The Consequence of Peace

by Merpme

Marina and Sinbad have left Syracuse and Proteus behind. Now Proteus has to deal with the aftermath of the Book of Peace getting stolen and Marina leaving. 1000 years of peace is about to end. But more importantly our beautiful boy Proteus gets a friend and companion who sticks with him through thick and thin. #Our-prince-deserves-a-friend. Proteus/Syracuse, #He's-devoted.

21. A Tour of the Sun's

Athena kneeled in front of her father and bowed her head, "Lord Zeus."

Zeus took a grape from a nymph with a chuckle lounging on a couch surrounded by the finest things.

Athena waited patiently even though frustration screamed in her head, she had so much to do, she didn't have the time to wait on her father's whims. But trying to rush Zeus would only ever end in disaster.

Eventually Zeus turned his attention to Athena. He brushed the nymph and mortal prince away. "Athena."

Now that he addressed her Athena rose. Being in Zeus's presence without anyone around was always a dangerous proposition. She took her stance but softened her gaze.

"What's that Prince up to?" Zeus asked picking up his lightning bolt.

"Which one are you referring to?" Athena asked gripping her own spear.

"Proteus." Zeus stood. "Where is he at the moment?"

Athena carefully kept her face emotionless, "I'm afraid I don't know."

"Some goddess of wisdom you are." Zeus laughed.

Athena put a weak smile on her face. The king of the gods wasn't being as loud and brash as usual which was a bad sign, the calm before the storm.

Zeus shrugged, "I did hear…" he took his cup of wine from his cup bearer. "You've been plotting something."

Athena's golden blood froze. He senses screaming danger. "What have I been plotting?" She asked hoping to avert his suspicions with a joke. She never was good at jokes.

Zeus turned his bright blue eyes on Athena, "Don't you play me Athena." His voice was dangerous like the deep rumblings of thunder. "I know you're up to something. You tell me what it is before I rip out one your eyes."

The threat was specific enough to be real. Athena refused to show fear, "I haven't done anything but the usual. Sire."

Lightning loud and terrifying suddenly struck the space between them. Athena leapt back and covered her eyes the entirety of the hall shaking. She shook her head ears ringing vision blurred. Her legs felt weak and she could feel the crackle of static snapping on her arms.

"DON'T LIE TO ME!" Zeus roared sounding like thunder himself.

Athena stood her ground and looked back at her father evenly, "I haven't done anything." She could barely hear herself over the ringing.

Zeus flashed forward and had a hand around her neck. "WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING? DO YOU THINK YOU COULD GET PAST ME?"

Athena set her jaw ready to take a beating, there was nothing she could say that wouldn't make him angrier.

Hepheastus suddenly appeared and Athena tried to signal him to leave with her eyes.

Instead he got Zeus's attention. "Zeus."

Zeus whirled around and glared at his least favorite son. "Hephaestus."

Hephaestus avoided eye contact and held up a breast plate. "I just finished."

Zeus's eyes suddenly lit up. "Yes! It's finally finished!" he grabbed the breast plate and lifted it up to the light, "Perfect! He laughed not a trace of that anger left on his face. "I'm going to look fantastic in this!" He slung his bolt back on the couch and walked out of the pavilion laughing. The nymph and the prince scurried out after him.

Athena let out a breath she's been holding and picked her spear up off the ground.

Hephaestus turned to her, "you know better than to test him."

Athena rubbed her neck and stood straight looking only slightly ruffled. "Yeah. Well I didn't really have a choice that time."

"Take my advice and lay low for a while."

Athena laughed, "You've been laying low for a thousand years, when are you supposed to be back in his good graces?" She asked stepping forward.

"Well, Zeus can't believe something as handsome as he could produce something so ugly. So, when I change my face I guess." Hepheastus shrugged.

Athena sighed, "Thanks for the save Hephaestus."

Hephaestus smiled, "It's no problem."

Athena felt bad, Hephaestus was much too kind to be related to their father, much too kind to be anywhere near their father.

"Do you want to tell me why our father is so angry?"

"Why is he ever angry?" Athena rolled her eyes.

Hephaestus shrugged, if Athena didn't want to tell him he wouldn't pry.

"Really, It's nothing." Athena saw his look, "But, Ares might be up to something."

Hapheastus's face darkened, "That's not good."

Athena nodded, "yeah."

Hermes suddenly appeared and screeched to a halt beside them. "Guys!-" he did a double take on the scorch mark in the middle of the room. "What happened?"

"Zeus didn't like me doing actual work." Athena lifted her chin.

Hermes winced everyone knew of Zeus's temper. Then he shook himself. "I have news! Thrace! Thrace is gathering soldiers! They're prepping for an invasion."

Athena frowned, "What? How did we not hear of this?" She waved her hand angrily and a view of Thrace appeared. In the palace yard soldiers were lining up and the entire palace was a buzz. In a meeting room three generals argued with each other maps spread out across the table. Forges burned and the stock piles of weaponry were thrown open, swords being handed out left and right. Athena ripped her hand through the image with an angry growl. "What happened? I thought the prince had taken care of this!"

"He did." Hermes said, "but something else must've happened."

"Where are they marching off too?" Athena asked.

Hermes shook his head. "I don't-"

Nike suddenly appeared by Athena's side, "Athena! The prince! Proteus! He never made it back to Syracuse!"

All the gods spun to Nike.

"He's missing?" Hephaestus looked horrified.

"Then where is he?" Hermes asked.

Nike shook her head, "The three syracuse ships came in but the Prince wasn't on them. I think they got attacked by a sea monster."

Athena whirled around to Hermes, "Where's Ares."

"He was hunting on mount Eta. But I had to go check out Thrace. Sorry I-"

Athena shook her head, "no, it's fine. Gather everyone. And get the oracle."

Hermes nodded and disappeared.

Hephaestus sighed, "I guess you were right about Ares being up to something."

Athena scoffed, "I hate always being right." She turned to Nike, "Find that prince."

Nike bowed, "Yes my dove."

"Hephaestus, thanks again for the save." Athena thanked her younger brother and flew off.

Hephaestus watched the goddess disappear, "Looks like I'm going to be busy from now on."

---

Proteus felt something pressing into his face. He groggily opened his eyes and slowly came to his senses.

Shin'ha had her fist pressed into his cheek splayed out like a starfish and snoring.

Proteus moved her hand away from his face gently and smiled. A foot kicked the back of his head and he turned around, a little boy was snoring pressed against his back. Proteus looked around and finally noticed he was practically buried in tiny bodies. One of the toddlers was draped over his stomach, and Miki was curled up in the space behind his knees. They all slept soundly, unreserved, and stretched out.

Proteus couldn't help it. He started laughing, he tried to hold it in but his shaking turned into a full belly laugh.

Traea woke up to the sound of the Prince's laughter. He was curled up on himself and giggling like a kid. The morning light hit his face and Traea couldn't believe what she was seeing.

Traea pushed her head out from under Corda's arm, "Proteus. Why are you laughing so early in the morning?"

Proteus shook his head, "I'm sorry. I'm sorry." He braced himself, "I've never woken up to anything like this." He looked way to happy.

Traea shuffled, an elbow poking her in the sternum, she freed her arm and reached out, "How do you feel?"

Lighter. Proteus took her hand across the kids, "I feel good." He smiled morning light soft on his usually stern features, "Thanks."

Traea smiled, she pushed herself up, kids sliding off of her like snow off a mountain face. "It's morning already."

Some of the kids started moving.

Proteus carefully shifted some of the kids so that he could get out of the bed.

Traea got up easily, "Time to wake up. Practice starts soon."

A'anun covered his head with the blanket, "Practice was yesterday."

"Practice is everyday." Traea said picking up Corda who turned into a limp cat.

Shin'ha sat up hair sticking to her mouth blinking. "It's morning...?"

"How did you guys end up in here?" Traea unrolled Ariel from the blankets.

"We were looking for you." Min yawned.

Traea just gave up.

Proteus smiled, "Good morning everybody."

"Good morning Proteus!" All the kids greeted. They all climbed out of the bed. Miki yawned rubbing his eyes.

"What's this Practice you guys are talking about?" Proteus asked starting to make the bed.

"We do martial arts practice every morning." The kids chirruped. "You wanna see?"

"I'd love to." Proteus smiled. "Traea says you guys are very good."

The kids all giggled.

"Proteus your hair is so nice." Corda said looking up at him. His hair was down because he'd been sleeping.

Proteus smiled, "Thanks Corda."

"Can I touch it?" Shin'ha asked eager.

Proteus kneeled and bent his head so the kids could run their hands over his long hair.

"It's soft and wavy." Corda mumbled running small fingers through the strands.

Proteus looked up at Traea through the hands. She just smiled and finished making the bed.

The kids giggled and eventually stepped away.

The prince got up, "Now go ahead and get ready so I can see you guys practice."

The kids instantly darted away squealing in excitement.

Traea chuckled, "You're very nice."

Proteus shrugged, "They're cute."

Traea reached up and smoothed down his hair undoing the mess all the little hands had done. "You're still nice." She rested a hand on his shoulder, "Did you sleep okay?"

Proteus basked in his warm fuzzy feeling for a moment, "It's the best sleep I've had in weeks." he said honestly.

Traea smiled, "We can bring one along on our trip back."

"If only I could." Proteus patted her hand, "If it would cure my insomnia I would take all of them."

"My aunt makes me a sleeping drought for me." Traea offered.

"Does it help?" Proteus asked.

Traea smiled, "Sometimes." She paused, "I'll ask her to make you some."

"You don't need to do that."

"She'd be happy too, she loves having more test subjects."

"Well when you put it that way."

Traea nodded, "Good, I'll be back in fifteen minutes." She stepped toward the door, "And I'll give you that tour you wanted."

"Cha, La, na. Bo. Ju."

The kids all stepped in unison as Bo said commands. They were all dressed in adorable white tunics and dark pants, loose all around except for their ankles and waist. Their little feet covered by cloth shoes. Some of the robes were a little big and it was like watching baby birds bounce around.

They're so cute. Proteus watch them perform moves with their tiny limbs. The younger kids keeping up with their baby punches.

"Here." Traea handed him a porcelain cup.

"Thanks." Proteus took it without taking his eyes off the kids. He startled, "It's warm."

"It's tea." Traea took a sip of her own.

Having hot drinks in this weather was a bit odd but he sipped his tea without question.

They were sitting on a ledge on the border of the training area, watching the morning routine.

"I've never had tea like this." Proteus said and took another sip. It was aromatic and left a slight earthy taste in his mouth.

"You don't have to drink it if you don't like it." Traea smiled.

Proteus stubbornly held onto his cup, "I like it."

Traea looked at the training field. She had to be patient, Naysir would kill her if she went out there now.

"So they do this every morning?" Proteus asked.

"The kids get two days off." Traea sipped her tea serenely. "My mom's students get holidays."

Proteus glanced over at Xi's students. The adult class was moving through forms as well, but they had the coordination and strength the kids had yet to build. Although the forms themselves seemed simpler.

"Where do your mom's students come from?" Proteus asked.

"All over. Half of them are from Syracuse, a couple are from other cities. We've got one from Persia, and a new one from the Celtic tribes up north." She nodded. "She's kinda well known in certain warrior circles."

"Are your uncles famous too?" Proteus wondered if he had somehow missed an entire family of famous warriors.

"Nah, at least not as much as my mother is. She's the best out of all of them." Traea explained.

"Do your uncles agree with that?" Proteus figured the others wouldn't stand to let the title go so easily.

Traea grinned, "They fought about it when they were younger apparently. But now my mother is the undisputed champion."

I wonder how that got settled. Proteus didn't really need ask. "Can you beat her?"

Traea smiled, "We'll see."

Proteus nodded, "Tell me about these forms." He watched, it looks like dancing.

Traea pointed, "They contain the moves the students need to learn. Through habituation and practice the form becomes second nature. When the movement can be done without thinking they can achieve balance and flexibility. The forms contain the wisdom of the original masters, and so the knowledge is passed down from teacher to student." Traea smiled, "It's also just an easy teaching tool." She pointed, "moves are easier to remember and practice when they have rhythm." She gestured to the adults, "My mother also does drills and the like too."

Proteus listened in rapt attention. "It's different from how we train our soldiers."

"In my experience, the training at the palace focuses more on strength and steadiness, and the Chinese way focuses on agility and balance. It's an interesting dichotomy, like rocks and water." Traea sipped, "But style doesn't really matter, it is the practitioner which decides whether you win or lose."

