Bound By Honor
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Exotic Solos =&gt; Topic started by: Emperor Darius on 10-07-2014, 02:07:29</h2>
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				Title: <strong>Bound By Honor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Emperor Darius</strong> on <strong>10-07-2014, 02:07:29</strong>
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				The marketplace of Lumia was alive with activity at the day's noon. The village folk hustled and bustled to and fro, some out to buy wares, others transporting their stock back to their homesteads. The city guards paced around the square making their usual patrols clad in bright crimson official armor. Street peddlers shouted out deals and offers to those who would be attracted to the idea of a sale. Children raced up and down the streets with innocent laughter as they teased and played. Lumia was a fine city and the center capital for the region of Kiento. At the edge of the city was a large hillside that led to the imperial palace that sat directly above a cliff overlooking the ocean. Below at the waters edge was the Lumia port, famous for bringing in it's trades from neighboring regions. Lumia was situated in a very strategic location. To the east was the ocean. From it rivers sprang and flowed both north and south of the city allowing for irrigation and easier transport of goods to other towns located in the countryside. Kiento also had a very fair amount of territory compared to it's bordering countries as well. It had a successful history having been led by many wise and powerful Emperors. Cultural achievement had progressed very well. The country had their own currency system, the people bathed fairly regularly, plumbing hadn't quite come along yet but was making headway in small doses, and many different spirits and gods were allowed worship temples across the land. All in all it wasn't a bad place to live. Today was a most special day on the Lumian calendar. Today was the day the High Priestess would be of age to start her <em>Ka Amon</em>, her very first pilgrimage. A journey to several temples about the land to achieve spiritual mastery. But the priestess was not allowed to travel alone, given that Lumia also had its very nasty shade of darkness as well as light. <br><br>That was what he had been summoned for. <br><br>Two golden eyes peered down at a wrinkled map, slightly dried crispy from getting it wet on the voyage to the port. "Hm..." a voiced mused from beneath the focused yet placid orbs. The map lowered and the man pulled down his hood, revealing snowy white hair to the rays of the glowing sun. He examined the layout of the docks and the overlook of the town. It was larger than he had expected. Why hadn't sensei warned him about this? Well it shouldn't be too difficult to find the palace. After all how hard could it be to locate the largest castle in this district? He would need a better vantage point. The map had lost some of the ink when&nbsp; it got wet and smudged up. He pulled his cloak tight around the neck making sure it would conceal most of his body. He strode along through the crowds doing his best to avoid bumping into anyone. Why were these city folk in such a rush all the time. "Excuse me...pardon...I'm sorry..." He tiptoed around most of the elderly but eventually was blocked off by the passing stream of cattle being herded through to the barnyard. "Ugh....this is getting me nowhere...I was supposed to be at the palace three hours ago..." he sighed, rubbing his cheek with annoyance. He looked up and glanced around, moving over to a peddler's stall. <br>"Hey you there, you like a man who knows what he wants!" the little man with few teeth grinned, elbowing the cloaked stranger in the side a couple times, "What about it young man, care to buy one of my top of the line swords? These blades will cut through anything!" <br>The stranger appeared to be distracted rather than pay attention to the merchant, he was more interested in studying the roof of the stall, "Er... no that's quite alright, thank you..."<br>The merchant was determined as all are. He waved his hands over his thin curvy metal art pieces, "Oh don't be so quick to judge my boy! Everyone needs a reliable tool at their side if you're going to be out and about! My blades are the finest ones in all Kiento! Made of pure mythril these babies are!"<br>The young man glanced down at the blades quickly before looking back to the right post of the stall, his hands taking hold, "...No they're not."<br>The merchant turned slightly red in the face, "They most certainly are! I had them forged by the hottest smithy in all the city! Why would I lie to a customer?"<br><br>The man paused again and finally turned back to the merchant and took a deep breath, his chest rising slightly. "First of all," he began, narrowing his eyes at the merchant, "Mythril, known for it's resistance to melt at high grade temperature points, cannot be smelted in a city forge as a simple town blacksmith wouldn't be capable of getting the heat strong enough. Secondly, Mythril blades are commonly blue, others a variant of violet if forged with hours and hours of tedious care! And most importantly..." he reached into his cloak and swung out a strange yet large metallic case from behind his back. The merchant was instantly baffled by how the stranger had concealed such a large and heavy looking metal box but his train of thoughts were instantly cut off by a sharp metallic <em>click</em>! The cloaked man swung his arm forward in one smooth fast motion, something in his hand slamming the stall and scattering dust into the air so thick it was like a fog!<br><em>KROOOM!!</em><br><br>As the dust settled, the merchant coughed and opened his eyes and looked up from the ground where his butt was currently sitting on, having been knocked back by some powerful force. "Gah!" he exclaimed, eyes wide open. His stall had been rendered asunder into splinters, his precious swords scattered into shards. But that was not all.<br><br>&nbsp;A large, very very large blade lay in the ground before him. Bits of lightning flickered and crackled faintly along it's steel, the large handle in the strangers hand. <br><br>The cloaked man glared down at the merchant, "....my sword gets jealous. Very, very jealous." Pulling his arm back, the rather large weapon made some sort of strange echoing metal sound and disapeared into the metallic box he had originally held in hand moments before. Putting the case back into his robe, the stranger tossed a pouch of coins down to the merchant, "For your...precious...knockoffs." Then, turning and placing both hands on the remaining wooden post, the stranger suddenly ran up with the grace of a feline!<br><br>Across the rooftops he traveled unhindered, climbing this ledge and that, stopping at a pole to cover his eyes and do a brief look around. Ah, there it was! The emperor was surely to be upset by now. He raced along balconies and used laundry lines like tightrope, tiptoeing across and swing down to the ground when he made it to the edge of the city. Dusting off his hands he approached the guards at the gate. The lead guard held up a hand, "State your business." The man reached into his cloak and pulled out a satchel, opening it and holding out a roll of parchment. The royal seal had been placed upon it. <br>"My name is Kale Itsuragi. I'm here on behalf of a summons by the his grace the Emperor of Kiento."<br>The guard nodded with a little laugh, "Oh, the errand boy. Go right on in."<br>Kale raised a brow as to what the guard could have meant by that joke, but paid it no mind and entered the palace.<br>He met with a page at the front door. "His grace will see you right away. We expected you here three hours ago."<br>Kale nodded and walked by the court official, "Yes, my voyage ran into a spot of bother. Sorry for the inconvenience."<br><br>Inside the Emperor of Kiento was looking over a map and making markings on this town and that. He looked to be in his early fifties, his beard graying and his cheeks just starting to have slight wrinkles. He smiled as Kale entered from behind and shut the door, taking a knee behind the royal patron. "You're late." The Emperor commented, not bothering to turn around. "Forgive me sire, the boat came under attack by pirates midway through the trip." Kale answered, looking up. <br>"Pirates? Was that all?" The Emperor raised a brow, turning around to face the young warrior. <br>Kale glanced off to the side for a moment, "....And one Leviathan. That took a little longer than I thought."<br>Emperor Daravon chuckled and placed a hand on Kale's shoulder, "You must have been toying with it. I doubt than one Leviathan would be enough to handle the power and spirit of<em> Zenmasa</em>."<br>Kale glanced at his side again, "She's a fine weapon. But very finicky if she doesn't get her own way. It took me a little while to get her serious about getting here before she would properly dispose of the beast."<br>"Understandable. Now, do you know why I have summoned you Kale?" Daravon asked, folding his hands behind his backside.<br>"No sir, but I imagine it is a matter of great importance." the young man answered.<br>"It most certainly is."<br>"Sire! I, Kale Itsarugi stand ready to serve you in your hour of need, no matter how difficult the task!" Kale shouted, holding a hand over his chest.<br>"It is the most troubling and difficult task I can give to one such as yourself."<br>"I am ready! Name it!"<br>"I need you to babysit my daughter."<br>"............Wait, what?"<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Bound By Honor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gnerdygirl</strong> on <strong>10-07-2014, 23:31:00</strong>
