limit my search to Serendipity." It probably didn't have to be said - she was clever, she probably didn't expect him to share her contacts in Thanatos.
"Hm, can I recommend anyone? Not my brother, that's for sure - he may be the hope of my house and future Lord Coriander, but he's at the moment going through a phase of judging people's worth by their ability to do calculus. Perhaps Baron-"
Oh goodness.
Almost despite herself Kana chuckled as she stood and moved toward him, reaching up to place two fingers over his mouth. "Elethain, I'm not asking you to act as my matchmaker," she murmured, smiling crookedly. "I'm asking if you'd be adverse to the idea of marrying me."
First broaching the marriage subject, now a proposal! Kana Moonglade found yet another way to surprise him, and Coriander couldn't wait to hear what unexpected thing she would say again. How further could it go? Was she looking for a new addition to newly legalized harems that somehow slipped his attention? Was she trying to trick him into something? Was there a secret clause?
Either way, he was in. He always liked direct women, those who knew what they wanted and took it, never letting anyone get in their way. As much as he loved intrigue and the clash of minds and cunning that it involved, there was a certain refreshing strength that her offer carried. "I think no man would be adverse to marrying you, Kana." Except for those who had no interest in women, but he didn't count himself among those.
"But I would be insulting both of us if I just took the offer without thinking about it and asking some questions" he continued. "If you do not mind answering them, that is."
"Oh, of course." She smiled and settled back onto the chaise, hands folded in her lap. "Please, ask away. Be assured I will answer as completely as I can."
So many questions! And hopefully Kana Moonglade would have answers for them, although if she didn't, Coriander could always search for them himself, rather than expect everything to be handed to him without any effort on his part. He steepled his fingers, leaned back, and asked what he really should ask. "I'm sure you could find at least seven men like me during the party. Why exactly do you think I'm the best choice for marriage?"
He wasn't just fishing for compliments - although it was always nice to hear pleasant things from a lady. Kana Moonglade didn't strike him as the kind of a woman to propose to anyone she just met. As an ambassador's daughter, she would have many prospects more promising than a non-heir of a minor family. And depending on her answer, he would know what kind of a marriage she was looking for.
Ah, of course. The obvious question. It only made sense.
Smiling again, Kana nodded. "Of course, it's understandable you're curious. Well, to be perfectly honest— it was a bit of a hunch, at first." Her smile turned playfully wicked and she added, "But you aren't the only one with contacts in this city, Master Coriander. And I've heard quite a bit about your...dalliances, in the last day."
So he was recommended by his contacts? That was quite heartwarming. He choked back a smirk - there was time for vulgarity, and it was not now. "Well, I would be surprised to hear that some of them recommended me for marriage." Then again, he had more than enough acquaintances that liked to tell tall tales, so maybe he should not be. "While I would be glad to be of assistance to you in the matter of dalliances, I wouldn't say a marriage is necessary for one."
"Ah-- oh no no, you misunderstand. Though I suppose that's my fault, I'm not being entirely clear." She smiled and shifted slightly on the chaise, patting the freed space beside her. "Won't you sit with me? It'll get rather awkward if you stand there the whole time."
She paused, thinking how best to phrase what she was thinking. "While I am certainly not adverse to a...dalliance between us-- in fact judging by our encounter last night I believe it would be quite fun-- that is not why I sought you out for this." She lifted her eyes to meet his, smiling softly. "I think we are very much of a kind, Elethain, you and I. Free spirits, as it were. And a partnership between such spirits would be...mutually beneficial. If you see what I'm trying to say?"
Coriander accepted her invitation with a bit of unexpressed relief - his legs were getting tired. He could never be called athletic - the only physical pursuits he excelled at were dancing and bedroom affairs. He sat by her and listened attentively to her words. He had a feeling they were getting to a heart of the matter - a pleasant progress, even though he enjoyed dancing around the issue. So she was a free spirit, searching for someone who would not attempt to restrain her. Well, in this aspect, he believed she chose wisely - he would never deny a potential wife freedom to choose her own pleasures - and he probably wouldn't be able to anyway.
Of course, it would be foolish not to question why would she seek a husband rather than live a free life without the constraints of marriage. Fortunately, it would be easy to come up with an answer. While the Coriander family has long since given up on their first child, it didn't look like Ambassador Moonglade held similar attitude towards his daughter. He probably expected Kana to marry, which put her in this situation to begin with, forcing her to embark on a search for someone who would not get in her way. He had to admit, such a direct approach was really attractive.
"If that is the case, then I have to admit that my contacts have indeed chosen well" he conceded. "Although I wonder if your father and mother would be just as pleased with this arrangement. Barring extraordinary circumstances, I will not be inheriting the leadership of my family, which doesn't make me a politically valuable match. Or do we have more in common than I previously thought? Are your parents more concerned with finding you a husband than finding you an useful husband?"
"Ah." Kana smiled brightly and leaned toward him conspiratorially. "But the definition of useful can depend very much on the person involved." She winked at him. "It is very likely I will take over my father's position once he retires. That considered, it would be most beneficial for me to marry a second son-- someone unlikely to be dealing with running an estate, and would be free to travel with me, should we desire."
She tilted her head to the side slightly. "Not to mention there is the Thanati aspect of such a partnership to be considered. I need someone flexible, Master Coriander. Someone able and willing to adjust between two vastly different cultures." Her eyes locked on his, almost challenging. "Was I incorrect in thinking you might be such a person?"
The more he heard, the more appealing this offer was. Such a marriage would be the best marriage he could think of - not only he wouldn't have to worry about the wife, but also would be free to live his life the way he wanted. And he wouldn't be marrying some boring bureaucrat or simpering simpleton, but someone he actually had fond feelings and respect for, in what short time he had to interact with her.
And the prospect of traveling to Thanatos was very appealing as well. It would be a new environment for him to explore, full of people to play with - and if he messed up and had to lay low for a while, going to a new country could help. He would be a fool not to take this offer.
"You have convinced me" he admitted. There was no use lying - she was probably capable enough to read the truth from his body language anyway. "But I fear I am just the first person concerned. My parents would have to be informed - unless you'd rather shock the society by marrying without their consent." That would be interesting, although the impact of the scandal would be lessened by the lack of protest on the part of the Baron and his wife. They would probably be pleasantly surprised to hear that not only they got rid of their elder son, but also acquired valuable ties to Thanatos.
"Oh, of course!" Kana beamed delightedly and clapped her hands. "I was thinking something of a whirlwind romance-- we should court for a few weeks before we announce the engagement, but I don't think we'll need to take too long."
Her smile turned playfully wicked and she reached out to grasp his hand gently. "I just wanted to be straightforward with my intentions. This doesn't have to happen immediately."
Coriander grinned back. This was about to turn out quite interesting. In a few weeks' time, he might end up married - or the laughingstock of the entire Arca, if it was an elaborate scam. He was willing to take that risk - he's done more stupid thoughts in his lifetime. "I suppose I should use all of my charm! Good thing I have some disposable money to spend on gifts and flowers. Do you have any preference? Perhaps flowers endemic to Serendipity that you can't see in Thanatos? Or should I put in some effort and find out myself?"
