#Katsuie│Musings

[tragedestined-a]

@illdivine​​

entranced recently not by “i can fix him” or “i can make him worse” but the “something deeply wrong with him and i want to be around as like a spectator when the car crash inevitably happens” dynamic

[tragedestined-a]

Uta: *wants to be called Uta because it makes her feel less detached from people*

Mitsunari: ??? Why do you care about what other people call you ? I don’t care what other people call me. I know my own worth, and you should know yours.

Sakon: Yeah, Mitsunari-sama’s right ! I don’t care about what other people call me, either.

Katsuie: If it makes you feel better, you can call me ‘ghost’ or ‘garbage’ or ‘worthless maggot’. I deserve it, anyways.

Kiyouki: *gesturing to Katsuie* Ditto what he said.

Me: None of you are helping !!!

[geometragic]

PRE-ESTABLISHED RELATIONSHIP MEME 0.2 || @ghostofoichi || Accepting !

Bold for things I could definitely see or want, italics for things I could see or am unsure of and striked out for things I don’t want or cannot see.

FRIENDSHIP.     childhood friends  /  work buddies or coworkers  /  family friends  /  friends with benefits  /  smoking buddies  /  adventure buddies  /  fake friends  /  recently friends  /  party buddies  /  friendship of need  /  dying friendship  /  circumstantial friendship  /  partners in crime  /  old friendship  /  [ your muse ] is the good influence  /  [ your muse ] is the bad influence  /  [ my muse ] is the good influence  /  Katsuie is the bad influence  /  opposites attract  /  ride or die (from Katsuie’s side)  /  frenemies  /  roommates or flatmates  /  penpals  /  exes to friends  /  enemies to friends  /  other .

ROMANCE.     childhood sweethearts  /  [ your muse is mines ] childhood crush  /  [ my muse is yours ] childhood crush  /  exes  /  exes to lovers  /  forbidden lovers  /  highschool sweethearts  /  secret relationship  /  opposites attract  /  long distance  /  unrequited [ from your muses side ]  /  unrequited [ from Katsuie’s side ]  /  unrequited [ from both sides ]  /  skinny love  /  friends to lovers  /  enemies to lovers  /  spurious relationship  /  power couple  /  newly entered  /  soulmates [ metaphorical ]  /  soulmates  [ literal ]  /  awkward  /  turning toxic  /  toxic love (on Katsuie’s end)  /  cheating [ on your muse ]  /  cheating [ with your muse ]  /  other .

FAMILIAL.     siblings [ half ]  /  siblings [ step ]  /  [ my muse ] is an older sibling figure to your younger sibling figure  /  [ my muse ] is a younger sibling figure to your older sibling figure muse  /  [ my muse ] is a parental figure to yours  /  [ my muse ] is a child figure to your muse  /  guardian figure  /  legal guardian  /  adoptive child  /  foster child  /  [ your muse ] is taken under mines wing  /  [ my muse ] is taken under yours wing  /  other .

ANTAGONISTIC.     dangerous to each other  /  dangerous to others  /  unpredictable  /  rivals  /  petty  /  developing into sexual or romantic tension  /  based off family matters  /  based off circumstance  /  based of professional matters  /  based off misunderstanding or lies  /  conflict of ideology  /  betrayal  /  hero - villain dynamic /  enemies  /  fight club  /  friends turned enemies  /  lovers turned enemies  /  exes turned enemies  /  other .

[heartofbasara-blog]

I|| Your Animal Familiar ||I

Tagged by: @geometragic (tagging Oichi)

Tagging: @sengokusumeragi (Mitsunari), anyone else who hasn’t done this meme.

~ Crow ~

The Crow is a very interesting, complex familiar to have, and seems to have a lot of personality to its behavior. Though it is seen by some as representing evil, it is in fact a sign of luck as well, either good or bad, and is strongly tied with magic as well. Despite its worse side of its reputation, it is not a trickster, but in fact very wise and adaptable. In the same way, you are a very intelligent and creative individual, though you may be misunderstood by your peers. The Crow familiar brings good luck to their master, acts as a mentor or guidance to them, and inspires them with bright and creative ideas. ~~***~~ This familiar represents -Creativity -Closeness to magic -Luck -Intelligence -Wisdom -Adaptability -Being misunderstood

[sengokujidai]

Kasuga noticed an officer from Oda and she knows those from Oda always have bad to evil intentions.

And some others as well, she even noticed.

[yugenronin]

What kind of herb are you?

Akechi Mitsuhide is Oregano.

You are home to so many people and yet you're not at home with yourself. Everyone needs something from you and you desperately try to prove that you're enough but you're never enough, never good enough, never even you despite all of that. Your hands shake but only when you're never looking at them and your smile is so ever-present you can't help but wonder if its fake, wonder how much of you is real. You're a caretaker, but are you even good at that, or are you faking yourself out into believing you're something that you wish you could, someone that someone else needed you to be when you were small and so full of need and hope and fragility? Who are you underneath the need to be someone's home? Who are you when you come home to yourself?

Shibata Katsuie is Cayenne

Everyone says that you're so bright, so loud, so much and maybe you are or maybe you're covering up that gaping wound in your chest with fireworks. Or maybe you really are so bright so warm so hot but sometimes you wonder if anything will ever be enough to soothe that aching burning cold fire in your chest. You don't know what it is, can't ever let yourself close enough to that pyre to know if it's anger or fear or loneliness or grief but it's there and if you're good enough, funny enough, bold enough, maybe you can hide it from everyone else. Maybe there's enough of you and enough of the world that you can outrun it forever, your own fire bright enough to put that wound to shame. Bright enough to prove to everyone, anyone, yourself, your mother, your father, your friends, your classmates, the world, that you're enough. You're enough. You're enough.

