Rodessa: *Smirk* At least keep the glasses on.
Huxian: You...like them?
Rodessa: I do.
*Still a little baffled by the reveal of this new kink, Huxian lowered his hand from his face, leaving the glasses where they were, Rodessa’s hand falling from his wrist once more. Catching it, he kissed the knuckles, before entwining his fingers in hers and pressing the hand back on the mattress. With the other, he cupped the girl’s jaw, tilting her head up so he could claim her lips for a long moment, before he trailed his hand down her neck, following the path of his fingers with kisses and nibbles, enough to make her squirm slightly underneath him.
Breathing heavy, she reached up with her free hand, fingers grasping at his open shirt, knotting into the material as she dragged him closer, gasping slightly as the movement made his ministrations that little bit more aggressive. He snickered, his amusement humming against the skin at the crook of her neck. He didn’t need words to get what she wanted.
Huxian: *Fondly* Impatient brat. Very well. Since it’ll be you playing to my tune for a while in this coming week, it’s only fair that, at least this time, your wish is my command, my lady.
*Rodessa’s hum of approval quickly dissolved into pants and gasps, shuddering with each nip and kiss against the sensitive skin of her neck while his other hand roamed her body, first over her clothing, mapping the contours of her form before finally slipping underneath, teasing over soft skin and toying with every place that he knew would make her whimper with need. He would change his touch occasionally, sometimes the harsh roughness she craved, other times with a feather lightness to make her groan in frustration and push herself against him, or even once grabbing his hand to force it to press against her responsive skin, only to yelp out a pleasured cry when she overestimated her need, or if Huxian happened to respond to her unspoken desire at the same moment. Words and pleads quickly devolved into sounds and choked off syllables that meant nothing other than to amuse or motivate Huxian further into turning his love into a pile of pleasured putty under his hands.
Huxian: *Chuckling* You seem to be even more responsive than usual. Do these glasses really do it for you that much?
Rodessa: you! Ah… it not that….. They just look really good on you… th-that's all it’s not like its a kink or anything… plus western cloths really do suit on you… an… um-
Huxian: Oh? Methinks the lady doth protest too much. *Smirk* Maybe I should be careful when I wear these, otherwise meetings might become a little too awkward if it hits all your kinks.
Rodesa: Hue, I swear to the gods!
Huxian: *Laughing* Alright, alright, whatever you say, my lady. I’ll keep your secrets.
*Before he could get angry at him or more flustered, Huxian made sure to press against just the right spot to choke off the words and reduce her back into moaning, clinging onto him for any hold on sanity. After all, he didn’t mind if she happened to like him in glasses or western clothing. Better not to fluster her too much on that front, especially since the next few days would be the last in a little while before they needed to maintain some air of professionalism, and the evenings might not always be free enough to indulge. He knew that they would certainly have much to cover once they got to the mountain.
And so, the next few days flew by without incident, other than perhaps Engetsu attempting to subtly sulk while also keeping up his act (He was pretty much ignored). Finally, however, the week came to an end, and thus the anticipated day of the trip had finally arrived.*
Rodessa: All right. Well… we’re off, Mama. Say bye to him for me.
Mother: Bye, dear, and fluff ball, you look after my baby for me. Boo hooo...she just came back and now my little bird is leaving the nest yet again.
Huxian: *Soft chuckle* I assure you, she’ll be just fine. I’ll have her back to you by the end of the week, so you won’t have long to wait.
Rodessa: Jeez, you’re so embarrassing sometimes.
Mother: That’s my job, dear.
*The girl’s mother leaned forward, embracing her daughter, before sending them on their way. With one last wave, the two made their way to one of the many doors that lead from Paradias back into the mundane world. It was strange, stepping through, like air sparkling and dancing over skin. It only took a second before the sensation stopped and the two set foot onto soil very familiar to Huxian, who took a deep breath of the air of his homeland. Though it wasn’t his mountain, but the civilization it overlooked. He had only rarely been back since the incident, however, though it made memories come back to him, they weren’t quite as bad as they had once been, especially with Rodessa at his side. Turning back to her, he opened an arm invitingly*
Huxian: Welcome to my home, Rodessa. Do you remember this place at all?
Rodessa: ...No? It’s the first time-
*Shaking his head, Huxian gently guided the girl through the bustling streets, ignoring the looks some of the locals cast them - or more specifically him*
Huxian: *Maturely* Actually, this is’t the first time you’ve been here, though, thinking about it, you were only a pup at the time - mischievous thing you were, sneaking into my luggage and hiding the entire journey - your father near lost his mind in worry. Your mother, of course, soon realised where you had to be, even before I got around to informing her I’d found you curled up amongst my clothing in the bag. I think she was more annoyed at having to keep your father from making a world wide manhunt. *Chuckle*
Oh! Here, we’ve arrived.
