#✧ — 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙨 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙙. ( tsuru )

[incandescentia]

There's been so many servants around here, huh.......... but, who.... to talk to? & she doesn't exactly get what's going on with the current topic?

[incandescentia]

Having her personal achievements being recognized by her own idol was like a dream come true…! Naturally, despite of two of the female warriors living in different time periods, she needed to spare no more time to fully introduce herself to Lady Tomoe as the Throne of Heroes had provided her the necessary knowledge about her true nature as a servant. Hearing the question about how the gods had granted her a favor made her contemplate her answer for a moment, before she muttered out her answer, “…Yes.”

To elaborate, “The kami had perhaps heard my prayer for a protection.” Tsuruhime recalled the moment where she had been confining herself within her shrine for the entire day && night; invoking prayers to the gods in order to win what could had been a losing battle. “And if it wasn’t because of the god’s will that urged me to go forward, the battle would have been a losing cause for us. I still thank them to this day, even moreso as a servant.” A hand made its way to lay on her chest, contemplative of her own thoughts.

“Besides, I was at one of the lowest points of my life back then after losing many of my family members,” she smiled, wistfully. “Like every samurai, I was prepared to die honorably in battle, but seeing how my prayers came into fruition — maybe the kami wanted to gave me a chance.” Thus, shaping her legend to become what she was at this very moment.

     TSURUHIME…THAT NAME WAS indeed familiar. Not because she knew of her personally – that would have been impossible – but because of what knowledge that True Name gave her from the Throne itself. ❝Yes, that was perfect.❞ She smiled, what flustered she had previously soon beginning to melt away. ❝You need not go into detail about yourself, for the moment I heard your name, I knew of you.❞ It was said that Tsuruhime had the protection of the gods themselves as she stood fought enemy after enemy with such skill that her name would ring throughout the ages all the way until this present era still. How hard it was, to not hold great respect for another warrior who too gave her all to protect what she held dear. She chuckled, hands clasping before her as her smile brightened. ❝If anything, it is I who should be impressed with you for being able to hold out for as long as you did against such a powerful force. Is it true that you heard the voice of the gods speaking to you? That they urged you onwards?❞ The Divine were fickle beings, and one never knew who they would take a liking to. Thus, she was not sure whether they truly had spoken to Tsuruhime, or if legend and fact just intermingled to the point that humanity couldn’t tell the difference.

     Not that such mattered.

     This question, was mere curiosity.

[incandescentia]

“Oh… so you are Maeda Keiji-dono?” One of the most famous kabukimono of Sengoku era, the master of the famed steed Matsukaze, && a renowned warrior of his own with peerless combat skills. They might not have met during their respective lifetimes, but the Grail has given her some proper knowledge related to the said name. Even when she previously had no idea what he looked like, it appears that the description quite matches the towering man dressed in a peculiarly styled clothing in front of her.

“You… look quite like what I imagined…” But what puzzles her at the moment is the way he’s curiously eyeing her from top to bottom — as if he’s trying to carefully analyze something out of her. “I-Is there something wrong, Maeda-dono?”

➥ starter for @hanakxtoba

[incandescentia]

“Halt!” As the shrine maiden showed herself from her hiding place, a bow && its arrow were prepared to fire at will. Her gesture wasn't intended to outright attack, but simply as a warning towards the unknown warrior. Their attire appeared entirely as bizarre && outlandish as a kabukimono's to her, with an equally unfamiliar clan mon that adorned their robes. Who was exactly this person? She could only make some guesses for herself — perhaps they were an assailant or spy from another samurai clan? A sword was slung 'pon their hip, so it was clear that she wasn't dealing with some regular passingby peasant.

“Identify yourself before you pass. Are you an ally or an enemy?”

➥ starter for @zantedeschia-praesul

[incandescentia]

“Why do you fight?” ( tsuru )

“Why do you fight?”

