#Warlord and the Waif

[shesamreads]

People enjoy bully romances. I don't, but I know people do. Parts at the beginning of this book, to me, are treading awfully close.

Not bad, though its less Beauty and the Beast then I was expecting. The world Chloe built is interesting, and I will probably pick up the next book.

Ella was stolen from her life in the 1970s, and after at least 100 years, wakes up in an alien auction.

Calder buys her as a "housemaid"/servent for his castle. He's under a painful curse and finds out, for some reason, Ella provides relief.

She doesn't know that, because they don't communicate, other than him being gruff and demanding. She brings up a very good point: how can she consent to his advances when he basically owns her? This frustrates Calder and he becomes more gruff and demanding.

I get it. Its a Beauty and the Beast retelling. But dude, Ella has an excellent point.

“I’m not a prop in your little game, Calder, and I can’t read your mind." Truth! Calder knows how Ella is, and still throws her blind into a new, tense, situation with the Magisters. If you wanted her to act a certain way, maybe TALKING TO HER would have solved that problem.

-

"Should I tell her?"

Yes! Communicate, Calder!

-

Saved by the power of marriage!

An love, obviously. The handfasting is what clinched it, though. Curses are weird.

-

I want a book about Jack next. Portia, too. She deserves some love

-

Ella giving her brother's dog tags to Lucien as they're about to send his body into space. Calder approving, saying “I would be honored if you sent him with Lucien. No one should be alone in the vastness of space.”

😭😭😭

[specsthesecond]

°❆⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❆⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❆⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❆⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°

When you wake up you're alone, it's just you and the fire. The disappointment you feel terrifies you. You should be relieved to be alone, you should feel safer now that the Orc isn't near you.

Orcs are brutal warlords, everyone knows this, they can't be trusted. You glower at the fire and manage to shuffle a little closer to the hearth. The idea of just leaving before the Orc can come back floats in your mind but it quickly dissipates when you try and sit up. Your limbs betray you, your arms shake and falter under your weight as if you're a pathetic waif and not a self-sufficient woman of the woods.

You slump back to the floor and bundle the thick wool blanket tighter around your still naked frame. Surely your clothes are dry by now. You take on the burdensome task of looking around the living room for your clothes but freeze when you see the big green figure standing in the connected kitchen. His back is facing you as he moves around, opening cabinets and draws with an unnerving quietness. How could you not have heard him? The realization paralyses you, have your senses dulled that much from the hypothermia?

As if he could sense your fear he turns around and locks eyes with you. His dark eyes make your heartbeat jolt and you turn over to avoid looking at them or him. You look around again for your clothes and finally spot them on a wooden drying rack next to the hearth. You try and scooch your body towards it but you can only really wriggle on the floor. You hear him stepping closer and the fear just rises with every step, you try and reach out for your clothes but he gets to them before you.

If you had energy you would yell something vulgar but your anger quickly settles into confusion when the massive man sits behind you and gently brings you into a seated position supporting your back against his chest. You go even more limp as he slowly brings your hands through the long sleeves of your shirt and pulls the garment over your head with some difficulty on your part because of the strenuous action on your sore muscles.

He buttons up the shirt and you want to slap his hands away but you can't, your fingers are far too numb to be doing any fine motor functions like that anyway. He then does the same with your pants, gently pulling them into each leg. The softness that he treats you with is upsetting, like he looks down on you. You can feel his breaths on your ear and you can feel how he tenses when you wince at a particularly painful movement. It's all so humiliating.

When he's done he lets your head slump onto the pillow again. He put a pillow on the floor for you? How have you only noticed that now? He walks off into his kitchen again and leaves you to stare shamefully into the fire. If you tried to leave, even if you could make it out the door, you'd probably just freeze to death or be saved again by this stranger and be even more humiliated than you are now.

The orc comes back with a steaming mug and plate. He helps you sit up and positions you up against his chest again. You absolutely hate how easily you relax into his warmth. He holds the mug up for you to take and you hesitantly reach out and curl your fingers around the warm ceramic, holding it to your chest and assessing the contents.

It smells earthy and sweet. You take a tiny sip and your taste buds sing. It tastes like honey and a woody spice you can't place. You down the whole cup in no time, almost spilling as your arms struggle with the exertion of holding it up. You gulp down the last of the thick hot liquid and sigh in relief. You hear a very irritating amused huff from the orc behind you as he takes the mug and lifts the plate up in front of you. It's filled with hot steaming buns, it smells divine and you pick one up only to drop it back on the plate when it burns your fingers.

The hot food nips at the sensitive skin on your fingertips painfully. The digits are still cold and numb, not cooperating with what you want them to do. You try again but quickly drop the hot bun onto the plate once more. The orc sets the plate into your lap and carefully maneuvers you so that you sit across his crossed legs, like sitting bridal style. He picks up a hot bun and holds it to your mouth, after a moment of hesitation you finally give up even more of your dignity and bite into the delicious smelling treat. You barely stop yourself from moaning at the taste.

You make the mistake of looking up at his face, you haven't actually gotten a good look at his face until now and you almost choke on your bun when you do. He looks nothing like the depictions of orcs you've seen and read, they're supposed to be ugly and scary beasts who pillage and kill for fun. Looking at this him you can't help the uncertainty that trickles into everything you know about orcs. Concern is written all over his orcish features just like his cautious movements.

His tusks have little carvings on them, shallow indents in the ivory so beautiful and intricate it's difficult to imagine orc hands carving them. You realize he's also staring at you and you wonder if he's thinking similar things about your human features. You have no idea how orcs perceive humans but if it's anything like how humans perceive orcs it can't be very good.

A sudden guilt comes over you and you have to look away from the orc. You stare at your lap, where you sit comfortably in his hold and accept another hot bun he holds out for you. You can feel his hand hesitate on your back, he wants to comfort you but he's...scared?

If you're honest you're scared too, you can't even remember how long it's been since you just talked to another person let alone touched someone. With a full belly and a warm face, you drift off once again against this stranger's chest wondering if it's been just as long for him.

°❆⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❆⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❆⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❆⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❆

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[stitching-in-time]

Voyager rewatch: season 3 recap

Season 3 overall was really strong, I think it's actually Voyager's peak, for me. We'd left behind the Kazon and the Vidians, and hadn't encountered the Borg yet, so without the recurring villians, there was a greater variety of stories being explored than any other season, which made it more fun and interesting. There's some real classics among this season's eps, and I feel like all the characters got some great moments, and showed nice growth over the course of the season.

Things I liked:

Voyager's first foray into two part episodes, which gave us an opportunity for more epic stories, which were very cool.

They finally let Tom just be a nice person, no more jerky dudebro nonsense! Just a sweet sunshine boy! I love him, your honor!!

They started to give Kes some more substantial things to do, let her grow up a little, and break up with Neelix, finally. I wish we'd have been able to see her do more and grow beyond this season.

They actually gave us the beginnings of a canon romance between Tom and B'Elanna, which was acknowleged, and developed over the rest of the series. Such a relief to not have to endure endless implying, and pining, only to have it be brushed aside whenever a romance of the week plot came along, like every other pairing in Star Trek up till that point.

Things I didn't like:

So many of Kes's plots still revolving around romances with men. I guess all the writers must have been into waif girls, because she was getting romantic stuff way too often, way more than the rest of the crew, and it was bordering on fetishizing her, tbh.

Forever disappointed that B'Elanna and Kes never actually had a scene together that wasn't with or about the Doctor. Sure, as an engineer and a nurse, the most frequent way for their paths to cross would be when the EMH needed repairs, but it would have been nice if they could have gone on an away mission together, or had a conversation in the mess hall, and talked about something besides him at least once in three whole damn years. They've given every other combination of characters at least one solo interaction, except the two of them, and they're 2 of only 3 women in the main crew. Would it really have been so hard to come up with even one scene of two women talking to eachother about something other than a man?

Neelix is still not respecting Tuvok's boundaries, despite treating Kes better, finally, and being less of a jerk in general.

Season 3 stats:

Crew compliment at start of season: 148 (it's still stated to be 148 at the end of the season, which is clearly incorrect after 5 crew died. Unless whoever came up with the first number was excluding non- crew crew, and hadn't been counting the Doctor, since he's a hologram, Naomi Wildman, since she's a baby, or Neelix and Kes, since they're not uniformed, ranked crew. But even then, 147 is the most it could be total on board at end of season.)

Crew members killed off: 5

Crewman Hogan, Crewman Lon Suder, unnamed Crewman (Basics pt. 2)

Ensign Martin (Warlord)

Ensign Kaplan (Unity)

Romantic subplots:

Kes and Harry win the romance derby with a grand total of 5 romantic subplots each this season, though Kes's were all main plots (let that poor girl rest, dudes!!), while Harry's were all minor subplots. The Doctor comes in second with 4.

Harry: 3 without kiss (Remember, Alter Ego, Before and After) 2 with kiss (Favorite Son)

B'Elanna: 1 without kiss (Vorik in Blood Fever), 2 with kiss (Tom in Blood Fever [ongoing from then on], Remember [sort of- she was reliving scenes from someone's else's life in Remember, so it wasn't really her, even though it was- Star Trek just be weird like that!])

Tom: 2 with kiss (Future's End, Blood Fever [ongoing from then on]), 1 without kiss (Before and After)

Kes: 1 with kiss (the hot alien guy in Darkling), 2 without (the Doctor being obsessed with her in Darkling, Tom in the alternate timeline in Before and After), sorta 1 with and 1 without?? (Warlord) [there were lots of attempts at seduction going on in this ep, but she's possessed at the time, so it's not really her when she kisses Tuvok, but it is her when the warlord guy tries to seduce her, but it's in her mind- it was weird, idk!]

Tuvok: sort of(?) 1 with kiss [when the Warlord guy tries to seduce him] (Warlord), 1 without kiss (Alter Ego)

The Doctor: sort of 2 with kiss [he kisses two holographic women at the luau] (Alter Ego) 2 without kiss (his holographic wife in Real Life, and Kes in Darkling [if you can call being obsessed with someone romantic...])

Chakotay: 1 without (Unity) [but we presume they kissed, since they obviously had sex. You knew her for three days dude, what about Kathryn, huh??]

Shuttles destroyed: 1 for sure, possibly 3 total?

1 (Unity) [dismantled by the ex-borg on the planet Chakotay crashes on]

1? (Future's End) [presumably destroyed, since it crashed in Arizona and they didn't mention it being recovered]

1? (Real Life) [tbh i don't remember if Tom's shuttle got destroyed by the subspace eddy, or if they beamed the whole shuttle out?? I'm too busy to go back and find out lol.]

Number of episodes I liked/disliked/mixed reaction:

Liked: 15

Disliked: 7

Mixed: 4

[my-romance-library]

'Immortals After Dark' series - Kresley Cole

Every creature or being that was thought to be mythical . . . isn’t.

They all secretly exist alongside humans and enjoy the gift of immortality. There are hundreds of different kinds: from Vampires to Lykae, from Furies to Shifters, from the Fey to Valkyries.

These immortals call their world The Lore.

You may have had a brush with one of Lorekind already. The eccentric billionaire with hypnotic charisma—and an aversion to sunlight. The ethereal waif of impossible beauty—whose fingernails look more like claws. The Highlander with a seventeenth-century Scottish accent and animal magnetism—who can never be penciled in on the night of the full moon.

They walk among us, but they war among themselves. Each faction has its strengths, weaknesses, and age old prejudices against the others. Every five hundred years, the Accession, a battle for supremacy, rages. That time is now. . . .

Favourites:

The Warlord Wants Forever (#1)

Nikolai Wroth, once a ruthless human warlord in the 1700s and now a general in the rebel vampire army, needs to find his bride, the one woman who can render him truly alive. As a turned human, he doesn't enjoy a heartbeat or breathing and is consequently weaker than fully blooded vampires. He wants his bride for the power she will bring him and can hardly believe it when his heart beats for Myst the Coveted, a mad, fey, mythological creature.

She eludes him for five years, but he has finally chased her to ground and stolen the jewel which commands her, giving him absolute power over her. While he possesses it, he can make her do anything, and he plans to in order for her to experience firsthand the agonizing, unending lust she'd purposely subjected him to for half a decade. Yet when Wroth realizes he wants more from her and frees her, will she come.

---

A Hunger Like No Other (#2)

A fierce werewolf and a bewitching vampire become unlikely soul mates whose passion will test the boundaries of life and death.

After enduring years of torture from the vampire horde, Lachlain MacRieve, leader of the Lykae Clan, is enraged to find the predestined mate he’s waited millennia for is a vampire. Or partly one. Emmaline Troy is a small, ethereal half Valkyrie/half vampire, who somehow begins to soothe the fury burning within him.

---

No Rest for the Wicked (#3)

A vampire soldier weary of life...

Centuries ago, Sebastian Wroth was turned into a vampire—a nightmare in his mind—against his will. Burdened with hatred and alone for ages, he sees little reason to live. Until an exquisite, fey creature comes to kill him, inadvertently saving him instead.

A valkyrie assassin dispatched to destroy him...

When Kaderin the Cold Hearted lost her two beloved sisters to a vampire attack long ago, a benevolent force deadened her sorrow—accidentally extinguishing all of her emotions. Yet whenever she encounters Sebastian, her feelings—particularly lust—emerge multiplied. For the first time, she's unable to complete a kill.

Competitors in a legendary hunt...

The prize of the month-long contest is powerful enough to change history, and Kaderin will do anything to win it for her sisters. Wanting only to win her, forever, Sebastian competes as well, taking every opportunity—as they travel to ancient tombs and through catacombs, seeking relics around the world—to use her new feelings to seduce her. But when forced to choose between the vampire she's falling for and reuniting her family, how can Kaderin live without either?

---

Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night (#4)

Her breathless kiss haunts him...

Bowen MacRieve of the Lykae clan was nearly destroyed when he lost the one woman meant for him. The ruthless warrior grew even colder, never taking another to his bed—until a smoldering encounter with his enemy, Mariketa the Awaited, reawakens his darkest desires. When sinister forces unite against her, the Highlander finds himself using all his strength and skill to keep her alive.

His slow, hot touch is irresistible...

Temporarily stripped of her powers, Mari is forced to take refuge with her sworn adversary. It's rumored that no one can tempt Bowen's hardened heart, but soon passion burns between them. Though a future together is impossible, she fears he has no intention of letting her go.

No deed is too wicked for her seduction...

If they defeat the evil that surrounds them, can Mari deny Bowen when he demands her body and soul—or will she risk everything for her fierce protector?

