| Iron Hearts: Kameyama Jima http://ironhearts2.fallenash.com/ |
|
| The Sting of Benten (LN1, Closed) http://ironhearts2.fallenash.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=547 |
Page 1 of 2 |
| Author: | Shosuro Anzai [ Wed Oct 18, 2017 10:03 pm ] |
| Post subject: | The Sting of Benten (LN1, Closed) |
It had been a long day. Early. Yet the Scorpion could not sleep. Excitement, anxiety, all of it intermingled in his mind. He was grateful that a messenger was able to send something out immediately. The Matchmakers words echoed in his mind. Little Truths are better than big ones. He was dressed in a casual kimono. Hair loose about his shoulders. Mask was left at his lodgings at the Casino. He doubted he would wear it around her privately again. Maybe it was too late. She would probably be asleep. What was he thinking... The Young Scorpion paced about the temple. |
|
| Author: | Kakita Otsuka [ Wed Oct 18, 2017 10:43 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: The Sting of Benten (LN1, Closed) |
Otsuka yawned. A messenger before sunrise with instructions to go to the temple of Benten after the Imperial matchmaker held court all day? This had to be important. Whether good or bad it remained to be seen. She entered the shrine with a burning candle in her left hand. "Shosuro-san?" she called out. |
|
| Author: | Shosuro Anzai [ Wed Oct 18, 2017 10:52 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: The Sting of Benten (LN1, Closed) |
He turned to face the Kakita duelist. Eyes focusing on her, dimly lit by the candle. He slowly approached her, his featuresnsoftened by a warm smile. "Kakita-san. Thank you for coming..." He wondered how her conversation with the Doom of Bachelors had gone. His movements were graceful, deliberate. Suddenly he cursed himself. Maybe he should have let her sleep. "It's been a long day for us all, hasn't it?" |
|
| Author: | Kakita Otsuka [ Wed Oct 18, 2017 11:00 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: The Sting of Benten (LN1, Closed) |
For the moment of silence before he spoke her mind wondered if this might have been some sort of trap but then he spoke and she was relieved. "It is nothing to worry about. I was awaiting the sunrise anyways," she said politely lying, "And there is a nicer view up here." A duel, a match with the matchmaker, knowing she'd awake to likely hear that Mantis was a captain... "It was. Did something happen?" |
|
| Author: | Shosuro Anzai [ Wed Oct 18, 2017 11:27 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: The Sting of Benten (LN1, Closed) |
He watched her for a long moment. "How did your conversation with Miya-sama go?" His voice lifted with curiosity. He knew how his went, but maybe she didn't speak with her? Or perhaps something else. He tried to shake that feeling. Moving closer to her, he took position to her right, turning to face her slightly, so their voices could be low. "I suppose many things happened." |
|
| Author: | Kakita Otsuka [ Thu Oct 19, 2017 1:53 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: The Sting of Benten (LN1, Closed) |
"Well enough that I just decided to let her pick at the first opportunity so I could leave," she said letting a brief frown cross her face, "I suppose if it is some Matsu brute I can always shave my head instead." |
|
| Author: | Shosuro Anzai [ Thu Oct 19, 2017 1:59 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: The Sting of Benten (LN1, Closed) |
He remained quiet for a long moment. He wasn't certain, but he was sure if she listened, she'd hear his heartbeat pounding in his chest. The thought of her and a Matsu made him chuckle a bit, before he regained composure. "I can understand that. She was quite intimidating during our talk. I spilled tea during the ceremony all over myself." Again another laugh, before he drew serious. "What if she chose a Scorpion?" |
|
| Author: | Kakita Otsuka [ Thu Oct 19, 2017 2:52 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: The Sting of Benten (LN1, Closed) |
"She was but it didn't go quite that bad," she paused, "Well, the tea at least." "A Scorpion is acceptable," she thought about it for a bit, "Honestly it is almost a best case scenario." |
|
| Author: | Shosuro Anzai [ Thu Oct 19, 2017 3:01 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: The Sting of Benten (LN1, Closed) |
"And... what if it wasn't the Matchmaker's idea." His eyes flicked to hers. The Scorpion turned more fully to her, examining her features closely. The way her jaw set, the curl of her lips. "What if I asked her to match me with you? As a Scorpion?" |
|
| Author: | Kakita Otsuka [ Thu Oct 19, 2017 4:40 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: The Sting of Benten (LN1, Closed) |
She was briefly confused and a little impressed. "I am a little surprised she agreed after you spilled tea on yourself. That must have taken some doing," she paused to do some mental political calculations. It was hard to put it altogether so early so she posed the question, "Why did you do it? I am not unhappy but what is your goal in doing so?" |
|
| Author: | Shosuro Anzai [ Thu Oct 19, 2017 6:57 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: The Sting of Benten (LN1, Closed) |
