Still of the Night
By Maria Szabo
Disclaimer: Juuni Kokki and its characters are not my creations. This is a work of fanfiction and the only profit being made is that of enjoyment.
"It's late." Taiki appeared in the doorway, his eyes bleary, an ornate blanket wrapped around his frame like a cloak. He leaned against the doorjamb and looked at his King with sleepy eyes.
"No," replied Gyousou, in his abrupt way. "It's early."
"What time is it?" The young kirin made his way into the room which served the King of Tai as an office. He moved gracefully among the chaotic stacks of scrolls and tablets to take his place beside the King, who was seated at his desk, reading intently. Gyousou was a man, he knew, who treasured order. But Tai had been so long neglected, there was so much to do, that the paperwork was overwhelming. And it amassed in his office, great mountains of it.
The King made an impatient motion with his hand, as if batting away a fly. "I hardly know."
Taiki hesitated a moment, then leaned over the desk, moved a few tablets and unearthed a handsome clock that sat there. It had been a gift from the King of En, who had pointedly said that even in a poor recovering country, a King should be seen to look like a King. "3:07 am."
"Hmm."
"Are you still working from last night?"
With one hand, he brushed some silver hair back from his eyes into his headdress. He looked up briefly to where Taiki was standing. "Yes, these reports came in and I had to see to them right away. Council meeting tomorrow, you know."
He took a deep breath and laid his hand on the scroll the King was reading. "You should rest. It's late."
Gyousou laughed. "It's early! You just said it's 3:07 am! Time to start a new day!"
"If you've slept, it's early. If you haven't slept, then it's late."
The King stopped smiling. "This is important."
The Kirin wasn't smiling either. "You are important."
The silence of night closed in upon them as they stared at each other in the flickering lamplight. Gyousou finally dropped his gaze and gave a rueful grin.
"You are right. It is late."
Fin.