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 Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2011 1:28 pm
  This is a private roleplay between Jianyu [Kuro-Mizuki] and SiMa Li [Chrystali].
Setting:
Near the Li home.
Caught in a thunderstorm unexpectedly, Jianyu seeks safety.
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Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2011 1:55 pm
Jianyu had spent the morning training the dozen or so new recruits to the Legion force. They were not the greatest soldiers; most were young, just barely graduated from the Academy and fresh to the aspect of truly fighting. Training was one thing; being able to draw real blood from a real enemy was truly a different thing. Those who could not would not be permitted to pass; Lunaria was at war, and it was no place for those who were unwilling to cross that line.
The training had dwindled to an exhausted, blood, sweat, and dirt stained end somewhere in the late afternoon, when the sky had turned a dark, burnt orange and the shadows stretched across the Legionnaire camp had grown longer and more prominent. Jianyu had sent his students home, gathering up his own supplies before beginning the long walk back to the Qian household.
Main Street was slowly beginning to empty as most of the shops began to close for the evening, and Jianyu nodded to several of the more well-known patrons as he made his way through the city. Overhead the clouds were beginning to gather; Jianyu felt a sense of unnerving anxiety catch his veins. He was not ever anxious, but right now his nerves felt frayed, on edge.
He did not like storms.
Increasing his pace as he reached the outskirts of Main Street and entered into the more residential area, Jianyu tried to ignore the loud crack of thunder that exploded across the sky above his head. It was not raining yet, but he was already beginning to breathe harder, gritting his teeth together tightly. A bright flash of lightning split the clouds, and Jianyu jumped involuntarily, letting out a few choice swear words. His feet on the worn dirt path could not seem to move fast enough.
A drop of water caught his cheek; Jianyu flinched. Dear Godddess, do not let me get stuck here...
But it was too late. Above the sky seemed to open up and the water came rushing down, drenching him in almost an instant. Cold immediately seeped into skin, clammy and wet, and Jianyu shuddered, his body jerking. The panic was beginning to set in, his breath coming in short gasps now as he staggered haphazardly through the darkness, desperate for any sort of shelter at all.
How pathetic; the great Legion Captain Qian Jianyu, afraid of a little storm.
His eyes, used to the dark from years of training, caught sight of a small building in the vicinity. Jianyu stumbled towards it, gasping a little, and fell against one of the walls, pressing his back against it in a useless attempt at getting away from the rain, away from the rolling thunder, the blinding lightning. He did not recognize the house at all, but it was all he had right now; his mind would not work properly, and his body would not move, frozen in place. A harsh wind whipped at his exposed face, strands of his hair blowing into his face. Jianyu closed his eyes, attempting to regulate his erratic breathing.
Goddess Lunaria, let this be over quickly... 
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Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2011 4:03 pm
Li had the day off. It was one of the days that her mother and grandparents were off to see extended family that still acknowledged them, leaving her blessedly alone to clean the house. It wasn't that she liked to clean, but it was a menial task that kept her busy and focused rather than lamenting not using the day to go sailing or spar. Helping her mother as much as she could, when she could, she was a reliable daughter, not one to belly-ache or whine about the chores that she found necessary.
The delicate sunlight that had filtered through the open windows disappeared into softer silver tones, prompting the young woman to stop in her work long enough to cover the openings and light a few lanterns around the house. Despite most viewing the rain as a dastardly happenstance to waylay the best laid plans, Li found beauty in the fall of rain and a music in the rumbling purr of the thunder that stretched overhead. It meant she'd be alone for the evening, but there were worse things to consider than laying in bed and listening to the lullaby of rain on the roof.
And the rain did fall, making her smile to herself as she resumed sweeping. The gesture was short-lived, however, as the sound of something heavy hit her wall. Frowning, her grip on the broom immediately shifted into something offensive and practiced, slipping towards the door soundlessly. Pushing it open, her expression was as dark as the sky above -- until she realized who she was about to wallop over the head.
"...Lord Qian?" Li stared in disbelief, her grip on the broom relaxing until it was just another household tool and not a weapon. She would have been embarrassed to be caught in her simple robe of charcoal and lavender, her hair held in a tight braid that kept her dark face free of bangs with only a few short tendrils escaping the confines, but he'd already seen her gussied up in a hanfu and proper up-do; this could not possibly be any worse. Now, she would just quietly dread the day he saw her in his regime. Pushing the thought aside, she blinked at his posture, the way there seemed to be panic held in his single eye, his whole posture singing of tension and muscle tightly wound enough to bounce a rock off of. He looked different in his full armor but she'd not confuse that blue eye and sunny gold fin color. Opening the door wider, she motioned for the stricken man to enter her humble abode. "Please -- come in out of the rain? I'll fix us some tea and set the fireplace."
