Warning: AU, Fantasy, PG-13, Ran/Ken (someday).
Author's Notes: I think this could be my longest chapter yet. There just didn't seem to be any good places to break it. Watch out for Ran OOCness, but please keep in mind that its an AU too! Anyway, please enjoy!
Disclaimer: Weiss belongs to Takehito Koyasu and Project Weiss.
First Born of the Thirteenth House
Part 3: Ran and Ken (d)
Ran looked up from his book and glanced again at the silent man beside him in his carriage. Ken's face was turned away from him and he wondered whether the younger man had finally fallen asleep. He hadn't looked well when Ran had gone to his room to fetch him for breakfast. The stoic Lord had suspected that the former wood boy hadn't been sleeping well, but he hadn't said anything. At breakfast Ken had taken the attentions of his aunt and uncle somewhat stiffly, but he hadn't been rude. He'd accepted the well wishes of the rest of the household with patient tolerance, but had practically bolted for the carriage once all of Ran's luggage had been placed aboard.
Ran couldn't really blame him for being anxious to get away. He himself was more than ready to be at home. Three and a half months away was more than enough, and without anymore clues revealing themselves about Weston or his animator there was little to hold them there. The new seer had arrived the morning of the funeral along with a contingent of new servants, and the man who'd been chosen to be paired with Lord Hidaka. Yohji had left Manx to see to the details.
Ken suddenly leaned sideways to get a better look at something out the window and Ran realized he was still awake. The red-headed Lord glanced out his own window to see what had caught his companion's attention, but all he could see was tree tops. Sighing, he sat back.
They were still several hours from the First House since they were traveling the trade routes. When the Princes had come for him they had used their royal privilege and power to jump gates. It was something that was done only rarely, in times of war or during emergencies. The power drain on the gate used for the initial jump was significant and took time to replenish. Ran couldn't help but feel gratified that they'd done it for him. He only wished they could do it on the way home as well. It cut five hours out of a seven hour trip.
Ken settled back into his seat again. The former wood boy had initially been excited about the trip and watched with interest as they'd become air born and gone through the gate over his home. He'd questioned and commented on everything he could see. But after four hours of travel his enthusiasm had faded. For the last hour or so he'd sat in silence, observing the scenery passing below them while Ran continued reading.
Ken sighed and Ran glanced at him again.
"If you want to sleep go ahead," he said softly. "I'll wake you when we get to the last gate so you can see the approach to the Palace."
Ken turned his head. His large brown eyes met the Lord's violet. They looked tired and dull. Ran wondered exactly how much the events of the last few days had cost him.
"I don't want to miss anything," he said softly. "I know its just tree tops but I've never seen it before."
Ran smiled slightly in understanding.
"Well, we've got at least another hour of tree tops before the next gate," he said.
Ken turned back to the view and contemplated it for a moment.
"Okay," he said at last, leaning back shutting his eyes.
He was asleep within minutes. Ran smiled softly then returned his attention to his book.
Ken slept deeply and dreamlessly for the next hour and a half. The gentle rocking of the carriage soothing away the nightmare that had plagued him over the last two nights.
He'd been infinitely relieved to board Lord Ran's carriage and be away. To finally leave the House that had caused all his sorrow and anger seemed like a blessing. And the earlier part of their journey had been full of interesting sights. Mountains stretching off into the distance as far as they could see, a large lake sprinkled with white-capped waves, frozen fields covered in snow and dotted with farms, and the forest which seemed to go on forever.
After three hours of travel they'd stopped at some sort of rest spot to switch horses and have lunch. Omi and the two Princes, who were riding in Yohji's carriage, had joined them. Ken had felt a little bad for the knights which accompanied them on open horseback. It was cold, even in the carriage, and they had to ride out in the wind. But at the lunch stop none of them had seemed the worse for wear, and he'd realized they were dressed for the cold with layers of woolen clothing on under their armor.
When Ken felt a gentle shake to his shoulder he awoke instantly and looked around in confusion.
"We've just gone through the last gate and are approaching the Palace," Ran said softly.
Ken blinked at the red-head for a moment before leaning over to peer out his window, squinting in the glare of the setting sun. Below them stretched a long snow-covered plain.
"In the summer these fields grow most of the vegetables and grain used in the First House," Ran explained.
In the distance Ken could see that the plains seemed to end abruptly at a cliff that dropped to an expanse of blue water.
"That's the western ocean. The cliffs are sheer and unscalable to aide in the protection of this boarder," Ran continued as he watched out his own window.
Minutes later they swung slightly and Ken got his first look at the First House. It was enormous, easily dwarfing his home. To his eyes it appeared too large to be called a house, and he could see why it was referred to as the Palace.