---

Dark Needs at Night's Edge (#5)

A RAVEN-HAIRED TEMPTRESS OF THE DARK...

Néomi Laress, a famous ballerina from a past century, became a phantom the night she was murdered. Imbued with otherworldly powers but invisible to the living, she haunts her beloved home, scaring away trespassers -- until she encounters a ruthless immortal even more terrifying than Néomi herself.

A VAMPIRE WARRIOR CONSUMED BY MADNESS...

To prevent him from harming others, Conrad Wroth's brothers imprison him in an abandoned manor. But there, a female only he can see seems determined to drive him further into madness. The exquisite creature torments him with desire, leaving his body racked with lust and his soul torn as he finds himself coveting her for his own.

HOW FAR WILL HE GO TO CLAIM HER?

Yet even if Conrad can win Néomi, evil still surrounds her. Once he returns to the brutality of his past to protect her, will he succumb to the dark needs seething inside him?

---

Dark Desires After Dusk (#6)

A seductive beauty he can never have, yet can't resist...

Cadeon Woede will stop at nothing to atone for the one wrong that will haunt him forever. But once he secures the key to his redemption, the halfling Holly Ashwin, Cade finds that the woman he thought he could use for his own ends and then forget haunts him as much as his past.

A tormented warrior she should fear, but can't deny...

Raised as a human, Holly never knew that some frightening legends are real until she encounters a brutal demon who inexplicably guards her like a treasure. Thrust into a sensual new world of myth and power, with him as her protector, she begins to crave the demon's wicked touch.

Surrender to dark desires...

Yet just when he earns Holly's trust, will Cade be forced to betray the only woman who can sate his wildest needs -- and claim his heart?

---

Kiss of a Demon King (#7)

HIS OBSESSION...

Sabine, Sorceress of Illusions: the evil beauty who surrenders her body, but not her heart.

HER DOWNFALL...

Rydstrom Woede: the ruthless warrior who vows to keep her at all costs.

THEY WERE NEVER SUPPOSED TO WANT EACH OTHER THIS MUCH...

With each smoldering encounter, their shared hunger only increases. If they can defeat the sinister enemy that stands between them, will Sabine make the ultimate sacrifice for her demon? Or will the proud king lay down his crown and arms to save his sorceress?

---

Pleasure of a Dark Prince (#9)

A DANGEROUS BEAUTY...

Lucia the Huntress: as mysterious as she is exquisite, she harbors secrets that threaten to destroy her -- and those she loves.

AN UNCONTROLLABLE NEED...

Garreth MacRieve, Prince of the Lykae: the brutal Highland warrior who burns to finally claim this maddeningly sensual creature as his own.

THAT LEAD TO A PLEASURE SO WICKED....

From the shadows, Garreth has long watched over Lucia. Now, the only way to keep the proud huntress safe from harm is to convince her to accept him as her guardian. To do this, Garreth will ruthlessly exploit Lucia's greatest weakness -- her wanton desire for him.

---

Demon from the Dark (#10)

A DANGEROUS DEMON SHE CAN'T RESIST . . .

Malkom Slaine: tormented by his sordid past and racked by vampiric hungers, he's pushed to the brink by the green-eyed beauty under his guard.

A MADDENING WITCH HE ACHES TO CLAIM . . .

Carrow Graie: hiding her own sorrows, she lives only for the next party or prank. Until she meets a tortured warrior worth saving.

TRAPPED TOGETHER IN A SAVAGE PRISON . . .

In order for Malkom and Carrow to survive, he must unleash both the demon and vampire inside him. When Malkom becomes the nightmare his own people feared, will he lose the woman he craves body and soul?

---

Dreams of a Dark Warrior (#11)

He Vowed He'd Come For Her...

Murdered before he could wed Regin the Radiant, warlord Aidan the Fierce seeks his beloved through eternity, reborn again and again into new identities, yet with no memory of his past lives.

She Awaits His Return...

When Regin encounters Declan Chase, a brutal Celtic soldier, she recognizes her proud warlord reincarnated. But Declan takes her captive, intending retribution against all immortals—unaware that he belongs to their world.

To Sate A Desire More Powerful Than Death...

Yet every reincarnation comes with a price, for Aidan is doomed to die when he remembers his past. To save herself from Declan’s torments, will Regin rekindle memories of the passion they once shared—even if it means once again losing the only man she could ever love?

---

Lothaire (#12)

All fear the enemy of old.

Driven by his insatiable need for revenge, Lothaire, the Lore’s most ruthless vampire, plots to seize the Horde’s crown. But bloodlust and torture have left him on the brink of madness—until he finds Elizabeth Peirce, the key to his victory. He captures the unique young mortal, intending to offer up her very soul in exchange for power, yet Elizabeth soothes his tormented mind and awakens within him emotions Lothaire believed he could no longer experience.

A deadly force dwells within her.

Growing up in desperate poverty, Ellie Peirce yearned for a better life, never imagining she’d be convicted of murder—or that an evil immortal would abduct her from death row. But Lothaire is no savior, as he himself plans to sacrifice Ellie in one month’s time. And yet the vampire seems to ache for her touch, showering her with wealth and sexual pleasure. In a bid to save her soul, Ellie surrenders her body to the wicked vampire, while vowing to protect her heart.

Centuries of cold indifference shattered.

Elizabeth tempts Lothaire beyond reason, as only his fated mate could. As the month draws to a close, he must choose between a millennia-old blood vendetta and his irresistible prisoner. Will Lothaire succumb to the miseries of his past—or risk everything for a future with her?

---

Dark Skye (#15)

ETERNAL OBSESSION

As a boy, Thronos, prince of Skye Hall, loved Lanthe, a mischievous Sorceri girl who made him question everything about his Vrekener clan. But when the two got caught in the middle of their families’ war, tragedy struck, leaving Thronos and Lanthe bitter enemies. Though centuries have passed, nothing can cool his seething need for the beautiful enchantress who scarred his body—and left an even deeper impression on his soul.

ENDLESS YEARNING

Lanthe, a once-formidable sorceress struggling to reclaim her gifts, searches for love and acceptance with all the wrong immortal suitors. But she’s never forgotten Thronos, the magnificent silver-eyed boy who protected her until she was ripped from the shelter of his arms. One harrowing night changed everything between them. Now he’s a notorious warlord with a blood vendetta against Lanthe, hunting her relentlessly.

CAN THE HEAT OF DESIRE BURN BRIGHTER THAN VENGEANCE?

With their families locked in conflict and battles raging all around them, will Thronos and Lanthe succumb to the brutal chaos that threatens everything they cherish? Or will the fragile bond they formed so long ago spark a passion strong enough to withstand even the darkest doubts?

---

Sweet Ruin (#16)

A foundling raised in a world of humans

Growing up, orphaned Josephine didn't know who or what she was - just that she was 'bad', an outcast with strange powers. Protecting her baby brother Thaddeus became her entire life. The day he was taken away began Jo's transition from angry girl… to would-be superhero… to ruthless villain.

A lethally sensual enforcer on a mission

Whether by bow or in bed, archer Rune the Baneblood never fails to eliminate his target. In his sights: the oldest living Valkyrie. Yet before he can strike, he encounters a vampiric creature whose beauty mesmerizes him. With one bite, she pierces him with aching pleasure, stealing his forbidden blood - and jeopardizing the secrets of his brethren.

A boundless passion that will lead to sweet ruin…

Could this exquisite female be a spy sent by the very Valkyrie he hunts? Rune knows he must not trust Josephine, yet he's unable to turn her away. When Jo betrays the identity of the one man she will die to protect, she and Rune become locked in a treacherous battle of wills that pits ultimate loyalty against unbridled lust.

---

Wicked Abyss (#17)

As a boy, Abyssian "Sian" Infernas had his heart shattered by a treacherous fey beauty who died before he could exact vengeance. Millennia later, a curse has transformed him into a demonic monster--just as she's been reincarnated. Sian captures the delicate but bold female, forcing her back to hell.

Meets his match.

Princess Calliope "Lila" Barbot's people have hated and feared Abyssian and his alliance of monsters for eons. When the beastly demon imprisons her in his mystical castle, vowing revenge for betrayals she can't remember, Lila makes her own vow: to bring down the wicked beast for good.

Can two adversaries share one happily-ever-after?

As Calliope turns hell inside out, the all-powerful Sian finds himself defenseless against his feelings for her. In turn, Lila reluctantly responds to the beast's cleverness and gruff vulnerability. But when truths from a far distant past are revealed, can their tenuous bond withstand ages of deceit, a curse, and a looming supernatural war?

---

[shepherd-bones]

TLDR: I'm bitter about the One Piece fandom and Fujitora.

Someone made a popular illustration depicting 13 characters from One Piece's Dressrosa Arc and didn't include Fujitora.

Was he the most important character of that arc? No, obviously Luffy, Law, the Donquixote brothers, Rebecca, Kyros, Leo, and Sabo were all more important.

But Franky, Robin, Usopp, and Zoro? Bartolomeo? I love them and yes, they all had their parts in stopping Doflamingo, but why them and not Fujitora too?

He finally acknowledged how the government failed those living under warlords. He, through his apology, publicly shamed the government for choosing power over innocents, and was able work to get the warlord system abolished. He wants to right the wrongs of the government, and the first big step to that was in Dressrosa.

And he's just?? A legitimately kind old man?? He could've easily stopped Luffy but let them go?? Think about Akainu and Kizaru in comparison! They all but hunt him for sport, while Fujitora was waxing poetic about what a kind young man he must be as he let him escape!

Does the fandom just hate him because he's not just muscle, that he's an accurate depiction of an older man? I know it's not because he's an admiral, because people have loved Aokiji since before he quit the Marines. Do people not like to draw him because they aren't used to drawing older people? People with facial scars more than a single line? People that aren't waifs?

Like, I give them props for drawing Franky and drawing him so well, and I guess Bartolomeo to an extent.

I know I'm making too big a deal out of this, but goddamn.

[viscerate]

"female manipulator" is so boring. oh youre a little waif with an ed? you love diet coke and lana? i want to raise an army and give a military speech so convincing they are proud to die for me. i want to be a female warlord

[abeautifulblog]

3 for the meta ask!

3. What is that one scene that you’ve always wanted to write but can’t be arsed to write all of the set-up and context it would need?

I dunno about "always wanted," but here's one for you. Fuckin' knee-deep in fanfic tropes but:

warlord!Geralt AU (not inex's universe, just warlord)

soulmate-identifying-marks AU

could be A/B/O, who knows! dealer's choice.

So Witchers are taught to disregard their marks and not try seek out their soulmates, and Geralt (raised to be a witcher not a warlord) had never really given his much thought.

Unfortunately, Geralt's hypothetical soulmate is of a lot more interest now that he's at the head of an empire, and someone on the inside leaks information about his soul mark to his political enemies. The bad guys use it to track down Jaskier (who is languishing in sexual slavery like some Dickensian waif, because if I'm playing trope bingo, I am playing to win), and all of a sudden he is the pawn at the center of the most high-stakes game of thrones on the continent—because even though Geralt's never met Jaskier before, it's not like he can just disregard the fact that they've got his fucking soulmate held hostage.

Both sides quickly find themselves at a stalemate though, because while Geralt is willing to make some concessions in exchange for Jaskier's safety and comfort, the people holding Jaskier captive are never actually going to let him go, since he's all the leverage they've got and everyone knows it. Yet at the same time, there are some things that Geralt can't compromise for the sake of one man, not even his soulmate, and so everyone is stymied and unable to make a move—

Until Jaskier decides, Fuck this and fuck you, my soulmate is the warlord of the godsdamned north and you will not keep me from him, and winds up garroting like six people with his lute strings when he takes the initiative to rescue his own damn self.

Anyway.

The whole thing is ludicrously self-indulgent and tropey, but Jaskier's jailbreak scene compels me. It's such a very powerful moment when a character who everyone assumed was thoroughly beaten-down and broken reaches inside themself and finds the strength to fight back.

[ranmanjuu]

Hello! I really enjoy you Gen Z MC headcanons a lot! Can you make headcanons for Non-Native/American MC? Like, Japanese isn’t her first language and while she got some words and phrases down, she still struggles a lot. Especially with saying names correctly. So, she give our warlords silly nicknames or just completely pronounces it word. Just with the Oda Forces right now. Thank you!

thanks for the request! as someone who's bilingual and Fluent in None, i'll try my best lol. and iirc sengoku japan has some differences in their writing than modern japan, but i'm Not sure to what extent because i'm no Expert™. and this is from my personal experience, so not everything may apply (aha i'm no american)

—oda forces with non-native/american mc

—nobunaga:

consider him intrigued! he’s met a few portugese men and a few other nationalities from the west trading, but he didn’t expect his fireball to be one!

pre-learning you came from the future, he was a bit confused on why some of your words sound different than what the others were speaking. it’s still japanese, he knows that for a fact, but it’s slightly different.

your responses in conversation come slowly, and sometimes not even correctly. he sees the way you kind of falter each time someone corrects you, then steel your eyes in resolve in speaking correctly. he’ll wait for them patiently all the same.

if you’re ever to use a phrase wrong or say a word you didn’t mea nto say, he’ll let out a loud guffaw. he doesn’t correct you (most times), it’s a bit entertaining how a sentence can sound funny to him while you remain clueless.

if it’s of any need, or perhaps you asked for it (because japanese was already hard, the fact that it has differences from the one you were learning adds to the weigh), he will order to have someone tutor you.

as time passes, you become more and more fluent. and by then, nobunaga will invite you to his tenshu on sleepless nights, and demands that you tell him how your country is. it’s land, the culture, anything and everything. and he’ll listen in very carefully—he really is interested.

when the two of you are alone, he often encourages you to “do it how you do in your land.” it’s a way of learning more outside japan, and learning more about you! in a time when you’re stressed with all the shocks, he wants his fireball to be comfortable at least.

sometimes he goes above and beyond once you’re in a relationship. you can’t use chopsticks and prefer to use cutlery? well, the portugese had a supply, so he got ‘em. you want a specific fabric that isn’t available in the market and maybe even the country in general? trades, baby!

he’s a bit interested in some of your words, even if he can’t exactly use them in japanese. (we talkin things like “y’all”, etc.)

you call him “naga”, mostly due to the “nobu” part heavily influenced by your accent. you’re the only one who he’ll allow to call him that.

and if anyone, even another daimyo, comments about your foreignity, they’ll have to face with him personally.

