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destinyfell2016-07-18 12:16 am
meteorrains) wrote in destinyfell2016-07-18 12:16 am
» Action Four | Cloud And Tifa «
[It seemed as if the world was spinning impossibly fast, twirling rapidly around it's axis in such a way that made time seem to move much quicker than average. Somehow, without truly realizing it as he had lived it, the entirely day had passed within the blink of an eye. Party after party, all which absolutely required his attendance. Each with a multitude of people who had not seen in years, all welcoming him home, all congratulating him on leading their army to victory. All praising him for managing to make it through a nasty war which had claimed many lives unscathed.
Learning that he was being gifted his own household located in the city as a present from his father had come just as dinner was about to begin, everyone raising a glass and cheering as the news was announced. He had nodded in acceptance, had thanked his father profusely for this grace and generosity, had listened to endless speeches of how lucky he was to have such a noble and wealthy family.
All he wanted in the entire world was a soft place to lay his head, to sleep knowing that peace had fallen over the land, that despite the previous years of suffering, he was finally safe.
Slipping his shoes off, he placed them upon the mat directly inside the door, closing it behind him and moving further into the house his father had chosen. It was well decorated, tasteful and bright, perfect for someone who would soon be searching for a wife. His chamber was easy enough to locate, the door slide back into place carefully. Each garment was peeled from his body slowly, until nothing the pants remained. Something cracked along his spine as he moved, muscled sore and stiff and for once, he wished he had stayed at his fathers estate. At least there he would be able to take a warm bath, or have one of his fathers servants message the area for him.
Sighing softly, he lifted a hand to rub gently at his neck, stretching slightly, before resuming the motion, trying to ease away the ache.]
Learning that he was being gifted his own household located in the city as a present from his father had come just as dinner was about to begin, everyone raising a glass and cheering as the news was announced. He had nodded in acceptance, had thanked his father profusely for this grace and generosity, had listened to endless speeches of how lucky he was to have such a noble and wealthy family.
All he wanted in the entire world was a soft place to lay his head, to sleep knowing that peace had fallen over the land, that despite the previous years of suffering, he was finally safe.
Slipping his shoes off, he placed them upon the mat directly inside the door, closing it behind him and moving further into the house his father had chosen. It was well decorated, tasteful and bright, perfect for someone who would soon be searching for a wife. His chamber was easy enough to locate, the door slide back into place carefully. Each garment was peeled from his body slowly, until nothing the pants remained. Something cracked along his spine as he moved, muscled sore and stiff and for once, he wished he had stayed at his fathers estate. At least there he would be able to take a warm bath, or have one of his fathers servants message the area for him.
Sighing softly, he lifted a hand to rub gently at his neck, stretching slightly, before resuming the motion, trying to ease away the ache.]
no subject
If she had had to give up a husband and children of her own body and love - than she had.
Her eyes had lifted to his when he started to speak though and if he had searched her mask of a face, just as closely she searched his and the endless blue of his eyes as he spoke as well. Searching, trying to see what was behind and hiding under what he spoke. Because, yes, she had won and she would keep her freedom - but her time here was about so much more than that. She had meant it when she had said she was here to serve and protect him and there were so many more ways a geisha could do that then the surface gave away. This could not be her win, not unless it became his as well. For now, and for a very long time to come, her fate was tied intimately to his.
And, perhaps, she just imagined the shadows and sorrow in his eyes. Perhaps she just pretended that perhaps he felt as trapped and lost as she had when her world had suddenly shifted from what she had known to the utterly foreign and lost feeling of coming to the Floating World. Perhaps... she remember too much a little boy with grand dreams and gentle words...
But a geisha did not triumph unless she brought those in her care with her. So she raised a single long finger to her lips, pursed them for just a moment, bitter cherry red and ice snow white and her eyes danced for him, sunlight on waves. For a moment she was light breezes and water bubbles for him but underneath the soft silk remained for him.]
Hush, lord. No one is supposed to realize that geisha are not born instantaneously from moonbeams and fireflies. You can never tell anyone that I admitted we are actually trained and that one day we all become old wrinkled women with untrained geisha of our own.