The house was indeed humble: pale walls lined with a dark wood finish, well aged and cared for to keep the color rich and unmarred. The walls that lead to the inner gardens and yards framed in black, there was little to see in the way of decorations, everything in eyesight simple and functional. The bedrooms were slightly more elaborate, but within the immediate vicinity, there was nothing posh or luxurious to be seen. "Please, have a seat, I'll get you a warm blanket."
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Posted: Fri Jul 15, 2011 2:54 pm
It was a shameful thing, to be afraid of a thunderstorm. Jianyu had long since learned to hide this fact from others, usually ignoring the ridicule and taunting that resulted from sharing one of his few fears. He disliked being judged for it; it was a mere fact of life that people had fears, after all, but a warrior, afraid of rain and thunder and perhaps some lightning?
Pathetic, Jianyu thought, closing his eyes briefly as he tried to control his breathing once more, though it seemed he could do nothing more for the short, staccato gasps that kept escaping his throat. At least the side of the house - whoever it belonged to - provided some sort of minimal relief from the dizzying amount of rainfall, the deafening thunderclaps.
There was a movement to his left. Jianyu's eyes moved quickly, despite the remaining panic, his hand instantly grasping for the bow at his hip. In the near darkness it was difficult to make out the figure, but then -
"...Lord Qian?"
The voice was only vaguely familiar; Jianyu's eyes narrowed, not quite off of his guard yet, but then the figure stepped forward, her features becoming clearer.
"...SiMa Li?" he said, a flash of confusion darting across his face, though his shoulders relaxed in relief, his hand losing the tension it held on his bow. It seemed as if it had been the young woman's home which he had stumbled across; unexpected, but not unwelcome, though the confusion rapidly dissipated into an expression of shame. He pried himself away from the wall of the house, grateful for her welcome, and stepped inside.
It was a simple place of residence; very neat and tidy, with little decorations, but simultaneously it was warm and welcoming. Jianyu stood at the entrance, feeling rather stupid as he dripped onto the floor, and gave Li a rather sheepish frown.
"Forgive me," he said uncertainly when he didn't move from where he stood, glancing down at his clothing and armor, which was drenched and sopping. "I mean no disrespect, it's just that I...am not fit to sit in...in this particular state. Perhaps I could have a towel or a cloth to dry myself off, if that is not too forward of me to ask for?"
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Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2011 1:03 am
"Water can be dried, Lord Qian, there's no disrespect to be had. A moment, please." She offered a chaste smile before gliding across the room and disappearing down the hallway. Already callousing hands sought out an appropriate towel along with the aforementioned blanket, tucking the latter between elbow and side before she returned to the foyer. Handing the towel over to her senior officer, she dipped her head respectfully, having no real opinion of the fear he had displayed earlier. Everyone had their vices and secrets; far be it from Li to laugh in the face of that which rocked some to their very core. "Feel free to put your weapon against the rack if you'd like -- and your cloak can dry by the fire if you wish."
Lunaria help her, but her manners were rusty. Rare was it that she had to entertain guests at all, let alone on her own, finding it awkward to find the balance of proper protocol between social etiquette and the respect of the chain of command. She felt more at home cracking skulls, though there was a sort of contentment to be had in fixing tea and fussing over another. Laying out the blanket on a chair near the fireplace that was centered in the room, she took one of her lanterns and lit the drywood within the dark confines, setting the room ablaze in flickering light that warmed the otherwise cool colors of the modest abode.
Moving light of foot into the open kitchen area, she retrieved a heavy kettle, filling it with water she'd drawn earlier. "I'm surprised to find you out in such fine weather," she commented as she poured, her tone without implication to how she'd found the Captain and mostly speaking with a fondness of the rain, "most dare not be caught in such a torrential downpour. Do your duties keep you so busy?" So much for balancing etiquette and respect! Li simply could not contain her curiosity; it wasn't like she'd have a Captain of the Legion in her home every day! She knew Jianyu was a busy man, but getting a small understanding of what she could look forward to in service to the Legion was worth the inquiry, or so she hoped.