Proteus looked at Traea, she really knew what she was talking about. He made a note to talk more with her when they got home. "You use both."

Traea shrugged, "I've learned both."

"Will you teach me?" Proteus asked.

"You need only ask."

"Traea!"

They both looked up, Xi was waving at her daughter.

"Come help me with this drill!" She shouted.

Traea pointed, "I'm sitting with Proteus!"

"Proteus won't mind!" Xi said.

"I can't just leave him alone!" Traea shouted back.

Malakos appeared and tapped Traea on the shoulder. "I'll keep him company."

"Dad!" Traea looked at her father, "Are you sure?"

"Go help your mother." Malakos waved her away.

Traea sighed and jogged over, "I'm injured you know."

"Like that's ever stopped you."

Proteus watched Traea join her mother and the other students. The students all bowed and she bowed back.

Malakos sat next to Proteus. "They're funny aren't they?"

"A little." A lot.

Traea and her mother started waving their hands in shapes and points, it was like watching pantomime.

They finished whatever unserious argument they were having and Xi turned to her students.

Xi clapped her hands, "Alright guys, pair up, we'll do some interception drills."

"Yes master." They all said.

"Who do you want me to pair up with?" Traea asked.

"Niobo." Xi gestured, "he's new."

"I see." Traea went to the young man standing alone and smiled. "Niobo, I'm Traea, I'll be your partner today."

Niobo bowed seriously and straightened, he was just about Traea's height. It was clear that he was a warrior from his build. He was deeply tanned with thick black hair on his head. "Thank you for this opportunity."

Traea grinned standing in front of him, "Come on man, loosen up. It'll be easier if you do."

The man blinked, "The Sun style is supposed to teach discipline."

"You are new." Traea nodded, "Well yeah. I guess that's true." She rubbed her chin. "But discipline gives you the freedom to have fun."

Half the students snuck glances at Traea. No doubt awed by the young general and trying to listen in.

Proteus grinned when Niobo widened his eyes seemingly enlightened by what Traea had said. He had felt the same. A dog snuck its head onto the ledge and sniffed experimentally at Proteus's hand. Proteus smiled and pet it without a second thought. Malakos had a cat in his lap.

"Stances." Xi ordered.

Traea easily moved into her stance followed by Niobo.

They both stood feet shoulder width apart standing slightly angled to each other, hands up and open ready.

"And start."

All the pairs started exchanging measured blows. Traea easily intercepted every strike thrown her way flowing like water.

It was very impressive but the Prince didn't quite understand what these interceptions were.

Malakos scoot closer, "Apparently their blocks are strikes. Defense is offense." He smiled at Proteus's look, "At least that's what my wife tells me." He pointed, "They… sort of intercept blows before they reach them. Like stopping a fire before it gets too big to control." He scratched his chin, "That was a bad metaphor."

Proteus shook his head, "No, it cleared things up. Thanks. Break the blow before it gains momentum."

"Yes!" Malakos pointed, "Exactly. Do you do martial arts Proteus?"

Proteus shook his head, "Not really. I have been trained to fight but, more sword and wrestling work than anything like this." He looked at Malakos the dog having wormed half of it's body over the ledge.

Traea noted the stiffness with which Niobo moved, flexibility would be drilled into him within the first month. He had the physicality though, probably already trained with wrestling and boxing, as well as a bit of sword work. He picked up on the rhythm well. Traea smiled to herself, let's see what this kid's got.

She steadily sped up her blocks and strikes, unnoticeable at first. Trying not to use her right arm, since it was injured. She stopped one of his hits by jamming a hand into his elbow and easily returned one. Traea telegraphed her next strike a bit training the kid's eye to pick up the signs. Picking up the pace, it soon became more noticeable as they left the other groups behind in terms of speed.

Proteus watched in fascination. The new student was good keeping up with Traea as they slowly outstripped the other groups.

Xi was busy monitoring the other pairs trusting Traea to watch her own.

Niobo's brow was furrowed in concentration as he matched pace with Traea, his eyes focused and zeroed in. He had never felt so in sync with someone before. It was an odd feeling, his limbs almost moving on their own.

Traea sent out a strike and Niobo had to dodge it, so far he had managed to block everything. Traea could read everything, every strike he was going to throw, how much power, where his center of gravity was. Block. Block. Parry.

"Don't over extend yourself." Traea easily maneuvered his arm away, "Hold your center, be patient."

Niobo reeled himself in and resumed blocking.

Traea smiled, "Looks good." She struck up an easy conversation despite their breakneck speed, "How long have you been here Niobo?"

"Two weeks." He grunted when Traea easily smacked his hand away.

"And you're already this good? Wow, you're amazing."

"I have had combat training before." Niobo answered.

"I see. That makes sense." Traea nodded, "Where are you from?"

"Tuscany." He answered.

"That's pretty far." Traea mused she nearly slipped through his guard.

Niobo blocked it. "Not nearly as far as some others."

"I guess you're right." Traea blocked a punch with her elbow. "You have a family?"

"My parents and siblings are back in Tuscany. They are merchants." He had to dodge. "I came here to study under Master Xi and become stronger."

Traea blocked three strikes in a row easily, "And how are you liking it so far?"

"It is… different than I expected."

Traea wasn't sure if he meant the actual martial arts or the environment. "How so?"

"Well, I wasn't expecting things like this." He tried for a quick push, "more combat maybe. And I mean no offense, but the environment is a bit…"

"Strange." Traea finished for him, "That seems to be the general consensus." She grinned showing him she took no offense. "But we usually do a lot of combat practice. Once you're here for a little while longer, you'll have plenty of chances." She sped them up a bit more, "here's a question, why did you chose to study here? There's plenty of other more prestigious places to study."

Niobo blushed a bit, "Well, I heard Master Xi is unparalleled in actual combat, and all her students so far have achieved a great many things. But also because… I admired you a lot."

Traea laughed loudly drawing eyes. "That's really nice of you. But there's nothing here worth admiring."

"Truly." Niobo insisted, "A couple of years ago, you came to hunt down a band of bandits in Tuscany and you took them down so quickly people barely knew you had even arrived! I've admired you ever since, it was like Nike had blessed you herself."

Traea made a face, "Thanks."

Xi smacked Traea on the head, "Traea. Stop pushing the pace so much, Niobo's new remember?"

Traea grinned turning to her mother, "He's keeping up."

"That's because you're leading him." Xi admonished, "I don't want you to trick him into doing this pace all the time."

"Sorry." Traea apologized and slowed them down.

Only then did Niobo realize how much faster they'd been going. "Oh, I'm sorry Master Xi."

Xi stopped him, "it's not your fault Niobe, Traea was the one leading you astray."

"I was not." Traea protested, "I just wanted to test him out a bit. He could do this pace you know."

"I know. But he needs to master the fundamentals before speeding up."

"Well he's got them down pretty well." Traea held one of Niobe's hands, "He needs to work on his flexibility."

"Yes. It's always flexibility." Xi sighed. "Alright everyone stop."

The entire group immediately stopped and turned to face their teacher arranged in neat rows.

"You said you wanted more combat?" Xi asked.

Niobo shook his head, "No! I'm sorry, I didn't mean anything by it Master Xi."

Xi waved him off, "It's okay, I like sparing better than drills anyways, besides this is a rare opportunity." She turned to Traea, "You feel up for it?"

Traea pat her shoulder but nodded, "Sounds good. I'm rusty anyways."

Xi turned to her students. "You guys get a chance to spar Traea. It's a good opportunity to test your skills out on a more unconventional style."

Proteus sat at attention.

All the kids turned nearly buzzing with excitement. Bo had to get their attention again.

"Unconventional?" Proteus muttered to himself.

"Traea's picked up a few things on her travels, so it's a little different than Xi's." Malakos watched the development in delight.

Traea stretched bending over and hugging her calves. She looked over at Proteus and winked. "I'm ready!"

Xi smiled, "Who wants first crack?" She asked.

The guy Traea had said 'hello' to earlier stepped up.

Traea waved, "Hi Doro."

Doro was massive. At least twice as heavy as Traea. But he smiled back sweetly and bowed. "It's an honor."

Traea bowed as well and then stepped out into a low stance hands up but relaxed.

The man didn't sink as low and put up his own hands.

"Ready."

"Ready."

Traea leapt in whipping out a curved strike with the back of her hand which Doro blocked and returned. Intercepting it Traea snapped out a kick at the man's knee which he barely blocked with his shin. She grinned.

"Keep up now."

Twisting Traea rained blows on the man, he managed to block about half. The other half lightly touched him where they would land.

Traea trapped his arm and swung him around. It seemed the man's wrestling instincts kicked in and he grabbed Traea's arm and nearly got her into a wrestling take down. Traea grinned and slipped out of his grasp spinning she locked a leg around his neck and brought him to the ground pining him in a choke hold.

Xi clapped, "Good."

Traea let the guy go and rolled away.

The guy panted getting up managing to bow, "it was an honor."

"An honor." Traea nodded.

It appeared that Xi was making notes. "Good job Doro. You lasted longer than last time."

Doro sighed rubbing his head, "I protected my legs this time but she still got me."

"Parri you want to go next?" Xi asked.

Parri a slight middle eastern man nodded, "Sure." He walked over and stood in front of Traea.

They both took their stances and Traea eyed him. He was shorter than her and just as slim. He was suited to the style then.

"Ready."

"Ready."

They both came in hands blurring. Each strike matched with another. Proteus could hear the smacks and blows from where he was sitting. Some of the kids turned to watch, dancing in place.

Traea watched the young man with a discerning eye. She decided to switch things up a bit. Shifting into a different stance Traea started throwing in a couple of boxing moves.

Parri's dark eyes narrowed. Unsure what the general was doing until she overpowered one of his interceptions and smacked his chest. He stumbled and snapped out a kick. Traea grabbed his leg and twisted bringing him down to his belly. Trapping him she held him down tapping him once on the neck.

"Good."

Traea released him and then held out a hand, "You're pretty fast."

Parri took her hand and got up surprised, "thank you."

"But you've got to be careful of grappling. We lightweights aren't good with it."

Xi made more mental notes. Her daughter had a talent for finding weaknesses. So it was always nice to have her test the students. Xi smiled to herself, plus it was fun to watch her students get so mercilessly beaten. It made them humble.

"Next… Aaron, you want to go?" Xi asked.

Aaron stiffened looking suspiciously at Xi, he knew his master was up to something. But Traea smiled at him all friendly like so he had no choice to comply. "Okay."

Aaron was fairly new he'd only been there for six months. But he was an exceptionally fast learner and very clever.

His mind was racing finding working to find a way to beat this monster of a general. She who had studied the longest under Master Xi. She was smaller than he was maybe grappling or throws would work.

Traea put up her hands, "Ready."

He put up his own hands thoughts racing at a mile per minute, "Ready."

Traea came in first with a slice at his shoulder and he blocked it successfully. Okay, maybe if I can get in close. He came in with a strike of his own and Traea hit his arms away so hard he inhaled in surprise. Traea stopped her fist before it crushed his nose. Then opened her hand and poked his forehead, "Don't think so much."

Aaron blinked and then blushed furiously.

Xi was laughing not so nicely.

Traea pulled her hand away. "Secure the moment before you go strategizing."

Aaron lowered his hands, "Sorry."

"Mom stop laughing it's not nice." Traea said to her mother.

Proteus blinked in surprise. He knew Traea was amazing at hand to hand combat but her versatility was terrifying. The speed with which she took advantage of weaknesses was uncanny.

"Malakos your daughter is kinda scary."

Malakos grinned proudly, "I know isn't it great?"

He watched her take down the next student easily. Raising a cloud of dust when she smacked him into the ground.

"And Xi is even scarier?"

"Oh no." Malakos stood to the protest of the cat in his lap, "My wife is like a lightly fluttering leaf on the breeze, she inspires allies and foes alike with her beautiful dance of death. She is like the light shining off the water. The swooping hawk, the prowling lion, the glittering butterfly." He was now fully immersed in his praise. Describing something that couldn't possibly be human. Orating about the infallibility of his wife to the world in grand gestures. All Proteus really got from it was that Malakos loved his wife very much. He turned to the field again and paused.

"Uh, Malakos sir." Proteus tried to get the doting husband's attention, hating to interrupt his poetry.

