The heliotrope bring a spark of life into Elaeus' room, their beautiful purple blossoms standing out amongst all the warm browns and oranges. Seated at his desk, the apprentice smiles fondly at the bouquet placed at his window. There was really no other way to describe this day other then 'perfect', was there? The sun shone high above, vanquishing all clouds that dared come near, and a sweet breeze ran through the streets of Radiant Garden. Xehanort seemed to be fitting in nicely, although there were admittedly times when Elaeus worried.... Those dark thoughts, however, disappear in an instant as he recalls the earlier part of his day, spent with his beautiful girlfriend... Aerith...
Smiling goofily, Elaeus stares down at the book in front of him, his eyes not truly seeing the words. This had to be what heaven felt like... Finally giving a shake of his head, he shuts the book closed. Truly, he was lucky he had been chosen as one of Ansem's apprentices, or else he would never have been able to meet the girl of his dreams, or gain all of his valuable friends. Smiling still, he pushes himself away from the desk and walks over to the window. Radiant Garden in all its glory is spread out from the castle, and Elaeus basks in the sight. There is something unbelievable about this world, he muses, something that seems to give off a light of its own that fills its people with hope and joy. Ah, but poetry, that was Ienzo's field....
Crossing his arms, Elaeus simply leans against the window, thanking every deity he knows of that he lives in this place.
Suddenly, a light and quick series of knocks raps against his door. Recognizing them instantly, Elaeus turns partially away from the window and calls, "Come in, Ienzo!" Even as the words leave his lips, however, the dark-haired teenager is already stepping inside, following by a large red chocobo that just barely manages to squeeze through the door. Imogen, ever since she had met a young Ienzo as a chickling, has stuck by the youth's side ever since. It's really quite lucky that Ienzo has his way with words, or else the pretty bird would have been left out in the stables with the other beasts. They're both too proud for that, Elaeus thinks in amusement as Ienzo struggles to get his nose out of the book in his hands.
"Hello, Elaeus," the young man finally manages to say (and how odd it is to think of him that way, as it seems as if only yesterday that he was 10 ). Bright blue eyes focus on the heliotrope in the vase at the window, and Ienzo shuts his book. "I see you've procured another set of flowers," he notes as he tucks the book under one arm, an odd blankness on his features.
Elaeus leaves his post at the window in favor of running his hands down Imogen's beak, an action she clearly appreciates by the soft coos she utters. "So I have," he admits, anxious about the look on his young friend's face. Not again... "Ienzo-"
"Master Ansem wants to see you," Ienzo says, smoothly and effectively cutting him off as if the small teen hadn't heard him. "It didn't sound urgent, but I don't believe it would be a good idea to keep him waiting anyway." With that said, he sits down at the desk, idly glancing at the book Elaeus had abandoned.
The older man just shakes his head, running a hand through his hair. It's no use. It used to be so easy to talk to Ienzo, but now he's become withdrawn even from Elaeus. If only there was some way to get him to meet Aerith...
Still, Ienzo has a point. It is rude to keep their kind master waiting for so long. While Ienzo returns to his own book, Elaeus gently places a hand on his friend's shoulder. Underneath his palm, he can feel him tense up. "I'll be back soon," he says, hoping Ienzo will have calmed down by then.
The walk down to Ansem's office is not that far off. Like Elaeus, the blond man enjoys a good view, so both his room and office are not too far from Elaeus' own. After knocking politely, a muffled voice calls, "Come in, come in!" As the tall, muscular apprentice enters, he catches sight of his master attempting to balance an unbelievably tall stack of books. Slack-jawed at the sheer size, Elaeus is snapped out of his stunned stare by Ansem's laughter. "Some assistance, if you will, Elaeus?
There's a few stumbles, the book tower wobbling to and fro dangerously, yet in the end they manage to finally set it (in smaller, equal stacks, after Elaeus' insistence ) upon the desk, crushing some helpless papers underneath. As the two of them straighten themselves out, Elaeus eyes the books with interest. "You ordered more books?"
