Re: the instruments, the only real useful bit to know is that Shin is basically reconstructing an ancient Chinese harp. :)
Shin lightly ran his hand against the wooden lattice as he walked through the long halls towards the garden terrace facing off of the prince's chambers. He knew that at this hour the prince would most likely be sitting on the portico, passing the time before midday one way or another. As he reached the end of the hall the pair of servants crouched by the entrance slid open the delicate paper doors, suffusing his vision with sunlight.
Rei sat to one side of the terrace, holding his erhu in his left hand, the bow resting in his right. He acknowledged Shin with a smile, tilting his head courteously. Shin bowed formally, dropping to his knees and bringing his hands to rest together on the ground in front of him. "Your majesty," he replied, rising to his feet again.
"Please, join me," Rei said, smiling up at him as he brought his bow taut against the outer string. He nodded behind him to where a pipa, a guzheng and a dizi were resting next to the wall. "Your skill will surely improve my awkward strains."
"I'm sure you underestimate yourself," Shin said to be polite and moved to take the pipa. He took a place to the side of the prince and examined the strings, plucking them each at a time to check their tuning. He had both a practical and academic interest in music, particularly with stringed instruments.
"Lately, you know, I've been trying to reconstruct a unique instrument which I found mention of in some rather old histories. The reasons it died out aren't clear, but it seems to have been popular at the time." He stopped focusing on the tuning peg he was adjusting to look at Rei. Rei nodded his head in approval to go on.
"I think I have calculated the proportions of the shell of it correctly, but it is difficult to judge the tautness of the strings. I've worked out certain tones that it should encompass, but there isn't enough information to accurately construct the full tonal range of it. There's a lot of guesswork involved, although the records here have been most helpful."
"What is it, exactly?" Rei asked.
"It's called a konghou. It is held upright, with the strings suspended between a wooden frame that curves across the top and runs perpendicular at the bottom. You pluck it from the centre, where the strings are exposed."
"How strange," Rei replied, trying to imagine what it would look like. Where he sat the sun shone brightly against the parasol that blocked its direct rays, casting light and shadow on his face where the painted figures cut along the expanse of white. "How many strings does it have?"
"Fifteen," Shin responded, keen to share more about his latest passion.
"So many? But how does one carry it? It must be heavy."
"It is not as large as you imagine, and the frame itself is quite thin."
"You'll have to play it for me when you finish it," Rei said eagerly.
"Certainly," Shin replied, finishing the tuning of his last string. "Now, shall we begin?"
"Something simple to start with. 'The Field Where Lies My Home'?"
Shin nodded and waited for Rei to begin the first measures.
As they neared the finish of another song, Rei heard a knock to his right. He was disappointed to be interrupted. He was enjoying making music with Shin, especially since he had even got him to join in singing this time, which was quite rare. He brought his bow and instrument to rest and called the person in.
"The Regent wishes to see you in his stateroom," the servant announced briskly.
Rei turned to Shin, who had already began to place the pipa back against the wall. Rei sighed a little regretfully, before saying as brightly as he could manage, "Thank you, Shin. I'm sorry to have taken so much of your time."
"Think nothing of it," Shin said, bowing quickly. "I must return to my office now, but I hope to meet with you again soon." Rei waved him off and rose to his feet. His muscles were stiff from having been at rest so long, but the feeling would wear off before he reached Zeus' public quarters. He brushed the wrinkles out of his clothing before following the messenger who had already departed.
Rei was surprised by the summons since the Regent had always had as little to do with him as possible, beyond the necessary public appearances. Though Rei was of an age to take the throne, the affairs of the kingdom lay solely in the hands of Zeus, who ensured that Rei neither dealt with the running of the kingdom nor the interaction with his people outside of a purely decorative function as the last living member of the former royal house—an icon to the people but insignificant in all but name. Although he tried to be content with what he had, he couldn't help but feel powerless and caged at times when he considered his lot, especially when his heart spoke out against the Regent's decisions. Yesterday's decree against the Chikyuu kingdom still weighed heavily on his mind, and yet he had no power to argue with Zeus against this action, nor could he fully assess the situation because he was seldom informed about particulars of the state. Any shopkeeper on the streets of Tenkujyou probably knew as much as he did, if not more.
As he passed a series of guards wearing their grey and green uniforms his eyes couldn't help but search for white hair, for the one guard that had occupied his mind so fully of late even though he knew he wouldn't be here. Despite his attempts to mask it, the wonderful feeling that simply thinking of his lover brought to him longed to make itself known. Before Luca appeared he was alone, without confidant or intimates in the palace, even amidst his companions. He longed for his willpower and his strength, the way in which he seemed able to achieve whatever he set out to do. It was something that should never have happened and yet it was what Rei was most grateful for in all his short life, that he had met this man and fell in love with him. What had he dreamed of, before this?
