familial.ties {CALMAY}

[Leaf]

The clear skies hanging above the kingdom did not do much to remove the gloomy aura of the Daikan palace. The grandness of the majestic building would be able to remove words from the tip of people's tongues in awe. It was gigantic and towered over those who stood nearby, casting a sense of gravity upon them. The opaque stone walls made it very mighty a fortress and the security of the sentries surrounding the castle made it impenetrable. The inside of the palace was as solemn and grave as the exterior. The hollow corridors were dark and one could see several unlit torches hanging from their bearings upon the solid walls. In fact, the banners and drapery of the Daikan coat of arms were probably your only way of differentiating between the palace and the dungeons. The great hall, however, was bright with decor. The massive chandelier hung from the ceiling and the grand pillars stood tall, draped in banners of Daika's national colors. Marble statues of all sorts stood valiantly in their place, each polished to the most pristine point. All of the courtiers were dressed in their best finery, standing civilly in their positions on either side of the long red carpet running from the open wooden doors to the intricate and elevated throne sitting upon its platform. Today was an important event and no one wanted their heads to roll for a stupid mistake.

Outside the hall in a side corridor, the King fixed his crown and his attendants nodded at him. He was expecting an important visit today. An envoy sent by the Queen's brother. In fact, his son, Prince Yasunari, the heir to the Sanchu throne. A guard held open the door to the platform as Drako strode in. The moment he stepped foot into the room, every person present became stiller than the marble statues and the guards stood straighter than the pillars. Even the carrier of the King's dragonhead halberd froze under the weight of the weapon. Nobody dared to make a single movement. The King took grand strides to his throne and faced the crowd. "Today," He began, projecting his roar across the hall. "We are expecting a guest of great importance. I do not want anyone bringing shame to our country." The stillness of the throng provided a tacit consent to the King and the monarch took a last sweeping glance across the room before seating himself upon his throne. Drako had anticipated this day ever since he had received the letter from his brother-in-law regarding Yasunari's impending arrival. He had been rather curious about the boy's abilities and characteristics. After all, not only was the Yasunari a prince and ambassador, he was also Drako's nephew.

[Calmay]

A simple wooden carriage moved through the streets and towards the castle with ease. Though it looked simple on the outside the contents of the carriage were of great importance. It had left its escorts in the city an had made its way to the castle on its own. Inside were two people. A silver haired boy that was siting straight and looking down at the blue haired person that was resting on his lap. This carriage belonged to Prince Yasunari and his personal guard. It was not his normal carriage, but he had chosen this one to make sure that it blended in and did not appear like it was holding someone of importance. The last thing that he had wanted was to be kidnapped on the was to the Palace of Daika. At first glace it appeared that the silver haired boy was the prince, since he gave off the more serious demeanor, but it was the male resting on his shoulder that was the prince. He had grown tired and had wanted to take a quick nap before reaching the Palace. After all he did not want to appear tired when meeting the King of Daika. He had been taught that yawning in public was unbecoming of a future king.

The carriage made it to through the gates with little trouble and the found themselves in front of the grand entrance to the castle in no time. He prince got up as the carriage stopped and looked at his guard, Elric. He smiled at him beofre shaking his head and changing the form of his hair making it more presentable to the King. Seeing as the Prince was ready Elric got up and opened the door of the carriage. He climbed out and held his hand out for Yasunari. They had yet to say a single word to each other. They did not need to yet. Yasunari took his hand and climbed out and nodded to Elric to show his thanks before continuing on his way, Elric closed the door and caught up the Ysaunari. They entered the Castle Yasunari going first and were escorted to the Great Hall. Yasunari took notice of the appearance of the hallways and corridors. It was different then home and he could just feel the chill in the air. He missed his palace already, but he was not going to admit it out loud.

Elric followed mentally telling himself not to start a conflict with anyone of show his flame. He was here as Yasunari's guard he was no longer just a slave in this Kingdom. He had a professional job. He stopped at the doors as the same time as Yasunari. Yasunari looked at the man, waiting for him to open the door and announce his arrival to the people in the Hall. He was not just random Lord visiting the King he was the Prince from Sanchu and the ambassador. He deserved to be announced upon his entry into the room.

