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 Posted: Sun Mar 08, 2009 2:38 pm
Though he watches Yaruka move with her sword with a bit of sadness and envy in his eye, as if he is recalling his swords, with their particular names and histories, left behind in the Golden World, Setsushi sends Yaruka a feeling of cheerful hopefulness. He means to imply that he hopes Unsou will be amenable to sharing the Porcelain martial traditions with her -- but he once again doesn't make this explicit, to avoid patronizing the other Knight.
"I am inclined to relatively long pauses between matches," Setsushi replies to Unsou, indicating his preference for the fortnight-end of the time frame Unsou suggested. "And if we wish to invite the others, we should delay the first contest a little so that they may be informed."
He ponders the archery contest a little, then asks Yaruka, "Do you know a suitable location?" He explains that it is quite common in the more recreational, playful matches to find an uninhabited hillside and roll a target-disc down it, to simulate the movement and unpredictability of a live target. Setsushi understands that the Gaians have invented targets that move mechanically, but all the models he has seen he felt were too slow and predictable.
Though such a setup isn't necessary; they could have a genteel traditional match as well. But, "The course should be enjoyable," he says with a smile.
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Posted: Tue Mar 10, 2009 2:08 am
Unsou also watched Yaruka curiously as the woman moved with her sword. Like most great warriors, sword and wielder moved as one in flowing harmony. Her eyebrow slightly raised before she turned to Setsushi, hearing him prefer the longer time in between duels.
"Two weeks in between, then." She agreed, thinking a little bit as she put the spear back and pulled down a bo-staff just about her height from the rack nearest her. "We can delay the first match for two weeks, to give the others time if they wish to join."
Unsou is certain that Yaruka can provide a suitable target to meet our specifications.
Yaruka felt Setsushi's cheerfulness and nodded slightly in agreement with his private statement. She would do her best, either way. When Unsou addressed her, she paused in her movements and looked back at her.
"Oh, of course. I can take one of my bigger targets and attack it to a drum frame. I'm sure it will make a good rolling target." She spoke cheerfully as she sheathed her sword once again and set it back upon its customed rack....but not without giving a gentle kiss to the hilt.
"Perhaps the match can be in two parts? The first part with stationary targets and the second with moving?"
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Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2009 12:09 am
Setsushi smiles warmly, nodding. "I am sorry to impose," he says to Yaruka, though his projections are of gratitude and pleasure. They're fortunate to have made her acquaintance; he's not sure anyone else would be so well-prepared and eager to help them.
"Then the first match is settled," he concludes. They can pound out the details of the other two later; Unsou can think over her preferences and let Setsushi know, he tells her deferently, bowing slightly.
"Now..." he turns again to Yaruka. He was wondering, "Is there anything I may do for you?" Yaruka helped him so much while he was moving into his house; now that he's settled and comfortable, he would like to help her family as well. Would she like another pair of hands for pruning the plants, or does she need anything heavy lifted? His tone is light and cheerful, as if labor is a normal and enjoyable way to pass an afternoon...
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Posted: Sat Mar 14, 2009 1:53 am
Yaruka smiled to Setsushi and shook her head a bit, indicating that he wasn't imposing. She enjoys helping others and is quite glad she can be of service somehow. When he offered to help her out she looked at him curiously, trying to think if there was anything he could help her with.
"There is nothing I need assistance with at the moment," She mused thoughtfully, but smiled at him. "However, if I do need something I'll be sure to call you. I promise, it don't be something too difficult. You can stay and visit for a while, if you like. Oh!" She had just remembered something and reached into her pockets, pulling out a small pouch.
"If you could, would you please give this to Kouyo? It's from Tsubei. She never got the chance to give these to him on Valentine's Day. They're flower seeds and bulbs so he can have a garden. I believe she also had a gift for you, but she will probably want to deliver that in person." She smiled and looked over to Unsou, wondering what she might be thinking.
Unsou nodded in agreement that the first contest was settled. It would be a fairly simple one, but one that she looked forward to. She hadn't been in a match in quite some time and would thoroughly enjoy being a part of one. Indeed, they would hammer out the details of the others later. She was arleady trying to think of them as she moved with the bo-staff.