Kana's smile brightened and she chuckled lightly. "I'm partial to lilies-- all kinds, but particularly calla lilies."
She withdrew her hand and got to her feet, smoothing out the silk of her robes. "But gifts aren't entirely necessary, I assure you. Perhaps we should simply start with a brief stepping out?" She tilted her head. "Arca has many lovely parks. Would you care to take a walk?"
Ah yes, calla lilies. His fondest memory connected to the flowers was receiving a bouquet from a clever shapeshifter whom at the time he believed to be Baroness Yvelines. They were enchanted, as it turned out, and made him fall asleep - something the shapeshifter quickly used to rifle through his pockets. What an entertaining experience, and it looked like he might soon produce another to rival it.
He responded to the invitation with a smile. "I would be privileged to accompany you on a walk, although we'd need an attendant to carry an umbrella - while a pile of smouldering, formerly vampire embers should be able to carry on the role of not interfering the dalliances, the same wouldn't apply to other spousal functions."
She chuckled again and stepped toward him. "Oh, do we really need the attendant?" She mock pouted a bit and placed one hand gently on his arm, leaning into him. "I was so hoping to sneak off for a snog somewhere nice and secluded."
The ambassador's daughter sighed dramatically and pouted. "Well, I suppose there's time enough for that later. Don't suppose it's worth the risk of sunlight incineration."
Coriander chuckled in assent. "I suppose there's one way to start a whirlwind romance - scandalize the public by taking a walk without a chaperone! I find myself partial to your idea." He could just make an excuse, something about an elixir that made him temporary immune to sunlight. Or just drop the whole facade - this whole plan he was getting into sounded more interesting anyway.
He offered her his arm. As attracted as he was to tall women, he had to admit that sometimes it was refreshing to go on a walk with someone he didn't have to pay extra attention to in order to correct his gestures. "If my dark magic fails me and I end up incinerated, feel free to take some of my ashes to later use in dastardly plans, such as slipping some into the wine of someone you do not like."
"I shudder to think." She shivered dramatically to back up her claim, tilting her head impishly. "What would vampire ashes even do to a person, do you suppose?"
She took his arm as she asked, settling her hand comfortably in the crook of his elbow.
"That's a good question - and one I suppose you might soon find an answer to" he amiably commented. "Should you find the result interesting, please give my best regards to whatever scholar you deem worthy of knowing. I will enjoy my afterlife with the satisfaction of knowing that I advanced the grand cause of research."
Chatting cordially with Kana Moonglade, Coriander headed through the hallways of the manor to the exit. "Do you have any preference about which park to visit?" he asked. He would be a fool to think that just because she spent half her life in Thanatos, she knew less about him - it was best to play to her choices.
"To be honest, I am quite partial to the evening gardens off Arcadia Street. Do you know them?" Kana looked up at him again, a part of her still calculating, getting the real measure of him. "They're entirely encased in glass and enchanted so that it is always cycling from dusk to dawn within. The night-blooming plants are lovely."
He's been to the Arcadia Gardens twice before - once, he was sneaking inside in order to intercept a letter, the other time he went to court a knight who scheduled a duel there. She won, of course, and he tried inviting her out for a walk in the gardens. While she rejected him, he had all the beauty of the nature there to comfort him.
"It's a beautiful place" he admitted. Perhaps he should visit it more frequently, but there was a lot of interesting locales in Arca, and he shouldn't discriminate.
"Shall we then?" She smiled, linking her arm through his. "It's not a far walk, we could even go on foot if you like."
He would not like to go on foot. One of the advantages of being a noble and wealthy was having access to a carriage that protected him from the outside and the mob. But Kana probably wouldn't have suggested it if she wasn't at least a little partial to the idea, so he was willing to go.
"Well then, it looked like my attempt to delay until the sun has set; failed" he sighed dramatically, reaching with his free arm to his forehead. "So I am forced to resort to this spell in order to survive!"
As they almost reached the gates, he muttered some stupid-sounding words that hopefully could pass for a spell, before motioning for the servants to open it. He decided against hissing on the sun - he knew the line between being entertaining and being obnoxious was very fine, and could easily be blurred.
Kana chuckled politely as they stepped out into the sun, tightening her grip on Corriander's arm slightly.
"Here." The parasol she'd left by the door was still in its place, and she quickly scooped it up, opening it so the scarlet and plum silks blocked the sunlight from falling directly in their faces. Thanati characters marched around the edge of the fabric, though the style was more Serenian than anything else-- another nod to her mixed heritage.
She smiled. "Not a spell perhaps, but the best I can do under the circumstances."
As the parasol blossomed upwards above their heads, Coriander's gaze was drawn to it. He couldn't read Thanati characters - something he should probably start working to remedy - but he knew enough to recognize them. The amalgamation with clearly Serenian design was quite fascinating. Perhaps he should start following the trends she's set. He could make it a part of their plan, claim that he was drawn to Kana Moonglade because of her unique style...
But he could expound on this later, right now his priority should not be the parasol, but the lovely lady holding it. "Thank you" he smiled. "I'm glad to see that I am more of use to you in flesh than in ash."
He indicated the turn they would have to take. Kana Moonglade probably knew Arca just as well as he did, but he wanted to make sure that they weren't taking any weird shortcuts.
Kana knew the turn well enough, but she allowed Coriander to guide their walk. Eyes glinting with a wicked kind of playfulness, she noted blithely, "Oh yes. I'm sure you're much more useful in the flesh, Master Coriander."
Coriander felt the corners of his lips curve in a grin. He wasn't above this kind of exchanges, but was wary of initiating them - a lot of people in the polite society either found them vulgar, or were willing to fake disgust for their own reasons. Then again, this kind of prudes would probably balk at Kana Moonglade's plan in the first place. It should be safe to respond.
"As pleased as I am to hear that, I must warn you, a word alone is not worthy of your belief. I would suggest testing the worth of this flesh for yourself - but perhaps I'm getting ahead of myself..."
"Mmm..." Kana smirked up at him, lowering the parasol slightly to better hide them from the eyes of passers by, though few enough gah seemed to be out on the streets.
Leaning into him, she purred, "What would such a...test entail, hm? There are plenty of quiet, hidden places in the gardens I'm sure we could make good use of. Should that idea strike your fancy, of course."
Kana was right - just off the top of his head, he could name a few he found during his first foray. He wasn't exactly on the lookout for hiding places, so it was possible that she knew more than he on this matter, and could show him something new and interesting. He always liked learning of intriguing people, places and things - not always in this order.
"Well, it would be dishonest of me to claim physical prowess that I lack" he began. "But while I am no warrior, there are few more curtly pursuits that this flesh has been honed for. While you may already be familiar with my dancing skills, I have to acknowledge that one sample is not enough to make a proper judgement, and I invite you to test me further. But unless fortune sees fit to grant us a randomly passing by minstrel, we'd lack music to dance to. Otherwise..." He let it trail off.