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Posted: Wed Aug 10, 2011 6:43 am
He did not wish to intrude, and he certainly did not wish to get her floor wet, nor her furniture, but she seemed to wish for him to enter anyway, regardless of his current state. Jianyu bent over in a small bow. "Thank you for your kindness," he said, then accepted the towel gratefully. He unhitched the crossbow tied to his waist and leaned it against where she had indicated, untying the cloak as he crossed the room to hang it above fire. Running his fingers over the dark cloth, he frowned a bit, certain that being here was not what SiMa Li had wanted or expected, but she was as polite and calm as he remembered from their brief meeting. She held herself very proudly, though not in an arrogant sort of way; one with a confident, dignified air that was to be easily appreciated by those around her.
"Ah," said Jianyu, sounding sheepish as he let out a small laugh. "I'm afraid I was a little late returning home from my duties this evening."
His brows lifted, slightly amused by her candor, but he shrugged, kneeling by the fire and extending his hands towards the flames, trying to get back some of the warmth he had lost in the coldness of the rain. He could not suppress a shiver as the heat soaked into him, but after a few moments he was basking in the warmth.
"They do keep me quite occupied, yes," Jianyu told her, shaking his head in mild exasperation. "The new recruits are quite untrained and unable to perform as needed, as it is, and it is my job to train them and mold them into soldiers beneath the Legion alliance."
Half dry, Jianyu shifted, sitting cross-legged on the floor in front of the fire to let the flames warm his back now (he hoped he was not being too forward). "And you?" he asked her. "What has your evening been like, if you do not mind me asking? I hope I did not intrude on your solitude too much."
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Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2011 11:10 am
"It is my honor to offer shelter to an esteemed Captain, Lord Qian." Li offered a polite smile to try and put his mind at ease, dipping her head as she catered to the teapot in the kitchen. To hear Jianyu sound so embarrassed by the occurrence made her smile more privately, her back turned to conceal it.
She listened, both because it was polite and because she was intrigued. There was something both amusing and disheartening to know their ranks were underwhelming, especially when things were as heated and abrasive as they were at night. How were they supposed to make any mark of influence if they couldn't survive the basic training? Li's expectations were high of herself, but it was true of others too. Wrapping her fingers around one of the smaller jars next to the cooking fire, she exited the kitchen-space to approach the Captain. "It sounds difficult," she offered by way of console, "but I'm sure you'll perform extraordinarily. You've come this far and surely they will follow in the footsteps that have paved such a clear path to success." Kneeling, she offered the jar in both hands for Jianyu's inspection. "Do you like camomile and honey, Lord Qian? I also have a black tea with vanilla if you prefer."
At the polite inquiry, she gave him a patient smile and a small shake of her head. "My evening has been spent cleaning, hardly an endeavor worth leaving uninterrupted." Her shoulders lift and fall in a delicate shrug. "I often clean or peruse the market when I have days off, trying to help out my family when able. They're at a neighbors and will likely remain until the rain has given pause," she adds hastily so as to not cause the Captain further discomfort. Another peel of lightning chased her words, the heady roar of thunder on the heels of the brilliant flash. Glancing over her shoulder, Li could see the lightning snake through the clouds before falling dark again.
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Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2011 7:37 pm
Jianyu had long grown used to the honorific of being called "Captain" and the responsibilities that it brought him, but it still made him slightly awkward to be held in such high esteem. He had never found it particularly satisfying to be considered higher than someone else, though there were times when he felt the need to use it to his advantage; such as training new recruits, or perhaps leading a mission.
"I thank you for your confidence," Jianyu said, offering her a smile. "However, it is not up to me to figure out where their footsteps will tread. That, unfortunately, is entirely up t to their own mindset. I do believe some of them find my lack of sight to be disheartening, and cannot wish to follow where I have walked."
"Chamomile and honey sounds delightful, thank you," he answered her. SiMa Li was a perfect host, it seemed; quiet, polite, and dignified, holding herself with a respectful and calm air. He still did not know her too well, but so far she seemed well enough, and Jianyu did not feel a need to be around guard with her.
A crack of lightning split the air, and Jianyu could not help the wince that flickered across his face. "I see," he replied, with a wary look towards the selfsame window Li was glancing through. "Well, I'm quite certain you did not expect a Captain to drop onto your doorstep," he added, with an attempt at humor, but a thunderous crash erupted outside, and Jianyu flinched once more.
"Forgive me," he said, his shoulders tense. "Captains have their weaknesses too, after all...I'm afraid mine is not particularly thrilling..."
