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 Posted: Fri Jun 12, 2009 1:01 am
Excerpts from Kouyo's diary while in the other Silver World, T1008-1009:Kouyo ~Descent~
Renka cancelled both of our meals together for this week. He said he is very busy. I hope he is not upset with me. I also have realized that he now knows both that I am the High Priest, and that I am not a maiden. Would he be angry about something like that? Part of me really doubts it - I have known him for over a year - but I still worry deeply.
~~~
I have been thinking too much about Ranko again. Should I be doing more to find her now? Should I return to Gaia early to follow the Imperial Princess as the Name told me to do in order to find her? I want to see her and feel her and taste her again so badly... but I must have said as much in writing at least a thousand times since I permitted her to devour me.
Is it terrible of me that, at the same time, I still ache for the feeling of Setsushi's strength? Or that I also feel comfort when Renka holds me, even though my heart does not quicken as his does? Am I my own salt water, corroding the chain, the only link, that holds me to Ranko? Do I damage my own heart in seeking comfort from this incredible pain from the ones I trust most deeply?
Does she even still care?
I think I will go out and take a walk or something to try to distract myself. I have not hurt this badly in quite some time.
~~~
I heard from Kinkyou again today. She asked me if I could sit her daughter for an evening a few days from today. I told her yes, but I need to cheer up somehow before then or I will likely bore the little girl to death.
~~~
I did not go to work this morning because I could not stop crying. I have not heard from Renka in over two weeks. I was only being honest. I hope he does not hate me.
I need to get outside or out of this room or something. But not right now.
~~~
Tetsuhi's birthday was today, so I had to put on a happy face for him. He came over after work and very timidly told me that he wanted to spend time with just me. After we had been out a little while, he seemed to cheer up a little, at least, and told me that he is worried about bad luck since it is the Wandering of the Death. I tried to do what I could to reassure him. Poor child, it was not like he chose this particular day.
I tried a little to get him to talk about Renka, and from what he told me, it seemed like nothing in particular was wrong, but the teacher has just been busy lately with "something boring". I hope he is not mad at me.
~~~
I went over to Lady Kinkyou's residence last night to sit for Genkyou. I had the opportunity to meet her husband, Master Genka, very briefly, and found out that he is apparently a writer, as well. He tried to strike up a bit of conversation with me regarding my poetry when I mentioned I wrote a bit myself, but since he and his wife were on their way out at the time, Lady Kinkyou jokingly reminded him not to talk my ear off, and herded him out.
I had hoped to take Genkyou out to window shop in the evening or something, but the weather has turned colder, and she expressed to me that she was no more interested in going out in it than I was. Instead, she occupied herself with her own toys for the most part, and I prepared some simple dinner for us both. She was particularly interested in showing off a coloring book and crayons she had, which had quite clearly come from Gaia. It was filled with pictures of Gaian animals, and someone had gone through and written in Porcelain characters to approximate as closely as possible the pronunciation of each creature's name. I helped her color a picture of several sea creatures.
I felt bad that she kept asking me if I would play music, since I really have neither skill nor recent practice with it, but overall it was a nice relaxing and simple evening.
~~~
Renka came for dinner today and I was so happy I cried all over him like a fool. He said he really had been quite suddenly busy with administrative things at school for the end of the year - apparently the person ordinarily in charge of whatever it was had had something come up, and so the duty had fallen to Renka on short notice.
He did seem somewhat reserved around me, but more or less returned to his usual self by the end of the evening. Renka's stress was nearly tangible, but I am still worried. Maybe next week, he will be feeling better.
~~~
I received a letter today from Master Genka, thanking me again for keeping an eye on his little girl, and also extending an invitation to attend a meeting of artists with him sometime. I suppose it would be nice to see what sorts of things are being produced in this seemingly stagnant city in terms of the Beautiful Arts, but I write poetry when I am frustrated or in pain, or sometimes when I am feeling particularly peaceful and happy - it is not something I do for a living, nor do I think I ever could do it for a living. So the thought of joining all of those artists and being asked to read even one of my poems is very intimidating.
I hope Master Genka will not be offended.
~~~
~T1009~
~Quiescence~
I wanted to complete my work at the library before the new year, but I suppose going over a few days is not bad. Since the last book was very long, I received a significant bonus for completing it. I guess I should decide what I want to do with this money before I leave.
~~~
I purchased myself a bow today. I think archery will be a good and relaxing activity for me when I return to Gaia. The pull on my bow is still a bit strong for me, but I am a fairly weak person; it will be something for this little bird to work up to, I suppose. I am not sure I will have space for shooting anywhere in this Silver World, though, and it has also been unpleasantly cold recently anyway, so I think I will leave the bow unstrung until I return home to Setsushi's house in Gaia.
~~~
Now that I have had a bit more time to ask around, I have finally managed to find out a bit more about the High Priest here. No one seems to know terribly much, it seems, but I know now that his name is Kyouwa of Water, at least. He seems to have been largely forgotten, and not even the yearly decrees his office is supposed to produce seem to mean much to anyone. This pains me deeply, and, though I have never met the man before, I find myself hurting and worrying for him. Even if he is as unfriendly as all of the other priests I have met, the thought of him being forgotten is upsetting.
~~~
I visited the library where I worked again today, and the Master Librarian took me to one of the restricted rooms at the very top long enough to point out the temple where the High Priest lives, out on a hill outside the city. It was very cold today and the air was very clear, but it was still far enough away that I could not see the tower as much more than a silhouette. I might pick a day if it warms up a little and try to venture out there on my own ... Or with Renka if he is free. It is quite some distance away.
~~~
I attempted to send a greeting in a dream to High Priest Kyouwa last night, and asked him a few questions. Hopefully he will understand, and be both willing and able to answer me.