"What is it?" The man looked down at Proteus.

"Traea and Xi are fighting." Proteus pointed.

Malakos stopped and turned to the field, "Oh! Wonderful!"

"Wonderful? Should we stop them?" Proteus asked.

Malakos waved for him to sit again, "No. It happens all the time. Don't worry about it."

Proteus uneasily sat down again.

Everyone had gathered in a sort of spectators' circle as Traea and Xi duked it out. Their hands blurring as they tried to break through each other's defenses. Grinning like mad.

"Ha!" Traea turned and kicked straight at her mother's head.

Xi blocked it with a kick of her own. With a smirk the older woman twisted her leg around Traea's and brought her down to one knee.

Traea frowned and spun on her knee snapping a low sweeping kick at her mother's ankles.

Xi leapt back as Traea swirled onto her feet again. They quickly reengaged and Proteus watched them spar his jaw dropped.

"Does this happen often?"

"Any time Traea is home." Malakos sipped his tea.

"That's a lot." He watched as Traea blocked a vicious kick.

"How's Dymas?"

Proteus nearly jumped in surprise, so he does know. "My father is doing well. Although I think I'm causing him to age faster than necessary." He admitted.

"He's has always been a worrier." Malakos laughed, "When I worked for him it's all he did. Glad to see not much has changed."

Proteus remembered Traea mentioning that Malakos worked in the palace for a while.

"What did you do?" Proteus asked.

"I was his advisor on foreign affairs." Malakos chuckled, "I guess you wouldn't remember me. I left when you were six or seven."

"Oh." Proteus was surprised. So Traea's father did know him. "I'm sorry I don't remember."

"Oh don't you worry about it." Malakos smiled, "You're just as adorable now as you were back then." He chuckled to himself.

Proteus's eyes crinkled, he rather liked Traea's father. Her entire family in fact and this whole place made him feel warm and fuzzy. Despite mother and daughter trying to beat each other in ritual combat.

"Oh, the real stuff is going to start, come on." Malakos got up and went to get a closer look.

Traea huffed arms aching from her mother's last kick. They panted a fair distance from each other.

"Ready to give up Traea?" Xi called dirt smudging her robe.

Traea wiped her face with the back of her hand and let out a short laugh, "Why? Are you tired?"

Bo merely shook his head having given up on wrangling the kids.

"Go Traea!" Most of the kids shouted, banding together under the banner of youth.

One of the kids eagerly handed Traea a staff.

One of Xi's students handed her one as well.

They grinned at each other. Traea twirled hers and held it up ready.

Xi smirked, "Little trouble maker." She dashed in and whipped the pole around to slam down on Traea's block.

Traea slid hers out to stab at Xi who dodged and did the same. They exchanged blows so fast the poles blurred.

Xi twirled hers around her neck and setting her feet sent it flying at Traea.

Traea smacked it away and stepped in sliding her staff up where it whiffed against empty space as Xi stepped back. Traea jumped and slammed her staff down on her mother's raised block. She twisted the staff around to cut up from under and blocked again.

Xi's students watched with their eyes peeled. Trying to capture the intricate dance between mother and daughter hoping one day they could reach that level of proficiency.

Xi went on the offensive firing off a series of rapid blows that Traea managed to hold off. Traea almost fell for a faint correcting herself just in time to avoid getting a nasty bruise on her leg.

Proteus joined the circle staring in amazement. The rapid beat of them fighting barely coming out over the cheering.

"Go Master Xi!"

"Get her Traea!"

Traea winced nearly knocked off her feet by a particularly fierce blow she wasn't ready for. Taking a few steps back she had to nearly bend in half to avoid getting hit again and rolled away getting to her feet once more to block a savage overhead swing. Traea twirled her staff around and whipped it horizontally at her mother's middle and Xi stepped back. They both stepped in and swung at each other with a yell. Their poles meeting in the middle with a massive crack. The poles snapping where they made contact the broken ends flying yards away landing in the dust with a bounce. They held up their broken staffs and blinked.

"Oops." Xi muttered.

"Oh no." Traea scrunched her face in regret.

"We just got those!" Bo said in exasperation.

Xi tossed her broken staff to the side and shrugged, "Well let's stop there. I don't want you hurting your shoulder again Traea."

Traea lowered her half staff, "Yeah, we probably shouldn't break anything else either."

"Wow!" Proteus clapped in amazement, "That was amazing!" He said in awe.

Xi touched her face, "Oh! Thank you! How sweet."

Traea grinned, "Thanks Proteus."

Half of the students had their jaws on the floor. Proteus? Crown Prince Proteus?

Proteus smiled from his place in the circle enthusiastically layering on praise. The crown prince of Syracuse casually chatted with Malakos as a kid tugged on his hand. Proteus realized that some of the students were staring and turned his handsome smile on them and waved a greeting.

Nearly everyone looked like they got shot through the heart.

Prince Proteus is smiling at me?! Is this normal? He's way to casual!

Xi laughed and went over to shove one of her students, "Stop staring boys, I know Proteus is handsome, but you need to control yourselves."

Proteus colored, getting called handsome by Traea's mother wasn't what he was expecting today.

The students looked at their teacher and then back at Proteus making unintelligible sounds.

Traea appeared in the middle of them, "It's okay guys. I was amazed too. Don't worry you get used to it."

Proteus rolled his eyes, "When were you ever amazed Traea? You called me names the first time we met."

Traea winced, "Oh I forgot about that."

"You did what?" Xi turned to Traea.

Uncle Bo ooohed, "Bad move Traea."

"I was super angry! And we're friends now!" Traea ran over to Proteus, "We're fine! Right? We're fine." She quickly assured her mother. "We're fine!"

Proteus folded his arms and turned away, "What makes you think that?"

Malakos sipped at Proteus's tea, "I don't remember raising such a rude daughter."

Traea grabbed the back of Proteus's tunic, "Proteus!" She pleaded with him, "Come on. Tell them we're friends!"

Proteus looked at Traea out of the corner of his eyes with a smirk, "I don't see why I should."

"I thought you were supposed to be nice!" Traea said horrified.

"I cannot believe you called Proteus names Traea." Xi shook her head in disappointment, "How could you call such a nice boy names?"

Traea let out a strangled gasp and pointed, "This handsome face is lying to you guys!" She turned to him, "you've turned my family against me with your charms. I saved you from bandits! And scorpion dog- things…" She floundered for a moment.

"Dorpion?" Malakos suggested.

Both Proteus and Traea winced, "Maybe."

Proteus grinned and pushed Traea's shoulder, "You have a point, I guess I can say we are friends."

Traea let go of the breath she was about to use to launch in to a tirade and opened her hand, "Well. Since you admitted it." She leaned back.

The kids laughed at Traea's expense.

"Proteus!" The kids tugged at his hands, "Tomorrow you should join us for practice! We'll teach you!"

"That sounds like fun! Since apparently Traea doesn't want to."

The students watched with barely concealed shock. The prince was teasing his red faced general as if it were the most normal thing in the world.

Proteus laughed out loud, sounding all warm and kind like the glow of sunlight. His face lit up with a big smile.

All the students internally sighed, I think I'd die for him.

"TRAEA!"

Traea jumped and looked over as Naysir stomped across the yard.

"Traea were you fighting?" Naysir was livid, "When you're still injured? When I specifically told you NOT to?"

Proteus took his hand away from Traea, oh, I'm afraid.

Traea paled "Dionysus ferment me three ways to Sunday." She cursed quite imaginatively, "I- gotta go!" She dashed away, and then grabbed Proteus and pulled him along after her. "I'll see you guys later!" She shouted as the two ran away.

"Traea!" Naysir sounded furious. "Do not run away from me!"

Xi intercepted the doctor, "Naysir…"

"Don't talk to me Xi, this is your fault!" Naysir pointed. "Traea don't you dare make Proteus run with that leg!"

She has a point. Traea spun around and scooped up Proteus bridal style and kept running.

Proteus yelped in surprise but hung on for dear life. Too afraid to question it.

"Where to go. Where to go." Traea sang to herself holding in a scream, if Naysir caught her she would be very, very dead. Especially making the prince with an injured leg run after her.

"Traea." Proteus warned trying not to rush her, but also trying very much to rush her.

She looked around frantically, "There it is!" She quickly pushed Proteus into a dark entryway and shut the door behind them.

Proteus was crammed against some shelving as Traea listened over the pounding of her heart. He was frozen afraid to move lest they be caught. Traea had one hand braced against his chest and she finally relaxed dropping her arms.

Proteus put a hand on his chest his heart drumming, "I thought I was going to die."

"It's alright, she'll cool off. Eventually."

He looked around, where are we?

"Sorry for picking you up." Traea apologized.

Proteus grinned, "It was fun. I didn't slow you down at all!" He was amazed.

Traea blushed and pulled him deeper into the building. "We'll hide out here for a bit. Come on." She navigated around shelves and great big pillars of marble. "This is my uncle's workshop. Uncle Jin!" Traea called dropping Proteus's hand as they picked through the art supplies. "Uncle Jin!"

Proteus finally stumbled into open space. He brushed himself off, "Traea…" He looked up and gaped. The huge room was filled with light and there were paintings sitting on easels. A half-finished marble statue was standing in one corner, recognizable laurel peeking out from the rough stone.

"Oh." He paused in front of a rough drawing in charcoal, it was a drawing of him. Unrefined and hasty but recognizable all the same. Whoever drew it had captured his face in the middle of growing into a smile.

"Proteus!"

Proteus abandoned the drawing and followed Traea. He found her standing in front of a curtained off space.

"What is it?"

"You wanted to meet my brother right?" She nervously looked up at him.

Proteus perked up excited, "Is he here?"

"Yeah." She blocked the view shyly, "Before you meet him, you should know he's a little… different."

Proteus blinked, Different. He looked at her. She does realize everyone I've met so far is "different" right?

"Perses, is really smart in certain stuff, but he's not so good at talking to people. He's really nice though." She explained, "It'll just take him some time to warm up to you. So don't be too surprised."

Proteus nodded. "Okay."

Traea smiled, "Wait here." She ducked behind the curtain and Proteus waited patiently. Eventually the curtain moved to the side and Traea appeared holding a man's hand that could only be called her twin.

She pulled him into view and gestured. "Proteus this is my twin brother Perses."

Proteus saw long dark hair and hands covered in clay, identical builds and height. His face though was turned away.

"Perses. Do you want to say hi?" Traea asked.

Perses glanced at Proteus.

Proteus was struck by how young that face was, not like how the rest of the family looked young. He looked childlike, his eyes soft and gentle like a child's eyes. There was something disparate between his face and the rest of him, like his body had continued growing but his face did not age.

Perses immediately grabbed Traea's hand and clung to her not speaking to Proteus or making eye contact. He was trying to hide behind Traea with little luck since he was no smaller than his sister

"Perses, it's okay. This is my friend Proteus." Traea patted his arm, "Remember that we say hi to new friends."

Perses glanced at Proteus timidly and nodded.

Proteus smiled and waved, "Hi Perses it's nice to meet you."

Traea looked at Perses for a moment and then turned, "Do you want to show us what you're working on?"

Perses nodded and laboriously showed them inside his curtained off studio. He stood beside a statue and half pointed.

Proteus carefully stepped inside the space and examined the piece, it was exquisite. "This is really amazing Perses." Proteus said.

Perses turned to Traea whispering in her ear.

"He's says thank you." Traea turned to the Prince. "You could say it yourself Perses."

Perses shook his head rapidly.

"Okay. Okay. You can say it when you want." Traea assured him. "What wire did you use as a frame?"

Perses pointed.

"2.5 gauge." Traea nodded, "Good choice."

Perses continued to hold Traea's hand as they talked.

Proteus watched, Traea seeming to pick up on the non-verbal cues and threaded it into a coherent conversation. Proteus knew about people like Perses. People touched by the gods before they were born. A little different. The same on the outside but with something different on the inside. He didn't want to make Perses uncomfortable so he stayed quiet.

Eventually Perses let go of Traea's hand and Traea walked away, apparently their talking was done. They exited the studio and Perses stayed behind continuing to work.

"Don't you want to talk with him more?" Proteus asked.

"I can talk to him later. There's no point in talking when he's in a working mood." Traea closed the curtain behind her, her hand seemed to hesitate but she dropped it.

Proteus nodded in understanding, "He's nice."

Traea looked up at the Prince searching his face. Apparently, what she found was satisfactory because she smiled, "Yeah."

