Authors Note : This is the rewrite to Loving You. I started awhile ago, had it all laid out…and lost it when I switched computers for college. I will be changing some things too, hopefully you'll like the changes. I'm very sorry for this inconvenience. I will try my best to update very quickly.
Loving You
Intro - Beyond the Gate
Word Count – 3713
Published – 5/13/15
Estimated Next Chapter – 5/15/13
My sister and Father help me into the carriage. The lattice windows covered by the light purple silk curtains, I pull them back with the silver cord. My Father stands by the door, he looks handsome and strong, his hair lays his eyes are strong and his posture upright. His eyes soften today. He knows he won't be seeing me ever again. It must be bittersweet. It is for me. Although I am his daughter, bound to him by blood and therefore relentless respect and love him. I know how much of a disappointment I was.
He knows it was his duty to love me, to care for me, but at the same time I knew it was hard to do so. I was a daughter. He loved me I'm sure. But I think he feels mostly relief in handing me off to another.
I squeeze his hand and wave out the window. My large extended Clan has all been present for the sendoff. I said good bye to my closest family members last night privately. When I look out the window we're all dress uniformly, simple, but high quality silks or light greys and purples. The elders have the privilege of wearing darker dyed material and they smile from the porch. Waving my sister and me off.
Hyuga Clan is one of the great eight banners in Konoha. An eligible daughter from each Clan, if available, is required to serve the emperor as one of his wives. My sister Hanabi is being sent with me as one of my formal maids, but my Father and I both want to arrange a marriage for her outside the Clan.
With a click good bye I drop my Fathers hand and he closes our door. My sister and I feel the carriage and jolt and my heart sinks. I look back at the small window behind my head and I watch as all I've ever known disappear from sight.
We're heading South, to the Capital of Tianjin, that's where the main Palace. The Uchiha Dynasty has ruled peacefully and firmly the past several centuries and no one has dared to disturb them. However after the scandal Itachi Uchiha left, I was amazed that I was called to begin with. We assumed that Emperor Sasuke would decide to hold it off longer.
In fact in muddled my plans. Neji and I were supposed to marry. I am from the Main Branch, the eldest child, to combine and keep the Hyuga line pure for the leaders we manner cousins. Neji and I knew each other for a very long time and I can content with the proposal. This is after a previous failure of mine. When the letter was sent from Tianjin there was no way they would allow such a slight. My sister was a few years too young and wouldn't be considered in time.
Neji will end up marrying another women from the Main Branch, and ruling as Lord Hyuga when my Father dies.
My sister stares at me intently, I can feel it as I look outside our window. Hyuga's live in the North, the weather here is cool, but mild. Our winters are harsh and unforgiving. I look forward to the forever mild and easy going weather of Tianjin, on the coastline of our Great Nation.
My sister soft face looks remarkably like my Father in female form. She's beautiful, with sharp features that turn eyes. Hanabi is only 14 and hasn't been subjected to the honorable laws that everyone goes through when they're 15. Even still, she was a shelter child.
"Are you worried?" Hanabi asks softly. Her tunic and pants represents her innocence. Children's' clothing are always light in color and there is no different. Although I can see signs of my sister turning into a lady, most will ignore this.
"Of course. But that doesn't change the circumstances." I say mildly and calmly. I rests my head on a pillow. My hair down and simple, my clothes are soft lavender color, a hanfu, the robes wrap around me easily, the soft white cotton under me keeps me warm.
Inside the cart that follows me is lavish and expensive silks in every color. Women in the Palace where the national outfits of the Uchiha's. I will wear a slit, collar dress with wide pants. Metal buttons will secure my outfit together, wired and hammered into small intricate shapes they'll be dainty and easy to break. My face will be painted, my eyes lined with black khol and my hands will be done up with henna. My hair will be braided in elegant designs that will help my face appear to be more round and soft. My sister has already practiced before. L
Everything is different. I remember getting the silks, the dark green looked so strange on my skin, I felt like I was being swallowed by it. My hands reminds me of when I was a child. A simple, collarless tunic and pants is where all children in Konoha where. But once we hit puberty we are removed from each other company. A man will become educated or start working while a woman would be hidden from view.
I has vivid dreams of the Uchiha's visiting our residence, the Empress and my Mother was very good friends. When I was younger I was fascinated at the fabric, the bright and exciting patterns looked so excited compared to my simple outfit of grey.