—hideyoshi:

as any other time, he still suspects you. hideyoshi doesn’t doubt that you’re a foreigner—the clothes you wore and lack of knowledge of most things seems to prove it. but that doesn’t mean you’re not dangerous.

so, for the first few days, he tailed you everywhere. and he got to be a witness of your struggles in mostly language. even talking to the maids become a challenge as you stumble across your sentences and still make mistakes. he saw how, when you don’t manage to get what you want to say across, you just shook your head dejectedly with a small, “sorry, nevermind.”

his suspicion picked away slowly from that point. but it wasn’t gone; he just felt immensely guilty for tailing you now.

until, one day, you walked into a soldier harshly scolding a maid. what’s the matter? something about...sword training...’not supposed to do that, you’re a woman’...? the longer you listen and try to decipher it, the more you hear some sexist bullshit. and you were not tolerating.

“hey, stop that!” the two looked at you now, and only after you said that did you realize you’re gonna have to make your argument in japanese,”what if she want to.. sword... practice...”

as you went on, your voice died and your grasp of the language seems to fade away. the soldier took advantage, and swept in like an eagle, “hah, what do you know about fighting, huh?! much less speaking japanese!”

you stopped right there, your heart stung and twisting. the air became suffocating, shrinking down your body and blurring the world. thankfully, hideyoshi, who’s seen everything, stepped in. your vision only regained once the soldier and maid were gone, with hide speaking as soft as he’s ever been, “are you okay?”

with reassurance from you, he apologizes, and so comes to an agreement to start over. from then on, he became the overbearing mother he is.

he’s always looking after you whenever he can. aiding you in speaking, teaching you some basic customs, all that jazz. worry plagues him 24/7 about you, what if you got kidnapped, or what if a ronin attacked you because of accidental provoking?!

you had to spend a long, long time convinving him you were fine.

he always reinforces the, “say the t word instead of sorry” principle if you apologize because of your lack of knowledge.

you often call him “yoshi” now (same pronounciation as yoshi from mario lol) since you spent,, so long calling the ‘hide” part like hide in hide n’ seek.

and while he doesn’t tolerate people who make any bad remarks about you, if it’s someone like a daimyo, he’ll hold it in and curse them to hell afterwards.

—mitsuhide:

a little mouse from another land, hm? this’ll be interesting.

he often teases you at first. it’s a bit inviting, how you keep mixing up words and he could make you think it’s correct, delivering a message that was misspelled, and even telling you to write something (the japanese writing system,,,, shudders)

but if it genuinely upsets you, he will tone it down.

ntb cruel, but he finds it a bit charming of how helpless you are at times. a jittery little mouse, walking around the castle.

he’s quite baffled at the lack of knowledge you have. he understands it a bit, but even so, the teasings don’t stop. “my my, we have a long way to go ahead, don’t we little mouse?”

the princess lessons he gives include learning japanese, the customs (using chopsticks, bowing, etc.), and everything you should at least know. it’s often very taxing, and mitsuhide is a very strict teacher, but sometimes you wouldn’t change it for the world.

when he congratulates you at something, it feels weirdly fulfilling. he doesn’t give them often, only if you’ve done a wonderful job, but his words make your heart flutter and encourage you to do better.

man would definitely know what you’re talking about if you speak your language. he’s the mvp spy for the oda, i’d wager he knows some other languages. so if you’re muttering to yourself, be prepared to have a mitsuhide appear out of thin air and make a comment about it

and he doesn’t,, really help you at times. like when you know a word in your mother tongue, but you just can’t think about what the japanese is—all the he says is, “my, i wonder what it is.”

you just glare at him half-heartedly.

that being said, secret conversations that (most of the time) only you two know about happens here and there. maybe during a mission, he’ll whisper something into your ear with your mother language (mitsuhide is totally the type to pretend to be shit talking someone while he’s actually having a normal conversation, so)

as you two become closer, he becomes painfully aware of how vulnerable you can be, especially with someone in his position. if you were kidnapped or anything of the sorts, you can have more trouble with your captors,,

in short, he’s often very Protective of you if he needs to.

if anyone scrutinizes you in any way because of the whole foreign thing? well,, they won’t be seen ever again :)

you pronounce hide the same way like in hideyoshi’s. you called him like that,, for the longest time,,, and he still hasn’t lived it down.

despite there being two mitsus, you call mitsuhide “mitsu” (sometimes as ‘mizu’ if your tongue slips)

—ieyasu:

he’s very ice cold (as anytime at first) to you, the whole “useless waif” thing  multiplying in his salt.

you did bear with it during the first few days, but if it starts getting to you and making you visibly upset, ieyasu will slowly notice. he feels a bit bad, and the ‘avoiding people’ part of him told him to just leave it be and avoid you. but after seeing some instances of you trying your absolute best and looking so crestfallen if you’ve done the slightest bit wrong, his hearts feels obligated to apologize.

well,, apologize in his term. in his own roundabout way, he invited you to feed wasabi. most of the time it was silence, but somehow, it felt nice. comfortable.

in the end, both of you finally said something, and at the same time. “uhm, ’yasu—”  /  “look—”

you two paused, and ieyasu looked away while you held back a chuckle. “i really enjoy this. thank you.”

your  enunciation was still slipping, but the smile you sent left him almost speechless. only after you tilt your head in confusion did he go back to reality, scoffing to the side, “whatever. i don’t care what you think about this.”

it’s a bit maddening at times; you were like another mitsunari, but instead of misprocessing what he said, you often just didn’t understand. all the insults flew over your head because you didn’t know any of them. it’s like, a part of the reason why you’re so hard-headed to spend time with him.

if he were honest, he felt a bit bad seeing your state. as someone who spent time being vulnerable and having to force the world to give him a space of his own, seeing you reminded him or himself. maybe that’s part of the reason he agreed to teach you some medicine,, he wanted to give you a place. even if that place was him.

he’s very often protective of you, in his own, indirect way. he walks with you to the market even if you insist you can do it yourself, he jumps in each time you look like you need help with language—it’s a bit adorable.

you call him “yasu” or “yass” (more often the latter). the “ie” part really confused you, and while the warlord himself couldn’t care less of what you call him, you’re the only one who can nickname him like that.

—masamune:

just like mitsuhide, the man’s quite excited to see what would come from you. while you couldn’t really tell anyone off in japanese, you definitely did that in your language. and while masamune didn’t know what you said, but by the expressions you made, it was enough.

ngl, that part of you made him take you less seriously.

i’d imagine it’d be quite hard for you to keep up with him, even in just a normal conversation

he doesn’t mind the slip-ups (which can make your sentences range from bizzare to just absolute rude) and it actually fishes out a loud laugh from him. but if you happen to talk to anyone from his clan like that, even unintentionally, you’ll be in a lot of a pickle.

and by pickle i mean near death experience.

first time he saw you fumble around with your chopsticks cluelessly (and using them in less efficient ways), he didn’t understand at first, but was quick to teach you. how else were you supposed to eat and savor the flavor?

speaking of that,, since you aren’t really familiar with japanese food, you kinda dined blindly without knowing which part of the food tastes like what. masamune thought he was facing another mitsu and almost had a heart attack.

he’d gladly tell you what tastes good with what, how you should eat it, etc. etc. man would definitely feed it to you and tease you heavily while he’s at it

you’d often ask him what some foods were, even the most common. masamune gaped at you when you innocently asked him what a ‘dango’ is. and most times, you’d find the same thing on the dinner table later.

still on the topic of food, you can absolutely tell him the food from your country! actually, given the ingredients and basic instructions, he’ll absolutely make it for you if you feel homesick.

you call him “moon”, coming from how you said the “mune” part like you would in english rules (like in commune, etc.) he really liked the nickname, and it eventually stuck.

(irrelevant but you also said “date” like,, y’know, the english words date.)

(^ some puns came from that)

—mitsunari:

the first time you came to the senoku era, you were confused, but most of all, panicked. when mitsunari raised the hypothesis that you were a foreigner, you managed to catch on that one word. in a response, you pointed at him and just nodded, hoping the others would get what you were saying.

from then on, he was the first to start talking to you slowly and use basic words he’d hope you understood. in discussions where you were left in the dark, mitsunari would take the time to turn to you and explain it slowly.

you felt absolutely grateful and indebted to him. as such, no objections were raised as you were appointed as his caretaker.

through the,, trial and tribulations (him mistaking you for kitty, the almost impossible reading-trance he had), you kept patience over it all. he made you feel the most welcome, this was a way to repay him.

mitsunari himself saw you as a saint; you didn’t have to be so nice to him. he knows how unbearable he can be in terms of taking care of, it’d be way easier for you to just get it done in the fastest way possible. you absolutely objected to that, he helped you, you’d help him now.

his admiration just grew. he saw you as so, so strong and brave, held in a castle with a language you didn’t know much with customs you were a stranger to. on top of that, you were so kind and patient with those who needed help, despite your own troubles. it wasn’t love yet, but a deep-seeded admiration.

i’d like to think he knows enough of your language to hold a normal conversation in it, maybe from the books shipped from the portugese and the likes. other than sasuke, he was the one who you could just let go the worries and stress of language in talking.

to repay your repayment (which is,,,,.. nvm) he offered to help you learn japanese and the common customs. the tiny “really...?” you said, along with the slightly widened eyes littered with stars; it was something mitsunari’d never forget.

he’d always be supportive and understanding, explaining things over and over again until you understood. he’s the best teacher you could ask for.

when he started avoiding you so he could focus on work (and figure out why he feels so weird around you,,), you felt the most devastated you’ve been through your stay. he felt like the someone who you could feel the most close and safe with.

even as some people started secretly scrutinizing you as a foreigner princess, dear oblivious mitsunari kept respecting your appointed title. if someone made a rude comment about it, he’d strictly (which to him is just say it with a straight face and serious tone) remind that you rightly held the position.

you call him “navi”. at first, it was “nari” but the dull R slipped into a v somehow, and the nickname sounded  pleasant to you and him. and so it stuck

—ranmaru:

the first time you met him, it was when he hid behind you to avoid being killed. you gained just enough knowledge to understand what the guard was saying, and without much thought, jumped in. in a moment of panic from the thought of ‘this man’s life is kind of in my hands’, the stuttering and incorrect japanese switched into your fluent mother language. your mind flowed clearly by using words you were familiar with.

and while the guards didn’t understand (or anything, really), someone stepped in and deescalated the situation.

next time you saw him, you were glad to know that he was alive. he dismissed your apology of a poor defense for him considering it was in a foreign language with a gigantic hug, to which you just melted and laughed for the first time since coming.

he quickly understood that you had trouble understanding japanese, and tried to speak slower and clearer. tried. in moments of excitement, his speech would become faster and faster—to which you’d have to stop and ask him to repeat.

as your knowledge of japanese grew and grew, your conversations turned more and more fun. while you had small slip-ups, both of you would often stay in your room discussing whatever topic came to mind.

i think ranmaru would be interested in your country—what’s it like, how’s the food? are they delicious? you just laughed at his fascination and explained (more of you ranting on) many things. you missed the place, you very much do. seeing your slightly nostalgic face, ranmaru pulled you in a hug. stunned silence, your voice only came back as a weak chuckle.

“your country sounds great, my lady! i wish we can visit it someday!” he’d then say. and despite how different it’d be now than modern day, you still humored it together. “i promise.”

he’d also be gaping at how you don’t know some foods—but as opposed to masamune, he’d drag you out to town and dine at a teahouse. you’re working? it can be done later, come on!

he introduced you to many things, and you were immensely grateful for it. you couldn’t ask for a better, hyperactive friend.

due to your tongue used to the dull R, rather than a sharp R, you often just,, slurred his name into unintelligible mumbles. but now, from his own suggestion, you call him an-kun. (though more an-chan. it sounds cuter is all)

as the reveal of him being a traitor eventually came, you didn’t know what to do. you’ve known for a while; but never how to approach it. ranmaru was already prepared to take out his own life, but never in your life can you accept it.

“an-chan, weren’t we going to visit my country together,,?!” the begging, desperate voice from you made him stop in his tracks, spilling the tears from his wide eyes. they scrunch up; softer than ever.

“.... yeah. our promise, wasn’t it?” after some thought, he steeled himself up and looked you in the eyes with a new resolve, “... i’ll make sure it can be fulfilled, my lady. just—please wait for me, alright?”

[otome--fantasy]

Of Demons and Dragons

Ikemen Sengoku Imagine: Being able to turn into a dragon

Ch.8

Warnings: MC isn't physically in this one - just mentioned, slightly short

The following day a council was held at the crack of dawn, but Nobunaga was sure to not extend and invitation towards you, and instead of holding it in Azuchi's council room, it was held in the council room of Ieyasu's estate. You remained asleep while the warlords gathered to discuss the events that transpired at the hot springs.

Everyone hadn't even been seated yet when Mitsuhide noticed your lack of attendance, and he allowed a sly smile to creep on to his lips, "My Lord, are we not missing a person?"

"No," Nobunaga didn't want to raise any suspicion till he had all his bases covered, "The princess needs rest."

At that, the white haird kitsune raised a brow before turning his head to face forward with a straight face. Dear little Ryū, what did you do now?

"Right," Hideyoshi cleared his throat before he began to go over the report he composed the previous night after returning, "After Lord Nobunaga and the Princess departed castle town, Mitsunari and I headed out some time after them and kept hidden. We arrived in time to intervene in the enemy's attempts to engage with our Lord, but unfortunately the princess was caught in the crossfire and was injured anyways. However, we were able to apprehend all three of them for interrogation."

"Well? Don't keep us waiting. Did the villans confess?" Mitsuhide straightened his posture in his seat, eager to hear what the others were able to pull out of them.

"Yes," Hideyoshi confirmed, "As we suspected, they're with the group who planned the assasination attempt at Honno-ji."

"And they gave us the name of their leader," Mitsunari cut in.

"Don't be dramatic," Ieyasu sneered, "Spit it out."

"It's Kennyo, former abbot of Hongan-ji."

"Hongan-ji?" Masamune echoed, "That's the temple fortress of those Ikko-ikki warrior monks, right?" He tried and failed to hold back a laugh, "They picked a fight with Nobunaga in the first place! Now they're holding a grudge because they lost?"

"I heard he went missing after their surrender, when his temple was taken down," the blonde's brows furrowed ever so slightly. Of course, that could have just been a rumor spread to allow Kennyo time to rally more troopes.

"Yes," Mitsunari nodded in confirmation, "He appears to have spent all that time plotting his revenge."

"He's gathering the fallen monks of Ikko-ikki who feel the same," Hideyoshi cut in, "They number a little under 5,000. Not a sizable force but-"

"But when they're fueled by anger, who knows what they're capable of, right?" A smile lit up Masamune's face, "I'm impressed he can command that many men while in hiding. His talents are wasted in a monastery."