*Huxian indicated a small, traditional tailor shop. While it wasn’t the most impressive on the outside, the products they made were always the highest of quality. The location did confuse Rodessa, however*
Rodessa: I thought we were going to the training ground?
Huxian: Oh, we will be. However, remember what I said a few days ago about my providing an outfit for you? A soldier needs a uniform, after all
Rodessa: Oh, I see.
Huxian: This way, my dear.
*They didn’t stay long at the tailors, since Huxian had already sent the measurements ahead of time. As such, all they needed to do was collect the package from the shop owner, which held several sets of uniform, before urging Rodessa to the dressing room to try on the new clothing. After a moment, she sheepishly wandered out of the changing room dressed in the uniform.
Rodessa: So… what do you think?
*Huxian looked the girl over critically. The military appearance was certainly a new look on Rodessa, but to Huxian’s eye, she carried it well, the material good quality and hard wearing, and from her actions, easy to move in. Finally, he nodded*
Huxian: You carry it well. It should serve you quite well during training as well. Thinking of which, unless you have any complaints that might affect functionality, we should relocate to the training grounds. If all is as planned, it should be ready and waiting by the time we get there
*Rodessa shook her head at his offer of complains before grabbing the rest of her uniforms and her other clothing into the offered canvas bag before following Huxian out of the store.
It took nearly half a day to get to the training grounds, passing through the village and up into the mountains. However, they didn’t go to where the core of Huxian’s operations lay, rather instead to a place that had been designed to train their warriors, be it in mundane methods, in using new abilities or even war tactics. There were already some soldiers there, all dressed in the same uniform though not all of them were of the same mystic rase. Despite this, the eyes followed the duo, or more specifically, Rodessa, seemed cold, untrusting perhaps, at least to Rodessa, somewhat hostile. She bowed quickly, attempting to show respect, however the soldiers quickly went back to their business, rather than respond, beyond one rather loud click of a tongue. However, at Huxian’s call to attention, the soldier’s quickly lined up, eyes fixing on their lord*
Huxian: *Commanding tone* My apologies for the delay men. I have an announcement to make. We have a new comrade joining us today. She is the daughter of one of our allies. I am sure that you all recall Lord Kariudo. I expect all you you to treat her well and show her the ropes. Understood?
Soldiers: Sir!
Huxian: For the next few days, we will be performing an exercise. Simple as it will be, it will be testing you on several aspects of your training. The exercise is capture the flag. Your objectives are to defend the main flag of your own base while simultaneously taking the flag of the other team. You will replace it with a copy of your own flag to mark the territory as ‘taken’.
Team A, all of you, will begin from where we are now
*Huxian motioned with a hand, creating a large blue flag that was stabbed into an ornamental stand in the ground*
Meanwhile, Team B is located there.
*Huxian pointed to another place that was further in the distance, the landscape of the base similar to where they stood despite the many obstacles, natural or otherwise in between the two bases. Where he pointed, a red flag was created. Once again, standing in an ornamental stand stabbed into the ground*
Huxian: Team B’s base is a half day’s trek through the forest from here. Your officer, Lady Kariudo, will be planning the route and method of attack.
*Startled, Rodessa’s eyes widened, looking to Huxian in confusion. However, his face was unmoving, stern, as he looked back to her before addressing the soldiers once again
Huxian: You have twenty four hours to prepare. Good luck.
Soldiers: Sir!
*With those words, Huxian began to move back towards the commander's tent, the girl steadily tailing him.*
Rodessa: *Whisper* Wait- Hue.
Huxian: You are to address me as ‘sir’, soldier.
Rodessa: M-my apologies sir… I…. I was under the impression that I would be your shadow… not-
Huxian: Merely playing shadow will not allow me to assess where your skill level falls, your strengths or your failings. In order to become the leader that you need to be, you must put what you have learned into practice, to put theory to the test. A simple game of capture the flag will become the first of your experiences, the first step in your test of leadership. For now, however, why waste time complaining when there is much more you can do to improve your situation. Go met the men under your command, plan your attack, begin your strategies. There is a map over there. I’ve even marked the most direct route for you.
*It would seem there would be no way of changing Huxian- no, her new commander’s mind. She had known, somewhat, from what he had said that he was different as a commander than his usual self, but to see it in person was a little intimidating. Hastily, she grabbed the map and a note pad along with writing utensils and made a speedy exit.
It didn’t take too long to find the soldiers. With them at the ready, she began firstly by reaching out to the soldiers - surely their collective experience would help. However, none of them seemed to be cooperative, untrusting of her inexperience, and the more she hesitated, the more disdainful they appeared
Soldier 1: As the daughter of a great warlord, you’d have thought you’d be able to come up with a plan of attack or two.
