- Invitation Status
- Posting Speed
- One post per day
- 1-3 posts per week
- Writing Levels
- Intermediate
- Adept
- Preferred Character Gender
- Female
- Genres
- Fantasy, modern and magical.
[fieldbox=A talk between Sigeberth's descendants, #9a32cd]
At the Feast in Magnhild,
A collab between Oblivion and Aliceee.
Summary:
Kazumo and Kiyomi interact. They speak of the current feast. But then they also exchange some words about Kazumo's future and his main goal.
[spoili]
He felt a tad out of place at such a location, not the place itself but being in it while highly reputable leaders were gathered at. Aiko helped cover the cost of their attire to fit in a bit better, yet being around all these people was like career suicide. One bad move and that would be it, made him wonder how some of these people did it on a normal basis. Yet it was also a good way to study, see how some acted or presented themselves. They all seemed so fond of whoever they were interacting with, like they couldn't wait to talk with them. Well most did, he could have sworn he saw the Hyuuga representative glaring somewhere. He didn't dare talk to any of the higher ups just yet, however he did spy his niece out of the corner of his eye.
Taking a break from observing, he would do his best to not make it seem like he was in a hurry to talk to her. As he neared her, he would smile and offer a bow as to not seem rude to the others that may have been watching her. "Good evening your majesty, I hope you are faring well."
Watching the ongoings in the hall, Kiyomi kept subtle watch of various people. There were many representatives as leaders of their clans present. And thus, so far, there was no reason to think that there would be any problem on the rise. Holding a glass filled with some wine in both hands Kiyomi turned slightly when Kazumo approached her. The young monarch's right eyebrow slightly perked up. "Good evening, Master Sarutobi. I am faring so far quite well. Excellent company, in a splendid hall and alcohol without my Guard-commander or Sworn Swords attempting to snatch it away from me. What more could I desire?" Kiyomi replied back, a playful smile darting on her lips. "I must say, you're looking dandy. Hoping to impress somebody?~"
It felt a bit weird to talk with Kiyomi in such a formal matter, he understood why he had too. Yet on most occasion she usually would get on his case for being formal with her. Well this was in itself a learning process. He had to resist snorting at her not having to fend off anyone from taking her wine. Although it did fluster him a bit at her asking if he was trying to impress anyone. "Not quite, yet thank you for the compliment. Had to have Lady Cho offer her perspective on what would be deemed appropriate. You are also looking lovely tonight. " Kazumo said wondering if this was how everyone spoke at these kind of events. It felt odd to call his sensei by Lady Cho.
Now both eyebrows of the teen rose, by a bit, by hearing Kazumo's compliment. "I do? Oh please, Master Sarutobi. Could you elaborate what you would find so lovely then?" Kiyomi asked as her eyes slightly narrowed, in delight of asking such a question to 'corner' Kazumo. Only a second later would Kiyomi relieve him of answering the question. "Also, Kiyomi. It is okay." She said, switching to Chonobi instead of speaking further in the Taika language. "I have heard my titles and vocation more than enough for today. It is becoming quite dreadful."
Wait you can ask that as a response!? Kazumo was indeed caught off guard and his posture certainly faltered a bit as he looked a bit confused trying to come up with an appropriate response. The worst being he could tell she found it amusing to ask that question to him. "W-well, the way the outfit compliments you of course." he stated hoping that would be a passable answer when suddenly she switched to Chonobi and began speaking in a tone he was familiar with. This was the biggest relief he has had in a while, still had to act appropriate though. "That many times huh? Yet you still find time to tease the one new to these situations." he said with a slight smile. "You do look lovely though, the outfit suits you really well. I'm sure most Chonobi leaders here would agree."
A smile became more present on Kiyomi's features as she didn't hide her joy of plaguing Kazumo with such questions. "Enough to make me be quite happy to be addressed by my name. Same as for teasing. Not many clan leaders or representatives that I could subject to my humour or torture. Or at least," the teen scoffed, "Not reacting in a fun enough way. But thank you. I like it myself." Taking a sip of her drink, she paused for a second. "Though, most Chonobi leaders? Do you think that the Taika clan leaders as representatives will disagree with my attire?"
"Well I can be one less to call you by your title then for tonight Kiyomi, and I hope they wouldn't openly disagree with your attire choice. I may be new but even I'm not that clueless." Kazumo said looking around. "Only one I could really see openly disagreeing with it might be that Hyuuga lady. Seems rather… cranky?" Kazumo said using the best word he could to get the point across, just in a nicer way.
