Zeure
Crane Clan
Crane Clan ? Samurai ? Duelist ? Artisan ? Guardian of Metal ? Unique
Posts: 826
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Post by Zeure on Nov 25, 2011 18:54:55 GMT -5
[OOC]Welcome to the next chapter of our dreamwalking adventures, readers. In this thread you will find our young shugenja Tamihei Yun again seeking to converse with the lady Haruka, this time by choice rather than mishap. A fair warning: this thread may contain adult material, if you don't want to read intimate moments, then you may want to skip on this one. I have no solid plans regarding that point, but be ye fairly warned.[/OOC] Time would pass as Yun waited for Haruka to fall to sleep. He had already prepared the ritual that allowed him the passage into another person's dreams. Similarly to before, Yun was faced towards Kyuden Bayushi; but before he sought out the champion, Bayushi Senshi. Now he sought Bayushi Haruka to continue their previous discussion. As she fell to sleep, he finally found her doors which were slowly opening. He was fidgeting in place, almost jumping as he waited for the doors to open fully. This dark in-between space had never seemed more oppressive, or at least, Yun had never wanted to leave it so badly. Finally the door opened completely and Yun floated in. Out of the black dreamy aether of Haruka's mind, Yun fashioned a grassy hillside. He adorned this hill with a single verdantly green tree. The grass grew right up to the roots, and there was a healthiness to it. There was a field of blue flowers that seemed to reflect the light of the full moon that shown. [OOC]If you really want to know what the scene looks like, please click THIS LINK and then go to 4:31 and pause it. Maybe advance forward or backward a bit to get the gist of it. But I'm only talking about that hill right there.[/OOC] Right next to the tree there was a small table that already had tea prepared on it, though it was a much more ornate set than what Yun had been using in the real world. He sat and waited for her to drift in.
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Nov 25, 2011 20:00:03 GMT -5
It would not take long at all for Haruka to make her entrance. But more astonishingly she didn't seem to appear as she had before. Where her mind had once been more relaxed and something beautiful to look on, her form in her dream had become even more hardened than before.
Slowly the hoof beats betrayed her presence, the steed moving along with closed eyes as if it knew the grounds from memory, Haruka's form perched atop as always. The detail of her form started to filter in, heavily armored, wearing even a battle kabuto over her head wrap as though she was en route to a battle. Her swords displayed at her side as well.
Her gaze already had fallen on him as she approached, nothing but a sadness reflected in her eyes, in her aura.
"So we meet again, Yun-san. I trust Shoju sent along the message that I hoped he would, so that you might contact me sooner. Your presence here was... necessary."
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Zeure
Crane Clan
Crane Clan ? Samurai ? Duelist ? Artisan ? Guardian of Metal ? Unique
Posts: 826
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Post by Zeure on Nov 25, 2011 20:36:41 GMT -5
As the hoof beats got closer, Yun raised his head from the tea glass that he had been looking at moments before. As she got closer and Yun could have a moment to inspect her he took her in and noticed the change in her character. His eyes stared into hers and she could see the joy drain out of his face.
"My lady, what..."
Yun bowed deeply to her but never lost eye contact.
"Shoju-sama has told me no such thing, but rather my eagerness to see you brought me all the sooner. I... I have thought often of our previous...meeting..."
The thought hung there for a moment.
"But I'm needed? I said before that you need but ask, and I will try to fulfill your wishes. Please go on."
He never lost eye contact with her. He was trying to determine what it was that was bothering her, but he couldn't just ask, not yet.
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Nov 25, 2011 20:50:20 GMT -5
She grumbled, putting a finger up to lower the front of her mask and expose her face fully. Haruka seemed to have bite marks on the inside of her lower lip, a minor detail that only further proved her anxiety as she mulled over things in her mind.
"Well either way, I'm glad to have seen you and not the other dream visitor spirit in your place. I needed to speak with you." She dismounted her beast as it went away with relative ease, simply grazing nearby and keeping an eye on the two, though its eyes remained shut. "I apologize for the harshness in my tone. The evening's events have been rather stressful for me as you can imagine, and your well being has become a rather important point in my mind."
She unstrapped the leather holdings on the kabuto and practically threw it away as it carelessly rolled across the grass. Her tension made the air thick, and she was milling around the situation far too much. Haruka held her head in some silent shame, as she knew it too. She couldn't linger in silence for long though, she realized, as this would only cause dread. Though the reality of the situation might not ease the fear as much, hence her hesitancy.
Her gaze lifted lightly as she looked into his face steadily. "I'm sorry Yun-san. I know my behavior is anything but normal, but I've come to understand that there is a great deal of danger surrounding these next few days. Many lives may be at risk..." She paused, purposefully. "Mine included."