[Leaf]

The guard at the door stood firmly as he saw a blue haired boy and his silver haired companion approach. On closer observation he saw Sanchu's coat of arms on the blue haired boy and was quick to salute the pair. He must've been the Prince Yasunari that they were expecting. As for the other man, the guard was not about to restrict the prince's personal attendant. The prince had stopped with an expectant look on his face and the guard realized he was neglecting his duty in observing the regal ambassador. Hurriedly, he opened the heavy wooden door and nodded toward the messenger stationed at the doorway. Turning toward the hall, the messenger let his clear voice ring throughout the room, 

"Hail! All hail the Ambassador of our neighbor and guest of our King! Hail to Prince Yasunari of Sanchu!"

Everyone in the hall turned their heads to the doorway, each seemingly trying to crane their necks toward the royal guest without drawing too much attention to themselves. It was quite a spectacle; hundreds, maybe even a thousand or so eyes focused on one person. Each of them was measuring up this prince, making comments in their heads about the boy and sizing him up against their expectations. Of course, none of this was revealed on their faces, which were kept stoic. Well, maybe besides a few who were just haplessly easy to read. Even the Captain of the Daikan Knights, who stood near the door, cocked an eye to look at the prince. His interest was not in the prince, however, but in the silver haired one who accompanied the prince. He seemed… so familiar.

All this sudden commotion relapsed once the King rose to speak. Everyone turned back to their position (although some kept turning to sneak some peeks) and stood still again. Drako ignored his subordinates and instead looked at Yasunari, whom he had not seen since the prince was an infant. The boy had grown to be a handsome young man, every feature of his face clear and articulate. His eyes sparkled with knowledge and the maturing glow of a ruler. What Drako saw did not disappoint him. And the man next to the Prince… he seemed almost inhuman in the same fashion that Deveric was. Yasunari definitely had an eye in picking people. "We welcome you, Prince Yasunari of Sanchu, on behalf of our entire Kingdom. Your presence is an honor to have graced our halls. We bestow we finest greetings to our brother, your King and Father." The speech was relatively ceremonial, but sincere. Ever since the war ended, Drako had had little communication with the King of Sanchu, much less have seen his nephew. Now it was a good chance to establish a strong relationship with his potential allies. After all, although Sanchu had been relatively neutral in the war, they had assisted Daika in a few battles due to the Daikan Queen's origin. Also, to gain trust from Sanchu's future ruler would be good for Levi when he succeeded the throne. Drako made a mental note to have Levi and Yasunari bond for a bit later to build good relations between the two heirs. As for now, his attention (and the whole court's) was on the arrival of the Prince.

[Calmay]

Yasunari watched as the doors opened and the man walked him. He silently followed knowing what was about to happen when he entered th court. He was going to be judged. He did not like it but saw no reason to allow others to know his opinion. After all the people in the room had yet to meet him let alone know who he was. Their comments would be solely based on his appearance and most people were not that skilled at such an undertaking. He would just have to withstand it and walk to the king. He continued to glanced forward and continued to walk, mentally noting which people kept too long of a gaze on him and any change in expressions. He held back his smile preferring to show it the young girls that would often flock to him. The people here did not have to see his smile.

Elric followed keeping his left hand on his blade in case something were to happen. He did not trust anyone in this room. To him they were all threats that could possibly harm the Prince. He knew the people of Daika well, much more than he would like. He really did hate this kingdom. He focused on Yasunari again as the prince continued to walk forward. He could not help but be surprised on how well he prince was taking to all this. Lesser people would have shown some reaction to all these eyes, but he did not. He looked around and took notice that a man was looking at him and not the prince. He looked at him for a second and then returned his attention to the prince. He did not like the presence of that man. He was going to have to keep an eye on him.

When Yasunari was significantly closer to the king he heard his welcome statement. He bowed slightly. Not enough to show dominance to the king, but enough to show that he respected the ruler of the land. He knew how important it was to do these things correctly so that no makes a mistake and caused a war to occur again. Though he doubted that his visit could even incite the idea of a war starting. Still it was better to be careful in case the worst case did occur. "I apologize on behalf of my father for not keeping in touch with your Highness. It had taken some time to recover from the war. He sends his wished to his sister, your Queen and wishes her the best of health as well as for you. It is a great pleasure to meet you for the first time Uncle." He had not made a mistake. He had called the king his uncle and it was not a lie. He wanted to gauge the reaction of the court to see what they thought of him.

