There's a carved wooden dromodon serving as a bookend, and some very dusty old books. A pile of unbound 'comic' books takes up the center of the shelf, and the whole thing is balanced by an oil lamp that is made from bits of several other lamps. A box containing the remains of the donors is still tucked away in a corner, next to the room's high, thick window.
"I think my mother has dusted," Xander notes. "Or else Nawar has been keeping things tidy."
"Mm," Umeko remarks as she peers around the room and purses her lips slightly. As her eyes make their way towards the shelf of old belongings, she finally comments, "It is not what I expected."
Rubbing the back of his head and looking a bit embarrassed, Xander asks, "What were you expecting?"
"Paintings of women in various states of dress, from little clothing to full combat armor," Umeko answers honestly. Her head tilts and she looks at Xander out of one eye, adding, "The types of women you once told me you believed out of your reach."
"Oh, well, my brothers would have just taken stuff like that," Xander notes. "I expect they'll find a way to 'accidentally' interrupt your baths and such." He does, with a bit of trepidation, take one of the stacks of comics and offer it to Umeko. The dialogue is in Standard, and each page is clearly made from a woodcut pressed on cheap paper. The first page has the bold title 'The Prince of Fire' and shows a richly-dressed Khatta lobbing fireballs at bandits, while a harem-costumed Lapi girl clings to him for protection.
"Now this does not surprise me," Umeko notes and she flips through the comic, "Was this what inspired you to join the mage's guild?." She reads a bit before adding, "And your brothers would do well to not interrupt my baths, especially if they desire to remain intact. I'm not a leg-clinging lapi, after all..."
"The fire stuff was secondary," Xander notes. "His harem-girl was always getting kidnapped and tied up without any clothes. Err.. not that I was looking for that especially.." the buck claims, seeming to shrink a bit within the room.
"I think I am much more attractive than his servant," Umeko remarks when she does come across one of the scenes of her being tied up. She turns the comic sideways for a moment, then adds, "Though I an not quite as lumpy as she is."
"And you're in color!" Xander adds with enthusiasm. "You don't have to say in here with me though, if you'd like something more comfortable. I don't know what your bed was like in Jadai, but I doubt it was this hard or uneven.."
"Hm. Even with my training I am not sure I can spread my legs like that," Umeko comments when she reaches another page. The Kiriga finally closes the comic and looks at Xander with a rather quizzical expression. "The company matters more than the room, Xander," she says, "This is no worse than the tents we had in the Beast Lands. Plus, I think I should stay with you so that you do not withdraw too much. You are uncomfortable around your family."
"It's been.. wow.. eight years I think," Xander notes, and sits on the edge of his bed. "Well, if you want you can sleep on top of me! I'm probably softer than the bed." He's grinning wide, so may or may not be grinning. "Do you want to do anything while we're in Abu Dhabi? I have to go to the Guild Hall tomorrow and see about testing, but I hope it won't take long."
Before answering, Umeko practically slithers up along the bed (as well as Xander), before coming to rest beside, and partially, on top of him. "I believe you mother wishes to share some of her clothing with me, which I suspect involves dancing," the kiriga says, "I may try to get your sister to open up to me. Perhaps then I can teach her a few things; I need a student, after all. I also expect I will visit the merchant's quarter and shop for some clothing as well an contacts with traders. I may have need of them in establishing my home."
Once he starts breathing again, Xander notes, "The merchants can be pretty aggressive. I wish I had someone to go with you that I could trust to show you to the best places."
"Oh, do not worry. If they are too aggressive I may just kill them," Umeko says with a completely straight face. Well, for all of a few seconds before her lips quiver into a smile. "Have you no friends you could ask to show me the merchants?" she asks, "I could ask one of your brothers, I assume."
Xander wraps his arms around the Kiriga, and thinks about her question for a moment. "My brothers are not the brightest of men, and.. I don't have any friends that would even remember me," he notes. "There is Alexander's family, of course - my cousin, from the more prosperous branch of the family. He has many wives who are all intelligent and shrewd. It was one of them that had me tested for magical talent."
"Mm, I could visit them, possibly, and ask for help. Of course they may also not appreciate a Kiriga visiting them. Lapi seem nervous around me," Umeko says as she looks up towards the ceiling. There's an uncomfortable pause just before Umeko asks, "You do not like your family at all, save your sister, do you?"