Like the Thirteenth House it was built right above the cliff, and like his former home it seemed to utilize an existing mountain of stone, but unlike the Thirteenth House those floors weren't just cellars and dungeons. Several stories of the house were part of the mountain itself, with windows and balconies peeking from the raw stone. The rest of the House had been built right on top of that. The stacked stones seemingly fused with the rock at its base. The whole of it rose up above the plain and cliff like a wide, white, rounded tooth with towers and spires on its crown.
Ken heard Ran chuckle and realized his mouth was hanging open.
"It is quite impressive isn't it?" Ran asked and Ken could only nod. "As you may imagine the household is somewhat larger than your own. There are actually several levels of apartments for various sides of the family and whole floors of guests suites. Most have their own kitchens, dining halls and bathes. There is a great hall with enough seating for all when state occasions arise, and a throne room."
Ken continued to stare at the large structure as they drew nearer. He could make out many formal looking balconies and terraces along the upper stories overlooking the plain.
"Those long terraces are attached to the Royal public rooms, and the balconies above them are the Royal apartments," Ran said. "In the spring, summer, and fall they are covered with potted flowers, and the terraces have grass. Its quite lovely."
"Is your room there?" Ken asked suddenly.
Ran paused and blinked at him before answering.
"Yes. And Aya's," he said at last.
Ken merely nodded, not moving his eyes from the sight of the Palace slowly growing larger as they flew nearer.
Their carriages made a wide arc around the Palace and came at it from the ocean side with the setting sun behind them. Ken could see how sheer the cliff face was. It looked almost polished. As his eyes traveled up he blinked in surprise. The back of the First House was nothing like the front.
He'd assumed because of its shape that the structure was round, like a stacked cake. In actuality it was built like a horseshoe, or more precisely, like three sides of a square. The sides, he saw, were wings. Across the top of the mountain's edge was a long gravel field where the horses would land. Above that long snow covered terraces stretched back toward the House. The top few terraces acting like courtyards inside the three walls of the house.
The walls themselves went up almost straight in the back. Each floor decorated with its own long windows and balconies to enjoy the views of the sun setting over the ocean. From the back the towers and spires that topped the House looked like a majestic crown. The whole building more massive than he could've imagined.
Ken blinked in awe as he looked out his window. In the setting sun the white stones of the house and cliff were bathed in a pink glow. The glass of the windows sparkled yellow and gold, and all he could think was this is what he imagined the land of the gods to look like.
"Its beautiful," he breathed as the carriage swung around again and he lost the view.
"Yes," Ran agreed. "Its good to be home."
Within moments the carriage landed and pulled to a stop. As they climbed wearily out Ken looked up and up and up at the Palace that towered above him. The sheer size of it took his breath away. The pink glow and dazzling windows only added to the effect. Suddenly he felt overwhelmed and more than a little tired.
Glancing around he noted that the walls of the House stepped down on either side of the lower yards to become a wide wall with ramparts on top. So the House was fortified against a ground attack on its sides even though they were far above the plain. He'd never spent time noticing things of that nature, but with the First House it was impossible not to. Despite its beauty it gave the impression of strength and invulnerability.
"Well? What do you think?"
Ken glanced down to find Omi standing beside him smiling brightly. He took note of the swarms of servants coming from the massive stables built against the wall to their left, and the removal of the luggage from the carriages. The knights were dismounted and leading their horses across the yard to a similar structure on the other side. Ran was a little way off speaking softly with Yohji and Keiji.
"Its amazing," he answered absently. "Beautiful."
Omi's smile broadened.
"I hope you don't mind stairs," he said cheekily. "We've got a bit of a walk ahead of us."
"Sounds good actually," Ken said. "I'm really stiff from sitting."
Omi nodded in agreement.
"It is a long ride," he said. "Just imagine it without the gates. Then it'd be almost six weeks."
Ken blinked at him.
"That long?" he asked and Omi nodded. "I had no idea the kingdom was so big."
"And our House isn't even the furthest away," Omi chirped.
"Its not my House," Ken said. "Not anymore."
Omi just blinked at him as Ken turned away and moved toward Ran and the two Princes. The red-headed Lord met his eyes as he drew near.
"Can we go in now? Its getting cold out here," he said and his voice sounded dull even to his own ears.
"It gets quite cold here in the winter, but not as cold as some places," Yohji said smiling. "We do get a significant amount of snow though due to the ocean."
Ken merely nodded as they all began walking toward the stables. He felt tired and grumpy. He was beginning to wonder whether he'd fit in at the Palace. The manners and customs were bound to be different from his former home, and he hadn't been able to follow theirs'. His life as a wood boy had not prepared him for life at Court. Yohji had said he could work with Ran, but it suddenly occurred to him that he had no clear idea what it was the red-headed Lord did.