Rei's attention was brought back to the present as he stood before the central administration office. He entered and passed the rows of scribes copying and sealing various materials and headed in towards Zeus' office. The regent looked up from his writing as Rei came to a halt before him.
"Rei," Zeus said, setting down his quill and getting up from his desk, gesturing to the side room.
"Lord Zeus," Rei responded, following him into the tea room and taking a place at the low table. Zeus' two personal bodyguards also made to enter the room until Zeus wordlessly signalled that they remain outside. It was just as well, Rei thought. Though it was their duty, the way Pandora and Cassandra followed Zeus like preying hawks unsettled Rei, and he would prefer not to endure their presence if it weren't necessary.
Several attendants moved about, laying out various dishes before them. Rei moved to pour tea for Zeus, before filling his own cup, focusing on keeping the poise that he had been taught by his tutors as essential to the 'art' of hospitality. Zeus gazed at him with an unreadable expression. Despite his creased forehead, his eyes betrayed nothing of what he had called Rei here for, something which often disconcerted Rei, even when certainly there should be nothing to worry about.
"You have been practicing music this morning, no doubt," Zeus said nonchalantly.
Rei paused for a moment as he sipped his tea. "Yes, I have been, sir."
Zeus reached out at grabbed his left hand, catching Rei off guard. "It shows in the calluses," he said, running his thumb across the tips of Rei's fingers, before dropping his hand abruptly. Rei couldn't think of anything to say in response, and instead bit into a teacake, hoping it was a good enough excuse for silence.
"You've found many things to occupy your time of late, haven't you?" Zeus continued, with what seemed to Rei a hint of a smirk at the corner of his mouth. Rei was puzzled over his meaning but simply gave his assent, waiting for him to elaborate.
"Unfortunately, with the recent situation in Chikyuu you'll be expected to appear more frequently at council sessions. I'm sure you understand the necessity of our actions and will support me to the best of your ability," Zeus said calmly, his eyes holding Rei's gaze as he spoke.
"I…I…haven't the Chikyuu kingdom been faithful allies until now? To so suddenly refuse to cooperate on such an important matter, is it certain that they are concealing General Lucifer and our men?" Rei blurted out, taking his chance to voice his concern.
"Rei, you spend your days studying music, studying calligraphy, dance, arrangement, you know much of literature and of art, you are cultured as any nobleman should be, but have you ever seriously studied the affairs of this country?"
"No, I—I…" Rei stammered.
"And that is why you are too quick to make judgments about this matter based on face value. You must trust me in this, Rei, someone who has made an exhaustive effort to know politics and its nuances. An ally is only an ally so long as they work in your best interest, and reasons to change that attitude are as many as the grains of rice you can hold within one hand. Knowing how and when your enemies are planning to harm you is part of the art of politics, one which takes a long time to learn. Now, as it stands, the Chikyuu have become a false ally to us. It is only a matter of time before they will seek to rise up against the Heavenly Kingdom under the influence of their own lust for power and the machinations of the insurgents they now harbour. They must be punished for their sins against our country if they do not yield up the former General and our men, and that is why this decree has been passed. They have the chance to prove their allegiance and if they do a long war against the rogue troops will be over. If they do not, we must respond appropriately to ensure the continued safety and liberty of our kingdom. All this you could, of course, not know because you do not follow these things, but that is why I am here to look after them and continue to uphold the security of our kingdom. This all would only be a burden to one such as yourself."
Rei looked at Zeus with beseeching eyes, feeling foolish and upset. "I…perhaps I could…" Rei began, unable to conjure up a strong opposition.
"Your temperament is much better suited to lighter pursuits as it is," Zeus said with a smile. "Do not trouble yourself any more about this, and do not continue to listen to hearsay." Rei just stared at his hands fixedly. He always felt small when he talked with the regent, like he had no power to say the words he felt. "In fact," Zeus continued, "if you should hear any mutinous rumours, I would ask that you bring them to me, so that I may personally redress them myself."
"Of course, Lord Zeus," Rei responded in monotone. They continued in silence until they finished their tea, unbroken but for one comment.
"It has come to that time of year again. It seems likely that we will be leaving for the winter palace soon."
As Rei left he could barely focus on where he was stepping. He had been utterly defeated.