"It seems we must make music of our own then," the ambassador's daughter said with a sly smile. She leaned just a fraction closer-- then pulled back, slipping her hand back into the crook of his arm with all the grace propriety demanded.
"Let's hurry on. I confess I'm eager to learn these courtly pursuits of which you speak."
Coriander chuckled. "Learn? Why bother with such false modesty, Lady Kana Moonglade? I have a feeling you are just as talented in these areas as I am. "Oh, I can understand the desire to keep one's cards close to hand, and it would be crass and tasteless of me to demand to know all the secrets so early after meeting a lady... But I fear in this case, I am wholeheartedly not convinced."
Kana laughed again, positively delighted. "And quite right to be, I should think," she chuckled, tossing a wink at him. Playfully, she added, "Though I suppose you'll have to wait until we have some bit of privacy before truly learning how talented I can be."
Patience was a virtue, one that Coriander developed in time and grew to appreciate it only as of late. When he was younger, he kept throwing himself at every opportunity whenever it appeared, eager for whatever the world and its people had in store for him. But now he was willing to wait a bit, to delay immediate gratification for later. In a way, he could compare himself to a child that only recently has learned that it's a better deal to get five pieces of candy in two hours than just two pieces now.
"I'm willing to wait" he smirked. "I'm not so impetuous that I would demand everything before its prior time. Ah, this way, please - they finally finished maintenance on the road a week ago."
He wasn't sure if Kana Moonglade knew, having just recently gotten back to Arca. The street was closed a few months ago, due to one of the protective spells wearing off, and only was repaired recently.
"Oh, good." That would cut their walk by a good ten minutes, if she remembered the roads correctly. She sighed dramatically and pouted. "It's such a bother living so distinctly in two places. Sometimes I overlay maps of one city over another in my head," she laughed, shaking her head.
"Are Arca and Suna so similar for you to mistake one for the other?" he asked. He would have expected Thanati architecture to be different, but perhaps it was his perspective that was wrong. "Or perhaps at this point they are both so familiar to you that you no longer have to pay attention and they start to blend in together? I feel quite envious - all I was ever accustomed to is the capital city. Perhaps I should be more patriotic and claim that nothing could ever compare to Arca, especially the work of foreigners, but I'd rather not shut myself to what could be promising."
"More the second, I believe, that I'm so used to both cities I walk down a street certain I know my way, and only ten minutes later realize I've been following a path to a Maoin house in my head." She shook her head with a laugh and glanced up at him.
A glint lit in her eyes and she teased lightly, "You know, if we are to do this who courtship and engagement thing properly, I believe one day you will see Suna for yourself."
Coriander heard about the Maoin before. He had enough of national pride to consider Serendipity the most advanced and amazing place on Le'raana - Connlaothian noisy technology could not hold a cyborg candle to the charm and creativity of most enchantments, Adelans were violent barbarians and the rest of the world was sadly far behind. Still, he could appreciate good solutions foreigners came up with, and most of them could be traced back to Thanatos, such as their fabrics, style, and of course the enigmatic Maoin caste. There was a lot to like about having one of their highest and most respected profession was essentially making the world a more interesting and pleasant place to experience. Of course, he took a lot of the rumours with a grain of salt, and he didn't exactly have an opportunity to test their veracity. Even if he had the coin to send a spy overseas, he could not afford removing any from their current assignment. Serenian politics were delicate and he needed every advantage at his disposal.
"This would surely be interesting" he mused. "I should probably start learning the language. Is it difficult? I have heard that the Thanati alphabet is notoriously complex."
"Oh, it's incredibly difficult," Kana replied blunty. "Unless, of course, it is your first language. In which case, I would assume one would think that Common and Serenian are difficult." She shrugged witha crooked smile. "Or, if you're lucky enough to be born of both cultures, your parents teach you both while growing up, and you have the opportunity to feel superior to just about everyone you meet."
Her tone was quiet serious, but the glint to her eyes and slight curve to her mouth showed that she was only speaking in jest.
Oh no. Elethain quickly summoned his composure and put on a calm face. He did not like difficult things. It wasn't like he was an idiot - he liked to think that his mind was rather quick; and if he were to be judged by his skill with words, he spent enough time in the court to sharpen his tongue and there were plenty of people who would attest to his abilities. But he didn't know if it would translate well (pun not intended) to the notoriously problematic language of Thanatos. Perhaps he should simply find a linguamancer and have the necessary aptitude implanted into his brain...
"I feel overwhelmed by the crushing weight of my inferiority" he sighed, continuing the jest. "It is no wonder your life takes you to both Serenian in Thanati courts - it would be cruelty to restrict your brilliance to one place only. I feel honoured to be in your presence. How can I worship you properly, with only one language to speak?"
The ambassador's daughter laughed delightedly and gave him a rather brazen wink. "Oh, I sure you will think of something. You're so clever, Master Coriander."
No sooner was the compliment out of her mouth when she noted brightly, "Ah! We're here."
It seemed they had been well enough engrossed in conversation not to realize just how close to the gardens they had gotten as they walked.
Yes, it would seem that he would have to put some effort in it. Making an effort was neither Elethain's forte nor an activity he enjoyed. He was of the opinion that working hard was the resort of those not clever enough to work smart. Some people he knew would probably spout some trite nonsense about all worthy things requiring effort and hard work... and as much as he just wanted to dismiss it as he always had, it strangely resonated with his current situation. He couldn't claim to know Kana Moonglade well, not after just a meeting and polling his informants, but she's already made an impression of someone who would not be easily satisfied.
But he could ponder it in more detail later. Satisfied, he shelved it into one of the corners of his mind as the gate of the evening gardens loomed ahead. As one might suspect, it contained a variety of exotic plants that that only bloomed or opened up during the evening. While in any other country, the evening gardens would only be open, or at least experience most traffic, in those rare few hours, Serendipity had a better solution. Ancient Essyrn was the only empire where the sun never set, but Serenian people could achieve with their power what others had to engage in extensive conquest to reach. A clever enchantment kept the gardens in the state of perpetual twilight, magic filtering the rays of the sun to provide necessary illumination. The effect was quite romantic - and perfect for their business as well.
Kana's eyes lit up as they entered the gardens, then fluttered closed for a moment as she took in a deep breath, simply standing in place.
"Oh, I missed this," she murmured, turning slowly on her heel to take everything in. Flowers mostly in shades of pale blues and purples or white, a few even inky black or indigo, surrounded them. Unlike most day-blooming plants, their scents were light and clean, not as thick or cloying as a rose garden or the like could be.
She loved it here. She always had, ever since she was girl. A hint of tension that may have been previously imperceptible fell from her shoulders and she smile as she looked up at Elethain was soft and contented. "Do you have a favorite part of the gardens, milord?"