~~~
The scholars in the area are having another dinner together, fortunately before I depart at the end of this month. Much as I would love to stay here with all the people I have grown to know, I really must return to the others from the Golden World, especially now that I think I can be a better High Priest to them. I am glad I will at least have the chance to properly say good-bye to everyone.
To think, when I first arrived here, I likely never would have agreed to attending such a social gathering with so many others.
~~~
Renka came over for dinner again tonight. He seems to talk more and more of Gaia, and told me today that he would like to visit sometime. I reminded him that time passes differently between here and there, and he may lose a good part of his life and have to return to a world where his current students are perhaps adults, or older... but he conceded that he is not sure he quite cares anymore. I am not fully sure what he means, though - Renka has always been very committed to his work, and really believes in the mixed-sex education his school offers, so I highly doubt he means that he is willing to give that up in order to chase dreams in Gaia.
At the same time, though, I know he worries that his own lifestyle - which he does not feel was something he chose - reflects poorly on the ideals of the school. In spite of his untiring kindness that he has already devoted to the cause he believes in so far, and his ability to encourage others to show their loveliness and talents, I think Renka is starting to believe that he may better serve the school by leaving it, so that the critics could no longer point to him as an example of how the school fails its growing boys.
I wish I could offer him a place to stay, even for just a little while, so he could see Gaia, but I cannot impose upon Setsushi in such a fashion. Perhaps I can at least ask him, if Dame Tenkyuu has moved out and there is enough space to accommodate another for a few days or weeks. It hurts me to see Renka being so down on himself, but, looking back, I believe this is a frustration that has been brewing in him for quite some time already. I worried once that he felt this way because he was having trouble letting me go, but I know now that that is not the full truth.
I hope he will be able to at least visit Gaia, and that it will leave him encouraged and refreshed as my journey to this Silver World has allowed me to grow.
~~~
I am slowly packing my nest away in boxes.
I sorted out about half of my books to donate to Renka's school, just because I cannot carry all of them, and I do not have that much space available in my corner of Setsushi's home back in Gaia. I also packed up some of my cushions, and will be taking them to Renka's home tomorrow so that they will be closer to the portal when the time comes for me to depart. I think I may donate the bookshelves to the school, as well, and then leave the futon frame and table for the next residents of this apartment - I am not even sure the bed frame will fit through the portal.
~~~
It snowed last night! I hope it will clear up a little before I must depart. I look forward to walking through the snow to Lady Fuuhou's residence for the dinner tonight, though.
~~~
Lady Fuuhou is very kind and generous and offered us sweet fruit wine after our meal again. I will miss her, even though I did not get to know her well. I said good-bye to the others, too, except for Renka, who came home with me again.
We were both sitting in my bed and chatting, since all of my cushions are packed and the floor was cold, and then he cried in my hair and fell asleep. He still has his arms around me, and I do not want to move because I might wake him up and also because he is warm. I can light the stove from here with magic but there is nothing in it, and if I got up to put fuel in the stove, I would have to get away from Renka first. Also, I am still intoxicated and would probably wake him up tripping over something because I feel rather like I am on a boat.
I hope it is not too inappropriate of me to fall asleep because I think I might soon. I need to sleep because tomorrow I must finish packing.
~~~
Last night I had a brief dream like a vision that seemed to be from the High Priest here. His dream-self appeared healthy enough, at least, though his hands seemed to shake and he tried but was unable to fire a bow. I guess he may be unused to performing such magic, but it is too late for me to try again from here, since I leave tomorrow morning. I suppose I can try sending him another dream from Gaia, but I fear he may have trouble replying, since I will be unable to give him a comprehensible idea of where I am. I am not even fully sure I will be able to reach him from Gaia.
~~~
A final entry before I hurry my houseplants though the snow to Renka's neighborhood and through the portal. I will have to return to this place some other time if possible. I will miss everyone.
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Posted: Sat Jul 04, 2009 3:53 pm
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Posted: Sat Jul 04, 2009 3:54 pm
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Posted: Sat Jul 04, 2009 3:55 pm
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Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2009 4:07 pm
Akram sat on a pillow on the floor as he watched Kouyo use a length of cloth to tie his sleeves back out of the way of his hands before settling down across from him... though he could not help but wonder if perhaps a touch of the wine purple-colored paint might help conceal the faint remnants of ink stains that already marred the cloth of the Porcelain's coat in places. Then, with a small sigh, he turned his attention back to the small jar of silver paint in his hands, and again grasped the lid in one hand and the jar itself in the other as well as he could, and twisted.
"This might actually be easier for you," he admitted after a moment. "Since you have smaller hands. I have trouble getting a grip on this thing." And he reached back across the table to hand Kouyo the model paint before picking up one of the plastic pieces of the model car, and lightly touched the surface with a fingertip to verify that the surface coat of white had dried.
"I will try again," Kouyo replied as he accepted the container, and pursed his lips as he tried to twist the lid open. Then, "Why do Gaians make their jars and bottles and such so difficult to open?" The priest tried again, white slender fingers turning whiter with the effort before finally the lid came open.
The Porcelain then laughed softly with relief, setting the paint down to flex his fingers a few times. Then he picked up a small brush and one of the car parts, and set to work on his model.
"I think they do it so that the contents of the jars are difficult to tamper with before someone buys them." Akram laughed once. "After you pay for it, they don't care if you can open it or not."
He was quiet for a moment, watching the red-haired man work. Then, to make conversation, the merchant inquired, "What sorts of models did you build back in your world?" It had been something of an off-and-on hobby for Akram, building model cars in particular, but it seemed his Porcelain friend was quite the enthusiast.
"Never in kits like this," the High Priest murmured, finishing one piece and glancing over the instruction diagrams. "I had to design most of them myself, although sometimes the temple attendants found books of plans for me. I had to ask them to bring me what I needed to build all the time as well." He projected what he could remember of the ones that adorned his study, and felt a faint pang as he recalled that at least one of them had not likely survived the fire he had set.
