The Exotic Princess (PM to join)

[Starsailor2804]

It was a dark time for the kingdom after so many years of prosperity that the past king had brought them. He had opened trade with the East and brought in so many riches in trade and gifts that the kingdom had never seen it so good. Everyone was happy, even the peasants, who lived much more peacefully as with happy lords, they were treated with happy lives. But, things did not last long as the king who had brought them this new glory and wealth and happiness died quickly, and suddenly from an illness. However, the future would not remain dark for long, the council was sure of it, as they quickly pushed for the accension of the king's son, Sir Stephen Lurelle.

The council knew that to ensure the stability of the kingdom they would have to have Stephen marry, and fast, and produce heirs to keep the kingdom strong. And so, at twenty-three years of age, Stephen Lurelle became king of the Lurelle Kingdom. An exact image of his father, with his medium dark brown hair, chiseled face that read strength and courage, dark blue eyes that looked like gems, and his strong body made it very hard for most to see any difference between the king and his son. The transition was not hard mostly due to Stephen's leadership abilities he had gained from his father.

However, Stephen wasn't too fond of the idea that he would have to wed, quickly, to a woman he had never met, and to a woman from the East. But, he knew as king he had to make sacrifices for he didn't want to destroy the kingdom his father created from really nothing. And so, upon his throne he sat, sat and contemplated, and waited for his new bride to arrive.

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

OOC:
Emiko Chidori
Daughter to the highest ranking General serving under Oda Nobunaga
4' 8"
Small build, healthy, firm breasts
pale complexion, high cheek bones
long black hair that hangs to her waist when free from its confinement
dark black eyes
~~~~

Emiko Chidori sat in the carriage her small, delicate hands rested on her lap, she held the small scarf her mother had hand stitched, as she thought back over what had transpired in her life. Her father, General Hakaru Chidori had been ordered to provide a Westerner with a bride. His daughter was to be that bride. Hakaru did not deny his Commander's wishes, and told his daughter that she would do his bidding. She had argued and fought him on the subject, even though she knew as a woman she had no rights in her home or in her lands.

Oda Nobunaga was working hard to reunify Japan and make it prosperous once more. Trading with the West would do this, though the man was a tyrant and pure evil, he was brilliant and very powerful. If one was ordered to do something, there was no question. So Hakaru set out to make Emiko a prized gift for the Western nations.

He collected some of his finest paintings and sculptures for Emiko to give to her new master. For that is what Emiko saw him as an uncivilized Western man that would control her. She thought of the wealth that had been packed aboard the ocean vessel that had carried her to this foreign place. Swords encrusted with gems, and fine silks that could be turned into beautiful garments for man or woman.

Her mother prepared her wedding gowns and her clothing, while Emiko was taught the language of the West and their customs. She was forced to give up her teachings that her father had humored her in. Now her sword rested in a sheath above her carriage. She glared out the window of this new culture, anger only increasing as they moved throughout the area.

Looking across from her she saw how tired her companion was. Ioe was old, and would not see much more of her life. She had agreed to take this trip with Emiko, only because Ioe's family was no longer alive. Her husband, dead from old age and her sons killed in the Onin no Ran (Onin War). Her daughter-in-laws had returned to their families and her grandchildren had either married and left or left with their mothers. Emiko felt sorrow for the old woman, and reached out and touched her hand. "We should be there soon."

She moved back and looked at the white gown she wore. It was constricting her breathing and she detested the size of it. The weight heavy and often brought sweat to cling and drip down her back, arms and breasts. The day was long and the road bumpy, soon she heard the shouts of the men that had been hired to escort her. They were arriving, and soon she would be greeted by the man who she was to wed, and merge two cultures.

The horses ahead of the carriage stopped and soon the rumble of the wheels came to a halt as well. The sweat and mugginess of the enclosed box stifled her and she longed to get out of the rolling prison. She waited for someone to release her and her companion. Emiko wanted to bolt, but she barely reigned in the urge to do that. Instead she held to her training in Western culture and waited for someone to open the door and assist her and her companion from the carriage.

 

[Starsailor2804]

With Emiko's arrival at the castle the entire population of the nearby area were in a hurry to try and catch a glimpse of the to be bride before the ceremony. Kids sat on their father's shoulders while others pushed through the crowds to get closer. It was quite a scene, had the kingdom any enemies now would have surely been the time to attack. As the escort of the carriage came to a halt two men dressed in fine garbs, two councilmen who had talked with Nobunaga and brought about the union, opened the door to the carriage to allow the woman to exit.

The older man, wise beyond his years even though so old, with his white hair and weakened body, held out his hand and assisted in Emiko's exist from the carriage. The crowd looked in wonder, astonishment, and many other emotions particularly from seeing a woman who looked so odd and different. Most had never seen a woman that looked like her, she was so small, so fragile looking, but yet so elegant and refined. Among other features she appeared so different from them.

