"You don't have to do that. If anything, I should be the one to speak up about needing or wanting accommodations." Galivinth remarks.
"Consider it a mutually beneficial and friendly gesture. It's my excuse to build something unusual, and you get a new gift from yours truly. Shouldn't take too long to finish, so unless there's anything else you'd like to discuss--" Tonithy pauses as he turns his head to settle his eyes on the teen again.
"I'd like to get started on it immediately."
"Oh. No. No, I'm good. I'll just... get out of your hair for the time being." Galivinth responds and rises to stand. He heads toward the exit door, deciding it was a good time to return to the group.
"Excellent! We'll talk again soon, Galivinth!" Tonithy beams.
"Yeah, I look forward to it, sir." And with those words, the teen takes his leave and gently shuts the door behind himself. Out in the hallway, he was indeed going to return to his peers, but he stops himself just after a step forward. There was no actual rush, and forty minutes couldn't have already passed by now. With that notion in mind, he turns toward the opposite direction and begins treading down the linear pathway before him. Heading toward the direction of the library he recalls stopping by with his father during his first visit. When he passes beyond the wide-open double doors of the library, he proceeds into the rectangle room slowly while looking over the bookshelves to the right of him, noting that he was venturing through titles starting with the letter 'U' and heading into the 'V' section the further he walks. It becomes apparent the books were in alphabetical order, set up to be counterclockwise within the room. The beginning, where the 'A' section can be found, resides behind him. It's also where a man in fanciful garbs, who has taken notice of the teen, stands observing curiously. It was anyone's guess how long he's been watching, but just as Galivinth turns to explore the other side of the room, he begins approaching. A curious-like scowl upon his features. The man's features are strong, yet smooth. His complexion fair and spotless, his hair raven, rather short, and slicked back. His attire is made of an extravagant dark plum and thin high-collar jacket that bears an emblem at its left breast region. The legs of his black leather slacks lead down into a pair of black shin-high boots with white cuffs and stainless-steel toes. He was a cryonean for sure. His monochrome eyes made that quite clea
"Aren't you that... lad from the other day? The outsider?" The stranger questions as he comes to stand a few feet away from Galivinth, standing tall at 6'4 in height.
The youth takes a moment to look him over, soon discovering that the individual also looks familiar. In fact, they were recalling the same day they saw one another.
"Yeah, I am. I remember you, too. You were with the king and those guards." Galivinth responds.
"Indeed so. Though, I'm honestly quite surprised to stumble upon you like this... No ward with you? Surely you aren't just roaming around by your lonesome and as you please?" The man questions with a wry grin taking form upon his features, expecting to be told otherwise by the other. However, with a blank stare and a brief moment of silence, Galivinth gives him the blunt truth.
"...I am." That short answer was all it took to make the man's expression shift to one of mild shock. Another few seconds of silence seeps into the atmosphere between them.
"...How wonderful." Following up his response is a chuckle that cracks another grin across the man's face.
"You may very well be the most curious circumstance to have imposed itself-- Or rather, himself -- onto our kingdom. But, contrary to how the rest likely feel, I am delighted at your presence. You very well may have made my ambitions just that much more accessible." The man goes on to explain a tad. Without the entire context, it's no wonder Galivinth then gives him a confused look.
"What?" Is all the half-cryonean teen can utter in the moment.
"Nothing that needs to be elaborated upon, especially to the likes of you. But please, do indulge yourself to our home and knowledge until you're content as can be. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll be taking my leave. I look forward to spectating your match with our generous King, by the by." And with that, the man heads off and exits the library. Galivinth watches him leave through the doorway, then almost immediately sees Naeth enter through it while glancing over his shoulder for a moment. Likely looking toward the stranger that just left.
"Oh, Naeth. Sorry, has it been longer than the time you gave me already?" Galivinth asks.
"No, but it is nearing. I merely came to check up on you and maybe help sort out your thoughts. The others are taking a short break now."
"Ah, alright. My father wasn't around, so--" Galivinth begins, but Naeth promptly interrupts.
"I know, Tonithy told me when I stopped by the lab. I thought maybe I'd find you here. Didn't really think you'd bother with cryonean tomes, but here you are within one of the libraries. Did you find what you were looking for?"
"I wasn't particularly looking for anything. Just thought I'd pass some time by reading something here. Ended up talking to that guy in that dark purplish jacket and now you're here."
