Taunt

A Game of Heirs

I think that's what I'll do with the Karada, then.

I made the assumption that the Aroi would have a bunch of household servants, being of their status and wealth.

A Game of Heirs

Chiharu followed Tetsuo, mindful of the distance between them. Ido Castle was a maze, every corridor leading into another before branching in either direction. Everything was immaculate; the Aroi clearly took pride in their estate. They eventually turned into a hallway, artwork strung up by the dozen. She took a moment to admire them, pride swelling at the thought of her father’s painting being added. “My father will be pleased,” she said, chuckling. “He was worrying the entire way; it was terrible.”

Tetsuo was easily a head taller than her; she looked up to speak, but quickly lost her nerve, face warm and skin more still, wide-eyed and acutely aware, now, of him. He was beyond her reach, but still, her heart refused to stop, falling further and further. “My father is a painter, yes. And, if I may, his skill is unrivalled, but I know very little about it,” Chiharu said. “We weren’t to learn his trade. Even my brother was kept away.” She frowned. “I feel as though he’s hiding something. He’s a mysterious man; I fear I’ll never understand.”

“I was raised to be a dutiful wife. Though, as a child, I indulged myself in literature. If I may speak frankly, Aroi-sama, I thought it would be my sister, Kaede, that you would court, if it suited you. She is only a year older than I, and far more beautiful; she was awfully upset when I was to accompany mother and father.” She hid her smile behind her sleeve. It was strange how easily she talked to Tetsuo, as if they had known each other far longer than a day. “But I must thank you for entertaining my father’s whim. I know we have nothing to our name, but you’ve done us… me… a great kindness,” she said, dipping her head. She considered what she was about to say, how devilish it was in nature, but then, it was unlike her to be meek—a fact that endlessly aggravated her mother. “Forgive me, but I’d thought you’d be arrogant, like many of the nobility I’ve known, but now I see you are a good and gentle man. I hope that we may, at the very least, continue our friendship, if we are not to wed.”

Hearing someone approach, Chiharu stopped, peering around Tetsuo. It was a different retainer, this time—an older man with a noticeable limp. He bowed respectfully before speaking. “Pardon me, but some refreshments have been prepared. Midori-san will take you when you are ready.” He shuffled aside to reveal a young woman dressed plainly, dark hair brushing her shoulder—Midori-san, she assumed. The girl beamed at Tetsuo: “Aroi-sama. I’ve prepared your favourite tea.”

A Game of Heirs

I expect that most of mine will be longer. In this particular scene, there isn't very much to do.

I'll take the Karada, then. I was thinking of (maybe) making them a very wealthy merchant family -- I've been doing some research and this would probably be feasible enough... It'd add some variety, at least. I'm looking up how importation worked back in the feudal era -- if there was any at all.

A Game of Heirs

I must apologize for the length. Unfortunately, I was a bit lost for what else to add to this post -- I hope what I've given you is enough to work with.

I agree that it would be more interesting if we could play off each other. I think what you've suggested is a good compromise. Would you prefer to take the Tanzo or the Karada? I'm not much concerned; feel free to choose and I'll take what's left.

A Game of Heirs

“We are grateful for your generosity. I am Nakashima Shigeru. My wife, Nakashima Rie, and my daughter, Nakashima Chiharu.”

Chiharu bowed, her hair falling forward to shield her face, and the small smile it held. She had imagined Aroi Tetsuo arrogant, as men his station often were. To find she had been mistaken… She sat with greater confidence as her father and Aroi Shingo spoke. If only the same could be said for her mother and Aroi Kaname. A sidelong glance confirmed her suspicion—Rie’s face was passive, but her gaze full of contempt. She recalled her mother, in the midst of fall, lamenting her youth and her greatest regret: to marry for love. She remember feeling pity, then, and a sense of understanding shared only between women. Lost in her thought, Chiharu caught only the end of the conversation, hiding her fluster behind her sleeve.

“…we are an artisan family. I take great pride in my work. I have painted a piece as a gift; I hope it is to your liking, my lord,” Shigeru said, matching Shingo easily in attitude. He had worked tirelessly, taking care with detail in the mountainous scene. Rie bowed deeply, offering a lacquer box covered with a fukusa. “My brother, Nakashima Takeru, has done well for himself, becoming a lord of his own estate. I, myself, have a small piece of land, but have chosen to lead a simple life.” It was a polite introduction, but entirely unremarkable. Chiharu swallowed. To mention her uncle was a desperate gamble.

