lccdcr

[lccdcr]

@vesviusv • Before the storm, at the chapel

It is not the first time Satoshi has met the vicar with a slight limp, but it is the first time they have met ever since she left for her homeland. The wound in her thigh isn't yet healed, and she can only hope the arrival of new allies will bring calm, at least for long enough that she can recover.

Her time abroad didn't sway the lieutenant's faith entirely, but it had introduced in her mind newfound beliefs more easily than they had permeated Japan's borders in centuries. Perhaps it had something to do with weeping mothers and self-sacrifice rewarded.

Still, she was never one for dedicated prayers, and the reason why she found herself in the chapel was only to meet an old friend.

"Father," she calls as she walks up, with the odd sight that is a smile on her lips. "Are you busy right now?"

#.fionn

[lccdcr]

"To a nation who didn't ask for money. Navies are expensive — if they barely can support themselves, they would not serve us for long either. If you're looking in Europe, there are nation with famously strong fleets. The Netherlands and the Nordic countries, for instance, and they are more stable than Spain. Otherwise, Africa may have good prospects, if we don't want to turn to our common neighbors." Russia might be too great a risk, with no way of knowing what they would ask for in return. "I don't say it's an easy choice, or an easy negotiation. In fact, I don't think we will find allies easily without paying a high price, one way or another. I just don't think it should be paid in gold, or at least not right now."

Satoshi's musing stops abruptly at the questions. Yes, that is the official story — the prodigy child of the Ashikawa's left in her teen years to see and get to know the world. The details are hazy. Some assume her mother supported her studies abroad, some others believe she reluctantly paid for them.

"I barely had a choice."

The words leave his lips before he can control them, grave and dark and entirely different from anything the young woman may have heard from the lieutenant before. Different, too, from anything she may have heard. "My mother gave me a choice between compliance and disinheritance. So I chose neither—"

For the smallest instant, his voice quivers.

"—and both."

@thenxghtwemxt • Midori. The Japanese quarters, during the storm

"Seeking allies in Europe was a mistake." She knows the deep fondness Midori has for the Emperor, but her loyalty is to her nation, and she would not sugarcoat her opinion. "They have mastered the art of fighting each other, but they are just as fond of fighting amongst themselves as well. They're worth observing, but not investing capital in."

The revelation of secrets is unfortunate, but no one can be blamed except the forces attempting not to solve a murder but to destabilize their competitors: Thailand, France's republicans, or a combination of the two.

"They do politics differently, if you consider politics spending every last coin available until the next, more wealthy family comes along and removes the rulers from power." Satoshi speaks calmly, without a hint of anger or bitterness in her voice — just plain truth. And a bit of disappointment.

#.midori #.mobile

[lccdcr]

@thenxghtwemxt • Midori. The Japanese quarters, during the storm

"Seeking allies in Europe was a mistake." She knows the deep fondness Midori has for the Emperor, but her loyalty is to her nation, and she would not sugarcoat her opinion. "They have mastered the art of fighting each other, but they are just as fond of fighting amongst themselves as well. They're worth observing, but not investing capital in."

The revelation of secrets is unfortunate, but no one can be blamed except the forces attempting not to solve a murder but to destabilize their competitors: Thailand, France's republicans, or a combination of the two.

"They do politics differently, if you consider politics spending every last coin available until the next, more wealthy family comes along and removes the rulers from power." Satoshi speaks calmly, without a hint of anger or bitterness in her voice — just plain truth. And a bit of disappointment.

#.midori

[lccdcr]

@flcralhaze • Kaito, outside the palace, first day of the storm.

The doctors didn't manage to keep Satoshi in bed any longer, but at least they were able to get her to use a clutch while her injury was healing. She moves just as slowly with it than she does without, so she agreed to the compromise. As maddening as it is, she cannot fight until her leg heals enough to prevent the wound from reopening, anyway.

A little — or a lot — of rain would not daunt her, were it not for the violent lightning above that prompted her to seek refuge under one of the gazebos around the main structure. She sat on the ground, cold, wet, and, most frustratingly, not knowing when the storm would continue its way.

