In the six years Leonardo had been leading his people there were some things that just never seemed to get any easier. The annual Clan Meeting was high on that list. There was no room for error, not when the outcome could affect the stability of the entire realm. The delegates were the far flung leaders of his people, representatives from the thirteen great Terrapin Clans travelled from their estates to share news, forge trade agreements, strengthen bonds and to pay homage to his leadership. It was an honour he would have willingly forgone. Ultimately they all wanted something from him - the game was not to give too little or too much. He followed his father Yoshi's example, treating no clan with more or less favor than any other, maintaining a delicate balance between them all. It was a game he'd been born to play. Patience and diplomacy had always been among his strengths, but today restlessness crawled beneath a thin veneer of calm.

Leo drew a slow, deep breath and settled his energy with effort. He had risen before dawn to meditate and it was early still, yet the noise in the grand hall was already swelling from quiet murmurs into an impatient buzz. Heavy screens of dark raw silk divided his audience space from the growing crowd except for one sheer fall of linen across the entrance, providing a shielded view of the milling nobles. The ladies circulated freely, exchanging greetings and news. The males acknowledged each other in more reserved fashion. Fabric and incense could not completely muffle the heavy tang of multiple alphas in various states of agitation. He could taste their muted aggression in the back of his throat, an acrid challenge that could be ignored but not without some difficulty. With Raph it was easier. They'd grown up together, knew each others moods to within a hair of violence and beyond. The same couldn't be said for the other alpha patriarchs and for the next three days emotions would be held tightly in check. Generous provision of good food, light wines and entertainment would help soothe ruffled tempers, but none of them would be able to truly relax until they were back in their own territories.

Poor weather had done nothing to improve the situation. The wet season was a yearly hazard but the rains had come early and caused heavy damage to a number of important bridges. Flooding had delayed this Clan Meeting three painful weeks. It was a logistical nightmare for the entire city as main access routes were torn apart by raging river water. Seven families had been forced to detour the long way up the river to find a crossing point shallow enough for horses and carriage. Those that had been waiting were impatient for things to begin, and those that had arrived late were tired and irritable from their journey. It made for a volatile atmosphere and Leo was more than ready to see the back of their shells.

Raph's absence only added to his unease. A message had come by one cranky, bedraggled raven to say he'd been cut off by the same flooding. Even if the delay was justified the duration was unacceptable. Worrying about Raph's penchant for trouble was an unwelcome distraction when there was already so much that demanded his attention. He took a moment to school his expression from a flat line of displeasure into something more neutral. The only real benefit to the situation was Raphael's Right of Claim on Donatello. Flood damage had been so widespread that word had come from the Council; the right of arms to decide who 'owned' Donatello would be delayed until the roads were once again clear for travel. A courtesy afforded to the 'relative' of a Clan Leader.

The turtle in question chose that moment to push through the rear entrance balancing a tray. Leo returned Don's shy smile of greeting with real warmth. Don didn't yet know how precarious his situation was and Leo intended to keep it that way as long as possible.

'Tea?' The olive turtle asked, lifting his tray slightly.

'Please.' Leo considered Don as he brewed the tea, careful to steep the unfurling blossoms to the exact moment the small sand timer indicated and not a moment longer.

To say it had been an interesting month was an understatement.

Donatello's appetite for knowledge was the first thing he had come to understand. It wasn't just curiosity, it was an insatiable need to know. As the olive turtle had gained confidence the questions had started to come hard and fast. How and why and everything in between. Leo had answered where he could and marvelled at just how much Don managed to observe and understand about the world around him in such a short time.

Not just a font of questions, Leo was gratified to discover that subjects which generally drove Mike and Raph to glazed eyes and muffled yawns held Don fascinated for hours. He listened well and learned rapidly, making leaps in logic and intuition that had startled more than once. Twice the clan leader had found himself talking with Don long into the night, Mike snoring quietly among the cushions as they talked over steaming tea, the crickets singing a soft underscore as the lanterns flickered above.

