I watch the lion-kin, now frozen in their tracks at my telepathic message, with amusement and curiosity. I've been completely engrossed in their preceding conversation, despite their attempts at whispering, and their continued use of what I assume is some cat-kin language – probably lion-kin tongue, since the cat-kin soldiers didn't react to it earlier.
Based on what I heard, it's clear I made the right decision in not revealing my comprehension of their 'private' conversations sooner. For one, I now know that while King Mufaza seemingly holds the most official power within their society, Queen Lyra may hold more functional influence. Naturally, it's also clear they have tremendous faith in whatever this aura ability of the Prince is, to the point that further deception about my 'true' race and power seems almost pointless. At least, with respect to the lion-kin royal family. Whether revealing my connection to the elves is acceptable or not...I'm not sure yet.
Still, their conversation has been very useful in giving me impressions of them as people, especially Queen Lyra, to the point that I feel comfortable being a little more open with them like I was with Teyla. Of course, it hasn't escaped my notice that they want to subtly isolate Teyla and Zara as some kind of collateral in case I become hostile. However, that doesn't seem to me like an unreasonable action on their part, and I can easily leave magic armor activated on them strong enough to ensure their safety.
So, why did I feel the need to interrupt that discussion telepathically, simultaneously revealing that I am aware of everything they discussed and insinuating their heir should be my own collateral? Well, for one, I actually would like a tour of their city when we get there, since I'm not really needed for negotiations, and the Prince seems like the best choice to accompany me. I consider his mother a necessary presence for Zara's and Teyla's negotiations to be taken seriously, and his father doesn't really interest me. Plus, there's the Prince's ability, which I'd very much like to learn about.
Other than that...yeah, I might just want to see them freak out a little bit. For my own entertainment. It occurs to me that, perhaps, Nina is rubbing off on me more than I'd like to admit...
Noticing how the lion-kin's steps have abruptly halted a few meters in front of us, Teyla inquires apprehensively.
"Your Majesties...is there a problem?" (Teyla)
The lion-kin turn around slowly, all of their eyes drifting to me in a nearly synchronized manner, which inevitably causes Teyla and Zara to look at me suspiciously as well. I give my companions a wry grin and shrug.
"What? They were discussing plans about us, so I just thought I'd be helpful and make some suggestions." (Mizuki)
Realization dawns on their faces. I see a flicker of resigned amusement from Zara, while Teyla stares at me in annoyance. Surprisingly though, Queen Lyra is the first to collect herself and respond, her demeanor impressively calm as she studies me.
"How?" (Lyra)
I don't have to ask her what she's referring to – how did I follow their conversation? I'm briefly intrigued that she didn't jump straight to assuming I can actually speak their language, wondering if she's trying to probe me about my general abilities, but I'm not particularly inclined to satisfy her curiosity before my own. Plus, now that I know I don't have any personal goals necessary to fulfill here, nor is it worth worrying about continuing my human charade, I'm feeling a little uninhibited. So, I just give her a small, knowing smile and raise a hand, wriggling my fingers playfully.
"Magic!" (Mizuki)
The Queen's expression turns bewildered. Meanwhile, Zara, understandably missing some context, interjects flatly, looking at me with a patient but expectant gaze.
"Mizuki...could you please explain?" (Zara)
Losing my playful demeanor, I nod at her apologetically.
"Right, sorry..." (Mizuki)
I proceed to very briefly summarize the secret conversations that have transpired with me and the lion-kin, starting with the Prince's comment about my aura earlier, followed by the highlights of their subsequent debate about me. Of course, I gloss over their less good-natured reasons for separating me from Teyla and Zara, to avoid jeopardizing any diplomacy, but I make sure to do so with a pointed look at the Queen. She seems to get the message, judging my the sudden tension in her posture. Finally, I reiterate the idea about the Prince and me touring the city, suggesting he and I can answer one another's questions while the rest of them have diplomatic talks.
When I finish, Zara is studying the Prince with unconcealed interest, making her thoughts clear.
