Escorted by Ami, and ushered quietly into the Parlor, the young man known as Garet Jax, or as the Lady had deemed since the day, he came into her employ, Mister Jax, glanced around the room in a somewhat nervous manner. It was not every day that he was summoned with such insistance, and on short notice, let alone to the Lady's parlor. Still, be it a summon of urgency, or a summon of convenience, a summon from the Lady was something that was heeded immediately. Mister Jax knew this well.

"Mr Jax. So glad to see you could free yourself from your heavy errand list on such short notice."

Dark eyes set themselves upon the Lady, somewhat in a nervous manner. Funny, no? How, that no matter how calm one may be, or seem, that their eyes can give them away in a moment's notice? Case in point, one Mister Jax. Still, despite that, a most respectful bow was offered to the Lady, as the young man responded.

"My Lady, there is nothing, I would not free myself from, should you require me. Thank you, for the opportunity of my being here."

A sideways glance, as Ami bowed and excused herself, the young man's dark eyes once more settled upon the Lady, herself. The motion of Myllyanna's hand was instantly heeded, as Mister Jax proceeded to comply with no further thought. Slowly, the young man took the offered seat across from the Lady, herself. Face to face with the Lady, the young man's eyes would betray him yet again, as he was in deep thought. No, not in a troubling manner, mind you. More so, a pondering manner. In regards to how just exactly how much had changed in his life since he came under the employ of the lady Myllyanna.

So long ago it seemed, that he was young Garet Jax, student at the University, and member of the Order of Marfa. So long ago it seemed were the studies, and lectures. The thankless work for the many faces he had never seen. The burning of the midnight oil, the blood sweat and tears that came from him, only to have someone else be able to truly study the marvels, he had been sent to recover, and reap the rewards of that studied knowledge. From his thoughts, one might think that Mister Jax was a tad bitter, and yet, they would be wrong.

Since coming under the employ of the Lady Myllyanna, he had finally understood, that there was no coincidence, no luck of the draw. There was no chance, in his being introduced to the Lady Myllyanna, via one Lord Ravenlock, there was no bad luck in his failed relationship with a certain Romany girl, or his being removed from his post at the University when it came to light, whom he was employed with. Or for that fact a great many other things that have occured throughout the young man's life, since before his adoption my the Priestesses of Marfa. No, it was not luck, chance, coincidence or whatever other names, things like that are given, by those who hold dear to them. It was one thing, and one thing only. It was the inevitable. Simply put, yet powerful beyond measure in it's scope. And Mister Jax took that to heart, more so than many would imagine.

Shifting a bit, as he was pulled from his brief ponderment, he prayed the Lady did not think him rude, by any measure, as dark eyes settled upon Ami, as the young lady entered with tray. The poor thing, she looked to be having a bit of trouble with it, and the young man so wanted to rise and assist her, yet he made no motion to, what-so-ever. If it was one thing he did understand, was to not overstep, to not intrude, and to not impede the Lady's wishes, in any way. The Lady wanted Ami in this manner, and that was what the Lady had. Mister Jax, understood it was not in a malicious manner, mind you. Especially as the Lady looked over, and after Ami, in the manner she did. So wait he did, and watch in somewhat of a wonderment, as Ami held her grace like no other he had seen before in such a way.

A most appreciative look, and nod was given to Ami, as the young lady poured, and offered the cup of tea to him. The aroma dancing among his senses, as Mister Jax closed his eyes a moment, and simply relished a bit, in this newfound scent. Dark eyes opened, as Mister Jax noted, Ami had stayed this time. Looking directly to the Lady Myllyanna, the young man nodded in appreciation once, and continued to hold the warm cup in hand. He would not drink before the Lady, and could wait. It was then, that Myllyanna spoke.

"I have a present for you Garet. For all your hard work for me..."