Seating himself, Ansem laughs and shakes his head while picking up a thin hardcover. The elegant silver scrawl on the blue cover declares itself to be a book of optical illusions. "Oh no, my dear friend," he chuckles, flipping through the pages. "These are for Even and Ienzo. Apparently, quite a few young ladies became quite intrigued at the last festival that was held and these are all their attempts at courtship." Amused, he pulls open one of his drawers, and Elaeus quirks an eyebrow at all the letters that are there, just waiting to be delivered.
"I hope that their hopes are not high," he says gently while taking a seat. "Even and Ienzo have little care beyond their own personal circles and their work."
"Ah, I know that," Ansem chuckles, setting the thin book down and eying another. "Still, I do hope they appreciate the gifts. Some of these books are quite impressive." As if to demonstrate, he holds up a beautiful copy of As You Like It, a play written by some far-away author that Elaeus is sure he's never heard of and equally sure that Ienzo certainly as. "After all, if they don't want them, I'm not sure what I'll do with all of these." Still smiling, he passes over the book to Elaeus, who, out of politeness, takes it. "Does Ienzo still like plays?" The smile quickly turns teasing. "Or is he still traumatized from when Braig and Dilan discovered him reciting in the bathroom?"
This brings a loud laugh from both of them. Perhaps the youngest of the apprentices was meant to be an actor after all, if the dramatic rant he gave that day is any indication.
After a few minutes, they calm down, and, still chuckling, Elaeus nods. "No, he's recovered quite well," he says. Remembering his original goal in coming here, he suddenly asks, "Master Ansem, Ienzo came to me not long ago. He said you wished to see me?"
Oddly enough, Ansem quickly sobers up, giving a cough into his fist. "Ah, yes, I seem to have forgotten myself. Well, you see, Elaeus, Braig came to me yesterday..."
"Did he upset Even again?" the muscular apprentice asks, looking exasperated. Honestly, one would have thought the carefree boy would have learned the first time that upsetting some one highly skilled in ice magic was simply a foolish idea....
However, Ansem merely shakes his head. "Even is quite fine," he assures Elaeus. "However, Braig told me that you were seeing a young woman? Outside of the castle?" The annoyed look on Elaeus' face quickly vanishes, to Ansem's surprise, replaced by a small smile and a new light in his eyes. Ah, he recognizes that kind of look.... The blond man's heart softens and he inwardly smiles. It's always a sight to see, a young person with their first taste of love.... Sometimes, that taste becomes everlasting, like a rare and miraculous candy.
"Yes, Master," Elaeus confirms, before a frown flickers onto his face and he looks up to Ansem's face, searching for something. "Is there a problem with this?"
Innocently holding up his hands, Ansem calms him. "No, no. I'm quite glad that one of you boys has finally found some one, in fact. I simply wish to know more about her, and speak with you over a few things." As the apprentice's stiff form relaxes, Ansem finds it alright to continue. "What is her name?" he prompts.
"Aerith," is the reply, and ah! There's that smile again as Elaeus folds his hands over the book on his lap. "She's very kind, and beautiful. She plans on being a healer, you know."
Ansem doesn't, but still, it's clear to see the adoration in Elaeus' voice as he speaks of her. It must be a wonderful woman who has caught his most loyal and gentle of apprentices. Giving a flicker of a smile, he pushes on. "She sounds amazing. However, ah..."
And here's the awkward bit.
Elaeus quirks an eyebrow in confusion as Ansem nervously coughs into his fists. "Well, you see, I realize that Braig has a tendency to over exaggerate, I understand this. However, he did raise an excellent point when he spoke to me-"
It takes a lot to aggravate Elaeus, yet his eye is clearly twitching. "What did he say?" he asks in disconcertingly calm tone of voice.
Quickly rummaging through his drawers, Ansem talks as he tries to get something out. "Well, I'm sure I have no need to tell you this, as that you're a very intelligent and responsible young man. However, well, it is easy to forget in the, ah, heat of passion, and it is best to be prepared in case something happens with Aerith-"
Elaeus has the sneaking suspicion that by the end of this conversation, he's going to want Braig dead.
