The afternoon came that Illya had been dreading for the last several days. He hadn't though about it except when he had too much time on his hands. He had scheduled the interview for shortly after dinner. There wasn't a great time to do it, but this way he could still have the afternoon with the kids, have dinner with the family and be back in time to tuck them into bed.
Illya stood in front of the mirror in his and Kalizda's room to be sure there were no wrinkles on his uniform and he straightened one of the medals and then put the beret on. He was ready for the interview now. He could see Kalizda behind him when he looked in the mirror. She always had a strange sort of look on her face when he wore this uniform. It was hard to tell if she liked the uniform, or found it upsetting. Perhaps he didn't want to know and so he chose not to ask. When he was ready he turned away from the mirror and he nodded to Kalizda and bent over to kiss her from where she sat on the edge of her bed. "Et's jes interview. I will be back soon."
Walking down the stairs of the house Illya stepped into the hall and toward Tikan's office. He wasn't sure he was ready for this. He'd never had a friendly sort of talk with a foreigner in this kind of setting. Pausing at the door he took a deep breath and then turned the nob. It looked like the reporter had already been in the room and got things set up. While Illya was still looking around the room he heard the door creak behind him and he turned around.
A young man with very dark hair and lighter eyes, entered Tikan's well outfitfed office in a well tailored Kaerelean style suit. His skin was a lightly toasted color and his smile was easy as he saw Illya standing by. Without hesitation, he walked over and nodded, offering his hand. "Emperor Illya Blackwolf," he said, "I'm glad to have the chance to meet you. I'm Owyen Irling, journalist from the Kaerelean post."
There wasn't going to be any benefit of getting settled in. Almost immediately the young man came forward and offered his hand. That was the one thing that he knew for security sake he would not do and for Kalizda. She felt it was a considerable security risk and he agreed with her on that. "Hi." Illya greeted the man in return and kept both his hands at his sides. "Yah look well prepared. Shall we set?" Illya beckoned to the chairs that were set for the interview.
Owyen nodded his head and retracted his hand. "Alright," he said, "Aye let's sit then." He made a motion for them both to sit down in the provided wicker style chairs. Sitting down, he unbuttons the top of his suit jacket to loosen the fit and arranged his hologram coin as Illya sits down. "I've provided a copy of my creditionals for review before our meeting, but I would list them if you'd like. Your council was confident in my previous work."
Sitting in wicker chairs did take a bit of a delicate seating job to keep it from creaking or breaking. Illya would hate that to be part of the interview. Once he was seated he only straightened the bottom of his uniform dress jacket. "Dah council recommends yah highly for interview. I read yah credentials mehself, but I tink et es always good practice tah list dem anyway. I listen. Yah tell meh yah credentials." Interviews were usually timed and he was hoping that this was one way to burn a few more minutes.
Owyen laced his fingers and propped his elbows on his chair in a relaxed posture. "Graduated from the University, top of my class for Journalism and Multi-Media. I was hired as an Investigative Journalist for The Kaerelean Post for the last four years. I have written several articles on the War, specifically" on the Battle of Kinte, and several Battles on the Terran front two of which I've won the highest honorary awards for my publications on the war as a whole." He listed everything out in short order and looked at Illya with a relaxed expression. "So, I have a great interest in meeting you and to listen. The first thing I would like to do, is honestly, I'd like to satisfy a little personal curiosity I've had. How did you come by the name Blackwolf?"
The reminder on the man's qualifications reminded Illya of why he chose to say yes to this interview above some of the others. While he didn't like to talk about the war it would probably get him away from answering too many personal questions. Of course that idea was quickly squashed when the man decided to be curious. Illya raised one eyebrow and then smirked. "Because, I play wit pups of black wolf when I was jes barely old enough tah walk. I wander away from meh moter and disappear ento dah forest. Dah wolf es first animal I show interest en as child. Dis es how Chippequoti get part of dere name dat includes animal en et." All things considered the question could have been far worse and this wasn't too bad so far.
