worried thoughts (Ell/Open)

[Nayeli]

’introducing
{nayeli richards*}
featuring--! --! ---! ---!
Long lost words whisper to me
Still can't find what keeps me here
When all this time I've been so hollow inside
I know you're still there...
Watching me; Wanting me;
I can feel you pull me down
Fearing you; Loving you;
I won't let you pull me down

The study was dim and quiet, yet I was still as nervous and on edge as possible. The black dressed that garbed my own slim body flowed around me, shaping my beautiful frame perfectly. Things had not been easy these past months, for Leilani had gone into solitude and Genji was having no luck getting her to even find his presence a good. The only contact my younger sister had was the messengers that brought messages back from Illrea to her from Awiti. I had a feeling it was also her communication with Darek, but then again, she did not speak about it nor spoke to me. She came to dinner, wore dresses that were pale and did not speak to anyone. The only color she wore was a ribbon that graced her wrist and I had no idea the meaning of it, though it was becoming tattered and worn.

The streets below were filled with people going to the market and children playing. The court yard was empty except that Turin was speaking to another one of the castles guards as they enjoyed a break from their constant guard. Turin was the only other person I knew who spoke to Leilani and when asked about my sister, he merely looked at me, but said nothing. Why did he do this? I had asked if she felt okay and he merely looked at me with a blank and foreboding look that made my own skin crawl. ”I could always force myself into her chambers.”

[/color] But his warning glare and his warning tone told me it would be a very bad move on my own part. We needed this marriage to put a calm hand upon the land. A royal wedding had not been seen in a very long time and I doubted it would be me have the marriage period, but Leilani needed to quit working on politics so much…

The last time her sister had spoken to me was at a meeting to discuss things with the elves and such. She had spoken, but not about life or anything, it had been a warning about not messing things up with the elves or riders… Leilani had a firm belief in the alliance that had been created between elves and humans. She admire the creatures that we called friend but I would possible never know why.

I took my mind from that subject back to that of Genji and Leilani, who’s courtship were not going off as I had planned. I had spoken to the man about the subject of my sister, about how he needed to try harder to win her, or the marriage would fall through. He did not seem too keen at my ideas of trying to be friendly and nice, but had had agreed. He had tried his own way and now it was my turn to help his hand along, but each time he came, though Leilani allowed him into her study, it was not long before he came out and her voice could be heard as she argued with him. My sister truly hated the idea of marriage and seemed determined not to allow such a thing to happen. Since then, Genji had been come to her study some before he went to Leilani so they could talk or so he could tell her he had arrived himself instead of sending a servant.

”Mi’Lady?” It turned at the sound of one of the servants coming into my study and I gestured him in with a hard stare. ”Mi’Lady, Lord Genji is here.” It was all I need to know before I turned back to watching the streets below. My hands ran over the dress slightly, my hand touching the dagger that I kept with me at all times. The dress was very tight upon my skin, allowing my beautiful form to be seen by anyone. The sleeves went down my arm and a small strap went around my thumb took keep them from riding up. Even though it was tight, I could move without a single problem. At the waist, it flared out slightly and went to the floor, covering my bare feet… I did not wear shoes at the moment since I saw no reason in my private study.

The sound of the door opening caused my eyes to advert to see whom was coming in.
[/blockquote][/blockquote]

Hunting you, I can smell you - Alive
Your heart pounding in my head
Watching me; Wanting me;
I can feel you pull me down
Saving me; Raping me;
Watching me...
Watching me; Wanting me;
I can feel you pull me down
Fearing you; Loving you;
I won't let you pull me down

’word count 0.733
’tagged none has come
’song Haunted--! Evanescence
’post status done
’template creator nayeli

[/size]

[Elloria]

The carriage rolled to a stop in the courtyard and Genji could already feel a headache building at the base of his skull. This whole monthly week-long visit thing was starting to wear on him faster than his sire had. “Are you well, Kazan-sama?” Mami’s low, sensual tone grated even further on his nerves so he waved her away. He knew he shouldn’t have brought her along instead of Raiden…but he couldn’t leave her back in Teirm with the assassin. Those two had got along the least well out of all of them. It wasn’t that they were overtly hostile to one another. It was that she was jealous of Raiden’s position in relation to Genji. She always had been. So now instead of a rational, intelligent planner and brute force (Rikuto), he had a cunning manipulator and brute force. He closed his eyes and took in a deep breath as the carriage door opened. This will be worth it, he reassured himself. Please let it be worth it, Yawata no Kami.

He slowly opened his eyes, noting that Mami had already exited the carriage. Rikuto was looking at him very closely. He nodded at her and she nodded back before slipping out as well. Genji took another calming breath before carefully stepping down. The servants scurrying around in the courtyard slowed and stared as he straightened up and smoothed his kimono. It was a stark white, like freshly fallen snow made into cloth, with the hem and cuffs seemingly enveloped in red and orange fire. Licks of flame flared away from the main fire and covered the entirety of the back and sleeves while seeming to leap playfully along the lower half of the outfit. In the center of the cuff flames were wingless golden dragons curled up in the fire. The obi was black – reminiscent of shimmering ink – and curled on the front of it was another dragon, colored a vibrant red. His blue-black hair now hung between his shoulder blades at its greatest length, while the shorter locks around his face fell just below his chin. It was a striking contrast against the white background of the kimono.

Genji glanced around with his sea-colored eyes before turning to his own slaves. “Find out where we are being housed and deliver our luggage there. I expect you to stay there until I arrive and give you further instruction,” he snapped to them. He turned from them and slipped his hands into the long sleeves of the kimono as he crossed them over his stomach. The hem of his kimono fluttered around his feet as he flowed through the courtyard and up the castle stairs to the servant that was clearly waiting for him – despite the fact it was currently staring slack-jawed at him. Nothing gratified him more than blowing the simple minds of the Alagaesians with his graceful bearing and form. But even this pleasure did nothing for him. He instead glared at the servant, which quickly snapped its mouth shut, and said, “Lead me to Princess Nayeli’s study. Immediately.”

The servant nodded and sent another servant ahead of them to inform the princess of Genji’s arrival. Their guide led the way through the castle, Genji following close behind with Mami and Rikuto in tow. They wound their way through the corridors until they arrived at a closed door – one that Genji was quite familiar with by now. He dismissed the servant and opened the door on his own. And unsurprisingly, Nayeli was indeed in her private study. She stood in profile to the Itasans, only her eyes trained on the door as they entered. She wore a simple, form-fitting black dress. Its long sleeves snaked down her arms, held in place by loops around her thumbs. By Alagaesian standards, she was certainly elegant and beautiful despite the simplicity of the outfit – or perhaps because of the simplicity. But Genji never judged by Alagaesian standards. He gave her a brief once-over before moving further into the room, letting Rikuto quietly shut the door behind the three Itasans. “Well…I am here. And while I fail to see how this visit will be much different from the others, I have thought much on how we might change that.” He met her gaze steadily, coldly. “I have an idea, though I wonder if perhaps you have thought of anything else as well.”

[Nayeli]

’introducing
{nayeli richards*}
featuring--! --! ---! ---!
Long lost words whisper to me
Still can't find what keeps me here
When all this time I've been so hollow inside
I know you're still there...
Watching me; Wanting me;
I can feel you pull me down
Fearing you; Loving you;
I won't let you pull me down

I had watched with mild interest as the carriage had approached the main gate to the castle and I also watched how before Genji could even step out that Turin was stalking into the castle and I was sure heading to warn my sister. I did not understand the reasoning behind the constant visits he gave my sister and why he did not try and convince her, unless he was and she was determined in her ways. The sound of his barking could barely be heard from where I stood in my study. As always he moved with a graceful step and wore clothing that I was still not use to after so many different trips. As both the guards and Genji stepped from the carriage, it soon moved on towards the estate that I had set aside for him and his people to do what they wished. I had left it bare and had instructed the guards to show them the area. This was the first time that Genji would have his own private place while in my uncle's city. There was furniture in the home, but I was planning on telling the Court that it was his to do with as he pleased and he could have who he wanted in the home. Not only did it give him more privacy, but it also gave him and Leilani a place to stay when they were married, that way they would not have to always stay in the castle if they wanted space.

