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Post by Chesa on Jan 18, 2010 12:09:55 GMT -5
May 17th , 462 Executive order His Highness the King of Nipan orders that Yukimana Zikaku be in attendance of the royal court tomorrow at the sun's high to discuss the matters of her future among the people of this country.
May 18th , 462
Yesterday in the late evening my brother returned home from his position as Royal Court Adviser with a note in hand. This troubled me a bit, for he does not need notes from the king when he spends his day with the man. He kept a stoic face as always when he handed me this note. Even more troubled I became for I am not in a court position like my elder brother, or a member of the Royal Army as my elder sister is. These court summons never come to me.
I was very worried, and my hand trembled as I opened the note. The words on the sent a deep shiver down my spine. ' To discuss the matters of her future among the people of this country'. I write these next words in confidence that they will never grace anyones eyes but my own.
Our king is a ruthless one. His punishments are harsh, and one might be hung for things as petty as the theft of a piece of fruit. He is not beyond using a persons family as punishment as well. I had to wonder if my brother or sister had done something. I was a no body, too young for a husband and not fit to find any real work. If my brother or sister had done something wrong, I might be the one to receive the punishment since He would not risk loosing an excellent adviser or a promising Knight.
I had not slept well at all that night, tossing and turning on my bed, most definitely not sleeping in the refined way a woman should. My brother likes to point out that I sleep like a child, rolling onto my stomach and tucking my pillow underneath me, but that did not matter that night, for I received not a single moments rest.
I tried to dress my best for that day in court. I wore my finest silk robe. It was not my favorite, for it was orange, and my hair being the deep, rich, purple it was I never figured that I looked too good in orange, but I thought it was best to forgo my taste in fashion and wear the clothes that were in the best condition. I chose a purple sash, hoping to at least coordinate the clash. I had only two pieces of jewelry a fine braided gold rope that I tied over the sash, and a golden water lily that I pined near the tie in the rope.
My brother had already left for his duties and my sister was fast asleep in her room, exhausted from a grueling training session the night before. I dared not wake her, but I craved words of comfort as I left out home. Slipping into my sandals at the front door, I looked over my shoulder, hoping that maybe my sister would've awoken, sensing my nervousness and wished me a few drowsy words of luck, but I received no such tidings. I was on my own, and the only things that could occupy my mind in that long walk from my home to the palace were thoughts of what it would be like to feel the noose around my neck.
I had been to the palace a few times when I was younger, but I never left the first floor, where the servants scurried around, preparing meals, cleaning clothing, and completing other acts that kept the palace clean. I had to climb several flights of stairs to reach the level on which the kings court was in. There was a single hall way at the top of the final flight of stairs. At the end were a set of beautifully painted wooden doors. A tiger in the middle of a great roar stared down at me from the end of the hall, it's mighty paw risen, ready to crush anyone who might challenge it.
On either side of the door sat several other citizen's. Most of them artisans and farmers, and most of them looked just as nervous as I. One man with shift eyes kept tugging on the edge of his sleeve, rolling it in anticipation of the punishment that was to follow the crime he knew he had committed, where an older gentle man, a jeweler that I had known from my child hood, was staring into the eyes of the great tiger, unsure of why his presence had been requested. I seated myself on one of the cushions, joining the silent anxiety of the group.
Even though I am sure my time waiting was short, It felt like hours were passing by. The door would open and a guard would call forth the name of a person. Every time I tried to crane my head to catch eye of my brother, but I could not see him, for the spot closest to the king was always blocked by the guard. It wasn't until my name as called that I saw him.
“Yukimana Zikaku!” The guard called with a drowned, tired voice. I did not hesitate as I came to my feet. When I entered the court I kept my head down and my eyes cast to the floor. It was horribly disrespectful to make eye contact with the king, and with my unsureness of my reason for being in court , I did not want to risk the possibility of ruining any saving grace I may have had. Inside the court room there was a row of nobles on either side of the king, each kneeling on a cushion. The nobles and lords created a path to the king on the end, who sat in an overly elaborate throne, on a plate form. He was the only one who ever sat in a chair in the palace. On the mat closest to the king, on his right side, sat my brother. I briefly looked over to him. He did not glance at me, and sat like a statue in his position as adviser. He almost didn't look like my brother. His long white hair was pulled back away from his face, and he sat with is shoulders back, making him look as if he had a bigger build then her really did. Everyone in my family was very slim, even my sister, the hardened war veteran.
