Celebrate
'haabron sprawled on his front on a floor cushion, chin cupped in his hands, and gazed disconsolately out at the steady downpour. Kobis - who'd spent the last two hours training in one of the outdoor arenas with a group of other young elite Saiyans - loped out of the bathing room swathed in a thick towel, mane still dripping, and straddled his aijin's hips, pulling down the back of the bodysuit to press a kiss to the back of his neck. 'haabron shivered, then sighed and rolled onto his back, golden eyes gazing lovingly into his Saiyan's face. Kobis leaned down to kiss him.
*Want to use a side room?*
'haabron wriggled, feeling the Saiyan's erection hard against his own, and smirked.
**Mmmm. And then I'd like to visit the Academy**
Kobis blinked.
*You would?*
**Uhuh** He sighed. **I'm… bored with being stuck in the palace. Bri-san has the Academy kept comfortable for zn'hre - and Jeice is taking a class today, something a little special, I think**
Kobis grinned.
*In that case…*
An hour later, feeling warm, languid and content, 'haabron kissed his aijin's throat, licked his inkei one last time, and slid lazily into a light silk undersuit, pulling a heavier leather bodysuit on top. Kobis sighed happily and dragged on his own, much briefer 'suit and gathered 'haabron to him. Sayaingen was waiting as they exited the room: he saluted them smartly.
"Your escort as ordered, your highnesses."
Kobis nodded. They'd all grown used to the added security by now - and Hijau had had the bright idea, after Sasa had proved to be such a competent and well-liked addition to the family's guard, of employing the special squad as escorts whenever any of the family left the palace. When they weren't on any other duty, of course. Fitted with a modified nitorine palm-brace (the techs had refined the ki-augmenting weapon, making it smaller, easier and safer to use), the guards were happy to put their special abilities to good use. After all, the Warui-jin were still a danger. And Nashi was concerned about vague rumours and mutterings his 'contacts' had reported, that seemed to imply that the Anzu Conspiracy was still alive and simmering…
Kobis flew above 'haabron, almost touching, warm ki-shield sheltering his zn'hre from the elements: Sayaingen shadowed them from above and slightly behind, senses alert for any danger. But their trip was unremarkable, and they landed safely on the top step of the flight leading up to the main doors.
One of the graceful Shimosei-jin administrative staff welcomed them, the long mass of slender, sensitive tentacles he had instead of a mane undulating elegantly around his body as he bowed, his fluting voice clear and low as he ushered them towards the teaching auditoria. (Sayaingen grinned and headed off for the eatery, asking to be advised when the princes were ready to return to the palace. He had no interest in the arts: the truly excellent cuisine the Academy offered was another matter…)
'tiisaan and Jeice were in one of the smaller rooms, in animated discussion with Mahrayne and Jagung - somewhat to Kobis' surprise: the last he knew Jagung was still angry with 'rayne… Then again, that was outside, and in here, where their art was the overriding priority, it looked like all enmities were put aside.
'tiisaan spotted them first, and grinned and flung himself at his sibling, hugging him tightly.
**S'good to see you!**
**Heh, you too…**
Jeice smiled at them as 'tiisaan placed himself between his sibling and the Saiyan, grabbed their arms and dragged them forwards.
"Greetings, your highnesses. If you would like to take a seat, the others will be here shortly…"
'haabron glanced at 'tiisaan, eyebrow raised.
"Others?"
The dancer nodded.
"A few of the other dancers are coming to watch. We've been trying to devise a three-dimensional dance."
Kobis blinked, then frowned.
"You mean, using the air to dance in?"
'tiisaan nodded.
"'rayne had the idea a long time ago, but nothing ever really came of it. But it's something Jeice's people have always done - well, done when they've been on Home, anyway - and he thought it might be interesting to see if we can combine all our different dance forms into something… unique."
'haabron's eyes were wide.
"You're all of you going to dance?"
