Fated Pair Old IC Thread

While flying to the observation deck had certainly been tempting, Kota had decided not to risk being distracted by an aerial view of the Crucible quite yet. As things were, the glimpses of its structure and functionality he managed while ascending the tower were engrossing enough; so much that, once he reached the top and had an unrestricted view, it took him a few moments to notice Akileija was already there. Her choice of attire in such a private moment - practical rather than needlessly frilly or decorative - was hopefully a reassuring hint towards how she viewed her new station. Kota's own clothing was intended to be a compromise between work-wear and something befitting royalty in style; it still leaned towards a military cut, but with ease of movement and tool access in mind over stiff formality, and the tailor had assured him its design included several traditional Magikarp Pass motifs. A one-piece coverall affair with some clever stitching to appear otherwise, the sleeves and pants had cuffs that could be easily rolled up and secured at knees and elbows. The material was purported to be a breathable fabric that was also resilient enough to survive the occasional shower of sparks, embers, chemicals, or shrapnel mostly unscathed, and the entire upper half could be slipped off and tied around the waist if Kota needed relief from the heat of forge-work.

Akileija seemed approachable enough, but Kota was at a loss to start a conversation - this was the first moment he'd really had the opportunity to, and he hadn't spared a thought towards what might make a good icebreaker beforehand. Silently cursing his foolishness, he was relieved by Purpura's pronouncement before the silence had a chance to grow awkward. It seemed he'd arrived right on time, or the Timeless had simply decided to start as soon as they were both present. Thus conversation began with matters of state, a familiar and comfortable subject even if it was in an entirely unfamiliar setting. Kota accepted the seal solemnly, nodding along with Akilieja's sentiment. "While I'm well familiar with the logistics of running an empire and the expectations of leadership, it's true that I... have not been groomed to take a throne," he admitted with some resentment - towards his self-perceived lack of knowledge, it seemed, rather than his unexpected promotion. "I am certain whatever insights you may be able to provide, both on the management of this Kingdom and the nature of Heatran should it become relevant, will be invaluable."

Kota frowned as Akileija pointed out the Champion's absence - he was still uncertain how to feel about the man, but though he hoped to get to know Shi better, he'd been relieved not to have another important event (even one on a much smaller and less public scale) interrupted by any drunken antics. The frown deepened to an outright scowl as Purpura let opinion of Shi's vices color its answer. Even if the man had an unfortunate reputation, it felt rash to make baseless assumptions. "If Shi is, for whatever reason, unavailable come morning - I must insist on a more accurate report of his investigation, if one can be prepared," Kota ordered with a curt shake of his head. "For now, Purpura, I believe it would be best if the Queen and I take this opportunity to confer in private." He glanced at the other Timeless that had barely acknowledged their presence so far. "... relatively speaking."

Once the Timeless had taken its leave, Kota took a moment to appreciate the sunset, trying to see it as Akileija seemed to - while he was not immune to the beauty of nature, aesthetics had always taken a back seat to other concerns in Kota's eyes. Indeed, his first thoughts once she'd pointed it out had involved how an invader or defender might use the contrast of twilight's fading light and encroaching shadows to their advantage in such terrain. After a minute or so, he arched a questioning eyebrow towards Akileija, gesturing for her to join him at a bench near one of the telescopes.

"So," Kota began awkwardly before clearing his throat, looking away to fix his gaze on the scenery below. "I suppose... we have a unique luxury for a pair in our position. Most royals thrust into a sudden marriage aren't given time to acclimate separately afterwards. Yet. I... believe it's important we communicate, as often and openly as possible, if our reign is to be successful..?" Despite the assurance with which he usually spoke, he trailed off hesitantly - he hoped she agreed, but wasn't trying to strongarm her into anything she didn't want. "You spoke little during the ceremony today - though that may have been wise," he added quickly, "given how... mercurial the crowd turned out to be. It's fortunate we were able to keep things relatively under control. But... I'd like to hear your thoughts on the whole affair."

Kota nodded grimly. "I intend to. Whether Shi thinks we need to know all the details or not." Akileija's professed awkwardness of speech made him feel a bit better about his own in the current conversation, but was also more than a little troubling - would he be doing all the talking in court? He enjoyed a good debate, but as King he would have to take a more forceful approach rather than an argumentative one in his decrees, and having her support in more than just demure nods and the like would be important.

Maybe that was something they should discuss, too. But Kota didn't want to alienate her so soon, if it was an embarrassing subject. Perhaps a calculated lightening of the mood was in order. Something to give them some common ground. Even if he might lose a bit of face in the process.

"So. Your... adviser, Kazmir. You two seemed quite... familiar with each other." He didn't turn to face her, his gaze locked on a slowly crawling structure far below.

"We have some history," Kota snapped curtly, then recomposed himself for a moment before elaborating. "At the University. During his time there he decided we were some sort of rivals, I think. I didn't believe him worthy of it - you must understand, he made himself a flunkie to the most deplorable sorts of people - but I think he took some perverse pleasure out of trying to test me." Perverse certainly seemed like the right word, after the way the ninja had been clowning around earlier. "In the end I underestimated him, and he made a fool of me," he finished ruefully. "Though I doubt it was his intent, he taught me a few lessons that have proven valuable in ways that the University's curriculum - and the way most other students deferred to me - could not. But I can't say I was pleased to see him again, let alone in a position of influence so close to me. And to you." Kota's frustration at the indignity was apparent. "If you believe you can trust Kazmir, I'll give him the benefit of the doubt for now. But I wouldn't put it past him to clandestinely undermine me, even while supporting you, if he's still clinging to that childish rivalry. I must hope he doesn't take things far enough that the Kingdom itself is endangered. I... trust you to intervene if that happens. Before anything goes that far."

Kota sighed heavily, his shoulders straightening a bit. "And, I believe, I've grown into a wiser man since then. I can hope it's wisdom enough to rise to any challenge he may offer me."