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Trio Maxwell-Chang Captain
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 Posted: Thu Aug 19, 2004 1:41 pm
Aishiki chewed her lower lip, hesitating at Youkochylde's door. She'd taken Satoshi's advice to heart, despite the appearance of ignoring it, and used the excuse of a book loan to seek out Xue, wondering whether he'd be even remotely interested in seeing her again. He must think me a right twit, she reminded herself wryly, remembering how they'd figured out her original mistake. But... at least this way, I'll KNOW, instead of wondering, I guess. Lifting a hand, she rapped lightly at the door, then waited, her fingers clutching the book tightly.
The door was flung open and she found herself nearly pounced into the dirt by a pale cat winding around her. "SATOSHI!" Seppen cried nuzzling against her for a moment before realising his mistake. "Oh..." He got up then, ears drooping slightly as he turned back to the door. "Dogboy, it's for you." Without even acknowledging his actions, he padded off again, disappearing into the house.
Aishiki stared after Seppen, utterly bewildered. Her book was no longer in her hands - it had fallen to lay at her feet at the first touch, and she knew she must have a poleaxed look on her face.
It took a few moments before Xue came to the door, one ear perked up in curiosity. He wasn't sure who it could be... no one ever came to see HIM, after all. "Hello... Aishiki!" He smiled then, leaning over to get her book, happy to see her again.
Aishiki slowly smiled back, relaxing a bit when Xue showed no signs of pouncing her. "I... thought I might say hello," she murmured, coloring a bit when he rose and caught her watching him. Dropping her eyes, she added, "And I brought one of my favorite books along - you mentioned missing your collection at home."
"Oh?" He looked down at the book, brightening almost immediately as he nodded. "Youko's gone about getting me some, but it will be a long time before I regain them. I was hoping to be able to go and bring some of them here someday..." His voice trailed off as he looked back to her gratefully. "Thank you. Would you like to come in?"
Aishiki nodded, stepping forward at the invitation. "Actually... the portal's open now, thanks to you. So you might be able to retrieve your collection fairly soon, right?" she asked, one hand touching her sash protectively.
"Hopefully," he answered, holding the door open politely and letting her step past him. Once inside, he closed the door, casting a sidelong glance to Seppen, who was only visible by the tip of his tail peeking up over the back of the couch where he lay sprawled. "Sorry about Seppen. He's... quirky." Rolling his eyes faintly, he motioned her towards the kitchen. "Would you like something to drink? I was just going to make myself some tea and curl up out on the porch."
"Tea sounds nice," Aishiki nodded, beginning to smile. "He seems to miss Satoshi. Has my brother not been by much?" she added, resisting the urge to reach up and toy with her ponytail nervously.
"He comes by when he can. But Seppen isn't happy unless he's got all the attention." Xue snorted softly, making his way to the counter in the kitchen and pulling out an extra cup. There was already water boiling on the stove, and he moved to bring out a second metal tea ball and start stuffing it with the pungent herbs.
"That bothers you... doesn't it?" Aishiki hazarded, leaning against the counter and watching Xue work. Her eyes lingered on his hands, gazing at the deft movements he made.
"It bothers me in that I don't understand the need for all the dramatics." He shrugged faintly then, preparing hte cups of tea and leaving htem to steep as he turned back to her, smiling. "I find it annoying."
"I can't imagine liking it much, either. But... he seems to have made my brother happy, so that makes me happy," she smiled back at Xue. Her hands finally caught the edge of her sash, toying with it as she considered. "Although being pounced on your doorstep was... rather disturbing."
Snickering softly, Xue smiled to her. "Sorry? I wasn't expecting company, everyone who usually comes over is here to see Seppen or Youko. I might have been able to stop the pouncing.... maybe."
"I'm not blaming you!" Aishiki said hurriedly, though she was grinning in response to his snicker. "It just... I'm not sure. It took me off-guard, I suppose. I definitely was NOT expecting it, after all." She paused, then added, "I haven't been around the shop much, so I've missed anyone who visited."
Nodding, Xue brought the cups over to the table, setting one down near Aishiki as he took one of the other chairs for himself. "I've been there a few times... on and off, really. I usually don't stay long."
"Why not? If I can ask, I mean," Aishiki asked, curling up in the chair and picking up her mug.
"You weren't there," he replied honestly, shrugging softly before lifting the cup to his lips.
Aishiki froze, the cup halfway to her mouth. "I..." she repeated softly, a dark flush coming to her cheeks again as she tried to figure out how to take that. It almost sounded...
Xue smiled, tilting his head to the side as one ear flicked idly. "Well, it's true. You're the only person I seem to get along with there. The rest don't really share my likes and dislikes."
"You mean your book obsession?" she asked, relaxing a bit. This, she could handle - after all, she liked books and learning, too. Setting her mug down, she leaned forward a bit.
