War, Revisited
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Human Solos =&gt; Topic started by: Sho on 21-02-2009, 03:57:26</h2>
		<dl id="posts">
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>War, Revisited</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sho</strong> on <strong>21-02-2009, 03:57:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It had been a long, long day. Mori Ranmaru was more than thankful to be able to retire to his Lord Nobunaga's rooms for dinner. While it had mostly been a day of conventional socialization, there was a war lingering on the horizon, a war that his lord was leading and winning. Ranmaru often grew tired of having to listen to the opinions of other men, as Nobunaga was by far the wisest in his mind. It was also time-consuming - hours spent over tea in order to discuss money and weaponry. What Ranmaru craved was the rush of battle and the spill of blood, and most of all, the thrill of keeping Nobunaga safe from any fatal injuries.<br><br>The lanterns around the great castle had been lit, and Nobunaga's quarters had been similarly arranged. Ranmaru had gone to get a pitcher of sake, holding the burning liquid with a cloth, tightly gripped between his long fingers. He passed by a large basin of water and bent over it momentarily, making certain that he looked presentable to see Nobunaga. <br><br>His tumbling black hair was brushed back as it always was, secured tightly, held back from his pale face. As in the ukiyoe prints that had been drawn of him and that were passed around by ladies, his skin was white as moonlight, hair darker than the ink of a calligraphy set. His lashes were equally long, accentuating the swoop of his eyes, the inky darkness that was usually so cold and only seemed to light, ever so slightly, when he was around Nobunaga. He was rather tall, though not more so than the man he served. <br><br>He hurried down the hall, not only not wanting to keep Nobunaga waiting, but also not wanting to leave him alone. It made him terribly anxious to leave the man that he was supposed to guard. He knelt outside the sliding shoji screen doors that separated him from Nobunaga at the moment. He knew that dinner had already been left for the two of them, but Mori was one to observe tradition, and he paused outside the door so that he would not interrupt Nobunaga if the man didn't want him to come in quite yet. <br><br>His deep, rich robes fell around him. Layers of darker blue upon pristine white silk, Ranmaru had an uncanny ability to keep his robes unstained unless he was in the heat of battle. The golden crests of the Nobunanga family decorated his silk, woven in to show that he had an utter loyalty to the man that he served. "Nobunaga-san, may I come in?"<br><br>Voice smooth, rich, he spoke quietly so as not to startle Nobunaga but loud enough that the other man would certainly be able to hear him. <br><br>The sake was about to burn his fingers, and he did hope that he would be given permission to enter, though he didn't doubt it. He had been serving Nobunaga since a young age and the man had a great tolerance for Mori, probably helped by the fact that he had seen the young man grow into the proud warrior that he was.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: War, Revisited</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Violence</strong> on <strong>21-02-2009, 04:09:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				There are some people who go their entire lives without really commanding a pressense.&nbsp; There are a powerful few who can instantly pull respect from the hearts of those who sit with them in a room.&nbsp; Then there are those rare individuals who cast an aura of themselves around anything they touch.&nbsp; Everything in their lives becomes a tribute to them.&nbsp; These are men who transcend the rank of King or Daimyou... men who truly earn the title of Lord.<br><br>"Enter," his voice was smooth like silk but firm as steel, a man forged as elegantly as the finest of Masamune's swords.<br><br>Oda Nobunaga.&nbsp; They called him the demon lord.&nbsp; Those who knew his name either feared him or loved him.&nbsp; Most who knew the man did both.&nbsp; Those who did not serve him were obsticles more than threats.&nbsp; Minor annoyances at their worst, and welcome diversions at their best.<br><br>When Ranmaru would enter, he would see the nobleman in the finest of kimono as he sat behind an empty plate.&nbsp; Nobunaga always took dinner with his wife, but he enjoyed the process of watching young Ranmaru eat...