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 Posted: Mon Jan 12, 2009 2:32 pm
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Posted: Mon Jan 12, 2009 4:26 pm
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Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2009 12:41 pm
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Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2009 5:59 pm
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Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2009 6:15 pm
Chourou came to Setsushi's house alone, intending to check on how her fellow Knight was doing and to tell him where she and her family were now living. It was a bit far-off from the Ice Maiden's residence, but close to where the human Akram lived. It had seemed strange when they all first arrived in Gaia to find the Dragon Knight Setsushi living in a modest house of his own and running a little noodle shop out of it at the same time, but Chourou now understood fully how difficult it was for the Porcelain of the Golden World to gain their footing in this new place.
Now that Reiga and Uki and Ako had a roof over their heads, the Knight of Bukoku figured she could make sure all of the others were living well enough, as well.
The woman knocked at the door; it was apparently left open all the time, but she would not enter unannounced or uninvited.
The High Priest heard the sound of knocking somewhere in his meditation, and took a deep breath as he returned himself to Gaia. Almost as soon as he became aware of the room again, a deep anxiety settled into his chest as he wondered who was there - it could have been any one of the other Porcelain, but it could have just as easily been Kumoru.
Still, he could not be rude. Kouyo stood and brushed the folds from his robes, padding over to the door to open it.
"Hello?"
"Sir Setsushi-" No, someone the Knight did not recognize. Her brow furrowed slightly in confusion as she struggled to think who else this might be, but her mouth hung open uselessly as Chourou could not come up with a name.
Giving off a small relieved feeling as well as his welcome, Kouyo stepped back from the doorway, lowering his eyes and holding one hand up near his face to hide it partly. Setsushi was not here presently, but the lady would be more than welcome to wait here for him, he told her. This little bird could not offer her soup, unfortunately, but if she required a drink, he could provide water or tea.
The greetings seemed subtly scripted, as Kouyo still held deep anxiety when it came to strangers, even Porcelain ones, but he was sure to allow the visitor to see that he was truly thankful for the company.
Chourou offered her polite thanks and stepped inside, studying the young man for a moment before turning her gaze away from him as well. She had never seen a maiden behave in quite such a fashion, hiding his face, but then the Knight had hardly dealt with much of what was "normal" in Toukoku. Truth be told, she half wanted to tell him right out that he had nothing to fear from her, that neither of them really had to cling to such propriety for the moment, as it surely counted as a special situation with all of them in this strange other world. But Chourou also feared offending the shy young man, and therefore kept her curiosity and her desire to reject all of the silly politeness both on short leashes.
Instead, she just sent out a simple inquiry asking by what name she could call her kind host. This one is "Chourou of Earth, Dragon Knight of Bukoku."
The priest gave off a feeling of respect and surprise, and bowed to her before turning away again, keeping his eyes fixed on the floor. "I have heard your name before," he told her, his voice soft. "And I am honored to actually meet you, Dame Chourou."
The little bird was "Kouyo of Water".
"Kouyo the High Priest?" the Knight promptly inquired. She had never paid the affairs of the priesthood much mind; she had always sort of pictured the High Priest as some stuffy old zealot, too high up in his lofty tower to understand any of the common people as he dictated his morality and worked his control through their fear of the Name - nothing at all like the red-haired young maiden who was still politely yet shyly offering to prepare tea for her. He looked as though he could easily have been her son.
"Some tea would be nice," Chourou told him finally, hoping that her delay in answering had not made him too anxious. "I would also enjoy conversing with the High Priest, as well, if he would not mind the company of a military woman?"
"Not at all," Kouyo told her, trying to hide his usual worry at interacting with strangers. The Gaian Porcelain he had met thus far were all children, or at least appeared as such, and so it felt distinctly different to run into one of Setsushi's age, and one whose name he knew from the Golden World. A woman, moreover, though Kouyo was gradually getting used to female visitors. He was thankful for her politeness, as the careful and plain responses propriety demanded felt much more comfortable to him, but the priest still found her presence a bit intimidating.
"This little bird knows little of the world outside, however," he went on as he selected two of Setsushi's teacups from the cabinets and brought them to the table, then filled the teapot with water from the tap. "So I fear I will make for dull conversation."
"You know more of Gaia than I do, I suspect," the Knight replied with a small smile as the young man returned to the table with the teapot, holding it in both hands rather than by the handle. The pot was steaming by the time Kouyo set it down, and she lifted the lid to study the water briefly, impressed, as he fetched the tea.
"The High Priest lives here, then, with Sir Setsushi?"
"Yes," Kouyo replied without elaborating, and settled down in a chair across the table from Chourou as he offered her a choice of two small canisters of tea leaves.
He glanced up at her briefly after the Knight had picked her tea, and gave off a gentle feeling of concern as he poured the water for her. "Dame Chourou has a place to live as well, yes?" he asked.
Chourou nodded and thanked him for the tea. "I have a place now with my family," she told him. "A human man, Akram Mercier, gave us a small home of our own in exchange for work. And so I am working for him to repay the debt."
She blew lightly on the tea, eyes focusing on the steam for a moment before she looked back at the priest. "I cannot deny that part of me hopes we will have found a way home long before I have toiled enough to pay for a house, but at the same time, I cannot let the full debt go unpaid...." Chourou laughed softly at herself and took a sip of tea.
Though he still kept his eyes lowered, the High Priest no longer tried to hide his face, instead curling his fingers around the warm teacup. He did not recognize the human's name, but was thankful at least that the Lady had not had the pleasure of meeting either Master Whitestone or Kumoru.