"Councilman Anathan? Hm... I'm sure you were able to handle yourself, right?" Naeth questions, thinking it was possible that the older male may have given his cousin some choice words.
"Yeah, it was fine. Didn't really seem... hostile? Nothing out of the ordinary, I don't think." The teen answers with a shrug of his shoulders.
"Oh Good. That aside, are you ready to head back? We're going to be resuming shortly." Naeth informs.
"Yeah, I'm ready. I think my mind is clear now." Galivinth answers. With a nod, the two return to the others outside.
Elsewhere...
Fine leather boots near the end of flight of steps leading to the ground level of the research and university facility, a pair belonging to none other than Councilman Anathan himself. He makes his way to exit the building through its front door, carrying a thick book within his right hand, the very item and source of stimulating distraction he sought before paying the King a visit. When out in the fresh and chilling air, he heads down the stone pathway that a manipulation of sorcery prevents from being hidden under inches of snow. Unlike the grassy fields parallel to it. Awaiting at the opposite end, near the sidewalk before him, is a chariot of shimmery ebony wood and stainless platinum with a pair of mechanical steeds at its front, ready to pull and tread onward at the driver's whim - the very man in a black suit who sits atop of the comfy seat built within the old timely vehicles artistic structure.
It's not much longer before the sound of footsteps thumping upon pavement draws the driver's attention away from the holographic display before his field of vision. He reaches to press a button upon the device on the ear muffle-like device on the left side of his face while simultaneously turning his head, the obscuring screen vanishes and gives away to a clear sight of Anathan approaching.
"Ah, Sieur Aanathan! Faster than I thought you would be. I presume you'll be wanting to head for the Sire's Castle next, yes?"
"Right you are, my good man. Immediately, if you will." The returning passenger responds as he enters and settles himself inside. At the sound of the door closing, the driver gives a whip of the reins within his hands and the android equines begin casually advancing and pulling the chariot along. Soon, Anathan pries open the book within his possession, turning over the majority of pages until he comes upon the last dozen or so. He lays eyes upon a rendered portrait of a historical figure. A Cryonean royalty from not only back on his home world, but also his family lineage. Danthan, the King of the Silver Kingdom from four eras prior. Under the picture is documentation of his time as King that goes on for several pages - of which Anathan turns pass until the next in line for the Silver Kingdom throne is addressed. King Micathan, sire from three eras ago. Anathan turns more pages and lands upon Queen Mia'than, then Prince Sythan - the son of Mia'than who died during the voyage to Earth. Very little is recorded about his life, but the only one that's even shorter is the next and current King's, specifically due to circumstances, the young Sire Kaythan. The youth their nation of stranded cryoneans answer to, as well whom Anathan was on his way to visit. Right beside the page that presents a portrait of King Kaythan is the only relative within proximity of him on Earth. Nobleman Anathan himself. The next in line for the Cryon Kingdom's throne on Earth.
With a sense of anticipation, Aanathan faintly brushes the fingertips of his right hand over his own portrait. The fire of his ambition swells within the depths of his chest for a moment, shimmering in his eyes like a hunter gazing upon the finest game he's ever laid eyes on. A subtle grin eventually takes form across his lips as he lightly taps his fingers over his face in the book, of which he turns over to shut right after. At a rather appropriate timing, no less. His ride was just arriving at the largest structure within the town.
"And here we are, sir. May the rest of your afternoon be a pleasant one in my absence." The driver announces, topping with a warm farewell.
"May yours, as well." Anathan responds upon exiting the vehicle and shutting the door behind himself. He proceeds toward the tall sparkling navy-blue gate that two grand, towering, twelve-foot-tall knights stand guard of without actually obscuring the entrance onto the castle grounds. Both made of stainless sapphire colored steel, adorned with fanciful black garbs that drape around the flank and rear sides of their lower bodies, and both armed with large broadswords they hold by the handle. No living being resides in either, but are instead instilled with magic of intent - sorcery that allows the will, emotion, or even desire of anyone to be replicated and placed unto almost any empty vessel.
Anathan moves within range to extend his arms outward to push apart the gate doors, slipping his hand through an invisible wall that only becomes apparent when his limbs go through it. And the simple reason it offers no resistance to his entree is because of his position of power.