"That, the fact that I like quiet... I don't like a whole lot of ruckus..." as he said the last bit, he glanced towards the cat tail tapping along the back of the couch. "I get enough of it here."
"I'm not much fond of noise either," Aishiki nodded, her tail swishing lazily behind her as she finally sipped her tea. "Trio and Schuldig have enough pets that it's almost never quiet at home. I like to go out and find a quiet place in the park."
"You're more than welcome to come over here... as long as Seppen's occupied, it's not that bad around here, really," he offered, ears pricking up slightly.
Aishiki smiled at that, peering down at her tea. "I'd like that, I think. And... you could always join me in the park sometimes. There's a beautiful little spot under a tree I know where almost no one ever goes. It's a perfect reading spot."
Smiling, the white canine blushed, glancing down to his tea. "That sounds wonderful."
Aishiki beamed at his words, nodding. "It does, actually," she agreed, leaning her cheek against her hand and watching him. "No one else seems to understand how nice it is to share."
"Thank you for offering to share with me." Xue smiled, suddenly grateful that she couldn't see through the table as his tail waved madly behind him through the slats of the chair.
"How could I not?" Aishiki asked, utterly unaware of the soft purr surrounding the words. "You understand." When she fell silent, the purr remained, faint but definitely there as she basked in the thought.
He reached hesitantly, letting his hand rest over hers as he smiled. "I try to..."
Aishiki stilled, the purr growing more audible as she stared at their hands. That feels nice, came the inane thought, even as she finally turned her hand in his, shyly moving to hold his hand. If she'd had an answer to his statement, it was lost as she focused on their hands together.
Xue's tail kept waving, a smile coming to his face as he watched their hands thoughtfully. "Did you want to do sit on the porch? There's a lovely view of the sunset from there."
"I think that sounds really nice," Aishiki said, wincing afterward. Nice? Could I sound any more pathetic? she wondered, though her fingers moved to twine with his slowly, hesitantly.
He tightened his hold, smiling as he grabbed up his cup and moved to tug her to her feet gently. "Come with me..."
She nodded, rising and falling into step beside him. Almost as an afterthought, she turned to grab her mug, tugging at his hand as she refused to let go.
As they walked to the front door, Seppen's singsong voie could be heard drifting up from the couch. "Xue and Aishiki sittin' in a tre-... AIE!" The appearance of a pillow that came down to swat the cat revealed Youko curled up at the far end of the couch, trying to watch television as he smacked the cat for his interference.
"There's a reason they're called 'throw pillows'," the fox growled, curling up again and trying to hear.
Xue blushed nearly as red as the flowers sitting on the dining room table, hurrying his steps a bit as they headed out to the porch. "Sorry about that."
Aishiki ducked her head, moving slightly closer to Xue as she fought embarrassment. They weren't doing anything wrong, after all! But despite her inward reassurances, her head stayed turned down in embarrassment. "...It's okay," she murmured, eyes flicking up. "He was just looking for attention, after all."
"Well, he got it," Xue replied, chuckling. "Not the kind he was looking for, I'd wager." He moved to the end of the porch where a wooden swing-seat was hanging, facing towards the west and the sunset. There were two tiny tables to either side of it, and Xue set his mug down on one before pulling Aishiki into the swing with him. It was small, but a comfortable fit for two if htey were close.
Aishiki hesitated a moment before curling up against his side, her tail wrapping around her leg lazily. Only the tip betrayed her, tapping nervously at her shin as she kept her eyes on the horizon. "Xue?" she murmured shyly, wondering if she was mis-reading him.
"Hmm?" he asked, curling up with her and letting one arm wrap around her carefully.
She couldn't quite help the way she immediately began purring again, the faint vibrations felt against his side as she tucked herself a little closer. "Are you... I-I mean... it almost seems..." Unable to find the words to complete the sentences, she trailed off in frustration, her cheeks dark again.
His own skin darkened as well and he just glanced down at her ears, his body curling around her slightly. "I... think so?"
Surprised eyes lifted to his, the blue gaze searching his face as she began to smile. "...Really?"
His ears flicked forward as he nodded, then leaned down to nuzzle against her ears... a display of affection that he'd been trying to avoid for fear of frightening her.
Instead, Aishiki returned the nuzzle, basking in it for a moment before pulling back to rest her head against his chest. One of her hands reached out to catch the hand not wrapped around her, and she laced their fingers together. "I'm glad," she offered softly, though her now-vibrant purr made that obvious.
Sighing softly, Xue took his free hand and trailed it through her hair, his fingers toying with the strap that held her hair pulled up. "I just... I don't want to be presumptuous. You're royalty, and I'm far from it. FAR from it..." he whispered at the end of his statement, his eyes saddening.
"And that matters how?" Aishiki asked, turning her face to search his. She raised an eyebrow, but smiled softly to take the sting from her words.
