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Post by Deleted on Jan 22, 2014 7:29:49 GMT
(OOC: This is very much a closed thread for Mai and Sezaru. Do not post without pming me for permission)
Mai had considered preparing the meeting room with flowers and the finest teas.
It was while she was planning that idea that she had a better one. With a smile, she got to work preparing a different room, and informed one of her Scorpion 'servants' to direct Shosuro Sezaru there when he arrived in the evening.
Oh she was looking forward to this. Seeing the mans face would make it worthwhile. He likely needed a break from the days...problems anyway. Who better than her to do such a thing?
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Post by Kakita Kanehitsu on Jan 22, 2014 18:45:40 GMT
Sezaru was already tired, to say the least. He was exhausted from a long day of researching the magical formulae and the previous enchantments on Kyuden Meiyo. The main trouble seemed to be that the magic here was not nearly as strong as in Kyuden Seppun. This wa sjust another thing the Lion had overlooked in their rush to put together a stage for the Empress. If Sezaru were Emperor then he would have...No. It was almost treasonous to think like that. He had his shot at the throne and had graciously declined in to help his mother's pains. He was a loyal servant of the Empress now, and a Scorpion to boot. He would do whatever was necessary for the good of the empire.
He entered the room and looked around. It was well decorated to be sure, and he supposed he could appreciate it. It wasn't like the decorations back in father's palace, but that was a hundred years of Crane expertise at its best. This was a new castle, for a new empire. He felt guilty at his being spoiled for a moment but the feeling passed and he seated himself at an ornate table in the center of the room.
It was difficult to read his outward reactions as his famous mask hid his face in its entirety. Beyond that he had years of training from the finest teachers in the empire. Even his eyes, which were just visible through the mask, held a perfectly calm On. He folded his arms politely in from of him, waiting to see what activities his host had prepared.
Before anything else though he stopped and concentrated. He opened himself to the nothingness around him. He felt he would need all his capabilities to deal with whatever was coming. He had a long history dealing with many clans and he still had not learned to trust the Empress' Underhand. Being in a Scorpion's den, even when one was himself a Scorpion, was likely to be dangerous.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 22, 2014 20:53:14 GMT
After a few moments of him searching the void around him...a servant approached. A rather pretty one at that. She knelt at Sezaru's feet, bowing to the point of touching the floor as she spoke.
"Forgive me my lord, but Shosuro Mai-sama has set up a different room and has asked me to show you there when you arrive."
Once given permission to rise, the servant (if she was a servant) lead Sezaru further into the Scorpions 'den', until they reached a door. The servant knocked gently and said "Shosuro-sama, Lord Shosuro Sezaru-dono is here to see you" before shuffling out of the way.
A voice from inside said simply "you may enter Shosuro-sama."
When the man entered, he would see a room with a more...personal feel to it. The decorations were almost like a room, and there looked to be a few things rolled up or placed out of the way. In the middle of the room were cushions to kneel on as well as tea-and sake it seemed.
The host herself was standing in front of a mirror, brushing her long hair. The kimono she was in seemed way too thin to be a normal kimono, showing off the gentle curves of the beautiful maiden without being too scandalous. Her back was to Sezaru, but she could see him in the mirror and smiled.
"Shosuro-sama, I hope the day hasn't all been bad. Please, relax. I was unsure if you would prefer tea or sake, so I arranged for both" she turned enough to give him a bow, which showed off her slender body even more
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Post by Kakita Kanehitsu on Jan 22, 2014 23:25:40 GMT
What was the ploy? Sezaru was always one for sharp wits and he was willing to accept that there might be layers upon layers to this Scorpion as well. Best to keep sharp and wait for the real sting to present itself before putting it out of commission.
A much smaller room than previous lay before him and Sezaru was unsure if he particularly liked that idea. He wondered if this was the sort of closeness he was to expect from the Scorpion now that he was one of their clan, That would need to change with the Shosuro family at least and he would likely discuss it later with the daimyo. He already had so many appointments with the problems in Kyuden Meiyo.
"Shosuro, er...Mmai, is it? Mai-san, I think i would like some tea if you would be so kind."
Through his extra-natural senses, Sezaru could already tell that Mai had some capability with manipulating the fifth element. Not a prodigy like himself, clearly, but it was unlikely that there would be too many like that who had not been snatched up by the Isawa. Perhaps the Kuroiban could use his services and perhaps a little of his knowledge in that regard. If nothing else, the Asako would be incensed over such a thing, so it might be worthwhile in service to his new clan. There was something else here too. Something he didn't really...but it was gone then. No matter, better to concentrate on the task at hand.