They made their way into the stables and followed the line of servants to a large double door at its back. Ken was surprised to find that it led to a large hall built into the center of the offensive wall. He realized the ramparts must be twice as wide as he'd thought. They traveled up the hallway which was smooth, clean, and well lit by lanterns. Occasionally they would go up a few steps. The further they went the more steps there were until they emerged into a large room with long windows along one side which overlooked one of the lower terraces. Ken realized they were now in the northern wing of the House.
Through the windows he could see the sun had set and twilight was quickly descending into night. Inside the room lanterns were being lit by servants, guards stood on duty, and the servants with their luggage moved steadily toward a door set in the wall opposite the windows. They were moving across the room to a set of double doors which were open at the far end. Through them he could see another long room where people of all types seemed to be coming and going. The decor looked a bit finer.
"In the summer we often walk up the lawns straight into the great hall, but in the winter the winds in the courtyard are vicious," Ran spoke from Ken's side as they walked.
Ken glanced briefly at the stoic Lord and nodded to indicate he'd heard him.
"Ran!"
The sudden loud shout riveted their attention back to the double doors at the end of the room. A young woman with pale skin and two long dark braids waved wildly before launching herself at them. She was tall and slender, and clothed in a long white cloak with a white fur collar that had tiny black flecks in it. As she ran the cloak parted and billowed out behind her revealing a rather plain, well worn violet gown beneath it.
She was across the floor in seconds and had thrown herself into the waiting arms of Ran, who caught her with an easy laugh. The first Ken had heard from him.
The small party stopped to enjoy the reunion of the Fujimiya siblings. The two Princes and Omi smiling widely.
"Oh, I missed you! I missed you! Thank goodness you're home!" Aya cried without releasing her hold on the red-headed Lord.
"Its good to be here," he replied softly.
After a few more moments he pulled back from her to look her over.
"You look well," he commented. "I think you've grown."
"And you're thinner," she stated sternly. "We'll have to take care of that."
Ran smiled at her and she returned it. Until that moment Ken wouldn't have said they looked anything alike. But when they smiled there was a light in their eyes which seemed to spark something inside him. When he suddenly found both smiles directed at him he felt warmer, and more at ease then he'd felt in a long time.
"Aya, this is Ken," Ran said. "Ken, this is my sister, Aya."
Without preamble the young woman stepped forward and embraced the former wood boy. Stunned, all he could do was rest his hands lightly on her back.
"Welcome, Ken," she said softly in his ear. "Welcome to our home. I hope you will be happy here."
She pulled back to smile into his eyes.
"Th-thank you," he stammered, still startled and bewildered. He felt his cheeks heat up.
"You're welcome," Aya giggled, squeezing his arms before releasing him. She took up position on Ran's left, clasping his hand in her's. "Thank you for bringing him home," she said addressing the two Princes.
"You're most welcome, dear Lady," Yohji grinned. "Although, it was Ken who saved his life."
She blinked then leaned around Ran to smile at Ken again.
"Thank you, Ken," she said. "I'll never be able to repay you."
Ken smiled a little and nodded then stared at his feet. Aya giggled again.
"He's cute," he heard her whisper to Ran.
"Aya," the red-headed Lord said in what sounded like a warning.
"And who is this?" she asked, indicating Omi.
"Omi Tsukiyono, at your service, my Lady," the youth said, smiling brightly.
"Wait, you've been here before. It was several years ago wasn't it? Didn't I hear you sing?"
"Indeed you did, my Lady," the small seer replied as they all started walking again.
"Do you still sing?" she asked excitedly. "We're mad for entertainers here. All ours' have gone off to warmer climes for the winter."
"I do indeed," Omi answered.
"And he's a seer as well," Keiji added. "His vision is uncommonly clear."
Ken let the conversation continue around him. They had passed through the second room and into a long, wide, carpeted hallway where lots of people of various stations were busy coming and going. The hall ended in a large square open area where a massive staircase spiraled upward and disappeared far overhead. Another hallway crossed through the open area from the left and continued to the right almost further than Ken could see, and he realized they must be at the junction of the wing and the main body of the House.
The space was lit entirely by wall sconces and free standing candle-obras. The walls were either painted or papered in red with golden filigree around each of the sconces. The carpets carried the wall colors to the floors in a decorative woven design, and the wooden railings of the staircase glowed warmly in the light from the hundreds of candles. Despite its size the area and the halls were warm and inviting.
Looking up Ken could see that the stairs began a series of balconies on the next floor up they continued, presumably to the ceiling far overhead.