The estate was beautiful, with a large garden and pond that held beautiful fish. I had spent hours speaking to someone on the design and soon we realized that it would ultimately be Genji’s choice if he wanted to change it. As I watched him for a moment I saw his hair had grown longer and that he wore a white outfit. I allowed my nose to wrinkle slightly at the pure white outfit. Finally, my eyes diverted to the servant that came into the study to tell me he would be here soon. I knew it would be another long week of Leilani’s arguments and refusals to marry Genji and I felt a headache occurring at the moment I thought of it. As he vanished into the castle, my eyes watched the court yard go back to its business and then the sound of footsteps seem to come quickly. The door open and in came the three beings and I let out a simple and silent sig before turning to face him and moved from the window.

As normal, he looked about the same, anger that he had to continue doing this and knowing it would be a long week. He barely gave me a look over before he spoke to me. ”Well… I am here. And while I fail to see how this visit will be much different from the others, I have thought much on how we might change that.” This brought attention and interest to my eyes. Honestly, I just wanted him to come in so I could great him and tell him of the arrangements, but if he had a thought, it could wait. ”I have an idea, though I wonder if perhaps you have thought of anything else as well.” I motioned towards the chair before them and moved around myself to sit down upon the maroon couch that absorbed my body slightly. It was not the softest, but it still held comfort. ”Let me hear it…”

[/color] My voice held great interest at his words and I had to remember to think over everything that I had to tell him when he was done.
[/blockquote][/blockquote]

Hunting you, I can smell you - Alive
Your heart pounding in my head
Watching me; Wanting me;
I can feel you pull me down
Saving me; Raping me;
Watching me...
Watching me; Wanting me;
I can feel you pull me down
Fearing you; Loving you;
I won't let you pull me down

’word count 0.612
’tagged Genji
’song Haunted--! Evanescence
’post status done
’template creator nayeli

[/size]

[Elloria]

“Let me hear it…” The sudden interest in Nayeli’s eyes bothered Genji. It was as if she did not believe he was capable of problem-solving. Did she mistake his disinterest for inability? No, why would she? After all, she and the King both felt he was the best option for Leilani’s groom. He let out a mental sigh. This was what happened when you allowed yourself to stand out – your idiot ‘superiors’ tried to saddle you with even more responsibility and trouble than you’ve already had to deal with. But the royal family was the next step on his path to greater power and if that meant swallowing the bitter pill of marriage in order to achieve that step, so be it. He could always have her killed later if she proved too troublesome…if he could get his assassin’s head back on the man’s shoulders.

Genji sent a silent prayer for strength to Yawata no Kami as Nayeli sat on a hideous maroon couch. It didn’t even look remotely comfortable. Alagaesians. He debated declining her offer of a seat, but felt that perhaps that would not be wise. Humoring her would surely be in his favor – in many ways Nayeli was the true master of this castle and kingdom, not Azuan. With another mental sigh Genji moved to the chair and, pulling the kimono close to his legs, settled gracefully into the seat. Rikuto moved until she stood slightly behind him to the left, leaning slightly on her sanjiegun. Mami took the opposite position with hand resting laxly on the grip of her whip, placing herself between Genji and the door. “What this comes down to is a lack of understanding between two very different cultures,” he said at last, his voice smooth and low. “I suppose that must seem rather obvious, and yet it is the one thing we have not addressed yet. Now considering I have spent something like fifteen years in the Broddring Empire, I would like to believe I have a relatively firm grasp of this land and its culture.” He leaned back in the chair and rested his elbows on the armrests, steepling his fingers before him. “Your sister, on the other hand, has undoubtedly had little exposure to my culture. So I would like to give her a…what is the term? Crash course? A crash course in Itasan culture.” He eyed Nayeli, wondering how she would react to this proposal. If she liked the idea, he would elaborate further. If she did not…well, he could live with it and Leilani would simply have to learn it all once they were married.

[Nayeli]

’introducing
{nayeli richards*}
featuring--! --! ---! ---!
Long lost words whisper to me
Still can't find what keeps me here
When all this time I've been so hollow inside
I know you're still there...
Watching me; Wanting me;
I can feel you pull me down
Fearing you; Loving you;
I won't let you pull me down

Yes, I was beyond interested. The fact that I had drawn up blanks for the past month on how to convince my sister to marry this man was something I was not use to. I hated it, hated it more than anything in the world, yet I still could think of nothing in my anger at myself. The fact that he had an idea, one that at the moment might be the only one… It was beyond interesting for me, it was hope that might sister might finally just marry the man. She could find herself a lover if she had to, so long as she married the man I had picked for her. I knew that once they were married, Genji would find just how nice it was to be part of the royal family. Even though I was not the heir to the family, I will still here and I did not plan on leaving any time soon. Unless some fool decided to claim his place behind my uncle, I would be nice in line since my mother would not accept such a task and my uncle was not stupid enough to give such a task to my own father.

Now, on to what this man held to say to me, the idea that he seemed to possess that might help our problem with him marrying my sister. He seemed to be slightly uncomfortable about sitting, though I found my own chair very nice with plenty of cushion. It was not the hard thrown that was in the main hall of the castle, it was much nicer then that. He did not sit down straight away, but soon, he moved his clothing out of the way and took a seat not far from me. Both of his own guards joined him on either side and I glanced at them for a moment before returning my own gaze back to him. It was hard, but also full of interest. I wanted to know his thoughts, I needed to know if they would help us or hinder us.

”What this comes down to is a lack of understanding between two very different cultures.” The sound of this was starting off boring, but I did not allow my interest to falter, it was still a idea and I wanted to know as much as I could. ”I suppose that must seem rather obvious, and yet it is the one thing we have not addressed yet. Now considering I have spent something like fifteen years in the Broddring Empire, I would like to believe I have a relatively firm grasp of this land and its culture.” I nodded in agreement. Fifteen years was long enough to understand the area around you. ”Your sister, on the other hand, has undoubtedly had little exposure to my culture. So I would like to give her a… What is the term? Crash course? A crash course in Itasan culture.” I leaned back for a moment, removing my eyes from him and looking slightly down at the table before us that was made out of solid oak. It was an idea and a thought that we should have addressed a long time ago. ”Continue Genji… This is something that might truly help us…”

[/color] I said to him, allowing my interested look to soften slightly and a small smile to curve onto my lips as I waited.
[/blockquote][/blockquote]

Hunting you, I can smell you - Alive
Your heart pounding in my head
Watching me; Wanting me;
I can feel you pull me down
Saving me; Raping me;
Watching me...
Watching me; Wanting me;
I can feel you pull me down
Fearing you; Loving you;
I won't let you pull me down

’word count 0.598
’tagged Genji
’song Haunted--! Evanescence
’post status done
’template creator nayeli

[/size]

[Elloria]

Well, it seemed Genji had thoroughly snagged Nayeli’s interest. Good. That would make his life infinitely easier. Now all he needed to do was frame the rest of this in the right way to officially cement her support of his idea. Honestly, it couldn’t be all that difficult. Neither of them had any success in finding new ways to bring Leilani squarely into the marriage camp. That damned teenager was one of the most stubborn opponents Genji had ever faced in his life. Not even Kishi had been so difficult to crack…no, that wasn’t entirely true. It had taken Genji seventeen years to break Kishi. If he could break his bastard of an older brother, he could break this child. Yes, he could do this. With the strength of Yawata no Kami, he would prevail over all obstacles to forever carve his name in history. Perhaps then, all that he had endured would be worth it…perhaps then…

He violently shoved the thought aside. Kami, but he had become maudlin of late. He blamed his guards, the Harlot, both princesses, and all of Alagaesia. He let out a slow breath he hadn’t realized he was holding and focused on Nayeli once more. “This will smooth the course greatly,” he said with a nod. He gestured towards the window. “Even as we speak, several more carriages have surely arrived in your courtyard and are unloading their cargo in whatever place you have set aside for us. They contain the basic items required for introducing your…charming sister to the world of Itasus. I would like to spend the next month pandering to your sister’s desire to learn. I will teach her some of the most basic customs of Itasus and the beliefs of both the country and my clan.” He rested his hands in his lap and steeled himself. “What do you think?” The words were bitter in his mouth. He honestly didn’t care and it pained him to have to ask.