"It is a beautiful evening, Mai-san, despite the difficulties that have arisen. Tell me, are there many others in the clan who have decided to help with the wards?"
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Post by Deleted on Jan 23, 2014 6:10:36 GMT
"Hai it's Shosuro Mai, Sezaru-sama" the tone she said his name, quiet yet inviting, seemed fitting as she finally turned and gracefully moved towards where Sezaru sat. Her hair tied back exposed her cheekbones and neck, and the clothing that looked thin from the back...was just as bad in the front. It clung to her body in a way that almost made it feel scandalous to look at without any skin being displayed. It was obviously not a kimono one would wear outside an area they feel comfortable.
She sat down on the cushions, her legs to the side of her instead of a normal seiza, showing a more social and friendly side to the meeting.
"Even if you cannot see them, you can be sure our kin are working to make sure the wards are secured. Indeed, I believe the entire Yogo contingent at court are insisting on working through the night including the daimyo" she poured the tea for the crimson Wolf as she spoke "however tonight is not about that for you...Sezaru-sama" she looked up, her very thinly masked face and eyes meeting his "among the clan I am known to be the most helpful when it comes to relaxation and...entertainment, and I intend to help you with that as much as one can. After all, we will be very close soon, neh?" there was a chuckle at that as she finished the tea and put the pot back down. The tea was a strong kind, obviously chosen for someone that had had a hard day, but it had an enjoyable scent to it.
"Tell me Sezaru-sama, have you been told about the plans for marriage or did you forsee it in the Void?" She asked the question so casually, it might only be then that Sezaru realised there was nobody but them in this room.
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Post by Kakita Kanehitsu on Jan 23, 2014 17:30:38 GMT
Sezaru chuckled underneath his mask. Indeed, it was impossible for him to drink the tea before him without removing it and he was reticent to do so. He was, after all, a Scorpion. In any event, this was quickly becoming an escapade fit for a pillow book, which was…less than desirable for the Wolf.
“Mai-san, are you quite sure you want to present yourself in such attire? It seems like it could be embarrassing for one such as yourself if you were to be seen in so casual an outfit. Especially in the presence of one such as myself. Besides which the winter is quite cold. Would you care for an extra layer or two? I can have one of my servants fetch you something.”
“As to marriage, I had not taken the time to find out who it was I would be wed to. You’ll forgive me, but it seemed mildly trifling compared to my current duty. But tell me, Mai-san, what do you expect from such a union?”
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Post by Deleted on Jan 23, 2014 17:38:36 GMT
"It is most kind of you to worry Sezaru-sama, but truly the attire is fine. Everyone has been instructed to leave us alone."
She smiled, taking a sip of tea.
"The honour of having someone of your position cannot be overlooked, and my champion insisted on it. I am not one to question the will of my champion. I am loyal beyond question. I do however see the value of our marriage."
It was said so casual that it might just catch the wolf out.
"After all, we are a rare breed. Two ishiken outside the Phoenix, even if my connection is weaker I can still see what others cannot. A valuable resource, as well as the potential for more from our children. Only three people including yourself know thatof course, and I'm sure it will stay that way."
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Post by Kakita Kanehitsu on Jan 23, 2014 19:27:45 GMT
"And what is it that you see, Mai-san? What secrets does the Void open to you? Are they important portents? Shall we discuss them? Or is there perhaps another reason you have asked for my visit?"
Sezaru still had not touched his tea and had now folded his hands in a very business-like manner on the table.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 23, 2014 19:31:48 GMT
"I see you hiding behind business because you are unsure about how to handle me" Mai tilted her head, studying Sezaru "what do you see when you look at me? What do you expect of me? Of the Scorpion? You are one of us now, and you are somewhere where you can be open without concern. You are one of us now, your concerns and worries are ours."
She held her hands out on either side of her and added "if you cannot trust your wife, who can you trust Sezaru-kun?"
Folding them back into his lap, she chuckled.
"What do I see? Iie, What do you see?"
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Post by Kakita Kanehitsu on Jan 23, 2014 20:03:03 GMT
Sezaru moved in closer to Mai, entering her personal space abruptly.
"I know exactly how to handle you, my little Scorpion."
He grabbed her by the jaw and drew her in very close to his mask so that she was able to hear his breathing between sentences.
