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Post by Jenny on Jul 9, 2012 3:18:43 GMT -5
Lei’s eyes were drawn to Shade and within him came a light of worry for her as Shiguen’s face drew away from Lei’s own, but for a moment, when he put up his guard again. He didn’t know much about the man, and he intended to remedy it.
“Tell me about yourself, governor. You’ve heard much about me, but I have yet to learn about you, other than rumors of your excellent character and natural charms.”
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Post by KD on Jul 9, 2012 3:42:09 GMT -5
Shade shot him a reassuring grin, which wasn't much from Shade. What Shigruen had to say about himself was little more than what Lei already knew, except SHiguen' s version of things were slanted toward him, casting a negative light on the rest of his family whil his brother walked away
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Post by Jenny on Jul 9, 2012 3:45:41 GMT -5
"It sounds like you've had a difficult childhood. Admirable, how you are the man you are today. You've achieved so much in little time. You have my respect, governor. It seems that I have made the right decision to come to your first. Your younger doesn't seem worthy of my efforts."
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Post by KD on Jul 9, 2012 4:36:10 GMT -5
Shiguen seemed to agree, but still spun an example of how his brother was an evil man with a corrupting influence, setting up an army of mercenaries
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Post by Jenny on Jul 9, 2012 22:06:00 GMT -5
“He’s terrified of you. He’s taking desperate measures and hiding himself behind men forced to serve him. He has no loyalty from the people, most likely these simple farmers and rag tag mercenaries will soon enough turn tail and run. You have the upper hand here, with a greater number of resources at your fingertips. Shimabara is a prime example of your impeccable leadership. It prospers, despite your brother’s efforts to cripple you. You have an advantage. It is as if you have already won this battle. You just need to play the right cards. Imagine if you presided over all of Kyushu, your brother eating out of your hand. Your subjects will give you tribute, all the better the less lives that are lost. It is important to strike fear in you enemies, wear them down so they may worship you all the more. These deaths are unnecessary. It is your brother you should focus on. With burning and pillaging villages, you are destroying valuable resources. It may yield quick results, but you will bring in more money in the long run when the villages can pay tribute to you. There can be no tribute if the land is left ravaged and scorched. If you truly want Kyushu, take it the way it is now. Rife with riches. Do you see the importance of my words, governor?”
Lei did wonder if he had said too much, but it was important to make the governor change his ways regarding causing the deaths of so many innocents. It was the only thing that Lei could think to do.
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Post by KD on Jul 9, 2012 22:08:18 GMT -5
He was frowning at him, but his expression was thoughtful. Shade watched him out of the corner of her eye. She'd been saying similar things subtly over the last few days. "I will....take your words into consideration, Master Lei..." he said finally.
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Post by Jenny on Jul 9, 2012 22:15:48 GMT -5
Lei nodded, a small smile on his face. "That is most wise, governor."
"If only your brother was as intelligent as you, my lord. He's as course as those farmers he has digging his trenches, hiding behind walls while you bravely walk among your people. Admirable, I must say, how you govern Shimabara. You are a good example of how a leader should be. You will soon earn the respect of our entire nation, you have certainly earned mine."
"Now, if you don't mind, governor, I'd like to take care of some business of my own. I am very pleased to be joining you for dinner, this evening."
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Post by KD on Jul 9, 2012 22:17:09 GMT -5
He bowed to him, rising and extending an imperious hand to Shade, who took it. He drew her out, still parading her like a pet.
Thrade, in the form of a cat, crept out from under the bed, jumping up onto the chair beside his.
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Post by Jenny on Jul 9, 2012 22:20:06 GMT -5
Lei let out a long exhale when the door was shut. He looked over as Thrade jumped onto the chair and reached out and ran a gentle hand over her head. "I am sorry for what I said about you, beloved. I meant not a word." He sighed. "Every lie was more difficult than the next, especially the empty flattery, but I think it went well enough."
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Post by KD on Jul 9, 2012 22:33:33 GMT -5
Thrade shifted from cat form to her real form when she was certain the governor was gone, sliding into his lap and curling against him. "You did very well. Of course, it had to help that he's someone who is easy to lie to as long as they are lies that he wants to hear."
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Post by Jenny on Jul 9, 2012 22:39:24 GMT -5
Lei chuckled lightly and kissed her on her forehead. "I'm afraid I will have to tell more lies tonight when I am at his home. My behavior will be completely despicable. There is no doubt I will have to do some shameful flirting with his women, but I promise I will not be unfaithful to you. Nevertheless, for your sake, I would steer clear of the goings on of that house. Besides, if you are discovered, my love, I may not see you again. I fear that a man like Shiguen will not think twice about killing to have what he desires. If I stand in his way, I may be harmed.” He frowned a little. “In all respects, I am a possible hindrance to his plans for Nihon, especially due to my association with emperor Haru. This will not be an easy situation.”
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Post by KD on Jul 9, 2012 22:43:03 GMT -5
Thrade shifted so she could frame his face in her hands, her green eyes staring into his with intensity. "I don't doubt you. I never have, I never will. I trust you with everything in me, Lei." She kissed him softly. "I can't promise I won't want to pluck out the eyes of the women, but you, I never doubt." She grew serious. "I'm very worried for you, Lei. They're both going to want you dead in the end. And Shade says this one has got many magic objects and such. That worries me because he's the exact type we don't want having his hands on that power. I'll focus on seeing what he has tonight." She kissed him lightly again. "I won't let myself be seen."
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Post by Jenny on Jul 9, 2012 22:46:59 GMT -5
Lei was uneasy about it, but he sighed and nodded. “Yes, it would be best to have a layout at where he keeps these magical objects and items of power. It would be wise to remove these from his hands as soon as possible. Shade will be able to aid us in this, if she can manage to slip away from his lecherous hands. But, I wonder… what of Ishikawa? He is late.”
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Post by KD on Jul 9, 2012 22:48:32 GMT -5
"I have no idea, would you like me to go look for him?" She wasn't sure if Shade would be able to.
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Post by Jenny on Jul 9, 2012 22:51:13 GMT -5
Lei blinked a little at that. But of course, she had many fast forms and may be able to return with Ishikawa before nightfall. “That may be best, perhaps he is having trouble finding where we are. I’d hate to think that he is in a difficult situation…”
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