It was just a light joke of course. Anyone that bothered look knew the truth but - she thought, first hurtle over between them, it was all right. She realized she had not seen him anything but serious and thoughtful since he had come back and if she had not seen him much, still - he had always been a serious boy too. Lonely and alone, even when surrounded by others. That memory overlaid her present one, that he had changed his course for her sake and yet - there had been a reason he had asked her to set aside her profession in the first place and surely it was still there. He had just stumbled with her and, as staunchly as he had come to her side after, she wondered if he was still sensitive enough to feel the stumble. Her face softened and her eyes darkened just a little. Geisha had a freedom that others didn't and because of that she could, very lightly, very gently, close the distance between their hands and rest the tips of her fingers, with their koto calluses on her first and second finger, against the curve of his hand. It was not quite a curve, not enough to be holding his hand which would have been far too intimate - but it was something that offered almost the same and her eyes held his face in them. Her voice was soft and low, intimate just for him.]
My danna, I thank you for guarding over me so gently. My future is safe with you. My trust was well given. Now let me do the same. You will be expected to give parties, to introduce yourself to the bureaucrats and samurai and politicians and merchants and lords of this city who do not know you by anything but reputation. Your father cannot help you with this without sweeping you under his shadow. [Her eyes searched his, offering what she hoped might be a solution to his not wanting her to keep clients and yet his promise to make her name great.] I do not need to attend clients in teahouses if I am attending your guests well enough to keep my name breathing. If you will give your public gatherings and entertainment to me, I will always be within your sight and your hearing and yet I will be free to do everything I would if I was hiring out privately. And you - you will not need to worry yourself with the latest fashion or whether something is currently favored or not in court. Give them to my hand and I will make sure you approve of what I plan and then make it happen for you.
[It was the memory of the little boy on the edge of things as well as his acceptance of being greeted alone his first night and his desire to care for himself in the morning that had her gently adding:]
I will promise to make them well enough spoken of that you will be able to have many more nights of quiet for yourself than usual and your house to yourself and those you hold close more nights than most men are allowed. I will give you the single flower that is more noted for its beauty by itself than the field that is quickly blurred and forgotten in memory. And you will have my services for yourself alone all the years that I will live with you.
no subject
As much as he may have wanted to protest, may have wanted to rebel against what was proper and what was expected, he knew better than to tempt fate. All of his life he'd lived knowing how very lucky he was, how fortunate he had been to have been born to a noble family, one who's very name was both respected and feared. To have been born to wealthy parents who had been able to afford to flee before the small village they called home was destroyed. That his father had been able to cull out another place for himself within the hierarchy of the city. That all of it would one day, very soon, far sooner than he'd ever expected, be handed to him upon a silver platter.
The wealth. The name. The title. The respect. The prestige. The power. All of it would be his without ever having strived nor worked for it.
He had fought long and hard, won difficult, never ending battles, had forced the impossible to become possible in order to earn his place among the samurai. His armor had become a symbol of his pride, of his honor, his sword an extension of himself, of his heart and of his sword. He'd earned their respect, had earned the loyalty of his men. Had honored those who had seen their work through until it's end and had proudly rode with them back into a world in which they no longer had a place within. Had buried those who had been lost, had written letters of condolences to grieving widows and families who had lost far more than they ever should have been asked to give up.
That was his place. Not here, not with this false title, not putting on airs to satisfy people who only cared about superficial vanities and how they may come to benefit from his false friendship. To have her handle it, to give it all over into her hands, to only have to put on that mask from time to time while still fulfilling his duties as his father's son was like a whispered promise he almost didn't dare believe. Like sweet music after silence had reigned for far too long.
It was quite a promise.]
My fathers birthday is in a month's time. If I were to host his celebration, it would set the tone for those which are to come. Everyone who knows my father will be expecting an invitation, and if I were to show them what you have spoken of, it would leave them with a good first impression to carry away, and something other than the fact that I have yet to enter a courtship to speak of.
[Naturally all of those who were in attendance would bring their daughters, their nieces and cousins, all of which were unmarried, all of which would see him as a prize to be won. None of which he would have any interest in. He didn't want nor need another pretty face, nor a soft, willing body to sink into. If that was all he desired, he would have taken on a mistress long before this moment. Whomever he choose would have to be intelligent, would have to know the ways of the world, would have to understand the horrors he had seen, had faced, had fought and won against. Would have to be strong willed and determined, quietly nurturing, calm, kind and compassionate.]
