- 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.
[ Empire of Akino | Konohagakure - Royal Palace ]
[ Kiyomi Homura | Empress of Akino ]
The report came in and if anything, Kiyomi was both mildly amused as curious. It seemed that the Lightning country was more into disarray than she had imagined. On top of all that, the recent events that had transpired certainly did pique her interest. If it were only due to the mere nature of the strife, chaos and conflict that took place in the northern realm.
The fact that the Sanosuke had sought out contact with the Empire had surprised Kiyomi, if only ever slightly. Certainly when Midori Sato herself was offered as an emissary of goodwill, representing the clan alliance that the Sanosuke had managed to build up. The Cho clan promised that they would escort and guide the Sato jinchuriki to the capital, to the best of their ability. Something that Kiyomi decided to express gratitude for in the letter that would be her reply. Together with the letter would be various gifts, both meant to the crew that had manned the ship on which Midori had gotten to the Empire. But also to show her gratitude towards the Cho clan.
Expecting Midori to arrive within a week or three, Kiyomi decided to shift her attention. Another source of interest was the city of Okino. Formally it was held and ruled over by the Jun clan. But in the current state, it was actually under control of the Imperial forces that were sent north to aid the Raikage. Curiously enough, the Raikage and his allies had done little to navigate or coordinate anything with the Imperial aid. The commander of the sent forces made it clear that they hadn't hurt a single individual in the city and would hold it unless Kiyomi commanded otherwise. The most interesting was that the Jun clan even seemed happy enough to supply the present Imperial forces, likely wanting to keep using Imperial military presence to avoid being dragged into the horrid civil war that tore their country apart.
But while Kiyomi cared little for the city of Okino and her people, clan or land, she was most intrigued by what the commander wrote in his letter. Stating that a large part of the Lightning fleet was docked within the city. Already the commander suggested that they could take a portion of the fleet to ensure that the promise of the Lightning would be fulfilled.
Considering the state that the Raikage forces were in, Kiyomi decided to agree. Though she was wary of the mess that was collectively known as the Lightning country, the report on the amount and kind of vessels stationed in Okino were worth it. An order would be dispatched to Lord Admiral, Nozaki Miyazato, that the Royal Navy would see to it that an amount of those vessels would be secured.
The last news was a bird that brought news from Kensuke Nimatsu's assignment. The Nimatsu Scholae was sent north to the Frost country to meet with the Raikage. Though the request of the Raikage had been to meet somebody on his level, Kiyomi considered that Kensuke was still above it. And she certainly saw no need to meet with the masked leader that fought against the Regency council. She had other, more important, matters to deal with.
In his letter, Kensuke summarised how the meeting went. Much as Kiyomi expected of the tall, blunt Nimatsu the content was straight to the point. As she read the letter, Kiyomi's left eyebrow slightly raised. It seemed that the Raikage desired the Imperial forces out of the Lightning country. For a moment Kiyomi wasn't certain what she felt more. Amused or the need to be insulted. There were enough reasons how she could perceive this as a slight and already had several reasons to start denouncing the Raikage's administration for impotence. Deciding that she wouldn't gain anything with it, Kiyomi would see what would happen. After all, a representative of the Raikage would travel back with Kensuke. Kiyomi already pondered if she should hear out what this representative had to say or not.
Placing the bucket down, Kiyomi's lips twisted into a soft smile. The pack of small canines moved in a rather clumsy but enthusiastic fashion towards her and the bucket. They ignored the various toys and rough playing with each other as the scent of the empress and what filled the bucket started to drift into the enclosure.
"Who are my little good boys and girls?" Kiyomi asked, her tone slightly higher-pitched as she would lower through her legs. Reaching for the bucket, Kiyomi's gloved hand pulled out a small slab of meat. Blood still dripping lightly from the slab as Kiyomi held it up.
The direwolf pups moved in closer but seemed to remember their lessons of before. The small eyes holding an intelligence that sparked and seemed to reflect their understanding of the situation. Yet their lips parted, the small growing row of nasty fangs and teeth revealing the grim, more violent side of their nature.
Raising her left index finger, Kiyomi remained silent as she watched how most of the small pack would take a step back. Resulting in snarling bites and growls at each other whenever they bumped by accident into each other. But their attention didn't linger away for long from the monarch and the prized slab of meat.
"At it," Kiyomi instructed as she would throw the slab in front of her. The command already made some of the pups surge forwards, the sounds of their excited barks mixed with those moving in behind, snarling and biting at those who were clever enough to move in quick.
Rising up, Kiyomi took a step back. Watching how the pups went about their business, a few broke out in a small fight. Luckily, it seemed that the thick fur prevented the pups from injuring each other. Not to mention that the fights were short as each of them seemed eager to grab a piece of the meat.