Traea led him to the rest of the studio.

"Hey Cordelia." Traea went up to a very muscular young lady, "How are the statues coming along?"

"Traea!" The woman lit up she bounced over and crushed the general in a hug. "I'm working my ass off here. Gods, I'm trying to figure out a way to sculpt this arm without it breaking on me." The woman said exasperated. "And I can't get a good sketch for the Apollo."

"Would a model help?" Traea asked being put down.

"Yeah, but how am I going to find a model for-"

"How about Proteus?" Traea gestured to the Prince standing behind her looking off into the distance.

Cordelia saw Proteus and you could see the inspiration hit her, "Yes!" Cordelia seized the opportunity, "Gods yes! You're a life saver Traea." She called the other apprentices over, "Guys! Get the charcoal!"

Proteus floundered, "I uh… Me? Are you sure?"

"You're perfect." She went off to grab her supplies.

"We've gotta hide out here for a minute anyways." Traea smiled, "I hope you don't mind, it'll only be for a couple of minutes."

Proteus frowned, "I don't think I'm suited to be a model for a god."

Traea grinned, "Proteus you're the closest thing we're going to get." She looked at him, "If you're uncomfortable with it…"

"It's fine." Proteus grinned in good humor, he found it kind of funny. "I want to help."

Three other apprentices came in and their eyes landed on Proteus. They all swooned a bit.

"He's perfect! Perfect!" Ghirabaldi said jumping up and down. Long brown hair tied back his eyes taking in the angles on Proteus breathlessly.

"Good muscle definition." Verona muttered inspecting his shoulders.

The last apprentice came in with flair, long blonde hair tied back, proud Italian nose thrust into the air. "Oh Traea!" He swept over and seized the general in an embrace kissing her firmly on both cheeks, "You have saved us once again my dear!"

Traea made a face, "Thanks Reccardi." She looked around, "Where's Uncle Jin?"

"Here and there. He said something about animal studies and then ran off." Cordelia set up a stand.

Traea nodded, Jin was known to be seized by artistic inspiration at odd times and he let it lead him around. Luckily for him they almost always ended in something brilliant so his assistants let him be.

"Why don't we start then yeah?" Verona said, "I'm sure these two have places to be." She said nonchalantly although the way she had her sketchbook already set up betrayed her eagerness.

Ghirabaldi had set up as well, "Do we want him naked?"

Proteus raised an eyebrow, he didn't care but-

"Nah, maybe just the shirt off, I got the legs sorted already." Cordelia said.

Proteus shrugged his shirt off and handed it politely to Traea.

"You want to pose him Cordelia?" Reccardi asked all business now.

Proteus took off his shoes and stepped up on the platform Traea pointed to.

Cordelia furrowed her brow looking Proteus over, "Proteus stand naturally for a moment."

Proteus complied, he'd stood for more than one statue in his time. Even though he felt at ease he naturally stood at attention which wasn't what they wanted.

"Traea can you set a box?"

Traea placed a box next to Proteus's foot.

"Put your right foot on that." Cordelia instructed.

Proteus did.

"Right hand on your shoulder."

Proteus placed his hand on his shoulder.

"A little closer to your neck."

Proteus adjusted appropriately.

"Other hand down, and twist a bit to the right."

Proteus shifted his weight and twisted.

"Perfect. Spot yourself and don't move." Cordelia ordered as the furious sound of charcoal on paper echoed from several points in the room.

Traea picked up a sketchbook and found a piece of charcoal and set up shop directly in Proteus's eye line. She put the charcoal to paper and started sketching quickly. Her eyes darted from him to the paper absorbing information and translating it onto the page.

Proteus was mildly surprised that Traea knew how to draw, but then he remembered the meticulous tower diagrams and nearly smacked himself for forgetting. But then again life drawing was a different skill set. Her hand was moving really quickly so it seemed like she knew what she was doing.

About two minutes in a surprise guest joined their circle. Perses sat down next to his twin and watched her draw. Identical grey eyes tracing the lines on the paper.

Traea looked at Proteus in the eye once and her lips twitched into a smile, raising an eyebrow.

Proteus wanted to reply but he couldn't and she knew he couldn't which made her grin wider.

Five minutes passed of furious drawing and Cordelia called time. "Take a break Proteus."

Proteus relaxed letting out a breath, "Thanks."

Ghirabaldi cleaned up some lines.

Verona and Cordelia inspected their work.

Riccardi quickly sharped his charcoal stick.

Traea and Perses seemed to be locked in non-verbal conversation.

Proteus sat down on the platform, he felt strangely at ease with these people, mumbling over art and not over him, it was refreshing.

Perses got up and went to the other side of the room once again, leaving Traea alone on her bench. Traea turned back to her drawing with a frown.

Proteus stretched out his long legs, "I didn't know you did art Traea, I thought you were all about diagrams."

"It helps me think." Traea smirked and flipped to the next page of her large book and started sketching. "My room in the palace is full of sketches and drawings. It's kind of a mad house. But it's good for memory and map making, or so I tell myself." She glanced at him and then back to the paper, "Therefore it stays."

"Maybe you could teach me sometime." Proteus tilted his head watching Traea work. "After you teach me martial arts."

Traea chuckled, "I'm not that good. You probably know just as much as I do."

Proteus shrugged. "never got a chance to try. But it might be nice, relaxing."

All five artists barked in laughter.

"Relaxing?" Cordelia said incredulously, "Art is not relaxing. I've never been relaxed drawing or painting, or anything."

"Can you imagine?" Reccardi asked, "Art makes you pay through the nose, there's nothing relaxing about it."

"Art is the most stressful thing I've ever experienced." Verona said flatly. "But in a good way."

"It's worth it in the end." Ghrabaldi smiled. "Painful but worth it."

Traea smiled hand still moving, "I think he's talking about Art that's not for a job guys."

All the artists paused.

"Oh..." They trailed off, "Well then yeah it could be relaxing and fun." They all agreed.

Proteus chuckled, "I wish I had all of your dedication."

Traea filled in a spot, "Proteus you are literally the definition of dedication."

Proteus didn't know what to say to that so he just pointed, "I've never known you to stop working."

"I'm never working." Traea said, "Work isn't work when you're having fun."

Proteus cast a sideways glance at the other artists and they all shared in a look.

"Is she always like this?" Proteus asked.

"Sometimes I find her here in the dead of the night like a ghost." Verona spoke up.

Traea glared at all of them, "Isn't break time over?"

Perses came over with a sketchbook of his own looking somehow eager without showing outward signs of it.

Proteus smiled at Perses, and Perses quickly ducked his head.

Proteus got back up on his box and carefully resumed his position. Traea turned back to her original page.

"Can you raise your right hand just a bit?"

Proteus complied.

"Perfect…" Ghirabaldi started sketching again.

Perses was moving rapidly, flipping through a page every minute.

About halfway through Traea's eyes lingered on Proteus, her hand stopped for a bit. Grey eyes sliding over him trying to memorize his form. Proteus watched her from the corner of his eye and she bit her lip in concentration. She then raised her left hand with the charcoal in it and measured something in the air. Glancing at her drawing for a moment she frowned and looked back up at him eyes wide trying to absorb information. After another moment Traea quickly rubbed out something on the page and made a careful line. She glanced up and down several times and then continued drawing.

It's kinda fun to watch her work. Proteus thought to himself.

Time was called and Proteus sighed stretching. "How's it going guys?"

Cordelia finished up a line and grinned, "I'm almost done. You guys?"

"I'm almost done as well." Traea spoke up and then ran to find some more charcoal hers was almost out.

"One more is good for me." Reccardi said.

"One more it is." Proteus grinned. "How am I looking?" He hopped off the platform.

Ghirabaldi dropped his charcoal, it hit the ground and shattered. He yelped. "My baby!"

Verona laughed at Ghirabaldi as he rushed off to grab another stick. "You look fantastic Proteus." Verona turned her sketch book around. "You like it?"

Proteus blinked in surprise, the drawing was nearly complete. It wasn't a mere sketch anymore, she'd done that much in only ten minutes? She had the view from his furthest left side turning rather elegantly away. "Wow. That's amazing." He was floored.

Verona grimaced, "Yeah, but I just can't get this foot right. I hate feet." She touched her chin in thought leaving a smear of charcoal.

"That was my good pine compressed charcoal." Ghribaldi sighed.

"Thanks for helping us out." Cordelia said, "You're exactly what we needed." She turned her sketchbook around to face Proteus, "I've been looking for someone with your torso length for a while."

"You guys make me look better than I am." Proteus grinned. His muscles looked very defined in her drawing.

Reccardi sighed, "If only. Gods Traea where did you find him? He's got the pecs I've been looking for."

"Do you mean for anatomy or other things?" Verona smirked.

"It's for art!" Reccardi protested. He pointed to the pecs in his drawing, "ART!"

Proteus laughed. "I'm flattered really. You are all very talented."

"Perses what are you working on?" Ghirabaldi went over to Perses.

Perses showed him and whispered into his ear.

Ghirabaldi smiled, "That'll really help us out thanks."

"Are you by any chance a dancer Proteus?" Cordelia asked.

"Ah… no. I do a lot of fighting mostly." Proteus hedged his bets, "Why don't you guys use Miss Xi's students? They seem pretty fit."

"We do, but they aren't built like you are, they're different." Reccardi explained, "They've got different muscles and stuff, a lot of them are bulky which is good for other statues. But Apollo's supposed to be slimmer you know."

"We usually get Ling for this kind of work but he's been super busy lately. We don't want to be a bother." Ghirabaldi tested the charcoal.

"We got Xi in here once." Verona pointed.

"Oh yeah!" Reccardi perked up remembering, "She's amazing."

"I keep my drawings of her in a safe box." Cordelia said. "I got a ton of gestures of her as well."

"She's got amazing lines." Ghirabaldi said enthusiastically, "It's like drawing water." He tried to demonstrate with his arms.

"That's a Sun family thing-" Cordelia turned, "Traea! Why haven't you ever modeled for us before?"

Traea just came back holding up a stick that was more brown than grey. "Huh? Oh wow!" She came over, "These are amazing guys!"

Proteus noticed Verona turning red.

"Yeah! I think we'll use this." Cordelia grinned. "How's your drawing going?"

Traea grinned, "I'm a bit rusty."

"Liar." Reccardi smudged a finger on her cheek.

Traea batted him away, "I took a look at the satyr. I think I know how to solve your problem." She pulled out a sheet of paper, "If you give him a cape maybe here." She showed Cordelia.

Cordelia smacked her forehead leaving a hand print, "Why didn't I think of that?"

"Because you've been working too hard." Traea pointed, "If you took a moment you would've figured it out."

Cordelia sighed, "Fine."

Traea looked at Verona's drawing, "hm. That foot…" She looked, "I think it's a little too wide."

Verona blushed, "Oh! Yeah. Thanks Traea."

"I don't mean to…" Traea backed off.

"No! You're helping. Thanks!" Verona shut her mouth hastily.

"Can you check mine then?" Ghirabaldi asked. He was the newest one out of everybody. "I've got a problem with this hip."

Traea took his drawing seeming to glare at it. "I see. Your problem here is that you can't see his legs. His thighs are actually longer than you think they are. So that's why the hip looks like it's floating a bit. She looked at Proteus and back at the drawing. Then she turned to Cordelia, "I want him to take his pants off."

Ghirabladi jumped, "But Traea!"

Everyone looked at Proteus.

Proteus looked unperturbed and shrugged. "It's fine." She had his pants off last night.

Perses appeared by Traea's side and said something.

She paused, "Oh. My bad. You're right his leg is hurt." She turned to everyone, "My bad guys. He needs to keep his pants on."

"Alright another five minutes." Cordelia pointed him back up onto the platform.

Proteus got up and took his place again.

"Is that the brown charcoal Traea?" Reccardi asked.

"I kinda wanted to give it a try." Traea held it up grinning sheepishly.

"And go."

The artists all fell silent as they worked.

Traea quickly finished her drawing, at this point she was well acquainted with Proteus's anatomy so finishing her drawing she flipped the page. She moved to a place nearly behind him and picked up the brown charcoal and with a flick of her wrist created a dynamic curved line down the page like the slash of a sword.

Proteus raised an eyebrow in surprise.

Perses was working just as furiously burning through pages quickly. He tried to get a glimpse of what he was doing.