"Though I have great trust that you will keep me safe I would like my adviser and personal guard, Elric LaRosa, to coordinate with your captain concerning the use of the guards I have brought with me." He looked at the king waiting his response to his words. He was even going consider progressing to official matters. He could not help but wonder what was in the letter that his father had sent to inform the King of his arrival.

[Leaf]

Drako listened patiently to Yasunari's greeting and apology. His words were chosen carefully, as one should as a prince. "It too has been our fault for a lack of communication. Tell your King that his sister is well and that may He and His family prosper as well." The King then paused, feeling the intense stare of the courtiers upon him, wondering how he would respond to Yasunari's familial claim. They then shrunk back as they King gave them a stern glare and Drako turned back to the Prince. "And I you, dear nephew. Your presence here has been anticipated since the day we received word of your birth. Here I apologize on behalf of the other members of the Carlington family for being absent as they are occupied. I assure you that they would be delighted to hear of your safe arrival." It was a pity that the Queen was absent from court today. She had other  political matters to attend to today, so she said. Even Drako could not fathom why she did not choose to come to court on the day of her nephew's arrival. Surely she wanted news on her homeland and her brother. It was also impossible that she did not know; Drako had told her himself about their nephew's impending arrival. As for his children, Drako knew Reno was outside the palace on one of her excursions, but the details of her activities eluded him. As for Levi and Riatha, they weren't ones to come to court in the first place, although Drako decided that he must start making Levi attend.

The rest of the court was distinctly nerved upon Drako's response. Now that the connection between the King and foreign Prince was firmly established, the courtiers could not risk placing the Prince below themselves. The throng shifted unconsciously with the thought that Sanchu had become more powerful with this connection to Daika. After all, there were men among the nobles who supported conquering Sanchu and annexing it into the Daikan empire. Before, they knew that their Queen was Sanchu's former princess and sister of their King, but they believed they could toy with their alienation and bring Daika's wrath upon them. Now, it seemed like mentioning the very idea could risk their own lives. 

Drako listened to Yasunari's proposal and pondered it for a moment. Elric LaRosa must be the silver haired man behind the prince. This was also a good chance to experiment the efficiency of Sanchu's men. "Very well. We accepted your proposition." The King nodded and gestured toward the back of the room. Immediately, the raven-haired general approached the King and knelt respectfully. "Sir Deveric, it is now your duty to coordinate with Sir Elric LaRosa in accomplishing the task Prince Yasunari has bestowed upon you." For a moment, a dark grimace flashed across the demon's pale face before it melted back into the emotionless demeanor. "Yes, your Majesty. He growled. Elric LaRosa. That was why he seemed so familiar. The silver-haired demon was the kin of his mortal enemy; the fire demon that tormented him centuries ago back in hell. This Elric was the brat that he had met within the very halls of the palace long ago. Since when had he become such an important figure? Deveric could not help but scowl at the thought of working with such a person, but these were the King's orders, the absolute orders of his only mortal master. Even he was not about to go against them. 

Pulling himself up, Deveric turned to face the Prince and bowed slightly before facing the half-demon. "Please allow me to assist you, then." He said coldly. It almost pained the demon to look at the boy's face. The traces of his nemesis were so clear that the horrible memories of licking flames started coming back to him. The difference was that Elric's face contained no sign of mockery. It was as if his enemy was being serious for once. The thought made him sick.

[Calmay]

Yasunari could not help but be happy when the King called him his nephew, but he did not show it on his face. The game was still on in this court. He knew that he could not make a mistake. This was not his father's court where there was a different focus on him. He was in another kingdom. One where he knew must have considered conquering his country. Luckily that had not happened or he would not be here. He wanted to make it clear to those that still doubted Sanchu's power to see that though neutral they held more power then they revealed. Any weakness would provide any opening for the vultures that stood around him.

"Thank you for allowing my men to assist. My men will make sure that they do not hinder any one in the palace," he said. He then turned to Elric. He handed him an note with instructions that had come from his father regarding his guards. He had chosen to bring only those that knew about his abilities and he was sure that the the note his father had given him regarded that very issue. He had not even risked reading it. He did not want to anger his father at the moment. He then turned back to the king. "I am sure you are aware of the main reason of my visit. We are looking for opening up trade with Daika more than the current level. However there is some concern over the safety of our merchants travelling to Daika."