"I'm sure you as well as her don't want there to be, well, any accidents." By this point, they're both red-faced. Somehow, it gets even worse when the small packet of condoms suddenly lands on the desk. Purposely, Ansem directs his gaze to the ceiling, which has suddenly become quite fascinating. "You know I simply care for you, Elaeus," he mutters in embarrassment, twiddling his thumbs together. Through pure intuition, he's sure his apprentice is doing the same.
A ridiculously awkward silence follows suit in the office, disrupted only by the cheerful chirping of the birds outside the window. Neither really knows what to say in such a situation, until, finally, Elaeus gives a cough himself, face burning with red. "Thank you, Master Ansem," he mutters, words blurring together as he swipes the condoms away and out of sight, to the relief of both of them. Without another word, he quickly bolts out of the room.
Giving a heavy sigh of relief, Ansem slumps in his chair, running his hand through his hair. Oh my... Honestly? That was just as awkward as the time all of them had attempted to give Ienzo The Talk, only to learn that the young boy already knew almost everything and that "there's no reason to degrade yourselves, really, so don't worry". After a few minutes of getting over that, he straightens himself in his chair, sighing. Well, it was all over and done with, so-
Suddenly, from below in the courtyard, there comes a wild yelling. "Oh, what now?" Ansem murmurs, wearily getting up and opening the window so that he may lean out. The cause of the ruckus is quickly seen as a tall, muscled figure that was in his office not too long ago walks out of the front hall and into the sunshine. Slung over his shoulder is, from what Ansem can tell, a very disgruntled and startled Braig. The darker haired apprentice is giving ear-splitting yells of "MURDER! MURDER! HEEEEEEEELP MEEEE, GUYS! C'MON, DILAN, EVEN!"
The two other apprentices can be seen following after, and Ansem is sure that the pair are equally amused, if the pointing and vague laughter is any indication. Bewildered, Ansem watches as Elaeus somehow manages to ignore the screaming right in his ear and simply marches right over to the large pond that dominates the western half of the courtyard. With little elegance, Elaeus flings his fellow apprentice into the water and as he storms away, his roar can be heard even from where Ansem is.
"BRAIG, KEEP YOUR THRICE DAMNED NOSE OUT OF MY BUSINESS!"
Smiling goofily, Elaeus stares down at the book in front of him, his eyes not truly seeing the words. This had to be what heaven felt like... Finally giving a shake of his head, he shuts the book closed. Truly, he was lucky he had been chosen as one of Ansem's apprentices, or else he would never have been able to meet the girl of his dreams, or gain all of his valuable friends. Smiling still, he pushes himself away from the desk and walks over to the window. Radiant Garden in all its glory is spread out from the castle, and Elaeus basks in the sight. There is something unbelievable about this world, he muses, something that seems to give off a light of its own that fills its people with hope and joy. Ah, but poetry, that was Ienzo's field....
Crossing his arms, Elaeus simply leans against the window, thanking every deity he knows of that he lives in this place.
Suddenly, a light and quick series of knocks raps against his door. Recognizing them instantly, Elaeus turns partially away from the window and calls, "Come in, Ienzo!" Even as the words leave his lips, however, the dark-haired teenager is already stepping inside, following by a large red chocobo that just barely manages to squeeze through the door. Imogen, ever since she had met a young Ienzo as a chickling, has stuck by the youth's side ever since. It's really quite lucky that Ienzo has his way with words, or else the pretty bird would have been left out in the stables with the other beasts. They're both too proud for that, Elaeus thinks in amusement as Ienzo struggles to get his nose out of the book in his hands.
"Hello, Elaeus," the young man finally manages to say (and how odd it is to think of him that way, as it seems as if only yesterday that he was 10 ). Bright blue eyes focus on the heliotrope in the vase at the window, and Ienzo shuts his book. "I see you've procured another set of flowers," he notes as he tucks the book under one arm, an odd blankness on his features.