"I see an opportunistic 'artist' trying to get her claws into a very popular and powerful subject so that she might hang onto the trailing kimono and bask in a little bit of glory. I see someone who is far too forward with someone they have only just met, and far too presumptuous about who is in control of this upcoming marriage. We are being wed because of a series of courtiers who were willing to convince my sister that it was for the good of the empire. You gain a lot from this business arrangement. Honor, Prestige, Position. It's true. But you do not have my heart, and you shall have very little else about me. Trust me when I tell you that it is not I who needs to step carefully, but you."
"I will be completely open with you my clanmate. You are about to step into a very deep and fast flowing river carried by a very generous frog. There are all manner of crocodiles and snapping fish who would willingly eat you alive in the high echelons of the imperial court. If you try to poison your frog in any way I will dump you to be chum. Be aware that if I want I can lock you away in my new estate where you will do nothing but manage dinners and write your little romantic scribblings on cheaply perfumed paper."
He released her and settled back into his seiza position.
"I trust we have a better understanding of our evening's activities now?" asked the Wolf.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 23, 2014 20:09:49 GMT
For the first time Mai does actually show something beyond her usual court face-she is clearly ruffled and surprised, and takes a few moments to calm herself before brushing her hair back behind her idly.
"Well...you know how to get your point across" Mai laughed, but it was more of a nervous chuckle than the confident ones of before "we have an understanding, although you have me wrong if you believe me to just be some hanger-on who needs glory" she finally looks back up at Sezaru "I know my place, and haven't attempted to claim otherwise. I have however succeeded with what I intended, even if the result wasn't quite as planned."
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Post by Kakita Kanehitsu on Jan 23, 2014 20:19:48 GMT
"You have claimed quite a lot above your station, Shosuro-san. If you touch me again before the wedding, I shall ensure that you never touch anything again, and I shall do it in the most creatively Scorpion way I can think of. As to your plans, I'm happy that you have had a successful day, whatever the result."
"Now," Sezaru said, leaning a bit on the table, "was there a reason you asked me to come here, Shosuro-san?"
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Post by Deleted on Jan 23, 2014 20:57:15 GMT
Mai took a moment to calm herself, the evening not going exactly as planned and it annoyed her. The man was a lot more..stubborn and annoying than she expected.
"You are so violent" Mai looked down at her tea "all I did was offer my hospitality, as one could see that the events of the day weighed upon your shoulders. No matter, I'm sure in time you will come to appreciate how things are here."
With that, she looked up from the table at Sezaru.
"I look forward to the future, it will certainly be entertaining."
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Post by Kakita Kanehitsu on Jan 23, 2014 22:27:28 GMT
"Ce careful what you wish for, Shosuro-san. No one wants to live in interesting times."
Sezaru rose from the table. He turned and walked over to the door and slid it open. Before exiting, he paused.
"I hope you find an audience for yourself. I have never liked romantic plays."
And with that he stepped out and closed the door.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 24, 2014 8:14:57 GMT
"Fortunes watch over you Shosuro-sama" Mai said with a bow as the man left.
She waited a good few moments, using the Void to see if he still remained. Once he was gone, she hit the table and sighed, annoyed.
"That man is infuriating. Truly" she finished off her tea before laying back. A knock on her door soon followed.
"Mai-chan? I saw that the wolf left...is everything ok?" the woman sounded concerned.
"Come in Kamiko-chan" she tried to hide her irritation from her voice, mostly successful. The 'servant' came in, bowing deeply and sliding the door shut before taking a seat on the cushions.
"Not quite to plan then?" she asked
"He has got to be the single most annoying man I have ever met" a pause "it may take longer than expected to break him down. I will though. I always get what I want."
"He is at least loyal, neh?"
Mai sat up, taking the sake and pouring a cup for herself and Kamiko.
"He is...dutiful. I don't question that. It may just take a while before I can bring him under control, or the Void takes him if the reports on how powerful an Ishiken he is are true" there was a bitter tone to the actress's voice. Kamiko winced.
"As you say Mai-chan. How can this lowly one assist?" Kamiko smirked, bowing deeply.
Mai smiled at that, downing her cup in one mouthful.
"Entertain me, my darling servant"
With a laugh, Kamiko agreed. The rest of the evening was spent with the 'servant' playing the part of a geisha, with music and dance. Anything else that may or may not have happened would never be proven...
/scene
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