Niwa Nagahide is Cumin

You see yourself so clearly that you can see the gaping hole inside you where you lost a piece long ago. It's there and it's ragged and painful and bleeding and you don't know how no one else can see it when it takes up so much of your awareness. You run from it, fight it, try to find it but nothing bandages up that hungry mawing void inside yourself and when you're tired, uninspired, you swear it grows and grows. You promise yourself you want to be alone, promise yourself that you want to be different, want to be special, love having this hole inside you and point it out in words or song or jokes and stories and take pride in that pain, in your uniqueness in this world of grays and storm clouds. You are 5 am rain on asphalt roads and sputtering street lamps. You are petrichor musings and messy guitar chords and a thousand contradictions wrapped inside a quiet cry, an evening of coffee and jittering hands and a promise that you're okay or that you're fine until you're falling apart in someone's arms or messages and pretend you're alright in the morning. You taste so strongly but sometimes you wonder if all you are is ash.

Tagged by @melatoninburst

Tagging (if you guys have done this already sorry, and if you want to steal it go for it!) @tximidity @visiocorx @akumanoken​

[nobuverse]

@tragedestined​ said  ‘plot please!’

send ‘plot please!’ and I’ll give you a plot I want for our muses! ll Accepting 

{ Right so - I know the prompt says a plot but I’ve got so many ideas I’m sorry my friend but you’re getting many because there’s just too much potential with your muses. While I haven’t  played Sengoku Basara 4 like....at all - our muses do share the same sengoku era history so-! Let’s have some fun ! And please just ignore the fact that my Nobunaga is female because fate lore we’ll figure out how that changes things }

{ Let’s start with the man/woman of the hour - Oba Nobunaga herself. She’s got a a historical connection with pretty much all muses - obviously. There so many angles we could go with this; but it would require us probably finding a middle ground between the lore of our two games. For example, I do tend focus on my Nobunaga’s rebellious behavior as needing to prove something, given how she wasn’t accepted as the heir because of her gender before she took it by force. She wants people to grow to their full potential, to make Japan a country she can be proud of without being held back by these stupid traditions she hates so much. 

All this being said, maybe the reason this version of Nobunaga spared Katsuie’s life not out of mockery, but a  form of respect for his ambition - one that definetly adhere to traditional Japanese values. She’d be pretty insulted that he’s wasted that potential, then, by letting himself be beat up by her own soldiers without so much as fighting back. 

Now whether we would play with angle from the sengoku era or your fate verse in Chaldea is completely up to you. }

{ Alright, next. Chacha! I’m not sure if she has any presence at all in  Sengoku Basara,  to be honest. Didn’t find her in your bios and yet you have both her biological father and mother, no? I think it might be a liiitle more interesting to do something in the fate verse where she holds her childhood appearance and personality, but still retains all memories of her adult life, but I’m certainly not opposed to doing something in her mortal life as well.

I imagine my Chacha having uh - complicated feelings about Oichi after the life she led? While she understands what her mother did, she did to save her life, there’s also a massive amount to unpack when you end up becoming a concubine to your new adoptive father. Um. Yikes. 

Speaking of which, I have no idea how wild the relationship might be  Sakon and her, either Either in fate or mortal life, Chacha ( again as far as fate lore goes ) is implied to not have the fondest of feelings towards Hideyoshi. She actually acts downright traumatized after Nobukatsu mentions him in the event she was introduced in. I imagine he probably doesn’t have high opinons of Chacha, either - given both her status as a concubine who took Hideyoshi’s wealth to try and revive her own clan through her son. But ....I see he’s scared of fire? GIven Chacha’s powers over fire, I’d be remissed if I didn’t mention I really like the idea of them getting in an argument and Chacha throwing a flame fueled tantrum over what she considers to be his short-sightedness. } 

[tinolqa]

Things I like RP partners to know

I like to be called: Allen, Tinolqa

My favorite colors are: Green, earth tones, dark red

Gender: Male

One thing you should know about me: [clown honk] I like to schedule RP in advance because I’m not always on the game when I’m home, and when I’m online I often hop between characters and servers! So it helps to plan when an RP is going to happen.

One thing you should know about my character(s): Uh... most of them are not very compatible with very “lawful” characters for various reasons? Aumeric is a radical beast tribe sympathizer, Ahlek’zi has aided and abetted acts of necromancy and illegal entry into Amdapori ruins and will gladly do either again, Katsuie uses the Echo to scam people out of money, Vespillo is a Garlean deserter who has not gone into military custody in Eorzea, Kuzhuk is an abomination against nature itself, and Aurelin is a career criminal who throws his lot in with pirates, assassins, cannibals, and carnies! Yabuqa is fine though. A good, wholesome man.

First language: English

Second language: uhhh I speak a tiny bit of French and know a passable weeb level of Japanese but that’s it

Highlight

RP Blog:  Contains OOC Posts | Does not Contain OOC Posts | Single Muse Blog | Multimuse Blog (Under construction and I’ve never actually linked it here, ask if you’re curious tho because I want to start using it for memes) | Aesthetic Blog (This is a separate thing from my RP blog!)

Age Range:  Under 13 | 14–17 | 18–22 | 23–25 | 26–29 | 30+ | 70+

Am I ok with NSFW?  Yes | No (I draw NSFW content but keep it private, and I do not RP such content with other people. This will not change.)

My favorite most common thing to RP is: Angst | Fluff | Smut | Crack | Action | Slice of Life  (In moderation) | Plots | Events | Canon Lore | Non Canon Lore | Other

Got tagged by: @the-rosehouse

[sengokusumeragi]

OOC Notice:

((New year, new muses! 

