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 Posted: Fri Apr 10, 2009 9:41 pm
As she watches Xiao Hui retreat towards Kouyo, a warm smile crosses her lips briefly. Privately, and with a burst of warmth, she informs Kouyo that he seems to have a rather energetic devotee.
Tenkyuu's eyes then shift back to Ren'i and Tsubei, her hands interlacing in her robes as she watches the two siblings with a large degree of amusement. The two remind Tenkyuu of her relationship with her sister--they could have the most interested arguments about the slightest of things. Tenkyuu longs for those innocent and slightly irritating times.
Tenkyuu bows her head to the two faintly, her features becoming more serene as a trickle of interest springs from her and to the youths. Tenkyuu would most certainly enjoy partaking of their individual talents at some point. While Tsubei might not be the best of dancers, Tenkyuu will have to see her tailoring.
"Perhaps I will even attempt to procure something from you," says Tenkyuu with a twinkle in her eye.
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Posted: Fri Apr 10, 2009 10:50 pm
Ren'i smiled to both Dame Tenkyuu and the High Priest, bowing to them again as he projected humility to cover up for his momentary lapse into self-absorption.
Yes, it is called a violin. It makes a beautiful sound! He projected enthusiastically to Kouyo's question, setting the case upon an open chair and opening it to show off his beautiful glossy, dark cherry-finished instrument. He pulled out the bow, checking to make sure it still had enough rosin on it, then tucked it under his chin and played a few slow, drawn out random notes that could form a lullaby. His eyes closed as he experimented carefully, drawing the bow delicately over the harmonious strings.
Tsubei smiled softly to Xiao Huo and projected gentle assurance to him that they were both friendly. She looked to Ren'i as he started to play, glad to see that he found use for his talent here in Gaia. Indeed, she would have to find her own uses in the future.....but she was already planning for that.
She looked to Tenkyuu with a smile when she mentioned that she would like to see her tailoring. She was about to answer her when she spoke again, catching the twinkle in her eye. She was quiet for a moment, raising an eyebrow ever so slightly, but she dismissed it.
"I would be more than happy to show you. I have my sketchbook with me, with designs I used for costumes I've made. If you like, you are more than welcome to look at them?" She offered her designs up for judgement, curious of the opinions of others.
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Posted: Sat Apr 11, 2009 1:43 am
Kouyo blushes at his aunt's words, glancing down at Xiao Huo while he pets the boy's hair lightly with his free hand. He privately replies to Tenkyuu that the little one just dearly misses his parents and his home, and now Jilan as well; the High Priest is just doing what he can to help him feel safe here. He adds that he would be far from unwilling to tutor the boy, should Xiao Huo decide to quit his work as a secret agent and instead turn to the temple life, however.
The priest then extends curiosity of his own to Ren'i's instrument, studying it from where he stands and listening to the sounds it makes. "Not so different from some of the music from home," he says softly with a smile, then inquires, "How long have you been playing your 'vi-o-lin'?"
Xiao Huo radiates interest in the violin, as well, and stares at Ren'i while the older boy plays it. Then he excitedly requests another song!
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Posted: Sat Apr 11, 2009 9:34 pm
Tenkyuu's attention soon becomes focused on Ren'i and his exotic instrument. She closes her eyes, letting the notes flow through one ear and out the other before she smiles lightly. Her eyes open and she nods slowly, her hands clasping one another. Yes, Tenkyuu must agree with Xiao Hui--play a song for them?
And as Tsubei makes her offer, Tenkyuu's attention shifts and she promptly nods. Tenkyuu would be graced to see Tsubei's designs--if Tsubei's hand and Tenkyuu's purse would permit it, perhaps she can even get some designs from the seamstress. Tenkyuu's hand moves to take the book as she gestures to her own clothing--Tenkyuu is afraid she has little to wear that suits one of the Golden World.
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Posted: Sun Apr 12, 2009 2:58 am
Ren'i smiled as he felt the attention of those around him, puffing his chest up proudly when both the elder and the young one requested a true song from him. After a drawn out note to end his experiment on, he turned to them in thought to Kouyo's question.
"Since N..no...No-vem-ber?" That is the Gaian month equivilant to Redress, yes? But regardless, Ren'i has been playing for quite a few months now and he continues to improve. But ah, the song. He has just learned a new Gaian composition that he can play for his audience.
With his admonition, he began to play the wonderful new tune he had learned; La Pastorale began slowly to build to its delightfully prancing tune as he took it on himself to make a symphony piece a solo.
Tsubei smiled a bit to Ren'i as he began to play. She was glad to see he could be happy with a crowd, despite how he tended to like his space and not having attention. She turned her attention back to Tenkyuu with a humble smile and feeling, pulling her sketchbook out of the basket she carried and handing it to the elder's curious hands. When Tenkyuu would open it, she would see various sketches of Porcelain she knew as well as the designs for the cold maiden costume, her complicated bird-like costume, designs for a costume that looked like fluttering petals and some simple designs for comfortable everyday robes.