"Stay still." Verona ordered.

Proteus froze.

Traea chuckled.

Proteus humphed, "Why don't you try modeling Traea?" He asked only his face moved.

"I am a model." Traea made another line, "A model of society."

Proteus held in a laugh, "Yeah. You're right about that. Is there anything you can't do Traea?"

"Mmmm… I'm not good at sowing." Traea replied continuing to draw, "And I suck at wrestling."

Proteus raised an eyebrow, "What? There's no way you're bad at wrestling."

"Stay still." Cordelia warned.

Traea continued on conversationally, "It's true. Nearly everyone is heavier than I am so it's always a bad match up." She looked up at him and then back down, "I've been in… sixty-seven official matches?" She looked up trying to remember the exact number. "And I've only won fifteen of them."

Perses frowned at Traea.

Proteus blinked in surprise, there was simply no way. "You're lying."

"I am not. I only managed to beat Rip twice." Traea sighed, "I'm a disgrace."

Proteus looked at the wall, "Huh. Why don't you get Devas to help you?"

Traea sighed, "I did, but what's the point. I just get thrown around like a rag doll. Plus there's no use of me fighting in official matches."

"Wrestling is useful isn't it?" Proteus asked.

"Yes absolutely." Traea answered. "But when you do official matches you can't wear anything so… Like I said, not my thing."

Proteus blushed red, "…Right."

"Besides I usually don't find myself in a situation where I'm naked and rolling around in the dirt." Traea said, "You know what I'm talking about Verona?"

Verona was blushing so hard she had to hide behind her sketchbook.

"Don't tease her Traea." Cordelia pointed.

Traea put up a hand, "Sorry. Sorry." She continued drawing, "How about you Proteus? Are you a good wrestler?"

"Actually, Yeah. I'm pretty good." He thought for a moment, "I'm much better at armed combat though."

"Well if you help me with my wrestling. I'll teach you some martial arts moves." Traea said flicking her hand.

"Really?" Proteus grinned.

"Stay still." Cordelia warned.

"Yeah, come on Proteus." Traea teased. "You should be a pro at this."

"You do it if it's so easy." Proteus pouted.

"Oh, I have." Traea smirked.

"What?" Nearly all the artists gaped. "When?"

"You've never modeled for us!" Riccardi yelled indignantly. "My gods Traea. You modeled for someone else but not us?"

Traea laughed, "I've got artist friends in Syracuse. They ask me sometimes."

"Whaaat?"

Traea flicked her braid over her shoulder, "You guys wouldn't be able to handle all this."

"You said there's no statues of you." Proteus said accusingly.

"There aren't." Traea clarified. "But people need models for other things. And they let me use their workshop every now and then. So I help out." She shrugged.

"She cheated on us." Ghirabaldi gasped.

"I did not cheat on you."

"Unfaithful."

Traea rolled her eyes.

"Could you imagine we could've done with you modeling for us?"

"It would've been beautiful."

"You guys know I can hear you." Traea said, "I'm not-"

Perses came over and tugged on Traea's braid.

Traea yelped. "Perses! Don't do that." She made him let go.

"Still please." Perses said to Proteus.

Proteus blinked, this is the first time he talked to me. "Sorry Perses." Proteus resumed his pose.

They drew in silence for the rest of the time.

"Okay done!"

Proteus dropped to the platform exhausted. "Ow." His hip flexor was cramping. Holding one position for a long time hurt.

"Your leg okay?" Traea asked kneeling next to him. Perses shadowed her.

"I probably should've stretched." Proteus said with a grin.

Traea kneeled down next to him and stretched out his thigh muscle.

"Thanks Traea," he got to his feet.

Proteus saw the sketchbook she was holding, "Can I see?" Proteus pointed to her sketchbook.

"Sure." Traea opened the book and held it up for him.

Proteus took the book and did a double take staring. "Oh. I… uh." He swallowed. "You-" he was unsure what to say.

Ghirabaldi looked over Proteus shoulder, "Oh. Traea." He smiled eyes soft, "It's lovely."

Traea rolled her eyes, "Sure it is," She handed him the brown charcoal. "This stuff is great."

Traea's drawing was beautiful, the lines artful and expressive. It was intricately detailed, muscles and tendons drawn out, skin stretching and catching light. Her hand made him look different. Peaceful and something else, something he couldn't put his finger on. He realized that this was her first drawing. He turned the page to a quick gesture of him sitting down casually. The weight distributed nicely, dynamic even in stillness, looking for once less like a prince and more like a human. He realized this was all in grey, he hadn't seen the brown yet. He turned the page and blushed. It was a gesture of his back and it made him look really sensual. Two bold lines tracing the curve of his torso: one for his spine, one elegantly drawn from the outer edge of his shoulder to his hip. The brown made his back a little softer and warm. One strip of clear white shone, where one of his back muscles stood out in stark definition.

Verona crept over and peeked at the drawings. Proteus could feel enough heat coming off of her to start a fire.

"Fuck me." Verona breathed.

"Wow Ghi." Traea looked at Ghirabaldi's drawing, "This looks great! You even got the shading for the hands."

Cordelia looked, "Oh, I hate doing hands."

Riccardi grinned, "That's what you have me for."

Cordelia smacked the older man on the shoulder, "Talk to me once you can do hair."

The artists all gathered their drawings together to discuss.

Traea came back over to Proteus.

Proteus couldn't take his eyes off her drawing, "You made me look so…" Human "-pretty."

"Shirt." Traea tossed Proteus his shirt. "I only draw what I see Proteus. That's all you." She grinned

Proteus put on his shirt and shoes, "You're really good you know." He pulled his hair from the collar.

"Well, I've been drawing since before I could hold a pen." She lifted his hand, "Maybe I should ask you to model for me later. You have fantastic forearms." She rotated his hand, grey eyes tracing the curve of his muscle.

Proteus didn't know how he felt. Knowing now that whenever Traea looked at him with those grey eyes they saw him like this. Or maybe she was just saying things. Probably just saying things. Instead of deciding he smirked, "I'm a busy man you know."

"I'm aware. All the more a shame." Traea put down his hand and then smiled, "I'm glad you liked the drawings. Thanks for helping out."

"No problem."

Perses stepped up and gave Proteus his sketch book.

Proteus blinked in surprise, "Oh, thanks Perses." He looked at them and his eyes widened, "These are really good!" Proteus was amazed, he flipped through the pages. Each one a close up of his likeness. "You're amazing Perses! Artistic talent runs in the family I guess." Proteus grinned enthusiastically, he turned to Traea, "Sorry Traea. I'm having Perses teach me."

Traea smirked, "I will admit my artistry pales in comparison to my brother's." She said dramatically. "Right Perses?"

Perses tugged on one of his sleeves and smiled, a bit wobbly, but it was a smile.

Traea picked up her sketchbook and smiled, "Well you do have great lines Proteus." She said almost reverently, "Really elegant."

Perses looked at Traea's drawing and nodded, "Good." He then pointed and handed Traea a piece of charcoal.

Traea frowned and twirled the charcoal in her fingers deep in thought. Proteus's eyes got caught on the movement mesmerized, then he paused.

Proteus couldn't believe he didn't notice before.

"Traea you're left handed?"

Traea nearly dropped the charcoal startled. Crap. "I uh…"

"Yeah, she is. You didn't notice?" Cordelia raised an eyebrow.

"She fights right handed." Proteus pointed, "At least so far as I've seen."

"No she doesn't…" Ghirabaldi frowned and then turned to her. "Traea."

Traea coughed, "well…" she put the charcoal down, "I'm more ambidextrous."

"You can't draw with your right hand." Riccardi pointed. "I've seen you try."

"You throw better with your left too." Cordelia said.

Proteus stared at Traea. "You've been fighting with your weaker side." Proteus realized, "Oh my gods! You fought Phaon with your weaker hand!"

"I can use both!" Traea said, "Everything but drawing anyways… and chopsticks."

Proteus shook his head, "You're incredible-"

"You gotta be able to use both-" Traea tried to say.

"Absolutely incredible." Proteus put his hands on his hips. "How did I not notice?"

"Wow Traea. You broke Proteus." Riccardi said.

"Stay out of this." Traea glared, she turned to Proteus, "Look, I wasn't trying to hide- well actually…"

"I'm an unobservant idiot." Proteus said in disbelief.

"No you're not. It's not something I advertise." Traea said worriedly.

"You're amazing Traea!" Proteus grasped her hand.

Traea spluttered, "What?"

"You are thinking five steps ahead! If your opponents don't even know you're left handed they won't even know the full extent of your strength!" Proteus said excitedly, "You really are spectacular!"

Perses let out a strangled protest.

Proteus instantly let go of Traea's hand. "Sorry Perses." Then he grinned at Traea. "I'm super impressed!" he punched her shoulder.

"Thanks…" Traea rubbed her shoulder.

"That's real commitment! Should I do that? No. Everyone knows I'm right handed." Proteus muttered to himself. He pointed, "You're a superb general!" He grinned.

Traea chuckled at his exuberance, "Thanks Proteus. That's nice of you to say."

Perses hugged Traea.

Cordelia coughed, "So Traea do you have some time to model?"

Perses violently shook his head.

"Guess I don't." Traea grinned.

"What a tease." Ghirabaldi sighed. "I want those arms."

"I've gotta give Proteus a tour around this place." The general gestured, "Maybe another time."

Perses twitched.

"Perses you want to come with us?" Proteus asked.

Perses glanced at Proteus from the corner of his eye and then back down and nodded.

Traea smiled, "See you guys later!" She took her brother's hand and they walked out of the studio.

"Where would you like to go first?" She asked Proteus.

Proteus looked at all the buildings around them hoping one would catch his attention. "Do your family members all do different things?" He asked.

"Yep!" Traea enthusiastically pointed, "Uncle Dakai is a blacksmith, he makes swords and other blades. Aunt Seyyal is the merchant, she took over my dad's family business, Uncle Jin is the artist, Uncle Sotor is a carpenter, Uncle Ling is a lawyer, Aunt Naysir you already know. Uncle Bo helps out my mom training and teaches the kids science, although he mostly just blows things up in the kitchen. Aunt Lila is a weaver."

An entire family of diverse talents. "All tempting choices. Where to start?" Proteus turned to Perses, "Perses, where would you like to go first?"

Perses startled like a small deer.

Proteus hoped he hadn't overstepped his bounds.

Perses thought for a moment eyes looking around at the ground. He pointed to the blacksmiths and glanced at Proteus as if asking the prince for approval.

Proteus smiled, "The blacksmiths! An excellent choice!"

Traea smiled and pulled them toward the smithy. Sounds of hammering coming into earshot. One of the apprentices came out of the door and stretched reaching his hands into the sky.

"Nautilus!" She waved.

The young man started, "Miss Traea! You're back!" He broke out into a grin. "It's nice to see you again." He grasped her hand.

"Good to see you too Nautilus." Traea grinned, "How are things?"

"Same old, same old." He returned all blonde hair and cheekbones, "You looking for a new sword?"

"No, no. I'm giving Proteus here a tour around the homestead."

Nautilus waved them inside, "Please come in, excuse the mess." He saw Perses and paused, "Hi Perses!"

Perses gave an imperceptible nod.

"Master Dakai!" Nautilus called, "Traea's here to see you!" The young man looked around.

The hammering continued and Proteus was suddenly surrounded by iron and heat. There was a certain energy in the air, the bellows blew, fire roared, two shirtless men pounded on a glowing piece of iron in hypnotic rhythm. Darkness and light contrasted on the edges of sharply forged metal. Dull unpolished blades next to shining masterpieces.

Perses trembled covering his ears against the loud noises.

Traea looked at Perses and moved him to the furthest corner away from the hammering, "Uncle Dakai?" She looked around.

Proteus examined the tools, despite what Nautilus had said the surfaces were wiped clean of soot and neatly arranged.

"Traea." Dakai emerged from around the corner, "guys, Take a break."

The hammers stopped and the men all gladly stepped outside to relax.

"Uncle Dakai!" Traea cheered. "You got some really cool daggers back there."

Dakai smiled and kissed the top of Traea's head, "Are you looking for daggers?"

Traea scrunched her nose, "I'm not always looking for more stuff you know."

"Of course not." Dakai smiled. "You've brought a guest."

Proteus stepped forward, "Hello sir."

Dakai smiled, "Welcome Proteus." The larger man took both of Proteus's hands and gave him a good long look.