"I love my family," Xander says, but adds, "However it is a love that is strongest at a distance. I do not really fit in, and being away is of certain benefit to them, at least until I am a more successful mage."
"You are a hero to the Nagai empire, as well as Sylvania, and are employed by a very important Kiriga family," Umeko points out and then reaches over and lightly grabs Xander's nose between two claws. "Explain to me how this does not equate to successful..."
Xander meeps at the nose tweak! "It is not the same as being successful in Abu Dhabi," he explains. "My success in foreign lands does not raise the status of my family here, not that they are particularly interested in such things. They are honest, hard-working and generally happy, except for Nawar, perhaps. Dowries are important, and she will likely have to work to earn her own. There are many Lapi in Abu Dhabi who never manage to start families due to the expense."
"If it is a matter of money, you do know I am willing to help if I can," Umeko points out and releases Xander's nose, "If she became my student, I would see to it she could meet any requirement on a dowry, for example. Unless there is some rule that a foreign employer does not count, I suppose."
"You would take her with us to Viper's Hold, as part of your household?" Xander asks. "My father... Well, as I've said, his brother is very successful, but my father has never accepted charity or hidden aid from him. He is proud to have gotten this far on his own after losing most of his business when Elamoore vanished. He even helped many Lapi refugees from Himar resettle here. So, you must test Nawar seriously to make sure she can be a suitable pupil or servant, and not just take her own because of my relation to her."
"Of course. You know my skill, Xander. I was taught by Master Longtooth and he was never once soft with me. I would not be soft with anyone I taught. It would be tiring, painful, and difficult. But then such is necessary to truly learn it and how to apply it correctly," Umeko points out. "Her relation to you earns her the option to try, but it is up to her to succeed or not. There is no value to either of us if she isn't capable."
Xander smiles and kisses the reptile on the tip of her snout. "Good!" he says. "But you should also try to have some fun with it. You can spend the day with her and my mother then, while I go to the Guild. Then if you like I can arrange to introduce you to my cousin."
"As you wish. I promise to not embarrass you by telling your mother about everything we have done and been through," Umeko promises and then can't help herself and ends up scratching the kissed spot on her snout with a claw tip. "However, I cannot promise that I won't torment your bothers in some fashion..."
"I'm sure they'll enjoy the attention," Xander says with a big of a giggle. "They really do have a taste for the exotic. I still remember when Heydar brought home a green Naga. He was younger, though, and hadn't learned yet how to tell male from female among the serpent-folk however.."
Umeko's brow ridge arches slightly. "Your brother ... cuddled with a male naga?" she asks for clarification.
"Well, it didn't get that far," Xander admits. "The Naga knew, after all. They remained friends, I think. Heydar has stuck to Khattas and Kavi and Humans since then. I'm sure he would find Savanites attractive if they were free people here."
"How far did it get?" Umeko asks. She then blinks and further asks, "Savanites are still slaves here?"
"Slavery is still in place in the Himaat, and in Gallis and a few other places," Xander notes. "Not exclusively Savanite slavery either."
"Would someone try to enslave me?" Umeko asks.
The Lapi blinks a few times as if trying to make sure he heard that correctly. "Of course not," he notes. "You can't just kidnap someone off of the street and enslave them. There are laws. And you can't import Savanites from the wild anymore, which has made the current ones more valuable. There are Lapi slaves as well, and .. probably most other races are represented, to some degree. People who could not pay their debts, or committed crimes."
"Children are considered the property of their parents, and.. to some extent, wives are property as well," Xander admits.
"Hm. I promise to try and not cause too much trouble, then. The thought of true slaves is disturbing to me," Umeko admits and shrugs slightly. "Though even on Jadai where official slavery does not exist, unofficial still does. Many of those freed still work for the same families. My household servants are examples of such."
"While Savanites are still slaves by birth here, I don't think there is much trade in them anymore," Xander says, sounding a little unsure. "They stay in families as well. I think the main difference is that they cannot just be set free on the whim of the owner and still stay in Abu Dhabi.."
"I suppose I could try to buy a few and release them in the Beast Lands," Umeko considers.
