State Voyage

[Xyrael]

OOC: This is being Rp'd on undiscovered islands west of Xyrael. I'm RP'ing it with someone 

The State Expedition had been sailing across the ocean for under two days while on it's journey to Cebu, Islas Filipinas. The fleet was under orders to not stop, but a small cove one of a few nearby islands caught the eye of one of the frigate captains, who radio'd the Admiral. Within a few hours the Expedition was given a new order: Investigate the town spotted by the captain.

The State Navy was still on Easteros, so the men weren't readying themselves for war. Inflatable rafts were loaded with State troops, which made their way through choppy waves towards the sandy beaches. In the distance they noticed that the town was fairly large, and some of the natives had noticed their approach. Lieutenant Kali took off his beret, running his fingers through his hair before watching the crowd grow. Well, at least I'm not being shot yet, he thought.

"Ok boys, don't get trigger happy, looks like we've been promoted to diplomats," he grinned.

"Do I get a raise?" coughed one of the privates. That's a good question, Kali thought as the raft approached the shore.

[Reine de Tourençal]

 Aiko was sitting in her garden drinking tea when a squirly looking messenger approached her with an urgent message.
     "M'lady, a neighboring region has boarded your country and is exploring the city of Yorrido. They're armed but do not look dangerous. The locals say the soldiers are kind but I highly suggest you send troops to greet them." The squirly messenger bowed and waited for Aiko's reply. She pondered for a bit and stood.
     "I will go and meet them. Summon Koichi to go with me. I want to be the first to welcome these newcomers to our island." Aiko smiled a sweet smile and waited for the stubby man to reply.
     "But, but Aiko...I mean Your Empress, I highly suggest..."
     "Hiroki, calm down. Go fetch Koichi and tell him I will meet him at the palace gate and we will travel together to meet the soldiers." Aiko went inside of the palace to find a gift to offer to the soldiers and waited for Koichi, her personal adviser.

     As they approached the beach Aiko spotted a soldier who assembled a captain. The car stopped and Koichi opened the door for her. She stepped out and glided to meet the captain, gift ready and hopping to herself the were friendly...

[Xyrael]

Lieutenant Kali had mustered his commanding officer when he noticed several vehicles stopping near their position. The locals were very friendly, and they seemed to be enjoying the candy he'd tried to hide in his bag. Captain Malc wasn't the best groomed, or mannered, man alive. He approached the beautiful lady as she glided across the sand towards them, and Lieutenant Kali followed in suit. His azure eyes looked over her features and he was forced to focus on not stumbling as he stopped.

Captain Malc saluted the mysterious lady with a hint of arrogance, greeting her on the beach while his fellows looked on. Every civilian on the beach seemed to be staring with mouths dropped open, and Kali knew that this individual was quite important. "Hello," Malc greeted her, his eyes looking upon her strange clothing with interest.

Kali nodded shyly to no one in particular. "Hello, ma'am. I'm Lieutenant Kali," he spoke softly, extending his hand to shake hers, "and we come from Xyrael. I'm sorry we aren't proper diplomats, so forgive us if we have done anything wrong."

[Reine de Tourençal]

     Aiko greeted the two gentlemen with a handshake to Kali and a friendly nod and smile to Malc. Aiko couldn't help but notice how handsome Kali was. On the other hand Malc was arrogant and a bit too plump for her liking. But she had to put up an appearance until she could decide if they were friend or foe.
     A light breeze blew Aiko's loose midnight hairs that had escaped for her tightly woven bun. Her long, ruby, kimono type dress swayed along with the breeze. She instantly remembered the gift in her robe and pulled it out.
     "Hello Sir Malc. My name is Aiko Odori and welcome to Odori. This is a fan woven by our finest craftsmen. It's a gift for you." Aiko handed Malc a gold and pink folding fan. It had a bamboo handle and silk covering.
 

Malc looked pleased. Aiko was still interested in Kali though. His unshaven face and tossled hair was very attractive. She shook of that thought and smiled sweetly at the two gentlemen waiting for one of them to speak.