Pulling the glove off, Kiyomi took a seat at a rock. Her sketchbook was already placed next to it, with a pencil.
"I see why you wouldn't want to feed them by hand anymore," Katashi's voice resonated, faintly followed by the jingling of the chainmail of his armour, "How is your Majesty today?"
Kiyomi threw a sideways look at Katashi and would reveal an amused smile. "Her Majesty is doing dandy, thanks for asking captain-commander," Kiyomi replied before turning her attention back at her sketchbook. Only now and then did she part her eyes from the papyrus she wrote upon to view the direwolf pups. "I would love to still feed them by hand. But if I want to raise them to be strong, I should let them continue like this. It won't do good to nurture weakness in the pack." Briefly, Kiyomi looked back at Katashi. "Hiron once told me that." Turning back to her sketchbook, Kiyomi started to draw something.
"I can agree that this may be somewhat effective," Katashi said as he continued to observe the small canines. If anything, the pups were small enough to be considered adorable. Their fur was much thicker than it should be and gave them a clumsy, almost round appearance. But the blood that had been spilt by shredding and pulling the meat seemed out of place. More so when the cute creatures themselves seemed to be quite satisfied to gore upon it, their violent shredding accompanied by soft snarls and barks.
"I saw that you placed an order out," Katashi began slowly, "to commend one of the Sworn Swords. I believe her code was Panther," the Sarutobi moved his gaze to Kiyomi. The young monarch continued drawing and seemed to not register the man's words. "The one that used to be a missing-nin before."
"Mhm, I did," Kiyomi replied calmly, "I intend to honour those who have proven their loyalty to me. Has her body been recovered?" She asked, still not tearing her attention away from her own creation. Katashi shook his head at first, realising only that Kiyomi wouldn't see the gesture. "No, your Majesty. I fear that wasn't possible. It may result--"
"Do it." The short reply was delivered with a harsh tone, Kiyomi's head slightly twisted as if she was about to throw a stern look over her shoulder. "It is important. For me."
Katashi remained silent as he stared at the young monarch. In the time that he had served, the man had been able to observe the young monarch from close. Watching her and trying to understand her was part of the job - it allowed him to be better at his job of protecting her. But at the moment like these, he was reminded that he still didn't fully understand his Empress. Her desire to recover the body of somebody who had failed a mission and had been a missing-nin in the past confused Katashi. But he wouldn't pressure Kiyomi into giving up her reasons.
"I shall see to it that it happens, your Majesty." Katashi said as he made a bow towards her. Before he could take his leave, Kiyomi spoke again.
"I am sorry. Please, see to it that her body is recovered. I would like to give her my final respects."
"Of course, your Majesty."
Listening, Kiyomi's arms were crossed out in front of her chest. Standing at the head of the table, she watched as the various people continued to bring out their reports as using various maps to explain themselves. The start of finding a new city in the more western sphere of the Empire was well on its way. There was still quite some planning but resources were moving across the realm towards the site.
"The broad streets will allow little delay or trouble in transport, your Majesty. The streets will be enough to support eight normal carts to be pulled alongside each other. The fact that the alleys are straight and somewhat broader will promote visibility. Dissuading some shadier exchanges, your Majesty, " the man continued as Kiyomi listened. In all honesty, she wasn't intrigued by all the parts and goings of city planning. If the experts said it would work, she would hold them accountable by their words. If it wouldn't, then she knew who would be the blame.
Once the man was done explaining the various features that would be implemented in the new city, a woman spoke up. "The refugees that are being directed from the Rain province are quartered currently in these small camps, your Majesty. Some of the refugees are quite eager to work on the project and have expressed various suggestions of their own if you would like to listen to them." The woman made a small bow.
Glancing at the woman, Kiyomi made a subtle gesture that she could continue.
"Seeing that you're allowing them to build their own quarters, the refugees want to commemorate your generosity in marble and stone, your Majesty. They would be most pleased to build a statue of you, to be visible in the plaza within their small district. Furthermore, the refugees are asking if it is possible to build a small temple in the name of God," the woman once more made a small bow. Kiyomi turned her gaze from the maps to the woman. There was a certain hesitation in the woman's voice as she had posed her question.
"They may. These people from the Claw have lost their homes and nearly their lives to escape the terror that haunted them at their homeland. If we are to welcome them among our midst then it shall be so. Please contact one of those missionaries from the Miyazato Clan to help oversee these plans." Kiyomi replied, turning her attention back at the maps. "The Empire is a land of diversity and tolerance. If they have further requests for their place, I am happy to receive future suggestions," Kiyomi added, to which several people present in the room made small praise for her benevolence and generosity. Though in truth, Kiyomi couldn't care more or less for their respect or love. Something else already demanded her attention. It was a mere idea that drifted in her mind, unspoken yet the possibilities that came with the mere idea were enough to pique Kiyomi's interest.