"Indeed," Mitsuhide nodded thoughtfully, "I would welcome a man of his skill working for me."

"Mitsuhide, watch your tongue," Hideyoshi interjected angrily.

"The assassins," Ieyasu attempted to real everyone back into the topic at hand, "Where are they now?"

"Yes, speaking of the assassins," Masamune raised a hand, "Earlier you said the Princess was caught in their crossfire, is she okay?"

"I let them go," Nobunaga answered Ieyasu's question first, "With a message."

"A message?"

"Yes. 'A reckoning is coming'." Nobunaga allowed a wicked smirk to cross his features for a brief moment before turning to look at Masamune, "As for the princess. She seems fine for now- once again taking her injuries in great stride. Better than a majority of our soldiers would be, in fact." He turned his attention to Ieyasu, "But that has yet to be officially determined. Ieyasu was tasked with finding out if the blade was poisoned and if it is killing her slowly."

"Yes," Ieyasu pulled out a now clean dagger - the very same one that the assassin had used to attack you, "There wasn't much left on the blade, but I was able to find trace amounts of the toxin. The herbs that were used to make it aren't anything special in that it isn't hard to find the ingredients. The toxin was supposed to incapacitate the victim, make their body numb and then paralyze them - rendering them incapable of defending themselves. And that's just if it was the right dose- assuming they were intending to harm or do worse to Lord Nobunaga, anymore than the right amount and it could cause her organs to fail.

"But the princess was able to defend herself just fine," Mitsunari seemed confused, "Or at least from what we saw."

"She didn't even stumble," Hideyoshi threw his two cents in, "She got stabbed and was able to walk and talk just fine after."

"Even lifted and threw a man across the room," now Mitsunari and the others sounded like they were debating something, trying to piece together a puzzle. Masamune burst out laughing, "Reminds me of when the lass threw me and Ieyasu across the room after the first time she was injured."

"My Lord," Hideyoshi looked to Nobunaga, "I still stand by what I said when she first arrived- she is hiding something."

The others remained silent and Nobunaga rubbed his chin in thought, "Yes," he chuckled slightly, "Here I thought she mentioned you had said you trusted her at one point," he cocked his head to the side as if to taunt his vassal, "I didn't know you were one for playing tricks, Hideyoshi. Here I thought Mitsuhide was the only one here ever so willing and capable to do such a thing." His tone was joking, he was only picking on his right hand for fun, but Hideyoshi broke eye contact with his lord at those words - looking at the wood floors as if he were ashamed of his actions.

"I told her I didn't think she was sent her to kill you, but that doesn't mean she isn't hiding anything," Hideyoshi's voice was low, like he was talking more to himself than to the others in an attempt to justify his words.

"Yes, after tonight it's clear," the raven haired warlord leaned back in his seat slightly, "She wasn't sent here to kill me -or not yet at the very least- but I do agree, she is hiding something."

Ieyasu scoffed in disbelief, "That troublesome waif," before shaking his head, "What could she possibly be capable of other than getting in the way?"

"Have you forgotten, even after I just mentioned it?" Masamune snickered, "She tossed the both of us aside like rag dolls, at the same time." The One-eyed Dragon turned his attention to Nobunaga, "Personally I think we should test her strengths, she could be useful."

"What are you suggesting, Masamune," Hideyoshi practically growled, "We send her into battle?! You saw what happened last time."

"Yes, but last time she was untrained, we should see what all she can do-"

"Enough," Nobunaga's deep voice carried through the room and silenced everyone, calling their attention to him. There was a beat of silence before Mitsuhide cleared his throat, "If I may, my Lord."

Nobunaga looked to the white haired fox and raised a brow, signaling him to go on, "I agree with Ieyasu," all heads in the room turned their attention to him, "She just some random stray, we've picked up off the road. There's nothing special about her."

"But she threw us," Masamune attempted to argue.

"Yes but was she under great stress?"

Masamune shut his mouth in order to give himself a chance to recall that day three months ago, and it occured to him, "She seemed terrified."

Mitsuhide nodded and motioned for him to go on, "Can you tell us about what lead up to it?"

Masamune swallowed, eye widening slightly as he only realized now that perhaps you had been traumatized. They had found you, beaten, bloody, dying, and naked in the woods. What if he and Ieyasu trying to force you to the ground triggered something in you from that night?

"Masamune," Mitsuhide's voice snapped the warlord out of his thoughts, "Continue."

"When I came into the room, Ieyasu was trying to get the princess to lay down, because she needed her rest, but she refused and she was fighting back," he swallowed a lump in his throat as his imagination went wild with what the experience may have caused you to remember, "So I tried to help him and... She screamed for us to get off of her before she threw us both in opposite directions."

"And in the hot springs?" Mitsuhide turned to look towards Mitsunari and Hideyoshi, "One would think being stabbed might be a pretty distressing situation."

Hideyoshi's jaw clenched, suddenly having the feeling that the kitsune was covering for you, "I suppose it would be, yes."

"Well then," the white haired warlord shrugged slightly, "It's no secret that people can do remarkable things under great stress - including exhibiting great shows of strength, speed, and endurance. Perhaps it was the adrenaline coursing through her veins that allowed her to preform these unbelievable acts."

Mitsunari looked to the floor and brought a hand to his chin, "I suppose it wouldn't be the first time we've heard of such a thing. Some of our soldiers have ridden into camp, half dead and clinging to life, determined to deliver a message to us."

The others remained silent before Nobunaga spoke up with a rather disappointed sigh, "And I suppose I have once heard a rumor when I was young, of a man lifting a cart to save a boy," he waved off the conversation, "You've made your point Mitsuhide."

The white haired warlord smiled in satisfaction, "Thank you, my lord."

"I still think the lass should at least learn to defend herself," Masamune spoke up from his seat after a brief pause of silence, "Mitsunari said the princess had been able to defend herself, but obviously not very well if she still got injured," he raised both his hands in the air as if to surrender when he saw the look Hideyoshi shot him, "I'm not saying we send a woman into battle, all I'm saying is we teach her some self defense and how to get out of a few tricky situations should the need arise."

"Very well," Nobunaga's responce came quickly, "If you're so adamant about her learning, then you shall be the one to teach her."

Masamune's eyes seemed to light up at the prospect of sparing with you, "But," and that light was quickly smothered by Nobunaga continuing, "Only after she's been cleared by Ieyasu."

Ieyasu nodded, having expected as much. However, his eyes widened slightly when Nobunaga spoke again, "And she is to stay with Ieyasu for close supervision, till he can be sure that the toxin isn't killing her, and that the threat has passed."

The blond immediately seemed to detach himself for the situation. He wasn't a babysitter, and the idea of him having to watch you, though for good reason, didn't exactly sit well with him. But with a sigh and silent nod, it was clear he accepted his fate, "And in that time I will concoct an antidote to be sure there are no ill effects."

"Excellent."

As soon as the meeting was adjourned, the warlords dispersed, and while most of them returned to their manors, Mitsuhide made a beeline for Azuchi castle. Vassals, maids, and other servants moved out of his way as he stormed through the halls and to your room. However, when he slammed your sliding doors open, you were no where to be found.

Troublesome Ryū.

On his way out of your room he almost ran into a maid carrying a stack of folded towels, "Oh Pardom me, my Lord!" She fumbled and stuttered, hands scurrying to catch her stack before it toppled over. Mitsuhide helped her catch them in time before looking her dead in the eyes with his sharp gaze, "Do you know where the princess is?"

The maid shrunk back, not entirely sure she should answer his question. Everyone knew of the rumors running rampent about Mitsuhide- how he was biding his time and plotting against Nobunaga, so what did he want with his lords beloved Princess?

"Answer the question," his voice was calm, but it only served to strike more fear within her.

"I-I don't know," she stepped back in an attempt to put room between her and Mitsuhide, but when he stepped forward in time with her steps back, she panicked - closing her eyes as she flinched away from the man, "She's in the garden with Kinu!"

When the maid opened her eyes again, she was alone in the hall, with no trace of Mitsuhide having been there other than her racing heart. She looked both ways but he was no where in sight. With a shakey sigh, the maid went back to what she was doing before she was interrupted.

You were so going to owe him big time after this.

When Mitsuhide reached the guarden, he was met with the sight of you sitting in the center of a large flower bed, with a more petite woman with jet black hair right beside you.

"So what does your kind often eat, Milady?"

Your kind?

You chuckled, your shoulders shaking with your light laughter, "A lot more than this."

Mitsuhide craned his head up from where he stood to peer over both your shoulders. There was a small blanket spread infront of the both of you with food laid out on top. It was a basic breakfast, typical, and well balanced - steamed rice, with miso soup, a cut of fish, and some eggs. He had never thought about what a creature such as yourself would require for sustenance, but hearing just a small cut of your conversation made him wonder briefly if you were constantly on the verge of starvation.

"Well if you ever feel the need to grab a midnight snack, keep an eye out for our castles resident mother hen."

[forallyourikemensengokuneeds]

Fairy tale ending

The room was full. Full of people from within the castles walls and some from beyond. She smiled again though the smile never reached her eyes. She laughed and tried they all saw that but it was forced. She was alone in the vast room filled with people.

She knew she was not trusted. She was a novelty. Her foreignness marked her in this place. She was the person who appeared out of no where. She was despised by woman and leered at by men. She knew she only had to survive three more months.

She worked hard day in and day out. Never refusing a task to do. The people around her never giving in their doubts, never opening up to her. She continued to work to pass the time. In the days she would do tasks around the castle. She would be an extra pair of hands when needed but she was never left to do all that much. By night she would work on pieces to earn some money, people never really trusting her. Sometimes she would be in the still room going over supplies and make salves she knew would help. Everything she touched was tested after she left, no one trusted her skill. She was the woman who appeared out of no where. Only two more months till she could go.

She finally felt the pain of rejection more and more each day. The limitations of this castle life, being a princess no less, was to much. She knew it was to much. She would find time to go outside and see things no matter how hard she worked. That too was wrong in so many eyes. She was foreign and could not be trusted. She was different. She stopped speaking to people. She never smiled anymore. She worked hard to the point of breaking herself.

One night when the moon was full she waited till it was high in the sky. She moved through the empty hallways like a pale spirit. She floated out the door and into the gardens and through the waist high barrier there.

"Did you see that?", a voice broke the silence.

"Of course I did. I see all, Hideyoshi.", Nobunaga replied.

"Where is she going?", Hideyoshi asked suspicious of the woman.

"How exactly would I know that?", Nobunaga replied. "Watch though for he will find out."

"Who?", Hideyoshi asked.

"Our own kitsune who is following her.", Nobunaga replied as he made motion with his hand and by luck a glowing shadow flitted through the gardens in her wake.

"You sent him to watch her?", Hideyoshi asked.

"I did not need to, he already was.", Nobunaga said as he turned to go back in to the room to settle for the night.

She was in the forest before he knew it. It was like she was trying to hide but doing a poor job of it. She didn't look over her shoulder to see if she was followed. She seemed not to know what she was doing nor did it seem she cared about where she was going. He stayed far enough behind her but close enough to see her form if she tried to duck away.

"What is she doing?", he asked himself. "Meeting with her master? Gathering herbs for a poison? A lover?"

She stopped on the edge of a clearing. She had found it last week. It seemed the most peaceful of places. She leaned against a rock and slid down. Mitsuhide could still see her as he stilled and moved to watch her closer. She wasn't gathering herbs for a poison. She wasn't meeting with a master. She was not meeting with a lover. She was meeting with anyone. She was crying.

Tears streaked down her face as she sat there in the bright night. She was that upset with everyone and everything that she had to hide even her last hope. No one would trust her. No one would give her a chance. All she wanted to do was make it through the three months with inly two more to go. People did not want her around. She knew she was just a toy on a string for the warlord in charge. She wanted nothing more than to go home.

She had got the letter that was left in her room. It was from the other time traveler. He had simply said the wormhole that brought them here would not be happening when he thought. It would be later. More time trapped here. She had lost all hope when she read that. There was nothing here for her. She was trapped in a place where people hated her. She was lost in her deep pit.

He moved closer to her and she saw him standing on the edge of the tree line. She tried to wipe her face but he had seen it all. There was no hiding her splotches on her face or the tear streaked lines. He gazed upon her with curiosity and wonder. His pale golden eyes gleaming in the full moon light. He reached out his hand slowly as if trying to coax a wild animal to come closer. She didn't speak as she took his hand.

"I too, know what it is like to be looked on as a traitor.", he said softly. It was quite possibly the first time in a very long time he spoke the truth. "You try to make things right but all they can see is your differences."

She looked up into his face as he towered over her. She nodded in understanding. She didn't trust her voice. He said no more but the stood on the edge if the forest together looking at everything else but themselves.

The moon was lowering slowly but she knew she had to get back to the castle. It would be a long day. He helped her again to her feet and wordlessly guided her back towards the city town. She saw they were going to the smaller palaces and not the main castle still some distance away. She didn't ask where he was guiding her, knowing he probably had a plan. He walked into his own palace with her still at his heel and slid open a door to a bare room in a private hallway.

"This shall be your room from now on.", he said softly.

"I don't understand.", she replied.

"Here you will be safe and no longer a target as you are at the castle. I am in need of a woman to keep this palace and you are in need of a retreat.", he replied.

"I am leaving soon.", she said.

"And that is why I found you in a deserted forest upset and crying. Will you miss those that have done nothing to offer you a simple

Kindness that much, princess?", he said.

"No I will not.", she replied hanging her head lower.

"Nobunaga was wrong to keep you as a keepsake.", he replied. "He only brought this down upon you."

"I don't have anywhere else to go.", she said softly,"home is out reach and I don't know if I can ever go back."

"You can have a home anywhere, Princess.", he replied. "I am offering this one to you. Here you will be treated as a guest, not a novelty. My staff understands the nature of my work and they also take a certain brunt of hatred. They will treat you as you treat them."

"Why would you do this Mitsuhide?", she asked.

"As I said, I know what it is like to be hated for who you are with little thought as to what you are.", he replied, " all i have seen is a woman who cares for things but is regarded as suspicious because of this."

He gently ran his finger down her cheek and she tried not to smile. The first touch of another human in over a month and it had to be him. She looked up into his face and for once he seemed like he was not being teasing or mean. She smiled softly.

"I will ask Nobunaga for you in the morning.", he said.

"Ask for?", she asked.

"You are his.", Mitsuhide replied.