"That's quite an impressive ability...no wonder Mizuki responded as he did. Nobody has ever been able to see him for what he is unless he allowed it." (Zara)
However, Teyla is wearing an incredulous expression, her concerns obviously...different.
"You're going to answer questions about yourself? Just like that?" (Teyla)
She glares at me, her voice carrying a hint of dissatisfaction and perhaps...jealousy? I guess I did basically coerce her into a death gamble for the same privilege, but then again, it's not my fault that the lion-kin Prince is more interesting than her.
Instead of answering Teyla immediately, I let my gaze sweep across the Queen, before settling on the Prince, who seems to freeze when our eyes meet. I smile in amusement, responding to Teyla without looking at her.
"Well, yes...but only if it's during a private conversation with the Prince here." (Mizuki)
I look back towards the Queen expectantly, ignoring the deepening frown on Teyla's face. Lyra studies me with a conflicted expression, while the King is much less hesitant to opine. His voice is terse, his gaze vaguely threatening.
"Absolutely not..." (Mufaza)
I can't help but roll my eyes at the King's response. Because I never demanded the Prince come with me alone, and because they were just plotting to isolate Teyla and Zara from me. But most of all, it's because despite how much they've been panicking about the danger I represent, he's acting like I'd need underhanded methods to hurt the Prince. It's ridiculous.
Nevertheless, I don't say any of this. I don't point out the stupidity of him suddenly getting all hostile with me, or jumping to conclusions. Instead, I just shrug at the King dismissively.
"It was only a suggestion, an amendment to your own ill-advised plan. If the Prince doesn't want to, then so be it. Just don't expect me to indulge your curiosity." (Mizuki)
The King gives me a surprised look. Whether it's due to my unexpected capitulation, or the fact that I'm no longer hiding my dismissive view of him, I don't know. However, given Teyla's and Zara's frazzled expressions, I'd guess it's at least partly the latter.
The Queen's voice suddenly cuts through the brief silence.
"I'm sure the Prince doesn't mind accompanying you around the city. Right, Nareen?" (Lyra)
I turn my gaze to the Queen, surprise flickering across my expression. I notice that the Prince – Nareen, it seems – is also staring at the Queen wide-eyed, plainly shocked by her response. I assume it's due to fear over his mother candidly thrusting him into my 'care', but...
"You'll really let me do it?" (Nareen)
There's an unmistakable hint of excitement in his voice, mixed with his surprise. If he has any reservations about being my tour guide, it certainly doesn't show. Is this kid for real?
The Queen raises her eyebrows at the Prince, ignoring my and her husband's equally shocked stares.
"Is there a reason I should not?" (Queen)
Nareen shakes his head hurriedly, his feline eyes widening comically.
"No, no! I can do it!" (Nareen)
Without waiting for a response, Nareen quickly turns to me. He coughs lightly, quickly calming himself into a more stately demeanor, as though I didn't just watch him behave like a toddler who got chosen to take the class pet home for a week.
"Ehem...I'd be happy to show you around the city Great Dra-, err...Lord Mizuki?" (Nareen)
His voice trails off uncertainly, clearly now feeling that I deserve a more respectful address, but unsure what exactly that would be. I don't miss how he nearly calls me 'Great Dragon' – the same title that I've heard most races of Azura address Nina with once they learn who she is. Putting his obvious thoughts about my identity aside for now, though, I give a quiet sigh and wave dismissively.
"Just Mizuki is fine..." (Mizuki)
¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬
Some time later, after an awkwardly quiet walk, their group reaches Mane City. Their arrival draws significant attention from the guards and residents, not just due to the royals' presences, but also Mizuki's group's obvious status as outsiders. The royals are quick to categorize their three visitors as esteemed guests, identifying Teyla and Zara explicitly, and subtly impress upon the guards that none of them – especially Mizuki – are to be inconvenienced under any circumstances.
