A/N: I'm back. Once again, I don't own Planet Ladder. Or tonight's theme, Una Noche by Black Guayaba.Yuri Narushima owns all characters, and a good thing too. I'd like to point out one thing: since even countries on our Earth have different laws and attitudes regarding alchohol, it can be assumed that this also applies to different worlds. Now on to our irregularly scheduled story..
Idou usually got up at dawn, and this morning was no exception. He walked through the quiet corridors, to find a balcony on the east side. He murmured a quick prayer to the Sun Lord. He didn't believe any more, but he found that sticking to the old rituals provided a comforting routine and gave him time to think. Most of his thoughts were concerned with the younger generation.
Kura's fascination with Bambi was proving worrisome. What Kura wanted, he usually got, regardless of anyone else's wishes. Bambi was stubborn, but Kura was older and they were on equal ground, he wouldn't worry so much, but Bambi was at a clear disadvantage. All he could do was give Bambi as much support as he could. Without the advantage of Zenith Crio, Idou'd lost much of the influence he'd had in the court.
Idou had other things to worry about. The twins had, since their own recent ascent into adulthood, gotten more and more secretive. Fuu was seeing someone, he was sure of it. He wondered why she hadn't introduced her admirer to him. He wasn't that scary, even if he did resemble a bear.
Kuu watched Demion every spare minute she got; poor girl, anyone could see that Bambi had his heart. Idou suspected that Katorasu'd developed a crush on one of the girls in the hospital wing. That was one of the oldest stories in the book. He hoped that Katorasu's object of affection returned his heart-broken foster child was far more than he could handle.
And as for Sarita- it was just a childish crush and she'd grow out of it. Right? He was flattered, but he wished she'd find someone her own age.
They'd all been so much easier to manage when they were little. He knew how to handle young children, but he'd missed out on his own children's adolescence. They'd all grown into fine men and women, so he must have been of some use. His only consolation was that these children would outlive him, unlike his own flesh and blood.
To top it off, the ambassadors were due today. Frankly, he'd rather have a tooth extracted without anesthetic then sit through another conference. He sighed. On the way back, he nearly collided with Kuu.
"What are you doing up?"
"Oh, I thought I'd take one last look at the dossiers. So I tried to wake Fuu up, but she wasn't in her room." the flustered girl explained. "She usually keeps the files there when she's studying them."
"I see. Is Sarita up?"
"She was heading to the kitchen. You know what she's like before she eats. I haven't seen Katorasu this morning, either."
"Perhaps he snuck off to see someone like your sister did?" he teased gently.
Kuu went her long black hair and fair complexion she looked like a ghost.
"You know... about that?"she squeaked.
"I've suspected it for the past few months. Please tell Fuu that he's welcome to come by, whoever he is. I don't know why she thinks I'd disapprove. Unless she's taken up with Kura, and even then, I'd only break a few of his bones."
"Please," Kuu laughed. "That's unlikely! Look at his favorite concubines, all of them are blondes!"
Idou thought about it. She was right. Kura had a definite type. Light skinned, light haired, and quick witted- which didn't bode well for Bambi.
"I'll look for Fuu myself," he said, finally.
"Um... she'll come back on her own, you know she will!" Kuu said anxiously.
"Reeking of gunpowder or gear oil, no doubt," he agreed. "If we weren't expecting guests, I'd leave her to her own devices."
00
Bambi glared at the coach.
"I have a horse," she informed Kura. "Nadja could beat those things you call cart-horses there and back. There's no reason for me to ride in that."
"You are hardly in riding gear, Brambling. The coaches are to keep formal wear from getting dirty."
"No, they're to hide the fact that His Majesty of Geo has all the riding ability of a sack of flour."
"Most of the worlds are not as horse-mad as Tellene or the Ninth," he said calmly. He and Idou both had an infantryman's contempt for horses. "Please get in."
"Why do I have to ride with you?"
I wish to show off my new Empress-to-be in front of that Laracotte boy, Kura thought. He couldn't tell her that, though. She did look fine though; the dyed cotton dress in varied shades of red set off her silver hair and ivory complexion perfectly. His dark blue tunic with the crescent moon patch on the chest complemented her outfit. He would have to do some more work on the state of Bambi's wardrobe.
"To show the Fifth and Fourth Worlds that we of Geo are generous to our off-world visitors."
She gave him a skeptical look.
"Get in, Shiina. That was an order."
By any rights, that look she shot him should've turned him into a steaming little pile of ashes.
He squeezed in beside her, ignoring her expression. This courtship was proving to be an uphill battle, but it'd be worth it. Much to his surprise, Fuu and Katorasu squeezed in too, sitting across from the Emperor. Both were clad in blue, though Fuu's top had petals embroidered into the sleeves.
"I thought you two would be going with Idou."
"We would be," Fuu said, twisting her hands together. "But Idou's kinda annoyed with us right now."
Kura chuckled. "He's still the only one at court who can get you and your sister to mind. So what did you do now?"
"He caught us kissing," Katorasu said, blushing.
Bambi snickered. "So that's why you chose such odd reading materials, Fuu."