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				Rin stepped gracefully out of the steaming bath, flower petals that had been strewn across the surface of the water clinging to her wet skin. Immediately, a flurry of maids surrounded the girl with towels and combs and bowls of scented oils. She stood completely still in front of a trio of floor-length mirrors and watched her reflection serenely as she was dried and the oils were rubbed carefully into her muscles. <br><br>Rin had been told her entire life that she was beautiful, but as a princess she had learned to take all compliments with a grain of salt, so to say. Based on the ancient paintings she found in the vast library her father kept, she knew she was at least fair looking. Her body was well-formed and proportionate, though at times she thought perhaps her breasts were a little too full and round, or her hips were too wide. And of course, she wished for the long, graceful limbs of the women men had painted through the ages. But she was short, standing no higher than her father's chin, and she felt that her legs, too, were not long enough. And her hair... How she longed for artful locks in any one of a rainbow of colors that she'd always seen around her, but no. She was blessed with ebony hair, as plain as the jet pendant her mother wore on the anniversaries of loved ones' deaths. Only a streak of white, falling near her hairline at her forehead, broke up the waist-length sheet of blackness. <br><br>She bit back a sigh and turned her surprisingly green eyes to the floor just before her toes. There was no reason to be having these thoughts; as a priestess, one did not dwell on earthly concerns, such as outward appearances. Priestesses by definition concentrated on holy matters before all else, though they did tend to live a life of wealth and ease if their position was high enough. And Rin had the highest of all positions awaiting her eventually, awarded just based upon her bloodline, though she could think of dozens of other young women who deserved the title more: High Priestess.<br><br>To be truthful, she mused, she had never been called to the holy order the way most young women said they were. Her father thrust the lifestyle upon her because as the youngest of six children, he was running out of political alliances to make with marriage. And everyone knew, celibacy was one of the priestess' most valuable traits. So marriage was definitely out of the question. At almost eighteen years old, Rin thought she was too young for love and all of the nonsense that went along with it. She was likely her father's most practical, self-contained child.<br><br>Rin found herself being led to the dressing room and she followed the maids in silent compliance. She mutely allowed herself to be adorned with layers upon layers of silk robes, varying in hue from deep blacks and blues underneath to rich burgundy outer garments. She watched herself be transformed in the looking glass as ceremonial jewels were draped around her neck, woven into her hair, and dangled from her earlobes. White and tinted powders were carefully applied to her face, changing her from a rather lovely young girl into a living statue of almost unmatched grace and regal bearing. She felt like a doll as her hair was arranged in coils of braids and twists that enhanced both her height and her bone structure. The entire process took almost two hours, and by the time the maids were satisfied with their work, Rin realized she was late for an audience with her father, the emperor.<br><br>Quickly, Rin was escorted through the emperor's palace to the chambers where her father did his most private work. It was the only place that she could ever truly be herself around her parents, but today was an exceptional day, and the girl knew she had to be on her best behavior. Today, she had to make her father proud with her stately appearance and impeccable manners.<br><br>The doors were opened before her and she stepped delicately into the room, turning her eyes demurely down, but not before she caught a glimpse of the young man holding audience with the emperor. She carefully and immediately hid her expression of surprise; he was a striking young man, and her heart flipped over in her chest before she could even question why.<br><br>"Hello, Father. You wished to see me?"
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				Title: <strong>Re: Bound By Honor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Emperor Darius</strong> on <strong>11-07-2014, 02:19:08</strong>
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				Kale was still staring in befuddlement at the Emperor's words. "Your grace, I fear I do not understand the meaning behind your request. Could you be more specific?" For a moment he had thought he heard the strongest man in all the country ask him to...babysit? Surely it must be a joke of some sort for the ruler of Lumia knew very well of Kales many feats and strengths he had performed while in his service. But Emperor Daravon did not seem to react very much to Kale's hesitation. He looked more amused as if he was hiding a private joke.<br><br>The Emperor turned and faced the window that overlooked his city, "Yes, I imagined such a task would catch you off guard. You see Kale, while my people are happy, it is a great duty to be Emperor. Not only do must you please your own, other countries must be appeased as well. I have given away most of my children to political marriage. They are all happy of course given time to work with their situations. I have only one left now, a daughter." his brows sunk a bit, displaying the look of all parents when they realize just how much time has passed. The small child they once known having grown so quickly. Already Rin was ready to take on the task having come of age. <br><br>Kale blinked over and over. The situation still made not any sense to him. "Sire...what does this have to do with myself? I am a warrior and one of your-"<br><br>"Honor guards, yes you need not remind me lad." Daravon interrupted, slowly turning back to the map on the table and pointing at the route he had drawn across the country. "You see my daughter has to undertake a matter of great importance to my country. People are spiritual with their everyday lives. As you are aware, my wife was formerly the High Priestess up until her passing. My Rin has been training for many many years to become the next in line. She must complete a pilgrimage to each and every temple around the Kiento. A spiritual journey my young warrior. I cannot allow her to go alone. You as a swordsman have seen that many dangers exist in the world, nature, monster and human alike."<br><br>Kale held up his hands questioningly, "Sire, if that be the case then why not send her with armed guard? Surely there would be safety in numbers."<br><br>"I considered it, but such a group traveling would surely attract attention. No, I need Rin to be out among her people as one of them. Unnoticed and introduced into the country life that she does not know. No palace walls, no servants, to travel as one of the many. For this, I need one guard to ensure her protection. That will be you." Daravon explained, folding hands behind his backside. <br><br>Kale lowered his arms and nodded slowly, the situation becoming clear to him. The Emperor had entrusted him with the safety of his last child and youngest daughter, a task he would not so easily relinquish to any other. Still, there were stronger warriors out there than Kale. It could be that they were too well known among the people, even the bad ones. Whereas Kale was still just a simple traveler able to blend in with the townfolk nobody would really make out this...Princess Rin. To be honest Kale wasn't sure he agreed with this mission, but he could not argue with the man who's word was as sacred as god. He bowed his head, "I understand my liege. I shall do my best to my abilities. When do we leave?"<br>"In the morning. First you will stay for the night, eat and wash and then be on your way early. You have many miles to go, and you will make for the town of Tanin. There is a great spiritual disturbance there. People have been falling into slumber and not awakening." Daravon explained, furrowing his brows. A knock at the door came, the court page poking his thin head inside, "Princess Rin, your majesty." Daravon beamed, "Ah, my daughter comes! Send her in!" he turned to Kale once more, "It does me great pleasure to introduce you to my daughter..."<br><br>A young maiden of fair beauty stepped in. Kale blinked and found himself staring. She was done up in the most thick of robes, the royal face paint applied so finely to her skin that it did nothing to hinder her majestic grace. His sword case rumbled against his hip furiously. Kale smacked it quickly and tried to hide the motion as if he had done nothing at all, faking a smile of innocence. Daravon smiled and went to his daughter, taking her into a hug before showing her over to Kale.<br>"My daughter, meet one of my most talented Honor Guards, Sir Kale. His father, and his father before him serve our family line with constant vigilance over the years. They have been our greatest allies in time of need and asked nothing in return. Sir Kale, I would like you to meet Princess Rin." he explained, formally introducing the two young ones. <br>Kale took to one knee and bowed his head, "Your majesty...it is my honor to serve you and your family. I swear by my sword I shall keep you safe."<br><br>Daravon smiled uneasily, he hadn't explained any of this to his daughter yet. "Ah...yes...by that he means...well..." he turned to Rin and placed both arms upon her shoulders, "My daughter, like your siblings it has come time for you to do your part for our people. The great <em>Ka Amon</em> is upon us, and you must undertake it's journey. I have received several letters from our villages, they are in need of our aide. Since your mother past those years ago, the spirits have become restless and there much we must know. I wish for you to take your journey alone, with no one but Sir Kale here to escort you. He is a decent swordsman and has never done anything like this before. Quite honestly, he's nowhere near his father's strength but I conclude that he is just weak enough to not have any real dangerous folk notice him. So nothing to worry about right?" <br>Kale suddenly felt his eyes widen and his face reddening, turning and staring at the Emperor dumbfoundedly, "W-w-wait now! You didn't say anything about-"<br><br>Emperor Daravon turned quickly and backed to the doorway, "Now, I'm just going to leave you both to discuss the specifics of your trip, I'm sure you have a lot to discuss! Now now, no need to thank me, please please take some time to yourselves and I will see you both at dinner!" With that, the sneaky old coot rushed out the door leaving the two bewildered ones to blink and exchanged looks.<br><br>Kale rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly and looked at the map, then back to the Princess, "Soo....this is a big first for me. I don't suppose you've done much travelling before I take it?"