"That.. may not be so compassionate," Xander mutters. "To take someone raised in the city.. well, the Beast Lands are a hard place."
"They would not be left to fend for themselves," Umeko states, "But such is all hypothetical in any event."
"Sooooo," Xander coos, nuzzling Umeko's throat. "Do you want to desecrate this last bastion of my childhood innocence?"
Umeko actually blinks at this. "Are you asking me to dance in the physical join in your parents' home .... now?" the Kiriga clarifies, just to be sure.
"I can be quiet!" Xander promises. "It would help me not feel like a child while I'm here, I suppose. But if not, I can have Nawar come back in to sleep with us tonight.."
Umeko considers this. "Desecration must be done properly," the Kiriga claims, "With style and artistic flair. So ... I offer you this: Pick your favorite 'comic' rescue scene for your dream 'harem-lapi'. I'll then help you experience it first hand, o' Prince of Fire. I'll be your harem-kiriga." It's both amazing and spooky how Umeko can manage to make a fangy grin look both impish and dangerous at the same time...
"Really?" Xander asks, surprised. "I figured you'd want to be the Prince!" He's quick to rifle through the pages though...
"Sometimes even I want to be rescued if it is by the right person," Umeko says as she tries to manage an innocent smile.
Breakfast was a bit of a surprise, as Sabah actually served Umeko some meat: lightly cooked cubes of rughrat and fish on skewers, with a bit of seasoning. The Lapis stuck to porridge (although a very non-bland looking sort, with several different grains and fruit mixed in) and fresh bread. Adham praised his wife's cooking, and none of the children seemed upset by the meal or the smell of cooked meat.
"Do you like black tea, Lady Tsuguri?" Sabah inquires of Umeko.
"I do, but please do not go to any great expense for me," Umeko says and bobs her head politely to the older lapi, "You have already honored me by allowing me to stay with you and even more so in that you have prepared a meal appropriate for my kind, though it was unnecessary to do so. I am not quite sure I am deserving of such treatment." Apparently Umeko has been paying attention to how people typically interact and is, perhaps, trying to fit in.
"Oh, it is no inconvenience at all, and so paying proper respect is only proper!" Sabah says. "Our garden walls are low, as the saying goes in this area. And one of our neighbors, the gracious and well-read Ali Dunestalker Ka Rahim does enjoy the occasional indulgence of date porridge, and so has gifted us with some fine black tea and meat this morning."
"I once thought Xander would become his apprentice," Adham adds with a big smile. "Ali makes a fine living as a book condenser, and has many customers and referrals. A very well-liked man who helps whenever he can."
"Curious. Did he know that you had a guest that consumed such? Should I go thank him for his kindness?" Umeko asks as her finned ears flare and contract a few times out of confusion.
"It isn't anything to worry about, Umeko," Xander notes. "This is a neighborhood of small merchants and service people, and they all know and help one another. As mother says: the garden walls are low. I doubt anyone bothers to keep track of all of the favors traded back and forth." He then turns to Zeke, and asks him, "Did Sylvia ever get married?" The older brother nods, and gives a sigh, before saying, "She is quite happy, thank the First Ones, and may she be fruitful and laugh often. Her husband is a fine man. I... introduced them.."
Umeko almost comments on the lapi's obvious disappointment, but staves it off by lightly eating one of the meat cubes instead. "Still, I do not wish to be a burden on your family while I am here. If there is anything I can do to repay your kindness, let me know," she offers once she finishes the cube. "As I have told others, being born of the nobility also has responsibilities. One of those is to be worthy of the title, which means protecting and giving back."
"Zeke was the Best Man at the wedding," Adham says. It seems he sounds approving and proud all the time, or at least is a morning person. "You are our guest, Lady Tsuguri! Be you noble or pauper, you will be no burden. You are practically family since you have taken young Xander under your protection and employ."
"Mm. I have been told I can be quite trying at times. And stubborn," Umeko notes, but dips her head anyway, "The offer stands, regardless." Her head tilts a bit as she regards Zeke now. "Do you have anyone special in your life that you are seeking the hand of?" she asks him.
"Oh, my pardon, Lady," Zeke says, and bows to Umeko - apparently just for addressing him. "I have no such love yet, it is only that Sylvia and I were friends from birth, and very close. It is a bit like... losing a sister. But she will be happy with her husband. I knew as soon as I met him, though it pained me to lose my friend it was her happiness that mattered most to me."
