Golden_ !kRKfpgyVdU 2013/07/11 (Thu) 22:30 No. 35940 / / /
An uneventful journey left to his thoughts was exactly what Marek needed to cool his nerves and think upon the events that were going to transpire. He must execute his plan in perfect, methodical fashion if he was going to succeed in his quest. The Shoutoku Legend was not cruel, but she was dauntingly aloof, the chance he had now to impress upon her his desires was likely his first and only one. These musings helped melt away the many steps and before the boy knew it, he was walking along the wooden sentinel that kept the fearful from the feared. Marek knew well the dangers that lurked in the country, he had heard no end of it when deciding to settle out on his own, closer to his field of study and the forest. After all, ending up like the well-fed loose-tongued nobility who viewed the study of magic as nothing more than parlor tricks to hasten maiden's clothes disappearing in the bedchamber was a fate worse than the one in his dreams. Yet, Marek's own human nature tugged at him ever still, taunting him, he simply did not have the time he needed to complete ten lifespans of study and practice to become truly great.
This Toyosatomimi, though, would help him. If he had his way.
The rumor spread like wildfire many months ago, when the newcomers to the land first had made their public appearance carrying the blessing of the Hakurei maiden. They were immortals, their fair skin and beautiful faces fronting hundreds of years of age and experience locked away in their minds. They were human enough, in disposition and in appearance, and this is what won them the hearts and minds of the populace, especially the Shoutoku maiden herself being lauded as the fairest and brightest of them all. Yet every mouth at the tavern would swear up and down that they were gods, that they had ascended humanity and would peer into the hearts of men to better decide what to do with them. This was of course, all hearsay, but it gave Marek hope nevertheless.
These maidens, if they were granted immortality as humans, perhaps there is yet hope for me to achieve the same. This thought had run through the mind of Marek many times before, near to the point of fervent insanity. But no matter how many dusty old tomes he opened, how many elders he spoke to, no manner of word be it written or oral could enlighten him as to how it was done. It was soon after he decided to meet the maidens in person, much easier said than done however. The Administrator was known to turn away many visitors to her temple that requested to know if the rumors of their being were true yet, those that were not immediately turned away reported hearing lectures on the nature of the the Tao, and were told to return once they embraced them fully and truly. So far, none had.
This thought evoked the smallest of smiles on the boy's face. This was not unlike himself, his identity as a budding magician was not unknown, and often a farmer's wife would request a spell for a bruised limb or the bravest children would tout the proximity to the forest and cheer and holler for a show of flame and thunder. These, of course, were out of his scope and frankly out of his time.
Perhaps we're not so different, then. Surely she would understand his plight and take his request seriously. Were they not kindred spirits?
These thoughts again clouded his sense of time and distance, the temple loomed over him before he had a chance to realize he had arrived.
He had heard many tales of the grandeur of the Shoutoku Legend's court, but these seemed like the ramblings of madmen compared to the finely crafted example of workmanship that stood over him. The jade rooftop supported iron dragons that perpetually roared noiselessly into the horizon. The entrance was devoid of plant life, the marble steps and pillars carved with scenes of ancient battle stirred the eye and imagination more than a collection of pedals could ever. Marek stepped slowly, peering through the gate-less doorway to the courtyard beyond. A single round fountain marked the center, with a pathway leading to and around it, extending to the temple itself. The courtyard was mostly empty, this time of day many of those who would seek the maiden's council had since left, only a few glances belonging to robed figures and longer beards were cast his way as he stepped farther and farther into the courtyard. They hailed him not, returning to their muted conversations, another wanderer seeking guidance, likely to be turned away, questions avoided like so many before him.
Yet this dissuaded Marek not, he continued his slow approach to the temple. The structure styled much like the grand entrance now behind him, a multi-storied construct of stone and jade, adorned with the same iron dragons perched on the rooftop, keeping their silent vigil of their domain. The boy's heart quickened as the doors to the court drew ever closer that he might reach out and brush the stone with his fingers, the sharp mind and attention he possessed was dulled once again and a figure appeared in his vision that he failed to notice.
The figure made it quite clear of it's presence.
"Halt, stranger."
Marek snapped back to reality, the awestruck look in his eyes faded, replaced by his flat stare, it was time to perform. Those eyes took in the sentinel who he now faced. A long green dress extended from nape to stone, hiding any discerning features other than a cut of hair that matched the jade color adorning her station extending to her shoulders, finger-length curls above her knitted brows housing two similarly colored eyes. Most curiously yet, an ivory longbow stretched across her back, strung and ready for battle, but no arrows or quiver to house them could be seen.
"The Crown Princess' court is open to all who wish to speak with her. Yet, I require a name, stranger." The green maiden stated tersely, she was cold, but not cruel, she demanded answers from her visitors and that was that. Marek offered one in response, "I do not wish yet to speak with the Prince directly, I simply wish to have a written charge delivered to her." He fingered the envelope from out of his shirt pocket, resting it in the palm of his outstretched hand. "I would ask of you to bring this to her, and await her instructions."
The sentinel pursed her lips. "I'm no courier, stranger, you would do well to not command those who would sooner put an arrow through your chest than bow and serve a nobody." The jade eyes softened slightly. "Simply, stranger, I can not leave this post. If you are to deliver a letter, than you must do so in person."
But Marek was prepared, he had done many a night's worth of research on the green-robed sentinel. "This is no mere letter, it is a missive of a potential political and military ally. It is for her and her inner court's eyes only. I would break my oath to read it aloud to her." The exact proceedings of Toyosatomimi's court were an enigma still, but all courts in the land followed a certain procedure.
"I will still require the name of your lord, stranger."
"Marek, Grand Magus, is his name."
The words had barely left his lips before the letter was snapped out of his hands. "You would do well to await here for a while. I will inform you when the Crown Princess has made her decision on your, missive." She said, a drop of venom dripped into the boy's ears as she spoke the last word. "Until then, you are free to wander this courtyard until she is ready to make her decree." And with not a breath more, the jade guard disappeared behind the great stone doors of the temple, closing with a resounding boom behind her.
The boy's shoulders slumped with a sudden feeling of exhaustion. He had done it alright, the True Administrator would be given his message and he would not be turned away before then. Marek wanted to scream and whoop in celebration but there would be time for that once he achieved his destiny, and there could be many more years before such a celebration might occur. For now, Marek was content to turn back toward the courtyard, the sky had darkened ever so slightly, but he was confident the night would not come too early for him to travel back home in safety. A short marble bench adjoined to the center fountain caught his eye. He had just walked two marathons, one with his feet and the other with his tongue and mind, perhaps it would be fair to sit down a while and rest. His eyes wandered around the majestic splendor of the court however, and his desire for discovery began to alight.
It could be some time until the Crown Princess mulls over my message, I should become acquainted with this place.
- + -
[ ] Nay, wait patiently on the bench for the sentinel's return.
[ ] This is a wonderful enclosure, it would be a waste to not explore for a while.