Not only did I just finish my shiny new Persona series multimuse blog, I’m pleased to announce I’ll be adding on a couple of new muses here too! 

I’ll be adding Shibata Katsuie from Sengoku Basara, and a mythology based oc of Izanagi. Their tags will posted a little later, and their official pages will be up as soon as possible. But after the tags are up, they’ll be ready for interaction. 

I look forward to seeing how things turn out! I hope you all enjoy the new additions!))

[tragedestined-a]

Some more incorrect quotes !

[geometragic]

(( Katsuie’s waifu, everyone. XD ))

[akechijubeimitsuhide]

How tall are my muses

Mitsuhide: 182 cm (face claim tall) - however his Edo era verse is shorter

Katsuyori & Yuritada: 183 cm (another tall face claim lol)

Mitsunari: while Koji Yamamoto is 179 I definitely imagine Mitsunari as smol. So maybe around 165. But he’s secretly ripped XD 

Nagahide: around 162. smallest muse. 

Katsuie: I can’t decide whether he should be a giant or just medium height but either way he’s BUFF

[yugenronin]

After morning shift today, my goal absolutely is to finish Katsuie’s muse page. It’s almost done. So close! At which point once I finish my icons for everyone who gets them, I can very gradually go through and do the rest of the pages.

[tentoriwrites]

Choose Your Own Adventure Prologue: Azai, Oda, Tokugawa

It was a very clear day as I looked up at the sky. A few wispy clouds flitted by on the spring breeze, painted orange, crimson, and purple by the freshly setting sun. It was busy tonight; all the rooms had been booked and I was told several important lords were going to be here. That wasn’t unusual for this time of year. Although winter still hung in the air, it was clear the last visages would slough off soon. As if on cue with my distant thoughts, a blob of snow slid off the awning with a splat. I looked up at the awning with a lazy gaze and sighed. One of these days I would like nothing more than to enjoy the blankness of a winter’s day. But today was not that day…

I stood inconspicuously outside in plain clothes watching people filing into the expansive restaurant and teahouse where I worked. The only telltale sign I was anything more than a passerby was my hair still up from the night before. Though, it lacked ornamentation. Rumors passed the lips of the people all around me about how the Oda were in town. I suspect that was the rather large group I saw roaming around earlier.

“You aren’t thinking of running again on a night like tonight, are you?” A gruff man’s voice called to me from the door way. “You know Milord is counting on you to entertain our top clients tonight.” I turned my attention from the twilight sky to him. It was the samurai assigned to guard me. Well more like he was my warden.

“I know… Lord Azai Nagamasa and some of his retainers are here tonight.” I replied feeling the energy already leaving my body as I trudged towards the door. “Rumor has it the Oda reserved a large room as well but did not request me.”

“Neither did Lord Nagamasa.” He explained following me through the bustling corridors. “However, the Asakura are trying to romance them so we need to present our best.” I nodded as we headed upstairs to my room. He left me to change into my very formal attire and all the trappings. If any of the lords had seen me on the street, they wouldn’t recognize me now with all this makeup on and my hair full of pins. I hefted my koto into my arms and headed downstairs to the room I knew the Azai were in. As soon as the door slid open I saw Lord Nagamasa and his gorgeous wife Lady Oichi. The rumors of her unparalleled beauty were so true I found myself a bit speechless. He quickly noticed me at the door and motioned for me to come in.

“Forgive me my rudeness.” I said quietly as I pressed my head to the floor. “I thought I had somehow died and a heavenly creature had come for me…”

“Mejiro?” Lord Nagamasa’s head quirked to one side as he regarded me. “It is you! You’ve grown so much since I saw you last!” He beamed excitedly. “What were you talking about?”

“Your wife, Milord. Truly the rumors of your beauty pale in comparison to the reality of your radiance, Lady Oichi.” I replied bowing to her. She hid her face with her fan as she giggled.

“Who is this charming young lady?” She asked regarding me carefully.

“This is Asakura Mejiro. Well Mejiro is her childhood name. I have known her for years but I haven’t seen her in quite some time. This is a great treat!” Lord Nagamasa mused delighted as I moved my koto and settled myself in a far corner.

“Wait… Mejiro?” Lady Oichi quirked her head to the side as she regarded me even more intensely. “The Songbird of Kyoto?” I looked up at her, careful not to meet her eyes. Her face was glossed over in anticipation.

“That is what some people call me…” I replied a bit apprehensively. She suddenly burst into absolute glee.

“Oh Nagamasa!” She sighed romantically. “You set this all up, didn’t you? You knew I wanted to hear the rumored Songbird of Kyoto and you feigned ignorance to keep it secret!” Since she was looking right at a bewildered Lord Nagamasa I snuck him a wink and a nod.

“Well what kind of husband would I be if I could not indulge you from time to time.” He answered quickly as he turned to her with a smile. She was absolutely glowing, her love for him clear on her face.

“I am truly honored that the magnificent Lady Oichi wished to hear me perform. I shall give you nothing less than my best performance!” I beamed before putting fingers to the strings. “Do you have a request?” She shook her head no so I just started playing. She seemed to hang on each chord, every word making her eyes shine brighter. When I finished the first song, she seemed fit to burst.

“Do you find my performing to your liking, Milady?” I asked hopefully.

“Nagamasa.” She turned to her husband looking rather stern. “When the Asakura come to Odani next I demand she come with them. I would like for her to play for us at the feast.” I stiffened slightly and looked toward Lord Nagamasa.

