Of Heaven And Life

Let Me Tell You A Story

Arthur gazed at the peacock before him, his senses overwhelmed. Though, Arthur did not know much about Shennam's history or culture, he had read up on who Zhongnu was and what he had done.

Zhongnu's features were striking. He was taller than almost any other peacock, but he was not lanky. Instead he was vast, built like a fortress wall, his shoulders so far apart that they nearly looked out of proportion. His beak, lined by distinct facial feathering, was like slate and his eyes were wise and studious orbs of lead.

His robes were red and gold with a distinct golden cape draped over his right shoulder, and a dagger on his right hip. On the left side of his chest, about a dozen or so military medals and awards, only his most prestigious, decorated his chest. 

Arthur walked towards the mighty peacock, with the guard at his back, making sure he doesn't make any suspicious moves. His deep, foreign-accented voice yelled to Zhongnu.

"Excuse me, your highness, I came here to talk with you!" Arthur shouted across the room, to which the guards and other courtiers responded with wary glances, noting Arthur's lack of decorum.

Without warning, the great peacock heaved up from his throne, his full height revealed. He looked at the smaller peacock, and walked towards him. As he did so, the other courtiers seemingly waited with bated breath, their jaws dropped slightly open at Arthur's audacity.

"Your highness..? Could we talk in some room a bit more... ...private? I get uncomfortable when there are a lot of people around me..." Arthur asked the Emperor, his voice wavering slightly.

Zhongnu, saying nothing, continued to stalk towards Arthur. His talons, plated with gold, moved to and from the folds of his elegant robe. His eyes locked directly with Arthur's, a chilling gaze that could make the bravest warrior falter.

"I admire your nerve." He states. His voice, deep and resonant, bounces off the stone walls of the throne room with a boom.

Even though Arthur was standing rather than bowing, as he ought to in front of royalty, Zhongnu towered over him. The large peacock eyed him with suspicion, a subtle fire burning behind his eyes. 

"I admire how proud you are... walking with those medals on your chest, on your fine silks."

Zhongnu scoffed.

"Why... ...do you like what you see?" He teased. "If you wish to go somewhere more private, I can have the servants set up the tea room." he says, looking at Arthur. "But, please, may I have the pleasure of knowing your name?" Zhongnu says, his chest puffing out with pride. However, Arthur can tell that something isn't quite right.

Despite Zhongnu's overwhelming presence, Arthur refuses to back down, his gaze meeting Zhongnu's.

"It's not about whether I like it or not... ...I've just never seen someone as prideful as you. Anyways, I accept the offer of the tea room." Arthur said.

Zhongnu extended a wing towards a doorway, as the tone of his voice became softer and less overpowering. "Very well... " He said, as he let Arthur go before him and excused the guard that was at his back. He followed Arthur, examining the peacock's rags.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Arthur. You don't sound Shennamese." Zhongnu inquired.

"Because I'm not. I'm new here." Arthur said, as he turned a corner into the tea room, one of several in Zhongnu's vast palace. He inspected the room, with its elegant black, red and gold decoration. "You have nice decoration here. Was this your idea..?"

Zhongnu made his way to a cushion on the floor on one side of a low table. He gestured to another cushion, inviting Arthur to sit.

"Well, I personally welcome you to our country. Are you a diplomat of some sort? And yes, indeed, I designed this interior myself." Zhongnu replied.