A/N: I can't seem to stop writing this! Hehe, my mind is running faster than my typing speed lol!
Thanks again for the support from all the readers and a huge shout out to those who reviewed and messaged: tinasan25, Kiwi4life, NagariMitsukari12, chaos in the sky, Dynamo, xLilim and Guest (I wish I knew who you were).
I hope you enjoy reading this one as much I enjoyed writing it =)
Aria read the letter once, twice and even a third time before she could register it's hidden message.
Haru would put himself in harm's way for her?
She was deeply touched by the offer… but in all honesty; the only danger that plagued her went by the names of boredom and mediocrity.
Aria had spent her entire life on the farmlands on her own with no brothers or sisters to keep her company. Their closest neighbours were miles away and the city was a half a day's journey. Her parents went on trips often usually to stock up on supplies or to sell produce, but they never took her with them no matter how much she begged, cried and stomped her feet. And after a while Aria simply stopped asking.
The highlight of it was that they would bring her a new book whenever they returned. And so, by the age of twenty-two, Aria had an impressive book and literature collection equivalent to the size of a small library.
Aria loved to read, and through books she experienced mystery, wonder, tragedy, horror, fantasy, and most importantly love. She liked romance stories and fairy tales the best because they allowed her to escape her dull, routine live and leap into an exciting dimension with interesting characters and dramatic story lines. Aria liked to imagine herself as the girl in the story – the beautiful girl that the handsome man (who was usually a king or a prince) fell in love with.
If only…
She sighed and turned her attention towards the window.
The beautiful bird that had delivered the scroll was now happily perched on the windowsill, preening its glossy raven feathers in the sun. It didn't seem to be leaving anytime soon.
Breaking off a piece of bread, she went to feed it to the bird who took one sniff at it and turned up its beak. Slightly put off, Aria wondered what else she could offer to the snobby little messenger. And as she opened the pantry door trying to figure out what the bird would like, it swooped right through, perched itself on the shelf and started nibbling at last night's leftover meat loaf.
Aria almost screamed at daring creature, what was Haru feeding this thing?!
Letting out a huff of resignation, she carefully picked up the bowl and placed it on the floor. She then fetched another smaller bowl, filled it with water and placed it next to the meat dish. The little bird screeched in happiness and flapped her wings as she alternately lapped at the water and nipped at the meat.
Aria laughed. "Sorry, little one – I'm not used to receiving flying visitors." She sat down on the floor next to it. "You must've traveled a long way to get here. Thank you."
The bird seemed to acknowledge her by cocking its head to the side as Aria held out her hand cautiously, stopping inches away from its body. The bird watched her with an unwavering gaze, and after what felt like an eternity, it abruptly nuzzled its head against her hand. Aria giggled as the little bird nibbled playfully at her fingers and nails as she stroked its feathers with her free hand. Its ebony feathers felt like silk under her touch and Aria marvelled at the magnificent little creature as it dug at its meal.
What kind of bird was it?
Was it a hawk or possibly an eagle?
And how did Haru come to procure it?
Judging from the letter, he seemed to have got home fine. A strange character he was, but he was nice enough she supposed. Aria had no idea what drove her to bring him back to her house and treat him, but she was glad she did. There was just something about him, something in his aura and the way he held himself that assured that her that he wouldn't try anything with her.
And she wasn't wrong.
Haru was good man, although he was a bit of a cynic and not much of a conversationalist. Still, it was great having someone to talk to even and Haru turned out to be a great listener and a good 'temporary' friend. Not only that, Haru was exceptionally handsome with his long raven tresses, aristocratic face and deep onyx eyes. His clothes, armour and etiquette indicated that he was of high rank of whatever occupation or lineage he belonged to. He must have been around the same age as her, possibly a little older, but he had the eyes of a weary old man which disturbed her. It was as if as if he had seen too much, known too much…
Haru spent about three weeks recuperating in her home but didn't disclose much of his personal life during his stay. Apart from the fact that he had a younger brother and that he was a warrior of some sort, she didn't know anything about him at all. Aria was so shocked at the alarming speed at which he healed; most of his wounds that night were tissue deep and infected. She expected him to be out cold for at least two weeks – not four days.