"Because I'm far beneath you, M'lady..." he whispered almost mournfully, tilting his head to the side as he toyed with her hair and ears. "I have nothing... and in the grand scheme of things, I'm barely worth a glance by most."
"Let Satoshi and Tamako worry about that," Aishiki advised softly, her eyes drifting shut as he continued to pet her. So this is what they like about it... "If it's such a big deal, they can find someone everyone considers 'worthy'." Despite her contentment, her voice made it plain what she thought of those who considered him UNworthy. "I'd rather be beside you." Her cheek brushed his shoulder for a moment before she turned her head, blindly planting a tiny kiss against it.
Xue blinked, the flush rising to his cheeks as the corners of his mouth quirked up into a tiny smile. He wasn't sure he had been expecting that... but her words and touch made him feel GOOD. He wound his arms around Aishiki gently, holding her close as he nuzzled against her ears once more.
Aishiki sighed happily, nuzzling Xue's chest for a moment before shifting so that she could stay tucked against him while watching the sunset. "Seppen's likely to make fun of you, isn't he?"
"Not unless he wants me to humiliate him in front of Satoshi... and I'll be letting him know that once I go back inside." Smiling softly, he left a soft kiss gainst the curve of one ear.
Aishiki's ear flicked as she shivered, fighting a smile. "You wouldn't really, would you?"
Smirking, Xue got a wicked grin on his face. "Oh yes I would, if he doesn't back off."
Aishiki twisted, peering at him curiously. "What would you do?" she asked, her entire face alight with curiosity.
Glancing towards the house, Xue leaned in and whispered softly, just loud enough that Aishiki could hear. "He's got a really sensitive spot... one that just makes him fall into a heap. Usually yowling. Doesn't hurt him, but Youko found it by mistake once while petting him."
"Surely Satoshi already knows that," Aishiki blinked, her voice as soft as Xue's. "How would that humiliate him?"
"Are you kidding? Seppen threw a fit and wouldn't let Youko near him for a week." Snickering, Xue shook his head. "It's one thing for him to act like an attention slut of his own accord. He HATES losing control."
"If he hates it that much, you should save that knowledge for a last resort, don't you think?" Aishiki asked, one ear twisting toward the house as she listened for Seppen. "I mean... I don't know about you, but I get teased enough already."
"Oh I won't use it for regular teasing... if he decides to rag on me about you, however..." Xue growled faintly, tightening his hold around her as he curled up on the swing.
Aishiki reached up, offering him a soft smile as she cupped his cheek. "Does it matter so much what he says about it?" Her fingers played over his skin lightly, moving up to comb through his bangs experimentally.
"No, but it matters what he says about you." He tipped his head forward slightly, tail waving and hitting the side of the swing where it stuck through the slats.
Aishiki let out a rather unladylike snort, her tail moving to curl around his gently. "I'm not worried what he says about me," she informed him, her eyes sparkling. "I'm happy."
"So am I," he replied, tail still waving as he snuggled against her, watching hte sun set.
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Posted: Fri Aug 20, 2004 6:56 am
The trip had been arranged at, more or less, the last minute. One of Trio's adoptive uncles had called her, asking her to come visit and bring 'some of these companions you're always going on about.' She'd laughed and agreed, and gotten a few of her friends up early. Settling in the car was far easier than she'd expected. Aishiki had claimed the front seat, with Aimi tucked into one ear. Ailis and Sankouri, after some silent consideration, had curled up around each other on the back seat, and the combined twelve tails from the two served as the softest seat Aileron had imagined. On the other side of the back seat, behind Trio, curled Lisen, her velvety tail occasionally twitching as she watched the scenery out of the window.
"Tabas?" Aimi chirped, and immediately, Aishiki's ears lay back in irritation. The closing meant that the tiny pink Kun-kun was shunted out of Aishiki's ear. She hovered in front of the dark-skinned Juusanshi for a long moment before ducking up into Aishiki's ponytail. Her mumbled voice floated back to Aishiki as soon as she was hidden. "Iktet..."
Aishiki blinked, glancing at Trio questioningly. The blonde shook her head. "Don't look at me," she muttered. "I have yet to even have TIME to sit down and learn the language. Just let her be and she'll be fine, Aishiki," she told her companion, slipping on a tape and settling back to drive once more.
"What animals are there?" Aishiki prodded, determined to find out what she could about the journey before it happened. Already, she was missing Xue, but the thought of being able to learn more about this world made her happy indeed. And when she returned, she'd have to bring back details to him. Xue liked knowledge almost as much as she did - it was one of the reasons she was so very in love with him.
"Uh... a cat. Maybe two cats," Trio muttered, thinking quietly. "A couple of horses. A dog... no, two! Not sure what else he might have accumulated," she added, chuckling.
