Chapter 8: The Arrival

Karis laughed as Amiti finish a tale of Paithos' childhood. The late king had had several funny adventures as a young child, and had told Amiti some of those stories. Other old elders and villagers had told Amiti other bits of the tale, meaning that Amiti knew the full tale.

Karis leaned against Amiti's shoulder and closed her eyes. As the waiter took away her plate of spaghetti, an Attekan delicacy.

"Thank you for this, Amiti." Karis said as she opened her eyes and looked out a port window.

"Anything for you Karis." Amiti replied with a smile as he reached over and began rubbing Karis' arm.

They were alone in his room now. The waiters had taken the plates and utensils and just about all cooking related items and removed them from the King's room. It was a beautiful room, blue painted walls with two golden paintings hung on the walls.

Karis pecked Amiti in the check, and the King smiled. Amiti turned his head, and Karis kissed him again, this time on the lips and with more passion. Eventually, Karis turned almost the whole way and took his head in her hands, rubbing his neck as they kissed. In response, Amiti carefully began rubbing his hand up and down her back.

Karis enjoyed it. Making you was, for lack of a better word, fun. And yet, unlike some of her other kisses, this was different. But Karis couldn't pinpoint how exactly. It was something more than her previous adolescent kisses. This meant something.

Karis could build a future with Amiti. She could become a queen! She could have beautiful children with blue or green hair. Maybe even a mix. She wouldn't have to work, she would be rich, have a beautiful husband, great kids and awesome community. And yet, Karis wasn't even sure she wanted that. But that was getting ahead of herself.

They had been dating for what, A week, two? Sure they had traveled together for six or so months, during which she got to know him better. But knowing a person as a friend, and knowing them as a boyfriend were completely different things. They'd have to date for at least another month or two before they could even talk about getting mar-. No, not getting ahead of myself again. Karis decided.

She ended the kissing session and leaned back, Amiti still had his eyes closed.

"Karis…" he said quietly, but she could still hear him.

She smiled. "What?"

"Karis, I… I think I-"

Amiti was silenced as Karis leaned forward on top of the Water Adept, running her hand at the edge of his shirt, and then slipping it within his shirt. Gently, she caressed his chest, while continuing to kiss him. Yet, she did it to silence him. She knew what he was about to say. I love you. But Karis wasn't ready for that, or the heartbreak that might follow. Eventually, the Jupiter Adept leaned back off of Amiti, smiling suggestively as she did so.

"Thank you." Amiti said, staring deep into her eyes.

"Thank You? Amiti that's what men say to hookers. I'm your girlfriend, can you say something other than thank you?" Karis asked.

Amiti blushed and laughed at her words. "You look as striking as the Sol Blade."

Karis pondered those words for a moment and then shrugged. "Meh, I'll take what I can get."

The couple laughed together for a bit, but were quieted by the blowing of a horn, Amiti's captain, Maro was announcing that the ship had arrived.

Amiti smiled. "I think we'll be docking soon. You should probably find Matthew."

"Why?" Karis asked. "Can't I go there with you?"

Amiti shook his head regretfully. "Ayuthay knows nothing of us. I'm… I'm supposed to marry a Ayuthan. At the very least a noble. You… are neither. This would be the worst time for a divided Ayuthay. I wish you could stand with me, but I cannot allow it."

"We wouldn't have to hold hands or touch or anything. It'd just be me standing there with you." Karis noted.

"I'm sorry Karis. But Ayuthans are known for their insight. Even if we didn't speak they would assume something is up. Please Karis, just walk with Matthew. We can see each other later." Amiti begged.

Karis sighed regretfully. "Fine. I'll go find Matthew."

With mild annoyance, the Jupiter Adept rose from her position on the couch, straightened up her hair and clothes, and then left Amiti's room to find probably her oldest friend in the entire world of Weyard.

-The Top Deck

Matthew gazed upon the extravagant city ahead of him.

Yamata had grown exuberantly in the past two years. Increasingly better relations with the other countries of Angara led to increasingly better profits. Profits, that were apparently leading to an even more beautiful city.

The city spouted numerous homes and buildings, high walls that guarded it from outside attack, and guard towers that kept an alert watch for newcomers. Its' rice fields were now in the distance, away from the main city itself. In addition, many other crops were being grown in the distance. However, most beautiful of all was the new dock that had been built.

It was built to house dozens of ships, and it did. Each of the docking areas either held a ship, or could hold a ship. A market had been established within the dock, and a parade was going on. In addition, the Yamatan army was there to, probably ensuring the safety of all the royalty that was due to arrive. Close to a dozen leaders or kings were arriving, and the dock was celebrating just that.

