Konan - Mount Reikaku

[RikuHeartless]

The Prince looked up at her and smiled, taking her offered hand. "I am glad you feel that way, that's how I feel about it too. I want to take my understanding to an even higher level then the Fourth Emperor." His hand was very soft, but he had dirt under his nails from traveling. He stood up, and looked down at her now. "You know, there is a picture of the Suzaku Seven in the shrine at the palace in Eiyou. You look a bit like the Nuriko in that picture." He touched her bangs, "I think it's the hair style, but he was a very beautiful man."  

[Aleyn of Farronbrook]

Colour rose to her cheeks once more as she felt his hand on her head.

"Yes, I've heard he was. I remember hearing from the legends that he disguised himself as a harem girl in Hotohori's palace." Quickly she changed the topic. "Shall we get going, then?" she asked pleasently. "I don't think it would be wise to get left behind."

((What time of day is it?))  

[RikuHeartless]

((Evening... like Dinner Time))

Riku smiled a bit at the blush that rose to her cheeks. He'd always promised himself that he'd never had a harem when he became Emperor. That he would find only one girl, not matter what station, and that one, sweet girl would be his Empress. He silently wondered if this charming doctor might hold the key to his loneliness. He held out his arm, "A lovely lady should always be escorted to dinner properly."

"What's taking you two so long?" Chiriko called out from just inside. "You're going to miss the food!"  

[Aleyn of Farronbrook]

She was fully aware of the blush that was clearly showing on her face. Shyly she took his arm.

"Thank you," she said, feeling a little awkward. "But please, call me Nuriko, or Lian, if you must."

Her must-remain-single side was screaming for her to let go; her sensible-doctor side was telling her that doing that would offend the Prince. In the end, the sensible side won over, and she stayed by Riku. They made their way to the others, and she smiled at Chiriko.

"I'm sorry, did you die of starvation?" she asked, amused and fully aware that her jokes were lame.  

[RikuHeartless]

"Yes of course I did, now look you ruined our chance to summon Suzaku because I'm a ghost now!" Chiriko harumphed playfully and raised his eyebrows at his traveling companion. He'd kinda started to looked at her as a little sister. "Hey now Prince, who said you could court Lady Nuriko? She has scores of other suiters, and she scorns them all!" He made a flourish with his hand, "It's even rumored that she may like girls." At the look on his face, Chiriko started laughing hystarically, "I was joking, just joking..."

Riku didn't quite know what to make of the crazy Chiriko, but somewhere, deep inside, the Prince figured it was all a ruse to keep people from seeing some terrible event in the young man's past. "Now now Chiriko, I am merely escorting the Lady... er... Nuriko, to dinner. My intentions are honorable and pure, I assure you."  

[Aleyn of Farronbrook]

Nuriko simply stopped and stared incredulously at Chiriko when she heard his remark.

"Smack him!" the must-remain-single side cried. "Preserve your honour!"

"He's just joking," said her sensible side. "Though I would suggest you wash your hands."

"What's that got to do with anything?" her lady side asked, flicking open a fan and waving it lightly. "Smack him for all I care. He did shame you."

After a few moments of internal debate she sighed in resignation and smiled wryly.

"Now, Chiriko! When did all these thoughts come to your head?" she asked lightly. "I remember you were more gentlemanly when we were travelling!"

((Ahh, I see. Thanks ^^))  

[RikuHeartless]

Chiriko laughed, "I'm just jealous, that's all. The Prince comes in with a face that could make angels cry with joy, then you decide to go off with him rather then the boy you traveled with. I'm sorry, it was just a joke you know. I know you like boys... well I think you do anyway..." He sighed a bit, the artifical happiness that was usually there gave way to sadness... then, clouds started to gather over the mountain. Chiriko looked up and laughed, the false cheer coming back. "So, let's eat." The clouds started to disperse.

Riku watched Chiriko and the sky, a bit perplexed. He'd never seen rain, nor rainclouds, and yet this boy seemed to be able to make them! He should be happy and helping people, not carrying around such a sadness as that!  

[Aleyn of Farronbrook]

Nuriko, too, observed this. Again, she felt guilty, making her friend feel this way. Maybe I really should remain on my own. Then everyone would be happy.

She too, put on a false smile, hiding her guilt.

