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Imperial Princess Rika Vice Captain
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 Posted: Sun May 10, 2009 10:10 pm
Rika frowns, chewing on her lower lip slightly as Tenkyuu speaks. Then, after a moment, she begins to say, "But Dame does not have a bed or a kitchen..."
... But then Tenryuu arrives, and Rika's face turns blank again as she sends a respectful, slightly warm greeting to the young Knight -- though a greeting like that would probably be considered cool by most people, the fact that Rika lowers her walls at all suggests familiarity.
"Perhaps you can talk some sense into your mother, Dame Tenryuu," Rika says, and sighs slightly.
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Posted: Sun May 10, 2009 10:45 pm
Ryoua projects a calm greeting to his sister, half bent-over and from under her sleeve. He would have waited, but he thought Tenryuu would be teaching her class until later.
The esteemed Imperial Princess Rika wishes to give this house to Mother and the two of them, Ryoua explains to her. It is far too generous a gift, and Ryoua suggested that perhaps they could rent the property from her. However, Mother does not wish to leave Setsushi's residence.
The situation has become a little... complicated.
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Posted: Mon May 11, 2009 9:52 am
And Tenkyuu's smile only broadens at Rika's mention of the bed and kitchen before her head bows in deference. Tenkyuu will think over the proposal, but the Imperial Princess already knows her feelings. Perhaps speaking with her children about the matter will make her more open to the possibility.
Tenkyuu raises her head before turning to Tenryuu, her brows rising pleasantly. Indeed, Imperial Princess Rika was right--it is good to have both of her children together. Tenkyuu pauses, however, her eyes curiously running over the flower.
... But why did Tenryuu bring a potted plant? What an interesting custom for this holiday. Her gnarled, arthritic hands extend to run along the yellow petals before her eyes rise to her daughter--it truly is a nice gift. Her eyes shift back to her son, a playful air surrounding the matriarch.
And what did Ryoua get his dear mother...?
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Posted: Mon May 11, 2009 9:58 am
Rika sighs heavily, pauses... and then smiles, inclining her head slightly to Tenkyuu. "It is your decision, ultimately," she says softly.
"But there is no need to rent -- you may take it as a gift," she says, seeming to include Tenryuu in this 'you' now. "It was not so expensive -- the building was in poor condition, and those humans had no other employment available to them." Besides 'bumping,' but Rika was not entirely sure what that meant.
"... But if you really feel that you must return the favor, there is something for which I could use some help..."
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Imperial Princess Rika Vice Captain
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Posted: Mon May 11, 2009 10:06 pm
"If I have not been able to make my mother see sense yet," Tenryuu says wryly, "I do not think much of my chances now."
But what is this all about? Tenryuu listens, eyes widening as Ryoua explains the situation. It is entirely unexpected, and really quite generous, no matter what the Imperial Princess claims. While their apartment is by no means what they are used to, it is at least clean, and provides shelter. They aren't in dire enough straits to require such drastic action as this.
The idea of renting the house appeals to Tenryuu quite a bit. She has no idea how much such properties usually run, but if their landlady is as gracious as to offer the house to them, surely she wouldn't mind somewhat meager payments?
As to the plant... Tenryuu shrugs laughingly. "The tee-vee claims that flowers are appropriate," and surely the house could use a spot of color. And does Tenkyuu not see that it is from both of them? That there is earth as well as wood was meant to display something... or is an interesting coincidence.
Even though Rika insists, Tenryuu doesn't think any of them would feel comfortable taking the gift as it is presented. It is an attractive house though, and close enough to the others that it would be much easier to visit, especially if Tenkyuu refuses to leave Setsushi's yet. If rent is not a viable option, what does the Imperial Princess have in mind?
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Posted: Wed May 13, 2009 8:04 pm
As Rika shows her displeasure, Tenkyuu takes in a slow breath, a faint smile replacing the previously overly warm features. Tenkyuu bows her head faintly to the Imperial Princess, feelings of respect directed towards Rika.