It is only when she spots another figure frantically seeking refuge, that she lifts her head and raises her voice.

"Your majesty!"

#.kaito

[lccdcr]

"He is fortunate to have you." And she is perhaps biased in her perception, considering there is plenty she doesn't know of the life Midori has led — were it anyone else, she would be suspicious of anyone with a relationship that uncomfortably close with the young Emperor. Especially after the current events, when he may be more easily influenciable without his parents' guidance.

She conceals as best as she can the change in her expression at those words. Her daughter should have had a warm meal every day, she worked for it. "Most of the royal advisors are of noble birth and noble life. My mother was impeccable in her work, but too much of a single mindset grows complacency and poisons one's perception." Precisely why Satoshi considers herself a valuable asset — something both the current ruler and his late father seemed to have overlooked. Her words aren't meant as a critique, but they could be. "How did you meet the Emperor?" She asks in a soft voice.

"I will!" She challenges back, with a hearty laugh and an insistent stare. Not even the powers of a commander such as Sitoshi could calm the natural rebel in Midori. "Kaito is safe. I make certain of it every time I leave his side." She speaks with a familiarity that in turn, is anything but formal. But the Emperor is more than the head of a nation to her. He is family. "No one is laughing at you. If anything, it should lift the spirits of the spineless commanders who cannot hold their own." Midori stumbled onto the courtyard after donning her dress, to find the great clash of the congregation's best in arms. "But I can understand. I do not like being fussed over, either." She admits with a sigh, playing with the handles of her chair. "Never been. Commoner, and all. I was lucky to have a warm meal most days." A hand on her heart. It's the lie she tells - Midori is a commoner, sure, but few in Kaito's circles knew of her criminal background. The last person to whom she'd admit her life to is Satoshi.

#.midori

[lccdcr]

"I would like to trust the diplomatic abilities of the rest of leaders — the ones who did not force their way in, or allowed that to happen." Satoshi is blunt as usual. She would bite her tongue depending on who is there to listen, but she's never been one to sugarcoat her opinions.

"I don't expect the French to apologize, but I wish the Sharma's will deem appropriate to do it." With a nod of her head, the lieutenant commander thanks the other for the wine and takes her first sip. "And while they are at it, do some explaining on why they decided not to invite the Chakri's to a gathering which they clearly had a right to attend. Perhaps that would shed some light on why we too had to rely on the Chinese to be here in the first place, when our Emperor lost both his parents."

The thought hurts, as the patriotic and sympathetic woman that she is, but the Chakri's tragedy shocked her nearly as much, as a mother... if she can even call herself that.

Satoshi shakes her head. "Murdering two little kids... That goes beyond politics. It is barbaric."

Cailean’s grin widened enough to make their canine appear. They usually didn’t steep low enough to turn to bribery when it mattered, but they had never been above bribing a nurse to let them escape the boredom of the infirmary. “Aye, apparently, I could have lost the damn eye, so I will count my blessings.” For a moment, amidst the chaos of the fight, they had been certain they had lost it; the blood covering their face had blinded them, but it had been the least of their worries. Who cared about an eye when those fighting beside them could have lost their lives? “This is a damn mess we have found ourselves in.” They mused as they righted two overturned goblets on the table before picking up a bottle of red wine from the floor beside their feet and pouring the red liquid into the cups. “I believe we are experiencing the last days of peace, and soon the swords of our armies will be tested. Then again, I have always been considered a pessimist.”