"Yes, let's," she agreed with a smile. "And I haven't taken offence, Chiriko. I'm not made for grudges."  

[RikuHeartless]

"Oh good, well lets go meet this Suzaku no Miko!" He went inside and looked around the place for a strange girl.

Riku though, stopped outside the door, "Nuriko," he said softly, "Your smile is as false as his is. You don't have to talk to me, but you can if you'd like too. I don't have any friends really, but I still am a very good listener." He patted her hand that held onto his arm, "I can tell someone who's usually alone, because I'm that way. I'm happy I was destined to meet you."  

[Aleyn of Farronbrook]

She looked away, blushing again. Her secretly-romantic side swooned.

"He's so kind! You should go for him! He's got everything, after all: personality, looks, money . . ."

"What, and get jealous irks from Chiriko?" retorted her must-remain-single side. "You heard him. He's envious!"

"Why don't we let things play out for now?" suggested her sensible-doctor. "We can decide when all this is over."

She looked up at Riku and smiled shakily.

"Thank you," she said, her voice soft enough so that only he could hear. "It's kind of nice to know there's someone who'll lend an ear." She hesitated. "I . . . I'm happy to be destined to meet you too."  

[RikuHeartless]

Riku smiled back and nodded, "Come, let's introduce ourselves to the Miko and Tamahome." He lead her inside, escorting her as a proper lady would be. It's so wonderful to have people around, I only wish she wasn't so nervous. But then again, I'm sure she'll just see me as a servent of Suzaku, like her, and a friend. Maybe, more then a friend someday, but right now, I'm just happy to not be alone.  

[Aleyn of Farronbrook]

She let him lead, still debating inside and fervently hoping her swirl of emotions wouldn't show in body language.

I wonder what Liang would say to this. He'll probably laugh and start teasing me about being too nice to everyone for my own good. But he'd smile and pat my head and say, "That's what I love about you, sis. You're kind. It's rare for girls of our status and age nowadays to be like you." This thought brought a slightly sad smile, and she looked up at the sky.

The moon was now casting its silver light on the mountain, turning everything into quicksilver. When she glanced at Riku she had to take a second look.

The ends of his long hair seemed to be made of moonlight, silvery and bright. It refined his features, making him - she thought with a slight blush - seem more mature and mysterious. Smiling lightly, she turned her eyes back on to the path.  

[Kaivi Silverwing]

Watching the others, she simply shook her head and walked into the base. "Damn, you guys are dull." Choosing to first go into the dining area, she saw the Priestess and Tamahome. She kept her arm hidden behind her back, so that they wouldn't see the blood. It wasn't the most polite thing in the world, the sight of blood when eating. She knew that one from personal experiance. "There you are. Good, you're eating. I hope the others haven't been bothering you." She smiled softly, sitting down near the pair. "Well... I still have to get things ready, but... the good news is... well, we have more warriors." Chuckling a little, she looked over at Tamahome. "They should be coming in in a moment or two. I'm going to go to the kitchen."

She stood up again, walking inside. Mika had to break some bad news to one of the cooks. One of the men, while a letch, was engaged. She had to tell his fiance. Once Mika walked into the kitchen, the woman simply looked at her arm before walking up to Mika and smacking her across the face. She didn't even attempt to dodge it. She couldn't even if she wanted to. Using her fire ability like she had, she was pretty much drained. Mika handed the woman one of the vials, the one with her fiance's ashes, before sitting down in front of the fire, and heating her blade. She had to cauterize the wounds before they got infected.  

[RikuHeartless]

Chiriko came in the room and looked at all the people, his eyes finally settling on a sweet looking girl in strange clothes sitting next to a rather muscular fellow in green. He went over and smiled, "Ah, Suzaku no Miko and Tamahome I presume. I'm Hatori, but you can call me Chiriko! I am honored to serve such a pretty priestess." He grinned handsomely at her, and even gave her a wink.

Riku came in and saw Chiriko talking to a few people. He assumed that Nuriko was right behind him, so he went over to the table. He smiled, brushing hair from his eyes, "My name is Riku, I'm the Prince of Suzaku. It's very nice to meet you."  

[Aleyn of Farronbrook]

She entered the room and took everything in a moment. She smiled and bowed to the foreign girl.

"Suzaku no Miko, and Tamahome, I presume. I am Xiao-Lian, but you may call me Nuriko."