In the distance, Matthew could see the castle. Before, it had been surrounded with wooden sticks that provided mild protection. Now those wooden sticks had been replaced with a stone base, followed by huge pillars of wood and stone that closely guarded the palace; which had been built to even higher heights. Numerous balconies dotted the palace, and a courtyard had been built as well. In the back, Matthew could see that the gates opened a little to allow the beach to come in: A perfect resting point for tourists, and a spot just big enough for a royally quick escape.

"Matthew!" Shouted a voice coming from the Venus Adept's left.

The hero turned and saw his friend Karis jogging up to him.

"Hey." He said gently, with a wave to her.

"Are you excited?" She asked, squeezing his arm slightly.

"Look at this place." Matthew said, motioning to the huge city. "How could I not be excited?"

Karis chuckled and smiled. "Come on. It's time to go get off."

Matthew nodded and followed behind Karis, their backpacks fastened securely. The duo walked up to the gangway and waited. Amiti and his entourage needed to go first. As the most important people on the vessel, Amiti and Maro exited, followed by a contingent of followers and servants and one or two guards. Behind them, Karis and Matthew walked onto the gangway and stood in line to get off.

Amiti and Maro made their way down. Both were dressed in their formal attire. Amiti in particular wore a bright blue and gold tunic and the golden crown of Ayuthay. He had gems embedded In the seams of his tunic, and two swords attached to his belt. Maro wore a blue and white formal uniform, he held a cutlass at his side, ready for any action.

Matthew and Karis finally made their way down the gangway and onto the dry lands of Yamata. The city was crowded, filled with thousands. Near all were clapping joyously at the arrival of the Ayuthans and Adepts. This conclave could bring about peace to Angara. Unifying it, possibly under one banner. If that happened, the conclave could maybe grow. Perhaps a conclave of continents instead of countries.

Matthew didn't know. But he knew that it held promise, and nothing could disrupt that.

Matthew glanced to the right and saw that in addition to the arriving Ayuthans, Champan Pirat, er sailors, were arriving as well.

In fact, it looked like one of the sailors, a beautiful woman, was exchanging words with Maro. Forceful words it appeared. But then, red hair caught Matthew's eye and he saw Tyrell standing behind the pretty lady.

Matthew began to walk towards the talking parties, when Maro drew his sword, clashing it against the beautiful woman's own cutlass…

-Thirty Minutes Ago, Eoleo's Vessel

Tyrell sighed as Abigail woke him up. "What, *yawn, is it?" Tyrell asked wearily. He had been dreaming of a storm where he got to second base with Karis in the crow's nest, when he was awoken.

"We're arriving soon. Get dressed and get up top." The beautiful vixen commanded.

Tyrell nodded and stood up. He stretched for a bit, before slipping on his shirt and pulling on his pants. Finally he grabbed his Darksword and back pack containing his gear and made his way up to the top deck.

Tyrell looked at the Yamatan landscape, and noted his beauty, but he quickly became bored and looked around. Eoleo was in the back. As according to what Tyrell had heard mentioned the night before. The first mate went first to keep people in line. Then the lowest crew members all the way to the captain, in this case Eoleo, as a show of might.

Tyrell skipped through the lines and lines until he reached Abigail at the front. Since he was the newest member of the crew, Tyrell figured he was also the lowest.

"Finally you're here." Abigail muttered.

"I was just looking around. Why're you so upset?" Tyrell asked. She was being snappy, at least, more snappy than usual.

"Champa needs to look perfectly strong, or else we look week." Abigail replied.

Tyrell nodded. "Sorry then."

"It's fine." Abigail said. "You're here now."

Tyrell nodded and faced the docks ahead. They were new, probably never used before at all. The Mars Adept noticed that Amiti's ship had already docked, and was disembarking now. As opposed to the Champans. Amiti exited first.

Tyrell rolled his eyes and watched before him as the ship docked and Abigail took her first step on the gangway. The Mars Adept followed behind closely, beginning the march of pirates. However, they were soon stopped as the two marching parties met.

Maro was at the front, and took a step forward, cutting off Abigail form her intended path.

"Watch where you're going!" She shouted at him.

"Watch yourself, wouldn't want you to get hurt." Maro replied. Yet, he said it with such venom that is was obviously a threat.

And yet, Abigail didn't crack. She was smart, Tyrell realized. She knew when to keep her mouth shut. In this case, shouting could lead to war.

Abigail took another step forward, but so did Maro, he bumped into. Well, bumped was putting it lightly. He shouldered her, making Abigail stumble backwards, barely catching herself.

"Okay that's it! I'm not taking anymore ******** from you!" Abigail shouted, standing up and pushing back Maro.

"Don't touch me!" Maro bellowed, knocking away Abigail's hands.

"Don't push me you frickin scum bag." Abigail snorted.

Maro's eyes narrowed at the insult. "You are the scum bag that the pirates keep around just so they can look at you."