[Nayeli]

’introducing
{nayeli richards*}
featuring--! --! ---! ---!
Long lost words whisper to me
Still can't find what keeps me here
When all this time I've been so hollow inside
I know you're still there...
Watching me; Wanting me;
I can feel you pull me down
Fearing you; Loving you;
I won't let you pull me down

Any idea that came onto my table would be welcomed, if it was actually useable and so far, this one seemed rather useable. I was not sure if Leilani would play with this, she had not even spoke to myself for months, not outside of her working and Turin had been the only one to get even a smile from her. I did not understand why she had to be the way she was being, but whatever the reason, I could only hope it would come to a close soon and maybe this would all work. My sister needed to open her eyes and just be married, she needed to quit the politics and be happily married. She could be loved and have children like she wanted, yet she refused! It was as if he dreams were not even real to her and that she wanted nothing to do with them any longer because of my want for her to be married. Leilani was focused on something other than this and she seemed determined enough to stay that way. My only worry was that she would refuse to do anything or listen to anything Genji had to say.

Soon, the man before me seemed to come back and focused one more on me. His breathe released out into the air we were both breathing and I waited to see what would be said, what we could use to gain my sister’s acceptance of this whole new idea. ”This will smooth the course greatly.” I allowed myself to nod in agreement and waited for the man to continue. ”Even as we speak, several more carriages have surely arrived in your courtyard and are unloading their cargo in whatever place you have set aside for us.” My eye brow lifted and I stood, moving back over to the window that looked down in the court yard. ”They contain the basic items required for introducing your… Charming sister to the world of Itasus. I would like to spend the next month pandering to your sister’s desire to learn. I will teach her some of the most basic customs of Itasus and the beliefs of both the country and my clan.” I saw things that were beautiful below and it interested me further as I watched them take each thing from the carriage and unload it. ”What do you think?” I returned my ice blue eyes to look at him and returned to where I had been, but I stood behind the couch and looked at him. ”This might just be the breaking point we need for my sisters stone determination, but I can not say completely… Though the idea is beyond brilliant, I don’t know how my sister will react to this… Do it, Count Genji and see if this works into our favor.”

[/color] My voice was hard and strong. My mind was going over different things that could happen.

I wanted to see that my sister was well cared for along with any future children she might have, but I also wanted her to be happy. All the splendor below seemed to fit the category to make her happy enough to finally say yes.
[/blockquote][/blockquote]

Hunting you, I can smell you - Alive
Your heart pounding in my head
Watching me; Wanting me;
I can feel you pull me down
Saving me; Raping me;
Watching me...
Watching me; Wanting me;
I can feel you pull me down
Fearing you; Loving you;
I won't let you pull me down

’word count 0.532
’tagged Genji
’song Haunted--! Evanescence
’post status done
’template creator nayeli

[/size]

[Elloria]

(OOC: If you're wondering who Zhayu, refer to the thread on Itasus Nay. XD)

Well, this was working out a lot better than he had anticipated. From what he could see of her reaction as she looked into the courtyard – confirming his suspicions about where his carriages were – she seemed not only intrigued by the idea, but also by what she was seeing delivered. Perhaps if she was so inclined, he would instruct her in the ways of Itasus as well. It wasn’t strictly necessary, but what person didn’t enjoy waxing poetic about their homeland? Very few people indeed. And there was always the possibility of converting another godless wretch to the light of benevolent Yawata no Kami, who would protect them from the villainy of Zhayu. But it seemed Nayeli had had her fill of looking upon the artifacts of his civilization. She returned to the couch, but stood behind it rather than sitting upon it. He raised an eyebrow and waited.

“This might just be the breaking point we need for my sisters stone determination, but I cannot say completely… Though the idea is beyond brilliant, I don’t know how my sister will react to this… Do it, Count Genji and see if this works into our favor.”

Genji inclined his head, hiding the smirk that quirked his lips. This was excellent. Now, not only did he not need to feel impure for not being able to properly observe the rites of his people but he would be able to begin teaching Alagaesia of the wonders of Itasus. Granted it would only Leilani, but that was just the first step – one of many towards a far worthier goal than just moving forward with this wedding. After taking a moment to compose his face into a more serious, yet pleased look, Genji lifted his gaze back up to Nayeli. “I shall do my best, Princess.” He relaxed back in the chair once more, not quite comfortable in the contraptions even after all these years. “Was there anything else you wished to discuss or shall I go oversee my preparations? I shall require a few hours to set things up properly. Moreover, I wonder where exactly you have us staying this time. I know before we stayed within the castle. Has this arrangement changed?”

[Nayeli]

’introducing
{nayeli richards*}
featuring--! --! ---! ---!
Long lost words whisper to me
Still can't find what keeps me here
When all this time I've been so hollow inside
I know you're still there...
Watching me; Wanting me;
I can feel you pull me down
Fearing you; Loving you;
I won't let you pull me down

I was beyond impressed with everything he had shown me so far, but that did not mean anything unless it convinced Leilani and somehow, it was a uncertain future I had myself in. I had heard from my brother that Sean had truly upset her and that she honestly was thinking about having him removed from her guard and keeping Turin only, which would mean I would lose my brother to go to Teirm. Not only that, she had gotten a present the other day from a strange who said it was a gift and she had placed it in her quarters. I had not seen the dress, though I had heard it was a beautiful emerald, the same as her own eyes. I turned my eyes back to the man before me and as I spoke, saw a smirk appear on his sharp features. Though, rather handsome, I kept my own smirk away from my face. I was in no need to be crushing over a man destined for my sister and if I was to rule this country with a steady hand, I would not allow love to get into my way, nor would I allow it.

”I shall do my best, Princess.” I nodded, though the last word brought another thought that came to my own head. The word Princess had set Leilani off on a rampage yesterday, in fact, I had heard she even pushed away a maid on her way to her quarters, something that was unlike Leilani completely. ”Was there anything else you wished to discuss or shall I go oversee my preparations? I shall require a few hours to set things up properly. Moreover, I wonder where exactly you have us staying this time. I know before we stayed within the castle. Has this arrangement changed?” I had nearly forgotten about the living situation.

”Ah, yes… You now have a Estate on the other side of the castle, Northern Gate in fact. It has only the needed stuff in there right now until you are ready to decorate it for yourself. I only placed the needed necessities such as beds, tables, and lounge furniture, not much at all… You can decorate it how you wish, outside and inside. You have a lawn and courtyard… The lawn go around the estate and has a low wall to allow you to see if anyone is coming… It also as a stables on the north west corner to put horses, though it only holds six horses.”

[/color] I said, explaining to him as I walked to my desk, bring a map to lead him to the estate from the northern gate. I returned with the paper and handed it to him. ”Also, be careful… Sean pissed Leilani off beyond what I have seen in a while… Don’t use the word Princess around her… She might find a way to kill you in your sleep… She nearly did Sean and hurt one of the maids as she was on her way back to her quarters in such a fury… Turin has been the only one to keep her calm for the past day… Sean’s words really upset her and she has kept to her study for the most part planning her next trip to see Awiti in Illrea.”[/color] I said, a bit of distaste in my mouth at the thought of my sister visiting the former slave and her so called sister. My own sister loved the girl more then she loved me and I did not understand why.
[/blockquote][/blockquote]

Hunting you, I can smell you - Alive
Your heart pounding in my head
Watching me; Wanting me;
I can feel you pull me down
Saving me; Raping me;
Watching me...
Watching me; Wanting me;
I can feel you pull me down
Fearing you; Loving you;
I won't let you pull me down

’word count 0.591
’tagged Genji
’song Haunted--! Evanescence
’post status done
’template creator nayeli

[/size]

[Elloria]

Genji stiffened in his seat. An estate…on the palace grounds? That implied that he and Leilani would be visiting often enough to warrant having an estate. Teirm was certainly no Itasus, but Carvala was just a nightmare! He could barely bring himself to travel here once a month to court the wench. And it had taken all of his not inconsiderable willpower to convince himself that staying for a month was a wise decision. Focus, Genji. Of course any Alagaesian would assume that visits to Carvala would be frequent. Leilani is a princess, an orator, and a diplomat.

