Calix lip's twitched as he saw a young, masked noble, with almost blindingly bright golden hair wearing a skirt in their family's shop... yes... he was very hard to miss.
Sebastian choked seeing Ashton explaining what jewels he wanted added to the buckle and matching scarab necklace. The older lady was blushing as Ashton stood barefoot and bare chested, looking for all the world only a towel was around his waist. "Lord Reece! The dressing room! Dressing room!" Sebastian roared as he started ordering the staff to bring a coat.
Ashton glanced over his shoulder with a mischievous smirk, "Your Grace, calm down. I was just making sure my next performance outfit would be ready to welcome the first delegations."
Sebastian was horrified, "Lord Reece... you are barely covered."
Ashton let out a chuckle, "Picking your shop was worth it, my dear, could you bring some tea and a seat for Duke Carlos. I will have a drawing of what I want the scarab to look like, the gems I will add myself after the shape is ready." Ashton explained handing over a paper. The girl was blushing as she bowed then scurried off.
Sebastian had never seen Ashton so.. relaxed. "As long as you are pleased," Sebastian sighed, he then called the attendant over, "Send the bill to the duchy, any clothing for Lord Reece is to be charged to the Carlos account." He ordered as he sat down. His family had gathered around, eyes gleaming.
Ashton preformed a courtly bow, "My greetings to the Carlos duchy, Lords, Ladies, perhaps we might share a cup of tea while we check on our clothes." Ashton offered since Sebastian had basically evicted all the random passersby.
Sebastian eyed Ashton's figure, "Are you not chilled Lord Ashton?"
Ashton draped himself over a lounger, "Sebastian, we aren't in the palace, you can call me Ash. I also have meeting gifts," Ashton informed with two quick claps, Tou, Itsu, Futa, and Yot, all rose from the ground with trays.
Trina was started as the heads popped out of the ground but she rushed forward with Roxanne, "That's amazing, are you elementals?" She asked as she circled around one of the beings.
Tou gave a small bow, "My name is Tou, a greeting gift for Madam Trina, miss Roxanne, master Douglas, young master Jaden." The gravely rasp did not grate on the ears like one would expect, they all spoke with a lilting quality, as if they were supposed to sing.
One golem approached and introduced themselves as they presented the trays. A personalized gem for each person. Only the twins had identical bracelets but one was made of sapphire, the other from a ruby.
Roxanne curtsied in return as she accepted the hair pin shaped like a tiger with half a dozen rubies and diamonds. "It's beautiful! Thank you, Tou!" She gushed pulling out the bag of mana cores as everyone else accepted their items.
As soon as the last item was taken, Tou shrank to the size of a palm, it was looking at the bag of mana cores. His entire head following each small movement. Then he glanced back at Ashton, then looked down and kicked his feet. When the bag suddenly fell Tou froze, glanced up to see two of the older humans were blocking his line of sight to Ashton.
Roxanne almost squealed when the tiny thing scurried toward the bag, snatched it up then hid behind her. It sat down with its feet extended as it reached into the larger than itself then pulled out a mana core. It raised it up to catch the light, then lifted half of its mask to start chomping away. Roxanne diligently kept guard so the little thing to eat. She soon noticed similar scenes behind Cynthia, Adrian, and Lina. All their eyes met and they had to hide their giggles.
Ashton rolled his eyes as four more golems snuck out to join their brothers. He shook hands with Calix exchanging simple greetings.
Calix had to force himself to look Ashton in the eyes when four more little hand sized people crawled out of the ground. He gave a short cough as he too, dropped a bag of mana cores that were quickly dragged away.
"Don't forget to save some for Kokono, and Mit." Ashton called out, when all the golems shared a sad look, they all grouped up to count the mana cores, "Your indulgence means much," Ashton added as the women gathered around to watch. Their bright smiles were enough bring warmth to the coldest of hearts.
Reinhart glanced to the children helping the golems count the mana cores as he hesitantly held his small bag of mana cores, "Uhh, we didn't exactly know what a good meeting gift would be." He explained sheepishly to the young man who was a similar age as his owl grandson.
"The thought is appreciated; Tou was eager as soon as you all walked in." Ashton chuckled as the staff were a mix of fear... and clearly wanting to join.
"Please forgive me, I cannot tell them apart, except the slightly larger one." Joseph admitted as he squatted down to give the biggest little person his bag. Even if this wasn't a person... he was adorable...
