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Post by Yīkao Shian on Mar 16, 2022 14:47:49 GMT -5
Icy wind bit through the thin, luxurious silk of a floral qipao, slicing deep to the bone as surely as a blade, and skin dyed a milky white shuddered delicately, accompanied by a soft curse. It's not that far from home. Why in the name of all that's holy is it so cold?! The cheerful chattering of other passengers around her did nothing to improve her mood, and she tugged her shawl a little closer around herself. This whole matter is a waste of time. A Seishi, born on Nyosei? Psh... the idea that I should be removed from my post for the vain pursuit of some... legend. And- oh for pity's sake, does it have to move so much?
A sudden wave of nausea took her, and she delicately pressed a silken sleeve to her mouth, clutching the rail of the boat tightly as it bumped the dock. As one of the sailors jumped over the bow to get the vessel secured, and others began to disembark, the sense of unease in her gut began to spread, but she took a deep breath, bracing herself against the unknown. Thus, by the time she actually moved forward, leaning on her staff for steadiness against the rocking beneath her feet, she moves alone, outside of the crowd of finely-dressed ladies that had all but bounced off the boat, gossiping and giggling. That suited her fine - she knew her presence among them would not be welcomed, anyway. She was not, and had never been, a proper lady, and especially now...
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Goddess
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Post by Hotori on Mar 16, 2022 21:36:43 GMT -5
Tenrai was tired of the cold. He often entertained the notion of moving to Kutou, once his duty as a Seishi was done. Not Konan or Sailo, because those places were too warm, but he'd heard Kutou had mild weather.
That was, of course, assuming he could find the Miko, and didn't die in the process of protecting her - an unpleasant but very possible future for any Seishi.
He loved Hokkan. It was the only home he'd ever known, and traveling around as he had for the last several years, he had grown to love all of the people as well. What he didn't love was the way that the wind could bite through even the thickest cloak. Especially when he was using his abilities. He had marveled that, though he definitely had more insulation in that other form, somehow he seems to always be colder when the wind would pick up.
Thankfully, at present he was in his normal form, though he was still dressed as a woman. It made things easier when he was traveling about the marketplace. There was a tiny sound, and a very small movement, from his left shoulder underneath his cloak, and bracelets jingled on his wrist as he reached up and scratched tiny, fuzzy ears.
"I know, Aya, you're hungry. Me too, but we'll be at an inn soon. I just need to get some more-"
He found himself suddenly in a crowd of women departing a nearby boat, another pleasure trip to Nyosei Island, by the look of it. He didn't understand the women of that island, and he didn’t understand the women who went out there for fun. Then again, the great irony of his Seishi symbol was that he just didn't really understand women at all. He was about to make his way out of the cluster of pampered nobles when he overheard snatches of conversation around him.
”Hiro and I are heading to the capital, once I get home. They say that Prince Hayate has found the Genbu no Miko, and since my brother is the court painter…well, it’ll be a good time to visit and see what the fuss is all about...”
Tenrai raised an eyebrow. If the gossip was true, that would make his task worlds easier. And it gave him a destination and a lead to track down, both things he had been without on his quest thus far. He was about to move off when he heard another couple of women talking.
”That girl, wasn’t she one of those guards? Foolish thing came to the mainland dressed in that?”
“I heard they kicked her off the island. Had something to do with that big uproar when we arrived. Maybe she was trying to do something she wasn’t supposed to…”
Tenrai followed their gazes, and saw a petite little figure in little more than a long shirt, for all the skin it covered and warmth it provided. She was clearly half frozen, and judging by the way her hand was pressed to her lips, the sea voyage had not agreed with her. He hesitated for just a moment. If she was from the island, she may respond hostilly to a man, but… she needed help, and it was clear none of these women were going to provide it. At any rate, if he was careful, she may not realize he was a man, and he would be able to help her and then get on his way to the capital. That decided, he approached her slowly, reaching into a pocket as he did, and pulling out a small pouch with various dried herbs. Selecting one, he stopped before her and offered it. He was nearly a foot taller than her, but he kept his voice soft, gentle and quiet as he spoke, just loud enough to carry.
“Excuse me miss, but if you will allow a bit of advice… This will help with the current uneasiness of your stomach.” He held out a small chunk of dried ginger. “If you chew it slowly, it should settle quickly.” He looked her over once more. From so close, he could see just how frozen and out of sorts she was so far from home. Once again, his heart went out to the poor girl, and he offered more assistance, almost before he realized he’d decided to do so. “You… do not appear to be from around here. If you would like, I’d be more than happy to show you around. I know of a good clothing store that could help better equip you for the weather here, and it’s very near a modest inn with a first rate bathhouse, perfect for getting the chill out of your bones. I’d be happy to show you, if you like.” His smile was as quiet as his voice, but it was still somehow both warm and clearly genuine. He meant only to aid her, and sought nothing in return.
