--- Last time ---
Mother: It would appear that you might need a little help. Two extra hands maybe of use. Oh, along with your morning meal, of course.
Tonton: I have skills in P.R. It might come in handy in appeasing the people.
Mother: What do you say?
*A smirk quirking his lips, Huxian looked up from his work*
Huxian: And this is why Engetsu is an idiot. He was always terrible at delegation. On the other hand...Thank you. I think we’ll be able to put a dent in this between the lot of us, wouldn’t you say? Welcome aboard.
---
*In the end, Engetsu and Rodessa never did speak. As Rodessa had informed the family the day before, when morning came, she returned to the temple to request ‘Emperor Training’. Her leaving had been a quiet affair - her goodbyes only to her mother and Huxian before she disappeared like a wraith, her father never catching a glimpse of her departure. However, due to stress and being so focused on preventing a clan war, it was impossible to know if Engetsu was even aware, or if he had even seen her leave, merely putting the hurt aside to focus on keeping his clan from crumbling around him.
Though they had experienced differences in how Rodessa’s situation had been handled, Huxian kept to his word, helping Engetsu to ease tensions, aiding in negotiations and attempting to find ways to prevent the more outspoken warmongers from tearing through said negotiations and bring the whole thing down around them. And with the help of the others, they were able to gather much more intel faster, the various points of view involving outsiders and those deeply entrenched allowing them to find loopholes or, at the very least, let them bounce off ideas until they could be used, or until the avenue was exhausted of potential. It wasn’t to say they had fixed the issue once a year had passed - especially when there were those in the clan either exceptionally hard headed or had been looking for the chance to grasp at power - but they had at least prevented the clan from outright imploding on itself, and had encouraged some to even lean in their favour, particularly those of the younger generation who believed that Rodessa should have a choice in her marriage to whoever as long as she herself was still a good leader. But with the power void currently left behind by Rodessa being ‘missing’, it was impossible to completely entice everyone, especially the older generation, who would often insist that they were making ‘excuses’ and that she ‘ran from her responsibilities’, not believing that she was actually training with Parame,.
There were always stubborn fools who wouldn’t listen to reason until they had the proof staring them in the face. Huxian could only hope that, once her training was done, they would begin to accept her as the future leader. Even then, Huxian knew it wouldn’t be that easy. They would be looking for any excuse, any weakness in order to try to undermine her or throw power in their favour against them.
Huxian could only hope that once she returned, they would be able to change the minds of the naysayers as well, though even if Rodessa became the best negotiator and leader in the world, Huxian knew that they would still have some trouble with those who seemed to truly want to cause an uprising.
Though Huxian kept to his word to help the clan with all his being, his mind would sometimes drift to Rodessa with worry, his heart would clench ever time her name was mentioned. True to Rodessa’s word, he had heard nothing from her since the quiet hug and soft goodbye as she retreated to the temple. The few times that Huxian left the office or wasn’t helping with meetings and such - usually when Engetsu’s wife insisted he take a breath of air to recharge after using large amounts of power to maintain his clones, he would inevitable find himself at the temple doors. However, no matter when he went, he never caught a glimpse of her.
In the end, even though he would always worry for her, he knew the best thing he could do for her was to keep the clan in one piece and trust in her, have faith that she would fulfil her word. He believed in her, so he just needed to show it by doing his best as well. She would come back, and she would come back stronger. As time went on, any time the others would begin to doubt, he would remind them with unwavering faith that she would keep her word. Even when it physically hurt inside at her absence, he still believed.
And his faith was rewarded when, after a full year and a half had passed, a messenger appeared to inform them that her training was almost complete. Soon she would be back. Soon, she would be home.*
Huxian [Inner Thoughts]: I know that you would have put everything into this. And I want to be there to support you when you take ownership over the clan. Will you be glad, Ro? That we’ve both fought so hard? That maybe together we can save the clan. We have some supporters now, after all. With the will that saved my soul, I know that you can save theirs too.
*It was only a few days after the messenger that Huxian’s faith was rewarded. After having spent most the day holed up in the archives, he had been encouraged to have a break. After all, their research had been bearing fruit and if they wanted to keep on top of it, they all needed to be able to think clearly. After all, though the threat of civil war had sizzled to a quiet murmur, giving them breathing room, they had to be sure to keep themselves from missing anything. The odd break, fresh air, just doing something other than staring at dusty texts or arguing with stubborn clan bureaucrats would keep their minds sharp.