"She only lives a few streets away," Heydar notes, and nudges his younger brother. "And what about her friend? She has invited you to dinner two nights hence to meet her.."
Umeko's head tilts a bit more. "You never told her, did you?" she actually asks, "That was ... I cannot say kind, but it was honorable. You are a good friend."
"Sylvia is a Zerda," Sabah whispers to Umeko. "When they were children, she thought Zeke to be an oddly marked Zerda, and he thought her to be a pointy-faced Lapi. They were very cute. It is healthy for young bucks to have female friends before settling down with a Lapi doe."
Umeko doesn't give voice to why it is believed healthy. Instead she simply nods at this and resumes nibbling at her breakfast. "Interactions between families are much more formal on Jadai," she remarks. "I am not sure we have friends as you would describe them. Most social interactions are governed by the family to ensure that the children are not exposed to anything deemed unworthy. I suspect most would find it very ... cold."
"We are not so different," Adham claims, with a big grin. "We just chose to live among worthy families to avoid the hassle of formality!"
"I should note that it does not stop children from associating with those the family deems unworthy, just that it is done in secret," Umeko adds. "Public and private lives, as it were."
"Ah-la, the upper classes pay a high price it seems," Sabah says, as she guides Nawar in the setting up of the tea service. "Lady Tsuguri, would you grace us with the correct preparation of black tea?"
"If you like," Umeko says as she bobs her head again. "How many will be consuming some?" she asks, "And do you have a sturdy brazier and a pot that can endure high temperatures?"
It take a few moments for the eating area to be reconfigured for tea preparation. A ceramic stove takes the place of the brazier, but is oil-burning so should get plenty hot enough. An actual iron-bottomed pot is found, and after a few questions it appears that everyone (even Xander) is interested in the novel tea. The tea itself is in a decorated ceramic jar of Imperial design, and is finely powdered although not Jadaian.
Umeko takes a minute to examine the stove and nods in satisfaction once she is through. She lightly clasps one of the lighting tinders between the claws tips of two fingers on her right hand. With a roll of both wrists the tinder twirls briefly while she picks up the small spark tool. Her hands come together and with a puff of sparks and the scent of something burning, the tip of the tinder ignites. Again her right hand rolls and grazes the tip of the oil-wick, setting it alight. Without stopping in her motion, the flame on the tip of the tinder is then extinguished by passing it between two of her claws on her left hand. Away goes the bit of wood and on goes the pot of water. "Black tea must be prepared at a rolling boil, otherwise the flavor will not be at its peak," she explains. While she waits for the water to boil, she uses one of the cups as a measure as she delicately scoops out one tablespoon of the powder for each member of the family present and then one for herself.
"Does that burn?" Nawar asks. Sabah sits and nods, watching closely while Adham and Xander's brothers quietly discuss the day's plans. Xander himself also watches, but seems focused on the fire and boiling requirements.
"You do not drink it at that temperature, only prepare it," Umeko explains to Nawar, "It will cool in the cups once poured." The next few minutes are exceedingly dull as it is waiting for water to boil. But once it is, Umeko picks up the measured amount of tea and begins to sprinkle it slowly and evenly into the boiling water. "Nawar, you expressed interest in learning how to use a fan?" she asks while she pours in the tea carefully. "And that you were not happy learning the traditional dances of these lands. May I ask what you are interested in?"
"Ummm.. I don't know," the girl admits. "I just know I'm too skinny for proper belly dance. I like to dance, I suppose. To move."
"Hmm, you sprinkle it," Sabah notes, and looks as if she's wondering what else could benefit from being sprinkled into hot water instead of being stirred.
"What do you enjoy? Do you read stories? What kind?" Umeko inquires of Nawar as she sets aside the now empty cup and folds her hands together to wait for another few minutes for the tea to seep for the proper amount of time.
"I like the races," the young doe admits, although this earns her a disapproving look from her mother. "Vanderats and.. uh.. the excitement. I like to bake. And.. I'm okay with the rug patches. I like books about far off lands and fantastic tales. I like yellow. And dates."
"What kinds of tales?" Umeko inquires next as she delicately lines up the tea cups one by one, so that their rims rest against each other.