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				Title: <strong>Re: Bound By Honor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gnerdygirl</strong> on <strong>11-07-2014, 03:23:20</strong>
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				Rin was astounded that she was left alone in the young man's company, so much that she was speechless for a long moment. Aside from her father and brothers, she had rarely been in the company of males, at least not without a bevvy of female escorts and chaperons. She took a deep breath; her father's scent, which had remained unchanged since she was a little girl, lingered in the room for a few moments until it, like the emperor, disappeared.<br><br>"It... it is my pleasure to meet you," she said, her eyes downcast. It was as if she suddenly found the hemline of her robes fascinating. Her gaze flickered to the man's sword, then returned to the floor. "I traveled with my mother and father once to the seaside, when I was very young, and I do not even remember going there. Aside from that, I have very rarely ventured out of this palace. I am afraid I do not know much about the world outside, but I suppose my father means to remedy this."<br><br>She felt unbalanced around the young man, just a little bit off center. Rin couldn't place her finger on why, but merely hoped that her formalities and strict manners were enough to appease him in conversation. She could acutely feel the silk of her robes against her skin, for some reason, and the sensation was almost maddening; she was thankful for the thick robes, because she was almost certain her nipples were hardening. A blush crept across her cheeks and she had to squeeze her eyes closed for a long moment to compose herself. <br><br>"Have you traveled much, yourself?"
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				Title: <strong>Re: Bound By Honor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Emperor Darius</strong> on <strong>11-07-2014, 04:21:02</strong>
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				Kale studied Princess Rin when her eyes averted downward. For a moment he thought she might have been displeased with him or found him unsuitable. Was he not qualified for this mission? Perhaps his clothes were displeasing, being covered in dust and spots of mud. He glanced down at his cloak and sniffed at it faintly. His odor wasn't noticeable. At least he hoped. It was then he noticed her faint blush spreading across her cheeks. It took him a moment to put the pieces together but at last it clicked. <br>Of course!<br><br>She was shy! Having lived a fairly reclusive life among the palace and not getting out that much would naturally make someone feel awkward. Let alone being in the presence of a swordsman from the outside. He noticed that she glanced to his sword and then away. "Oh this?" He smiled slightly, reaching into his cloak and drawing out the large square box from his side and setting it down beside them both. "This is my weapon, Zenmasa. She's a little fussy but she won't harm you, I promise." Now to answer her question. He turned to the map and pointed along a corner, "I have traveled here from Senan to Maroqua. I used to live here, the town of Mistvale. It's a small village but its where my parents settled down after my father fulfilled his service to the Emperor and retired."<br><br>He glanced to the Princess, making brief eye contact and shying away just a little bit. There was something charming about this maiden. He wondered what she looked like without all the makeup on. Not that he should care, he was only her bodyguard after all. He would follow her wherever she went. He smiled faintly, "I suppose your father picked me because of our parents history together. I spent most of my youth training in the mountains learning how to master my sword and increase my strength with my grandfather, who also served your family. I guess it is only fitting that I should accompany you on your journey, your grace. I will watch over you every step of the way I promise." <br><br>Kale paused, growing a slight blush as he sudden realized the double meaning behind that last sentence. His hands quickly waved in front of him to indicate a harmless approach, "I-I-I me-mean not all the time of course!! Haha...ha...Y-y'know like only when we're travelling or when you have to sleep-oh! Not like that, I mean I'll k-keep watch from another room or something...hah...ha..." He was failing at this. Conversation had never been his strong part. Combat and physical labor, that was his specialty. He tugged at his collar and tried to smile, "So...um...yes, well...please if you have anything you'd like to discuss for our trip I'm open to suggestions." He looked down at his cloak again and smiled at the princess once more, "Um, pardon your grace. But if I might ask, where may I bathe? I've had quite a journey to get here and I fear that I will not be appropriate at dinner looking the way I do."<br><br>It was true. In his battle with the Leviathan he'd been swallowed into it's stomach and had to cut his way out. That sort of experience would leave someone reeking of nastiness. He wanted to be clean and looking his best for the royal family and their servants. As an Honor Guard he represented the family after all. <br>"Your highness, if I may ask, how do you feel about this journey?" he asked as it occurred to him, "I mean, your father seemed to surprise us all with the news. Were you aware you would be traveling with just myself or was this as much a surprise to you as it was me?"<br><br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Bound By Honor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gnerdygirl</strong> on <strong>11-07-2014, 21:48:25</strong>
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				The girl couldn't help but smile at his awkwardness, but she was quick to hide the expression behind her hand. Maybe he was as uncomfortable with this as she was, but her father's wishes were not to be questioned. Even if it meant for the first time in her life, she would have to care for herself without the aid of servants, nannies, and consultants on etiquette and the proper behavior of a young princess.<br><br>Rin tilted her head to the side in curiosity, pondering the young man's sword and his questions for a moment before clapping her hands softly once. Immediately, four maids were in the chamber as well.<br><br>“Show my father's guest where he can bathe and get ready for dinner,” she said quietly. “Make sure his every need it met.”<br><br>Her eyes widened almost comically as she realized what this might mean, considering her maids were all young, lovely women about&nbsp; her own age. “I-I mean...” She cleared her throat before she could make matters even worse. One of the most valuable lessons she had ever been taught was when to be silent.<br><br>She turned to leave the room, three more servants appearing at her side, before she paused to answer his questions. She spoke without looking at him. “My father's wisdom is great, and I obey him in all matters. But I cannot help but wonder how you will like me in a week's time, when you discover all the things I cannot do on my own. My life has been focused on holy matters always, and not nearly enough on everyday things, I am afraid. I had no idea my pilgrimage would take place with just you, but I did imagine I would have less servants and comforts than I do now.”<br><br>Rin turned halfway around, addressing him in profile. “I will speak with you more at dinner.”<br><br>She made her way out of the chamber silently, trying not to appear as if she was fleeing, which in fact, she was. She paused for a moment in the corridor, and instantly a maid was there, taking her elbow to offer support.<br><br>“Are you well, Princess?”<br><br>“Quite well.” Rin squeezed her eyes shut for a long moment, trying not to burst into tears in such an undignified manner. What was her father thinking?! 