After a moment, he added, "Most of mine were buildings. Various famous ones from around the Empire." Kouyo projected memories of a few of them to Akram to show him as he picked up another plastic piece carefully between two fingers and started to paint it.
The human merchant nodded, shifting a little where he sat. "I have made a few cars, but that's it," he said. "I guess this would be your first time building a car," Akram added quietly after a moment, watching the priest work.
"However, you are a smart man, good enough at following instructions, so far as I have seen," he went on. Then he gestured a little towards the jars of paint. "And if you needed stronger hands to open jars of paint, Setsushi is right across the street." He raised an eyebrow slightly as Kouyo looked up at him, to inquire if he was correct in believing that there was another reason why the Porcelain had invited him over.
And Kouyo was about to respond when the tea kettle whistled, and he set the paintbrush aside to fetch it. It gave him another moment to think, since he had invited Akram to ask him questions unrelated to the model Ford.
In his visions of Ranko before he had left, she had spoken of how a human woman would take the name of her husband when they married, thereby gaining the protection of his clan. She had not explained much of how human clans actually worked, he had since realized, and Akram was the only human Kouyo knew who had also mentioned such family arrangements. Though the High Priest was all but certain Akram was not a man of Ranko's homeland, he had still hoped he might be able to learn at least something useful.
"Master Akram is patriarch of a clan, yes?" Kouyo asked softly, returning to the table with the steaming kettle and a faint smile. If it did not offend, "This little bird wishes to know more of clans and families in Master Akram's homeland." Or perhaps more about his friend's own family, even?
The Porcelain came over to Akram's side of the table to pour his tea, so he would not have to lean over his project with the pot of water, and the human sat back as he did so to give him plenty of space. It was fortunate that Kouyo was Porcelain, and that the merchant could feel his projected humility and curiosity, else he would have thought that Kouyo was prying - something Akram hated. But ... basic information would hurt no one, at least.
"What would Kouyo like to know?" he asked as the red-haired man returned the tea kettle to the stove, and settled down to continue his painting.
Kouyo's brow furrowed, but he kept his eyes focused on the small pieces of plastic as he painted them silver. "Anything, really, would be helpful," the priest explained; he knew fairly little right now.
Like perhaps, "What does Master Akram mean when he says he is 'patriarch'? What does that mean he must do?"
Akram rubbed his short beard with one hand as he thought for a moment before he replied, "I rule over my family and make the major decisions for us when I must. My country has laws, but I can dictate laws for my family as well, where the state cannot. And I have final say over the actions of the other family members, in things like business and marriage, but really, that sort of tight-fistedness is growing old, even back home."
So, as Master Akram said he had sent his elder sister to be an apprentice to a blacksmith and to learn his trade, so he could also tell her whom she could or could not marry?
"I could, but I will not."
"And if Master Akram had brothers, would he rule over them, as well?" It was not too much of a stretch to imagine human society as similar to Porcelain society, but with the roles of men and women switched. However, to think that a Porcelain woman could tell her daughters whom to wed was ... well, not wholly unimaginable, but the priest found the idea a bit strange.
"I have a brother, and I could tell him what to do as well, but I have no real reason to." His eyes peered off somewhere into the distance as he thought of his younger brother, and laughed a little - he was likely just growing out of the idea that holding hands with a girl would infect him with cooties....
"In the past, merchant families would trade daughters and sons to bring other families closer to them, since kin are even closer than business partners. So a patriarch could arrange apprenticeships and marriages how he liked, to benefit the family as a whole, and the individual members had to obey him." Akram put a hand to his head and sighed, rubbing his eyes a little. "Some people still operate that way, but a lot of that old tradition has been falling away recently. For the best, too, I think."
Though he continued to paint, and kept his features and his projections calm, a sick, worried feeling was beginning to settle into Kouyo's stomach.
"And a woman moves to her husband's home when they marry, yes? And joins his clan and takes his name?"
Since it had had a few minutes to cool, Akram sipped his tea, then nodded.
"The two clans are more like family after that, too. It is beneficial to both of them, ideally, for business and such, though some clans have abused it in the past." He shrugged a little, and added after a moment, "But like I said, it is an older tradition and not everyone at home is still like that now."
The thought had crossed Kouyo's mind before that perhaps Ranko had only married him for her own gain, to ask for his name, whatever she meant by it exactly. The High Priest knew then as well as now that he had no particular "glory" to inherit - he held no particular material wealth, nor political power. And if she desired his magical prowess, or his ability to converse with the Name to see the future, then why- why had she not taken him with her?
The brush paused in the priest's hands for a long moment, the distant look in his eyes as he seemed to forget the model the only outward sign of his thoughts. Kouyo had struggled so long to force himself to believe that his wife had truly loved him, had wanted nothing more, but it was difficult after those two long years shut away in his tower, often with little else to think about than the agony of his marriage to her. Akram's subtlest suggestion that perhaps he was wrong, and that she had used him, only brought his deepest fears and worries back all the stronger. It was not like he had not suspected as much....
"Are you alright?" the human inquired after the silence from the High Priest stretched beyond a few minutes. "Or is the paint smell just starting to get to you?" He took another drink of tea, peering at Kouyo over the cup and raising his eyebrows.
"Marriage now at home is more like in Gaia, where everyone can chose for themselves, so...." Akram trailed off as he realized he was not really sure at all why Kouyo was asking this of him in the first place.
Snapping back to reality, the Porcelain rubbed his nose with the back of one wrist and acknowledged that the sharp smell of the paint was starting to bother him a little. Akram started to get to his feet to open one of the small house's windows, but Kouyo assured him that he could take care of it, and set the brush aside to move to the windows.