Tenkyuu finds the Imperial Princess' offer to be worthwhile and that a bond between their two households would be ultimately beneficial to both parties. Tenkyuu hesitates, her eyes softening before she releases a soft breath. Privately, Tenkyuu informs Rika that her denials of the house are not because she holds any grudge or distaste of the Imperial Scholar. Tenkyuu is merely old, and she...
... She just is attached deeply to her former Squire, and fears parting from him because of her own infirmities of mind and body. Tenkyuu pauses for several seconds before she offers a weak smile: Will the Imperial Princess not give her time to be able to part from Setsushi?
Her head shifts and Tenkyuu, once timid seeming, smiles playfully as she pets at the plant--ground and wood, hmm? Tenkyuu supposes she'll buy such a story merely due to her unfamiliarity with the holiday. However, if they celebrate it a second time, Tenkyuu will demand two presents.
Tenkyuu laughs then, her hands moving to take the plant from her child.
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Imperial Princess Rika Vice Captain
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Posted: Wed May 13, 2009 8:19 pm
Rika stops chewing on her lip and glances at Tenkyuu, listening with her expression blank. She looks at Tenryuu while responding to the retired Knight to further disguise their private conversation: If that is the reason, Rika understands, and furthermore she apologizes for her pushiness. She certainly does not want to shove Tenkyuu out of Setsushi's house without allowing any time for transition -- part of Rika's motivations is concern for Tenkyuu's health, after all, and she does not wish to strain it.
Almost at the same time she tells Tenkyuu this, she says aloud to the group: "My method for traveling between the Golden World and this world uses a variety of instruments that require magical or mental energy to run. My reservoir-units thus need to be recharged before a return journey can be made; I can handle the mental-energy units myself, but I am not a mage of any talent. If any of you have any sort of magical capacity and are able to lend a bit of your time and energy, it would be very helpful..."
She looks at Tenryuu in particular -- though she does not know the details of her training, being of Wood, perhaps she has learned to perform healing...
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Posted: Thu May 14, 2009 10:02 pm
Now that her hands are free, Tenryuu folds her arms in front of her chest. Yes, of course, Tenkyuu will have two presents next time. When they learn more about the traditions, and when they are in a... better position. None of them are at particularly high-paying jobs at the moment.
Except Rika, it seems. Tenryuu is quite impressed- and perhaps a bit envious- that Rika has managed to make so much of things in such a short amount of time. But she is not particularly surprised. If anyone was capable of doing it, Tenryuu would lay her bets on the Fifth Imperial Princess.
This she keeps to herself, while she listens to the interesting (if technical) description of these devices. And now Tenryuu thinks that she may, in fact, be able to help. Though she is a warrior, she has had some training in the art of healing, feeling more comfortable with that than with psionics. She is by no means a master, but at least adept at it.
"If it would hasten a trip back to the Golden World, I would be glad to lend whatever assistance I can." But Tenryuu really doesn't think that this matter has anything to do with payment for the house, especially since it would be mutually beneficial in its own right.
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Posted: Sat May 16, 2009 3:19 pm
Privately, Tenkyuu thanks the Imperial Princess for her great understanding. When they return to the Golden World, Imperial Princess Rika will have the Heavenly Bow's support as she always has. Tenkyuu will speak with her daughter about the offer as well--from her experience, Tenkyuu has always found her daughter to be cautious when accepting gifts even from the most magnanimous of sources. Tenkyuu laughs faintly, the sparkling sound of bells in the sound.
Tenkyuu will speak with Tenryuu and grant her understanding of Imperial Princess Rika's grand character. Despite her subservient words, Tenkyuu pauses in her conversation, her tone losing its retainer-like character and taking on motherly protectiveness. With less caution placed in her next words, Tenkyuu begins to speak.
If Tenkyuu is to leave Setsushi's home, however, she must know of the Imperial Princess' thoughts about the Ice Maiden.