"Ready for the stairs?" Omi asked, and Ken was hard pressed to drag his eyes down to face him.
"This is one of two main staircases," Ran said. "The other is at the end of that hallway," he said indicating the one Ken couldn't see the end of, "and there's one on all the public floors, and the schooling floors. The more private floors are a bit more complicated."
Ken looked down the hall to their right and processed the new information. Despite its size it seemed as though someone had attempted to make the Palace negotiable.
"More complicated? Ran, that's the worst understatement I've ever heard," Aya was saying. "Some parts of some floors are almost maze-like. I avoid them," she said leaning to look at Ken again. "Its embarrassing to get lost in your own home."
Ken smirked and nodded then they moved to the staircase and began climbing the many steps.
"There are lifts as well," Keiji commented conversationally. "But we try not to use them too often. The servants need them more than we do."
Ken blinked in surprise at that and took a good look around. There were, he noticed, a lot of guards and nobles on the stairs and in the hallways they passed. The few servants present didn't pause in their work to bow to them, or acknowledge them in anyway.
"Why aren't they bowing?" he asked.
Everyone looked at him and then around to see who he meant.
"The protocol is more relaxed here than in the other Great Houses," Ran answered. "The servants aren't allowed to be any more forward than anywhere else, but they don't have to stop everything and kowtow."
"No one would ever get anything done if they had to stop and bow every time one of us went by," Keiji said. "If you include all our aunts, uncles, and cousins there must be almost a hundred of us here."
"There are seven of us in the First Family not including Ran and Aya as wards and the King and Queen," Yohji added.
"You mean you have five brothers and sisters?" Ken asked in surprise.
"Three sisters and two brothers," Yohji answered. "And we all look alike. If not for Aya and Ran we'd have no variety."
Omi and Aya giggled but Ken didn't respond. Ran glanced at him and found he was looking down over the railing at the view of the hall far below them. He wondered how long Ken would last before collapsing and cursed himself for not suggesting they take a lift. Beside him he felt Aya observing him and then Ken.
"Don't worry, Ken," she said pleasantly. "We'll be there soon."
He glanced at her and nodded wondering why she'd said it when suddenly he felt how tired he really was. He looked back down at the view a little bleary eyed. At the Thirteenth House he'd had to climb stairs all day, but after the emotional turbulence of recent days, and the long trip these were almost proving too much for him.
"Just where are we headed?" Omi asked.
"The Royal apartments," Aya answered. "The King and Queen thought a private dinner would be preferable after such a long journey. They've planned an occasion to welcome Ran home and introduce you and Ken for later in the week."
"Good idea," Yohji muttered, glancing over his shoulder at the former wood boy.
As they rounded the next landing and started up the next flight of stairs Ken noticed there were fewer people around. When they reached the next landing the main hallway resumed, but their were guards placed at various doors along its length. They walked down the hall until they came to a set of closed double doors to their right. Two guards flanked the doors, standing at attention. They nodded at Yohji and he nodded back then led the way through the doors.
The hall inside was small and dimly lit by only a few candles which were set on a table along one wall. Down the little hall they could see warm light escaping from two rooms set opposite each other. Aya stepped forward to lead them into the one on the left.
"Your Majesties, they're here," she called.
They stepped through the door into a large, but comfortable drawing room. Several seating areas were arranged around a centrally placed table which was round with six chairs. The walls were dressed with a light rose-pink satin which gave the room the same warm glow by candle light that the Palace had from the sunset. At one end of the room a servant was pulling heavy drapes across what would be a view of the ocean during the day.
Seated at the round table in the midst of playing cards were a middle aged couple dressed in comfortable sturdy clothing without decoration, a young woman with long brown hair who looked about Yohji's age, a very stocky young man about Ken's age, and a younger woman who's long brown braids were tied up in rings around her ears. Not too far off on the floor in the center of one of the sitting areas were a young boy and girl. They appeared to be in the middle of constructing something out of wooden blocks. They all turned curious green eyes on the small group that entered.
"Ah, at last," the Queen said rising from her seat.
"Glad to see you breathing, Ran lad," the King said rising as well.
They came around the table to face the new arrivals. The young people at the table rose and stood behind their parents.
"The way Aya was carrying on we were sure you were dead," he added.
The entire group bowed to the monarchs.
"I nearly was," Ran said. "Your Majesties, may I present Ken Hidaka, the first born of the Thirteenth House. Ken, this is their Majesties King Renjiro Kudou and Queen Kimiko Kudou."
Ken bowed again then stood at attention with his head bowed as he had in his position as wood boy.