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: War, Revisited</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sho</strong> on <strong>21-02-2009, 04:33:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ranmaru smiled and came in. The smile was barely there, just barely, but to the man who knew him so well he would be able to tell it was there on the young man who was just now starting to grow into himself. Nobunaga had been there with him as he grew through his awkward teen years, and as he now, finally, blossomed into the incredibly handsome young man he had become. If there had not been the driving force of his loyalty to Nobunaga and his own intelligence, he might have seemed a rather delicate boy, but he had grown into his body and rather than look delicate he merely looked exotic, his strong but quiet personality lending a coolness that most men his age didn't have. <br><br>When given permission, he opened the door, then shut it behind him. He bowed low before Nobunaga before approaching, setting the sake on the table in front of the man so that he could at least have something to whet his thirst, though he would eat later with his wife. <br><br>Ranmaru came and sat next to Nobunaga, though not too close, maintaining a respectful distance. <br><br>He folded his long robes beneath him, moving the immaculate silk to cover him properly, dark hair held back by a matching strip of colored silk. <br><br>He sighed softly, and then picked up his chopsticks, moving with the same formality that he always did. He picked up his favorite foods - a delicious chicken, vegetables, all over a thick bed of rice - and began eating. He always ate slowly, for fear of making himself look like a fool, taking a thoughtful bite and then swallowing it. <br><br>"How are the plans going with the war, Nobunaga-san?" He looked up, dark eyes honestly curious, offering another small smile for his lord. The man had a presence that always seemed to...encapsulate him. He felt safe when he was around his lord, as though the older man had some sort of great power that would allow him to be around forever. "You've been winning many battles. Let me pour you some sake...you must be thrilled with everything that has been happening."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: War, Revisited</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Violence</strong> on <strong>21-02-2009, 05:06:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nobunaga smirked at Ranmaru's question, "So familiar tonight, Ranmaru," he taunted at Ranmaru's use of the honorific "san" as opposed to "dono" which was appropriate for his position.&nbsp; There was nothing particularly threatening about Nobunaga's tone, despite the potential dishonor that could have been percieved, it was more like he was just taunting the boy.&nbsp; Still, Nobunaga never used any honorifics when referring to the boy, which could have been percieved as insulting as well.&nbsp; It was almost like impling that the boy didn't exist if not for Nobunaga's desire for him to do so...<br><br>"The war proceeds," he didn't specify whether it was proceeding well or with hardship, "It isn't your concern.&nbsp; The safety of your lord is all that you should worry about," he said smoothly.&nbsp; He liked reminding people of their place, even if it was primarily in jest... it served to enforce his position over them.<br><br>(( sorry it's so short... @_@ ))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: War, Revisited</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sho</strong> on <strong>21-02-2009, 05:21:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ranmaru's smile widened, showing a brief flash of teeth, stifling it with a bite of vegetables, swallowing it down. "I'm sorry, Nobunaga-dono," But he didn't sound sorry at all. He was equally as playful, despite the fact that he was notably younger than Nobunaga, and of a much lower position. He poured Nobunaga a generous portion of sake, and then served himself, always serving himself second in order to show deference to the older man. His dark hair fell over a shoulder, nearly down to his waist. Usually Ranmaru had the long hair tied back and up, away from his neck, but he was going to bathe later tonight before he retired to the rooms that were close to Nobunaga's. Now it was almost entirely loose, having grown much longer since the last time Nobunaga saw it down. He ate somewhat smaller portions, but when it came to desert, he had no abandon whatsoever. <br><br>He nodded when told that the safety of his lord was all he should worry about, "Of course, my lord. You are right, as always." <br><br>He had a great love of sweets, and it showed, having always been a bit of a joke between the two men. He pulled a generous portion of a red-bean cake lathered in peach syrup towards him, taking a large bite, letting out a soft moan of pleasure as the taste exploded on his tongue. He swallowed it down and took a second bite, smiling, "Are you sure that you don't want any? It's delicious." <br><br>He folded his long legs, shifting them so they would be more comfortable, licking some syrup off of his chopsticks and then took another bite. "I've finally mastered the Shinsengochyou technique," He told Nobunaga with a nod, knowing that the man would be pleased. It was a swordsmanship technique that Mori had found quite difficult to master, one that he had finally been able to take control of in the past few days.