---Last time---
Children: *Running Back To Parame* Bye big sis!
Rodessa: Bye sweetie! I’ll check on you guys later ok?!!!
Children: Ok!!!
Huxian: *Smiling after the children* They’re adorable little kits, huh?
*After a moment watching the children, Huxian turned back to Rodessa*
Rodessa: *Sarcastic* As cute as they are troublesome.
Huxian: It was odd, but it went ok. We have about a week before we have the ‘joys’ of rejoining the real world, so to speak.
*With a grin, he grabbed Rodessa, pulling her into a hug from behind as he nuzzled her cheek*
Huxian: Looks like we get each other aaaaall to ourselves for seven whole days without anyone walking in on us.
*Reaching out her hand to thread her fingers through his thick locks Rodessa relaxed.*
Rodessa: *Chuckle* yes but you forget. We have two peeping toms constantly ‘helping’ us. Dropping in on our snuggle time.
Huxian: Ah, but they want to help. Bit of a difference, no matter how much they seem like voyeurs. At least they’re giving us nice places for us to use. It almost feels like a vacation.
Rodessa: And Lords know we need one of those. But you’re right, I’ll let it slide. As long as we get our petting time, it’s all good to me. *Grin*
---------
*The week that the to spent in the temple was probably the calmest they had had, able to spend time together doing as they wished without interruption from either Engetsu’s clan nor the goddesses (at least if they showed up they decided to time it to when neither of them were engaged in anything private together. Both Rodessa and Huxian were thankful, for various reasons. For Huxian, he was glad that Rodessa could have a break from the stresses, to give her that much more time to heal spiritually. Though he certainly wasn’t opposed to Rodessa’s reason, since she was finally getting to spend the time she wished with Huxian without being scolded or lectured about ‘duties’. As such, when the two weren’t allowing their bodies and souls to be cleansed in the divine pools, they either watched over the children and played with them, or they held themselves up together to explore different aspects of their relationship, or even simply just to remain in each other’s embrace, drawing warmth and comfort from each other.
All to fast, however, the week came to its end. Though reluctant, there was no real escape from rejoining the outside world once more.*
Huxian [Inner Thoughts]: As much as we’d like to think otherwise, we do have to face the consequences of what happened, both in keeping the family from drifting apart, to hopefully fix what’s happened between father and daughter. No matter how we look at it, either, Rodessa is heir to the Ashu-Wahari clan, so we’ll need to gain the clan’s favour without bending over backwards to fix Engetsu’s choices. I can just hope that what we can do together is enough…
*However, he didn’t mention his concerns to Rodessa just yet. He was sure, in her heart of hearts, she was aware. He wanted to allow her that peace of mind, just a little while longer. Instead, he hugged the girl from behind and nuzzled her cheek instead*
Huxian: Looks like Lady Parame and Lady Venus wanted to meddle again.
*He nodded his head to the bed they had shared together, where it seemed they had provided the two of them clean clothing*
Huxian: Did they have these made especially for you, or have you been hiding these clothes for special occasions?
Rodessa: *Chuckle* No, not me. It looks like Venus’ signature.
*Picking up the negligee and holding it up to her skin.*
Rodessa: *Posing Seductively, Winking* I thinks she wants me to give you a show.
Huxian: Ooh, a show, huh? I can’t say I have an issue with that when the view looks good enough to eat.
*He made a play as if to actually bite her, a grin on his face*
Huxian: Do I get the show all to myself, too? What deity did I please recently to get such a heavenly sight?
Rodessa: *Chuckle* Hum~ Maybe a god of foxes? You have been a good boy recently. So I guess I can treat you.
*Laughing, Huxian sat one of the chairs, raking his eyes up and down her form*
Huxian: Well, if it is indeed that god, I’ll be sure to eat sushi in their name later once I’ve had my reward, don’t you think? Of course, you’re more than welcome to join me, since you’ve been such a help in that regard.
*The girl’s lips curled into a smile, her hooded eyes a lustful promise. With a snap of her fingers, the clothes she wore had switched for the gifted ones and, as if on cue, sensual music began to play from an unknown source. Eyes fixed on Huxian as if he were her prey, she slowly reached up and, with a sharp tug, her locks cascaded down her shoulders. With a flick of her hair, she began to move rhythmically to the music almost hypnotically. Without really thinking, Huxian’s hand reached for her when she edged closer, only for her to dance out of reach, wagging her finger pseudo scolingly*
Rodessa: *Teasing tone* Oh, no no, My Lord, that won’t do. One can’t touch the maiden until the dance is done, ok~?