Once spoken, the question echoed many times within her mind; temporarily rending her silent before she eventually returned to her senses && finally managed to voice out an answer. “…I’ll be honest, Ozymandias-dono. While I do see that fighting is sometimes necessary, I do not necessarily like or wish to seek of it for the glory of war. War does not bring me satisfaction. In fact, I was often left feeling hollow because of it.” Her head shook as she reminisced various memories of her lifetime as a young military commander in the Warring States, including her family && others who had lost their lives fighting together with her. What she just stated out loud was merely spoken from her own experience. “However… ‘why’ do I fight again? It’s not for glory or fame, as I find no satisfaction from it. Of course — it’s to protect the people who are dearest to me.”

Eyes now lid shut as palm clenched into a fist before her dō-maru chest armor. “I had lost people who I treasured the most in life before, yet in the present I might have found myself a goal much greater than that in Chaldea.” Before she finished her sentence, the resolute expression burgeoned into a determined smile; clenched palm loosened to gave herself firm ( yet resolute ) taps on her chest.

“Hear, Ozymandias-dono. This Tsuru swears it by her words, that she will support Master with all she has to fight for the humanity.”

@ardenssolis | 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬/𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐧𝐲𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐥𝐲! ( accepting )

[incandescentia]

"Wah!"

A pair of brightly colored wings flap around her until the parrot makes a gentle but firm landing around on her shoulder to make himself comfortable — the enthusiastic nuzzle of his beak to her cheek follows right after. However, she returns Kaiki's greeting with a smile, and gives its head a little stroke with her fingers. "Long time no see, my friend. I suppose you've been well with your master?"

The bird caws enthusiastically as an answer & follows by shouting out her name while flapping out his colorful wings. She couldn't help but to giggle at the sight of her feathered friend's antics after not seeing each other for a long time. "Haha! Still as cute as ever huh, Kaiki-chan? I guess I'll have to gift you with some snacks after this."

Her gaze returns to the pirate captain; her facial expression turns into a more playful smug smile — as if she's attempting to tease the man who's formerly known as the Little Princess.

(Come to think, has he ever elaborated to her more about that little past of his'? She really should have investigated more...)

"Now, don't be jealous that your friend likes me more than you. Perhaps women are better with animals, after all."

Tempting as it is to tease her more and more, he makes it quite clear that his empty stomach is most important here, being the one to take the lead in long strides. He's grinning to himself as he's already debating what to order. Should he try something new this time, or — hell, why not order one of everything? It'll be good for the economy!

Suddenly, he stops in his tracks. It's her voice that brings him back to reality, onto a different matter entirely... one that naturally involves wings, too.

"Kaiki?" Curious himself of the bird in question's whereabouts, Motochika looks to the skies. A thoughtful hum follows, all before he locks onto his target with a single pointed digit. Sure enough, there's Kaiki-chan, making large, lazy circles above them. The parrot's timing always is impeccable. "Heh. Found 'im~" He's then called forth with a sharp whistle, with Motochika sticking out his arm for the little fellow to perch upon. A futile attempt, really, for when Kaiki finally comes swooping down, he chooses his captain's friend as his perch instead, sitting comfortably right there on her shoulder.

Though this earns him a sour look, he squawks in delight to find some familiar company, brightly colored wings happily flapping all the while. Try as Motochika might, he just can't stay mad at the lil' bastard for long... He sighs, nonetheless chuckling at the situation. "Guess he missed ya," There it is, a well-timed nuzzle of his beak to her cheek. "A lot."

[incandescentia]

"How long has it been since I've played with dolls? I don't really remember."

[incandescentia]

@yaroudomos replied to your post “Hello Sengoku era muse I would like to hand you...”:

-grabby hands- hi crane girlie <3

Oh. It's that rowdy neighborhood pirate again. Play it cool, Tsuruhime. Play it cool... even when your heart might have skipped a beat when he's putting out that silly smug smirk.