"Ah, this little bird is just curious about what things are like where Master Akram is from. Your people seem quite different from my own, and from Gaians, as well," he told the merchant with a small smile as he opened the window, then started to walk across the room with carefully measured steps. Kouyo had hoped for... advice, perhaps, but realized now that he was not sure how to ask for it. Or if he was even comfortable sharing the true reason for his inquriy with his human friend.
Besides, Ranko's people were likely different from Master Akram's anyway, even if they both lived in family clans. The High Priest tried to assure himself that his human wife had married him for love, not to use him, for this reason, though he could not fully clear the twisting vines of worry from his mind now that Akram had watered the seeds of paranoia for him. Measuring his home still helped a bit, at least.
Akram relaxed slightly at the comfort that came from the High Priest's projectional silence, as well as the physical distance as he opened the windows and then paced the floor instead of returning to the table. The sudden lack of the undercurrent of feelings from Kouyo was unusual enough to worry the human somewhat, though, and confirmed his suspicions that the red-haired man had had some other reason for this meeting.
He was not about to press for information that the Porcelain was unwilling to reveal, however, and so turned his attention back to his tea when the priest finally returned to the table. Kouyo would tell him in time; already, he was less timid than when Akram had met him ... though perhaps that had been in part because he had, in truth, been gone for some time recently, even if only a few weeks had passed in Gaia.
Then a small thought struck him as he glanced around the house again, and a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth as he turned his green gaze to the Porcelain again.
"Before you begin painting again, may I see your hand for a moment?" he inquired, setting the teacup down and reaching out with both of his own hands. "The one you write with."
Kouyo's brow furrowed in confusion as he stopped halfway to reaching for his paintbrush, but then nodded and looked down at both his palms momentarily; he had taken time during his seclusion to train steady writing into both hands, but his natural writing hand still far exceeded his other in skill. With a small question-shaped thought, he held his right hand out to Akram.
The human took it and scrutinized the lines and shapes as though looking for something. The High Priest felt his cheeks warm a little as the thought crossed his mind that he enjoyed the warmth of Akram's hand on his own. Humans were far more forward about touching, and it still struck Kouyo as strange, but he also found a bit of relief in it. Contact, particularly physical, offered him some comfort from the coldness of Ranko's absence, and now in particular, with his fresh doubts gnawing at his heart....
Akram measured the Porcelain's hand, ignoring the faint pain of touching the skin of a being so steeped in magic. It did not bother his sense of touch so much as it aggravated the headache already building up from the contact with Kouyo's thoughts. He would have to go soon anyway, and ... from the way the priest kept spacing out, the merchant thought it would probably be for the best.
He released Kouyo as soon as he was done, committing the measurements to memory, then standing. "After the next time I return home, I will have a present for you," he said. "Hopefully a gift that will lend you a bit of peace. But for now, I should head home, I think."
For Akram, Kouyo smiled in reply. He had been helpful, even if he had not been able to provide answers to set his heart at rest. The priest gathered that something about him hurt the human as well, though, and was thankful that he had come out to help him at all.
"Thank you for everything already," he said with a nod. "I think I will take a small nap for now, and then work better on the car after." The priest glanced down at the scattered pieces and picked up the brush again. "I will certainly show you when I am done. And maybe buy you a model or two when I can in thanks for what you have done."
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Posted: Thu Jan 14, 2010 10:57 am
Asahi Kumoru Kouyo steps up to the front door of the home where his aunt lives, with his long wine-red hair pinned up in a bun, his sleeves tied back to expose his right wrist and the soft leather guard that covers his left one, and his bow in hand. The High Priest had managed to string the recurve himself as per the instructions of the bowyer from whom he had purchased it, but he was not willing to attempt to shoot it without first seeking out Dame Tenkyuu, the esteemed Heavenly Bow, first. Still a bit nervous about having to go and ask his relative for help, Kouyo had dawdled about for an extra fifteen minutes or so in erecting a straw-stuffed sack as a practice target in his yard, but he had run out of preparations to make now, and all that he needed was the instruction of the former Dragon Knight.
He takes a deep breath and knocks on the door, then fidgets slightly while he awaits a response from within. ... It has been quite a while since he last saw Dame Tenkyuu, he realizes, and hopes that she will not be cross with him for not coming to visit sooner.... Lynod And he would find Tenkyuu, sitting at a table, her fingers, while gnarled, gracefully slipping over parts of a model, attaching them with her methodical approach. On the table, forgotten, are the instructions. Slowly, rising from the chaos, seems to be a Volkswagon Beetle. While not elegant by any means, it serves its purpose in amusing Tenkyuu.
The Heavenly Bow raises her head as Kouyo steps closer, however, and smiles faintly to him, seemingly unsurprised at the addition of a bow. Her hand pats the table gently, seeming to suggest for him to seat at the chair across from her.
Tenkyuu is must happy to see Kouyo this day. How does he fare? Asahi Kumoru Projecting a warm greeting, the priest steps inside and moves to sit in the chair opposite his aunt. He squirms a little, as though not entirely sure what to do with the bow while he sits, and settles, after a moment, on laying it down beside his chair. Then Kouyo leans forward slightly to get a better look at the model, smiling faintly as he extends fibers of curiosity to sense what paint and glue is dry and what is still wet.
He is glad to see Dame Tenkyuu as well, and wonders how long she has been working on the model. Kouyo will have to show her his finished Ford sometime. And, as an afterthought, he muses that perhaps he can also purchase her another model, since it is close to both her birthday and the Gaian present-giving holiday. That is, if she enjoys working on the ...
Kouyo reaches out to the page of directions and turns it around so that he can read it right-side up, and quietly and carefully pronounces, "Volkswagon".