A most perplexed look came across the face, of the young man, as he offered a slight cant of head in reaction to the Lady's words. Still, he kept his decor, the cup remaining steadied. With no idea, what the Lady had in mind, Mister Jax did the obvious thing, and simply asked.

"A present, my Lady? For my hard work? My Lady, you needn't do som-- I enjoy what I do here to no end, and honestly am thankful for the opportunities, that I have been-- Forgive me, My Lady. I am rambling, and showing a sincere lack of manners. I apologize."

Quiet is what Mister Jax remained, as the young man simply sat there, wondering what would, or would not come next. His eyes betraying the calm collective, he once more showed.

It was fortunate for young Mister Jax, who for the sake of this we shall refer to by his first name, as all this properness, isn't truly necessary, at this present juncture. Apologies all around, as I shall begin once more.

It was fortunate for Garet, that the Lady Myllyanna could literally see through the young man, as he was nearly sure that if someone else had seen him acting in this manner, not to mention, breaking a somewhat sweat, that they would more than likely take it the wrong way. Fortunately, Garet Jax was in the presence of the Lady herself, and not some young girl who would think this charming, or some one else who would mistake it for a false sincerity, as was more than common in this land.

Utter Honestly? Yes, that is what it was, as silly as it may have looked. And honestly, in his own eyes, the Lady deserved nothing but that.

"I hope the tea finds you well, I had a bit of trouble locating it. It came from a small shop somewhere near your old University."

A smile formed, as he watched the Lady take a sip, which in turn prompted he himself to take a sip. The smile turned into a somewhat sappy like grin, which mind you was noted by Garet, himself and quickly diminished. The blend did indeed take the young man back, coupled with the Lady's mention of the University.

The blend was indeed favored by Garet, as he recalled fondly just how much he had liked it, and how long it had been since he had been able to taste it's unique flavor. Her words, however.. They took the young man back a bit, to the life he had once lived, before coming into the employ of the Lady of ShinKA.

That however, was a brief moment of recollection, as Garet had literally felt that the life he had left behind was just that, left behind. The life he had now, was what mattered to the young man. Granted it was hardly considered an ordinary one, by any means and had somehow changed the young man, bit by bit, it was indeed a welcomed life and change. Dark eyes looked to the Lady, as Garet seemed to relax more so. Another sip was taken.

"Thank you, very much. It does find me well, and I appreciate it immensly. I apologize for any trouble, that locating it may have caused, but am glad to be here enjoying it with you, my Lady."

"If you wish it, it will be sent with every meal you order."

That actually got a physical response from the young man, as Garet's eyes blinked in surprise. A cant of his head also leant credence to the fact that, he was not prepared to hear the Lady say, what she had said. Seeing her cup settled, Garet complied in kind, and simply listened intently, as she contiued.

"Orders were completed yesterday for Private Quarters for you here in ShinKa. Complete with a small receiving room, secluded bath, and sizable private study. Most of the books you studied, and all the work that you had at the Onyx waits ready to be moved here. You will have any meal you wish when you wish it and full service to the Keep tailor. Transportation will be provided when and where you desire as well."

If Garet was not prepared for the special blend of tea, the Lady had gone through the trouble of finding, he was simply caught completely off guard, by what she had just said. His mouth opened, yet no words escaped his mouth. Like the Lady's cup, his own was set aside, as he simply looked between the Lady and Ami. His eyes watched in earnest, as Ami presented the box to the Lady, and in turn, she herself presented to Garet Jax, who reached for it with a somewhat tremble in his own hands, that seemed to somehow, spread to the rest of his body, as he fought for control at that very moment.

One would wonder, what fortune the young man would have recieved, should he have eaten a fortune cookie, no?

"I also do this to protect my interest. You see, I do not like the storm that is coming? it would never do to have you side swiped by an errant shadow going to work or grabbing a bite to eat now would it?"