"I did it because..." He stopped to find the words. Somehow it was easier to tell Miya-sama than her. Yet the softness of the dim lighting seemed to help. "... I care about you. We complement each other very well. Yes, this makes sense between our two clans, but that wasn't even a consideration." He smirked a bit. "I did everything I could. Seeing you here, rekindled something from school. And I couldn't... didn't want to imagine losing that again." He shifted, moving to stand before her. "Duty is all the easier when it lines with what one wants. I want this." Here he was, truth bared out for her to see. When every instinct told him to lie, to seek out every advantage. "My goal is to be with who I desire. To be with you. No secret plans, no scheming. Someone who knows that my Loyalty to them would unwavering. Yes, we have our Duty. But together..." Anzai paused again, before nodding, as if to himself. "... we would have a wonderful life together." Odorihime's words still echoed. "Yet I know you, and your family, would have much to learn of me. And mine, of you. We have this voyage. What would you want to learn of me?" His eyes, vibrant green and dull brown, locked onto her own sparkling orbs. Little truths are easier than big ones. |
|
| Author: | Kakita Otsuka [ Thu Oct 19, 2017 4:14 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: The Sting of Benten (LN1, Closed) |
"That is flattering. I hope it works out as you foresee it. Something to make my Duty easier is very welcome," she said giving him a comforting look. "So, I am to be a Shosuro and a wife," she said steeling herself before the drastic whims of fate, "Two things I did not expect when I decided to join this expedition. What shall that entail?" |
|
| Author: | Shosuro Anzai [ Thu Oct 19, 2017 4:43 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: The Sting of Benten (LN1, Closed) |
"We would serve the Bayushi lords. We are masters of secrets." And things less than honorable. He wondered how she would take to that. How different would the Scorpion court be for her than the Crane? Tentatively, he reached for her hand. "I would be a good husband to you, Kakita-san. Your goals would be mine. Anything in my power to fulfill them I would do. And I would share my ambitions with you." There was a bit of mischief in his unnaturally green eye. Would he take the big gamble? Maybe not tonight. It would be a lot to put on all at once. |
|
| Author: | Kakita Otsuka [ Thu Oct 19, 2017 5:30 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: The Sting of Benten (LN1, Closed) |
"What ambitions?" she asked cautiously, "As a Scorpion most of my past goals will fall away to meaninglessness." |
|
| Author: | Shosuro Anzai [ Thu Oct 19, 2017 5:45 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: The Sting of Benten (LN1, Closed) |
"I'm the youngest child of a relatively unimportant branch of the Shosoru. My prospects have to be of my own making." He nodded as if punctuating his statement. "I want to have my own holdings. To rise to an important position at court, or serve as an ambassador." She was the first person he had spoken that outloud to. "And I do want a family, to be there with me." Loyalty to his family was paramount. The most important lesson his mother taught him. |
|
| Author: | Kakita Otsuka [ Thu Oct 19, 2017 6:26 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: The Sting of Benten (LN1, Closed) |
"Ah, you need some fame to distinguish yourself. There are many prestigious persons about that would make that ambition easier. That said it is my duty to help you as I can," she thought about it, "When are these marriages due to be officiated?" |
|
| Author: | Shosuro Anzai [ Thu Oct 19, 2017 6:36 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: The Sting of Benten (LN1, Closed) |
"Kakita-san. I don't want a more prestigious person. I do not shy from tasks that are difficult." His voice was low, inviting. "This is a journey, dare say an adventure. One I want to share with you." Her question caused him to think. "I have no idea. I think that's up to us? Or our families? I can't imagine she's going to just have a mass wedding right before we all depart. That would be... odd?" He raised an eyebrow, before laughing. |
|
| Author: | Kakita Otsuka [ Fri Oct 20, 2017 2:03 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: The Sting of Benten (LN1, Closed) |
She nodded to his first statement, "If that is what you choose. The deal is done and have have no real complaints." "Hopefully," she chuckled, "It would start things in a confused fashion, ne?" |
|
| Author: | Shosuro Anzai [ Fri Oct 20, 2017 2:11 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: The Sting of Benten (LN1, Closed) |
"Not to mention how would she get every single family here? The insults might cause all the clans to unite against the Matchmaker!" His smile went along with her laughter at the statement of confusion. "What would you ask of me? We're in this together, I wouldn't wish to deny you anything." He looked to her, watching her face closely for reactions, clues to her wishes. |
|
| Author: | Kakita Otsuka [ Fri Oct 20, 2017 5:00 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: The Sting of Benten (LN1, Closed) |
She chuckled and shook her head. "So absurd." "I am unsure. Some fitting clothes? But those can wait until our return I hope." |
|
| Page 1 of 2 | All times are UTC + 1 hour |
| Powered by phpBB © 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007 phpBB Group http://www.phpbb.com/ |
|