Thread: Kingdom of Shadow (Athene & Silverknight)

Baiken The rest of the day went by much quicker than Baiken had expected. But then again, when one was sent out to keep the citizens of Kyoto in check, it helped kill boredom. Today had been a rare exception where she was to avoid lethal force, Even if it seemed like she was coerced to do so. Today was going to be the Fire Festival, and though she hadn't heard the words directly from the Daimyo, she had guessed correctly what the messenger had told her earlier. Her actions would impact the leader's reputation. Which did make it slightly odd that before tonight, he didn't seem to care about what she did. Or ... maybe not? This had been one of the few special occasions Baiken had served the leader on. And if she had to be frank, she couldn't correctly recall every single person she'd got in a fray with or killed. Most, yes. All? Nope. Courtesy of her own vice ... and what she was currently partaking in as the festival started. Sake. Easily her favorite drink, even if it wasn't the healthiest to indulge in. You're not gonna go outside and get a better view? Baiken quickly moved her head from side to side, having already seen out of the corner of her eye Chrome had spoken to her and not some other random person within the castle. You go for it, though. You look more natural than I do. ... More natural? Mind elaborating? In literally every sense of the word. More feminine, you're able to fit in with the crowd better, everything. Maybe 'normal' is the better wording. Anyway, if I were to go, it'd probably freak everyone out, and they'd immediately go on the defensive. I'm done ensuring tonight should go smoothly. So there'd be no point in ruining this celebration for everyone else. I already feel like I've been punished enough for simply existing. ... Is that what you really think about yourself? How many others are without an arm and eye? I do actually know of a silver-haired swordsman whom has a fake arm. It just isn't obvious because he replaced it with a prosthetic. And his eye? Chrome sighed. It was clear she wasn't going to win this fight few people could do so, let alone against Baiken. Is that the only reason you're serving our Lord? In hopes of finding the person responsible and killing them? No. I'd be a fool to decline this opportunity. I'd probably be dead by now had he not sent me the offer. We're not too different lest I'm mistaken from what you told me. ...N-no, but ... But nothing, Chrome decided, slowly nodding instead of trying to finish her original sentence. Instead, she flashed a small smile to Baiken and bowed her head, Well ... one of these days, I really would like you to accompany me. I think it'd do you some good. You need more confidence in yourself. Confidence? Baiken wondered, looking curiously at the magician as she walked away. You're not only a soldier, she heard in her head as a response. Before she could shoot another quip, Chrome was too far away to maintain any link that offered telepathy. She's clearly had her own bit of sake, Baiken muttered, unable to help but chuckle. A soldier is all I need to be. There is literally nothing else I could even start to be. Chrome was more than just a really skilled magician. She was one of the few handmaidens that remained relatively close to the Daimyo. She hadn't been upgraded to a concubine simply due to her making that request, but it was no secret - not to Baiken, anyway - Chrome had been persuaded quite a few times to change her mind. ... No, definitely not. Not even a mere handmaiden ... Even if her appearance wouldn't work against her, the attitude would. Something everyone here inside the castle already knew. And given her stubborn nature ... it wasn't like she'd change for anyone. Not even the Daimyo. She'd be her true self until the day she died. She'd live and die by the way of the blade. That was her way of life she'd taken up since that fateful day. She would not stray away from that path, no matter what. That was what she kept repeating to herself as she downed the last bits of sake, refilling her cup. As a reward for her work today, she had been given an entire bottle to indulge in, and she was going to make it last as long as humanly possible.