Fragile Tranqulity

[Tatsumiya Shizuka]

[atrb=cellpadding,10,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=width, 460, true][atrb=rules,none][atrb=valign,top][atrb=style, background-image: url(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v303/WholeLottaChaos/asian-rice-paper_zps6ad0fe3b.jpg); -moz-border-radius: 20px 20px 20px 20px; -o-border-radius: 20px 20px 20px 20px; -webkit-border-radius: 20px 20px 20px 20px; border-radius: 20px 20px 20px 20px; border-bottom: #101010 solid 6px; border-right: #101010 solid 6px; border-left: #101010 solid 6px; border-top: #101010 solid 6px;][atrb=style,padding-top:10px;][atrb=align,center] [Story] The quiet of the morning ended with the song of birds. With the sun rolling across the forested horizon, the morning star arrived with a delicate anthem as it cast warm rays through the rolling waves of green. The far off music of waters flowing into small deposits, birthed from the mouth of greater waterfalls, thundered in the distance, reflecting golds and white onto the trees that waltz faintly to the slow breezes which floated through the woodlands. The Southern shrine of the Tatsumiya was ever quiet, perpetually still. As if time itself gave pause to revere the sacred significance of this place. Since it's foundation it had been the center place of pilgrimage and spiritual retreat, with many paying reverence to the long line of deities worshiped in the Land of Waterfalls. Even with no one present, the grounds were meticulously well kept, embodying the beauty that captured the forest. Shrines remained a brilliant harmony of modesty and religious intemperance, with trimmings of gold, lining the many relics positioned about the divine grounds. “You did not use enough salt.” Tatsumiya Shizuka broke the heavy silence at the table as she put another wad of rice into her mouth, chewing slowly, as if she intended to spend hours savoring her meal. Even the sounds of birds chirping felt distant to the delicate taping of chopsticks navigating the clay bowl in her hands. Eyes shut to everything, she looked locked in a freeze frame of saturated tranquility. “I'll do better mother.” The young girl sitting across the table mirrored Shizuka's, brow furrowed mildly in annoyance though the expression vanished from her young features as quickly as it came. “Will you be going to town to replenish what we do not have? Among other things...” The ice rolling off her lips nearly formed daggers. “No,” Shizuka replied softly, her voice as calm as it was biting. “I will simply make that an errand for you to undertake.” “I have plans,” the younger Tatsumiya protested softly, Shizuka gave her daughter a look that conquered any argument the young maiden intended to muster. “Very well...”she sighed, bowing before her mother before gracefully excusing herself from the table. Shizuka could have wagered she heard her youngling mutter curses, but pretended not to hear. As swiftly as her daughter left around the corner, a race of footsteps echoed behind the paper screen. The half cracked door flew open and a man, draped in priests garb, weapons to his side, immediately knelt down. “My lady!” Shizuka cast a half lidded gaze to him, taking another slow bite from her meal. “What is it?” She asked, her gentleness and decorum was offset by the image of food stuck behind her cheek. “My Lady,” her clansmen began, his face towards the ground. “We have visitors from Takigakure!” Shizuka did not looked moved. “Give them my regards and remind them that this shrine operates only by their generous donations.” “My Lady...they're not here to prayers...and one of them is from the Tenjoukai clan.” Tatsumiya Shizuka calmly set her bowl down. “They're demanding to speak with you...” ***** Shizuka counted the heads solemnly as she descended the endless row of steps before arriving to the court grounds. The Hitae-ate of Takigakure shinobi moved like fireflies in the vibrant daylight, creating a sea of commotion and fluster as they stirred impatiently upon blessed territory. Hands hidden within her sleeves, the head of the Tatsumiya hold peered at the mass before her. Some she had recognized from visits past, others were strangers, all blurred together in a row of armaments and battle garb. A pair of fierce eyes awaited her at the flats below. Her clan garb flowing dramatically, despite only small winds finding a venue in the thicket of woods that surrounded the shrine. “Tatsumiya Shizuka!” The Tenjoukai monk declared, her voice carrying generations more of maturity than what her young disposition should have allowed. A fist in her hand, she saluted in greeting quickly, the rest of her entourage mirroring the same gesture. “We greet and honor you on behalf of the new Takigakure. I am Tenjoukai Tomomi.” Shizuka gave a customary nod. “And what do I owe the pleasure?” She directed her head towards the mass of forces behind Tomomi, her face placid, even if her eyes radiated scrutiny. “I am lead to presume you are here for more than just to pay reverence to the spirits?” Tomomi gaze abandoned all welcome for the stern -matter of fact- as catered to her discipline. “Our Lord sent you a missive and summons for your pledge of loyalty to the new powers that will restore this nation to greatness.” The monks gaze blackened, aiming to pierce through the wall of indifference that encased the head of the Tatsumiya Shrine. “We have yet to receive your answer.” “I know.” She merely replied flatly, deflecting the clamorous glare with emotional detachment. The monk did not waiver. “Lord Youei is building a new nation of strength and conviction. There is no room in it for those who have questionable loyalties.” The Tatsumiya canted her head to the side. “And what offense have I committed to put me or my clan's credibility in question?” “Is there a reason why you have ignored our savior's summons? Your clan would need an elaborate excuse to why you have refused to aid in the push against the invaders, when so many others rally to the cause.” “As Tenjoukai you should understand as much as I do that decisions such as these have weight. Taki no Kuni has plenty of able-bodied persons to fight. Perhaps we will too. But then, who would tend to the sacred places as centers for peace, when the world is drowning in war?” Tomomi frowned, but she made no threatening move. Silence lingered, save for the brief murmurs from the forces behind her who watched the scene with anticipation. Finally, she spoke, “My superiors expect me to return with a favorable reply...” “Or with me made an example.” Shizuka finished. Tomomi nodded. Shizuka acknowledged with a dip of her head. “I have yet to make my decision and that is not something that can be rushed with strength of arms. I am sorry. If that is all the remains of your business then I welcome you to take heed at the shrines before going on your way.” “And what if I were not to leave?” Tomomi asked, a fire in her voice, though the trickle of apprehension died like a faint tremor in her staunch form. “Then you would need a lot more men.” The Tatsumiya shrine maiden returned coldly, only to defrost her sharp words with a gentle smile and motioned to the well at the top of the stairs. “When you are done, remember that we humbly welcome any donations you may have to offer, purely for the sake of maintaining these sacred grounds.” Shizuka gave a half bow and pivoted, moving up the stairs. Behind her, the mass of warriors only watched her in silence, unsure whether to follow the convictions of their superiors in places far away, or to respect the wishes of a force seemingly so much greater than their own. The offering well of the shrine was rather full the following morning...