As she speaks earnestly with Rika in their private conversation, Tenkyuu strokes at the delicate petals of the gift, appearing to study it as she listens to the two ladies.
"If I might," begins Tenkyuu with a smile, her eyes shifting to the flora to the discussing fauna, "I know that, while his station is far above such mundane activities, High Priest Kouyo would be a most adept energy source. It might benefit us to ask for his aid."
Tenkyuu then begins to hold a private conversation with her daughter--she must not outright refuse the gift as her mother so foolishly did. At the very least, Tenryuu must give an ambiguous response--Imperial Princess Rika would, by no means, by a bad ally if Tenryuu is to remain active in the kingdom's infrastructure.
And even if she does not, Rika is not one to be made an enemy out of. A trace of worry slips from mother to daughter as Tenkyuu smiles warmly at Tenryuu.
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Posted: Sat May 16, 2009 8:58 pm
Rika's face remains steady... until Tenkyuu asks her about Setsushi, at which her eyebrows sharply rise and she glances at her; though she quickly returns to normal, looking at Tenryuu, perhaps the cover of their private conversation has already been blown.
Privately, she asks, what does Tenkyuu mean? Does she want Rika's evaluation of him, or something else?
Rika nods slightly in response to Tenkyuu's verbal suggestion on the matter of the magic, though. "Kouyo would indeed be useful... but he is occupied elsewhere at the moment. And besides, more mages cooperating will hasten the work.
"Although I understand you are also employed... if you do not have time, I understand," Rika says, nodding with a soft, blank face, not seeming to be irritated, discouraged, or stern.
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Imperial Princess Rika Vice Captain
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Posted: Sun May 17, 2009 12:31 am
Tenryuu is mildly taken aback by her mother's concern. She hadn't meant to say anything that would offend Rika, but now that she thinks about it, perhaps her sentiments could have been interpreted as such. She certainly doesn't want to make an enemy out of the Imperial Princess, though the thought of any kind of political alliance, even with a courtier that Tenryuu likes, makes her uneasy.
But if Tenkyuu is giving her this warning, there must be a reason. While their methods are not always the same, Tenryuu appreciates her mother's experience and wisdom in these matters. Maybe she was too quick to judge the situation.
She vaguely notices Rika looking at her, but after a moment's confusion does not think much of it; maybe the Imperial Princess is trying to gauge her answer. "It is not a problem," she answers quickly. "While my schedule is not very flexible, I do have time free in the evenings, and on most week-ends." It would be an honor to help in any way that she can.
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Posted: Sun May 17, 2009 2:39 pm
Tenkyuu outwardly smiles to both ladies as she privately interrogates the Imperial Princess. Tenkyuu knows that the Imperial Princess is an exceedingly private person, but Tenkyuu must know her thoughts about Setsushi before she leaves his home.
Briefly, Tenkyuu's eyes move to meet Rika's own as they speak. Specifically, Tenkyuu wants to know if the Imperial Princess has any feelings for Setsushi apart from those held by a superior or a friend. Tenkyuu pauses, letting the implication of her words settle in Rika's mind before continuing. Tenkyuu apologizes for her brashness and forwardness, for she is a mere retainer before the Imperial Princess, but her mind is intensely concentrated now on Setsushi's well being, something that is priceless in her mind.
After speaking privately with Rika, Tenkyuu nods slowly, a hand moving to her chin as she considers the options. Well, while the difference in magical style might disrupt the recharge, Tenkyuu has heard of a Gaian mage called "Kumoru." "Perhaps he would be of some aid as well?" asks Tenkyuu as her eyes focus on Rika yet again.
Even as she speaks openly, Tenkyuu continues to hold her private discussion with Tenryuu. Tenkyuu knows her daughter's feelings on political alliances, and understands them well, but it is best to make a powerful ally for oneself, especially with the troubled times that are before the Porcelain. Eventually Tenryuu will have to make alliances to survive in the Court, and Tenryuu has a perfect opportunity to intertwine herself with a noble woman of great ideals and political ability.