Abigail's fist was so tight that Tyrell thought she would start bleeding. "Abigail." The Mars Adept said. "Come on he's not worth it."

Abigail opened up her hand and turned to walk away when Maro spoke once more.

"Whore."

Abigail turned around and put her hand on her sword. "What did you call me?"

"Whore." Maro repeated to her face.

Instantly, Abigail unsheathed her cutlass and swung at Maro. Surprisingly enough he was quite agile (probably expecting the blow), and blocked it with his own blade. Abigail swung again, this time at the hilt of Maro's blade, striking it, and causing him to stumble to the side.

"Help." Maro said quickly.

Almost instantly, ten Ayuthan Sailors unsheathed their weapons and approached Tyrell and Abigail. In response, ten Champans Pirat- Sailors took out their weapons and stood just behind Abigail, waiting for the next moment of attack.

Maro stared down Abigail with ferocious, piercing eyes. Abigail returned the gaze with one filled of anger. Abigail raised her cutlass, and let out a shout of power. Maro's eyes narrowed further, and he pointed his own blade at the beautiful woman. Abigail rushed forward to strike, when the strike was blocked by the staff of… Kraden?

Yes, Kraden was there, blocking the blow with his wooden staff.

"This is a conclave for Angaran peace, and you start that off with a fight?" Kraden's voice was hard, strong and scariest of all, angry.

Tyrell had never seen the crafty sage angry. Annoyed sure, but angry? Never.

"We are here to discuss peace. Captain Maro as a disciple of Piers, you disappoint me." Kraden stated bluntly. "Champan control your anger, or the consequences will effect far more than yourself."

Maro bowed deeply, obviously knowing who Kraden was, probably from his times with Piers. Abigail was startled by the old man's statements and looked like she was about to start shouting at him too, when Eoleo put a hand on her shoulder and shook his head.

"Listen to him Abigail. This is a time for peace, not anger." Eoleo wisely said.

Before them, Kraden nodded. "Ayuthay arrived first so they shall proceed. Good to see you again Eoleo, and you Tyrell." The anger in the sage's voice was gone now, replaced by genuineness.

"Good to see you too, Kraden." Tyrell replied.

Eoleo nodded in answer. "I have to get back to the back. We'll talk later."

Kraden nodded and then turned around. "I shall get back to the palace. Good Luck Tyrell."

"With what?" Tyrell asked, but the sage didn't hear him.

Sighing, the Mars Adept watched the Ayuthans move through the streets. However, he noticed green hair in the distance. Squinting, Tyrell was able to make out Karis' beautiful form. Pointing, he whispered to Abigail.

"See that girl with the green hair down there? That's the one." Tyrell pointed out.

"The one?" She asked.

"The one that I… She's…"

"I understand." Abigail said with a coy smile. "You like her."

Tyrell chuckled slightly and then smiled. "Yeah, I do, a lot."

Tyrell and Abigail talked for another hour before the Ayuthans finally finished their parade. Then it was Champa's turn to march. It went quickly enough for Tyrell, and soon eh was at the front of the palace, where one of his old companions was situated at.

"Tyrell!" The formerly shy mage shouted.

Tyrell just smiled. "Himi, how are you?" He asked.

She had grown up a good deal. She had turned fifteen during the Grave Eclipse, and two years had passed since then, almost three; meaning that Himi was almost seventeen, and beginning to fill out her dress. She had grown up from a young quiet girl to a pretty, kind and headstrong woman. It was nice to see her evolution of adulthood.

"Wonderful now that my friends are here." The young but pretty Venus Adept replied. "Follow me, I'll take you to your room."

The Mars Adept nodded. "Thanks. You know, this place sure has gotten a lot bigger in the past couple of years."

Himi nodded as the dup walked. "Yep. Since I became friends with Ryu Kou, Eoleo, Amiti and Sveta we've had a lot more trading opportunities. Apparently, Rali wood only grows on Yamata, but I think dad said it was pretty valuable. It's what most of the walls are made of. Pretty strong stuff. It's real fun to control." Himi noted as she walked.

She had started talking a lot more after the Grave Eclipse ended. Probably Rief and Karis rubbing off on her, those were her closest friends on the ship, followed closely by Eoleo. It was actually kind of sad. Just as the adventure ended, Himi cracked out of her shell.

"Have you heard from Takeru?" Tyrell asked. Her brother had been missing during the Grave Eclipse.

Himi nodded somewhat slow and sadly. "He's sent a few letters, one for every season. I don't know how he gets them here, but he does."

The Mars Adept nodded. "Good, glad he's alright. Do you know when he'll return?" Tyrell asked as they began climbing up the stairs of a hallway.

Himi shook her head. "He never tells us where he's at or what he's doing. Just that it's important and that he's ok. He spends more time giving us advice than anything else."