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: War, Revisited</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Violence</strong> on <strong>21-02-2009, 05:38:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I've already eaten," he replied very casually and very matter of factly.&nbsp; This was more about his entertainment than his nutrition.&nbsp; There was something very sensual about watching a pet eat.&nbsp; He took another serving of sake as he watched with amusement.&nbsp; When Ranmaru boasted of his accomplishments, Nobunaga grinned with an unseemly pride, "You continue to impress me, Ranmaru," he said, almost seductively.&nbsp; He sat very still, and very precise.&nbsp; Very quiet.&nbsp; But with what appeared to be worlds of thought spinning behind his eyes.&nbsp; Poetry and logistics.&nbsp; Tactics and ceremony.&nbsp; The traditional past and the modernized future.&nbsp; Japan was behind the times with the rest of the world, still engaging in combat with swords and armor while the rest of the world was beginning to mechanize...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: War, Revisited</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sho</strong> on <strong>21-02-2009, 06:08:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ranmaru couldn't help but let a grin cover his face when the man said that he continued to impress him, "Thank you, Nobunaga-dono," He murmured, bowing low once again from his already-bent position. He loved knowing that the older man was impressed by what he was learning, especially because the older man was the one who was paying for all of it, who was financing his continued education. <br><br>He turned back to his cake, rather easily distracted by the food in front of him, taking a large bite and finishing off the serving of cake. He picked up a bean bun, one of his favorite things to eat, lounging back because he knew that he could be slightly more casual in these private moments. He was sore from a day of practice, and once he had finished his bean bun as well, he sat up and looked up at Nobunaga, not having missed the somewhat sexual tone with which the man praised him. <br><br>"I found this, today...a girl dropped it and became so flustered that she ran off without it," He said, laughing softly. His voice hadn't dropped to be deep yet, and was instead a mellow alto tone, only accentuated by the softness of his words. He drew out a poster that had been drawn of him, almost like a trading card, and held it out with a flourish. "It's supposed to be me..." He laughed, seeing that the drawing had his long, white legs mostly revealed as though a wind had caught his kimono, elaborate hair flowing behind him, "Though I doubt that I look like that. Funny, hm?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: War, Revisited</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Violence</strong> on <strong>22-02-2009, 05:43:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He listened to the boys anecdote with serene interest, hanging on every word more intently and patiently than one might expect of a Lord.&nbsp; When he was finally handed the etching that had been the source of the story, he seemed disinterested at first, but there was the faint shadow of a smirk hidden beneath his features.&nbsp; It might have been hard to see at first, but those who were close to him could tell when he was pleased.<br><br>"I agree.&nbsp; It looks nothing like you," he said.&nbsp; His tone suggested nothing unflattering about the comment, as if he were merely stating fact.&nbsp; After a brief eternity he added, "It hardly does you justice, Ranmaru."<br><br>With a quick rise from his position he took a breath and turned to look at the rising moon, "When you're finished eating, you must show me this mastery you've attained over a new technique," he insisted.&nbsp; Commanding really, more than requesting.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: War, Revisited</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sho</strong> on <strong>22-02-2009, 06:35:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ranmaru looked down at the drawing and nodded, agreeing that it didn't look like him, hoping that he didn't have such...delicate features. The women would have called the finely-honed features refined but it ran amuck of feminine in his mind. Nobunaga seemed to like it, though, and his white cheeks turned pink when told that the picture hardly did him justice. The smile could not have gone unnoticed, his lovely lips parted to show his white teeth, taking a small bite of what was left of his cake. He left the piece unfinished as he got up, coming to stand behind Nobunaga, that smile still on his young face. He was near Nobunaga's height, now, and the moonlight mingled the fine silk of their kimonos together, the hems overlapping as he stood close behind him. <br><br>He placed a small, long-fingered hand on Nobunaga's shoulder, just resting it there for a moment longer than was proper so that he could feel the warmth of the man's skin under the thick silk. "Would you like to see me practice my technique? I've finally got it down properly." He almost didn't want to pull away, content to just look up at the moonlight. <br><br>He pulled away, then, and picked up his sword. <br><br>He waited for Nobunaga to look up at him, then the sword came out in a streak of light, flashing up through the air and suddenly twisting, facing down, before ending with it pointing away from his body and bracing it with his hand. It seemed simple enough, a move Nobunaga himself would have learned, but it required incredible dexterity and years of training to be able to maintain the right angles. He sheathed the sword, then, and cast eager eyes upward. "I could still use some practice, but...I've improved."