In this world, Magic is Everything. All people, all races, are granted with the power to perform mystical and magical feats via grimories, mystical tomes granted to each and every child on their 15th birthday. Those blessed by the mana can have their names written down in legend.
Shattered Grimoires is the work of the mind(s) of Ardere & Shattered Grimoire's staff. All characters and content are copyright their creators, and may not be replicated without their creators' permission. Black Clover is owned by Yuki Tabata and published by Viz Shonen Jump. All images belong to their original owners. The theme you are currently viewing was made by Eliza of ElizaCodes exclusively for Shattered Grimoires.
Post by Hinota Yuiee✾ on May 31, 2021 6:18:34 GMT -5
The pair had left the Jaegar estate hours ago and had continued walking the entire time within the rain, she had been silent the entire time wanting Echo's throat to feel better. She also didn't know what to say given everything she had witnessed within his estate, that was something she believed he should bring up first if he wanted to talk about it. It did weigh on her mind how such a beloved and respected noble could be a monster to his own family, more than that, to his own son. She had much the same treatment when her parents found out she had gone against their wishes so she could sympathize, but, unlike in his case at least her punishment was done only in front of her elder brother Ozma. Who, sat there watching though she was crying and pleading for it to stop until she had finally all but stopped breathing.
She believed she herself deserved it for being a disobedient and unruly daughter, she had always been told that the Golden Dawn was where people who were gifted went and so she thought they'd be proud. They were furious. They beat her and what made it worse they healed her so it was like it never happened. She still shook when she went near the Blue Rose and Crimson Lions headquarters because those were the squads her family served in and she avoided her home like a plague afraid she would gain another beating for something she did. She had let Valo know within the dungeon they did together what had happened and the fire mage looked anything but pleased at that revelation. She had him promise not to say anything as she knew it would ruin their careers and that her customs were just different.
She knew it was a weak excuse but it was true, this was nothing unusual for her culture it turned out, eventually, a fog-like mist surrounded them "Looks like we've just crossed the threshold into my families home." she said trying to control her nerves, she could hope that the rest of her family was gone but she wasn't going to hold her breath on that one. They would continue walking as they had for those long hours until a beautiful scene was seen before them, it almost held a mystical feel from how it looked. It honestly didn't seem like it belonged within Clover at all. The entire estate was clearly planned out to add to the beauty without harming any of the flora or fauna in the area. There were four buildings showing clear influences of the flower mages heritage, but then given how she had acted even to this point it would be easy to believe her a servant of the estate.
There are several pavilions to do hobbies, talk, have tea, dance or just lounge about enjoying the scenery. Between the pavilions, there is beautiful fauna and flora that are cared for and nurtured. "This is where I live Lord Jaegar, I know it is far different from your home but I truly believe you will be happy and safe here." she said walking forward only to be met by a maid dressed similar to herself but in baby yellows and peaches. The woman stood around five foot five inches tall and looked around twenty-five years old or so, closing in she would bow in the same fashion Hino had and she returned the gesture. "You've been away for a long time, I was getting worried." The woman said sounding cross elder sister "I'm sorry, I didn't mean for you to worry Tsukiko."
The woman looked to Echo and clicked her tongue a little "His clothing won't do if he is to be a guest and you're clothing... you know better. What were you thinking?" she continued to scold making Hino hold her sleeves "I'm sorry." she whispered, she knew how this could appear to Echo but she didn't have enough time until the pair was pushed towards a building "Bathing then changing, come along before someone sees the inappropriate attires." she said moving them towards the hot springs. "I'm sorry about this Lord Jaegar, she means well." she said nervously that he may think poorly of her home. "She's worried we'll get sick." she added so he understood why they were being pushed to the hot springs. "Oh, don't go into the hot springs before washing outside. I'm sure someone will come to aid you and I'll be at the other side of the divider so we can still talk."
She informed him as she was pushed in by the woman to the left door while another appeared and gently nudged him to the right. Once both had removed their clothes they could begin to wash, the young woman with Echo tried her best to help him understand but she didn't speak a word of Clovian so used body language to help him understand before she moved to was his back as he washed the rest of himself. Once both had washed off the suds they could wrap themselves in a towel and enter the natural hot spring. "So, how are your first impressions?" she asked kind of worried about the reaction of the other given the welcome he had just received, at least he wasn't met with anything hostile so that was a bonus.