Thus, Huxian had relocated to the front porch, sitting back against the doorframe as he pulled out a pipe, an old gift that Huxian had taken a liking to and sometimes used in quiet moments of reflection. He felt somewhat nostalgic as it was with the snow drifting down just beyond the porch, reminding him of the high peaks of his home, or the winter days when he, as a kit barely capable of transforming snuggling close to the side of the Monk who took him under his wing, who would tell him tales and fables as he, too, would smoke rings into the air. The mixed scent as he lit the pipe and inhaled, the taste of his favoured tobacco on his tongue as he blew smoke from his lips, seeing them form rings in the air, it left him with an odd sense of peace, a reminder of simpler, safer times with someone who cared for him. All he needed was to be pressed against the warm side of a loved one, feeling fingers through his hair...Perhaps wishful thinking, but the thought made him smile reminiscently. Sometimes, in a fit of old childishness from his kit days, he would flick his fingers and shape the smoke into something else - a ship, a bird, a dragon and, just for a bit more fun, shaped it into a fox that scampered between snowflakes as it bounded playfully in the air.
It was as the smoke-fox was drifting away, slowly deforming as the smoke began to disperse that he saw, approaching through the snow, a figure. It was a feminine figure wrapped up in a fur hooded Shuba. Though he couldn’t quite make out who it was at first, something in him certainly began to pay close attention. The closer she got, the more he could see through the snow. The figure was that of a young woman and, for a moment, he thought he had gone to the past to see the woman that Engetsu had married before he had truly started to woo her. However, before she had got close enough for him to mark out the true differences, his nose picked up a familiar scent. Not of the smoke, not of the snow, but a scent that caused his heart to flutter, his ears to prick up and strain. He sat up, barely preventing himself from dropping the pipe in his rush to do so, because that scent could belong to no one else*
Huxian: *Earnestly* Ro!
Rodessa: Hello, my love. It’s been some time, hasn’t it?
*As the girl finally reached the porch, Huxian could finally see her in full detail without the snow flurry obscuring her features. It seemed that she had had another growth spurt since he had seen her, making her seem that much more mature. Not yet full grown, but sitting on the cusp. It reflected in her mannerisms, the grace in which she moved without the hints of awkwardness she had occasionally shown before. It was in the way she looked at him, spoke to him. She had a maturity about her now. But despite that, she still had that spark of innocence, however tempered by whatever new knowledge she had gained.
She smiled tenderly as he gazed upon her like a man in a desert finally finding an oasis, her hands reached out to him elegantly, gently cupping his cheeks with graceful affection*
Rodessa: The snow storm has been quite troublesome. Thankfully the carriage was able to bring me halfway. Yet despite the difficulties...I am home. *Loving eyes*
*Feeling as if a part of him that had been unknowingly missing had slotted back into place at the touch, Huxian let out a shaky breath, eyes closed as he cupped his hands over hers. Even though her fingers were chilled by the cold, he felt more warm than he had in a long time. She was back. She was home. His eyes opened again, drinking in the sight of her eyen as he was able to finally say what he had been hoping to since she left*
Huxian: *Fondly* Welcome back, my love.
*How strange it was that the world had seemed so oddly grey and hazy until that moment. Now, with her there, as if rewarding his steadfast belief, it was as if everything had become so much brighter, his heart lighter. For the first time in what seemed like eons, he felt relaxed enough that the flirting tease slipped from his lips before his brain could even catch up*
Huxian: You know...since the snow was so awful and rude to you for delaying your trip...I could help you warm up
Rodessa: *Chuckle* Thank you. I’m glad to be home…
*Flirty Gaze* And I may take you up on that offer - once my work is done, of course.
Huxian: Well then, my lady. *Standing up, he offered his arm* May this humble huli jing escort you?
Rodessa: Oh? what a gentleman, thank you.
*Flashing a bright smile as Rodessa delicately took his arm, Huxian escorted her to the door and opened it for her, allowing the young woman to step into her home for the first time in over a year. Unlike before, when they had returned from the temple and she had been tense with trepidation, Rodessa seemed almost relaxed as she gently called out*
Rodessa: I’m home. Mother, Father, are you there?
