iah-vypren

[iah-vypren]

princexavion‌:

“Baby steps are always the best way to go. Hubris and pride always lead to destruction. It’s better to go slow and steady to make sure everything stays on the track it’s supposed to be on. You don’t want to miss something and end up causing mass mayhem or something.”

Iah nodded. “At times, I wish those thoughts would enter the heads of other nobility rather than be confined to the practice of science. Then again, could it not be said that all science is, to some extent, prideful?”

[iah-vypren]

princexavion‌:

“Exactly, I’m glad you understand where I’m coming from.” He would much rather work with the plant population than the animal population. Worst comes to worst with plants, he just had some bad seeds. With animals, havoc and chaos could run free easily.

“I guess people will someday want to move on to animals, but I think it’s better to start with plants. I’m loathe to feed any engineered fruits to humans before anything else.”

[iah-vypren]

princexavion‌:

“I got what you were going for. I think the term is called ‘genetic grafting’ but don’t hold me to it.” Even though he liked to think he was pretty knowledgeable, he had gone into the ‘trees section’ of it all. “Oh, no way. Animals are way too complex for me. I’d rather my experiments not be able to attack me if they get pissed off.”

Iah couldn’t stop his chuckles. “That is fair enough. An angry tree will simply stand there and stare at you for a while whereas an upset rat has teeth. Flowers are much safer. On top of that, animals will simply not yield any fruit.”

[iah-vypren]

princexavion‌:

“Trees? Well, trees don’t really ‘mate’ like animals can. I’m sure we could try but they take a whole lot longer than plants do. We’d probably have to use some careful magic to speed up the process. Just about anything is possible when it comes to nature. It might not all work but you never know until you try.”

“You’re right. Poor choice of words. What would be the correct term for combining two trees?” He knew the other was right. Without some sort of accelerated growth process, a tree would take years to mature. “This may be a bit taboo, but have you tried anything with animals?”

[iah-vypren]

theargiaviper‌:

Riku always had a motive under another motive. Helping Iah strengthen himself was important for his recovering and his reflection to those of court. He had a feeling his agenda was no different than those who trained their war horses to see if they would stand the task ahead of them. These sort of test would be no different than anyone that would groom a potential for their royal family. But even more for someone who would be queen. He probably took more interest in Iah then he would any betrothed of his younger brothers. Less concern and far less care to be as close to kind as he could be with them. For a moment he took to watching the flow of his breathing as he pushed to see how far his lungs cold be pushed. With a comforting laugh he stepped around to the front. “No apologies needed. You are expanding your lungs against the part of your that is injured most. Breathing is important so you need to know what is too much. Try again but keep it just before that pain your just felt. Do it a few more time until you find a steady, controlled rhythm.” As Iah continued and found his pace Riku took to building his breathing the prince moved to a far wall and picked up a bo staff. Twirling it around his hands while watching the other. “No I need you to stretch out you arms and raise you leg, see how far you can reach.” He waited till Iah tried it a bit before Riku, without warning, swung the tip towards Iah’s head. Giving him enough time to either duck or block. Well, maybe not enough if Iah was slow.

Iah knew to be part of the royal family, he had to be strong, stronger than anyone else in court. A queen was the person who supported the king, often behind the scenes. Without a queen willing to use any method available, one who would not allow barbs, physical or verbal, to phase them, the kingdom would be weak. Iah would not allow that to happen, which was part of the reason why he wanted to heal as quickly as possible. The other reason was Mencius. They hadn’t been able to even hug one another properly since his ribs had been injured. He nodded when given further instructions and continued to breathe. The pain returned, but he kept his face neutral. Growing up, he had been trained to hold his emotions in check. He was not to give anything away on his face. Once, twice, three more times he breathed deeply until he was able to hold a rhythm that still pained him but was just shy of intolerable. His eyes followed Riku and a hint of curiosity wound through him when the other retrieved the bo staff. Instead of questioning it, he raised his leg as instructed, focusing on reaching for it with his hands. Bending aggravated his ribs more, but he was able to reach his toes. He was about to speak when he saw the staff coming toward him. One hand shot over to block the blow, the wood hitting his arm and almost certain to bruise from the force. Still, he maintained his position. “Next exercise?” He would not back down, not complain. No. He was going to keep going through all of it, no matter what the prince threw at him.

