|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Thu Oct 24, 2013 12:53 am
The woman tensed for the briefest of moments when she noted Huang's reach -- she'd seen him in action, she knew what it meant -- but smoothed out a smile once the man greeted her. "One day, perhaps, you'll address me without title," Li teased Huang delicately, only dimly aware that he might be smiling. It was hard to tell with the mask, but she liked to think he would greet her with one as he had in the past. Even if it was a long time ago...
Sudden surprise riddled her features at the man's greeting, coupled with a brief flicker of bemusement; he'd been thinking of her? And a gift -- to remind her he was alive? Lunaria, but she didn't even want to ask why he might need to confirm the fact. Had she things her way, she'd never have to consider the moment that his years of silence were because he was no longer among the living rather than busy! "That is -- awfully kind of you, my friend." The look on her face and the lack of movement to acknowledge or accept aforementioned gift likely betrayed her familiarity of receiving any such thought before. "A simple hello would have done just as well, you know?" Shaking her head, she glanced to her green-haired companion. "I'm doing as well as I can, all things considered. Thank you for asking." Of course, she didn't expect him to know what 'things' were, but it was a comfort to be inquired after.
But she would not forget Cais, whose shoulder her fingers still lingered against, answering his taut question. "Yes, a dear friend." There was something strange in her voice - probably something only Cais would recognize - a small strain, a tightness that was a reminder of a discussion some time ago. "May I introduce Huang-Fu Lee? He saved my life some years ago." And to the dark-haired Lunarian, her fingers gently squeezed the elbow she yet held. "And might I introduce Cais Trinh? The name that is so generously tied with the festival, responsible for these beautiful adornments." She nodded towards the stall that Huang was purchasing from, withdrawing her hands from both of them as she gave them a polite smile. Even if she couldn't force them to play nice, she could play the part of well-meaning friend. Cais, at least, knew her stance on things, and she trusted him to keep it in mind. It might have been a mistake, but it's not like they were playing fair either.
She wasn't dumb. Huang's stillness spoke as loudly as Cais grumbling softly under his breath out of her range of hearing; even if they didn't know each other, they knew of each other, which was potentially worse. Li could guess why, given she knew both their loyalties, but it was something to overlook for the sake of the festival -- and she wouldn't hesitate to remind them if it came down to it.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Oct 24, 2013 1:30 pm
Huang's smile did stay, regardless if she could see it or not. Of all the Lunarians, SiMa Li held a place close to him. It could've been in the face of danger, or that he was in general fond of her but he'd rather trust her, than any others.
Even when she chose odd company. He tried hard to be indifferent to nobles, to allow them the same lenience that they were Lunarians like himself...but every time it seemed so, the nobles made a move in on legion territory. Even with the emperor dead, his faith remained with his allegiance.
As such, the mask helped keep his facial features from revealing his true feelings at the sight of Cais. What looked to them as stoic and calm, was more of Huang's face shifting into a frown and concern over the younger lunarian's presence. But like Cais, this was not the time, nor the place. Best saved for another night.
"It seem I've already purchased one of your fares." Huang-Fu said politely to Cais, bringing his hand up to wave at the flower trinket for Li. "Wonderful craftsman, I...appreciate that you have set up the festival under such wonderful goods and such, the fares and people's kindness are very refreshing."
His attention turned back to Li and softened just a bit. "Would you like the gift sent to your home? Or would carry it with you as you walked?" He didn't want it to burden her time at the festival, and wouldn't hesitate to send it to her home. He was well familiar where it was after all. "Gifts are rare Miss Li, and though I find our friendship to be just as rare, formalities will never escape me. It is...as they say, engraved into my bones." years of servitude to his brother and mother had ensured that, the only person he had never addressed formally was Jianyu...or Kyung. But that was rare, and often not seen in public. "Perhaps after you are done with your activities with...Master Trinh, you can come find me and catch me up with the 'things' you have caught yourself in." There again, was some amusement in his tone, speaking fondly that perhaps Li found herself in the more interesting things of Lunaria...like back alley street fights.
Tugging a little at his mask, he let his gaze wander, landing on the familiar captain brother of his. Jianyu and his wife Yue weren't far from him either and like Li, he wished to greet those close to him as well. He wouldn't leave though, until the female Lunarian did so...as well as answering his question about the gift.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Oct 28, 2013 2:54 am
"Huang-Fu." He said slowly, nodding to him again. A memory of a dark night passed in front of his eyes and it blurred as he caught Li's tone of voice. It was going there again and he shuddered a little bit. "It's a nice gift." He commented as an outsider would, looking between them. A small smile came to his face at looking back at Huang at his comment.
"That one is a work of my sisters'." He spoke softly and with a demure that usually escaped him. Cais blamed that on the current company and the booth behind the three where his father had recently passed through. "I'll pass the comment to her, I'm sure she'll appreciate it." A small wail from behind him distracted his attention but found it to be nothing more than a woman swooning. It was in this distraction that he missed key elements of what was happening in front of him.
There was no secret of where Li lied on the allegiance scale but that seemed to pose small problems as such as the one he was currently in. Not to mention the distraction of the festival around them. Intensely he found himself staring at Huang as he continued. "...Yes." He said after a small pause. "We should catch up later." The words were spoken in a bitterness that he didn't care if he was obvious or not.
For the sake of his family name and for Li he dare not moved from that point but rather deflected nicely. "I hear there is going to be a drumming performance later.." A warmer look found it's way back to Li. "That might be something to look into?" He questioned, ignoring another wail behind him.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Nov 02, 2013 1:30 pm
Li bowed her head to Huang as he spoke kindly to her, not quite used to such gentle attention in her line of living, but it was well received. She hesitated at the question -- indeed, she would have preferred to tell him to hold onto it so he'd have to come see her again -- but she did not want to overstep her boundaries. holding Huang's attention as hostage throughout the festival. That was not what they were here for.
"If you might send it to my home, I would be less likely to damage it." She smiled, though it was a little tight and apologetic. "I'm afraid these hands aren't good for holding anything delicate." She was a warrior and a crafter, and while the latter granted her an eye for detail and control, she rarely worked in the line of that which could crack under the pressure of nervous fingers. "Thank you, my friend; I'll give it a place of honor in my home." She again bowed her head to him, shaking her head slightly with a sly smile at his little teasing comment. The woman sincerely doubted he'd want to hear of her exploits with the nobles - the last thing she wanted was for her own kind to brand her a traitor. She'd come up with some sort of stories for him, no doubt.
As Cais spoke up about a performance, she flicked her eyes between the two and slowly nodded. Huang's sidelong glance was not lost on her either. Rather than hold the tension, she smiled and motioned lightly with her hands towards the festival. "Then I will not keep you, dear Huang. Please, see your friends -- let them know you're alive -- " she grinned, just a little, "and we'll catch up later. Perhaps after the drumming performance?" And at that, she looked to Cais with a slight nod; she was grateful for his patience, even if she could see the tension that sung through him with each passing distraction. "For now, I agreed to attend the booths to make sure Cais and his family were remembering to enjoy the festival and not simply stress for every small perfection. I would not keep either of you from your plans this day."
Li didn't want to let Huang go just yet, but she had a feeling he was closer to Jianyu and Yue - only realizing it was her once she spotted Huang looking towards the Captain - and would not stand in his way.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