He accepted the map Nayeli offered him with a nod. “I see.” And yet the surprises would not stop there.

”Also, be careful… Sean pissed Leilani off beyond what I have seen in a while… Don’t use the word Princess around her…” He raised a slender eyebrow at Nayeli’s statement, inviting the princess to clarify. “She might find a way to kill you in your sleep… She nearly did Sean and hurt one of the maids as she was on her way back to her quarters in such a fury… Turin has been the only one to keep her calm for the past day… Sean’s words really upset her and she has kept to her study for the most part planning her next trip to see Awiti in Illrea.”

Genji closed his eyes in distaste and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Your sister is a spoiled, pretentious brat. She has no sense of familial loyalty or obligation, believing that what she desires is all that is of consequence in this world.” He dropped his hand and glared at Nayeli. “It sickens me,” he spat out, heedless of the possible consequences of his poisonous statement. He rose from his seat, unable to sit any longer. “She may not be the King’s daughter, but does she not have a responsibility to her people? Royalty and nobility are not allowed to live their lives as they please. They have an example to set and a duty to the people who look to them for guidance and leadership!” He opened his mouth to say more, but thought better of it and snapped his jaw shut. He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. Temper, Genji. Regain control. You knew she was all these things when you first agreed to this whole farce.

“It is difficult to be patient with her, Nayeli,” he murmured by way of apology. He continued slowly, choosing his words with great care. “I would…like for this to become something more than a simple business arrangement. That will require the patience of a god.” He turned and strode towards the door without a backward glance, with Rikuto and Mami close behind. “I shall attend to the preparations,” he called over his shoulder as he opened the door to leave. “And I pray that there are no more surprises in store for us.”

[Nayeli]

’introducing
{nayeli richards*}
featuring--! --! ---! ---!
Long lost words whisper to me
Still can't find what keeps me here
When all this time I've been so hollow inside
I know you're still there...
Watching me; Wanting me;
I can feel you pull me down
Fearing you; Loving you;
I won't let you pull me down

I had completely ignored the stiffened man as he heard he had a estate… At the moment, my thoughts were mostly on him courting my sister, though as I thought further into it, he would probably not be completely happy but at least the man would have some privacy and Leilani could only take so much and with this being a much longer visit than normal, it was bound to put her into even more of a terrible mood. ”I see.” As I continued on about Leilani, I turned to see that the man had closed his eyes and was pinching the bridge of his nose. ”Your sister is a spoiled, pretentious brat. She has no sense of familial loyalty or obligation, believing that what she desires is all that is of consequence in this world.” I nodded my head in agreement. ”Which is why I want this wedding to go through… My sister needs to see the loyalty again… That Obligation that she seems to have thrown out the window.”

[/color] My words went to the man before his eyes glared at me and my own hard into his.

“It sickens me.” Though I could honestly careless about his sickened thoughts that seemed to cause him such sickness. He had agreed to this arrangement and he would see it through. ”She may not be the King’s daughter, but does she not have a responsibility to her people?” I lowered my head slightly before picking up his next words. ”Royalty and nobility are not allowed to live their lives as they please. They have an example to set and a duty to the people who look to them for guidance and leadership!” I waited to make sure he was done before I spoke. ”My sister has already shown me who she allies herself with… And it is the Riders of this land, the ones that hold true power and control in order for peace to stay…”[/color] I said, looking at him as his jaw snapped shut and he seemed to try and regain himself.

”It is difficult to be patient with her, Nayeli.” I smiled slightly, allowing a easy chuckle to come from my lips as I shook my head. ”It is a process that one must go through with her… She is stubborn and determined… Unlike many ladies in her position, she is not easily told what to do.”[/color] Though, neither was I when it came down to it. It had to be something on my mother’s side, though she was much weaker then myself and my sister, she still held to her own believes. ”I would… like for this to become something more than a simple business arrangement. That will require the patience of a god.” I chuckled… If only it could have been so easy. ”I shall attend to the preparations. And I pray that there are no more surprises in store for us.” I nodded towards him and turned back to my own business of this city I ruled over.
[/blockquote][/blockquote]

Hunting you, I can smell you - Alive
Your heart pounding in my head
Watching me; Wanting me;
I can feel you pull me down
Saving me; Raping me;
Watching me...
Watching me; Wanting me;
I can feel you pull me down
Fearing you; Loving you;
I won't let you pull me down

’word count 0.591
’tagged Genji
’comment I think we can close out on Nayeli and go into Leilani. What do you think?
’song Haunted--! Evanescence
’post status done
’template creator nayeli

[/size]

[Elloria]

Genji glanced back in time to see Nayeli’s nod. He had not really expected an answer of any sort, but at least she had been paying attention to his final statement. “I will send a servant to the palace when we have finished, princess.” With that he left the study and quickly made his way down to the first floor of the palace, unfolding the map as he went to examine the route to the cottage. His mind began leaping forward to the minutes, hours, and days ahead of him. He would spend a fair portion of today preparing the estate. It would be necessary in order to get the feng shui properly set up. It had taken him years to accomplish that in the Citadel – how unfortunate that he was under such terrible time constraints. Although if this marriage did go through, he would still have years in which to properly arrange the estate he had been granted. But still…there were paintings to hang, folding screens to artfully arrange, a shrine to set up and consecrate; furniture to move around or completely throw out…a thousand things and more, it felt like.

“Kazan-sama…what –[/i][/color]”

He held up a hand for silence. “Now is not the time, Mami,” he murmured. “I have much to arrange in a short amount of time and I cannot be distracted from my purpose. Save your silver tongue.” Mami looked distinctly disgruntled, but nothing more was said as they exited the palace. The three additional carriages that had arrived were in various states of unpacking. Well, at least they weren’t fully unloaded just yet. He gave a piercing whistle that echoed across the courtyard and got the attention of his slaves and servants. Trotting down the steps, he made his way over to the carriages. “There has been a slight change of plans. We will be heading for an estate by the palace’s northern gate. Reload the carriages quickly so that we may make up for this troublesome delay.” He stood there with his arms crossed, waiting as patiently as possible for his slaves to repack everything onto the carriages. After about fifteen minutes the carriages were almost ready, so he moved to his personal carriage and handed the map to his driver. Without a word, he climbed into the carriage with his guards, certain that his people would be intelligent enough to follow. After a few moments, the carriage lurched forward and made its way towards Genji’s new estate.

The ride was mercifully short, preventing the tension between lord and guard from escalating to unbearable levels. Genji peered out of the carriage windows as they arrived. A low wall did indeed surround the perimeter, fencing in a verdant lawn that had recently been tended to and a freshly swept courtyard that lay in front of the two-story manor house. A dirt lane branched off from the courtyard, leading to the small stables in the northwest. On the opposite side, he could see several fruit trees growing near the wall. The gardens, he was certain, would be just beyond the trees. He glanced at Mami once the carriage had rolled to a stop. “Scope out the house.” The woman’s eyes narrowed slightly before she gave a jerky nod, exited the carriage and trotted the short distance to the small manor. While waiting for her return, Genji eyed the house and grounds critically. Like most buildings, the house was a relatively drab color on the exterior – simple walls made of natural stone with shuttered openings here and there that served as windows and a slanted tile roof. The first entrance was arched and engraved – with what, Genji couldn’t tell – with a smaller opening set further back that undoubtedly let onto the actual house itself. Well…as far as Alagaesian homes were concerned, it seemed adequate enough for a noble.

He glanced at Rikuto. Her eyes were fixed on him with a very slight frown marring her normally placid features. They held each other’s gaze for several long moments. He didn’t know whether to be exasperated or amused by their frequent staring contests. Of all his guards, he actually rather liked Rikuto the most. She was neither clever, nor witty, nor even particularly intelligent. She was simple – there were never ulterior motives with her. She knew when to take initiative and when to bow to Genji’s decisions. She wanted nothing from him – nothing, except perhaps his understanding. Perhaps his only issue was that she never asked questions if she needed something clarified. He had to prompt her every single time it looked like she wanted to ask something. He sometimes wondered if all Ishinomori women were like her.