Dark eyes looked to the Lady once more, upon her words.. Then to the item im his hands. 'Coming storm'.. Garet knew, she spoke truthfully, otherwise she would not have mentioned such an act. Garet understood, that the Lady did in fact have an interest in he, himself and his work for her. He also understood that it would not do the Lady, let alone her interest any good, should something happen to any of those she held, said interest in. It was business.. Well in a more simplified manner, which is all he had at the moment.. In any event, Garet most assuredly held the Lady's sentiment close to mind and heart, as he did not want wish to cause the Lady trouble in any manner..

Not out of fear mind you.. Well, mostly not out of fear. Garet knew full well what would befall those who went against the Lady, and from what he had heard, it was not pleasant by any means, so in that reference the young man did have a bit of fear, however the main reason Garet Jax did not want to cause the Lady of ShinKA any trouble, was quite simple.. It was in fact loyalty.

Garet Jax was loyal to the Lady and her interests, it was that simple. It was not out of owing the Lady anything, it was not out of being forced or any such similar actions. The young man was loyal out of appreciation. He was deeply appreciative in regards to the Lady herself, and was just as equally appreciative for what it was, that she had opened his eyes to, in regards to the world, and it's many points of view. To sights unseen, and treasures that in his eyes had been waiting for him. For her interest, and assistance in his works. Something that was sincerely lacking in regards his old work at the University. For the chance, she had allowed him to take, and for the rewards that would follow.

?Before Ami shows you to your quarters, I want you to meet someone??

Her voice had brought the young man back to the here, and now as his eyes shifted to her once more, Garet immediately stood in respect, as the Lady stood. His eyes shifted towards the faint sound, that came from the doors. Dark eyes opened more so, as Garet slowly took in the sight of the young boy that had entered the room.. There was something.. Something that struck Garet, somehow.. Yet he could hardly place it. Regardless, the young man, set the box down as the Lady spoke once more.

?This is Junbao, my son and heir.?

Eyes widened a moment, as Garet took in those words.. He had never known she had a son, then again there was much Garet Jax did not know, about the Lady Myllyanna. Couple that with his lack of knowledge in the realm of women, and you easily have a thirty plus volume set of encyclopedias. But that is for another time, indeed..

The motherly gesture was indeed noted, as Garet offered a warm, friendly smile to the child, accompanied by a most respectful, and proper bow. No words said, as Garet honestly had no idea, what to even say at that moment. Truth be told in some ways the young man, was very well, praying for some kind of bull to run through this China Shop of sorts. However, no such bull was cooperating, presently.

?Junbao, this is your Kyoshi, Garet-san. He is here to teach you when Mother can not??

"!?"

Dark eyes went saucer wide, in response to those words..

Garet would have screamed out loud, had it been anyone else. He would have asked if she had lost her senses, had it been anyone else. He would have flat out refused, and packed up every last item he owned, and fled to the nearest hill, again had it been anyone else. However, it was not just 'anyone else'. To impact that point, those familiar words came back to him, with the clairity of a spring dawn.

"There is no chance, no luck, there are no charms, no chants, and no silly rhymes or reasons, there is no coincidence. There is simply, the inevitable, Mister Jax. That is what had brought you to this very moment in your life, with this very opportunity. It was inevitable that Lord Ravenlock, lead you to me, and that I have use for one such as yourself."

It seemed like a life time ago, those words had been spoken to him and for all purposes it very well was. Garet understood, completely.

Regaining his composure, the best he could. Garet rightened himself, yet again and once more bowed deeply to the child.

"Junbao-Dono, it is my honor to serve you."

Lifting himself once more, Garet bowed deeply to the Lady herself.

"It is my honor, my Lady, to serve in whatever capacity you require, and I hope my appreciation for all that you have done, is one day truly known to yourself. I will do everything to my utmost. I swear this. Thank you."

Indeed a far cry, from year prior..

Indeed a far cry, from his life before.

Indeed a far cry, from all he had ever known before.

It was inevitable.