STORIES
148 - Omission
2009
… but why would he live here, so far from the Elvin lands?
I don’t know.
Look at this place. It’s so big. I’ll bet giants live here.
Do ya think we’ll see some giants?
I don’t know.
This is taking forever. Do you think he’s really here?
The one who let us in - Chinatsu, she said he was.
She was pretty. Wasn’t she pretty?
I didn’t notice.
Liar.
Will you be quiet?
I’m thirsty. She could have offered us refreshments. Don’t ya think?
Zam!
ZAM:
I’m right here 'Chi-chi. Why must you always yell
out my name like that?
'CHI-CHI:
Stop driving me crazy with all your questions. Now be quiet.
Look, someone’s coming. Hide.
ZAM:
You will remember to present the youngster in the proper way?
First impressions are real important- ya know.
'CHI-CHI:
Just hide already!
- ? -
Zam, I do think it’d be best if you kept hidden until
we assess the situation. Please?
ZAM:
Certainly my dear.
‘CHI-CHI:
Oh sure, you listen to her.
ZAM:
She did said please. It is the magic word, ya know.
ZAM:
... Although I never hear you use it - even though you
think you’re a mage and all.
'CHI-CHI:
Hey, I recognize that walk …
'CHI-CHI:
… It is you!
KARANTHIR:
Shichi?
SHICHI:
It's so good to see you again ...
KARANTHIR:
It's been too long ...
ZAM:
gasp – cough - cough
KARANTHIR:
What the ….?
ZAM:
Air - please?
KARANTHIR:
'Chi, are you aware there’s a tiny person on you?
When did you acquire a pet?
ZAM:
Who’re you calling a pet?
SHICHI:
This is Zam. Who's supposed to be hidding
till I tell him to come out.
ZAM:
A person needs to breath ya know.
SHICHI:
Zam's my ah ... traveling companion.
ZAM:
Ya see, 'Chi-chi saved my life, so now he’s responsible for me.
He likes having me around. I keep ‘em honest.
SHICHI:
Yeah, honest. Honestly - I can’t get rid of him.
ZAM:
'Chi-chi, you’re being awfully rude!
You forgot to introduce the youngster.
SHICHI:
Oh yes, sorry. It’s just that Karanthir and me, we go way back.
PHAE:
Karanthir? The Karanthir?
KARANTHIR:
The Karanthir - I like her already.
SHICHI:
Karanthir, this is Phae of Beren, of the Forest Clan.
KARANTHIR:
How delightful to meet you. Do tell, just what have
you heard about me?
PHAE:
It is said among the Councilors that you are the Consort to the Prince.
KARANTHIR:
Consort?
PHAE:
Forgive me if I offend you. I’m only repeating what is known. They
say the Consort is the vampire-lover and bodyguard to the Prince.
KARANTHIR:
Consort, vampire-lover and bodyguard! Oh this is simply delicious.
SHICHI:
You haven’t changed a bit.
KARANTHIR:
And why should I? One cannot improve on perfection ...
KARANTHIR:
As for you 'Chi, have you switched sides? Or perhaps - after me, I ruined all the other fellows for you and you were forced to explore other options? I see you still prefer blonds ...
ZAM:
What’s he talkin’ about?
SHICHI:
Nevermind Zam. And it’s not like that Karanthir.
I’m her guide, that’s all.
KARANTHIR:
Her guide, of course - my mistake.
So, what brings you to my humble home?
PHAE:
I’ve come to insure my rightful place as the
future wife of Prince Zyfan.
KARANTHIR:
Come again?
ZAM:
She’s gonna marry the Prince, didn’t ya hear her?
KARANTHIR:
Is she? Don’t you think the Prince may want to have a say in that, not to mention his Consort, yours truly.
PHAE:
Oh I know all about your relationship with the Prince. My godmother
explained the ways of men to me. If having you in his life pleases my Prince, then you can stay. Either way, I’m sure your existence won't interfere with the future lineage of the royal family.
KARANTHIR:
Is that so? I’ll have you know that without my encouragement,
the royal line may very well terminate right here and now.
PHAE:
What’s that supposed to mean?
ZAM:
This doesn’t seem to be going very well.
Put me down, maybe I can help ...
SHICHI:
I don't see how …
ZAM:
Ya better do something to help the youngster.
She's in our care ya know.
KARANTHIR:
Tell me Phae, with all your knowledge of the ways of
men, just what do you know of my Prince?
SHICHI:
Karanthir …
PHAE:
I know he needs a wife.
SHICHI:
Karanthir, a word please?
KARANTHIR:
Ah, but does he want one?
PHAE:
Of course he does. He’s the next One.
SHICHI:
Karanthir, please?
KARANTHIR:
Unhand me 'Chi, can’t you see I’m having a lively chat
with this young lady.
SHICHI:
Yes and that's the problem.
Excuse us, just for a moment Miss Phae.
SHICHI:
... Look, I'd rather this not escalate any further.
Phae, she’s … well … determined.
KARANTHIR:
Really? I'm so glad you pointed that out to me,
otherwise I may never have noticed.
SHICHI:
- But it’s all a show. Look at her. She’s very young, and she’s under
a lot of pressure from her family - to make this happen.
She’s really very sweet.
KARANTHIR:
Sweet? That’s not quite the word I’d use to describe her.
Still, I must admit - I like her spunk.
PHAE:
What do you think he meant when he said the Prince may not want a wife? All men want wives, don’t they?
ZAM:
I always thought so my dear. I have one myself.
PHAE:
He has to have a wife when he becomes the One - and why shouldn’t she be me? I’ll make him a wonderful wife.
ZAM:
Of course you will my dear.
SYRRAH:
Greetings. I did not know we were expecting guests.
KARANTHIR:
We weren’t, but do come in and join the fun.
KARANTHIR:
… Allow me to introduce you. This is Shichi, an old friend of mine, and his pet Zam …
ZAM:
I’m not his pet! What do you mean calling that?
KARANTHIR:
... And your future sister-in-law, Phae of Beren.
SHICHI & PHAE:
Honored One …
SYRRAH:
Please, call me Syrrah. I have always disliked the formalities that
come with my title. What was that you said about Phae?
KARANTHIR:
She’s here to marry Zyfan, whether he likes it or not, apparently.
PHAE:
That’s not what I said, exactly …