A rather silly question came unbidden to his lips. There was little point to asking if Thanatos had anything like it - if it did, he would be hearing of this fascinating place right now. He wasn't very surprised - no nation could equal Serendipity when it came to magic. Even Thanatos with its proud traditions and love for beauty couldn't match it. An evening garden could only be open on the islands for a fleeting time, probably less than even an hour.
"I am quite fond of the western alcove" he admitted. "The illusion of the Hyoite aurora borealis is truly lovely. I am glad to get to see it without having to expose myself to the tundra temperatures."
"Well then." Kana squeezed his arm gently and smiled up at him. "Care to show me to this alcove?"
He was tempted to ask what was her favourite part, but this wasn't the right moment, not after she made her request. And it could wait, he should curb his impatience. They would have time to visit it after the aurora alcove - the magic of this place was so that they wouldn't have to keep the passage of time. And even if circumstances conspired against him and prevented him from seeing it until the Moonglade family had to leave for Thanatos again... well, in this case, he would just have something to look forward to in the future.
He just had to look at the garden attendant to have the gates opened for them. "I have come into possession of a special pass recently. I do my best not to abuse it - I wouldn't want to turn the beauty of this place into a routine."
The real circumstances behind his acquisition were nowhere near as innocent, but it was not a story he cared to tell where there could be eavesdropping ears nearby. He set his mind to the task as he turned his steps in the desired direction. "This way."
"Lead the way." Kana walked along beside him easily, looking around with a fondly nostalgic smile on her face as they made their way through the gardens. She really had missed this place.
"I'll have to think of somewhere in Thanatos to attempt to compare," she murmured absently after a few moments. "It would be nice to show you some of the beauty the islands have to offer."
"I've heard that the island culture places a lot of emphasis on beauty" he recalled. "And from what I inferred from your dress and appearance, I find the Thanati style quite interesting. What does beauty mean to you? A providence of nature? A conscious effort of human art? Or something more complex than such simple ideas?"
She tilted her head slightly, considering. "Well...there are different theories of beauty all across Thanatos, of course. I think...the one I find most compelling is the idea of absence. Framing an emptiness to show that simple space can have a beauty of it's own."
She glanced up at him with a half-smile. "Does that make sense?"
"Amor vacui?" he questioned. He's heard about this concept before, but- no, this was not what she meant. "Or perhaps... seeing beauty where most people cannot, the uniqueness of such a point of view being, in itself, beautiful."
"Something like that, I suppose," Kana agreed vaguely, looking around at the gardens as they continued to walk. She traced her fingers lightly over the inside of Elethain's arm, an absent motion that seemed to be almost unconscious.
Elethain never saw the appeal of people pretending to be interested in what someone says for politeness' sake. He respected his own time far too much to ever waste it on a bore, and liked to consider himself a good enough conversationist not to put people through such ordeals. Of course, he was smart enough to realize that this was not exactly the case this time - he probably wasn't boring Kana Moonglade, just that the evening gardens were the focus of her attention rather than his words.
Perhaps he should have been insulted, but her decision was quite smart. Their arrangement would mean that she had plenty of time in the future to get conversation out of him, but she would probably have to return to the islands soon. She admitted her fondness for the gardens, this visit must have been a chance to relish in the beauty of Arca while she could. Chatter was secondary.
He decided not to sulk. There was hardly any point in antagonizing her, and while honesty was never a virtue he aspired to, he had to admit that such calculating approach was quite alluring. He always liked women who knew what they wanted and took it. He remained silent, not bothering his companion for now.
They didn't have to walk far to reach the aurora display. "And here we are" he announced. There was no need for more words - the beauty of this place required full attention.
Kana sighed happily, pausing in her step to simply drink in the beauty around them. "Oh, I will miss this when I leave," she murmured, tightening her grip on Elethain's arm slightly.
She glanced up at him after a few moments simply admiring. "Tell me, what is your favorite place in the city?"
"Oh, it changes every week" he commented. Perhaps he could have proferred a lie, or something that was no longer true, but it would take too much effort to continue. Honesty was never a virtue he espoused, but he liked to think that at least he could conduct a proper cost-benefit analysis. "Arca is rather large, and I have not seen all of it." It was a work in progress; some friends and bedfellows invited him to their mansions, and it was always a privilege. Then again, perhaps it would be inappropriate to say that his favourite place was the bedchamber of Marquese Strahl. (Not out of any unseemly reasons, he simply found the concept of a hollow tower with alcoves for furniture, simply fascinating - and efficient in deterring intruders that couldn't float.)
"I used to be quite fond of the Absent Bridge." According to history buffs, after the bridge was designed and all bureaucratic necessities were accounted for, it wasn't built for a long time, so the name stuck even after the dithering ended and the process was finalized. The architect in question worked hard to make people remember her work as something other than a joke, and while hard work hardly worked, she was met with a surprising and resounding success.
She laughed, and tossed her hair blithely as she tilted her head to look at him sidelong. "If you have such flexible tastes, I am sure you will fair well should our little arrangement come to fruition."
"I never understood people's obsession with the concept of one and only, truly" he confessed. It was perhaps human nature, to try and prove that their view was absolute truth superior to the others. Elethain found it a proof of lack of any sort of self-awareness. The only people who never changed their minds were those who died before even being old enough to develop sentience.
"I try to keep my options open" he commented. "As much as I enjoy the bridge's design, it would be rather sad to think that it's the peak achievement of architecture and that I'd never see anything better in my whole life. That's why I'm curious about getting to see Thanatos. It's a relatively new nation, but considering its origin and history, I would think they'd want a break with the mainland tradition and focus on developing their own. I don't know a lot about their culture and style - I think it will satisfy my monthly truth quota if I say that the only contact most nobles here have with it is what you choose to incorporate into your appearance."
Kana arched an eyebrow and smiled a bit. "Thanatos is new to the mainland," she corrected quietly. "The islands have been there long before trade and such was opened up. Not to mention the native creatures."
He chuckled. "I suppose this mainlander perspective is something I would have to work to get rid of. I would prefer not to make enemies out of ignorant preconceptions." It was far more interesting to incur them naturally as a result of his actions. Surprises and unexpected consequences were always a delightful twist his plans would have to adapt to.
His earlier observation was indeed a result of a Serenian perspective - as a proud citizen of one of the oldest civilisations of Le'raana, he would always view nations like Adela and Thanatos as younger siblings. In this geopolitical family, Yoreiq was the baby, Hyoite and the Sionadyaki were the grumpy old uncle that had very little to offer apart from age and was never invited to any gatherings, Connlaoth was the moody youth acting out to get attention and dressing up in grownup clothes to play pretend. Only Essyrn, wealthy and ancient Essyrn upon whose bones all the contemporary powers were built, was a worthy opponent on the international scale.
Of course, it was a line of thinking he would need to change. He would prefer to underestimate a player on the field of intrigue as a consequence of their conscious actions, rather than his own bias. She was right - it was the mainland thinking that he would have to eliminate.