In the back of the car, as Trio and Aishiki discussed the farm they were headed to, Aileron curled up further in the thick fur of Zurui tails, lost in thought. His mind kept going back to Shalafi and Tosten, worrying at the thought of the way they'd both gotten to him. That they were both being hurt was a horrible thought. Aileron disliked the idea of any feien being hurt, but he hadn't been really confronted with it recently until both of them. And with both revelations so close together... he couldn't help wondering precisely what he'd been oblivious to while he'd been indulging himself in hiding from Corvus. I should've paid more attention. When I was younger... he started to berate himself. In the middle of the thought, one of Ailis' tails smacked him, knocking the train of thought aside as he stared at it curiously, then down into a single golden eye, which regarded him for a solemn moment before closing again.
The drive passed peacefully enough. Aishiki and Trio continued to chat for most of the drive. Aimi hid, alternately tucking herself in Aishiki's ponytail and under one of Lisen's wings. Aileron dozed lazily, not particularly wanting to dwell on Shalafi and Tosten the way his mind kept doing. When he wasn't thinking of them, he was missing San and wishing she was there to curl up with him. A memory of cuddling Tosten reminded him of how San had felt in his arms, and that thought naturally led to how much he'd begun to miss her. The first few weeks hadn't been so bad, but lately, as he stopped paying attention to Pixapets and started looking around him, he'd begun to feel so... empty. Eventually, he let his eyes close, dozing as his mind dwelled on the thought of his mate.
When they got there, Aileron took to the air, moving up to let it wash over him as he stretched out the car's confinement. Aimi was doing the same, though she'd opted to bounce down to the ground. She quickly changed her mind as a German Shepherd trotted up, followed by a Cocker Spaniel. Along with the fairy and Kun-kun, Lisen took to the air, murring deeply at the feel of her wings getting exercise. As Aishiki stepped out, Trio's uncle left the house, waving to them all. His messy brown hair fell over vibrant, smiling eyes, and Trio didn't bother to introduce any of them before darting forward to tackle him in a tight hug. He tugged her off, and she glanced back at Aishiki, who waved her away.
They stretched and cavorted for several hours. Only Sankouri, of all the companions Trio had brought, padded off to be with her. The rest enjoyed the country air and the animals that came to examine them. After a while, Aileron came down, landing on Aishiki's shoulder curiously. "Exactly why did Trio bring us along if she's going to be holed up with this uncle of hers the whole time?" he asked, watching the sunset as he and Aishiki rocked on the porch.
The Juusanshi shrugged, smiling to herself. "Maybe she thought we'd want some time away from the others?" she suggested, stroking her sash casually. "Maybe she figured she'd want some company after she's done with her uncle. Family can sometimes be a little hard to take, after all."
Aileron shrugged, frowning at his hands. "I should know about that soon," he said suddenly, wanting someone to know about what he'd discovered. "I spoke with the summoner feien last night."
Aishiki froze, then grinned widely. "Really?!" she asked, blue eyes dancing as she applauded. "That's wonderful, Aileron. I'm sure you and San will be wonderful parents." She carefully kept the next thought from spilling forth, turning back to rocking before he could notice the slight shift of her mood. To suggest that San wasn't going to return would be the same as suggesting to Trio that Schuldig would follow suit - it would only hurt them. "Somehow, I doubt I'm going to do such a thing. I don't exactly think I'm the maternal type," she explained ruefully, remembering how Xue had protested their relationship simply based on caste. And after all, love wasn't a guarantee.
"You never know," Aileron countered. "Anything's possible. Particularly at Trio's." As he closed his eyes against the last rays of the setting sun, Aimi fluttered up, curling around Aishiki's ponytail.
"Nenemne," she piped to them, basking in the cool air. The two glanced at each other and shrugged, nodding to Aimi before watching Lisen make a nearby landing. Along with her came Ailis, the two padding up to curl at Aishiki's feet.
"It's been a good day," Aishiki proclaimed, just as Trio came out again, this time with her uncle in tow. She glanced up, smirking as Trio informed them dinner was ready. "Good! I'm starved."
* * *
After dinner came more quiet conversation between Trio and her uncle. They'd met him during the meal, but he clearly had things to discuss with Trio, for he carted her off to talk privately as soon as the dishes were done. Aishiki settled down with a book in one room, while Ailis and Sankouri followed Lisen out to cavort in the darkness. Aimi darted off, disappearing with surprising effectiveness for a bright pink creature. And Aileron, left to his own devices, settled down on Aishiki's shoulder, peering down into her book.
It took a moment before she noticed, and then another moment before she smiled at him softly and pointed to where she was. The two of them read quietly from there until bedtime approached, and only then did Aileron realize how exhausted he was. He shifted off of Aishiki, thanking her quietly before wandering off to find wherever Ailis had curled up. He'd make his bed amongst the nine tails for the moment, he decided.
Aishiki curled up on the couch, and Lisen on the floor beneath her. If Aimi was tucked in there, no one noticed her. Sankouri padded back to the room where Trio and her uncle had been talking earnestly, and disappeared into Trio's room to sleep at her feet as always.