He was not trying to say that Daika was dangerous, but there were some issues. Some merchants having their merchandise stolen, others being killed. Those were the dangers associated with travelling but the amount that have happened was too often. His father was unwilling to send the men to Daika if they were not going to get any help to keep their merchants safe. "However, I will be here for a some time. Today I would rather spend some time with my family instead of discussing these issues. That is if it is fine with you?"

Elric took the note and held it in his hands. He then turned his attention the man that he was going to be working with. It was the man that was looking at him. He now realized who he was. The man that he had set on fire and set a palace wide manhunt. Yet he did not show it on his face at the moment. He was not going to embarrass his prince. "Do not worry I will try my best not to bother you. After all I know how much you do not like fires," he said quietly to Deveric. He was not happy to work with him. Some part of him wanted to start a small flame by Deveric but he did not. He really did not like this man.

[Leaf]

The King nodded the prince's thanks in acceptance. He knew that the King of Sanchu wanted to forge better trade policies with Daika seeing as their economy would be able to benefit significantly. It was exactly this issue that the prince brought up next and Drako motioned for Deveric to take Elric and begin working on whatever task that the King of Sanchu had bestowed. It wasn't that Drako didn't know of these problems beforehand, but he had to balance between a firm hand against crime and still keeping the loyalty of his more shady constituents. However, it was time to bring these bandits and highwaymen down a notch. They had been getting more insolent as the king relented for the past few months when he was preoccupied with the issues of the Wolf. Now, however, it was imperative that they established good connections with Sanchu in case any friction occurred between them and their long-time nemesis, Akaika.

"True. As much as these issues are important, we can afford a few nights of a family reunion. After all, your aunt and cousins would be most delighted to see you." Drako nodded in response to the prince's proposition. He had given orders to prepare a banquet that night to give the prince a proper welcome. Also, it would also be a good chance for Levi to acquaint with Yasunari. Both were the heirs to the throne of their respective country and it was important for them to have a tie stronger than simply being relatives. Despite how it sounded like an ulterior motive, Drako knew how strongly this would affect the future of Daika. He couldn't let this chance pass.

Deveric nodded curtly at the king before leading Elric to the door. It was good to know that Elric wasn't going to cause trouble this time around. After all, being in the court as a guest and representative of his prince and country, it wouldn't be only himself that he would end up disgracing. The last sentence about fire irked Deveric, however, and he couldn't stop his eyebrow from quivering slightly. This boy was really annoying no matter what status he was in. After all, the blood of the fire demon still ran through his veins. "Well then," The general growled after they had left the hall. "What does that note of yours say?"

[Calmay]

Yasunari smiled. He was slightly excited to get to know his extended family. He was an only child which meant he spent mos of his time alone when he was a child, during the times he could not control his powers well enough to not accidentally change form. He did have some friends but it was not the same as having family to see. He had secretly always wanted t have a little brother, but he knew that it was not likely. He was also aware that a younger brother meant that there would be competition for the throne. At least this way his throne was secure.

"Well then I look forward to seeing the hospitality that Daika and her king has to offer." Yasunari said. As he spoke he felt a familiar pain in his left arm appear again. He hid his pain as well as he could. He did not want anyone to know that here was something wrong with him. Yet he could not help but form a fist with his left hand. He regretted doing so, but he could not do anything about the action now. He just had to make sure not to show it on your face. "Is it possible that I could have a conversation alone with you. I have things I need to say that are for certain people only." He did not want to say that he did not want the other people in the room who were still there looking at him. It was starting to get more uncomfortable by the second.

Elric opened the note and quickly read through it. He slightly growled. The king was asking something unreasonable again. He crumpled up the note and placed it in hid pocket. He should have seen i coming but he did not like the last line in the note. "It's instructions on how to handle the prince and his normal actions." He had no desire to tell Deveric that Yasunari needed different methods to protect him since he could just change his appearance and leave the castle as if there was nothing wrong. "This may be ridiculous to you, but will be requesting some changes to some of you policies for the duration of our stay." He definitely did not want the prince ending up in the dungeons because he was trying to sneak out.He also saw no need to tell Deveric that if something happened to the prince the king was going to send him back where he came from. He knew the king did not like him, but he did not know he would do this much to get rid of him.

