Personal Request In Days of War [Kasumi-Haruka]

[Bayushi Haruka]

((OOC: This is a thread meant for only Kasumi and Haruka as it is more or less a conversation exclusively for them. Enjoy! For those who need to understand this will take place just before The Khan's Arrival))

It was a brilliant day on the Utaku Plains, there hardly seemed to be a care as the spring breeze rolled over the fresh growing grass. Shiro Utaku Shojo stood as a gentle reminder of the Unicorn control over the vast plains.
The buildings seemed to blend in with the scenery a bit as Shiro Utaku Shojo was one of the more aesthetically softer structures built in Unicorn lands. Nothing compared to the awkward alien structures of some of the other cities.

A lone rider came on an Utaku battle steed, born and bred on these very plains, returning home for what seemed like ages. The grey mare seemed almost relieved to look on the plains again as the Shiotome atop her still maintained a focused gaze. She let her horse into the stable boys hands as she came to the Utaku Daimyo's home. Certainly the greatest estate of the area as she looked to one of the house servants. She lightly bowed her greeting.

"Good day to you, I must ask is Utaku Kasumi-sama in? I must apologize to her for my need to see her so soon, but it is somewhat urgent with the Yobanjin conflict still in full motion. If I can see her soon that would be much appreciated."

[Utaku Kasumi]

Servant bowed to Haruka deeply and said without raising her head.
Welcome, Utaku Haruka-sama she said with a soft voice Utaku Kasumi-sama is on the field, training with hew new foal. Please, let me lead you to Daimyo. She raised her head and turned around to lead Haruka to Kasumi.

After a few minutes they have reached a paddock, where Kasumi was holding a foal's head and staring into his eyes. Focused so much that she didn't even notice people coming close to her.
Utaku-sama, Utaku Haruka-sama came to visit you. servand bowed deeply and awaited for Kasumi to notice them.

Kasumi let foal's head go and turned her head to women. Smiled and nodded her head to Haruka.
Haruka-san, it's nice to see you. What brings you here? She was really curious now. Foal noticed that his owner is not taking care of him, so started to chew on her kimono and hitting her hand with its head. Kasumi patted foal's head and laughed.

[Bayushi Haruka]

The motion brought a smile to Haruka's eyes but naturally she bowed to her with some depth to her Daimyo. The presence of the young foal brought back the memory of her own mare when she was younger, certainly uplifting considering what she had on her mind.

"I'm sorry if I'm interrupting Kasumi-sama. But of course I thought I would take the chance to meet with you and speak on something that only I could address with you."

She didn't seem to care who heard or if the servant remained as she spoke plainly as she always did. Haruka had a gentle voice when not shouting down her foes in battle, "I wished of course to speak with you on the means of a marriage. The man I have selected has made his desire known. This man's name is Bayushi Senshi-sama. Champion of the Scorpion Clan."

She neither flinched nor looked away as she said it, no word of hesitation in her heart.

[Utaku Kasumi]

Waved her hand at servant.
Leave. Servant bowed again and took her leave as fast as she could.

Kasumi rubbed her nose.
You are not interrupting me, Haruka-san. In fact I am glad to see you. It has reached my ears that you want to marry a Champion of a Scorpion Clan, and to be honest... hmm... She glanced at Haruka wondering. Foal bit her finger so she smacked his nose softly.
Well, if this is what you want I am not in a position to oposite it. But! Tell your future husband that I am not letting you go. Well, at least not till he brings something that is interesting enough to let you go and marry him. I don't like it that one of my Shiotome is leaving our family and our ranks, but can't help it. Just tell me... is it a miaikekkon or rei'aikekkon? If miaikekkon... then Bayushi-sama should send his envoy to me first. But oh well... it's probably rei-aikekkon, right? I can see it in your eyes. She smiled Hmm, you are A Unicorn, so of course you would marry only if you love a man you have chosen. Why am I even asking? Shaked her head with a smile.
So, how is he? Are you sure you'll be happy? Will he treat you as you should be treated? You know, I don't want to go there and put my lance into his mouth... from his backside. Pushed a foal that was trying to get under her kimono away. Stop it, Keigo.

[Bayushi Haruka]

Her eyes did gleam a bit, "In truth it is both, Kasumi-sama. Bayushi-sama does not have to answer to anyone but those above him of course. Some of his reasons are his own. But he seemed to see something in me that I admit I have not, at least so he says since the hunting competition I won at the Crab Champion's ascension party some nights ago."

She clicked a bit to the foal who wiggled his tail and ears alertly, and came to smell her hand as she outstretched it. The gift for the Crab Champion of course as Kasumi had promised to train him well.

"He and I will ride to the front lines of the Mountain Watch Keep soon, it seems he wished to be certain of our marriage after the battle is won should we both survive it. He makes a very heavy statement by committing himself this way. The Scorpion do not believe in divorce and remarriage."

She stroked the foal with her other hand as it went to nip at her fingers as well. Very typical of a curious young horse testing his boundaries.

[Utaku Kasumi]

I am glad then. Be aware that I will watch it closely till the day you will be his wife. This is what I can do. After that I will step in and steal you if he treats you badly She smiled like a little kid who's hidding sweets in her sleeves and doesn't want his mother to know about it.