He nodded and smiled a little. "I didn't know that's how Chippeqouti named their children. It's quite interesting, actually. I'm sure you gave your parents a scare, eh? What was it like growing up? The Chippeqouti live in fairly tight knit communities from what I've seen and the war is the fruit of a much longer conflict. You would have grown up, partially during that time. What was it like growing up for you?"
All the words that came out of the man's next just slimed and slithered their way out. The man's interest in his childhood was frustrating at the very least. Illya set his jaw for a moment and thought about how to answer this and not appear to leave a lot more for the man to be interested in. Nodding his head Illya agreed with the man that it gave his parents a scare and then he started on his answer. "I tink I grow up like many oter children. I like tah play games and I dun know anyting about dah war when I was very young."
The general seemed bound and determined to make this as hard as possible. He'd left the questions fairly open ended to give the man a chance to talk. Apparently, he'd rather not. That was too bad. "What sort of games did you play? I enjoyed flyer games and magball but I imagine those are different for Chippeqouti children."
Now the man wanted to know about games and Illya tilted his head slightly. "I enjoy games of hunting. I like tah catch snakes when I am old enough tah catch little snakes. Dey were very good tah eat and ef I catch dem meh moter or sister would make snake stew for meh." Since the man had taken time to be curious about his childhood Illya decided to ask a question of his own. "Yah have strange way of learning about war by asking meh about childhood. Why would yah ask dese questions?"
Owyen listened with interest and kept his gaze on the general. "That's a fair question," he said, "The truth is I was selected because I do have good credentials and I am very familiar with the War, as much as anyone can be to a certain point. You have been involved with the war for most of your life. I was a natural choice for this assignment. However, my assignment is not to write a piece on the War, but to write an honest and fair piece on you Emperor. You are more than this war. So, I'm asking because I want to understand somethings about you."
Since the man's assignment was clear it made more sense and Illya found himself feeling a little flustered. He could talk about the war more easily than he could himself in relation to it. The man wanted a piece on him and they chose him because they thought he would be the best to get around the thick layers. "I respect yah honesty. I dun usually do private interviews. Meh life es nut easily separated from war. I am product of war, raised for war, live en war and et es nut uncommon tought among meh people dat I will die en war. Et es likely end of meh duty."
He listened to Illya's response and continued to gaze at him, then let the words sink in before replying. "I understand you have never done a private interview and given your past as described that it the war has shaped you in many ways. But you said so yourself that when you were younger you didn't know so much about the war until your were a little older. So I ask, what was your family like? You have a sister, yeah?"
"Meh family was normal. I am young and I wait for meh fater tah come home, meh moter was loving and she tries tah protect meh from knowing too much, meh sister es older and she too does her best tah protect meh from knowing dah war before meh time." Illya shrugged. "I am nut sure how else a family would be en times of war. I come tah understand meh fater's absence es his duty and dat one day I would have same duty."
"Your family tried to protect you from knowing too much," he nodded, "At what point did you start realizing that you were in war times. Was there a singular moment when you realized that there was war or was it gradual? Small things?"
"Et was some small tings over time. I know dat I was en war mostly when meh fater come home one day and he es injured. He would be home for few weeks and den he tell meh dat when I get older he would begin tah teach meh. I was too young nut tah know any better and I was very eager tah begin learning." Illya almost cringed at the memory. "He would take meh when I am eight tah war camp near front lines of battle."
Owyen's brow furrowed slightly at Illya's reply and he blinked a little before continuing. "Eight is young. Very young. I was much older before I witnessed life on the front lines. Is it customary for someone to be exposed so young?
The man seemed surprised and Illya listened to his questions. "No, et es nut so common tah be dis young. Most will nut see front lines camp until dey are about 15. Some will begin making small drills wit men when dey are 12. Dis es more common practice. Dah Chippequoti must be careful tah allow education of dah children before dey begin tah apprentice."
Owyen's thought about the information he was given by Illya and raised a curious brow. "So why were you shown the front lines so young?