[iah-vypren]

princexavion‌:

“Who’s to say what’ll happen? We just have to wait until it’s fully ripened.” He was glad that he could share his more scientific interests with someone. He never minded working alone but having a fellow scientist with him definitely had its benefits. “If the seeds work the way they work for the two base fruits, I don’t see why they can’t.”

Iah was more of a researcher than a scientist, learning through books and past works rather than his own experiments, but he was highly interested in branching out. “Would you consider mating two trees for stronger wood?” In his mind, he was working through how different plants could help their kingdoms.

[iah-vypren]

theargiaviper‌:

As the servants started to leave, closing the doors behind them, he could see the way Iah tensed up a bit. He could only imagine what thoughts were running through his brother’s betrothed’s head. Amused he finished the rest of his fruit and tried not to choke from his buried laughter. “Do not fear, Iah. I will not put you through anything too extensive. Your well being is as important to me as it is my brother…“ A bit of lie. “…and while our methods may differ I will not push you beyond your limits. Just help you better understand what your limits are.” Riku believed many put themselves at a disadvantage, setting their limits out of fear. But it was when you pushed past the boundaries of what you believed your limitations were is when you truly understood your potential. Not that he was trying to change Iah’s life in that moment. Just help where he could. “For now I just need you to stand here in the center of the room and breath for me. Take a deep inhale as much as you can before you start to feel any pain…then take the next breath a little deeper to see how much of the pain you can tolerate.” When he stopped he stood behind Iah, watching how he managed with the minor breathing exercise before they moved on.

Iah wanted to believe Riku, but he knew he was not as strong as the other man. His words were more of a weapon to him than any sword. Exercise was done to keep himself in shape to fight, but not beyond that. With his injuries, he had not been able to do nearly as much work as he would have liked. “Thank you for this,” he replied, nodding. Riku didn’t have to do any of this and Iah was determined to prove to the prince that he was capable even while injured. He stretched his arms over his head in preparation for...whatever was going to happen. If he was going to be part of this family, he needed to learn to trust them. His own family was less than trustworthy and he was well aware of that fact. This, he hoped, would be better. Nodding, he moved toward the center of the room, surprised at the simple request. However, it would not be as easy as it should have been. Slowly, he began to breathe in, filling his lungs for a solid few seconds, almost two thirds of the way full, before his ribs screamed for him to stop and he was forced to exhale. Again, he did as instructed, managing to get a bit further before he once again had to release his breath. “My apologies,” he coughed, “a bit of breathing should not be this difficult.”

[iah-vypren]

princexavion‌:

“Well, it’s growing to be about the size of an apple but it’s got the skin color of a strawberry. I think it’s something better visually seen than just spoken of.” He was trying to improve at drawing for that very reason. He wanted to be able to sketch his specimens and show people, as opposed to just pulling information from his brain. “Of course you can see. If you’re gonna help me, you should see everything.”

Iah’s eyes widened as Xavion continued to describe the fruit. “That’s incredible!” He made no move to hide his excitement. “Perhaps the seeds will grow on the outside like a strawberry. Do you think it is possible to have animals carry the seeds?”

[iah-vypren]

princexavion‌:

“I’m in the process of working with that, actually. Some fruits just won’t grow together but I think I’ve got an apple-strawberry hybrid coming along nicely.” He himself didn’t think something like that would work but the wonders of science proved him wrong. It wasn’t fully ripened yet but it was growing healthy and strong each day. He might be on the verge of something great.

“What does it look like?” Humans of different backgrounds tended to be a mix of their parents. He wondered if fruit would be the same way or if nature would simply decide that the combination would appear as only one contributor. “If you would permit me, I would love to see it.”