"I am my own person.", she said.

"Maybe where you are from but here, now, you are his.", Mitsuhide chuckled. "I think I would like to hear more of this place you call home. For now. Sleep princess."

He turned and walked to another room and slid the door open and she sighed. He was not the person she expected to care. Maybe he didn't. Maybe she was a pawn in a scheme he had. At this point neither mattered as she moved the futon and laid it out. Sleep found her fast.

The next morning in the early hours Mitsuhide found himself in Nobunaga's chambers.

"Tell me what you learned.", Nobunaga said regally.

"I learned that the princess is many things but none of what you expected. She is not a spy. She is not here to kill you. She is trapped here for whatever reason. She has felt the wrath of your staff and people to long, my lord. I am asking for her now.",Mitsuhide replied.

"Asking for her?", Nobunaga chuckled. "So you want to bed the waif."

"I am asking for her.", Mitsuhide replied again.

"Fine. She brought little to here though she did work hard. Have her.", Nobunaga waved his hand. "She will still have a place here if she is of little use to you though."

"Thank you, my lord.", Mitsuhide ground out and made his way to her room. He noticed she had only a few belongs so packing up her room should be easy. He moved carefully throughout the room and placed everything in a large satchel and then made his way out of the castle to his own palace. He had left her asleep a few hours ago when he quietly opened her door and watched her while she was sleeping. He repeated the process when he got back to the palace. He placed the bag down on the inside of her door as he announced himself before closing the door. He saw her wake up slowly and then turn to him and softly smile.

"It wasn't a dream?", she asked.

"No, Princess. I have been to talk to Nobunaga already. You are now mine.", he said with a smile.

She thought about that for a minute. "What do you plan to do with me?", she asked.

"You shall run this household instead of the castle. Any more than that is on you.", he replied easily. She sighed in relief. "When the time comes you can leave freely as well. All I ask is for you to tell me."

"Thank you Mitsuhide.", she said.

"Your belongings from the castle.", he said with a wave of his hand towards the bag," if you require anything more just ask."

She nodded and relaxed. She was in her new home and she felt better already. It was time to get to work.

A month went by and she was happy again. Mitsuhide had given her free reign to do things as she pleased in the palace. They rarely saw each other as another battle loomed on the horizon. He was busy ferreting out things and she was readying the palace. He had been gone for almost a weeks time when she heard a voice call out from the other side of her door. The words made no sense but she could recognize the voice. She opened the door to find him bloody and just in time to break his fall. She called for the household to be woken up as she removed pieces of his cloths to reveal a knife wound to his torso. She cleaned the wound and started calling out things she needed. The staff also went to call for Ieyasu.

Two hours later Ieyasu arrived to find he wasn't really needed. She had done everything she could. She was wiping the hair out of his eyes as he rested.

The following few days the fever took hold as she knew it would but she had prepared for that as well. Keeping him cool and and comfortable was all she could do as the battle within his body raged. She had made the tonics she had given him herself and knew they were enough to keep the battle from being defeat for him. As he woke from the slumber after the fever broke he found her slumped over asleep against the wall. Weakened by the injury he carefully moved her to lay next to him on the bed. "Silly girl. You saved me.", he whispered as he gently kissed her forehead before going back to sleep. She awoke wrapped in his arms. She checked for signs of the fever and was pleased that it was finally passed.

"Princess, why?", he asked a few days later.

"Why What Mitsuhide?", she asked back.

"Why did you work to save me?", he asked. "You could have been free. You know my death would have made you wealthy as I made provisions for you.", he said.

"I didn't know that.", she said, "not that it would have mattered. Mitsuhide you save me."

"Princess.", he said, "come closer since you will not let me move."

"I meant what I said. You move and I will tie you up. Must you challenge me on such things?", she said. As she looked at the silken rope she had bound to him to keep him still.

"Come here.", he said. "You can release the cords, my dear. If you are close I will not move."

"What do you have to say?", she asked as she moved closer to him and she loosened the binds around his wrists.

"Thank you.", he said as he cupped her face softly. He leaned up and gently kissed her. When he pulled away she was smiling. She laid her head down on his chest as his arm wrapped around her.

"Next time you bind me however you will be as unclothed as I am.", he whispered and she laughed.

"We shall see Mitsuhide. First get better.", she replied.

As the two walked around the marketplace people treated them both differently. She was now the wife of a samurai. A leader of his house and a noble servant to Nobunaga. She was a better influence on him and though he kept his secretive demeanor he seemed more relaxed now. She walked at a slower pace going through the aisles of stalls was always slow going but she enjoyed their days out together. A foreign born princess and the kitsune warlord made for an interesting couple but they had found their other half's in tale unlike any other fairy tale.

[xathia-89]

The Devil King’s Fears

This was commissioned by @mineko811. Angst warning. 

The war councils were endless. Everyone had to argue every minute detail out, and Mai was getting infuriated that her presence was apparently required. Nobunaga would usually have her sat in his lap, despite all the absurdity of it (and the protests from Mai and Hideyoshi) but the giant man child got his way. Being in such a prominent position meant that she had to give at least the impression that she was paying attention to the rice problems, the small border skirmishes and that Kenshin was bored from the lack of fighting. There was never anything that the woman had to input, and it wasn't getting the chatelaine duties completed for certain. It felt as though he was simply showing her off and parading her in front of the likes of Shingen and Kenshin that it was he who had won her heart. It was his futon that she was in at nights and it was driving her more than a little crazy. The frustration was evident, as even Mitsuhide wouldn't broach the topic with the princess when she purposely began to fidget in the middle of a council. "Mai," Nobunaga's voice demanded complete obedience, she was issuing a direct challenge at that point in time. It was low and in her ear as the tension wove swiftly and thickly through the air. "There is no need for me to be here, you are parading me as your lucky charm," she hissed back, glaring at the warlord without fear that most would have expected from the waif of a woman. "You're lording it over them all that it's you who I chose," the words were practically spat from her mouth as Nobunaga's face hardened. "Fine, you're dismissed," he coldly stated and shoved the seamstress to her feet before she could gather her wits. It was a glaring competition between the two before Mai stormed off. Her anger on show for all to see before the attention fell back on Oda, who immediately looked back at Masamune to continue his report on one of the local daimyos who they had a theory about taxing the people heavily in his name. The maids were surprised to see Mai already out of the meeting, they had become accustomed to her being tied up and unable to assist as she wanted. Her smile was forced for certain, but the castle was so large that it would be stupid to question things when the woman didn't want to talk about it from the way she snatched the brushes, clothes and bucket with soap out of the hands of another maid. She didn't come to the tenshu that evening. Nobunaga was drinking sake alone on the balcony after Hideyoshi had been released for the evening, it was unusual to not have her about to scold him for not at least eating something before opening the sake. It had stung him deeply that she seemed to think that the only reason he ordered her attendance was to show her off. It wasn't as though he wasn't aware of how many heads she had turned on her arrival, but with the state of the country, as it was then, he couldn't allow for anything to happen under his watch. It was his primary dream to unite the country, and he was well on the way of course. Everything was tasting flat. The sake wasn't as enjoyable as usual, and nothing had held his attention after Mai's little temper tantrum in front of the other warlords. The meeting had been ended earlier than he anticipated, but everything was now beginning to irk the man. He admired and loved Mai's spark, she didn't hold back and told him exactly what she thought of what he was doing. But that exact part of her personality was now causing problems as he huffed. Sleep would never come to him tonight, a futon without Mai in it was just a cold reminder of his past. "Have you heard my Lady?" One of the seamstresses was concerned as Mai was picking up some commissions to keep her occupied. She had slept in her own room for the first time in months the previous night, and it had been a terrible night of sleep. "Heard what?" Her voice was still thick with sleep. She hadn't bothered to go via the kitchens for any breakfast, food didn't hold its appeal. Hideyoshi would be going mental at her if he knew. "Lord Nobunaga is going to war," one of the women finally spoke up into the tense pause that had fallen over the room. "One of the daimyos out towards the west is proving problematic," she sympathised as Mai's face was a mess of expressions before she snatched the fabric and threads off the table and stormed straight back to her room. ‘Fine. If I'm finding out things through the castle gossip then I guess I really am just a lucky charm to you,' Mai thought bitterly as she rushed through the corridors. Between the Lord and Lady of the castle, all of the warlords were beginning to think it might actually tear the place apart. Ieyasu didn't recall a time when everything was so spotless in the library, nor did Masamune remember when he didn't have to stand over Mitsunari and make sure he was eating. The corridors glimmered, and a few retainers had been on the screaming end of the chatelaine's temper over the past couple of days for bringing any traces of dirt in. The maids were terrified of being caught not working hard or fast enough, and the seamstresses were treading very lightly around Mai whenever she appeared. It was evident from the pale face and bags under her eyes that she was barely sleeping, and Hideyoshi had already scolded Nobunaga on not resting appropriately. It was a relief when the soldiers and warlords were saddling up to go and quash the problematic daimyo. Nobunaga was commanding a small force and taking Ieyasu with him for backup in case of problems, not that any had been predicted of course and it was only really to keep Hideyoshi from insisting on attending with his Lord that Ieyasu was going along. Not that the blond was going to admit that he was thankful to be escaping from the temper of the chatelaine. He prefered his fights with weapons, not words and having to play nice around the lover's spat. Mai didn't see them off. It was the first time such an event had occurred and drove home to Nobunaga the point. He wasn't one for superstition, but this weighed heavily on his chest. He had been craving her touch and smiles, the way she lit up his world of darkness was addictive, and now here he was without her. She was as stubborn as he was. Though he never believed that she would do this, but he had been proven wrong as he called for them all to move out. Hideyoshi didn't miss the constant checking to make sure that his Lord wasn't missing one last glance of the princess before leaving for battle. He had always referred to Mai as his lucky charm, but the way the relationship had developed showed that it was obviously more than that. The two had argued before, she was just as stubborn and strong spirited as Nobunaga, but this was the first time that the vassal felt the need to intervene. Hideyoshi's path was predetermined. Passing the whispering maids who confirmed that the chatelaine was in her room as the staff kept a wide berth from her. She was a force to be reckoned with, as the vassal made his presence known before opening the door. "He was looking for you," Hideyoshi stated. Mai hadn't even bothered to look up from the kimono she was making, her hands steady in their path on the fabric before he took a seat opposite her. "I'm busy," she tried to brush him off. "Why don't you apologise?" Toyotomi was pushing now. "I was not the one in the wrong," Mai snapped, her expression alight with a fury that made Hideyoshi recoil momentarily. His expression was one of surprise as tears threatened to fall from the chatelaine's eyes. "He was the one parading me about in meetings I had nothing to gain from, he was the one who pushed me out of the meeting, he was the one who was constantly ordering me about as though I am just a possession!" She couldn't stop the tears, sobbing into her hands after dropping the needle back to the fabric. Her body was wracked with emotion as the vassal awkwardly moved to comfort the woman, his arm rubbing her back as all of her pent up frustration that hadn't had a chance to be voiced just fell out. "I feel like a convenience," she sniffed as Hideyoshi made some tea, and had the maids tell the kitchens to make some food for the two of them. "I am just a lucky charm for him to order about, parade on his arm and show off that it's his bed I warm at nights," she couldn't bring herself to look at the vassal when he pushed the tea into her hands and removed the fabric from her lap. Her fingers were tightly gripping at the china as Hideyoshi wasn't entirely sure what to do admittedly. Mai had stopped crying at least, but her eyes were puffy, and she wouldn't even lift her head to give the vassal eye contact. She was vulnerable, and he was going to make sure that she wasn't targeted at least. "I'm sure Lord Nobunaga doesn't see you as that," he automatically spoke in defence of his Lord, but his voice died in his throat at the glare from the princess. "If he doesn't then he has a stupid way of showing it," she huffed before they were interrupted by two all-knowing warlords, both carrying trays of food. Masamune's face immediately twisted into concern at the sight of Mai's tear-streaked cheeks and puffy eyes. The playful expression gone as the food was unladen onto the table, and the One-Eyed Dragon had an arm over the princess' shoulder as Mitsuhide slithered into a free seat. "I'm fine," Mai was huffy and had her head turned to the side away from Masamune. Who wasn't buying any of it. "Sure, and Nobunaga pushing you off his lap is nothing," he replied, a crease in his brow as Mai shrugged his arm off. "I'm just the lucky charm," she sneered, before busying herself with eating so that she couldn't answer any prying questions the warlords had. It was a silent agreement between the three men that it wouldn't be mentioned to anyone else about what had occurred in the