"It is an honor to have you among us M'Lady," the older man said as he released her hand. M'Lady would be a title she would have to get used to as it was so greatly used. The other man helped Imo from the carriage and allowed her to follow as they all walked together into the confines of the castle where the eyes staring would be much less. Two guards opened the way to the inside of the castle where fine draperies hung along the walls and fine carpet hugged the ground. "I do hope the trip went well, our Lord has greatly awaited your arrival. It is custom for you to take a knee before the stairs to the king, and rise when he allows it," the older councilmen said to both women, speaking slowly so that Emiko could understand.

And then, like the big doors that had led to the inside of the castle, two more large doors opened to the throne room where in the distance the king sat as nervous as Emiko probably was. As they all approached from the distance Stephen watched from his throne. This hadn't been the first time he had seen a female of the Eastern race, but rarely had he seen such a beauty who was nearly consumed in the dress she was wearing due to her small frame.

"My Lord, let me present Lady Emiko Chidori, daughter of a great general of Lord Nobunaga. And Lady Emiko, this is my Lord, Stephen Lurelle," he said and then slowly lowered himself to a knee as at his age it was so hard to do.

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Emiko was quite upset, upon their arrival the man assisted her before the small framed old woman. A custom that was considered rude. The elders were treated with great respect and Mistress Ioe had just been highly offended. Emiko would try and plead on behalf of Ioe when she was alone with her. Her anger only increased as she was led up to the castle, and told the man she was to marry was inside.

He should have greeted her, helped Ioe down and then been there to assist her. Again he had slighted her and her companion, by not showing his face to her immediately. Now as she walked into the keep, she could barely admire the wealth that was lavishly displayed before her. The rich tapestries and the fine carpet that covered the castle floors were expensive. She had heard that threshes were used in most of the castle in the West, so to see carpeting did make her raise her brow.

When the man led her to a richly adorned room, she was astonished to find out that she would not be taken to a private chamber to change. She was to meet her husband to be in the sweaty English garment she had traveled in. Her clothing was stifling, sweat clung to her chest, under her arms and her hair was coming loose from the jade picks that were keeping the braids from falling down her back. Bangs stuck to her forehead as more perspiration ran down her back, bringing a slight chill to her frame.

Emiko looked at Ioe and her jaw fell, when she was told she was to bow before this insolent Westerner. She was to be his wife, his companion and he expected her to bow. It was bad enough she had gone from one culture that controlled and demeaned their women, but to another and one not of her choosing. She would bow to him as she had been told, but then she would tell him exactly what she thought of his hospitality.

As the doors swung open Emiko looked at the man that had been introduced. She had seen many a man before and handsome ones at that. This man was no different, he was handsome and sat on his throne as a King would. She walked towards him, and he continued to sit. Emiko could take no more, “Do you English, just sit when one of my gender walks into a room?”

The room grew silent, as she continued, Ioe's eyes implored her to stop, but Emiko had seen more then she needed, “You want myself to bow before a King who does not offer his hand at his horse drawn box? A King that offers not a room to refresh our travels? You sit and do not show honor to have us here, you dishonor me Sir, and I will not be here but for enough time as needed to refresh my body and for Ioe to rest.”

Taking Ioe's hand she led the woman to the doors, they reached them, and the men who guarded them, looked to their Lord to see if they should open them or not. Emiko turned her black eyes upon the King, “Release me!”

 

[Starsailor2804]

The old man immediately placed his right hand over his face as Emiko spoke up in such a rude fashion before the king. Stephen on the other hand was quite amused by it all although he never smiled, which would surely offend her only more. As everything went quickly downhill the old man quickly rose, well as quick as he could, and grabbed for Emiko who had already began heading for the door. Stephan rose from his chair causing not only the two councilmen to fear, but especially Ioe who had seen woman and men killed for much less.

"I'm sorry My Lord, please let us deal with this," the old man said as he ordered the guards to grab her and they did, but with little force. "Councilmen and guards leave us, I wish to speak with our guests, alone," he said, which quickly followed with the guards releasing Emiko. The councilmen on the other hand, especially the older man, were astonished and the old man quickly came to his side.

"My Lord, I do not think.....," he begun saying when Stephen cut him off. "Leave us, and do not return until I order it. Remember who is king," Stephen said causing the two councilmen to leave leaving Ioe, Emiko, and Stephen alone in the large room. "My apologies for our rudeness, our customs are much different than yours, and my subordinates do not think too highly of me yet, they treat me still as a child. Please, rejoin us Emiko," Stephen said as he walked towards a group of couches and chairs where he pours some water into glasses with the pitcher of water that sat on a table.

Ioe did not hesitate to suit the king and took the glass of water from him with thanks before taking a seat looking back at Emiko. "I understand how difficult and unwanted this must be for you Emiko, it wasn't by my request this was done, but the council and I know should I not marry I will lose legitimacy and respect among my people." Holding out a glass of water to her he awaited for her to approach, however if she didn't he would sit down and place the glass back on the table.