My friend Ino Yamanaka is another daughter called, she is from another Great Banner family and is on the way to the Palace. I will be going with her and we are good friends. Yamanaka's are known for their scholars, while my family is known for making good sages, or people who uphold the traditions of our lands.
Her Palace is close, on the border of the Hyuga and Yamanaka territory, her family expands much farther south.
We are greeted warmly. A eunuch helps me down. His small statue and sweet childlike face surprises me. Ino has a tunic of dark purple on, a collar indicates her status as a women, except unlike the ones we will wear in the Palace, this one is long, to her knees but she wears a skirt under it. Her hair is in the ponytail and her eyes look bright ahead as her Father helps me from her pavilion.
"If you are tired Lady Hinata, why don't you come inside for some food."
Ko my servants replies to Lord Yamanaka. Although the questions was directed at me, it would be rude for me to speak out loud to him. We have no relation and I am no longer a child, or a widow.
"Lord Yamanaka, we have to keep moving, but Lady Hinata is grateful for your hospitality." We both bow gracefully.
"I am just being selfish, trying to keep my daughter to myself, just a little longer."
That must be a lovely feeling. Having something so precious that it hurts to say good bye. Reflecting on my own farewell to my Father I can't come up with any feelings of home sickness beyond the fact it was comfortable and easy living there. Instead the images of the elders smoking and drinking tea come to mind, or the children singing rhymes. That is was I miss.
"I understand." Ko says for me quickly, but insists we have to get going. Ino quickly takes my sister's place in my carriage. My sister will be in another behind me.
Ino looks assured and enjoys the scenery. We're both grateful we are going together. Ino is very talkative and fills me on her daily life back home. She leaves nothing else. Ino loves to gossip, and a long ride to the Palace is the perfect excuse. I don't mind listening, besides we are living in the same Palace. The Palace of White Jade, it is historical where Hyuga's have been placed and is known for being close to the Pond and farthest from the Imperial Palace where the Emperor resides. It's supposed to be allusive and quiet, a refuge for the Emperor and his wife.
Ino's family has lately resided there as well, we weren't surprised by the news at all. I will get the right side and her the left. Both of us will enjoy the quiet, or at least Ino will be able to fill it with noise without competition.
As I listen politely I realize how often Lord Shikamaru Nara's family is brought up. The Nara's are east of them and are very close. When we were younger I remember playing with the family often. But sadly, as it is in our culture once we turned 15 we left our childish ways and realized our roles in society. His was to be one of the most respected scholar's and now an advisor to Emperor Sasuke, while we were meant to serve in his the inner palaces.
"Is Lord Shikamaru well?" I ask, interrupting her vivid description of a street circus act she snuck out and saw with her younger cousins.
"I suppose so. He doesn't come by often. He's helping the Emperor rule, it's a tiring affair. He doesn't come home very often."
"Do you miss him?"
"Oh yes, often Hinata. But we will see him on the Palace Grounds. We are remember our childhood together." Her eyes sparkle. Memories must have flooded her thoughts. We cling to them. Afterwards we stay upstairs, careful to learn our traditions and realize our purpose. Not to waste time in the rivers or ponds. But instead to be quiet and calm.
Her arm moves to mine. Her smiles genuine and sweet.
"One day we'll both have children. The future of our Nation is on our shoulders. To care for them in the highest honor. Those memories, we will also cherish."
"Children." I smile at the thought. I have no real drive to become the Empress, or even his favorite. I barely remember Emperor Sasuke when we were young and while I have no childhood connection many family's from the Eight Banners will have stronger ties. Once my dear Mother died the Empress stopped visiting. I don't give myself false hopes.
Pleasantly sitting in silence we watch the hills roll by. Ko politely knocks on our door. He is on horseback, he is one of my eunuchs who have bene sent to serve me. He came along with the message and taught me everything I would need to know about the customs.
"Yes?" I slide the door open a little.
"Lord Shikamaru and Lord Chouji are here at the half way point. Your family's guards will head back now, along with servants that won't be accompanying you. Would you like to greet them?" He asks politely and softly.
"Of course." Ino sticks her hands out and makes a small "pat pat" motion with her hand, quickly our carriages comes to a full stop and we're helped out.
