5
The evening came fast, the small group together again with more than enough information to know the arsehat who had tried to challenge Ianto was likely to again. Not that he minded. Not a wasted trip if there can be some bloodshed.
"No, I don't want any bloodshed" Whitt said as he looked at his handsome son, reading his mind. The Ceremonial robes were unexpected and he found them to be …. Perfect. "Turn around, let me adjust your tail."
Only those loved and revered got to touch a warrior's tail and Ianto did not hesitate to turn and face John. John watched Whitt's face become one of total adoration, his hands rising to stroke Ianto's head and pull the high ponytail onto a tighter configuration, then add some straps so it stood out from Ianto's head a good three inches before the fall. A real swishy tail.
"There you go my darling boy."
Ianto turned back and smiled, letting Whitt look into his eyes, something the old man seemed to gain pleasure in. Jack had told him that his eyes had changed. They were now a deeper blue, imbibing his mate perhaps as a Bladesinger does. The freckles of red and gold, like glitter shining in the irises were also so damned pretty. The planet really got into your DNA.
Then Whitt opened a small case and start to pin things on Ianto's chest that had him looking down with surprise. "What?"
"You are not a Meatstick. You are a Commander of your own planet, my son. These are the medals due anyone who survived the battles you have, like anyone else, you are entitled to wear your triumphs. There." Whitt then added one more, next to the DD pin, his own seal of office.
"Papa"
"Hush. You are mine, I want the world to see that I claim you. My son. My love. I hold such prideful strength in my heart when I look at you, my backbone stronger for that smile. Finally after all these years I need not pretend, we need not hide you from the Snake and his kind. You are free, I am free too" Whitt said then he leaned in to kiss Ianto's cheek lovingly.
"Silly old man" Ianto huffed, his delight clear as he reached out to show he had a DD pin already for Whitt too. They both grinned like mirror images while Ianto opined it to Whit's lapel. "I claim you too."
"Good, let go cause hell."
How can the Devil himself resist such an invitation?
.
.
They entered and found their seats, choosing to ignore most of the people while the speeches and bullshit started. Waiters slipping around to take orders and simper, Meatsticks being used like slaves. This annoyed Ianto no end, seeing soldiers of such good health reduced to staff. What a waste of manpower.
Ianto settled to wait for Whitt's part and straightened as the announcement began.
"And the newest member to the High Council of Unified Planets, High Councillor Whitman!"
Everyone clapped politely as Whitt stepped up to accept the highest pin of office he could ever hope to receive, his face full of joy as he looked over those there, his eyes falling on Ianto who had risen from his chair to walk to the dance floor in front of the podium.
"My boy" he breathed as he took in the lack of coat, the form fitting black t-shirt and the warrior stride. He knew what was about to happen, even if the gentry around them did not. This was an ancient thing, a ritual of high regard only given to those of status and Whitt felt tears prickling as his son bowled low, so low his tail flicked over his head to sweep the floor.
Then Ianto withdrew the twin blades, their soft hum filing the room with a warmth that seemed to pull the heat of the red dust with them… actually some dust DID fall from the sheath.
Then Ianto began to dance, the blades singing in soft eerie tones as Ianto pivoted at the waist to flip back, cat wheeling in the air with dust coming from the sheath each time, then he crouched low while twirling on the toes of the one foot still on the ground, the front leg out to sweep the dust. The entire place gasped as Ianto now added that dust to the dance, the fine powder filling the air to shimmer like glitter, moving in time to Ianto's song. The blades picked up pitch and tone then they all heard it. Plain as day. An ethereal voce singing. The blades were singing.
Whitt knew tears were rolling down his face as his son showed the Bladesinger hidden for so long, let his inner demon rage and as anto left the ground to now dance at least three feet from it, the blades now acting like helicopter blades as they sung, the entire place saw the majesty of the creature.
Finally Ianto's feet touched the floor and he bowed deeply at the waist, letting his tail against sweep the floor once more and as he rose the red dust flew around him in a halo.
"My son" Whitt croaked "My beautiful, gorgeous child. Thank you for the honour of being your teacher. For you surpass me."
Ianto raised the blades in a cross across his body. The salute of Bladesingers. Whitt crossed his arms in return.
Every Meatstick in the room automatically took a knee in a show of loyalty.
Yeah…. Those seated in their flash gold painted chairs all looked around with horror as The Devil Came to Town. And gathered souls too long in slumber.
Hoorah.