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 Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2011 9:56 am
 
This is a private RP between Shin-Mu [Beejoux] and Kyung [Kosme].
Setting:
Cherry Tree Hill
Shin Wanders a familiar path on a whim and happens upon an unpleasant surprise and hard truths.
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Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2011 10:19 am
For months now the dark noble had avoided the Cherry Tree Hill, deliberately going out of her way to avoid wandering old paths. It was silly, childish even. She knew it, and still she had allowed herself to avoid the Hill. She didn't want to see him, nor anything that could have reminded her of him. The silver blossom on her wrist was memory enough of her foolishness and pain, and she did not need the real thing thrust before her again.
Or so she had told herself, but what she had been doing sounded so very much like hiding, and Xia Shin-Mu was no coward. She had her flaws, but that had never been among them.
Still, she had paused once she'd reached the foot of the hill, reluctant to take the next step. What if he was there? Could she simply walk past without so much as a glance. Yes. Could she have born if those burgundy eyes didn't follow as she wandered by? Yes.. no. Maybe.
She would have liked to have said her heart was cold to him, that he was nothing to her anymore. But her hate still burned at the thought of him, and she knew, deep down, she still held a shadow of the feelings she'd had for him once. What would she do if he was there, sitting under that same old tree? It would have been a lie to say she didn't want to see him again, though certainly not for any thing so nice as an afternoon walk beneath a rain of cherry blossoms. No no, never again.
Shoulders squaring, she took that first step, then another. Following the path up the familiar tree, and the pink hue of blooming flows brought her nothing but disgust.
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Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2011 11:11 am
His plan of stopping by the Lee estate to see Huang had ended up in failure. In a way, he had exposed himself to greater danger than necessary. Sitting at the roots of the large cherry tree, he let out a gentle sigh before rubbing his thumb across the small bracelet in his hand. He'd have to make an effort to give it to the Legionnaire another day.
Leaning back into the tree's trunk, he closed his eyes and let a heaver sigh this time as the memories of him and Huang slowly welled up. It shocking how one faithful encounter here with the Legionnaire had led to the mess that was their relationship now. Pulling his legs closer to his chest, he smiled ever so faintly as he recalled the parallels in their lives from their first meeting. "Huang, you are more trouble than you are worth." Kyung said to himself, looking up at the pale blossoms hanging from the tree. "How is it that someone such as yourself has managed to becoming infatuated with someone like me? We only happened to meet at this tree by chance. It was also by chance that we happened to see each other's faces for the first time, even if it ended badly. I wonder, if it is by chance that you developed feelings for me as well."
Letting out another sigh, he scrubbed his face with his hand. The whole situation was so complex. He trusted in Huang. How could he not? The legionnaire was his friend. Yet, when Huang tried to press against the boundaries of their friendship for something deeper, it suddenly made him skittish and at unease. "What do you want from me Huang...?" The boy murmured, closing his eyes as he rested his forehead against his crossed arms. "I can't tell what it is you're thinking... It worries me. I don't want for our friendship to become compromised... and yet, you seem to be doing just that will your foolish talk of love."
He continued to talk to himself, unaware that there was someone else within hearing range.
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Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2011 11:40 am
Every small step was a tiny victory for the Noble as she continued her ascent up the side of the hill. This wasn't so bad, she couldn't help but muse, spring green gaze trained on the path ahead. She'd even let the shadow of a smile tick at the corners of dark lips as a delicate breeze cooled the skin of her shoulders, blush hued hair tickling her cheeks.
She'd forgotten how much she adored the Hill. One more thing thing lost to hate and bitterness because of one insufferable person. It wasn't fair what he'd done to her. Not only breaking her heart, but taking away small joys that once made her smile.
"No longer, Huang. I will take back my joy." It was a whisper, but she intended to keep this promise to herself.
As she neared the familiar line of the tree where it all began she slowed, noticing the outline of a figure seated beneath it. Breath catching in her throat as a hand came up to press the tips of delicate fingers against her chest. That hair, those cloths. It wasn't him. Tension left in a rush as she drew a shaking breath. Moving forward once again with a queer little smile tugging nervously at the corners of her mouth.
