Persius passes out after so much fun and wakes up snuggled between two beautiful beings, feeling a little sticky and a bit out of it.He gets up and he sees a magic scroll on the side table with the Ivory Sanctuary insignia.
Dear Persius Selvaraj,
You are invited to breakfast with the Goddess Aiah and the royal family. Travel arrangements have been made and will be waiting for you when you are available. The Goddess sends her regards and hopes that you had an enjoyable evening. We await your arrival.
Ivory Sanctuary
Persius looks at the scroll trying to grasp the concept of what it said but gets up to go use the bathroom and get in the shower. Ah I have been summoned by the goddess…this does feel like I'm a concubine but I don't think I am. He wraps his towel around his waist and comes out and starts getting them together because he has to leave.
Persius: Hey sweethearts, I gotta go do some stuff but hopefully we can meet up later in the week, alright? My friend can show you out if you remember hehe. *kisses both of their foreheads and starts getting dressed in a beautiful blue outfit with long sleeves and black harem pants, both gold-trimmed. He knocks on Ajii's door and hears some sleepy groans, then Ajii comes to the door in some shorts, hickies all over him.
Ajii: What's up man, it's a little early? And I'm trying to get it in a bit more…Why you dressed? *He comes out and closes the door so him and Persie can talk more without disrupting their guests* You got something to do?
Persie: Yeah the goddess and her family invited me to eat breakfast and I don't wanna say no especially since she gave me the room.
Ajii: *looks at him and nods* Alright, well text me when you wanna talk or chill, you know I'll be here or around.
Persie: You won't be seeing your family? It is summer.
Ajii: Nah man, you know my family and I…don't get along. *they start to go towards the door and he opens it for Persie, giving him a hug* Be safe man.
Persie: You too. You good with all of them right?
Ajii: Yeah man. They're chillin'. I'll probably order some food so they can eat and kick them out at a certain point hehe.
Persie chuckles and starts to exit: Alright alright bro, see you later *He exits the dorm and goes downstairs to see a golden carriage adorned with beautiful ornaments and crystals, Clover is waiting for him outside.*
Clover: -she bows to him- Good morning, Master Persius. The carriage is ready for you.
Persius: Master? No no just Persius. Okay Clover? *gets in the carriage* So lay it on me! What are we having? How is everyone's mood? Does the Goddess want to discuss anything pertinent or…should I leave it all up to fate? *the carriage starts moving as soon as Clover gets in and sits down*
Clover: The royal family is in good spirits this morning. The Prince and Princess are excited to have a guest. The Goddess wishes to discuss Parliament business with you over breakfast.
Persius: Ah okay! Oh yes yes the little ones, I can't wait to see them either, they are both hilarious children and parliament? Alright makes sense. I do remember her telling me that when I first arrived. Alright I am ready.
Clover: The Goddess will be happy to hear this.
Persius: Hmmm how's she looking? Is she wearing anything or…is she mostly wearing her gown that she normally wears? I know it's only been a day but she's quite lovely to look at…I mean, I'm ready to talk about Parliament and learn more as a diplomat in training.
Clover: The Goddess is in her traditional gown today.
Persius: Ah…does she just not like clothes like other clothes or does she like simplicity? I'm sorry for asking so many questions…I'm just…curious I guess..
Clover: The Goddess is perfect, therefore she does not believe any cloth could be suitable enough to compliment her grace and beauty.
Persius: So that's how she feels…I heard rumors but I wasn't sure how true they were…so she really does think like that? I see..okay no worries. *he stays quiet for the rest of the journey there which is about 30 minutes*
Clover: -when they get to the Sanctuary she gets out and opens the door for him, and bowing- We have arrived, Persius. Please come this way to the dining hall.
Persius: *he gets out and follows Clover* I'm starving!
Clover: -she leads him into the Sanctuary and deep inside to a large and lavish dining hall. Inside, Aiah is sitting at the head of a table with Adrian and Ra sitting on either side of her chatting away with her and each other- Persius has arrived, My Lady.
Aiah: -she looks over towards him and smiles softly- Good morning Persius. Welcome back, how was your night?
Persius: *bows to her and smiles* Good morning Milady, I had a wonderful night and hello to you too Young Prince and Young Princess. *comes over and sits on the side of Adrian* Thank you for inviting me to this breakfast, dear goddess. *he smiles at her again and their eyes meet for a sec and he looks away quickly*
Adrian: Welcome back pretty guy. I have a gift to give you, as thanks for catching me yesterday. -he excitedly pulls out a very large and thick sparkly sticker book-
Persius: Ohhhhh a sticker book? *he takes it and examines it* Thank you so much dear, I really appreciate this. *shrinks it down to put the book in his pants pocket* I'll take it everywhere with me. I love stickers. Also this food looks really good. *starts to get some of the food* Mmmmm.
Adrian: -his eyes widen as he watches him shrink the book down- Oooh~! That's so cool~! Can you teach us how to do that?? It'd make taking our books to school way easier!