It should be elegant without being stuffy. Classy without putting on too many airs. Everything should be of the highest quality without appearing so. My father very much likes to appear as if he is a simple man with simple taste, modest to a fault while still showing off. [It would be quite a feat to pull off, something in which even his mother had never fully mastered, despite how hard she had tried.] There is a geisha under my father's employ. If you speak to her, I am certain she will be able to tell you the various foods and drinks he would prefer, since I have long since forgotten them myself.
If you are able to do as you say, if you are able to make this the most beautiful flowers that blooms within a field of snakes, then I will do as you have asked in return. Your name will be as well spoken of as mine. [And then, eyes lowering under thick lashes, the first hint of a smile crosses his features.] And perhaps, because you are young and beautiful and there is a chance that you may still make me laugh, I will present you with a gift. An obi is your preference, correct?
no subject
You're asking a geisha to be subtle and elegant in something she does? [Her eyes didn't wrinkle, it would have marred her perfect makeup but the edges of her lips curved and her pointed chin tipped just a little to the side for him.] I think as first tests go, I might be able to measure close.
[Her eyes softened but the whisper of a smile stayed at the edges of her lips, almost lost in the white paint and she gave a small bow, eyes closing for a moment. It revealed the small patch of pale painted vulnerable skin at the back of her neck.]
I thank my lord for his trust in me and will not fail that trust. Your father's celebration will be fitting for someone of his tastes and will free you from speculation and other gossips for a time of peace. Both before and after.
[Because she was trained for nuance. And she'd heard a great deal of it in what he'd said to her. That his father had a geisha was good news but more informative than that - 'field of snakes' and the way he referred to his lack of courtship. She - would have been married off years ago, to some boy in the village whose family had a connection to hers. She had never regretted missing that thread of fate. Perhaps... she was not the only one that longed for freedom... And, in that, she would always have more than he. It hurt her heart for him - but that was private and she didn't let it show, focusing instead on something simpler and less invasive of his privacy.
He was an alarmingly attractive man but that hint of a smile and the look through his lashes made him dangerous to a woman. She felt the pleased thrill of that down her palms and over the backs of her shoulders.
And he wanted to give her a gift. One as personalized and one of a kind as an obi no less.
Of course if she did her duty to him well, he would give her many gifts over the years. Enough, most likely, to live comfortably off of if she never saved a single coin herself her entire service to him. Geisha were used to being given gifts. It was what one did, for artists and things of beauty. But the first gift... the first gift was special. Always. And so much more so from her danna.
And even more so because this was a gift before she had truly earned it. A gift because he realized she had offered her triumph back to him or perhaps simply for the relief of having social duties he did not want taken off his shoulders or - perhaps - simply because she was pleasing to him and his heart needed to express it. Any of those reasons was good. But each one came from a very different place. She reached for her own rice bowl -
and cocked an eye at him from the side.]
You laugh, my lord?
[And then her own eyes hid behind dark lashes for a long moment before her chin turned and they lifted just enough to look at him through them. The look was feminine and not exactly safe because of that fact. Her voice was silk sliding down on a polished wooden floor.]
I have many preferences, danna. But an obi from your hand would please me deeply.
no subject
Those words alone were like a whispered invitation, begging to be answered in turn with another well spoken tease. Accompanied by that look, eyes dark and burnt coal, peaking up through thick lashes, full of secrets and mystery and knowledge they became dangerous, no longer quite holding the same offer they would have alone.
This first offering was by far the most important, would set the tone for each that would come after. Choosing the proper and perfect offering was only part of the equation - it had to be something appropriate, something that she would find pride in, something that she would enjoy seeing and knowing that it had come from his hand. Something that she could show off, both as a sign of her own triumph, but of his families wealth.
The meaning behind it, the reasoning for giving such a gift played a much quieter, muted role, one that only they would ever be aware of. A beautiful obi given for making him laugh. A necklace offered for throwing a stunning affair and pulling it off without a hitch. A hair clip for hosting a dinner party and helping to entertain those who were considered important.
A kimono because she was beautiful and pleasing to him, or because she had proven she could hold each of his secrets and never allow them to slip.]