"I dun know why meh fater makes dis decision." Illya answered honestly as he could. There were plenty of reasons his father should not have, but something must have made Markus believe it was the right thing to do.
He seemed to answer honestly and so he didn't press the subject more on that front. "You said children start training for their careers around 12, correct? What did your training consist of at that age? Did you gave peers with you in training?"
"When I am 12 meh fater takes meh more often tah front lines and he begin teaching meh tah shoot, and explains importance of officer and soldier's duties to meh. Sometime I am courier for meh fater when I am 12. Dere nut many boys when I begin training. I become soldier at 15 and den I meet many oters dat also become soldiers."
Owyen listened and then took a small sip of water from the cup placed by the chairs on a stone table. "And at such a young age, already working, what did you do for free time?"
The man probably did some research on the Chippequoti and so Illya did not think that the next answer would surprise him. "I begin building a home so dat I could stand at ceremony when I am seventeen and become agreed."
Owyen tilted his head in recognition of the concept. "And that ceremony takes place at age 17, correct? So by age 15 you were essentially considered a man."
"I am man enough tah apprentice and build home. I am nut considered well accomplished en meh work until I am older." Illya figured that would be obvious. "Yah nut considered of age as man until yah 17. At 15 yah are nut well versed enough tah be man, but yah live like a man and learn tah be man."
"I see. Hmm.." he said, before pausing to let the words sink in, "And you participated in the Standing Ceremony at age 17, yeah? I'm guessing that means you must have had a spouse...an agreed...before your current wife?"
It was not necessarily common knowledge that he had an agreed before Kalizda, but Illya knew it would be a question that would eventually be asked. Surely no one would believe that he would remain single all these years. He certainly wouldn't if he was in the interviewer's position. "Yes, I had agreed before Kalizda. Poisons from dah war killed meh first agreed. She was good woman and I loved her."
His eyes cast downward some before he looked up into Illya's eyes. "I am sorry for your loss," he said sincerely and quietly, "It isn't easy to lose someone you care about." Leaning back in his chair some, he gave Illya a moment and then continued. "In between this time you made it to Elite status in the military, can you tell me more about that?"
The sincerity and quiet response from the interviewer was respectful. Illya suspected the man had a personal loss himself, but it would not be appropriate to say so. Instead he steeled himself for the next question. "I train for Elite and was youngest member accepted to dis point. Meh election for training for Elite was requested after successful campaign I was en charge of. I was between age of twenty-five and tirty when I earn meh position among dem." With a small shrug he commented, "Et was long time ago. Pecking an exact time es little messy. Chippequoti calendar and Kaerelean calendar are different. I jes peck time frame and et's easier."
Owyen listened intently, remaining quiet until Illya finished his statement. "Being long-lived, 25 to 30 is still very young by comparison. May I ask what campaign you lead?"
The next question from Owyen seemed to be a natural follow up. It was also a question that Illya could not answer in its entirety. "Et es nut campaign yah people have reference for. Yah know where Old Quoti es because of recent battle. Yah may know dat Chippequoti were divided. Particularly dat dah Chippequoti I come from traveled far. Meh campaign was tah conceal planet dat es far out of Kaerelean territory. Dis es all dat I can say."
There were only certain things a man in the military could say. He knew that from the nature of his work. Sometimes it wasn't always a power play. Their silence was protecting innocent lives at times and not covering something devious. He could usually tell the former from the latter and this was the former of the two. Especially if he was in charge of protecting a planet of innocents in the war. It was, of course, an assumption that the people of this hidden planet were innocent but he knew better than to press. He would save his pressure for other topics if it was needed. Owyen nodded some and continued with his questions. "Is one of those medals on your uniform a testament to that service? And what was your entry into the elite like? How did you ride in rank from there?"
They were getting to the kinds of questions that Illya had anticipated after he found out what the man was actually here to talk about. This was the kind of interview Illya feared and knew he would be subject to if he traveled more broadly. "Yes, dere es medal on meh uniform for dah service performed en dat campaign." He carefully laid a finger on the medal with a small Quoti symbol for courage and a red ribbon. "Dah entry ento Elite was difficult. Et es never easy. Elite only gain rank for service, courage, skill and good leadership. I worked very hard on dese tings and I was given many difficult missions."