"Leucippe, Ianthe and Acaste, you are now assigned third-quarter night watch at the northeast gate of the Phoenix Pavilion. Anchiroe, Ithome and Rhanis, the central-west gate of the Amber Pavilion. Theisoa and Gai will be patrolling the length between these on the same watch for this week. Our Regent is concerned about the potential weakness of this section of the palace so we are stepping up the security during the time which potential intruders would find it easiest to infiltrate," Judas said, pacing back and forth before the guards he had called to receive orders. He paused for a moment before adding, "Of course, they certainly would not find it easy even now." A couple of the guards smirked at this, encouraged by the pride their leader took in them and their skill.
"Additionally," he continued, "I'm reassigning Iakhe to training, and Aethra will be taking his watch for the remainder of the week. Dismissed."
The watchmen saluted and promptly dispersed, leaving Judas on his own in the small room. Though he went about his business as usual, and tried to put on his best face for his men, he truthfully was much troubled by the events of yesterday. When he first began training to join the guard, hardly more than a child, he had total faith in the power of the Heavenly Kingdom. Under the just leadership of the Regent, it was reaching new heights of glory, shaking off the chaotic wars of the past, and to be in the Royal Guard for the central palace was something to feel pride in. But lately, the rose tint with which Judas had looked on the world was starting to wear thin, as their leader acted more ruthlessly, the ambitions of the state increasingly going beyond simple justice.
As he passed through the halls, pondering these things, he came to pause by a room currently occupied by the special corps, palace guards who had received most of their training in stealth and non-combat weaponry—in reality, assassins. Though they still reported to Judas as the head of all Royal Guard forces, he couldn't help but be wary of their leader, Amphitrite, who was quite competent but had a difficult attitude. He was about to move on before someone called to him from within.
"Captain Judas!" shouted Maya, running over to see him. His elder brother Kira lurked not far behind, as usual. This of course garnered the attention of the others in the room, apparently confused as to how they should act, half standing up at attention and the other half remaining as they were, or even ignoring his presence.
A purple haired youth cut in front of Maya, as though there were a competition for Judas' attention. "Have you come to visit us? Or is this an inspection! As you can see, we—"
"It's alright, Shiva, I was just passing by. No official business," Judas said, trying to reassure the anxious guard.
"Is that so?" came a cold voice, dripping with disdain. Looking past Shiva and Maya, Judas saw Amphitrite leaning against the frame of the door.
"I trust that there is no need for me to review your men at the moment, and that operations are going smoothly," Judas said levelly.
"No need at all. Now if you'll excuse us, my men and I were in the middle of planning and your aimless interruption isn't going to further our objective. Kira, Maya, Shiva!" he snapped.
Maya winced at hearing his name called, but quickly grabbed onto Judas' arm and said, "You'll come by again soon, right?" with a sincere grin before scampering off. Kira simply gave a sharp nod his way, so typical it made Judas smile. Shiva still stood unmoving in front of him, looking torn.
"Shiva!" Amphitrite yelled again.
"Please come! I'll be looking forward to it!" Shiva blurted out before turning quickly and going back to be reprimanded by Amphitrite. Judas decided he better move on before there were any further altercations.
He reached the courtyard at the end of the guard quarters, which was unsurprisingly quiet. The waxing moon shone brightly on the cobblestones, casting everything in a bluish hue. Judas came to rest against one of the cherry trees, leaning upon it for support as he scanned the night sky, returning to his thoughts.
In the current political climate, he was beginning to falter in his purpose, but at the same time, how could he act? He could not speak to Zeus frankly about his opinions, and the few times he'd voiced questions that he needed to hear the answers to, the regent was evasive and condescending, reminding him of his place as chief of the guard, both honourable, and yet irrelevant. A position far below Zeus and those bureaucrats that complacently adhered to Zeus' own principles—a court that was ready to eat itself alive with plotting and sycophantism.
He heard a quiet set of footsteps nearby, and turned to see a shadow moving toward the courtyard from within the hall. It was probably one of the guards heading out early for watch, or else into the city. Though the guards were encouraged to remain within the palace premises as much as possible, most went out to gamble, drink, and frequent brothels in their off-duty time. Judas had to admit it was preferable to the gambling that went on in the barracks, a never-ending problem and something he had consistently failed to put a stop to. As the shadow began to materialize into the real thing it appeared that it was the last person he expected it to be.
"Luca!" he called, watching as his friend stopped in his tracks.
"Judas," Luca said, smiling as he came over, "What are you doing out here and at this time of night?"
