worried thoughts (Ell/Open)

[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

My eyes shifted to that of my brother’s own eyes, strong eyes and firm hands as he held them together. Years of training and discipline were upon his shoulders, I knew this and so did he. My brother was honestly next in line for the throne, for he was the eldest of my siblings and the only person capable of taking the throne since my mother, sister of the king, refused to throne outright already. My brother was strong, he wanted to lead this country to be the best, wanted to mold it and remove any tension he could, but since he was nothing more than a military leader right now, he could do nothing. Nayeli had been given most the power due to her cruel nature and hard heart. My uncle though he not picked any of us three as heirs and if he died, it was only natural to go to the eldest of the children in line and that was the one and only Turin Richards.

It was then that I moved my eyes back to the count before me, wondering what his thoughts were on the riders and it had caught the attention of my secret friend who hid within’ my closest and listened closely to everything that was spoken. The idea that the riders had over looked something was very unlikely, but then again, they had plenty of time to get to certain locations. They were in no hurry to meet with Genji, though I felt otherwise. My concerns of marrying Genji, if that happened, caused me to wonder about the intentions of Nayeli. With our military leader gone and Turin picking up the slack without building up our army for attack, bring in a new nation would only show hostility and possible threats to the elves and riders. The riders were the peacemakers of this land and they held the most control. The dragons had been on his land first and the elves followed after… Humans came much later and now we were trying to take over a land that was never ours in the first place. I watched as his hand went to his chest and shoulder area, though I did not know what he was doing, he moved his finger around the area as if tracing over something.

Nayeli wanted nothing from the riders, she felt they were nothing more then elves with sticks and big-hairless rats, but I felt differently about them. They were strong and they were the true power of the land. The riders were the true rulers of this land, but they respected the humans, though I had no idea why and I would have preferred being under their reign, at least then I would not have to marry this man. The thought made me want to become sick, but I kept my composure. Soon, his hand was still for a moment and I wondered what it was that he was thinking. This man was like a rock, hard to read or understand.

”My mother’s country is not new, Lady.” There was anger in his voice, but I merely rolled my eyes as he must have missed my meaning. ”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 moved slightly in his seat and I rested my hand upon the arm of my couch before looking at him, watching as he hand stayed where it was upon his chest and shoulder area. ”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.” Flattery was something I did not care for, weather he meant it to be flattery or not, in a way it was and I really did not want it. ”As for the Riders, I cannot say that I have had the pleasure of their company. Since my father’s passing, Teirm has rapidly stabilized itself. There is always room for improvement, of course, but the city continues to prosper. Changes in leadership are often necessary to reinvigorate a decaying city. Or a dying empire, for that matter.” I did not dis-believe him, but I felt the need to correct him slightly.

”Hmm, true, though I believe you have missed my meaning…”

[/color] I said, looking at him, my face unchanged before I glanced to my brother who held a slight confused look on his face. ”Your nation had not been politically involved with Broddering a lot and I believe you are the first of your nation to hold a position in the empire… That is what I mean by New… The dragons will look at it the same… Your nation might be old, the riders have probably known about it since their founding and before, but your nation had never been involved in much of anything that is what I mean.”[/color] I said, allowing myself to think over everything before continuing. ”This marriage could not only bring two nations together, if it happens, but also bring more tension then ever before… Our Empire, along with the elves, have been at peace for only a little while and only recently, our Military leader along with the elves, taken to Illrea, due to both arms forming numbers and the riders felt another war was beginning, so they took away those leaders, which is why, Turin took control of the military… The only reason they have not taken Turin is because he does not give them a thread… Turin does not wish to expand the army or make it larger because he knows what tension it will build, instead, he tries to focus on security, crime, and protection…”[/color] I said, glancing at my brother who nodded in agreement. ”However, the riders will see the Marriage as a possible way to bring in another military… No matter what my sister or uncle say, they will see the possible negatives along with the elves who already do no trust us… The riders will then see it as a reason to taken action to keep peace here and close the borders of this land, from the Western Coast to the far ends of the Eastern Desert… Down to the Southern Boer Mountains and up to the Northern Borders in order to keep any and all armies from entering the Empire.”[/color] It was a concern I also shared with the great riders and the concerns that my sister seemed to overlook completely.