He passes through and heads up along the wide brick pathway that leads up to the building's enormous double doors while the gates silently shut behind him. He traverses the spacious halls, advancing long stretches and making occasional turns until he reaches a set of dual redwood doors, of which he enters through. Within, a meeting between the King and council parties is taking place.
"Ah. So you've arrived, Anathan. Honestly, I was hoping you'd neglect to come to this meeting... Hoped that perhaps that you'd find it better to stay home and occupy yourself there instead." The young king, the boy sitting at the center of the half ring of a table with his arms crossed and his expression bearing a look of mild annoyance and disinterest, comments. The others briefly turn toward the doorway but pay little mind to the late arrival.
"And miss yet another engaging discussion with my peers and King? I couldn't possibly keep away, even if I wanted to. "Anathan responds with a small grin as he moves to take a seat at the left side of the table with the others. These meetings were set up to where scientists sat to the right of the king, while magesouls sit at the opposite side. Within the King's reign, magesouls are more favored than the other, thus Anathan and those on his end outnumber the other eight to four.
"Well then, shall we continue? There's merely a couple more subjects to cover, after which, the King may dismiss this meeting if he so pleases." One of the members speaks up.
"Yes, let's proceed. I tire of this room, and I wish to spend my time elsewhere before the sun begins setting." The royalty informs without any hesitation at all. And they certainly do carry on as normal. Discussions are had over the course of forty minutes or so, then those within finally rise out of their seat to take their leave upon the King's say so. All but the boy himself and his relative. The former slouches in his seat, pinching the bridge of his nose. Anathan simply observes the other within a moment of silence.
"Is the pressure getting to you?" The elder of the two asks.
"No. I'm just a bit mentally worn, is all. All is fine." The King answers with reassurance.
"I'm sure you're aware of such, but you can transfer the crown over to someone else until--"
"Until I'm prepared to claim it again. Yes, I know. I also know that you're aware that you're the only other individual among us that I could possibly turn it over to. You obviously want it for yourself, for whatever reason. Does your standing as a noble not satisfy you enough?" The king chimes in with a bit of annoyance in his tone, somewhat glaring at the other as he speaks.
"You make it sound as if I've some grand scheme hidden in my intent, sire. I am more than willing to admit that yes, I am prepared to don the crown, but not so much for my sake... But for my young King and cousin. And for our people. I only wish to make sure we stay the course of flourishing, is all." Anathan responds. However, his words merely earn him a scoff from the lad.
"How noble of you... Truly, such passion is something to behold." The king responds rather dismissively before rising out of his seat to take his leave of the room. Though, he gives the other one more notion on his way out.
"Rest assured, councilman Anathan... You won't ever have to worry about bearing the weight of my crown." With those words, the sound of the door shutting behind him follows.
Left alone with his thoughts, Anathan adopts a minor frown while looking toward that very door. He sighs through his nostrils and takes another read through the book in his possession, though a much more thorough one this time. He spends an hour or so longer in that room.
At his departure and as he returns to the center hall of the castle, he sees two guards escorting someone inside. A fairly familiar face - a man carrying a box that was about two feet tall and three feet in width. A scientist most likely being taken to the king's throne room for a presentation. After their passing by, Anathan's attention shifts toward several of his peers who're standing near the large double doors leading outside.
Anathan makes his way over and casually interjects himself into their conversation.
"Gentlemen." He speaks up to draw the attention of the others.
"Ah, Anathan. We were just discussing methods to help make the King's responsibilities easier." One of the men spoke.
"That's certainly worth discussing, councilman Polloman. Though, for an entirely different reason I have in mind." Anathan responds.
"I can already sense where this is going, councilman Anathan. We understand your frustration and we feel it to various degrees, yet nowhere near as strongly as you. But surely all that can be said has been said." Another of the group speaks up. This time being councilman Theodor.
"Perhaps or perhaps not. The matter persists as a potential danger. Our King is naive and too young to understand the expectations of the position he holds." Anathan counters.
"Careful you don't speak so callously at that volume... Not all would be so tolerant of talk of violating traditions." Polloman warns with genuine wariness. At such words, Anathan snaps his attention toward the older male.
"Well, they ought to be. This isn't a matter that needs coddling, this is about making sure our makeshift little kingdom continues to flourish without complications. I don't find it so unreasonable to think... to KNOW... that we need a leader who will put the collective over the individual, especially when we're arguably still vulnerable." Anathan counters sharply. His words may bring about uncomfortable silence among the five of them in an instant, but the rest have trouble internally denying that they resonate with such a sentiment.