*There was barely a moment’s pause before the sound of pattering footsteps reached their ears. Soon, the girl’s mother had appeared, joy in her expression as she hurried to embrace her returned daughter, scooping her into a warm embrace as the girl’s father joined them*
Mother: *Hug* Oh Roza! We’ve missed you, Oh! You’re freezing! Come in, come in. I’ll go make you something to drink.
*All aflutter with joy, the mother hurried to the kitchen to prepare a warm drink, leaving the father to slowly approach Rodessa, face oddly emotionless, though Huxian couldn’t ay if it was due to his own nerve, stress, disappointment in how the situation had been or hurt that he was trying to keep to himself. Perhaps it was all of that together, making him sound less than joyful when he finally spoke*
Engetsu: *Sternly* Welcome home.
Rodessa: I thank you for the welcome...sir.
Engetsu: I assume your business at the temple is completed. Whatever you intended to do, I hope it was something worthwhile. I rather you not waste anymore of my time.
*Huxian wanted to either grone, bite back a comment or smack a hand to his face - maybe even Engetsu’s face. However, Rodessa didn’t flinch or lower her gaze as she might have done before she left. Instead she met his eyes with head held high*
Rodessa: *Slight attitude* I can assure you, father, that neither your time nor my efforts were wasted. I have learned all there is I could be taught in addition to keeping records of your own efforts as well as the reactions of our people. With the information in mind I have drawn up a plan of action for our next steps. All they require are your seal of approval before being put into place.
*The girl handed Engetsu a thick envelope.*
Engetsu: *Judgingly* I expect perfection, nothing less, little girl.
*Huxian’s eyes narrowed. Was he testing her or was he honestly being that patronising on purpose? Yet, once again, Rodessa stood firm*
Rodessa: *Narrowed eyes* And perfection you shall have. All you need do is read and sign. If you have any suggestions, then by all means, give them and I shall have them done by morning
Engetsu: *Huff, resting the envelope on his shoulder* Over confident, quick to temper. Not good qualities for any hair of any clan, my dear. Remember that.
Rodessa: *Cold Smile* I apologize. I shall be sure to keep that in mind. For now, however, please excuse me.
*Picking up the hem of her coat, inclining her head in parting with her father, she glided away to her room without looking back, graceful as goddess. Shooting a look at Engetsu, Huxian hoped that he would explain what the hell he had been trying to do. However, Engetsu, completely ignoring him, merely strode into the kitchen, making Huxian throw up his arms into the air at stupid stubborn idiots. However, as much as he wanted to shake the man and snarl at him with fangs bared, he knew that the mother would have words for him herself and honestly, he prefered to welcome home his love than deal with Engetsu’s childishness. As such, he headed up the stairs after Rodessa. If nothing else, he wanted her to know there were those in the household that truly had faith in her.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the door, the mother immediately rounded on her husband*
Mother: *Kissing Teeth* It’s been over a year and you are still finding ways to pick a fight!
Engetsu: *Sigh* I was not picking a fight, simply inquiring about her time away from home.
Mother: OH? Well it sounded like you were picking a fight to me! Not even an hour is she home an-!
Engetsu: *Tired Eyes* My Dear, please. Drop it.
Mother: ...Fine.
*Unknowing of the conversation taking place in the kitchen, Rodessa reached her bedroom and slammed the door behind her in a small gesture of displeasure, throwing her belongings on the bed before disrobing in hopes of having a bath to warm her of the chill from her travels, maybe the slight chill at her father’s attitude. She remembered that the goddesses had made a door to the cleansing pool room, which would certainly help clear her head. No matter what, she certainly needed a clear head if she was going to confidently and competently present her findings to her father.
However, before she could pull on her robe and enter the ‘room’, there was a knock on her bedroom door, which opened to reveal Huxian, who’s voice, as he had been about to speak, seemingly died as his gaze fell on her appearance, struck silent and unable to look away.*
Rodessa: *Soft Chuckle, tired eyes* If you’re just going to stand there, I’ll charge you, Fluffy. You need to pay to see the exhibits, after all.
