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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Aust Meliamne" data-source="post: 779" data-attributes="member: 95">October 15th, 478th Year of the Eternal EmpireThe provincial estate of the Kusan household in the Fire-Snake province was quiet as afternoon approached much of the rice crop had been gathered and the eta were settling in for a pleasant autumn and winter. The Kusan manse sat on a small hill overlooking vibrant rice paddies, and was of relatively simple design. It was angular with slight and ample curves and subtle hints of flare across the screen doors. The large central courtyard was a popular place for nighttime revelries or reflection in the stone garden immaculately constructed and maintained. It was a place that Kusan Falm, also know as Falm the Auric Eyed spent her time. Falm was a young woman, lithe in build with strange features. Her hair was a bright gold and her eyes matching the shade in her hair, a hint at the strange blood that runs through the Kusan family. She had a natural gift in magic, but was trained as a Wu-Jen in the school of the Iron Way, by Miho Chai a relatively famed wu-jen in the Fire-Snake province. Falm rested in the courtyard working on her delicate calligraphy, not an overly enjoyable task for her, but it was something to pass the time. She was away from her training on a break and simply wanted to rest her mind. Yet even home had been less then enjoyable at times, her numerous sisters were often aloof to her, especially the ever so lovely Kobe. Though Falm was quite close with the youngest, Tani, who seemed bent on going the course of the samurai. Falm’s mind drifted as she danced the brush across the satin green paper as a servant entered the room. She looked up briefly and smiled, and continued her work, as the servant approached slowly.The young girl bowed and smiled, “Mistress Kusan, you have a visitors, and your father has requested that you make haste to speak with our guests.”Kusan looked up slightly confused, “Oh? Guests for me?” She stood quite confused; she was hardly a popular lady in the court. For many reasons, her odd appearance included among them. A courtly woman is expected to be mannered, and humble, and very respectful; she should be both beautiful yet reserved as to not draw attention to herself. Falm had none of these qualities, she was no mere dove in a cage, but a hawk that wished to be free and set her own course.The serving girl replied brushing a dark lock of hair from her face, “Yes, Mistress Kusan, they are here for you.”Falm smiled, “Thank you, please you are dismissed I will see to them at once.”“Of course Mistress Kusan, they are waiting in the guest chambers,” she bowed and exited without another word.Falm seemed surprised and gathered her thoughts repeating the proper way to extend greetings. She gathered herself up and went to the guest chamber which was strangely darkened, a single candle providing flickering light, even though the sun was up in earnest at mid-day. Kneeling next to a low table were two individuals. A lithe smiling form of a woman, typical of the nobility, beautiful and obedient, sipped at some tea provided by the servants of the Kusan household. At her side sat a man who wore a green jade mask, his hair neatly tied back in a bun. His eyes though glowed with unearthly fire and his presence was in a ways painfully abhorrent. The woman smiled as Falm entered and placed her cup of tea down gently and bowed her head. Falm returned the bow and sat across from then.The woman looked to the man at her side who simply nodded, and then spoke, “Greetings Kusan Falm, I am pleased to meet you in person this day. Your reputation precedes you mistress, and your training in the Iron Way has progressed quite well, Falm. The Fire-Snake are pleased with your progress.”Falm smiled taken aback, “I am surprised at this, and I thank you for the kind words madam.”The woman smiled, “We of the Kakita household, have been impressed with your families contributions to the cause. You have exceeded many of our expectations thus far.”Falm smiled, “I am pleased my family has proven its worth, but what may I ask is your business with me?”The woman looked to the masked man again and then continued, “I have come with a request from the Kakita daimyo, that you represent the Fire-Snake clan in the city of Black-Pearl. It would help our cause in healing the rift between ourselves and the Green-Tiger court, and to celebrate the new Eternal Emperor’s bride Hiro Satchiko.”Falm smiled, “That is quite an honor, but why myself. Could not my sisters be a better choice, I am not so skilled in the arts of the court. I am quite the outcast, at times madam.”The woman nodded, “Well despite your lack of confidence, the task has fallen to you, Mistress Kusan. I am sure you will uphold great honor and represent the Fire-Snake in an honorable manner. You will be working with Lady Kakita Ameiko, another of our promising wu-jen. She can be quite difficult to get along with, but I am sure the two of you will bring great success and honor to the Fire-Snake.”Falm nodded slowly, “So I am to assist Lady Kakita Ameiko in her duties then?”The woman shook her head no in a smooth graceful motion; “You will serve the Eternal Court by working for the Imperial Magistrate of Black-Pearl.” She placed a wrapped bundle in front of Falm; “This is quite an honor for you and your family.”Falm looked to the bundle and slowly unwrapped it revealing an exquisite wakizashi; the hilt was of white jade and carved into a writhing serpent. The symbol of the Eternal Emperor, a symbol of power and prestige. She could hardly contain herself; this was quite an honor indeed. The woman glanced to the jade masked man nervously then spoke; “This path will bring great honor to you and your family.”Falm nodded, admiring the blade in her hands, “This is beautiful, but why me, I do not understand. Why?”Before the woman could speak the jade masked man made a quick motion and the woman collapsed unconscious. His eyes flared with fiery light as he spoke in a soft controlled tone, “Kusan Falm, your bloodline has power within it. The daimyo has chosen you for this task, do not question the ways of our betters.”Falm bit her lip nervously, “And you are?”“I am Master Kakita Kusanage, and I have been watching your progress for some time. But that is not the matter that concerns me, your task will be simple and that is to serve the Eternal Court. But I am here as a proxy for the Fire-Snake; it is our hope that you can befriend the future empress. I believe you have the talents, which will make you quite vital in such a role.”Falm gulped, “I can only hope that I will bring honor to the clan and my family,” she was still quite nervous.Kusanage nodded, “Failure young Falm is not an option you should ponder upon.” He waved his hand slowly over the collapsed young woman and she slowly rose as he once again settled into silence.The woman looked around confused and then spoke, “I apologize, I must have fallen faint. My health has suffered some in my travel.”Falm shivered slightly as her gaze stayed upon the silent Kusanage, “Please drink more tea madam, and regain your strength.”“I wish I could but we must go, I am sure that you will serve well in Black-Pearl, Mistress Kusan,” she said standing helping Kusanage to his feet. They both bowed and exited. As they left the room, the light returned to normal. Sending a visible shiver down Falm’s spine. Interesting Times indeed, were forthcoming for the Falm the Auric Eyed.</blockquote>

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