room. Glances between each of them as Mitsuhide appeared to get an idea and disappeared back to his usual realms of the unknown, leaving Hideyoshi worrying about more than just his Lord and chatelaine. Nobunaga was victorious. The news was welcomed at the castle after a few days, and it wouldn't be long before the soldiers returned as well. Mai was ensuring that everything was in perfect working order, but something in her had changed at least since her small outburst, and she wasn't tearing into anyone that she could. Now it was just to deal with the problem of their Lord's temper. Hideyoshi was surprised to find that Mai was already stood waiting expectantly when he came to look out for the soldiers. She said nothing, but her eyes were constantly scanning the horizon for any signs. "We'll be notified when he's back," he was trying to reassure the princess as much as himself, resting a hand on the woman's shoulder. "You should come inside and out of the wind." "I'm not cold," she shrugged, a slight smile up at the vassal when she turned her head to reassure him, before the sounds of hooves and armour rattling attracted their attention. But no sign of the Lord of Azuchi. "Ieyasu!" Hideyoshi could barely contain himself, carving a path through the men with Mai following behind in an attempt to keep up with his long strides. "Where's Lord Nobunaga?" His voice was shaking was panic, which the blond scoffed and rolled his eyes at the two. "He stopped at the river, said he would be along later," he snapped. "We were victorious, do you really think I would dare to return without him or his orders?" Hideyoshi turned around to speak to the seamstress, only to see Mai commandeering one of the vassal's horses. That same stubborn streak that Nobunaga loved to argue with showing brightly before the man relinquished the reins. The horse galloped back out of the gates, the princess' hair flying behind her before anyone could think that they might want to follow her. "Leave it!" Ieyasu ordered with a voice that would have cracked a whip. "They need to sort it out between themselves," he glared specifically at the panicking vassal. It had been a while since they had been to that spot, but Mai knew where he would be. Nobunaga refused to admit it, but he was a creature of habit for these occasions. The sounds of the stream trickling reached her ears as she slowed the horse down to stop rushing through the trees, and then someone cleaning something in it. Mai dismounted on the edge of the forest and led the horse next to Nobunaga's mare, pausing to greet the girl with a pat to the nose before approaching the warlord. "You didn't come home with everyone," Mai broke the silence between them. "I wasn't coming back with blood on my hands," Nobunaga stiffly said, not looking up from the armour he was cleaning with a rag. "I'm not your possession to order about and push," she knew that she couldn't keep quiet any longer. An explosion that neither could avoid as Nobunaga spun around with a livid fire in his eyes. His armour was discarded on the bank, as he rounded on the princess with a ferocity that she had never seen before. "What on earth made you think I think of you as a mere possession?" he snarled and began to enclose on the woman, backing her into a tree so she couldn't escape from the conversation. "You push me off your knee in a war council," she started, her eyes alive and glaring back at his own accusations. "You demand I attend and sit on your knee in the first place regardless of what jobs I have to do! You tell me when I am going to war with you despite my own feelings, you never take anything into consideration. Do you even have a clue how much I feel like you're parading me about like a trophy you won with how you treat me in front of the others? It's like you're harping to them that it's your bed I was warming!" Mai shoved Nobunaga with every ounce of strength she had. Her breathing ragged and tears were threatening to burst forth as well. "I knew that war was coming," he was trying to reason with himself. He faltered in his actions. Seeing Mai so broken made him want to hold her, but it was his actions that had lead to this. It was all him. "All of the councils meant I wouldn't be able to protect you, they could have infiltrated the castle. I needed to be able to touch you and make sure you were real," he was the reason she was crying. "I was angry that you didn't understand," his hands cupped her cheeks, thumbs stroking the streaming tears down her skin. "I only wanted you with me because then I knew you couldn't be taken from me and hurt. You don't always understand the way people are, and how they will exploit any weakness to get to someone. Everyone in this land knows you are my sole weakness because I love you," he placed a light kiss to her forehead. "You're an idiot," Mai was sniffing, pushing Nobunaga away and wiped her tears on her kimono sleeve. Though she didn't put much distance between them. "Just because I grew up in the future, where you don't have sword fights, and it's a united country, it doesn't mean I don't understand what is going on around me. I know that some idiots decide to use others to get to you, and I know I appear to be an easy target. But do you seriously think I wouldn't have already used your vassals and friends to help me to ensure that I'm not for your sake? I am not some porcelain doll, I am fully capable of making my own decisions and protecting myself accordingly. I'm not going to forgive all of your actions just because you kiss my forehead and wipe my tears away." "I wasn't expecting you to forgive me instantly," Nobunaga replied. "But I was expecting you to acknowledge that it would be more comfortable to continue this conversation in the castle." "I am going nowhere," the princess snapped her hands on her hips. "You cannot keep ordering me about-" "I was asking you to come back to the castle," Oda huffed. "The night will be here soon, and bandits like the dark. I will not have you exposed unnecessarily." "You were ordering me," Mai scoffed, rolling her eyes. "If you ask someone, then you say ‘would you like to continue this conversation in the castle?' instead of saying about my acknowledging that it would be more comfortable in the castle." Nobunaga was gritting his teeth. He had never experienced a woman like Mai, she didn't bow to anyone and was steadfast in her ideals. "Would you consider continuing this conversation in the castle?" He finally conceded, his carnelian eyes locking with hers. "I would hate for you to get injured on my behalf because of staying out in the dark." "Fine," Mai replied after a short silence and went to pick some of his armour up that would need an extra clean after being sat in the river silt during their argument. "What are you doing?" He tilted his head in confusion. "The sooner we get your armour onto your horse, then the sooner we can argue next to a brazier." This woman was going to be the death of him, that was certain.

[tarralin]

Job Done

Fox Hunt, Chapter Three

(Board gifted by @under-sengoku-skies)

Find links to Master List, Ao3, and Ko-Fi in blog bio!

Enjoy!

~☆~

The meeting dredged by antagonizingly slow. Report after report after report was recited to the group and detailed discussions were had on everything from ration availability to civilian morale. MC had refilled everyone’s tea cups twice by the time they finally moved onto the subjects of troop training and battle tactics.

“We have the numbers to stand against any attack,” Ieyasu eyes turned downcast as he continued his report. “But the men are discouraged, and morale continuously slips day by day. Masamune has explored several options to keep their spirits up to no avail.”

“When were they last given time off?” MC hadn’t meant to voice her inquiry but suddenly her troop management instincts reared into gear. Unfortunately, they decided to activate during a male only council and the meeting halted to stifling silence. “My father was a general in my homeland's army and I thought I had an idea. I’m sorry for interrupting.”

“Did your father ever ask for your council?” Ieyasu’s harsh question grated on her nerves like nails on a chalkboard but still she held her tongue, not wishing to draw any more negative attention.

“Ieyasu,” Nobunaga snapped at the fawn haired warlord before turning eyes back to MC. “What do you mean by ‘time off'? We are preparing for war, there is no time for laziness.”