Owyen looked at the medal Illya indicated, memorizing it and listened before asking his next question. "Aye. Which was the most difficult medal to earn out of the many you have? Was this an Elite Mission as well?"
Illya tried not to show it on his face, but he was starting to feel concerned that the man wanted to know about each and every medal on his uniform. It was also shocking to see that he wasn't done yet. Just thinking about what each medal was made for gave Illya pause. He frowned without even realizing it and he stared at the wall behind the man. There wasn't even a glance at the medals. Illya realized he had zoned out after a moment and his gaze shifted back to the reporter. "Dere es medal from Elite Mission dat es most difficult. Medal for perseverance en face of deat." Illya briefly motioned to the medal with a green ribbon that had three red stripes in it and a simple gold leaf at the top.
He was patient. His questions weren't easy and he knew it but they were necessary in some ways. Illya went quiet and his eyes went vacant for awhile. He was present but not all there. It was a familiar look he'd seen in soldiers before. Owyen kept his voice low and quiet. "How did you earn that one?"
Momentarily it was quiet and then the man almost whispered the next question. Illya's eyes shot over to him and looked him over a few times before he said anything. "I was sent wit men tah protect a city dat was under siege. Dere was no air support for several hours. We must hold dah city, protect dah people remaining and fight dah enemy. When air support arrives et es too late for many of dah people," Illya's eyes got distant again and he almost mumbled as he spoke, "Dere were too many for medical evacuation...We tried tah help get dah children dere first." Shaking his head Illya glanced at the man again. "I dun talk about anymore medals."
Owyen listened and at the request, he could feel that the man had severe PTSD. It made sense. He nodded in agreement and moved on. "Aye. Lets talk about something different. We all know, for the most part how you met your current wife. You two ha very been married for 12 years now, if I recall. It marks the entry of the Alliance into the war against the Federation. At which point your people had been driven to a remote desert planet and facing genocide. When you met her can you tell me what that was like?"
"She was very difficult woman. I know dat she was nut Federation, she looked scared and she was injured from her terrible landing." Illya grinned at that part. "Dere es chance ef someone else found her first she would nut live. Many times dose dat landed were Federation. So, I take responsibility for her and I write her debt en meh book. She still gets upset about dat. She also shot meh. She was better aim den I tink she would be." Taking a deep breath he paused for a second and then grinned a bit wider, "I would say et was good day."
Owyen chuckled a little. The man had clear affection for his wife something all the articles and interviews say but a hologram can only show so much. Illya was genuine in his thoughts regard his wife. "A good day," Owyen concluded with Illya, chuckling quietly, "I imagine it was hard to trust someone even if you knew they weren't from the Federation? My understanding is it wasn't until roughly two months after her marked crash that you returned to Qouti? What happened during that time? Why the turn around?"
Illya thought for a long moment. He was a little foggy there, but he remembered most of it. “Eh, I need tah trust her first before I can ask for help tah get meh people out of Quoti. When I trust her and she makes decisions tah help I know dat I will agree wit her ef she would have meh.”
Owyn watched the man think and the answer didn't really answer the question. He didn't press though. He was aware of some of the man's injuries. "That seems to be the case. You two have many children together. Some people don't believe they are all your wife's children. Your wife is part Terran and part Kaerelean by way of Ewen. Did the fact that she was part Terran ever give you any concern? The Terran planet has wavered back and forth before eventually falling to the Federation. You yourself have expressed some unfavorable comments regarding Terrans as well." He spoke evenly and without accusation.
