Thread: Kaminoyama {Zella and Alan23}

Empress Momoko Aizawa The ceremony was quick. She need only say a few honorable words, recount his deeds and publicly thank him and she was done, she was free. She stood in silence then among all the noise of the cheering people. She had not meant to lock eyes with him but alas she did. They looked at one another for a few moments before he quietly spoke. His words were words loaded with a great deal of potential reactions. Of course the natural one was to blush and bow her head and thank him. However there were many people around, many who question her ability to hold herself in a strong godly fashion and many who expected her to do so. So it was all she could do, to bow at the waist and politely say. Thank you. really she wanted to tell him more. She wanted to thank him for believing in her, when very little seemed to. She was not completely unaware of the whispers behind her back and so she greatly appreciated anyones vote of confidence. She wanted to tell him that even she sometimes doubted herself... actually most of the time. To tell him that secretly she had no idea what she was doing or why she had been given this task. Of course though she could say none of that. Eventually the ceremony come to an end and Momoko was directed back inside. Inside she ate and braved all the lectures and comments on what she had done wrong and how she could better herself. At least she was eating, that was all that mattered. Afterwards when she was left somewhat alone she found and cornered 'Sakuma Atshushi' and elderly man and Momoko's 'Steward' who had been close friends with her father, before he had passed on. Sakuma managed most of the Empresses affairs and appearances and was possibly one of the only people Momoko felt she could be any kind of 'open' with. Mister Atshushi. she asked and she wore a look in her eyes that he surely must of known because he quickly bowed and said. What can I help you with Your imperial highness? During her eating and moments composing herself. Momoko had gotten an idea. The parting words of Cavalryman Zumozo had stuck in her head and so had the idea of thanking him on a more personal level. Perhaps she was merely struck by his belief in her, perhaps she was guilty of pride and wished to hear him say it once more. I would like for you to organize a personal meeting between me and Cavalryman Zumozo. she said, trying not to let the waver in her voice stand out. He raised his brows at her, answering. Of course Your imperial highness... pausing then before adding. But you need not go to such great lengths, the... ceremony was more then enough. he did not say it to question her, but more to gently guide her. I'm aware... she replied. However the crowed was so very excited... It seems almost rude of me to not offer a more personal thanks. Perhaps you can tell him it is a celebratory tea... he no doubt still remains in the area. she moved then to leave, before he could question her anymore and so he bowed his head and said. Of course, I will have him messaged right away. before backing out of the room. Zumozo would receive a call not long after and perhaps a few hours after the ceremony. The call would detail that the Empress wished to have tea with him and personally thank him for his services. It was a strange thing to have happen yes. However with the change of ruler often came a new set of social rules and practices. Perhaps the Empress just enjoyed socializing. The tea would take place in the late afternoon, just before sunset. Zumozo would be taken back to the palace and then inside, lead to a room that sat, loaded with teas and small food and open to the afternoon air, giving a pleasant view of one side of the city. Waiting inside would be the Empress Momoko and she bowed at the waist in greeting and said. Thank you for coming. she probably didn't need to say that... but she was thankful.