"Has your family faced many obstacles because of the outsider status?" he asked. He supposed that if Thanatos was willing to admit an ambassador of an outside power, it probably wouldn't make his life too hard - especially since Lord Moonglade married a native in the end.
Kana sighed quietly and glanced around. Spotting a bench tucked back among a cluster of softly glowing violet hedges, she sat and beckoned for Elethain to sit beside her.
"Honestly? Yes." She shrugged and clasped her hands in her lap. "My father is...tolerated. An ambassador is a necessity to maintain trade deals and open borders-- though not everyone is the biggest fan of the idea. My mother..."
She glanced away, lips pursed slightly. "Despite the fact that she is a native, she's...rather an outsider as well. Maoin are not meant to marry, really, especially foreigners-- and she was already an outlier, being a woman in her profession. I'd say she almost receives more animosity from her own people than my father does."
She chose not to speak about herself.
Should he leave, give her space? Quite frequently, it was the right move, but now the circumstances indicated otherwise. If she didn't want him to hear it, or be present, she could have deflected the questions, or simply took advantage of a moment of inattention and hid somewhere - the evening gardens provided plenty of secret spots for someone in need to lose a frustrating companion in. No, the proper course of action would be to speak up.
There were questions bubbling in his mind, but they could be answered later. If she was testing him, he should perform to the best of his ability. The bench she had chosen was wide enough for five people to sit on - the size was less of a sign of openness for larger group, and more of a necessity - the complex bas-relief adorning its back would not fit on a smaller plate. He moved slightly closer - enough to express support, but not too close that it would be viewed as smothering or impolite. "It is quite a disappointment that there exist such people on Le'raana that would let such prejudice blind them to your father's diligence, or your earnest efforts. I can only hope the nobles here at Arca have more appreciation for your family's work."
"Oh, I suppose they do, in an official capacity if nothing else," Kana replied with a blithe shrug. She gave him a quick smile when he sat beside her and reached out to rest her fingers gently on his hand, assuring him that she didn't mind the proximity. In fact, she was debating the merits of encouraging it.
Should he change the subject? No, she was the one to bring it up - if he retreated how, he would only prove that he's too weak to join her in this life. He noticed her acceptance of his presence - good, their arrangement would not be able to work otherwise.
He let that course of thoughts continue as he spoke up "The position of an ambassador to Thanatos seems more loosely defined than its other counterparts. I wonder how many nobles desire it for the status and the power to influence trade agreements that Serendipity needs, without realizing the darker sides to such an appointment."
Kana sighed and shrugged, letting her head tip back to look at the enchanted, ever-night sky enclosure above them. "I'm sure many of them do," she murmured. Then she gave herself a little shake and tipped her head to look at him sidelong, a slanted grin creeping across her face.
"But surely you do not wish to spend all our time here discussing politics?"
There were few topics Elethain found more thrilling than politics, and was yet to ever feel that he was tired of discussing it. And while using it against those who did not appreciate its intricate mosaic (be it temporarily or by nature) was always a tool worth keeping in his arsenal, now was not the time to deploy it. If Kana Moonglade was testing his ability to stay quiet and not inundate her with job details, he should better pass the test.
That he was willing to do, for now.
"'Tis true, our time here is limited and we should make the best of it" he acquiesced. "Ah, I just remembered - they've finally completed the repairs on the east wing." Assassinations were always a dreadfully regrettable business, but actually making more damage through one's amateur inexperience was inexcusable. Glad as he was to see the garden restored, this sort of blunder never should have happened. Once he found out the culprit's name, he would make sure never to hire them.
The ambassador's daughter tilted her head at him slightly. "Do you wish to see it?" she guessed, assuming that was why he'd brought it up.
She got the feeling that Elethain read more into her actions and words than she ever really intended. Which was reasonable, almost to be expected from a member of nobility. It would make the particulars of a planned courtship and marriage...interesting, to say the least.
"Yes. I believe you might like it" Elethain admitted. "Have you seen it already?"
The renovations were completed only recently, so the window of opportunity was narrow, but not nonexistent. Unlike what one might expect from him, Elethain did not send his agents to report on Kana Moonglade's every step; he liked to be surprised every now and then. That, and it would be very impolite. Certainly, minor inconveniences such as probably not having the resources and men for it, did not even enter the equation.
Naturally, even if the answer he received was not the one he expected, it would not be the ruin of his plans. There was still quite a choice of beautiful areas to be visited, or revisited. Elethain found that true beauty did not lose any of its wonder when seen with a familiar eye, and he suspected the ambassador's daughter shared this view.
"I have not." Kana smiled and risked breaching a bit of propriety by reaching over to lay her hand on his forearm companionably--no one was around to see them, after all, and even if they were they would likely only see a young noble couple sneaking a bit of contact in the gardens that they would not be allowed with a chaperone.
"I would be delighted to receive a tour from someone who has seen it," she added with a slight glint to her eyes.
There was no one around to see them and tut at Kana's behaviour - at least none that Elethain could spot. It delighted him, and it went far beyond than just a pleasant tickle to his pride at being judged worth transgressing for. He found it truly disappointing that so many of his fellow nobles considered etiquette axiomatic, something more akin to a law of nature; rather than yet another tool at their disposal. Oh, how much they missed by their soulless adherence! How warped was their understanding! Needless to say, he was quite overjoyed to have discovered that the ambassador's daughter would not be counted among their number.
He responded to her touch by turning his forearm and wrist to almost touch her hand. He let it linger for less than a second, his measure of time for once flawless, as it was when it came to interpersonal matters. In one smooth movement, he rose from the bench, his arm withdrawing from the contact. He turned around and offered the very same hand to Kana - this time, such contact was permitted by the etiquette, through ineffable meanders of what was considered proper and what was not. "Shall we?"
Kana's smile tilted upwards in one corner slightly for a moment, then she chuckled a bit as he stood and offered his hand. "Yes, I'd be delighted to," she replied with another coy look as she took his hand.
Rather than simply allow him to pull her to her feet and tuck her hand into the curve of his elbow, once she was standing she laced her fingers gently through his, head tilted and eyebrows raised questioningly as she did.
If etiquette and the social manoeuvring was to be likened to a dance, Coriander was not the kind to let a partner get ahead of him, or stay with someone that would slow him down. He enjoyed people who were on the same level, but could still surprise him; never a person who played by clear and easily discerned rules. Never a person who was content with just being led, rather someone who would surprise him.
Very much someone like Lady Kana Moonglade.
As they were heading back onto the path leading through this section of the gardens, a rustle drew his attention. While lacking the athletic ability necessary to fully commit to the lifestyle - and being unwilling to give up being in the centre of attention - Elethain enjoyed the game of espionage and developed several skills to aid him in his pursuits, one of them being sensitivity to sounds. This particular one could not have been made by an animal - while some sections of the gardens included illusionary birds due to a popular demand, there should be none here. No, it must have been another guest.