"I hope this Akram Mercier is a good man," Kouyo said, though if he had been willing to offer help to the Porcelain woman and her family, then he surely must be a better person than Master Whitestone. "I, too, have found employment here, but living with Setsushi has been the easiest for me. And certainly the least lonely."
"The human has been very helpful thus far, though his customs are strange. Everything is business to him, though, so I believe we can trust him to be honest in our transaction." She was quiet for a moment, then conceded, "I am glad that I do not share house with him, but rather with other Porcelain. I do not know what I would do if I was trapped here alone, away from my family. Or even if the four of us were trapped here without any others like us."
She put one hand to her mouth and shuddered as a feeling of fear and upset flowed through her body at the thought of being away from Reiga forever, and Chourou was thankful that the High Priest was not watching her. In an attempt to cheer herself up, the Knight then sent reassuring feelings to the High Priest. "There seem to be many of us ending up in this strange other world, so as long as we hold close, we will never be lonely."
Kouyo looked up from his tea and made eye contact with the Knight as she spoke. Then he smiled and whispered, "That is true," before returning to studying the tea leaves at the bottom of his cup as he sipped at the warm drink.
He was silent for several long moments, keeping his gaze on his tea, or on the table. Then he inquired, "Is there anything in particular you wanted to ask this little bird about our new temporary home?"
At the High Priest's use of the word "home", Chourou quietly chided him with her projections that he should have more hope: they would find some way back to their real home soon. Sir Setsushi was not alone, nor was High Priest Kouyo. With more minds working together now, then the answer should come much more easily.
Then she spoke to answer his question, telling him, "No, nothing comes to mind, but I know I can come to you for help." Chourou thought she caught his eye for a moment again, and offered a smile.
The priest's eyes went instead towards the lady's cup, and he held one sleeve out of the way with one hand while he reached with the other for the teapot to refill her drink. He found himself somewhat reassured by Dame Chourou's confidence, but still feared that the situation was more complex than even he had yet discovered.
"This little bird has seen things in his dreams that lead him to fear for our homeland, but... I hope we will have the means and the strength to set things right."
"High Priest Kouyo is a seer, then?" Chourou asked, feeling a bit foolish for not knowing. She had heard of a few spiritual leaders in her homeland who had seen the future in their dreams, but she had not yet met any of them. And the handful of the Toukoku priests Chourou had met so far were clerics of the battlefield, who had definitely put all of their efforts into learning healing techniques.
... Then she recoiled slightly and put a hand to her chest, becoming acutely aware again of the stain of her infidelity and suddenly fearing that the quiet young priest could somehow see it on her. What precisely could his power do?
Giving off a shy pleading feeling as the Knight edged back from the table, Kouyo half-reached one hand across to her - Dame Chourou had nothing to fear from this little bird, no reason to be troubled. "The High Priest is a seer," he told her, withdrawing his hand after a moment but still projecting faint worry at the lady's reaction. "No power at all save for what the Empress can gain through what I see."
Kouyo dearly hoped he had said nothing wrong to offend the lady.
The fear gave way to nausea again, and less urgent worry, and the Knight set her teacup down, shaking her head. "No, I-" She put her hands to her head for a moment and took a deep breath, then tried again. "I meant no offense. I'm sorry." She peered down at his outstretched hand, even as he took it away, wondering why he had seemed frightened.
She still wondered what all he saw - was it limited to his dreams? Or could he see things in the waking world as well? Was that why he refused to look at her? At the same time, however, part of Chourou began to wonder if the priest might be able to help. The Toukoku priests were supposed to aid and heal; the Knight of Bukoku was naturally a bit skeptical of this reputation, since the priesthood was surely as much of a system of control as the tedious tower of the bureaucracy. At the same time, though, no Porcelain of the Empire would be foolish enough to hold the priesthood in such esteem if they lacked the power to do what they promised.
But something he had said.... "No power? You mean to say they keep you in a tower only to consult your visions?"
The High Priest smiled, hiding away his pain at the memories. "Always in my birdcage in the Golden World, seeing only those visitors who wanted to hear my songs. No worldly temptations to trouble my meditations." He would never go back there, even if they did find a way out of Gaia; it was one thing that he felt he could tell Dame Chourou with confidence and conviction.
"I am not shirking my duties here in Gaia, however," he went on, his voice growing a bit stronger and more confident. "I wish to serve us here as well as I can. So... if there is anything this little bird can do for Dame Chourou, please just ask." Kouyo looked up at her again as the shy softness returned to his voice, though his projections showed that he meant every word.
Whatever had made her appear so fearful before, Kouyo hoped he would be able to help if she asked about it. He wanted to like her and to befriend her, but even beyond that, it hurt him to see her troubled as she had been before.
The Knight could not shake the faint fear of the High Priest's power, not knowing the extent of it, but his appearance and his manner went against the stereotypes she had formed out of bitterness towards what she had seen of Toukoku's rigid power structures.
"Nothing comes to mind right now," Chourou told him, finally relaxing. "But if I find I require your help, I will call for you, little bird Kouyo." Even if the Name allowed him to see the dirty stain she had put on herself as plainly as he could see the color of her eyes, the Knight tried to tell herself that this shy young maiden would not judge her harshly. Perhaps in time she could see if the High Priest would be able to help her heal her damaged spirit.
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Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 3:47 pm
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Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 7:44 pm
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Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 7:46 pm
Ako ran into the shop ahead of Akram and her mother, radiating glee and excitement. She paused for a moment just inside to look around and take everything in, then headed straight for a set of bins filled with all manner of plain plastic animals, right next to the ones with the wind-up toys.
Just one, Chourou gently reminded her daughter with a laugh as she followed Akram inside. Then she told the girl that she would be just a little bit down the next aisle, and not to leave the store without her.