Post by Echo Jaegar on May 31, 2021 16:11:39 GMT -5
Echo and Hinota had left the Jaegar estate and began traveling to her family home. The two had walked for hours even though it was still raining the whole time. Echo didn’t mind the weather one bit, in all honesty ever since he had been lost in the wilderness during his younger years he had found appreciation in the rain. He looked at the rain as the spirits crying, showing that even they had emotions. This made Echo feel no shame in crying because it was showing how one really felt. As the walk progressed Echo’s throat was noticeably feeling more and more sore, with the burning sensation when he breathed starting to feel like a raging flame within his body. When he told Hinota of the problem back at his estate she said that it was probably a phantom wound, a wound which is not there but still felt as though it was due to the trauma around one gaining it. The wound was gained in a very dramatic and traumatic way indeed, but Echo knew that Hinota would take care of him and so he would continue onward.
After the two had been walking for some time, the rain would begin to slack down a bit before the two found themselves surrounded by a layer of mist. Once the mist had overtook them Echo would look around with confusion on his face until Hinota would say to him that they have entered her family’s property. Echo knew that such a sudden change had to be attributed to magic of some kind but he didn’t bother to question it, he would simply keep following Hinota’s lead as he held the umbrella over their heads. As they continued walking the buildings that made up the property could be seen. The buildings put Echo in a slight state oh awe with him quietly saying “Hmm.” The buildings clearly drawing influence from Hinota and possibly Zeus’ culture. After seeing some of the estate Hinota would say that this is where she lived, and although it was very different from what Echo was used to she was sure that he would like it and be safe.
Right after Hinota said this the two would continue to walk, and only moments later were greeted by a maid who was dressed similar to Hinota herself. Echo would then begin to think to himself *Is Hinota a servant? So many questions now…* however he would stay silent not wishing to speak too quickly. Upon her approach th woman would begin talking to Hinota, saying how it had been a while and that she was getting worried about the girl. Hinota would apologize for the worries, before the new woman had moved her eyes onto Echo. She clicked her tongue and said that his clothes wouldn’t cut it for a guest and asked Hinota what she was thinking as she knew better. Echo’s face would turn red before he would exclaim “Hey! I know my clothes aren’t fancy and all but they are for function, not elegance!” Hinota would then apologize for messing up, before the woman would say that the two had to immediately bathe and change clothes. Before Echo could even speak the woman began pushing the two towards the hot springs. As Echo was being pushed another woman would come and push him into the door on the right, while Hinota was pushed into the door on the left.
Echo was now inside of the bath house of the hot spring where his aid had tried to help wash him up to sit in the hot spring. The woman didn’t appear to speak the clover language so she used only body language to communicate. However from being around Zeus Echo kinda understood what she wanted him to do, even with the small amount of words she may have spoken. Before long Echo would finish his ‘pre-bath’ and would move on to the hot spring with a towel wrapped around his waist. When Echo went to the hot spring it was a beautiful sight, for a person who had never seen one before. The water looked amazing, and felt like it was just warm enough for the weather outside. The spring was divided by a dividing wall of sorts, presumably so males and females could wash separately. Once Echo had stepped into the hot water of the spring he would hear Hinota’s voice on the other side of the wall asking him of his first impressions of the place. He sat quiet at first but then he was say “Its not bad at all… So is this what Zeus’ and your homeland would look like? Architecture wise I mean anyway.” He would then splash some of the water on himself letting the heat from it soothe his body.
Post by Hinota Yuiee✾ on May 31, 2021 20:52:34 GMT -5
Hinota sat in the water and looked up to the sky above her, dusk was growing nearer as the stars once again became visible. She enjoyed stargazing and imagining greater things being out in the universe, it gave her a lot of hope that perhaps out there, there was a place that had the solutions for the problems of this world. She knew if there was it would likely not make it here in thousands of lifetimes but at least she looked on the brighter side of things. Her back was up against the bamboo divider, she had to admit she blushed at the thought of the other being so close in their current conditions. She wasn't used to bathing when men were bathing too even in regards to her family so this was very much a new experience for her. It wasn't a bad one, she just didn't know how to handle it.