The statement was certainly one that Illya knew wasn’t meant to be bad, but it wasn’t favorable either. “Yes, I say tings about Terran’s dat are bad. Typically, dis es trait meh agreed does nut appreciate. Because she shows herself trust worty and her fater too, I am nut botered by her blood. A person makes choice, nut dere blood. Et es someting I work tah act on more.” Illya didn’t know that his answer was great, but it was honest. “I eh, have many bad experiences wit Terrans and oter races during war and et fuels many bad tings I have said. Et es work en progress. Ef I hope tah survive war I need tah clean up eh?”
Illya spoke and he was glad the man didn't deny his words. He had come prepared with holograms to show if he had, not because he wanted to be rude, but to show that he was confident in his assertions. He nodded and continued. "You and I are both familiar with war, you with a more intimate knowledge that myself. I'm not a soldier. I've read some of the accounts of things that have transpired against the Chippeqouti. They are considered deep war crimes by the Alliance. Deaths of women and children among the issues. A an anonymous whistler blower on Terra some years ago did an expose on some of your own actions. What are your thoughts on that? I have the recordings if you need your memory refreshed. I understand that these accusations were made long ago."
Illya had to think about the offer. He hated to see those things played again, but neither did he want to open a new set of issues by insinuating or letting on how many complaints there had been about him during the war. “I like yah be clear when I answer any accusations. Yah play recording so dat I can give appropriate answers.”
Orwyen nodded. "Of course. One moment." He reached over and clicked a button on the hologram coin, then flipped through the digital display until he found an exhibition list, then pressed play. A voice started to read the article and display the images in the original message for the General. "What, if anything, would you like to say to the statements made by the whistle-blower known only as The Mouse?"
Illya watched the report play again and he took a deep breath. “I believe dat dere es plenty said by her source. The old woman named Taggert made bold claims. I am sure yah recall dat Federation killed the reporter and den blamed meh.” Illya hated to say anything, but it was his chance to set the record straight. “I imagine dat dere are copies still of dis interview wit Taggert. She was only child at time and did nut know dat all adults at dis party she speaks of was gatering of many Federation officers and supporters. Dis was operation designed tah provide maximum damage tah Federation wit minimal toll on civilians.”
He let Illya take his time without pressure and listened to his response when it came. Tilting his head. "And this was done on Terra? Was there any contact with the Terran authorities in this operation? Or at all?" His tone was still even and calm.
“Dah Federation was dah autority. Dey buy dah influence of leaders. Remember, even yah own council on Kaereal was affected. Et was conducted as et had tah be.” Illya met the man’s gaze. “Dere es no apology for what was done. Et was necessary.”
Owyen kept his on Illya's and clicked the hologram coin off, keeping the silence for a moment, then nodded. "There have also been some other accusations from other Federation sources about actions taken against prisoners of war on Qouti some years ago as well. Several hundred dead by your hand. That's not surprising in war, times but what, if anything would you like to say about those accusations?"
Illya clenched his jaw and he kept silent for nearly a minute. When he spoke he tried not to growl at the man. “I did what oters lacked stomach tah do. We take prisoners for bargaining and en time when soldiers would surrender we find dat dey did so because dey have poisons. Meh first born and meh agreed were among dose poisoned by prisoner. We provided homes, cloting, food, and dah prisoners work. Better conditions den dey ever offer. We assume dey surrender for dis rater den die. So dey begin tah kill meh people by way of treachery.” Illya took another deep breath. “When I discover dis et was too late for meh first family, but yes, I kill dem all and issue order of no quarter moving forward. We are pushed en smaller space and no room for prisoners wit time.”
Owyen was patient as ever and listened. While he knew he couldn't betray any strong emotion, at the risk of being found to be biased, anyone who was not feeling some sort of emotion didn't have a heart. He let the pause continue, allowing the words to settle in and the immediate reaction to fade some before he broke the silence. "I see," he said, "You have lost a great many things in this war, Emperor. I dont know of anyone who can entirely heal from the loss of a spouse, much less a child." He cleared his throat some and took a sip of water, before catching Illya's eyes again. "And the family that you have now. How did those events affect your second agreement?"