The merchant prince stepped down the aisle of models with the Porcelain Knight following, scanning them over.
"Any idea what your other daughter might like?" he asked, figuring that the answer would include neither tanks nor warplanes and moving past those.
The Knight of Bukoku concealed the fact that she did not really know for sure, and joined the human man in studying the ones on the shelves. Perhaps she would have been able to make a better guess at what Uki liked if the choices were things of the Golden World, but, confronted by so many Gaian vehicles and objects, Chourou was really at a loss.
"What sorts of things do Gaian girls like?" she inquired after a moment, figuring she could at least try to make conversation while she considered the numerous models.
"Usually little houses for dolls," Akram began, trying hard to remember what his younger sisters played with. "Cute little... how do you call them, plush animals. Puzzles, maybe. Or needlepoint pictures." He pointed to indicate that they should perhaps move to the next aisle over. "Puzzles are on sale today, as well...."
Kouyo looked up from where he crouched, pawing through the puzzles, as a large human with a red cloth hat brushed past him, and cowered slightly, surprised by his size.
... And then the priest gave off a sheepish feeling as Dame Chourou passed him as well. He offered polite greetings nonetheless, and stood, clutching the puzzles he planned to purchase to his chest.
"Oh, hello, little bird Kouyo," the Knight exclaimed, giving off a feeling of pleasant surprise. She noted the boxes in his arms, and projected curiosity but not judgment. "I am here for toys for my daughters, so they do not get bored here in Gaia." Has Kouyo found anything interesting?
Also, "This is Master Akram," she told him, indicating the human, who smiled briefly. She then turned to Akram and gestured to Kouyo, introducing him as well.
Glancing up at the tall human, Kouyo offered polite greetings and a small shy smile in reply.
The priest admitted that he had not been in the store very long, but tells Dame that he found puzzles enjoyable, and was excited to see that there were three-dimensional ones. All of them were apparently famous Gaian buildings; Kouyo handed one of the ones he held to Chourou to examine.
"You like puzzles and models, as well, Kouyo?" Akram inquired, glancing over Chourou's shoulder to look at the one he had given her. "I have made a few models, myself. Since I am buying toys for the girls, as well, I can also get you something, if you would like?"
"Master is too generous," Kouyo respectfully insisted as the human moved back into the aisle of models to scan the shelves. ... He was being treated like a child? The priest tried to keep his embarrassment hidden.
But, um, yes, he did enjoy building models. It was a good way to pass time up in his tower, and now he had less time to fill, but he still required some way to fill it.
Smiling faintly, Chourou returned the box to Kouyo, then poked about at the others on the shelf. She assured the priest that she thought the Gaian puzzles and models looked quite entertaining to her, as well, and did not think him childish. There were other Gaian adults shopping here now, as well, yes? She would be most interested in seeing the High Priest's completed work when all of his puzzles are built.
... Ah, 'Hanging Gardens' sounded like something Uki would hopefully enjoy. It had no real plants, but Chourou thought the building looked interesting. The Knight picked the box up off of the shelf, turning it over in her hands to look at the pictures on the back.
Ako rejoined her mother, then, beaming happily as she showed off the colorful plastic bird she had selected. Look at how many different colors it had on its wings! The girl made a little soft whooshing sound, turning in a circle to let the toy fly around a little.
Then she made it land on Kouyo's wrist, and grinned up at him.
The priest smiled back at the girl and held his hand steady for her bird.
Dame and her daughter were lovely. Kouyo had nearly forgotten his worry at shopping with them around. Both would be welcome to join him sometime, perhaps to help him build his puzzle buildings? Dame Chourou's other daughter as well, and her husband. ... And also Akram. He was quite pleased to meet her family's human friend.
"Here, if you are going to be in Gaia building models, you should have one of these," Akram told Kouyo, holding out a box labeled "1937 Ford" and featuring a picture of a car. "And all the pieces are blank, so you can paint it your favorite color."
Ako's bird flew back to Mommy when Akram returned, because it was still kind of shy around the big human.
... Chourou had to admit that she rather liked the look of the car. Why had she not yet seen one like that driving about in Gaia?
"They do not make them anymore," the merchant explained, sounding perhaps a touch disappointed. Then he turned back to Kouyo and told him, "Tell me when you are ready to start building your car, and I will help you buy paints for it."
Kouyo nodded slowly, glancing wide-eyed between the tall human and the box he had just given him. Then he bowed deeply in thanks. "I will be sure to summon you, Master Akram."
"I think I will pick another model for myself as well, and then I will be finished shopping," the High Priest then told the others. He had seen some interesting wooden ones earlier that he wanted to take another look at. "If, um" - he squirmed a bit at the thought of having so much company - "You would like to join me for a few more minutes?"
Little red and blue and green birdy was getting hungry~
The Knight of Bukoku rested a hand on top of Ako's head, gently assuring her that they were nearly done shopping and could get some dinner at home as she told Kouyo, "Certainly."
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Posted: Wed Apr 15, 2009 1:19 am
wildmistress1 Riega paces around the apartment, tidying up every thing that is minutely astray. He has to do something, after all. He hasn't seen Chourou all day. She has to come back to the apartment sometime... doesn't she? Oh, please, please come back again... gah, that pillow is crooked...
The Porcelain merchant collapses onto a chair in the main room of the apartment. He takes some deep breaths to calm down. Perhaps he should go out, get some fresh air. He reflects that he hasn't met the rest of the Porcelain in Gaia since his appearance in Setsushi's home. Though it is essential that he learn to read Gaian fluently and become skilled in the business practices of their new home, some time to relax with other Porcelain would perhaps be wise.
Where was she?
