Notes: This is the 2nd chapter of the fic. It's not a direct continuation of the first one, because this one is a flashback, and so are the rest of the chapters. So if your heart stopped dying to know what Kaoru is about to do, you just have to wait a tad bit longer… However, the reason behind their hostility (kenshin specifically) and probably OC(?) pretty much will start here (there are hints-sort of) and in the next chapters; but you might have known already because of the title (you bright little students).
Things that bother me though:
1. kenshin's eye color changes I actually like his amber eyes and I am mentally debating on whether I do change them to purple when he "softens" in the later chapters (he has to, or this won't be a KK fic – but it is angst though plop! I am self arguing again) or I just retain the amber eyes and let it soften by its amber self.
2. Japanese words It's just that RK is of Japanese origin and there are fics that include Japanese dialogue but I probably won't be using any, since I don't know much and also for the convenience of people like me who don't know a lot of Japanese expressions. (especially the long ones).
3. there will be a little bit of information about the production of tea and the Japanese tea ceremony. I did a 'mini-research', if you might call it, which is actually just typing tea in google. But I found some information there. I am not pretty sure if they were allowed to eat heavy meals after the ceremony, as what happens in the fic, but I just needed the dinner. I hope it doesn't upset people out there.
4. the reviews! I need reviews people!
If you want to voice out your opinion on the first three, please refer to number four.
Ok, I probably won't update sooner after this because hectic week is coming so I have to fix school stuff before this more recreational/hobby stuff (you know this would be given priority if I'm paid or something, but that's not happening so deal with me).
Black Bride by fabulosa
A Blow of the Winds Past
The intense heat of the sun did not prove warm enough for a certain fair-skinned beauty to take off the hat she wore, nor regress from the harvest as other women would have done. She considered herself one with the many workers filling their baskets with hand picked tea leaves. After all, she, as the others, found their necessities met through the reaping of such plant and being the owner's daughter, she believed, did not make any difference. The sight of her uncle, however, prompted her to pat her hands clean on her apron, and wiping her face of sweat. Her uncle waved to her lightly and motioned for her to come to him and she obeyed with haste. With tea foliage enclosed in her hand, she opened her palm and lifted it to let his uncle smell the fruit of their labor.
"Wonderful," he sighed, "and again you helped pick them?" an excited nod came from the other end. "Well then," he continued, " I suppose these will be as soothing in the mouth as the tea we will be enjoying later. Your bath has been prepared." The hint in his voice did not cause worry to the woman. Instead, she opened his palm and pouring the aromatic leaves in his hands asked of her uncle a simple request he of course, could not deny. "Please hand this over to Megumi," she motioned, "She would love these." Rubbing the last of the foliage off of her hand, she took her apron off and handed it to her guardian and giving him a quick kiss in the cheek, hurried to the bathhouse.
Kamiya Kaoru was taken under her uncle's care when she was ten, immediately after her parents were murdered. Being childhood friends of the emperor's father, the news of the deaths roamed through the villages, seeping half-truths and rumors along with it. Her mother's brother, her favorite among all her relatives, raised her as if she were his very own daughter and under his guidance, she grew to be a good-natured woman. Even though nine years have passed, Kaoru remains to be a darling to her uncle, not losing her childlike innocence and purity of heart. Since her parent's death, she has promised not to distress anybody to prevent them of the sadness that she went through. Years later, people think of nothing else but praise when they speak of her.
Kaoru's uncle was in the tea business for years. Starting with nothing but a small plot of fertile land, he decided to pursue the tedious task of producing tea of superlative quality, the very which the royals found enjoyable. Kaoru's uncle finally made a name for himself as one of the best producers of premium tea and earned his place in the old emperor's favor, leaving the shadow of Kaoru's parents, who have been childhood friends. Now, even after the old emperor's demise, Kaoru's uncle is still one of the influential people in the country, being a family friend, business associate and adviser to the old emperor's son, who now rules over the land. Kaoru did not know much about his uncle's relationship with the old emperor, nor was she familiar with the son and his uncle's affairs, except that they had been associates from the very start, even before the son's reign. Nonetheless, the emperor was a very important person, and Kaoru knew much was expected from her appearance that night.