“But let us get to the matter at hand. It would be an honour if you would consider my daughter,” Shigeru continued. He smiled pleasantly, his eye glinting with wicked plotting. “If you approve, my lord, it would be beneficial for them to speak in private.”

“Oto—” Chiharu, catching herself, remained still, but her heart continued to run wild in her chest. Even Rie had been caught off-guard; staring hard at the ground, her shoulder trembling. How quick silence was to descend upon them, the tension thick, near tangible. Remembering her mother’s advice, she looked up from beneath her lashes, with a voice warm as the sun, saying: “I-I would be flattered if Aroi-sama found me worthy.” She looked across at Tetsuo, catching his eye before she turned away, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear.

A Game of Heirs

Glad to hear it. :)

Hm... I think it could work either way. It may be more manageable to play one family each, though. Did you have a preference?

A Game of Heirs

Nakashima Chiharu was the youngest of three, aged only sixteen when her father, Nakashima Shigeru, approached her, smiling widely, letter in hand. “Otou-san.” Shooing her cousin, she shuffled aside, allowing him to sit aside her on the engawa. “What is it?” She asked. “You’re awfully excited.”

“Chiharu. You are a fine woman, gentle and diligent. Your mother and I have spoken, and we have decided that you are ready to marry,” Shigeru said, his single eye glittering. She had never dared to ask why he had lost the other; her father was an extremely private man. Indeed, he remained a mystery to even her mother, Nakashima Rie. Sensing he had more to say, she remained silent, biting the inside of her cheek. “We have been blessed with an audience with the Aroi family. My hope is that their nephew will take interest in you.” Shigeru grinned, resting a hand on her head. “My beautiful daughter.”

Chiharu smiled weakly. It was an honour—the Aroi were famous, decorated—but it was impossible what he expected of her. How could she fare against the Tanzo and the Karada? The Nakashima were an artisan family, and certainly not of wealth. Did her father truly believe that the Aroi would accept anything less? “I… I’m honoured,” she replied, skirting the issue. “But me? Surely, Kaede would be better suited…”

Shigeru clicked his tongue, climbing to his feet. His greying face held scorn for her reluctance. “The responsibility has fallen to you, Chiharu. We will be leaving tomorrow at dawn. Be ready.”

✿

Chiharu fidgeted as Rie combed her hair; her mother had insisted upon the hime cut, citing it fashionable. She guided Chiharu to her feet, looking her over with deep scrutiny. The resemblance between them was uncanny and, Chiharu was certain, a point of resentment for Rie. The silence was uncomfortable, heavy and suffocating, time crawling slowly as Rie adjusted what she thought out of place. She demanded no less than perfection, the pressure of meeting the Aroi ailing her patience. It was a welcome relief when she stepped back.

Chiharu’s kimono had been tailored for the occasion, made of fine silk with floral embroidery. She peered at her reflection; it was a work of art, far beyond what Kaede had received for her omiai. She faltered, spotting Rie’s frown in the glass, and bowed her head. “Sumimasen.”

“Really, where is your head?” Rie said. Chiharu stepped aside, surrendering the mirror to her mother and moving outside, face upturned. The sky was clear, promising good weather for their journey; if only the same could be said for her heart. She had never felt restraint, even as a child, her father’s doting ensuring she could do as she pleased. The thought of taking a husband, a stranger… It was far beyond understanding. But, she supposed, as her mother had imposed: “There is no room in this world for childish dreaming.”

✿

They arrived in the afternoon. A sly wind had come in from the east, bringing with it dark cloud and biting chill. The Aroi residence was larger than Chiharu had thought, easily thrice the size of their own. A retainer came to meet Shigeru, bowing deeply and inviting the family inside. The opulence was not lost on her, the full weight of her duty weighing heavily. How could she even dream of competing with women of higher nobility? They were guided to a tatami room, the retainer asking leave to fetch his lord. She felt a hand on her shoulder, Rie hissing a warning in her ear as they entered. Chiharu knelt on the floor, a hand on her lap and the other adjusting her hair, her heart in her throat. Her mother seated herself beside her, leaning close to conspire.

“Remember,” Rie said, face still as stone. “Men are simple. Charm them, and you will have them in your palm.”

“Yes, okaa-san.”

“Do not fail me.”

“No, okaa-san.”

A Game of Heirs

And here it is.

Edit: Excellent post. I hope mine is up to standard. I'm sorry if it's ... 'eh', but I tried to make it interesting enough.

I did a little research, so hopefully everything is semi-accurate.

Searching for partner. Craving fantasy or historical (feudal Japan?)

Closed.

Play with Fire!

@Drache: I'll send you a PM regarded Dragon x Rider then!