Chapter 16: Exercising Joren's Quill

Dear Keladry,

You should have warned me about your mother.

Not that she isn't the most gracious of hosts, and very brave, and quite beautiful. But if I had come here acting as I used to do, I'd be begging for your forgiveness right now.

She doesn't really bully me. She just reminds me somehow the many ways she can make my life hell. In fact, now that I think about it, your mother kinda reminds me of a certain lady knight, except she's more polite.

As for the work, that's just what it is: work. I'm sure you'll be laughing at me while reading this. For of course, you are fighting people and doing something glorious and heroic, while I'm learning how to bow and scrape, and be nice to people I hate. How did you ever manage it, Kel?

My days are long moments of bordeom interspaced with a few minutes of terror, mostly while I am talking to the emperor, or one of his many sons.

Your father is quite a pleasant chap. We had a long talk when I first came. (And he gave me quite a tongue-lashing.) But afterwards, I felt that he approved of me somehow. It felt nice.

I am not making much friends. Either my dubious reputation has preceded me, or these people are just naturally suspicious of bumbling ignorant strangers like me.

The mountains are beautiful, although I know you might not appreciate being on top of them. The view makes me want to take up painting, but I know I will just suck at it.

In any case, thank you for your gifts. I am making good use of them. Give my regards to everyone.

Joren

Joren never really thought in all his time as a page, then a squire, that he would end up with a desk job. Diplomacy sounds like it involves a lot of balls, and exotic foodstuff, and meeting beautiful people. But in reality, Joren spent most of his time in a study, reading reports and letters from people, writing letters and running errands for Baron Piers of Mindelan, and studying aspects of the Yamani Islands that could help him appear less a fool during the aforementioned balls. His grasp of the language was quite pitiful, although the baron had another servant tutoring him daily. Apparently, although his presence only served to strengthen the ties between the two, the baron wanted him to learn all he can, for some future use. He surely wasn't grooming a replacement, wasn't he? Every night, Joren entertained thoughts that the king was temporarily insane when this job was assigned to him, and was sending a letter to rectify this mistake as soon as possible.

To make things worse, there were moments that he had to leave the study, and act the knight. He had to join informal contests against Nobles of the Empire, or whatever they're called. And they sure know how to fight. Joren was very, very glad he had never actually challenged Kel to a one-on-one duel.

On the positive side, Kel's father had informed him while he was dazedly staring at the sky after a fight that if he had by some chance won the fight, it would have been very bad for Tortall. Quite comforting a thought.

Joren found himself going back again and again to his quill, with an itch to write something down, whether in a letter or in a certain notebook.

I think several of the nobles are making fun of me. It feels quite weird to be on the opposite side of where I was back home. Not that I ever plan on becoming that person again, but this is a sad state of affairs. Speaking of affairs, I never knew how complicated it is to run a kingdom, much more an empire. I thought I was just gonna be in the sidelines, helping the baron out with paperwork.. But I think he wants to show me off or something. And this bloody diplomacy is like dancing, but I still haven't learnt the steps, and I keep stepping on people's feet.

On the bright side, I met some people the other day who seemed to genuinely like me, and not just pretended to…

Syuusuke noh Fuji wasn't really a prince of any consequence. He rose through the complicated ranks of the Empire using his wit, his ability to read people, and the very convenient fortune he inherited from his father. He was introduced to Joren by Baron Piers while they were checking the prices and availability of goods in the shops. Syuusuke was a merchant by trade, and he owned many of the big shops they visited.

Joren found himself looking into sharp eyes the color of midnight. "Pleased to meet you." He murmured with a wince, aware that his Yamani was atrocious.

Syuusuke smiled gently at his effort, before bowing politely. "The pleasure is mine." He replied in accented Common. Then he invited them into his shop for some tea.

Although Joren felt as if the dark-haired man had taken his measure, the frequent smiles that Syuusuke bestowed on him felt genuine, as did the offer of future visits to his home. Joren stumbled over his words, returning the offer, and he was rewarded with another gentle smile.

"I would love to. I know Ilane of Mindelan quite well." Syuusuke nodded at Baron Piers. "And it would be an honor to dine at her home once more. But I feel I must insist that you and your hosts be my guests for a night."

The baron and the merchant arranged a date for dinner the following night. Joren felt as if his load was lightened, especially when the baron commented on the way home. "I think he likes you. That would be beneficial to Tortall, and to you of course. Syuusuke is a generous man to his friends."

Dear Nealan,

Your confidence in me might be misplaced. I am learning, and my "boss", Baron Piers, has expressed approval, although not in so many words. But I still feel like a bloody fool most of the time. I think the people here are tolerating my presence because they find my ignorance amusing.

Job problems aside, I really miss you. And Kel. It is not just the fact that I am surrounded by strangers. The Yamani Islands feel like a completely different world, and our studies are definitely inadequate in preparing anyone for the place.

Kel's mother, Baroness Ilane, was scary at first, but she mellowed down after awhile. Still, she watches me like a hawk. The baron is a much more laid-back person. I think you would like him very much.

Also, I think I understand Kel better. After being here awhile, she seems a lot less stoic and "lump"-like in comparison to all those faces that looks like stone walls.

I met someone who may be another exception. His name is Syuusuke noh Fuji, and he is a merchant. He is unfailingly polite, like everyone I meet, but he is genuinely friendly. I am quite short of friends here.

We will have dinner at his place soon. I will write about it next time. Please write back soon. Take care of yourself.

Joren