"My dear boy, welcome to our home," he heard the Queen say then she paused. "Dear, raise your head, please. You're among friends here and I for one would like to see the face of the man I need to thank for saving my ward's life."
Ken raised his head instantly and blinked at her. He could feel himself blushing and didn't like it. Queen Kimiko was smiling kindly at him. She was tall and slender and Ken could see where Yohji got his good looks and wavy hair from. In fact, all the young people in the room had brown wavy hair, and they did all seem to resemble one another.
"There now, you shouldn't hide such a sweet face. Look at those large expressive eyes!" she said. "You are a very attractive young man."
"Isn't he?" Aya agreed.
Ken wasn't sure how to react to that. He glanced sideways at Ran who groaned and rubbed his temples.
"Mother, please!" cried several different voices from various locations in the room.
"Dear, Ken," the Queen said becoming serious once again. "Thank you for saving the life of our dear Ran. He means as much to us as our own children do."
"Y-you're welcome," Ken stammered.
"And this is dear little Omi?" she asked, turning to the seer. "Welcome back. You are going to sing for us, aren't you?"
"Anytime you wish, your Majesty," he chirped.
"Please allow me to introduce our other children," the Queen said, stepping aside so the three behind her could come forward. "Princess Chiyo, our second eldest."
The tall, willowy young woman with long wavy hair curtsied to Ken and Omi who bowed in return.
"Prince Michio, our strong man, and Princess Hanako, our serious student."
The stocky young man and the young woman with looped braids bowed and curtsied.
"And last but not least little Princess Kishi, and our youngest, Prince Jomei. No, they are not twins, though many people think they are," the Queen said directing their eyes to the two youngsters in the center of the sitting area.
The little girl's hair was somewhat more curly than wavy and held back from her face by a ribbon. The little boy blinked at them shyly. Despite their young ages they both preformed perfectly. Omi and Ken bowed in return as they had each time and then turned to face the King and Queen once again.
"There," King Renjiro said in his authoritative voice, his frame betraying a hardiness at odds with his age. "Now that's out of the way let's adjourn to supper. I'm half starved."
The King led the way across the hall to a large, but comfortable dining room. Like the drawing room it was done in warm inviting shades of rose with yellow and green accents. The table in its center was quite long but not as formal as the one Ken had seen at his uncle's house. It reminded him of the private dining room where they'd had tea with his aunt.
The table was set for dinner and six servants stood ready to serve the food contained in silver lidded serving pieces which were arranged on the long sideboard.
The Queen directed the seating before taking her own chair at the opposite end of the table from her husband, arranging her family and their guests along the sides of the table. Ken was grateful to find himself seated next to Ran, but awed that the Queen had placed him on her left. He gulped and studied the dizzying array of silverware before him. There were a lot more forks and spoons than he'd seen even at his uncle's table, and he carefully watched Ran for clues to what to use.
As soon as everyone was seated several conversations seemed to start up at once. Questions came at him from every direction and he did his best to answer while choosing utensils, and trying to eat. After a while he found his focus fading in on his plate and those things that were spoken from very near him. A few times he'd thought he heard some jokes made at Ran's expense but Ken found he was too tired to pay much attention. The royal family proved to be a lively and energetic group of people, and not at all what he'd expected.
Several courses later the company adjourned to the drawing room again and took up seats in one of the many sitting areas. The Queen and Chiyo, her eldest daughter, produced embroidery as if out of the air, and Hanako pulled a book off a shelf and settled down to read. The King, Keiji, and Yohji all settled near one another with Michio, the stocky lad, and Omi not too far off. Ran and Ken followed Aya over to the group and watched as she shoed Kishi and Jomei into places on a long settee. Before they could move to take seats Ken yawned loudly.
"S-sorry," he muttered when he found everyone's eyes on him.
"Forgive me," Chiyo said suddenly from her position next to her mother, "but would you prefer to retire? We would understand, you know."
Ran looked from her to Ken who was slowly turning red.
"Um...uh...n-no, that's okay. I'm..."
"You do look a bit worn," the Queen commented, studying him closely.
"Mother, he's completely exhausted," Chiyo said sternly. "How is he to preform during his trial tomorrow?"
Ran's head snapped around to stare at her. Ken looked confusedly between them.
"Trial? What's that?" Ken asked.
"His trial is tomorrow?" Ran demanded, addressing the King.
"What's a trial?" Ken asked again.
"It's a test," Keiji answered. "To judge the extent of your potential."
"Its nothing to worry about, Dear," added the Queen.
"But why so soon?" Ran demanded of the King who was watching Ken closely and ignoring the angry red-head.
"Because I thought it necessary," King Renjiro stated.