My eyes shifted slightly towards my brother and past him to the closest door before back to Genji. ”Which gives me another reason to not get married as I do not want to be the flame that sparks the fire and destroys the peace I have worked hard to help keep… If the riders sense that this is the reason for the marriage, the might even stop it or fly out to your nation and keep a very close eye on it and my nation…”[/color] I said, standing towards the end and walking over to a window that looked out over the city my sister rules. I would be very happy to get out of this city for good, to go to Illrea where I would be safe from this marriage, where my sister had no rule or power.
[/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. two. two. six.
’tagged Genji
’song Come on Closer--! Jem
’post status done
’template creator nayeli

[/size]

[Elloria]

Genji continued the devotional rhythm upon his tattoo as Leilani sought to clarify the meaning of her words. He kept a steady, pensive gaze upon her, waiting with a patience he did not realize he possessed as she laid out a remarkably logical explanation of her fears. Perhaps the Itasan army did pose some sort of threat to the tenuous stability the humans and elves had created since the war. Perhaps the Riders did know of his nation long before Itasus had discovered Alagaesia. It hardly mattered. If the Riders knew of and watched Itasus, then they would know that this marriage would mean little in terms of bolstering Broddring’s military strength.

The beat he played slowed as he finally reached its conclusion, just as Leilani closed her arguments. Perhaps he was not giving this girl enough credit. In her own way, she did seem to have her nation’s best interests at heart. She longed for peace – a peace in which Broddring could grow and prosper without the threat of annihilation. And she figured the Riders would be part of that equation. And she could very well be right. There was still a flaw in her thoughts, though she could not possibly know that. After all, she knew nothing about how Itasus worked.

His fingers finally stilled and simply rested upon the crimson dragon curled upon his chest and shoulder. A gentle smile softened his features. “I understand your concerns, Leilani,” he assured her. “And I will not deny the reasonable nature of your logic. But – and I apologize for the liberty I am about to take – I feel you do not have all the information to accurately make such a decision.” He shifted his arm, resting his elbow upon the chair’s arm and his head upon his hand, revealing once more the intricately detailed tattoo he carried with pride. “If you will humor me a little, I will give you a very brief beginning to your lessons about my nation. It will not be particularly long, I promise.”

[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 my voice came to me, it seemed that Genji was being very quiet. He did not speak or interrupt me to tell me something about his country that I had wrong or did not know. He allowed me to finish, which I was very surprised about. My secret friend was quiet as well, she did not speak and I was also slightly surprised by this. My lovely friend was always keeping a firm connection with me, but now I did not even hear her thoughts like before and it bothered me. Was she okay? As I turned to go to my desk, I allowed my eyes to briefly linger on the closest door before turning back to Genji. In my hands, a small goblet that had some wine in it from when I had been sitting at my desk. There were a few other goblets in the room and before I sat down. ”Wine, Genji? Turin?”

[/color] Turin shook his head before I looked at Genji. I did not mind pouring wine, most people had their maids and servants do it, but I did not care for them to linger in my study.

As I waited, I took a seat, tucking my dress under my legs to make sure it did not get messed up and I leaned back into the comfortable chairs. I had my reasons for not wanting to be a part of this marriage. Mostly because of my love I had for Darek, whom I wanted to see so much. Second, because I had a duty to my country that did not include a married woman and that I could not perform with the thoughts of a family on my mind. I had to be a woman with no strings attached to me so I could perform without a time limit and where I could do my work without worrying about a husband. ”I understand your concerns, Leilani, and I will not deny the reasonable nature of your logic. But – and I apologize for the liberty I am about to take – I feel you do not have all the information to accurately make such a decision.” I tilted my head slightly, looking at him for a moment and wondering what he meant. ”If you will humor me a little, I will give you a very brief beginning to your lessons about my nation. It will not be particularly long, I promise.” I took in a deep breathe.