Illya wasn’t sure that this interview was a grand thing, but the council insisted and he was doing his best to be honest and put his best foot forward. “I am more protective and less trusting of dah good will of oters. Meh family are what I live for and dah only reason I see tah try and improve mehself.”
He didn't doubt the man's honesty. If he has come in touting himself as the brave General or admitted no faults, he wouldn't have been as gentle in the questions as he was now. "Something I think most people can understand," he nodded in agreement, " You've been through several hard times with your wife and children in the last several years. You've had a very traumatic head injury and nearly died again in the Battle of Kinte. Is it your family that got you through those times? Is there anything you would like them to know?
Illya frowned at first and then chuckled. “I jes wondered what yah intent was for moment. Almost sounds like yah want last words.” It was in fact a chuckle partly out of relief. “Meh family and all our children help meh in dose times. I jes want dem tah know dat I love dem. Noting fancy. I ‘em nut fancy person.”
Owyen chuckled good naturedly a little. "I'm not quite that morbid, yeah?" He nods at Illya's words for his family, smiling some. "You've said you hoped to live through the war. What are your hopes for after the war? What do you see for yourself and your family?"
Now that they were talking about better things Illya relaxed more. “I will take meh family tah see meh home soon as dah war es done. Dah place I was born and I dun see for more den 100 years. Dat es what I do when war es over.”
The man spoke about his home and not having seen it over a 100 years, but that didn't align with any time line he knew. Frowning a little he titled his head. "Home to Old Qouti? I didn't think any of your people had returned there since the split? You haven't been off of Qouti enough not to have been there for 100 years."
Illya shrugged. “Meh home es undisclosed location. Chippequoti dun speak name or location until dah end of dah war.”
Owyen considered Illya for a moment then accepted the answer and moved forward. "I would like to talk a little bit about the tour. What have been your impressions of the Alliance been during the tour? Had anything surprised you? Changed your opinion? Or confirmed your thoughts?"
Illya found these questions easy and he was a bit better rehearsed in his answers. “I find dah Alliance strange and pleasing. At first I ‘em nut so sure dis would be stable place wit so many peoples. I find many toughts I have before coming here challenged. I tink highly of dah Alliance and now dey are meh people too and I have another home. Meh oter home es here wit all meh peoples.”
He smiled just a little. It was a well rehearsed reply. "And what sort of thoughts did you have that were challenged?" While he wanted to be courteous, he couldn't let the man off quite so easily on this one.
“Tings like eh, yah military would nut be en good shape tah defend yah borders. Maybe I tink dat many Kaerelean peoples are so open minded dat dere brains fall out during negotiations.” Illya chuckled a little. “Tings dat are different en custom and tah meh dat made dem wrong. I am learning better.”
He smiled at some of the thoughts that came out of Illya's mouth and chuckled The man was being genuine in his follies but also real about the fact that he was continuing to learn. It was very...Kaerelean...of him. He didn't point that out though. Instead, he chuckled and nodded. "You called the people of the Alliance your peoples too," he said, "Are there things that you've enjoyed being on the home planet and living as an Chippeqouti- Alliance Citizen?"
"Oh..." Illya shifted some and the chair creaked loudly. "Dat's nut one of dem. Furniture es small often times. Eh..I do like nut having tah sneak around and having privilege tah go ento any store and buy someting for price I see. No extra charges because I'm Chip. Dat's nice."
That comment earned Illya a less reserved chuckle. "Aye, I imagine that would be so. Most of us aren't so tall," he said, "And that's a privledge that any Alliance citizen would have. Is there anything else?"
"I like dah travel witout being shot at. Some foods are better den oters when I travel. Dah Terrans have very good food. I will admit dat I like Terran food very much." Illya smirked, "I still like Pytra. Dah home es very quiet around dah house. Meh house es nut so quiet wit dah kids, but dey are safe and dey dun understand war. I like et dat way."
Owyen watched a smirk curl to Illya's face as he spoke about Terran food being a favorite of his and of his fondness for Pyrta. At the mention his kids, he nodded. "Aye, I imagine so. When there is silence with children, there's trouble afoot. I did read that you are going to be a father again soon, three times over. Congratulations to you and your agreed are in order, I think. Are you excited?"