"Forgive me, your Majesty," Ran said tightly, "but wouldn't it be better to let him rest for a few days? Give him a chance to settle in?"
"The seers have advised me to learn the extent of his power as soon as possible, and I intend to do just that," the King stated in a tone that brooked no argument.
Ran frowned and looked at his feet.
"It really isn't anything to worry about," Yohji said calmly, directing his statement to Ran as much as to Ken. "But you do look done in, Ken."
The former servant stopped looking from Ran to the King and met the Prince's eyes. After a moment he nodded.
"I am tired," he admitted. "I think I will just turn in. If that's alright?"
"Of course, my Dear," the Queen said, smiling gently. She picked up a little silver bell from the table beside her and rang it. The sound was light and pleasant.
Within seconds a well dressed servant in his later years entered the drawing room and waited at attention.
"Bertrand, Master Hidaka is retiring for the evening. Be so good as to show him to his room," she requested.
The elderly servant nodded severely and glanced down his nose at Ken who bowed to the whole company.
"Thank you for dinner," he said. "Oh, and for inviting me...it was nice to meet you all."
"Sleep well, young Ken," the King called from across the room. "I'm afraid tomorrow will be another busy day for you."
Ken nodded and glanced briefly at Ran before turning and following Bertrand out of the room and back down the hall. The stoic Lord watched him go.
"Well, I was hoping to hear about Ken from his own lips," said the King, "but I'll have to prolong that pleasure until tomorrow. So, I shall have to be content with your tales, Ran lad. Enthrall us."
Ran turned carefully emotionless eyes back on the King and slowly took the seat nearest where he'd been standing. For some strange reason he felt vaguely ill at ease, and wanted nothing more than to follow Ken and ensure the former wood boy was alright. Silently pushing the thought aside he cleared his throat.
"I gave Aya full reports on every House I visited, Sire," he said. "Surely she passed the information on to you."
"Indeed she did, but a simple report can't convey your personal impressions. And I know you, Lad. I'm quite certain you observed plenty that you didn't see fit to tell your sister," the King smirked.
A few giggles were heard from the younger members of the family, and the Queen smiled. Silently Ran met Aya's eyes. She blinked and nodded.
"I'm sure Ken will be fine, Niisan. Indulge his Majesty. We can check on Ken later if you want to," she thought at him.
Ran sighed.
-
Ken followed Bertrand back down the wide staircase. He'd been mildly disappointed when the servant had led him out of the royal apartment, but not really surprised. He was just a guest after all, and would of course be staying in the guest wing. But he had to admit that secretly he'd hoped he'd be nearer to Ran. He couldn't explain why, but he liked being near him. He trusted the red-headed Lord, and as nice as everyone had been Ken just didn't feel safe or even completely comfortable with anyone else.
Bertrand led him down three flights then along the wide hallway. Absently Ken counted the doors of the rooms until the elderly servant stopped before one and opened it.
"Here you are, Master Hidaka. Will there be anything else before I return to their Majesties?" the tall man asked stiffly.
Ken glanced into the room and noted that the small bag containing his few belongings was placed inside the door on a small table.
"No, thank you," he said.
"Then good night, Sir," Bertrand said, bowing.
"Good night," Ken said and watched the elderly servant walk away before closing his door.
Once inside the full weight of everything he'd been through seemed to suddenly catch up with him. Ken sagged against the door for a moment then slowly staggering toward the bed. He managed to get his top coat off before falling onto the soft feather mattress, fast asleep.
-
Hours later Ran was finally released from the "quiet" family gathering. It had been far from quiet, and part way through the evening the card game had resumed. The royal family made it very clear they were glad to have him home again, and were equally welcoming to Omi. The young seer had entertained them with songs until his voice gave out and he'd staggered with fatigue. The entire family listened avidly to everything he, Yohji, and Keiji had to say about Ken and the Thirteenth House. Everyone expressed a keen interest in knowing the former wood boy better.
Ran entered his rooms with mixed feelings. He wasn't unhappy that Ken was with them, but he wasn't happy either. He felt completely ambivalent about the former servant, and wasn't sure whether that was good or bad. Shouldn't he care one way or the other? His lack of feeling concerned him, but as he closed his door and allowed himself to feel his own weariness, he realized it could very well be fatigue.
Still, the King's insistence that Ken go through his trial the next morning did bother him. Under normal circumstances a trial wasn't anything to worry about. Something every magic user went through before they could begin their training. But Ken had been through a lot in the last few days. Ran didn't think it was fair to spring the trial on him so immediately.
Also, Ran hadn't prepared him at all. The stoic red-head had yet to discuss their pairing with the former wood boy, and he was almost certain Ken had no idea what a pairing was let alone that he was in one. He felt a pang of guilt at the thought.