Not a word passed his lips. He waited to see what would Kana Moonglade do once she realized. Would she move her arm to avoid being seen breaking etiquette? Or would she take the risk?
The rustling came again and Kana realized it was actually closer than she'd first thought. Definitely another guest then.
She debated pulling her hand back for a moment, not entirely sure how Coriander might react to being caught in such an intimate position--well, intimate for the circles they both frequented, at least. After a few seconds of consideration though, she decided that he'd be more interested in the intrigue they might inspire than afraid of the potential embarrassment.
Rising up onto her tiptoes, she cupped a hand beside her mouth to help muffle her voice and whispered into his ear, "While I am not adverse to mingling per se, I'll admit I was rather hoping we would get the chance to...enjoy each other's company more than the other patron's?"
It could be read as an invitation or a challenge: if he wanted to avoid being seen with her, clearly together, they could slip down one of the side paths. Which may have the additional benefit of allowing them a few moments alone in the more shadowed parts of the gardens.
Brilliant! Coriander attempted to test her, but she turned it around and put him to test instead. He would comply, there was little time to attempt a turnabout on his own - and, proud as he was of what little skill he had, he would not turn down the chance to show off. That was one weakness he enjoyed having having taken advantage of.
He quickly cast his gaze around, searching for a possible solution. There! While he lacked the arcane sight to identify enchantments and glamours with, he's learned to recognize the telltale sheen the Garden's staff used to mask the entrances for their use only. The biggest hurdle to overcome was the perception redirecting hex that would make his gaze miss the charmed spot. Quite the clever idea, but one that he could easily get around now that was aware of it; all he had to do was to search the surroundings and map the blank spot in his vision. "This way."
Of course, he had no way of opening the door. This particular ensemble of his lacked anything that could have been used as a lockpick - an oversight he would later see to correcting, it wouldn't do to be caught without tools he put too much effort into learning to use. Whereas he and Kana have already infringed slightly upon etiquette, asking for a hairpin would not be an acceptable move at this stage of the dance. Moreover, while he knew of the door's existence and its secret, that gave him no insight in the mechanics of opening it. No, all he could accomplish by involving her would be making a fool of himself.
The footsteps were now close enough to be heard clearly and discerned as two separate sets, accompanied by a cacophony of chatter and laughter. Excellent, a pair would be less inclined to break from the pleasure of each other's company and go bother someone else. He indicated the direction he needed them to go, hoping that the peculiar enchantment wouldn't confuse them into losing their way - or even worse, make them turn around and face the other guests! The horror!
Kana smiled quickly as Coriander led them down one of the garden paths. She was content to allow him to make the calls for now—honestly it didn't really make much difference to her if they got caught or not, it was simply a matter of the flavor of intrigue that this little outing would inspire.
"Do you require assistance, Master Coriander?" she inquired softly, pleasantly, when he seemed to hesitate at the door.
Elethain's focus was on his hearing, listening intently for the footsteps as they moved around. He needed but the indication that the other guests have moved out of sight range. It was not enough to have them simply pass by. Ill-spirited chance would be all it took to make them turn around; what if one of them realized she lost something, or recalled there was a particular flower she forgot to visit? He was not the kind to live by the principles of safe and sorry, but in this case he saw wisdom in adhering to its commandments. He did not wish to make himself seem careless, at least not in such a way.
"Thank you, but we need only wait a little longer" he assured her. "I would never think of trying to lure a lady to a staff passageway!" He would, but there was time and place for everything.
The footsteps faded away, leaving him content to follow the enchantment's command and turn around. "This corner of the gardens doesn't have a lot of spots to hide in, and I could not possibly expect a lady to skulk in the bushes - your beautiful gown should not be exposed to the dirt and wear! Thus I elected to position ourselves where we - especially from a distance and partially concealed by the Garden's flora - could be mistaken for staff. I must apologize for the lack transparency; as I knew not how far their ears could reach, I dared not give an explanation."
Kana snorted--a rather unladylike sound, it must be admitted--and arched an eyebrow at him for that. "Of course, you would never think to do such a thing," she drawled in a tone that implied that while she did not believe that for an instant, she also didn't necessarily think it was a bad thing.
She allowed him to turn them and once more tucked her hand into the curve of his arm so, at least for appearances' sake, he was once more escorting her through the gardens.
"Very well, then. Shall we continue with our tour of the gardens, or do you believe your appetite for excitement has been mollified?"
Elethain let a languid smile linger on his lips, settling back into the role of a gentleman escorting a lady. His expression shifted slightly as he pondered her question. The pair made their way back to the main path, sparing naught but a glance for their route. For the most part, there were no hidden secrets, no mysteries off the beaten path to be discovered. Those gardens were designed with visitors in mind, every beautiful arrangement was to be admired and found.
He considered her answer, a shade of thought flitting across his expression. "If our experience with the guests is indicative of such 'excitement', I would indeed prefer to avoid it" he admitted. "But it would be a pity to cut our excursion short out of fear for interruption. Then again, I'm not certain if you'd be interested in seeing the section dedicated to the flora of Thanatos, I'm certain you've seen more of it than any other Serenian..."
"That's probably true," Kana agreed easily. With a slight tilt to her head and a new glint to her eyes, she added, "But you aren't. And I do dearly love to flaunt the knowledge being an ambassador's daughter provides one with."
It was clear from her tone that she was only teasing with the latter, but the offer was genuine; besides, if he really planned to go along with her scheme, he'd be spending quite a bit of time in Thanatos in the near future. It may be prudent to become familiar with some of the local flora, for the purposes of safety if nothing else.
A spark ignited in Elethain's eyes, his head slightly turned towards Kana. The temptation had its effect on him, as he pondered his options. While the extent of his interest in flora remained unknown; he, as every noble would, found it hard to resist the siren call of being given unique knowledge. His fingers tensed as he considered the situation.
But it would be rude to keep a lady waiting for long. "Why, I believe this is what one may call 'an offer I can't refuse'. It would be my privilege to hear from one so versed in the subject."
His gaze briefly left the comely figure of his companion to sweep across his surroundings and orient himself. "Now then, I believe the Thanati section is a little to the left, behind the magenta-hued shrubbery over there. Shall we, Lady Kana?"
She beamed, a hint of genuine delight in her eyes, and once more looped her arm through his. "I believe we shall, Lord Corriander."
As they began walking, she tucked herself in close to his side--not exactly passed the bounds of propriety, but probably a little closer than she strictly should have been, an intimacy more congruent with a bosom friend than a courtier she'd only known for a few days.
"Perhaps it would be prudent for me to learn just how much you do actually know about my second homeland," she noted blithely as they strolled along. Shooting a playful smile at him, she added, "So I can tailor my lectures accordingly, of course."
Elethain offered Lady Kana his arm, barely having to devote a conscious thought to his action. The significance of her actions, the almost casual way she moved in, was not lost on him. He matched her smile with one of his own as he pondered the answer to her question. "My knowledge surely can't match your family's wealth of experience, but I hope the modest fruit of my efforts would at least amuse you."