[Xyrael]

Captain Malc didn't know what to do with the fan. He looked it over a few times, opened and closed it, not quite sure what value it held to the woman. He handed it to Kali, who wasn't quite sure what it meant either. It seemed to be a more sentimental token of friendship more than anything else. Kali couldn't help but notice the townsfolk were now crowding around her, and the police seemed to be standing not far off.

"Miss Odori..." he connected the name to the place, realizing she must be the leader. He stuttered a few words before composing himself. He looked to his Captain, who wasn't entirely focused on the lady and seemed poised to ask a wrong question. "This is the land of Odori, you must be related to the leader of this fine land?" His green fatigues seemed to stand out against the color of the sand and water, standing in contrast to his blue eyes which failed to part company with Aiko's. His mouth lingered open for a few moments before he forced it closed, struggling not to act like a fool. He looked back to the sand, a bit embarrassed, before fiddling with the beautiful gift idly.

[Reine de Tourençal]

     Aiko smiled at the handsome gentleman's remark. She was not related to the leader of the country. In fact she was the leader. For once in her lifetime Aiko had a loss of words. She usually was very otuspoken. But the gentleman infront of her was throwing her concentration off. Good thing he was not around when I had to make decsions Aiko thought to herself. She smiled at Kali and spoke gently while stuttering occasionaly, "Haha well you could say that Sir Kali. Actually I am the leader of this country. It's very nice to have you here." Aiko bit her lip but told herself it was not leader like to go gaga over a man she hardly knew, especially when half of her country was watching. "You may explore if you'd like. I do have one request though, would you kindly return your weapons to your rafts. None of my soliders are armed or even around and it is worrying some of the locals."

[Xyrael]

Malc merely mumbled something under his breathe at her request before signaling a few men over. He handed them his assault rifle, three pistols, and his combat knife. Kali, on the otherhand, seemed slightly distracted watching one of her locks float in the wind. As the soldier took off his assault rifle he snapped to and handed his weapons over.

"Miss Odori, er ma'am... er..." Kali stumbled to find an appropriate word. "Empress. Perhaps you can show us around your beautiful island? We're rather new here, and I'm fairly sure I can speak on behalf of the men when I say we don't feel like getting lost." He paused, not quite sure what else he could say, but by the same token not wanting to leave her sight. What am I thinking? he asked himself. He struggled to think of what he could give her in return that was his. He couldn't think of anything except his lucky beads, which he pulled out of his pocket and fiddled with for a few moments before looking to Aiko.



"Miss Odori, take these," he held the beads out in his hand. "They're lucky, back in Xyrael people play with them to take their minds off stress. I think you might like it," he continued. He'd had the beads for years, ever since his mother had died. He smiled poltely waiting for her to take them.

[Reine de Tourençal]

     Aiko tucked a lock of her raven hair behind her ear and blushed as Kali gave her the beads. She instantly composed herself and answered Kali.
     "Oh Mr. Kali these are beautiful, I would be delighted to show you around my island. Lets take a ride to the capital, Chihiro. It's very lovely, filled with shops and markets and my estate." Aiko smiled at Kali not bothering to notice Malc or any other person for that matter. Kali came to meet her gaze and Aiko instantly blushed and looked down pretending to flatten the wrinkles in her kimono type robe. Behind her Koichi cleared his throat trying to get Aiko's attention.
     "Ah gentlemen this is my personal adviser and very good friend Koichi Okasawa. He helps me decide everything for my country. Also I've known him all of my life."
     "Good morning Captain Malc." Koichi shook Malc's hand vigoursly showing off his strength. He didn't bother to notice Kali. Jealousy taking him over. Afterall he did admire the Empress. Maybe more than a personal adviser should.
     
     Aiko noticing some tension immediately broke the ice.
     "Well, shall we go then?"

[Xyrael]

Malc signaled a Lieutenant over. "Tell the men we're going explorin', we don't expect any surprises so they can just relax and set up a few tents. Have the ships move out of the harbor, we don't need them stranded in the cove when the tide heads out." He looked to Kali, then back to Aiko. "Yes, shall we?" he smiled.