After her parents' death, she was refrained from going anywhere she will not be under her uncle's sight. Most of her time was spent at home and as she grew older, her uncle reminded her that she was of no ordinary spirit to end her questions. She was trained at a very young age to defend herself, and has mastered the art of fighting with a bokken, based on his fathers techniques, which she sometimes teaches to Yahiko given the time, proving purpose as a protective measure after her parents demise. Aside from physical skill, however, Kaoru was also a painter, has very good etiquette, is well equipped in embroidery and calligraphy even, and if she has found no more ways to spend her day, she would write poems by the window of their home, gazing at the sky or immersing herself in wonderful literature if not making her own to fill up the hours spent at their residence. She loved intelligent conversations with her uncle, and it was this interest that made Sano leave her alone to her satisfaction, for Sano can't stand a debate with her. Well if he pretended to listen, all he is going to get is a bokken whack anyway. Sometimes she would discuss new medicines and herbs with Megumi, but of course, the woman that Megumi is, would never allow herself to be outshined by Kaoru in the field of medicine and Kaoru would give her that honor. There are so many ways to be enamored by her for aside from the beautiful glow of her face; she has the smarts and the manners to be the best woman there is. Well, there were certain areas that were unfortunately unable to ripen, cooking for one. Kaoru to her dismay, unfortunately could not cook up a wonderful batch of rice, or a plate of vegetables. But it did not matter, for any man would consider her a blessing from the heavens, a perfect combination of elegance and intensity, and surely will overlook this flaw, which will seemingly fade amongst the rest of perfection about her.
Picking up her favorite bottle of scent and applying a subtle amount on her neck after washing, she hurried to find the best kimono she had. Made of the smoothest silk and painstakingly but beautifully embroidered, the salmon clothing she chose was one of the few dresses her mother had planned to give her as gifts when she came of age. Tracing her finger upon the lines of fine needlework, Kaoru let out a small smile as she hurried to the bathhouse to prepare for this night's event.
Kaoru finished preparing for the celebration earlier than she nor his uncle had expected, with him being surprised as he entered the door.
"All prepared already? Well, while waiting you could go to the kitchen and help Tae prepare the meals for our visitors this evening. I'll have other attendants set up some more seating area by our garden. The weather seems perfect to hold an elegant outdoor dinner after the tea ceremony of course."
"I'll do just that," she replied, her eyes showing excitement with a hint of curiosity as to what their cook has lined up for tonight. Smelling the wonderful aroma emanating from the kitchen, Kaoru went in to chop some ingredients and assist Tae in any way she can. Kaoru never chooses whom she is friendly to, and is sincere with every person she shakes hands or converses with. She might be a bad cook, but she can very well be the best assistant. Holding out her hand as Tae placed some crushed herbs on her palm, she sprinkled them over Tae's surely wonderful dishes. She would have loved to create dishes of her own, had cooking been a more productive word in her personal dictionary. Before leaving the kitchen to welcome the guests, she inhaled the wonderful aromas mixing together, and finished wrapping the small sweets to be given to the guests prior to the tea ceremony.
Carrying the small wooden bowl of sweets, Kaoru positioned herself by the door and presented a big smile on her face. It was not the first time that she greeted visitors for the tea ceremony, but it was the first time she was attending them in an important one. Moreso, it was then that she would be reacquainted with the new emperor, who was barely a year off as king. As the door slid open, the guests took a glimpse at the beautiful pinkish kimono accented with elegant stitches of butterflies, as well as the beautiful receptive face ushering them in. The important officials, the social butterflies, the occasional 'high profile' gossipers and of course all with their respective watchmen filled up Kaoru's uncle's reception room. Finally her uncle came and welcomed the guests in his garden, as Kaoru gave sweets while they waited for other guests to arrive.