"I am not a professional seamstress yet, so you need not feel obligated to pay me." She spoke gently to Tenkyuu, the smile still present as she felt a bit of pride. Tsubei considers the crafting of robes for friends as practice for when she does become a professional. For now, she is more than happy to do them gratis.
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Posted: Tue Apr 14, 2009 5:23 pm
Xiao Huo and his dolls listen attentively to the song. Then he sits down on the ground beside Kouyo, consulting the three other secret agents on whether or not they might like to all become musicians? They could turn all of their exciting adventures as warriors and bandits and Sorcerers into dance-dramas or something!
The High Priest also projects his gentle admiration for the boy's music - he has learned quite a lot in just a few months, and shows great promise.
He then edges closer to Tsubei, politely wondering what else she has been working on designing since they last met?
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Posted: Tue Apr 14, 2009 5:31 pm
And as the boy prances with his violin at his neck, Tenkyuu cannot help but crack a smile--what he lacks in technique, he makes up in enthusiasm. Tenkyuu admits that she can feel the youth's music in her bones.
And with Kouyo's question aimed at Tsubei, Tenkyuu regards him curiously: Kouyo knows the youths? Her eyes slip downwards, slipping along page after page of sketches. Tenkyuu playfully admonishes Kouyo for not introducing them sooner--Tenkyuu is entranced by the costumes. Tsubei should rather have her clothing on a grand stage than a boorish warrior.
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Posted: Wed Apr 15, 2009 9:18 pm
Ren'i continues to play as he stands still, save for his natural movements with his instrument as the music flows from his fingers. He could feel the admiration and relished in it, swelling his chest a bit and playing with a bit more gusto and emphasis on certain parts.
Ren'i knows a wide array of instruments that he learned back home........since his parents would not let him dance.
Tsubei smiled a bit to both Tenkyuu and Kouyo, not sure who she should be addressing first. She couldn't stop a tinge of rose from touching her cheeks.
"You're too kind, Dame Tenkyuu. Only one of my designs has been on the stage." In fact, the cold maiden costume was purchased just after the performance. She remarked thoughtfully, recalling the performer's mixture of emotions when he gave her the news.
Tsubei has been making patterns for the casual robes and trying to design a hot maiden costume so she can be familiar with the differences. She had turned her attention to Kouyo, noticing that he had edged closer. Though she was more used to closer contact than others had been, she wasn't quite entirely immune to the effects of closeness and felt her cheeks get a bit warmer.
"I don't just want to make costumes, though. I would love to expand my knowledge." She addressed Tenkyuu this time, remembering the comment on her work. Tsubei knows that art is not just about flare and flamboyance, but also subtlty and comfort. Being able to make comfortable everyday wears is just as important as being able to make amazing costumes.
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Posted: Wed Apr 15, 2009 9:42 pm
As the guests talk, a green-haired head peeks slooowly out the doorframe, looking up the street, then down. Then breathing, for some reason, a little sigh, Setsushi makes his way down the steps, bearing a large plate of grilled snapper.
He projects greetings around the group -- to Miss Tsubei, to Ren'i, to Tenkyuu, and then light notes of acknowledgment to Xiao Huo and Kouyo. Setsushi is very pleased to see them. He hopes that they're hungry... and that they like seafood. sweatdrop
Moving to find a place for his plate on the table, he wonders if the guests already assembled would like something to drink? An evening tea, sweet juice for the children, or plain water...?
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Posted: Wed Apr 15, 2009 10:11 pm
Kouyo blushes and bows his head, apologizing to Dame Tenkyuu and Miss Tsubei both. The High Priest could not recall if they had met each other already, and is also still not used to such large groups of people. He hopes the ladies will forgive him - this little bird is still getting used to living with others here in Gaia.
He glances over Tsubei's designs, then retreats to stand against the wall again. Miss should already know that Kouyo thinks her work is lovely.
When Setsushi comes outside, the High Priest shies away from him, too, a little, but then inquires if the Knight is sure he does not need help bringing things outside? Or if Kouyo really must stay out here and "mingle"?
Duh, Xiao Huo is hungry, and has only been watching Setsushi prepare food all day. He stands on his toes to try to see what is on the plate the tall warrior carries - which dish is that? Setsushi and High Priest Kouyo will tell him which ones are okay for him to eat, right?
Oh, uh, and he wants juice! ... ... Please!
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Posted: Thu Apr 16, 2009 4:06 pm
Tenkyuu laughs faintly at the growing blush before nodding her head, her fingers moving to stroke her chin slowly as her eyes wander along Kouyo and Tsubei. Truly, Tsubei shall be a true Mistress of Cloth with such attitudes. Tenkyuu promises, when her finances are in order, that she will order something from Tsubei--if the quality is anything like the pictures, then Tenkyuu must snatch the clothing up before Tsubei is famous!