"I am Hito. I thank young master," Hito introduced as he tried to bow but the bag was in the way.
"Hito, what does that mean?" Joseph asked also giving a nod in greeting.
"I was the first," Hito explained as he plopped down to look into the bag. If each pouch had three stones, and there were now 9 siblings... how many bags were there?
Sebastian raised a brow, "They are so lively." From the way Crown Prince Serafin and the rest described the helpers he'd been expecting silent, brooding, assassins watching their every move. These were... like childish fairies of legend. Yes they would help you, but be careful of your wording or suffer their annoying, but usually not fatal pranks.
Ashton smiled, "They've been cooped up, and while I might be biased... perhaps my gifts might make interesting accessories to your garments in the following weeks. Each one has a drop of dragon blood which will cut the mana needed to create a spell or ward by a third, the frames are also not made of gold, but dragon scales." Ashton added as many were trying to subtly examine their gifts.
Sebastian was shocked, "Lord Reece... this is too much." Sebastian glanced at his own tiger eye jewel framed in a dragon claw. No doubt meant to replace his current beautiful, but unenchanted tiger eye jewel on the head of his cane.
"Call me Ash, besides. It's been a long time since I've seen such a good family unit. I am envious, so let me enjoy watching how you will all overcome the trials in the coming months." Ashton added when even the youngest looked shocked.
Sebastian stood giving a formal bow, "I do not have the words My Lord. Ash." Sebastian added after a brief moment. These gifts could not be bought with gold... a single drop of dragon blood was often only sold for mana crystals... the scales could go for several dozen mana crystals at auction.
Ashton waved the thought away, "No enchantments were added, so finding a capable mage would be a good idea." Ashton added as Roxanne picked Tou up and was holding a second-tier mana crystal.
"Psst, Tou, can you enchant my hairpin?" Roxanne asked as the little man held onto the now empty pouch.
Tou gave a great sigh, "Can't, Mit?" Tou kicked his legs dejectedly as he clutched the empty bag to his chest... so unfair... crystal was yummier... but he could only hold mana... how sad.
One of the other little men waddled over holding his hands out. Roxanne squatted down and pulled out one more second tier mana crystal her mother had prepared for her. "Mit? Can you help me? Pretty please little handsome man?" She asked waving the mana crystal in front of the little person. The little man placed both hands on the crystal that was big enough to be his bed.
Mit glanced around, slapped the crystal with both hands eagerly, "I help. Snack for spell." Yummy! Natural food! Not processed, all for Mit!
Suddenly the other six were also finding humans and holding their hands out, "Snack for spell, snack for spells." Echoed around the room.
Ashton covered his eyes, "... that is one way to go about starting personal business..."
Sebastian didn't bring any mana crystals and wasn't sure if a stone would be sufficient... "Calix go fetch two dozen mana crystals," Sebastian ordered without missing a beat. To have a person, or being who had helped slay a lord class dragon give an enchantment? Again, usually the payment would beggar even wealthy nobles. Some enchantments like the Empress's nail guard, simple as it was to protect from small projectiles cost no less than his capital villa.
Ashton let a chuckle out as the youth ran out while calling for a horse. The golems were all sitting sadly around Roxanne and Trina as Mit started adding two enchantments, one life saving barrier, and a rechargeable water arrow on both accessories.
"They are remarkable, are they elementals?" Trina asked smiling up at the half naked youth... he certainly was a sight to behold. Beautiful sparkling blue eyes, golden blond hair that caught the light. His physic was also nicely toned, yes... it would not be a hardship to fall in love with him.
Ashton grinned, "My fair lady, what snack are you trading for such information?" He teased resting his chin on his hand as he lay out comfortably. The young lady made no effort to hide her appreciative glances, a pity she was too... young, for one such as he.
Trina felt around her skirts, she had a small bag of pastries, "Almond crème?" She asked shaking the bag back and forth slowly. If it worked on the little ones, well they had to learn it from somewhere, yes? Trine also winked suggestively at Ashton, she wouldn't mind being a snack if he was the one taking a bite.
Ashton burst out into laughter, "A mystery for another day then." When Trina pouted at him, he only continued to grin, "I am a staunch and unyielding keeper of secrets, so I promise not to tell any dress designs I might see." Ashton added with a return wink. Several of the young ladies looked a little disappointed as employees scurried out as if on cue.
Slowly the family was taken back to adjust measurements and make last-minute alterations so their new accessories would stand out.
