Making Acquaintances

-

"His most serene Majesty, Emperor Kaddar Gazanoi Iliniat, head of House Khazoi, Prince of Siraj, Duke of Yamut, Count of Amar and First Lord of the Imperium," the herald pronounced to the assembly of nobles gathered on the docks. Kalasin stood at the head of the Tortallan delegate, with the nobles of the Imperial Court gathered behind them. At the herald's proclamation, both Carthaki and Tortallan nobles sank into bows and curtsies, Kalasin among them.

Kaddar acknowledged them with a nod of his head, and the herald then gave the titles of Kalasin. "Her Royal Highness, Princess Kalasin of Conté, first daughter of His Majesty, King Jonathon VI of Tortall, and his Queen, Thayet the Peerless."

Kalasin stepped forward and curtsied deeply once again before meeting Kaddar's gaze. He looked imposing in full Imperial Court costume, which was accompanied by a large assortment of jewellery on his fingers, wrists and feet. He looked serious but smiled at Kalasin as she stood in front of him. "Welcome to Carthak, royal cousin. We are honoured that you have agreed to grace our Court with your presence."

"I am honoured to be here, your Majesty." She stood there awkwardly for a moment, then at a subtle signal from one of Kaddar's ministers, bowed her head and with some relief retreated to the side, so her father's officials could greet the Emperor. She hated situations like this, when on the surface, you exchanged greetings and smiles, but never really said anything important, or learned anything about the person at all. Two years of training in proper etiquette had tempered this dislike, but Kalasin was reminded of it ever time she took part in Court life, and once again in Carthak.

Even so, Kalasin could not suppress a small sigh of relief as the presentation ended and the last member of the delegate fell in behind her. Kaddar gestured and one of the men who stood by his throne came forward. "This is Lord Isaaru of Aminar, the head of the Tortallan embassy in Carthak. He will escort you to your accommodation and provide for you during your stay at the embassy." Isaaru bowed.

Kaddar added, "We have also arranged for a tour of the Imperial Palace and the University tomorrow, or later, if you prefer. Myself or my sister Nadereh will be happy to show you some of the sights." Kalasin looked up, startled. She had known that someone would do the obligatory tour and show her and her officials around Carthak, but she hadn't expected that the sister of the Emperor, or even Kaddar himself, would bother with such a duty. Then she realised – this was an opportunity for the two of them to get to know one another before the wedding. Kalasin sighed in relief. With all the dignity and procedure surrounding the two royals, she was worried that she would be getting married to a stranger.

Kalasin nodded in assent and curtsied once again, then followed as Isaaru led them to the waiting carriages.

-

It was a short ride to the embassy, which was located close to the new Imperial Palace, recently rebuilt due to Daine's rage through the palace eight years ago with an army of long-dead dinosaurs in tow. Even so, the new palace looked magnificent, sprawling over the western bank of the River Zekoi. Even as a princess of a large, prospering nation, Kalasin felt awed by the display of power and wealth.

There were people waiting to greet them by the entrance to the embassy. Most looked to be staff, but there were five nobles at the head of the party – three men and two women. They were all dressed in Carthaki-style garments, and Kalasin assumed they must be the head of staff at the embassy. As she stepped out of the carriage, Lord Isaaru introduced Jamin to her as his chief assistant, and Ched, Vin, Haid and Keela, the younger members, as lesser heads of staff.

While they had been talking, footmen and maids (not slaves, Kalasin was relieved to note) had unloaded their trunks from the carriages and were now carting them inside the embassy. "You Highness, I am sure you and your escort must be tired from your journey here," Isaaru said politely. He summoned one of the maids, then said, "Viriya will show you to your quarters, if you wish to retire until the afternoon refreshments."

"If my lady will follow me?" the maid curtsied, then headed down the main hall. Kalasin followed her up flight of stairs and through the twisting hallways. It was a large building, mostly constructed in a Carthaki style, with emphasis on reds and vertical lines. However, there was a strong Tortallan influence in the decoration, with scenes of Tortallan birds and forests decorating the walls, which suited the nature of the structure.

"Just through here, if my lady pleases." The maid opened a door to the left, with a Kalasin's name and titles engraved into the pewter door plate. Very helpful for an assassin, Kalasin thought dryly.

Maids were unpacking her trunks already, hanging out and pressing her gowns so they wouldn't crumple. Others set out cosmetics and face paints on the dressing table, ready for use. Kalasin stepped past them and into the room, inspecting her new quarters. The floor was made of cool white marble, which, unlike carpet, did not retain heat. Oil paintings depicting mountain scenes hung from the walls, and the furniture was well-made and comfortable. Activating her Gift, Kalasin also found that there were strong protection magics in the walls. Despite the rather conspicuous nameplate on the door, it seemed they were taking no chances with the health of their future Empress.