Proteus held still waiting for the man to say something. But Dakai was a man of few words.

Traea watched them, Dakai was excellent at reading people. She always thought it had something to do with his quiet steady presence; but maybe he was just a good listener even if there weren't words involved.

Dakai nodded and put down Proteus's hands, "Follow me."

Proteus followed the man silently into the backroom.

Dakai walked past racks of swords and spears, all of them beautiful. He stopped at the far wall and took down one of the swords hanging on the wall. He looked at it a moment before he turned around and handed it to the Prince.

Proteus took it, the weight heavy and sure in his hands. The saber was the perfect length, the sheath thin burnished metal with mother of pearl inlaid into it creating patterns of waves and feathers. Proteus carefully drew the sword out of the sheath the handle feeling just right in his grip, leather fitting snuggling into his hand. He looked at the shining blade, the perfect curve shining in the light. The balance was wonderful. A sword had never felt so easy to hold before. He couldn't help but smile, it was a masterpiece. He couldn't identify the metal though.

"What is this blade made of?" Proteus asked, the shine was amazing and the blade itself incredibly light for its length.

"Iron." Dakai said, "It's made by constant hammering and folding."

Proteus's eyes lit up in interest, "Is it common in china?" he asked.

"It's only known by a few artisans there." He nodded, "They have a similar method in Damascus."

Proteus's eyes widened, Damascus steel was worth ten times it's weight in gold. The process was a jealously guarded secret, he had only seen two others before and he was a prince. The prince just shook his head in amazement. He gazed at the blade once more before he slid the blade back into it's sheath. "Thank you for sharing this with me." He held the sword back out to the master craftsman. "It's beautiful."

Dakai firmly pushed the sword back at the prince, "It is yours."

Proteus's jaw dropped.

Traea hid her smile.

"I-I can't take this." Proteus said stuttering, "I've already received too much from your family already."

Dakai shook his head and closed the young man's hand around it, "You are a good match. You have a good heart, so you will need a strong blade."

Proteus hesitated.

"I've been looking for an owner for this sword. Please take it." Dakai smiled kindly.

"You should just give in Proteus." Traea stepped in, "My uncle only gives away swords to those who deserve it."

Proteus looked at both of them, finally he bowed his head to Dakai, "Thank you." He tied the sword to his belt. It felt strong and secure, almost as steadfast as Traea. "I'll treasure it."

Perses peeked his head in.

Dakai started in surprise, "Perses. You're here."

Perses came over and glanced at Proteus's sword.

Proteus held it up to the Perses, "Hey Perses! Isn't this beautiful? Your uncle gave it to me."

Perses smiled and ran his hand down the sheath feeling the smooth pearl designs under his fingers.

Dakai looked at Traea with a question written on his face. He never comes in here.

Traea smiled, "Proteus invited him." She looked at the two conversing rather smoothly, even though only one side was doing any talking. "I'm just as surprised as you are."

Dakai stared at Perses, the closest Traea's twin had ever gotten to the forge was when he'd wait for her outside the door, even then he could barely even approach the doors or windows. It was remarkable.

"Perses do you like the forge?" Traea asked. "Did you look around?"

Perses nodded shyly.

"I'm glad you like it." Dakai stood next to Proteus. "Maybe we should bronze cast one of your statues sometime."

Perses nodded again.

Proteus grinned, "I ought to commission one of your statues sometime Perses. They're really amazing."

Perses blushed.

"Master Dakai." Proteus turned to the artisan.

Traea blinked, Master Dakai?

"Do you only make blades?" Proteus asked.

"I do some repair work for the locals too when needed." Dakai replied.

"Have you had many apprentices?" Proteus asked.

"A few." Dakai smiled and glanced at Traea.

Traea grinned. She had been obsessed with sword smiths in her younger years. She was no master like her uncle, but she'd made a pretty decent knife once.

"I'm lucky to have many connections to those who would buy swords." Dakai nodded.

"That's amazing." Proteus said honestly, "I ought to bring in some of your apprentices."

Dakai nodded, "I'd be happy to find places for them, Nautilus is nearly done with his apprenticeship."

Proteus seemed to think about this for a moment and nodded. "I'll see what I can do." He shook Dakai's hand.

Dakai got a thoughtful look on his face. Instead of expanding on his thoughts he turned to Traea, "Traea, let me sharpen your sword."

"Don't you have better things to do Uncle Dakai?" Traea handed him her blade all the same.

"Of course not." Dakai smiled, "I'm happy to do it."

The swordsmith could put such a sharp edge on the sword it could cut through silk.

Dakai immediately saw the damage on the sheath, "You've been fighting some interesting foes Traea."

Traea nearly winced, he could also read the damage on a blade better than anyone.

"Master Dakai, there's a new order from Lord Iacasus." Nautilus entered, "He says it's an emergency."

Dakai chuckled.

Nautilus rolled his eyes, "He says it's a real emergency this time."

Dakai nodded, "I should probably get back to it then. Thanks for visiting Proteus." Dakai smiled, "You too Perses."

Proteus and Perses smiled. "Thanks for having us."

Traea led them outside, Perses holding onto her shoulders trailing after her. "Shall we go to the wood shop next?"

Proteus slid a hand down the sheath of the gift, "Traea I really can't." He was almost too scared to hold it.

"Sorry Proteus. It's yours now. No changing it." Traea said resolutely. "Don't sweat it. My family likes giving gifts."

Proteus just gave up, "Traea what kind of clients does your uncle have?"

Traea thought for a moment, "A couple lords and warriors from the surrounding area, General Devas has one. A sultan in the Persian empire asked for a custom one and paid him with forty horses. I hear a king in Iberia has taken up collecting them as well."

Proteus paled a bit.

"Don't worry about it Proteus." Traea saw his face, "Uncle Dakai likes finding good homes for his swords before he likes money."

"That's good to know." Proteus was honored.

"Oh there's the woodshop." Traea pointed.

It seems like Sotor was waiting for them to come around, the second the three of them came into sight the man leaned out the door and waved them over.

"Traea!" Sotor hugged Traea with a laugh, "Proteus, and Perses too!" He put Traea down, "I've been waiting for you to get here. Come on." He led the way inside.

Proteus ducked under the flaps covering the door and the smell of raw uncured wood hit him like a slap in the face. Wood shavings and tools littered work benches. One of the apprentices was bent over something and working in minute detail. On the opposite end of the room there was a group of identical chairs, one of which was polished and stained in a deep mahogany. Carvings ran around the armrests and the back, mythical creatures dancing through a forest.

Sotor was shifting through some wood shavings when Jin came out from the back room and tapped his husband's shoulder from behind. "What are you looking for?"

Traea pointed, "There you are!"

Jin turned around his face beautiful, long black hair swirling around his waist. "Here I am?"

Traea stabbed a finger at the couple, "Your apprentices think you're out there chasing inspiration when you're really here having a date with uncle Sotor!" she accused.

"I'm chasing inspiration." Ling flicked his niece on the forehead letting go of his partner. "It just happens to be here."

Sotor laughed putting his hands on his hips.

"How could you be goofing off when your apprentices are hard at work." Traea admonished, "They were having trouble finishing the sketch of the Apollo and Proteus modelled with his bad leg when you could've just helped them out."

Ling smiled, "What kind of teacher would I be if I held their hands through everything and not let them cultivate their skills?"

Traea just sighed, "You still just wanted to have a date."

Ling grinned, "Can you blame me?"

Traea let out a gasp.

Perses giggled.

"That's exactly right Perses. Traea's being silly." Jin nodded.

Somor stepped forward suddenly, "I can't believe it. Dakai beat me to the punch!"

Ling and Traea stopped arguing.

Somor picked up Proteus's sword, "He already gave Proteus a gift. I'm not even finished with mine yet! What am I supposed to do?"

"You're giving him something too?" Traea asked. "Was this a collective decision?"

"So what if it is?" Somor glared, "I can't believe he gave it to you already, this is going to mess with my timeline."

"How do you expect us to get back if you keep giving him stuff?" Traea threw her hands in the air.

"It's fine. This is the first time you've brought a friend home. Let us spoil him." Jin grinned.

"No. No." Traea stopped him, "And how about Hadid and Rip and Sidka, and those guys? They're my friends too." Traea gestured.

"They're your lieutenants." Jin shook his head, "They don't count."

"Yeah, they have to be friends with you." Sotor rolled his eyes.

Traea let out a scandalized gasp.

"Well now you have Proteus." Sotor grinned, "it was worth the wait." He inclined his head to Proteus, "Thank you for your sacrifice."

"Hey!" Traea interrupted them while Proteus grinned, "Proteus doesn't need any more things. He has plenty of things at home." Traea crossed her arms, "What are you going to give him anyway? A chair?"

"Everyone needs a good chair."

"He's got all the chairs he needs in the palace." Traea gestured.

"I do." Proteus nodded.

"It's not going to be a chair." Sotor rolled his eyes. "I can make more things than chairs."

Traea just raised her hands in defeat, "Fine. Fine! Just don't go overboard."

Ling and Sotor grinned.

"What are you working on anyway?" Traea looked over a piece laying on the workbench. "Seems like a pretty big project."

Sotor came over, "Chiara from the Pezzulo family is getting married, they ordered a ton of furniture for the newlywed's house."

"What's this?" Traea ran her hand over an intricately carved piece.

"That's part of the dresser." Sotor pointed. "The Pezzulo family animal is the deer so I tried to weave it in there along with the forest." He explained while Traea and Perses listened intently.

Proteus just blinked, The Pezzulo family. He can't mean that Pezzulo family.

"Sotor is really popular with Athenian nobility for his furniture." Jin clarified seeing the confusion on Proteus's face.

"I see." Proteus nodded slowly, This family has more connections than I do. "I can't even get an audience with the Pezzulo Patriarch."

Ling smiled, "That's Sotor for you."

Proteus chuckled, "I suppose I'll have to send a gift to Chiara. I didn't even know she was engaged."

Ling smirked, "Maybe you could finance a wardrobe for the couple, it's the only thing missing from the set."

Proteus laughed out loud, "Maybe I will. But Chiara would kill me if I didn't get her some Syracuse silver." Proteus paused, "Does Master Dakai make silver too?"

"Only when he's forced too." Jin winked.

Gods, is there anything this family doesn't do? Proteus looked at Jin who was gazing fondly at Sotor. He blushed.

"What is it?" Jin asked, long hair brushing his cheek.

"I'm sorry for interrupting your date." Proteus bowed his head suddenly embarrassed.

Jin threw back his head and laughed. Proteus only reddened more.

"That's adorable!" Jin laughed, "Don't worry about it Proteus! It wasn't a real date. I'm much more of a romantic." He ruffled Proteus's hair. "Traea you didn't tell us Proteus was so cute." He called.

Traea was half buried in wood shavings and brushed them off her sleeves, "I thought it was obvious without me telling you."

Sotor and Perses popped up behind her, "What are we talking about?" Sotor asked, wood shavings in his curly black hair.

Ling came over and brushed sawdust off his husband. "Nothing at all." He sighed, "Honestly, how do you get so messy so fast?"

Sotor just grinned.

"Alright." Traea climbed out of the pile of wood shavings, "We'd better continue the tour before Naysir catches us." She brushed Perses free of sawdust quickly. "See you guys later."

"Bye!" Sotor and Jin waved.

"You won't get anything done if you keep hanging out with Uncle Sotor Uncle Ling!" Traea called pulling Perses behind her.

Proteus bowed, "Thanks for the tour." He followed Traea at a subdued pace.

Traea peeked around the building. People walked around busy and chatting. She looked both ways looking for signs of Naysir, no doctor's coat, no yelling. Finally she gestured for the others to follow and they quickly ran across the opening and into the weaving house.

"It's about time you visited."

Traea turned around sheepishly, "Hi Aunt Lila."

Lila put her hands on her hips as the sounds of looms went on behind her, "Still running from Naysir?"

"How'd you guess?" Traea asked pulling the other two in further behind her.

"You're only making it worse the longer you avoid her."

"If I run long enough, she'll get busy enough to forget."

Lila made a face that clearly said, that's never going to happen. But she shrugged, "Hi Proteus. Hi Perses. Come on in." She gestured them inside.

"Hello Miss Lila." Proteus smiled, "I hope we're not interrupting."

"Of course not." Lila took Perses's hand when he held it out. "Unlike the men folk we can do two things at once."