"I want to make the transition for you as comfortable as possible and I would like to learn about your people and culture, but if you refuse to submit to fate I fear a very troubling relationship among us."

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Emiko looked at him, then walked towards Ioe's side, she thanked him for the drink and drained it quickly. She was still very angry at his treatment. "I will sit for a moment, but you disappoint me greatly."

She could see the question in her eyes, so she continued, "I had been told I was to marry a King, I accepted that order after some exhanging of words with my Father." Taking the glass from Ioe's shaking hand she placed it away also. "When I learned that my marriage would be," taking a deep breath, she held up her hand, "take happen.. no.. take place. I learned all I could of your people."

Her arms waved at her and Ioe's gowns, "My Mother, made the horrible clothes, and the wasted material that one wears underthem, is autrocious. I learned your English tongue and that was not the quickest lesson taught to me. I saw books of writings with your letters in them your alpha words." She sighed, "Now you tell me your not familiarize yourself or your people with my country. Why do me such a dishonor? Did you think to shame me?"

Emiko was trying not to get angry or become hurt, but she was hot, sweaty, uncomfortable and highly offended. Ioe was looking ragged and she needed rest, "Sir, my companion is old and needs rest." Touching Ioe's hand, "She has served me many trips and will not last much longer. Please if you would have a body, a person, escort her or allow me to take her, a room, you surely have a place for her in your keep?"

The old woman looked kindly at Emiko, silently telling her thank you but in the end looked at the King, "Your Highness I am fine, please make no fuss."

 

[Starsailor2804]

Stephen understood her feelings, she had a right to feel that way and in fact he had done her a great disservice. "Again, I apologize, but you must understand my predictament. I have recently been made king by the sudden death of my father, I was not ready for it, I was not ready for the loss of him. I have been so extremely busy that I have neglected so many things, but I wish to learn about you, your people, your language."

"However, I hope you will give me the opportunity to do so and not judge me so quickly." At the same time he watched as Emiko treated the older woman like her own mother. "Of course, let me have one of the chambermaids show her to her room," he said and then excused himself before walking off and getting a chambermaid. The chambermaid entered and came to the side of the old woman and assisted her to her feet and showed her to her room leaving the two members of the upper classes alone.

Walking by her the king, young king, who was nearly six feet tall, Stephen took a seat once again and looked at her with understanding. "We are stuck together, that is something we both must realize, but it doesn't have to be a bad union, I wish to get to know you and care for you like I would anyother, it is simply the best I can do in such circumstances. And, I would hope you would grant me the respect I deserve as your king and your husband as i will be. I will respect you as long as you respect me, and give you all you could ever want and more."

 

[cremebrulee]

OOC: So does this mean...

Does this mean you have found your princess? I just got the post today, apologize if I am out of order here. She sounds lovely, but does she have competition or is the thread closed?

~Creme

 

[Starsailor2804]

OOC: Thread is closed to RedHaired and I

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Emiko listened to all he said, he had moved to help Ioe to her feet and assisted her from the room. She had been so distracted by her anger that she had not realized his height, now her eyes grew round in her face. Quickly she lowered them, and waited for him to return to her side. When he sat she thought of the things she had wanted to say. She had many questions and many requests. As her hands twisted together, gathering and clutching at the material, Emiko sighed heavily.

"I will try to work your ways, and do your customs. We will have a marriage, I ask only two things at this point of time." Emiko knew her English words were sometimes mixed up, and she hoped not to embarrass him. "I would ask if these..." she paused trying to think of how to ask such an odd request."does one have to wear all of this." She poked at the bottom of her dress, "These bloomers? This thing called chemise? A petticoat? and do you know I also have stockings, a thing called garter another shirt under this!"

She shook her head, her face still down as she pulled back the material, settling them over her small trim ankles. "These things your women wear, do all such as me wear them? Must one do this to be proper?" She slumped, "Could I not wear my native garment? Perhaps all this English wear when we must entertain?"

Emiko thought her idea was grand, so she smiled up at him, she could see he was thinking something, but she was unsure of what. "I also would like to ask you one more thing..." She took a deep breath, "I would like to continue my sword play." "There," she thought to herself. "I have asked." She bowed her head and waited for his answers, she would save the others for another time.

 

[Starsailor2804]

Looking at her sympathetically Stephen realized quickly that they could see eye to eye and that there could be open talk and compromise, much like his father had done with Nobunaga. Listening to her requests he smiled somewhat to show that he liked to hear her opinion and feelings on the matter which he felt just as uncomfortable about as she did. "Hmm...," he said acting like he was really pondering her requests although he already had an answer to them.

"I will require that you be able to wear your native clothes at all times if I find that they suffice, I do not know what they look like, so I can be no judge. If my Kingdom and yours is to have a union it is only customary to allow such change in my own kingdom."