"She didn't mean anything by her comment, just that here you would very much stick out so not proper attire." she explained to the other in the hopes he understood. "You need to understand, many of the people here have never seen a foreigner because they don't leave this estate. Seeing someone walking around dressed like you were would likely cause panic." she continued, she really hope he didn't think ill of her or how things were done here. "I think you are the first foreigner ever to step foot on this estate." she said thoughtfully, she couldn't remember anyone she met as she grew not living on the estate. Her father and mother did business elsewhere. Guards, tutors, maids, etc were all from her parent's homeland not that she minded as she was growing. How could she? She had only stepped off the estate a little under a year ago for the first time.
She was quite sure her parents and brother had wished they had said no on her fifteenth birthday because since that moment she had been rebellious. She had gone against their want and it had almost cost her, her life since then she had been more careful. It wasn't until she had left that she realised she was living inside a gilded cage with clipped wings. She had to wonder if she was a disappointment in their eyes and if they wished she had never been born due to the shame she had brought them. Just as she was getting deeper into her thoughts Echo splashed the water before asking a question. "Kind of." she replied softly "You see the land my parents come from has a mix of three differing cultures. One of them being similar to Zeus's." she confirmed.
"I was confused to hear he came from the land of the rising sun given his unusual name." she confessed, it was clear she didn't mean any offence by it but was truly caught off guard. "I hope you are enjoying your stay so far. Oh, is the water helping your throat any? It is said that these hot springs help heal broken bodies." It was just a tale the adults told children, but she had to admit she felt better every time she soaked inside it. she then wondered if he was acting like she was due to being so close, it wasn't that she was being vain, she just didn't know if things like this would be considered normal in his own culture. She didn't want to ask and cause embarrassment so didn't even ask the question. She just wanted him happy and healthy so she concentrated on that.
Post by Echo Jaegar on Jun 3, 2021 19:02:48 GMT -5
Echo was enjoying the hot spring, the water felt oh so warm and welcoming. It had been quite some time since Echo was able to actually relax in such a way. His schedule always kept him busy, either with rogue work for the collector or his family’s charity work. As he looked up he would see the sky beginning to darken ever so slightly with each passing moment. The stars finally becoming visible even if only barely at this point. Echo could sense his surroundings and feel that Hinota was right next to the divider that blocked them from each other. He would place his hand right on the spot where he felt her mana coming from. The closeness in a way felt therapeutic, Echo had never felt this close to anyone outside of House Jaegar.
Hinota would say how the woman from earlier didn’t mean to offend him when she spoke on his outfit, but Echo wasn’t bothered by the comments much at all. Hinota would further explain how the people who lived within the estate had never seen a foreigner so seeing Echo would most likely cause a small panic. Echo’s face would turn red as he had gotten slightly confused as to how the people here could live here in such secluded conditions. He would look at the divider before saying “The first foreigner huh? What an honor… I guess thanks are in order for allowing me to come here.” His words would drag off before he would move his hand and sink back down into the water. Hinota would then make her way back to the question that Echo asked earlier, providing the answer that the estate was made to reflect a land that had similarities to Zeus’ homeland.
Echo would let out a sigh as the water made him feel more relaxed, replying to Hinota by simply saying “I see.” He had never been to Zeus’ homeland, or even left the kingdom of clover before so he was willing to take the young woman’s word full heartedly. Hinota spoke to say she was confused when she found out Zeus was from the land of the rising sun, due to the fact his name was out of the norm for people of the land. Echo would chuckle a bit before saying “Yeah that’s not his birth name, its the name I gave him when we adopted him. It sounds weird that I named him considering he is older than me, but I promise you its true… Maybe one day he will be willing to tell you his birth name, however its not my information to share so I won’t tell you…”
Echo would then stand up in the water, just as Hinota asked him how he was enjoying his stay and if his throat felt any better than it had upon their arrival. Echo would say to her “Yeah way better, however I wouldn’t say the water is who I should thank. I think I should be thanking you. However I think Ive sat in the water long enough I believe im gonna get dizzy if I sit any longer.” Echo would then make his way to grab his towel and wrap it around his waist. After the towel was wrapped around him he would call out to Hinota saying “If you are ready we can go get dressed and head back inside, or wherever we are going.”