He would not make eye contact with me as I knelt before the King and touched my forehead to the wooden panels of the floor board in a bow. There was a long, heart tearing pause, before the King began to speak. His words were deep, and he spoke with a voice of great authority.
“Nipan is a mighty country,” He said. “We tower over our neighbors, crushing them with our strength, as we did at the battle of the creeks. As we did in the 9 moons war, as we will do to everyone who raises their hand to slap us,” He said. I was not surprised when he started his speech by stating a serious of battles he had won, but that did not help explain to where this conversation was going. I had not raised from my bow, but I really wanted to see my brothers face to try and get a hit at what was going on.
“But we can not crush everyone, and though they would die with great honor, the lives of our men are too precious to waste. We must make treaties with Glucia, and to do this, we must learn and understand them, for they are a people much different from us,” He said. My heart skipped a beat. My Petition! That was right, I had petitioned to be allowed to leave Nipan in attempts to learn and understand the ways of other countries. Nipan had very strict rules. No one was allowed to leave the country, no outsiders were allowed in. The boarders were tightly guarded, and even if one wanted to leave, it was almost impossible to do so. Hearing that my petition had been accepted made me want to stand up and dance, and urge I quickly suppressed.
I took the chance to barely glance over to my brother. I could see the fragments of a smile on his lips. Immediately I knew this was all his doing. My brother, being the King's most trusted adviser, and had him spun around his finger. That silver tongue of his must've convinced him that my passage was in his favor. I could've just jumped up and hugged him right there.
Once I was dismissed I left into the hallway I had come from, and suddenly that tiger looked less fearsome. It was empty of others by now, since my name was the last to be called. “You seem quite pleased now Yuki,” My brother said. He had followed me out, just to see my face when I had found out. I couldn't repress how excited I was anymore. I just turned around and hugged him as tight as I could. “Thank you thank you thank you!” I almost shouted. He shook his head, prying off my grip. “You're welcome,” He said with a small laugh. His hand brushed the top of my head as that tiny hints of a smile. He never really did fully smile, but I was grateful for the hints that he gave.
“Shouldn't you be on your way home to pack? Your boat leaves tomorrow,” He said. I about jumped. I still can't believe that there was such a quick turn around time. I had rushed home to get ready. I packed most of my belongings into a small truck, since I knew I would be gone for some time. Even now my hand trembles with anticipation as I write. I must sleep now, for it is late, and I have an early rise tomorrow.
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Post by Chesa on Jan 18, 2010 22:45:09 GMT -5
May 22nd , 462
I am reminded of my hatred of boats. The rocking and swaying. I can't go a single minute without feeling sick. Since very few ships have passage between Nipon and the ports of Glucia ,I am forced into a single cramped cabin with a Glucian citizen who was caught inside Nipon boarders and his guard, who is a very steely man who smokes a lot. It makes me uncomfortable, because I fear he'll drop his pipe.
I don't know how much longer I'll last on this ship. Thank the heavens it's only a week long trip.
May 24th , 462
I can not sleep. I have yet to get used to the ships rocking and I am tired of listening to the whining and moaning of the man I have to share a cabin with. He has night terrors, and I don't know how the guard sleeps through it. My excitement to get to Glucia grows the more I wish to get off this ship. I have to wonder what will the city be like? How will the people dress and speak? I heard that the buildings tower towards the sky there. I can't wait, I don't know If I will sleep tonight, from my anticipation and the snoring of the man next to me
May 26th, 462
It was late in the afternoon when the ship had docked. The sun was sinking towards the horizon. My trunk was taken to the house of the family I am to stay with. Through many political connections, no matter what they may be, I am to stay with a family of nobles in this city by the names of Mr. And Mrs. Aid. I was supposed to wait for them at the wharf, but I had become so engrossed by the city that I had wondered off.
And oh what a city it was! The buildings were so oddly shaped. The brick buildings sat upon a cobblestone street. Hoarse draw carriages trotted up and down the roads. The builds were many shades of red, brown, and gray. Little signs hung before door ways announcing what was inside, while extravagant window displays showed off baked goods, or fantastic clothing, or beautiful dolls! Oh how I had wanted to just go into every store and examine each item on sale.
