The Emperor's Chambers

[Peony]

[enter]

Hm....[looks out the window]

Has a nice view

[yawns, drinks a glass of water, decides to leave for the bar]

[Peony]

[enters with Saphir]

[wipes his face with a towel then pours a bowl of rappig food for him]

[kicks a few books around to make room for Jade]

[Jade Curtiss]

[enters]

[almost trips over a runaway book]

[picks up the book and hands it to Peony]

Your Majesty...you've only just arrived and it looks like this?

[Peony]

Well I had to get myself comfortable.

[pours Jade a glass of water and has him sit down on one of the couches]

[removes a few books off the couch as well]

[sits down next to Jade]

[Jade Curtiss]

[takes the water and eyes Peony]

All right, Your Majesty. What did you really want to discuss?

[Peony]

[arches an eyebrow]

There's really nothing to discuss, Jade. I was just enjoying your company.

[stares at the water]

But if you insist, I must confess I still find myself being surprised at your fancy for the princess. However, I am truly happy for the both of you. What a lucky woman she is, to be able to charm the Necromancer. Or should I say how luck you are, to have found a beautiful woman to love and be loved in return? [grins]

[Jade Curtiss]

[looks at Peony]

[sighs]

You know about my childhood--it wasn't easy for me to make friends or should I say--"real" friends. People who didn't care about my abilities or how they could be used.

You were one of the few people who accepted me for who I was--as did Professor Nebilim.

[pause]

But, after she died, and you became Emperor, I thought I would never feel that again. So, I shut my emotions off as best I could, and existed--doing my job.

[pause]

Then, suddenly, I met a group of people who--at first--were scared of the "Necromancer," but gradually became my friends. Like you, they accept me for who I am, and aren't afraid--really--to put me in my place.

[pause]

For many years, I've always felt I didn't belong anywhere--but I know that I belong with Natalia. It's not logical, it doesn't make sense, but it's what I feel.

[looks at Peony]

Does that make sense, Peony?

[they're in private, he can call his friend that]

[Peony]

[looks back at Jade, smiling]

I'm glad to hear this, Jade, but I wanted to be sure first...if you're going to be happy with Natalia.

[clears throat]: So am I making your wedding suit as well?

[pets Saphir on the head]

[Jade Curtiss]

*facepalm*

Will it be tasteful?

Or do I have to wear something like this?

[points to the hat]

You know I hate hats.

[pause]

However, I do like the Battle Master outfit you designed.

[Peony]

[laughs and slaps Jade on the back]

Oh you put tears in my eyes. Thank you for putting up with my jokes. However, I do think that the hat is rather nice on you.

[feels a sense of pride] Thank you. I mean, I'm glad you like the Battle Master outfit.

And of course your suit will be tasteful. It is your wedding day after all. [smiles]

[Jade Curtiss]

[winces at Peony's slap]

Thank you, Peony.

[finishes his drink]

Would you be terribly upset if I went to look for my bride-to-be?

[Peony]

Of course not. I'll see you later. Thanks for helping me with Saphir.

[Jade Curtiss]

You're welcome.

And thank you for listening.

[picks up Natalia's gift and goes]

[Peony]

[walks around his chambers]

[picks up a book off the floor]

[decides to go look for the other rappigs....looks at the time...]

Never mind. I'll find them later...I'm sure Nephry will be fine.

[goes back to sleep]

[Peony]

[wakes up, washes face, munches on a granola bar, feeds Saphir, leaves]