He was about to ask what she wanted this time when Mami reappeared at the carriage window. “The house is clear, Kazan-sama. There were no traps, no assassins, nothing out of place as far as I could tell. There is a large two-story hall just as one enters and it spans much of the first floor. There are several tables in the hall, as well as a smaller one on a raised dais. A balcony wraps around the second floor. To the right are the kitchen, a well-stocked pantry, a room which seems to be for storing drinks, and a set of stairs that is in the corridor outside the kitchen. The kitchen itself lets out onto a large garden, which also contains a well. To the left are another set of stairs, some sleeping quarters for servants, and a sizable chapel. Above the chapel is a small bedroom that is presumably for guests and a library. Above the kitchens are your living quarters: a large bedroom with dressers, a four-post bed, a wardrobe and nightstands; a well-appointed bathroom; a large study; and another smaller bedroom. There are large fireplaces in every room except the chapel, the pantry, and the drink room. And except for those pantry, drink room and the interior corridors, it is well-lighted by the windows.[/b][/i][/color]”

He nodded and gestured for Rikuto to step out first. She deepened her frown briefly before smoothing her face out and obeying his silent order. Genji quickly followed her out. He paused just outside the carriage and took in a deep breath. It smelled surprisingly clean and fertile here. It was almost like the Kazan estate on Sariatus. A peaceful look settled over his features as he took several more deep breaths of the fresh air. Whatever else he might think of Alagaesians, they had selected a good place for this estate and it was something he could definitely work with. He moved further into the courtyard and turned to face the little corral the carriages had formed in front of the manor entrance. “All right. We have a lot to do in the next few hours. Get everything off those carriages and into the great hall. And for the love of Yawata no Kami, you had BETTER be damn careful. Every one of these items are priceless and I will not hesitate to gut every last one of you if anything happens to them. As for my luggage, I want it in the largest bedroom on the second floor. Mami will direct you. Understood?” The assembled servants and slaves either grunted or nodded in assent and began their tasks – after all, Genji’s statements were not out of the ordinary to them.

Once everything was underway Genji finally went inside to change out of his kimono. He couldn’t trust the slaves to put things away properly and he couldn’t do that same job in his current outfit.

Several hours later ~ early afternoon:
Genji quickly toweled the excess water from his hair as Mami looked through his wardrobe for a particular silk tunic that was a light green. He currently wore a pair of white linen capris with his zori were already on his feet. The house was as ready as it was ever going to be and he had already sent a slave ahead to inform the palace of his imminent arrival.

He tossed the towel aside and looked himself over in the mirror. He scowled at the image presented to him, unsure of whether it really pleased him or not. He didn’t particularly need to add any womanly traits to his already effeminate features, but the effect of his lengthy locks was not unpleasant either. He ran his fingers through the damp locks, delighted that they were still soft and sleek as usual. Perhaps he would maintain this style until he was married.

“Found it.”

Genji grunted and turned from the mirror, picking up his father’s ring from the washstand below the mirror and slipping it onto the middle finger of his left hand. Plucking the sleeveless tunic from Mami’s loose grip, he pulled it on and tucked it into his capris. He adjusted it so that the wide collar sat mostly on his shoulders to reveal the crimson dragon tattoo curling around his left pectoral and shoulder. Satisfied he held is hand out for Seisui and strapped it to his waist with its sword belt so that it hung from his left side. He repeated the process with Hinote, save that he slipped the sword strap over his head with the hilt also facing to the left. He moved to the mirror once more and fiddled with Hinote for a few moments until he was satisfied that the sword’s strap would not cover too much of his tattoo before nodding. “All right. Let’s get this over with.”

Without waiting for affirmatives, he turned and left the room. He could hear the quiet footsteps of Mami and Rikuto as they followed him downstairs to the kitchen corridor. He poked his head into the kitchen, where several of the servants were gathered. “I am returning to the palace. Do try to stay out of trouble while I am gone. Good help is hard to find these days.”

Fifteen minutes later:
Genji quietly the door to Leilani’s study – another room he had become far too acquainted with in recent months – and slipped in, leaving Rikuto and Mami in the hall. He coughed quietly to attract the attention of the room’s inhabitants – his prospective bride and her older brother, Turin. Once he had their attention he bowed very low to them, dropping his head even further to slightly expose his neck. After a moment, he straightened up. A very slight sheen of sweat covered his face, arms, and what was visible of his torso, courtesy of his walk back. “Good afternoon, Lady Leilani,” he said without a trace of his usual accent. “And to you as well, Lord Turin. May I join your little gathering? I had an idea that I hoped you might be willing to give ear to, milady. I think you may find it…intriguing.” He stood patiently by the door, awaiting her answer.

[Nayeli]

’introducing
{leilani richards*}
featuring--! --! ---! ---!
Come on closer, I wanna show you
What I'd like to do, You sit back now
Just relax now, I'll take care of you
Hot temptations, Sweet sensations
Infiltrating through, Sweet sensations
Hot temptations, Coming over you

The sound of the wind touching my ears barely phased me as I sat upon my desk which looked out a window over the northern part of the kingdom. I had recently gone to Illrea to visit my sister and to my little surprise… Darek was not within’ the house and my heart felt like breaking. I missed my Darek, even though he did not want to affect the engagement, he already had by being a part of my life. I wanted to scream, I want to cry, I want to go and hid in the elven forest and never be found. At least in the City of the Riders and the forest of the Elves, I was safe from having to marry that man whom my sister had chosen.

I am sure he is not as bad as you might think, two legged.

[/color] A voice touched my mind as I sat upon my chair reading over the new plans for my next trip to Illrea. It was more than a normal trip and I had a friend to help me. I allowed my mind to be free and open, since having brought to the castle my new friend in secret, she had been teaching me how to close my mind and how to open it to others who had the ability to speak to each other, but I had not gained such talents. I could hear the sound of her chuckling mentally to me before I continued to write upon the paper my new plans.

I had a feeling that Sean was watching me and since he did not know about my secret either, it gave me some more ease. I looked out the window for a moment and turned my head slightly as I heard a knock rap against my door. I was really not in the mood for visitors and I turned my head slightly towards the direction of my friend who was hiding in a rather large closest that we kept locked from the inside. I had a key for the outside. ”Come in.”[/color] My words were just loud enough that I was sure Sean, my personal guard, would hear it, along with whomever was outside, knocking. As the door open, my own emerald eyes turned to see my eldest brother coming into the room. ”Turin? What are you doing here?”[/color] I had not planned on seeing him and the sight of him made me wonder why he was here. ”I just wanted to warn you that he has returned.”[/color]

I lifted myself from the chair I was sitting in and removed a book from my table and sighed. ”It is that time… Why won’t Nayeli see that I have already told her no and that bastard no?”[/color] He shrugged, leaving me to look at the book for a moment more. Hmm, maybe he is as bad as you say he is.[/color] I smiled slightly as the voice resounded in my own mind. Maybe I would be lucky and he would not come and visit me, but I knew better than to dream of such things. He was sure to be visiting my sister first… Why didn’t they just get married?! He visited her first anyway, he seemed to like her more then he liked me and she liked him… I hated him, I wanted him out of my life… All I wanted was Darek… Or someone who would love me. Genji was only marrying me to get what he wanted out of my uncle and because Nayeli was forcing him to. It was foolish in my opinion and honestly, I wanted no part of some plot of scheme… I just wanted to be left alone.

As I sat back down at my desk, I felt two warm hands on my shoulders and I turned my head slightly to see Turin’s fingers grasping my shoulder and rubbing them some. ”Could you at least be friendly with him? Get to know the guy… He might be a stuck up ass, but you never know, he might have a good side to him.”[/color] I touched my brother’s hand for a moment, the connection we had was a strong one, but I did not just like Genji because he was stuck up… ”He does not believe in love… Unless that changes, neither will I change my mind… I have already met someone who I love.”[/color] I said, only feeling a small squeeze on my shoulder before the mental sound of my secret touched my mind. Hmm… Love… It is important if two people want to be happy.[/color] Her voice faded into my mind and I mentally nodded. I did not want life to just throw me away because I was a woman and this man would do just that. He would give me no freedoms, I could feel it. I would have to beg to go to Illrea and I would have to beg to come back to Caraval. He would probably make me quit my role as a speaker and my debating days would be over.