"Maybe I'm not so ambivalent," he sighed.
Ran glanced up and felt himself smile despite his fatigue. He was home. And it did feel good to be home, in his own little room. He paused by the door to take in the tiny room he considered his private library. It was really his drawing room, but over the years he'd filled every available wall space with book shelves, and they were packed with well read volumes. In the center was his little table and two arm chairs. Still smiling he moved slowly past them toward the door across the room.
It led to his bed room and again he paused in the doorway to take in his personal space. His room was quite large and long, and was cut almost in half by his monster bed. It was the largest bed he'd ever seen and he loved it. Sticking more than half way into the room from the left hand wall its massive four posts supported its sturdy wooden canopy. Heavy curtains were pulled back on both sides and the end, and Ran could see that the bed warmer had been tucked under the heavy quilts and blankets.
His luggage was stacked neatly just inside the door to his left where he had a dressing table with a mirror. On either side of the entrance stood his wardrobes, and to his right was his tall dresser. Ran had to admit he probably had more clothes than he'd ever need, but then one could never tell what he'd be called upon to do next.
The room's one fireplace was just past the dresser and across from the bed. A cheery blaze lit and warmed the room, causing the rich, red walls to glow deeply. Like he were inside a rose or, more morosely, blood.
Just past the head of the bed was the door to the water closet, and the screen hiding his tub and wash basin. The curtains along the far wall were closed against the draft. The view was toward the ocean and in the summer he greatly enjoyed the balcony beyond the concealed tall glass doors.
Ran sighed expressively again and nearly jumped when he felt a gentle grip on his arm. He looked down into Aya's bright eyes and open face. She was smiling up at him, knowing at once that he hadn't heard her enter his rooms. After a moment though her expression changed to one of concern.
"Ran, I'm not sure you're aware, but you're projecting," she said softly. "I've been catching your thoughts all evening. You worry too much, Niisan."
Ran smiled wearily in response and squeezed the hand she still had on his arm.
"Come on," Aya said, holding his hand and leading him back out of his rooms.
"Where are we going?" he asked tiredly.
"To check on Ken, of course," she replied. "He's been on your mind all night."
"Has he?" Ran blinked in surprise.
"Yes, silly. I'm sure he's fine, but I know you. You'll only lie awake wondering if we don't go check."
When they exited the royal apartments and headed down the stairs Ran looked around in confusion.
"Just where is Ken's room?" he asked.
"Down three floors in a suite on the Dignitary's floor. The Queen insisted on nothing but the best for the man who'd been paired to you," she said smirking sideways at him.
Ran frowned in thought. For some reason it didn't sit well with him that Ken was so far away. He'd become accustomed to having the former servant nearby. It unsettled him to think of there being three floors between them. Silently he allowed his sister to lead him onward. Not long after they arrived outside Ken's door. When their soft knocking was met with silence Ran eased open the door and they slipped inside.
The room was good sized and well lit by the fire which blazed in the fireplace. Someone had been keeping it up and when Ran glanced toward the bed the reason became obvious. Ken was sprawled across the top of the bed covers still fully dressed and fast asleep.
Ran crossed the room, stopping to retrieve the crumpled coat from the floor before moving to the bed. Ken was on his stomach, breathing deeply and evenly into the quilt top. Absently Ran set down the discarded coat on the foot of the bed and began to pull off Ken's boots. Aya came to stand beside him.
"Poor thing. He didn't have enough energy to change for bed," she thought to her brother.
"Shhhh," he shushed her thoughts.
Ken groaned and mumbled something in his sleep as Ran gently rolled him to remove his waistcoat. Then he pulled over the bedclothes and covered the slumbering man. Motioning for Aya not to say anything else he led her from the room.
"What is it?" she asked aloud once they were back in the hall and walking toward the staircase.
"I forgot," Ran said, slightly annoyed with himself. "When we last communicated I think he heard us."
"What!" Aya asked, shocked.
"After we spoke Ken woke up and asked me if I'd been talking to someone. I think he could hear us," Ran explained.
Aya's mouth fell open but no words came out. After a moment she shut it. They continued up the steps in silence for a few minutes each lost in their own thoughts.
"That's...very interesting," Aya said at last. "Are you sure?"
"No. I didn't press it," Ran admitted.
"We'll have to test this tomorrow."
Ran held in his sigh, but couldn't prevent his eyes from rolling. Aya had a definite note of determination in her voice so there was no talking her out of it. Great. That meant he had to explain the trial, pairing, their pairing, and his and Aya's gift to Ken in the morning before sending him off to face his trial. Suddenly he could feel a headache coming on.