Smiling he thought of her other question, while it wasn't very odd for a woman to have been seen using a sword every now and then, for a queen to use it was very unusual and not proper. Rising from his seat he walked about towards the fireplace and looked up at the portrait of his father before finally responding.

"As long as you give me heirs I will allow you to continue your sword play, however it must be done in absolute secret. Is there anything else you request before I allow you to be shown to your temporary quarters before the ceremony?"

Turning back towards her he walked over slowly, but with great strength in each step, and then offered her his hand to help her to rise from the couch. His presence and smell were of absolute royalty, it couldn't be mistaken, but more than that he had the aura of a warrior, something many men of royalty simply did not have. His frame was medium but it was entirely made up of muscle and strength, making the size of his future bride even more smaller before him.

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Emiko sat there for a moment stunned, then rose. She took his hand, he had said she could wear her clothes, she had heard that and she could continue her swordsmanship... but there was something else, surely she had misunderstood him. Stopping short, she looked at him. "I'm sorry, for I have mistaken your English speaking. You said the ceremony, as if I am to prepare for it now... I know my words, I mean your words confused me."

She gazed up at him, her head barely meeting his shoulders, "Please forgive and explain. The ceremony for our union, it is to take place later, correct. So the one you speak of is perhaps a custom of agreement to marry?"

Emiko could not read much from his eyes, perhaps confusion. "He must be trying to explain what the betrothal ceremony means," she thought to herself. Taking her hand from his, she placed it on his arm. "I am familiar with a betrothal, a promise to marry. We have them in my land also, so we can go to this ceremony now if you wish. I will agree to your betrothal arrangement, and after the one year we have learned about each other our marriage can contract, I mean take place."

She smiled at him and looped her arm back in with his. She moved to leave, but Stephen did not, he seemed rooted to the floor, turning she looked at him, "My Lord, what is the situation... Surely you do not want more then one year?"

 

[Starsailor2804]

Stephen was surely surprised that she hadn't been informed better about the situation. She was set to marry him in a few days, two days in fact, and he knew that when he told her she would probably be very surprised if not shocked and worried. "Actually, we are to marry in two days formally, when you will become Queen of the Kingdom and I will be your husband. I had assumed you had been told this, sorry that you are only learning about it now."

Leading the way towards the door he kept his distance, but didn't want to seem rude and thus remained somewhat nearby her. "When I see you next I would wish to see you in the clothes of your people," he said before he opened the doors where a maid was waiting. "Show her to her room," he said as the woman bowed and asked for Emiko to follow. "I will see you soon, if you need something just request it and it shall be done," he said and then walked off back towards the throne room.

He knew he may be coming off as alittle rude, but he didn't want to appear as though he was coming on too strong. She was young and surely she knew the matters of marriage and what was expected, and surely having not been with a man before or in an sort of relationship of such nature it may been much for her to take in.

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

"Miss..." the voice called to her, as Emiko looked at the man, who had just informed her that she would be his wife in two days. Her eyes turned to the woman who had spoken to her. She followed her wordlessly, as she was led to her chambers. Her eyes roamed over the beautiful paintings and the fine silver and gold that rested on tables. She saw the richly detailed stitching of the tapestries she noticed earlier, and though she saw these things, she failed to see them. Thoughts of her Father's conversation with her touched her mind. "A year," she whispered, as a tear escaped her eye. "He told me a year," she knew the servant ahead of her could hear her, but Emiko was still in such great shock that her Father had betrayed her. "He lied to me, he dishonored his name, and to save himself from more words, he lied to me."

The woman opened the door to Emiko's chamber and told her that her belongings had been unloaded and those that looked expensive were in the castle treasury. "Thank you," she whispered, "Would you see if Ioe needs anything, and if so please care for her, she is fragile." The woman bowed and left her, closing the door softly behind her. Emiko curled into a ball on her bed and tried to cry, but could not, she was to become a strangers wife in two days, to become his mate and to give him a child. "What will he do when that is done?"

Emiko looked around her room. Her chest was in the corner, her sword still sheathed in its velvet blanket of red. She pulled it from its home and lifted it, she parried and thrusts. Her sword was not that of a warrior, but was in fact just one to sport and have fun with. It was a way for her to connect somewhat with her Father, but now she realizes as she places the sword back, her connection with him is severed. Seeing a rope that hangs by her bed she pulls it twice, then moves to her chest.

Opening it she finds her clothing and takes the gently woven silks and places them onto her bed. Emptying the chest slowly, she hears a soft knock on her door. The woman from earlier comes in when Emiko grants her permission, "You pulled the bell miss, is there something you need of me?"

"I wish to bath, could you have a tub and water prepared for me?" Emiko blushed slightly, she had been wanting to bath since she had arrived, she knew her appearance to be soiled. She picked out what she wanted to wear and walked to the window of her room. As she waited for the items to arrive, she gazed out at her new home. Trees and grass were everywhere, her eyes took in birds that she had only seen in pictures of the West. Horses roamed freely, chickens, cows, animals were here and there, some fenced in some not. She watched people move around, some noticed her and quickly lowered their gazes, she saw the lush gardens and a beautiful pond, where small people played and frolicked at the waters edge.