[iah-vypren]

theargiaviper‌:

“Pain is unavoidable. Allowing yourself to hold back because of it is a weakness you should try breaking from.” His words seemed cold but that was as close to concern or ‘comfort’ as Rike was capable of. “There were some exercise you can do to strengthen the parts of your body that are not injured. I am assuming it is your ribs or something in this area…” Pointing his finger to the point of the body that Iah appeared to be showing very little movement. “…but I have no methods that will not require some pain. Teaching you to manage it better is possible…but my methods might have my brother after my head so best not push it. One Argos after me is enough.” With a wave a look he gave manner the servants of the room knew well enough. All in attendance exiting the room. Dismissing them to give the two future in laws privacy. “Ah. The delicate pendulum of royal etiquette. When to appear respectful without seeming to be meek and bowing down to another. It was one of my hardest lessons to learn so I commend you for seeing such.” Point for Iah. Might have seemed crude to be rating someone who loved his brother, and vice versa. But one should not be welcomed into their bloodline just for the sack of what the heart wanted.

Iah had to nod. The prince was right and he would get nowhere avoiding pain completely. All he needed to do was keep Mencius out of it. While he knew his betrothed wanted him to get better, the man had been a bit overprotective since the attack and would likely try to get him to stay still. “Thank you,” he replied, “If you would be so kind, I would greatly appreciate learning a few exercises. Pain is not something I have an issue with.” It was oftentimes necessary to build to greater strength. He placed a hand over his mouth to hide the small laugh that threatened to leave him. “Should Mencius become upset, I will do everything I can to see that you do not become a target.” He didn’t want to be the cause of a family fighting among themselves. That was hardly a good idea or his goal here. For his part, Iah wanted to be a part of the family, outside of the desires of his own family. His eyes followed the servants who were exiting the room. Perhaps he should have been nervous. He was weakened and even at full health, he doubted he would be able to fight against Riku well. However, he had to trust him. “I have been trained for most of my life to walk along that line,” he continued. “it truly is a compliment to know I am passing.”

[iah-vypren]

princexavion‌:

“Well, if it would’ve tasted better, I would’ve kept growing more and more of them. Since they didn’t though, I just gave the few I had a way to the people that wanted to try them.” He was a bit of a perfectionist in that way and he was more than aware of himself enough to know that. He tried to work on that but there were some areas where he was less compromising than others.

Iah nodded. That made perfect sense. Anything that could be used, should be, although he could see how such thinking about end with terrible situations quickly. “What about a combination of apples and some kind of berry? Those seem to be paired a great deal.”

[iah-vypren]

princexavion:

“The only thing I really managed to create a hybrid of a lemon and an apple. It had the shape of an apple without the sourness of the lemon. It didn’t taste the best but it was definitely something I’d never seen before. I’ve also made a few flowers here and there but nothing major on that front.”

“Only?” he asked, a smile on his lips, “that is certainly impressive for ‘only’, I wonder what you would consider a great accomplishment.” If asked, Iah would have said such a thing was impossible. “What were you planning to do with it had it tasted better?” 

[iah-vypren]

princexavion‌:

“I’ve done a couple of things before, yeah.” His most successful venture was the cross-breeding of a lemon and an apple. He was just messing with things and was surprised as anyone else when a new fruit started to grow before his very eyes. There was a major difference between reading about how to do something and actually doing it.

“What have you done?” Iah wanted to everything that had come before. He wouldn’t be much help if he was suggesting things that had already been in charge. “I regret to say I haven’t done much since school, but I am capable of finding anything you need.” Supplies and information were what he was good at finding and he thought he might be useful that way while he learned.

[iah-vypren]

princexavion:

When it came to science, just about anything was possible. That was the whole point behind it. You were supposed to experiment and try so many different things to see what would work. “Sure, I wouldn’t mind. I don’t really know what I’m doing when it comes to that. So, an extra brain couldn’t hurt, right?”

“Have you performed experiments before?” Iah wasn’t a scientist and never claimed to be, but he was eager to help. The library within the castle should be a decent place to start and perhaps he could see if there were any mages experienced in plant life. Magic and science were not the same, but they could help one another. 