[Leaf]

The king could see some sort of discomfort in the prince's demeanor, but saw it fit to make no mention it. After all, it would probably seem condescending and giving the nobles the idea that his nephew could be looked down upon was the last thing he wanted to do. Yasunari then mentioned having a private conversation. Drako thought about it, then decided it would be for the best. Some foreign affairs should be negotiated without the presence of certain people anyways, let alone any personal familial topics. "Yes, it is about time we withdraw anyways. It has been a long journey for you and you have probably had enough of a day." The king then stood and swept his gaze across the hall. Evident disappointment darken his subjects' eyes, but that wasn't deserving of any part of Drako's concern. Most of his court was full of insolent cowards in the first place. It he combed through them to find those truly worth keeping, there would probably be only a few handful left. Several families would only have a couple of people left or even be completely eliminated. However, that wasn't the best thing to do when public morale needed to be kept. It was a hard job; to keep his reputation as a stern and merciless king without being called a tyrant. Nevertheless, Drako clasped his hands together and let his voice ring through the hall, "Hear now--The Prince and I will now withdraw. Unless a crisis falls, we do not want to be disturbed." With that, he stepped from his pedestal and signaled for Yasunari to follow. The rest of the courtiers bowed superficially as the King left the hall with his small party of escorts. He was going to take his nephew to his study, where they could have a proper conversation away from prying eyes and ears.

Deveric looked at Elric skeptically as he shoved the note into his pocket. A prince that needs special treatment? That wasn't unheard of, but Deveric never expected his master's nephew to be so delicate. "Very well. Do what you must. Take all the men you need. That's the only abundance we possess anyways." He said icily. "But I do not want to hear about any signs of arson during your stay here." The captain could not trust the face of the boy, no matter what position he was in. If the half-demon tried anything… well, he would know. After all, his flames were so unique. Their piercing color and licking texture had been etched into Deveric's mind ever since he had been engulfed in them that one time. The way they ate through his limbs and seared at his wings were unforgettable and the pure hatred for them was palpable in Deveric's eyes. Feeling like he needed to make a point, the demon spat, "Don't forget, I'm doing this for my Lord and only for his sake."

The same way you do things for your princeling.

[Calmay]

Yasunari stood there waiting for the kings response. He held himself back and making sure not to show any sign of weakness. It was his thought through out this whole time. He knew that the first part was about to be over and he just hoped that he had made a good enough impression that the rest of the court. He did exactly as his father's adviser had told him to do. For now it seemed to work, he would see the results later. When he heard the king respond to his offer to talk privately he was glad at the response. He was glad that the king was going humour him.

He followed the King and his entourage out of the room. He wanted to be clear of those people as soon as possible. When he left the hall he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small pouch. He pulled out a small pill and swallowed it before putting the pouch away. It was a small pain killer but it was better than letting the pain bother him the whole time. He relaxed his first as the pain killer started to take effect. He was glad that he had bought it from his apothecary. His father had asked him to visit a doctor but he knew that no doctor could fix what was bothering him.

Elric looked at Deveric and held back a growl. It was taking all of his rational mind to hold himself back. This man was really starting to push his buttons. He liked to remain calm but in the heart of it all he was a fire demon at heart. He still had a short temper when he was around people he did not like. "All I need is for you to bring any intruder in the castle to my room before you decide to take them to the dungeon. I need to make sure of something. If I say nothing you can take said person to the dungeon and do what ever you want." He turned around and looked at his hand. He could see a little flame forming and he quickly clenched his first to put it out. "Well then make sure not to start a flame after all i don't want to hurt your precious body. After all you seem to be harshly harmed by my flame."

[Leaf]

After Drako had left the Hall with Yasunari, he could hear the ruffling and whispers of the courtiers as they gossiped in the absence of their monarch. It was no matter and the King continued on down the hall and up the winding stairs to his study. The sentry stationed before the heavy door saluted the party politely before prying it open, giving way for the Royals to enter. Waving the small group of guards off, Drako led his nephew into the room. "Keep a close watch and do not let anyone except for my family in until I have given orders otherwise." The king ordered the sentry who replied with a curt salute and pulled the dark wooden door shut.