I have been known to. [How long had it been since he'd laughed and actually felt any joy behind the action? Surely the night before he'd laughed, acting the role of the perfect returning son, finding amusement in each jest and antidote.
A harsh, overly mirthful fake laugh. One that was exactly like his fathers, rehearsed into perfection.]
I will leave the preparation to you. I will provide an ample amount for anything that may need to be purchased. Each servant, should they perform well, will also receive a small compensation. [It was their duty to serve him, but there was much work to be done if they were going to throw a proper party, especially of the sort his father would be expecting.
Without thinking he reached forward, quickly selecting a small bottle of soy sauce, drizzling a small portion onto his rice, mixing it quickly with his chop sticks before beginning to pursue the offerings that sat before him.]
I will have to meet with my father for a time this afternoon. While I am gone, if you will, I would very much appreciate you locating a tailor. It is alright if I must go to him, but I would prefer one in the city. I trust that you will find one who offers good quality of work. Each servant will need several sets of garments in the colors I have asked, and I will myself will be needing quite a few pieces.
[His father had provided him with a full wardrobe, all in styles that he himself preferred. None of them were actually suitable or held any level of comfort. For now, he had no other choice, besides wearing the clothes that he had returned with. Torn and dirty and bloody.]
Afterwards you may do as you wish. I will be home not long after night fall.
no subject
Once he started eating it signaled a transition and so she let herself as well. She would need her energy. This upcoming month until the party was going to be very challenging. It would be her first real test - but even more than that, it would reflect on him and she would not let that be anything less than perfect.
Soft hums of sound answered his instructions, showing she had heard and understood and would see his instructions followed. Some would tell him that offering a reward to his servants for doing their duty was spoiling them but she thought it showed kindness and care.
She would weed out anyone that would take advantage of his generosity. His father had no doubt picked very carefully when he'd set up the household for his son but there was never harm in evaluating for herself. One mismatched servant could throw off the wa of the entire household.
Her eyes did light up, just a little, at the acknowledgement that he would need new clothes. The ones he wore were - attractive but he did not move in them the way she thought a man comfortable with his body as a soldier must be would. And - she thought - with the right clothes he could easily move from compellingly attractive to dangerously so without being aware of it. That was a good thing. Dangerously attractive men were given a bit more time to exist outside of marriage. It intimidated the fathers of some and made the fathers of others more willing to stretch the political and social dance that led up to an opening offer.]
I have two tailors in mind. I can arrange interviews with them for you here if you will tell me a time that is pleasing to you this week.
[She did not have to worry that they would be too busy or refuse. A new arrival on her danna's level to the capital, with his mysteriousness and history would have them jumping at the chance to be sponsored by him. Especially when it would be such a profitable connection as well as a politically powerful one. If they pleased him and dressed him well, they would not lack for clients in a hurry to follow whatever trends his new clothing set.
Another small bow of her head to show her gratitude for his giving her her freedom for the rest of the day - and she would need all the free time she could hoard and more if she was going to present him with something worthy at the end of the month.
And then her eyes slipped sideways to look at him and the whisper of the smile touched the edges of her red painted lips.]
If I may offer a suggestion to my lord... when people begin to ask what you are doing for your father's birthday, please say 'something simple' and nothing more. [The light danced in her dark eyes, mischief, but something swam, deeper and quieter, under that.] No one will believe you and they will be so busy guessing what you truly have planned that they will forget to guess at anything else about your life for a month.
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His father, at least, had chosen one thing incredibly well.]
Please, choose which is your favorite, and ask if they would be available mid morning tomorrow. [While it may have been incredibly short notice, it was one of those few things he would not mind having his name used for.] If it should turn out that they are not suitable, then we will pursue the other.
[There were no thought of producing the latest sought after fashions, of becoming a trendsetter who everyone would set out to emulate. Only the knowledge that he would never be able to perform hours of rigorous practice in the thick woolen linens his father had provided.
According to his father, to his family, all need for training, for exercising years of accumulated muscle memory had ended with the war. Worn sets of katana now sworn proudly, decorating the wooden walls of his home. Broken blades displayed in cases littered among his father's most prized possessions, so each time an important businessman or politician came to call, he could show them off and speak of his son's sacrifices ad if they were his own. All having seen war, all stained red with the blood of countless enemies, now relegated to nothing more than relics of the past.