Rodessa: *Nervous* This is my first time lead-
Soldier 2: Do you even know anything about war? Dude, I bet she’s some pampered princess. Does she even know anything about what it takes to lead?
Soldier 3: I bet she was given everything whenever.
Rodessa: Enough! You know nothing about me! Your baseless presumptions are unfou-
Soldiers: Are you talking to us? Better watch your mouth, little miss, there’s a lot of bad men who would love to have you.
Rodessa: *Shock* ….
*One of the soldiers threw a small rock, which came close to hitting her. The girl’s eyes grew glassy as she bit her lip*
Rodessa: ….
Soldier 1: Anyway, enough of the whining. Are you going to give a plan of attack? If not then stop wasting our time.
*Silently, the girl gathered her things, dashing of in the direction of the commander's tent, all the while enduring the soldiers heckles and small stones that tugged her new uniform. As she entered the tent, she could see Huxian hard at work at his desk, sorting out paperwork - some form of marked test? It didn’t really matter either way.
Closing her eyes, Rodessa tried to control her breathing, to stop the flow of tears. However, Huxian didn’t look over or comfort her. Even if he wanted to, he probably couldn’t. Showing too much favour to one soldier would likely make the treatment of her worse.
After a moment, however, he finally spoke*
Huxian: Back so soon? One thing you need to remember is to greet your superiors. Not all are as welling to let slide the slip in etiquette, particularly that clan. It’s something we will have to work on.
Rodesa: M-my apologies...Sir… sorry.
*Turning in his seat, he looked the girl over for a moment*
Huxian: I would have thought that you would be working on your plan of action with your team, not being idle here.
Rodessa: Oh...Everything’s fine. We’ve decided to leave it all to me?
Huxian: *Raised brow* ...Leave it all to you?
Rodessa: Oh yes. They have that much faith in me. It’s fine. It’s all fine. Nothing to worry about, so...I’m...going to get to work now. Don’t mind me.
*Huxian’s eyes narrowed somewhat, unconvinced. From the disheveled appearance and hint of hysteria in her disposition, one didn’t need to be a genius to see something was clearly wrong. Yet it seemed she was, for some reason, outright lying to his face.
Huxian: Is there something you wish to tell me?
Rodessa: No sir. Everything’s fine, Sir…
Huxian: There’s clearly something wrong.
Rodessa: *Agitated* I’M FINE! …Sir…. I’m fine. I just need to get this right and everything will fall into place….I’m fine…. Don’t bother yourself with me.
Huxian [Inner Thoughts]: I was afraid of this...
Huxian: You’re not getting on with your men, I presume.
Rodessa: *Twitch* ….Sir, time is wasting. I should be getting on with this.
*With that, the girl set to work, leaving Huxian’s questions unanswered. However, he didn’t press further. This was her battle after all and distracting her would only worsen the situation. By the time she was done, it was almost time for evening meal. She allowed the soldiers to eat while she prepared a small bag of rations, bread and water. Finally, preparations complete, she searched out the men. They seemed somewhat bright as they talked amongst themselves. However, as soon as she was noticed the atmosphere quickly soured into sneers. Before heckles could break through their lips, Rodessa shut down her emotions, straightening and cut through their words*
Rodessa: You all have sixty minutes to eat. Then, I want fifteen of you, preferably those with a good sense direction and good vision - especially night vision - to meet me at the forest entrance. Understood?
Soldiers: *Silence*….
Rodessa: *Quiet growl* I. SAID. UNDERSTOOD!
Soldiers: ….Sir.
Rodessa: Better.
*With that, Rodessa the left the area, leaving the men to their meals. Barely touching her own, the girl wandered over towards the practice area, picking up one of the paint guns and firing. As she emptied her clip, it seemed she was letting out her frustration rather than trying to hit the target.*
Rodessa: *Glassy eyed* ….
Huxian: You’re wasting ammunition.
Rodessa: *Deadpan* My apologies. I’ll leave now.
Huxian: …. Miss Kariudo.
Rodessa: Sir.
Huxian: …. *Sigh* Your men are at the entrance. Don’t keep them waiting.
Rodessa: Sir.
*The girl left without hesitation, meeting men who impatiently waiting*
Soldier 1: Finally
Soldier 2: Brat, kept us waiting long enough.
Soldier 3: Women for ya.
Rodessa: *Demonic Eyes* My apologies. I thought I was the one in charge of you, bitch-made mother fuckers. If I so please, I can keep you waiting as long as I wish. I am your commanding officer. You are the men in my employ, dogs at my beck and call. If I so desired, I would keep you out here all fucking night and you will deal, understood?
Soldiers: …..Sir….
Rodessa: Good. Now we’re all clear on where it is we fall in the pecking order, shall we get to business? Take one and pass it along.