The morning was leisurely. Trio's uncle was up at dawn to take the dogs into town for something. The rest of them got up at their own pace, Aishiki and Trio both clinging to their coffee when they got it made. They had eggs and toast for breakfast, eating heartily before slowly padding back to the car. Once they were in the car and the door to the farmhouse was closed and locked (having a fairy who could fly out of a small tear in one of the screens was useful, particularly when there was someone else there to hold the screen), Aishiki peered at Trio, raising an eyebrow. "Did you get everything settled?" she asked cryptically. If anyone else expected an answer from Trio, they were disappointed with the one-word response she gave.
"Yes."
Aishiki didn't pry, but Aileron rather wished she would have. He wanted to know what all the conversation had been about, particularly since Trio's demeanor that morning was much quieter than the night before. He peered at Sankouri and Ailis, wondering if they'd noticed, too. When Ailis murmured a gentle reassurance in his ear, and Sankouri simply nodded once, he settled down. At least he wasn't the only one to see it!
The car ride passed in peace. This time, Trio turned the radio on early, and they listened to music as she drove. She ignored most questions, leaving Aishiki to answer them, if the Juusanshi knew the answers. But for the most part, music was the only thing in the car.
When they got home, they abandoned the car as quickly as possible, each going to the place they felt most comfortable. Aileron lingered the longest - his most comfortable place was with Ailis, and the Zurui was currently stretching himself out from remaining in a curled ball for so long. Because he was left behind, he was the one to catch sight of Trio getting out of the car, a dark look on her face. She stood in the open door of her seat, lifting her face to the sun as she closed her eyes. "It's never easy, is it?" she finally muttered, closing the car door a little too hard before stalking toward the house.
Aileron watched her go, then drew his brows together. Something had to give soon. He wasn't sure how much more of this she could hide. And he wasn't sure how much more the rest of them could take.
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Trio Maxwell-Chang Captain
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Trio Maxwell-Chang Captain
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Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 1:10 pm
Aishiki sighed, tossing her bangs back as the wind whipped them around. She was dressed in loose jeans and a t-shirt, the pants cut to allow her tail freedom. Decorating the outfit was her ever-present scroll, wrapped around her as the sashes she'd often seen around Gaia. She liked the look, and the soft touch of the magical cloth always made her smile. One hand held a back at her side, weighed down by several thick, hard-bound books, while the other lifted to rap sharply at the door before her.
The house was large but seemed empty, it's gardens elaborate and finely kept. It was made largely of white-painted wood and felt light and free- but somehow very lonely. The door swung open at her touch, revealing the tall owner of the house walking towards her with a book- he paused, surprised to see anyone, and tossed his hair. His robes were elaborate and regal, matching the perfect cobalt blue of his hair. "Is there something I can help you with?" he asked distantly, blue eyes wary.
A rooster, she noted, catching the crest of feathers above his hair. She looked up at him - while he may have been tall, she was definitely shorter than average, though not extremely so - and smiled quietly, a slightly shy cast to her features. "Is... Irasiel here?" Her soft voice managed to pronounce his name perfectly, the only hesitation as she looked down at the paper the name was written on.
"I am Irasiel," he said, still suspicious of her unexpected visit and breed. Of course I would be inflicted with a cat, he noted to himself with annoyance. Still, basic courtesy required that he be civil, and he would not sink to discourtesy. He bowed formally. "What may I help you with this day, gentle lady?"
Aishiki raised an eyebrow at the title, glancing between his fancy robes and her own rather plain garb before offering a slightly wider smile. "You ordered some books from Shisei? They came into the shop yesterday, and I thought I'd deliver them, since I was going to be out anyway." Out, yes... out at the bookshop, spending far more money than I really should have. Thank goodness Trio and the others have ways to exchange Shisei money for Gaian...
His control was obviously rigid, but even so his eyes brightened at the mention of the books. "Ah, yes- please, come this way." He set his book on a side table that already contained a small basket of garden supplies and moved towards the back of the hall. When he moved, the 'formal' robes proved to be lightweight and free-flowing. "it is...kind of you to go out of your way to bring them," he stated, sounding a bit surprised that she would bother.
She shrugged, not quite sure how to answer the statement. "Well, I've gotten to know where things in Gaia are, thanks to my bonded. And... I wasn't going to be far away myself. It's not that far out of my way, I assure you," she eventually said, padding behind him delicately, even as her eyes traveled over his house.
He seemed...unsurprised that he wasn't stirring herself far on his behalf. In fact, it seemed to confirm his cynical suspicions; even so, he couldn't help but quiet his arrogance around her steady calm. He stepped into the redwood library, revealing it to be full of books- largely Gaian, with a small set of shelves lined with treasured books from home. "Set them on that table, please," he said with an absent gesture, and went to retrieve a small purse from his desk.