​"Not a word from you."

[incandescentia]

"Hmm? Joan of Arc, you say?" The name itself was foreign, but a certain knowledge from the grail filled in to the newly summoned Archer-class servant that she was often compared to the French heroine for her accomplishments... including the dying young before the ripe age of eighteen part.

"I have yet to meet her, but considering that modern historians tend to say my feats during my lifetime were comparable to hers, I'd like to meet her someday."

@ryogai // like for interaction!!

[incandescentia]

@yaroudomos asked:

"Ever hear 'bout this thing called 'Valentine's Day'?" Casually asked, he's nonetheless obvious with his curiosity, brow raised as he tilts his head at Tsuruhime. It's a concept he's no doubt intrigued about, and though his knowledge about the holiday itself is limited, he certainly has the spirit for it. While he gives her a moment to ponder the question, he's suddenly grinning at her — so much for trying to play innocent... "Well, anyways! I guess it ain't uncommon for people to give each other gifts 'n such to celebrate, so I decided to make ya somethin'... uh. Just hold on a sec, 'kay?" And just like that he disappears into the captain's quarters, leaving poor ol' crane girlie by her lonesome out on the ship's deck. Lucky for her, Motochika's not keen on wasting time here. He returns a minute or so later, offering a polite bow of his head as he holds out her gift; a hand - crafted quiver made of the finest materials he could find, built extra roomy for carrying all the bows her little heart desires. It even has a bonus pocket, too! "Here ~ I noticed yer other one was lookin' a little beat up, so... maybe this one'll do ya better. And the best part? This baby's got a life time warranty. I'll fix 'er up for ya no problem whenever ya need." ♥

GIVE VALENTINE GIFTS TO MY MUSE ! // always accepting.

"Um... no?" Barentain... Day? "I'm guessing this is one of those Southern barbarians' customs again? You sure play around with those foreigners a lot, huh." Unlike him, Tsuruhime has rather been a little apprehensive && cautious of those nanban foreigners ever since of their arrival, yet many people across the country also welcomed their presence with open arms. One of these more welcoming prominent figures happens to be the resident pirate captain && the daimyo of Tosa of course; his natural curiosity seems to know no bounds.

The actual deal of this whole Barentain business seems to be something akin to gift-giving, which took her a little by surprise && even moreso when he's walking away to his quarters to leave her on her own on his ship's deck. Dazed && confused with the predicament, she simply stands around to await his return listlessly. It doesn't take very long before he returns to where she is standing, but what comes afterwards take the little crane herself by surprise.

"T-this is...?" A bow's quiver, as good as a brand new. A hand glosses over its surface, giving the brand-new quiver a good amount of attention to its brandished details && polishing. Has he been paying extra attention to her appearance lately, that he decides it'd be a good idea for her to replace her quiver?

( Well, if that's truly the case... she might need to pay attention to her appearance more, then? She couldn't afford to look less than perfect in front of him! )

"Ah, um—" His gesture of a goodwill really manages to catch her dumbfounded for a bit. This was unforeseen, but Tsuruhime wouldn't deny that she is utterly elated at his gift. After all, receiving a brand-new weaponry is one of the biggest honors that a warrior like her can have, isn't it? Especially when his observation has hit the right mark; her bow's quiver is already quite weathered at this point && in need of a proper replacement before she would go on another campaign.

"I must say... thank you, Motochika-dono. I'll take good care of this gift." Gratefully, she accepts the gift with a smile; perhaps one of the gentlest smiles she ever gives away. "With this, I owe you one." It would only be fair if she could return the favor for Barentain Day. Whatever it would be, she'll give it a good amount of thought about it sooner or later.

[incandescentia]

"...."

Nope, totally not distracted by the presence of abs && pecs...

[incandescentia]

It's Valentine's Day in two days && she has yet to prepare anything...