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: War, Revisited</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Violence</strong> on <strong>24-02-2009, 06:09:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He gave no response to the hand upon his shoulder.&nbsp; No attention, no dissention.&nbsp; Nothing possitive or negative.&nbsp; In reality, he didn't much care to be touched... preferring to be the one doing the touching.&nbsp; It was perfectly within his desires to invade and conquer others, but he was very guarded about himself.&nbsp; Still, he let the gesture go, without so much as a word.&nbsp; "Form is one aspect, Ranmaru," he addressed the boy's demonstration of his technique, "But can you execute it in practice?" He said.&nbsp; His face was blank and almost without expression, but there was a definite arrogance to his tone as he spoke.&nbsp; It was always there.&nbsp; Reminding others of their place.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: War, Revisited</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sho</strong> on <strong>24-02-2009, 16:12:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ranmaru looked up and sheathed his sword once again, nodding cautiously, "I've practiced often enough that I would feel comfortable using it in combat." He sat down, then, exhausted after the long day of practicing and of running about doing Nobunaga's wishes. He finished what was left of his small cake and then looked out the window, coming to stand near Nobunaga, "Are you going to the baths tonight, after you eat with your wife? If you do, I'll be there." He smiled, "It might help relax you a bit. I'll massage your shoulders, if you'd like." He was referring to the hotsprings that they used to wash themselves off when they were tired or injured or just sore, because the hotsprings were wonderful for tired muscles and for getting clean.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: War, Revisited</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Violence</strong> on <strong>25-02-2009, 06:29:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"That sounds like an excellent idea, Ranmaru," he said with a faint yawn that didn't seem to stretch or alter his serene features.&nbsp; He stepped from their dining area more fully into the courtyard (I don't know what they're called in Japanese castels ^.^;; ).&nbsp; In a few months his feet would fall entirely on the stone walk way that would take him through the garden.&nbsp; But for now there was a distinct crunch of the last and most tenacious snow of winter beneath his feet.<br><br>The season had been particularly harsh and he was anxious to get back to the battlefield.&nbsp; A trip to the hotsprings, if nothing else, would revitalize him and give him time to reflect on exactly what ambition he held.&nbsp; Besides, the idea of walking through the town pleased him.&nbsp; There was a vibrance about the evenings on the first days of spring.&nbsp; Before the peasants could really tend to their fields late into the evening, but starting to get moderate enough that they need not lock themselves up near the stove all night, either...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: War, Revisited</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sho</strong> on <strong>25-02-2009, 22:37:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				When his lord was ready, he walked slowly after him, trailing after the older man. He was completely content to just follow him, looking up at the moon as they headed down the road towards the local hotsprings. The hotsprings were beautiful at night, their slender twists of pools coming together into one large one. Most were separated by some fragile screens balanced atop the rocky crags that the springs were bubbling out of. When they arrived, he ducked in front of his lord, announcing their presence and clearing the way for them. Being that it was Nobunaga and Ranmaru, they were given a small, beautiful pool surrounded almost all the way around by wild bamboo, and on the other side by a screen, separating them from the rest of the crowds.