#.cailean

[lccdcr]

"Would love to see you try," the woman replies with a sharp gaze and a calm, defiant smile. Of course, she has managed to hide a small blade from the doctors, and she does not need a leg to reach for it and effectively stab a person if necessary. "Out of my sight does not mean out of existence, and I am aware your people have deemed it appropriate to detain and search the Emperor I serve. Are you really concerned that a man who has already lost so much may have something to hide, or are you just spreading the spirit of democracy by pestering us all in equal measure?"

they  could  ignore  the  jab  ,  and  while  searching  through  medical  supplies  ,  they  manage  to  —  for  a  time  .  but  the  gaze  scorching  into  the  back  of  their  head  is  persistent  ,  almost  unbearable  (  almost  )  .  sylvain  wheels  back  around  ,  chin  raised  as  they  meet  the  lieutenant  commander's  eye  .  "  surprised  you  wouldn't  accuse  me  of  coming  to  finish  the  job  .  though  there'd  be  too  many  witnesses  anyway  ,  "  a  casual  reply  ,  as  if  what  they've  said  is  teasing  rather  than  something  akin  to  a  threat  .  they  reignite  their  search  in  earnest  ,  though  not  before  catching  a  glimpse  of  the  wound  ,  face twisting into a grimace  as  they  turn  away  .  they've seen worse , or at least that's what they tell themself . "  what  does  it  matter  why  i'm  here  ?  i'll  be  out  of  your  sight  soon enough  . "

#.sylvain

[lccdcr]

closed starter for @succiducus (abdullah) > after The Incident

"Commander," the woman nods her head in salute as the soldier walks in. A dinner was held, and the palace is in disarray, that much she can tell even from her confinement in the infirmary, leg propped on the furniture and watching the incessant procession of injured guards and royalty alike. It is late at night already and the place seems to have calmed down already, but no one has deigned to share information among this whole mess.

Despite the current state of events — and of the place they're supposed to protect —, her newfound admiration for the other soldier after their intervention hasn't been affected. She sits up after grabbing their attention. "What happened this evening?"

#.abdullah

[lccdcr]

closed starter for @bourgeoning (sylvain) > during the lockdown

"What?" The single word is uttered with an unspeakable amount of vitriol. Her wound hurts like hell, freshly stitched and covered in bandages already in need of changing. And she isn't going to wait for the nurses to return, when she can take care of it herself. Whether the French's first glance is at the gruesome stab in her thigh, or the indecently exposed skin, she cannot care less, and forces eye contact by sheer force of staring until the gesture is finally returned. "Came to count casualties, or got any wounds you cannot reach to lick yourself?"

#.sylvain

[lccdcr]

"Bribing is not really my style, commander. Not while I can still find alternative ways of getting away." A lighthearted smile curls on Satoshi's face as he takes a seat next to the other — he dislikes the infirmary, but that doesn't mean he doesn't need to sit down to ease the persistent pain. "A few bruises and scratches here and there. My leg got the worst of it," he gestures towards the bandages covering the stitched wound. "Got a blade quite deep in there, but it missed the artery, fortunately, so at the very least I didn't bleed out. I see you got just as lucky yourself".

With a motion of their fingers against the corner of their mouth, Cailean imitated locking their mouth shut. “Your secret is safe with me.” They promised as a faint hint of a smile made its way across their face. Their bones were wary, and their heart heavy, a feeling they were all too familiar with that often crept upon them after a fight. The only purpose it served was to make Cailean question whether the fighting had been worth it, and the answer most of the time was: no, not it wasn’t. People they cared about had gotten hurt, and for what? “You didn’t bribe them? That is usually the only way to get away from them and to stay out of the infirmary.” That’s something they had learned after one of many times they had gotten hurt during a fight, and that’s precisely what they had done shortly after being brought to the infirmary that morning. “Have you only just managed to escape? Were you hurt badly?”

#.cailean

[lccdcr]

"Tell him," the woman replies with a hint of defiant resignation, and a slight roll of her eyes. "Hopefully that'll make him come down here, and I'll rest more comfortably knowing he is far from the French's latest insurrection." Satoshi words are genuine — whatever his personal feelings against Kaito are, his loyalty to the ruling Emperor remains. Not that he intends to get up escape from the doctors again, not when it's Midori sitting right next to him. "I've had worse. But that doesn't make it any less inconvenient, or humiliating." Her heart sinks at the words, feeling only the slightest relief that her daughter doesn't seem to have taken it too seriously, but it doesn't make the lie taste any less bitter. "Nurses don't need to be well-traveled to be good at their job. But I understand the feeling — that used to happen to me, with the Scots."