Post by Hinota Yuiee✾ on Jun 3, 2021 21:53:54 GMT -5
She nodded to his words even though he couldn't see them "Yes, as you can see this estate is far away from everything and has a mist surrounding it." she said her voice as soothing as ever as she spoke to him "The mist itself is natural and so it was seen as a good omen for a home to be built here due to the mystical feel of the area." she finished explaining to him in the hopes he would understand. "This place is very self-sufficient in regards to the needs of everyone here, what can't be done by ourselves is dealt with via trade, still no one not of this estate other than yourself has ever stepped foot on it." This even went so far as the woman who was her guardian when she left the estate, in honesty, she believed she had insulted her Yojimbo in doing such a thing.
It hadn't been her intention but at the same time she wanted some independence away from the estate, in the end, she hoped her guardian didn't get any flack because of her actions. She cared for him but it was stifling, she wanted to walk on her own for a while, she knew he would be worried and cross with her, the doll-like mage understood that and would take the concern and lecture that came from him once they saw each other again which she knew would be quite soon knowing his sister had likely informed him of her return. "No need to thank me, after all, you escorted me home and I offered to help you learn about your cousin's culture." she said her voice at peace currently, it wasn't that she didn't feel afraid but she knew if her family was around nothing would happen after all she had a guest.
"If I am meant to know his true name then he will give it to me, names have a lot of power." she said with a warm tone, she had no idea that he had heard this from another, it was just something she remembered from when she was a little girl from some of the stories she was told. How the great evil was undone because the hero found out their name just as time was running out. She didn't believe that things like those fairytales happened anymore but she knew there had to be some sort of truth to it as so many stories had the same message attached. She shook her head to his words "It is not odd to me at all, he was reborn to your family and so he was given a new name why would that be weird?" she would ask in confusion.
"I will not push him to tell me and I would be disappointed in you if you did, you would have broken his trust in you after all." she was being sincere as she spoke to the other, that much was clear. She was happy to call the other by whatever name he preferred and wouldn't delve into something he deemed private or personal, she also wouldn't expect Echo to betray his family there were very few things that were more dishonourable to their own cultures after all. She heard the movement from the other side but remained how she was for a little longer "I haven't cast any magic since your estate, I wouldn't know why you'd be thanking me." she honestly was confused as to why he believed she should be thanked when she hadn't done anything to help him since leaving his families estate.
"Are you needing help to dress?" she would ask gently, she knew the clothing for her world was far different from his and more tricky if someone didn't know what they were doing. It would be like asking her to wear a western dress with a corset, she would need help to dress as she had never worn clothing of his world. Part of her wanted to but she also felt anxious about it and she had absolutely no idea why, perhaps she was afraid she wouldn't live up to what she was expected to be or that she would shame her parents farther than her actions already had in their eyes. She stood as he said he was ready to dress, the woman from before walked in with a clean black and forest green hanfu for him. She would instantly help him dry and dress in the new clothing.
Hinota herself was also drying and getting dressed, this would be the first time he would have ever seen her dressed in anything more than what she had done. It would have taken her longer as the maids did her hair and makeup after helping her get dressed knowing that her parents didn't like her being seen as anything less than the perfect doll. She herself was wearing a long white hanfu with a pale lemon waist sash, the outer layers were of embroidered white, pale lemon and pink silk. She now wore dangling earrings and an ornate headdress that almost looked like a crown which too also had things dangling from it. Her maid almost placed a veil on her but she stopped that, she already felt embarrassed to be seen in such a manner.
She slipped her white slippers on knowing that by now he would have had hanfu boots given to him in colours matching his outfit. His own outfit would have been like her own in the fact it would have been made completely of high-end silk. Slowly she moved out of her side of the hot springs and bowed as she always had. "I... I guess the cat is out of the bag." she almost seemed ashamed of how she looked now or it could have been that she allowed him to believe that she was just a servant of a noble household. "I just..." she closed her eyes and sighed a little "I wanted to be normal, and when people see me dressed in a similar fashion to what I am not I don't get that. I request forgiveness in my decite." it was clear that she believed that she had deceived him even if she hadn't after all her status was never asked.