<br><br>Ranmaru used his own pocket money to pay their way, "It's my treat, Nobunaga-dono." He said with a smile. His family allowance was quite generous, given to him by Nobunaga, and he felt that it was the least he could do. <br><br>When they were shown to the private bath, he smiled, taking off his heavy outer kimono. Wearing just a thin, mostly sheer under-robe, he reached up and helped remove and fold the heavy, ornate kimono Nobunaga was wearing, careful and reverent with the robes as he always was. He then slipped into the water, shedding his white robe as he went, now naked, though the cloudy water hid him from the waist down. His heavy hair created a fan in the water, brushing over the swell of his ass and then disappearing in the water. "Come in, the water's fantastic..." He murmured, using a tortise-shell hair comb that had previously been pinning his hair up and using it to brush out his near waist-length hair.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: War, Revisited</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Violence</strong> on <strong>01-03-2009, 09:53:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				How foolish of Ranmaru to hand them money, Oda thought with an internal feeling somewhere between a sigh and a chuckle.&nbsp; As if anyone in Nobunaga's territory was going to imply that he pay for any service they would provide him.&nbsp; He provided them with protection, with order... it was their duty to offer their loyalty and fielty as he saw fit.<br><br>Still, if the boy felt some need to hand away his own money to the peasantry, what did Nobunaga care?<br><br>He didn't undress himself as he made his way to the water.&nbsp; The onsen mistress and her daughter took to the duty instead, both very sure not to look him in the eye.&nbsp; He placed his hand on the daughter's chin and gave her a look that would probably be something to have made Ranmaru jealous, but he said nothing to her and ignored her as she went away.<br><br>Even walking into the hot water was a gesture as magnificent as conquering a castle for him, and he handled it with all the same nobility.&nbsp; Not even making the slightest tinge at the immensely hot water even as it began to touch the sensetive areas of his sex as it disappeared into the steam...<br><br>(( sorry it took me so long, I lost the link... ^.^;; ))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: War, Revisited</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sho</strong> on <strong>02-03-2009, 02:56:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ranmaru liked helping the peasants out. They already had to pay for so much, so he didn't mind giving a bit of money. He tried to ignore the look that Nobunaga gave to the daughter of the onsen's owner, but it was hard to ignore it when he wanted Nobunaga all for himself. He was only just starting to understand his feelings, but he did know one thing...he did not want the older man to be with other people. Sexually, at least. He spent so much time around the older man, he just wanted to have Nobunaga notice him the way that he noticed Nobunaga. <br><br>Ranmaru looked away as the older man slipped into the steaming water, though he wanted to look up, trying his hardest not to look at the man's sex as he slipped into the water. Only when he was certain that Nobunaga was covered by steam did he look up. <br><br>He took out a comb, and began combing his long hair out, soaking it in the water, rinsing it. <br><br>His hair fanned out behind him, absolutely beautiful, accentuating just how white Ranmaru's skin really was. "Would you like me to wash your hair as well, Nobunaga-san?" He asked, using the more familiar term now that they were in the private bath together, his own hair heavy, thick and shining with water.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: War, Revisited</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Violence</strong> on <strong>02-03-2009, 03:24:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"A beautiful thing should not avert it's eyes just for the presence of a regal form, don't you agree Ranmaru?" was he talking about the girl that had just left, or the fact that Ranmaru had seemed to avoid looking at him as he enterred the water?<br><br>For a moment as he sat where he stopped as if he were just going to rest as if stopping upon his throne back at the palace.&nbsp; After a long inhaling of the hot air, however, he let out a powerful sighing breath as if to push the tension out of him, his back relaxing and leaning against the hard stones.&nbsp; One hand reached up to spread the hot water over his beard, "You may, if you so desire, Ranmaru," the question had been posed to Nobonuaga as a favor of admiration... he had given his response in the form of letting Ranmaru have some rare privelege...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: War, Revisited</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sho</strong> on <strong>02-03-2009, 05:21:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ranmaru didn't answer the question, not wanting to sound presumptuous as to who Nobunaga was speaking about, but he did indeed look up at the older man as he settled into the water. Ranmaru waited anxiously for the answer to his question, wondering if he could actually touch the man's hair, then grinning when told he could. He took up his comb and then some of the scented soaps that he was supposed to use. He started using the soaps, massing his long fingers over Nobunaga's scalp, rubbing his temple with his long, cool fingers, massaging him to release stress, then taking the comb out. After rubbing some oils to condition Nobunaga's hair in, he used a comb to begin combing through the long hair of his master.