@lccdcr | Satoshi and Midori, Day 2 of the Lockdown at the Infirmary

She has no reason to like the lieutenant commander of the Japanese army. Satoshi is everything she (and Kaito) fought against; the establishment, the archaic tradition, and the very threat to his rule. But what did it say that Midori likes her, anyway? Myth and legend at Japanese court calls her a wunderkid, an emboldened lady, a renegade. And she acts it, too, carrying herself with seasoned confidence. The sharp blades of her swords cutting through air like butter. She is everything and nothing like Midori; disciplined where she is reckless, honorable where she is a muddied heart. And yet... Here she is. Sitting at the chair opposite the lieutenant's bed, chuckling heartily at her bitter disposition. "If you move, I shall have to tell the Emperor." It's meant as a teasing warning, but there is truth to it. Japan needed all its defenses, now more than ever. "How's the pain?" She nods at Satoshi's leg, pausing only to add with a bitter smirk; "The nurse came by and said I am your spitting image." Midori scoffs. "I think they liken all of us as looking alike."

#.midori

[lccdcr]

"You may keep the cake, if you keep my secret as well." Satoshi limped his way there, quietly, not to draw unwanted attention. He had learned of the commotion after it was already over, confined to the infirmary as he was, and, truly, had no business being there anymore. He just hoped that seeing it with his own two eyes, he'd feel less useless — how embarrassing, to sustain a hindering injury fighting off the same people they would later sit at their table, and not be there when the second fight inevitably broke off. "Once the physicians realize I am gone, they will start looking for me, no doubt."

Open Starter!! Location: The Grand hall When: Shortly after the food fight

“Maudits salauds.” Damn them, damn them all. In the heart of the grand hall, amidst the wreckage of the Great Food Battle, Cailean sat in the aftermath, leisurely dipping a finger into a mountain of frosting mixed with a cake that probably cost more than anything they owned, and now it lay ruined and forgotten. Their body was sore, and their face stung more now than during the morning’s scuffle, a sensation most would despise, but Cailean relished; it was a reminder that, yes, they survived yet another fight. In the unsettling calm after the chaos, the silence was broken by approaching footsteps. Cailean turned their focus from the ruined cake to them. “If you have come to make claim to the spoils of war, then you are too late. This pile is mine.” 

#.cailean

[lccdcr]

Closed starter @espionisms @flcralhaze @tclkrefined @tormxntum @royallyxmessy (your choice - not a group thread)

Satoshi had wandered into the kitchens — already not a place for a guest to be — in order to find something warm to drink, a taste of local infusions, and happened to walk into an embarrassing situation. There is food on the floor, which seems to be the reason for the severe lecture one of the cooks is being subjected to. She doesn't understand the language, but she recognizes a scolding by sound alone. And while it is not her place to step in, the utter shame on the young man's face seems to indicate he has already learned his lesson. "Ma'am, I think he's had enough." It is as she intrudes the conversation that a second pair of steps make their way into the kitchen as well.

#.starter

[lccdcr]

"In that case, let me lend a hand," Satoshi offers. "It is not a difficult stain to remove, but I don't think you would like to go back to your chambers to get changed." Arriving next to the fountain, she drags a finger through the coping. "It is dry, you may sit here if you'd like." And she sits on the ground on her knees, ready to teach the princess how to get her skirt cleaned.

she smiled at her, " of course, you're right. i perhaps enjoy the gardens too much, sometimes. " kai-ming admitted with a soft shrug of her shoulders. she spent a lot of her time around the flowers back home, and it had seemed to be no different here in india. perhaps there was something better to be doing, but kai-ming surely didn't know of it.

" oh, that's very kind of you ! " the princess exclaimed, taking the handkerchief from the woman and looking towards the fountain. " that's an awfully good point, i would've never thought of that. " not that she was experienced in what it took to wash clothes — now the princess thought maybe she should learn basic skills like that. " thank you, for your kindness. " with a smile, she offered a bow of her head towards the other.

