The Castle

GM: It is early spring in the Jade Empire, now is the time to travel and prepare for this years campains. However around the Imperial stronghold in the foot hills of the Frost Blade mountains their is a different type of clamour, not the sounds of a castle gearing for war, but rather of a house preparing for honored guests. Armor is being made presentable, and food prepared. In the throne room stands a young man waiting for his guests...

Shiba: Shiba began to pace the throne room restlessly, he had never felt quite so axious in his life. Well, he thinks to himself, I have never tried to choose a bride before so, it is right that I am a little uncofortable. As he wanders back over to the throne he stares at it wondering if he can really be the master of this little event.

A little charcoal for the eyebrows, some berry juice to slightly stain the lips a darker pink. Sori knew very well none of this was necessary, her natural beauty alone was enough. Yet, that hadn’t stopped… him… from commanding a beauty regimen for her for the last week. Skin purifying, oil baths, daily brushing and oiling of the hair. Sori didn’t need it, but he had ordered it. She gritted her teeth, gripped the edge of her yukata tighter.

And, of course, she hadn’t even seen him, not even when the order went out that she was to be the Oni Clans candidate for marrying the Jade prince. Just an official letter, with his special seal, cold, impersonal. Sori shook her head, no, this was truly for the better of her clan. The Oni Clan, she would gladly take her own life for the clan if she must.

The servants backed away, complete of their task. Sori rose. So, today was the fated meeting day. Would she be able to win that human princes heart? She had to, didn’t she? Sori clasped her mothers barrette in her hair, slipped the silver dagger in her sock.

One of her… Fathers… personal servants came in then, bowing repeatedly, “Princess, he is waiting for you.”

Sori stiffened, casting one last long look on the mirror. Alluring, sapphire blue eyes, small, pink lips, creamy skin, long, flowing, midnight black hair. Yes, she was beautiful, but was it enough? She glared inwardly at her worries, forcing them out of her, or at least forcing them to hide where she couldn’t feel them for the time being.

Of course she could do this. She was Sori Valentine, 11th Oni Clan princess, and she would prove beyond a doubt that the Oni Clan could rise above anything. Sori took a deep breath, and exited the room to meet her Father, the King.

The cold wind blew, ruffling the cloak that Estelle wore. She was riding on a huge polar bear. Horses were rarely used in her kingdom for they wouldn't be able to survive the harsh, cold winters. Also, the polar bear was much more reliable for traveling in Estelle's opinion. It had been two days since she left her home. The palace of the Yuki Onna Kingdom was located deep within the mountains of this land, purely for defense purposes. Now they were nearing the territory separating her kingdom from the Jade Kingdom. When Estelle left home, she allowed one single tear to fall because this would probably be the last time she saw it. If she succeeded in her mission than she would be Queen of the Jade kingdom. There would be no ifs about it as far as Estelle was concerned. She had to succeed because her kingdom's wellfare depended on it.

"My lady, we are almost there." Estelle's personal guard, Ivory, told her from her mount.

"Good. Once we make it to the border town of Jasper, we'll switch mounts." Estelle replied.

"Yes your highness." Ivory replied.

In the border towns, people would switch mounts because polar bears did not fair well in warm weather. And they weren't really on the border either for they still had to cross a bit more terrain, but since they were close enough to the neighboring kingdom, it was warm enough for horses to travel there. It didn't take Estelle's entourage long to make it there. Once there, they switched mounts. The princess removed her cloak and outer, thicker clothing, and was left with an icy blue dress on with a lighter grey cloak. Estelle had brought a good group of protectors, a few servants, and gifts for the prince. Her mother said a little flattery never hurt as long as it was harmless. Estelle missed her mother. Oh, while the two don't talk that much, there really wasn't much to be said for they had a very strong bond and those closest to them knew they loved each other. Still they also knew the resposibilities that laid before them, which led to her mother requesting her only child to marry the Jade prince

It took Estelle's company a few more hours to reach the palace. When they reach the gates, Ivory spoke.

"Princess Estelle Silvana of the Yuki Onna lands have arrived at the request of the Prince of the Jade kingdom!" she announced.

Shiba: Shiba was still standing in front of the throne when a servant enters to inform him of the arrival of the Yuki Onna princess. With out turning around he instructs the young man to allow her entrance. After the servant departs he glances down at his waist, good, he thinks, I still have my swords, and my spear is in the west corner of the room. I don't think anything will go wrong, but it never hurt to be prepared. He takes a deep breath and straightens his green and black formal wear. Still facing the throne he awaits his first guest with a great deal of curiousity.

GM:After the shouted announcement at gateway. Several mintues of silence pass before the large gates slowly swing opean. After the Princess and her compainions enter the gate shuts slowly behind them

Kora Vee found herself staring at a jagged mirror, wooden vines spiraling up the sides and flowers blooming on either side. She dipped her fingers into the flowers and pulled out a sweet nectar which she licked up like honey. She then rubbed it delicately onto her lips giving a soft gleam to them. Her creamy skin was flawless despite the fact that she lived within the Kitsune Forests. A brush was pulled through her hair by one of her servants, letting the golden locks to fall precariously around her face. Aqua orbs much like the ocean that she had never seen were placed on her fathers face. His aging was evident and it scared her considerably at how old he looked. The war had brought great stress upon her people and she could not imagine what it would do if she did not win the prince over. The Kitsune clan was strong, and a war with them was something that was not wanted.