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Posted: Sat Mar 14, 2009 4:48 am
"Kouyo... hm." A strange smile-grimace flashes over Setsushi's face, but only for a moment; he nods and accepts the pouch, promising to deliver it to the High Priest. "I think he will like them," he says smilingly.
"Should we go to meet Miss Tsubei now?" he asks, putting away Kouyo's present in a pocket of his robes. He pauses, then, too, glances at Unsou, his thoughts private but his expression slightly troubled. ... She's already returning to training... Perhaps Dame Unsou won't be interested in socializing with them, he worries silently to himself.
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Posted: Sun Mar 15, 2009 3:56 am
Yaruka smiled as she looked around the familiar place. To Setsushi's compliment, she smiled with a small chuckle.
"The main house was my creation," She spoke softly so they wouldn't disrupt Tsubei. "But the greenhouse is entirely Tsubei's heart and soul. She's cared for these flowers since she was a true child. It was a way she could channel her emotions into something beautiful."
She spoke with pride and a bit of rememberance, recalling when the greenhouse was created and how it evolved. That was a story in itself.
Entering the greenhouse, Unsou did not hide the deep inhale of the sweet natural perfumed air.....nor did she hide a small, but visible smile on her face as she took in the sight of the colorful contained world. She knew that no matter how many times she chose to see this place, it would always be a wonder.
To Setsushi's notion of familiar flora, she nodded. Yes, Unsou has noticed that as well. Unsou has also seen some cultural similarities, having explored the enormous library (emphasis on enormous) and skimmed through a book on what seemed to be a world history.
She moved over, perhaps in a subtle way, towards a nearby shelf that had peony upon it and a nearby small plum tree that was just starting to bloom. She inhaled softly, the two scents lovely enough to perhaps strike a note of femininity in the warrior.
Unsou has also noticed some native flora has found its way into the young woman's garden. That thought was projected publicly to Tsubei, a hint of curiosity to the tone.
Though she was engrossed in her care for her 'children,' she did hear her mother's voice and that brought her to awareness of the fact that she had a small audience to her ritual.
"Oh....h..hello," Tsubei spoke with a touch of nervous embarrassment, "Forgive me for not noticing you." She then bowed to them, extending her sincere greetings to Setsushi and Dame Unsou. She was happy to see them, especially since she had begun to miss Setsushi. She then noted the inquiry to some of her flowers.
Yes, Tsubei received flower seeds as gifts when she visited the Silver World. "I'm pleased to see they are growing well here in Gaian soil." She smiled softly, though felt as if she were being judged by her garden's quality. It seemed silly, but she took much pride in her 'children.'
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Posted: Sun Mar 15, 2009 5:07 pm
Setsushi, too, smiles brightly at Unsou's assent, but turns his head away slightly and hides whatever feelings he may be having -- pleasure? relief? ... maybe amusement? Whatever they are, he thinks better than to let the ladies know about them.
The greenhouse is once again a source of wonder to Setsushi -- he compliments Yaruka again on her fine house. He notices Tsubei lost in her work, and instead of immediately interrupting her, takes a moment to gaze around the assortment of plants. Many of them are familiar to him, which strikes him as strange considering how the animals of Gaia are so different from those of the Golden World -- Dame Unsou has noticed this, too, hasn't she? he asks her.
Setsushi wonders if perhaps Master Reiga will attempt the cultivation of a Gaian garden of his own...
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Posted: Sun Mar 15, 2009 7:06 pm
Yaruka smiled as she looked around the familiar place. To Setsushi's compliment, she smiled with a small chuckle.
"The main house was my creation," She spoke softly so they wouldn't disrupt Tsubei. "But the greenhouse is entirely Tsubei's heart and soul. She's cared for these flowers since she was a true child. It was a way she could channel her emotions into something beautiful."
She spoke with pride and a bit of rememberance, recalling when the greenhouse was created and how it evolved. That was a story in itself.
Entering the greenhouse, Unsou did not hide the deep inhale of the sweet natural perfumed air.....nor did she hide a small, but visible smile on her face as she took in the sight of the colorful contained world. She knew that no matter how many times she chose to see this place, it would always be a wonder.