The tea ceremony was very artistic. Silence filled the air as everybody gathered and awaited for their cup to be filled with tea so aromatic, and soothing. Kaoru loved the tea ceremonies, not just because she was part of the harvesting and production, but also because she loved the serenity and art of it, the feeling of immense contentment and finding beauty and peace from small sips of tea. As she gratifyingly closed her eyes enjoying the silky liquid flowing in her mouth, she felt a pair of eyes glancing at her. Opening her own, she saw amber orbs glancing quickly at her, passing as they scanned the people sipping their cup. Moments after, the cups were collected, and Kaoru's uncle informed everybody of the supper everyone will be enjoying soon. From that moment of his uncle's announcement, Kaoru was just in the sidelines, talking only when asked of her opinion, or of recent literature she has read to anyone interested. She did not feel comfortable talking with the men, most especially; most of who were only flirting while their wife is not at eye's view.
"From a social butterfly in receiving the guests, you decided to take on the role of the wallflower this evening." Someone whispered in her ear. It was her uncle. "Why the sudden lack of social activity?" He added.
"Well, it's your gathering uncle…and the emperor's." She added hastily. "Besides, those men aren't worth my efforts. They will not provide interesting conversations."
"You mean the kind of conversations we have?" His uncle joked again, keeping her humored.
"Actually, yes." She replied lightheartedly, with a slight giggle.
"Well, I'll be introducing you to people you haven't met before, and the new emperor of course." He added, with a serious tone, forcing Kaoru to abandon her playful mood. The emperor was a very important person, and her actions will be watched of course. Any mistake will affect gravely in her uncle's reputation.
"You can just approach me anytime," she replied with a smile. "Now if you will excuse me, I think the wallflower will return to being a social butterfly now. I have caught sight of Misao and Sanosuke." With a gentle squeeze of her hand, Katsura backed away to disappear in the crowd of people.
"Kaoru!" Misao waved, struggling with her kimono. "You look astonishing!" She hurried towards her friend dangling Sanosuke along.
"Thankfully you came. I thought I would be alone till the end of the party," she whispered faintly enough to be heard to kill suspicion around her and breathed a sigh of relief. "Sanosuke, I haven't seen you with Megumi lately. Did you two fight?" she joked probably not getting over her uncle's humor yet. Sano just made a face.
"Sheesh. She's out there trying to catch the attention of some guy." Sano remarked.
"Awww… Sanosuke isn't jealous now, is he?" Misao joked. A pull of her braided hair caused a short rumble between the two.
"Guys, stop it. Not here!" Kaoru tried to look firm and composed, although she was shaking all over from laughter.
"Look at the company I have been reduced to." A condescending voice came from behind them. Beside her was a young man who was of prominence and gallantry to the eyes of Kaoru, who has seen so many potential imbeciles in the gathering. Finally, a man who seemed to be capable of handling a very, very interesting conversation, she thought.
"Megumi, what are you doing here all of a sudden?" Sano asked defensively. As if the dolt did not want her presence.
"Well, I thought of not going here actually," Megumi raised an eyebrow at the rooster head then looked at her nails, "but it would be out of my character if I did not introduce to you my important friend, who happens to be…"
"Ah, Kaoru! I was just looking for you. Well I can see you have met Kenshin Himura," Her uncle bellowed from her right. Kaoru was forced to turn abruptly then slowly look back at the man introduced to her seconds ago. He had a very small smile, a very charming smile, nonetheless.
"As I was saying, it would be out of my character if I didn't introduce to you Kenshin Himura, my new friend. He is a former warrior and now trains the emperor's soldiers."