I am overreacting, he tells himself. I am letting the stress of the move get to me. Everything will be fine. This is a new opportunity for me, a chance to make right whatever could not be fixed back home... maybe. That's what I keep hoping, at least.
Where is she? Asahi Kumoru Chourou lets herself into the apartment, carrying a sleeping Ako cradled in one arm, and a small bag of groceries looped over her wrist. Without setting her daughter down, the Knight leaves the groceries on the table, then fetches the notebook Akram had provided to record their expenses. After penning in the total for the food she purchased, the woman projects her greetings to the household to
announce her return. Then she heads down the short hallway towards the
two bedrooms, cooing softly to her napping little girl that she can
sleep better in her bed now.Ako seems to be out cold, her mouth hanging open as she drools ever so slightly onto her mother's shoulder. wildmistress1 Reiga stands as Chourou enters, trying to hide his overwhelming relief at her safe return. He projects a quiet greeting back and walks to the table to see what food she has brought home, as well as how much was spent for it, out of curiosity.
He asks if Chourou was able to find all she was looking for, a small trace of concern present. Asahi Kumoru Once Ako is tucked in, Chourou comes back out into the front room of the apartment and smiles at her husband. She just purchased some fruits and bread and eggs, and assures Reiga that she did not spend much. And adds that it is still a bit strange, getting used to shopping here. The Knight does not much mind, at least, because the shopping is something to do.
She thought of getting some sort of treat for the girls, but by the time she found the pastries, Ako was already asleep and unable to offer insight into what she might like to have. ... Aah, which reminds her, there was nothing Reiga was in urgent need of, was there? It slipped the Knight's mind to ask him before she set out. wildmistress1 Reiga smiles. No, there is nothing he needs right now. Well, he pauses to look down at himself and decides, perhaps some new clothes. He will have to ask Master Akram what the proper business attire for a merchant in Gaia is. But that is not important right now. The merchant offers to help his wife put away the food, and mentions that he should go shopping more as well if she ever needs anything. The everyday commerce of this world is something he must become well versed in, alongside the higher business.
A little bit of anxiety creeps out as Reiga thinks about the work ahead of him, but he pushes it down. The idea of starting over is not a pleasant one, but it is necessary. Instead, he tries to think of any sort of treat the girls might like. Asahi Kumoru Chourou takes the items from the bag, putting the box of eggs into the electric icebox and the bread into the pantry. Then she takes out a few smaller bags of various Gaian fruits, glancing first at Reiga, then at the icebox device, wondering if the fruit would be better off kept cold, or left on the counter?
Either way, after a moment, the Knight picks an orange from one of the bags and starts to pick at the peel. She has been looking for some way to supplement the amount she makes working for Master Akram, she tells her husband calmly and with a faint smile, in hopes of helping ease the debt. So even if Reiga has trouble finding his footing - which Chourou somehow doubts - they will at least have something.
Pulling a section of orange from the rind, Chourou pops it into her mouth and chews contemplatively for a moment, considering the taste as she turns back towards her husband. She keeps her eyes on the fruit in her hands as she casually asks him how he and Uki have been doing recently? Since she has been out and about so much recently in her search for additional work. wildmistress1 Her husband asks about the names for the strange fruit, shrugging to indicate he has no better idea than she does as to where they should be stored. Pleased with his wife's confidence in him, Reiga's anxiety fades to nothing. Though he appreciates her looking for more work to supplement their income, he tells her, he shall work that much harder to be successful enough to support them on his own.
At Chourou's question, Reiga starts to idly twist a bit of hair, averting his gaze slightly. He has been keeping busy. To the best of his knowledge Uki has been well. He would like to find a way for her to garden here, perhaps Master Akram will have an idea.
The merchant glances back at his wife. Smoothly he put his hair back into place and looks at her, taking a deep breath. I missed you, he admits. Asahi Kumoru Chourou peels another section of orange out and hands it to her husband with a small smile, urging him to try it. Not quite like back home, but the lady of Bukoku does not think she will have much difficulty getting used to Gaian oranges.
She adds that she is not sure if there is space for a garden anywhere around the apartment for a nice garden. She recalls noticing a book about gardening in Setsushi's house, though, and tells Reiga that there may be some room around the Knight's home and shop. ... Chourou thinks she would like to see what he grows here, since it had been so long since she last saw the gardens back at their Jasmine Road estate....
Falling silent, the woman works very intently on peeling a few more pieces of orange, eating them one at a time. At her husband's words, she looks up at him again, though, and admits that she missed him as well. Perhaps- perhaps she could spend a day at home, to rest. All of the recent changes, coming to this new place and finding herself with neither duties nor pay has been making Chourou feel a bit tired. wildmistress1 Reiga takes the piece of orange fruit and tentatively nibbles at it. Finding the tangy taste pleasing, he pops the rest into his mouth. Indeed, these Gaian oranges were an aptly named and delicious fruit.
He shall have to ask Setsushi for advice concerning the garden. If the Knight would not mind, perhaps Uki could have a little garden by his house. A garden would be wonderful for Uki to tend, and the merchant is certain his daughter would enjoy it no matter whose house it was by. Reiga smiles affectionately at the idea of Chourou spending a day at home. You cannot always be working, he quietly tells her. He assures her that if she wanted to take a day to rest, he could take care of things just fine. Anything to help you, anything at all.
...might he have another piece of orange? Asahi Kumoru The lady discretely spits a seed into her hand, examining it for a moment before jokingly commenting that she should give the seed to Uki and that it could become he first seed of her garden. After setting the seed on the counter, Chourou rinses her sticky fingers off in the sink briefly before getting another section of orange for her husband.