#.kai ming

[lccdcr]

"Your highness," the soldier bows in greeting. She did not fight for the Scottish to the point of patriotism — her heart had always been at home, back in Japan —, and never met the royal family herself, but the sight of the princess' familiar face sparked a warm feeling of nostalgia. "Not at all. Stay, by all means — it would be an honor. I commend your diligence, it is quite early."

Closed starter for @lccdcr ( Ashikaga Satoshi )

“I didn't think anyone would be here at this hour." It was early, Evelyn made sure she woke up before the sun would raise so she could have the training grounds all for herself. Some people here seemed to not be used to seeing a princess pick up a sword and she did not enjoy the judgmental looks that she would get from some of the men. And women, if she was being honest. "If I am interrupting your training, I can come back at another time." She offered the other a smile, picking up one of the practice swords from the weapon rack.

#.evelyn

[lccdcr]

Too many people, most of them already accompanied — it doesn't leave much room for either relaxing or socializing, and the lieutenant quickly grows restless with nothing to do. She has, after all, pressed towards her presence here, alleging her familiarity with foreign cultures. It pikes, of course, her curiosity, to see a face who even among them all also appears foreign. Yet he recognizes the language on the cover — German. A chance as good as any to practice, then.

"I appreciate the reassurance, since you look like the type who would." A soldier, a guard perhaps? Satoshi doesn't recognize the face — so, not royalty — and his bearing feels familiar. So does the habit of never staying idle. "Quite the odd place to read."

open starter ›› alistair wolff.

location ›› ... the bathhouse.

the warmth of the main waters permeates straight through to musculature, sinew, and tendon alistair had forgotten he still claimed. aching from sparring in the yard, he elected to take the book he was reading with him and leave his armour and sword behind. ( in the changing room, of course. ) it had taken longer to undress than it had to find a place in the baths, which he hadn't realised would be somewhat filled with attendees during the mid-afternoon. yet it was too late to go back now, disrobed as he was, settled in the furthest corner near the hottest stones, the book propped up in his hand before him. a book in german so that he could practise; a tongue that did not belong to his peoples was quick to be forgotten. however, it also acts more as a ploy than anything. even when given any permission to be away — still he is on guard. so much for a warm bath to be what declutters his mind. reading as a disguise for his watching. he waits to say anything until the newest person to enter comes much closer. "too many people in the other." a coarse, simple statement to accompany his gesture — to the empty places in his own bathing pool. "i won't bite."

#.alistair

[lccdcr]

Satoshi's intentions were not to disturb the princess, merely offer a quick bow of the expected courtesy, and move on. Not that she had any pressing responsibilities, to be completely honest. She would not risk exchanging correspondence with Japan while it could be intercepted, which limited the work she could keep herself busy with. A disquieting thought to entertain — but that was his majesty, and their commander's, problem.

"No need to apologize, your grace. Are gardens not meant to be enjoyed?" A light chuckle escapes the woman, and she fishes a handkerchief from her pocket and offers it to the princess. "For startling you. You may want to wet it in the fountain first. Otherwise, it will only spread the charcoal further."

° • — open starter ° • — four days after the interviews

she hadn't quite realized she was stopped on the main pathway, in the way of those walking — all kai-ming saw was a lovely flower, bloomed towards the sun. the princess had knelt down, crouched in front of the bloom as she detached the small sketchbook she kept attached to her belt. she had begun sketching the flower, fascinated by it's petals. kai-ming noted that she would have to write down the colors, for she planned to add some to the sketch upon returning to her chambers.

it was when she heard footsteps come closer, she realized her mistake. " oh, excuse me ! i'm terribly sorry, i didn't realize . . " the princess shot up in a panic, without sparing as much as a single thought to put anything in her hands away — she smudged the charcoal all over the pale pink skirt she wore. a soft, but exasperated sigh came from her.

#.kai ming #aggressively cares for kaiming with both of her muses