... Then looks up and concludes instead, "Punch buggy," with a faint laugh and a little blush as he conveys a memory from a few weeks ago, when he was out walking and saw two young Gaian boys pummeling each other playfully, having spotted a life-size specimen of the same vehicle on the street. Then he inquired if Dame Tenkyuu had any insight at all into the hitting ritual apparently associated with this particular car? Kouyo scanned the instruction sheet in case there were any hints contained there. Lynod "Insert extension A into Slot C," the sheet instructs him carefully, taking a mind to guide him through each step of the process and even include detailed diagrams.
As for any revelation of the greater meaning of "Punch buggy," the manual is surprisingly silent.
Tenkyuu muses over the word for a bit, pausing in her craft. This elder would venture a guess that either "Punch buggy" was a game and became the nickname for a vehicle, or the vehicle came first and a game followed, perhaps leading to a naming convention. Tenkyuu raises the glue, tapping her chin lightly with a bare section (as her chin needs not the intimate company of the bottle for more than a few precious seconds), and goes back to her craft.
"What brings you here, my nephew?" asks Tenkyuu, full well knowing why he has arrived. Asahi Kumoru The High Priest nods slowly; he had figured as much, and that their own people likely have just as many strange terms and games like that that no one really can quite explain. He slides the sheet of diagrams and instructions back across the table to his aunt, and knits his fingers together, resting his hands on the table.
Ah, this little bird just wonders if Dame Tenkyuu is free today to show him how to shoot the bow he purchased for himself in the Silver World. If she is busy today, though, Kouyo can return some other time. Sheepishly, he admits that perhaps he should not have gotten all dressed up like he did; she should not take his over-preparedness to mean that she must instruct him today sweatdrop If Dame has other things to do today, or just wishes to finish her model, he understands; they could arrange for some other time? Lynod Tenkyuu peers up from her model, her eyes bearing a most cat-like quality. A faint smile hovers on her lips as she peers down at the little bird, her metaphorical tail swishing from side-to-side. Tenkyuu would be more than happy to teach Kouyo to shoot, if he would be willing to learn from these worn hands that can no longer string a bow.
Tenkyuu advises Kouyo that she will be a rather poor teacher, being unable to show him many of the things she wishes, but the Heavenly Bow will happily boss around the High Priest until he begins performing somewhat satisfactorily. Asahi Kumoru The young man laughs nervously, but states with confidence that he would not be sure whom else to study under, because, well, the Heavenly Bow's reputation aside, she is family. Perhaps ... for a long while, he could not miss her because he did not really know her, but now the High Priest very much desires to get to know his aunt better. His projections are touched with a certain formality, likely to conceal nervousness, but he is nonetheless warm and sincere as well.
Kouyo leans down to pick up the bow again, and lets Dame Tenkyuu know that he has already strung it himself. He just did not want to dive into shooting all on his own, and risk teaching himself improperly. He will work as long as it takes to do it right; shooting a bow is supposed to be relaxing and mind-clearing that way, no? Lynod Her hands lean forward, intertwining to create a nest for her chin to rest in. She smiles at him, watching the Little Bird flutter before she shakes her head from side-to-side.
Tenkyuu is Kouyo's aunt, and Kouyo is Tenkyuu's nephew. Why does he fret and fluster, bound by all of those silly formalities that only mean something in polite company? By now Kouyo knows Tenkyuu to be the dirty-minded, impolite, wicked savage that she truly is.
And this barbarian demands to be addressed in a simple manner without all of this politeness and all of those niceties.
And then, perhaps, Tenkyuu will teach him the art of the bow. Tenkyuu will not teach the stranger known as the High Priest, however.
She only has instruction for her nephew. And then she laughs, warmth flowing from her, filling the room. Asahi Kumoru Kouyo curls his slender fingers around the wrapped handle of his bow, lowering his gaze and blushing slightly. He is sorry for his stiffness - some habits are difficult to break. He hopes his aunt will be patient and forgiving in instructing him in both the bow and ... her barbarism. Laughing softly at himself, he admits that he did allow some of his propriety to slip during his time alone, but then spent his time in the Silver World relearning it.
He will need to learn to adapt, he supposes. Now that his life is seeing changes he never expected. Lynod Then, as a good aunt, Tenkyuu must quickly rid Kouyo of all propriety~. Tenkyuu nods gently, seeming to think on the matter.
If they find a way back to the Golden World, a way to reenter their home, what will Kouyo do with himself? Her hands intertwine as she watches him, gauging his reactions and expressions. Asahi Kumoru The High Priest projects gentle amusement and smiles as he stands up, but at his aunt's question, Kouyo walls off his thoughts. Carefully, he props his bow against his chair, and walks to the nearest wall of the room and starts to measure in paces across to the other side.
He is... not at all sure. Kouyo still deeply desires to serve his people in the best way he can, and believes that he could do so as High Priest, he tells Tenkyuu somewhat distractedly. However ... he is no longer certain he could content himself in a Tower for the rest of his ... Lucid days. Lynod Tenkyuu nods slowly, closing her eyes in contemplation. But a High Priest's duty, by tradition, by power, is to remain a caged bird.
So how, in the Golden World, does Kouyo propose that he stretches his wings? How will he overcome tradition in a land that finds it ever-so alluring? What will he do to shed the feathers of a canary and gain the wings of an eagle?
Tenkyuu is most curious to hear the answer. She smiles gently before pushing herself to stand. Asahi Kumoru First length, then width, Kouyo measures the room, his thoughts divided between his counting and his aunt's questions. As he said, he is not ... fully sure. The red-haired Porcelain is loathe to shirk his duties to his people. Who would take his place as High Priest? He need not be an eagle, just ... a bird who is more than a song in a cage. He does not wish to be forgotten up in his tower again....