Oh, the people! They looked so different from our own. The woman wore such elaborate dresses in bright green, or orange, or red with the oddest looking hats. Some even had feathers! Just like a great bird! The men were all in the most fascinating clothing, suits I found they were called by stopping into a store and asking owner. They were all so dark skinned. Where as my people have skin the color of clouds the people of Glucia take pride in tanned skin, and their hair is only the funniest shades of browns and golds and black. Not a strand of green or purple amongst them!
I had become so absorbed in my surroundings that I had forgotten that I had to return to the wharf to meet the family I was supposed to be staying with. It wasn't until they found me that I remembered I was to find them in the first place.
When I was examining a window of the oddest toys a deep voice had spoken to me. “Hello? Miss Zikaku?” it had said. Turned around to see a monster of a man. He was quite tall. Almost seven feet tall it looked. He was wearing one of those fine suits, and had raven colored hair, long, pulled back at the base of his neck and chilling blue eyes. Just from the look of him I could tell he was stern, but the air about him was almost gentle. The woman next to him dwarfed him in size, but not in the extravagance of her clothing. Decked from head to toe in gold and gems the jewelery almost out shown the elegance of the robin's egg colored dress she wore. She smiled at me with a warm smile, as if she had known me since my birth. “Welcome to Glucia,” She said, pushing a lock of brown hair over her shoulder. She was truly beautiful. I was so stunned for a moment that I paused, forgetting to introduce myself.
I scurried in a quick bow. “I am Yukimana Zikaku, it's an honor,” I said. “It's nice to meet you Yukimana,” The woman said, who seemed to be more eager to talk. “I am Mrs. Aid, and this is my husband, Mr. Aid,” She said. “We were told you would be housing with us during your stay in our city,” Mr. Aid said. He seemed tired. “Would you care to follow us to our home?” He asked. Since he seemed tired I didn't want to make him wait any longer. I could explore the city another day. “Thank you for allowing me to stay with you,” I said, and of course bowed again. I knew that relations between Nipon and the other countries were tight. I wanted to make sure that I set a good example of my people by being gracious.
On the way to the way to the house I heard not a word from Mr. Aid. He simply lead the way down the streets, his mind seeming to be elsewhere. Mrs. Aid on the other hand was quite talkative. I was grateful of this though, since I was scared of an awkward silence, unsure of whether I should insight conversation or not. Luckily not only was it made apparent that Mrs. Aid was willing to talk, but she did most of the talking me.
She was quite the personable woman, and again spoke to me like I was someone she had known for years. She gossiped with me about the goings on of other noble families, though she ended up going off on a rant about a certain woman named Mrs. Buzzie who was apparently cuddling up to Mr. Aid. I have come to learn that Mrs. Aid has had 10 years of swords training, and was oh so passionate in her urges to use those years of training against Mrs. Buzzie. I do not remember a word that was said to me once we reached their estate though. From the gates I couldn't see the home, but the entirety of the drive drew me in. The many plants and trees that filled their large lawn. It, like everything else about this family, was eccentric, but in amazing way. Everything was so lush and green, it was an absolute heaven! Even now, writing by the light of a gas lamp, I like to glance outside to the stare at the gardens.
Their home though was no less impressive then their drive. They live in a palace! Once I saw it I asked them. Mrs. Aid just laughed and said “Oh, its not a palace dear, its a mansion. If It were a palace we'd have towers and a dungeon and lots of handsome guards.” And then winked at her husband, who just rolled his eyes and sighed. I no longer wonder why he always seems to tired.
Though with a house so big he question of who lived their raised in my mind. Once inside the house I noticed that there was a certain warmth about it. It wasn't cold and empty, but felt well lived in.
“This is quite a larger house. Is it just you and your husband who live here Mrs. Aid?” I asked, looking over to her. I have decided it was probably best to direct all my questions at Mrs. Aid, since she seemed the one who was most lively and wanting to speak.
When I asked my question she seemed astonished that I had asked such a thing. “No no no!There are lots of people here, Joseph, Missy, Edward, Elizabeth, Christine, Jackson,”(she went on to name a few more people who's names I just do not remember). At first I had thought that those were members of her family, and I was astonished by how large their family was, but Mr. Aid let out a small, huff and looked down at his wife. “Honey...I think she means do we have any other family living with us,” He said,which is exactly what I had meant, and exactly what I thought she had answered.