”Very well, humor me… But remember, Genji… Your words my be true, but that will not stop my sister from trying to work her plan… Even if my logic is wrong, her own logic does not care…”[/color] I said, taking a sip from the cool liquid. ”My sister has been lucky so far, she has had me to protect her from the riders, along with Turin who will not go forward with her own plan… Which is what the riders fear… She will try anything to gain a military advantage over the elves and that can not happen. Her first goal is to get me to marry you so she can try her plan.”[/color] I said, knowing my sister own brain and hearing her words in the conference room was something I was use to.
[/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. four. five.
’tagged Genji
’song Come on Closer--! Jem
’post status done
’template creator nayeli

[/size]

[Elloria]

With a slight shake of his head, Genji also declined Leilani’s offer of wine. Aside from the fact that he despised the taste of just about everything that was produced in Alagaesia, he simply was not thirsty for it. Wine was something consumed during celebrations or funerals. Water was all an Itasan needed to slake their thirst, though he had found that this was not always an advisable practice in Alagaesia. In general, the water did not taste as pure and clean in this land – though some parts were far worse than others. So he would refrain from drinking for the time being.

He once again listened with remarkable patience to Leilani’s insistence that Nayeli would somehow force Itasus into offering military support to Broddring. Yes, it was time to soothe those fears to the best of his considerable ability. He smiled in what he hoped was a reassuring manner – honestly, he was smiling entirely too much of late – as he composed in his head how he would lay out this explanation to the siblings before him. After a moment, he began his first ‘lesson.’

“I will not deny that Nayeli is incredibly manipulative and undoubtedly accustomed to receiving almost anything she demands. That is just her personality. I suppose it is admirable, in its own way. But Itasus is entirely too occupied with its own internal warfare to even begin considering bolstering Broddring’s military.” Genji lifted one leg and rested it upon the opposite knee. He raised his left hand and splayed all five fingers. “[color=FF4500My homeland is ruled by five clans, all of which are represented in Alagaesia by me and my guards. We come from a land of warriors, for warriors, by warriors. These five clans live and breathe warfare. Their children are trained from the age of four onwards to fight for their clan. Such a child is taught that by emerging victorious from battle, they will gain influence for their clan in the political realm. And since they are all trained to be elite warriors, power frequently shifts between the clans. In this way, Itasus maintains balance and prevents itself from falling into the destruction that true civil warfare would bring.[/color]” He paused and lowered his gaze to the floor, thinking of how to phrase the next part of his arguments. Slowly, he said, “While this lends itself to creating a large pool of individuals who possess nearly unrivalled fighting skills, it also prevents us from lending those skills to outsiders. No clan is willing to sacrifice even a single member to another country’s cause when that means there will be one less warrior at the clan’s disposal for their own political gain. Their focus is solely upon themselves and Itasus. And then there is the fact that it is a six-month-long journey to reach Alagaesia from Itasus. The amount of resources necessary to send a sizable fighting force to Alagaesia would require all five clans to set aside their differences – of which there are many – and work in complete tandem with one another. They are entirely too selfish for that.” His eyes flitted back up to hold Leilani’s gaze. “Such an alliance has not occurred in almost two centuries. Not since Itasus first decided to explore what lay beyond the waters of our islands. And that decision resulted not only in establishing a connection with Teirm and Broddring, but also the near decimation of Itasus as the clans quarreled over how to handle that new-found market of goods and ideas.”

He lifted his left hand and raised a slender index finger. “But most importantly, they will no longer bow to any outsider’s demands. The last time they did so resulted in the rape of my mother, for which Itasus has never really forgiven Broddring. If such an attempt at coercing their cooperation should occur again…it will be just the reason Itasus needs to band together in defense of our land, our people and our honor as well as to exact revenge for the way my noble father spat in the face of our people by using his position to have his way with my mother. It is entirely possible that Broddring would find itself facing a military threat not only from the elves, but also from Itasus.” Genji set his foot back on the floor and straightened in his seat, shrugging his shoulders and raising his hands in a ‘what can I say’ gesture. “I do not say that to threaten, but to simply state that this is the Itasan mindset. I say with unshakable certainty that no matter how much your sister may press and demand for Itasus’ military might to come to Broddring’s aid, it will not happen in our lifetimes – if it happens at all.” Genji lowered his hands and rested them on the chair’s arms once more. He gave the siblings a sardonic smile. “Now, I have a feeling that I have made my people sound rather barbaric, bloodthirsty and unappealing. I assure you that the battlefield has its proper place in an Itasan’s life and is but a fraction of who we are as a people. But that concludes my first lesson about Itasus.”