*Managing to reconnect brain to mouth as well as recontrol the rest of himself, Huxian stepped inside the room and closed the door, eyes tracing up her body before meeting her eyes once again*
Huxian: I’m sure I’d become a very poor man if I had to pay money to look. After all, you look as if you found the secrets of divinity along with your emperor training. Though, would it be wrong of me to ask you that, if you must charge me, it be with love and affection rather than money. If it were that, then I’m sure that I could gaze upon you forever. No other art would ever compare.
*His lips quirked into a smile*
Huxian: Though...I must ask, would I also be charged to touch as well?
Rodessa: *Chuckle*Perhaps I should, considering you have yet to fulfil your duty as my betrothed
*The girl walked toward Huxian slowly, abandoning her robe at her feet, reaching out to him. She looked up expectantly before allowing her eyes to flutter close.*
Rodessa: *Coy chuckle* You know...if you promise to fulfil your duties for the rest of your days, I’ll grant you ownership and lifetime access to this ‘work of art’. What do you say, my lord?
*With a breadth of a laugh, warm and fond, any frustration at Engetsu utterly lost in the face of her actions, Huxian closed the last of the distance, gathering her into his arms as he buried his face in her hair, nose filling with the scent of his love, of the one who he wished to always be by the side of. It was as if, even though he had never left, he himself had come home, rather than Rodessa returning to his side*
Huxian: Gods, I missed you so much...I know you had to go, I knew you would return to me. I believed that you would master your training and come back. Yet I never even realised until then how it felt I was missing so much of me until you walked up to me through the snow. The world felt grey until then. How could I ever go back to such a grey world? Even if I were to become the poorest of men, it would be worth it to be at your side.
Rodessa: *Nuzzling* I’m sorry my love, it was for the sake of our fucher it had to be so.
*He pulled back, running hands through her hair, tracing his fingers over the more refined features, over her shoulders. There he held her by the shoulders, drinking in the sight before him*
Huxian: That ‘price’ you have? I believe I could pay it with a smile, a thousand times over.
*He leaned forwards, forehead bumping gently against hers as he gazed into her eyes*
Huxian: Then...as the first installment of this lifetime payment….Welcome home, light of my heart.
*With that, he closed the last of the distance as their lips connected for the first time in a year and a half. She seemed to be a little more sensitive to their passionate kiss than before, perhaps due to the the lack of interaction during that time. She trembled in his arms, her scent immediately dencened. It was as if all her repressed lust came seeping from her, making her knees buckle. Huxian held her firmly to him, pulling her waist close to his body.*
Rodessa: *Wanting eyes* H-hue… I… I’m not used to it anymore, you-
Huxian: *Stroking her hair* Hush...Its fine. I understand. You know we go at your pace. We’ll just have to get you used to things again.
*He breathed a laugh, kissing her on the cheek*
Huxian: Well, if you are to be mine now...and this is a partnership, that also means I’m yours. I’m at your command, my lady. Tell me what you want.
Rodessa: *Exhausted* If I being truthful… a relaxing bath, like last time… W-with you, if that is something my Lord desires as well it might relax both the mind an body.
*Mutter* And I might get a good look at you as well but who’s talking.
*The last comment made Huxian splutter out a laugh*
Huxian: Pft! Well, it would be fair, wouldn’t it? And I have to say, I have no complaints with the plan. If nothing else, I get to pamper you as a welcome back gift. Of course, if you really want it like last time…
*Without further warning, he picked her up bridal style in his arms with a shameless grin*
Huxian: Well, my Lady, shall we?
*The girl hands gently lay around him her had at the crook of his neck, she seemed comfortable
Rodessa: I don’t recall this part… but its nice. And your having fun.
Huxian: Mm, true enough. You were...ah...a little preoccupied at the time. It's nice to have the attention where it's due this time around.
*He nuzzled the top of her head, hoping that she would understand he meant it in all fondness rather than any true annoyance as he carried her towards the door that would lead to the cleansing pool.*
Huxian: Anyway, why would I not be having fun? You’re here.
Rodessa: *Smile* Will that type of fun be on the menu as well? ...Like last time?
Huxian: Whatever fun you like, love. Honestly, I don’t mind. I’ll be happy just by being with you, even if all we do is cuddle and fall asleep, though I certainly wouldn’t say no to more than that. It’s been over a year since I last saw you. Even if I knew you’d be back and stronger than ever...like I said, I missed you.
Rodessa: *Hum* I missed you too, my love. So, so much.
[END]
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