Mrs. Aid had put her hands on her hips and gave Mr. Aid an accusatory look. “I think of everyone as a great big family!” She said, flabbergasted. “I mean family of blood relations,” Mr. Aid corrected. “Oh...Oh yes, we have a son. Alister, though we don't see much of him. He rarely leaves his room. Heaven knows what he does in there,” She said, looking up the stairs as she spoke. I was at this point thoroughly confused. Mr. Aid luckily read my confusion and leaned down muttering “The others she named were the maids, butlers, and gardeners who work here,” He said. I am most thankful to have Mr. Aid to explain things to me.
“Oh, well, do you see your son much?” I asked. I wasn't trying to be intrusive, but polite. The last thing I wanted to do was seem uninterested. “No, but he's a grown man, doesn't need this old bat peeking in on him,” She said.
I could only imagine what their son was like. How does one envision a man who spends all his time locked away in his room? Hmm...Well my picture hadn't been too pretty. I had thought a man who peeked around corners, like a snake, creeping and slithering. A ghoulish look about him. Unkept and unclean. Never had thought so long.
Right as Mrs. Aid was about to speak again the door on the other end of the foirer opened. “Ah! There's our son. Alister, come here!” She called, waving him over with both hands. What the son they had! I melted where I stood when I saw him! He was tall, with a firm but slim build. His hair was odd. Black, like his fathers, but amongst the ebony strands were feathery tufts of white and pink hair. His skin wasn't golden like all the others I had seem, but fair like myself, oh and those eyes! Those magnificent eyes!They were so entrancing, completely captivating. A marvelous gold color. I had never seen a man who had such a look. I just know I had stopped and stared like a brainless foreigner, but it wasn't my fault! His appearance was just so...so striking.
He walked over when his mother called for him. I just felt my heart beating quicker as her grew closer. He wasn't dressed as fantastically as his parents, in just a pair of black pants and a white button down shirt, but he had his own elegance, a simple kind, in the way he walked and held himself.
“Yeah?” He asked his mother, though he was looking at me. I had suddenly become frozen stiff. I knew I should have introduced myself, but my body just wouldn't let me move. It was so embarrassing. When I finally managed to bow it was jerky and stiff, not flowing at all!
“I am Yukimana Zikaku of Nipon. It is an honor to meet you,” I spluttered out. Oh I just could do anything with out appearing like a fool, and I really must've because all he said in response was “Erm...yes...I'm Alister. Nice to meet you too.”
Right as I stood up though Mrs. Aid bumped into me. I lost my balance and stumbled right into Alister, my sandal breaking on the way down. I couldn't believe my luck!
“I deeply apologize!” I about shouted at him. I tried my best to get away quickly and regain my dignity at the same time but things like that just don't happen. I tried over the sandal I had broken and just crashed to the ground.
I heard a huff from Alister. “You are a clouts,” he said, and offered his hand to help me up. “Sorry, you're sandal is broken,” he said, stating what I already knew. I took his hand pulled myself to my feet. I bent down and picked up my sandal and examined it. “I'm sure I can fix it,” I said, though I was more hopeful as anything, since these sandals were custom made, expensive, and this was the only pair I had brought with me.
Alister suddenly took the sandal from me, grabbing the two pieces of ripped cloth. He held them for a moment, and when he removed his had it was as if they had never broken! I gingerly took the sandal from him and ran my hand over the spot where they had been torn, desperately looking for the rip. I heard a satisfied laugh from Mrs. Aid.
“Ah,I forgot to mention, Alister is quite handy with magic,” She said proudly. “Let me demonstrate,” She stated, and then right as I turn to look at her I saw her knock over an expensive looking vase. It fell from it's podium and shattered against the carpet in a splash of periwinkle.
“Alister,” She cooed, looking over to him. Alister's face adopted that tired look very similar to his fathers. “I will, I will,” He muttered, crouching down and collecting the pieces. He removed his hands and the shattered vase just floated, in mid air! It was amazing! They started to piece back together like an invisible hand was reassembling it like a child's puzzle.