Huxian: Oh?
*Moving his hand back, he instead threaded them together, face contrite, though eyes glittering with mischief and something close to sinful*
Huxian: Dance away then. I’ll behave...for now.
*Her lips quirking into a wicked smirk in response, Rodessa smoothly fell into her dance once again, coxing Huxian to his feet, even as she made sure his hands never grazed her skin until she desired it, her leg wrapping around him to pull him flush against her body, enticing him to join her dance. Almost as if they had both forgotten the no touching rule, they held each other through the sensual dance, their hips undulating to the rhythm of the music that she hummed breathily into his ears as they swept through the dance until finally the music came to an end, leaving them both winded, yet trembling with desire.
Rodessa: Where did you-
Huxian: *Eyes half lidded* I was never taught...I just followed my instincts
Rodessa: Is that so?… Eep!
*Without warning, Huxian had swept her into his arms and carried her to the bed, dropping her onto the sleak bedspread before following himself with the surprising grace of a fox pouncing on its prey. His eyes seemed to gleam golden in the candlelight as he stared down at the girl, clawed fingers trailing down her front, splitting the negligee open before him.*
Huxian: I don’t need to know the moves to know what that was, though. Tempress, calling on a mating dance...I should punish you for such a tease. Maybe just ravage you here. Or maybe I shouldn’t just to leave you with that heated ache as a punishment. Seeing you writhe wantonly...I might enjoy such a dance too.
Rodessa: *Coy* If you leave me like this I get revenge, seriously punishing me for giving you a reward. How mean biting the hand that feeds you. Bad kitty bad. Besides….
*The girl trailed a hand down gently grazing a certain area, before rolling over*
Rodessa: *Flirty Tone*it worked didn't it? And it’s not like you really complaining~
But if it displeases you then we obliged to go no further, shame I thought you might want to have a little fun while we're ab-
*Almost as if to prevent such blasphemy from leaving her lips, he swatted her rump, not hard enough to do any real damage, but enough to shock, before he dropped his weight against her, pushing her into the mattress*
Huxian: I said punish...I didn’t say you wouldn’t enjoy it. You like playing the little sadist sometimes, but I can see you shudder every time I decide to get a little wild.
*One of his hands moved to grasp at her rear, running this thumb along the crack*
Huxian: Didn’t you want a little fun? I don’t mind playing such a game. Of course, that is, if you want to keep playing. Because it seems to me you were offering up such an ample target.
Rodessa: *Begging Eyes, soft Purr* I don’t mind a little ruff play but you-you say this but, I know you wont give me what I want Hue. so I’m going to keep up my dance until you cave.
*The girl arched her back, pressing her rear up against him shamelessly. To his senses, her scent was becoming almost heady, a dizzying aroma that seemed to make his iron grip on his inhibitions crumble like ash. Before he even realised what he was doing, he bucked his hips against her almost promisingly, even as his teeth clamped onto her neck, a sharp bite of Mineminemine, before nibbling against it enticingly.*
Huxian: But if I give you what you want...then that wouldn’t be true punishment. As they say...all good things come to those who wait…
*The hand which had been griping at her rump trailed around the smooth, pert buttocks before trailing over thighs, finally sweeping over sensitive skin, just enough to tease, to make her gasp needilly, yet not lingering long enough for her to press against them for relief*
Huxian: I want to see how much you can take...what will make you shudder and gasp, what will make you beg. You wanted to play, so let me toy with you, the way you’ve been toying with me since you started that little dance of yours. Beg for me.
*The girl craned her neck, looking over her shoulder she offered a smug smile*
Rodessa: *Dominant eyes* Me beg you? What a joke, I can handle all you throw at me and more....
*The girl presses against him once more guiding one of his hands to her chest, moving to her to her rhythm.*
Rodessa: *Dominant eyes* So go ahead and try My Lord, I won’t be putty in your hands no, no, no, not without a fight, so bring all you have. I’m waiting.
*Huxian’s lips merely spread into a larger grin*
Huxian: Well, it wouldn’t be fun if it wasn’t a challenge, now would it?
