A Downpour of Questions
"Shizuru, you can't just choose another Einherjar!"
"Whatever do you mean?" Arching a brow at the shorter woman, Shizuru strode briskly down the corridor. The Einherjar prowled closely after her, and Shizuru wondered what she had gotten herself into.
"Did you do it just because you can, Shizuru?" The woman halted, and Shizuru did so also. She passed a worrying glance to Shizuru. "Where did the ruthless Viola go?" She asked, brushing teal strands away from her face. Doing so, she leaned up to reach Shizuru's height, brushing her lips delicately across the elder's. "Stop stressing over that… whoever she is." The younger woman breathed lightly against Shizuru's lips. She smiled as the elder's hands propped to her shoulders, but shrugged them away. "Don't treat her lightly. You didn't with me." The woman steadily removed herself, and ventured away. She headed in the opposite direction of the corridor where they had just come from.
"...Tomoe." Shizuru stood there, watching after the retreating woman. As the other turned the corner, she exhaled. Standing there, she slid her fingers to her lips, crossing an arm around herself.
What was she going to do, she wondered? Shizuru peered out of the large window beside her, the rain pelting against the glass. She had two underlings once more, the maximum was three…
Running her tongue along her lips momentarily, she tasted a hint of the other's tang. Pausing midway through the notion, a guilt edged its way through into her stomach.
"The ruthless Viola." She murmured quietly, crimson irises following a lone raindrop run down the window. What would Anh think, she wondered? But of course, such a thing was nonsense. After all, Anh was dead.
With her shoulders slouching, Shizuru massaged her temples. She wasn't like that anymore. She was now the Valkyrja, Shizuru had her own Einherjar. It was reckless, and not right to act rash.
Regaining her stride, she made her way through Guadeloupe Palace. Eventually reaching the top floor, she took no notice to the weather. It was pouring down a storm, and the whole region was getting soaked. For the past several days they had been undergoing these heavy storms. It was strange, really. They were so close to the Black Valley, yet a tropical storm seemed the norm.
The door to Natsuki's room came into sight at last. The floorboards creaked underfoot, but the thunder disguised it. Taking hold of the handle, she opened the door, humming lowly. It had been several hours since she had been here. The only light came from the illumination of lightning outside. She remained by the doorway, watching the rain splatter against the window.
Other than to check up on Natsuki, why was Shizuru here? The ruthless Viola. Really now? Closing the door, she floated towards the prone Natsuki. For a long moment, she simply studied her new Einherjar. Fortunately Natsuki had finally fallen asleep. That was good, at least, and luckily she had managed to eat all the broth. Taking the tray from the side table, she remained where she was, falling into thought.
She had two Einherjar at last. The palace hadn't had this many for a long, long while. Perhaps their tide of misfortune was finally making a change for the better? She could only hope so.
"Shizuru?" Mai piped once opening the door, poking her head through.
Calmly, the Valkyrja glanced over her shoulder at the redhead. She regarded Mai in silence, thunder shaking the room. "Yes? What is it?"
"You should sleep. It's going to be a big day tomorrow thanks to her arrival." She gestured to the sleeping Natsuki.
"You're right. I was just making sure she was fine." Shizuru smiled. Taking one last survey of the Einherjar, she found no discomfort. "Could you perhaps help me tomorrow? We can't have her running around in those rags of hers."
"Certainly not." Mai uttered in amusement, shutting the door after the taller woman. "I think the uniform will even suit her."
"I apologise. The palace wishes to see you up, and about." Shizuru had attempted to reason with them, but they had out right refused. So was the way with their Queen; they had no choice.
"I can't even stand without help? How do they expect me?" Shaking her head, Natsuki looked away from her. What was she, a show dog?
"Queen Mashiro insists."
"She sounds like a selfish brat."
Shizuru's eyes barely narrowed upon the comment. Her lips pursed, and she rose. This gained Natsuki's attention, Shizuru opening the bag beside her on the floor. "I have brought you some clothes. Please continue to wear these in the future; the palace has a strict dress code."