"Let her be. The Hyuuga clan seems to lack proper diplomats. Previous clan meeting they had send a worse one. So arrogant that I even dreaded that I couldn't match the man's ego with my own." Kiyomi half joked. She shot a sideways glance at Kazumo. "But most are playing a certain game. It is hard to see through it, what each person's agenda is. It can be quite interesting and fun. But I prefer just straightforward dealings from time to time. Which does make me wonder, how you would act if you were a clan leader right now?"
They sent an arrogant leader twice to the clan meetings? That sounded like a horrible decision since they weren't the most popular right now, mostly after several losses in their own leadership. It was a bit scary to hear her refer to these events as a game, although he could see what she meant. Although she would ask him which kind would he be, the one to play games or be straightforward. "Well I guess that all depends on the person I would be talking with. I wouldn't need to play games with people I feel close to, yet I guess I would have to play both sides. Be straightforward with some, and a bit mysterious with others?" Kazumo said before showing a bit of a defeated smile. "Been trying to study how people act at these events, yet I'm not making much heads or tails of it. I guess professionals don't slip up that easily."
Listening to Kazumo's answer, Kiyomi remained silent. She let her gaze move over what they could see from their position. Taking a sip of her drink, the teen remained further silent. "You're just starting to grasp the games that are being played here. Interesting enough, the big dogs don't play a game of words. They are able to be straightforward. Great examples are Lord Uchiha or Lord Hon. Both are more than capable of playing and going with the game but nobody dares to speak against them when they don't conform according to the… unwritten rules." Kiyomi explained on a softer tone. "Observation and experimentation is the way to go in this case. You can consider yourself somewhat lucky though."
A sly smile crept on Kiyomi's lips as she shot him another sideways glance. "As a relative, adopted or not, you are not just some commoner. So most will be keen to forgive any small mistakes you'll make. Likely in exchange to gain your favour and perhaps lobby an idea or suggestion back at me. Clearly hoping that I will be much easier influenced by what you have to say."
She made it sound like this was all easy to her, made him wonder how long it took for her to grasp every concept. Yet there were small players and big players? He was going to have to watch from afar more intently then. They all looked like big players with how they acted, then again it might be terrifying to get on the wrong side of anyone that was well known. The ways they could hinder someone without even touching them was a scary thought. Yet it was good to know, that some might try to use him in order to get closer to Kiyomi. Although he had that thought already. "In a way I guessed that much. After all it makes sense to try and persuade the gullible new guy to get his relative to listen to their ideas. Thankfully I'm not that bad."
"I hope so," Kiyomi said as she flashed a smile towards Kazumo. "Else it wouldn't work anyways. I consider myself too stubborn. That and it would be quite odd to suddenly hear you speak of a plan that somehow involves the Akimichi clan or some nobility from the Grass province. Unless," a soft chuckle escaped Kiyomi as she nudged Kazumo gently. "They manage to use a bribe. Perhaps a 'lovely maid'. Would make quite the story. The gullible fool being 'convinced' with some attractive, noble, young lady."
When she brought up them bribing him with a pretty lady, he couldn't help but smile and shake his head. "I remember you telling me, I wasn't allowed to bring any ladies home with that promise. So don't think I will be gullible in that spot either. Besides, it would take more than just looks to make me fall for anything."
"Ah, you remember that? Good!" Kiyomi couldn't help but snicker for a second. "I hope a lot more. I would perhaps even be willing to say yes sooner to you than to most clan leaders." She added before taking a sip of her drink. "I am intending to stay for some time in Magnhild. I got some affairs that require my attention here. Perhaps I can even see to it that I will personally train you in wielding a sword. Like the Kusanagi say, don't waste anything."
"Not quite sure how long we would be staying here. I don't think it would be for long, I believe Aiko intends to get us more prepared before setting out. Which I don't know when will be the next time we will be able to chat like this. So I would welcome the training..." Kazumo said as he would then look at the ground a more serious expression taking over.
"Is it odd that I'm not scared, but I'm more worried about who I will become after its all said and done?"
It remained silent between the two. Kiyomi kept her eyes from Kazumo, scanning those in front of them. "No. You're right to be worried." She simply answered. Turning half around to face Kazumo better, a frown would appear on Kiyomi's brow. "If you would be so certain of who you would be with so many unknown factors and future events, I would have declared you insane. If somebody would have told me that I would become like this years ago, I would have likely be quite confused. Scared shitless, more likely." Placing her left hand on Kazumo's shoulder, Kiyomi softly squeezed. "But don't worry yourself sick. Just do what you believe is right and you should be doing fine." She further added before pulling her hand back.