Turning she saw the tub and hot water being brought into the room, "Please stay," she asked the young woman. "Ioe is old and I am in need of help." The maid served Emiko and helped her out of the numerous garments. "Thank you, now please dispose of them, they are horrible things, you may keep them if you like or sell them, for they are nasty and I do not wish to have them."

She climbed into the water after the woman left her. Submerging herself she allowed the heat to relax the tension from her body. Soon she could tell that time was pressing upon her. Releasing her hair, dropping the jaded picks to the floor, she untied the braids and completely dunked her head under the water. After Emiko had soaped and lathered her body and her hair, she called to the maid that had been asked to remain outside. Waiting patiently, Emiko thought of her husband to be, as the maid poured the clean water over her head and rinsed the suds from her long black mane. Again Emiko dismissed the woman and asked her to return in one hour, to take her to the King.

Emiko then dried her body and absorbed most of the water in her hair. She braided the long strands into several strips, before piling them onto her head. Using black pearl picks this time she secured the mass on to her small head. Rising from her chair, she retrieved her jade clips and set them on the table beside her bed. Then picked up her silk kimono. The rich, soft material slid across her hands, she slid her arms in and wrapped it around her body. The hem hung low, trailing around her feet pooling upon the floor. She gathered it and secured the cherry wine colored material with the maru obi, wrapping it around her waist. She smoothed down the material, and breathed her first real breath of home. Pawing through her collection of zori, she found the red ribboned footwear and slipped her toes between the strap. Wiggling her toes,she made sure they could not be seen from beneath her kimono.

Opening the door, she smiled at the woman and laughed softly as the girl's eyes looked upon her, "Please take me to Lord Stephen." The girl nodded, curtsies and led the way to her future.

 

[Starsailor2804]

After Emiko left Stephen of course was quickly accompanied by the two councilmen who had visited him earlier when he met his future bride. They tried to remain respectful, but of course they had many things to say that forced them to question his own judgement. Stephen tried to ignore them as much as possible and answer them every now and then. Finally, they left after they realized that he was having enough of their presence leaving him alone besides the two guards that stood by the door.

Sitting upon his throne he felt much less like a king. He really didn't know how his father had done it for so many years and brought the kingdom from nothing to what a great power it is now. Eventually he rose to go to his chambers and change into his nighttime attire as the hours were surely growing later quite quickly. Standing before his bed he opened his heavy coat and laid it upon the bed before changing into his silk attire that had been a gift from Nobunaga.

The fine silk hung lightly upon his body, his muscles more defined through this than anything else he wore. The material felt good upon the skin and that was why he chose to wear it so very often. Making his way to a desk he had set up by the window he sat and looked over a few parchments while he looked out the window every now and then.

Not too much longer there was a knock on the door before one of his maids entered. "My Lord, Lady Emiko has come to see you," she said and then stepped away signalling to Emiko that she may enter. Stephen rose from his chair and turned to see her enter, alittle surprised that she had come to see him. He hadn't expected her to come to see him for she seemed rather upset at the whole situation that she was in.

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Emiko entered his chambers and the maid turned to go, looking at her, she asked, "Please stay, if you would like, you may sit by that window there," she pointed to the corner window. The maid looked confused, but did as she was asked. Turning her attention to Stephen she took her fill of him dressed in the fine robe that her Father had sent. "I hope you find that to your liking, it was created by the General's own seamstress."

"I have two things to ask you, one I would like an answer this evening if possible, the other I would ask you to please think about before answering." Emiko looked to the girl on the bench and nodded at her, "What is your name Miss?"

The girl replied that her name was Liza Metters. Looking back at Stephen, "Ioe needs to just rest, soon she'll not be with us, I have stressed that, I would ask that Miss Liza be my personnel maid. Until we are wed, she will be with me as my chaperone, even in your presence. Also, I will have need of one on a regular basis for my dressing in your English garments."

Looking back at the girl, she smiled. "Liza if you would be so kind as to wait outside, but please keep the door open, and Liza..." she said as the girl moved to leave. "If your Lord Stephen agrees, you will be expected to keep my confidence and not share or spread tales, that begins now..."

Liza curtsied then waiting in the hall, her ear straining to hear what came next.

Emiko walked to the window, her body nervous and tense. "I understand we will wed in two days, my Father did lie to me, and thus has shown dishonor on me and my families name, that is a very harsh thing for one to do, so I must wonder what else I have not been told."

Turning to look at him, she sighed, "Lord, Your Highness.... ummmm... King Stephen, I will wed you in two days, and I will try to give your heirs, I .... my fear is...." she felt her heated blush and heard her tangled words, "I have never lain with a man, and .... you Sir are a stranger, and I..." She swallowed the lump in her throat as she continued, "I ask that we wait to consumate our marriage until we know each other?"