[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 decline of the wine was not taken as a surprise to myself, though my brother took some, it was his first in many days if I was not mistaken. I drank wine three times a day and this was my second glass, so my third would be at dinner time, but the water that was here was not clean and though I normally drank it, my taste buds needed something else to relieve them. I took a sip, though it was dry some, it was nice to drink something that had taste and I enjoyed it. I would be very happy to return to Illrea where the water was cleaner and nicer there then in the kingdom capital.

As I spoke, I noted that he seemed to be much more patient then normal and it was rather surprising to me and even with my bait to try and see what he thought about the riders, he did not speak of them wrongly, which I believe lead my friend to curl up and sleep in her hiding place. I think we would have to arrange for better way to hide her then keeping her in that rather nice closest she insisted on using. As he smiled, I found myself lured into his features more than I wanted to. He was a rather handsome man, with sharp features and strong body. I pushed myself from the thoughts to allow my ears to listen to the words that were beginning to flow from his foreign lips.

“I will not deny that Nayeli is incredibly manipulative and undoubtedly accustomed to receiving almost anything she demands. That is just her personality. I suppose it is admirable, in its own way. But Itasus is entirely too occupied with its own internal warfare to even begin considering bolstering Broddring’s military.” I took relief in what he said about that. Though I hated his country seemed to have their own warfare going on, it was enough to know that the Dragon Riders would not find a threat in this man… Though I still had no plans to marry him and they knew this. ”My homeland is ruled by five clans, all of which are represented in Alagaesia by me and my guards. We come from a land of warriors, for warriors, by warriors. These five clans live and breathe warfare. Their children are trained from the age of four onwards to fight for their clan. Such a child is taught that by emerging victorious from battle, they will gain influence for their clan in the political realm. And since they are all trained to be elite warriors, power frequently shifts between the clans. In this way, Itasus maintains balance and prevents itself from falling into the destruction that true civil warfare would bring.” It did not sound like a pleasant life at all and if I married this man, not something I would want my children to be forced into. Learning to fight on ones own freewill was one thing, but being taught at such a young age was not something I did or wanted.

I looked at my brother, his own eyes focused on the man as he listened greatly to everything. Turin had learned fighting as soon as he could hold up his own sword, which was very young. He started training with many other young men his age and my sister learned from someone even I did not know to be a cold killing machine. I barely remember seeing here until right before I left to get my own education in Diplomatic relations and such. When I returned, she was Countess and had probably killed many people before she made it to that rank or power. She was already getting ready to rule the country and she basically was. ”While this lends itself to creating a large pool of individuals who possess nearly unrivalled fighting skills, it also prevents us from lending those skills to outsiders. No clan is willing to sacrifice even a single member to another country’s cause when that means there will be one less warrior at the clan’s disposal for their own political gain. Their focus is solely upon themselves and Itasus. And then there is the fact that it is a six-month-long journey to reach Alagaesia from Itasus. The amount of resources necessary to send a sizable fighting force to Alagaesia would require all five clans to set aside their differences – of which there are many – and work in complete tandem with one another. They are entirely too selfish for that.”