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Zeure
Crane Clan
Crane Clan ? Samurai ? Duelist ? Artisan ? Guardian of Metal ? Unique
Posts: 826
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Post by Zeure on Nov 25, 2011 21:02:37 GMT -5
Yun's head perked up at the mention of another dream walker, but it was clear that he had something to say to that. Rokugani conversation dicatated that he wait for her to finish before he did.
However at the mention of ther being a danger to her life, all past thought of Sprinkles was pushed from his mind. He swallowed hard and then spoke:
"My lady... What is putting you in danger?"
There was a new look to his eyes. One of a fiery determination.
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Nov 25, 2011 21:21:43 GMT -5
Haruka proceeded, coming and kneeling across from him, still bearing her heavy armor and weapons as she did. Her hands rested on her upper legs, bringing her whole form into a calm symmetrical shape. A familiar pose struck by high ranking military people as they addressed maps or important people.
Her more intimate motions were quiet, and hard to detect as she continued to bite her lip, mulling her words over. "I have spoken with Shoju on matters of assistance. I am aware of your position in the empire, your physical placement in the empire. You've tread into dangerous grounds by setting foot out of the shadowlands. I've done everything according to what I have planned thus far. But an unforeseeable element has included itself in the situation..."
She took a few slow breaths to relax herself somewhat, having failed to calm herself at all thus far. Before encroaching on any details she had to be certain of his one key trait that could make or break the conversation before her. His trust would be vital.
"Before I explain further, I hope that you remembered the one thing I asked of you, Yun-san. Your faith in me may be paramount to our survival."
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Zeure
Crane Clan
Crane Clan ? Samurai ? Duelist ? Artisan ? Guardian of Metal ? Unique
Posts: 826
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Post by Zeure on Nov 25, 2011 21:40:50 GMT -5
Yun schooled his face and posture to be match hers. He sat upon the cushion in a formal pose, bringing his legs in and folding his robe across his hakama. He left the long trail from his haori loose. He held the tea cup he had been drinking from in both hands in his lap.
"I remember what I said, Haruka." He said in a tone much more measured and controlled.
He closed his eyes.
So, this is how our second meeting will go... Well, here it comes, time to see if my expectations match my thoughts and feelings.
He brushed some of the hair that was always loose from his top knot behind his ear; which promptly fell back to where it was.
"Haruka, I was so taken with you the first time that I could not say some of the things that I needed to. When I say I trust someone, I mean it, and if you can't believe that, then you are not reciprocating my trust. I want you to trust me as well, Haruka."
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Nov 25, 2011 21:58:34 GMT -5
"I am not one who needs to question trust. I only question motives, Yun-san, for whatever makes armies march and brother betray brother is the kind of force I worry on."
She brought her hands onto the table, laying them flat on the table, showing nothing hidden and no marks.
"I know I'm only irritating you by delaying my words so carefully. But what I'm about to share with you is something I have never spoken, never written, and could possibly die with me.
Yun-san. I need you to come to me, I need you to get away from the Snake clan so that I can ensure your safety. I need to make sure you stay safe so that I can have enough time to find a way to help remove the taint from you. Much as, I need you for protection."
Her gaze lowered in some sorrow, acknowledging her need for him being so... simple now. She had pushed her emotions entirely down now in order to stay guarded and not betray her sense of duty in this matter.
"I'm sorry if this displeases you, Yun-san. I'm sorry if you cannot do this for us... but I will also understand." Haruka's expression continuing to turn more somber.
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Zeure
Crane Clan
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Posts: 826
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Post by Zeure on Nov 25, 2011 22:23:29 GMT -5
Kami, what to say to that....
Yun's mind was tossing and turning with that piece of information. His facial control was lost. His eyes shifted back and forth from side to side, and Haruka would be able to tell he was muddling through something that was very difficult.
"Haruka, I..."
Yun was faced with two opposing forces; his need for Haruka and his duty... His eyes dropped down, frantically moving from side to side, considering the proposal.
"I...I've....I can't. There are so many problems. How would I even get there? I'd be killed for sure. And what about Bayushi Senshi? If he even thought for a second what I was doing, or what I was, he would kill me, even if I did make it there safe. How could I protect you if I were dead?"
The thought never even crossed his mind that this may have been Haruka's intent. He was mentally flabbergasted. And then a thought crossed his mind.
Meekly, in a tone that would not be percievable if it wasn't so quiet: "You...you said you know where I am; you could come to me? I...Shoju would protect you since you have helped him."
He lifted his eyes up from the downward glance they had dropped to while he was considering her proposal.
"I would as well, if you would come be mine."
