Ch. 56: Sinfully Pleasurable Dessert

A few minutes later Iren was by my side with his hands behind him while he swayed back and forth, "Such pretty scenery. We have a lot of nice gardens back at the palace too. I know many of these flowers - they seem to thrive here. So you don't have such scenery in your homeland? That's too bad. Flowers are something that everyone should enjoy. Each is unique to the environment and the land they grow in. Say, if you could choose a flower to grow or have, what kind would it be Ezzie?"

I thought about it while I looked around. There were some very large pretty flowers that had profuse creamy blossoms tinged with peachy-light pink overtones. I walked over to them and pointed, "These are nice."

Iren looked over my shoulder and nodded in agreement, "They certainly are. Those are called 'Cafe au lait Dahlia'. You have a really good eye! Surely Ezzie has the best taste. I bet you'd look even more amazing with one in your hair."

He reached down to pluck one of the smaller ones from the stem but I stopped him, "Don't - There's no reason for the life of this flower to end because of me."

Iren's violet eyes bore into mine and for once he looked somewhat serious, "Why would you say that Ezzie? If not for you, what other reason should this flower die? Would you rather it not have a meaning for its end? You won't give this flower it's due honor?"

I turned to look at him quizzically, "You think this flower would honor me?"

Iren smiled solemnly, "Even in death."

I felt like his words were double-edged. To me it felt like he was directly talking about my conflictions concerning the multiple deaths of the people who have died for or by me. Why did this young boy seem so wise right now? Did he notice my internal plight?

As I pondered, Iren looked at me sympathetically, "It's up to you to decide if a death will retain honor. Celebrate it, cherish it's life - and continue yours with meaning. Give death a purpose."

Give death a purpose? Never had I heard it spoken in this way. Looking at Iren directly, I was astonished, "Where did a kid like you learn such philosophy?"

Iren's dimple protruded as he looked at me slyly, "A kid like me has his ways. Perhaps I'll tell you one day. Just don't beat yourself up too much, Ezzie . . . You're my hero. Hero's need to overcome their hardships and allow the past to better their future, not hinder it."

I smiled at such a wise compliment, "Don't you worry Iren. I'd never intentionally let you down."

Iren looked at me with a full-fledged smile as he reached down and plucked the flower. He placed the radiant blossom in my braid as he cheerily said, "Surely Ezzie gives this flower honor and purpose."

I gave a small laugh as Richie came over to interrupt, "Hey kid, you may be a Prince and all but Ez dosen't go for little boys. You might wanna back it up a little."

I looked over and noticed Richie giving a pointed look at Rodair who was giving the young Prince a hostile glare.

Iren, however, either chose to ignore the tension or didn't notice as he said, "The fair lady needed a flower in her hair! I couldn't bear to let my mentor be lacking . . . Don't you worry Richie, I wouldn't dare dream of acquiring the amazing Ezran! She is truly a person worthy of someone far above my meager means. I just glad to bask in her radiant presence!"

I laughed outright at this extreme form of flattery. This boy was a better talker than even Richie! I swear, he was full of surprises.

At this point, the Queen made her way to our party. She asked if we'd be so kind as to allow a celebration to coincide with the banquet this evening.

"What type of celebration?" Kovin asked warily.

"It's been brought to our attention that an individual is ready to be converted tonight therefore a Conversion ceremony will need to commence. We can of course wait, however it's not often that we acquire a convert and even more rare for outsiders to see the celebration. We hoped you would agree to celebrate with us since you're already here. If your party is uncomfortable, of course we will postpone, but it seems rude not to offer you the opportunity."

"Oooo, can we Ezzie? I like celebrations! It'd be a pity not to see something so rare, right? Can we?" Iren's somewhat lucid mature moment was gone and he was back to being an eager young lad again.

I sighed while scratching my head, "I suppose it couldn't hurt."

----

The manor's main hall was filled with succulent food spread upon various tables encircling a wide expanse of floor to allow people to mingle. There was a ceremonial fountain placed in the middle of the hall creating a soft splashing ambiance. As we entered, Iren's eyes lit up from all the different delicacies.

"Oh my! All this food looks amazing! Richie come here and take a look at these cakes!"

Richie rolled his eyes, "Heavens kid control yourself. You act like you've been starved - Are you even a prince?"

Iren puffed out his cheeks in frustration then turned his attention to me instead, "Ezzie you agree with me right? Can't you feel the intoxicating aroma calling to you?"

I laughed when suddenly my eyes were drawn to one of the tables holding one of the best dishes ever beheld. Richie followed my look and groaned, "Oh no."

Oh yes.

Chocolate.

Cho . . co . . late.

Chocolate covered fruits. Chocolate truffles. Chocolate swirls. Even the name chocolate was making my mouth water . . . I had yet again came across my one tangible weakness. When I was younger we hardly ever acquired the sinfully pleasurable dessert but here was a mountain of it just begging for me to indulge.

I bit my lip guilty, afraid to give in to the tempting sweets. Once I got a taste, there was no way I was going to be satisfied with just one bite. Oh no . . . I tend to become a glutton where this food choice is concerned. And honestly, I don't think that it would make my image as 'Champion' of a respectable army look good.

"What's the matter m'lady?" Illana asked, concerned. She wasn't aware of my crazy chocolate addiction, and quite frankly I didn't want her to know.

Iren noticed something was up too because he followed my gaze, "Are you allergic to chocolate, Ezzie?"

I weakly shook my head no as my eyes still took in the sight. Richie came over to pat me on the shoulder, "There there. Our precious Ezzie has a conflicting relationship with chocolate. Sigh . . . What to do?"

I tore my gaze away and glared at Richie, "I can handle it."

"Handle what?" The ever vigilant Rodair couldn't help but ask. He seemed concerned about his lady's odd behavior.

"It's nothing." I grumbled then tried to distract them, "Why don't you guys go ahead and mingle or get refreshments before the ceremony gets started hmm?"

The others looked at me warily but nodded and went off to score their own food. Richie remained, following closely beside me as I made my way to the chocolate bounty.