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Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2011 12:12 am
"Perhaps you cannot lead them," she agrees gently, "but it would be their own foolery to not take your lead into consideration. Not all of us will see this war to its finish unscathed." Standing as the decision was made, she returned to the kitchen with silent footfalls, adding the fresh herb to the boiling water. "It may not be glamorous, but those that actively seek glory...will not be so lucky as to only lose an eye, I imagine." Li carefully watched the herbs curl and change color beneath the heat and water's influence, her expression mostly impassive as she considered his situation. "And yet those who would see the end would be happy to give an eye for a resolution." It was funny, how that worked -- some carried the banner for the glory, but some, like herself, strove for peace more than winning any faux sense of battle.
Laughing softly at his light words, she glanced over to him and dipped her head. "It is not often it rains Captains," she agreed with equal humor, "but it's a nice change of pace." His next words earned a gentle smile, mostly kept to herself as she added a generous portion of a thick honey, the ladle going into the kettle covered with the tan contents and resurfacing utterly clean of it. "It is hardly a weakness to find discomfort in the violent measures of the land." Gently tapping the ladle to remove the excess water, she put it aside and lifted the kettle, beginning to pour it slowly into the finest bonewear they had. "If it's any consolation, my fear is swimming." She gave time for her words to set in before she continued.
"The ocean is a vast, unknown expanse of life and vigor. When I was a child, it felt almost sacrilege to attempt swimming, to attempt conquering the tide." Placing two cups on a tray, she added crushed hibiscus flower and blackberries on a small plate before she returned to Jianyu's side, placing the tray on the towels. "I know better now, but the fear of it is still there." She picked up one of the cups and held it out to him, the sturdy base open for him to take, soaking up the immediate scalding heat into something more manageable. Li smiled then, a simple and understanding expression. "When the skies bruise with foul-tempered clouds, there is no shame in taking refuge from the forked tongue of lightning. It would be a wise thing, some would say. I find beauty in that chaos." She had the grace to look a little abashed then, dipping her head once more. "I like to think that a storm is Lunaria's way of cleansing the land, of reminding us of Her presence. Perhaps that is why I find comfort."
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Posted: Mon Sep 12, 2011 10:22 pm
"Your words are both kind and reassuring," Jianyu said with a small laugh, shaking his head. "You are much wiser than your years, SiMa Li. I am most indebted to you."
It was true, however, the words she spoke; Li talked as if from her own experience, gentle yet firm. Jianyu felt a small frown touch his lips as he lapsed into a brief silence, contemplating what she had said. I wish to see the end of this long battle as well...but at what cost?
It was difficult to think of. Jianyu was not even sure himself what he would be willing to give to have Lunaria be at peace, for the darkness that had long since settled itself over his beloved city to finally dissipate and leave its citizens feeling calm at heart, breathing in the fresh air. How long had it been since he had walked the streets without his hand resting on the crossbow at his hip? How long had it been since he had not felt that constant sense of vigilance, looking cautiously around each corner before rounding it?
"I'm afraid I am more wary of the 'violent measures of the land' than of the violent measures of mankind," Jianyu said wryly, a light tone to his voice. "At least with mankind, their moves are predictable, to a degree. There are times when even I feel flummoxed, but man's natures can be controlled - to an extent, and usually only by themselves and their own desires. There is no way to control or tame nature, I'm afraid."
"Ah, well." He gave a small sigh, accepting the cup of tea offered to him with a grateful nod of his head. The warmth of the liquid was reassuring as it slipped down his throat, tasting of honey and spices. "I see you understand a little my anxiousness with regard to the rain, then," Jianyu said, but his gaze had flickered towards the windows, looking at the pounding droplets against the glass as Li spoke.
"...your words are quite lovely, thank you," he said quietly. "I find myself fortunate to have stumbled across such an intelligent and peace minded woman this evening. I am quite in your debt."
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Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2011 2:56 am
Having the grace to look appalled by the notion, Li shook her head with a soft laugh. "I'll hear nothing of debt, Lord Qian. Your presence is an honor and it is my pleasure to entertain you for this brief interlude." Bowing her head again, she fought back the slight blush that threatened her dark cheeks, a small stain of pink beneath her twilight scales. Retrieving her own mug of tea, she listened to his words with thoughtful consideration.
Offering a quiet chuckle that spoke of agreement, she lightly drew her index finger along the smooth coating of her tea cup. "Such a greater truth will never be spoken. But I suppose if we could control nature, the division of our people would not be as grievous." There was a sadness, an uncertainty that lingered in her eyes. Li knew that man was impressionable, fallible, but she also liked to believe that they could change. That they could evolve, be better tomorrow than they were today. Such thoughts, however, she kept internal; sharing her sappy notions with a Captain of the Legion would not be wise, especially when the day came that he found she would serve beneath him or at his side.