“Well I will certainly speak to the proprietor, he’s a friend of mine in the Asakura clan. And her Father as well. Her Father will certainly be coming as an advisor and bodyguard. I don’t see why she couldn’t come with him…” Lord Nagamasa looked to me then back to Lady Oichi. She liked his response.

“Please sing more for us!” She beamed turning back to me. Her radiant smile putting me at ease.

“As you wish, Milady!” After only an hour or so, I heard a commotion in the hall. I paid it no mind as it died down quickly enough. That is until the doors opened and the lord and proprietor bid enter.

“Please forgive the intrusion, my friend.” He went on in a congenial tone as he sat down before Lord Nagamasa and Lady Oichi. “You may be well aware Mejiro has a bit of a reputation. It seems another customer is requesting her.”

“Ah. I see. That is well enough, I doubt I could get Oichi to leave so long as she can keep listening to Mejiro play. Milady is quite taken with her.” Lord Nagamasa replied with a bracing grin.

“I am glad to hear you enjoy her performance so.” The Lord Proprietor grinned in fake relief. “We do aim to please!”

“Then you’ll permit her come to perform at Odani for us when the clans meet next. I will not take no for answer.” Lady Oichi announced rather than asked, her features firm yet dignified.

“But… but of course, Milady!” The Lord Proprietor stammered as he bowed deeply. He had no choice now but to let me go, whenever the meeting might be. “If you will excuse us...” We both bowed deeply once more. I followed my Lord but stopped just inside the door.

“It was nice to see you again, Lord Nagamasa.” He smiled and nodded.

“Take care, Mejiro.” I smiled and nodded back before leaving the room and closing the door.

 “Lord Oda Nobunaga heard you singing and demanded you entertain him.” The Lord Proprietor hissed in my ear as he grabbed me by the neck. “You had better impress him or he might just kill you…” He squeezed my neck loosely as a warning. “If he doesn’t… I will…”

“And lose one of your most lucrative meal tickets? I doubt that…” I scoffed yanking his hand from my throat before dropping to my knees at the door opposite the Azai. He got down on his knees and announced us before sliding the door open. I shuffled into the room behind him with my koto and sat down, smiling brightly in the corner.

“This was the singer?” A man with piercing grey eyes scoffed as he regarded me with nothing short of disinterest. “She looks like nothing more than another one of the painted dolls you keep around here. Bring me the real singer or I’ll have your head.” He gestured vaguely to the Lord Proprietor with his closed fan. As much as I wanted to laugh at how my Lord was squirming, I knew I would pay for it later. Before he could make any explanation, I took a kerchief from my sleeve to wipe the makeup from my face. Before actually taking the makeup off, I sang and sang.

“If painted dolls are not to your liking, I could take it off to suit your tastes, Milord Oda.” I went on as he settled himself in a sitting position. The Lord Proprietor quickly turned his gaze back to Lord Oda Nobunaga.

“Unless you plan on bringing me something acceptable to eat, get out of my sight.” He snapped eying the proprietor in a rather disinterested manner. My Lord excused himself quickly, leaving me to the wolves of the Oda clan. Or at least that’s what I thought… Lord Nobunaga settled himself comfortably and looked me over discerningly. “You’re the nicest dressed painted doll here. You must truly be the best… But then again if you were the best, why didn’t they bring you before me first instead of that shrill harpy?” He asked as I folded the kerchief up and returned it to my sleeve.

“It is often said that my singing is a novelty, Milord. People are only interested in hearing it because I cannot sing in the popular style. That I have no real or true talent.” I explained as I strummed a song on the koto. “Perhaps, the Lord Proprietor thought it offensive to someone has great and powerful as Lord Oda to present someone such as myself to you right off.” I added trying to hold firm in the face of the man known as the Lord of Hell.

“No real or true talent?!” An older samurai exclaimed boisterously, startling me just enough that I almost played the wrong chord. “Those people cannot appreciate real talent and art then!”

“Well said, Lord Katsuie!” The man sitting next to Lord Nobunaga quietly agreed.

“That last one really was shrill. I thought my ears were going to explode.” A samurai in a pink kimono muttered before knocking his drink back.

“If you keep saying things like that, the only marriage you’ll have is to a flask of sake, Puppy.”  The samurai next to him teased.

“The Hell you say?”

“Enough you two…” The man beside Lord Nobunaga chided them gently before looking to me once more. “Forgive me, but have we met before?”

“I believe so, although we were both much younger. You were being aided by my family. Well a more powerful branch of it, that is, Lord Akechi.” I replied with a sanguine smile. He looked at me thoughtfully for just a moment longer before the distinct look of dawning realization struck his features.

“You were one of the young girls that visited Ichijoudani from time to time… We used to play shiritori and read poetry.” His lips formed a pressed smile. “I’m afraid I have forgotten your name though.”

“You probably knew me by my childhood name. Asakura Mejiro.” I replied continuing to strum a new song.

“Yes, of course…” He shook his head slowly. “You’re the Songbird of Kyoto then, aren’t you?”

“I am honored my reputation has traveled so far as the lands of Owari.” I replied with a bow.

“Enough talking. If you’re a song bird then sing.” Lord Nobunaga huffed.

“As you wish, Milord.” Despite his rather rough demeanor with my Lord, Lord Nobunaga contented himself to eat desserts, drink tea, and listen to me sing. The Oda were not at all what I expected. They praised me after every song and were constantly asking after me to pour their drink or to let them pour a drink for me. They were a very lively group, especially Lord Shibata Katsuie and Lord Maeda Toshiie.

“Lady Mejiro.” Lord Katsuie addressed me very seriously. “If I were ever graced with a daughter I should hope she be half as talented as you!”