"Ah, gotcha. Who else has arrived?" Tyrell asked, changing the subject, particularly since it was a sore one.

"Karis, Matthew, Kraden, Nowell, Piers, Rief, Amiti, and Sveta so far. More are coming I think." Himi replied, opening a door at the top of the stairs to a new hallway. "Oh and Baghi, Ivan and Mia got here."

Tyrell nodded. "Thanks."

"Your room is down this hall…" Himi paused as she walked past three doors. "right here." She stated, smiling. "You've got a nice balcony and tidy room. Hope it's to your liking."

Tyrell stepped into the room and was blown away. It was the perfect size. Not too huge and not too small. Black granite kept the walls and floor looking nicely, and red seemed to be the other main color. Red pillows, blankets and sheets secured the bed with luxury. A desk, drawer and nightstand were painted white and fit nicely. A fireplace settled into the wall across from the bed. Out to the side was the wash room and then finally, a balcony that provided a beautiful view of Yamata.

"It's wonderful Himi. Thank you so much." Tyrell said, stepping inside and dropping his backpack onto the chest in front of his bed.

Himi smiled. "Thanks, I better get back to the others. Good to see you Tyrell." The Venus Adept said, smiling.

Tyrell took off his shirt as Himi shut the door. He began to fill the bathtub so that he could get the grimy Champan smell off of him. As the tub filled, Tyrell took one last look on the balcony. "Yamata is breathtaking."

-The Docks

Emperor Wo of the warrior nation of Kaocho stepped off of his ship as he gazed upon the paradise island that was Yamata. The emperor scoffed at the city. Meisa and Kan-Shuku were awed by the city, and Wo was angered by it. No one but Kaocho should be strong. No one else DESERVED to be strong.

"It's just a show. There is no way they could have built this much that quickly."

Wo, followed by an entourage, made his way through the docks, eventually arriving at the palace and was taken to his room. It was elegant, and Wo hated Yamata for it. Kan-Shuku was surprised by the room as well, but he quickly left to find his own quarters.

"Meisa unpack for me, I need to rest." The master of Kaocho looked around for a moment, but didn't see his assistant anywhere. "Odd, she was just behind me." Wo muttered to himself.

"She must be pleasuring Kan-Shuku." The emperor said with a roll of his eyes as he took off his robe and sat onto his bed. Wo sighed as he snapped his fingers twice and his two favorite courtesans approached him.

Wo forgot about Meisa as his courtesans began their work.

What he didn't know, was that Meisa wasn't pleasuring Kan-Shuku.

Author's Notes: I love adding in references to anti-viper's fics. I hope that doesn't make him mad, and wonder if/who will get the reference. Anywho with this chapter, the real plot starts up again after the four or five of stall. Well, I guess it was more like three. Three filler. Anyway, This chapter was bigger than most of the other chapters we've had. The biggest chapter before this was 2,900ish words I do think. This one is bigger, over three thousand.

I think it's very plausible that Champa and Ayuthay wouldn't get along. Seems to me that Ayuthay would be a ripe place for pirating. Plus, Maro's experience as a sailor under Piers means that he'd have a distaste for pirates because they dampen the name of sailors. Abigail doesn't take crap from anyone, so that leads to conflict.

Wo is someone who has a lot more potential, and he's getting it in this fic. He's going to appear more, so I hope you guys like him. Meisa is interesting, and I won't say more ;).

Next chapter we'll be having a ball, literally! There will also be a lot of interactions and, importantly, Matthew and Sveta will reunite! Who isn't excited for that one? So, I figure that even though I've responded in PM, I'll post the response I have to reviews here just so ya'll can learn some more. But first I want to thank both anti-viper and Grand-Lord of… for reviewing! I appreciate it!

Grand Lord of…: Glad that SaS is making you rethink your pairings mostly because that means SaS is good! I'd recommend putting Eoleo with an OC. It makes the most sense. I think anyway. Hou Ju won't have many appearances at all. I'm thinking one or two much later. That said I like the Himi-Rief pairing a lot, and don't want to further depress Nothing the reviewer who said they liked Seveneyeshipping

anti-viper: I'm glad you liked last chapter. I'm not sure I would know how to write drunk-Tyrell hilariously. I'm very glad you liked Abigail. AS you said, OCs are hard to make. I'm glad you liked her. She kinda has to be a powerful woman to serve on a pirate ship, otherwise she'd be a prostitute. And yeah, I knew you wanted more Champa info so there you go . I thought that part was funny, especially the Tundaria part ;) Further interactions will happen. Eventually. And for the record, she will show up more. Hope I did the arrival justice!

So yeah, concerns, comments, critiscm,let me know. Thanks for reading/alerting/favoritign/reviewing I appreciate it!