A wide window on the far side of the room let air circulate around the room. Kalasin went to stand by the window, looking out at the scene below her. From here, she could see the Imperial Palace, glimmering in the midday sun, and the boats and ships sailing on the River Zekoi.

Though she knew she would enjoy her stay at the embassy, Kalasin only had to look out the window to be reminded of how far away from home she was.

-

Two hours later, Kalasin emerged from her rooms in a fresh dress, feeling slightly more refreshed. Her hair had been rearranged and styled with ruthless efficiency by a maid, in a Carthaki fashion that forced her to keep her head perfectly balanced.

Kalasin headed into the gardens, where she was supposed to be taking tea with her delegate and the Tortallan nobles from the embassy. The gardens were quite small, but shady, more suited for quiet enjoyment than for a tea party. The centrepiece was a stone fountain, carved into the shape of two swans poised for flight.

She was the last to arrive. After greeting her delegate and ensuring that they were comfortable in their temporary home, Kalasin went to talk to Isaaru and his staff. Remembering her manners, ground into her since she was a little girl, she gave her thanks for their hospitality, which Isaaru gracefully accepted.

She was interested to discover that many of Isaaru's younger staff, though born in Tortall, had been raised in Carthak.

"I came here when I was only six or so," explained Vin, who was younger than Kalasin and the most talkative of the group. "My parents came to Carthak as ambassadors for Tortall. Keela," she motioned to the other woman in the group, "came to join her aunt Varice, who works as the Emperor's event planner."

"Varice Kingsford?" Kalasin asked eagerly. She'd heard of her, from her aunt Daine (though not from Numair).

Vin nodded. "She comes here to check on Keela sometimes, but you'll probably meet her at the palace, when you tour. She organised that, too."

"What about Ched and Haid?" Kalasin asked, though she could guess, from the robes that the two nobles wore.

"They came to study at the University," replied Vin, confirming her guess. "Haid is Isaaru's nephew, he came with him when Isaaru was appointed as head. Ched had already graduated from the University in Tortall, but when he heard that Numair Salmalin used to study here, he packed his bags and came here. He really looks up to Numair," she added unnecessarily. "If he hears that you're on speaking terms with him, he'll interview you for hours on end."

Kalasin smiled. She'd known that Numair was a black robe mage, one of the most powerful in the Eastern Lands, but there were times when he certainly didn't act like it. Like when he misplaced his books, or when Alanna tried to talk him into cutting his hair short.

Her reverie was cut short when a figure hurried into the room, heading straight for Isaaru. There was a moment of confusion as everyone turned, trying to see who it was, then bows and curtsies as they recognised their Emperor.

Kaddar was dressed informally, in a clean white shirt bearing the symbol of Carthak, with plain breeches and boots. Unlike in the presentation in the morning, he was accompanied by only a sole attendant. He responded to the bows with a nod of his head, signalling the return of the conversation, then turned to Isaaru, who looked puzzled. "Your Majesty?"

"I'm sorry to disturb you, but I have to talk to Kalasin. Do you know where she is, or could you find her for me?"

Isaaru beckoned to Kalasin, she stepped towards them and dropped her skirts in a curtsy, wondering what the Emperor wanted with her.

Kaddar's eyes widened when he saw her, then he gave a short bow, as low as his station would permit him. "Your Highness, I must apologise to you." When Kalasin made a noise of confusion, he said, "If you recall, I was going to take you on a tour around the palace tomorrow. However, important matters have come up within the Council, which as Emperor I must deal with. My sister, Countess Nadereh Iliniat will show you the sights instead."

Kalasin waited for a moment, expecting that Kaddar would give a more dramatic announcement, then realised he had finished and stared at him in surprise. You came all the way here just to say that? "Y-your Majesty, it's no problem at all. You didn't need to trouble yourself by coming here personally."

Kaddar's mouth twisted into a wry smile. He seemed mush more relaxed than he had at the presentation. "Well, I wanted to meet you too," he said, startling her with his straightforward reply. "Even if it was just for a short while. Daine wrote a lot about you."

"She did?"

"She said you were a beautiful and intelligent young woman, and if she heard I wasn't treating you well she wouldn't hesitate to destroy the palace again," he replied with a grin. "Though–"

"Your Majesty, the lords of the Council clamour for your attention," Kaddar's servant interrupted anxiously. Kaddar heaved a sigh. "Your Highness, I must take leave of you now," he said. "I hope you enjoy your tour of the palace tomorrow, and that become better acquainted at another time." And with another crisp bow, he left, leaving Kalasin to her own confused thoughts.

He's more than he appears.

-

Names (Jamin, Vin, Keela, Ched, Haid) were taken from… does anybody already know? The Waterless Sea by Kate Constable. I loved the names – they seemed perfect for Carthak – and I couldn't resist. Issaru is the name of one of the summoners in FFX.

hanakazari