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Goddess
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Post by Yīkao Shian on Mar 17, 2022 18:20:16 GMT -5
Thinking only of excusing herself from the crowd before she could genuinely be ill - and thus embarrass herself - the petite lady makes her way rapidly through the crowd, looking around herself hastily for someplace to rest in order to gather her gastric composure once more. As a result, she very nearly slams straight into Tenrai, golden eyes widening in her surprise, but not daring to open her mouth to speak in order to either scold this interloper or excuse herself, for fear she will be ill. Instead, she makes the first move to shove past - and then happens to glance down at the extended hand, and the ginger therein. Recognizing the tuber, and at minimum its value in settling an unruly stomach, she takes the dried bit gratefully from the upturned palm, and turns aside. popping it hastily into her mouth. A few delicate chews help to alleviate the faint hint of green trying to peek through beneath the pale, powdered whiteness of her face, and after several moments, she brightens slightly, looking relieved. "Thank you. I... well, just between us, though I've seen many ships in my time, this is my first occasion to be on one, as it was moving."
Now that she no longer feels in imminent danger of shaming herself, she finally glances up at her benefactor, finding a slim-featured face that is just shy of delicate, and in force of old habit, she notices that it could be quite a becoming face... with a little work. Of course, there wasn't much to be done about that voice... a shade deeper than was generally preferable. Perhaps this woman smoked? Ther were a few, especially amongst the older ladies on the island, who still swore that a good smoke had health benefits, even as their teeth blackened and their skin turned to leather. And thankfully, it was only the voice that had changed, thus far - there was no sign of other effects in the face, no staining on the fingers... The wind kicks up again, bringing her attention back to Tenrai, and the soft offer provided. Even as she draws the qipao tighter around herself, she nods hastily. "Oh yes, thank you..." She blushes faintly. "I... must admit that I rather thought the descriptions harshness of the weather in Hokkan to be somewhat overemphasized... but I must admit that I was mistaken. I should like nothing better than to be warm and clean once more, after that voyage." Clearly quite at ease, she moves to take Tenrai's arm in a companionable fashion, as she might do with any of her friends at home... or rather, might have done, before...
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Goddess
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Post by Hotori on Mar 18, 2022 23:33:32 GMT -5
Tenrai smiled at her explanation. “I confess I’ve never traveled by boat before either, I prefer to stick to land routes. I am far more familiar with them.” He was glad she accepted his offer, but was a bit surprised when she took his arm. Was his disguise as a woman really so believable that she didn’t suspect a thing? He would have to thank Sakura-san for the tips she had given him the last time he’d visited home.
He was just about to start walking when something occurred to him. "Oh, please forgive me. I was so keen to help that I neglected to introduce myself. My name is Tenrai. It is truly a pleasure.” After only a slight hesitation, he took the hem of his cloak and tossed it up over her shoulders so that it could shelter them both, if only partially, from the chilly wind. That done, he began to walk with her, measuring his steps carefully to match hers, to the clothing store he often used in this town. It was run by the son of a former Ganbu Seishi, and he always gave Tenrai a decent discount without asking very many awkward questions.
Once inside, he stepped away from the young woman, and reached up to shift Aya to his arm for a few scratches as he stepped nearer to the fire burning cheerfully in one corner, away from the merchandise. “Here we are. Sei-san should be able to get you all squared away. I’ll be over here, if you need anything…”
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Post by Yīkao Shian on Mar 23, 2022 12:13:13 GMT -5
A delicate blush darkened the pale cheeks. “I have… never left my home, before. The weather there is far more… temperate than Hokkan, apparently.” Another shiver passed through her, and she leaned upon Tenrai’s arm, huddling closer to share what warmth the closeness could provide. “Well met, Tenrai. I must admit, I am glad to find someone who does not share the absurd ideologies of those… ridiculous women on the boat. I am Manami, but you, my dear, may call me Ami-chan.” With that, the pair of them moved along happily enough to the shop he had in mind.
Upon entering, she glances around a bit, and clicks her tongue at a selection of practical - but plain, solid-colored - cloaks at the front, advertised by the sign for their warmth and practicality. “Warmth, sure… but brown? Oh, no…” That is a murmur to herself - for at least she is smart enough to keep her voice low so as not to offend the shopkeeper - and she moves further into the shop, soon locating something in a soft lilac, covered in deep pink blossoms. A much flashier option, and more expensive - but fur lined, and she peers at the price calmly. “Yes, this will do, and-” She glances back to her companion. “Oh, Tenrai! This one… the color would suit you perfectly. Shall I get it for you? It looks like it would just fit.”