“But what happens in the middle of battle when the men forget what they're fighting for? When exhausted and surrounded by death, does it not seem easier to wish for your own demise instead of fighting? Give them two days off a week and I guarantee you'll see their spirits lifted.”

~~~

Mitsuhide couldn’t believe the troops in front of him were the same men that had been here since recruitment. When he last saw them, no one of this group had managed to land a single hit on target after weeks of training and practice. They had indeed become dispirited and Mitsuhide knew they had given up no matter the encouragement they received.

Those were not the men in front of him. These men strolled into camp ready for the day and struck each of their targets on the first shot. And the second. Granted, they all failed to hit center but at least the trees had been spared the onslaught today. So… progress.

“Fire,” Mitsuhide commanded. Ten bullets blasted into the ten targets, sending a flurry of hay in the air to mix with the haze of spent gunpowder.

“Excellent!” The riflemen scrambled to their feet as the booming voice of their leader, Nobunaga, signaled his approach from across this field. “Mitsuhide, I swear you could turn even the talentless into marksmen!”

“And here I didn’t think you were one for flattery. Careful or it’ll go to their heads,” Mitsuhide smirked as he nodded to the men still ramrod straight at attention.

“Relax and reload,” Nobunaga barked to the group as he threw a glance over his shoulder. “Satisfied? Or do you wish to patronize him as well?”

“Satisfied,” MC sidestepped into Mitsuhide’s view. “But not impressed. If I sounded patronizing earlier, then I guess I wasn’t clear enough in my insults. I’ll have to remedy that in the future.”

“Ah, dear Chatelaine,” Mitsuhide grinned at Nobunaga’s obvious chagrin. “Come to view the fruits of your input?”

MC rolled her eyes in that delightful way he was beginning to enjoy. “I already knew what the positive outcome would be, but Nobunaga insisted on stealing me from my castle duties today so I’m making him pay.”

“After causing him so much strife at the last meeting? If I had known you enjoy inflicting pain so much, I would have suggested our Lord place you in the dungeons as an executioner.”

“I’m considering it after the morning I’ve had with her,” Nobunaga mumbled. “She did not cause me strife.”

“You argued with her in front of the council.”

“We were debating…”

“Until you were blue in the face?”

“It was a heated debate!”

MC remained silent during their back-and-forth, her gaze narrowed intently on the targets in the distance.

“Oh, here it comes…” Nobunaga murmured.

“Our Lord said these men have been practicing for nearly three months and yet he hasn’t witnessed any of them come close to the target until today. Exhausted or not, they should have nailed the bull’s-eye at least once… even if by accident.”

“Is there a point in that statement I’m not aware of?”

“Simply causes me to question the abilities of the instructor.”

“Oh,” Mitsuhide could feel his lips pulling into a sneer as he waved to the rifle line. “Please, dear Chatelaine, feel free to improve.”

He hadn’t meant for his words to come out as growl more suited to a wild beast, but that one comment of hers had greatly disrupted his inner calm he struggled so hard to maintain. The little harpy! One lucky contribution and now she thinks herself an expert of warfare? What does she know of it?

He also hadn’t meant for her to take him up on his sarcastic offer.

Confidently, she marched over to the rifle line after only a moment’s pause to square her shoulders and lift her chin, clearly insulted at the unspoken implication that she would shy away from such a thing.

“What’s the waif doing now?” Ieyasu questioned as he sauntered from the archer’s line.

“Mitsuhide’s job apparently,” Masamune laughed as he took up Nobunaga’s other flank. The gathered four observed the Chatelaine intently as she spoke to the riflemen. Her hands flew like butterflies in a flurry across the men’s bodies to correct their stance, gun position, and even instructed a new method on how to sight the target. It would be a lie to say Mitsuhide wasn’t intrigued more than he should be. She really did sound like she knew how to shoot, which begged the questions of how and where?

“Fire!” Her sharp command drew Mitsuhide from his inner musings. As a unit, the ten rifles released their bullets in unison… and hit dead center. For a brief moment, time seemed to stand still as the stunned silence seemed to ring louder the gunshots did. The riflemen were first to recover from the momentary shock once they realized where their bullets had landed and turned to congratulate each other before bowing to the Chatelaine.

Masamune broke into such boisterous laughter that he became incapable of speech. Nobunaga simply released an exasperated sigh. “They’ll be no living with her after this…”

Mitsuhide had been left speechless only twice in his life. The first time being his mother’s murder. The second instance when Nobunaga asked him to join the campaign.

This was now a third.

Mitsuhide wasn’t so uneducated in the cultures of the foreign lands as he allowed all to believe. He had gleaned a great deal of information from the western traders that arrived several times a year; mannerisms, political ideals, and even domestic concepts being among them. Many of the traders he interacted with believed women possessed a frail mind and weak constitution. Which, in turn, lead to the westerners keeping uneducated daughters until they could be married off. There was no societally accepted way this pilgrim should be as accomplished as she proved to be.

In the extremely short time since her arrival, she had changed the flow of the castle completely by whipping the maids into more effective workers, setting up consistent deliveries from the local farmers, even reorganizing the guards rotation to ensure complete coverage at all times. A woman of the highest nobility and prestige wouldn’t have been able to accomplish half of what MC has in such a short time.

Then there was the raw power the woman exuded. Always standing tall with squared shoulders and sharp blue eyes that seemed to withhold the ocean’s fury itself. Mitsuhide had witnessed for himself just yesterday the devastating scolding she inflicted upon one of the township's policing samurai after she caught him bullying one of the street children, only to turn around and soothe said child with a mother's coddling. It really was no mystery how her very word became an instant command.

No, he concluded. She is no pilgrim.

[shogetsus]

Stripes of Auburn, Eye of Sapphire

7. Masamune

Read on Ao3 | Read on FFN |  Masterlist

Summary:  Some of her features look Western from his point of view, like the lines of her jaw, or her copper brows a tad bit thicker and not groomed as custom, even to northern standards. For what it takes and even if her name doesn’t sound foreign, Mai Mizusaki is an exotic beauty, clearly not from these lands. And that gaze hasn’t seen famine nor witnessed a wife crying out for her husband and child as they were drawn to defend the lands of their daimyo.

Is her homeland a safe haven from the evils of men, as the serene amber of her eyes seems to take after? Does such a place even exist?

Just… who is she?.

Masamune

Of all the possible figures he’d run through his mind to encounter on his way to the mysterious woman’s assigned room, Mitsuhide Akechi was far from not expected. In fact, it’s more fortunate than anything he’d happened to find him instead of encountering Hideyoshi once again, or else he couldn’t be sure he’d have endured but another lecture from him. Two consecutive sermons had been more than enough for his book, either way.

Once his associate swings the door close with that certain characteristic elegance of his, Masamune leans nonchalantly against a wall, casting a curious glance his way. For how long he’d known him, he could already tell by the quirk of one of Mitsuhide’s mobile brows they seem to share the same budding curiosity towards Azuchi Castle’s new female resident.

And yet, Masamune knows deep down either of them are truly surprised for their reunion having been drawn by an unexpected element, such as an unknown woman. Some may call it fate, but between the two of them, it just comes down to simply sharing mutual interests. However that may be, it is for his acquaintance to ponder further on—and either way, Masamune wouldn’t bring himself to bother with a better clarification.

Akechi comes to be the first in attempting to break the ice. “Who would have thought, our Lord’s savior turned out to be such a slender little thing…” He voices out a thought lingering in the back of Masamune’s mind, folding his hands into the sleeves of his pristine kimono. “Whatever will happen to this sweet lady from now on, I wonder?”

“That’s quite rhetorical, coming from you,” For what it takes, what they do not seem to share are their presumptions on the woman inside the room; ‘slender little thing’, maybe so—and fair enough, in comparison to Masamune’s build, that is—but sweet, he definitely wouldn’t describe her as such. “Hideyoshi already leaned us on to Nobunaga having taken an interest in her, so…” He comments with a vague shrug, figuring out the simplest of reasons often turn out to be the most plausible ones.

A spark of mischief crosses his golden eyes, thin lips curling into a knowing smirk. “And yet, here you are, Dragon…” It’s clear how Mitsuhide doesn’t include himself in the statement; he’s been ordered by Hideyoshi to fetch the woman, after all, whilst he’s simply arrived on his own accord.

“Were you truly expecting otherwise?” Masamune prods, returning that impish smile with one of his own. Regardless of the obvious implications in his words and the ever-present naughty look plastered on Mitsuhide’s face, there the other man still stands; gaze unwavering, waiting for him to figure it all out on his own. “Hah, I thought so.”

His assumption hangs in the air; a light, low chuckle from Akechi practically confirming other questions left unvoiced. For the way his sly associate’s stance leans towards the newest resident’s room, casually guarding the door, all but states a little game and a subtle challenge arising altogether. At the gesture, Masamune slightly tilts his head, but can’t help for his single eye shimmering in excitement, revealing his growing anticipation.

He’d previously considered being too premature to engage in a thing like this, but for the looks of it, there’s already a race among his colleagues to unfold the mysteries behind the newest addition of Azuchi Castle’s inhabitants. Masamune would be a fool to even consider backing down from such a fun challenge, however irrelevant it would be—and Akechi would be the bigger fool to not assume he’d be in beforehand.

As it turns out, he’s relieved for grasping the opportunity when it came, just a couple hours ago, and having already made his first move. It leaves him with a much confident advantage over his recently self-announced ‘rival’.

Although Mitsuhide isn’t truly the one among the players Masamune is most wary of—if not at all, really.

However, there’s again no reason to wrap up his head over it just yet. Both of them are just about to see how Nobunaga Oda will partake on their little game of theirs soon enough. And while there’s a slim chance neither would be able to have their slice of fun if Nobunaga just so decides against it, Masamune knows deep down he didn’t happen to strike an alliance with such a letdown in the first place. If anything, the Lord of Azuchi has struck him more as an enabler rather than the other way around.

When the door slides open and Mai Mizusaki shows up before them—all but regal and outstanding, clad from head to toe in several folds of the most expensive fabrics Azuchi town is able to provide—Masamune and Akechi share very similar pleased smirks, the sight of such a beauty appearing as a reminder of how… entertaining the future days are looking forward to becoming.

Feeling bolstered by the striking view, Masamune makes the first move and purposefully ignores his associate, all but setting his sights on his target and offering his hand to her with a flourish. “Shall we go, Mai?” He says suggestively, recalling the pretty way she’d flustered the last time he’d drawled her name, intent on turning her utmost attention to him once again.

Mitsuhide appears hardly surprised by the bold move from his part, yet knows better than to provide with a counterattack, barely restraining himself from showing how truly amused Masamune knows he is. And even as he turns and strolls onto the halls with the exotic beauty alongside him and his fellow warlord silently following, everything regarding their situation is all but naturally expected, way predicted beforehand.

In a way, it’s somewhat boring. But hopefully so, Nobunaga will spice things up for all of them. 

And thrillingly, Nobunaga Oda happens to provide once again.

“So be it, then. I shall appoint you as my chatelaine.” He decides after a sigh, resigning to indulge in the lass’ wishes to be of more use.

His decision prompts the wholehearted approval of both Masamune and Mitsuhide, and while the rest of the warlords begin further discussing it, so far there seem to be no real objections on the matter.

“How could this waif possibly be of any use?” Ieyasu grumbles as so usual of him, naturally wanting to move onto the real subject at hand, which is not precisely—to his opinion—the just named Princess of Azuchi.

“It’s Lord Nobunaga’s decision, Ieyasu. Hold your tongue,” Hideyoshi is quick to frown down on him, “Though only time will tell if we can trust her…”

“Who says you have to?” Mitsuhide points out with a nonchalant shrug, “Just keep an eye on her. You’re good at that, right?” He directs a brief yet all the same mischievous glance at Masamune before adding, “She may surprise you.”

Why, I eagerly look forward to that. Masamune doesn’t voice out his thoughts, flashing a wicked smile at Akechi instead, not in much need of words between them when they can practically read each other quite effortlessly.

“Then it’s decided.” Nobunaga attempts to wrap up the discussion, “Work hard and prove your worth to me, Mai.”

While a nice bunch of them are noticeably pleased with the outcome—and the wide variety of possibilities a job as chatelaine would entail—that doesn’t precisely seem to be the case of the Princess. “I won’t let you down.” She says, but Masamune notices the forced reassuring tone she pulls out, all but looking like keeping her wits about her.

Sure, her subtle squirming and clear wariness towards Nobunaga is pretty much understandable. Aside from the fact that lass appeared out of nowhere and some odd circumstances turned out for her to save the life of the daimyo—who currently has her on his lap as if a prized possession, to the disapproval of some—in fact, she happens to know the same amount about all of them they know about her, which is… close to nothing, actually.

Just who is she? It’s becoming clear she’s never had to deal with the likes of them, barely judging by her absolute lack of decorum. But above everything, it’s her exotic nature that draws Masamune’s eye in ways he can’t truly bring himself to fathom; and for one, it’s an irksome feeling at its best.

With a satisfied grin and in teasing ways Masamune has seen himself doing with his own pet, Nobunaga brings his fingers under her chin, prompting her eyes to his. “Worry not, Princess. I plan to take good care of you.” He can’t truly blame her for flinching back, honestly, for he’d have probably reacted similarly, were he in her place.

“You can start by letting go of me, then.” The lass doesn’t wait for him to do so, though, extricating herself from his grasp dexterously, yet with some subtle politeness.

Akechi breathes a snort through his nose, raptly listening and watching all the conversations unfolding at once. “Be as it may. I shall enjoy your company nonetheless,” A mischievous smirk clings to Nobunaga’s face, finding a sort of fun in the woman’s situation, “And grant you time to learn to enjoy mine.”

Hideyoshi doesn’t bother hiding his disapproval. “I still don’t know about her, my Lord. She’s awfully disrespectful.” He comments with one of his natural frowns.

To Mitsuhide, Nobunaga and Masamune’s amusement—which looks like a clear contrast from the rest of their associates—the woman is quick in standing up for herself. “I won’t speak for all of you but I don’t know anyone thrilled to be fondled like a piece of property.” She points out.

“Right you are!” Masamune can’t help but intercede and approve wholeheartedly, “I like a lass who knows what she wants.”

Mitsuhide’s sly smirk widens even further, “And just how would you like to be fondled?”

“That’s… not of your business.” She puts effort into giving a proper retort, apparently struggling not to scrunch her face and look like a silly kid while placing some safe distance between her and the daimyo of Azuchi.

She ends up taking a spot between Hideyoshi and Masamune, folding her knees and taking utmost care of the long folds of her exquisite kimono. Her eyes gleam in pretty shades of amber as they roam over the entire group, the hue reminding him of the autumn afternoons back at Yonezawa.

Those were lovely, tranquil days, just as endearing as her eyes; in which his hardest struggles were merely stirring some trouble with his cousin, stealing mochi from the kitchens and keep up with writing lessons. The sight makes Masamune wonder, is she the same as he once were, back in the day? Untouched, unspoiled by the tragedies of war?

Some of her features look Western from his point of view, like the lines of her jaw, or her copper brows a tad bit thicker and not groomed as custom, even to northern standards. For what it takes and even if her name doesn’t sound foreign, Mai Mizusaki is an exotic beauty, clearly not from these lands. And that gaze hasn’t seen famine nor witnessed a wife crying out for her husband and child as they were drawn to defend the lands of their daimyo.

Is her homeland a safe haven from the evils of men, as the serene amber of her eyes seems to take after? Does such a place even exist?

Just… who is she?  

“Isn’t it wonderful that you’re making so many friends, Mai?” Mitsunari’s ever innocent pondering pulls him out of his reverie.

Hells. It’s very unlike him to let his mind wander so carelessly, at least not these days, his lips pursing ever so briefly with discomfort. “I bet those two will get along great. They’re both clueless,” Ieyasu and apparently nobody seems to have noticed, however, continuing with his characteristic scoffing, facing him from where he’s sitting.

“Ieyasu, I’ve told you before: don’t be rude.”

“But you also told me to be honest, Hideyoshi, which is what I’m doing,” Masamune can’t help his soft snicker at Ieyasu’s annoyed eye roll, “Besides, isn’t this is a war council? Shouldn’t we get back to business? Suruga, Shinano and Kai—but that’s no surprise—are a total mess right now.” He points out with a sneer, “It’s not like I care if you prefer to be messing around with some waif instead of discussing the discord and skirmishes happening in your recently acquired territories, but I’d like to be informed if you would…”

Mitsunari makes his addition, his easygoing demeanor turning serious once they get Nobunaga’s attention. “Though minor conflicts are inevitable, if they increase in number they could destabilize all the footholds we’ve made,” The hard frown in his young face doesn’t really suit him, but Hideyoshi’s vassal has always been known to be pretty much an open book—both in his expressions and for having his nose constantly stuck into one. “It may be happening already. Opposition to Lord Nobunaga is spreading to even previously peaceful domains…”

The news, however, doesn’t strike Masamune as massively concerning. “If they’re trying to get our attention, why don’t we go knock down some doors and show them we mean business?” He shrugs, a savage smirk showing on his face, all but anticipating what’s to come as he turns to his associate seated on his right. “Mitsuhide, with all your schemes and secrets, I’m sure you’ve dug up some fun news about the enemy. Got anything to share?”

The Princess hums in a certain discomfort, but Akechi cracks up a sly smile. “Fun?” He seems to share the sentiment, although he opts to face Nobunaga. “Well, I suppose it is for some of us. On the other hand, my Lords, I’m afraid I’ve yet to receive further news on the matter of the incident at Honno-ji. With enemies lurking everywhere, nothing is too certain…”

“I assumed as much. I await your report, then,” Nobunaga concludes, relaxing against his armrest, “And Ieyasu, the reason for my summoning mainly concerned the appointment of our Princess. However, it has been some time since we’ve all gathered under the same roof. I would like to throw a feast to celebrate it and welcome our new residents…”

And so, as a cue from the Lord of the castle, the tables are properly set and the men arrange themselves and switch places to prepare for the regal banquet much expected from their unconventional host. Piles over piles of food, some standing out as European delicacies, are spread everywhere before them, much to the majority’s delight.

One of the maids, particularly acquainted with Masamune as a long past dalliance, flutters her pretty lashes and smiles coquettishly once she gets near him. Yet while he politely nods in thanks for her hard work, he can’t help his eye to be drawn to the new female resident still seated at his left—the way the lass’ gaze roams all over the table in awe, almost in disbelief, catching his utmost interest.

“What’s that face for, lass?” He leans to the side, and the maid seems to take that as her cue to disappear and attend the others, “Just suit yourself. Or is there something in particular I can get you?”

“Ah, um, it’s nothing, really…” For a split moment, she appears to be struggling to keep a straight face, but it’s obvious from Masamune’s point of view something is concerning her, “I’ve never seen so much food piled up together in my life, that’s all,”

“In any case, I strongly recommend any of the mochi over there,” Ever the gentleman, he makes work of stretching over the table and fetch a plate for the two of them, saving a zunda-mochi to himself. “They’re not as great as in Oshu, mind you, but it’ll do just fine. But the dango is quite good, though,”