"I suppose I should begin with the nation's founding" he started, inclining his head to indicate the direction of the turn they were to take. "The Thanati predate their country, as they have lived in other realms of Le'raana before, yet only chose to leave and separate themselves from other societies once the persecution of their ways became a greater danger. That instilled them with a rather sensible distrust of other cultures. I suppose allowing traders and travelers in was a necessity, precipitated by the failure to become completely independent." The last part was pure speculation on his part, yet something he was willing to volunteer.
"But I suppose ancient history, while important in the larger context, has little influence on your daily life in Thanatos. Would you like me to expose my ignorance on other aspects of islander culture?"
"Oh, please do," Kana laughed. It wasn't mocking, merely entertained. "And you may be surprised--most Thanati people are intensely proud of their heritage. History has more of a bearing on daily life than one might expect."
She followed his subtle cues to turn down the winding paths with the ease of someone who was used to such walks.
"But please, I'd be thrilled to hear you expound upon your ignorance," she added with another small laugh, lightly teasing. There was a core of truth to it though; the more she knew about Elethain's actual knowledge of the islands, the better she could prepare him for an eventual trip overseas.
"The one thing that comes to mind of anyone that heard even a little of Thanatos, would be the caste system" Elethain began. "It is a rather natural arrangement of the society, one that emerges inevitably sooner or later. All the Thanati have done was to proclaim out loud what was unspoken. To all those outraged about the rigidity of Thanati castes, I ask: would in any other land a slave have a chance to become a noble? Would a craftsman skilled in her art even think of throwing it all away to become a town guard? Such complaints fall apart upon but a slightest amount of thought."
He paused, seemingly struck by a new idea. "That reminds me... I have heard that the governing functions in Thanatos are filled by the priesthood of their temple. The connection between the clerical and the political wasn't something I gave much thought, until I met you, Lady Kana. Where does your father fit into that, as an ambassador and a man of significance to the ruling class? Has he also been given a position in the temple, or are agents of foreign powers exempt from this requirement?"
"Very good," Kana praised. "Though you don't need to hold hard views on such topics. Most in Thanatos wouldn't bother to ask a gaijin their opinion on the caste system, let alone pay it much mind, to be perfectly honest." Somehow, it didn't sound condescending, but she wasn't exactly impressed either. She seemed...satisfied. Well, it would certainly help things if he had at least a basic grasp of Thanati social structures, which it seemed he did. She was satisfied.
This plan may go off even better than she'd hoped.
"As to your question: no, my father does not hold any connection to a particular temple, or even the wider religion. He is granted a certain amount of respect and privilege as an ambassador, but as you have pointed out, Thanatos has only recently taken to allowing such dignitaries on their shores. To be frank, ambassadors--while treated politely--are rather more tolerated as a necessity than anything else."
Elethain matched her satisfied smile with his own. For the amount of thought put into it, he was quite pleased to hear that his impression was correct. If the embassy was a necessity, it implied a certain degree of power held by its representatives. While he acknowledged that just marrying into the family, even by Thanati standards, would not be enough to be given any formal power, the association should be enough for him to pull on some strings.
"And what necessities would that be?" he questioned. His interest shouldn't arouse suspicion; perhaps it would even be welcomed as a sign of diligence. "I would assume trade is one of them, as well as handling of what few immigrants moved between Serendipity and Thanatos. Is there anything else I'm missing?"
She shrugged blithely. "Commerce and immigration are the two main topics my father deals with, yes. There's a handful of other things, of course, but they never seem to take up quite as much of his attention--the embassy isn't large, but he can delegate to a certain extent."
She tipped her head to the side and studied Elethain for a moment before asking, "Have you met my father before? He doesn't attend all that many social events when he is home, I wouldn't be surprised if you hadn't."
Elethain tapped the side of his jaw with a finger of his free arm, as if to stir unruly memories out of their slumber. "I believe I might. I am rarely absent from events of importance, be it on an official invitation, or accompanying someone. I doubt we've exchanged anything more than what pleasantries the etiquette requires, though. There was naught for us to discuss, and I suspect he had his own matters to attend to."
There still remained an edge of focus to the cast of his jaw as he fell silent, and barely did they take a few steps towards their destination when he spoke once more. "The last instance I recall seeing Ambassador Moonglade was at the reception Baroness Lavardan organised to celebrate her daughter's engagement... I was quite surprised, I didn't think the Baroness had anything to do with the international relations. Is she a friend of the family, then?"
Kana screwed up her face. "Eaugh. Yes, unfortunately. And her daughter was so thrilled to spin me tales of her engagement--did you know it's odd that I haven't found a husband yet?"
She widened her eyes dramatically, pitching her voice to mimic the Baroness's daughter's as she said it, then dropped the act with a huff and a roll of her eyes. "Vapid creature, truly. Court politics and gossip are all well and good, and grand fun, but it shouldn't be how she defines herself."
"My sympathies" Elethain offered. "I suppose there are kinds of people who can only enjoy their own happiness when it's seasoned by a tang of feeling superior to someone else. Though 'tis little surprise to me that the young baronette turned out that way, probably took after her father. Rarely did anything come out of his mouth that wasn't a lecture. Such a nightmare it must be to share the house with him!"
The Lavardans weren't the kind he would imagine associated with the Moonglades, which only piqued his attention. "How did it come to that? Has the ambassador ever told you why your families are friends?"
She shrugged. "For the same reasons the Moonglade are friendly with many of the gentry: politics." She shot him a slightly crooked smile. "Regardless of our lineage, we are still ambassadors to Thanatos. It behooves most of the nobility to play nice, even if only on the surface."
That was quite an evasive answer, but Elethain chose not to press. It would be improper, and he could not possibly expect to have everything handed to him just because he asked. It could be a test, or perhaps he's simply bored Kana Moonglade with his incessant question. He would have to follow up on it later.
"You have my sympathies, for what it's worth" he offered. "The influence your position grants you doesn't seem to be worth all the trouble."
Kana smiled at him, briefly but genuinely. "Thank you," she said quietly. "I bear my family no grudge for my position, and I do most times quite enjoy the benefits offered by it, but... There are days I wonder if things truly balance out," she admitted with a wry chuckle.
She wasn't being intentionally evasive, it was simply a by-product of the life she led. She was unused to having someone she could speak candidly with—although, if her little scheme with Elethain worked out, perhaps it would be something she'd have to get used to.
"And what of your position?" she asked suddenly, giving him another quick smile. "I fear we've been speaking of me quite a lot. Surely there's more interesting tidbits you could share?" Her tone was playful, coaxing, but her eyes were still serious. She really did want to know more about him.
Clever. After talking about Kana for so long, it was only reasonable that she'd want some information in return. Turnabout was fair play. And she even reminded him of it right now, so he couldn't pretend to have misunderstood. Elethain carefully reined in his pleasure at being manoeuvred so efficiently. Grinning that widely was not within the bounds of etiquette.