He took the reconstructed vase and placed it back on it's stand. “Please don't break it again, ok?” He asked, looking over to his mother, who was just smiling in a sly fashion. I had no idea why though, but I waste little time pondering that. “That was stunning,” I said, slipping the sandal back onto my foot. Mrs. Aid grinned proudly. “Isn't it, he's also-” but Mr. Aid cut her off for some reason, muffling her with his hand. His father suggested that Alister show me to my room. He nodded and accompanied me to the room I was to stay in. I bowed my thanks and made sure that he had already left before closing the door (More of my attempts to be polite).
The room they are allowing me to stay in is so grand! It's so much larger then my room at home. The walls are a deep purple. I guess I have such an affinity for the room since it is similar to the color of my hair, but that's not all! The bed is so large, and it's risen off the ground! It's not just a mat on a platform like my bed. It has legs and post that have the most introit wave like design, and the curtains around the bed are made of such a fine velvet. There is also several plush chairs seated around the room. All the fabric of the chairs and bed is a comely red, and the wood is the deepest brown I have ever seen. There is even a vanity! And this table at which I write. The room is like something straight out of a fantasy. I am almost jealous at how well these people live.
But I begin to grow weary, and I have much to do tomorrow, so I must sleep.
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Post by Chesa on Apr 3, 2010 16:46:23 GMT -5
May 25, 462
To my Dear Sister Yukimana,
I am furious, absolutely furious. I'm sorry to start out my first letter to you like that but it's impossible for me to do anything without stating so. I guess I should explain. The day you left I was sent on a deterrence detail to the country of Kilkor, which you know we have a protective presence in exchange for a portion of the countries crops. Well I came to learn quite first hand that they do not want us there.
Our station was in probably the biggest village in the country, and that wasn't saying much. There were maybe 50 families of the beast living here. Not many at all. When we came marching through to our base (which is nothing but a small building at the center of their village) all the beasts scattered. I don't think I've ever seen anything scurry that quickly. I don't know if you've ever seen the beast of Kilkor but they are quite a site. Bodies like the rest of us but covered in fur like a cat. There faces take the slight shape of an animals, and they have claws, ears, and a tail of a beast. They're one hell of a sight.
When we got their I dropped the men off at the station house. It was a four day walk from the capital to the village in Kilkor. They were all tired, and I was sick of hearing the comments of the men behind my back. I ordered the Capitan to let them rest and decided to go for a walk, to help clear my head a little. Unfortunately it did the exact opposite of what I hoped.
Not more then a half mile down the road those beasts decided to Jump me. One of them started shouting at me. “L-leave here! Y-You're N-not welcome!” He couldn't get half his words out and the pitchfork he was wielding as his all mighty weapon was trembling. I was surprised at their attempts. Kilkor isn't exactly known for their warriors. Even though it was a bit humerus and I could honestly Have beaten them into the ground if little to no effort, I didn't want to hurt any of them. I could understand. They didn't want us there, and I didn't want to be there. If it were my choice I would've left. Too bad I didn't have that choice, so I tried intimidation.
"As a Royal Knight of the Empire of Nipon I ask you all to calmly lower your weapons and proceed back to your homes as this incident may be forgotten," I stated loud and clearly. I put my hand on my sword as well, making it look like I'd draw it, though I wasn't planning on it. They didn't seem to be backing down."As stated in the charter between the protectorate of Kilkor and the Empire of Nipon, all Niponese laws and their enforcers hold equal standing amongst your people, and as I knight a am authorized to use lethal force," I said, this time a big louder. I think that was having the opposite affect though. They seemed to be getting more unnerved.
“We don't need your protection!” One woman shouted. The others started to grow a little braver, nodding and shaking their various shabby weapons. They all started shouting.
“You just walked onto our land and started to take our crops!”
“This was a peaceful country until you came!”
“We had all the food we needed until you showed up and now we are struggling to keep our families fed!”
They started ralying, shouting and tightening the circle around me. I decided it was time for a power play. I lowered my head and muttered our family name, before pulling the sword from it's sheath with a swift motion. Around me the wind exploded, whirling out and sending the beasts flying back. They started to scatter, and I was happy it worked. Sure I wasn't exactly going to get foreign friend of the year, but at least I didn't have them waving hoes and axes at me. I let out a whistle, signaling Ami to go get the back up. That god forsaken Falcon sometimes actually was useful.