Aria squealed in surprise as the feathery little monster swooped past her head and landed on one of her bedposts snapping her out of her reverie. It stretched its wings lazily before tucking its head inside its wing and dozed off. The meat and water bowls were empty.
Tiptoeing to her desk, Aria and pulled out a quill and a piece of parchment.
Dear Haru,
I'm pleased that you are well and that you have arrived at your home safely.
Thank you for your letter and offer…
But I'm afraid the only danger inflicted upon me is sheer boredom which plagues me on daily basis. I find myself wondering of the amazing adventures you must be having while I sit her cooped up like a chicken.
By the way, you have a marvelous bird! Is it a hawk or eagle I wonder?
It seems to have made itself right at home in my house, my bed in particular…
Aria
Madara couldn't help but let out a small chuckle at her letter. Receiving it had somehow been the highlight of his day and although it wasn't like him to respond to non-official letters, he couldn't help but reply…
Dearest Aria,
I regret to inform you that no adventures awaited me upon my return; a mountain of paper work greeted me instead. I am writing this letter to you in the early hours of the morning, having finished the last lot of scrolls only an hour ago.
How are you? Does this letter find you well?
Mitsuki is rare black-falcon from the across pacific, a gift from my younger brother. And I must say, she has been restless since she returned, biting and scratching me incessantly – what have you done to make her like you so?
Normally she hates everyone, including my younger brother…
Although I cant blame her. I too, long to be in your home since it's been the only place I have been able to rest peacefully since I took up this occupation.
Haru
For the next couple of weeks, Aria and Haru corresponded by letter using Mitsuki as their medium, who was more than happy to visit Aria.
One afternoon, after a triage of particularly grueling council meetings and training, Madara decided to leave the compound and relax in the forests next to the Uchiha compound. During that time, Mitsuki had flown in through her specially made window and dropped Aria's recent letter on his desk. Seeing that her master was not present, she flew out to find him.
Izuna was beginning to worry about his older brother.
Twenty-six and he already had the burden of an old man placed on his shoulders which he bore with silence and strength.
Madara was a fine leader – strong, yet kind and his own way. Not many men were able to command a league of shinobi the way he could, and Uchiha were incredibly fortunate to have him as their clan leader. He was a just and intelligent man, who put the clan's needs above his own. He managed the treasuries, reviewed expenses and went to battle only if there was a need for it. Otherwise, he used his shrewd diplomatic intelligence to negotiate a treaty or compromise with the opposing clan.
Unlike other clan heads, Madara recognized that allegiances were stronger than a single clan's military force. Having said that, he preferred to keep an arm's distance between his clan and the other, never divulging critical information to the other party, constantly remaining weary of the possibly that they might betray him.
Even though Madara was a demi-war god and spectacular sight in battle, he would take hits for a genin or other low-level shinobi, whereas other generals would not care. During trainings, he observed quietly and carefully, making note of improvements that could be made to the army to make them stronger, faster, and smarter in battle. He was a good teacher and he knew all shinobi in his regiment by their names, keeping a record of their progress, the areas in which they excelled and others where they needed improvement.
But he needed an heir.
Madara was of the opinion that the clan simply wanted an heir from him to replace him when they felt the time was right. But this was not so. The clan cherished and respected him because the shinobi, civilians and their families were well looked after under his reign. The clan demanded an heir from Madara because they wanted his legacy to live on through his son(s).
But no matter how many times Izuna had tried to explain this to him, his incredibly thick-headed and stubborn brother refused to believe him.
Letting out a sigh of exasperation, Izuna knocked on a large set of double doors of that led to Madara's bedroom. But there was no answer. So he knocked again. Still no answer. He made a few hand signals and the door opened with a loud clink.
He entered softly, just in case Madara might be asleep. His brother was a chronic insomniac who rarely slept more three or four hours a night.