Kali wasn't bothered much when Koichi didn't shake his hand, he figured it was probably a cultural thing not an insult, nor did he really care. He was too busy shyly admiring Aiko to notice. Aiko turned to lead them to the car, her eyes glancing up to meet his one more time before she arrived in front of the limousine. Koichi opened it for her, and Malc and Kali entered before Koichi, all four sitting in the back of the luxurious car. Kali struggled to straighten his clothes, but he was messy. He hoped he looked attractive, he hadn't met such a stunning woman before. "So, Chichiro, how many people live there?" he asked as he watched Aiko's fingers fiddle idly with the beads.

[Reine de Tourençal]

     Aiko was feeling very uncomfortable in the back of the car. She was sitting next to Koichi while facing Malc and her interest, Kali.
     "Chihiro is very small to be considered a capital. 6,000 people live there. Then again only about 2 million people live in Odori. How big is um where are you from again?" Aiko blushed at her absent mindedness. She couldn't remember the last time she ever acted like this for a man. Since her father died when she was 14 she had to take over the responsibilities as empress. She didn't have time for boys or marriage or anything. As empress she was suppose to get married and have children at 20, but she avoided that and now she was 24 with no heirs. Kali was handsome, and smart and seemed to know how to protect someone...
    Aiko shook these thoughts from her head. She was acting silly and not like an empress. She had to have a clear head for her people. She made a vow to herself that she wouldn't let any man, especially Kali to cloud her judgement.     

[Xyrael]

Kali kept his eyes on Aiko now, finding an excuse to look at her as she spoke. He briefly wondered what it would be like to stay, but he sighed. Stupid State service would never allow it... "So, is Chihiro the largest city in Odori? At only six thousand people. Wow, back home we have that many people living in a city block." Kali tried to figure what Chihiro must look like, but he figured he'd wait to see. He looked over his shoulder to Malc, who seemed to be jotting down note on a notepad. Kali didn't want to bother with why, and watch Aiko instead, who seemed to be glancing back at him every once in a while.

If only I could stay here... Kali thought. It's more beautiful here than back home, too much industry. The country's spent so much time on business and military it's forgotten the beauty of the forests.

"Miss Odori, there is a place back in Xyrael which I am reminded of. Beautiful cliffs overlook the sea, and below is a stunning beach which goes for miles in either direction, and to the back is the largest jungle you will ever see. The sun sets off in the distance, and the water sparkles a brilliant mix of blue and violet and the sun turns the color of blood. If you ever visit Xyrael, perhaps I will show you?" Kali turned shy almost immediately after asking the question, he'd been with his friends around women before, but this Empress was amazing.

Malc looked to Kali and shook his head in disappointment, then smiled at Aiko. "Yes, you'd be welcome to visit Xyrael any day."

[Reine de Tourençal]

     Aiko blushed as Kali made his proposition. Then she blushed even more for blushing the first time. She would love to go back to Xyrael with him and see the beach. Spend a night with him there....But no he would live here! She could not leave her country or her people. It was her true love. But she could always make room for one more....
     "Yes, Chihiro is the biggest city. But when you look at it, it looks small compared to many other capitals. There are no huge manufactoring plants or construction. Odori is a very simple country. Don't get me wrong, we do have tv's ad dvd's and etc. We just don't spend thousands of dollars on military services or big expensive houses." Aiko smiled at Kali who was watching her intently. She noticed Malc writting on a note pad. There was something about him she didn't trust. She didn't want enemies.
     Meanwhile Koichi sat next to Aiko secretly hating Kali. He could tell Aiko admired Kali and he wanted to be the guy she admired. He's liked her for a couple years but she always thought of them as friends. Koichi made a disgusted face as he sulked.
     "Well gentlemen, we're here." Aiko smiled particularly at Kali as she pointed out the window at Chihiro.

[Xyrael]

Kali wondered what was wrong with Aiko's advisor, he seemed... sick perhaps? Car rides weren't the comfiest thing for Kali neither. "No production plants and such..." Kali trailed off as the small town came into view, in the center was a rather elaborate palace, surrounded by many small, cozy homes. Chihiro seemed to be more of a resort town than a capital of a country, there were almost no large buildings, save for the Palace, and Kali wondered what sort of buildings generated the power for the town. It's probably a dam... "This place is beautiful, it's nothing like Citiatlan. All you can see there is a forest of concrete and steel as far as the eye can see." Kali was quite impressed by the city, but Malc continued to remain stern and professional, not allowing his emotions to come through as he looked out the window. He couldn't help but mutter, "Wow, it is small..." under his breath.