Troubled, he falls silent and completes his measurements of the room, then returns to rest his hands on the back of his chair. ... Can they begin his lessons in shooting now? Kouyo needs something to help him relax; his fingers tighten their grasp on the chair as he glances quickly at the remaining pieces of his aunt's model and struggles with the urge to count and sort them. Lynod And as if sensing that very urge, Tenkyuu's hands reach forward, her wrinkled digits cradling over Kouyo's own. Tenkyuu is Kouyo's ally, the aunt assures her nephew.
The Porcelain are traditionally-minded, but tradition does not last forever. Things change for various reasons, be they force, necessity, or humanity.
Tenkyuu desires for noone to be locked in a cage: Especially this little bird.
She then releases Kouyo's hands, stepping back, and gesturing to him. He would best get his bow so they can practice. Asahi Kumoru When Tenkyuu releases his hands, Kouyo settles down in the chair and starts separating out the pieces into little groups of five, counting them as he does so. Sheepishly, he requests her patience for this task first, and, when he is finished a few minutes later, he asks her nervously to add one more piece on, so that they can leave things ... correctly and properly.
Then he steps back from the table and fixes his hair to get a few loose strands out of his eyes before picking up his bow again.
... When was the last time that Tenkyuu shot her bow? he wonders somewhat awkwardly after a moment. Lynod And Tenkyuu watches him, watching the ritual that he has devised to seek comfort from the frightening, painful world. She merely stands until he issues his small but important request, and Tenkyuu steps away from the table, her hands moving into a drawer in the kitchen. She returns, placing a tack into the incomplete line. A soothing wave rolls towards Kouyo, offering comfort if he will choose it.
She continues to the door as she seems to chuckle.
"A few days ago, with little success, I'm afraid to meet," says the elder, "I am afraid I am foolish and stubborn, attempting to resist my body's obvious constraints."
She pushes through the door, her sandaled feet tromping across the grass, the bright sun appearing to Kouyo, followed by hedges, and bulls' eyes set upon them at chest height some fifty feet away. Asahi Kumoru The priest follows her out, seeming to relax a little once they get outside. He had no idea that she had targets set up already in her yard, but, he adds with a faint smile, it makes sense to him.
Just tell him where to stand and how, and what to do, and he will do his best to learn well. He set up a target for himself in his own yard, so he will have a place to shoot without intruding on her all the time. Kouyo fiddles with his bracer and his sleeves a little, and turns to Tenkyuu for his lesson. Lynod Tenkyuu is consumed by the fever known as archery. Though her body might not cooperate, her spirit rebels against it. Tenkyuu wonders if the disease known was Archery Fever also courses within Kouyo's body?
She smiles, gesturing to the youth. Before they begin, Tenkyuu requests that Kouyo show her his archery stance or what he would perceive to be one. Asahi Kumoru Well, he does not know for sure yet if he has the fever, but he suspects he will find out today.
As for a stance ... the High Priest turns sideways, since the bow is large enough that it cannot be drawn with his chest facing the target directly, and he stands with his feet set apart because he is much steadier this way than with his feet together. His favored hand is his right one, so he holds the bow in his left, and keeps his left shoulder towards the target.
Something like this? he wonders, giving off a faint worried feeling at the very distinct possibility that he is wrong. Lynod Tenkyuu moves a foot forward to nudge slightly at his feet, to bring them a bit more apart. Tenkyuu wonders if Kouyo feels comfortable in this stance? Tenkyuu is able to help his footwork from a technical viewpoint, but Kouyo must also be comfortable in position for this to be successful.
Her hand then rises, adjusting his bow-hand. Not the entire hand, she instructs, but instead... Kouyo finds her small fingers slipping the wood of the bow against the V between his forefinger and thumb. The Heavenly Bow's fingers then adjust, taking the novice's other hand and poking out the first three fingers. Tenkyuu peers up at Kouyo seriously, her hand wrapping around his own and tugging the bow.
This is how Kouyo must draw the bow. The pinky is too weak to draw a true bow, and Tenkyuu will be training Kouyo for one.
The Heavenly Bow then steps back, inspecting the High Priest, small "hums" and "tuts" rising from her throat and mind. Asahi Kumoru Kouyo adjusts his stance accordingly, closing his eyes a moment to consider how it feels. It is ... different, but not uncomfortable. It is not second-nature to him yet, but he can learn it for sure. A faint blush warms his cheeks as Tenkyuu moves his hands, but he watches her and nods, taking note of the proper grip and position for all of his fingers.
Then he stands ready while his aunt scrutinizes his stance. This bow is close enough to a real bow, right? Just a weaker one for Kouyo's little arms. In theory, at least, if he practices, he will get stronger and better able to handle a stronger bow, right? Lynod Tenkyuu smiles amusedly at him, her head faintly nodding. Kouyo's arms are undoubtedly weak from his days of study and little exercise. If Tenkyuu's nephew keeps up using a bow and building the tension, he will grow to have arms as powerful as Setsushi's.
Tenkyuu places a hand faintly on his back, her eyes moving to the targets. Tenkyuu does not say these things in jest: While Setsushi is naturally strong, a grand warrior from the womb, a true archer is required to have strength. At the height of her ability, a bowwoman is able to pull her weight and more before releasing an arrow.
Tenkyuu glances up to Kouyo. His stance, while unsure, is technically excellent. Now Tenkyuu asks her nephew to string his arrow. Asahi Kumoru Nodding at his aunt's words, the red-haired Porcelain muses that his own weight should not be too difficult to manage, since he is small. He still suspects that he is built more for study, and of course Kouyo does not anticipate ever having to point his bow at anything but a target. So he need not ever be as strong as Setsushi, but ... Kouyo would like to put on a bit more muscle now.
He picks up one of the target arrows and nocks it... then realizes that one of the feathers will hit the handle of the bow the way he has it, and flips the arrow over to correct it. This way, right? He looks to Tenkyuu again for instruction, taking the string again with three fingers like she showed him and awaiting her go-ahead before he draws it. Lynod And a faint laugh issues from Tenkyuu, her eyes smiling at Kouyo as she nods.