Instead of handing him the fruit, the Knight peers up at Reiga and opens her mouth slightly, indicating that he should do the same so that she can feed him the orange. Though she seems more or less at ease, Chourou is still slightly hesitant, almost as though she has forgotten how she ordinarily behaves with her husband.
She is still thankful that she has been trapped away from the Golden World with him, rather than without him, though - a fact of which she reminds Reiga with a small smile. Tomorrow, then, she will take a break and rest, so that the day after, she will be able to return to her searching for something to do with renewed energy. Perhaps she can offer to walk with Uki to Setsushi's home, as well. wildmistress1 Reiga chuckles at her comment about the seed. He seems about to make a joke back, but he is silent as he realizes what his wife wants him to do. A smile grows as he is reminded that Chourou is glad he is here with her. As her husband slowly, and somehow coyly, opens his mouth, he tells her he is glad to be here with her as well, instead of trapped at home without her.
A tiny thought creeps in behind that tender sentiment - at home without her... again. At least he had always known roughly where she was, or told himself that he did. For her to just disappear would have been...
Reiga winces slightly and stops thinking, diverting his attention back to his wife and the present moment. It doesn't matter what might have happened. What matters is that they are together now, and this merchant intends to take full advantage of this opportunity.
He asks if there is anything his wife would like him to do for her tomorrow while she is resting. Asahi Kumoru After feeding her husband the section of orange, Chourou steps away from him a bit and finishes the last of the fruit, then turns away to discard the rinds. They would definitely have to at least attempt to cultivate more of the fruit for themselves, where ever there was space. They were not expensive, but she still wanted to try to avoid spending where ever she could. ... And it would be nicer, having oranges grown by Reiga rather than bought from a store.
The Knight then goes to sit on the battered sofa that had come with the apartment - likely left there by one of the previous occupants who had not been excited by the idea of dragging the thing back to the elevator when it came time to move out. She does her best to relax, and keep the faint anxiety she still feels around her husband hidden; he is welcome to join her if he wishes, she just had to sit down after a long day of wandering and shopping.
As for tomorrow, Reiga is, of course, always welcome to cook for his wife, she reminds him with a smile. If there are tasks simple and straightforward enough for the military woman to handle, she could perhaps lend a hand as well. If they were back at home, they could send the girls out to play for the afternoon and enjoy a quiet meal, just the two of them, but.... Chourou's brow furrows and she sighs, rubbing one eye with the heel of her hand.
Well, they could figure something out. They had a whole day. wildmistress1 Gracefully, Reiga sits beside his wife, hands neatly folded in his lap. Though he is grateful for having a couch at all, he does wish it were in better condition. Maybe one day, once they had some more money, they could buy a new one, or have this one repaired. Indeed, there were a few renovations to this apartment he would like to make - but first things first.This was an example of why growing the oranges themselves, if they could find room, was a good idea. The more they did themselves, the less they would spend - if they were careful about it. It will be very interesting to learn more about Master Akram's business and how he does his accounting.
Before the merchant can start imagining more ways to cut their expenses and the intricacies of a properly run business, he grins at Chourou's idea for tomorrow. A quiet meal alone would be wonderful. He is sure that they can work something out with the girls. Perhaps they could find someone to watch them for a time. Whatever the case, he shall cook whatever Chourou would like to eat. Ah, though, there is no guarantee it will come out perfectly... Asahi Kumoru The Dragon Knight watches her husband and laughs softly. Reiga can make whatever he likes, and Chourou will love it. Anything at all he prepares by hand will be like a feast to her compared to the convenient but dull Gaian food from metal cans and paper boxes.
She adds that she is more than willing to do what she can to make this place feel more like home, as well. Perhaps the next time she goes out wandering, Chourou can try to find a place that has inexpensive furniture? Perhaps Setsushi would know of such a store; she can stop by his home to inquire, as well. Maybe a store like that would even have need for Chourou's help, too, though the woman doubts she is as strong as a human.... wildmistress1 Reiga laughs at her description of the Gaian food. Indeed, it is all too fitting. True, it is extremely convenient, but the merchant would rather have food that was properly prepared and delicious, even if it took much more time to cook. He shall do his very best to prepare such a meal for her.
If she sees a place with inexpensive furniture... He leans back, shocked. Not as strong as a human! Chourou is a Dragon Knight! She is a mighty warrior, the very idea that she would not be as suitable as a human for any job is...is... Her husband forces himself to take a breath. Perhaps he may have overreacted. All the recent changes may be making him tense... regardless, he is sure that she will be able to find good employment.
The merchant is obviously very confident in his wife's abilities. After all, she is - well, Chourou. There's nothing more to it. Asahi Kumoru Smiling fondly at her husband, Chourou gives off a feeling of pride and thanks him for his praise. Perhaps she would be the one directing them and telling them where to go and when, and not just doing heavy lifting. Since she is, of course, a Dragon Knight, and that is not something one can earn through sheer brute force alone.
She will find something better than simple grunt work anyway, if she has any say in it.
The woman falls silent then, folding her hands in her lap and alternating between peering down at them, and over at Reiga, as though unsure what else there is to say. Then... she tells Reiga that maybe she will retreat to their room to rest for a bit, so that he will not have to worry about waking her if she dozes off on the sofa. wildmistress1 Reiga thinks his wife would be good in a managerial position. He hopes the Gaians will see the value, and honor, of having a Dragon Knight working with them. It will be difficult to get across all the subtleties of the significance...