"Well I'm no seer. I can't say what kind of man I'll become. Just more worried that it won't be for the better. Yet I'm causing myself to worry over something that hasn't even happened yet." Giving a smile, he would tilt his head slightly at her. "So were you confused and scared shitless? At becoming what you are now? Keeping everyone in check, hell I'd be scared shitless too."
"Yes and no." Was the answer, a hint of amusement clear in Kiyomi's voice. The answer would be followed with a smile as Kiyomi could remember the developments that led to her current occupation. They hadn't occurred more than a year ago, which wasn't that long ago. "But yeah, I was pretty shaken by what I was given. Luckily I had great help and still do. Much like you can rely on Aiko, I can rely on the likes of Zakito and other people to aid me in my ruling over the realm." Kiyomi explained as she briefly glanced at the small quantity of wine in her glass. "But now? It isn't that much different from what I learned and observed as my role as the apprentice of the Yondaime Hokage. Politics is learning how people play the game. I only am a major player myself."
"Think I will be relying on Aiko for a long time to come. How to be a capable leader, how to perform diplomatic decisions, how to spot the lies from truth, who wants self gain. You get the idea." Kazumo said with a more relaxed smile. "Good thing I enjoy learning. Yet I probably stole enough time from you. I can just sense the angry looks being directed at me. Before I leave though, we have too meet up again."
Kiyomi threw a subtle glance to the side. There were a few people who were waiting to jump in and have a chance to speak to her. "And? Let them be angry. But I will allow you to explore the feast by yourself for a bit. I will see to it that we will spend some time this evening. I do intend to join some singing after all." Winking with her left eye, she would follow suit with a graceful bow towards Kazumo. "Master Sarutobi," she said, adding to the respectful and elegant bow through her legs.
"I'm not the best when it comes to singing, yet I doubt you will let me escape that. So I will see you later on this evening then." he said almost just walking away before she would remind him that it was polite to bow before leaving. So returning the gesture he would smile at her. "I hope you enjoy the event, your majesty." Kazumo would say before walking away to get himself his own refreshment.
[/spoili]
[/fieldbox]
At the Feast in Magnhild,
A collab between Oblivion and Aliceee.
Summary:
Kazumo and Kiyomi interact. They speak of the current feast. But then they also exchange some words about Kazumo's future and his main goal.
[spoili]
He felt a tad out of place at such a location, not the place itself but being in it while highly reputable leaders were gathered at. Aiko helped cover the cost of their attire to fit in a bit better, yet being around all these people was like career suicide. One bad move and that would be it, made him wonder how some of these people did it on a normal basis. Yet it was also a good way to study, see how some acted or presented themselves. They all seemed so fond of whoever they were interacting with, like they couldn't wait to talk with them. Well most did, he could have sworn he saw the Hyuuga representative glaring somewhere. He didn't dare talk to any of the higher ups just yet, however he did spy his niece out of the corner of his eye.
Taking a break from observing, he would do his best to not make it seem like he was in a hurry to talk to her. As he neared her, he would smile and offer a bow as to not seem rude to the others that may have been watching her. "Good evening your majesty, I hope you are faring well."
Watching the ongoings in the hall, Kiyomi kept subtle watch of various people. There were many representatives as leaders of their clans present. And thus, so far, there was no reason to think that there would be any problem on the rise. Holding a glass filled with some wine in both hands Kiyomi turned slightly when Kazumo approached her. The young monarch's right eyebrow slightly perked up. "Good evening, Master Sarutobi. I am faring so far quite well. Excellent company, in a splendid hall and alcohol without my Guard-commander or Sworn Swords attempting to snatch it away from me. What more could I desire?" Kiyomi replied back, a playful smile darting on her lips. "I must say, you're looking dandy. Hoping to impress somebody?~"
It felt a bit weird to talk with Kiyomi in such a formal matter, he understood why he had too. Yet on most occasion she usually would get on his case for being formal with her. Well this was in itself a learning process. He had to resist snorting at her not having to fend off anyone from taking her wine. Although it did fluster him a bit at her asking if he was trying to impress anyone. "Not quite, yet thank you for the compliment. Had to have Lady Cho offer her perspective on what would be deemed appropriate. You are also looking lovely tonight. " Kazumo said wondering if this was how everyone spoke at these kind of events. It felt odd to call his sensei by Lady Cho.