[iah-vypren]

studiouskenji‌:

Kenji gave a nod as he smiled at Iah. “I am fine. Looking for a new bag to carry my things. I’ve worn my out to the point that it is starting to break down,” he told him with a chuckle. He looked over the male before putting a hand on his shoulder. “Why are you out when you’re not fully healed? I heard that you hurt your ribs and being out walking and doing things could agitate it and only keep you from healing,” he explained. “Do you have a gentleman in waiting with you from the castle to help? You’re going to be married to the crowned prince you should be using as many of his staff as you can.”

“Have you found any shops to your liking?” he asked, “if not, I know a merchant not far from here that sells wonderfully crafted bags that may interest you.” His eyes moved to the hand rested on his shoulder. “It is kind of you to think of my health, but I assure you, I am perfectly fine.” That was a lie, but he was not going to admit any sort of weakness. As long as he could walk, he would be fine. “Before the betrothal, I got along well without others following me and I can do so again.” Having a guard or gentleman in waiting behind him at all times was something he was still getting used to.

[iah-vypren]

theargiaviper‌:

“Nonsense. Mother practically designed this entire castle to be fitted for formal matters of all cause.” Amused by his own wit as he smirked. Hoping the words did not go further than this room given Riku was still dodging his encounter with his mother. The last thing he needed was to greet Aeneas with his play at humor. With sharp eyes he watched Iah in his stance. Looking for any points of weakness he should be noted of. It wasn’t anything out the ordinary for him. Taking in the small details that could be used or just for informational purpose. “It is good for you to be up. The muscles grow weak if you lie in bed too long.” He waved a hand a summoned a near by servant closer with a bowl of fruit. Taking a soft peach like piece into his hand he took a bite before gesturing Iah toward the offering. “So tell me? Have you and brother decided when you will solidify your union. I can understand if all that is going on his putting some delay into the matter. But it would be good for the people to have something to celebrate.” Plus it would give Argia a chance to show how to entertain an event without bloodshed like in Valtolia.

Iah looked around again at the prince’s statement and couldn’t help but nod, his hand coming up to hide the small grin. “The queen has certainly made the castle beautiful.” Truth be told, Aeneas scared him and yet Iah also admired the queen very much. He wanted to be even half the queen Aeneas was. Having the prince look at him, Iah could recognize such a gaze, looking for weak points. Iha had one of his own, but it did not seek out the physical. Instead, he worked to find the weaknesses in a person’s reputation, their mind, anything he could use to bring them down without shedding blood. His family had been impressed upon him that skill since his birth. “That was my thought,” he replied, “Unfortunately, I have yet to find any form of exercise aside from light walking that doesn’t cause a good deal of pain.” His ribs would take time to heal, longer than the rest of his injuries, and that frustrated him greatly. Taking the fruit, he thanked the prince before biting into it. “We have a basic time,” he replied, “but the date is still very much to be decided. Too soon and it could appear as though we think the tragedy in Valtolia was not important.”

[iah-vypren]

theargiaviper‌:

Riku held the pose for a beat or more after Iah announced he took up some space behind him. He didn’t speak at first when his eyes turned to acknowledge his brother’s chosen with nothing more than a nod. Coming to rest and then taking a bow towards a statue of Sophius he was fine with ending his exercise early, as long as he ended it properly. “Nonsense. No apology needed.” Stepping down from the stone he stood Riku approached Iah with a bit of distance between them. He was never overly warm with those within his family, and those outside might get a cold sense of his nature. But Iah was Argia’s betrothed. One day he would be queen. In that Riku had to open himself up more than he would another stranger. His respect would come later. “Iah, I am pleased to finally meet you formally. Have you been resting well? I heard word you were inured.”

Iah waited, patient. He was the one who had interrupted and thus was the one to wait. It wasn’t as though he had anywhere pressing to be. His only goal was to get out of his room and walk through the halls of the castle. So long as neither the doctors nor Mencius spotted him, he decided he was alright. A light smile graced his face when the prince walked over to toward him. He knew the other man was not the most overtly affectionate, even with his own family. Iah was an outsider, barely connected at all. “As am I,” he replied, “I regret that we were not able to meet formally sooner and this is hardly what I would call formal.” He nodded toward the decor of the room. While nice, he wouldn’t say it was anything like a true introduction. “My injuries are healing well. The doctors have been most helpful.”