The youth beneath the tree was spared a curious glance as she wandered past the thick trunk, pale brows arching as she realized he was talking to himself. Amusement and irony making her pause beside him, hidden by the tree itself. A small hand coming up to rest on the rough bark as she lingered to listen. Rude, yes, but she'd been accused of speaking to herself on many occasions when in truth she'd been confiding in the dead. Here now was someone actually conversing with themselves, and she was curious.
Until the subject of such personal conversations met her ears. Huang. She froze, dark features smoothing into cold lines as she continued to listen. Still curious but it was certainly no longer idle. So the legion b*****d had given his heart to another? A lovely little thing, no doubt. Follower of the crown. She sneered, delicate features gone ugly in her bitterness.
For the moment she was unaware that she knew the lunarian musing beneath the tree, or that they were not some lovely little legionaire princess.
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Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2011 11:42 pm
Running his thumb across the surface of the infinity knot charm bracelet one last time, he tucked it inside his sash for safe keeping. He'd have plenty of opportunities in the future to meet up with Huang again. Slowly getting up, he brushed the dust and debris off his clothes before taking one last look at the small flowers dotting the tree's branches. There were many memories tied to this place. And while not all of them were pleasant, like the time Huang had broken his nose or the time when Huang had provoked him into a fight. The time he had spent here getting to know Huang from opposite sides of the tree outweighed those unpleasant ones. He could only hope the future held more chances for him to make better memories at the tree. It was be a shame for the tree to be something unpleasant to look at…
Pressing a hand against the tree's bark, he closed his eyes and said a short prayer. He was never the religious type, but it seemed fitting. They said the Goddess wove all the red strings that connected each Lunarian to one another. If so, then she had determined his meeting for Huang and how the future would progress. He could only hope that it would be filled with times of laughter, not saddness.
"Mother Goddess, I pray you be kind with your strings of fate. Be gentle and merciful, letting our bonds end in happiness not death and mourning. Already, you have filled my life with much hardship. I beseech you to show mercy on me this once, and allow for Huang-Fu to stay beside me."
Slowly pulling his hand back, he stared at the aged tree for a moment longer before making his way around to the tree to head back to the path. However, a flash of pale mint fabric flashed in his peripheral vision and he turned on his heels to see who or what it was. Upon seeing a young lady, his smile fell ever so gently. It was shameful how in his heart, he had secretly hoped for it to be Huang-Fu. The longer his silvery eyes stayed on the female, the more familiar she became until he finally remember her name. Lady Shin-mu of the Xia family. He remembered seeing her at some important party pertaining to the noble alliance. The Xias were a high ranking noble family, possibly on the same level with his father if not a half step lower. However, that was the Xias in comparison to his father, compared to him, well…… There was a significant difference. No matter his father's rank, he was still a child of cursed origins with gypsy blood flowing in him.
Bowing lowly to Shin-mu, he avoided her eyes and followed the accepted custom of those of the lower social ladder addressing someone higher. "Lady Shin-mu, it is a surprise to see you here. Though we have not spoken face to face, I have heard many a word of praise regarding your musical talents. But enough of my chatter, I'm sure you wish to be alone." Bowing once more, he gave her a gentle smile. "Then, please excuse me as I leave you in peace."
Turning, he began to make his way towards the worn path leading down the hill.
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Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2011 10:04 am
The figure stood, turning to lay a hand on the rough bark of the tree, and a silent step to the side kept the lingering noble hidden. Her own dark fingers mirroring his, poised against the solid trunk as she leaned ever closer to catch every soft word that fell from pretty lips. Where they praying now? Begging their Goddess for happy days and nights? A lasting, loving bond with the object of her hatred? How quaint. How utterly infuriating. Dark lips curled in a bitter sneer, the tips of painted nails digging within the flesh of the bark beneath her hands.
Though when Kyung moved, so to did Shin. Leaning away from the tree as she worked to school chilly features. No, she couldn't offer a smile when the other lunarian turned, finally noticing her. Her lips set in a tight line, carefully neutral as pale eyes landed on a familiar face, then widened.
