Musings With Jade and Max...

Cumberland

Caripare

Irece Prefecture

Draconis Combine

24 November 3152 

                    Po Ding stood behind Jade Takahashi and wrapped his arms around her, letting his hands come to rest around the subtle bump on her belly, where even now, his child was growing. He savored the crisp air of the gardens and was even more taken in with the grace and serenity that Jade displayed.

                    "This place is so peaceful. To think, this is where things all began," he said.

                    "Fitting then that we should come here to discuss how things will unfold, is it not?" she asked of him.

                    Po took in a deep breath before responding. "There is much to discuss. And while the choices are yours, do not think that the burden is yours alone. I will support you through whatever we decide."

                    He felt her move subtly in his embrace. "I know you will, Po Ding. I have never had any doubts about that. There are so many variables, it boggles the mind."

                    Po nodded. "You wish to raise the child, yes?"

                    She took one of his hands in hers and kissed it softly. "Children, yes. I am carrying twins."

                    Po waited a few moments before responding. "You are a career officer in the DCMS. I would not ask you to give that up. What are the options presented to us?"

                    "My parents could raise them on Luthien. My family is a wealthy one, with great influence in the Combine. They would be provided for most handsomely. The fear, of course, is that Luthien is a dangerous place. Even now the Rasalhague Dominion strikes towards the capitol."

                    Po nodded. "We could raise them on Harloc. I have no family there but the House, but they would be raised well. They would be the children of a Mandrinn. Their citizenship would be virtually assured, as would their safety. It is the life I was raised in. I would not hesitate to give it to my children."

                    Jade closed her eyes. "Either way, I would see them hardly at all. But you are right, I am a career officer and I wish to continue on that path. I feel as though Harloc is the better option. They would be raised as nobility."

                    Po smiled gently. "My fief is a small one on Harloc, but significant nonetheless. And you would be welcome there any time you should choose to visit. If you have leave for the birth of the children, we could take you there so you could deliver them in comfort and security."

                    "I do have leave. Once I become unable to perform my duties, I will be granted leave until such time as I am ready to resume them. That grants me the chance to take this trip to Harloc, and I confess, I am looking forward to it. Not only for the children but for my own selfish reasons, that I will get to spend time with you. We will often be apart, we should savor the time that we have."

                    Po squeezed her tightly and spun her around before dropping to his knees. "Be my bride, Jade Takahashi? It is perhaps not the wedding you may have dreamed of as a child, but you would do me a great honor to become my wife. It would also grant you certain privileges on Harloc and within the Confederation. It is a small token, I understand this, but it, and myself, is all I have to offer you."

                    Jade bid him to rise. "You offer more than enough in just yourself, Po Ding. I have been reading your teachings, and have come to value your focus on harmony very much. It would be harmonious if I were to become your wife, and I gladly accept. I fear that we will have precious few moments together, but I can think of no other that I would rather be wed to."

                    Po kissed her deeply. He was still amazed that this graceful and wonderful creature would choose to share some of her life with him, much less that they would have children together. "Everything is settled then. We can leave for Harloc as soon as you deem it fit."

                    She smiled at him. "There are a few details that I must attend to here. I will have to clear all of this with my new commander. And I must set things right with my battalion. But that is for tomorrow. For tonight, come and be mine, Po Ding."

######

                    Po Ding climbed delicately out of the bed so as not to disturb the peaceful visage that was Jade sleeping. It brought him so much pleasure to be with her, that he thought it almost unfair that the universe had dropped such a creature into his life. He was bound and determined to do right by her, and their children, no matter the cost.

                    He dressed in a heavy robe to protect against the frigid night air and made his way once more to the gardens. He found them peaceful and serene, somewhat reminiscent of his gardens on Harloc. While these paled in comparison to his own, this place would forever have special meaning to him as it brought Jade into his life.

                    His musings we interrupted by a shuffling sound behind him. He turned and saw his friend, Max, walking towards him. 

                    "Unable to sleep, Master Po?"

                    Po nodded. "Just Po here, Max. This is so like home, isn't it?"

                    Max shrugged his shoulders. "Perhaps. But it is not home. Perhaps that is why you cannot sleep? Or is there something on your mind?"

                    Po inhaled deeply of the crisp winter air. "As always, you are most astute and attuned to my state of mind, Max. Sometimes I wonder what I would do without you. Seeing you injured was most disturbing. I trust you are healing well?"

                    Max nodded. "Well, enough. I will be back in the saddle as they say, in no time. And yet this is not what bothers you, is it, my friend?" 

                    Po sighed softly. "No. There is so much change. I am waiting for the other shoe to drop. Tonight I learned that I will be a father twice over. And I also managed to get the delicate flower that is Jade to agree to be my bride. Much is falling into place, and yet I worry, what will the universe deliver to me to counteract this deluge of happiness?"

                    Max stepped forward and hugged his friend. "Congratulations, Po. On all accounts. You are indeed a lucky man. But do not let your worries tarnish your bliss. Perhaps the universe will see fit to hit you with some challenges to balance out this wondrousness. But that is for another time. For now, embrace the bliss that you have been given. I have never seen you so happy."

                    "Thank you, my friend. I should also mention that we will be going home in short order. Jade and I have decided that our children should be born and raised on Harloc. She has a few duties to perform, but upon completion of them, she will be joining us on our way home."

                    Max smiled and nodded. "Will she be joining the House?"

                    Po shook his head. "No. She is a career officer serving the Dragon and wishes to continue to do so. I would not ask her to give that up for anything."

                    Max cocked his head slightly to the side. "Perhaps that is the other shoe whose dropping you anticipate. You have this happiness now, but ultimately you two will spend much of your lives apart, it would seem. That is a heavy price to pay. I think the universe will be happy with its balance sheet."

                    "You are correct of course. Balance in all things. Too much of a good thing would not be harmonious, and in time I should come to take it for granted. This is the path of Po Ding."

                    Max put a hand on Po's shoulder. "And I, we, the House, will be with you through it all. Never doubt that. We follow the path of Po Ding. But for now, enjoy that it is a happy and glorious one."