*And with that, the two fought for dominance between them, a game of a lustful war were the only real casualty was pride and dignity as they stripped each other of clothing and mental armour, breaking each other’s restraints, only barely remembering that they had essentially given their words to the goddesses that they wouldn’t cross specific lines. Despite this, they had learned each other’s bodies enough that they could draw out their game until they had both lost their energy and ended their final night at the Temple entangled around each other, locked in an embrace as if letting go would scatter them both into pieces.
All too soon, however, the two came to, knowing with sinking hearts that they needed to get up and dressed appropriately for their escort back to the Kariudo household. The pair made their way to the temple entrance, the lush flora sparkled with sun lit dew in the early morning light. It was beautiful, tranquil, almost peaceful. It utterly juxtaposed the girl’s mood. The crushing weight of reality that was to befall them as soon as the girl’s mother came to see them pressed down on her soul.
The girl sighed as she gazed down at the path to the temple, immediately catching the fox lord’s attention. He slowed for a moment, eyes flicking away as he tried to think how to help. He had promised both the goddesses he would help to rectify the situation, and the first step would be here, to help shoulder her burdens. Determined to do so as her footsteps slowed into reluctant dragging, he slipped behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist as he nuzzled his cheek against the crook of her neck. Almost unconsciously, she gave a shuddering sigh, steps slowing all together as she reached up to him, cupping his cheek with slender fingers*
Rodessa: *Sigh*...Hue?
Huxian: Yes Ro?
Rodessa: *Knitted Brow* ...Could you spirit me away, whisk away the bride so we won't be bothered anymore?
*Ducking his head ever so slightly so that she might not see the ache for her that was in his eyes, knowing that, despite it all, she was scared to face everything. He couldn’t blame her. After all, last time they had been at the household, she had been practically crushed under her father’s sins and expectations she had retreated into herself. However, as much as he wanted to give her the desire she asked for, he couldn’t. Instead, he reached to her hands, clasping them in her own*
Huxian: You know I can’t do that. And you know that even if I did, you would come to hate both me and yourself for abandoning everything. Even if you don’t like what they tried, there are people you care for, even if not in the way they’d like. To run away from them, from a way to make it so such things never happen again, to anyone in the clan, even to any future pups, it would eat you up inside.
Rodessa: *Looks down dejected* I… I know…. I know.
*He moved in front of her, cupping her own face in his hands so she would look up to him*
Huxian: Despite that, even though it’ll be difficult, I will keep my promise to you. You won’t be facing this alone. Even if I have to protect you from the world, I will always be there to support you. We’ll get through this together. Not only that, but there are others who support you, even if they dont always know how to show it. We’ll always be on your side, Ro. Just trust in us. Trust in me.
Rodessa: Hue…
*There was the faint pattern of steps as someone approached the two.*
Mother: Good Morning, love birds.
*The girls mother came into view. The girl straightened her back - it seemed the suppressed emotions that the girl had hidden away thus far were beginning to rear their heads.*
Rodessa: H-hello mother.
Mother: *Tired Eyes, Bright smile* Morning Sweetie, ready to leave? I brought the carriage. I thought we might take it slow before we jump into the frying pan.
Huxian: Either way works. If nothing else, you two getting a good cuddle or two in might be good. I mean, I know I loved having her all to myself, so I wouldn’t blame you if you wanted your share of cuddles with your lovely daughter.
*Despite his teasing, he knew that Rodessa’s mother would get the hint. Ro needed to know she had allies on her side, that people still loved her enough despite not being an emotionless doll any more. Any affection, any hint of being just happy to have her would surely cheer her, or at least relax the tension a little bit. He didn’t want a wedge to be between mother and daughter, not when he knew how much they really loved each other. With knowing eyes, the girl’s mother stepped forward, cupping the girl’s cheek.*
Mother: *Knowing Smile* Don't hang your head, dear, its unlady like. You’re the child of a warrior, act like it. That beautiful Kariudo strength and pride flows with in you, for you to act like this disgraces the noble blood. Do you understand me, little one?
Huxian: Eh, I don’t think blood has anything to do with it. When she wants to, she could even challenge gods, I’m sure of it. That pride and strength is all Ro. She even happily defies me on a daily basis.
*Somehow he sounded far more proud and jovial than a defied lord should do. But then again, he loved Ro not for her power, but for her spirit, for purely being Ro.
With a wink to the mother, he teasingly nudged her to step towards her, though he remained where he said he would - at Ro’s side.
The girl straightened her posture, biting her lip she stood before her mother, eyes still down cast.*
Rodessa: *Nervous* Y-yeah….um… I… is papa…?