She accepts his offering with a half forced smile, but his attempts for a meaningless conversation don’t seem to help her from the sort of trance she appears to be into—her mind clearly elsewhere, judging by the glossy look of her amber eyes. Akechi either bothers stepping in, looking too busy catching up on multiple conversations ongoing at once while wolfing an onigiri without even a care of actually tasting the damn thing.

The one to approach a moment later comes out to be, surprisingly, Hideyoshi. “You’re looking lost, Mai.” He points out matter-of-factly, “Is something the matter?”

Hideyoshi’s ever natural concerning manners succeed in pulling the Princess out of her apparent stupor, startling just slightly. “Well, er, you’re not wrong. I was just thinking I’d like to get to work but I don’t really know where to start or what I could possibly do,” She admits with a frown.

“I’m pleased to know you’re taking up your new role seriously,” He nods in approval, the hard wall of skepticism he’d seemed to put up faltering just a bit—which is quite interesting, all things considered. “You should start with familiarizing yourself with the castle, first. We can show you around shortly after this meal…”

“… Is that all?” A dubious look appears on the lass’ face, quirking a brow. “Don’t get me wrong, though. I know it’s better to take it easy at first, but loafing around is not really my thing.”

On that addition, Nobunaga joins in on the conversation. “If you intend to partake on a more challenging task, then you can see that Mitsunari lives properly,” He comments, an amused smirk on his face as he quietly sips on his tea.

Mitsuhide manages to suppress a snort, but Masamune can’t really help his low chuckling, already picturing such implications. Their aforementioned associate just gawks at them in dismay, bracing himself for a complaint.

The only woman in the room returns to looking confused, though. “Um, what exactly does ‘seeing Mitsunari lives properly’ entail?”

“It’s simple. Make sure he takes at least two meals per day and on time, and gets the required amount of rest.” Nobunaga explains matter-of-factly, “If you truly want to be useful, you will soon learn that helping Mitsunari helps the castle,”

“That’s it? You’re not joking?”

“I wouldn’t laugh if I were you. You just got assigned to pet care…” Ieyasu makes a witty remark before returning to busy himself with his cup of tea.

The lass shoots him an incredulous look, almost dropping her barely eaten mochi. “Please, my lord, you should rethink this decision,” Mitsunari finally makes his concerns known to Nobunaga, “Lady Mai is now a Princess. It is unfitting to burden her with this task!”

Masamune just leans back and crosses his arms, finding quite a good amount of entertainment in the discussion. “I bet the new spirited Princess will have fun with it. I know some of us will, at least…” Glancing at Mitsuhide, the sly grin in his face clearly tells how much he agrees with his sentiment.

“I wish you the best of luck in your very vital task, my Lady,” Akechi’s eyes gleam impishly, and for a second it seems as if he’s already picturing multiple entertaining situations to come.  

“Hey, that’s enough mockery out of you two!” Hideyoshi glares at them past the Princess’ snack in her hands. “And Mai, let me know when you’re ready to depart. Mitsunari and I can give you a tour of the castle for today, and we can discuss your assignments in the meantime,”

“Ready when you are,” Presumably too eager to escape all the inquisitive looks directed at her, she’s quick in dropping her food and follow an ever so oblivious Mitsunari out of the war room, his Lord on tow. “If you excuse me, um, my Lords…”

Huh, she has barely eaten anything. Was it the mochi? Maybe I should see what she likes to have…

As the Princess and the others left, closing the door behind them, the banquet continues with the regular pleasantries. Ieyasu and Masamune proceed with informing the stationing of their troops for the time being, while Mitsuhide makes exemplary work of putting his Lord to date with the latest reports from his travel to Honno-ji and forward.

The most pressing matters, according to Akechi, appear to be Kai’s imminent revolt; an issue long in the brewing ever since the passing of their leader, Shingen Takeda. Once a formidable enemy of both Ieyasu and Nobunaga, the stakes currently seem to be on their side, though—mostly after Masamune’s addition of his army in the northeast region—leaving the province with little to nowhere to seek refuge should they finally decide to take up arms against their new Lord.

Masamune leans a hand over his knee, excited to settle the score, “Just point me to the place that needs some fencing, and consider it done,” He says to Nobunaga with a reassuring grin plastered all over his face.

“Are you dumb, Masamune, or just have a death wish?” Ieyasu scoffs at his assertion, “Nobunaga and I together could barely hold against them the last time. What makes you think you can?”

The Lord of Azuchi doesn’t intervene, preferring to watch from the sidelines, leaning against his armrest and listening intently. “Why, Ieyasu, I wouldn’t underestimate us northerners if I were you,” Masamune quirks a challenging brow, “Aside from a good meal, we’re always up for a good fight…”

“That’s just recklessness, but whatever. It’s your men at stake, not mine,” Ieyasu puts up a show of rolling his eyes, but everyone can tell by the way he doesn’t glare at anybody in particular he’s not truly annoyed, “If we’re done here I’d like to take my leave, though,”

Mitsuhide follows his lead, rising up with a flourish, “I shall see to everyone has settled up properly as well,” Without further ado, he strolls to the exit ahead of Ieyasu. “My Lords, Masamune…”

He snorts amusedly at the silly jab, but leaves Akechi be for the moment—they have a good part of the afternoon to catch up, after all. A quiet and companionable silence falls over Nobunaga and him once they’re left alone to their own devices, basking in the remains of the feast; a fact Masamune appreciates as much as wholeheartedly approves of his current host.

While making work of politely refilling Nobunaga’s tea, Masamune finally breaks the silence. “I’ve been wondering, do you have any particular tasks in mind for your chatelaine?”

“None, in fact,” Nobunaga shakes his head, “Unless she causes trouble, I’m fine with letting her do as she pleases. That was always my intention.”

“Personally, I think it would be good for her to get into a little trouble, if you know what I mean.” He pulls up a sly smirk, “That’s why I wanted to recommend some things.”

Judging by the slight tilt of his chin and a single quirk of his brow, Nobunaga appears to have taken the bait. “As long as castle life isn’t disrupted… and she gets to assist me,”

Masamune shrugs nonchalantly, getting the innuendo but not feeling perturbed by it. He’s seen the knowing look in Nobunaga’s eyes when he brought the now called Princess before him, but he would be a fool to plan to get in the way of his Lord’s whims without a very good reason for doing so. And a woman—as pleasingly interesting as she may be—isn’t truly one, to be honest.

“By the way, where did she say she comes from?” He prods a little.

At the sudden question, Nobunaga chuckles low, amusement clinging to his face, “Hah. From 500 years in the future, if you believe her outrageous stories,”

Wait, what? That’s… what? As a matter of fact, the news doesn’t particularly disturb him—if anything, it makes him all the more curious about the woman, if he even wasn’t in the first place.

“I see. I wasn’t wrong about her, then,” A wicked grin spreads all over Masamune’s lips, already anticipating many exciting days to come. “This will be fun…”

Mochi: A traditional rice cake made of mochigome, a short-grain glutinous rice.

[kevrocksicehouse]

Kenneth Branagh made scrupulously faithful versions of Shakespeare films. But sometimes a filmmaker will disguise a bard work for their own ends. A few examples:

Forbidden Planet. D: Fred M. Wilcox (1956). A sci-fi version of the Tempest with Walter Pidgeon as a mad scientist Prospero, a robot version of Ariel and an “Id-Monster” version of Caliban. Could have used some of Shakespeare’s dialogue and acting. This is one of the films that showed Leslie Nielsen was stiff enough to be in Airplane!

West Side Story. D: Robert Wise, Jerome Robbins (1961). Romeo and Juliet was the inspiration for this musical about a romance between Tony, a white gang member (the Jets) and Maria,  the Puerto Rican sister of a rival gang (The Sharks) as a statement about the evils of racial prejudice, an argument that might be more pungent if they hadn’t cast Natalie Wood as the Maria. Great anyway.

Ran. D: Akira Kurosawa (1985). A version of King Lear involving a sixteenth century Japanese warlord who divides his lands among his three sons and after they spectacularly war with each other is left broken and alone among chaos. And with Lady Kaede, (Mieko Harada) the vengeful, scheming wife of the warlord’s eldest son (and the epic’s fiercest performance) he threw in a perfect Lady Macbeth.

My Own Private Idaho. D: Gus Van Sant (1991). River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves play street hustlers, one a narcoleptic waif and the other the son of a billionaire biding his time before he is to take over his father’s company. And if you’ve missed the subtle allusions to Henry IV Parts one and two and Henry V, Van Sant has interludes where they become the characters themselves, quoting Shakespeare’s language along with a chicken hawk Falstaff surrogate (William Richert). A bonkers masterpiece that features Phoenix’s best performance.

The Lion King. D: Roger Allers, Rob Minkoff (1994). This animated movie about a young lion prince who has to work up the will to avenge his father’s murder by his uncle. The echoes of Hamlet gave the film  a gravitas that made it a mega-hit and the best movie of Disney’s early nineties cartoon renaissance.

[newstfionline]

Qatar Opens Its Doors to All, to the Dismay of Some

By Declan Walsh, NY Times, July 16, 2017

DOHA, Qatar--Take a drive in Doha, leaving behind the mirrored skyscrapers and palm-fringed avenues of this gas-rich city, and the protagonists of myriad conflicts are in easy reach.

In one western district, near the campuses hosting branches of American universities, Taliban officials and their families can be found window-shopping in the cavernous malls or ordering takeout meals from a popular Afghan eatery.

A few miles away at a vast United States military base with 9,000 American personnel, warplanes take off on missions to bomb the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria--and sometimes the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Officials from Hamas, a Palestinian militant group, work from a luxury villa near the British embassy, and recently held a news conference in a ballroom at the pyramid-shape Sheraton hotel.

And an elderly Egyptian cleric, a fugitive from Cairo, is a popular fixture on the city’s swank social scene, and was recently spotted at a wedding by an American diplomat who was attending the same celebration.

This is the atmosphere of intrigue and opulence for which the capital of Qatar, a dust-blown backwater until a few decades ago, has become famous as the great freewheeling hub of the Middle East.

Against a backdrop of purring limousines and dhows moored in the bay, Doha has become home to an exotic array of fighters, financiers and ideologues, a neutral city with echoes of Vienna in the Cold War, or a Gulf version of the fictional pirate bar in the Star Wars movies.

Yet that welcome-all attitude is precisely what has recently angered Qatar’s much larger neighbors and plunged the Middle East into one of its most dramatic diplomatic showdowns. For more than a month, four Arab countries have imposed a sweeping air, sea and land blockade against Qatar that, in a nutshell, boils down to a demand that Doha abandon its adventurist foreign policy, and that it stop giving shelter to such a broad range of agents in its capital.

So far, the blockade is not working, and the crisis looks set to worsen. Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson flew back to Washington on Thursday after days of apparently fruitless shuttle diplomacy in the region. The foreign ministers of Germany, France and Britain have also intervened, without success.

The blockading nations--Saudi Arabia, Egypt, United Arab Emirates and Bahrain--insist that Qatar is using an open-door policy to destabilize its neighbors. They say that Doha, rather than the benign meeting ground described by Qataris, is a city where terrorism is bankrolled, not battled against.

Qatar’s self-identity as a center of refuge dates to the 19th century, when its desolate and semilawless territory offered sanctuary to outlaws, pirates and people fleeing persecution across the Arabian Peninsula.

“It’s always been this place where waifs and strays and unwanted people ended up,” said David Robert, the author of “Qatar: Securing the Global Ambitions of a City-State” and an assistant professor at King’s College in London. “There was no overarching power on the peninsula, so if you were wanted by a sheikh, you could escape to Qatar and nobody would bother you.”

In the 19th century, Qatar’s founding leader, Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, called it the phrase “Kaaba of the dispossessed”--a reference to the revered black cube at the Great Mosque in Mecca, Islam’s holiest site, and a figurative way of describing Qatar as a lodestar for those seeking refuge.

That national trait turned into a policy for Al Thani’s descendants, who since the mid-1990s have thrown open Qatar’s doors to dissidents and exiles of every stripe. Doha has welcomed Saddam Hussein’s family, one of Osama bin Laden’s sons, the iconoclastic Indian painter M. F. Husain and the Chechen warlord Zelimkhan Yandarbiyev, who was assassinated in the city by Russian secret agents in 2004. (The agents were caught and later extradited to Russia.)

Qatar can afford to be generous. It shares the world’s third-largest gas field with Iran, yet has just 300,000 citizens, making it the richest country per capita. In recent decades, Doha has transformed into a gleaming metropolis of global ambition where luxury cars crowd the streets and world-renowned architects have traced its futuristic skyline. An army of imported laborers are building stadiums and subway lines for the 2022 World Cup.

But among fellow Arab states, Qatar’s image has been shaped by its contentious policy of come one, come all.

In Doha, wealthy Qataris and Western expatriates mingle with Syrian exiles, Sudanese commanders and Libyan Islamists, many of them funded by the Qatari state. The Qataris sometimes play peacemaker: Their diplomats brokered a peace deal in Lebanon in 2008 and negotiated the release of numerous hostages, including in 2014, Peter Theo Curtis, an American journalist being held in Syria.

But critics say that, often as not, rather than acting as a neutral peacemaker, Qatar takes sides in conflicts--helping to oust Muammar el-Qaddafi in Libya in 2011, or turning a blind eye to wealthy citizens who funnel cash toward extremist Islamist groups in Syria.

And what infuriates the Saudis, Emiratis, Egyptians and Bahrainis most of all is that Doha has also provided shelter to Islamist dissidents from their own countries--and given them a voice on the Qatar-owned television station, Al Jazeera.

The Egyptian cleric seen at a wedding recently, Sheik Yusuf al-Qaradawi, is a prominent booster for the Muslim Brotherhood, and once had an influential show on Al Jazeera.

Even though Mr. Qaradawi is now 91 and stopped his TV show four years ago, his presence in Qatar is an irritant for Egypt, and his name featured prominently on a list of 59 people that the blockading countries want deported from Qatar. They have also demanded the closure of Al Jazeera.

This and many of the demands from the blockading countries are seen as impossibly broad, leading to widespread pessimism that the standoff will end anytime soon.

“The Emiratis and the Saudis seem to have miscalculated their position,” said Mehran Kamrava, the author of “Qatar: Small State, Big Politics” and a professor at the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in Qatar. “They thought that if they went all-out with a blockade, the Qataris would balk. But they haven’t.”

Doha’s Taliban residents do not figure on the list of demands from the blockaders, but their presence does embody the wider debate around the merits of Qatar’s open-door approach.

Peace talks between the militants and Afghan officials, initiated by the United States in 2013, quickly collapsed. Yet a Taliban contingent stayed on, and Doha is now is home to about 100 Taliban officials and their relatives, who live comfortably at Qatari state expense, one Afghan official said.

There were further, unofficial talks in 2015 and 2016. But as the fight in Afghanistan grinds on, some experts question whether the supposed Taliban peace advocates might be quietly facilitating more war.

Michael Semple, a Taliban scholar at Queens University in Belfast, Northern Ireland, said that until the blockade, Taliban leaders in Qatar were known to frequently travel by road from Qatar, through Saudi Arabia, to the United Arab Emirates, where they have investments, and to fund-raise there among the Afghan communities in the cities of Sharjah and Dubai.

“Clearly they are using their foothold in the Gulf to try and fund-raise and legitimize,” Mr. Semple said. “If they haven’t broached the substantive issues around peace, and the other gains are modest, then you could argue that that Qatar initiative makes things worse.”

In recent years, Doha has been home to Khaled Mishal, who stepped down earlier this year as leader of Hamas, and the country provided the group a site for talks with the former British prime minister, and Mideast peace envoy, Tony Blair, in 2015.

Although former Secretary of State John F. Kerry publicly criticized the Hamas presence, American officials privately say they would prefer Hamas was based in Doha rather than in a hostile capital like Tehran.

In keeping with its open-door approach, Doha was home to an Israeli trade office from 1996 to 2008; it was less than a mile from the royal court. Although relations have soured, Qatar promises that Israel will be allowed to participate in the 2022 World Cup.

In the current crisis, Qatar is leveraging the wide range of ties its foreign policy has fostered. Food supplies and a few dozen soldiers from Turkey arrived in Doha after the embargo started on June 5. Turkish news reports say the military contingent could swell to 1,000 troops, and Turkey’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, is expected to visit Doha in the coming days.

Late one night last weekend, revelers were spilling from a trendy hotel nightclub in Doha as two athletic Turkish men checked in. Entering the elevator with their bags, they declared themselves glad to be in Doha, and described themselves as working in the “defense sector,” then with a smile declined to say any more.

[toddgoolsby-blog]

A Stranger’s Tale Part One

     This is a story in the age of fantasy and sorcery, where wielders of magic and heroes of mystifying strength are legend to deeds as if they were gods. Their stories spread throughout the land, as evil warlords and witch kings die under their blades and spells. Unfathomable wealth and treasure plundered, unholy artifacts smashed under their heels. But this story isn’t about that. Sure, I live in that age, but I am neither wizard nor knight. I serve no king, nor quest for a princess’ favor. I’m what’s considered a vagabond, a wanderer, a waif of this world, lost to purpose and unclaimed by any of worth. I’m sure I once had a name, given by my birth-folk, but I hadn’t use for them nor their care. I left as soon as I could walk, I suppose, or perhaps I was abandoned. My earliest memories consist of relying on no one but myself, dredging though the murk of forests at night, resting my head on the broken bricks of forgotten roads. I’ve seen the evidence of horrors and honor of this time, nigh did I ever hold interest for such. I imagine no great purpose for myself, just a bite to eat and a bottle of wine to ease my stomach when it calls. I’ve seen the open plains, the seas to the east, the desert far north. For three seasons now I have settled, some my consider it so, in a small fishing village of temperate climate and customs. I traded stories for coin and bought a small shack just on the end of the village markers. I raise chickens. What I don’t eat I sell in the market. What I don’t sell in the market I trade for drink at the tavern. It’s ne’er enough to fill my want, but the owner is fair, and his daughters keep their blushing secrets from him. I became friends with an old, bearded practitioner of the more mystic arts of alchemy. He makes medicine for the townfolk that even sometimes cures their ailments. He spends most of his time sitting on a tall rock, line in water, hoping to catch his next meal. He refuses payment for his medicine, with good reason which lays at the root of its inconsistent effects on its prescribed illnesses, so many leave a bit of coin on his stoop. He pays the children of the village to go into the forest or along the banks for herbs and roots or whatever else he believes he needs for his concoctions. I ensure to spend time with him daily, sometimes only as a greeting, other times at great length. I find his stories much more fascinating that my own even though he hasn’t journeyed from this village even once in his entire life, and a long life it has been. He sometimes talks of an apprentice, a young man whom name, apparently, the old man has sworn to never speak. I spend very little time pondering what scandal surrounds the reality of their relationship, but it is enough to darken his otherwise whimsical demeanor considerably. Ne’er did I see his anger emerge than when the thought of this young man surfaced in his mind. I had just left him there at the rock mere moments ago on my way to The Taken Hook, the village tavern, with a sack of eggs and a butchered hen, fat and tender when I heard a haggard voice call my attention. A man in torn robes, hood over his face, sat on the ground in the village square. “Do you have time for a story?” He said. His voice was luring, and I heard his words as if from the past, spoken from mine own lips. “The real question is, do you?” I challenged. “I will start a story and if it pulls at your curiosity, even a little, you will owe me something in return for it’s ending.” I nodded. “That seems fair enough.” I smiled. “Dare I tempt you the same bet, sir?” He nodded. “I will start...” He insisted.