Again shaking her head at the compliments, she presses one hand against her warm cheek, mug still held in her other hand. "Lunaria save me, but you're going to give me an ego, kind sir." Smiling politely, Li tried to again brush the attention off, instead trying to deflect it back to the enigmatic Captain. "My Lord, if I may -- and it's not too forward -- might I ask, what drives a man to be so passionate about what he does? You've a great deal of pride in what you do, but - with all due respect - you seem so at a loss to the heart of Lunarian's." Li wore an expression of interest, empathy and soft understanding; it was, perhaps, the real reason the war waged as it did. Difference of opinion was an ugly thing.
"What drives you?" Not wanting to seem rude, she expanded gently, "Such as a farmer tends for love of the land and a fisherman seeks the sea for life, I simply query -- what might promote our esteemed Captain to push through fearsome weather, braving the violent measures of the land? Is there hope, or is that a fool's errand?" The question felt personal to Li, but it was for her.
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Posted: Wed Sep 21, 2011 9:31 pm
He gave Li a meaningful look, as if he did not agree with the fact that she did not feel indebted to her for her kindness. However, the subject seemed closed, and Jianyu resigned himself to the outcome. He found he rather liked the company of SiMa Li; she was quiet, perhaps, but filled with intelligence and dignity - a woman deserving of every respect that was owed to her.
A low laugh escaped his lips, Jianyu raising his tea to his mouth once more. "We can control nature to an extent, I suppose. The magic which gives us the ability to enhance our abilities is there, of course, but even then that magic is limited and misunderstood. There is a significant lack of respect when it comes to nature, I'm afraid. A wondrous thing, simultaneously beautiful and dangerous. A contradiction in terms, just as many in Lunaria are."
The sadness in her voice - the bittersweet nature of how she spoke, all belayed her natural calmness, and for a moment Jianyu regarded her quietly, without speaking. He felt it unnecessary to talk, as if saying anything would make her feel uncomfortable.
Her question surprised him, however. He blinked, momentarily taken aback, though not offended. "It is...it is not too forward," he answered her slowly, his mind working to sort through the thoughts in his head. The cup of tea in his hands was steadily growing cooler.
"I suppose I fight because I feel as if it is all I can do," he said quietly, after a long moment's contemplation. "I have not the intelligence of some; I cannot hope to change Lunaria through politics, or through sheer strength, as others do. I cannot do much, but I can fight, and I can protect the ones who mean the most to me. Regardless of the outcome of the war - for I know that there will be one, eventually - if I can say that I have done anything in my power to create safety for my family, I will consider myself as having done something worthwhile."
There was a small pause; then he gave a small, rueful laugh.
"I suppose that was a rather roundabout answer," Jianyu said. "To put it simply - I do what I do for the safety of not just my family, not just the people I care for, but for all of Lunaria. My passion is driven by a desire for peace and protection."
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Posted: Fri Sep 30, 2011 12:24 am
Even with the stern look she received in regards to her gentle brushing off of his debt, she couldn't help but stifle a laugh. It was the very look she would have given Jianyu had their positions been reversed, but far be it from her to admit to hypocrisy. Tapping her lip thoughtfully, Li smiled in quiet understanding, dipping her head in acknowledgement to his description of their use of natural magics. She agreed whole-heartedly about enhancing and limitations, but control...she was certain they'd never fully control something as magnificent as nature. It would be an affront to Lunaria Herself - or so she felt.
And when he answered, she listened. There was something poignant about the sound of the rain drumming on the roof, casting pale lights within the humble abode, painting soft colors over the two that were modestly lit, sharing something so personal as one's drive. In that perfect moment, Li felt a swell of respect for the Captain, her expression both pleased and reserved in an attempt to keep her manners in place. "No, it's -- a perfect answer, my Lord," she remarked gratefully, fingers lightly tracing over her own mug, "very honest and from the heart. It's the best type of answer." To do what one must - because they could - wasn't that what she was aiming for? If she had it in her to fight rather than be a meek housewife, if she could help but lending her strength rather than her intellect (or lack thereof), who was she to sit back and say no, it wasn't her place? It was what she could do. She respected that.
"If even half our people saw their beliefs so clearly, I feel we'd be in a better place," she remarked wistfully, the words punctuated with a soft sigh. For a long moment, she was quiet, gazing with a contemplative air at her teacup, as though the answers might be within the herbs themselves. Judging by the pattern of the rainfall, the storm would soon be on its way. She'd miss the music of it, but at least her company would be more at ease.
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