Persius: Oh sure! It's a very simple spell, I'm surprised you haven't learned this honestly. Maybe once you get in middle school? I can teach you after breakfast or probably after your mother and I have our meeting. *he starts eating* Mmmm this is great! Do you get the chef's to prep everything and tell them what to cook? *looks at Aiah through bites of food*
Aiah: I have a very competent Sister who takes care of the kitchen and food needs. She's enjoyed cooking ever since I created her. I allow her to make whatever pleases her, but she can make things as requested.
Persius: It's very delicious but you created her? That's amazing, how many sisters are there anyways? *Persie's eyes keep finding Aiah's and he feels his cheeks getting hot* I can't wait to meet more of them. How are you today, Princess?
Ra: I'm great! I love having breakfast with Addy and mother, it's quite nice! I wanna be taught that cool trick too, but I also like my backpack hehe, can I show you later, pretty guy??
Persius blushes again from being called pretty guy by two adorable children: Hehe yes I'll teach you both after the meeting, you two, don't worry. I don't have much on my schedule at the moment.
Aiah: He has a bit of a full schedule until later this evening children. Would you two be willing to wait until a bit before dinner to be taught your new trick?
Adrian: Hmmmm…Okay Mother! Can Ra and I go play in the garden and the pool then for the day?
Aiah: Hehe of course. Take Kuro and Garnet with you.
Adrian: Yay! Thank you Mother! See you later, pretty guy! -he hops up and goes over to Ra, and holds out is hand for her-
Ra takes his hand and they run out to the garden, giggling and talking about playing shark with each other. Persius watches them leave, smiling at them and then turns back to Aiah and her eyes are on him. Persius blushes and looks down.
Persius: So…where would you like to have this briefing goddess?
Aiah: Once you finish your breakfast we may move back to the throne room. I'll introduce you to more Sister's as well to help with this briefing. I would like to prepare you for a Parliament meeting I'd like for you to attend today, as an introduction.
Persius: Ohhh today? Ah I understand..*finishes his breakfast* That was delicious, thank you for the food. I am ready when you are.
Persius is a bit nervous but it's nothing he hasn't handled before…although he knows that parliament is majority mages which is a key difference between other council meetings he's been in.
Aiah: -she gets up and beckons him with her finger to follow her- Come, Persius. -she smirks at him and takes him back to the throne room. In the throne room there are three golems ready and waiting for them-
Persius: *blushes and gets up to follow, the three golems are there and he's like ohhhh more sisters to name yay* Hello there!
All three of the golems bow to him: Hello Persius.
Aiah: -she smiles at them and sits on her throne-
Persius: And who may you all be? Or…are you mainly called Sisters?
Aiah: Minus Clover, Kuro, and Garnet, all of my darling's are generally called Sister.
Persius: Hmmmmm okay I like to be genuine with names so I can't wait to spend time with you all. Alright goddess, where am I sitting to discuss details? *looks back at her*
Aiah: -she snaps her fingers, and the chair she made for him the first day reappears next to her throne- Here darling. -she waves him up and the golems also come up the stairs, carrying different folders of paperwork-
Persius: *looks at her magic work* Oh okay. *goes up and sits on the chair* Thank you *he feels awkward…being with or even around a deity that reigns over a whole continent* Ajii made it seem like no one really comes over here, which I do see, but why am I so important?...maybe it's because I wanted to be a diplomat and take up different ways to help all races thrive at a young age.
Aiah: -she watches him for a moment- ..I like you there. It suits you. Now let's begin. -she uses her magic to take the folders and levitate them at eye level for Persius and goes over all of the information inside from population statistics to economics and budgets for the surrounding cities-
Persius looks at her from the comments but doesn't say anything, he hears everything she saying, waiting to comment on anything until she's fully finished: I see that for the last six meetings they haven't brought up any budgets for Aralan or Sifinnica…I want to bring this up in the meeting, is that alright with you? Also statistic-wise, it seems that parliament has shifted to giving more perks to mage-based businesses than ones run by Ants or Nightmares? Just based on overall economic standpoints in the major areas. I can also bring that up in the meeting as well. *He's pretty serious but realizes things have changed quite a bit from three years ago and not for the better, although Lucid City still thrives, Aralan and Sifinnica which also house some of the students aren't doing as well. He waits for her response.*
Aiah: -she nods and waves one of the golems forward, the golem steps forward and makes notes of everything he's suggested- I agree with you. Please do bring these things up, I require that all my subjects are seen and taken care of. Not just mages. The new Prime Minister has made these shifts and I don't appreciate them. I trust your judgement, bring up whatever problems you see fit. The Sister here will go with you and will make notes to help you keep track of your thoughts. -she motions to a golem with long straight golden hair that's worn completely down and a soft smile-I usually send her or another of her Sisters for these meetings so they are well equipped to help you.
Persius looks at her and pulls his sticker notebook out and looks through it…he pulls out one and says: Your name is Jasmine, is that okay? Also nice to meet you!