Her stomach was tied in knots, and she could not bring herself to look at the giant of a man that stood just a few feet away from her.

 

[Starsailor2804]

Stephen watched Emiko enter along with the maid and smiled, her kimodo hugged her well and made her body all the more beautiful. She was a very beautiful woman, Stephen couldn't have asked for any better really. Nodding as she asked if the robe was to his liking na dhe nodded, "Yes, I must say I like his robe very much, it is very comfortable." Watching the young maid walk to the corner as Emiko asked her to say Stephen nodded and allowed it.

"As I said, anything you need will be yours, this woman will be your personal maid, she will also be able to see to your dressings as well." Finally, as the woman left, but kept the door opened slightly as Emiko's request Stephen watched as Emiko walked past him and towards the window. "There are no more secrets being kept from you, I ensure you of that," he finished saying as she turned from the window to face him.

"Please call me Stephen from now on when we are in private," he briefly interupted her before he allowed her to continue on. Watching her he observed a reserved attitude about her and her innocence from the blushing. She was unsure of many things and uncertian, he had hoped that she hadn't laid with a man before and this confirmed it. Smiling as she asked such a request from him he took a few steps closer, "Do not worry, I do not plan to rush you into anymore situations, however my counsel will expect a child soon and thus our wait cannot be long."

Walking closer he placed a hand lightly under he tiny chin and raised her eyes to meet his, not letting her turn her head from one side or the other. "I wish to make this whole change comfortable for you, and I hope in time we will grow to love one another. However, I always expect you to respect me as your King and your husband."

Asking her to sit on a soft chair he sat across from her and smiled as he sat back and relaxed, not taking his eyes off her. "So, do tell me about your life before this arranged union? Tell me about your land, I would surely like to hear more about it than I have heard from those who have visited."

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Emiko smiled, "Thank you for understanding, I will not make you wait long. I wish to learn about you, it will make things.... easier." She felt as if a huge worry had been lifted from her heart, "It means much to me, to not have that worry. I to want children, many... but to have relations with one I do not know, would be fearful."

She looked outside his window, "You have a lovely garden. My country and my people..."

Emiko looked back at him, "We too have struggled with war. Right now our country is coming out of the Onin no Ran, it is the Onin War." Sighing her shoulders somewhat slumped, "It lasted for 10 years, and we lost many people, Ioe as well. She lost her sons and then her daughter-in-laws and her grandchildren all left. That is why she is here with me, she had no one left to her."

She shifted in her seat, as she related her countries life, "We have a few firearms, brought to us by the Portuguese countrymen, I fear those. Most of our soldiers right now wield the swords of their father's and their father's father. Mine is for the art of fencing, it was traded from a Portuguese General, who received it from another." She grinned and sat up straighter, "I will show it to you sometime, it is quite a lovely piece of work. Though I am not good, I am fair, perhaps you will have someone that can parry with me."

"My home is not as large as yours, but large just the same. It is three levels. They are built up, one on top of the other, each smaller as it goes." She swept her arm around the room, "We use little rock in our homes, only the base. The outer walls are wood and the inner ones are made of cloth."

She lifted her kimono, "We were these as shoes, though the little slippers your English women wear are pretty and sometimes, quite soft. I do believe I will like them."

She winked at him, "We bow when greeting others, I apologize for not bowing to you, that was dishonorable to you, I will from now on if I must."

"Your gardens are lovely, ours also have ponds, streams and lakes. My Mother's garden is full of small reproductions of different landscapes of my country. Places she has seen and wanted to always keep with her." Shaking her head Emiko chuckled, "it is like a tiny map of Japan in the back of our home."

"Father, has his own place. He enjoys using stone and gravel. It is "manly" he says, moss for mountains, or islands. They are cut into shapes of boats and seas and rivers. He went there to make his contract with his General. It was there where he told me we would wed."

The hour was growing late and Emiko's stomach churned, "I should let you rest, before I continue talking, and food needs to be restored to me." Standing up she looked at Stephen, "Thank you Lord... I mean Stephen, for being patient."

Pressing her hands together, and putting them to her head she bowed slightly, then smiled and turned away. Her body gliding softly across the floor.

 

[Starsailor2804]

Stephen listened to her closely as well as watched her closely to see her facial expressions and to peer into her eyes. He had always found the eyes to be one of the most beautiful parts of a woman and Emiko's eyes were very stunning. He didn't speak much as he allowed her just to speak, talking about her feelings, her homeland, and her life.

He also leaned in at times and smiled and nodded at times when she smiled and winked, they seemed to be getting along very well for having just met and knowing what would become of each other. When she rose he did the same and watched as she placed her hands together, much like his people prayed, and then bowed slightly. Smiling he did the same, although his wasn't as impressive as hers, he wanted to show her that he respected her.

And then, as she left him he realized that he hadn't said a word the entire time. Watching her appear to be gliding across the floor he watched her completely until she had left. After she left he retired to bed, looking at the ceiling and thinking about things, mostly hear, before he fell asleep from what had been a very long day.