"Yes it would be out of your character to introduce him, you social climber…" Misao muttered under her breath, soft enough for the people around to miss, but loud enough for Megumi to hear. Sano sighed as he knew another fight would come into place. But Kaoru, she was entranced looking at the man in front of her. Everything about him amazed her, as much as other men were enticed by her, from his stance, to his stride, to his mysterious smile, and his amber eyes. Her enthrallment was cut short when Kenshin turned his head towards the fighting trio on their left and remarked,
"Miss Megumi, thank you for introducing me, but I feel it is not of your utmost duty for we are simply acquaintances." Just simple words said derisively, and Megumi was at his side again, saying sweet nothings, Sano clearly pissed off. Kenshin paid little attention to Megumi then, and Kaoru was feeling awkward about the entire situation, good thing her uncle noticed what was going on and untangled the knot that Kaoru's friends tied. Then Kaoru noticed that Misao, Megumi and Sano were far away obviously still arguing, and Kenshin and Kaoru were still face to face seemingly waiting for something to happen. Kaoru was thinking of something to say then and there.
"Forgive me miss, but I have to attend to other people. Before I go though, I'm sorry but I did not catch your name from all the commotion a while ago." Kaoru couldn't pinpoint what it was. There was a look of sternness but he was very endearing. His voice and manner of speaking wasn't too friendly but not exactly hostile when words escaped from his mouth. Most people would probably mock his tone and mood but there was something about him, and Kaoru just felt so intrigued, and she quietly thanked the gods when she said her name and did not blurt out something stupid.
"Ah, miss Kaoru. I have to go." And with that, he was gone, leaving Kaoru, still spellbound, putting the pieces together as to what just happened.
Author's Notes: Okay. Let me remind you again to NOT PRESS BACK IMMEDIATELY. You still have to read the bottom and review. Well, how was this? Hmmm…so this is a flashback of how they met. I think my introduction of Kenshin is pretty crappy. He is Battousai all the way, there's no Oro-ish Kenshin in this fic, and I guess I had a hard time introducing him in his Battousai form. Well what I'm just trying to express is that he is not exactly amiable but he's still attractive, you know? Mysterious, indifferent, sort of arrogant, but is a god. I'll just fix this when I finish the story.
Well, if you're going to miss the bottom part you're going to miss a lot.Please, in behalf of all the authors, read the author's notes. It is our means of communication so don't skip it. Speaking of which, if fellow authors are able to read this, i need help with the format. The document manager seems to dislike tabs and indentions. Er...there. Thank you so much, please review and scroll down for the continuation!
Kaoru leaned back on the wall, she was alone again outside in the garden when everyone was inside, longer than she could count the minutes. Everybody had somebody to talk to, except her it seems. She reminded herself that it wasn't her celebration anyway, just like what she said to her uncle moments before. The emperor was telling stories of his father and his plans and Kaoru did not feel as if she would contribute much and decided to walk around. Thus leading her there, by the wall, alone.
"It seems like I am not the only one uninterested in the emperor's chronicles." Kaoru's heart skipped a beat as she turned only to find it was Kenshin walking to her side.
"Oh, it's just you," she muttered, maintaining her composure, then remembering his remark quickly denied what he implied about his statement. "No! I wasn't uninterested, I was just, resting. It was much too crowded in there." She gestured in the heavily lighted room, all centered at the emperor.
"You have met him? The emperor I mean." Kenshin asked casually.
"Of course," she replied. "Very young and handsome." She added recounting the experience for a moment. Kaoru was delighted to meet the emperor, but at that time, her mind was still on that scenario a few minutes back, when she met the man she was next to right now. "It's such a shame for his father to meet an untimely death and allow him to be a king without somebody in his side."
"He is planning to marry, I heard. I have reason to believe it will his personal escort." Kenshin replied.
"Were you that close to the emperor to have noticed?" she replied, finding that their conversation was off to an interesting start.
"No but I have been around to notice their flirtations." Kaoru looked intently at him. She can't keep her eyes away from the amber glint of his eyes. It was too striking to leave unnoticed.
"What about you, who is your future bride?" Kaoru asked playfully, trying to make Kenshin open up, as she sensed he was revealing the layers of his character every minute that passes. Striking a conversation, she figured, would ease her tension, and perhaps find a common interest between them.
Kenshin gazed at her amethyst pools, pointed to a spot in the distance, in the town sleeping silently away from the party.
"My future wife is there." He whispered looking at the direction he is pointing, and Kaoru, ashen, wished she did not ask the question in the first place.