"Princess, that's enough of that. You are who you are and shouldn't try to be anyone or anything else." the woman said she held onto her sleeves and looked away nodding slightly. "I know, I'm fortunate." she said her voice was still soft but sounded almost pathetic and defeated as she spoke. She was trapped within a gilded cage that she was trying to escape as she wanted to feel normal but she was never able to do so. "Junjie, is waiting outside to escort you both to one of the pavilions, I will go and get tea ready." the woman said bowing, Hino would return it and sigh after the woman left "You now know the world I was born to." she seemed uneasy being seen like this now after being able to feel normal for so long thanks to people outside of the estate. "Can you forgive me?" she asked him sincerely.
Post by Echo Jaegar on Jun 6, 2021 20:45:19 GMT -5
As Echo said he was ready to get out of the water Hinota would ask if he needed help getting dressed. At first Echo thought that she was personally going to help him get dressed, but the thought of it in his mind even seemed outlandish. The moment the thought subsided the same servant who had helped him get dressed had appeared ushering him back to the dressing room, where she would help him dry himself and get dressed in a set of new clothes that were more acceptable for the estate. The outfit seemed very strange to Echo in its design but one thing he did enjoy about it was the fact it was colored green. As the servant helped him dressed he smiled while looking at the outfit saying “Pretty fancy threads. You people here got a lot of style points…” The woman wouldn’t understand a word he was saying but would instead simply smile at him in response.
As Echo finished getting dressed and he would walk back out the way in which he had come in he would soon be met with Hinota, who too had changed her attire. The outfit not too different than the one Echo had wore but was white in color. Echo’s face would turn a bright red when he saw the outfit and before she could say anything he would say “You look beautiful…” Hinota seemed ashamed that she had led Echo to believe something so very far from the truth, however Echo being who he was didn’t care all to much. He would let off a smile saying “Theres no need for me to forgive you, also there was no need for you to hide who you were from me… After all I too am the child of a noble so I understand the want to feel normal. We all are just people at the end of the day…”
Echo and Hinota would then be greeted by what appeared to be another servant of the estate, when she would come and say something to Hinota about the fact she was trying to hide who she was. The servant would then say somebody by the name of Junjie would be waiting to escort them to one of the pavilions of the estate. Echo would then look at Hinota as she was clearly troubled by what she deemed as deceit, before he would flash a quick smile saying “Lets not dwell on any of that… We should focus on what’s important here and now. I would consider our first date important wouldn’t you?” He posed a very weird and probably shocking question. He wasn’t all too serious and would grin again at the end to signify it. He would then begin to walk towards the exit, and gesture for Hinota to follow him.
Post by Hinota Yuiee✾ on Jun 6, 2021 21:51:54 GMT -5
Hinota stood there feeling extremely uncomfortable given how she was dressed, she had originally come off as a servant but now she stood in front of her guest as nobility. She just wanted to be viewed as normal but how could she be dressed in such a manner, she was thankful that Echo was taking the truth about her so well but she still felt terrible that she hadn't cleared up that she had been nobility the entire time. Then again it wasn't as if he had asked her about her social status, had he done so she would have told him the truth. She shook her to his words "I am a noble inside Clover but where my family comes from I am a royal." she said gently correcting him on the matter. She smiled nodding hearing his words, it was the same words she spoke to him when they first met.
"Here as you can see there is a way of doing everything, I know I am fortunate but it gets tiring to pretend all the time. I want to be able to get upset or even wear clothing I feel like." She looked down at the ground "But I am expected to wear a delicate smile and look the part of a doll. I'm just glad they didn't decide to bind my feet." she said hearing horror stories on such a thing and how it was quite barbaric. She couldn't help but physically shudder at it, there was a lot of things she would do for beauty but having her body mutilated was indeed not one of them. "I wasn't hiding who I was from you, had you enquired about my social status I would have informed you. You were content with how I presented myself and I was content being seen in such a manner." it really was that simple to her.
Her cheeks flushed red hearing his words she automatically brought up her sleeve to cover the redness that she had become. "You shouldn't say such things Lord Jaegqr, it's improper." she said her voice obviously flustered and in a panic "I've never courted and it would never be permitted. It's something always decided by parents or a matchmaker like I told your friend who seemingly dislikes me for some unknown reason." she didn't know why she wasn't betrothed yet, she was being raised to be a proper young woman and being able to marry within her own circle but here she was without any of that. It was disheartening but also shone hope that perhaps she'd be able to marry who she wanted. The thing was she refused to get her hopes up on such a thing.