Aishiki did, her eyes brightening at the sight of so many books by what was obviously another collector. Setting her bag on the table, she moved toward a shelf, finger trailing through the air before it as she ticked off in her mind the books she had yet to find. Normally, she was somewhat shy, but faced with books... well.
He returned his attention to his guest, purse in hand, and blinked in surprise. A change indeed from the quiet thing he'd found on his doorstep; he found himself warming to her despite his dislike. "I take it you like books?" he asked dryly, hand on one hip.
"Not precisely," she threw over her shoulder, before turning to peer at him. The dark hue of her skin didn't quite manage to hide the blush she wore at having been caught, but she smiled up at him gamely. "It's... more along the lines of love. Satoshi and Tamako say I'm obsessed." Shrugging, she clasped her hands behind her back, watching him.
He placed his own hands behind his back, and watched her in the same fashion. That admission...was simlpy something even his hardened hatred for Cats could not resist. True, he loved his gardens more than his books, but they were still dear to his heart- he could feel the pain that friendship might bring, but for the moment...he chose to ignore it. "I suppose, then, that you should introduce yourself," he said loftily. "I generally do not discuss things with people I don't know." A smile lurked in the corners of his bright eyes, no matter how arrogant he seemed.
Aishiki winced at the oversight, the faint pink cast to her cheeks ripening into a resplendent red. "I'm sorry. I'm Aishiki. My bonded works for the shop." She held out a hand to shake, feeling more and more unkempt in his presence. Grace, beauty, AND he was impeccably groomed, and all she had going for her was a messy ponytail, comfortable clothes, and her inherent cat's grace.
His eyebrows shot up and he hesitated just a moment- then bowed over her hand, kissing it lightly. "I would not have expected someone of such stature to be traipsing about Gaia delivering books. I am...honored, lady," he murmured, and found that he actually meant it. He straightened, raising a hand to his books. "My collection. Not what I would like it to be, at the moment, but growing."
Aishiki drew her hand back at the kiss, clearly flustered. Feeling now utterly ridiculous, she turned, peering around the room. "It's quite a bit larger than most have. I noticed you'd picked up a number of Gaian texts, so I suppose you must know about the bookshop nearby?" she added, one ear twitching slightly as she glanced at him.
"I spend most of my time here," he replied quietly, turning away slightly. "My bonded's husband is a collector and scholar himself, and one of her other residents is a writer with vast publishing contracts- most of my books arrive through them. I do not...enjoy leaving home, so I rarely partake in it." He smiled wryly, shaking his head; his feathers glistened in the light. "I do admit, however, that one of those rare excursions was to said bookstore."
Aishiki nodded, understanding well herself how easy it was to hole up. "I'm not surprised, if you've got this many around. And now some more Shisei books. Hopefully, you'll enjoy those." She hesitated, debating to herself whether to mention it before adding, "I recognized some of the titles... they're quite well done, most of them."
"Many of my reference works were left behind when I was brought here," he said with a shrug. "I've had a terrible time rebuilding, but Gaians simply don't have our system of magic. My research is impossible without texts from Shisei."
"You haven't considered retrieving your library from home?" Aishiki asked, watching him. "It's not necessarily easy, mind you, but it CAN be done..."
He turned away completely this time, resting a hand on a shelf and frowning at the books it contained. "That...requires a little more contact with a certain group of people than I would particularly enjoy," he said, his tone neutral and a little flat. "I have considered it, but, as you said, it is not an easy feat."
Withdrawing immediately at the cooling nature of his voice, Aishiki took an uncertain step back. "I'm sorry," she offered, brows drawn together. "I didn't know. If... if I may ask, what group?"
His fingers clawed on the books, and he forced them to relax- this little one was a definite exception to those of her kindred he had interacted with, and he had no right to inflict his anger upon her. He glanced over his shoulder with a rueful smile, and shrugged. "I seem to have difficulty- under most circumstances- dealing with Cats."
Oh... Aishiki winced, offering a weak smile before moving to head to the door. "I'm sorry. I wasn't aware," she repeated, sighing inwardly at the way she'd just stammered the same thing all over again and wanting to be away before she caused any more annoyance.
"No!" He said sharply, and blinked at himself as he faced her again. He seemed quite surprised by his outburst. "I...do apologize. I have found your company to be most pleasant, and I do not hold quite everyone responsible for his- for what occurred in the past." Showing the first signs of unease, he ran a hand through his hair. "Please, it would be a shame if you left without seeing the gardens...?"
Large blue eyes regarded him warily for a moment, before she nodded slowly. For a moment, she had the urge to apologize again, and she pushed it down, chewing her lower lip as she waited. "I'd like that. I... saw the gardening tools on the table down the hall. Do you do it yourself? Garden, I mean."
Relieved at the change of subject, he nodded and ushered her out the door. "Not all of it- certainly this monstrous expanse is too great a challenge for one man- but the more delicate flowers, herbs, and plants in general are under my direct care. I have considered constructing a greenhouse, but at the moment I am content with what I have." He retrieved the basket and opened the door for her- absent courtesy that was part of everything he did.