My sister Hanabi quickly comes out conversing with the servants who are saying their good byes. However I turn to the men in dark blue and red. Their long collared tunics and pants, along with the embroider animals show their statuses. I am not surprised he was raised into the ranks of the Grand Council.
We quickly get on our knees and fully kowtow.
"Please raise." Lord Shikamaru says tiredly. The poor man is always tired. Ino says he is lazy and not to feel bad for him though.
"Noble Lady Ino Yamanaka and Noble Lady Hinata Hyuga." A eunuch shouts. In the Palace everyone is immediately made aware of the rank, but regardless, unless the woman is the Empress, we bow for every man of noble birth. As Noble Lady we are now marked as a concubine, although our title suggests, we are newly appointed, or not favored from a noble family.
A eunuch on my said once we rise calls out their names and titles quickly.
"Grand Council Member, Noble Lord Shikamaru Nara and Banner Lord Chouji Akimichi."
While staying a respectful distance from each other we exchange pleasantries. I am made aware that from here on out we are under Imperial protection. Also, with some surprise I find out we are the only ones from the Eight Banners to have daughters who were suitable.
Ino's face lights up every time Shikamaru glances at her. It's a childish naïve smile that she hasn't learned to hide yet. But even Shikamaru's voice softens when directed at her. His hair has been pulled back into a ponytail, a lot like Ino's. They looks matches for each other.
Banner Lord Chouji makes the threesome up, also from the same area they played together as children. Still they are very comfortable together and I know they will look out for each other.
Although I don't feel left out. My sister pulls me politely away and I quickly gives my thanks to my banner men who came with us to keep us safe. I will miss them all terribly.
Soon we were herded back into the carriage and told to sit tight. Ino fell asleep but my eyes couldn't leave the landscape. I have never been so far south. Then fauna fascinates me and the flowers smell warm and kind. My skins feels awake and alive. However the feeling lulls me into sleep and I rest my head on the soft pillows provided.
When we make a sudden stop both Ino and I jolt awake. My sister is sliding the door opened and tells me we're here. Although the sun is setting I can see ahead that the entire Palace has come to greet us. From the moment I cross the pavilion I realize that I will never be allowed to leave. My life is starting now.
Everyone bows low to us and I am told that I have been provided two more personal maids. Emi and Ayame. While a fleet of Eunuchs will be at my beck in call indirectly I won't have a relationship with them at all. They are dressed fashionably and looks clever. Both are in the collar slit dress with wide sleeves. Their hair braided into a low bun with soft silver pins peeking through.
We are quickly told to change and come inside. Then we should go to the Imperial Palace and receive our tributes before supper is served.
Emi and Ayame looks through my new clothes and pull some out. Gently they talk amongst each other and set them out on the bed. As a strip I realize that the robes I have always worn at home will no longer be appreciated or allowed. I could have the silk reused, but I think I'll keep them, hidden away.
They pull out a pink and purple outfit and they slit dainty pink shoes on my feet. There is wood on the bottom to elevate me and show my status as a women who doesn't work. But at the same time it's rather unpleasant.
I wobble my way and Emi quickly supports me by holding my arm. When Ino is ready we both walk to the Imperial Palace. Everything looks so unearthly beautiful. Unlike the natural charm and grace the country side has, this beauty was manufactured. The walls were the purest of whites, the lanterns has dark grey roofs and were being lit as we walked me. The walls were so high that it would allow the resident complete privacy. The doors painted red for luck and safe keeping, each had a gold lettering above with the Title of each Palace.
A eunuch leads us to the door of the Imperial Palace. A beautiful woman with bright pink hair and green eyes is waiting for us. "Consort Sakura Haruno." He introduces us to her.
"Noble Lady Hinata Hyuga and Noble Lady Ino Yamanaka, welcome. I will let you inside." We both bow and are lead inside. Her hair is braided with above her head and has tassels of dark green on both sides. The way they swing with her graceful gait was memorizing. She is so comfortable walking around. It is almost as if she doesn't feel the pinch at the toes or the pressure on the arch of her foot.
She kneels in from to the Emperor while Ino and I both kowtow. The cold stone is smooth and clean. I do not worry about the makeup that was painted on.
"Emperor Sasuke Uchiha!" A Eunuch with long red beads around his neck bellows.
For the life of me, I cannot remember his face.