Suddenly I heard a voice, a voice of a man I would come to despise. “Lower your sword,” He said, coming out from behind the beasts. He was wearing the shabby robes of their priests, but he looked like he was a normal human, a man from Glucia if anything. I stared at him for a moment. He approached me. I knew well enough that that look meant he was ready to start a fight. “Just leave, you don't want to be here so just leave,” He said.
I gave him a look, since obviously I was surprised. "I don't have the authority to pull out. You want that, take it up with your leader, or the emperor of Nipon," I said, then looked over my shoulder at the beast who were starting to recover. “Now everyone! Back to work!” I ordered. I was just about done with this country.
"You're not someone to order people around,” The beast little crusader said. “This country doesn't have a leader, everyones self-sufficient. We give, and share what we have with each other. If one families crops are doing poorly, everyone helps them. If something breaks down, everyone pitches in to fix it." he said "I don't care if you have or don't have the authority, just get lost before someone gets hurt."
I scoffed, a little amused by his rant, though underneath that laughter was a whole lot of announce. I knew this was going to end in a fight, especially when the rest of my troops started to show up. I stabbed my sword in the ground and removed my coat. That thing was only ceremonial anyways, and it always got in the way when I was fighting. I tossed the coat to the ground and grabbed my sword again. “I mean it! Disperse!” I shouted. If they didn't now, things were going to get ugly, and of course they did.
The soldiers started to round the people up to take them back to their town center, probably give them a little speech and send them back to work, but their little hero didn't like that. He held his hands up as if to fight. Oh, did I mention he was completely unarmed? There are some really stupid people in the world. "...To hell with reasoning, you're a monster like the rest of your country." He growled. “You're the one causing problems here,” I warned, which was true, because I didn't want to fight in the first place. Really, people just have to make things more complicated. If I ever had things my way, It would've been a peaceful two week stay.
I tightened my grip on my sword and took my stance, holding the sword out to towards him. The man looked right past me though, noticing the soldiers rounding up the citizens. He stiffened, as if that was causing him to panic. “Let them go!” he shouted, running for them. That was the start of our fight. I let out a huff and stomped my foot. The ground beneath him shifted and shot up in a pillar, causing him to go flying into the air and fall onto his back. “Calm. Down.” I ordered, stabbing my sword into his clothes, pinning him to the ground. He started struggling, managing to rip and make a run for the guards again.
Things happened quick. I tried to stop him. The Capitan acted accordingly, and used his flames to try and stop the man. It is unfortunate, but his flames as well caught two citizens who got too close to him. This Capitan was known well for his particularly hot flames, and the people who got in his flames path were reduced to charred crisps in no time.
The man stumbled away from the flames and stopped for a moment, staring at the dead beast. I reached to grab him, when suddenly bolts of lightening shot from him. My surprise almost kept me from being unable to act. I knew two men who could use lightening. It was one of the most difficult forms of heat to use. I can't believe that some back water beast boy had managed to conjure it up. I almost didn't react in time. I had to duck down and use a dome of rock to cover myself. I heard shouting and screams. Silence alarmed me, so I dropped the dome and quickly rose to my feet again. Every soldier that had been with me was dead.
I know you hate it when I use such a technique but I was furious, and honestly, scared. The air started to whip around us, and slowly I started to pull the very breath from his lungs. It took little time before he was unconscious, but it took all my effort to keep from killing him. When the pests body hit the floor I quickly restrained him. Commendering a hoarse, I rode back as quickly as I could, not stopping to water the animal or to rest. It took me less then two days to get back, two days I spent brooding with that man tied to the back of the hoarse like chattel. So many times was I tempted to just drop the unconscious man and let him drown in a lake. I would've been so satisfied with that you don't even know. It would've saved me hell as well.
When we got back to the capital I immediately had to report to the Court to report on what had happened. I dropped the pain in the dungeon before heading up. I have to admit I was a little nervous as I walked down the hall. The several people that were waiting outside the door bowed their heads to me. I hate when people do that, you know. I feel as though they're forced to, because I'm nobility. That's why I like soldiers. Even if they are saluting your rank, it's so easy to tell if they actually respect you or not, and if they don't they wont give you a full salute. I don't want people to bow to me because they feel they have to, I want them to do it because they respect me for being the only female knight, and I know they don't.