Mother: Frustrated, Stressed, Easily agitated.
Rodessa: Its… my ful-
Mother: No, never think that. Rodessa, it isn’t your fault, but ours! We made a mistake - not in having you, but, in pushing you in a direction you were never meant to go. That is our sins we need to face and never should have landed at your feet. For me, your happiness will always be paramount in my mind. As for your father, he’s hard headed, but he loves you and will come around eventually, I assure you.
As for the clan...well, that is a beast only you have the power to slay. If you wish for your happiness in the face of them, you must fight for it, unwavering in your sense that you are doing what you know to be right and true. You need to be stronger, wiser, use everything you have, even if it seems underhanded to grasp that future. It comes with the territory. But then, doesn’t everything with worth need fighting for? Otherwise, it wouldn’t be so treasured.
So, what will you do? Cower and roll over in defeat, or stand and fight for what you want. In the end, no one can make that choice but you
Rodessa: *Deep Thought* ....
Mother: Lets go. Breakfast should be done by the time we arrive.
Huxian: Well, we’ve not eaten yet. Got out the favourites?
*Even though it seemed a little harsh, this was something that she needed to think about. So, giving her chance to reflect on her mother;’s words, Huxian guided them to the carriage, talking about breakfast and keeping conversation light, yet nothing too complicated so that Ro would be able to think, or join in if she needed a break. The trip itself was at a sedate pace, in no rush. By the time they reached the Kariudo home, the morning sun had truly risen and the scent of warm oats and honey drifted to their noses.
The mother exited the carriage first, with Huxian helping Ro out, and she lead them into the house proper, only to pause as they entered the entrance hall, her eyes zeroing in on someone at the top of the stairs.*
Mother: Oh? You’re up already? You should get some rest, you didn't get much sleep after all.
Engetsu: How am I supposed to rest when we’re… when there’s still so much paperwork to do? Trying to deal with a displeased clan on the brink of war is no easy task.
*The girl bit her lip, seeming to hide in her mother's shadow*
Rodessa: *Mouse voice* Sorry… I-I’m sorry.
*Sentering herself the girl walked in the view of her father, bowing low eyes firmly shut.*
Riodessa: *Sporadic* I-I’m sorry for disgracing you, farther… I’m sorry that I caused this mess and I’m sorry I-I fell for a man the clan can’t accept yet. B-but I’m not sorry for choosing my partner. I’m not sorry for following my heart, because I can’t...I won’t be with someone I don’t love.
I don’t intend to leave the clan in shambles, no… I want to regain their respect. I want to lead them my way. Thus, I will be returning back to the temple to learn Mama’s Emperor Studies. I-I won’t be in contact with Hue while I’m there. I don’t want any distractions or anyone to say I’m doing this for the sake of covering up any scandalous issues. I...I!
*Engetsu stood there, watching the girl as she prattled on. Sighing, he walked past the girl. Feeling somewhat empty, he collected his meal and headed to his study.
Mother: Hum~ idiot. Just because you don’t know what to say, doesn't mean you should say nothing. Especially not now.
*The girl’s mother looked back at her child, then back to the direction that Engetsu had left.*
Rodessa: *Silent tears* …..I’m…. I’m sorry.
*With those words the girl began to walk in the direction of her room.*
Rodessa: *Dejected* I’m going to pack… I’ll be out of here after lunch.
Huxian: Ro.
*With a hand to her shoulder, he didn’t restrain, but just put enough pressure there to ask for her attention.*
Huxian: Don’t give in just yet. It’s like your mother said, Engetsu’s a stubborn idiot, but I think he’ll come to appreciate your dedication. If nothing else, I’ll make sure he sees the benefit. After all, the Emperor’s training is something that can only benefit both you and the clan. He’s just sulking because he’s having to deal with some of his own mess for once. But, give it a chance. I’ll talk to him. Just don’t go without saying goodbye first. Remember, even if I can’t be at the training with you, we’re still a team, right. Put some faith in me that I can back you up, ok? We’ll fix everything together.
Rodessa: *Downcast Eyes, Holding Back Tears* Yea…
*The girl set off towards her room again,
Mother: *Shakes head* She may look like me but she has most of his traits alright. Could you do me a favor?
Huxian: What, smack him over the head with a How Not To Be A Moron For Dummies book?
Mother: *Snort* I’m glad you saying it, not me… I’ll bring your meal to you, so go to him please.