[incandescentia]

"To think my other self is actually willing to pursue that Fuuma ninja to no end for the purpose of romance... The very thought of it is rather bizarre for me."

[incandescentia]

@caemthe asked: ♫ + tsuru! Send ♫ for my muse to sing a song that I’ve recently heard! // ACCEPTING

Modern songs are so bold... but she is trying her best.

"Unforgiven yes I was bleeding, I was powerless, used to lose every fight but I ride─ Never asked for forgiveness or anything, Gonna target taboos, watch me now. ♪"

[incandescentia]

"Shh," This hush comes as Tsuru's one warning to only dare think about taking another step from where her feet remain in the sand. Further ahead stands Motochika, out in the shallow waters, intent on showing her the ways of bare-handed fishing... for some reason or another. With nearly all his gear abandoned on the beach itself, he's left wearing only his pants, the silky material rolled up and over his calves so as to not get ruined by the water. Lucky for the both of them, it's not long before a fish comes swimming his way — Motochika acts promptly, lunging himself onto the unsuspecting lil' fellow. It's a bit of a struggle, but, he's eventually back on his feet and showing off his prized catch with a proud grin on his face. "Heh! See? Ain't nothin' to it!" Nothin' to it, indeed, as is the minimal effort it takes for him to let the fishie return back to its home. He approaches her then, 'dusting' off his hands. "Now you try."

Fishing with a complete set of rod and baits were something not unusual to her. In fact, she would occasionally go out to catch some fish and have her handmaidens prepare it through the good old-grilled style as one of her lunch menus without having to directly touch the live animal. Fishing by hand, however...

"...That's a little bit unladylike, don't you think?" Tsuru comments on his quick demonstration, expressing her doubt if she would really make an attempt to imitate what he was doing. She was truthfully amazed by his handiworks, but hesitant to blurt out the very truth. But of course — the word unladylike doesn't seem to mean anything to him. He offered to teach her the ways of survival, & outright refusing now would be impolite of her to do so.

Hesitantly she sighs as she rolls up the sleeve of her attire & steps forward into the shallow waters only to quickly find a small fish swimming nearby. Anticipating its next move carefully with her huntress instinct, she lunges both of her hands into the water & managed to grasp it within her hands, until—

"Kya!" The strange slippery & slimy sensation on her hands is apparently too much for her to handle, to the point she visibly squeals out of panic & surprise in front of him. With her surprised reaction, the fish easily escapes her grasp to swim back to the deeper water, not to be seen again within her range of sight.

"...Ngh, don't you laugh!" She can still feel that slimy sensation from earlier remaining on her soaked palms. That was honestly gross. "That was my first time catching it with my bare hands, okay?"

[incandescentia]

"Let's catch up!" He says first, and what promptly follows is one of his big, strong arms pulling itself around the young lady's shoulders. That stupid grin on his face is already saying he won't take 'no' for an answer here — "We'll grab us a bite to eat, maybe a few drinks... Whaddya say, crane girlie? It's my treat."

Some things really do never change ! If there's anything that goes to describe the relationship between the oni of Tosa and the heroine of Omishima, it's this... sort of strange friendly enemies circumstances that not even she understands. They were supposed to be enemies, after all—as they are both bound to their duties as frontline generals who defend their territories from each other. However, when they encounter each other as individuals, it becomes a completely different story.

"Cut it out, Motochika-dono. I'm not in the mood to drink." Her sentence trails off for a bit before she quickly adds, "...but maybe a tea or whatever snack would suffice." —especially dango.

That silly, smug grin on his face—it gives her such strange mixed feelings ! She doesn't know if she likes it or not when there are idiomatic butterflies in her stomach like this...

"Also, stop with the 'crane girlie' nickname already! I'm already grown up and past drinking age, you know?"

She's been getting PLENTY of comments about how she should have secured a marriage when she's already way past the ripe age of sixteen. How silly ! Not when she has to deal with the frontlines and becoming a host to other daimyo like this !