"What.. kind?" the girl asks. "Travel stories. And adventure, and legends, and romance, and ones with talking animals and aliens and monsters."
"I've already read all of Xander's old stuff," Nawar says. Which makes Xander wince a little.
"Do you have daydreams about what you have read?" Umeko asks, "Have you imagined yourself as characters from the stories? If so, which ones?" The kiriga's head then bobs as it has been a little over two minutes since the tea was added. She carefully hooks the handle of the pot to avoid burning herself. With a steady hand, she pours out the tea by tipping the pot and running it along the line of cups. Her pace is such that by the time she moves to the next cup, the previous has filled to within a quarter-inch of its rim.
"Ah-la, not a drop spilled," Sabah says in admiration.
"Sometimes I imagine being a jockey, running the track," Nawar says, and then folds her ears back. "Forgive me, Lady, but.. I can't really say more of my daydreams here." She gives Umeko a very apologetic look.
"There is nothing to forgive. You can tell me later in private if you wish," Umeko says and bobs her head. She sets the pot down, this time beside the stove instead of upon it. She also extinguishes the oil lamp with a brief blow of her breath.
This seems to be the signal for the men to finish their quiet conversation and return their full attention to Umeko. "That was very impressive," Sabah tells the Kiriga.
"You are too kind. This was simple. There are much more impressive ways, but they are reserved for very formal occasions, such as official family agreements, to formal courtship and the night of first mating," Umeko explains and smiles. The kiriga now uses her claws to 'grip' the cups without being burned. She lightly slides them about the table to each person gathered, one at a time. "These will he hot for a bit, so test it with a finger tip quickly now and then until it is at a temperature of your liking."
"We can stick our fingers in it?" Nawar asks in shock.
"Touch the outside of the cup briefly. Do not stick your finger in it," Umeko clarifies.
Xander is the first to sip his tea. Is it such a surprise that hot things don't bother him? The others take their time.
"Are you intending that young Nawar take over your trade when she is of the proper age?" Umeko asks Sabah as she patiently waits for her cup to cool.
"I am but a humble housewife who dabbles in sewing," Sabah says, clutching her cup of tea and blowing on it. "Although I do hope for her to try many trades and learn as much as she can."
"I thought you used to be a dancer?" Umeko asks as she finally lifts her own cup. She takes a sip after swirling it lightly.
"I was a cook, a masseuse, a dancer and a mixologist," Sabah notes. "And for a short time, a dental assistant. I did not marry until I was nineteen years old, after all, so had to fill my time."
"That is ... " Umeko says, seemingly at a loss for words. So ... she takes another sip from her cup. "What of you two?" Umeko now asks, her gaze turning towards the other sons. "What have you chosen for your path in life?"
"Caravan Procurement," Heydar says, while Zeke offers, "Bounty Hunter!" Everyone turns to stare at the middle brother, until he grins and says, "Rug Merchant."
"There is nothing wrong with Bounty Hunting," Umeko offers, amused. "I have been a bride, a runaway bride, and a General in the Nagai army. Now I am ... at a loss as to what to do. I will be returning to my land grant soon, where I am sure something will present itself. I seem to always find trouble of one form or another."
"You poor dear, you mustn't look for trouble!" Sabah says, and turns to Xander, telling him, "You must keep Lady Tsuguri out of trouble, Xander. Stress is bad for the complexion." The youngest son just stares wide-eyed at his mother over his cup, and makes a prolonged slurping sound.
"I am afraid I drag him into danger," Umeko admits. "Of which he likes to complain about."
"It is true," Adham says sagely. "Xander always did tend to whine about such things." This earns him a glare from his son, who is still attempting to hid behind a too-small teacup.
"Still we would not have prevailed against the all-devouring beast of nothingness had he not been with us," Umeko adds. "And I think he secretly enjoys it all. I have seen him quite happy, such as the time we were dancing with the Savanites out in the savannah."
"Savanites?" Heydar asks, looking to Xander. "I got some of them to chase me around," he tells his oldest brother. "It was a lot of fun."
"A few were ladies," Umeko adds to the story. "It was very silly."
"Ah, Xander!" Sabah chides. "You must be careful! Is it not enough that you chose a profession where so many explode needlessly? Why do you not start a restaurant instead?"