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				Title: <strong>Re: Bound By Honor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Emperor Darius</strong> on <strong>12-07-2014, 00:41:09</strong>
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				Kale was a little taken aback by how swiftly the maids had appeared in the room. He looked around at each one a bit hesitantly, "H-Hey now...where did you all come from?" Before his question could be answered they were instructed to assist him and they wasted no time. His arms were being led away almost instantly, one maid trying to lift up his sword casing. She grunted and whined with as much effort as she could muster but it would not lift. It was like trying to lift up an oxen!<br>"What...is...in this....thing?" she asked exasperated by the strain.<br><br>The young man looked over his shoulder, "Oh! Zenmasa! Better let me get that." He leaned down and scooped up the case by it's handle, heaving the incredibly heavy casing and slinging it over his shoulder with ease. The maid stared with widened eyes at the mans strength. He didn't appear to be that brawny so how was he able to lift such a weight?! Kale smiled innocently at her and turned back to the princess as she finished addressing him and his questions. He watched her in simple silence, thinking on her words. There was something amiss here. Her words were calm but something in his gut said otherwise. He was not fluent in conversation all that much, but when a body spoke that was a different thing entirely. Kale had developed an uncanny sense of picking up vibes and emotional sensations. In combat it was necessary for one to be able to read and predict the opponents next move. He scanned the princess over a couple of times but retained his silence. <br>With nothing more than her word that she would speak to him more at dinner the princess departed and left him with the remaining maids. His eyes were still watching Rin as she moved away, concealing some sort of silent thoughts. <br>"Sir Kale, shall we take you to your room now?" <br>"What?" he snapped out of his trance, blinking a moment before looking to the maid who had asked him, "Oh, yes. Yes of course. Thank you very much."<br><br>The castle was quite grand on the inside. Stairwells and ramparts extended to many towers and ramparts. Kale was impressed to say at the least. He was escorted to his private chambers and shown inside. "Can we assist you any further good sir?" the maid asked as she bowed at the doorway. Kale set his case upon the bed and smiled politely, "That will be all thank you. I think I can find my way back to the main hall for dinner. I'll be down soon." With another curtsy, the maid departed. Kale sighed softly and turned the key she had left him in the lock. He felt the bolt latch tight and breathed a moment of relief. What had he gotten himself into? Whether he liked it or not he was under orders. At least Rin seemed nice. A little shy but hopefully that would change as time went on. If he was going to be escorting her to each shrine around the country he was going to have to earn her trust. <br><br>He moved over to the tub and touched his hand down inside. Warm water, a luxury he rarely ever had the chance to afford. He couldn't help but smile a little bit. He almost felt spoiled getting this kind of treatment. Unfastening his collar he swung the large cloak off his body and twirled it in the air with a swooping rush of air. Folding it carefully he placed it upon the bed next to his sword case and went to work unfastening his black leather sleeveless vest. His arms were tanned as much as his face was. Two jagged long scars ran down his left arm, and another around his right wrist. As he started removing the vest, his sword case vibrated again. He raised a brow at it and turned away, "Not now. You almost got yourself noticed y'know. I can't afford unnecessary attention Zen."<br><br>"You know I hate being stuffed in there all the time. Besides, it's not like we have to worry about it. Nobody but you can see me remember?" a silken yet spunky voice spoke up from behind him.<br><br>Kale shook his head and pulled the vest off, revealing his upper chest to the world. Ink of black was tattooed to his chest and backside. The front appeared to be in a ring of enchantment, the back resembled a pair of tribal like wings. "Even still, I don't like having to divert my attention to you when I'm trying to handle business. You need to behave." He slowly folded up the vest and unfastened his thick belt buckle, his pants loosening and sliding down his thick thighs. His abdominal muscles flexed tight as he bent over and picked up the last of his garments, placing his socks into his boots and setting them next to the bed. <br>"Ugh, just the sound of those words make me ill." <br><br>He turned to the bed and set his clothes into a pile, ignoring the scantingly armor-clad maiden that was now sitting next to his case. Her hair was a blazing red that flowed down to her shoulders and just barely into her backside. Running down the front right and left side were two very thick long locks of hair colored a striking yellow. She wore only an armored breast plate which covered just the size of her creamy tan breasts and rough brown leathery skirt with a golden set of rings acting as some sort of belt. She was shoeless, one leg seductively draped over another as she leaned back on her hands watching his every move. Kale shot her a disaproving look briefly and moved to the bath. He dipped one leg in at a time and sank slowly until the waters reached up to his neck. What a large tub this was! "Spirit or not, you will behave and do as I tell you, understand?" he instructed her calmly. <br><br>Zen rolled her eyes and crossed her arms with a small snort. She turned her beautiful face to the window, her strong red eyes gazing to the ocean outside, "This mission seems ominous Kale. I'm not sure I agree with it. But yet at the same time I believe it was by fate we ended up here. Something is very wrong in the spirit realm. I haven't been able to commune or reach any of my fellow spirits there. We'll need to be careful on this one. It's not going to be easy having to worry about a princess as well." <br><br>Kale closed his eyes and relaxed back against the tub. This bath felt great. So many leaves that gave off such manly scents floated along the surface. "Don't worry about the princess. I gave my word I would watch over her and I keep my promises." <br><br>Zen looked to him with a curious expression, a finger touching her lip in thought as she rose up and paced over to him very slowly, "Speaking of which...Princess Rin."<br><br>Kale opened one eye and glanced up at her, "Yes...what of her?"<br><br>Zen bent down and knelt beside the tub on her knees, resting her arms on the edge and placing her chin upon them, tilting her head with a growing smirk, "I saw the way you looked at her. Her body."<br><br>Kale sat up slightly and frowned, opening the other eye, "I was trying to get a read on her. Something was wrong. I think she is afraid. I wish to know what of."<br><br>Zen splashed a bit of water at him, "Of course she's scared you clown! She's going to be out in the great world she feels not prepared for with a complete stranger! Did you not feel the same when your father sent you off with your mysterious grandfather whom you did not know either?"<br>Kale wiped his face off and placed his arms back along the edges of the tub, narrowing his gaze, "Look Zen, I know what you're playing at, and I'm in no mood for another one of your jealously fits. I'm not going to pay the Princess any more attention that what honor dictates. She is a princess and I am a warrior instructed to obey her will and ensure her safety."<br><br>Her thin eyebrow raised with a grin, "Anything she instructs you to do?"<br>Kale nodded, "Anything."<br><br>Zen glanced downwards for a quick moment and back up into his eyes, leaning forward and whispering into his lips, "We'll see how honorable you really are young Kale...I have existed in this world for three hundred years and I've seen many things happen...many...interesting things...like the things we do..."<br>Kale swallowed hard, trying to stay firm with her, "I told you...we will behave..."<br>Her eyes closed to half mast with a seductive gaze to them, her hand slinking down into the water between his legs, making contact with his thigh and slowly rising along the skin, "My dear human...when have I ever done otherwise?"<br>~~~~~~~~~~<br><br>Kale arrived in the great hall some time later. He was clothed in noble garments he'd received from the Emperor's tailor. Blue jacket and blue silken pants covered him, exposing a bit of his upper chest at the neckline. His hair was drawn back into a small tail while the rest hung loosely at his ears. His skin was shiny clean now and that terrible odor from the leviathan long gone. <br>"Sir Kale, please, this way." a servant approached him, indicating the way to the dining hall with a gesture of his hand. Kale nodded and followed the man into the large room that awaited them on the other side. Golden statues of former rulers lined the hall on the way. Entering into the dining hall, Kale was seated at the right of the Emperor's seat. He was the first one there it seemed. He was joined a brief while later by Emperor Daravon, who had changed into less robes than he had worn earlier. It would seem his office hours were complete and he was going to unwind for the day. <br>"Ah! Kale my boy! How are you liking your stay? Did you and my daughter have a good time?" the man beamed, taking his seat and clapping the swordsman on the shoulder.