"Enjoying the peace and quiet, I think," Judas replied.
"The captain is unable to get a break from his charges, is it?" Luca said with a teasing tone.
"Truthfully, the captain is unable to get a break from his own mind."
"Is that so?" Luca said, moving to sit on a stone next to him. "What are these thoughts then, that are so troubling?"
"The former General, to start with," said Judas, looking down to his friend. Luca nodded in response, his expression sobered. "His actions, however wrong they were, I'm starting to find more sympathy for. When he took the first and second divisions of the army, it was a betrayal I couldn't fathom at first. And his motivations seemed only to be greed and pride, as far as I could guess—and maybe they are, but the further the Regent leads this empire down the path he does, I start to see other reasons. Who else would stop—"
"Judas!" Luca said, his attention fixed on the captain. "You should stop there, if you say anything more it becomes treason."
"Yes," Judas sighed, hanging his head, "you are right there."
Luca stood up and put his hand on Judas' shoulder. "I share your worries, but for now wait and see how things will turn out. Silence is the more prudent answer." Judas gave a small smile in acknowledgement.
"Were you going somewhere before I called you over?" he asked out of curiosity.
"Yes, actually," Luca said, dropping his hand to his side. "I should probably be on my way. Another time though."
"Certainly," Judas said, waving his friend off. He was undecided whether he should head back into the barracks for an early rest, or whether he should check up on a few of the guards that had been reported as causing some trouble lately. Nine times out of ten, all that was really necessary was a warning from their leader and they came around, but if there was one out of that ten that would be a problem, perhaps it would be better to deal with them tomorrow with a clearer head.
He looked at the sky again, almost reluctant to leave the courtyard on such a beautiful night. "The only thing it's missing is music," he mused aloud, watching the stars slowly turn across the sky in a slow, steady dance. After a few moments more, he finally turned back to the warmth and light of the guard quarters.
Luca slipped quietly from partition to partition, knowing the way into this section of the palace intimately. Rei looked up from the bed where he sat, before rising to his feet immediately. "Luca. You did come," he said, smiling up at his lover.
In spite of Rei's attempt at cheerfulness, Luca could instantly was tell it was a cover. "Of course I did," Luca said, running his hand across Rei's cheek gently. "Is there something wrong?"
"That, that is…" Rei mumbled, refusing to meet Luca's gaze.
"You don't need to hesitate when you talk to me, Rei. Just say whatever it is you are feeling and I will hear you out, always. I want to hear your thoughts."
Rei gave a quiet assent, but did not start talking immediately. Luca gently pulled Rei even closer to him, touching their foreheads together. After a long pause, Rei looked up into his eyes and asked him an unexpected question.
"What am I worth?"
"What…" Luca began before Rei cut him off.
"Just some shallow, naïve aristocrat whose thoughts and opinions are no more than air. All the things I know are useless to my kingdom, to the people who I am unfit to rule because I know nothing that I could even try to help these people. My family and my title, my lineage being descended from the very gods, meaningless because I am weak, pathetic, because the only things I know are literature, art, music, etiquette, all trivial things that amount to nothing outside of this palace. 'The things best suited to my temperament'. Am I only the sum of that? Even as a prince what can I be worth if that is what I am?"
Luca was stunned by how upset Rei was tonight. Although it wasn't the first time he had seen him like this, the things he was saying were shocking. "Rei, what are you talking about?" he said quietly, imbuing his words with as much sincerity as he could. "You have so many beautiful qualities, so many talents and strengths that others don't. You aren't weak, and if you don't think you could exist outside these walls it's because you have never been allowed to. Given the chance, you'd learn so quickly the Regent would be watching his back in fear. If he tries to tell you that you are anything but who you are, ignore him. Even him. With the right opportunity I know you could learn how to lead if you wanted to. And you have a beautiful heart, so why should you even ask such a thing, Rei? Don't think so badly of yourself, please."
Rei buried his face in Luca's shoulder, embracing him fiercely. "Thank you," he murmured as Luca soothingly stroked his hair, wrapping him in his strong embrace. "Can we just stay like this for a little while?" Forever.
"Of course," Luca whispered, "I'm always here."
"I'm afraid," Rei mumbled. "Zeus said the court will move to the winter palace soon. If you are not chosen, what will happen?"
"Don't think of the future, right now, Rei. Only think of me, holding you, at this moment. Now is what is important."
"I love you now," Rei whispered, "now, and in the future."
"Then have faith in that feeling, now and in the future, and we'll face the problems of the future when they come," Luca whispered back, drawing his lover into a delicate kiss.