“We do when we see fit to exercise such authority. At the moment, it has not been considered due to our current circumstances, but in the past it was not an uncommon practice. The union of two powerful bloodlines is a strategic choice by family heads to create a peaceful bond in hopes of avoiding potential power struggles within the Kinkou Order.
“If not for the sake of peace, arranged marriages also help to ensure ‘healthy’ heirs. There is a period of courtship in case any problems arise. Usually, it is not an issue. Either way, if the Kinkou Elders will it, it is done.”
“If… that is what is necessary, then, yes. Aka– The Fist of Shadow and the Eye of Twilight… it is not an unexpected union, but it is a duty to be fulfilled for another time though…. ahem.”
The sun beating down on the compound made the day all the more unbearable. He honestly didn’t know which was worse: doing intensive drills or weekends off. It was either some insane training that left him feeling as though his arms were ready to pop off his shoulders, or it was listening to the elders talk his ears off. He might not have minded so much if, for once in their wrinkly lives, they didn’t dote on everyone one sentence and then nag them to death the next, or if they could just blather about something else other than last week’s winning game of xingqi. However, nothing could compare to having to sit through a never-ending stream of compliments.
“Your lucky numbers,” the old lady was squinting through her reading glasses at a small, fat calendar book, “are two, eight, and nine.” Her face immediately beamed with some semblance of pride at Father for siring a “lucky, lucky boy” under favorable weather. He shuddered slightly not wanting to think how that was supposed to be so exciting. She continued reading through the list of traits and seemed to nod at how accurate the horoscopes were for Shen.
“Con,” the old lady was referring to Father, so that meant he could tune the rest out and drink more of his tea. At this point, he had downed enough of the flower tea to make a worthy excuse - his favorite one - to leave and take a leak. He bowed out and slid the shoji aside quickly but quietly, heading out onto the courtyard porch. He slid on his thick sandals and padded his away under the shade toward the direction of the bathroom, which was only a couple of rooms down the hall.
Of course, he veered off from the path as soon as he was out of sight. Plopping himself down against one of the posts, he crossed his arms and shook his head. It was always hard trying to dismiss half an hour’s worth of fogy prattle. He just didn’t get it and he didn’t get why the elders didn’t get it either. He drew up his knees and mulled over his thoughts. He was the elder child, but apparently that didn’t mean anything. Truthfully, he could accept that given his circumstances; blood inheritance was important to the clan after all. But still, he hugged his knees and rested his chin atop them, why did that mean he deserved less?
He had his shortcomings, certainly, but it was with age that he would get better, he gnawed on the inside of his cheek. That was the natural progression of things. Most importantly though, he had his talents. They were surely different from Shen’s area of expertise, but despite that he was very much equal at least.
Yet every time the three of them were in a room, it was always “Shen this” and “Shen that.” The golden child.
It had Zed vaguely wondering back to what the old lady had said about their zodiacs. He thought smugly to himself, he had gotten good at being able to pick up the interesting bits that the elders would say on occasion.
“That snake,” Zed hissed mockingly. According to the book, it made perfect sense why Shen was such a perfectionist. No snake in the grass likes to be beat. Once one of these slippery animals got their sights on their goal, they were admirably determined but also stupidly narrow-minded. Shen was always aiming to please, even though there was no pleasing these adults.
“S for ‘snake’ and S for Shen.” he said aloud. He could laugh all day about the Snake, but he couldn’t even force a fake chuckle at that.
Gold Snake. Shen was a Gold Snake. Shen was a Gold Snake and the Golden Child.
“Everything adds up for Shen.” Zed squeezed his robe and sighed. “It always does…” He had been gone long enough that they probably suspected him of having bad food. That brought half a smirk to his face. Well, he could possibly get out of having to eat vegetarian. Either way, it was time to head back. Break was over, so he shot to his feet. Before he could think about dusting his clothes, he felt his soul had suddenly left him, as Father’s shadow was cast on his now paling face.