<br>Kale blushed slightly and cleared his throat, "Ahem...um...yes, we did. I mean by conversing of course. Nothing else. Nothing else whatsoever. We talked, yes, just talked. A-about traveling and such. We will talk of more later she told me before I was excused to bathe."<br>Daravon nodded with a quiet chuckled and clapped his hands. The servant usher appeared at his side, "Sire?"<br>"Where is my daughter?" he inquired, "She should not keep her guest waiting. He has had a long journey on eggs and pickles. Sea travel is not pleasant you know."<br>"I will see right away m'lord." the man answered and retreated swiftly to the find the Princess.<br>"Really...it's not a bother at all." Kale spoke softly, looking a little nervous.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Bound By Honor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gnerdygirl</strong> on <strong>15-07-2014, 05:11:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Whenever Rin was upset or uncomfortable, she fled to the private garden her father had installed adjacent to the girl's rooms. Today was no exception, and she almost blindly found her way to her secluded haven, leaving her maids behind in her bedchamber.<br><br>She collapsed on a bench among weeping wysteria vines, completely unmindful of her robes and makeup as she buried her face in her hands. She took a deep breath and counted to five, then exhaled slowly. Her body was as tense as her emotional state and she had to concentrate very hard to relax her tight muscles and calm her breathing.<br><br>What was her father thinking? She could barely imagine her life away from this palace, let alone in the company of one strange young man. A strange young man with an enormous sword, no less. Who cared if his position of guard was almost hereditary? This was not going to work, and Rin suddenly found herself determined to tell her father as much.<br><br>First, though, there was the matter of her mother to attend to.<br><br>She made her way back inside and waved off the gaggle of maids that descended upon her. In an alcove near her bed was a shrine dedicated to the late Empress. A gilded statue of the woman stood in a little dish of sand and incense and holy candles burned day and night before it. Rin had assigned the task of renewing the offerings to her most trusted servant and she was never disappointed that she had made this decision; her mother's shrine was never cold or without light. <br><br>But if she was leaving so soon, she had to make sure her mother's memory would be honored in her absence. She knelt before the statue, pressing her hands to her lips in a gesture of prayer, and promised her mother silently that she, and her legacy, would not be forgotten. She lowered her right hand, curling her fingers into a cup, and flicking them open once again. The smoke of the incense burst into a bouquet of smoky flowers, releasing a delicate perfume that faded as quickly as the blossoms did. With a smile, Rin sat back on her heels.<br><br>“Princess?” One of the maids had crept up behind her, regardless of her orders to give Rin some distance. “Your dinner with your father is soon, and you are quite... disheveled. You should let us attend you.”<br><br>The girl could have snapped, punishing the maid for interrupting her, but her mood was rather focused on other matters. Sighing, she rose and allowed herself to be led to the dressing room by the young woman.<br><br>It took almost an hour for her maids to prepare Rin for dinner. Her makeup had to be scrubbed off and reapplied, this time in a more natural manner, and her robes were exchanged for satiny pink garments, a color her father always complimented on her. Concern furrowed her brow as she watched her reflection again in the mirrors; what would her life be like without this endless pageantry and ritual? Perhaps her existence would have more meaning once she was out in the real world, interacting with real people every day. Perhaps then she would feel her calling as a priestess and would be able to step into her mother's vacated place.<br><br>Just as the women were finishing touching up Rin's hair, a knock came on the door. It was a page sent by the Emperor to fetch the princess to dinner. <br><br>Rin sighed as she stood and proceeded out of the room. It seemed like since she came of age, she was always late for something, especially the more important functions in her life. And she was almost never alone. Maids followed her in a flock, ready to tend to her every need. What would she do without them?&nbsp; <br><br>The dining hall was lit with braziers along either wall. In the golden glow, the princess almost looked like a living porcelain doll as she made her way to the head of the table. She took her seat at her father's left side without looking at the young man who already occupied the Emperor's right hand. <br><br>“Good evening, Father.” Rin turned her eyes down to her hands, which she folded tightly in her lap. She was sensitive to the emotions of those around her, which was an essential trait in a priestess, and <br>she could tell Kale was on edge. Her father, however, seemed to be his jovial self.<br><br>“I trust you have been speaking kindly of me to our guest, Sir? I have something to speak to you about, and I trust I will cause no offense. I do not think I can travel with Master Kale, after all.”
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Bound By Honor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Emperor Darius</strong> on <strong>15-07-2014, 13:34:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Princess Rin arrived not long after the page was sent to collect her. Both Kale and Emperor Ensei rose to bow in respect to the priestess when she entered. <br>"Ah! My daughter joins us now! Good, now that we are all present let us dine! Let us have wine!" Ensei grinned hungrily. While not a drunk, the old man was known to have a taste for a good drink when he wished to relax. <br><br>Kale waved off the maid that had come to fill his drink with the wine goblet, "No thank you. I'll have some water please."<br><br>Ensei raised a brow and narrowed his gaze at the warrior, "By spirits boy, you've been asea tangling with beasts of the deep! Haven't you had enough of water for a time? Come now, share a drink with an old man."<br><br>Kale glanced at Rin for a moment and back down at his plate, "If it's quite alright my liege, I'd rather not. I must keep myself focused, it's part of my training creed. I'm not allowed to partake in such festive liquids."<br><br>The emperor looked a little flabbergasted but shrugged it off, bringing the goblet to his mouth, speaking over the rim, "I would've made a horrible honor guard in that case."<br><br>At this point Rin took over the conversation, inquiring of their previous conversations.<br><br>"Why yes, I was just about to tell young Kale about the specifics of your pilgrimage when you arrived. I wanted to save the more embarrassing stories for when you arrived my dear." her father teased, flashing her a wink. <br><br>It was then she surprised all but announcing her wishes to not travel with Kale at all.<br><br>The young warrior blinked and looked up sharply, his eyes widened as if he had just failed some very important task, "Pardon your majesty?"<br><br>Emperor Ensei on the other hand was more forward about it. His eyes bulged opened completely as he was taking a large mouthful drink. Lurching forward he coughed and sprayed wine all over his court page's delicate white shirt. The page casually wiped his face off with a cloth as if this had happened before and he was used to it. Ensei turned to his daughter, "What now? You wish to not travel with Sir Kale?"<br><br>Kale blinked, not knowing what to say at first, looking back and forth between the father and daughter, "Princess...i-if I have offended you in any way.."<br><br>"Silence your tongue Kale!" Ensei ordered, not turning his gaze from Rin. For moments he was silent, taking in a slow breath to consider the situation. He closed his eyes and looked straight ahead without looking to either of them.<br><br>"Kale, you are a very fine young man, and I have heard tales of your deeds many times. Do not doubt your prowess as the reasoning for my daughters hesitation or wishes. I believe it is because I have failed her as a father. After the passing of my wife, I was so determined to protect my beloved child at any cost, I sheltered her away from the rest of the world. I have given her a life of formality and luxury that she has become so very used to that self-doubt floods her now. While I cannot disagree with my daughters wishes, I do strongly hope that she would take time to consider her role in this. She is a symbol to the people. Like her mother before her my daughter Rin represents hope and faith. But the people have not seen this in quite some time. I have deprived the world of my last child, because I did not wish for her to leave me the same as her mother did. And in doing so..." he let out a slow deep sigh, opening his eyes. In them was filled the aging fatigue of a man trying to do what he felt was right for his people and his family. <br><br>"...I have done more harm than help. I will not oppose Rin's desire to not travel with Sir Kale." he turned to his princess and placed a hand over hers, looking into her deep eyes, "My love, if this is your wish I will not deny it. We will simply send you with another much older, more experienced soldier squad. You will not have to have a friendly conversation with a new friend, you will not have to see the people who love you so much and look to you for strength, you will not have to take any risks whatsoever."