<br><br>He spent a good twenty minutes just combing his long hair out, enjoying the feel of the man's hair between his fingers. When he was satisfied that Nobunaga's hair was fully prepared, he turned to his own, drawing his hair over his shoulder and beginning to brush it out as well. <br><br>He turned to watch Nobunaga, over his shoulder, sitting next to the man.<br><br>He was so akin to a geisha, then, his long and dark hair falling over a remarkably slender frame. He hadn't quite grown into his total manliness, yet, and he smiled faintly at Nobunaga. His lips were cherry red, parted slightly as he combed his hair out entirely, letting it fall in one thick rope of hair over his left shoulder. "Would you like me to massage your back as well, Nobunaga-dono?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: War, Revisited</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Violence</strong> on <strong>03-03-2009, 05:40:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The head of the Oda clan rested into Ranmaru as attention was given to his hair, he seemed so relaxed and comfortable.&nbsp; As if he were completely alone.&nbsp; As if Ranmaru were more an extension of himself than another individual in the room.&nbsp; The comfort also came with the knowledge that Ranmaru was his most trusted of subjects... the only man in all of his kingdom that he did not once question the willingness of him to die for Nobunaga's ambition or desires.&nbsp; Nothing was a danger to him as long as Ranmaru was aware of the surroundings...<br><br>He was asked another question and gave a smirk that, from his position, Ranmaru would only be able to see reflected in the foggy ripples fo the water.&nbsp; Once again he replied simply and cooly, "You may, if you so desire, Ranmaru..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: War, Revisited</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sho</strong> on <strong>03-03-2009, 12:34:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ranmaru began running his hands over Nobunaga's back, and his movements were careful, hands strong enough to massage away the stress that had accumulated there. He always kept an ear and an eye on his surroundings, making sure that no one was going to sneak up on his lord and hurt the older man. He would never let that happen. He would give everything to keep Nobunaga safe, including his life, more than willingly. He saw himself merely as an unworthy extension of the man who was nearly twice his age. <br><br>He ran his fingers down Nobunaga's spine, slick with water, knuckles easing the tension out of each knot and muscle on the man's back. He was content to do this for nearly forty minutes, loving the excuse he was given to touch Nobunaga, taking a bit longer than he actually needed to do the job. <br><br>He finally pulled away, though it seemed a bit reluctant, looking up at Nobunaga as he dipped under the water to rinse himself off.<br><br>He came up, letting the sheets of water break over him, steam rising from his body as he moved back to sit next to his master. "Is there anything else that I can do for you, my lord?"<br><br>He wished there was a way that he could touch more of Nobunaga's skin, and though he tried to be subtle, he was young and the way his eyes occasionally flicked over his master's body gave him away. He had never really understood sexuality. All of his compatriots were out chasing the kimono tails of other girls, while he stayed around Nobunaga, much happier to touch that many than any woman who tried to wiggle her way into his bed.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: War, Revisited</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Violence</strong> on <strong>04-03-2009, 08:23:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He was still and silent as the water while Ranmaru gave the expert attention to the areas he needed.&nbsp; Not a word of protest or encouragement.&nbsp; A conundrum.&nbsp; A mystery that Ranmaru... that anyone, perhaps even the Lord himself... had yet to fully solve.&nbsp; There was no sound or sign of regret when Ranmaru pulled his hands away, but neither did he seem to become any more pleased.&nbsp; Perhaps nothing in the world really phased him?<br><br>For a moment he gave no answer to Ranmaru's question, as if it took a while to roll around in his brain.&nbsp; Through the fog and haze created by the atmosphere, "Is there something that you would like to do for me, Ranmaru?" he asked in response.&nbsp; His voice quiet but still somehow managing to reverberate, the masculine but elegant bass to it very evident... perhaps more so when he whisperred.