Traea snorted.

Proteus grinned, he liked Lila.

"Ladies! We've got a visitor." Lila called.

Half the heads looked over as they entered. The house was open with light streaming in from all sides. Looms were set up on the left side, with tables of cloth folded on the right. The rhythmic working of the looms was soothing. It seemed Perses liked the sounds too. He looked relaxed unlike in the smithy and woodshop.

"Oh my gods."

Half the women got up and rush over, "You must be Proteus!" They crowded around. "Traea! Why didn't you bring him here first?"

Traea backed away with a smile, "Sorry. Cordelia and those guys had first dibs."

One of the girls leaned against Traea and pouted, "You always give them first dibs."

"Next time I bring over a friend you guys can meet them first."

"Like that's ever going to happen again." One of the girls muttered.

Lila showed Proteus around the workshop and most of the ladies went and sat back down on their looms continuing to weave intricate patterns.

"Marigold, what are you working on?"

"I'm sowing the senator's robe with the trim, but I don't like how heavy it is."

Proteus watched and listened as Lila and the girl worked out the problem comparing cloth.

"So you really can't sow?" Proteus asked.

Traea chuckled, "I suck."

"How about weaving?"

"I'm even worse." Traea sighed.

"Really?" Proteus was surprised, not because weaving was easy but because he had just assumed Traea could do everything.

"I tried really hard to learn, but it was a disaster every time." Traea frowned, "I don't understand it." She gestured, "Perses is great at it."

Perses was smiling and nodding as a couple of the girls chatted with him.

"I'm a failure." Traea rubbed her head.

"You're not a failure Traea." Lila smiled and rubbed her back, "See. You made one." She held up a purple cloth.

Traea took it out of her hands, "Why do you still have this?" She asked incredulously. "It's been four years and you still keep this around? Look at this! I can't even make a simple color!" She held out the cloth, which was uneven and blotchy. "No one's going to buy it! Just unravel it already and use the thread for something else. Why is it still here?"

"But you tried so hard." Lila took it from her fondly. "I like to have it around." She rubbed it in her hands, "And It's not that bad."

Traea pointed to one of the looms where a picture of the ocean and winds were appearing with elegant swirls and dolphins. "Say that to Beatrice's face without hurting her feelings."

Beatrice looked up confused.

"It's an affront to the gods." Traea shook her head, "You should burn it before Athena curses you for having it around."

"Don't be so melodramatic." Lila smiled. "I'm going to hang it up."

"You just want to embarrass me."

"A little. It's cute."

Proteus smiled, "Are these women all your apprentices Miss Lila?"

"Some are, the others just like being here." Lila thought for a moment, "It's about time Melanie strikes out on her own anyways, there's a pair of nobles fighting over her services."

"That gets messy real fast." Proteus wrinkled his nose.

"They whittled it down from fifteen. It's like a Spartan arena in there." Lila sighed.

"Does she like one of them?" Traea asked.

"She doesn't know yet." Lila sighed.

Proteus looked at a piece laying on the table, shining in jeweled tones of Syracuse blue. Moons and owls embroidered on it, "Wow, this is amazing." He said mesmerized. He could see people fighting over this.

"Thank you." Lila said. "Remind me when are you guys leaving again?"

"Whenever Traea's back up gets here." Proteus said, "In a few days?"

"Might be longer, depending on where everyone is." Traea confirmed, and then narrowed her eyes, "Don't tell me you're in on it too."

"In on what?" Lila asked innocently.

"People are giving Proteus gifts like it's his birthday, you wouldn't be the one who started all that would you?" Traea crossed her arms.

Lila put her hands behind her back, "I might have said something to the others. And we might have a bet on it now."

"What kind of bet?" Proteus asked.

"If I told it would ruin the bet." Lila said mysteriously. "Don't worry about it."

Traea just sighed and went to go talk to one of the weavers.

Proteus turned to Lila, "I appreciate the gifts I really do, but I think you guys are stressing Traea out."

Lila chuckled, "Traea's so uptight about these things. Ever since she was little she's told us to stop spoiling her."

That doesn't sound like something a kid would say.

"But that just made us spoil her more." Lila smiled.

But they did it anyway. Proteus laughed to himself, he hadn't expected anything else. "She's pretty strict huh?"

"Only on herself, she spoils the other kids and her brother rotten." Lila shook her head, "What a hypocrite."

Proteus nodded in agreement.

Traea frowned watching Proteus talk to her aunt, she had a sneaking suspicion they were talking about her.

"Traea, you come home so rarely now." One of the weavers said, "We're all lonely." The girl leaned against Traea's shoulder.

"I'm sorry. You know how my work is." Traea apologized, "That's really nice Minthe."

The woman she was sharing the bench with blushed, "Thanks. We're glad you visited."

"Oh my gods, I gotta tell you the news on Johan and Reagan."

Three more of the ladies came over and one threw her arms around the general who continued to talk to them.

Perses was watching one of the women work steadily shuttle moving back and forth. Grey eyes following the rhythm of it. The weaver for her part seemed used to having Perses hovering over her shoulder. Perses's grey eyes were almost uncannily similar to Traea's, the same shape and color, and that spark of intellect shining out like the sun. His hair was exactly the same length as his sister's and he had the same nose and cheekbones. He was much paler than her however, and his arms weren't as toned either but that was to be expected.

Proteus tried to ignore Lila who was not so subtly holding up bolts of cloth against his skin.

"Aunt Lila we've gotta go." Traea appeared by Proteus.

Lila smiled, "You done gossiping?"

"I'm mostly caught up." Traea said. "There's so much drama." Traea said with a barely reserved smile.

Proteus raised an eyebrow, he was curious.

"I want to show Proteus to Seyyal's shop before lunch." Traea said.

"Last stop on your tour?"

"Pretty much." Traea grinned, "Then I can surrender myself to the wrath of Naysir." She put her hands together, at peace with her choices thus far.

"I was hoping you'd avoid that. What am I going to do if you're incinerated?" Proteus asked with a smile.

"Take you with me." Traea retorted.

Lila looked at Proteus with renewed interest.

Traea rolled her eyes, "Perses! We're going to Seyyal's place. You want to come?"

Perses got up from his spot and nodded to the weaver. He joined Traea and Proteus.

"Bye Aunt Lila." Traea hugged her aunt.

Proteus smiled, "Nice to meet you. It was lovely to see your work."

"Stop by anytime." Lila shook his hand.

"Bye Proteus!" All the ladies waved. "Come and visit again tomorrow!"

Proteus waved back, "Bye!"

Traea grinned as they exited, "Seems like you have more fans."

"I do not." Proteus frowned and put down his hand.

"Don't be modest you lady killer."

"How dare you accuse me of such a thing." Proteus put his nose in the air.

"Accused, and guilty." Traea winked at Perses who smiled.

"How does Lila get all the thread and dye for her cloth anyway? I saw some pretty rare materials in there."

He's pretty sharp. "Well you're about to see." Traea said as they rounded the corner to the shop.

"TRAEA!"

A mob of men engulfed Traea in a hug.

Proteus and Perses both stepped back as Traea was crushed in a group hug.

"We missed you so much!"

"General Traea! You look thinner."

"Why didn't you visit us first?"

"I missed you guys too." Traea wheezed, she gestured helplessly in Proteus's general direction, "Everyone this is Proteus. Proteus, these guys are the caravan guards. And also my former soldiers."

The big man furrowed his brow, "Proteus." He looked the prince over and suddenly turned to Traea, "Do you mean Prince Proteus?"

"Yeah." Traea nodded.

Everyone immediately stiffened and saluted, "Your highness!"

One of the men stepped forward, "It's an honor sire." He bowed and the rest followed.

Traea smacked the man on the shoulder, "Karos, no need to be so formal. Proteus is here unofficially."

"Oh." Karos raised his head, "Well I'm not really sure how to proceed from here."

Proteus stepped forward and shook the man's hand, "It's nice to meet you."

"The pleasure is mine."

"We apologize for our general dragging you here." One of the men deadpanned.

"Why do you assume I dragged him here?" Traea asked putting her hands on her hips.

"Am I wrong?" The guard asked.

"You know what Liam, I don't need to answer that." Traea finally said.

Liam grinned.

"How was your trip here your highness?" One of the men asked.

"Just Proteus is fine." Proteus assured them, "It was eventful to say the least."

"Oh, so you're not- why are you guys here?" Koros asked.

"We got shipwrecked on our way back from Thrace, someone tried to assassinate Proteus and then bandits tried to kidnap him." Traea waved her hand, "It's a long story."

"That's awful, are you alright?"

Proteus smiled, "Traea made sure I made it here in one piece. It was fun!"

He's adorable. All the former soldier's thought.

Proteus shrugged, "Well mostly one piece." He grinned.

Traea glanced at his leg, "Is this too much walking for you?"

"I'm fine. Really."

The soldiers all looked at Traea, "Did you let the prince get hurt Traea?"

"Why are you guys looking at me like a kicked a puppy?" Traea asked.

All the soldier's motioned at Proteus as if to point out the obvious.

"Don't worry. It was partly my fault. I got in the way of the arrow." Proteus assured the men.

Half the guards nearly fainted.

"You know Proteus, you're turning out to be more trouble than I previously thought." Traea sighed.

"Traea is really amazing, I've never felt safer than with her." Proteus smiled, "She could beat up a whole horde of monsters just to protect someone."

Perses laughed.

Traea sniffed, "Well obviously, what else am I good for?"

Everyone else laughed.

"Of course she can. It's Traea after all." The guards grinned.

Proteus blinked at the group completely assured in the invincibility of their general. Maybe Traea was some sort of demigod after all.

"Is Seyyal around?" Traea asked, "I wanted to talk with her."

The guards shook their heads, "She's with the kids."

"That's too bad." Traea said with disappointment. "Well Proteus, Aunt Seyyal took over my father's merchant business, she's the one who sells all the stuff we produce and gets us more materials as well."

"Where is her favorite place to visit?" Proteus asked.

"She doesn't go so far anymore, we're part of a network of merchants now it's much more efficient." Traea explained.

"We move anything coming into Catanzaro inland to where they need to go. Occasionally we take shipments from Rhegium too." Liam explained.

"How's trade right now? Has there been any drop in cargo recently?" Traea asked.

Koros thought for a moment, "Not really. There were rumors of pirates further north, a couple of ships were sunk."

"What about now?" Traea asked.

"I haven't heard anything, you guys?" Koros looked at the others.

"Nope."

"Same as always."

Traea nodded, "That's good. Looks like they didn't stick around." She shook her head, "How's work besides? You guys enjoying yourselves?"

"Oh yeah! Noruminus got married!"

Traea looked at the man so quickly Proteus thought she was going to snap her neck. "Seriously? Why didn't you guys start with that?" She ran over and hugged the man. "I'm so happy for you! When did it happen?"

"Just last week." He sheepishly blushed.

"Congratulations!" Traea beamed, "That's fantastic! How exciting!" She was bouncing now. "What's his name?"

"Manousus."

"Manousus?!" Traea shouted, "He didn't say a word to me when I saw him!" Traea said incredulously, "How could he not tell me?" Traea growled, "I'm going to have a word with him later." She said sternly.

"Traea…"

"This is just what I wanted to hear!" Traea held him by the shoulders, "Oh, Kassius, how's the new baby?"

"Oh, she's adorable!" The new father squealed.

"She roll over yet?"

"Not yet, but any day now!"

Perses sighed silently and stood next to Proteus who watched everything with an amused smile on his face.

"Is she always like this?"

Perses smiled and nodded.

"How long are you staying Traea?"

She held one of the men's hands grinning, "Just a few days, until Artyuk and the others get here."

"Artyuk? You're waiting for back up?" Koros frowned, "We could escort you."

Traea grinned, "I know, but you work for Seyyal now, not me."

The men looked at the ground.

She shook her head, "I appreciate it, but we need a couple days anyways for Proteus's leg to heal up." She winked, "Don't worry. I'll call if I really need help."

"Yeah, but you never need help." Liam said.

Traea laughed, "that's not true." She gestured Proteus closer, "How are the villages? Has everything settled down?"

"For the most part yes." Diomedes nodded, "They're repairing the fields and houses, Master Malakos and Sotor are having fun making a new bridge across the river."

"Of course they are."

"I didn't know your father could build bridges." Proteus said surprised.

"Yeah, it's one of his hobbies." Traea nodded, "Luckily the villages in this area weren't hit too bad by the book closing."