<br><br>He withdrew his hand, sitting back and closing his eyes again.<br><br>Kale wasn't sure what to make of this. Ensei was taking his daughters decision? Without so much as even snapping or ordering her to deal with his will? Kale observed the elderly man and realized that he was more a father than an emperor right now, and somehow, the warrior sympathized with the tired ruler. He turned to the Princess, smiling lightly at her, "Your grace. I too share your fathers sentiment. I will not force you to travel with me. But if we should run into each other in our travels, I will still hold true to the promise I made you earlier this day. I will protect and serve you without fail. If I might ask, what reason do you wish that I not travel with you?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Bound By Honor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gnerdygirl</strong> on <strong>19-07-2014, 20:34:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The weight of duty was heavy on Rin's shoulders, and this was almost visible in her posture. Her heart was troubled by her father's request, but she could hardly deny him when he so clearly wanted her to do this. The Emperor was right; Rin had been too sheltered and caught up in pageantry to attune herself to her people's needs, and it was high time that she found her feet back on the ground, so to say.<br><br>As she met her father's eyes, she felt her spirits in turmoil. But she knew what was right.<br><br>"If this is what you wish, I will not question you. Not as my Emperor and not as my father. I'm sure you only have my best interests in mind," she said steadily. "I would very much like to meet with this... er, man, and speak with him further before we depart."<br><br>She turned her gaze to Kale, and for the first time tried to meet his gaze. Being demure and polite was likely not the best approach to this young man, and she had to be brave sometime.<br><br>"Do not take it as a personal offense, sir. My father is right. I have been sheltered and protected always. I would like to apologize for my hasty remarks, and offer an invitation to my garden, where we can get to know each other better."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Bound By Honor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Emperor Darius</strong> on <strong>19-07-2014, 22:18:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Emperor Daravon seemed relieved that he and his daughter had come to a mutual agreement on the matter. Part of him felt somewhat sorry now for summoning Sir Kale all this way, but he would be paid an interesting dowry for his time. Still, the boy seemed less interested in that at the moment. His placid eyes were more transfixed on Lady Rin with interest. What could he be thinking at this moment? Was he upset that his skills were not being put to use? Was he perhaps even frustrated? The boy had a strong gambling face that gave not any emotion away behind that calm, cheerful smile. Somehow Daravon felt that this wasn't the side of Kale his enemies knew. He had heard of the boys exploits, oh yes. His enemies were not fearful of him.<br>They were terrified of him. <br><br>That was the real reasoning Daravon had wished Kale to travel along. People could recognize him by his strange sword that he carried and his trademark nickname that matched. But at least Princess Rin wasn't going to dismiss Sir Kale rudely. She extended him an invitation to her gardens to better allow the young man some face time before they would part ways.<br><br>Kale's attitude brightened slightly, "Yes your grace, I would be most honored to view your sacred garden. It is not often a man receives permission to visit his princesses most humble sanctuary."<br><br>Daravon raised his goblet, "Then it's settled! Tommorow morning Rin shall make her journey! Now then, let us eat and be to bed. The day has been long and tiring for us all. Ah, and here comes my favorite pudding, yes yes more over here maid..."<br><br>~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br><br>It was a fine dinner. Hot pork soup and fine Tofu bits were served as the appetizing dish. The main course consisted of cured quail and dinner rolls. Kale was more than happy to dine and drink what he could. Being at sea for so long he'd had to live on the nastiest provisions. Eggs, pickles, beans. Good stuff as far as nutrition was concerned but not very tasty at all. The desert was of course chocolate pudding, obtained by trade with the neighboring country. Everyone ate their fill and soon they all were in the hall for one last conversation.<br><br>"And that is how I persuaded the Head Chieftain of the Zuraken Tribe to reconsider letting us have a trade route through his territory." Daravon finished with a grin, "A bit underhanded but tactical nonetheless."<br><br>Kale blushed a bit, "It does seem to be well though out plan, I would never have known concubines can be used to sway politics."<br><br>"Oh better believe it boy! The only way to a man is through food, money, or women! It's all fair in love and war y'know." Daravon laughed, turning to the two. He placed a hand upon each of their shoulders, "Now then, I bid you goodnight and a fair morrow. I will see you both in the morning. Don't stay out late in the gardens too long now."<br><br>"Yes my liege." Kale bowed respectfully.<br><br>Daravon embraced his daughter once more, "Goodnight my dear Princess. Be kind to Sir Kale, he has only the best intentions for you." After that, he turned and climbed the stairwell to his private wing.<br><br>Kale turned to Princess Rin, looking into her eyes once more. Enchanting things they were, now that her makeup was gone she was even more fair than before. He cleared his throat and smiled a bit, "So m'lady...shall we be on our way?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Bound By Honor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gnerdygirl</strong> on <strong>26-07-2014, 18:59:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Rin tilted her head, considering the young man for a moment. Her eyes settled on his lips and she quickly looked away, as if she was suddenly fascinated with the rafters overhead. <em>What would it feel like to be kissed with those lips?</em> She forced the thought from her mind and turned her attention to the matter at hand.<br><br>"Of course. Follow me." <br><br>A flock of maids followed along at a polite distance, as if they knew to allow the princess some privacy. Rin led the way to her chambers, bypassing her most private rooms to step out into the terraced garden. The sun had just set and stained the sky violet and magenta. Blooming weeping willows encircled the perimeter of the space and ornamental fruit trees in full blossom stood over landscaped beds of roses and other bright, lush flowers. <br><br>Her footsteps made no sound over the carpet of manicured grass as she made her way to the bench in the center of the garden. She perched on one end and extended a hand in invitation for Kale to sit. She allowed for plenty of space between the two of them, arranging her garments carefully to make sure every inch of her legs were covered, and folded her hands neatly in her lap.<br><br>"So, what would you ask a princess if you could ask any question you pleased?" She offered him a shy sideways smile.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Bound By Honor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Emperor Darius</strong> on <strong>27-07-2014, 06:50:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kale had just bid the Emperor farewell and turned to the princess when he spied her watching him. Her head rose up and stared up at the rooftop, prompting Kale to glance up as well. Whatever was she looking at up there? Did she notice a stray small animal perhaps? The swordsman didn't have much time to consider it before she implored him to follow along with her. Kale blinked but shrugged contently and trailed just behind the royal daughter, "As you wish your grace." <br><br>They traveled along the many lengthy halls. Kale couldn't help but glance around and observe the grand architecture that had formed this massive fortress. Strong golden arches, thick red pillars with various forms of dragons carved into the woodwork, the place was simply awe inspiring! A gentle tapping echoed in his ears and the swordsman cast a quick look over his shoulder. A small group of maids were trailing behind. This prompted him to raise an eyebrow and glance between the group and the princess. Surely she could walk to her own chambers unsupervised? That seemed to not be the case. Then it was no wonder she was so reluctant to leave the castle or even travel alone. Something about that completely began to pick away at his patience. It was not good to be locked up away from society and be so dependent upon such services. A small thought began to form in his head but he would say nothing of it for now. <br>~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br><br>Though he had left his sword upstairs in his bedroom, the spirit of the blade was allowed to roam quite freely as long as she returned to the blade the moment he touched it. Zen had taken perfect advantage of this and followed Kale to dinner earlier. She had remained hidden away and spied on the dinner party from another adjacent room. She had liked that the Emperor was very bold