Summary: Drabbles from the Love, Lies n Empire universe. All characters. Situations and events referred to in the main story. Read n Review.

Disclaimer: Rurouni Kenshin belongs to Watsuki Nobuhiro. I borrow the gang for my fics.

Rating: T

Drabble 4: Aoshi and Kamatari talk one last time before the war. Not Yaoi.

Annals of Empire

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Drabble 5: Foolhardy Decisions

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The courtyard was bustling with activity. Horses were being fed and watered. Saddles were being polished, the thick manes and silky coats of the thoroughbreds brushed carefully in preparation for the imperial envoy's journey back to Kutoe. Servants and pageboys rushed around, swiftly carrying out tasks appointed to them by their masters.

Kamatari stood at the foot of the stairs leading inside the keep. His mind was troubled. Unbidden, images of what had happened earlier that day in court played in his mind. The imperial envoy had not been pleased by Shishio's flat-out refusal to kowtow to Hiko Seijurou.

Pressing his lips together, Kamatari strode towards the hustle bustle in the courtyard. He stepped in place beside Kutoe's envoy.

"You can leave at first light tomorrow. Is it necessary to risk traveling at night?" Kamatari asked softly. Aoshi looked at him in surprise, his eyes widening ever so slightly. A less observant man might have missed the look, but not Kamatari.

"I do not think it is wise to stay any longer. Your king's answer changes everything. I must return to Kutoe as soon as possible."

Kamatari smiled. "Lord Shinomori, you aren't suggesting that your safety is at risk? Guests are revered in Konan."

Aoshi's icy eyes never left Kamatari's face. "Forgive me. I meant no disrespect." His tone was blank, betraying no emotion whatsoever. Kamatari marveled at the command the man held over his emotions. Does that mask never drop?

He held his hand up, protesting at Aoshi's apology. "None taken. While your horses are being saddled, why don't you join me for a drink?" Aoshi hesitated but acceded to the request.

The two engaged in conversation easily. Aoshi found Kamatari to be an extremely charming man. He suspected that it was Kamatari's charm and ready wit that had kept diplomatic relations between the two kingdoms from keeling over and collapsing entirely. Even among Hiko's councilors, Kamatari held a reputation of being an extremely amiable and fascinating man. His presence in joint meetings often tempered the defiant and martial leaning of his king. But this time it would not be enough. Despite his wariness, he could not help feel a certain fondness for him, and for what he was trying to do. It was too late to think about that though. When the sake finished, it was time to go.

As he mounted, Aoshi turned to face Kamatari. "You are a sensible man, my lord. Talk to your king. Convince him not to make an enemy of Hiko Seijurou."

Kamatari smiled back in his characteristic way but his eyes held a steely look. "With all due respect Lord Shinomori, last I checked, Shishio Makoto decided how to rule Konan. My sovereign will not be told how to run his kingdom by an outsider."

Aoshi bowed his head. "Then I will pray for you. May the gods in their heavens steer you out of calamity. The next time we meet, we shall be enemies."

"I will pray for you as well. May the gods in their heavens guard you well on the battlefield."

Aoshi's eyes gleamed at the challenge and he allowed himself a smile of acceptance. He dug his knees into the sides of his horse and galloped away. The thunder of the hoofs died away with the dust clouds many minutes later. Kamatari remained rooted to the spot, frowning at the speck that was Aoshi Shinomori.

Damn. Damn you Hiko Seijurou. Damn you all.

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Author's Notes

This is what happened directly before the first chapter of Love, Lies and Empire. Well what are you waiting for? R & R!!!