I was not going to allow some man to rule my life, not now and not ever. Such a thing was barbaric and I was not going to be my mother. Though I loved her terribly, she was weak and so in love with my father that she did not see the pain she was suffering. I took in a deep breath as I remembered the last time I saw my father, which was recently, leaving a bar with a wretch upon his arm and heading towards the estate we called home. I wanted to scream, but he would have blown me off. I had no doubt that I held many other siblings that were unknown to myself and my siblings… But I would probably never meet them. I felt hands patting my shoulders before he moved over to look more out the window. ”Nayeli gave him an estate on the north side of the castle… A very nice one… She said in the future, you could use it as your home, though I figured it might make you happy that he was not in the same building as you.”[/color] I shrugged and looked down at my writing. Maybe I was not in the same building, but I was still in the same city and my sister still seemed to think I was going to marry this man... I looked down slightly, my eyes looking at the horizon and the road that lead to the north going for trade. I took in a deep breath and then let it out slowly. If I married this foreign man, I would be away from my family and I am sure he would try and take away my guard, Sean, something I did not want to happen. Who would protect me? Darek? He had not seen me in many months and my heart ached for him so badly.

I will protect you, two legged.[/color] I smiled at the voice in my head before I returned my gaze to the door, hearing what sounded like someone walking towards us. I knew it was possible him, that he was coming once again to try and win my heart in his way. He always spoke about how love was not important in the lives of the royal people, but I disagreed with him and I always would. I returned to my writing, my planning to go and see my sister in Illrea, but even on paper, my true plans were not revealed. I did not need this count seeing my every move. The only thing he had to see was that I was going to see Awiti, my beautiful and strong sister. ”How is she?”[/color] I glanced at my brother for a moment as I continued to write down my plans for when I got to Illrea in the next few months. The door opened and I did not even see who it was yet, I did not care who it was. This was my private study, I did not need to look to see who was coming in, for I knew my brother and guards were watching for me. ”She is fine, though last I heard Darek was still gone, which has me worried, but she said that she was doing fine. She was learning much and had even gotten a chance to go into the presences of the Riders Council… She wants to be one of the Egg Guards or Watchers, but she is still in much needed training, both Physically and Mentally, along with working on leadership skills, though I have faith in her.”[/color] I glanced to see my brother smiling and nodding in approval as I spoke of Awiti. She is well looked after two legged… The riders would not let anything happened to your dark~skinned sister…[/color] I did not respond physically towards my secret friend, merely kept my mouth shut and then turned my eyes upon the one whom had just come into my study room.

The man before me wore a pair of white pants and some strange shoes upon his feet. The white color could have been something much darker, but he was always one to wear something vibrant light, though I was known for wearing the same kind of style when it came to color. Upon his torso, he wore a light green tunic that was made out of silk it seemed as the light from outside slightly glistened off the vabric. The tunic was tucked into his white pants very nicely as she went over his attire. As I looked over him, a red dragon marking was upon his body and it made me want to vomit. How day that hairless~male hold a dragon marking upon his skin. He is no dragon rider and does not deserve such a marking.[/color] I was thinking the same as I looked at him for a moment. He held his weapons upon his body and he let out a simple cough to gain our attention… His hair had gotten longer and the shorter hair hung around his chin. Turin also had long hair, but at least his was neat and pulled away from his face.

After I had looked him over, I returned to writing, putting down the details and how many I needed of certain people. I would probably only take one of my Maids with me to help me get dressed after we had stopped to sleep for the night and I would probably wear something comfortable to ride to Illrea in. I might ride horseback, though my brother and sister would hate it, I enjoyed the feeling of horse back. I was sure that carriage would be faster however… I wiggled my nose slightly, thinking over the thoughts on what would be better and sooner, I had circled the carriage idea weather then horse back, though in my head, my thought was on horse back and even though I had circled the maid’s name I would be taking with me, in reality, none was going with me. Am I not going?[/color] I mentally smiled at my secret friend before circling one other maid name, though in reality, it was not the name of my maid.

As the man straighten up, I turned my eyes back to him and waited for him to speak. ”Good afternoon, Lady Leilani.” I gave a simple and tense nod towards him, my eyes did not show an happiness within them, nor did they show much emotion other than annoyance and aggravation. ”And to you as well, Lord Turin. May I join your little gathering? I had an idea that I hoped you might be willing to give ear to, milady. I think you may find it…intriguing.” An Idea? What possible idea would this outsider, this foreigner have that I would want to hear? ”Very well, come and sit…”[/color] I said, standing from my desk and moving over to the lounging area. My furniture was far nicer from my sister’s furniture, as it had been made by my friends in the Elven City-State at the request of my younger sister. My hidden friend seemed very interested as well and seemed to place herself deeper in my mind so that she could hear without a problem.
[/blockquote][/blockquote]

Gonna take it slow babe, Do it my way
Keep your eyes on me. Your reaction
To my action is what I want to see
Rhythmic motion, Raw emotion
Infiltrating through, Sweet sensations
Hot temptations, Coming over you

’word count two. zero. five. seven
’tagged Genji
’song Come on Closer--! Jem
’post status done
’template creator nayeli

[/size]

[Elloria]

Genji was unsurprised by Leilani’s terse greeting and unkind eyes. The expression reminded him somewhat of her sister, who also had a habit of keeping her gaze harsh and unwelcoming. Yes, he certainly had a mountain to climb with this one. Still…if she would just listen to his idea, perhaps the climb would be much easier. And he should probably try to make himself more approachable – more human…

“Very well, come and sit…”

His eyes widened in astonishment. Having her listen to him was certainly according to plan…but this was happening too easily. He had figured he would need to perhaps speak with Turin – convince the man to get Leilani to just listen to his idea. But no, she was moving from behind her desk to join Turin in the lounging area. Genji blinked, then smiled. It was warm and genuine – one of those exceedingly rare smiles that softened his entire demeanor and made him look much younger. He bowed again before moving further into the room. He sank carefully and gracefully into one of Leilani’s armchairs. A soft sigh escaped him as he relaxed into it. “I must say, I much prefer your choice in décor,” he murmured as his eyes slipped closed for a moment. “Far more comfortable than your sister’s study, at any rate.” He opened his eyes once more and held Leilani’s gaze. “But I suppose you could not care less about that. So to the point. There is clearly a fundamental disconnect between us. Now while to my mind that should not be an obstacle for marriage, you obviously disagree.” He sat a little straighter in his chair and dropped his gaze to the floor, wondering how to phrase his proposal. “And I believe I understand why. Your parents have given you no reason to believe that a functional, happy life is possible for people who enter into marriage without first loving one another,” he said slowly, picking his words with care. “That is, perhaps, an Alagaesian way of thinking. But it is not an Itasan way of thinking and I feel I have not adequately conveyed that. So…what I would like to do is spend some time…explaining the basis of my thoughts.” He looked back up at her, his eyes filled with earnestness, such as he had not felt in years. In Genji’s mind, Leilani had become another Kishi – someone who had become an obstacle between him and his goals. And ultimately all he wanted was for her to understand him, as his brother eventually had. “I wish to properly explain how an Itasan’s mind works. I wish to share with you my nation, my history, my culture, and my faith – as much as I can and as clearly as I can.”

He paused for a moment. What else could he use to entice her agreement? “I…All I ask is for you to listen with an open mind.” Where was his smooth tongue now? Why did he stumble over that statement? He chewed thoughtfully on his lower lip, his eyes drifting over to the window behind Leilani’s desk. “I…know you do not wish to marry me,” he finally said. “But I hope you will not discount my idea because you believe it is another ploy to convince or coerce you into marriage. I simply wish to share with you something that is a large part of who I am, regardless of whether it changes your opinion of me or not.” He felt like a child once more, trying to find the right words that would soften his brother’s heart. He didn’t know whether to feel furious that he seemed so vulnerable, disgusted with his maudlin behavior, or hopeful that she would see that he was being genuine right now. He nervously tucked some of his hair behind one ear. His voice was soft, even shy, as he said, “I…do hope you will grant me this opportunity, Leilani.”