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Nov 25, 2011 22:42:40 GMT -5
Her gaze did not raise, though she knew her words had completely caught him off guard. She knew he would've thought this would have been the end of some strange relationship, but of course she knew all along how she'd felt, she'd been genuine but understood where he might suspect otherwise.
"I'm afraid I cannot come to you. In my current state, which is still burdened with child, I cannot travel at all and by the time the child comes the time will have come and gone.
I can secure a private place for you to remain hidden. It will be humble but it will be safe enough, and I can ensure that any need you have there will be met." Remembering his little... bite from their initial meeting. "If you depart now, by the time you arrive under a ronin guise by a name other than Yun, if you can keep your taint hidden and simply keep asking for an appearance with me, they will bring you to me. Senshi will not be around to cause you trouble. You needn't be ashamed as I've taken many ronin under my wing with the war, saving them from becoming fodder for Hantei, or simply starving when the battles go sour."
Her hands folded together as she sighed heavily out. It seemed to be a breath of relief as she untensed with the burden of her thoughts out in the open. "I'm sorry I couldn't come myself, but this child... will not wait." She let out a little laugh at herself.
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Zeure
Crane Clan
Crane Clan ? Samurai ? Duelist ? Artisan ? Guardian of Metal ? Unique
Posts: 826
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Post by Zeure on Nov 25, 2011 23:12:52 GMT -5
"Well taken care of..." He murmured right after she said it.
He thought about what she said very carefully before responding, the silence after her laughter was drawn out.
"How could I protect you from there? What do you need protection from? What is threatening you?"
He reached out a hand as if asking for her to place hers within it.
"I can't run from my duty to Shoju-sama, Haruka. But I could ask for permission to protect our ally in the Scorpion clan. The Snake clan is important, Haruka, for many reasons."
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Nov 25, 2011 23:26:48 GMT -5
"Your powers are great, Yun-san. And my desire was more to protect you than myself. I've seen and done things that no soul should have ever witnessed, and been forces to make the most difficult of choices, one of which weighs on my mind every day. It seems I've lost enough of my own personal sense of nobility that seppuku is beyond my choice now, only life will help me redeem the choices I've made thus far, and only the deathblow of another should stop me."
Haruka did not extend her hand to reach Yun's. She seemed to be keeping guarded subtly, unnerved. She knew she couldn't reach out to him, he had to come to her, hopefully he could see that now.
"I know it is far too heavy a wish to ask. But that is why I questioned your faith in me. I can see that it was far too much of a stretch to believe you would assist." She averted her gaze, disappointed clearly. Her eyes rested gently as she understood now the state of play. Such a decision could very well be a death sentence for him now. Although in truth, she couldn't be sure, all she knew was something she didn't reveal. Or didn't wish to.
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Zeure
Crane Clan
Crane Clan ? Samurai ? Duelist ? Artisan ? Guardian of Metal ? Unique
Posts: 826
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Post by Zeure on Nov 25, 2011 23:37:58 GMT -5
"You have successfully evaded every single question I have asked you."
He let his hand drop as she turned away. A dejected look washed across his face.
"I need answers, Haruka. My promise to ask leave clearly not being good enough; and you unwilling to tell me the things I ask, I don't know what else to say."
He too turned his face away from her. Sadness controlled his face and he did not wish her to see it.
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Nov 25, 2011 23:48:28 GMT -5
"If those who were asked to trust knew everything that was afoot, then it would not be much to say that trust was a factor in that situation."
The foreboding gloom that seemed to be shared put the stars out in the night sky. "It seems then that you do not trust me, Yun-san. Then what will be, will be. I cannot do anymore than I have already."
Haruka stood, firmly and steadily as she never even took a sip of the tea he had gone through the effort of manifesting in her dream. The seemingly blind steed responded as well, picking its head up and coming closer to the two as if summoned.
"You cannot say that your trust is difficult to shake after it takes hold when I have done everything to try and make myself able to accommodate you, to see past what others cannot. But apparently that isn't sufficient, you've made your choice, and it is a noble enough at that." She turned away from him to go to the mount, a few heavy words escaping her that trembled with the sorrow they carried. "...I only wanted to help." Her head bowed.
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Zeure
Crane Clan
Crane Clan ? Samurai ? Duelist ? Artisan ? Guardian of Metal ? Unique
Posts: 826
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Post by Zeure on Nov 26, 2011 0:04:27 GMT -5
Yun stood abruptly, after she had.
"No."
Yun walked over to her and spun her around to face him he continued to hold them as he spoke. His tone was unsteady, shaky with emotion.
"Aren't my intentions clearly written in my actions? I don't need to know everything, but something would be helpful. Answer me one question, then and I will know all I need to."
His eyes locked onto hers, as he spoke the next few words, searching for truth.
"If I come for you, will you be mine? Will you be my love?"
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