Of course it did. Her eyes followed the neatly folded clothes, Shizuru setting it down on the bed.
"How are your bandages? Do you feel better?" Shizuru asked her, keeping a careful eye on the Einherjar. Natsuki was sat on the edge of the bed, hands grasping the mattress.
"When I keep still the wound isn't bad, but when I do it stings." Natsuki murmured. She took the clothes, but then regarded Shizuru, a blush plastering her cheeks. "Stop looking." She grumbled, scratching her jaw.
Oh. Twisting around on her heel, Shizuru lowered her head slightly. "I apologise."
There was a tense atmosphere upon their interaction. Shizuru could sense it as she heard the rustling of clothes. Even so, not once did she turn around or look over her shoulder. She kept her hands cupped before her, awaiting Natsuki.
This one was different from Tomoe; that much was obvious. Natsuki was more reserved about her emotions. There was certainly time for this to change, however. Today would be Natsuki's first test.
"What's this, a uniform?" Natsuki mostly muttered to herself. The trousers were tightly fitting, and blue with a folded crease. Strangely they shaped her legs out, making them appear more slender than what they were.
Covering her torso was a plain white shirt. The rim of the shirt splayed out, barely reaching her trouser pockets.
Glancing up to Shizuru, she noticed she wore similar clothing. The only difference was her trousers were red. Another thought came to mind; hadn't she got a jacket too? Looking towards the chair, she noticed it wasn't there.
"Alright, I'm done." She mumbled, the brunette turning around.
"Is the outfit comfortable?" Shizuru eyed some bandages poking out the woman's shirt. She signalled to her own chest, Natsuki looking down to her own. Curiously Shizuru watched her, Natsuki stuffing the bandage underneath.
"It is, the clothes fit well." Did she secretly measure her or something? Suspiciously Natsuki stared before doing up another button of her shirt. Three remained undone, a preference.
The sleeves for this shirt were long though. Knowing there weren't any bandages, she pulled the sleeves up to her elbows.
Shizuru dismissed the alteration; nevertheless she was a little annoyed. For a long moment they stared at one another again. "… Are you ready? We shall be meeting my co-worker in the hallway before heading to the royal chambers."
Co-worker? Royal chambers? Was her co-worker that redhead? Was she going to meet this Queen Mashiro or something? The taller woman eased towards her, and Natsuki edged away, cautious.
"I will help you, Natsuki. Don't worry." She stopped midway, instead offering a hand to the shorter woman. "I need to wrap an arm around you, is this alright?"
Mistrust. But that was understandable. Standing to her full height, Shizuru relented. "Tomoe?" She called, focusing upon the door instead. "You can come in."
Tomoe? Natsuki frowned, not recognising the name. She took paid attention upon the door which soon opened. In strode a similarly dressed woman, only making a stop once she was beside the brunette.
"This is Tomoe." Shizuru introduced. "She shall be helping you get familiar with daily life here."
Teal hair… one side was longer than the other. She also appeared more mature than her age, Natsuki noticed. She too wore blue trousers, and a white shirt. She, unlike Natsuki kept the buttons done up, and the sleeves down.
"Hello. The woman smiled. "My name is Tomoe, I am Shizuru's partner. When she is busy I will be in her place helping you."
Partner? Natsuki arched a brow.
"Shizuru. Miya returned from the forest earlier. She said it would be best to avoid it, she spotted wolves."
"Again?" The brunette thought for a moment, wrapping an arm around herself. "No matter, as long as they aren't starving, they shouldn't be a worry." Fixing her attention back to Natsuki, she continued. "We should meet Queen Mashiro soon. Once you're ready."
She had no choice, had she? Sighing, Natsuki nodded, she slowly lifted herself from the bed. Standing seemed so alien to her, and she felt oddly tall. Such a thing wasn't possible; she barely came to the brunette's chin.