[ Kiyomi Homura | Empress of Akino ]
The report came in and if anything, Kiyomi was both mildly amused as curious. It seemed that the Lightning country was more into disarray than she had imagined. On top of all that, the recent events that had transpired certainly did pique her interest. If it were only due to the mere nature of the strife, chaos and conflict that took place in the northern realm.
The fact that the Sanosuke had sought out contact with the Empire had surprised Kiyomi, if only ever slightly. Certainly when Midori Sato herself was offered as an emissary of goodwill, representing the clan alliance that the Sanosuke had managed to build up. The Cho clan promised that they would escort and guide the Sato jinchuriki to the capital, to the best of their ability. Something that Kiyomi decided to express gratitude for in the letter that would be her reply. Together with the letter would be various gifts, both meant to the crew that had manned the ship on which Midori had gotten to the Empire. But also to show her gratitude towards the Cho clan.
Expecting Midori to arrive within a week or three, Kiyomi decided to shift her attention. Another source of interest was the city of Okino. Formally it was held and ruled over by the Jun clan. But in the current state, it was actually under control of the Imperial forces that were sent north to aid the Raikage. Curiously enough, the Raikage and his allies had done little to navigate or coordinate anything with the Imperial aid. The commander of the sent forces made it clear that they hadn't hurt a single individual in the city and would hold it unless Kiyomi commanded otherwise. The most interesting was that the Jun clan even seemed happy enough to supply the present Imperial forces, likely wanting to keep using Imperial military presence to avoid being dragged into the horrid civil war that tore their country apart.
But while Kiyomi cared little for the city of Okino and her people, clan or land, she was most intrigued by what the commander wrote in his letter. Stating that a large part of the Lightning fleet was docked within the city. Already the commander suggested that they could take a portion of the fleet to ensure that the promise of the Lightning would be fulfilled.
Considering the state that the Raikage forces were in, Kiyomi decided to agree. Though she was wary of the mess that was collectively known as the Lightning country, the report on the amount and kind of vessels stationed in Okino were worth it. An order would be dispatched to Lord Admiral, Nozaki Miyazato, that the Royal Navy would see to it that an amount of those vessels would be secured.
The last news was a bird that brought news from Kensuke Nimatsu's assignment. The Nimatsu Scholae was sent north to the Frost country to meet with the Raikage. Though the request of the Raikage had been to meet somebody on his level, Kiyomi considered that Kensuke was still above it. And she certainly saw no need to meet with the masked leader that fought against the Regency council. She had other, more important, matters to deal with.
In his letter, Kensuke summarised how the meeting went. Much as Kiyomi expected of the tall, blunt Nimatsu the content was straight to the point. As she read the letter, Kiyomi's left eyebrow slightly raised. It seemed that the Raikage desired the Imperial forces out of the Lightning country. For a moment Kiyomi wasn't certain what she felt more. Amused or the need to be insulted. There were enough reasons how she could perceive this as a slight and already had several reasons to start denouncing the Raikage's administration for impotence. Deciding that she wouldn't gain anything with it, Kiyomi would see what would happen. After all, a representative of the Raikage would travel back with Kensuke. Kiyomi already pondered if she should hear out what this representative had to say or not.
Placing the bucket down, Kiyomi's lips twisted into a soft smile. The pack of small canines moved in a rather clumsy but enthusiastic fashion towards her and the bucket. They ignored the various toys and rough playing with each other as the scent of the empress and what filled the bucket started to drift into the enclosure.
"Who are my little good boys and girls?" Kiyomi asked, her tone slightly higher-pitched as she would lower through her legs. Reaching for the bucket, Kiyomi's gloved hand pulled out a small slab of meat. Blood still dripping lightly from the slab as Kiyomi held it up.
The direwolf pups moved in closer but seemed to remember their lessons of before. The small eyes holding an intelligence that sparked and seemed to reflect their understanding of the situation. Yet their lips parted, the small growing row of nasty fangs and teeth revealing the grim, more violent side of their nature.
Raising her left index finger, Kiyomi remained silent as she watched how most of the small pack would take a step back. Resulting in snarling bites and growls at each other whenever they bumped by accident into each other. But their attention didn't linger away for long from the monarch and the prized slab of meat.
"At it," Kiyomi instructed as she would throw the slab in front of her. The command already made some of the pups surge forwards, the sounds of their excited barks mixed with those moving in behind, snarling and biting at those who were clever enough to move in quick.
Rising up, Kiyomi took a step back. Watching how the pups went about their business, a few broke out in a small fight. Luckily, it seemed that the thick fur prevented the pups from injuring each other. Not to mention that the fights were short as each of them seemed eager to grab a piece of the meat.
Pulling the glove off, Kiyomi took a seat at a rock. Her sketchbook was already placed next to it, with a pencil.