She moved quickly into the hall and met a male in white and black clothing with a black scarf. He would instantly bow to her now and she would bow in her own way "Junjie, please stop bowing so low." she almost pleaded with him "You know I dare not." he replied it was clear this fact saddened her to no end. "Junjie, you ar-" "I beg your forgiveness for interrupting your speech, but, we both know your words would be a lie princess, please do not speak them." he pleaded with her "There's nothing to forgive Junjie" she said knowing if another heard then he would be in terrible trouble. "Lord Jaegar, this is Junjie. He is my guardian." she honestly saw him as more but she knew he wouldn't let her speak in such a method so decided to respect his wishes.
"Where would you like to go princess?" the man would ask "I am wanting to go to the moon lotus pavilion." she said starting to walk ushering Echo to follow her knowing that Junjie would follow close behind keeping an eye on his lady and her male guest.
As things progressed Hinota would reveal yet another bomb to Echo, as she said that she was only a noble here in Clover. However in the homeland of her parents she was considered a royal. Echo’s eyes widened just ever so slightly at the sound of the news but the expression on his face would quickly change. He would bow the way Zeus and the people from the land of rising sun would before saying “Ah what an honor to be in the presence of royalty. If I wasn’t such a nonchalant guy I would ask for an autograph or something haha.” He finished the statement with a laugh. He would then look up at the sky turning his gaze away from the doll mage for a moment before saying “So does that mean if I courted you and we got married that I too would be looked at as royalty?” He would then face the girl again and let off a grin as if to say he was yet again joking around, playing with the idea of them being together. He knew the chances were slim but this was the first person Echo ever really had built a connection with, outside of Thalia and his family.
Hinota would continue on saying how she hated having to constantly hide who she was, and pretending to be someone else just to feel some sense of normality. Echo could understand in a sense but his scope of view was very limited on the matter seeing as he was merely a lesser noble, and lesser nobles were barely anything but glorified commoners in his eyes. However he wanted her to feel as if it was ok to be normal all the time, at the very least while she was around him. He would look to her with his gentle eyes saying “Have no fears or worries about the situation. As long as you are with me at the very least, I want you to feel normal. If it makes you feel any better I won’t even mention it anymore after this.” Echo would then let off a laugh after he saw Hinota blush, as she would then tell him saying such things about them being together was improper.
Before he had said anything the person named Junjie had come to escort them to their next destination. As the male entered the fray he would bow to Hinota, before a short exchange would be had between the two. The two debated back and forth about some unknown detail that didn’t seem to come out during conversation, and just like with the secret Echo held with Zeus he didn’t bother to ask what exactly was going on. The end result of the exchange was simply the man asking where Hinota wanted to go, to which she would reply by saying the moon lotus pavilion. Echo rubbed his chin as he stared the male up and down, almost as if he was sizing him up, but he would choose not to say anything and would simply follow along as the two would walk. As they all walked Echo would ask Hinota “So who is this guy exactly? Is he like your version of Zeus? It would make sense if he was, I am getting a feeling of deja vu.” He let out a laugh as he continued to follow the girl ever so slightly.
As the two seemingly got closer to their destination Echo began to feel more and more nervous. He wanted to ask a more serious question but was not sure how the girl would take such a thing. It was clear to him now that relationships in this culture had to be done differently but how differently he wasn’t exactly sure, and the only way he would know for sure is by asking. He would stop in his tracks for a moment, knowing that his sudden stop would make Hinota also stop most likely. He would look at her and say “So I don’t want you to take this the wrong way but can you explain to me how exactly relationships work for you and your people? Im not saying I can meet all the requirements for sure but maybe just maybe we could find a way for us to make something happen… I do find myself very interested in you Hinota, I can’t say I’ve spent so much time with anyone and enjoyed it this much.” His words would trail off before he would simply wait for her to respond.
Post by Hinota Yuiee✾ on Jun 9, 2021 4:26:14 GMT -5
The doll-like mage was clearly made uncomfortable when the other bowed to her and even spoke of it being an honour to be in the presence of royalty. She looked away sadly, this was the reason she didn't mention her position, she didn't want to be treated or looked at differently but it always happened when people found out the truth. Even if he was making a joke on the matter she didn't really find it funny, it just saddened her further. Her eyes became glassy as if she was holding back tears, she understood the jokes and the respect shown but it didn't make it any easier now she had time to experience what it was just to be mundane and accepted as such. The gates had been opened and could never truly be sealed again without her memory being taken from her, part of her believed that her parents would do it too if needed.