A heavy hand fell upon his shoulder, as Father looked down on him for being disrespectful to company again. Zed barely managed a weak smile. If it weren’t for that steadying grip, he would have wobbled and backed into the wooden post behind him. That petrifying gaze was only reserved for him it seemed. Father was staring at him with that piercing yellow look of his. Zed gulped, preparing for the second lecture to come.
“What took you so long?” the authoritative voice made him flinch. He wasn’t even given a chance to answer. “Other people may want to use the bathroom. Don’t take so long. That’s inconsiderate.”
“But what if I can’t help it?” He couldn’t hold his defensive tongue. As soon as he blurted out those words, he knew he made a mistake. He just couldn’t help it. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.
“Zed.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Zed,” The Eye of Twilight repeated. “Look at me when I’m talking to you.”
“Yessir.” Gradually, he brought his meek gaze up to meet Father’s. Even though Father was barely expressive, it didn’t take a genius to tell when Father was angry with his adopted kid for unruly behavior. Right now, he swallowed the breath he held, Father was actually not angry.
As if his father could read his thoughts, Father was shaking his head. His shoulder was given another firm squeeze. “You’re a golden child, too. You’re my Gold Dragon, Zed.” With another pat, Father walked off.
Granny? She was talking about his horoscope when he was out here, wasn’t she? Many words ran through his mind and the only thing that came out was, “Y-you’re not mad at me?” That stopped Father dead in his tracks.
Father looked over his shoulder with a dangerous smile on his face. “Of course I am. I can’t use the same excuse my son just used.”
Zed stared at his father’s back with his mouth agape.
[[I have a question about Ionia, what is there main mode of transport between different parts of the city?]]
Shen leaned back against the rough bark of a maple. He folded his arms and took a moment to settle himself before speaking.
“The main mode of transportation depends on the starting point, the route, and the destination. For shorter distances, people travel by foot. While for longer distances, it is by cart and beasts of burden. Ionia is home to a mixture of many different types of terrain. Truly it depends if one is crossing broad plains, plateaus of varying levels of high ground, steppes, or mountainous passages. Regardless, the Kinkou find it much faster using their own strengths.”
The Eye of Twilight nodded his head slightly, signaling that he was finished unless there were further questions he needed to clarify.
In preparation for the New Year, Ionia celebrates the Winter Solstice. The festival is considered extremely important to Ionian culture. It begins in the early morning and lasts until the next day. Unlike many other Ionian holidays, the Winter Solstice is a quieter, more personal affair, held with family and loved ones rather than celebrated on the streets. The Capital, does, however, set up hundreds of lanterns and lights and will play music throughout the entire day.
Due to the personal nature of the Winter Solstice, the exact ongoings can vary.
In general, special, colorful dumplings are prepared. These are eaten only on the Winter Solstice and their names change depending on where you are. It is common to offer these up to the ancestors, as well. Closer to the capital, it is also common to prepare a nine layer steamed cake. Family members will write the names of ancestors on it. A thin, decorative bowl made of sugar is set on top and each person writes a note with a wish or thought to set inside. At midnight, the bowl is set above a fire, where it melts and the notes are said to be sent to the ancestors.
People will often share stories, sing songs, and exchange small, thoughtful gifts - almost always handmade. These include food, trinkets, and even artwork.
In more remote locations, families have a special canvas they keep for years. The canvas's material changes from family to family, from a stiff paper like substance to leather. Family members will write their name and a wish every Winter Solstice to watch as their loved ones change and grow, as well as honor those who have passed. Children are encouraged to draw small pictures on the canvas.
Each family prepares a large dinner during the Winter Solstice, as well. It's very common for neighbors to exchange different foods with each other.
The most important thing to an Ionian about the Winter Solstice is to see the constant growth and change in themselves. While it is a close, family oriented holiday, it also one filled with much personal insight.
I don't personally feel like Ionia gets snow, except for perhaps the extremely mountainous parts. It's a sort of tropical island nation and at best, it gets to be very cold but never to the point it will snow. Anyone else want to give their thoughts on it?