"What do you propose that we do, then? You make a critical point, councilman Anathan, but this is something that could stir the public. Can we really afford that at a time like this?" A different voice speaks up to question, one belonging to councilman Vant.
"While this should be taken care of as soon as possible, abruptly taking this up with the king and public would not be the best approach. We need to plant seeds of reasoning among the people. Enlighten and unify them to stand with us without doubt. To demand something better than what we tolerate now. Persuade all who will listen, appeal to their sense of duty to our kingdom. Then, they shall turn and spread it to another." Anathan explains. Then he begins turning away, letting his attention linger a bit longer before he departs.
"Do that, then we can hammer the public's opinion in the fires of passion and pride until they become the weapon we need. For now, we'll stray from formulating anything formal yet and go about our lives as normal. And with that said, I shall follow through. Take care, gentlemen." He bids a farewell, but within merely three steps while turning, he ends up colliding with someone. A handful of books end up falling and pattering on the floor, including the one Anathan was holding.
"Hnn... I suppose I should have been a little more careful." The man who was carrying a box full of books nearly murmurs as he lowers into a crouch, setting the box down as he begins cleaning up the mild mess.
"No, I'm mostly to blame. I should have been far more careful." Anathan assures the other while also crouching to help a bit. He ends up only picking up two identical books, confident that one of them was his. While that was certainly true, he ends up mistakenly handing over the wrong one. Upon getting a look of the other, he discovers it's Galelith he was aiding.
"Sorry for the trouble, Galelith. May your day be pleasant enough." With those words, Anathan proceeds to take his leave.
"Yours, as well." The scientist responds as he rises to stand again. He adjusts the box within his arms for a better grip, then also heads out of the castle. He soon pushes past the gates ahead and takes a right while Anathan is already heading in the opposite direction.
The stoic father heads toward the car he left parked beside the sidewalk, places the box in the passenger side of the vehicle, and then heads around to the driver side. He drives all the way back to the academic building where his lab is, parks at the sidewalk once more, and heads inside with the box in his possession. Soon, he reaches and enters his lab briefly. His only intent was setting the box down onto the counter inside before heading out again.
That box remains there untouched all day and night, even most of the early morning of the next day when Tonithy returns to continue building his new project. It finally receives attention again when Galelith enters with his son following behind.
"I'm not quite sure how fond of reading you are, but I figured it couldn't be a burden to ask if you'd be interested in taking home some books." Galelith proposes while heading over to the box. Galivinth himself takes a seat on the stool beside his father.
"What kind of books are they?" The teen asks.
"Works of literature. Some fiction, some non-fiction. There may be one or two educational documents, too. However, they've become obsolete. They were meant to be gotten rid of, but maybe you could make better use of them." Galelith answers as he plucks out a few books to examine. Galivinth also reaches over to take one and examine it. The boy opens the tome and discovers it's a book detailing the lives of reigning royalties. With mild interest, Galivinth skips through a huge chunk of it and ends up near the very end of it.
"Huh, I see. I can look through some of them and see if any are interesting enough to keep, but I may just donate most of them to The Hall of Knowledge." Galivinth informs his father.
"That massive library in the state of Florida?"
"Yup, that's the one." Galivinth answers with a nod.
"Hm. No harm in that." Galelith comments.
"Okay! I think it's finally finished!" Tonithy exclaims in his burst of excitement, drawing the attention of the other two in the room.
"What is?" Galelith questions.
"My new invention! Galivinth, if I may have you for a moment..." Tonithy answers and requests for the teen's presence, of which the young man stands up from his seat to give. He moves to where Tonithy is.
"Now, let's just get this strapped onto you..." The enthusiastic scientist trails off with his words again while placing the first part around the teen's forearm. A leather bracer with a launcher contraption built neatly upon it, as well as some sort of ammo belt connected to it. The other half was the rest of the mentioned lengthy belt. Tonithy helps wrap it around Galivinth's hips and latch it onto a loop of the teen's jeans to help keep it from falling any lower. Instead of actual bullets however, a myriad of clear tennis-ball sized spheres were all over it.
"And Wah-La!"
"Woah... This kind of looks sick." Galivinth comments with a grin as he looks over the device on his arm, turning his arm left and right to study the design.