When the doors opened and I came to a kneel before the king the first thing I heard as an annoyed huff. “Explain yourself Lady Ai,” He said. I heard the spite in the title 'lady'. I cringed a little. I explained the incident, explaining that I dropped the troops, went to survey the area, how I was jumped, and then the intervention by the strange man.
“And this man is...?” He asked. “In the dungeon right now,” He stated. He muttered something to one of the guards and I glanced to the side, seeing him leave. Must being going to get the beast boy, if he was awake. “Well it's obvious a woman such as yourself couldn't handle a single uncivilized rebel,” The king commented, I bit my lip, wishing I had my pipe out to chew on. “Your Highness, he had the ability to use lightening, I-” He caught me off with a heavy cough, clearing his through.
“Lady Ai,” He stated, again using venom in his words. He hates having a woman knight, I know it. “You've had experience against such tactics haven't you?” He asked. I bit my lip. “Yes. Your Highness,” I said trying my best to suppress a growl. Oh Yukimana you don't even know how bad I want to just scream sometimes when I'm talking to him. I can never do anything right, ever!
His Highness let out a small sigh. “So you were unable to handle yourself...woman...?” He asked. I had to tell myself to remain silent over and over, so I wouldn't say something to get myself in trouble. “Yes, your highness,” I muttered.
The door slid open. My saving grace for a moment was that man being brought it. It didn't last long. “This was the man that was able to kill your men and evade you Lady Ai?” He asked with a small amused chuckle. He must've found the man's scruffy appearance and my inability to apprehend him sooner humerus. “Yes Your Highness,” I pushed out again. The beast boy was pushed to his knees not far to my side. The king turned to address him this time.
“Why were you in Kilkor?” he asked. There was a pause as I glanced over at the man. “I was there because I've lived there as long as I can remember,” he answered with a small snide tone. I cringed, expect an immediate out burst, but instead there was a deep chuckle, but the end result was the same. “In punishment for the death of forty Imperial soldiers, you're scheduled for immediate execution,” he said. I wasn't surprised. I wont say I was happy, unfortunately as much as I would like to say the idiots execution would've satisfied me, it didn't. Brother didn't like the idea either. He rose to his feet. “Your Highness if I may, I completely advise against this!” He insisted. The King huffed. “I know your view on the issue with Kilkor and independence is completely out of the question.” He stated. I felt as though a brawl was about to break out in the middle of the court room.
“If not independence, what about a different form of payment, recruitment,” The man offered. I glanced over at him, staring, wanting to know what the hell was running through his tiny little mind. “I took out all your troops and stood up against one of your knights. I could be a great assest. Recruit me into your army. I'll act as a soldier for Nipon, but in exchange, you leave Kilkor alone,” He said. I am amazed he had the gal to bargain with the King, speaking as if he had something to bargain with.
The entire Court fell into a silence as his proposal was considered. It drew on for ages, like there was nothing that could break it. Why was such a question posing such an awkward and unwanted silence?
There was a sharp breath from the king, breaking the otherworld calm. “Alright,” He answered, and again chaos broke loose. There were a serious of quick murmurs from the court, muttering amongst themselves."Your Highness this is a bad Idea, we should have pulled out of Kilkor a long time ago. I advise you send this boy home and leave Kilkor be. In such a time of peace we're simply complicating foreign policy," Brother urged, again on his feet. It was a bold move, standing while the king was sitting, but you know Brother, when he is insistent on something he never lets it lay.
“I'm sorry to interrupt, but I think I'd rather stay here, I'll do more good here than there,” stated the man. “This really isn't your choice at this point...” I muttered to him, a bit irritated he was talking out of line and wasn't getting a thing in return for it. Oh, and my irritation spike when I got punished for his mistakes. “And Lady Ai, since you seemed incapable to handle him earlier, you get the honor of over seeing him now," The King said. Now you see why I am furious. I get to baby sit this man, Ky. Oh just wait until tomorrow comes. He gets to go through my training. If he thought this was better then the gallows he'll learn otherwise soon.
Anyways, I hope you're enjoying your adventure, stay safe Yukimana. Your Loving Sister , Ai
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