Jagung shook his head.
"Not to start with, 'haabron-sama. Jeice and 'tiisaan, and Mahrayne, are much more accustomed to dancing together - I'd be in the way until we've had a chance to co-ordinate properly. But that will come. Today we'll try out the basic ideas we've come up with, and see what sort of reaction we get."
He smiled over the zn'hre's shoulder as the door opened and a small crowd of students, accompanied by Bri'seiyis and several of the other teachers, entered and dragged the ubiquitous floor cushions close to the performing area. Bri'seiyis eyes were bright with curiosity, and Jagung smirked at 'haabron, whispering,
"We haven't let anyone see it yet…"
It was fascinating to watch. They'd used an audio chip of Lopoldan music, complex, stately and swelling, and a plain backdrop so as not to distract from the dance itself. It started on the ground, 'tiisaan, Jeice and Mahrayne moving in unison, their movements slowly, subtly changing: the steps were the same, but the way they were danced reflected the ethos of the dancer, so where Mahrayne was graceful and passionate, 'tiisaan was serene, rapt and elegant, and Jeice intoxicatingly seductive. And when 'tiisaan and Jeice took to the air it seemed an inevitable progression of the dance, spirits ascending to express their joy.
It was, of course, rough, some of the timing less than perfect, but it was nevertheless very beautiful. As the dancers brought the piece to a close, there was a low hissing murmur of appreciation from the audience. Jeice took a couple of deep breaths - it was warm in the auditorium, and the concentration and control required tiring - and sat on the edge of the dais, gazing enquiringly at Bri'seiyis.
"So, what do you think? Should we continue working on it?"
The songwright nodded.
"Definitely. It shows much promise." He glanced down at the students' eager faces. "Would you be prepared to take classes as well?"
Jeice turned to his fellow dancers, also now seated, and after a brief murmured conversation nodded.
"We will need time to decide the best way to approach the form - whether to devise a specific choreography, or if it would be best to allow the dancers to use their native forms, or both - but I can see no reason why not. Obviously the aerial dance will only be open to ki-users, but even flightless dancers can participate. It will require considerable discipline though - if only to avoid mid-air collisions!"
Bri'seiyis chuckled.
"Indeed. Very well. Develop it a little further, let us see how it progresses. If it can be ready in time, I would very much like to present it as the culmination of the winter performance."
Before 'haabron could *ask* what that was, 'tiisaan's face fell.
"But Ssii'iir Bri'seiyis! I won't be able to dance then…"
The songwright nodded sadly.
"I know, your highness. Neither will any of your kin. We will have to… hold you in reserve until high summer."
'haabron swivelled to Jagung, who'd sat himself nearby.
"The winter performance?"
The Saiyan nodded.
"Bri-sama wants to show everyone what the Academy has accomplished so far. He's planning a series of performances, climaxing in an outdoor concert close to deep winter." He grinned, his eyes sparkling. "He's got it all planned. He's got permission from the kings to have some of the Elite Guard hold a semi-permeable ki-shield over the audience - over the whole performance area if the weather's particularly bad…"
"… and they'll dance in the snow…" 'haabron's voice was hushed, his eyes soft. "Oh, how beautiful…"
Jagung nodded.
"It's just a pity the zn'hre dancers can't participate in the open-air performance. But most of the other Academy members will take part - and Bri-sama's going to have the zn'hre musicians and singers perform inside the building, in the auditorium that looks out over the lake so they can see what's happening, with their music transmitted to outside speakers." He inclined his head. "Going to be tricky, a real test of everyone's skill!"
Kobis' lips were parted, his eyes gleaming, the scents of excitement and enthusiasm infectious.
"Sounds fantastic! Are you going to dance?"
"Heh, yes, I've let myself be talked into it…" He grimaced, his tail instinctively wrapping around his waist. "They want me in a loincloth."
'haabron blinked.
"Um, won't that be a bit cold?"