It seemed each time he opened his mouth, I found another reason not to want this marriage at all. The country did not sound stable and I did not want to be apart of it. Weather the clans were stable or not, I felt that it would be a mistake, but I had promised to listen to him and allow him to teach me. I would not put my words out there, not yet anyway. I still was set on not being at this marriage. If it meant running away to the elves and hiding there, I would do it. I had her friends in the Riders who would help me get away. ”Such an alliance has not occurred in almost two centuries. Not since Itasus first decided to explore what lay beyond the waters of our islands. And that decision resulted not only in establishing a connection with Teirm and Broddring, but also the near decimation of Itasus as the clans quarreled over how to handle that new-found market of goods and ideas.” A simple nod was given as he spoke about the past of his country. ”But most importantly, they will no longer bow to any outsider’s demands. The last time they did so resulted in the rape of my mother, for which Itasus has never really forgiven Broddring. If such an attempt at coercing their cooperation should occur again… It will be just the reason Itasus needs to band together in defense of our land, our people and our honor as well as to exact revenge for the way my noble father spat in the face of our people by using his position to have his way with my mother. It is entirely possible that Broddring would find itself facing a military threat not only from the elves, but also from Itasus.” I found myself smiling at this.

”I do not say that to threaten, but to simply state that this is the Itasan mindset. I say with unshakable certainty that no matter how much your sister may press and demand for Itasus’ military might to come to Broddring’s aid, it will not happen in our lifetimes – if it happens at all.” I lifted my head slightly, a smile set on my face, emerald eyes glistening as the light from the outside world poured into my study.

”Genji… To be honest, I would highly enjoy seeing my sister face when she is faced with two armies… My sister believes she is next in line for the throne of this country and she could possibly be, however, that would require my brother declining it first, which he has not done… Yes, he has set in the sidelines, but he has his own thoughts on running the military right before thinking about that and I do not see my uncle dying… Yet…”

[/color] My joys of seeing my sister faced with two armies could possible put her in her place. I loved my sister, but she had become far too confident in her abilities. She was a top notch assassin, that much I knew and it scared me for fear of my brother, but he was also trained in the same things as she was and much more battle field experience.

”Now, I have a feeling that I have made my people sound rather barbaric, bloodthirsty and unappealing. I assure you that the battlefield has its proper place in an Itasan’s life and is but a fraction of who we are as a people. But that concludes my first lesson about Itasus.” I shook my head. ”No, all cultures have their time of war… For the elves, it was the war between them and the dragons before the riders and then between us before our… Tense peace…”[/color]
[/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. three. eight. eight.
’tagged Genji
’song Come on Closer--! Jem
’post status done
’template creator nayeli

[/size]

[Elloria]

Genji chuckled as Leilani expressed delight at the thought of Itasus going to war with Broddring. “Yes, I can understand how seeing Nayeli put in her place would be appealing to you.” After all were it not for her sister’s insistence, there would be no talk of marriage. On the other hand, he was certain Leilani did not quite understand what it would mean for Itasus to come and wage war against Broddring. Aside from the fact that Broddring was already crippled and dying, there was also the matter of skill and experience. Yes, there were undoubtedly veterans of the quaintly named Palancar’s Slaughter – and that was an assuredly brutal war. But…Alagaesians in general just didn’t live warfare. War wasn’t part of who they were – it was an unfortunate, unwanted and tragic occurrence in the Alagaesian mindset and they fervently hoped to avoid it. It was almost sad, really. Genji thought it made them appreciate their lives just that much less because of how far they stood away from death.

But Leilani’s comment about each culture having its time of war…it was just ridiculously amusing. Genji supposed he would have to further explain what he meant when he said that the ruling clans lived and breathed warfare. How critical the skirmishes were to keeping Itasus from falling into utter chaos. To those who had not lived their entire lives in war…how could they understand it? But he would not comment on it. There was time enough to explain everything.

Now that he had secured Leilani’s promise to learn about his culture – and since she insisted that her lessons not begin today – Genji felt that perhaps he should take his leave. So he rose gracefully and bowed low to Leilani and Turin. Rising from his bow, he said, “I thank you both for your time. And most especially I thank you, Leilani, for allowing me the opportunity to share my culture with you. I hope that perhaps we can come to better understand one another, even if you do not choose to marry me at the end of it. But now I think it is time for me to be returning to the estate, for I wish to rest.” He smiled warmly at Leilani. “Shall I see you tomorrow, milady? Perhaps we can meet around mid-morning and begin our lessons?”