Elaeus leaves his post at the window in favor of running his hands down Imogen's beak, an action she clearly appreciates by the soft coos she utters. "So I have," he admits, anxious about the look on his young friend's face. Not again... "Ienzo-"
"Master Ansem wants to see you," Ienzo says, smoothly and effectively cutting him off as if the small teen hadn't heard him. "It didn't sound urgent, but I don't believe it would be a good idea to keep him waiting anyway." With that said, he sits down at the desk, idly glancing at the book Elaeus had abandoned.
The older man just shakes his head, running a hand through his hair. It's no use. It used to be so easy to talk to Ienzo, but now he's become withdrawn even from Elaeus. If only there was some way to get him to meet Aerith...
Still, Ienzo has a point. It is rude to keep their kind master waiting for so long. While Ienzo returns to his own book, Elaeus gently places a hand on his friend's shoulder. Underneath his palm, he can feel him tense up. "I'll be back soon," he says, hoping Ienzo will have calmed down by then.
The walk down to Ansem's office is not that far off. Like Elaeus, the blond man enjoys a good view, so both his room and office are not too far from Elaeus' own. After knocking politely, a muffled voice calls, "Come in, come in!" As the tall, muscular apprentice enters, he catches sight of his master attempting to balance an unbelievably tall stack of books. Slack-jawed at the sheer size, Elaeus is snapped out of his stunned stare by Ansem's laughter. "Some assistance, if you will, Elaeus?
There's a few stumbles, the book tower wobbling to and fro dangerously, yet in the end they manage to finally set it (in smaller, equal stacks, after Elaeus' insistence ) upon the desk, crushing some helpless papers underneath. As the two of them straighten themselves out, Elaeus eyes the books with interest. "You ordered more books?"
Seating himself, Ansem laughs and shakes his head while picking up a thin hardcover. The elegant silver scrawl on the blue cover declares itself to be a book of optical illusions. "Oh no, my dear friend," he chuckles, flipping through the pages. "These are for Even and Ienzo. Apparently, quite a few young ladies became quite intrigued at the last festival that was held and these are all their attempts at courtship." Amused, he pulls open one of his drawers, and Elaeus quirks an eyebrow at all the letters that are there, just waiting to be delivered.
"I hope that their hopes are not high," he says gently while taking a seat. "Even and Ienzo have little care beyond their own personal circles and their work."
"Ah, I know that," Ansem chuckles, setting the thin book down and eying another. "Still, I do hope they appreciate the gifts. Some of these books are quite impressive." As if to demonstrate, he holds up a beautiful copy of As You Like It, a play written by some far-away author that Elaeus is sure he's never heard of and equally sure that Ienzo certainly as. "After all, if they don't want them, I'm not sure what I'll do with all of these." Still smiling, he passes over the book to Elaeus, who, out of politeness, takes it. "Does Ienzo still like plays?" The smile quickly turns teasing. "Or is he still traumatized from when Braig and Dilan discovered him reciting in the bathroom?"
This brings a loud laugh from both of them. Perhaps the youngest of the apprentices was meant to be an actor after all, if the dramatic rant he gave that day is any indication.
After a few minutes, they calm down, and, still chuckling, Elaeus nods. "No, he's recovered quite well," he says. Remembering his original goal in coming here, he suddenly asks, "Master Ansem, Ienzo came to me not long ago. He said you wished to see me?"
Oddly enough, Ansem quickly sobers up, giving a cough into his fist. "Ah, yes, I seem to have forgotten myself. Well, you see, Elaeus, Braig came to me yesterday..."
"Did he upset Even again?" the muscular apprentice asks, looking exasperated. Honestly, one would have thought the carefree boy would have learned the first time that upsetting some one highly skilled in ice magic was simply a foolish idea....
However, Ansem merely shakes his head. "Even is quite fine," he assures Elaeus. "However, Braig told me that you were seeing a young woman? Outside of the castle?" The annoyed look on Elaeus' face quickly vanishes, to Ansem's surprise, replaced by a small smile and a new light in his eyes. Ah, he recognizes that kind of look.... The blond man's heart softens and he inwardly smiles. It's always a sight to see, a young person with their first taste of love.... Sometimes, that taste becomes everlasting, like a rare and miraculous candy.