"Please, Yasunari, have a seat and make yourself comfortable. No need for formalities in private." The king made a motion toward a couple of crimson lounge chairs as he made his way to his black leather chair behind his large wooden desk, piled with papers and fliers of many sorts. His basilisk plume quill sat sullenly in its inkwell, looking as ominous as it was before it was plucked off the head of the serpent monster. The study itself was lined with various tall bookshelves, each full of documents and lores of all kind. There was only one window across from Drako's desk where one could look down at the courtyard (although it was quite a frightening height) and see over the dark stone walls surrounding the palace. The silhouette of Obscur be sighted just at the edge of the horizon. It was a grand sight and Drako enjoyed looking out over his kingdom here between his work.

"Now then, Yasunari," The king leaned back in his chair as he watched his nephew lazily. "Was there anything specific you wanted to talk about?" While Drako knew that there was probably some message that his brother-in-law wished to pass along, the prince might've just wanted to get out of the face of the crowd. After all, they could be quite an intimidating and vexing bunch. Moreover, the various signs of discomfort that Yasunari had be showing was becoming more apparent. "I have noticed that you seemed rather uncomfortable since your arrival. Surely you are not ill?" It would be horrible for the prince to become sick during his stay at Daika because well, he was Drako's nephew, but also because the King of Sanchu might be quite displeased with Daika and withdraw whatever support they had. It would be just so easy to replace the hard-earned friendliness between the countries with a tense animosity. "If you need it, I can have your bedroom prepared and we can reserve the festivities for another day."

Deveric scowled as he listened to Elric. It was vexing to receive orders from a brat. Especially the child of his nemesis. The last comment was especially discomforting to the demon. The subtle threat was both insolent and mocking and Deveric clenched his fist to prevent himself from drawing his blade that moment. The brat thought he was so above everyone now that he had become an important figure. "Just like your dad…" The captain muttered under his breath. The trash that came out of his mouth was simply irritating. Deveric could not stop his aura of anger and animosity from swelling at this moment. The demon was irascible in the first place and Elric was definitely not helping the situation. Baring his teeth slightly, Deveric growled, "Watch your mouth, Sir Elric. For you and your princeling's sake."

[Calmay]

Yasunari entered the room silently and looked around before going further. It was different than his father's study. Sure bother had bookshelves ha were filled with boos, but his father had two tables and only one seat in the room. His father never liked having people sit in his study. He wanted to make it clear that he did not want people lingering in his place of work. Not even Yasunari was allowed to remain here for long. However, this was not his father's study. This was also not his home, but if his king wanted him to be informal he did not mind letting down some of his guard.

He made his way to the lounge chair making sure to place his left hand on his lap. It was much better now but he did not want to take a risk to cause anymore harm to his already painful arm. He looked at the king. He had noticed that there was something wrong. He had tried to hide it the best he could but it seemed like the few details he failed to hide were caught by the king. Well it made it easier to start the conversion. After all he had convinced his father to let him go just because of what was happening to his arm. "It is not something a doctor can fix. My father was against my arrival. He had originally planned just to send an ambassador, but I convinced him otherwise." He did not want to mention that his father did not trust his brother-in-law to take care of his son completely. His faher had made it clear to Yasunari not to do anything that would place his life in danger.

Yasunari then placed his hand on his left arm and used his power to make what was on his arm to become visible under his sleeve. He pulled up his sleeve and revealed what was on his arm. He revealed an intricate mark on his hand that looked much like a tattoo, but it was not one. It was a strange vine that was growing on his arm with flowers on them. it would seem normal on a commoner but Yasunai was a prince and he knew better than to take a risk his reputation with a tattoo. "This was why I wanted to visit you uncle. My father does not know what it is but all we know is that it is dangerous."

Elric was going to ignore any comment that Deveric was going to say. I was the best method to just ignore and keep the amount of contact to a minimum. It did not matter how inconvenient it was to him.This man made him act in ways that he was accustomed to. But when he heard the comment that he was like his father, something in him caused him to crack. He turned around and looked at Deveric. "I am not like my father. We are nothing alike." Two small horns of flame appeared on his head and small flame wings formed on his back. He quickly put the flame out but his anger did not subside. "You better watch you mouth as well. I'm only a half demon so I can't help if I 'accidentally' lose control of my flame." He kept looking at Deveric not willing to back down anymore. He knew that Yasunari would handle himself, but it did not matter if he could not even be in this mans presence.

mark

[Leaf]

The prince's statement about his father originally intending for an ambassador to come was no surprise to Drako. Obviously, Daika had its notorious reputation and for a King to let his son travel here was a big decision. Even if they were related, it was still hard to gain full trust from his neighbor. However, this meant that it would be difficult to go unforgiven if the prince was harmed in any sort of way during his stay.