Their conversations were something he found rare in his world. Philosophy, history, general governance and strategy - even a little poetry. Nothing too personal and yet Leo felt the lighter for it. Don never asked for anything. More than that, he listened. Really listened, and Leo found himself talking more and more … just for himself and the pleasure of Don's company. Without needing to guard against hidden agendas, veiled threats or simple things that might be used against him later. Perhaps that wasn't so wise at this early stage but the temptation had been too difficult to resist. There was something about him, a lingering innocence that persisted despite all he'd been through.

Perhaps most telling of all, Donatello had well and truly won Michelangelo over and Leo trusted that more than anything else. Over the last few days he had come to wonder if maybe he wasn't the only one who needed someone to talk to. It's not like they had many friends they could trust and so far as he could tell Don was honest, shy and caring and smarter than the entire thirteen put together. In nothing short of a stunning achievement, the olive turtle had managed to relearn the majority of his native language in less than a month. Perhaps some of it had remained deep in his memory but Leonardo didn't think it diminished the scale of his accomplishment. Now he faced the difficulties that only time and practice could resolve. In short, his accent was horrible - tainted by the rough-and-ready Common he was used to. Yet it was smoother every day and he was driven to perfect it with a determination that Leo had rarely witnessed in anyone but himself. Perhaps therein lay one of the few faults of character the clan leader had been able to identify. More than once he'd come in late and quietly checked that Don was resting well, only to witness the olive turtle still awake, scrolls rustling as he poured over them, candles slumping into weary puddles in the pre-dawn hours. Leonardo had left him to his studies, instinctively aware that Don would not be soothed until he had filled the hole in his heart left by years of loneliness and isolation.

Whether he would find what he really needed amidst the mountain of scrolls, was a question Leo kept to himself.

And so in the space of one short month, Don had found himself a new family and settled into his new life, unaware that Leo and Mike considered themselves just as lucky to have found something so rare. Someone they could trust. Perhaps even a friend.

The Clan Leader smiled to himself. So much had changed in such a short time that he was fairly sure Raph was going to find it all a little terrifying. Served him right.

Leo offered his thanks as Don brought him his tea. The olive turtle paused beside him to look through the curtains.

'It's nothing like I imagined.' He said softly, eyes huge.

Leo sipped his tea, watching Don's face and trying not to laugh. 'What were you expecting?'

Don glanced at him, a little embarrassed at his own ignorance. 'I guess … a bunch of old men puffing away on pipes, arguing over treaties and land agreements.'

Leo fought the urge to scowl at that. 'Not so many old men but there'll be plenty of arguing later.'

Don snorted softly. 'It's hard to imagine anyone winning an argument with you.'

Leo offered him a dry smile. 'Raph manages it every now and then, but he's had far more practice.'

'And Mikey?' Don asked.

'All the time but it doesn't count - he cheats.' Leo told him.

Don laughed softly and turned back to watch the crowd as Leonardo tried to imagine what it must be like to see everything for the first time. These Terrapin represented the height of his people's society at one of the most important political and social events of the year. Every family had turned out in number, dressed to impress.

Ladies with huge, lovely eyes wore delicate nets of faceted gems on their heads and carried ornately patterned fans. Their kimono were the finest quality, in patterns and colours that made each a work of art. The males among them were less ostentatious and somewhat overshadowed by the Alpha-patriarchs who were at least half a head taller than everyone else. Some towered over the crowd, lumbering giants with gnarled shells. Aside from the Thirteen Families and their retainers, there were almost as many court officials and a handful of envoys, swelling the crowd until it filled the great hall. It was an intimidating display of wealth and power, but Leo had grown up thinking nothing of such finery.

'Don't be distracted by how they present themselves.' Leo warned Don quietly. 'Most of them have some kind of agenda and they'll walk over anyone who gets in their way if they have to.'