Sebastian watched as Ashton continued to lay down but would give suggestions when his grandchildren came out. A simple lift or tuck would highlight their figures better, as well as emphasize his presents. Ashton kept a perfectly mischievous smile up the entire time.
"Sebastian, I'm fine, I was just feeling a little nostalgic. And I meant it, I am appreciative of your family bonds." Ashton remarked lightly as the twins giggled and twirled. They were also sending flirty glances his way. From the gentle teasing it was clear they were all close as siblings. Siblings who would fight or fall together.
Sebastian decided to accept the opening, "You could always become part of the Carlos family, my granddaughters would make good wives." He hinted. More than just adding a powerful mage, if Ashton married into the duchy he would become part of the empire. As disappointing as Lucian could be... Sebastian did love the empire, his family, his land, his home...
Ashton was silent for a moment, "No, that would not be fair to them." Calix had finally returned so the family all came out to get a mana crystals to buy enchantments. Ashton didn't look at Sebastian but knew his one comment would forever put him on a side might one day turn against the Empire. There were some truths that were cruel, but had to be made clear.
Sebastian couldn't stop the slight bit of disappointment, "Of course, that was too bold of me. Though, Lord Reece, know we are not one to forget favors or graces. If you one day stand against the empire, at least today you have my undivided trust." Sebastian informed solemnly. Even if one day they were at odds, Sebastian would make his intentions and reasons known... Lord Reece deserved that.
Ashton let the silence stretch just long enough for the golems to finish their barters, "I have other places to visit after my little ones have concluded their business. Enjoy your day Your Grace." Ashton informed as everyone was given identical enchantments. Ashton could not make a similar promise to Sebastian... not until all truths behind the empire were exposed. It wouldn't just be unfair... it would be unjust.
Sebastian didn't comment on the suddenly somber mood, it was clear the young man still had many secrets. Secrets that could very well damn the imperial family, or cause them to be at war. Still, Sebastian trusted his own judgement. Sebastian chose to put his faith in Ashton Reece.
Ashton watched the children excitedly play with their new enchantments. It had been nice to see how close the family was. He had to admit he'd been rather impressed with how quickly and efficiently they had worked separately, yet for the same goal.
Ashton thought about his parents, one mother had abandoned him, the other ignorantly accepted. One father used him as an experimental tool, hoping to turn Seibel into a true power. The other had cautiously let him do as he pleased. Humans were so varied... so hard to understand, yet... they were easy to provoke. Ashton changed back into proper imperial dress before he set off.
Ashton looked around wondering if had he really been content with Thomas and Samantha. He said he was, almost daily, but still made subtle changes... perhaps Lucian and the rest weren't the only ones lying to themselves.
As Ashton started walking to the center of the market he looked around and gave a wry smile. If he was honest... he'd given far more to the empire than he'd intended already. Ash had been abducted from his home and fell into his patterns as Alphonse, even if only as a barter. Giving to people who didn't appreciate him but took him for granted. Now they had an inkling of what he could provide... so they wanted to clip his wings, tried to trap him in a cage.
Sebastian's family had been a rare find, so Ash would make sure their appreciation was not unnoticed... but for the rest...
This is a chance, right now
have a breath to take,
learn from my mistakes
This is a chance, right now
I'm not standing in a corner
There is still so much to live for
I can be content.
No need to search for meaning,
Leave behind all those reasons
This is a chance right now
Yes, learn to be content, greed leads to regrets
I've grown so much and then some,
my burdens could be long gone
This is a chance for me,
Leave behind all those worries,
Ungrateful, thankless toils
Breaking out of the concept, that I cannot be content
I just need to look around, all the great things I've found
Leave behind all greed, live this life just for me
This is a chance, right now
Stop protecting all the weakness, stop bleeding for the thankless
No need to live life as their sun, break away and have some fun
Time to take a step back, watch and just not react
there might be hardships, there might be dark days
but its time they find the right way
this is a chance for them
Stop and think, is this a want or need.
Too many people wanting everything,
too many people fight for mindless greed.
Learn to be content, life can be so much more,
the little things are worth the world
I can be content,
I have all I'd ever need, my grass is surely green.
I can be content,
just need to remember I can still leave.
Need to be content, the past is full of messy things.
I will be content, my future can be all i seek.
I can be content, yes i can be content,
I just need to believe.
This, this is the chance for me
-Ashton original