“Perhaps you shall have your wish if I buy her and take her back to Owari.” Lord Nobunaga mused with a mischievous grin. “I might permit you to adopt her.” I hid my face behind my sleeve and feigned a giggle. He was not the first to suggest negotiating I leave with them, he would not be the last.

“You honor me with such praise.” I bowed to him but when I raised back up the look on his face was completely serious. “Oh…” I gasped quietly before I could stop myself, his piercing eyes seeming to see right through me.

“Do you not think I could make it so?” He was testing me.

“I know not what monetary value Milord would place upon me. Nor do I claim to know what you would be willing to pay for a novelty such as I, Lord Oda.” I answered honestly as I saw no better recourse. I dared not shrink away from him though, something told me weakness was not something he accepted.

“If I am to buy something, I only buy the best quality. People are no exception.” The look on his face, the tone of his voice, the way he said it as if it were nothing… I knew he was serious.

“I…” I tried to speak but words failed me to start with. “I am so flattered I cannot even speak…” I stammered out feeling my cheeks growing very flushed. “Thank you for such high praise, Milord.” I bowed to him deeply, pressing my forehead to the floor. For my efforts, I earned a satisfied smirk from Lord Nobunaga.

“All this talk of buying people is rather off putting, don’t you think?” Lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi cut in with a lighthearted tone. “Let’s get back to singing and drinking!” Although I would never dare hope for it, I secretly wished Lord Nobunaga could have bought me and taken me away that day… Alas, the Fate of Tragedy was not done with me…

“Mejiro! Please hide me!” One of the other entertainers sobbed as she came running into my room.

“What on earth is going on? What happened?” I asked soothingly. Based on her dress she had been with a customer and things must have gone poorly.

“Tokugawa Ieyasu!” Was all she gasped out before sobbing again. I just nodded. He had a terrible reputation among all restaurants and teahouses in the town. He got his kicks on degrading anyone and everyone. If he couldn’t degrade you he would try to break your decorum only to degrade you.

“Oh? Is that right?” I smirked a little. “You leave the bratty little lord to me…” I mused getting to my feet and starting to change.

“What are you going to do?” She sniffled looking up at me with puffy eyes.

“Why, what does a petulant little brat want more than anything else?” I beamed with a mischievous smirk.

“Something he can’t have?” She replied finally starting to smile. “You think you can honestly do it?” She got to her feet and started to help me.

“I’m certainly going to try.” I replied before taking a deep breath to mentally prepare myself for what was to come. Once I was ready enough to finish on my own, I sent her down for a spring treat, strawberry daifuku. I met her in the hall near where the Tokugawa were. With the plate in hand, I wandered slowly down the hall singing quietly. I paused by the door and took a bite of one of the daifuku.

“Where on earth is that enchanting singing coming from?” An older sounding voice said from in the room.

“I think it’s coming from the hall.” A much younger voice answered.

“Nothing better than daifuku on your day off…” I mused loud enough to be heard through the door but still more quietly than a normal speaking voice. I started singing and walking off slowly when the door slid open behind me.

“You.” A rough voice called from behind me. I casually looked over my shoulder at the face staring back at me. A man in purple and gray with a wild head of brown hair was eying me disinterestedly. “Get in here.”

“Oh! Forgive me, Milord! I didn’t know that room was in use right now!” I faked the sincerest apology as I bowed deeply. “There seems to be a mistake. I’m not working today.”

“But you do work here.” He pressed with growing irritation.

“Oh… well... yes but today is…” I pretended to be flustered when another man came completely out into the hall.

“I would be very grateful if you would oblige us today, Milady.” An older, balding samurai interrupted as he gently pushed the first samurai back into the room.

“Oh…” He was genuinely earnest in his request which through me off my game a bit. “Well when you ask so nicely, I suppose I have no choice.” I beamed happily. “Excuse me if this is rude but let me finish this one daifuku since I already started it.” I added quietly with an apologetic bow. He just smiled and offered me a handkerchief to wipe the dust from my fingers. I bowed to him again as I chewed and followed him into the room. I was still chewing discreetly as the samurai took his seat and I briefly surveyed the room, plate of daifuku in hand.

“If you’re looking for someone to give those to, give them here.” A blonde lord with a completely uninterested gaze barked and I looked at him. I got on my knees before him and offered him the plate.  “I demand amusement… You’re the only who hasn’t been in to try to provide it. If you value your life, you’ll do better than the other pitiful excuses for entertainers sent before me.” The blonde, who I could only assume was Tokugawa Ieyasu said as he took the plate from me.

“When Lord Ieyasu speaks, you had better listen.” The first samurai I spoke to sneered with a grin. I just smiled happily as I swallowed to bite I had been chewing.

“Forgive my ignorance.” I bowed my head to the floor. “I did not know the great lord Tokugawa Ieyasu was in need of amusement.” I added as he plucked one of the daifuku off the plate and casually stuck it in his mouth. “Those are one of my favorites.” I added as I looked off to the corner.

“Kaneko.” I addressed the utterly mortified girl sitting there. “Would you please see my koto brought down? It seems I will be tonight’s entertainment.” I went on with a congenial smile. She practically leapt to her feet and alighted from the room.

“Of course! Right away, Mejiro!” She called as she left.

“Mejiro?” The older man lacking in hair asked with a delighted current to his tone. “The Songbird of Koto, Mejiro?” My face lit up in delight as I regarded him happily.

“I am truly honored to know my reputation precedes me so.” I answered bowing to him deeply.

“I suspect the honor will be ours!” He beamed happily as he clapped his hands together.

“What are you going on about, Old Man?” Lord Ieyasu asked rather bored sounding.