Now both eyebrows of the teen rose, by a bit, by hearing Kazumo's compliment. "I do? Oh please, Master Sarutobi. Could you elaborate what you would find so lovely then?" Kiyomi asked as her eyes slightly narrowed, in delight of asking such a question to 'corner' Kazumo. Only a second later would Kiyomi relieve him of answering the question. "Also, Kiyomi. It is okay." She said, switching to Chonobi instead of speaking further in the Taika language. "I have heard my titles and vocation more than enough for today. It is becoming quite dreadful."
Wait you can ask that as a response!? Kazumo was indeed caught off guard and his posture certainly faltered a bit as he looked a bit confused trying to come up with an appropriate response. The worst being he could tell she found it amusing to ask that question to him. "W-well, the way the outfit compliments you of course." he stated hoping that would be a passable answer when suddenly she switched to Chonobi and began speaking in a tone he was familiar with. This was the biggest relief he has had in a while, still had to act appropriate though. "That many times huh? Yet you still find time to tease the one new to these situations." he said with a slight smile. "You do look lovely though, the outfit suits you really well. I'm sure most Chonobi leaders here would agree."
A smile became more present on Kiyomi's features as she didn't hide her joy of plaguing Kazumo with such questions. "Enough to make me be quite happy to be addressed by my name. Same as for teasing. Not many clan leaders or representatives that I could subject to my humour or torture. Or at least," the teen scoffed, "Not reacting in a fun enough way. But thank you. I like it myself." Taking a sip of her drink, she paused for a second. "Though, most Chonobi leaders? Do you think that the Taika clan leaders as representatives will disagree with my attire?"
"Well I can be one less to call you by your title then for tonight Kiyomi, and I hope they wouldn't openly disagree with your attire choice. I may be new but even I'm not that clueless." Kazumo said looking around. "Only one I could really see openly disagreeing with it might be that Hyuuga lady. Seems rather… cranky?" Kazumo said using the best word he could to get the point across, just in a nicer way.
"Let her be. The Hyuuga clan seems to lack proper diplomats. Previous clan meeting they had send a worse one. So arrogant that I even dreaded that I couldn't match the man's ego with my own." Kiyomi half joked. She shot a sideways glance at Kazumo. "But most are playing a certain game. It is hard to see through it, what each person's agenda is. It can be quite interesting and fun. But I prefer just straightforward dealings from time to time. Which does make me wonder, how you would act if you were a clan leader right now?"
They sent an arrogant leader twice to the clan meetings? That sounded like a horrible decision since they weren't the most popular right now, mostly after several losses in their own leadership. It was a bit scary to hear her refer to these events as a game, although he could see what she meant. Although she would ask him which kind would he be, the one to play games or be straightforward. "Well I guess that all depends on the person I would be talking with. I wouldn't need to play games with people I feel close to, yet I guess I would have to play both sides. Be straightforward with some, and a bit mysterious with others?" Kazumo said before showing a bit of a defeated smile. "Been trying to study how people act at these events, yet I'm not making much heads or tails of it. I guess professionals don't slip up that easily."
Listening to Kazumo's answer, Kiyomi remained silent. She let her gaze move over what they could see from their position. Taking a sip of her drink, the teen remained further silent. "You're just starting to grasp the games that are being played here. Interesting enough, the big dogs don't play a game of words. They are able to be straightforward. Great examples are Lord Uchiha or Lord Hon. Both are more than capable of playing and going with the game but nobody dares to speak against them when they don't conform according to the… unwritten rules." Kiyomi explained on a softer tone. "Observation and experimentation is the way to go in this case. You can consider yourself somewhat lucky though."
A sly smile crept on Kiyomi's lips as she shot him another sideways glance. "As a relative, adopted or not, you are not just some commoner. So most will be keen to forgive any small mistakes you'll make. Likely in exchange to gain your favour and perhaps lobby an idea or suggestion back at me. Clearly hoping that I will be much easier influenced by what you have to say."
She made it sound like this was all easy to her, made him wonder how long it took for her to grasp every concept. Yet there were small players and big players? He was going to have to watch from afar more intently then. They all looked like big players with how they acted, then again it might be terrifying to get on the wrong side of anyone that was well known. The ways they could hinder someone without even touching them was a scary thought. Yet it was good to know, that some might try to use him in order to get closer to Kiyomi. Although he had that thought already. "In a way I guessed that much. After all it makes sense to try and persuade the gullible new guy to get his relative to listen to their ideas. Thankfully I'm not that bad."