Except for those carefully wrapped within the clothes he had returned in, hidden away within the safety of his room. Those in which would not be displayed, those in which would be cared for and used, should the need ever arise. Settling for the heavy wooden imitations used to train young samurai's wasn't ideal, nor would sneaking out in the dead of night to the courtyard, hidden away from the street and those eyes which might try to pry.
But it would keep his father's nose firmly where it belonged.
Her suggestion was an excellent one, and would leave everyone who chose to inquire guessing, giving them something to talk about other than the state of his private affairs. A soft smile crossed his features, eyes flickering upwards to glance upon her own, fire and ice dancing with that same mischief.]
How clever of you. [There was a certain hint of amusement there as well, although it was far from the laugh she seemingly desired.] I am glad then, that you are on my side. [Such a mind would make her an formidable ally and a dangerous opponent.] It will be interesting, to see what sorts of outlandish things they come up with while they are all left wondering.
[But it would keep those who thought to make introductions to their daughters and nieces and cousins at bay for the moment, eagerly awaiting the tone which this first affair would set.
Time began to wear onward, and having had his fill, he gracefully finished the now chilled and forgotten tea which had been thoughtfully poured. If he was late in arriving at his father's offices, it would only arouse questions of why.]
It is getting late and I must meet my father. He will rather disappointed if I am not on time. [Voice laced with something close to disdain, as if his entire being fought against his coming actions.] If you will, please have a bath and night clothes prepared for me when I return. Then, if it pleases you, we can dine together once more.
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she thought she felt a bit of what she had been told their arrangement could be.
It had the light sparkling up through the cherry shadow in her eyes and the very edges of her painted lips curling upward for him. She didn't take his praise lightly either. Cleverness counted for so much more than beauty to her. Being valued for her cleverness even more than that.
She heard the war in his voice next though and knew that her previous thoughts hadn't been off the mark. He was not comfortable in his civilian life and its new shackles. Not comfortable with his new place in things. How idle did his hands feel, without his sword or a horse's reins in them? Perhaps... she could find a way to give him other weapons... other enemies to fight...
there were certainly enough in the aristocratic world.]
Yes, lord. [A bow at his request, an affirmation that everything would be ready when he returned. His desires were simple to see through but she had a great deal to begin and, some of it, she hoped, would be far reaching. Seeing him for dinner, she found, was something that gave her a light to look forward to. It was a pleasant realization. Her eyes teased as she rose.]
Though if your father thinks he did a good job in choosing me, perhaps he would not be so disappointed if I was the reason you were not on time.
no subject
And a great deal of his fathers own special brand of purportedly good natured teasing about how he had sampled the forbidden flower and how proud he was of his sons prowess and virility. Barely home a day and already following in his fathers footsteps and partaking in the servants.
He'd rather bare the brunt of his father's disappointment.
Lifting himself from his previous position, stretching almost without thought, long arms lifting above his head, a soft sigh releasing from his lifts as the movement eased sore, aching muscles.] My father thinks that all of his choices are good ones. Usually, he does not have quite this much success. [He was completely convinced, in fact, that choosing her had been one of the only truly good decisions his father had ever made, at least where his son was concerned.
Leaving the calming, playful presence she provided was already proving difficult. Moving on from her wit and intelligence and into a world ruled by who was most talented at manipulation and word play would prove even more so. But there was nothing that could be done for it, at least until he found a placement of his own among the aristocratic society he had returned to. Perhaps, if he were lucky, he would be given an office of his own, or offered a position training the new recruits who would be drafted to replace those who had been lost. Peace may have fallen over the land for the first time in decades, but that did not mean it would remain.
It would not stop those who sought power from invading, would not stop those who wished to destroy what had been built from trying. It was important to use this respite to prepare, to ensure the next generation wouldn't have to fight such long battles, wouldn't have to see so much death and pain and horror.
Dipping his head forward into a small nod, a show of respect that he offered to everyone, even those who were, by societies standards and technicalities, thought to be below him.] Until tonight, Willow.
[Voice quiet, words accompanied by a soft smile before he swept past her, calling out for his horse to be prepared and brought around as he went.]