Teasingly, the elder informs the younger that her main concern is that she wishes Tenryuu to survive to produce grandchildren.
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Imperial Princess Rika Vice Captain
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Posted: Sun May 17, 2009 3:34 pm
"I would appreciate it," Rika says with another nod, "but do not overwork yourself."
She then looks at Tenkyuu for a moment, then takes out her monocle and wipes the lens on her sleeve. As she does so expressionlessly, she tells Tenkyuu: Setsushi is a friend, but also someone she has held affection for since she was a little girl. And he is also a handsome man, but that is irrelevant if he does not choose to court.
Replacing her monocle, studying Tenkyuu for a moment, and then looking away, she tells her that Setsushi is more like an elder brother whom she has loved worshipfully since she was young, but because of the immense difference in their age has never been home long. Now Rika has a chance to be close to him for a while before they return to the Golden World and are once again separated by their careers. Though Rika intends to have her own residence as well, her last purchase, it will be close to Setsushi, just as Tenkyuu's house is.
She gazes at Tenryuu a moment, then turns her eyes back to Tenkyuu and notes aloud, "Setsushi tells me Kumoru is someone he does not want to deal with -- a dangerous human mage." The way she inflects the word 'human' sounds as if she -- or Setsushi -- means to allude to earlier encounters with human mages. "Although..." She trails off, stroking her chin, as if contemplating some alternative...
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Posted: Sun May 17, 2009 10:31 pm
Tenryuu cannot argue with what Tenkyuu says, even if she doesn't like it. That tumultuous times are ahead is obvious from the situation they find themselves in, if nothing else. And considering the other option would likely tie Tenryuu to the one responsible for granting her her position... she shudders involuntarily. That is an outcome to avoid at all costs.
If she must involve herself in the Court, Rika would be the one Tenryuu would dislike least. Not a flattering description, perhaps, but Tenryuu had hoped she would be able to maintain her position at least a little bit longer.
... wait a moment. Is that all that Tenkyuu is after? Tenryuu sighs in mock exasperation. She had thought that she was free from that for a while too, at least in terms of her mother's matchmaking. Will Tenkyuu start looking for men she thinks worthy of her wonderful daughter now, or will she permit Tenryuu the illusion of free choice? While the questions are asked in jest, that the topic was raised at all bothers her ever so slightly.
The subject of Rika's request is more comfortable, at least at the moment. "It really would not be a trouble," she insists. "I'm sure we can find a time that is convenient for both of us," since while Tenryuu is familiar with the basics of healing magic, she is not sure how it works for the purposes of the Imperial Princess.
The subject of human mages is one Tenryuu is not particularly interested in, having only heard the name Kumoru in passing. She is curious about Rika's latest idea however, and waits for her to elaborate on it.
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Posted: Tue May 19, 2009 9:40 am
And Tenkyuu remains silent, sorting through her thoughts after Rika's personal assessment of Setsushi. Tenkyuu breaks the silence by personally informing Rika that Setsushi, their Maiden of Ice, no longer courts due to the many heartbreaks he has received for what the Empire has found to be an essential asset for him--his height.
If one was ever to win Setsushi's heart, Tenkyuu supposes she would have to do the pursuing--that is why it would take a most unconventional woman. With that bit of information laid between them, Tenkyuu nods slowly in response to Rika's open statement but holds an obvious frown. Human mages, while perhaps dangerous in their own world, could be of great benefit in Gaia--they are in two different landscapes with two different sets of cultural norms and needs. Surely, all could gain from using the "local talent."
As for Tenryuu, Tenkyuu privately assures her that no male could ever be worthy of her wild daughter. No, rather, Tenkyuu will merely attempt to find the one who is the least poor in character. With a faint laugh, Tenkyuu assures her daughter she does not exempt any grandchildren from her.
In the immediate future, that is. stare
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