Started to watch Haruka closely, while having fun with foal.
What will you do with your daughters? Are you gona send them here, to train them as Shiotome, or let Scorpions to train them? I wonder... Because you should know, Haruka-san, that Yobanjin attack is just the begining. And we, as Unicorns should know it the best. We should see that danger approaching us from all sides. It won't end with us destroying Yobanjin and pushing it away from our lands... Kasumi moved her head and started to watch clouds moving on the sky. And when the time comes, we will need all our power, all Shiotome to ride as one and strike our enemy, Haruka-san. This is why I am not happy to lose even one of you. But in those dark times I can't go agains feelings. Enjoy it while you can, as we all should.

[Bayushi Haruka]

"With all due respect Kasumi-sama. I do not know how Bayushi-sama feels on the matter. But regardless, if the Unicorn still know danger, I will stop at nothing to answer in the defense of our nation, our empire."

Her words were sound and heavy, even if she departed the lands, it did not mean that her training was going to just vanish with the season or pass away. She would still be in all ways Shiotome, although in the future it might have more of a Bayushi influence, certainly.

The breeze gently passed over again as it rustled the still bare trees around the estate. "I cannot promise that I can ride to every battle, and I know losing one Shiotome is something no gift of a weapon or warrior can truly replace. But I hope someday you can forgive me if I can bring Scorpion into a battle that the Unicorn perhaps would be unable to fight alone, perhaps in court or another field of battle someday. Maybe then they can repay the Unicorn for what they will be taking."

She laughed a little as the foal trotted back over to Kasumi and started pushing at her side with its nose. "While these are only hopes and not true promises, I hope it will comfort you that my leaving may benefit our clan in some respects. If not now, then someday."

She bowed as her mare rebelliously came running upto her, one stable boy trying to chase the beast down, but it seemed the connection between the two was intense. The boy giving up as he saw the grey horse had found its master again as he grunted and returned to the stables. Haruka just gently stroked over the mare's nose.

"I will leave my stallion Riku in the Utaku stables after I marry, but I don't think Rin here can be retrained to another rider. I think she will have to stay with me if you'll allow it." The mare eying the foal a bit as her mighty approach had startled the little one a bit as it hid behind Kasumi somewhat.

[Utaku Kasumi]

Nodded a few times while Haruka was speaking.
I see... We will see what your marriage can bring to us, Unicorns. And about your horse, I want you to keep it. She belongs to you, just as you belong to her. Hmm... I think you should take all horses you want. I mean your horses. I believe Bayushi-sama can give you a good stable for them. As a farewell gift, I am gona send you some of my own horses, so you can get a new blood inside your herd. Kasumi raised her hand and brushed away hair that wind move on her face.
I have one favor, Haruka-san. Be a wife that Utaku Shiotome had no reason to be ashamed of. And never forget what bloods runs in your veins. This is what I wish for. Looked into Harukas eyes with a calm face.

[Bayushi Haruka]

She bowed her head. "You honor me with your words. But I will not keep you from training the young beast. I feel Rin maybe more frighting than she realizes." She chuckled patting the mare on her strong neck.

She seemed to dip into her saddle bag as she drew forth a sumi-e set. "I'm sorry to make this so formal but I would like to have this approval in writing so that I might have it ready for the Khan and for the groom to be to see. I thought it best that I consult you first naturally, although I suspect the Khan will take a bit more convincing naturally."

She swallowed a bit hard, a playful gesture at the rather daunting prospect as she handed them over to Kasumi, keeping it just out of reach of the ever curious foal.

[Utaku Kasumi]

Kasumi has taken what Haruga gave her.
Fine. Let it be your way, Haruka-san. But remember that I am not happy at all! She pouted.

Started to write her approval to Haruka's marriage with a Scorpion Champion.

"To all reading this,

I, Utaku Kasumi, approve Utaku Haruka-san and a Champion of a Scorpion Clan, Bayushi Senshi-sama to be married together in benefit of both Clans. My only wish is to the ceremony be held after Yobanjin are defeated and pushed away from our lands. We, Shiotome, wants to take a part on this wedding and enjoy one of our Sister's happiness.

Signed:
Utaku Kasumi, Daimyo of Utaku Family"

She handed everything back to Haruka.
There, but do not hand it to your future husband before you tell him he has to do something entertaining before taking you away! she laughed. I believe he can come up with something interesting enough.
She nodded to Haruka.
If that's all, you may leave. Or stay if you want.

[Bayushi Haruka]

"While I would most love to stay and enjoy the company of my home again, I am afraid my blade is needed at every waking moment. I must report in to find out all from the front lines before returning to ask the same of our Khan. I wish all the best luck in training our future stallion."

She smiled, quite the strange sight from her sometimes, but certainly most happy and most grateful. She swung herself atop Rin with little effort as the beast readied to leave with an almost dancing energy.

"You have my deepest thanks Kasumi-sama. And I promise you that I will make sure before we wed that Bayushi Senshi-sama will attend to whatever crazy idea you come up with. Please try not to be too mean, I have to live with him afterwords you know."

She smiled again and rode off laughing, a welcome sound in such heavy times. The hoof beats echoing off into the day as she rode towards the Mountain Watch Keep, and the grim scene that was to greet her soon enough.

[Utaku Kasumi]

Kasumi's laugh was following Haruka while she was ridding on her horse.