His eyebrows creased and a worried frown appeared on his face as he failed to detect his brother's chakra in the room. Then, his gaze fell on his brother's desk where a lone scroll lay.
Opening it he read:
Dear Haru,
For your information, Mr-know-it-all, I have no interest in associating with likes of those airheads and it would drive me to absolutely mad to listen to their mindless chatter. Their minds must be filled with nothing but fluff.
I believe that a woman should be strong, intelligent and able to make positive change. And money should be spent on building schools, libraries and educating young ones who will be our future instead wasting money on kimonos, jewellery and make up.
Having said that, do not despair Haru. I am certain that you will find what you are looking for simply because you are a good man, and fate will not burden you with an evil or frivolous woman.
Sorry, I know its not much but I hope this letter relieves your worry even by a small fraction.
Aria
Izuna did a double take.
Haru? Aria?
Evil woman?!
What the hell was going on?!
Izuna opened all the draws until he found a small wooden box hidden within a concealed compartment. Opening it, he found more scrolls, addressed to Haru by this Aria person. He put them in order according to the date and began to read…
Dear Haru,
My sincerest apologies!
Mitsuki is beautiful - though I must complain that she likes to pick at my vegetables and herbs but never eats them. Odd, that a falcon would like human food!
I'm thinking of moving to Fuma.
I'm incredibly lonely here since my parents passed away. I want to sell this place and move into a small house in the city where I hope to find employment as a nurse or seamstress. But my heart aches at the thought of leaving; I have so many memories here and I wont be able to take all of my stuff. I will miss my books the most, and the thought of selling them kills me.
Oh, and thank you by the way for your 'Tales of a shinobi' book. I really enjoyed it although the ending was very sad. I hope that your life be filled with nothing but happiness to your dying breath.
Aria
Dear Haru,
I'm still a bit confused and upset at your last letter – I thought you wanted me to get outside and see the world? Wasn't that what we had been discussing for so long? That I should get out of my comfort zone and travel?
So I don't understand why you were angry with me for doing just that…
And I only went to the city, it's not even that far…
Now, I am afraid all over again. Not of the world but of your response. You're the only friend I've ever really had and I don't want to lose you by doing something that displeases you.
By the way, how is your shoulder? Did you use the combination of herbs I suggested in my last letter?
Aria
Dear Haru,
Thank you very much for your offer, but I am afraid I cannot impose on you in such a manner. I'm certain that you have your family to consider and I do not wish to burden you with my welfare.
I went into town yesterday to evaluate what the value of my lands were from a few people and the numbers they gave me sound promising. I've also written to some medical provinces and tailoring shops for work.
Please do not worry about me; I will be fine.
Aria
Madara had laid down on the grassy meadow, relishing in its peacefulness. Mitsuki had arrived a little while ago and he looked forward to reading Aria's newest letter upon returning to the compound.
Spying a spring in the distance, he was instantly reminded of Aria and felt a sudden urge to visit her. She had in fact moved into the city but didn't have the heart to sell her family's lands. She hadn't disclosed her new location but Mitsuki knew where she was.
Brushing off the grass from his robes, Madara stood up and headed for the compound. It had been relatively quiet lately, and he wasn't expecting any high-profile quests until the end of the following week. Perhaps if he left tomorrow morning at dawn, he would be able to spend possibly two days in Fuma before the workload piled up.
Yes, he was in dire need of a break – from the suffocating clan and his worrywart of a brother.
A/N: A longer chappie! Hope you liked it, and if you did – tell me what you liked/disliked!
P.s. I read in a Naruto wiki-profile thing that Madara's hobby was falconry; hence the need for Mitsuki. I absolutely adore my little feathered OC. Hehe. Do you?
P.s.s. For those who might be wondering: I've deliberately left out Aria's information. Slowly, these facts will unravel themselves in later chapters. I've read so many Madara x OC fics, and I know that they way I have portrayed Madara is a little different. Please bear with me.
Please review and message! They are like little shots of heroin for me!
Teehee