Jagung shrugged, then smirked.
"Yes, but only until I warm up. The dance I have planned for it generates a lot of… heat…"
Kobis grinned and hugged 'haabron.
"Uhuh. I bet it does, Jagung-san!"
'tiisaan dropped down onto the cushion beside them, expression woeful. 'haabron stroked his hair.
**I'm sorry, zk'vissin**
The dancer heaved a sigh, his shoulders slumping.
**It's not fair. If we could make ki-shields I'm sure I could cope with the cold…**
'haabron nodded commiseratingly.
**I know… But you'll dance indoors, won't you?**
**Yes… but it's not the same… I wanted to be in the main performance…**
**You'll be the high point of the summer show!**
**That's nearly a year away!**
**But think how much more skilled you'll be by then…**
'tiisaan hissed, then managed a half-smile.
**Thank you for trying, zk'vissin. I know I'll just have to put up with it**
Kobis was frowning.
"Um… are there any high-ki Saiyans amongst the dance students?"
'tiisaan sighed disconsolately.
"Already thought of that, Kobis-chan, and there aren't."
There was silence for a moment while they all tried to think of a way around the problem - then Bri'seiyis stood and raised his hands.
"I know we would all like to thank our dancers for the privilege of being the first to view this new dance form…" he paused, smiling, while the audience loudly hissed and clapped their applause, "… and we look forward to seeing - and playing a part in - its development. But now it is time to return to class…"
Obediently, the students rose and headed off for their afternoon lessons, talking in excited undertones about what they had just seen. 'tiisaan turned to 'haabron, hugging him then brushing a kiss over Kobis' cheek.
"Thank you for coming."
"It was a pleasure! We'll try to come again."
"I'd like that." The zn'hre dancer glanced over his shoulder as 'viirel stuck his head around the door and called something in R'ren'nkh'ia-go. "I have to go, they're waiting for me."
They walked with him to the door, hugging a quick greeting to the zn'hre singer, then watching as the two hastened off together. Kobis turned to his aijin, grinning, and wrapped his tail around a slim waist.
"Exciting, isn't it?"
'haabron nodded, then smirked.
"It's been a long time since I danced for you, hasn't it?"
Kobis stared, heat gathering in his groin, then swept 'haabron into his arms and headed speedily for the exit, meeting up with the still-munching Sayaingen on the way: the Saiyan had been caught mid-meal by the hasty summons to escort their highnesses back.
They made the trip in record time…
Mid-night, and Kobis lay snuggled behind the dozing 'haabron, inkei still buried in the cool body, tail coiled across the zn'hre's groin. He'd almost forgotten how wonderfully 'haabron danced.
He sighed happily and kissed his zn'hre's neck, then settled himself to sleep. They were due at another Council meeting tomorrow…
Buahan sat quietly, listening to her father and the High King debating the benefits and disadvantages of inviting the Palanses to join the Empire. The Council was split: the Palanses were generally thought of as ruthless and wholly amoral mercenaries, and Vejiita believed they'd be better off where the Saiya-jin could keep an eye on them… Zha'haabron wasn't quite so sure, although he also preferred to keep them under surveillance. It was known that the species was telepathic amongst themselves, but not prepared to *open* to other 'paths. Which argued that they had something to hide, as far as Zha'haabron was concerned. Or just that they didn't want people invading their minds, Vejiita countered…
Buahan was undecided, herself. She could see the benefits of both sides, and was glad that she wouldn't be responsible for the decision. She watched 'haabron and Kobis, sitting almost opposite and taking in the debate with all seriousness, and wondered about asking her father if Peyaru could join the sessions too. She'd like to have him there, to have someone close to discuss everything with afterwards. And, she admitted, it would just be nice to have him there for company.