She murmured a soft thank you as she stepped out, resisting the urge to reach up and smooth her ponytail. It was utterly ridiculous how much she felt the need to preen around him. The only person who had made her feel more was Xue, and by now, they were quite comfortable together. "Cooking herbs, or medicinal ones?" she asked, then paused as she finally looked out at the garden. "Ooh...."
Irasiel seemed to soften in the sunlit garden, his expression gentler in this place, his haven. He removed the outer robe and left it on a hook just inside the door; under it he wore simpler clothes, still in the same loose blue but of sturdier fabric and construction. "I have both a kitchen garden and a medicinal garden," he said brightly. "Also herbs and flowers that have no other purpose besides incredible scent."
"I can tell," Aishiki said, breathing deeply and almost purring at the heady mixture of scents that assailed her. "It's beautiful, Irasiel," she added, the soft murr to her voice still audible as she padded forward delicately.
I'm very proud of it," he said softly, and followed quietly. The flower of choice seemed to be the iris, but there were hundreds of varieties of it and many other flowers besides. Whole sections of the garden were given to plants with varying colors of leaves, plants that attracted certain types of birds or butterflies, and even plants that could be eaten just by sitting in the middle of that particular garden. "Thank you," he said, still soft- he wasn't used to sweetly honest compliments anymore, and certainly not from a Cat.
Aishiki resisted the almost overwhelming urge to bat at the occasional butterfly, enjoying the walk. "How do you possibly keep up with it all?" she asked, still watching everything with the delight of someone who'd never seen an extensive garden before. Turning to him, her eyes danced brightly. "You have help, right? I mean, I know you said certain sections were your domain, but you must still have help..."
"The smaller the plant, the more likely it is to be my personal domain," he noted, nodding. "The larger plants are usually cared for by Britain- my bonded's- staff. However, anywhere you see the smaller, intricate plantings I've been at work, and the design is all my own." He motioned to the left, where a sparkling fountain could be seen dominating a mirror-bright pond. "There are a few pools scattered throughout, as well."
Aishiki grinned, brushing her bangs out of her eyes as she knelt to examine a white flower curiously. "What's this one?" she asked, not knowing the first thing about flowers. "It smells wonderful."
He sat next to her with little regard for his clothing, flicking his tail out of his way absently, and touched the petals with reverent fingers. "Murasame," he whispered, and there was pain in his voice. "An iris...one of my specialties."
"They're all over the place," Aishiki said, curling up on the path beside him. "You must really love them." She wanted to say more, but slowly trailed off, recognizing the pain and unsure whether to say anything at all.
"Murasame is the name of one of my...companions," he said quietly. "I've lost so many...only a few remain, all back home. I bred a few of the variants here specifically for each of them- the white and purple ones there, the pale pink in that corner, and Murasame here. I wish I had been able to share them...before."
Immediately, Aishiki's smile faded, hand drawing back as she hunched her shoulders. "I'm sorry," she murmured, glancing away at other flowers as her eartails dropped to curtain her.
"You are, indeed, kind," he sighed, and shook himself. "I've sent a few home, so hopefully they have had at least some chance to enjoy them. Murasame, Miyoshino, Ayasegawa and her brother Hatsukurenai still wait for me. Perhaps my next project will be called Aishiki?" he teased, his eyes still hurting but bearing it well. He smiled at her, a true smile without the restraints of formality.
Aishiki rose immediately, shaking her head. "No... I think it'd be better named something else," she said quickly, arms curling around herself. "I'm sorry..."
He blinked, and followed her up, catching her hands and holding them tightly. "Please...what have I said to offend you?" His voice was genuinely concerned.
She tugged ineffectually at his grip for a moment, then lowered her eyes. "No... Nothing," she murmured, brows drawn together tightly. "It's just... I'm sorry we haven't gotten more over here yet." She looked up suddenly, eyes entreating him to believe her. "We HAVE been trying, I promise. There are just so many ill..."
Realization dawned, and he cursed himself for being so unobservant. He reacted as he would have with any of his companions, and pulled her close- a move he never would have made with a Cat before. "Shhhh, sweetling, it's alright! I know. I know you've tried, and look at everything you've done! I myself have looked into the matter, I know it is a difficult path to tread. I do not blame you for this in any way...I am simply saddened that it is necessary at all."
Aishiki grew tenser, tugging free of his arms as soon as they closed around her. As soon as she was free, she backed up a pace, arms hugging herself as she stared at him nervously. "I... don't, please?" she murmured, chewing her lower lip as she tried to pull herself together.
He released her without protest, his eyes anguished, and he looked down at his hands as if they'd betrayed him. First to reach out, then to have it prove such an unwise decision- this wasn't going well at all, and he felt the familiar bruising of his heart scream. "I...I'm sorry," he whispered, hair falling to shield his face. "Please forgive me."