"I hope so," Kiyomi said as she flashed a smile towards Kazumo. "Else it wouldn't work anyways. I consider myself too stubborn. That and it would be quite odd to suddenly hear you speak of a plan that somehow involves the Akimichi clan or some nobility from the Grass province. Unless," a soft chuckle escaped Kiyomi as she nudged Kazumo gently. "They manage to use a bribe. Perhaps a 'lovely maid'. Would make quite the story. The gullible fool being 'convinced' with some attractive, noble, young lady."
When she brought up them bribing him with a pretty lady, he couldn't help but smile and shake his head. "I remember you telling me, I wasn't allowed to bring any ladies home with that promise. So don't think I will be gullible in that spot either. Besides, it would take more than just looks to make me fall for anything."
"Ah, you remember that? Good!" Kiyomi couldn't help but snicker for a second. "I hope a lot more. I would perhaps even be willing to say yes sooner to you than to most clan leaders." She added before taking a sip of her drink. "I am intending to stay for some time in Magnhild. I got some affairs that require my attention here. Perhaps I can even see to it that I will personally train you in wielding a sword. Like the Kusanagi say, don't waste anything."
"Not quite sure how long we would be staying here. I don't think it would be for long, I believe Aiko intends to get us more prepared before setting out. Which I don't know when will be the next time we will be able to chat like this. So I would welcome the training..." Kazumo said as he would then look at the ground a more serious expression taking over.
"Is it odd that I'm not scared, but I'm more worried about who I will become after its all said and done?"
It remained silent between the two. Kiyomi kept her eyes from Kazumo, scanning those in front of them. "No. You're right to be worried." She simply answered. Turning half around to face Kazumo better, a frown would appear on Kiyomi's brow. "If you would be so certain of who you would be with so many unknown factors and future events, I would have declared you insane. If somebody would have told me that I would become like this years ago, I would have likely be quite confused. Scared shitless, more likely." Placing her left hand on Kazumo's shoulder, Kiyomi softly squeezed. "But don't worry yourself sick. Just do what you believe is right and you should be doing fine." She further added before pulling her hand back.
"Well I'm no seer. I can't say what kind of man I'll become. Just more worried that it won't be for the better. Yet I'm causing myself to worry over something that hasn't even happened yet." Giving a smile, he would tilt his head slightly at her. "So were you confused and scared shitless? At becoming what you are now? Keeping everyone in check, hell I'd be scared shitless too."
"Yes and no." Was the answer, a hint of amusement clear in Kiyomi's voice. The answer would be followed with a smile as Kiyomi could remember the developments that led to her current occupation. They hadn't occurred more than a year ago, which wasn't that long ago. "But yeah, I was pretty shaken by what I was given. Luckily I had great help and still do. Much like you can rely on Aiko, I can rely on the likes of Zakito and other people to aid me in my ruling over the realm." Kiyomi explained as she briefly glanced at the small quantity of wine in her glass. "But now? It isn't that much different from what I learned and observed as my role as the apprentice of the Yondaime Hokage. Politics is learning how people play the game. I only am a major player myself."
"Think I will be relying on Aiko for a long time to come. How to be a capable leader, how to perform diplomatic decisions, how to spot the lies from truth, who wants self gain. You get the idea." Kazumo said with a more relaxed smile. "Good thing I enjoy learning. Yet I probably stole enough time from you. I can just sense the angry looks being directed at me. Before I leave though, we have too meet up again."
Kiyomi threw a subtle glance to the side. There were a few people who were waiting to jump in and have a chance to speak to her. "And? Let them be angry. But I will allow you to explore the feast by yourself for a bit. I will see to it that we will spend some time this evening. I do intend to join some singing after all." Winking with her left eye, she would follow suit with a graceful bow towards Kazumo. "Master Sarutobi," she said, adding to the respectful and elegant bow through her legs.
"I'm not the best when it comes to singing, yet I doubt you will let me escape that. So I will see you later on this evening then." he said almost just walking away before she would remind him that it was polite to bow before leaving. So returning the gesture he would smile at her. "I hope you enjoy the event, your majesty." Kazumo would say before walking away to get himself his own refreshment.
[/spoili]
[/fieldbox]