The Valkyrja steadied her, her hands propped against Natsuki's shoulders. "I can carry-"
"I don't need treating like a Princess." Natsuki pulled from Shizuru's hold, brushing past Tomoe. She covered the injured area with a palm, stopping by the door. "Which way is it?"
"Follow me." Shizuru glanced to Tomoe momentarily. "Catch her if she falls." She hushed, the younger woman nodding quietly. "It's this way." Exiting the room, she awaited the two women. "The chambers will be crowded. I recommend we cut straight through."
How crowded, exactly, Natsuki wondered? In this corridor two women were already making their way past. They wore dresses, and were nonchalantly chatting amongst one another. Maids?
Her eyes followed them until she turned her head after them. For a short while she, and Tomoe followed Shizuru. Through corridors, and rooms they ventured, until at last Shizuru stopped.
Were they here? Natsuki looked around, seeing open double doors further in the corridor. Noise radiated from that room, and from the sound of things, it was both busy, and huge.
"I must warn you before we enter." Shizuru spoke suddenly, turning around. She nodded to Tomoe, the slightly taller woman jogging ahead. "The Queen can be rather unsettling. She may demand answers which you don't have."
"Then what am I supposed to do?"
"I will answer for you, don't worry." She gestured Natsuki to walk with her to the doors. "You will have a lot of information thrown at you at once. I will be able to explain thoroughly after you've met with her."
So from lying in a bed injured to meeting a Queen… This was certainly quite the occasion. Natsuki supposed she would simply have to go with the flow. "When I meet her, what do I say?"
"Your Majesty. Though she may demand her whole title."
"Her whole… title?" Like what? That wasn't her full title?
"Her Majesty the Queen, Mashiro Blan of the Kingdom of Windbloom and Outer Territories."
Walking through the doors, Natsuki was momentarily blinded by the bright lights of the grand hall. All around her were people roaming about, chatting, or simply standing around. She hadn't known what she expected, but it certainly wasn't this?
Amongst the noise of talking, were footsteps, and clinging. Natsuki could only assume the latter were from the waiters offering drinks.
She stuck to following Shizuru, and noticed a strange attention focused upon the woman. Was Shizuru popular or something? Independently Natsuki looked upon each face. Awe. The amassing crowd were practically worshipping the floor she stood upon.
"We are here." Shizuru reported to Natsuki, ignoring the stares. She turned to Natsuki, acknowledging her presence entirely. This seemed to irritate the crowd, oddly enough.
"Is that her?" Natsuki questioned, her eyes venturing over Shizuru's shoulder. Out the corner of her eye she watched the people disperse, the group instead amassing to the walls.
"It is her." Easing closer to Natsuki, Shizuru slid the woman's sleeves back down. Every inch of the shorter woman she studied, searching for anything off-key. Spotting another issue, her fingers drifted to Natsuki's buttons. Natsuki however, avoided her.
"I can do it myself." Natsuki mumbled, doing up two buttons at the most. The remaining top button was left, and she pointedly stared at Shizuru. "What?"
Saying nothing, Shizuru's eyes only narrowed faintly. Seemed this Einherjar was certainly showing a different personality compared to Tomoe.
"Archvalkyrja Viola!" The Queen shouted out atop her throne. She was seated at the far end of the grand hall, staring directly at them. "Bring that new one here!"
Arch what? Other one? The crowd either side of the walls became eerily silent. In fact enough so that Natsuki felt unsettled. Just deciding to remain quiet, she trailed after Shizuru sluggishly.
"Aoi! Come here!" The Queen insisted to a maid below the royal's steps. She quickly headed up them, easing closer to the Queen's ear.
Natsuki sort of felt sorry for her. Was the brunette the Queen's personal maid? Making a halt as Shizuru did, her eyes strayed down to the apparent Archvalkyrja. She had knelt down; but why?
Opening her mouth, she was about to speak, but was interrupted. Shizuru deftly caught her by the trouser leg. Natsuki would've protested, but the haunting stare silenced her. She quietly knelt, angling her head down alike Shizuru.