To Setsushi's notion of familiar flora, she nodded. Yes, Unsou has noticed that as well. Unsou has also seen some cultural similarities, having explored the enormous library (emphasis on enormous) and skimmed through a book on what seemed to be a world history.
She moved over, perhaps in a subtle way, towards a nearby shelf that had peony upon it and a nearby small plum tree that was just starting to bloom. She inhaled softly, the two scents lovely enough to perhaps strike a note of femininity in the warrior.
Unsou has also noticed some native flora has found its way into the young woman's garden. That thought was projected publicly to Tsubei, a hint of curiosity to the tone.
Though she was engrossed in her care for her 'children,' she did hear her mother's voice and that brought her to awareness of the fact that she had a small audience to her ritual.
"Oh....h..hello," Tsubei spoke with a touch of nervous embarrassment, "Forgive me for not noticing you." She then bowed to them, extending her sincere greetings to Setsushi and Dame Unsou. She was happy to see them, especially since she had begun to miss Setsushi. She then noted the inquiry to some of her flowers.
Yes, Tsubei received flower seeds as gifts when she visited the Silver World. "I'm pleased to see they are growing well here in Gaian soil." She smiled softly, though felt as if she were being judged by her garden's quality. It seemed silly, but she took much pride in her 'children.'
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Posted: Sun Mar 15, 2009 8:03 pm
Setsushi watches Unsou a moment, covering his mouth with a hand, as if thoughtful -- or as if he is trying to hide some facial expression.
When Tsubei addresses them, though, he lowers his hand to reveal a smile, touching his heart and bowing slightly. "It is a magnificent garden," he compliments her sincerely. Her hard work has certainly paid off, he thinks. "You should bring Dame Chourou and Master Reiga to see it some time, I believe.
"Madame Yaruka gave me your gift for Kouyo," he continues. "I wonder if he might not like for you to visit in person, though?" Setsushi, for his part, has missed Miss Tsubei too; with two overgrown boys, plus Dame Tenkyuu, living in the house, Setsushi sometimes finds himself missing the elegance and grace Yaruka and Tsubei would contribute to the atmosphere when they stopped by. sweatdrop
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Posted: Wed Mar 18, 2009 3:05 am
Though lost for a moment in the delightful smell of her favored flowers, Unsou was quite aware that someone was looking at her. Her eyes darted to Setsushi, daggers in them for a short moment before she lowered her head to hide her face. There was just the slightest hint of pink in her cheeks.
She decided to move, walking around the greenhouse to explore the full flora yet again......and to regain some lost composure and pride.
Tsubei looked up to Setsushi with a small smile and a light blush in her face, pride beaming in her eyes when he complimented her garden. The mention of inviting Dame Chourou and her husband over piqued her curiosity. Do they enjoy flowers? Tsubei would be happy to show them her children. However, the mention of bringing her gift to Kouyo to him in person, her face fell a bit. She was still a bit aprehensive to see him, but still......she couldn't let a little tension prevent her from seeing a good friend.
"Perhaps I should....and I could bring your present as well, unless you would prefer to have it now?" She put a smile on her face again with her inquirey. She missed being in a place where others knew they could commune and she could meet them. It was nice to have company.
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Posted: Wed Mar 18, 2009 4:13 pm
Setsushi visibly shrinks from Unsou's glare; he almost sends her a flurry of apologetic projections, but chokes them back for fear they would make her even angrier and also because he isn't quite sure what she is angry about.
He edges towards Tsubei, overly cheerful due to his anxiety. Yes, yes -- it is Setsushi's understanding that Master Reiga, in particular, is a connoisseur of plants; perhaps he could become a new friend for Miss Tsubei and Madame Yaruka.
"Whatever you prefer," he answers her question, "though I am unworthy of your generosity." It's a ritualized response; in fact, he seems quite pleased that she thought of him.
But perhaps, he suggests, if she delays presenting the gift to Setsushi, she will be more motivated to come visit Kouyo? Setsushi sincerely believes he would appreciate the company; Kouyo's world has rather a dearth of friendly faces right now...
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Posted: Thu Mar 19, 2009 12:35 am
Seeing the visible shrink of him away from her would normally bring a smug grin to her face.....but not this time. This time around, she felt sheepish for her actions and sent a quiet, private apology to Setsushi.