OOC: Sorry so short, I had to run, but I wanted to post

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Emiko checked first on Ioe, her breathing shallow, she looked to her new maid, "Liza, please stay with her, I fear the trip here has finally been what will take her from this world." Liza placed a chair at the old woman's bed, and Emiko kissed Ioe's cheek, told her to rest with her sons if it were her time. Her heart heavy, she moved into her room. Pulling one of the new dressing gowns and a matching robe, she removed her kimono and slipped the gown over her head then covered it with the robe.

Sitting at the small table with the mirror, she unwound her braids and combed out her long black hair. She let it hang low, and when she stood if flowed to her waist. Emiko climbed into her bed and pulled the covers up, she blew out the candle, the lay there. Her mind focused on her parents, and then Ioe. Sadness filled her heart, for she knew that Ioe would not be with them come morning. She felt her heart so heavy in her chest. Pushing away the blankets she sighed.

Moving to the window Emiko looked out at the pond and the night was filled with stars and moonbeams. Sliding the evening slippers onto her feet, she looked in on Ioe, seeing the old woman and her maid sleeping, she moved quietly through the keep. The castle was quiet as Emiko explored her away around, finally she found what she thought was the library and there to one side were a set of doors. Opening them, she walked out into the night, and towards the pond she could see from her window.

She sat down on the soft grass, and plucked at pieces that surrounded her. Her eyes looked over the water and she thought of the man upstairs that would be her husband in just two short days. What kind of man was he truly? She enjoyed his kindness and he seemed generally interested in her, but what of his life before her... did he have another, he would have rather have married?

 

[Starsailor2804]

The guards were scaled down for the night, they had always been during times of peace and tonight was no different. The main entrance, the main hall, the bedrooms of the king and guest, and the treasure room were the only guarded rooms in the whole castle at night and thus as Emiko entered the library she was totally alone. The room was lit well, as all rooms were the entire night for rooms not of slumber.

As she opened the doors to a courtyard a cool wind rushed upon her before it filled the room causing a brief noise followed by silence. The courtyard was dimly lit leaving many dark places where someone could hide and ironically this night there was a man in those shadows, a man who had followed to watch the to be queen.

The water that she looked upon as she sat was calm and very cool looking. The moonlight bounced off it causing a shimmer that was truly a breathless sight for any poet. It was then, as she was focused on the water that the man appeared from the darkness and walked up close to her, but remained a good distance away. "Well my dear, it looks like you have made a fine impression with our king," the man said, a graying-haired man wearing a cloak of black.

"Don't worry, I'm sorry that I may have startled or interupted you, but I'm not here to hurt you, just a concerned council member." Walking past her closer to the pond he turned so that his back blocked the moon and didn't allow her to see his facial appearance. "As the future wife, of our most glorious king," he began to say sounding sarcastic, "You will be working with the council quite often, we are the most trusted men of the kingdom. I hope that you realize that your presence in our kingdom isn't welcomed by many and has caused the king's position to become weakened as well. Many don't want to see him fall out of power though, his family names holds great power, so we expect great things from you now as well."

Walking closer to her Emiko would certainly feel threatened as it was fairly obvious to pull that out from what he was saying. As she rose a man who appeared behind her grabbed her, holding her arms, and pulled her close against him so she could not fight. "You are not of this land, not of our people, and because of that we expect you to be very welcoming to whatever we tell you, as we know what is best for this kingdom."

"I'm truly sorry about my friend, he isn't as kind and gentle like myself, he tends to use physical persuasion rather than verbal," the man in front of her said as the man behind her pressed his waist into her so that his own rubbed against her ass. "Now, if you know what is best for you, you'd best do what we tell you, always, or my friend here will not be so kind next time for I will not be here to stop him," he said and then walked off as the man who had been holding her spoke for the first time in her ear, his breath putrid.

"I certainly hope you do resist, please do, I would so like to welcome you to our kingdom in my own fashion," he said and then pushed her forward, far enough so that when she turned around he had time to be gone.

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Emiko's first thought when she saw the man, was that he was the man from earlier, but when he mentioned the council, she knew he was above the old man that had shown her and Ioe into the castle thrown room. She had been startled, and chastised herself for going out alone, but she had not felt threatened, so she had thought nothing of going out alone. When the man walked away from her, she was more at ease that he had furthered the distance between them, however when his voice began telling her about how his people did not all care for him, she noticed his manner of voice.

Emiko had started to shift uncomfortably, wondering if in fact she were now truely in danger yet the man had made no attempt to touch her, he was only talking. He walked back to her and this time she could see the angry expression in his eyes, she rose up to tell him, that she was leaving when someone grabbed her from behind. A horrible voice filled her ears as demands of how she would carry out their orders or she would suffer. Emiko feared for her safety now, as well as the people in the keep.