“She’s the best entertainer this teahouse has to offer. There is a wait list over a month to have her entertain for you.” He beamed happily.

“Surely I am a novelty at best.” I hid my blush from his unabashed compliments with my sleeve. He was so genuinely enthusiastic that I knew this would be at least a bit easier.

“Well she’s certainly more pleasant to listen to talk.” A fourth, younger man commented from an opposite corner. “Hopefully her singing voice is just as pleasant.”

“If her reputation is to be believed she sounds like a heavenly being come to earth.” The Old Man gushed.

“Milord! Surely I am no such thing!” I was blushing in earnest now. There was a voice from outside the door and two people came in with my koto. They sat it before me then beat a hasty retreat. “Ah! Now I can begin!” I sighed as I strummed my fingers over the strings to check the tune. “Do any of you have a request?” When no requests were immediately made I started to play the most popular tunes of the day.

“Is this all you know how to do?” Lord Ieyasu wondered looking at me rather bored.

“This is merely my specialty. I would be more than happy to entertain you with a game or some other amusement, Milord.” I replied smiling like a fool. No matter what game we started, he quickly put an end to it. It dawned on me that this was a game for him. A game I had no intention of letting him win. He let out a soft sigh dripping with annoyance as I slid the koto aside.

“You do realize your life is on the line here, yes? So, if you are the best this teahouse has, it’s not looking good for you…” There was a flash of amusement behind his disinterested gaze. “What do you have to say for yourself?”

“The land You ruled; An emperor, A very god, Your great palace Stood here, I heard; Your great hall Stood here, they say, but Spring’s grasses Now grow thickly; The mist rises, Hazing spring sunshine: Your many stoned Palace’s place: A sad sight, indeed.”

“Have we taken to speaking in riddles?” He asked me sitting up a bit straighter.

“It’s a poem I believe.” The older man, Lord Tadatsugu replied thoughtfully and I nodded with a smile. “Don’t tell me… it will come to me.” He grinned happily as he rested his chin on his hand, deep in thought. Let’s see how long I can insult Lord Ieyasu before anyone realizes that’s what I’m doing…

“If this is your idea of a game it had better get more interesting quickly. For the sake of your life…” His words were menacing in tone, but I was undaunted.

“For my Lord’s life and for mine, too-we govern Iwashiro’s Hills: the grasses’ roots Let us weave together.” I replied with a smile as everyone’s brows furrowed from my unusual response.

“What in all the hells…” The first man I encountered, one Lord Yasumasa, griped. The younger man in the corner, Lord Toramatsu, tried to stifle a chuckle.

“Seems Toramatsu wants to play…” Lord Ieyasu commented idly.

“From Nigitatsu Would we set sail, and Did await the moon, but With the tides against us Now must we go a’rowing!”

“Yes, it is…” Was all he said and the other men glanced at him suspiciously.

“The conscripts Say not, “Morn and night,” As they pass along the road, But every one of us Follows the path of service.” I replied with a smile.

“It is as you say…” Lord Tadatsugu chimed in having realized where my poems were coming from.  “Though it seems Lord Ieyasu does not quite follow your meanings…”

“Then perhaps one with an obvious meaning…” I pressed my finger to my lips as I thought of the worst poem I could possibly say. A smile alighting my face once it came to me.

“To your mighty body, You strapped your sword; In your hand, You held your bow; Your warriors, You summoned: The call to arms Drums’ roar The thunder Spoke; The sounding of The battle horns were as At the foe A tiger roaring. Many folk Were thus struck with fear. High flying Banners snapping? Buried in winter, With the spring The fields Are set ablaze; Fire with the wind Blows back and forth? Held, The snap of bowstrings: As a snow-covered Winter woodland Rent by a whirlwind, Twisting round and over, It sounded, Terrifying: Loosing, shooting A multitude of arrows, A blizzard, Confused and falling; The unruly Foe stood fast As dew and frost, “If we die then so be it!””

It was clear the meaning was not lost on him this time, on any of them. There was a deafening silence as not one of them dared to breathe. Still I smiled serenely. The disinterest on his face melted with each word until now he was outright glaring at me. I had won, his mask had utterly cracked and mine was still quite perfect. He got to his feet and traversed the room. Grabbed me by the throat he pulled me to my feet. “And just what are we implying?” He seethed as he stared me in the eyes, venom dripping from every word.

“It is only natural to be afraid of tigers… It takes a great many arrows to kill them. But I’m sure for an archer of your renown though you could pierce one in the heart on the first shot.” I coughed out with a smile.

“Lord Ieyasu! If anyone should have the privilege of having your divine cruelty upon them let it be me!” Lord Tadakatsu sounded entirely to enthusiastic over the prospect of being choked by Lord Ieyasu. But Lord Ieyasu’s grip on my throat loosened as he glared over his shoulder.

“That was a very foolish thing to do. You do realize I’m going to have to kill you now…” He hissed in my ear so only I would hear when he looked back at me.

“One must do what one must do. At least if I am dead I’ll no longer be trapped here.” I whispered back into his ear. Alas, the Fate of Tragedy was not done with me just yet…

“It’s not amusing if you ask for death…” He sighed as he released my throat, donning his disinterested face once more. “Get out of my face…” He added returning to his seat.

“As you wish, Milord. It has been a pleasure.” I bowed and took my leave, a wake of stunned faces behind me as I slid the door closed. I stood there a moment rubbing at the bruises on my neck with a grimace.

“What… just… happened?” I heard one of them ask as I started to walk away but I didn’t recognize who had spoken.

“It seems even Lord Ieyasu has a match…”

“If you value what’s left of your hair, Old Man, you’ll shut up.”