Not some unknown legionaire maiden. Not even close. The half bred mongrel offspring of Lord Tae. Noble, tainted, male.
It was a lucky thing that the young man had bowed, it gave Shin the time needed to reign in the sudden rush of absolute hate that seethed within her. So when he rose he was met with a delicate smile, dark features seemingly calm despite the curl of rage that had fingers clenched at her sides into tight little fists. The only outward sign that anything other then the obvious was wrong.
She did enjoy his low bowing, and he was certainly elegant in his execution of the respectful act, but it didn't really change things. "No, stay," she urged. The delicate point of her chin dipping to one side. "You are Tae's son, correct?" She knew very well he was.
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Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2011 1:06 pm
"That is correct Lady Shin-mu." He answered gently. "Tae Kyung, youngest son of Tae Gaero. I believe, our fathers have worked together multiple times on matters regarding the noble alliance." He chewed on his lower lip lightly but reluctantly gave her another smile. "If you so wish for me to stay, then I shall."
Sliding his hands in his sleeves, he moved back closer to the tree. It hadn't escaped his notice that the young lady's hands were balled into fists. Perhaps something had angered the young noblewoman and now, she was seeking someone to talk about it? His brows furrowed lightly, listening to the problems of others was not something he was looking forward to being a regular thing. He already had enough worries on his mind with his own family situation and Huang. But, perhaps, just for today, he could extend an ear towards Shin-mu. "Is there something you wish to say to me? Perhaps, something is bothering you and you seek a friendly ear. If so, then I place myself at your service." Had Kyung known just what thoughts were running through the dark skinned teen, he would have never made that offer in the first place.
"I understand that I am not the most preferred companion, given my mixed blood and the rumors that could result if we are seen together. But, I hope that you will still find my presence sufficient." He gave her a nervous smile. It wasn't like him to be so skittish around another Lunarian, but something about the way Shin-mu made him feel just the slightest uncomfortable.
The way she was looking at him wasn't the way people looked at him when they were talking about his eclectic blood, but rather, the way one might look at him with an intent to harm. It was alarming to him. Certainly, it wasn't anything new. He was used to being the subject of many a cruel actions resulting from spite towards his dirty blood. However, he had never heard words of Xia Shin-mu taking on a cruel streak.
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Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2011 8:59 am
With one small step she neared the pale trunk of the tree so one balled fist could raise, fingers parting to press against the rough bark. Forcing out a measure of calm to chase away any lingering signs of obvious tension. She counted her breaths and on the exhale of the third the fist at her side loosened. "Yes, many times if memory serves true. I have met him on occasion." Her head tilted, chin raising as she smiled sweetly at him. "Such a valuable asset to the alliance." She was needling him, every so subtly. A pettiness that certainly wouldn't be there had she not known the truth of things between him and her former sweetheart.
Bothering her, oh yes. Something was definitely bothering her. She held her tongue though, a moment longer, as he continued on. Her delicate smile deepening as she moved ever closer. Grip lingering on the tree still, but more as if she were holding herself back. A single slippered foot trailing behind to rest her toe in the plush grass of the hill's lawn. "More then sufficient," she assured. A hand raising so dark fingers could brush silken hair behind the point of one finned ear.
That same hand lowered to rest the points of green tipped nails lightly over her chest, and her chin dipped again to the side. "Forgive, I know it's terribly rude, but I couldn't help but over hear your beseeching prayer." She feigned subtle guilt well, though her eyes still glittered gently with mirth. She couldn't quite force the act that far. Still, her tone was soft enough for the apology.
"You see, I've had my own experience with that sort of situation. Perhaps it is I who can lend an understanding ear to you, Tae Kyung."
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Posted: Fri Apr 15, 2011 8:47 pm
Kyung's eyes lost their warmth at her words. She had listened in on him! Heart pounding in his chest, he took a step back from Shin-mu. Something about the noblewoman standing in front of him made him feel uneasy. Not wanting to seem rude, he bowed lightly. ""Your apology is accepted Lady Shin-mu. I suppose I shouldn't have been speaking out loud in the first place."" It was best to tread cautiously. Because Shin-mu was a high ranking noble, if anything were to get out about Kyung being on closer terms with a legionnaire… It could jeopardize his father's position in the noble alliance. Not to mention endanger his own life.