It seems that an archer's spirit may reside within Kouyo after all -- at least he's able to knock the bow correctly. Her hand then points to the target, a more professional tone coming about her.
Now Kouyo must aim for the target. With his mind, draw a line from the tip of the arrow to the target. Do not worry about a bull's eye for the moment -- Tenkyuu is merely interested in seeing what he can do as a starter. Once he is ready, draw the bow. Kouyo must not breathe -- to breathe is to move, and to move it to make his aim erring. Once he releases, and only when he releases should he draw a breath. Asahi Kumoru A faint air of confidence finally begins to slip from the priest, and he smiles as he raises the bow and draws it. He looks down the arrow towards the target, hoping that he will be able to at least fire the shot somewhere near it. After a few seconds, his slender arms start to shake ever so slightly from the effort of holding the weapon at full-draw, and the priest holds his breath as instructed as he tries to steady the arrow as much as possible.
Kouyo takes another moment to aim, then lets the arrow fly, then sighs as it skips off the bottom of the target and sticks in the ground below it. Sheepishly, he glances back at Tenkyuu. He recalls the dream he sent to High Priest Kyouwa, when he fancied shooting an arrow all the way to his home in the Silver World from the top of the Temple there ... and, well, did not think he could actually do that from the start, but this shot was alright for a first try, hopefully?
He glances at her briefly and smiles sheepishly, then bends down to pick up another arrow. Lynod Tenkyuu laughs very faintly before patting gently at Kouyo's back. Tenkyuu thinks that Kouyo's first try was excellent -- he came close to the target, after all. Tenkyuu moves a hand to her chin, rubbing along it slowly.
Now Tenkyuu can only advise Kouyo to keep trying, keeping his stance accurate and getting a feel for the bow. With practice, he will come to know how high to raise the bow, how low to raise it, where to aim. Once he has those basics, Tenkyuu will be able to show him how to counter such things as wind resistance. Asahi Kumoru The High Priest nods slowly as he takes another practice arrow and turns it slowly between two fingers, studying the feathers as he considers his aunt's words. So, really, though the motions are different, archery requires the same sort of mindset as calligraphy, as he understands it? Repetition to learn the proper motions and ingrain them in his muscles, so that his mind will be freer to focus on the beauty of it, so that he will be able to place the arrows where ever he wishes.
... Well, someday, at least.
Kouyo nocks the arrow and takes a deep breath, then draws the bow again. The little bird hopes he will start building strength from this, as well, so his arms do not shake quite so much with the effort sweatdrop It will make it easier to aim, at least.... Lynod Tenkyuu's eyes trace along her nephew's arms before her hand settles upon one of them. Kouyo's arms will grow stronger, as will his ability. Tenkyuu must admit that both arts are similar in the respect of repetition, but that is possibly why they are such hard arts to master.
They can become frustrating in their repetition, and their disciples often move to other, more 'interesting' paths.
But when one throws themself fully into the art, they will be rewarded with a grand talent. Tenkyuu is no genius, she admits, but she is merely single-minded. Thus she has become the Heavenly Bow. Asahi Kumoru Kouyo looses another arrow, which sticks in the ground at a low angle some three feet to the left of the target. He conceals his embarrassment as he lowers the bow, but projects that he hopes his mind is not too many places at once for archery. Perhaps he could learn to be more single-minded like he is when he writes, but at the moment, everything is too new and still feels a bit unnatural to him.
He glances down at the other arrows, then back at his aunt, and wonders then how long he should practice at this each day? Lynod It depends on how passionate Kouyo is. If he truly is overcome with interest, passion, and duty, he will practice for several hours. However, Tenkyuu's nephew merely wishes to gain some proficiency, she would advise thirty minutes to an hour. At first, Kouyo will need to take breaks, of course.
Tenkyuu smiles, eying Kouyo's hidden arms. While they are spindly now, Kouyo's arms will eventually gain muscle and endurance. It will be a painful process, though. Asahi Kumoru Half an hour or an hour sounds like a good place to start at least, so Kouyo will try sticking to that schedule for a little while, and perhaps work up to more as he grows stronger. He gained a bit of strength during his time in the Silver World, just being able to get out and do things, but he is still not sure he will last a full hour today.
The red-haired man's mind falls quiet again and he readies another arrow to shoot, and fires at the target again; this shot sticks near the very top edge of the round target. Then he asks the Heavenly Bow if she would object to him staying here to shoot perhaps another half hour or until his arm gets tired? To help make sure his stance and technique remain correct? Or, if she wishes to get back to her model, he can return to his own yard. Lynod Tenkyuu seems to ponder on those words before she steps forward, a hand gently pressing against Kouyo. How dare her nephew ever believe he has any place in Tenkyuu's yard? Kouyo is obviously a madman, a scoundrel, and a bandit rather than the High Priest she took him for.
A smile weaves its way along her features as she takes in Kouyo with amusement. Kouyo needs not ask these things -- consider them a gift from a long negligent aunt. Asahi Kumoru The priest steps away from her touch and turns away, his grip tightening on the handle of his bow slightly even though he figures that Dame Tenkyuu is probably joking. After a moment, though, he projects to her, a bit quietly, that this madman will continue to trouble his aunt with his presence to complete his practice now.
He forces a small smile and fetches another arrow, and fiddles with it, but does not prepare to shoot it yet, electing for the moment to study the toes of his slippers. Lynod A silence drifts between them as Tenkyuu regards Kouyo -- the aunt exhales a faint breath before moving to her nephew. Quite unexpectedly, perhaps even to Tenkyuu, the tips of her fingers touch against Kouyo's chin, guiding it to rise.
Kouyo is the High Priest, is he not? Kouyo must then act as one -- not those mages who have had their offices wrecked, their wills sapped.