Jasmine: -she bows to him- I find this name acceptable. I am happy to assist you.
Persius smiles: Alright then! I'm glad Jasmine. Well…when is the meeting?
Aiah: You have the next two hours to go over the documents more and prepare before you have to leave.
Persius: I'm sorry? *he looks a bit shocked but tries to pull it in* You said two hours right?
Aiah: -she chuckles quietly- Don't fret. This is just your introductory meeting. I'm not expecting you to start creating major changes on day one. I just want you to see what's going on and learn. Jasmine will be with you to help with notes if need be while you prepare.
Persius: Okay. Makes sense. *he starts going over the documents* Is there anywhere else I can go or may I have a table to look at all the documents a bit more thoroughly?
Aiah: Jasmine can take you to the library, I believe it will be accommodating enough.
Persius: What will you do in the meantime? *he looks at her in her eyes and doesn't look away*
Aiah: -she smiles softly- I have my own duties and paperwork to attend to. Heh and keeping an eye on the little ones. I know they have their golems with them but I like to check every now and then.
Persius: I understand. Well okay then. *he gets up and starts going down the stairs to follow Jasmine to the library* See you later.
Aiah: -she watches him intently as he walks- Try not to over work yourself, my dear.
Persius: *he stops for a second and looks at her, his eyelashes flitting at her, and bows his head* of course, my goddess.*as he goes to the library he thinks almost in a panic* omgomgomg she flirted?? Was my best friend right?! Fuck that guy! I'm not a concubine. She just wants me to be a diplomat to learn because it could help in the future. Yeah, that's it! She didn't just call me "my dear" nah nah i'm in my head!
As they enter, he sits down with all the documents and starts reviewing them slowly to make sure he can retain the plethora of info he has to digest. Jasmine sits there with her and then he starts saying notes to take down out loud to review key points in the meeting. He does this for two hours but also asks Jasmine a few questions about the previous meetings.
Persius: Jasmine, in previous meetings that you attended, what were key points of interest they talked about?
Jasmine: In recent months, the points of the meetings have rested on Opirea, Brevurant, and Oppeven. There have been three new parks, two major museums in Opirea, and new school supply grants for Oppeven.
Persius looks perplexed: That much in just the last few months?? That's insane and what about Aralan and Sifinnica in the last year?
Jasmine: Minor budget adjustments, but no significant change. There has even been funding withdrawals so Aralan's request for a new park and updates has been ignored. My Sister that is in charge of the budgets has kept track of all changes to her financial plans.
Persius: That's…disgusting. Okay well my work is cut out for me especially speaking up more for Aralan and Sifinnica. Revolting, taking money from a place that barely has the means as it is, is wild especially since Opirea has the funding and resources alone. Based on the budgets and resource counts, they could feed Aralan and Sifinnica for months on their economy alone. *he sighs* Is there any way for there to be a checks and balances system in place for the rest of the cities to keep it fair? Is there anyone on the council that speaks for Aralan or Sifinnica?
Jasmine: Though both cities have mayors, both of their Parliament representatives are mages that hail from Opirea. This is the source of the reason The Goddess wishes to have her own representative present more often. The Prince and Princess are too young to participate for the time being.
Persius: *puts his hands together and rest his hands on them* I see. Then I will represent her because she is right. We really need to get back to taking care of all of our people, not just mages. Honestly, I know they can be uppity but it just feels like things are so weird with them always. I don't know why. Even my best friend, who is a mage, doesn't like his family and just stays at school. Well…*looks at the time* I guess we should get going…he he *laughs nervously*
Jasmine: I have relayed your notes to The Goddess, she approves of them. I hope this may ease your anxieties. -she gets up and bows- I will prepare the carriage. -she leaves-
Persius: *gets up quickly and also leaves to go to throne room to tell Goddess Aiah that he'll be taking his leave* Ummm Goddess? Are you here?
Aiah: -she sitting on her throne, buried deep in what looks like an incredibly old book. She looks up at him when she hears his voice- I'm here dear. Are you leaving?
Persius: *he blushes a bit but coughs and straightens up* Ummm yes I am attending the meeting, I hope you have a great day! *bows and starts leaving the throne room*
Aiah: -just as he turns around she's behind him in an instant and she leans down and whispers in his ear- Be careful, they all have silver tongues. Good luck. -and just as quick she's back on her throne-
Persius: Huh? *turns back around but she's back on her throne, as if she's never moved* What…? Okay…what the fuck was that? I…okay I guess. *sniffs the air and it smells so deeply like strawberries and honey* Mmmm *he feels his magic surge and jolts then starts to run out to just calm himself* Okay byeee!!! *goes to the entrance and just waits for a second, to steady his breathing* how did my horn almost come out?? Oh fuck I gotta be careful around her, thank Aiah no one else was around.
Persius comes out and sees Jasmine with the carriage, he steadies himself and greets her before getting in: Alright let's do this!