Then, Nareen leads Mizuki away with a baffling amount of enthusiasm, the others watching them go with different emotions in their hearts. The Queen, Skara, and especially the King, feel a kind of helpless unease watching Nareen go off alone with their mysterious visitor. Zara wears a deeply contemplative expression.
But Teyla...she watches after Mizuki with a scowl.
'I can't believe that asshole's just ditching us! After I came all the way here with him, just-'
Her rising anger is cut off by the Queen's voice, who is looking at them with a strained smile.
"Please, follow us..." (Lyra)
Caught off guard by the interruption, Teyla just nods absentmindedly and falls into step behind the lion-kin as they begin leading her and Zara deeper into the city. Almost immediately after, with Mizuki finally out of sight, the King initiates a string of insistent arguing with the Queen in a low voice.
Naturally, they're speaking in lion-kin tongue, so Teyla has no idea what they're saying. However, based on what she saw earlier in the forest, she's sure it's about the King's dissatisfaction over sending the Prince off with Mizuki. With nothing else to do while they walk, her eyes begin roaming the city around her.
In terms of total area, Mane City appears larger than any of the fox-kin cities she's seen, and the architecture is wildly different, incorporating almost no metals. There is a massive defensive wall surrounding the sprawling city, crafted from the trunks of the dense, towering trees of the surrounding forest. Most buildings are constructed from massive stone blocks carefully interlocked without any kind of mortar, erected into large but simple structures that Mizuki would find reminiscent of ancient Mayan palaces.
In their immediate surroundings, wooden stalls litter a massive plaza bustling with people, colorful garments, and rich, foreign smells, forming a kind of bazaar. In the distance, where the Queen appears to be leading them, a massive pyramid-like structure seems to tower above the city, rivaling the height of the forest canopy surrounding the city.
After a few seconds enraptured by the sight, Teyla glances at Zara, curious how she's reacting to all this. To her surprise, though, Zara seems completely immersed in her own thoughts, almost oblivious to the exotic city around them. Teyla speaks in a hesitant voice.
"Zara? Is everything okay?" (Teyla)
Zara blinks repeatedly, slowly turning her head.
"Ah, sorry. I was just considering Mizuki's behavior. It's been...strange." (Zara)
Teyla scoffs quietly, crossing her arms under her chest.
"You're telling me. He's being so ungrateful about my company! He just up and left us, like most men wouldn't kill to spend time with me." (Teyla)
Zara's expression turns puzzled.
"No...I don't care about that. I mean this whole situation with the Prince, and how easily Mizuki is revealing himself. How he interacted with the lion-kin." (Zara)
Seeing Zara's incredulous reaction, Teyla blushes lightly.
"Uhm...right, of course. What about it? It didn't seem that unreasonable to me." (Teyla)
'Plus, he certainly seems like a mischievous asshole to me...'
Zara shakes her head thoughtfully, her expression troubled.
"You don't know him...not really. Toying with strangers, the dismissive attitude, the casual intrusion on their conversation...I've never seen him behave like that so readily. I'm not sure, but it's almost like..." (Zara)
She trails off, her brow furrowed as if she's struggling to find the words. Teyla raises her eyebrows.
"Like what?" (Teyla)
Zara sighs and purses her lips, meeting Teyla's gaze.
"Like...he thinks he doesn't owe them anything." (Zara)
Teyla raises an eyebrow skeptically.
"Uhm...yeah, I guess? Honestly, I don't see why he would. Do you think there's something wrong with that?" (Teyla)
Zara shakes her head.
"No. If anything, I've always considered him overly accommodating of others. But that's my point. This attitude of his now...seems like a drastic change. A rather sudden one." (Zara)
Teyla shrugs.
"It's been a long day, especially after what we all dealt with this morning, and it's not like he did anything unreasonable. If you ask me, you're reading too much into things." (Teyla)
Zara nods absentmindedly.
"Perhaps you're right..." (Zara)
Despite Zara's conciliatory words, Teyla can't help but notice that her troubled expression remains...