Rather, Kouyo should be as the proud, mighty High Priests of the past. Tenkyuu pauses, her lips parting.
"... Once the trouble between the princesses is over, if my political career still remains, I will support you." Asahi Kumoru Kouyo lets the arrow slip from his fingertips, and instead reaches up to touch his aunt's hand. His lips tighten slightly into something that might have been an attempt at a grin as he looks away and nods slowly.
He wishes to be like the High Priests of the past, worthy of being an adviser to the Empress rather than her songbird away in his tower, but ... it is difficult to change himself after so long. And the traditions, as well, are old. However ....
Hesitantly, Kouyo moves her hand from his chin to hold it in his own gently, and smiles a faint, but more genuine, smile. This mad little bird would be pleased to accept the help of his barbarian aunt, if they are to try to change anything. If nothing else, this freedom, coming to Gaia and being able to move freely, to work, to study as he likes in the Silver World, and now to go so far as to dabble in the martial arts, it has all inspired Kouyo to try, at least. Lynod And her gnarly fingers squeeze his youthful set. Her smile fades however, and Tenkyuu looks up seriously at her nephew.
Imperial Princess Rika will need the prestige Kouyo's name still holds, however. A battle, of words or arms, will soon rage between the sisters, and Kouyo will be valuable should he choose a side.
With that comes risk, danger, but the possibility of payoff. Imperial Princess Rika is most likely the candidate that would shake off the restrictions that so encumber Tenkyuu's nephew, that doom so many to sad, lonely lives. Asahi Kumoru And Kouyo has already pledged his services to the Imperial Princess Rika, so long as they are in Gaia, at the very least. He will back her to ensure they get home. However, in his dealings with her, The High Priest is not sure that she likes him, or thinks very much of him.
He gives off a faintly shy feeling and picks up the arrow again once Tenkyuu releases his hand. He will, of course, live up to his promise regardless - finally, Kouyo has a chance to prove himself, to actually affect the future and not just see it. However, if his aunt, who knows far more of politics than the High Priest, has any advice to give him, he would gladly accept it. How does she suppose Kouyo can best support the Imperial Princess, either here or whenever they return to their homeland?
He nocks the new arrow and draws it back, chewing his bottom lip lightly as he aims, but continues to project an indication of his continued attention to Tenkyuu. Lynod Outwardly stating his support when in a place of safety, Tenkyuu believes. Her hands fold behind her back as she looks to the target, as if visualizing Kouyo's arrow piercing his target.
Kouyo speaks little to the public and while his office has been demoted in nature, many do not know such, and his word carries considerable strength with his title. A being subject to Name, who gathers such intense power and wisdom? "Who wouldn't follow such an example?" muses Tenkyuu, a cat-like smile on her lips.
Kouyo must only do this when he has a position of safety, however. The repercussions for his words could be...
Tenkyuu leaves it at that. Asahi Kumoru The young man nods, lowering his bow and turning to face his aunt. Then he will do what he can. Perhaps... in recent years, he has started to forget what power his words carry, since all that he has truly cared to write recently has been utterly ineffectual. Or more for himself than others.
Smiling weakly, Kouyo admits that he has had trouble keeping up with the political atmosphere - the bits and pieces that do reach him in his isolated tower do not generally hold his attention. However ... this freedom, this involvement he has finally been able to enjoy ... he feels as though he has awakened from a long dream. Now, he feels as though he can do something, and he will want to take full advantage of that as soon as they return home.
So perhaps while he studies the bow from his aunt, she can further instruct him in how to navigate politics as well. Lynod Tenkyuu is silent for a few moments, eyes focused on the target even though her nephew has lowered his weapon. She thinks, thinks, and sighs, eyes closing.
The Heavenly Bow will attempt her best. She will attempt to not manipulate her nephew -- while Tenkyuu would be willing to do so to many for the good of the Empire, for the stability of their country, she does not believe she can betray the blood that flows within them both.
Tenkyuu will advise Kouyo as she will, but she will not trick him: The truth will be laid before him at each decision. Tenkyuu will argue and advise from the point of the Empire, but will ultimately accept that the High Priest will follow his conscience. Asahi Kumoru The High Priest nods slowly as he takes in Dame Tenkyuu's words, but does not immediately respond. After a few moments of silence, though, he responds to tell his elder that he would gladly accept instruction in such a fashion. He will debate with her when it comes to decisions, to allow himself to work out his own feelings on the matters. Perhaps he will seek council from Setsushi or his other friends, as well, to learn what he can about the atmosphere of the Empire more thoroughly.
If she is willing to duel with him in such a fashion? Hesitantly, he reaches out to touch her arm with his fingertips, a hopeful smile spreading across his lips. Lynod And she looks up to him, her hand extending and settling on those fingers who now are exploring so much after being caged for so long. She nods once, a relaxed smile on her lips. Tenkyuu will do her best to infuriate, argue against, and baffle Kouyo in each and all of these conversations.
It is her duty as an elder, after all.
And in turn, Tenkyuu will guide him, aid him, help him grow and blossom into the man he wants to become. Asahi Kumoru If he can do anything for her, as family, as a nephew, she need only ask, and little Kouyo will do what he can.
... How strange, that the High Priest, meant to be a paragon of virtue to the Empire, is deprived the ability to be filial to his elder family members. Kouyo will have to change this. Lynod Kouyo is supporting Tenkyuu, at least partly, in the endeavor of supporting Imperial Princess Rika. What more can Tenkyuu ask? What virtue is grander than to undertake such a task? Tenkyuu raises her foot, wiggling it slightly...
... Of course, a foot rub is close. Tenkyuu will be waiting for Kouyo in the house, she announces chipperly as she walks away.
"Be sure to bring hot water," calls the elder to the youth as she disappears into her home.
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