and despite his age noted that as a young man he would have been quite the handsome one. Oh the painful woes of time. Here she was very much ageless and all the humans she had known in her time of service to them had grown old and decrepit. Simply unfair. Sometimes she wondered what it would be like to not be so immaterial as she was. Though nothing more than a spirit, if someone had a strong tie with spirit energy she was able to establish sight and touch with them. Kale was one of these lucky few, due to his training and the fact that she had chosen him to be her wielder. So it was with this that she took to following him around and observing from a distance. She now traveled among the group of maidens behind Rin and Kale, staying out of sight but trailing along nonetheless. There was more she wished to observe of this Princess Rin. The girl seemed very distant at first but Zen had a hunch there was more to it. <br>A wry smirk came to her lips as she watched Kale exchange shy glances with the princess once in a while. Oh humans, such naive natures. So much potential for fun. The thunder spirit was certainly going to enjoy these two before the week was out, whether or not they liked or even knew about her manipulations. <br><br>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br><br>Kale was bewildered by how many bedrooms were reserved for the princess. She had a private bathing room, a private changing room, even a private library of sort. Just how many rooms did this palace have? They passed on through and stepped out upon a terrace. In the distance spanned a thick mass of greenery. She had not been jesting about having her own private garden. Kale smiled at the various assortment of rare and exotic plants. Even the trees were mystical here. He could feel the purity of this place resonating with his soul. He bent down for a moment and caressed the blue petals of a flower with a single finger, "Quite lovely..." he complimented the flower admiringly. He almost wished he had a place like this back home. Maybe he would build his own garden when he returned, yes that seemed like a fine idea.<br><br>Rin continued along and he followed behind her at a close distance until they reached the center pavilion. A single bench was placed there, carved from exquisite marble stone. The princess took a seat and motioned for him to join her on the other side. Kale did so as he was bid, resting back on his hands for support when he was seated. <br>"This place...it is wonderful." He commented with a sense of awe, looking around from one plant to the other, the sky dimming gradually as the sunset came on. He looked to the princess, "I can sense it's spirit flowing through the air all around us. Is this your favorite place in all the palace?"<br><br>Ah, she wished him to ask question now. He'd best make it an interesting one. He paused thoughtfully and grinned back at the rather cute and formal royalty beside him, "Your grace. My question is simple enough. I would ask simply, 'who are you?' You see, I wish to know you completely. Your story, the tale of what it was like growing up in this enormous place. What you enjoy doing, what you wish to do with your future. Please, I wish to know more about you...Rin." he addressed her by her true name, dropping the formal approach of royalty and conversing as if they were natural friends. He slid slightly closer for more effect, showing that he was rather interested hearing what she had to say.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Bound By Honor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gnerdygirl</strong> on <strong>01-08-2014, 21:58:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Rin watched him admire her garden with a secret internal smile. Kale was quite endearing in his own way, and despite what she'd heard about him in battle, he seemed at least at the moment to be a gentle soul. She was taken aback, however, by his question and the way he moved closer to her on the narrow seat. How should she reply to him? She bit her lower lip momentarily as she thought this over and finally came up with a suitable response. <br><br>“Well, as you know, I am the youngest,” she said softly. She caught a glimpse of the corner of a maid's robe behind a nearby rhododendron and frowned stormily. Was there truly no such thing as privacy? “Excuse me, but a moment.” <br><br>Her features creased in displeasure as she stood and quickly crossed the little glade. All of her maids were clustered behind the huge blooming shrub, clearly eavesdropping. Rin folded her arms and tapped one small foot in the grass.<br><br>“You are all excused, as I am sure you have more important work to attend to right now.” Her voice was low and steady, not betraying the anger she felt boiling inside her. <br><br>This was not her father's work. He seemed to encourage herself and Kale to spend some time alone. Who had commanded these women to essentially stalk her in her own home? She watched the maids depart until she was fully satisfied that they were all indoors and well out of earshot. They all knew her almost as well as she knew herself, but she would not be fodder for palace gossip if she could help it.<br><br>She smoothed her expression to carefully polite neutrality as she returned to her seat. She offered Kale a slice of a smile. “I am so sorry about that.” She cleared her throat. “You wish to know who I am? You could always read my official biography in the palace libraries.”<br><br>A slight blush arose on her cheeks. She knew this was not the answer he sought, but without being outright rude, she knew no other way to avoid his question. <br><br>“What about you? You remain a mystery, aside from the tales of your adventures we have all heard. Can you tell me something about yourself I would not otherwise know?”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Bound By Honor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Emperor Darius</strong> on <strong>04-08-2014, 02:22:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kale felt that perhaps this was a chance to better to know the princess and a sense of hope opened up inside his heart. From simple observation he had of course deduced that she was rather shy at first meetings, but now maybe in a place she felt more at ease it would be easier to learn more about Rin. The priestess began to elaborate on her family for a moment, but paused after glancing just over his shoulder. Kale blinked and followed her gaze to the bushes far off behind him. "What is it?" he asked as Rin passed by him after excusing herself briefly. A small movement gave away the intruder. Or intruders as fate would have it. Kail strangely couldn't help but smile at the corner of his mouth. To think they were being spied on! Rin dismissed the house servants formally and returned. The warrior couldn't help but wonder if those maids were following on their own desires or maybe the Emperor had sent them to observe how Rin and Kail interacted. <br><br>Princess Rin returned to her seat and addressed him again. "Official biography?" Kail asked, a brow quirking with a light smile, "Forgive me princess, but I did not know that the library makes biography's on young maidens such as yourself. I suppose in my educations I've only learned about former leaders or other citizens of high regard who existed years ago. It seems I have my catching up to do on my reading." He suddenly realized he may be coming off a bit rude in saying such a thing to a princess and without thinking touched his hand over hers hoping to be reassuring, "Oh! Not that I won't take the time to read your biography princess, I surely will. But mayhaps sometime I would like to hear it from your lips personally..."<br><br>He saw a flicker in the bushes over Rin's shoulder now. His eyes darted to it momentarily, thinking it a bug of some sort, but he was very very wrong. The bright red eyes of the thunder spirit inside his sword was observing them. Observing? More like spying!! Kale blushed as he looked back down at his hand over Rin's and realized why Zen was so insistent with her encouragements towards him getting to know Rin better. It wasn't that the spirit wanted him to make a new friend in the princess, that naughty perverted ghost wanted to see them...see them...do lewd things!! How could he have been so ignorant? So foolish! Kale looked back up into the princesses eyes and held her gaze for a moment, hearing her question but not yet responding. His hand drew away gently and he looked downward to hide his guilt of liking the touch of skin to skin, "Pardon me your grace, it was but a slip..."