"Is that so?" Proteus frowned, "The report from lord Minuchki said otherwise."

Traea raised an eyebrow, "What did it say?"

"He refused to contribute funds for the refugees because reportedly his own province was hit badly as well." Proteus's face was curiously blank, "I'll have to have a word with him when I get back." He smiled.

Minuchki better run.

"Don't you have auditors you can send to make sure this doesn't happen?" Koros asked.

"Unfortunately, the auditors were all busy in other places and it wasn't our biggest concern at the moment." Proteus said. "But now that I'm here I can spare one of them a trip." He chuckled, "I guess no one likes paying taxes."

"Right…"

"So what's it like being caravan guards? I've always been curious." Proteus easily changed the topic.

The guards quickly started regaling him with stories of their time on the road.

Proteus listened with genuine interest. Brown eyes watching the men with bright curiosity.

Traea quietly snuck over to the outside fence where her pets patiently waited. A couple of the birds had been following them around the whole morning. She dug around in her pockets and pulled out a handful of seeds. Traea gave half to Perses who carefully held them all, she held out her hand with the rest and the birds eagerly fluttered over for a snack.

Perses squeaked as a flock landed on his shoulders and arms. The feathers tickled his hands and he giggled.

Traea looked them over, most of them she recognized, a few of them were new. There was a cat that wound between her legs.

"Hello Chiko." Traea pet his head.

The cat purred and ignored the birds, preoccupied with butting his head against Traea's leg.

A piglet ran around Perses begging for attention.

Traea felt a shadow pass over her and looked up. The little song birds quickly took off in a flurry of feathers as Traea pulled off her robe with a snap. Perses flinched as all the birds landed on him and with haste Traea wrapped the cloth around her arm.

Proteus looked over just in time to see a massive eagle land on Traea's outstretched arm. The general wavered a bit under the giant bird's weight, before steadying her arm and gazing up at the magnificent creature.

It was a golden eagle. Known for its almost godlike hunting prowess and massive wing span. The eagle tucked its wings in adjusting its talons on Traea's arm. It's sharp eyes looked around, animals, Perses, cloth, fence, and finally Traea.

It made quite the stunning picture General Traea standing there, Golden eagle perched on her arm, sunlight glinting off its feathers. Like a warrior from the time of heroic kings and legendary battles.

Traea smiled and carefully smoothed down it's breast feathers, "Hello Aetos. It's good to see you again."

The bird watched her with predator's eyes and softly squawked.

"Did you come to say hello?" Traea smiled, "Or do you have something else for me?"

The eagle shifted it's beak along Traea's belt searching for food.

"I don't have any right now." Traea laughed, "Come back later and I'll get you a rabbit."

The bird ruffled its feathers and glared at Traea.

"Don't look at me like that."

Proteus carefully approached from around Traea.

Golden eyes immediately focused on him.

Traea looked over and smiled, "Proteus, meet Aetos."

"Hello Aetos." Proteus said to the eagle. "You never told me you had an Eagle Traea."

"She's not mine." Traea looked at the bird as it watched Proteus curiously. "Aetos just comes to visit sometimes. And to take food. Although I did fix her broken wing five years ago."

Proteus wondered how close he was allowed to get.

"You want to pet her?" Traea asked adjusting the bird's weight.

"Can I?" Proteus asked excited.

The guards stood back watching.

Traea looked at the eagle and then smiled, "Of course."

Proteus carefully reached out, cautious out of respect rather than fear.

Traea took his hand gently, covering the top with her own and brought him closer.

She placed his hand against the bird's back and let go.

The bird seemed amused as the Prince gently stroked her feathers.

"She's beautiful."

Traea grinned, "And heavy."

Proteus pulled away gazing at the bird in awe. "I've never seen one up close before."

"Good. If you see one in the wild this close, they'll peck you're eyes out."

"Oh…"

Traea chuckled, "It's a joke. Sort of." She lifted her arm a bit, "Aetos is a golden eagle, the females are bigger than the males. And Aetos is very big."

"I can see that." Proteus nodded. Majestic, powerful, and she knows it.

"Alright, I think it's time for you to go back to your nest Aetos." Traea smiled.

Proteus took a step back as Traea whistled.

The bird prepped itself opening its wings. Bending her knees Traea threw the bird into the air. It's talon's left her arm chest pointed to the sky. She took off with a powerful beat of its wings, creating a gust of wind. Making Traea's hair and clothes whip around her.

Proteus blinked as it climbed into the sky with a screech.

"Wow." Proteus breathed.

Traea unwrapped her arm and slung the robe over her shoulder, "Pretty cool huh?"

"Where's she going?" Proteus asked.

"Probably back to the mountain." Trae looked at the peak in the distance, "Maybe next time she'll bring her babies, it's about time they learned to fly."

"TRAEA!"

Everyone jumped as Naysir appeared from around the building.

"I finally found you!" Naysir stomped over, "Your shoulder's not healed and you're playing with eagles?"

Traea smacked herself in the face, "Of course that would give me away."

Naysir turned to Proteus, "How's your leg Proteus?"

"It feels fine." He assured her, "Traea made sure I rested it."

"Are you sure?"

"Yep! No pain." Proteus nodded.

"That's good." Naysir said it like she meant it. "Go easy on it for the rest of the day. Just to be on the safe side."

"I can do that." Proteus agreed.

"It's nice to see you Perses."

Perses nodded but looked at the ground.

Naysir grabbed Traea as she tried to sneak away, "Where do you think you're going?"

"Proteus is fine, see?" Traea gestured helplessly trying to get away.

"That just means I won't cut off your ears." Naysir growled, "You still have your own punishment."

---

"I'm going to die…" Traea crawled up the steps to the porch, "This is it for me." She collapsed on the last step, apparently breathing her last.

Proteus sat down next to her, his hair braided and woven with flowers, "You okay?"

"I just did five hundred squats with kids as weights." Traea panted, "Do I look okay?"

Proteus laughed, "I'm impressed. I wouldn't have made it past three hundred." He handed her some water.

Traea looked up at him, "You look nice." She winced, "The kids do that?" She took the cup.

Proteus pointed, "Naru did the left, Mai did the right, and A'anun made the crown." He showed it off, "What do you think?"

"Geraniums and lavender." Traea reached up and stroked one of the flowers, "They did a good job." She smiled, "Flowers suit you surprisingly well."

Proteus felt the brush of a flower petal across his cheek and blushed, "Thanks. We played hide and seek while you were busy finishing your squats."

Traea chuckled, "Yeah? How'd it go?"

"It took me half an hour to find them all." Proteus frowned, "They're really good at hiding."

Traea grinned, "Hide and seek is very competitive." She put her hand down, "But I'm guessing you didn't give up?"

"Of course not. What kind of adult would I be if I just gave up?" Proteus asked.

"What kind of adult indeed." Traea sat up with a groan, "My legs feel like jelly."

"Maybe you should've given up." Proteus looked at her.

"I don't want to hear that from you." Traea gulped down her water and then lay back down, "Apollo on a freaking boat, I'm going to be sore." She let out a breath, "What did you do next?"

Proteus chuckled and took the cup, "It evolved into catching crickets."

"Did you have fun?" She asked.

"Lots." Proteus grinned. "They're really something. I saw Chi do a flip over a log while Mai was chasing him. What are you feeding these kids?"

"A steady diet of tag and cabbage, I don't know where the back flips come from." Traea deadpanned.

"I have a feeling I'm sitting next to it." Proteus looked at her.

"Hey." Traea pointed, "I am not as bad as my uncle."

"I saw Naru jump out of a tree and keep on running." Proteus put his chin in his hand.

Traea waved her hand, "That's normal. Wait until you see Kodey make a flute then you'll start to see how weird they are."

"A flute? He's what, five?" Proteus asked.

"Six. His birthday was last month."

"Six..." Proteus shook his head. "Are all the kids like this?"

"I told you, I don't get it either." Traea shrugged and then looked at him, "Didn't you arrest a serial killer when you were twelve?"

"That's irrelevant."

Traea smiled, "Where are the kids?"

"Oh, I left Chi and Mai in charge. Last time I looked they were building a cricket cage."

Traea chuckled, the sound humming through the ground, sounding rumbly and breathless from lying on her back. "That sounds like fun."

Proteus looked at Traea wondering, not for the first time, why she would ever choose to leave this place. A family that loved her, A family she loved. People and experiences new and old flowing through their house like water. Full of important memories and intangible things. Beauty, happiness, and life seemed to echo in every stone and blade of grass. There was peace here, deeper and more profound then he had ever felt anywhere else. He was grateful that she was his general, but he was also confused, and a little guilty. The more time he spent here, the more he felt like he was taking her away from them.

"Traea!"

Three of the kids landed on Traea laughing, knocking the breath out of her in one go.

Traea winced and coughed, "Oof. Guys."

"Play with us!" They demanded.

"Oh," Traea wheezed, "Big sister just needs a break." She patted Kodey's head. Slumping back onto the ground.

"But Traea!" They whined, "Please! You didn't play with us all day!"

"I'm sorry." Traea weakly raised her hand, exhausted, "I'll play with you tomorrow."

"We have classes tomorrow!"

Traea let out the longest sigh Proteus had ever heard. With an inhale she sat up, "Alright. What do you guys wanna play?"

"Tag!"

"Tag?" Traea sounded incredulous.

"And we want you to be it!" They pointed.

"Me?" Traea looked like she wanted to lie down again.

Proteus peeked in, "Why don't I be it?" He offered.

Traea almost kissed him.

The kids thought for a moment and then Juniper spoke, "Your leg is hurt."

Traea's heart sunk again.

Proteus didn't miss a beat, "That'll give you guys a fighting chance." He grinned, "I'm pretty fast you know."

Kodey and Naru instantly perked up, but Juniper shook her head, "No way. Naysir's going to yell at us."

The other two kids spoke in unison, "Proteus can't be it."

Proteus looked to Traea as if to say, I'm sorry, I tried.

Traea smiled and just pat him on the shoulder, Thanks anyway.

---

"And so the proud king said to the rabbit. "What… what could you do to me-" Traea blinked and rubbed her eye, "I have armies, wealth, and power. You-" Traea yawned, "You are only a… rabbit." She struggled to keep her eyes open.

Juniper poked her in the arm and Traea sat up blinking and continued.

"So the king told the rabbit and his family to leave the land they lived on or he would imprison them all. The rabbit warned the king that no man could live free from the earth, and only those… afflicted by greatest hubris would pretend otherwise-" Traea shook her head, "I'm sorry. Proteus," She held out the book over the three kids between them. "Can you finish?" Her voice a faint whisper, it was all she could manage in her exhaustion.

Proteus took the book and tagged in with a smile.

"The King." Proteus found her place. "…did not listen. So the rabbit went home and gathered his friends and family. They dug in the fields until the fields couldn't be used. They dug the farms, and the forests. They dug under houses until the houses collapsed. They dug up the roads. They made pits in the animal pastures so the animals fell in. They dug through the rivers so the rivers drained away. They dug and dug until they reached the palace."

Proteus couldn't help but shake his head, so many stories had evil abusive kings. He wondered if there really were that many or if they were just parables. How many bad kings did he know? … Well, all he could hope was that he wouldn't be a bad king. Maybe more kings should read children's books after all. Though any bad king wouldn't be liable to listen.

Proteus closed the book and looked over. The kids had all fallen asleep. Traea was passed out half sitting up arm draped around one of the kids. Proteus sighed and carefully eased himself out of the bed. He'd at least do the polite thing this time and move. He was sure the couch downstairs was comfortable.

Pulling the blanket up around the sleeping toddlers he crept to the door.

"Where are you going?" A hand sleepily held his arm.

Proteus turned around and Traea rubbed her face using Proteus as a support.

"Go back to sleep." Proteus whispered gently touching her cheek. "I'll go sleep on the couch."

Traea slumped against the prince, "You're not sleeping on the couch." She mumbled tiredly resting her face against his shoulder blade, "This way." She nudged him across the hall with a stumble.

Proteus frowned, "I'm not going to sleep in your bed. Where are you going to sleep?"

Traea opened the door and just collapsed onto one side of the bed, "Just go to sleep already, you over stuffed turkey."

Proteus untied his hair, "What does that even mean?" He lay down next to Traea who was already asleep.

---

Thanks for reading, don't forget to follow, favorite, and review!