"Yes, Master," Elaeus confirms, before a frown flickers onto his face and he looks up to Ansem's face, searching for something. "Is there a problem with this?"
Innocently holding up his hands, Ansem calms him. "No, no. I'm quite glad that one of you boys has finally found some one, in fact. I simply wish to know more about her, and speak with you over a few things." As the apprentice's stiff form relaxes, Ansem finds it alright to continue. "What is her name?" he prompts.
"Aerith," is the reply, and ah! There's that smile again as Elaeus folds his hands over the book on his lap. "She's very kind, and beautiful. She plans on being a healer, you know."
Ansem doesn't, but still, it's clear to see the adoration in Elaeus' voice as he speaks of her. It must be a wonderful woman who has caught his most loyal and gentle of apprentices. Giving a flicker of a smile, he pushes on. "She sounds amazing. However, ah..."
And here's the awkward bit.
Elaeus quirks an eyebrow in confusion as Ansem nervously coughs into his fists. "Well, you see, I realize that Braig has a tendency to over exaggerate, I understand this. However, he did raise an excellent point when he spoke to me-"
It takes a lot to aggravate Elaeus, yet his eye is clearly twitching. "What did he say?" he asks in disconcertingly calm tone of voice.
Quickly rummaging through his drawers, Ansem talks as he tries to get something out. "Well, I'm sure I have no need to tell you this, as that you're a very intelligent and responsible young man. However, well, it is easy to forget in the, ah, heat of passion, and it is best to be prepared in case something happens with Aerith-"
Elaeus has the sneaking suspicion that by the end of this conversation, he's going to want Braig dead.
"I'm sure you as well as her don't want there to be, well, any accidents." By this point, they're both red-faced. Somehow, it gets even worse when the small packet of condoms suddenly lands on the desk. Purposely, Ansem directs his gaze to the ceiling, which has suddenly become quite fascinating. "You know I simply care for you, Elaeus," he mutters in embarrassment, twiddling his thumbs together. Through pure intuition, he's sure his apprentice is doing the same.
A ridiculously awkward silence follows suit in the office, disrupted only by the cheerful chirping of the birds outside the window. Neither really knows what to say in such a situation, until, finally, Elaeus gives a cough himself, face burning with red. "Thank you, Master Ansem," he mutters, words blurring together as he swipes the condoms away and out of sight, to the relief of both of them. Without another word, he quickly bolts out of the room.
Giving a heavy sigh of relief, Ansem slumps in his chair, running his hand through his hair. Oh my... Honestly? That was just as awkward as the time all of them had attempted to give Ienzo The Talk, only to learn that the young boy already knew almost everything and that "there's no reason to degrade yourselves, really, so don't worry". After a few minutes of getting over that, he straightens himself in his chair, sighing. Well, it was all over and done with, so-
Suddenly, from below in the courtyard, there comes a wild yelling. "Oh, what now?" Ansem murmurs, wearily getting up and opening the window so that he may lean out. The cause of the ruckus is quickly seen as a tall, muscled figure that was in his office not too long ago walks out of the front hall and into the sunshine. Slung over his shoulder is, from what Ansem can tell, a very disgruntled and startled Braig. The darker haired apprentice is giving ear-splitting yells of "MURDER! MURDER! HEEEEEEEELP MEEEE, GUYS! C'MON, DILAN, EVEN!"
The two other apprentices can be seen following after, and Ansem is sure that the pair are equally amused, if the pointing and vague laughter is any indication. Bewildered, Ansem watches as Elaeus somehow manages to ignore the screaming right in his ear and simply marches right over to the large pond that dominates the western half of the courtyard. With little elegance, Elaeus flings his fellow apprentice into the water and as he storms away, his roar can be heard even from where Ansem is.
"BRAIG, KEEP YOUR THRICE DAMNED NOSE OUT OF MY BUSINESS!"