Please, Yawata no Kami. Please soften her heart and let her listen to my plea. Let her see reason enough to let me teach her. And please…please help me to show her the wonder that You have made of Itasus. Please…

[Nayeli]

’introducing
{leilani richards*}
featuring--! --! ---! ---!
Come on closer, I wanna show you
What I'd like to do, You sit back now
Just relax now, I'll take care of you
Hot temptations, Sweet sensations
Infiltrating through, Sweet sensations
Hot temptations, Coming over you

As I moved passed my brother to my normal chair which in my opinion was the most comfortable of chairs, he touched my arm and made me look into his soft, strong eyes. It was an unspoken thing between us, a sign that said ’Give him a chance, don’t be so harsh.’ I did not always like my brother’s thoughts when it came to this, but he held more of a level head then I did. He was older then myself and my sister, he had seen a bit more than we had and he was much more mature then the both of us.

As I offered Genji a place to sit, I noticed his slight surprise in his eyes. Yes, I was being friendly, but it was only because my brother had asked me to before the man had come into my study. My brother wanted my happiness and maybe he was right. Maybe I needed to allow myself to get to know him. At the moment, Darek was nowhere and the thought made me want to scream to whatever heaven was above and curse it… But I did not. I kept a level head and moved to take my place. As I looked up upon his face after sitting down, I saw a smile that was upon his lip and not one that was full of greed, but it held warmth and something that softened his features. I did not allow my eyes to linger there for long, nor did I allow myself to gawk at his features.

Soon, he had taken a place upon one of my well-made arm chairs and was allowing a soft, pleasant sigh to escape his lips. ”I must say, I much prefer your choice in décor… Far more comfortable than your sister’s study, at any rate.” I nodded in agreement to the count as I looked around. ”That is because my sister’s décor is made with rough hands of a human with little to no talent… My furniture is made by the best of makers… The elves of this land are masters at their making, singing the wood and fabric to perfection. Their style and lifestyle is something I admire and through many days of looking and asking, I found the best in Illrea when I went to visit my young sister.”

[/color] I said as he relaxed into the chair. The décor I had chosen had been something I enjoyed to speak about it. It was nothing I did not mind allowing my voice to dancer over. It was something I truly loved and the talent showed upon the wood work and fabric of the furniture.

”But I suppose you could not care less about that. So to the point. There is clearly a fundamental disconnect between us. Now while to my mind that should not be an obstacle for marriage, you obviously disagree.” I looked at him for a moment, taking in a deep breath before I nodded to him. I disagreed with his looks on marriage completely. I did not feel it to be something that was only meant for business. I felt it needed to be something treasured and cared for. I watched as he sat straighter in his chair and glanced over at Turin who was now seated beside me. ”And I believe I understand why. Your parents have given you no reason to believe that a functional, happy life is possible for people who enter into marriage without first loving one another.” In my mind, it did not work. My mother had been miserable and I was not going to be like her. I did not want my body touched by someone who did not love and cherish me. She had and in the end, it only hurt her to see my father touching more bodies the same way with no care in the world. ”That is, perhaps, an Alagaesian way of thinking. But it is not an Itasan way of thinking and I feel I have not adequately conveyed that. So… what I would like to do is spend some time… explaining the basis of my thoughts.” My hand moved to support my head under my chin as I relaxed more into my chair.

This… Ploy… Was not something that I had seen used before by him. He merely came and sat before me, taking up space and air as he tried to convince me to marry him. Now, he had seemed to soften, seemed to want to allow me to understand in order to draw me closer to him. ”I wish to properly explain how an Itasan’s mind works. I wish to share with you my nation, my history, my culture, and my faith – as much as I can and as clearly as I can.” I wondered if Nayeli had anything to do with this, but she was not smart enough to think of this. She focused on her country, not that of another in order to get what she wanted. This had to have come from Genji himself. ”I… All I ask is for you to listen with an open mind.” I glanced over at my brother and felt my secret friend’s own mind touching my own before she spoke. Hmm… Maybe you should listen to him young one… He might be smarter then he seems. I wanted to laugh because the last portion of her sentence was sarcastic and doubting. ”I… know you do not wish to marry me… But I hope you will not discount my idea because you believe it is another ploy to convince or coerce you into marriage. I simply wish to share with you something that is a large part of who I am, regardless of whether it changes your opinion of me or not.” He words seemed to hold some form of… Interest and genuine want to show me something. He did not have as smooth of a tongue as he spoke to me, he was stumbling over words it seemed in order to make sense. ”I…do hope you will grant me this opportunity, Leilani.” As he spoke, there was a softness about it, a shyness that I had never heard before.

I looked down for a moment, my own features had softened slightly. I glanced to my brother who gave me a look that said for me to take this moment and use it to learn if anything. ”Very well… Your offer is accepted, though I hope you do not wish to start now… I have been working all day on my plans to go to Illrea after you leave and relaxing would be a much nicer beginning to my afternoon… How was your journey from the coast?”[/color] If I was going to have him in my study, I could at least hold a conversation with him.
[/blockquote][/blockquote]

Gonna take it slow babe, Do it my way
Keep your eyes on me. Your reaction
To my action is what I want to see
Rhythmic motion, Raw emotion
Infiltrating through, Sweet sensations
Hot temptations, Coming over you

’word count one. one. four. one
’tagged Genji
’song Come on Closer--! Jem
’post status done
’template creator nayeli

[/size]

[Elloria]

Genji’s eyes flicked upwards as the silence seemed to stretch on. She was considering it. He could tell from the way her features softened, the way that Turin silently encouraged her. She was considering it…but would she accept? His eyes dropped to the floor again as his thoughts raced while she turned the thought over in her mind. Yes…take the offer, child. Listen to your desire to learn. And then…then you will be snared. With Yawata no Kami’s aid, you will see reason girl.

“Very well…” His head jerked up as Leilani finally broke the silence. Was she – “Your offer is accepted, though I hope you do not wish to start now…” He could feel a grin threatening to split his face in two. She had taken the bait. She wished to learn. His mind immediately leapt away from the conversation to begin setting up the lessons he would teach her. He nodded as she explained her ‘busy’ day, not the least bit fazed that she did not wish to begin her instruction immediately. He had a month to work her over. A lot could change in a month. Hell, a lot could change in a day! He composed himself as she asked, “How was your journey from the coast?”

His journey…yes, she would certainly wish to be a bit more solicitous now that the more sordid matters were dealt with. He leaned back in his chair and rested his right leg on his left knee. He kept his features relaxed as he thought back on the journey here. “No less vexing than usual, I suppose,” he finally replied. “Though admittedly we would have been here at least a week sooner had we not been delayed by…a situation in the Citadel.” He chuckled. “I would not mention the matter to Mami, though. She is rather sensitive about it at the moment.”

(OOC: Short and blah, but nothing better will be spewed out any time soon. :/ )

[Nayeli]

’introducing
{leilani richards*}
featuring--! --! ---! ---!
Come on closer, I wanna show you
What I'd like to do, You sit back now
Just relax now, I'll take care of you
Hot temptations, Sweet sensations
Infiltrating through, Sweet sensations
Hot temptations, Coming over you

I felt the mind of my friend flicking at my thoughts, wanting to voice her own concerns about the man before us. ”Be careful my dear friend… He might be using your need to learn in order to get you to agree on a marriage… You don’t want that do you?”

[/i][/color] My friends voice was sharp and quick to point out his possible intentions. Though, I wanted to learn and I would have to be careful. The man before still did not believe love was important in a relationship. He believed that marriage was a business transaction and I placed that firmly into my own mind. I would be careful about this. I had to be careful about this.

As I accepted his invitation to learn about his culture, he seemed over joyed by the thought and I wondered why he was so eager to teach me. It made me slightly worried and I really wished that Darek was here with me. My heart had already been given to someone, but that someone had been gone for many months. I still loved him, there was no denying that. Finally, I asked how his journey had been and I watched as he relaxed into the seat he was using and prop his right leg on his left knee. ”No less vexing than usual, I suppose… Though admittedly we would have been here at least a week sooner had we not been delayed by… a situation in the Citadel…. I would not mention the matter to Mami, though. She is rather sensitive about it at the moment.” The sound of the chuckle caught me slightly off guard and I glanced at Turin who was slightly interested in the problem.