"Yes," Illya said almost emphatically. "I am very pleased. I dun know dat meh Kalizda could have so many children. Dis es very pleasing. I like tah have babies wit her. Et's fun making dem and raising dem. I will teach all meh sons tah be good hunters. Hunting es good and ets healty for man. Meh Kalizda es very good en flight on dah falcons and she es good spotter. I will ask tah bring her hunting wit meh again on Reylia."
Owyen listened and chuckled some at the 'ets fun making dem' part. The emperor came much more alive when he spoke about his wife and children. It was something he saw sometimes with soldiers. The ones that werent so far gone they couldn't see past war. Knowing that was encouraging. "It is surprising she has had so many children, given the odds she has faced. Are you hoping for boys or girls with your triplets and what else do you hope to teach your children?"
"Et does nut matter to meh ef dey are boys or girls. I love children. All dat matters es dat we have more babies and dey will be healty and we will love dem." Illya thought for a very short moment and he grinned, "Dey will learn tah speak Quoti, dey will learn customs from dere moter and meh and legends and we agree dat dey will peck dere future. I will nut force dem tah anyting, but dey will work hard at whatever dey do."
Illya spoke of his family with fondness, no small amount of pride and hope. Owyen nodded, smiling some, "That sounds like a very good future for your children, Emperor Illya." A little chime sounded and he looked over at his timer. "I'm afraid our time frame is coming to a close. Is there anything else you'd like me to know or anything else you'd like to say for our time runs out?"
"No, I dun tink anyting else needs saying. Nice tah meet yah." Illya stood up and walked with the man to the door and then exited. He knew that the man would have a little tear down to do. "Tank yah for coming all dis way on short notice."
He hadn't expected the man to have any closing thoughts. Military men were like that, so without missing a bit he stood and walked with Illya to the door. He didn't offer to shake his hand and he knew Chippeqouti did not like bowing unless it was on the strictest of occasions, so he gave the man a nod of respect. "It was a pleasure to meet you Emperor Illya Blackwolf. I appreciate the time you've taken today. Go spend some time with your family, yeah?"
Illya nodded and he quickly stepped out the door. The interview was long feeling and he felt relieved knowing it was done. Now he needed to go tuck the kids into their beds. They had all wanted him to read a story to them before bed. When Illya got up the stairs he could hear Kalizda finishing one of the books and then he poked his head into the room. "Es et meh turn tah read a story yet?"
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After story time was finished Illya went back with Kalizda to their bedroom at Tikan's house. He started with taking his beret off, brushing it gently and then setting it in his dress uniform travel bag. Then Illya took the jacket off and brushed it off and gently polished the medals. There was an entire process and it required making sure the uniform was perfectly neat and clean when he put it away and cleaning it carefully before wearing it again next time. In only an hour he would not need to wash it, but he would have to gently brush it and make sure it was crisp and fresh looking for the next appearance.
When he was all done with that, Illya stripped to his boxers and brushed his teeth. After he was fully ready for bed he took his boxers off and got into the tent/fort bed on the floor with Kalizda. "I thought a lot about you today." Speaking to her in Quoti he whispered in her ear. "I thought about some of the things we told each other when we first agreed."
He was going to have to talk with her about his past at some point and today was a perfect example of why he would have to do that and he wanted to now that he understood his mistake. "Our first night we talked about the things we wanted from each other. I don't think I've done very well talking with you." Gently kissing her near her right earlobe he worked his way down her neck and then mumbled a little more. "Also, remember, the guys and I will do that sword dance tomorrow before we leave. Told Tikan we would prepare to do one on the polls. Been practicing since we got back from the hunting trip."
Illya noticed that Kalizda was particularly quiet and he pushed up on one elbow so he could try to get a better look at her face. "You seem kinda quiet?" Then he remembered what he had been saying before he changed subjects. "Are you upset that I decided we should talk more?"