STORIES
147 - Plans
2009
A few days later ...
CHINATSU:
Zyfan, you are so still. Are you meditating?
ZYFAN:
No, I am only thinking.
CHINATSU:
I just made a fresh pot of tea. Shall I bring you some?
ZYFAN:
Yes that sounds nice. Thank you.
CHINATSU:
Forgive me for saying so, but you look sad.
ZYFAN:
Well, I am not happy. I just received this letter from
my homeland and it is not exactly good news.
CHINATSU:
I am sorry. If it would help to talk I’ve been told that
I’m a good listener.
ZYFAN:
I would not know where to begin.
CHINATSU:
What if I began for you? Syrrah told me that you
are to become ruler of your land.
ZYFAN:
Yes, of course, my sister told you. She was to be next in line
but she found a way out. Now it falls to me.
CHINATSU:
It is a heavy burden to carry.
ZYFAN:
It is overwhelming to me.
CHINATSU:
Maybe you too can find a way out? That is, if you wanted to?
ZYFAN:
If only I could. Syrrah has the rare gift of healing, so she is now High Priestess, a position as honored as the One. I possess no such gift. I am ... stuck.
ZYFAN:
... Do you see this?
CHINATSU:
I can't read the language of your people but … is it a list?
ZYFAN:
The List. My councilors have compiled this list of acceptable maidens thatI must choose from - to become my wife. I need not be wed for another forty years. Yet they expect a decision very soon.
ZYFAN:
... I was promised a sabbatical from court and yet they are constantly in contact with me. Why can they not let me be?
CHINATSU:
Yes, that is a good question.
CHINATSU:
… Why must they constantly tell others what to do? Even if you do as they say, it's not enough. They always require more.
Always, until you have no choice except ...
CHINATSU:
Forgive me. We were speaking of you.
ZYFAN:
No please, you seem to understand my situation. Do go on?
CHINATSU:
I worked very hard to become a geisha. I achieved my goal.
It did not make me happy, or rather the rules I was forced to follow ruined my happiness. I could no longer allow others to tell me what I could or could not do.
ZYFAN:
What did you do?
CHINATSU:
I fled.
ZYFAN:
I think you are very brave, Chinatsu.
CHINATSU:
I did not feel brave at the time. But now, it’s as
if I can breath again.
Later, on the lanai …
KARANTHIR:
Look at him, sitting there all alone, exactly where I left him. This is going to stop.
ZYFAN:
Karanthir, you have returned. Did you and Orrie have a nice afternoon?
KARANTHIR:
Just fine, if one enjoys french fries. And what have you been up to?
ZYFAN:
I had tea with Chinatsu.
KARANTHIR:
Did you? Please tell me she didn’t time travel to you with
me out - therefore missing a glimpse of her naked body again?
ZYFAN:
She was fully dressed.
KARANTHIR:
Good. I just don’t know what I would’ve done if I missed
that treat, a second time.
KARANTHIR:
... What’s this?
ZYFAN:
The council’s list of potential brides.
KARANTHIR:
Really, may I see? Do we know any of these ladies? Why aren’t there any photos? This just gives us their name and lineage. How is a person to make a decision based on such nonsense? I want details, stats, favorite sexual position and such.
ZYFAN:
You cannot actually be excited about this!
KARANTHIR:
Why not?
ZYFAN:
Sometimes I am so jealous of you.
KARANTHIR:
As you should be. After all, I have you
and no one could be luckier than me.
ZYFAN:
You always know just what to say to me.
KARANTHIR:
That's my job, a job I take very seriously.
ZYFAN:
Yes you do. Although sometimes I wonder ...
ZYFAN:
… Please do not take this the wrong way, but sometimes I wonder if
your sweet words are just another way for you to get into my pants.
KARANTHIR:
And so, the student surpasses the master. Remember
- I always have your best interest at heart. You think too much
my prince – and if I can interrupt those dire thoughts of yours, I will.
ZYFAN:
I am sorry I have not been much fun lately. It is just that ever since I returned from my homeland, and heard all my family's plans for me
... I feel las if I am being crushed.
KARANTHIR:
Yes, the plans. It’s time we discussed those plans your family made concerning our future.
ZYFAN:
Our future?
KARANTHIR:
That’s right. I’m a permanent part of this equation and that’s not about to change. First let’s discuss plans in general. I want you to really hear me as I share with you a simple truth of life.
Plans never go as planned.
ZYFAN:
But ...
KARANTHIR:
No but - just think about it. When have you ever planned anything that went exactly as planned? Take me
for instance. Was I in your plans?
ZYFAN:
Well, no but … you were a wonderful surprise.
KARANTHIR:
Now who’s trying to get into whose pants?
Meanwhile, outside the house ...
This is it. The Prince's residence.
That's what you said at the last house we visited, and the house before that.
Well this time I'm sure.
I certainly hope so. I'd hate to have wonder around all
night relying on your magic to zoom in on him.
And back to the boys ...
KARANTHIR:
… Anyway, in regards to your family’s grand plans for you
- has it never occurred to you that I may have plans of my own?
ZYFAN:
You do?
KARANTHIR:
Of course, but mine are not quite as precise. Would you like to hear them?
ZYFAN:
Very much.
KARANTHIR:
I plan to see to it that you live a long and happy life.
ZYFAN:
Is … that all?
KARANTHIR:
That is everything. There will be no more thinking my prince.
I want my Zyfan back, not this angsty being who has been parading about in his form. You will resume life as usual.
ZYFAN:
I will?
KARANTHIR:
Indeed you will. You seemed to enjoy college life in San Francisco, so tomorrow you'll enroll yourself in a few classes here.
ZYFAN:
I had not considered returning to school, but
I really do miss my studies.
ZYFAN:
... Why do you not enroll with me?
KARANTHIR:
No I don’t think ...
ZYFAN:
Please Karanthir - just one class? It would make me so happy.
KARANTHIR:
Would it? Honestly, if it will keep that smile on your face, I think you may be able to talk me into it, with the right kind of coaxing.
ZYFAN:
What kind of coaxing do you mean?
KARANTHIR:
I think some begging would be required.
ZYFAN:
You want me to beg?
KARANTHIR:
I do love it when you beg my prince and we’ll see where it takes us from there ...
CHINATSU:
Forgive me for interrupting …
ZYFAN:
blushing
Oh Chinatsu, greetings. Uh ... how long have you been standing there?
CHINATSU:
I only arrived.
KARANTHIR:
Of course you did my dear. Never mind him, he’s just
thinking too much, again - a flaw I hope to correct.
What can we do for you?