"At the moment, I enjoy the freedom of the position of a third child" he explained, taking a second to settle on his phrasing. "My father is mostly concerned with my brother and how adequate or inadequate an heir he is. My mother usually manages my house's affairs. That leaves me plenty of freedom, and even some influence to wield. And as for current occupation... Lady Charwright offered me a position in her chancery, but I turned her down."
What he meant by that was that he was sure to turn her down, and to do it where others could see and draw conclusions. He wasn't really opposed to Lady Charwright, but he wanted to make certain that her enemies would see Elethain reject her offer. There was always a risk of the slighted lady retaliating, but to tell the truth, he was looking forward to seeing what she was capable of.
"A chancery?" Her eyebrows crept up. "And did you reject the offer because the idea of such work does not appeal to you, or for the form of the thing?" There was a hint of amusement in her voice as she asked, though she was genuinely curious as well.
She hesitated a moment, the. Sighed and tipped her head back slightly to look up at the magically artificial night sky. "May I speak frankly with you for a moment, Elethain?"
Good to know Lady Moonglade found the offer as nonsensical as he did. She didn't seem like the type who would want to marry a man working in Lady Charwright's chancery. "All of the above, really. And I'm pretty sure she only made an offer because she owes my father for something I haven't found out yet." Elethain liked to have several reasons for his decisions. Being able to manoeuvre his way around people who were capable of detecting lies was a point of pride of him, and a skill he was pleased to hone.
He had several other silly anecdotes ready about what sort of positions he's held in the past (or refused to), but Lady Moonglade's sudden change of subject intrigued him. That was always a fun line to hear from someone. Most of the time it was an attempt to manipulate him, try to create an atmosphere of trust and disclosure, make him feel like he was chosen to hold this secret.
Oh, he hoped this was the case here too.
"Please speak, and I will do my utmost to listen and understand."
"I appreciate your attention," Kana said with a low chuckle, hands folded daintily in her lap. "And your candor."
She paused for a moment, lips pursed as she turned her words over and over in her mind, wondering just exactly what she could say and what she should say in an effort to both sate some relatively innocuous curiosity and also learn more about her companion.
"When I came to you this morning," she began, "you agreed to my proposition...rather quickly. I have to wonder--why?" There were a thousand potential answers to that question, ranging from the obvious to the absurd. She could only hope that whatever answer he gave would reflect his truth.
They were moving closer to the section of the garden dedicated to the the Thanati flora. The heavy scent of exotic flowers permeated the air, buffeted on the wings of a wind spell.
Coriander's free arm rose up from his side to fix the fabric of his collar. His fingers closed around the edge and pulled it back into position. A few instants passed before he gave his answer.
"Because it's an opportunity that is hard to come by, and it would open a whole new world for me. As we were talking, I've gotten a better idea of just how closed to outsiders Thanatos can be. To think even you and your father are not considered a part of this society after having spent such a long time in the role of the ambassador... It made me realize that if I was to interact with the Thanati society, this would be a barrier I could never bypass on my own."
He paused. "Your father has done admirably to work within the limitations of his role. I can't think of any way he could have gotten a society like that to accept him any earlier. I won't try to pull wool over your eyes here, make up some fanciful lie about how visiting Thanatos has always been my dream. Instead, I'll say what you might find more believable: I do not like being denied. I do not like finding doors that are closed, and I feel the need to open them, even if I would not be going through at a time. I do not wish to miss an opportunity to at least get my foot in the gate that would remain closed otherwise."
Kana listened intently as he spoke, even as the familiar scent of Thanati lotus began to perfume the air around them.
She nodded once when he'd finished, with the sort of briskness of a drill sergeant accepting the performance of a soldier. "Thank you for your honesty," she said. Then her expression softened with a smile and she added, "Which is to say, I do believe the answer you have given. Impressive in it's own way, I suppose."
They reached a small pond clustered thickly with aquatic flora and she paused beside it, her arm still linked through his.
"I suppose all that is left is to make things official," she mused aloud. "Typically you should declare your intentions to court me to my parents before we step out together, but I don't think it's all that important we follow that particular nicety. If your day is not otherwise engaged, I could escort you back to our townhouse before you return to your estate? Mother and Father should be home this time of day--perhaps we can check the declaring box just a bit out of order."
Coriander's gaze wandered over the surface of water, kept transparent and clear to make it easier for the visitors to admire the underwater flora. The siren cradle was particularly gorgeous, its long gleaming strands softly guided by the currents.
"My part in the plan has been prepared" he concluded. "There is nothing else to do but to play my role."
The paths of the garden were a labyrinthine tangle that allowed guests to visit separate parts in any order they chose and easily make their way wherever they wanted to. As there was no set route to funnel the guests in one direction, that demanded the central path to lead straight to the exit, to let them leave without forcing anyone to retrace their steps or take the long way around. Coriander and Lady Moonglade could return to the exit quickly and leave the garden.
He was about to ask if they should make use of this path to leave the garden, but...
"Is something the matter?"
Kana had settled into a thoughtful silence as they wound their way through the water gardens, clearly considering something. When Coriander asked after her, she suddenly started back into the present and turned her head toward him quickly.
"Hm? Oh. Oh, forgive me, I was...thinking about something." Lips pursed, she said delicately, "There are...certain expectations, when it comes to courtship in Thanatos. You have already told me that you are only familiar with the basic customs. I was thinking...perhaps it would be best to put off a proper introduction until tomorrow. To give you time to better prepare."
A day wasn't a lot of time, admittedly--but the life he was agreeing to embark on would involve no small amount of operation under pressure. She couldn't quite decide if it would be kinder to tell him exactly what was expected, or to simply give him that, and let him learn by experience just what might be expected of him should he decide he was truly committed to this engagement.
"I should certainly benefit from time to properly research and prepare" he admitted. There was no shame in acknowledging his ignorance on the subject. "Arca was never the centre of learning when it comes to foreign customs. The library I visited focused on customs and traditions that would be of use to a trader or a traveler, such as appropriate greetings for a variety of occasions or advice to any red-headed person to keep their head covered at all times..."
He would have paid special attention to the customs surrounding courting and marriage, but they were absent. Lady Moonglade mentioned that it was the way of Thanatos to have parents arrange their offspring's matches when the prospective bride and groom were still children. That didn't foster a culture of grown adults pursuing one another. And there was also the acute Thanati xenophobia that he found was inevitable no matter where he went. In this situation, it manifested as the complete lack of information, as the idea of a foreigner being invited to witness one of their ceremonies was completely unheard of. And a foreigner actually taking an active part? Coriander would have better luck searching for collectors of Thanati literature and following the example set by the heroes of whatever passed of bodice rippers at the islands. But that would have been very silly.
"There is also the question of what to do about the traditons that would be... difficult to practice here in Serendipity. I don't think we have access to many Thanati temples in Arca."