Seeing the tattoo-like mark on his nephew's left arm, Drako's eyes widened. It was hard to surprise a stoic fellow like him and this was one occasion that managed to do so. The mark was elegant and gracefully printed, but the serpent King's instinct told him that it was of a malicious nature. "This… Has your attendant, Sir Elric seen this?" Drako asked, still studying the mark. It seemed to have a demonic affiliation and if it were convenient, he would've asked Deveric to take a look. However, judging by his speculation, the Elric figure seemed to be of a similar background and therefore it would make more sense for a person closer to the prince to take a look at it. If both had no idea about the mark, then Drako would have to start resorting to his more shadier sources in the city. That would be his last choice, though, as there are some people he would rather not owe a favor to.

"Judging by the look and pain it is causing you, I am speculating that it may be a curse of some sort. I cannot be sure of the details, though, and it would be best to contact an expert." He then paused to think for a moment. "Maybe… Just maybe your cousin Akia has an idea about this. After all, she has… seen much of the world." The king wasn't sure whether Akia would really be of any help, but she probably also had connections that would be. This couldn't wait, however. Things could get worse really quickly and Drako did not want to see first hand what the potential damages the mark could cause to his nephew.

Deveric's dark eyes flashed red when he saw the flames erupt from the half-demon for a moment. The heat touched him for the brief moment before they were extinguished. If he didn't know better, he could tell that the flames were stronger than they had been during their previous encounter. Glaring back into Elric's eyes, the demon would not show his weakness even though the threat was prominent. This was his territory. He was in his own den and his foe the stranger. Despite his weakness he also had the advantage of status. "Don't think too highly of yourself, halfling. You wouldn't dare… not here before your prince." Deveric knew that the half-demon had risen in position due to the prince and that if he had any sort of shame, he would not do anything to disgrace his prince. Still, an angered fire-demon could be rather unpredictable.

Despite knowing that he had be careful, Deveric's fury was still at large in his head and the challenging nature of a demon wad getting the better of him. He allowed his enchanted chain to snake around his body, meandering until the moment the demon commanded it to strike. Disregarding any sort of decorum, Deveric placed his right hand upon the handle of his rapier. His aura was being exerted to nearly the maximum while being able to keep in his human form. In fact, the guards stationed close by could feel the prickling chill struck down their spines. "Start anything, boy, and I'll be serving your head to your prince on a silver platter." The captain hissed in retaliation. The surrounding humans were unfortunate, as a fight between demons was never pretty and certainly not very contained either. If they seriously began to brawl in the corridor, half of the palace would be taken down by them. Not that Deveric really cared about the state of the castle. He was only focused on the boy before him. The boy who shared the same features as his lifelong enemy. The dark blade quivered under Deveric's hand with his anger and seemed almost eager to be out of its sheathe. It wanted to slice, to cut, to tear. It wanted to do what it had been made for: to destroy.

[Calmay]

Yaunari was surprised by Drako's reaction to his tattoo. He hadn't expected for him to react in such a way. When he brought up his attendant he smiled and nodded. Elric had seen it, but he wasn't able to help him. But he did not keep Elric by his side for his knowledge. No he wanted Elric by him because of his abilities. "I have not had the need to show it to him since he was there when I got it. Unfortunately, he lacks in some aspects when it comes to his linage and raising. He is human raised, so he lacks the knowledge to examine this. He was only able to determine that it was demonic in nature."He looked at the mark and noticed that is had grown a little more since he had last seen it. He wondered what was going to happen to him if he let it take its course.

"Unfortunately my information system at home told me about the same that Elric did and they directed me to their Daika branch. And the amount of demons found in the capital are quite low. My father has not allowed them since two of them ran amuck in the city and caused extesive damage. So I decided that visiting you uncle was the best choice." He was really disappointed that Tamesis was unable to any information on it. It was not like him at all. He knew that it was something serious if he had no prior knowledge of it. There were few thing that Tamesis was unable to find about especially since even his powers to be blocked.