Oh. Reiga nods, if she would like to rest now, that would probably be best. Ah, if Chourou would like - the merchant pauses awkwardly and says nothing. He stands and offers a hand to help his wife up from the couch. She probably doesn't need it, but he for one often feels as if their couch is trying to eat them. Asahi Kumoru The Knight of Bukoku has to admit that the thought of earning a reputation all over again in this new place does not entirely upset her, though. So long as Gaian values are similar to Porcelain ones, it should not be too difficult, right?
The happiness in her projections perhaps exceeds that reflected in her face, and thoughts seem to churn privately in the woman's mind before she places her hand in her husband's. It felt like she had been sitting on a lump in the stuffing rather than being caught between them this time, but she thanks Reiga for helping her anyway. The merchant's wife lingers a moment longer, holding his hand between both of her own... and then she moves both of her hands to hide a yawn.
Will Reiga come check on her in an hour or so, just to be sure she does not sleep all evening? wildmistress1 Her husband wonders what private thoughts she might be having, but does not ask. He does not want to tire her further. Tender feelings project from him, barely hiding the desire for her to hold his hand a little longer.
Reiga's hands lock behind his back. I will wake you in an hour, he assures her. Until then, I shall... do something, he finishes somewhat lamely. Sleep well, Chourou. Though his projections are of tenderness and care, the merchant's eyes seem a little troubled, as if a private concern of his own were being mulled over. Then, with a smile to his wife, it is gone. Asahi Kumoru With a fond smile, Chourou thanks Reiga and starts to head to her room. Behind Lucid walls, she toys with the strong urge to ask him to bed with her, just to hold her and banish her anxieties with his presence. But when she glanced back at him on her way out of the room, the Knight said nothing except to return his tenderness with almost shy affection of her own. She bids him good night... for the afternoon, and then retires to their small bedroom alone. wildmistress1 Slowly, Reiga sinks back down on the couch, feeling it try to engulf him again. He doesn't worry about it now. For a brief moment, he thinks about offering to join his wife, and then dismisses the idea. His thoughts wander a little as he sits there, remembering fond times back home, times spent with Chourou, and some with Uki. Ako hadn't been born yet of course... ah. Yes.
The memories stop as the merchant attempts to lift himself out of the couch. He manages, but ends up stumbling a little, prompting a wave of dizziness that causes him to sit on the floor. Frustrated, Reiga silently curses his frailty. He had been doing so well, no sickness recently. Then he thought of the past, and Ako, and how...
Taking a deep breath, the merchant regains his composure. Ako is adorable, and he has grown to care for her more and more. She is Chourou's daughter. He tries to convince himself that the father's identity doesn't matter. He has been trying for a long time now, and thought he had succeeded. He had been lying to himself.
But no matter. All that is important is Chourou, Uki, and Ako, and their well-being. I will provide, I will succeed, I will keep my family safe, he tells himself, and repeats it a few times as if it were a mantra. Then, slowly, he stands and moves to sit at the table. He will spend some time practicing his writing and reading the Gaian language.
Privately, Reiga desperately hopes his distress did not wake Chourou. He shall keep himself under control, he thinks as he begins to work. She mustn't find out how weak he can be. Soon, all his thoughts turn to letters and strange words, and the moment is forgotten.
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Posted: Mon Apr 20, 2009 11:34 pm
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Posted: Mon Apr 20, 2009 11:38 pm
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Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2009 8:30 am
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Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2009 12:15 am
Chourou let herself back into the apartment and headed straight for the shower, herding Ako along with her. The Knight was pleasantly filthy and exhausted, not minding too much about the dirt she and her daughter were inevitably tracking across the carpet. She could always clean it up later....
The Knight's daughter gave off a pleased feeling as well, perhaps because she was much dirtier than her mother. Chourou had managed to get most of the potting soil off of the tiny girl's hair and clothes, but Ako was still quite dirty up to her elbows, and had some dirt smudged across her face as well.
Mommy was not happy about all the dirt, but it was bath time now anyway, so everything would be all better soon, she figured.
... The day had been a success overall, at least.
The Lady of Bukoku shut the door behind her once she and Ako were both in the bathroom, and then lifted the girl and put her into the tub even before she was undressed. In the private space, a smile started to form on her lips, and Chourou let it slip to her daughter that she was not really angry at all that she had made a mess of herself - just as long as she did not do so again.
Now, Ako should take off her clothes in the tub so if any dirt falls off, she can just rinse it down the drain. Leaving the girl to that task, her mother starts to take the ornaments from her hair, and tosses her head a little once her hair is all loose.
Chourou's daily wanderings had taken her today to a gardening center a bit of a walk from the apartment, but the journey had been a pleasant one. And when she had arrived, the Dragon Knight had been fortunate enough to find that they were looking for strong pairs of arms to help out.
And, well, while they were showing her around....
Ako had done just as Mommy had asked - she had stayed put in the greenhouse, looked around only a little, and not done anything wrong.
Of course not. She appreciated that Ako had been trying to help put the dirt back into the pot that had fallen over. Ako was very sweet and helpful.
The little girl beamed as her mother stepped into the tub to join her.
Chourou worked on undressing as well, shaking out each article of clothing a little before piling her things with Ako's outside the tub.
She was so thankful that there were machines that would wash clothes in the apartment building. They required Gaian coins, but they were quite easy to operate. Not that the Knight had forgotten how to take care of her own things but... there were so many things in Gaia that just made life much easier.
After drawing the curtain across the tub, Chourou told Ako she could be helpful now by turning on the water, and then joined the girl in watching the mud wash off of them both and down the drain.
Ako fell quiet as her mother offered her the shampoo. After she had started working on scrubbing her hair by herself like a big girl, she wondered if she would be going with Mommy to work here in Gaia now, too?