Unsure of just how much the other noble had heard, Kyung gave a gentle shake of his head. "I'm am grateful for your offer Lady Shin-mu. However, it's nothing to trouble yourself with. I am sure that a lady of your standing has much more important matters to deal with." Pushing his hands deeper inside his sleeves, he gave her one last smile. "I best leave now."
Giving her a hasty bow, he turned on his heels to try and make his way down the hill before Shin-mu could stop him. Noble or not, there was just something very unsettling in the air.
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Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2011 7:55 am
She watched quite happily as the warmth seeped from his eyes, filling instead of unease, and she only smile brighter. Stilling her tongue and allowing him to speak his fill, turn and move to leave, before making a move on her end. "I have to disagree with you there, Tae Kyung. This is most certainly a matter worth troubling myself over." The warmth in her voice was fading as she spoke, exchanged with the cool beginnings of bitter frost.
She let him take two steps away from her before striding forward herself to grab his arm, pulling him around so his back was against the tree and her hand lay firmly pressed against his chest. Lily green eyes turned up to regard him cooly.
"You will go no where until I bid it." She hissed under her breath. Her smile turning into nothing more then mere baring of teeth.
"Does he know where your allegiance lies, Tae Kyung?" The question was a crucial one. Had the silly legion b*****d fallen for another innocent noble unawares? Had he learned nothing from the past and again not asked?
It would have been the icing on the cake, truly. Kyung, b*****d Kyung, a lovely little blight 'pon the reputation of his father. How had it come to be that Huang would develop feelings for him? The thought left a bitter burn on the back of her tongue, and her fingers pressed ever harder against the others chest. Not a legionaire princess, but a lowly mongrel half breed of the Noble Retainer. It was all too much.
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Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2011 8:23 am
"What are you trying to say?" The words were laced with confusion and possibly fear. He wasn't blind to the subtle changes in her tone. But, what worried him the most was that she seemed to be so intrigued, so bothered, by his relation to Huang. It wasn't the kind of disdain that one received from other nobles after being caught with a legionnaire, it was the kind of look that came from a personal vendetta.
When he was slammed back against the tree, he coughed as the air was knocked out from his chest. Taking a moment to regain himself, his own silvery orbs hardened to match Shinmu's own gaze. Lifting a hand up, his fingers curled around Shin's wrist.
"Lady Shin-mu, I am going to kindly request you let go of me." Her change in demeanor was doing little to scare him. It was annoying if anything. Here was a noble woman who believed she could man handle him. "I may be of lower rank than you because of certain circumstances, but you would do best to remember that my father is not constrained by the same binds as myself."
At Shinmu's question, he paused. Where had that come from? Pulling his hand off his chest, he straightened his robes. "That he does." Came the cool response. "Does it bother you Lady Shinmu?" He asked, a cruel sneer coming across his face. The rudeness she had shown him only moments ago he would return two fold. It was unlike him to be so uncultured, but something about the whole situation just turned him off. "What business would you have in my friendship with Huang? It's not like you're betrothed to him. Quite the opposite, isn't it? I hear your parents have already arranged a marriage for you. You really shouldn't bother into the affairs of a b*****d like me. You just may not like what you find."
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Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2011 8:51 am
"Kindly request?" She repeated, the humor apparent in her tone even before the trickling chuckle that followed. "I don't think so. Your father will do nothing where I am concerned, least you wish me to whisper these rich secrets in his ear." And how would that go over for the Noble lord? His b*****d child in the arms of a legion assassin? "What do you think he would do if he knew?" She grinned, and it was lovely in it's bitter malice.
She was enjoying this, these subtle mind games. The unease that flickered in his eyes every so often. The coldness that now stared back at her. It was satisfying, but it wasn't enough. Not nearly.
He forced her hand away, and with his retort she was slow to react to it. The humor draining from dark features in an instant as he turned to shove her game right back into her face. Did it bother her, he asked. The answer was clear in the blossoming anger on her face. Before she could speak to affirm it though he had continued, and what he had to say was enough to make her pause.