A strangely somber air suddenly surrounded Unsou as she moved to she small shelf where Tsubei had set up the growing flowers she had received from the Silver World. Her pale fingers lightly caressed the calyx and petals of the blossoms, the eyes that usually spoke through their intensity holding a softer gaze as she thought about someone she dearly missed...
Tsubei saw the small interaction between the two and raised an eyebrow slightly. She said nothing, though, and listened to Setsushi while putting on a calm, welcoming air so that he didn't feel so anxious.
Tsubei will be sure to invite their family over at some point in time so that they may see her garden. She smiled a bit and felt slightly nervous. Tsubei only hopes that her garden may bring Master Reiga's approval, if he is indeed such a connoisseur of flora.
She smiled a little brighter when he showed his practiced modesty. She mentally tutted him, assuring him that he was quite worthy. Name knows how generous he had been to her already. She seemed to ponder a bit on the suggestion of delaying the giving of Setsushi's gift, a slightly anxious twitch in her stomach making her wonder......then she nodded.
"Very well. I will hold your gift for a while longer, then come and deliver both to the two of you. I can also bring something for Lady Tenkyuu." She added a cheerful note, though her eyes drifted to the side as she thought of Kouyo. "Perhaps I can prove to be a better friend to Kouyo this time around."
Yaruka remained silent thoughout their exchange, keeping her eye on Unsou. The warrior concerned her in a few ways, a hope rising within her that perhaps she could discover the hidden part of her.
"I also will have something for Lady Tenkyuu," She chimed in with a soft smile, "I will have Tsubei bring it with her when she visits you next."
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Posted: Thu Mar 19, 2009 8:33 am
Setsushi flashes Unsou a nervous smile and bows his head, sending polite, appeasing feelings towards her in a somewhat-ritualized acceptance of her apologies.
"I am sure he would be happy to see you," he reassures Tsubei again; "He has been caring for your flowers very carefully." He sends her a warm, supportive feeling, kind and confident but a little pushy now, his smile growing brighter and firmer. "He probably worries more than Miss does, actually..."
At the mention of gifts for Tenkyuu, Setsushi grows even more cheerful. "It is very kind of you to think of her," he says to both ladies; "She will be flattered at the attention." He ponders, to himself, the moments where he had seen her show a little flash of loneliness, and feels happy at the prospect that she may be making new friends as well.
"Perhaps we can set a date, and I can invite Dame Chourou's family as well?" he suggests, though not forcefully.
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Posted: Fri Mar 20, 2009 3:32 am
Unsou almos didn't notice his acceptance of her apology, her mind lost in thought. She was thinking of other things, feeling faint aftertrails of projections that became familiar to her.....all seeming so distant now. Seeing the familiar flowers around her brought up such memories.
Curses....she was falling in a spiral of sentimentality. This place seemed to be having that effect on her.
Tsubei shifted her focus for a moment to Unsou, slightly worried for the warrior and her aloofness. It was quite a change from the intensity she was used to seeing. Still, Setsushi was speaking to her and she redirected her attention back to him so as to not be rude.
Was she imagining things or did it seem as if he were, in a round-about way, practically begging her to come and socialize with the High Priest? She had to wonder, in the time she had been away from the udon-ya, what such things had transpired to him behave in such a way. Something to cause unrest between friends? Or perhaps just encouraging to expand the friendship circle a bit? These thoughts ran rampant through her mind, privately of course.
"In that case, I think it is a fine idea." She speaks in reference to coming over, smiling sweetly to Setsushi. "Dame Chourou and her family are more than welcomed if they decide to join us." Perhaps a date can be set to Setsushi's convenience so that he is not overly stressed between work and visitors?
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Posted: Fri Mar 20, 2009 9:30 am
Setsushi nods. "Perhaps at the end of next week?" he suggests; that will give him time to prepare. He apologizes to both Tsubei and Yaruka, as he is not a great chef and so he cannot provide a truly excellent feast in Toukoku style, but he at least be able to provide a comforting home-cooked meal.
"... And will Dame Unsou join us?" he asks her, trying not to show his nervousness upon inviting her.
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