*The girl handed out compasses and a meticulously copped versions of the map that had previously been handed to her but Huxian.*
Rodessa: The plan is simple: scout out the area, get to the other team’s base and report back to me. I will go with team one using the path already drawn. Mark the route you will take and obstacles you face along the way. Be back and report your findings to me by morning. Understood?
Soldiers: …..Sir….
Rodessa: *Cold Smile* Good.
*It was the morning when the other two groups arrived, both reporting their findings. It was decided that the group C’s route - while slightly more dangerous - was the fastest route to the other base.
Rodessa, while taking in the information, prepared the morning meal for the fifteen men as a sign of gratitude. While they ate the rice porridge, she again took the leftover bread and water from the previous night.
Taking the new-found information, she once more disappeared into the Commander's tent, aiming to gain a few hours nap before resuming duty. She had been up for several hours waiting for her men to return after all. Exhausted she dragged her exhausted body to the cott and collapsed on the hard material.*
Huxian: …
Rodessa: Good morning… Sir…
Huxian: Did you sleep at all?
Rodessa: No, but I’m about to rest for a bit. May I ask you to wake me up in a few hours, Sir?
Huxian: I’m afraid it is not my responsibility to wake you, soldier.
Rodessa: Apologies, Sir.
*The girl stretched out a tired hand and snapped her fingers. A small metal alarm clock set itself for two hours before vanishing once more. The girl finally collapsed from exhaustion. For a moment, Huxian looked over the girl’s sleeping form, feeling somewhat guilty for his treatment of her. However, in the lead up to the trip he had warned her what to expect of him. Still, so far, despite the false start, she seemed to be starting to play with the new rules. If she continued to learn from this, he knew it would certainly help her leadership.*
Huxian: Sleep well, Ro...
*A few hours past and the girl still hadn’t awakened. It seemed that Huxian had done something to the alarm so that the girl could rest. It was almost nightfall before the girl arose again.*
Rodessa: Why is it dark? Wait, what happened to my alarm?!
Huxian: Hush. People are trying to sleep. Your dinner is on the table, if you desire it.
Rodessa: SHIT!
Huxian: Language!!!
Rodessa: S-sorry.
*The girl hastily looked at her watch, mortified by how much time had passed, she was about to rush about rush out the tent.*
Huxian: Before you rush out the door, I’ve postponed everything ‘till the morning. Over exerting yourself until you collapse is not good for anyone. Not you, nor your men. Remember that.
Rodessa:...Sir…. sorry.
*Relaxing slightly, the girl took out her notepad, going through her previous notes. There was a war table that marked out the points of the map. Using the table as a guide, she began to play out the her battle plan.
Huxian looked over at Rodessa critically. She was still not fully recovered, but she seemed determined to trek on regardless. Yet again, despite having told her plenty of times even before this, she seemed to be ignoring his words. Huxian decided to give the girl a few pointers, guiding her through her plan.*
Huxian: ...And there.
Rodessa: Yes, that should work. I just need to figure out how to protect home base and we should be done.
Huxian: *Order* Good, but do that in the morning. It’s late now.
Rodessa: Yes sir.
Huxian: Hm
*The girl made her way back to the cot. Out of the corner of his eye, he waited to see if she would take his advice. Thankfully, it seemed that she’d rest until morning, as ordered. At least, he hoped. Still, he could not force anything here. She would learn*
Huxian: Sleep well.
*With that, he blew out the candles before turning in himself.
When the light of morning touched the horizon and the early morning bird song began to colour the air, Huxian woke, however, he was alone. It seemed Rodessa had already started to put her plans into action. Carefully, he glanced over the notes she had left, since they’d agreed on him having a copy. There was slight additions from when he had gone to sleep that night, but…
Frowning, he tucked the notes away. This was her battle. He’d already bent rules enough helping her last night. For now, he left the tent, gazing around the ‘base’. Most of the men were gone from camp and only a few men remained. The girl, it seemed, had had gone with the men to the other team’s camp.*
Voice: So, what do you think?
Huxian: Ah, so you were worried after all?
Voice: Shut up Fox and tell me. How is she coping?
Huxian: Aw, what, a worried Papa, you are?
Engetsu: *Growl*.....
*Dropping jokes for now, Huxian crossed his arms in his sleeves, frowning slightly*
Huxian: ...Rocky, at least for now. There’s a lot of things either missing from her education, I’d say. Either that or she’s struggling to translate what she learned into practice. Still, she’s starting to get the hang of it. My main criticism would be the way she’s pushing herself, even when ordered against it, not giving herself time to recover, and continues to push even beyond that. Exhaustion breeds mistakes and she’s made at least one. Here, see?
*Pulling out a copy of the notes he had retained during Rodessa’s planning sessions, he flipped to the page needed and let Engetsu read over them*
Engetsu: *Sigh* She’s left her base near defenseless.
Huxian: Exactly.
[END]
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