“All I’m saying is that you should seriously consider settling down soon. As the leader of your clan producing an heir is… AH NOT MY HAIR!”

“What a ridiculous thought, me marry Tokugawa Ieyasu… The thought of me marrying anyone seems unfathomable… Who would want to marry someone like me?” I thought to myself as I rubbed my arm and wandered back to my room.

Continue?

Yes

No

[thatlongspringnight]

2017 Creator Tag - Fav your own works.

Rules: It’s time to love yourselves! Choose your 5 favorite works you’ve created this year (fics, art, edits, etc!) and link them below (say why if you want) to reflect on the amazing things you’ve brought into the world in 2017. Tag as many writers/artists/etc as you want (fan or original!) so we can spread the love and link each other to awesome works. <3

Tagged by @wonky-glass-ornament (thank you, lovely!)

Important Lessons - Saizo/MC, this was my first big project, and I put a LOT of myself into it. Even now, I’m still in awe that I finished it and that I still love it so much. Professor Saizo is forever my muse. 

Wedding Dresses - Oichi/Katsuie, I literally wrote this fic on a notepad while at work over the summer. I couldn’t get it out of my head. I love it, because I think it represents something different from most of my other works, and I really loved telling what I think Oichi’s story would be like. 

“Winter Chill” & “Warm in your Arms” - Ieyasu/MC, I put these together because they go together, lol. This is one of my favorite fics I have written because in this I think I have found MY Ieyasu. This version of Ieyasu is the one that seems most like what I think he is. So sometimes I go back and read it to get yasu-spiration.

Cornflower Blue - Kenshin/MC, okay this fic inspired a rabbit hole of Kenshin ideas that I have written down somewhere. I like it because I have a HUGE soft spot for Kenshin, and it is still one of my favorites to go back and read. 

 Job Transfers- Kanetsugu/MC I LOVE this fic, because it was really one of those “write the smut you want to see in the world” type fics for me. I have a low-key, high-key crush on Kanetsugu, and this was a great outlet for it. Plus, I think it is one of the best smutty fics I have ever written. 

4/5 of these have smut, I’m sorry I’m such a smutty gal (I’m not sorry, lol). 

Thank you so much for the tag! This was fun to think about and reflect on, 2017 has been a year. lol.

tagging:: @frywen-babbles and @pseudofaux <3

[nekkyousagi]

Fire Sparks in the Bamboo Grove

In which Otake first meets @dearmadalice‘s Shigezane!

***

It was a strange meeting of generals, one Otake had never thought she would witness in her lifetime. Once isolated from the parlay and politics of the world of nobles and warlords, she felt a bit out of place being present in these exchanges between allies. Lord Yoritsuna had been speaking at length with the visiting Oda General, Shibata Katsuie, about a sudden change of plans due to the incident of that day. Their faces hidden in shadow from the low candle light, they appeared as gloomy as ever, studiously and meticulously adding calculations and struggling to voice their concerns.

Otake completed her task of setting down freshly brewed tea before the two warriors, glancing back and forth at them, as they continued to simply stare in musing at the strategy maps and documents strewn across the floor. She frowned slightly at the monotone hum of their voices and softly mumbled words. Though she was grateful to be of use to Lord Yoritsuna, and was not ashamed to do her best at whatever task she was given, being in the company of such gloomy men was exhausting. After pouring the tea, the forest general excused her, and after a polite bow Otake exited the room with a sigh.

Thoughts of home clouded her mind as she followed a torch-lit path to the open space within the camp. Things had changed so much since her departure from the forest village, and though they were hard times, she had started to miss the more simple problems of home. Of course, it was pleasant having warm, hearty meals daily and soft bedding, but Otake felt pangs of guilt whenever she would accept them, while her family still had to hunt and forage. Otake would often refuse these prepared meals and run off to hunt alone in the forest when she was not on duty. No one had scolded her for it, so it seemed no one was bothered by her absence.

Torchlight danced and sputtered nearby, crackling and flicking its gold embers. Otake glanced at it musing over the events of the day, and the glow brought back to mind the image she’s almost forgotten. Heartbeats pounded beneath her breast and her face flushed pink. Memories of the day returned, flashing, the mad rush to return to the camps, the chaos of invading forces, the loud firing of cannons…

***

Otake whirled around, trying to dodge falling cannons and the blast of firearms as the battle raged on. It had been a sudden attack, a foreign army from the north rushed into the mountain camp, seeking the armaments no doubt. Oda forces were of the few using foreign weapons so it was no surprise that others would seek to take them. Lord Yoritsuna had not assigned her to the battlefield, but caught off guard as they were, everyone was forced into defense. She winced at the tightness around her chest, struggling to breathe. It had been one thing to serve tea and do simple scouting routes with her chest bindings, that had been a requirement of women warriors, but this was becoming too burdensome. Jumping behind some pine brush, tanto in hand she cut the bindings, removed the wrapping and exhaled in relief. Drawing the other blade from its sheath, she readied herself to leap through the fray and get to safety.

Cannon fire wrung out again, shouts of startled men and soldiers falling from the smoking towers caught her off guard and she tumbled out from behind the bushes. Bits of ash fell from a twilight sky, as she raced passed the battling warriors. Glancing up she noticed the invaders banners wafting in the breeze, deep blue with a golden circle. Having been in the service of Lord Yoritsuna for such a short time, she had no knowledge of clan banners and crests, all she knew was this was dangerous and she needed to survive.

