WMMAP - [S2] Shelter You

4: Friendly Faces

They strode through the gateway silently afterward, and Lucas looked up at the crudely fitted stone overhead as the sunlight reflected from the sun disc in angles, the finish of its metal splendor and polished.

As they started to walk inside the main building, Felix let out a rumbling sigh.

"The last time you met His Excellency, he paid no mind to your attitude, since he was in a rush. He didn't even take a good look at you. I'm sure you remember that part. But this time, it is a formal meeting and he can be particular. So let me give you some advice."

"Advice?"

"Do not be distracted by the festivities of the aristocracies. He has a large entourage and they like to amuse themselves. Sometimes to excess. When you approach His Excellency, speak only in reply. Yours is not to question, but to answer and, above all, speak clearly in a measured tone."

"But I- Alright... Fine..."

He balled up his tantrums and followed his former commander, who was moving ahead through the ginormous hall toward its heart.

Just like the wall and gateway, the interior was a form of its glory, planned by master craftsmen. Walls fashioned from square-cut granite. Stepped gardens and flowers brought from every corner of the building garlanded its structures in vivid colors and wondrous scents.

He could see a cascade through the window. Its towers gleamed with silver and gold, and cool water flowed from the great fountain, running along great aqueducts that would never end.

"This is... way prettier than the one at the Arlanta Hospital..."

Athanasia bumped into Lucas' arm with her shoulder, glaring. The thing about her was, that whenever she tried not to be intimidating, even her look could kill. But if she did try to be daunting, she would fail miserably and only look like a preening bird, puffing out her chest in mating season.

With visible confusion on his face, Lucas asked, "What?"

"Why would you compare my house to a hospital!?"

"I didn't compare? I said it was prettier?"

"See?! You just admitted it!"

"What was I supposed to say? It is prettier!"

"You're doing it again!"

"Can you two not fight more than twice in one day?" Felix said, glancing behind his back, "It's like seeing two cubs nipping on each other."

"She started the argument for no reason!"

"He insulted my house!"

"Since when was it an insult!?"

"Since you started comparing?!"

"I DID NOT!"

Felix sighed and simply walked ahead, not even slowing down. "Make haste you two," he said.

The other two were still snarling their fangs at one another before Athanasia puffed her cheeks angrily and sprinted forward.

"Seriously? You and your woman's dictionary..."

He groaned loudly before jogging behind her, catching up with the older man as well.

"We are here," Felix said when Lucas just stood in the doorway, "Well, what are you waiting for? Go in already."

"Aren't you two supposed to... go in first?"

"And set up the red carpet for you?" Felix asked, pushing the boy to the door, "We will be right behind you. Just in case His Excellency tries to murder you if you sprout nonsense. But I should remind you that it was Lady Athanasia who wanted you to meet her father."