She had followed Chourou nearly everywhere she could for as long as she could remember. Obviously Ako had never seen a battlefield, but she had tolerated numerous boring planning meetings and such with great patience for a child her age. She loved her mommy, of course, so if Chourou told her to be quiet and play for a little while, Ako did it.
The Knight was silent for a moment while she thought, and worked on lathering up her own much longer hair.
Though the Gaian workers had assured her that they were not at all upset with Ako's little adventure with the toppled potted tree - apparently the person who had been directed to clean it up had forgotten or been distracted by some other more immediate task - the Lady of Bukoku had gotten the distinct impression that Gaian children did not often accompany their mothers to work. There was certainly no danger involved in what Chourou was now employed to do - strained muscles, perhaps, but nothing like the dangers of battle.
The thought of leaving the girl at home all the time troubled Chourou, though. Ako had made her wish that she had never done so with Uki.... The woman sighed a little and finally told her younger daughter that perhaps she could stay at home with Daddy while she was at work? Maybe just for the first few days.
On the other hand, at least, Chourou could walk to and from the garden center daily. She could spend every night at home with her family. This job did not mean leaving any of them for weeks, months on end.
Ako stuck her head into the stream of water from the shower-head, and sputtered as she rinsed the soap from her hair. A faintly troubled feeling drifted from the girl as she then turned to peer up at her mother. Stay at home with Daddy and Uki? Not that she did not like them... she just did not know them and love them quite as well as Mommy....
But if that was what Mommy wanted, she would do it.
Chourou had selected soap that had a smell that reminded her a little of the fragrant flowers of home; she took one of the washing cloths from where the four of them were draped over the shower curtain bar, and handed that and the soap to Ako.
... Well, things would be different here, because this was Gaia and not home. Everyone would have to learn to adjust. The Dragon Knight kept her doubts to herself, and showed the tiny girl only her confidence and encouragement. This would be Ako's chance to get to know Daddy and Uki better, right? And Mommy would be home every night, so Ako would see her, too, of course.
The girl nodded slowly, and squeezed out perhaps too big a blob of soap onto her washing cloth.
Ako will try then....
Kneeling down, Chourou turned Ako to face her and smiled. She will be sure to bring presents home for everyone when she can. How did that sound?
The uncertainty and disappointment faded from the girl's face, and she smiled back a little. That sounded fine.
... So now the dirt should disappear from Ako's face, too, so she would not look like a potted plant when her father saw her. Chourou took the cloth from her daughter's hands and started to work on gently scrubbing the last of the soil smudges away.
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Posted: Thu Jun 04, 2009 11:58 pm
wildmistress1 Reiga stands at the mirror. He has just finished adjusting his robe and hair to perfection, ensured the complexion of his skin has not changed with recent stress and climate changes, and now that he has passed his own inspection, the merchant enters the kitchen, ready to
start the day. First, he plans to make some breakfast, then through the day he must clean, practice his Gaian writing and reading skills, see if he can contact Master Akram about further discussing typical Gaian business techniques, and at some point he should do laundry.
He begins heating some hot water for tea. Perhaps some fresh fruit will suffice for breakfast. He begins searching the kitchen, hoping to find some more of those delightful oranges. Asahi Kumoru Chourou's hair is pinned up with less decorative hairsticks than usual, but she still wears the Porcelain tunic and pants that had come with her from the Golden World, rather than Gaian clothes. It is not like she has never gotten the garb dirty before. Perhaps after today, she will dress in Gaian clothes instead for work but the Dragon Knight wants to make a fine first impression... even if all she will be doing is moving bags of mulch and young trees.
For now, though, the Lady of Bukoku is somewhat messily scrambling herself a few eggs for breakfast. She glances over to Reiga as he comes into the kitchen and smiles, sending him warm and proud feelings. He does not plan on taking all of the oranges, does he? Because Chourou will want to bring at least one with her for lunch at work today. wildmistress1 Reiga chuckles, reassuring his wife that no, he will not be taking all of them. He will leave her one. Obviously joking, he brings out an orange for him, and an orange for her. As he starts peeling his, he asks how long Chourou will be working today. She will have to tell him all about how her first day of work in Gaia goes. What was it that she would be doing, again, exactly? Moving trees?
There is a very confused projection of the Knight actually lifting a tree, in a feat of bizarre super-strength. Asahi Kumoru Chourou laughs aloud as she peels her own orange. Yes, she will be carrying trees, exactly as Reiga imagines. Has he not heard the stories of her from her tours abroad in the Empire?
Just little trees, she tells him after eating a few slices of orange. Bags of mulch and soil, tools. Whatever heavy things people need her to carry. It will be refreshing work for her, working her muscles again, especially since she will not have to fight anyone. And she will be able to return home in time for dinner. Today and every day she works.
The Knight smiles and offers Reiga a piece of her orange. Trade for one of his? wildmistress1 Ah, yes, that would make more sense than moving large ones. Though, moving large ones would not have surprised him, he coyly comments. You would find a way.
As he offers his own piece of orange for the trade, Reiga mentions how glad he is that Chourou has found something to do that she will enjoy. It is good she will be able to physically work, without fighting anyone. The fact that she will be home for dinner is a wonderful benefit as well, for both him and the girls.
Tea? Asahi Kumoru Tea would be lovely, she tells him with a smile as she takes the slice of orange and eats it.
And, ah, about the girls... it will be alright if she leaves Ako home with Reiga and Uki, yes? Not for weeks or months, but just for the day, until dinner, when she comes home again. It will not be the same as back home, because Chourou will return, every day. The woman glances away, clearly having mixed feelings about leaving, but she keeps them hidden from her husband. wildmistress1 ... ... Reiga obviously has a few anxieties about this idea, but he does not voice them right away. Instead, he nods and says that as long as Chourou will come at dinner, it would be alright. The uncharacteristically nervous merchant focuses on pouring the tea, being very careful not to spill any. This will mean that he will spend the day with Ako, who he still does not really know...