"I am!:" Mashiro stated, standing from her throne, and propping her hands to her hips. Eyeing the maid, she cleared her throat. "I am!:"
"Ah- Mashiro Blan de Windbloom! Protector and server of Our Lady, Himeno Fumi!" The maid sheepishly stated. Her hands were clasped before her, laughing under her breath.
What the? Mystified, Natsuki glanced up for a moment. Mashiro was yelling incomprehensible nothings to the maid. Ah, this maid looked like she was used to it. How long had she been tormented by this Queen?
"Anyway, I, Mashiro Blan de Windbloom will question you!" The lilac-haired girl pointed at Natsuki, glaring. "Who are you? Why did the Archvalkyrja choose you? Are you a HiME? Where's your mark?!"
"?" Natsuki expectantly looked at Shizuru.
"Well? Look at me when I'm speaking to you!"
"She is an Einherjar I found in the Black Valley." Shizuru murmured, she stood, and regarded the confused Queen. "Her corpse responded to my crystal that only reacts to the worthy."
"So?" Mashiro mumbled, crossing her arms.
"She gives strong signs of being a HiME, however if so, she hasn't fully awake-"
"Just look at her mark then!" Mashiro waved a hand into Shizuru's general direction, pointing at her afterwards. "You have one, right?! Just strip her then find out!"
"What?!" Natsuki bolted up. "No way am I stripping! And what's this about my corpse?!" Couldn't they see she was up, and standing?! How could she have been dead?!
"The mark will appear. I am yet to see any signs of it." Shizuru spoke calmly, transferring her focus upon Natsuki. "As I said, I will expl-"
"You will!" Walking away from them, Natsuki paid them no mind, glaring all the while. Corpse?! A HiME?! What the hell even was a HiME?! In fact, what was Shizuru?! Valkyrja? It made no sense!
"Where is she going?!" Growling in frustration, Mashiro yelled. "Aoi! Chase after her! Do something, just don't stand there!"
Laughing anxiously, Aoi threw an apologetic expression to Shizuru, bypassing her quickly. "Wait for me!"
The maid rushed through the double doors, and completely missed Natsuki. She was crouched behind one of the doors, hiding. Watching the woman hurry past, she took the opposite end of the corridor instead.
Answer her questions? That Viola sure had a lot of explaining to do. Whatever, she was going to look around-
"Ah, please wait!"
Natsuki heard the maid, and cursed. Natsuki shot her gaze over a shoulder, spotting the brunette incoming. She quickly bolted, swiftly running through the corridor. What was even happening anymore- "Aghhh?!" She yelped, slamming straight into someone upon turning the corner. With the air pounded from her lungs, she choked.
"What the hell?! Who are you?!" The victim yelled, Aoi quickly catching up to them. "Hey, Aoi! Get this runt off me already!" The fiery redhead was sprawled onto the floor, and attempted to get Natsuki off her.
"I-I'm glad you caught her." Aoi gasped, clasping her hands to her knees, and catching her breath.
"It's not like I had any choice!" Standing up, she picked up the book that had been flung out her grasp. "You're the one Viola found?"
Natsuki didn't have time for this. Abruptly however, she remembered her wound. Unconsciously she covered the affected area, baffled. Why wasn't it causing her pain right now? She would've assumed she'd be unable to stand, given she had slammed into…
"Who are you?" She muttered to the fiery redhead, said woman cocking a brow at her.
"You first, runt."
Runt?! Opening her mouth, Natsuki was about to protest, but was interrupted. A hand clasped against her shoulder, keeping her quiet. Looking over her shoulder, her heart sank. Ah, Shizuru had caught up.
"I am sorry, Nao." The Archvalkyrja murmured to the fiery redhead. "Her Majesty got out of hand, and asked her too many questions. I will take things from here." Tugging Natsuki gently, she gestured the shorter woman to follow her. "Natsuki, would you come to my quarters? I will explain everything over a drink?"
It couldn't get worse than this, could it? "Fine." Natsuki mumbled. "It's not like I have a choice."
"No. You certainly don't."