Fuu and Katorasu turned red.
"It's probably wise to let him have a bit of time to adjust," Kura said. "It is perfectly legal, but a bit unusual."
00
The twins seemed nervous, Bambi noticed. That was new. Kuu was fidgeting and Fuu was holding herself rigidly. The first one to step out of the collapser was a tall black haired man, followed by one of the Duke of Tellene's twins. The Song twins suddenly broke and ran to the black haired man in red.
"Brother!"
Masao hugged the girls.
"Half-pints! You've grown so much! How long has it been?
Bambi ducked her head. "Reina."
"Lady Bamvivrie," the Duke's eldest daughter said icily. "You're looking well."
"As are you, Lady Reina," Bambi replied. "The recent regime change has done you a lot of good, it seems."
Kura hid a grin. It was always amusing to watch Bambi turn her razor wit on an unsuspecting opponent. Reina turned as pink as her dress.
"At least I'm not expected to whore for anyone," Reina hissed.
"I'm a soldier, nothing more, nothing less," Bambi said coldly.
Hari emerged, blinking into the harsh daylight. Hari'd grown. Although he'd never be as tall as Seeu or Kura, he was as tall as Meshie now.
His black hair was put in a braid, to accent the resemblance between him and the Sage. He wore green with a few touches of yellow at the hems.
Idou glared at his body-guard, a lanky red-haired man with grey eyes like his sisters. Ryu Song smiled, uncertainly.
"You again," Idou growled.
The twins hid behind Masao. Even after all these years, they remembered their siblings.
"No greetings for me?" Ryu asked.
"Just a warning," Idou snarled. "You stay away from your sisters, or I will kill you."
"I'm no use to my client if I'm dead," Ryu replied cheerfully.
00
Bambi decided that whoever was in charge of the seating arrangements needed to die. She was seated next to Kura and Reina, and she didn't know which one was worse. At least Kura didn't call her names. Reina had always gotten on her nerves.
She poured herself a bit of wine. Ah, adulthood. Poor Hari and Sarita were stuck with something Kaguya'd called 'tea.' Apparently it was a popular drink on the third world. Bambi thought it tasted like wood with cream and spices added to it.
"Go easy on that," Kura said, quietly. "I am used to wine, you are not. I'd hate for you to get drunk, dearest."
"Keep talking like that and I'll stab you with my fork."
"That's hardly diplomatic, Shiina. You should at least allow me to decide which fork would be your weapon."
She briefly considered emptying the wine pitcher into his lap.
00
Kura quickly realized Bambi's plight as the evening wore on. Despite his advice, the girl was drunk. Not surprising; she wasn't used to wine and she'd had three cups.
She did a good job of staying upright, but sooner or later she was bound to slip up. He told Idou to mind the guests, and gently took Bambi by the arm.
"I'll scream," she threatened.
"Do you expect Demion to come to your rescue?" he teased.
"Aww, Demion is such a little puppy. I could walk him on a leash, and he'd wag his tail."
She stumbled and he steadied her.
"You got me drunk, didn't you?"
"You got yourself 'll pay for it in the morning, but for now- ah, here's your room."
He kissed Bambi's cheek and turned her over to her attendant.
00
"You know, every time I think you can't sink lower, you manage to surprise me," Hari said, cheerfully. He'd been lounging against the wall. The rest of the diplomats had either left to find their rooms or were taking advantage of the wine and food.
"What are you referring to?" Kura replied. "Shiina will be fine, once she manages to subdue her hangover."
"Oh, so you didn't take advantage of her?"
"Why would I? Shiina's far too valuable to me. I would never hurt her."
"Y'know, I'd love to believe that, but you don't have a sterling reputation. Princess Kaguya's still quite scared of you."
"How is she doing? I haven't heard from her since she left Geo."
"She's fine, but she worries about Lady Bamvivrie."
Kura smiled. "Please tell the Princess that she has no reason to worry."
That just makes me worry even more, Hari thought. Clearly, Bambi needed all the help she could get.
00
Kura lay alone in his quarters, hot and restless. He hadn't felt like this since the early days of his first marriage, when any innocent gesture Nia made could drive him into a frenzy. He wanted Bambi, and no other woman would do. But he knew that making a move now would be foolish. He needed to be patient. Bambi still needed some time to learn that her place was right by his side.
He'd been amused at Demion's efforts to attract her attention, knowing that Bambi would ignore all of the boy's antics. Kura was annoyed to find that Bambi ignored his efforts as well. He could shower her in jewels, clothe her in the finest silks, and offer her the rarest books or the finest horses and she would still refuse him. Even a new sword or her own little castle wouldn't sway her.
He still hadn't figured out what made Bambi tick. It was a sweet little mystery that demanded his full attention.
I will never tire of worshipping you, goddess of victory. I think I will have a little chat with Demion tomorrow;he'll only get hurt if he keeps trying to court you.
Don't worry folks, Bambi's going to be okay. I admit, Bambi getting drunk is out of character, but she isn't used to alchohol, so keep that in mind. Now, see those buttons down there? Go ahead, flambe me. You know you want to..