She tried to turn her head to see the man behind her, but she could not, and though the moon was bright she could only make out a few features of the man with the cloak over his head. His whispered threats of bodily harm shook her, as he threw her away from him. She stumbled, but managed to keep her stance. Quickly the two men were gone and she was left alone once more in the peaceful gardens. Emiko, however knew they were no longer peaceful, and she knew that her Lord was in danger. With great haste she rushed back into the keep, her slippered feet silent as she pushed herself onward, her heart was beating faster. What if they had done something to him, what if he now lay dead in his bed. Though the man didn't say that, it would be the best way to rid themselves of a King they didn't like.

Arriving at the Lord's chambers, she saw his guard standing there, "OPEN THIS DOOR IMMEDIATELY!" she demanded, though she was not yet Queen she was still his betrothed. The guard looked at her, and told her he could not. "Your Lord may lie behind that door dead, now OPEN IT!" The guard pulled his sword and quickly opened the room.

Emiko's eyes adjusted to the lighting and hurried through the Lord's sitting room, then banged loud on his bedchamber door, "Oh please be ok." She banged harder, pounding her little hands and yelling for him to open the door, "Stephen, please!!!" A small tear trickled down her cheek, she prayed that she was wrong and he was ok. Looking at the guard she ordered him to break the door down, before he could however, Stephen stood in the doorway.

 

[Starsailor2804]

Stephen was startled by all the ruccus and rose immediately as he heard yelling from the door. He didn't recognize the voice at first but then as she spoke again he realized it was Emiko and opened the door to see her and the guard about to rush into his room. Shocked, that was about the only way to describe how he was feeling, he placed both hands on her shoulders to stop her rush and saw a tear falling down her cheek.

"What is going on? What is wrong?" Looking at the guard he waved him off and let Emiko in as the guard searched the room outside his bedchamber. As the door closed Stephan saw the shaken woman to the edge of his bed and sat her upon it. "Now, what is wrong?" As she was calmer now he hoped to know what had made her so startled and upset. Getting a glass of water from the table he returned and handed it to her.

Pulling up a chair he placed it in front of her and sat and took one of her small hands in cupped in his large hands as he looked up to her.

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Emiko's lips trembled as her eyes danced across the room. She saw no one and though she was still frightened she was glad he was ok. Her silk robes kept her body covered and though she knew she should not be in the room alone with Stephen, the robe gave her some sense of decency. She took a deep breath and tried to tell him what had happened.

"I couldn't sleep, so I went to your water, the pond and while I was there," she shuddered violently. "This man, came up and told me that I wasn't wanted here and you shouldn't be with me, but you must because of your name is important."

Emiko drank more water as her hands shook violently, she recalled the other man, her eyes welled with tears again, "And then I got up to leave and another man grabbed me." She stopped there and buried her head in her hands. Sobs wracked her body, as she heard his words again, felt the hardness of him pushed against her, her voice was low as she continued her tale. "He pulled me against him, and put his mouth to my ear, told me that I would have to follow their orders, or.... " She launched herself against him, her body trembling in fear, "He would show me what would happen if I didn't."

As she said the final words, her fear racked her. Emiko had never been treated as such, her parent's had kept her sheltered in their home. Her friends had been carefully selected, she had never been with a man, nor had any kind of relationship with one. So when this show of true violence erupted around her, she found herself in shock and despair. "I'm sorry, I woke you.. but I thought, what if they had killed you or injured you."

As he held her close, his arms consoling her, Emiko suddenly became aware of his naked flesh beneath her face and hands. She pulled away, "I'm sorry, I... I just didn't know what to do. You have traitors here, Stephen."

 

[Starsailor2804]

He was shocked, surely, but not totally surprised by what Emiko had told him, although he never would have thought they would have gone after her like that. As she trembled and weeped in fear he could tell that she was shook up, which was no surprise as surely anyone in her position would have been scared. While she drank her water and spoke in a hurried fashion Stephen nodded and tried to console her when suddenly she drew herself close to him again, throwing herself into his arms.

Holding her against his chest to comfort her he rubbed her back gently. "It's alright, I am glad you claim to me with this information and I am glad you are alright," he said as she then pulled back away from him seemingly embarrassed to see him shirtless. His muscles were tense with adrenaline and anger that they had attacked his guest and future bride like that. "I ensure you it is alright, I am very honored that you came to me to make sure that I was alright."

"I believe it would be best though if you stayed here tonight, my guards are limited and I would rather not have the entire castle know of what happened tonight. You may use my bed, I will be alright," he said as he pulled back the covers from the bed, "I insist." Showing her into his bed he pulled up the covers and smiled to show her comfort and that she was alright now that she was here with him and then extinguished the lights to allow her to sleep.

Walking over to the couch he sat upon it and relaxed, watching her as she laid there upon his bed. She looked so beautiful there and to think soon he would be there laying next to her with her in his arms. With a smile he closed his eyes after that thought and tried to fall asleep after a night with far too much commotion.