"It was my best guess that it has a curse nature, he only problem is how I acquired such a curse. I don't think I have done something to deserve such a curse," Sure had had gone many dates, but he had never slept with them or lead them on. There was one man, but he would have to be desperate to gain the wrath of a prince. He then paused when he remembered what Elric had once told him about the man and the tasks that he gave him. In particular the one that occurred in the castle. "Uncle you need to summon you captain here right away. Before something happens that both of us might regret."

Elric kept staring down Deveric. He heard the demon's threat but the one thing that the demon did not understand was that right now he did not care about the prince. This was a matter of pride. For so long he had to take everything that he was given but now he had his freedom he was not going to take it. Before he was holding back but now this was different. "Let me make it clear to you. I will burn you down before you can even attempt to cut off my head. I might be halfling, but I know your weakness and I am willing to use it." He knew that if he backed down he would allow Deveric to know that he was a push over. He knew little about demons but something inside told him not to back down against another demon.

[Leaf]

Drako watched the young man intently as he listened carefully to the information. So his assumptions about the lineage of the silver haired attendant was true. However, the fact that he was human raised was an impediment to the situation. No matter though; he had to summon Deveric to take a look. After all, this could not wait. His nephew, the heir to Sanchu's throne, could not be held back by this possibly lethal burden. It was his duty as both a family member and ally King to assist the prince. 

"You are right to come here, nephew," Drako asserted as he stood up, "We cannot stall, as your situation is urgent. I shall summon Sir Deveric at once." Drako walked briskly to the door, rapping on it with his knuckle. "Send for Sir Deveric. Quickly!" Drako barked to the other side of the door. "Yes your Majesty!! came the reply and a hurried pace could be heard stumbling down the stairs. Drako turned back to face Yasunari. The blue-haired prince was fair indeed and it would be horrible if the curse were to worsen. After all, he had such a bright future before him. Moreover, the King of Sanchu would definitely not forgive Daika if anything happened to their Prince. 

Deveric couldn't stand Elric at all. Drawing his sword in a flash, the demon let the night-colored blade brandish before him. "My weakness? My weakness? Don't tell me about what you do not know about. You aren't even a true demon. I can smell the human off of you," hissed the demon, eyes the color of blood. It disgusted him; the union of the LaRosa demon and some pitiful human. The strong distaste was palpable in Deveric's voice as it quivered with rage. What the boy had done to him months before was no more than a nuisance to his mind now. He wasn't afraid of the boy. He wasn't going to be careless this time.

Footsteps racing toward them could suddenly be heard. "Sir! Sir Deveric!" the breathless voice called. Still frothing with anger, the captain snapped. his head around, eyes glowing red. Fear was sent through the guard and before the sentry could respond, he found himself bound by a chain. "Human filth." the demon spat, staring condescendingly at the strangled guard. Writhing helplessly, the guard managed to choke out the words, "King D-Drako... S-summons." It took a moment for the words to register and Deveric stopped in his action. The red left his eyes and sweeping his sword back into it's sheathe, the demon growled at Elric one last time, "This isn't over yet. Mark my words." With that he stormed off toward his master's study, chain slithering behind him, leaving the limp body of the guard on the ground.

Drako was pacing around his study, pondering Yasunari's curse when he heard a heavy knock on the door. "Come in." The king ordered and Deveric pushed the door open. Although his demeanor was better than moments before, his irritation was still apparent. "You called… my Lord." The demon muttered as he gave a small bow. The King nodded and said, "Sir Deveric, Prince Yasunari has a condition which I would like for you to observe." The king walked over to the prince and showed the tattoo-like mark to the demon. Deveric looked at the mark, sizing it up. It seemed familiar to him, but he could not recall where. It seemed to be part of a memory from centuries ago, back when he was in Hell.

"It's a curse, no doubt. Demonic as well," the demon observed with a lazy tone in his voice. "I cannot tell you any specifics, but I know that it's still spreading. It might even cover your entire body within a matter of months. You might then either become possessed, mutated, or dead." The demon then looked up at his King, knowing what the monarch wanted to know. "I can't cure it, but a powerful angel might be able to. Of course, it would be easier to undo if we could find the source of the problem."

Drako frowned. Angels were hard to find in the first place and even harder to coerce. As for the stem of the problem... "Yasunari… Do you have any clue or head about the possibility of the cause?"