She liked Peyaru. She liked him a lot. He was steady, calm - mostly, he still got nervous on occasion, but then, who didn't? - affectionate, attentive without being a flatterer… She was very happy he was her mate. Later, once she reached maturity, she'd claim him, but for now she was content to spend most of her time with him…
She dragged her attention back to the debate. She'd been surprised but pleased when her father had agreed to her sitting in, and done her best to attend as many meetings as she could - which wasn't all of them, as she still had morning lessons. And to start with much of it made no sense. But she was intelligent, and determined, and she'd slowly got used to the jargon, and the subjects under discussion… After all, she may not be going to be queen, but she'd do her damnedest to make sure she became 'jiita's closest advisor…
Peyaru met her for the mid-afternoon meal, smiling and bowing his head respectfully.
"How did it go, Bu-sama?"
She grinned and kissed his cheek.
"Interesting, Pey-kun."She regarded him levelly. "I'd like you to come with me. Shall I ask papa if it would be all right?"
The lordling hesitated for a moment, then nodded. He'd been privy to some of his own father's meetings with his staff and had found them interesting - though obviously the affairs of a northern lord couldn't compare with the debates of a Council that controlled an empire! Buahan grinned and petted his tail briefly, raising a shiver.
"I'm glad. I'll speak to papa when the meeting has finished."
Vejiita had been surprised, but agreed to her request, privately very pleased that she and her mate were taking such an interest in the affairs of the Empire.
And that reminded him…
Leteetza scowled as the *summons* came through.
*Sire, I'm a little busy right now…*
She might as well not have *spoken*.
*I wish the family to join me for a meal. The brats and their mates. Kiraz may bring his lizard friend if he wishes. You will bring 'jiita and* the hesitation was very slight *'dittsu. Main meal, tonight.*
Leteetza sighed and nodded.
*Very well, sire…*
They were all just a little nervous - Peyaru rather more than a little - as they arrived at the heavily guarded entrance to the Saiya-jin-no-Ou's suite. Zorun smiled slightly as he opened the massive door and stood aside to let them pass.
Inside the usual fire blazed in the massive hearth, the low tables to one side piled with filled platters. The king himself stood waiting for them, arms crossed over his broad muscular chest, face set in its usual half-scowl.
Polite bows - from the waist on Peyaru's part - exchanged, Vejiita gestured them to the cushions before the fire.
"Be seated."
Buahan regarded him for a moment, then grinned and grabbed him into a hug.
*You can be very stuffy sometimes, papa…*
He pushed her back a little, frowning gravely - but his eyes were twinkling.
*A king can never be stuffy, brat. Just a little… old-fashioned…*
She giggled and kissed his nose.
Leteetza held her breath for a second - but Vejiita chuckled, setting his daughter back on her feet. He smirked at the rest of them.
"Please - sit. And eat."
It was a wonderfully relaxed meal, once that initial awkwardness was over. Vejiita talked with them all, listening and asking questions, quietly proud of their achievements. But then, thought Leteetza, there was nothing not to be proud of. His children were strong, intelligent, everything he could ask for if he had any sense. And Peyaru and 'haabron were both worthy mates for Buahan and Kobis…
She sat back with a smile, watching 'jiita and 'dittsu, for once not trying to hit each other, sit close to the king, telling them all about what they were doing in class. Vejiita still favoured his son - which was hardly surprising - but he now acknowledged 'dittsu, seemed to have accepted that the twins had a close sibling bond, and were happiest when allowed to be together. Pragmatic as ever, she didn't expect him to remain happy about it when the twins were older… but then, things changed, the situation might be different. They may end up as partners, or 'dittsu might be 'jiita's Guard, his ki certainly argued for a very powerful adult…
Heh. He'd be what he'd be whether she worried about it or not!
And in the meantime, their family was… good. Happy. Well-adjusted.
And she was content.
Well, as content as she could be, given that she scarcely had any time to herself these days. She frowned. It was maybe about time she did something about that…
© 2003 May 2nd Joules Taylor. Illustration by the extremely talented Silverthorne.