The other Lapis are struck dumb for a moment, trying to follow Sabah's logic that leads from fire magic to restaurants.
"No.." Xander says, looking horrified. "No more restaurants! The golems, and the squirmy things, and... No.. just.. no."
"Restaurant owners are not honored by the Emperor Potentate," Umeko points out, "But brave mages are. Xander even served alongside the legendary Pyrelighter during the battles."
"Ali will be interested in such news," Adham notes. "He has many subscribers to his weekly newsletter of important happenings."
"And while his cooking skills are impressive since he managed to make a squibbit mostly appealing, I think his calling is mage," Umeko adds, "And, of course, my servant."
"Servant to an important land-holding noble is something to be proud of," Adham agrees. If not for the hot tea, one might think the steam was coming from Xander himself at this point.
"I should refer to him as advisor more than servant," Umeko corrects herself. "As I do rely on his advice on all things arcane."
"And other things," Xander offers.
"Indeed," Umeko agrees.
"Like what sort of candles to use?" Nawar asks.
"Err.. yes, possibly," Xander replies, hiding behind his teacup again.
"He also rescued me from a demon of Bosch," Umeko adds, "A few days ago, in fact. It was most impressive."
This gets some oos and ahs and pats on the back for Xander from his brothers. "That sounds dangerous! How could he have let you be put in such a position?" Sabah asks. Nawar asks, "Was it horrible and puck.. purf.. pustulant?"
"Actually, no. It was pretty, in an unusual sort of way. A mixture of kavi and reptilian," Umeko explains, "And rather polite. Though what it desired was control of us so that it could enact certain desires through us."
"A djin?" Adham asks. "Such creatures are said to be dangerous yet highly sought after."
"We left it in peace. Where it resides cannot threaten much. A far simpler solution than killing it," Umeko says, "And kinder. I liked it, in a way."
"Did it have.." Zeke asks, and tries to make a gesture with his hands but has to put his cup down first. Xander nudges him before he can finish the gesture though. "Yes, it had those," he tells him.
"It could become whatever it thought you desired the most," Umeko continues explaining. "And would use such to try and seduce you into giving it your spirit. Dangerous and powerful."
"And.. uh.. where exactly did you leave it?" Heydar asks.
"An undisclosed location," Umeko says.
"That is for the best," Sabah says, but still seems disappointed in Xander for letting Umeko get into trouble.
"It almost seduced me, but Xander woke me to its true danger. But no matter, it is in the past and safe where it is," Umeko finishes, and in fact finishes her tea as well.
"This tea is very good," Xander says, trying to derail the conversation. Sabah agrees, Nawar thinks it needs honey, while Zeke expounds on the idea of mixing milk and xocholatl into it. By then, however, the morning sun has risen enough to signal the start of the working day, and Adham and the brothers excuse themselves.
"I think Xander must now tend to his duties at the College, which leaves me with the most charming Sabeh. I believe you had some clothing you wished me to try. It also gives me time to talk more with Nawar; I would like to learn more about her interests and dreams," Umeko says as she folds her hands together. "I am sure by evening all of us will have many interesting tales to tell."
"Oh yes, and you must come with us to Dream Street as well," Sabah says. "I have a rug to deliver, and you can meet some of the neighbors as well."
"I would be delighted to. Most of what I have to wear is formal and elegant attire from Jadai, but if there is something more appropriate for the merchant quarter, do tell me. I do not wish to stand out too much," Umeko saks.
Umeko says, "says"
"It will be a wonderful girl's day out!" Sabah claims, and smiles to her daughter. "Won't that be fun, Nawar?"
Nawar nods quietly, looking a bit nervous about going out in public.
"Do not worry, Nawar, I will protect you," the Kiriga claims.
"Be careful, Umeko," Xander warns. "There may be temptations there."
"Temptations? Explain?" Umeko asks.
"You know.. shiny things and.. uh..." Xander says, running out of steam. "Okay, I don't remember much about Dream Street, other than that mom used to work at the Harem Club.."
"I promise I will behave myself," Umeko promises. "You make it sound as if I try to seek out trouble at every turn. I am certain nothing eventful will happen on this street. It is, after all, called Dream street, not Nightmare street."