"I see why you wouldn't want to feed them by hand anymore," Katashi's voice resonated, faintly followed by the jingling of the chainmail of his armour, "How is your Majesty today?"
Kiyomi threw a sideways look at Katashi and would reveal an amused smile. "Her Majesty is doing dandy, thanks for asking captain-commander," Kiyomi replied before turning her attention back at her sketchbook. Only now and then did she part her eyes from the papyrus she wrote upon to view the direwolf pups. "I would love to still feed them by hand. But if I want to raise them to be strong, I should let them continue like this. It won't do good to nurture weakness in the pack." Briefly, Kiyomi looked back at Katashi. "Hiron once told me that." Turning back to her sketchbook, Kiyomi started to draw something.
"I can agree that this may be somewhat effective," Katashi said as he continued to observe the small canines. If anything, the pups were small enough to be considered adorable. Their fur was much thicker than it should be and gave them a clumsy, almost round appearance. But the blood that had been spilt by shredding and pulling the meat seemed out of place. More so when the cute creatures themselves seemed to be quite satisfied to gore upon it, their violent shredding accompanied by soft snarls and barks.
"I saw that you placed an order out," Katashi began slowly, "to commend one of the Sworn Swords. I believe her code was Panther," the Sarutobi moved his gaze to Kiyomi. The young monarch continued drawing and seemed to not register the man's words. "The one that used to be a missing-nin before."
"Mhm, I did," Kiyomi replied calmly, "I intend to honour those who have proven their loyalty to me. Has her body been recovered?" She asked, still not tearing her attention away from her own creation. Katashi shook his head at first, realising only that Kiyomi wouldn't see the gesture. "No, your Majesty. I fear that wasn't possible. It may result--"
"Do it." The short reply was delivered with a harsh tone, Kiyomi's head slightly twisted as if she was about to throw a stern look over her shoulder. "It is important. For me."
Katashi remained silent as he stared at the young monarch. In the time that he had served, the man had been able to observe the young monarch from close. Watching her and trying to understand her was part of the job - it allowed him to be better at his job of protecting her. But at the moment like these, he was reminded that he still didn't fully understand his Empress. Her desire to recover the body of somebody who had failed a mission and had been a missing-nin in the past confused Katashi. But he wouldn't pressure Kiyomi into giving up her reasons.
"I shall see to it that it happens, your Majesty." Katashi said as he made a bow towards her. Before he could take his leave, Kiyomi spoke again.
"I am sorry. Please, see to it that her body is recovered. I would like to give her my final respects."
"Of course, your Majesty."
Listening, Kiyomi's arms were crossed out in front of her chest. Standing at the head of the table, she watched as the various people continued to bring out their reports as using various maps to explain themselves. The start of finding a new city in the more western sphere of the Empire was well on its way. There was still quite some planning but resources were moving across the realm towards the site.
"The broad streets will allow little delay or trouble in transport, your Majesty. The streets will be enough to support eight normal carts to be pulled alongside each other. The fact that the alleys are straight and somewhat broader will promote visibility. Dissuading some shadier exchanges, your Majesty, " the man continued as Kiyomi listened. In all honesty, she wasn't intrigued by all the parts and goings of city planning. If the experts said it would work, she would hold them accountable by their words. If it wouldn't, then she knew who would be the blame.
Once the man was done explaining the various features that would be implemented in the new city, a woman spoke up. "The refugees that are being directed from the Rain province are quartered currently in these small camps, your Majesty. Some of the refugees are quite eager to work on the project and have expressed various suggestions of their own if you would like to listen to them." The woman made a small bow.
Glancing at the woman, Kiyomi made a subtle gesture that she could continue.
"Seeing that you're allowing them to build their own quarters, the refugees want to commemorate your generosity in marble and stone, your Majesty. They would be most pleased to build a statue of you, to be visible in the plaza within their small district. Furthermore, the refugees are asking if it is possible to build a small temple in the name of God," the woman once more made a small bow. Kiyomi turned her gaze from the maps to the woman. There was a certain hesitation in the woman's voice as she had posed her question.
"They may. These people from the Claw have lost their homes and nearly their lives to escape the terror that haunted them at their homeland. If we are to welcome them among our midst then it shall be so. Please contact one of those missionaries from the Miyazato Clan to help oversee these plans." Kiyomi replied, turning her attention back at the maps. "The Empire is a land of diversity and tolerance. If they have further requests for their place, I am happy to receive future suggestions," Kiyomi added, to which several people present in the room made small praise for her benevolence and generosity. Though in truth, Kiyomi couldn't care more or less for their respect or love. Something else already demanded her attention. It was a mere idea that drifted in her mind, unspoken yet the possibilities that came with the mere idea were enough to pique Kiyomi's interest.