He reached over to Kora and gripped her face in his wrinkled hands and kissed her forehead before sending her away. She had to slip into something presentable for the prince. Kora rolled her eyes as she grabbed one of her more elegant garments. The fabric flowed over her form and gripped her curves delicately. Strapless as she preferred, slipping down her stomach, cutting in at one side so that her left side was exposed, then traveling down at a cut angle exposing her right thigh. The green dress was something that would reveal her tattoos, the tattoos that signified her status in her clan, the princess.

She grabbed her staff, the blade glimmering in the dull light. She would not leave without it. Servants prepared her ride and she was soon on her way to the castle, to where the human resided. Kora ran her fingers through her hair, gently touching the fox ears that sat atop her head. They would surely show her race. They had adapted over the years. She probably would not interest the prince much with them but she was proud of who she was. No one could tell her she was different as she knew it and would smile, un-offended.

Kora Vee arrived, her servants following her as she exited the carriage and began walking through the gates, her stature proud and tall. It was time to impress the prince for her people. Who knew, she may even actually like him.

"Turn around and I'll tie it Liu", said an elderly woman dressed in a priestess robes. "Old Suyin is this whole marriage thing a good idea; what if the prince doesn't even like me", said Liu. She had trouble tying the back of the elegant dress that she was to wear to the castle of the Jade Prince. The old woman sighed, she had spent many years training Liu to take over for her when she passed on but this new development of the the prince choosing a bride among demons is of more importance. "You must understand the prince does not realize what he is getting himself into; but because of the treaties he has to consider the other beings. You must show him that you are the one he must choose, use what we have taught you here at the temple. You were trained to be a proper lady; and are fully capable of being a princess if not by birth but by training", said old Suyin as she put a beautiful jade comb in Liu's hair. "There you look exquisite, as beautiful as any princess, be thankful our prince is not required to marry a princess; but in order for his soul to remain you must marry him", she patted the young girl on the cheek. Liu smiled, "I will do my best grandmother", it would be the last time she would be able to call the elder priestess that had cared for her from birth by that name. The old woman smiled, and led her out to the carriage.

"Kong!", Suyin yelled a tall lanky man with disheveled hair popped up from a bail of hay. "Yes Lady Suyin!", he said in a surprised tone of voice as she had woke him from a nap. "The carriage Kong, you are to take Lady Liu to the place and be hasty about it, no nap breaks along the way", Kong made a disappointed face as he helped Liu into the carriage. "Yes... Lady Suyin...", he said with a sigh; Kong was notorious for stopping on errands and taking naps and returning totally forgetting why he was sent out. Liu giggled a little at the thought, but then she felt sad how she would miss every one at the temple; she waved to everyone as the carriage made it's way to the castle.

Surprisingly they made it to castle without Kong stopping for a nap, as Kong came around to help Liu she smiled, "Makes sure you tell grandmother Suyin that I love and will miss her deeply; could you give her that message for me Kong", the gangly man smiled a big toothy grin. "Yes, I will lady Liu", with that they went into the castle; Kong tried to make himself look less like a farmhand and more like the other guards. Standing straight, "Lady Suen Liu from the great Jade Temple shrine has arrived as requested by the Jade Prince", he said with a clear voice.

The gates opened and Estelle's group moved through them. The princess dismounted her horse just as another grouped arrived. Estelle turned to look at them and immediately knew which kingdom they were from. There was no hiding the Kitsune's physical traits. The golden figure in the front was no doubt a princess. Estelle would have known that regardless of what she was wearing. It all had to do with bearing. Royals had a certain 'feel' about them that they could wear rags and still look like royalty. Estelle didn't greet them for she was just focused on introducing herself to the prince. Her company followed suit. Most of the company stayed with the horses while Estelle, Ivory, and two more guards went inside. While they did come on peaceful terms, Estelle wasn't naive enough to believe they were totally safe. So as she walked, she had one hand on the hilt of her sword that she carrief on her side. Her gown wouldn't be a hinderance either for it had a few slits in it, each coming to the knew. Still, the gown was elegant enough and would do for this first meeting. She had long sleeves, each which concealed a dagger that was strapped to her arms. The gown showed off her pale shoulders, which looked like porcelain. It fact, Estelle's complexion could be compared to ivory. Half of her plaitinum blonde hair was pulled back into an intricate bun that looked like a Celtic knot. The rest hanged down like rain. The only color in her face was her piercing blue eyes, which looked like they were made of glass. She were elegant boots with her gown. She never wore slippers or anything of the kind.

When they reached the throne room, Estelle was presented to the prince.

"Presenting her highness, Princess Estelle Wynter Loreigh Silvana of the Yuki Onna Kingdom."