In the chaos, she failed to see a samurai running right toward her and they nearly collided. Startled, Otake stopped short and kicked out her feet, striking the man in the chest, knocking him over. Quick as hawk talons, she caught his arm and pulled it behind him, pinning him to the ground, setting her knee into his backbone. Readying her blade, she reeled back and moved to pierce him through the neck, quick like the prey she hunted, when she heard him cry out, “Wait! W-wait! Hold on a minute!!”

In that moment, Otake stopped and looked down at the man she’d caught. Her heart fluttered in her chest at his appearance. Though flushed with exertion and dirty from the battle and being thrown to the ground, her eyes followed a river of gold. Golden eyes squinted up at her, bright like the sun. Donned in crimson robes and bright sea green belt, he stood out so brightly compared to the other warriors. And his face…only old and gloom-ridden men had been her company for so long but this man…he was different.

She leaped up, releasing him as soon as she’d caught him, and stepped back into the shade of a nearby pine tree.

Otake basked in the presence of the stranger picking up his fallen spear as he stood, tossing his golden hair and quickly brushing the dirt from his nose. Her heart was pounding now as she took in his wild appearance. Kimono disheveled, eyes bright with adrenaline, heaving hard breath in the dust and smoke of the battlefield. Catching sight of her, the stranger seemed startled.

“O-oh! Sorry Miss, I didn’t see you coming. But you’ve got a mean right hook. Really knocked the wind out of me! Haha.” He swaggered a little, placing a hand on his neck where she’d almost cut him, sweating nervously.

Spotting a symbol on his red kimono, she was intrigued by the crest of bamboo leaves and fluttering birds. Otake pointed to it with her short sword and said, “What clan are you?”

“Where are my manners?” he man chuckled. “Date clan is where I’m from. Don’t worry were just paying a friendly visit to your lord.”

“Lord Yoritsuna?”

“Yoritsuna? You work for him?” the stranger grimaced, glancing around. “Oh, I thought you were working for the bowl cut kappa Katsuie. No matter, whatever clan you hail from, I won’t hurt you.”

Otake stared at him, frowning. “Why not? I almost killed you.”

He smiled gently, eyes glinting in the waning light. “A real samurai would never hurt a lady.”

Otake blushed at that remark. She almost could not keep his gaze, it was piercing and yet kind. He was beautiful. She was sure…he was the most handsome man she had ever seen.

He strutted now, placing the spear on his shoulder and tossing his hair once more. “Date Shigezane’s the name.” Grinning broadly, he radiated confidence. “May I ask yours?”

Breath almost seemed lost to her, as she trembled, still grasping her twin short swords in her hands. They felt itchy and sweaty. She was sweating now and not from the battlefield. Pressing her lips together nervously, she replied, “Otake.”

“Oh,” Shigezane sighed, his eyes wandering down to gaze at her round shoulders then came back up to meet hers again. “Otake…that’s a pretty name. I would’ve almost thought you were going to say…Kaguya.”

“Kaguya?” Otake raised an eyebrow.

“Yeah, you know, Kaguya! The bamboo princess?”

“Oh, no I haven’t heard of her.”

“Well,” Shigezane sidled closer to her; she could almost feel his warmth on her face. “Kaguya was born among the bamboo groves but turns out she was really a maiden of heaven, so beautiful even the emperor sought her hand.” Otake watched the sparkle of setting sunlight dance in his amber eyes. “Have you come down from heaven to grace the world of mortal men with your beauty…Lady Otake?”

Such sweet words, she did not know how to react. On this chaotic field of battle, she was being wooed by an enemy soldier! Her faced flushed a deeper red, sweat beading on her forehead and her heart raced.

From somewhere in the distance a battle cry rang out. A duel was raging atop the hill; Otake caught sight of emerald wind and azure lightning. Master Katsuie was fighting some general she did not know, but the air was full of static like a lightning storm. The golden haired samurai turned to look, and remarked, “Ha, looks like Bon’s got him on the ropes. This’ll be over soon.”

From across the now cooling battlefield, a deep stern voice shouted toward them. “Shigezane! Stop flirting and get back to your post!”

A frown crossed the golden samurai’s face. “Fine! Gimme a minute, Tsuna!”

Otake found herself at a loss as he turned to face her again, his sunshine smile still bright as mid-day though the sun had already set. “I hope our paths will cross again one day.”

And quick as they had met one another, he was gone. Otake remained there under the pine tree until the troops began to regroup. She watched as the blue and gold banners fluttered away toward the horizon, and the boisterous shouting of the Date warriors had abated.

***

The stars shimmered brightly in the evening sky, and she marveled at their twinkling as she had most of her life living in the countryside. But this time, it felt different. Master Shigezane of Date Clan…had he really called her a maiden of heaven? Impossible! She was just a homely country girl. Her soaring heart began to fall like a star as she realized he may have been joking with her. Or perhaps…

Otake smiled to herself and giggled a little, remembering the way he strutted, flexed his well toned arms and chirped sweet words. Oh, how much he reminded her of a bright feathered flirting cockerel. Gazing off to the star-studded north, Otake smiled to herself, and softly sang a folk song her grandfather had shared with her, from an island by the sea…

“Basabasa no yami

Waishi no keiro hikari

Take wa no uta ga

Osore wa nai…”

(Basabasa in the dark)

(Light a path for me)

(Songs in the bamboo grove)

(I am not afraid)

The magical cockatrice hiding in the bamboo forest, with a tongue of flame, had brought fire to her soul with his tender words and handsome form. Otake hoped and prayed he had not been an illusion, merely an apparition so like the vanishing Basan bird in fairy-tales. She remembered his warmth, his smile, and the sparkle in his eyes. The mothers and grandmothers of her village had told her stories of falling in love…could this be…? Otake held her hands over her heart and prayed that she would somehow...someday...see Master Shigezane again.