Huxian: Well, that goes without saying. I might not have needed to for a while, but I did used to be his right hand in his night parade. I’ll handle it.
Mother: Thanks dear.
*Giving her an absent wave, Huxian made his way towards Engetsu’s study, his expression falling into its habitual blankness when he was going to sit someone down and verbally shed someone. After all, just because things hadn't gone his way and he’d been scolded by the Elder Goddess, didn’t mean he had the right to snub his daughter for following in his footsteps, especially when if they wanted to avoid what he had hinted was happening in the family then they needed to work together. Even so, as he pushed open the door to the office, he couldn’t help but pause, scanning over the result to Engetsu shouldering his on burden as Ashu-Wahari’s lord.
Papers and files were stacked in haphazard piles, as if a whirlwind had been through the office and he’d only put things into a vague order. There was a tray of food, barely touched, that Huxian could just see around stacks of papers teetering on the desk. As for the man himself, up close, Huxian could see dark smudges under his almost haunted eyes that made Huxian think of the state he personally had been in upon his arrival to Paradias, and seemed to be surviving only on coffee if the empty mugs were any indication. He seemed barely awake as he blearily dragged a computer closer, barely caring for the papers that seemed to sway precariously. Huxian’s ears flicked back a little at the almost audible clicking of his bones that seemed to have locked up from being so hunched for so long.
Huxian: ...You look like Shit.
Engetsu: *Tired Eyes * Do you need something? I’m quite busy Hue.
Huxian: I need quite a few things. Like you listening, for one. Think you can spare a moment for that?
Engetsu: *Exhausted* Listen, unless your going to help I need you to leave. This needs to be completed by the morning.
*Snorting, because he sometimes wondered if the other lord ever did listen to him, or even trust anyone to actually delegate, he merely picked up one of the files, flicking through it was a practiced eye*
Huxian: If you're in such a state like this, if you continue, you’ll miss something and make a mistake that you’ll only need to correct later, which will cause more problems for you. Get some sleep, moron. Even if it’s a few hours, I believe I’ve got experience with how you run things from the Night Parade to take up the baton. Go to bed.
Engetsu: That is not necessary, I need to complete-
*Slamming the folder shut with a loud bang, Huxian pinned Engetsu with a stare that could make even dragons flinch*
Huxian: Engetsu. Either you go to bed willingly, at least for a few hours, or I will hit you with a sleep spell strong enough to put you into a coma for a few months instead. And my that, I mean I will smash your skull through all the walls in this house until you pass out. Are we clear you stupid wolf?!
Engetsu: *Irritated*...Fine… I suppose you’re right… I cant tell whats what any more…. If you need me wake me up.
Huxian: Glad you see that at least some of your brain cells still function. Rest well.
Engetsu: Oh shut it you yip yap bastard… Night.
*Huxian made sure to watch until Engetsu had staggered out of the room and to bed, finally, before he turned his attention to the folders, skimming over the information with eyes practiced in taking in reports, be they ones of peace or ones in war in short periods of time, a frown on his face.
While he disliked Rodessa’s treatment on a personal level, Due to how Engetsu had been staring things, no matter how much it had felt like burden shifting, had left something of a vacuum now Engetsu had been tasked to free her of his burdens. He felt sorry for him, of course, but because he had put his eggs in one basket, yet been unable to deliver after that basket got knocked from his grip, the people in the clan had started to question his leadership skills, or at least, their trust had been shaken since he was unable to deliver on his promises. There were a few who seemed like they were bringing up his mistakes from before as well, now deciding to speak up since others were making such noise as well.*
Huxian: There’s a lot to fix...it’ll take time, but…
*His face set, he cracked his knuckles, eyes gleaming with determination*
Huxian: This is partly my responsibility. If I’m going to be Rodessa’s partner in this, if I’m going to fulfil my word, and if I’m going to save Engetsu from his stupid self…*Smirk* Well, I’ve worked with worse odds. Let’s see if I can’t get things started. It won’t be a quick fix, but if this’ll better this clan for everyone, well, they say Rome wasn’t built in a day.
*With that in mind, and with the help of a vulpine cloning technique, Huxian got to work, delegating tasks to each of his eight clones before he, himself, began his own task. He had, perhaps unintentionally, caused the start of this revolution, so he would see things through. There was a faint knock at the door, the girls mother and a Tonton in human form at the door.*
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.
[End]
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