Taking a deep breath, he hands his wife her tea. Is there anything about Ako he will need to know to properly watch her? You spend much more time with her than I do. Reiga imagines Ako will not like being separated from her mother for a whole day. Asahi Kumoru Setting her orange on the counter for the moment, the Dragon Knight moves for the refrigerator and suddenly becomes very intent on looking through its contents for bread and jam....
... But extends her mind to her husband again after a moment to tell him that Ako is a good girl and will behave for her Daddy. Maybe she will be shy and uncertain, but the little one has already started to warm up to Master Akram; and she was hardly all tears at the dinner party, with all those people there. And she really should get to know the rest of her family better before she gets much older.
Chourou stands again, a jar of jam in hand, though the smile on her lips does not reach her eyes. Reiga will be okay looking after little Ako, too, yes? If Master Akram needs him to do any work today, Ako should be fine going with him so he does not have to leave her at home. wildmistress1 Nodding more to himself than his wife, Reiga decides it should be alright. He looks at Chourou, most of his nervousness gone now, and responds strongly that Ako will be fine in his care. It will be good to get to know her better, and it will be good for her to get to know him as well.
Initially, though it sounds like he means it, it also sounds like he is convincing himself almost as much as he is reassuring Chourou. After a moment, though, the merchant gracefully strides towards the Knight, a smile on his face. Everything will be fine, he is confident. He does not want her to worry about them on her first day at work. Asahi Kumoru The merchant's wife attempts another smile, then turns to put two slices of bread into the toast-machine. And she asks Reiga what sorts of plans he has for the day? What about Uki?
She is glad that she can come home every day from work. The long tours away from home with the military... it was nice to come back to Reiga after months and months away, but leaving again gets harder and harder. So, Chourou assures herself again that this change, this move to Gaia, is for the best. Maybe they can all get better at being a family again. wildmistress1 Plans? Ah, well, Reiga did not have anything specific in mind, but at some point he would like to do some cleaning and laundry, practice his Gaian writing and reading skills, and perhaps talk to Master Akram. Uki could use the practice writing and reading Gaian as well, so Reiga figures that they will just work on it together. Now that he will be watching Ako, perhaps he will put off seeing Master Akram until after Chourou returns, and probably the cleaning and laundry. Or, he will have to enlist Uki's help.
If they get too bored, he may take the girls out for a walk. Other than that, the merchant has nothing planned. He will have to think of something fun for the girls.
He asks his wife for her opinion - any ideas for activities to do? Asahi Kumoru Chourou's eyes focus on something distant, and she smiles faintly as she tells Reiga that, whatever they do, Ako would probably be overjoyed to be asked to help. She is a sweet child and always likes being helpful for her mother, so her father should also give her a chance to help. Like any child, she has been following her mother around at work nearly since the day she was born... obviously not to battle, but to attend to other, less violent tasks. And already little Ako likes to try to help - does that not show promise that she will grow up to be a kind and smart young woman?
Even if he just gives her clothes to carry down to the clothes-washing machines, or has Ako bring him a pen for writing, Chourou thinks Reiga should encourage her to do so. wildmistress1 A look of understanding comes over Reiga's face. He had never even considered what Ako would be doing while Chourou was...away. It was true, now that he thought about it, Ako did seem to enjoy helping her mother as often as possible.
He smiles reassuringly at his wife. He will most certainly find ways for Ako to help. Also, he is certain she will grow to be a wonderful woman. After all, she is Chourou's daughter. Reiga chuckles as he jokes that one day he will be terribly outnumbered by women more intelligent than he is! Asahi Kumoru The Dragon Knight did not realize how tense she had been until she finds herself relaxing considerably at Reiga's favorable response. Closing her eyes, she puts a hand to her chest and steps close to her husband, leaning against him slightly.
"Thank you," she says simply, then hesitantly adds after a moment's pause, "Ako is also lucky to have Reiga for a father." She projects nothing as she speaks, but then cautiously extends a warm feeling of affection to her husband. wildmistress1 Biting his lower lip, Reiga stiffens but draws Chourou closer. He does not wish to cause his wife distress, but he also has mixed feeling about being Ako's "father". He hides any emotion smoothly however, and smiles, focusing on the Knight whom he loves.
"I will try to live up to that," he says, projecting a warm feeling back.
Perhaps one day he will learn who the real father is, he thinks privately, but until then he will do the best he can to be a father to Ako, for Chourou's sake. Asahi Kumoru A young girl's father is the man who watches her grow up into a lady, the man who tends to her household, and who is a comfort and joy to the girl's mother, Chourou tells Reiga slowly and softly, but with her characteristic confidence shining through all the same. After all of their time apart, maybe now it is time for the Knight to simply allow her husband to become Ako's father in this way.
... She seems about to continue, but then the toast-machine pops, releasing Chourou's breakfast along with a thin tendril of smoke; the woman's eyes snap open immediately and her body goes tense with surprise. Then she laughs weakly and glances at her husband quickly before going to retrieve her well-done toast. "Glad my reflexes have not dulled, at least, away from the battlefield for so long and all...." wildmistress1 "If you ever feel your reflexes slowing, I will be more than happy to
make some toast," Reiga jokes, chuckling.
A sense of deep gratitude is sent to his wife, for her confidence in
him. He will strive to be a good father, for both of his girls.
Now, would Chourou like anything else other than toast for breakfast? (( ** in progress ** ))
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Posted: Fri Jun 05, 2009 12:06 am
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