Don pulled his gaze from the spectacle in surprise. 'You don't trust any of them? Not even the families that supported your father?'

Leo's answer was honest even if his expression was carefully neutral. 'I wish it were that simple, but I'd be a fool if I did.'

Don stepped back from the curtain, his dark eyes a little sad.

'It can't be easy never knowing who to trust - always wondering what people want from you.' He said softly, uncertain how Leo would react to his words.

Leo fought the urge to frown. 'I trust my family. Raph, Mikey. There are a few others and they're all I need.' Was Don pitying him?

'You're worried about him. Your brother.' The olive turtle observed quietly. It wasn't a question and Leo sipped his tea to cover his discomfiture. Don knew he was approaching some unspoken lines and looked down at the tray in his hands, studying the carved jade teapot. 'I would be if I were you. He's been gone much longer than you expected and now there are all of these people in your home, trying to manipulate you, and he isn't here to help.' He shifted awkwardly. 'I heard some of the guards talking this morning. They seem … uneasy, that he's missing.'

Leo wasn't surprised to hear it. What did surprise him was Don's accurate analysis of the situation and how easily the olive turtle had just read him when so few could.

The olive turtle shrugged awkwardly at Leo's pensive silence and offered him an apologetic smile. 'Not to mention Mikey's been cursing under his breath for the last two weeks trying to meet the demands of all these lords. He said a few things that made me think it's not usually his job.'

Leo grimaced ever so slightly. His lover had been on the verge of a major meltdown for the last two days and there was little he'd been able to do about it. With an army of servants and artisans at his command Michelangelo's role was crucial to keeping everyone relaxed and organised. He had a talent for bringing out the best in people and a knack for knowing when to shift the atmosphere with music or other entertainments. It was a job he excelled at, and enjoyed, for the most part, yet even he had his limits. Trying to keep half a dozen irritable, arrogant 'fatheads' in line for an additional two weeks on top of his other duties had been wearing down Mike's naturally buoyant personality.

'Raph has his own special way of keeping things running smoothly. Mike tries to be more accommodating and suffers for it. But yes, I'd prefer it if he was here, for multiple reasons. We won't have to wait much longer though. A raven came early this morning - Raph should be back within the next few hours.' He answered finally.

Leo tasted Don's anxiety in the back of his throat and put a hand on the smaller turtle's shoulder.

'There's nothing to fear, Don. You can trust him.'

Donatello nodded but didn't smile. 'I'm sorry. You and Mike keep saying it and I want to believe it … I'm just nervous.'

Leo understood. Ultimately trust had to be earned.

The smile Don flashed Leo was a fragile lie. 'I'd better go. You've got things to do and the servers are going out soon.'

Leo gave Don his cup. 'Be careful out there. I'm only allowing this because the nobles don't know who you are yet. When they realise you're in Bondage to Raphael this kind of exposure will be far too dangerous. At least until you've had some training.'

Don took a breath. 'I know, but I want to see what they're like while I can. Besides - it's only serving drinks and listening. If I can't even do this much what good am I to you?'

Leo gazed at him with unfathomable eyes. 'This isn't a test, Don.'

Donatello nodded again and this time the smile was more genuine. 'I know, but I can't hide forever. Besides, you and Mike have been so stressed out with this. I want to help. Maybe I'll hear something useful - at the very least I can try.'

Leo watched him for a long moment concerned that this was too much too soon, but if he interfered now he'd be overriding the first assertive request Don had made since his decision to stay. Leo wasn't going to take away the little self-confidence he'd gained by overruling it.

'Stay close to Mikey.' He said softly.

Don drew a relieved breath and nodded, then gathered up his tray and left.

Leo didn't have time to ponder their conversation. A moment of quiet composure and the mask was once more in place. A steadying breath, the shimmer of the morning gong rippling the curtains like a warm breath and he stepped forward into the light.