Snippet #2507415

The travel to Yu, the Imperial City, had felt long but nothing compared to what Méiguī had experienced herself years ago. When she had been younger, her pilgrimage was done all by foot and this includes the way back to her to the Shinseina palace. This included going through the desert, mountains, plains and all the terrain of Xhiana by the end of those long years yet it did make her strong. This time, the travel had been done through a carriage only fitting high priestess Shizuka and her paragon. The driver was in the front steering it with ease. The carriage was built with fine woodworking material and stained in black paint. The wheels were shown to be a little worn during travel but it was expected especially when the ground was damp from a recent shower of rain. Inside, was decently cushioned seating smooth rough leather layered as the rest was wood. The priestess sat inside with her eyes closed with little to say but a lot to think about. This had not been her first public speech to attend but it was to the first to meet the new empress. As for Méiguī, she honored her leader's choice of silence for the time being and her own. the woman seemed to be interested in the scenery she had been reliving and returning to. The path they took to get to Yu had been different and felt different yet as they approached the city it all felt the same. The plains were familiar which was the path she and her father took to head north. As the girl stuck her head out once the driver noted that they had reached the city, she noticed the open gate of the city. Grand and large never to be closed or open. The girl's expression stayed normal but her eyes widened for a moment when she heard Shizuka's voice.

"Bringing you back?"

Méiguī nodded. "Yes, It had been five years since I've been here... not much has changed of what I remember at least. We didn't stay long here so who knows.."

Shizuka giggled bringing her hand to her lips. Méiguī didn't ask if it had been her first time in the city but in truth none of them lead her this way. It had been a first unfortunately, especially when her speeches mostly had to do with the villages and minor towns, in addition to the other shrines. However, despite this she remained calm and seemed uninterested in the whole ordeal of coming. The warrior priestess looked towards the high priestess's way and noticed her expression in deep thought. Her chin propped over her hand as her eyes peered out the frame leading to the outside. The two went silent for a moment. Surely they would have more common chatter to go about but that had been when they were younger. Most meetings, speeches and other political affairs seemed this way with the two of them. A gentle sigh came from Méiguī's lips as they could hear the carriage switch terrains and the rattle of the wooden materials. They went from grass-like dirt trail to stone. Méiguī once again looked outside to notice a few travelers and civilians appearing as they reached and entered the city's walls. There were people of all social statuses around but that was just how the city was. A few beggars here and there and a lot of merchant stands with a variety of goods. As you look up you may seem a few steam/smoke depending on where you may look or be. Blacksmiths and gunsmiths seemed to be active by this point as well but it was mid day. It was just how Méiguī remembered it, however the direction they were going was unfamiliar. As they seemed to be heading towards the Empress's castle (Which looked traditional eastern castle).

The carriage rode up to the steps leading to the door of the castle's entrance and suddenly stopped. The driver in the front suddenly spoke.

"My lady, we've arrived at the Empress's castle. Shall I go set the arrangements?"

"No, I would like to do that myself... Méiguī will be with me as well" Shizuka said shaking her head at the beginning. The high priestess didn't believe anything would be too harmful and rarely did she need to use Méiguī's to fend someone off. For the most part they often just tag teamed and aided their weaknesses's but that's when given permission on the warrior priestess's accord. This was no meeting though, they simply had to check in because they were granted a room in the palace for the speech. That aside it was time to present. The two females got off the carriage and were greeted by two knights (Samurais) whom bowed and asked for proper parchments/papers. Shizuka presented them and before long they were going up the stairs.

When they reached the top of the steps and entered the castle seconds later. They witnessed the beautiful inner walls of the castle and an unexpected sight. Méiguī particularly caught this sight first as soon as they got in. She wasn't quite sure whom she was at this point but a few thoughts went about her head. The woman dressed in purple traditional clothing followed by a man in diplomatic (look wise) clothing. They appeared to be talking and payed no mind to the new guest entering. The empress did look down towards them with a small grin that Méiguī did not see and went on. The woman looked around only to be interrupted by Shizuka a moment later. The dark haired woman had tapped her arm on accident when she turned to see a man approach them.

"My my..welcome to the palace. As guest, I'd like to show you to your arranged quarters. We weren't expecting another but that is fine. Please follow me.."

The two women looked at each other before following behind them. It was odd that they did not ask for Méiguī's katana that was equipped behind her tied under her sash. To come where royalty was with a weapon that could kill is hazardous but then again. It was Shinseina and they probably do not expect anything. None-the-less, Méiguī didn't think too much upon it.

After being introduced to their quarters, being told set times for dining which weren't held with the Empress interestingly. The two went about the day yet at night an interesting event occurred.

"I don't trust this situation..." Shizuka said softly as they sat near the window looking out towards the night sky.

"What do you mean..?" Méiguī asked. She looked over to her lady moments later curious. She felt a little breeze pass by her brown hair, brushing against her shoulder. Her eyes blinked as the priestess began to speak once more in a serious tone.

"I don't know but it just feels a little different is all"

Méiguī went silent and nodded. She didn't understand what Shizuka was feeling but often these feelings she has never seemed to fail. In certain attempts of assassination, the warnings she had never failed which gave Méiguī a good advantage when defending her. These occurrences only happened very little of times but even so it happened to be failure in the end. The two stayed silent in thought for the rest of the night before sleeping the rest away unaware of what was to come the next day.