And as Setsushi appears, a cloud seeming to hang vaguely above his head, Tenkyuu's smile fades. The elder begins moving towards her former pupil, her hands gingerly gripping the plate. Tenkyuu will take care of the drinks--Setsushi must sit down.
"That is an order, not a request," informs Tenkyuu as she brushes by Setsushi with the platter
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Posted: Thu Apr 16, 2009 11:51 pm
Mother! biggrin Ryoua makes his way to her side as she relieves Setsushi of his snapper-ly burden. Ah, and it looks like Mother has made a few new acquaintances? Ryoua bows deeply to each of them in turn. This one is Ryoua. He would like to thank them for their kindness in keeping his mother company, he projects with utter sincerity.
Oh my. What's going on here? Across the yard, Yousei cranes her neck in an attempt to spot Setsushi. Good grief, she doesn't think she's ever seen quite this many people here before!
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Posted: Fri Apr 17, 2009 1:57 pm
Setsushi blinks at Tenkyuu, then quietly and very privately informs her that she's misinterpreted his mood -- it is not that he is sad, but anxious.
To explain, he sends her the vague mental image of a spear.
If everyone is hungry and would like to sit down now, Setsushi can begin distributing the rice -- privately, he indicates to Kouyo that if he wishes, he can help with that task. But as for Tenkyuu's order, Setsushi must refuse. Setsushi needs to do the remainder personally, as some of the vegetables' seasonings have yet to be completely mixed.
And besides, she is no longer his commanding officer, and thus he has no reason to obey her, he adds impishly, flouncing back towards the house.
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Posted: Sat Apr 18, 2009 2:06 am
Yaruka followed Setsushi out the door with another plate of snapper, smiling as she helped to arrange it on the table properly. She looked around the table to see if any room could be made for the soup, shifting things about so they were in order and decorative, but still leaving room for the diners and the dishes.
Ren'i is glad to have an audience......but the prospect of food promotes his stomach to growl quite loudly. He ended his solo on a good note, then placed his precious violin back into its case before he turned to look at the coming buffet.
Ren'i would be happy with juice, please. He projected along with his happy greetings to Setsushi and then to the older boy that joined them, watching him flock to Tenkyuu's side. A musician cannot properly play his instrument without sustinence. He notes as he takes the seat his violin had been in, setting it down beneath his chair.
Feeling Tenkyuu's eyes on her obvious blush didn't help Tsubei to banish it. If anything, it amplified it. The source for it was a mystery, even to her.....though when Kouyo shifted back, she was slightly relieved as well as sad that he felt he had to distance himself. When his apology came, she sent him gentle feelings that he need not apologize.
"I'd be more than happy to make some warm weather robes for you so you are more comfortable." She turned her attention to Tenkyuu, thanking her for her admiration and praise. When Setsushi and Yaruka stepped out, she sent her greetings to them both, as well as a polite request for tea. Her attention was suddenly turned to the young man she had met who came with the Knights. She bowed to him and projected her gentle greetings.
This one is Tsubei and she has enjoyed speaking with Dame Tenkyuu. Master Ryoua is lucky to have such a wonderful woman as his mother. She smiled to the young man. Why is Tsubei suddenly surrounded by beautiful men today? gonk She thought to herself as she glanced around the gathering of people. She felt familiar projections from down the street and craned her head up to see Yousei, a very bright smile spreading on her face as she projected a sudden burst of happiness, waving to her friend and inviting her to join the party!
It was all so amusing as she watched them all gathering and talking, exchanging seemingly trivial things that held almost no interest.......and yet they were smiling and happy, seeming to have fun. The generally relaxed atmosphere was something Unsou wasn't used to. The chance to socialize with her peers and many others was enticing....but quite fearful. This was, perhaps, her greatest challenge yet and also probably the only one she was afraid of.
Was she ready for this? She wasn't sure. Unsou continued to hold back in the alley between Setsushi's home and another building next to it, watching with aprehension at her throat. She wasn't hiding. She was just........uh......forming a social strategy. Yes, that was it.
Oh, if her mother could see her now.........she'd probably be laughing.
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Posted: Sat Apr 18, 2009 5:04 pm
Kouyo glances up, past everyone else, and spots Miss Yousei. The High Priest greets her timidly as well (she is right; it is rather crowded here!) but also offers a feeling of warmth - he has not seen her in quite some time. He must help Setsushi for the moment, though.... And the priest follows the Knight back into the house, hands subtly shaking.
Now, should Kouyo scoop the rice inside and carry the bowls out? Or bring the whole huge pot outside and serve the rice out there?
Xiao Huo is about to start attempting to climb into a chair when he senses even more people joining, and then notices Kouyo following Setsushi inside. He gives off a little worried feeling at all the strangers, and leans against his chair and hugs his dolls. So many strangers... Kouyo or Setsushi will be right back, right? Xiao Huo is too short for his chair, and he is not sure Agents One, Two, or Three (or even all three of them together) can help him get up there....
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