For several long moments, she said nothing. Instead, she watched him hesitantly, eventually reaching out with nervous fingers to brush back the curtain of his hair and peer at his face. "I'm... not always good with touch," she admitted softly, tail twitching skittishly. "I'm sorry." A weak, wry smile graced her lips. "It's something that Xue rarely stumbles on... You're the first in a while... no, second. Seppen was the first." She shivered, tucking her other arm tighter around herself.
He snorted, raising his head slowly to hesitantly meet her eyes. "Seppen is a p***k. Beautiful, but a p***k," he said loftily. He smiled sadly, and closed his hands. "It's not something I do often, not with people I've...just met, at least," he said gently, and shrugged. "I suppose that means I must like you- therefore you are absolutely required to return to my home on a regular basis for tea, flowers, and books," he said with mock- firmness, but his eyes were soft.
Aishiki nodded, drawing her arm back and watching him hesitantly before murmuring, "I'll do my best. I... can bring a few of my own library, if you'd ever like to borrow any. Or... you're welcome to visit my bonded's home, where I live. Though," she looked around, noting the distinct lack of companions that habitually hounded her during her life at Trio's, "your place is much quieter."
"I have to say," he murmured softly, casting his eyes over his gardens, "that it is a...quiet place. Someday the irises won't be the only flowers here- you will like them, for all of my companions are scholars." Carefully, he reached down and clipped a long flower of the Murasame irises with a knife from his belt before straightening and offering it with a smile and an open heart.
She blushed, accepting it slowly. As her fingers curled around the stem, the petals fluttered lightly, revealing the faint shaking still present. "I look forward to meeting your... friends?" she said, the last word a question.
"Yes," Irasiel said with a fond smile, "my friends. Not quite a Court; more of a very colorful and hedonistic forum," he said dryly, with a touch of asperity but still with affection. "As I believe...that they will enjoy meeting what friends I have found here." He caught her eyes and held them, unsure. "May I count you as one of those, Aishiki?"
"I... yes," Aishiki murmured, swallowing and watching him for several moments before offering a faint smile. "I'd like that. Thank you." Uncertainly, she clung to the flower in her hand, watching him.
"WELL," he replied, some of his carefree arrogance coming back, "that certainly solves THAT problem." Nodding as if all the problems in the world had just been solved, he put his hands on his hips and grinned. "I'm afraid I'm expected for lunch with my bonded soon, but I would be quite honored if you considered my home your own- my gardens are yours to retreat to, should your own home become too...ah...noisy."
She tried to follow his lead and dismiss it all, but just couldn't quite manage it. So she settled for a slow nod and a quiet, "My bonded doesn't like to be alone. She collects company. Sometimes, I think at least one creature from every part of Gaia lives with her..." She backed up a pace, wishing for Xue, or someone else who could calm her nerves, though as yet, he was really the only one. "I should make myself scarce. The bookshop, and then back to the shop we run..."
He reached out a hand again, though he was not so unwise as to touch her this time. "Shiki! It's okay. In this place, no one will ask anything of you, and nothing is expected of you." His voice was soft, and calm. "You'll find...that there isn't anyone else here. I have been alone a long time, and your company is quiet- and well appreciated." His smile was honest, if sad and a little lonely. "Please return whenever you may."
She blinked at the nickname, finally beginning to smile again. "Thank you," she offered, her heartfelt words more in response to his reassurance than compliments. She watched his hand a moment, then slowly reached up to place her own in his palm. "I'm honored."
He brushed his lips across her hand again, aware now of what it must have taken for her to stand the gesture in the first place, and nodded solemnly. "No, Shiki, I am honored- you've gone a long ways towards restoring my faith in Cats in general." He shook his head, releasing her hand gently, and sighed. "That, unfortunately, is a story for another day. I really must be going; Freixe gets VERY upset when anyone arrives late for meals."
Aishiki nodded, drawing her hand back to her chest as she watched him for a moment more before bowing slightly and moving toward the door to the house. "I'll see you again, I'm sure," she offered quietly, as they reached the door outside. "Thank you for your welcome here. I'll... remember it."
He reached for her hand again, this time to place the purse he'd retrieved earlier in it. "Perhaps next time we shall visit this bookstore you seem so fond of? I look forward to it."
"Goodbye, Irasiel," she said, clinging to the iris as she slipped out of his house. With the door shut firmly behind her, she felt a little better - safer, and less... nervous. She padded off, heading in the opposite direction of the bookshop as she searched out Youkochylde's home... and Xue.
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Posted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 2:11 pm
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Trio Maxwell-Chang Captain
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Trio Maxwell-Chang Captain
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Posted: Mon Nov 28, 2005 1:43 am
Yasout'i got this for Aishiki! (Needless to say, she's a bit confused, but pleased)
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