She stared at him, blush brows narrowing in malice. How had he heard? Yes, there was talk of a possible betrothal, but no such fiance had yet been found. Her parents were looking, but nothing had of yet come from it. Least not that she'd heard. Of course these were her affairs, and not the business of him. She let it go, lingering instead on the more important points. "No, I am not betrothed to your Huang-fu, that ship has long since sailed." There was a point in time, however brief, where she had believed they would be together always.
"Does he love you, Tae Kyung? Does he smile only for you?" He'd distracted her, but she was in control here, and his gossip would not derail her nor quell her bubbling anger. "You you stroll together beneath the fall of millions of blossoms?"
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Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2011 9:33 am
It was Kyung's turn to laugh in Shin-mu's face. "Oh, you are naive to believe that my father doesn't already know of Huang's existence. Shin-mu, did you really believe that for a second you could black mail me through my own father?" The words left in a hiss, Kyung's fins flaring out in a dangerous display. Was the girl daft? His father was a high ranking noble, of course he had eyes everywhere. How would the girl react if she knew that his father had gone so far as to approve of Huang? Then, what would Shin-mu do? He considered the thought of throwing it out there be decided against it.
"Besides, you should be well aware by now that my father does a poor job of controlling."
Crossing his arms across his chest, he couldn't help but laugh at Shin-mu's question. "It seems you don't know men very well Shin." He was dropping honorifics and chopping her name on purpose. He wasn't going to bow down to her. "You should stop making stupid assumptions before you embarrass yourself."
"No matter how feminine my face, I am still a man. I do not delight myself in a relationship with another of the same gender. it just isn't the same as being in one with a woman. It is true that Huang comes after me with words of affection, but I have no interest in seeking that kind of an intimate relationship with him. I'd rather him a friend than a lover." Reaching over, he brushed a strand of hair out of Shin's face. "But, would someone such as yourself understand that?"
"For as long as I can remember, I have been denied a family. Mothers, fathers, siblings, and friends have never been within my reach. Lovers are fickle and dangerous creatures. A friend however, you can count on no matter what." Flicking her hair back, he turned to make his way home. "I'm leaving now. I believe this conversation is done. And, Shinmu, eavesdropping is not very attractive habit. "
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Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2011 11:15 am
The laughter that bubbled back at her from the dark haired noble was unexpected, and that surprise showed for a brief instant in lily green eyes as the widened, ever so slightly, before narrowing once more in building animosity. So his father knew did he? And had done nothing? "Clearly," she mused, glossed lips thinning. "Control is not something that runs within this now tainted line." Fools, Father and son both.
She let him talk, rattling on about the ways of men and friendship and denials of feelings in return. She cared little for that, and his words were half heard. He was right though, she knew very little of men outside the pages of her novels, but she wasn't going to give him the satisfaction, however small, of confirming that fact.
No, she let him carry on, attention piqued only as Huang's name was spoken and the boy let spill more of the sorry situation the assassin had now found himself in. So the mongrel didn't love or former sweetheart back? Now that was just far too rich, and the divine irony of the situation was enough to tug at the dark corners of pouting lips. The shadow a smile turning a look of hate into something far more dangerous. When his hand rose to brush at her hair she swatted at it, the glitter of silver around her wrist catching the light. A hand wrought cherry blossom on a simple woven strand.
"You're so sure of that?" She chuckled, and when he lifted that hand once again to flick at her hair she grabbed his wrist. Yanking him once more around as he turned to leave. Grabbing his chin with her free hand to draw him closer. "Do you think our Huang will still want you when he realizes he cannot have you?" Delicate fingers tightened. "Will he continue to waste his time on a silly mongrel b*****d when he cannot get what he wants from you? I think not."
She let him go, forcing him away from her before the back of her hand connected solidly with his cheek and mouth. He would not dismiss her, he would not disrespect her, and he would suffer for Huang-fu's fickle affections. Her broken heart was not his fault, but he would pay, and through her tender attentions so too would Huang, and that was the real joy of it. "You are nothing."
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