<br><br>His eyes were closed, and were one to see him it would be easy to assume that he were asleep.&nbsp; His chest very slowly and very easily rising in the hot water, breathing in the steam.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: War, Revisited</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sho</strong> on <strong>04-03-2009, 17:07:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ranmaru wished that he could read the older man, wished that he was able to figure out what, exactly, he was supposed to do. He had no idea what he was supposed to do in order to man Nobunaga happy or even upset, the older man's ability to hide his emotions something that he both respected and hated. <br><br>He shivered, though, when those slow words crept out of Nobunaga's mouth. He almost said what he wanted to do, almost, then caught himself before he made himself look like a fool. <br><br>His eyes darted around to make sure that absolutely no one was near.<br><br>"I only do as my lord wishes me to," He murmured in a deferential response, "But if there is...<em>anything</em> my lord would like me to do, then I would do it for him."<br><br>There. Simple enough to interpret, though the other man didn't have to take it as a sexual come-on...it could just be, simply, him speaking about his loyalty to his lord. So he told himself, at least. He watched the serene, relaxed state Nobunaga was in, smiling ever so slightly.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: War, Revisited</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Violence</strong> on <strong>05-03-2009, 00:22:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				There was a sound that escaped from Nobunaga.&nbsp; It may have been a single beat chuckle.&nbsp; It might have just been a cough.&nbsp; Whatever it had been, it preceeded a long and satisfied sigh, "For now, sit here, Ranmaru," every time Nobunaga said the boy's name it was accented.&nbsp; Always spoken elegantly, the way one reads poetry.&nbsp; As if he savoured the flavor of it on his lips.<br><br>It was most important that the boy was loyal, obviously.&nbsp; But he had chosen his companion very specifically.&nbsp; Talent was another consideration, there were few as skilled as Ranmaru with a weapon... and the ones that were, typically Nobunaga put on the front lines.&nbsp; But beauty had been the deciding factor.&nbsp; He could have made Ranmaru a general... like Akechi or Hideyoshi.&nbsp; But one did not waste a flower by staining it with blood.<br><br>No.&nbsp; Like fine art, he kept the boy close to him.&nbsp; It would be painful, in it's own way, to lose him to something tragic.&nbsp; Though perhaps not as tragic as if the world were to lose him, he thought narcisisticly.&nbsp; The boy was like wine... he would have him, but only when the timing suited him...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: War, Revisited</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sho</strong> on <strong>05-03-2009, 00:46:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Yes, Nobunaga-dono." He murmured, sinking back into the water, sitting next to Nobunaga. Their arms brushed each other, his eyes shut, dark hair floating about him, some across Nobunaga's arm as he sank down to chin-deep in the water. The steam helped clear the headache he had been developing, feeling even better now that the water was soaking through and onto him. His pale skin seemed to glow even compared to Nobunaga's, whiter than most of the women at court, like an ukiouye painting.<br><br>He smiled, just faintly, then rested back on the hot stones. He reached up behind him, getting some scented salts that had been treated for good health and soft skin, sprinkling them liberally within the waters. Scented clouds of steam rose above them, and he shut his eyes.<br><br>It was so nice to just relax. <br><br>He was drifting off to sleep, trying not to, but he was relatively young and the heat made him sleepy. "Oh," He murmured, suddenly remembering something, "My mother wanted me to speak to you about arranging a marriage. She wanted to see if you would approve of my marrying Chikehashi's daughter." He truly didn't want to. <br><br>"Maybe...you can tell her no." He finally ventured after a pregnant silence, "I'd really prefer not to marry her. She's whiny and thinks too highly of herself." And one of the most beautiful women at court, from a family of good if not amazing family. She was delicate and what a woman should be. And Ranmaru had absolutely no interest in her, particularly because she was a woman.
			</dd>
		</dl>
		<div id="footer" class="smalltext">
			
			<span class="smalltext" style="display: inline; visibility: visible; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?action=credits" title="Simple Machines Forum" target="_blank" class="new_win">SMF 2.0.19</a> |
 <a href="https://www.simplemachines.org/about/smf/license.php" title="License" target="_blank" class="new_win">SMF © 2021</a>, <a href="https://www.simplemachines.org" title="Simple Machines" target="_blank" class="new_win">Simple Machines</a>
			</span>
		</div>