-
Author's Note: Well, they're at the First House now. What did you think? I know there's a crap load of royal kids. Sorry. My muse made me do it! Please, please, please REVIEW!
Missing Review: Umm, I seem to remember reading a review last time that said something about Ken's mother still being alive and part of the evil plot. When I answered reviews I couldn't find it and I forgot about it until later. Anyway, I thought that was really cool, and would've made a great twist, and I wish I'd thought of it. Sorry I lost your review! Thanks for reading:)
Mondtanz: Thanks. I'm glad you liked it and caught that little detail. ;) I was originally going to write the meeting between Tris's parents, but I realized it would be very depressing and I wasn't sure what the point would be in including it. The most important thing to know about Tris is that he was Ken's friend, and that we already know. And you are not alone in your dislike of Ken's uncle. Makami doesn't like him either. And the pairing thing will come up...big time, so hang in there. All will eventually be revealed! Thanks for reading:)
Akimoto Kin: My cold is better thanks. How's your fever? O.O I hope you're feeling better:) Really? Weston's name made you shiver? Cool. Of course, it was probably the fever. -nods- Yes, Weston is detestable. At least he's dead...again...or would it be, some more? Yes, Takashi is definitely more pitiable than detestable, at least for me. It was so much a filler chapter as a wrap-up chapter. Some things needed to be put to bed for the rest of the story to continue. What'd you think of the First House? Maxfield Parish enough for you? Thanks for reading:)
Krysana: Yay! It was supposed to wrap things up...a bit. And yeah, everywhere one goes the other follows. Hee-hee, I like that too. It is coming up soon...um, not next chapter but the one following I believe. Is that fast enough for you? Thanks for reading:)
Shikigami-kun: Heh-heh-heh! I forgot the Superbowl was on, can you believe that? Keith and I aren't sport people at all! Well, there are twists coming, I don't know if they're storm worthy, but they're coming. That chapter was a little wrap up and this chapter was a new beginning, but can we ever really leave our pasts behind-salutes- Writing almost finished! So no worries! Thanks for reading:)
Snowgirl that melts only in honey: Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. The story's actually twenty chapters long. Feel better? But it was sort of a wrap-up. But action...hmmm...let's see...there's some in chapter twenty! ;D Just hang in there, okay? Thanks for reading:)
The Invisible Fan: They met Aya-chan! What'd you think? Her feelings are explored, don't worry. She's a pretty main character in this, and all those royal children too! Man, why'd I do that to myself? Thanks for reading:)
RoseRed5: That's right. Life isn't always rainbows. -nods- Thanks for reading:)
Seph Lorraine: Yeah, he's been dead for all those years. Ick! But what did you think of the First House? And Aya-chan? Well, there won't be Ran/Ken per-se, not in this story anyway. Did anyone pay attention when I said it would be in the sequel? However, there are some sweet, fluffy moments coming up. Hence the warning about Ran OOC-ness. Thanks! I'm glad you like it. I'm flattered. Hopefully it'll continue to be interesting all the way to the end. -crosses fingers- Thanks for reading:)
O.bi.Sess: Hee-hee-hee. There were two new chapters because you missed one week! I know it is dragging a bit, because I'm wrapping certain things up so we can all move on. The story continues in the First House but I didn't feel I could leave the Thirteenth until stuff was taken care of. Funerals and such. Now its full steam ahead, but there still won't be a lot of action. Here's where the plot gets twisty and we start revving up for the conclusion. I hope it won't drag too badly. O.O Thanks for reading:)
Makami: I'm mostly Scottish and English and one quarter German. Hey! I tried logging on so I could read someone's chapter that was posted yesterday and it still won't let me! Do you think its my dial up? Actually, its not six weeks...I miss counted...sorry! Its two weeks. Heh-heh-heh, will you get off his uncle already? You've got an uncle obsession! Actually, I may use him later...there is a sequel, ya know. ;P I felt bad for Takashi too. I'm also a sap. His name was Weston. And don't worry I'm almost finished writing it. I'm at the end of the last chapter. Two more scenes to write, so never fear! But I will be taking a week off in March for vacation. Sorry! Thanks for reading:)
Tinkerhell: WOW! Thank you so much! I hope you weren't too tired after staying up until 2am! I've done that before too. Heh. Actually, the story was meant to be read as a whole, or at least the parts were. I only divided it into chapters for posting. So you got the full effect. Glad to see it works. And no, I'm not a writer, except for here, but thank you! As to your questions about the story, stay tuned. Answers are on the way. And I update every Sunday afternoon, but its usually available for people on Monday. I'm a once a week author. ;) And thanks for the long review! I'm honored! Thanks for reading:)