"Is that your palace?" asked Kali, stating the obvious as he pointed to the Palace.

[Reine de Tourençal]

 Koichi stepped out of the car first and held the door open for Aiko. Kali and Malc followed. Koichi wanted to shut the door on Kali but thought twice, he didn't want to upset her.
     Aiko watched Kali as he gazed at her elegant palace. It was the largest building in Chihiro and probably the most beautiful. It resembled the Imperial Palace with slanted rooves and pointed tops. There were many more windows and color though. The large windows had mythical stories stained on the glass. Gardens surrounded the large palace. Cherry blossum trees and bamboo forrests deccorated the grounds. Lillies, lotus' and magnolias deccorated Aiko's favorited garden where she had her morning tea. 
     "Welcome to my home. I know it is a bit big for Chihiro but I'm only human afterall." Aiko winked at the gentlemen as she strolled inside. "The main floor is mainly for entertaining guests and it is where the kitchen and dinning room is. Upstairs is my bedroom and the entrance to my favorte reading spot. It also has spair rooms for you gentlemen if you'd like to stay here a night. Koichi also lives with me and his bedrooms is upstairs as well." Aiko walked into the sitting area and invited the men to sit. "Will you be staying for dinner? We're having my favorite, Teriyaka beef and sweet plum eel with steamed rice and lo mein noodles with fresh vegetables. I know it is probably different from what your used to but it is fun to expirence new things." Aiko gave Kali a warm grin. She really hoped they would stay for dinner and spend one night here. The more time she had with Kali the better.
     Koichi rolled his eyes at Aiko's childish behavior. Maybe he could persuade Malc to take Kali and leave.
  Stupid Xyraelites he thought. They should not have intruded like this. Now they are distracting us from our duties. Koichi grumbled to himself not paying attention to what Aiko was saying.
     "Koichi! Finally, would you kindly show Malc our weaponry, I'm sure he would like to see some different types of swords we have." Aiko hardly glanced at him, she was too busy gazing at Kali. 
     "Sure" Koichi mumbled. Good maybe now I can talk to Malc. Koichi led Malc away from the sitting room leaving Kali and Aiko alone.

[Xyrael]

Kali watched the two leave, feeling a bit nervous alone in a room with a powerful, yet beautiful woman. He wished he'd paid more attention in his public speaking courses. "Yeah, I don't see why any of us have to leave just yet. Command probably won't be giving our squadron order for several days, actually," Kali looked at Aiko's kimono, watching the subtle shifts in the wrinkles as it fell from her shoulders to the sofa, underneath her body and to the floor and to her feet snuggled tight within her slippers. She was stunning, but Kali suddenly felt apprehensive and looked away, realizing Aiko was watching his eyes roam over her. She blushed, but kept watching him as he looked for an excuse to do something besides watch her. Above him, on the wall, was a brilliant window depicting dragons and warriors amidst the clouds, and the glass glinted in the sunlight. His eyes looked back to her eyes and her lips and he smiled. "Everythings beautiful here..." he let the sentence drop and kept his eyes fixed on hers with a feint smile touching his lips. "Maybe it's wrong for me to say this, since you're an Empress and such but," Khali looked at her, she seemed to be waiting for him to finish his sentence, "I have to say you're... beautiful."



Malc walked with Koichi down the hallway. He seemed rather upset or anxious, so Malc kept a cautious eye on him. The room they entered was full of a collection of swords, knives, polearms, and various other weapons. Malc was very impressed by the craftsmanship of the weapons, he had longed to collect swords, but a career in the Military left little time to collect anything.

His fingers ran along the length of a dagger in it's sheath. He was sure that, with all these blades around, no one would miss this one. It was exquisite, he couldn't help it. He waited until Koichi was lost in thought looking another way before swiftly snatching the blade and stuffing it in his jacket. He might be an officer in the Military, but he knew when something was worth more than a years salary.