<br>He'd better change the subject. <br><br>He returned to eye contact with princess Rin and smiled lightly, "Well...something you would not know of me...ah, yes. Like yourself princess, I too have dealings with spirits. You see my sword is enchanted and has been for some time. It is family relic that has been passed down generation to generation. Long ago, it was said that a terrible storm ravaged my peoples homesteads. The rain fell like diamonds from the sky, the lightning crashed and the thunder roared across the mountaintops. Soon a deep flood swept over the farms, sweeping away the trees and huts alike. Cattle was herded to higher ground, the people took refuge in a monastary up high on the mountain. But yet the flood continued to rise as the sands of time collected in the hourglass. Having enough, my ancestor made his way to the peak of the mountain and challenged the spirit of the storm to a duel. It was a valiant struggle, both sides deadlocked for the longest time. My ancestor would not relent and the spirit of the storm could not understand why the man would not give up in his useless struggle. In the end, my ancestor captured the power of the spirit into the sword that now resides in my room..." his eyes glared over to Zen, who was making obscene gestures with her hand and mouth, indicating of some sort of sexual act or profane insult his way, "...IN...My....ROOM....now...where it belongs..." he repeated again firmly, trying to get the message across to the troublesome spirit. <br><br>Zen snorted and disappeared into the bushes, leaving him to assume she had done as he secretly told her. Now that she was gone he return his attention back to the princess. His voice softened again, his smile returning, "Forgive me Rin, may I call you Rin? I guess I am still rather tired from my journey. It saddens me that we will not be traveling together but at least we have taken some time to talk. I hope someday I may be of use to you...in any way possible.." he rose up and bowed formally, "Good night princess. May you rest well." <br>He departed shortly after that, muttering to himself along the way as he trod down the halls looking left and right in case Zen tried to pull the wool over his eyes and hide again. It didn't matter, as long as he touched the sword she would have to return to him. He stormed into the bedroom and glared at the blade still sheathed inside it's square casing. <br>"Alright you! I've had it! This is all one big game to you isn't it? You're jealous because I'm spending a little bit of private time around the princess and you can't stand it! Come out here right now and let's talk this now!"<br><br>She did not come. The sword lay there silently in the chair. Kale grit his teeth and growled reaching for the hilt but paused halfway there. No, this was part of her game. She was in the sword, and she wanted him to draw her out so she could say he was the one instigating another fight. He would not fall for such trickery tonight, oh no! He crossed his arms and smirked, "Alright, fine. Have it your way. I'm not playing your little childish game. You can stay right in there all night for all I care, not one person in the palace can see you or hear you but me. So have fun with that!" <br>He stripped down after that, crawling into the cool silken white sheets and leaned over to the remaining candle, blowing it out before setting into the pillows for a good nights rest. He had great plans for tomorrow, though princess Rin wished he would not travel along with her, it didn't count if she technically didn't know he was there. Kale was determined to be dominant in this matter. He would keep his oath and protect the princess at all costs. He closed his eyes, enjoying the quiet and peace, leaving Zen to fume to herself in the swordcase. <br><br>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br><br>But Zen was not in the sword. <br><br>Oh the boy was predictable. He should have checked to be sure she had left the gardens. But he had not. He believed she was harmless and couldn't possibly cause any sort of mischief. But he had overlooked something rather important. There was someone else here who would be able to see her, and even converse with her. <br><br>Zen had followed Princess Rin back to her private chambers, observing from afar and out of sight. This was an interesting little princess. So formal, so bound to ceremony. Kale couldn't see it because he was too tied down with honor and being naive. But Zen saw it. It was practically sitting right in there, just begging to be released. Zen had seen it in the gardens when Kale had touched Rin's hand. She'd even seen it during their first meeting. The princess had another side she wasn't even aware of. She had not experienced what life had to offer on the other side of formality. Zen would plant the seed to bring those two together and one way or another find just what was needed to do so. The thunder spirit watched Rin crawl into bed, a devilish smirk coming to the corner of her mouth. <br><em>Oh I love it when I'm naughty...</em>she mused to herself gleefully. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Bound By Honor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gnerdygirl</strong> on <strong>05-08-2014, 03:18:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Rin blushed furiously as Kale settled his hand over her own. It had been ages since she'd had any sort of contact with a person who wasn't a family member or servant. Perhaps it was the last time she'd had a public appearance and was presented with flowers by a little girl, who wrapped her arms instinctively around the princess' neck before being dragged away by a pair of guards. And that had been almost a year ago.<br><br>When he bade her farewell she was left speechless. She wasn't sure how to say goodbye to him, since she in all honesty did not want to. So she simply watched him go from her seat in the growing darkness. It was a few minutes before she collected herself enough to return to her rooms. Such a simple touch had left her all... flustered. <br><br>Rin's maids were wise enough to leave their mistress alone this evening, and for the first time she could recall, it was up to her to ready herself for bed on her own. She went to her dressing room and left her robes crumpled in the floor as she stripped down to bare skin. She grinned to herself as she made her way into her bedroom, completely naked and shivering in the chill of the late summer evening. She had no idea which of the countless drawers and wardrobes held her night clothes so she would simply improvise. It was scandalous to be running around even in her private apartments with no clothes on. She wrapped one of the silk sheets from her bed around her torso, just beneath her armpits, and was satisfied that she was decent enough at least for her own company.<br><br>Embers smoldered in the fireplace even this time of year so the princess could have her tea hot whenever she pleased. Her rooms were so cavernous that the small heat from the fire did nothing to warm up the surrounding area. Nonetheless, she found the coals comforting and sat down on the rug before the hearth to think.<br><br>It wasn't long before her head began to nod and she stretched out on one side, telling herself she'd only rest for a few moments. Moments turned into several minutes and suddenly the princess was completely asleep, snoring softly and pillowing her head on one arm.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Bound By Honor</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Emperor Darius</strong> on <strong>05-08-2014, 04:46:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Not long after Princess Zen had drifted off into sleep did the thunder spirit maiden emerge from her hiding place. Her bare feet walked softly and silently across the carpeted floor. She approached the princess, studying the creature with her placid crimson eyes. She looked to the fireplace and observed the coals so softly burning away. A smile at the corner of her mouth formed. "Burning ever so quietly..." she spoke to herself out loud, but quietly. She ran her thin long fingers through a golden lock of her hair, smoothing it back along her cute small ear. Her gaze moved to the resting princess, "...let us stoke the flames and melt that ice of yours..."<br><br>Kneeling down beside Rin, Zen titled her head to the side and watched the way the light from the fire reflected danced across the girls skin. Such beautiful pale skin, so tranquil, so serene. Zen slowly extended her hand, trailing her fingertips and touching them to Rin's arm laying along her side. Ever so lightly she dragged her fingers along, tracing absently while her gazed turned to the girls face. She smiled softly and lowered her head down to Rin's ear, whispering, "...and may this all be just a dream when morning doth come..." <br><br>Slowly her lips brushed to a close against Rin's ear, Zen smiled and moved closer, touching another kiss to the jaw, until her nose was touching Rin's own. Her fingers came to the girls jaw, carefully stroking along the cheek. With a naughty smile Zen moved her lips against Rin's, brushing a slow sensual kiss into the princess. She could feel the girl starting to stir. Yes, her hunch had been correct. Rin was a spirit priestess and despite not knowing it she was capable of interacting with spirits. But this was not about spiritual work. <br>This was about something else entirely. <br><br>Zen continued to shower Rin's skin with small pecks of the lips, her thick thigh slowly sliding up between Rin's legs. The spirit maiden melted her lips over the princesses neck and into the collarbone. Her hand smoothed along the girls arm and behind her back, stroking along the formation of the shoulderblades. The skin was already warming and Zen could feel it. Her fingertips flowed along Rin's form against the sheet, smoothing over her sides and up against her bosom, kneading at the breast lightly. <br><br>The coals in the fire began to glow a little brighter, almost as if reacting to the mood of the room. Perhaps the energy between the two was affecting the flames as if to symbolize what was happening with their two souls. <br><br>Zen opened her eyes and looked up into the Rins face, sliding her body up along the others sensually. She waited until Zen had opened her eyes and smiled innocently, "...Hello there...Rin...my name is Zen...do you like what I am doing to you?"&nbsp; 
			</dd>
		</dl>
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