"You may rise." His voice is soft and strong. His eyes are sharp and focused. His appearance is pleasing to the eye. But his aura does little for my heart. He is distant and seems to be only greeting us out of duty and not respect.
What was his face like as a child? This hard and unfeeling? That doesn't feel right in my heart. Yet it is the appearance he is set on giving us now. I have fleeting memories of the deceased Itachi Uchiha. His face was always so wise and had a kind, understanding way about him. We were going to marry at one point. But when my Mother died the arrangement fell through. The late Emperor and my Father didn't get along as well as the women.
All of the childlike features are gone that's for sure. However he looks very much like Dowager Empress Mikoto. He has grace and a silent overwhelming confidence that's natural and respectable.
Ino seem to sigh though, her eyes take every inch with vigor and she instantly lights up. She has previous memories, she doesn't seem surprised, instead happy at his being.
The eunuch comes over with a book. "To your left is Noble Lady Hinata Hyuga, the eldest daughter to the Highest Honored Lord Hiashi Hyuga. She is known for her remarkable drawing and cooking skills. Next to her is Noble Lady Ino Yamanaka, the only child of Highest Honored Lord Yamanaka. She is known for literacy skills and memory. They're both residing in the Palace of White Jade."
"That is good." He says. Before dismissing us.
Consort Sakura walks out with us. She is all grace and long limbs. "I will walk with you." She says confidently. Her entourage awaits behind her.
"We're honored." I bow quickly but she gestures me to stand up.
"We are sisters here. With a common goal, do not worry about these things. When we ae amongst each other."
"Are we the only three? Do the other banners not have girls?"
"None that are of age. But I'm sure that will change as time goes on. Emperor Sasuke was just placed as Emperor early this year. He is busy enough with dealing with the country. I am sure he will make time for all of us though." The wind chills our bones, but it's refreshing in a way.
Haruno is not one of the 8 Banner Clans, so I am curious why she is here and ranked above us. It could be seen as a slight. Unless of course she is pregnant.
"You were here before?" Ino asks bravely, she is curious of this also. Ino comes from a liberal family, but still one that respects the hierarchy.
"Yes, I married Sasuke 3 years ago. When he was still a Prince."
"You were here for the rebellion?" Ino says shocked. "That's horrible."
"We weren't here. Emperor Sasuke and I resided in the Southern Palace. That's where I'm from. We knew nothing of the event until everything had already happened. It is taboo, please do not speak about it." She says thoughtfully. "It causes the Emperor a lot of grief and hardships. It is best to distract him."
She stops in front of her Palace and bows her neck slightly to be respectful.
"I take my leave first."
I look up to read the letter, Palace of Petals. Named for her no doubt.
"She waves her knowledge in our face yet doesn't indulge us in anything." Ino says softly to me as we sit looking through our tribute gifts. They were laid out for us once we returned. She quickly bangs the tables with her open palm making the gems bounce.
"She is close to the Emperor."
"Haruno." She ignores me completely. "I've never heard that name before. Some peasant? Surely not. She is beautiful I suppose." She says distastefully.
"She has been kind thus far."
"She is lonely. After all having no children can do that to a women." She says it with bite in her voice, more like disappointment and disbelief. "Three years and no child? What does she do with all that free time?"
"I'm sure it's not from lack of trying." I look at an ivory bracelet, it was carved to have lush, tiny flowers on it. I put it on, admiring the how smooth and white my skin looks. Before turning back to her. "Just enjoy this moment of peace. Children can be loud."
"They validate our existence, they carry out our name throughout time."
"Of course they do." I quickly agree. My eyes are not concentrating on Ino though. I can tell she doesn't want someone to converse with but to talk at.
She continues to speak ill of Sakura, making veiled comments about she could do better and how easy it would be for her to gain favor. With her beauty I do not see the problem. She's exciting to be around. Also the center of attention. I'm sure she could pull it off.
As for me, I may not be the ugly duckling I was as a child. However I realize I lack the skills it would take to be Empress.
When her steam is finally let out Ino is much more agreeable. She laughs at the bright fabrics people wear here and take jokes about the shoes. She is bright and endearing. Her fascination with everything is pure and delightful. Her skins clears up with her pleasant mood and we go outside to watch the lanterns float on pond near our new home. They look like tiny sunsets.
Even if it's late no one says anything.