My brother was now head of the military right now, though he was only here to keep orders going out and keep peace, the thought of a problem was intriguing to him and made him wonder what was going on. I felt my friend’s mind once again as she mentally spoke to me. ”Is it just me, child, or is he slightly full of himself? He just comes off as a bit… Stuck up.”[/color] It was no surprise that another had seen this and I wondered if my friend would dare to show herself to the man before me. My brother than spoke to Genji, his mind on the problem that had arose in Terim. ”Problem? What kind of problem, Count Genji?”[/color] He asked the man before us. I found myself slightly bored with the thought of hearing such a tail, but I acted interested in the subject like my brother was.
[/blockquote][/blockquote]

Gonna take it slow babe, Do it my way
Keep your eyes on me. Your reaction
To my action is what I want to see
Rhythmic motion, Raw emotion
Infiltrating through, Sweet sensations
Hot temptations, Coming over you

’word count zero. four. three. eight.
’tagged Genji
’song Come on Closer--! Jem
’post status done
’template creator nayeli

[/size]

[Elloria]

Leilani appeared to have been caught off-guard by Genji’s quiet chuckle. It sometimes astounded him how little Alagaesians perceived about each other and about foreigners. Genji certainly didn’t lack a sense of humor, though it was perhaps drier and more sarcastic than most. But still…

“Problem? What kind of problem, Count Genji?”

Genji turned to look at Turin. He quirked his eyebrow slightly, wondering at the man’s curiosity. What was so fascinating about… Well, he supposed Turin was head of Broddring’s military. Any threat to security would be a point of interest to the man.

He shrugged. “There was an altercation between her and a guest that was staying in the Citadel at the time,” he answered, choosing his words with care. The words were not technically inaccurate. Teiris had certainly been a guest of sorts in the Citadel and Mami had certainly had an altercation with the man. He coughed. Shaking his hair out of his eyes, he relaxed further into the chair – the picture of nonchalance as he related his tale. “They did not quite see eye-to-eye on…something. I never did find out what, exactly. But they were having a rather petty argument and he tried to set her on fire.” He paused, frowning slightly. “Well…he did succeed in setting her on fire, but she was fortunately able to put it out before it caused any lasting damage.” He shook his head and chuckled again. “I believe it is the only time she has ever been bested by an Alagaesian. Why do you ask?”

[Nayeli]

’introducing
{leilani richards*}
featuring--! --! ---! ---!
Come on closer, I wanna show you
What I'd like to do, You sit back now
Just relax now, I'll take care of you
Hot temptations, Sweet sensations
Infiltrating through, Sweet sensations
Hot temptations, Coming over you

I found myself looking out the near by window as the clouds moved slightly outside. If only I could run away into those clouds and never be seen again. My mind went off to the gift that was in my bedroom that an old man had brought to me yesterday afternoon, though the poor man was frightened by my bodyguard, Sean… The thought of Sean attacking the old frail man was beyond me and I had wanted to murder my own guard. The thought had crossed my mind as I stormed from his presence and such thoughts never clouded my mind before. Not until this whole Marriage thing had come to the surface. I still had no plans to marry the man before me, but I could play his little game.

As my brother asked the question about the problem, I turned my head slightly so I could listen, though it was more like half listening. My brother was appointed head over the military, but I had assured the Riders that he was not hear to cause an attack, only to keep the peace. My brother and I were the two in our family who respected the riders and their ways. We also respected the elves and their own ways. ”There was an altercation between her and a guest that was staying in the Citadel at the time.” I saw Turin place his fingers to his lips and listen with easy care.

As Genji coughed, I glanced at him… Something about his words were not completely true. I could not pick up on it though, it was strange and I had a hard time picking it up. Maybe he would tell me the complete truth later if I played his game. ”They did not quite see eye-to-eye on… Something. I never did find out what, exactly. But they were having a rather petty argument and he tried to set her on fire.” I was slightly shocked and watched as his frown returned slightly. ”Well… He did succeed in setting her on fire, but she was fortunately able to put it out before it caused any lasting damage.” His dry sense of humor still amazed me as he chuckled lightly. ”I believe it is the only time she has ever been bested by an Alagaesian. Why do you ask?” I glanced at my brother, who just shrugged.

”Interested is all… Being head of military right now, I need to know about anything going on in most cities… Though it is hard to keep track of all, I have enlisted in some help from the riders, but so far…”

[/color]

”It is still under advisement… The riders do not want to spread their numbers too far, but at the same time, it might give them a chance to make their present known in the cities of these lands.”[/color] I said. My thoughts on the riders were high and I understood their decision making process. They were being much faster than normal since this was a problem here and now, just like the thought of humans joining the pact. ”Tell me Genji… Have the riders come to your doorstep yet? Being as you are from a new country and you are the count of the Count, I would be surprised if they had not made a choice to come.”[/color] I asked, glancing over at Turin for a moment who just looked at Genji.
[/blockquote][/blockquote]

Gonna take it slow babe, Do it my way
Keep your eyes on me. Your reaction
To my action is what I want to see
Rhythmic motion, Raw emotion
Infiltrating through, Sweet sensations
Hot temptations, Coming over you

’word count zero. five. six. seven.
’tagged Genji
’song Come on Closer--! Jem
’post status done
’template creator nayeli

[/size]

[Elloria]

Genji listened unperturbed as Turin explained his curiosity – which the count had already deduced; he was unsure as to why he had asked Turin the question in the first place. He was about to comment on the state of the cities’ crime problems when Leilani cut in about the Riders. She was clearly one of those rare humans that fawned over the elves, practically throwing themselves in some vain hope that they could ingratiate themselves to the Fair Folk. He resisted the urge to roll his eyes or in some way express his disdain for her attitude. The Riders were potentially useful, yes. He could even admit they were powerful. In many regards, he respected the elves and Riders more than any human Alagaesian. Nay, he respected them more than even he respected the Itasans for the elves’ affiliation with those fantastic beings that so closely resembled the majestic Yawata no Kami and terrifying Zhayu – the incomparable dragons. His right hand snaked up to lovingly trace the tattoo on his chest and shoulder, a look of utter reverence softening and brightening his face as he did so.

But just as no self-respecting Itasan would consider requesting foreign help for domestic affairs, so too did Genji feel that the Riders need not to be involved in Broddring affairs. It was simply disgraceful. These pathetic nobles and royals could not hold their own cities together without groveling to someone else for aid? Then they had no business ruling an empire. It was hardly a wonder that Broddring was decaying.

“Tell me Genji… Have the riders come to your doorstep yet? Being as you are from a new country and you are the count of Teirm, I would be surprised if they had not made a choice to come.”

The reverence vanished from his face as Leilani broke into his thoughts with her inane question. His hand stilled as he looked at this girl he was expected to marry. His mind set the question about the Riders aside for the moment in favor of latching on to something else she had said. A new country? Itasus was hardly new. He was not certain how long Broddring had stood, but that was irrelevant. “My mother’s country is not new, Lady,” he said slowly, his face darkening with anger. “It has endured for over one thousand and five hundred years. Yawata no Kami willing, it will endure until the end of this world.” He shifted in his seat, his hand never leaving the elaborate dragon tattoo. It was a slight shift, but enough to highlight the tension in his body – a reaction honed from years of having to be ready to endure any offense directed at his person, no matter how small. “I ask that you, with your incredible gift for words, be a bit more tactful with your speech. I know that you are capable of it.” He remained unmoving as he gazed steadily at her with eyes as cold as the winter sea they resembled. “As for the Riders, I cannot say that I have had the pleasure of their company.” His voice lost some of its frigidity as he moved onto a less offensive topic. “Since my father’s passing, Teirm has rapidly stabilized itself. There is always room for improvement, of course, but the city continues to prosper.” He tilted his head slightly to the left. “Changes in leadership are often necessary to reinvigorate a decaying city. Or a dying empire, for that matter,” Genji added casually as he unconsciously tapped upon his tattoo – a quiet devotional rhythm to his deities.