After her name was said, Estelle curtseyed with an elegance that would make any noble jealous. Looking up, it took all of Estelle's control not gap. Before her was the most striking man she had ever seen. She could feel her back straighten even more and her heart pound as if it never beaten. Despite her inner turmoil, her face still looked serene. Estelle even managed to soften her face slightly and grinned, which made her look her age and more approachable.

"Your highness, thank you for inviting me." she said politely, relieved that her voice still sounded strong.

Her Fathers grip was firm on her shoulder. Sori refused to tremble, forced herself to face him head on. Fierce, blood red eyes, sharp, handsome, battle hardened features. The King didn’t show a day of his age, which even Sori was not sure of, maybe he was some hundred years old.

He eyed her for some time, the grip tightening on her shoulder, “Sori.”

She bit her bottom lip. He hadn’t said her name in so many years. “Yes, Father?”

“You will make me proud.”

Make him proud as she never had, was that it? All she had ever been was a disappointment to him, she knew that all too well. She met his eyes, locked the gaze.

“I will make the whole clan proud.” Sori replied firmly, strongly, pulling away. She left her Father behind then, for he was not coming along with her on this journey. Not that it mattered. He was not necessary, she could do this alone.

But not entirely alone of course. Her personal servant girl, Elva, was coming along, as well as her personal guard, Orem. They followed her as she exited once what had been a stately castle, and what now was mostly ruins, full of dust, and cobwebs.

She mounted her black stallion, Behemoth, casting one last look on what had become of the once proud and thriving Oni Clan. It was in ruins, of course, most of the Oni were in hiding, the towns no longer inhabited. Only her Father refused to leave his castle, the Obsidian Castle, and in a way, she understood that. The only thing she would ever admire her Father for. His pride.

“Come!” She called to Orem and Elva, who followed close behind her on two horses of their own, along with a pack mule that carried a few of Sori’s belongings and what little gifts they had to give to the Prince.

They journeyed through the Dark Forest, restless spirits eyeing them as they passed, creatures watching them from the shadows. The Jade Empire was not far, soon they left the Dark Forest behind them, and ahead of her Sori could see the castle in the distance.

She pulled back on the reigns, black hair blowing crazily in the wind, eyeing the kingdom. How stately, how full of life and rich. What the Oni Clan had once had, she thought bitterly. Orem and Elva pulled up beside her.

“Princess, the others have arrived ahead of us.” Orem observed, tasting the air.

Sori nodded, “I see.” So, she would be the last to arrive then? A smile curled on her lips, “Well, let us make a grand entrance then.”

She prodded Behemoth’s sides, pushing him forward, faster, faster. The wind blew hard against her, it felt wonderful, and free. To enjoy these last few moments of freedom, before the duty she had bore down upon her, was priceless. Soon the castle gates loomed before them, and Sori pulled back hard on the reigns, Behemoth skidding to a halt. He reared on his hind legs, neighing loudly, but she was prepared for this, and kept her grip as he landed, pawing the ground restlessly.

Orem helped her dismount, and she landed lightly on the ground. Elva came quickly forward with a brush and smoothed her hair down, as Sori prepared herself, gathering all her inner strength. She fingered her barrette, whispering her Mothers name softly.

I am ready. She thought, glaring fiercely at the large castle before her. What was to be her fate? Sori made her way through the gates, head held high, calm and composed. I am Sori Valentine, she thought again, as she so often did,11th Oni Clan princess. I will be the Jade prince’s wife.

Shiba: Shiba turns around as his first guest enters, and is mildly surprised that two different princesses have arrived at approximately the same time. Even more surprising is who the first two are, The Kitsune, and the Yuki Onna, where expected to be the last two to arrive, He thinks. He waits patiently as the Yuki Onna, Estelle, apparently introduces herself and curtseys quite elegantly. After her introduction he responds in kind, bowing low he says, "I am Shiba Yoritommo, prince of the Jade Empire." As he straightens and looks Estelle squarely in the eye and continues, "Here in these walls you may call me Shiba, or Yoritommo, if you prefer, as titles make my skin crawl. If you must address me more formally then please use 'Your Grace'." Giving the two of him his best Cheshire Grin he finishes, "My thanks to the both of you fro responding to my invitation."

GM: Shortly after closing the next two arrivals appear at the gate. After their announcement the gates opean slowly once again to grant them entrance. Shortly after they enter the gates shut slowly and are locked.

The man was just as royal as Estelle. That much was certain to the princess, for his bow was very elegant and powerful at the same time. She was mildly surprised that he didn't wish to be address by his title. Estelle didn't even call the Queen of her kingdom mother, at least not in public. She was raised to address people of ranking formally. Still, under these circumstances, she could bend the rules a bit. Estelle wanted to stay in the Jade prince's good graces after all. Trying to keep her calm facade up was still proving to be a challenge. Why was she feeling this way? Right now she wanted to flee, but she was never a coward so she stood her ground.

"As you wish . . . .Shi-Shiba." she replied her voice cracking for a bit.

She wanted to curse herself for showing some vulnerability. He would probably think she was too weak now. It was then that Estelle wondered who else was arriving. It didn't matter who showed up, Estelle would succeed. Her kind were known for their stubborn attitudes and Estelle was no exception. Once they made up their mind, they never changed it.