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Post by Jenny on Jul 25, 2012 23:31:04 GMT -5
“You dress like that plenty enough,” Lei chuckled. “It is refreshing to see you dressed so finely, rare though the occasion may be.” He turned his eyes on his wife and grinned at her. “They are only envious because of the love I have of you. They are angry because they cannot compete. Have you not seen women of vanity already attempting to change their looks to look more like you, my love?”
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Post by KD on Jul 25, 2012 23:33:46 GMT -5
Shade was absolutely delighted by that idea, starting to chuckle. Thrade blinked at him slowly, looking utterly baffled. "They are? No they aren't. Are they? Really?"
"I bet they're researching how they can possibly get that sun-touched Seelie skin of yours," Shade said, amused.
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Post by Jenny on Jul 25, 2012 23:42:03 GMT -5
Lei chuckled as well, finding his wife’s bafflement endearing. “In formal occasions, the courtiers dress in the way our culture demands. Ten kimono worn layer after layer can be quite cumbersome for women, but is the epitome of beauty. You, however, are not required to follow such customs. How envious women are that you may walk around unrestricted, and the powdered white they must mask their face is less appealing to them than a naked, sun-kissed face. You know, my dear, there is a legend of a fox goddess known as a kitsune. Some believe you to be such a goddess who has stolen my heart away.”
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Post by KD on Jul 25, 2012 23:49:53 GMT -5
"A fox? Well, with your hair color that might fit. And you're quick and sly when you need to be," Shade commented.
Thrade looked flustered, brushing a hand through her hair. "Well, that makes no sense..."
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Post by Jenny on Jul 26, 2012 0:54:41 GMT -5
Lei laughed lightly and pulled his wife in for a kiss of apology. “Don’t worry about it love. There are always rumors flying around. In another month, there will be someone else to gossip about. Now, let’s have that feast!”
He was grinning from ear to ear they left the palace grounds to walk through the elite district with the women and stop inside a large restaurant, which was buzzing with activity as its food was reputed to be the best in all Kyoto.
Lei was shown to a room upstairs where they may celebrate in privacy, away from the hustle and bustle and wagging tongues of Kyoto’s wealthy citizens. The room was tastefully decorated, the long low table a beautiful cherry red lacquer and the pillows on which to sit matching in a pleasing aesthetic to add to the simply beauty of the setting.
He ordered everything on the menu but in small portions, far too much for the three of them to eat but they may sample dish after exquisite dish at their leisure and personal tastes. A generous amount of warm and cold sake was also included as well as an imported red wine which looked terribly expensive. But in Lei’s respectable position he was not wanting for anything at any time. He did not take advantage of being wealthy and tended to live simply without exhibiting the gaudy taste that so many others of his status held for themselves.
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Post by KD on Jul 26, 2012 1:49:05 GMT -5
Shade started to relax, eventually relaxing totally in their presence, laughing and talking as easily as such things came to Shade, even talked into giving them a few stories about her people and realm.
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Post by Jenny on Jul 26, 2012 1:55:13 GMT -5
Lei was relieved that, for at least the present time, Shade had unshouldered her troubles. He was surprised that the topic of her people and her former home came so easily. Clearly, Shade trusted the both of them completely and it gave Lei joy. If Shade was sad about Hiroshi’s abandonment, it was tucked away inside of her and to her credit, she was doing her best to keep the mood easy and lively.
After taking his fill, Lei stretched and patted his belly. “I don’t think I’ll have to eat anything else for a week. This place has certainly lived up to its reputation. Did both of you enjoy the food?”
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Post by KD on Jul 26, 2012 3:06:39 GMT -5
"Remind me never to doubt you about cuisine ever again," Shade laughed.
Thrade smiled at him. "I don't know how people do this every single day, I'd explode."
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Post by Jenny on Aug 1, 2012 22:30:03 GMT -5
The room quieted after the chuckling tapered off. Lei sobered a little, glancing up at Shade. “Are you certain that you must leave today? You may stay with us for a while longer, if you wish.” He was reluctant to let her go, especially now that her mood was so light. Time alone may turn her thoughts to sadder things. And he did not wish that to happen. But the importance of Shade’s mission was clear, and in light of the dangers these magical objects imposed on Nihon it was only a matter of time where a curious soul would find their way into the room one way or another.
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Post by KD on Aug 1, 2012 22:43:31 GMT -5
"I think it's best if I get it done as soon as possible," Shade said, echoing his thoughts. "Believe me, I'd rather not go back now that...." She waved a hand, not wanting to think about Hiroshi. "But it must be done."
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Post by Jenny on Aug 1, 2012 22:48:55 GMT -5
Lei sighed heavily and nodded in agreement. “Return to us whenever you wish. Our doors will always be open to you.” He smiled softly.
“And if you should need anything please do allow me to provide assistance to you. What is ours is yours. But, please do return, if only to tell us news regarding Shiguen’s possessions, be it good or bad.”
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Post by KD on Aug 1, 2012 22:54:43 GMT -5
"I'll come back, Lei." She assured him, looking over as Thrade took her hand and nodding. "I promise."
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Post by Jenny on Aug 1, 2012 22:56:13 GMT -5
Lei was reassured and bolstered by this and he grinned at Shade, nodding to her. "I will look forward to your return, then. May the gods watch over you in your travels and clear the path to victory."
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Post by KD on Aug 1, 2012 22:59:11 GMT -5
She bade them farewell once they returned home, fading into the darkness to begin her journey. Thrade watched her, twisting her fingers together. "I hope she'll be all right..."
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Post by Jenny on Aug 1, 2012 23:13:25 GMT -5
Lei nodded, frowning a little. “As do I.”
He very much hoped so, for he did not trust the mirror tower despite Shade’s careful treatment of it. It was her people that built such an evil device, and she was solely capable of knowing what to do with it, what true dangers it imposed on the world. Lei did not wish to face another being in this world such as Datar, but gods help him, he would protect Nihon despite all dangers.
He put an arm around Thrade and kissed her forehead. “I will pray often for her safety. Even Shade may need a divine hand behind her.”
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