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Goddess
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Post by Hotori on Mar 23, 2022 15:28:40 GMT -5
Tenrai smiled at the young woman. "I'd like to settle somewhere warmer someday, once my business is done here in Hokkan." He saw no reason why he couldn't speak honestly - if vaguely - with his new companion. He remained quietly friendly as they walked, and was prepared to wait while she shopped. He was quite surprised a moment later when she called out to him.
"What, Ami-chan?" He looked across the room at the cloak she indicated. It was a light silver color with medium-bright blue and white accents, and it was quite lovely. That said, he could also tell it was expensive. "Oh, thank you, Ami-chan, but I couldn't ask you to spend that on me. My cloak is plenty warm enough, and you'll need to get yourself enough clothing and supplies to last during your time here." Not that he would mention that he'd most likely help her in whatever means he could, should she need it. He was not rich by any stretch of the imagination, but he had saved enough to be modestly comfortable in his travels. Thinking this matter settled, he returned to petting Aya, pulling a tiny chunk of dried meat from the pouch at his waist to serve as a little treat for the kitten while they waited.
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Goddess
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Post by Yīkao Shian on Apr 5, 2022 17:16:26 GMT -5
His hesitation made her laugh, a practiced, musical sound. “Nonsense, I have it to spare. And it would complement your eyes, dear. And look-” She pulls the garment open, revealing a perfectly kitten-sized pocket. “A little hidey-hole for your little friend, hm? And fur lined, to keep the little dear warm, eh? Isn’t that right, little one?” She stretches to scratch soft ears, then adds the silver cloak to her pile with the lilac one she’d selected for herself. Before long she’s selected four complete outfits, appropriate for the colder weather - though she’d forgone the hats, indicating they were ‘frumpy’ - and calmly hands them over to the shopkeeper. “These will do. Have you any thicker socks? And some good boots?” The shopkeeper is quickly showing her to their stock of socks and boots, and then totals up her purchase to an obscenely high amount. She satisfies this payment without blinking, drawing a well-organized fistful of bills out of the front of her clothes and having a fair amount left over, even after paying. Thus having paid what is due, she smiles, bringing the cloak to Tenrai. “Come, let’s see it on! I need to get changed, as it is.”
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Goddess
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Post by Hotori on Apr 13, 2022 10:49:45 GMT -5
Tentai opened his mouth to politely refuse once more - after all, he didn’t need a new cloak, his was warm and he didn't care if it suited his eyes - but he stopped when she pointed out the little fur lined pocket, Aya would enjoy not riding on his shoulder, or in his arms. It was hard for her to nap on his shoulder, but it was warmer there than in his arms. He had to admit that it was a nicely made cloak, and was probably warmer than the one he had now…
And looking at Ami, he realized that if he said no, she would just buy it and give it to him anyway. Closing his eyes, he sighed. Maiko had always said to be grateful for the kindness of others. “Thank you, Ami-san. I am sure Aya will enjoy the little pocket.”
Once the cloak was paid for - he had to keep his mouth from dropping over in shock at the amount of money Ami had - he took it from the clerk and turned his back to them to slide out of his old cloak and slide into the new one. He wanted to give Ami privacy - yes, she would be taken to a changing room, but the modest young man always went that extra step - and it also kept either of them from seeing his flat chest as he pulled on the new cloak. Soon his little companion was in her new spot with a few more bits of dried fish, and he turned back toward the fire to wait for Ami to be ready to leave, pausing only long enough to fold his old cloak and put it away in his bag. “That inn I mentioned with the nice bathhouse is only a fre streets away. This time of year, we should be able to get a couple of rooms for the evening, and a warm meal to go with.”
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Post by Yīkao Shian on Oct 10, 2022 16:14:46 GMT -5
A gleeful little smile lit her features at Tenrai’s acceptance, with just a hint of guile to it that seemed to say, I just knew the pocket would get you. Still, the joy expressed a level of innocence that could not be entirely erased by her cleverness, and she looked quite satisfied with herself as she was led away to a dressing room.
A few minutes later, she emerged, newly attired in clothing that would have befitted someone of a quite high station indeed. The full length kimono she’d chosen was a pale pink with vibrant purple blossoms, and complemented the cloak, which was fastened around her neck with a silken cord, which was disguised in part by the heavy, fur-lined hood that draped partway down her back. The shopkeeper approached then, complimented her “excellent choices” - which would likely set that shopkeeper and his entire extended family up in style for several months - and presented her with a carefully bundled package containing the remainder of her purchases. “Oh, Tenrai! Look how well that fits you! I just knew that it would. And look!” She twirled exuberantly, showing her fine attire to its utmost.
With a deep bow, they were escorted from the shop as though they had performed some incredible service, and she smiled to herself. “That really is quite an exquisite little shop. You’d have never thought it, to see it from the outside, and yet, the garments are of a decent quality, and the service is impeccable. So I have no doubt that this inn you have suggested will be of equal quality. You are clearly a woman of great taste.”
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