"It would make you a prince in my families homeland" she said softly affirming to him that what he said was true, if they were to be wed he would indeed be royalty to her world. "The finest silks, gems, foods at your fingertips and servants at your every beck and call" she continued as if it was a normal thing for her, in honesty, it was "My own life would also be dictated by your wants and desires, it would be my responsibility and duty as your wife to make sure you were happy and tended to." she would explain before looking at the night sky. She had to wonder how many people looked at them over the years when they felt as hopeless and alone as she often did. This was just a fact of her life she would have to accept she had no say in.
She looked back to him as he spoke and shook her head a faint smile on her lips "Please, think nothing of it as I should be used to being addressed by such a station. It was something I grew with." she seemed almost pitiful as she spoke on the matter, there was no wish to push back or create ripples. She just accepted her place within this world, it was less painful in the long run. "This world is different from your own and the dream of normalcy comes to an end when I pass the mist." it really was just that straightforward to her and her family. She knew if her family had, had their way she would never have set foot off the estate in the first place as it would have prevented the current complications and feelings she was going through.
She looked to him when she spoke of her guard and shook her head "No, he isn't like Zeus." she explained looking at Junjie who had taken to walking slightly ahead of them, she was unsure if she wanted to speak about Junjie as if he wasn't right there it seemed rude to her. Still, she wanted to help the other learn about her and her home so she guessed it couldn't be helped "Junjie is my personal guard and has been for as long as I can remember." she explained thoughtfully "He escorted me on the day of my grimoire award ceremony and is in charge of the guards that protect my palace if anything happens to me on the estate he will be the one blamed." she explained with a saddened tone, she didn't want to be the cause of anyone's pain so she always went with the path of least resistance inside her families estate.
"Zeus is your cousin which you view each other as such, I view Junjie as a sibling but he doesn't view me in the same manner." she said sadly, she knew it was very much a cultural thing where everyone has their place but he had been her shield since she was three years old and couldn't help seeing him as an equal. "His sister Luli is my personal maid and tends to my needs and controls the other maids inside my palace." she continued knowing when she hadn't returned and heard from Ozma about the goings-on they must have been beside themselves with worry. She was always viewed as a dainty and delicate flower that needed protecting from the outside world, the fact that she had been in such close contact didn't sit well with the man as he felt like he had failed and she knew it.
Seeing Echo stop she done the same after noticing Junjie also stopped and looked at the pair for a moment. Hinota listened to Echo's words, she was unsure how to take what he was saying. "It would depend on the relationship one was wanting to have." she said knowing that there were many different types even in her world "Requirements?" She seemed puzzled and looked to her guard for some guidance as it wasn't exactly something that was brought up in normal conversation "I believe he wants to be your husband princess." he said his tone holding the undertone of disapproval, she looked to Echo after hearing the explanation from her guardian "You want to be betrothed to me?" she asked in confusion, she barely knew the other but then she knew him better than her parents did when they first entered their marriage, they hadn't even met.
"We should continue to the pavilion, we are out in the open." Junjie said making the doll-like mage nodding "We can talk more there." she said gently continuing to walk towards their destination once more, she couldn't help but wonder why the red-head had taken interest in her, she didn't believe herself anything special.
When Echo asked if marrying Hino would make him royalty as well, she would reply by saying that he would indeed become a prince of the family’s homeland. She went on to say all the things he would have such as fine gems, silks, and servants to do anything he so desired. The idea of it all sounded pretty good to Echo however he wasn’t looking for any of that from their possible union. She would also say that as his wife she would basically give her life to happiness to make him happy, and see that his wishes are fulfilled. Echo thought the idea of such a thing was almost crazy, because it sounded like she would basically be living simply to tend to him and his wants.
As they would walk after Echo had stopped and asked Hinota his very weird question she would look confused in a sense, as she would ask what kind of relationship he was seeking with her. She was also confused by what he meant by the requirements to start such a relationship, but before Echo could say anything the girl’s guardian would interject into the conversation. The male would say that he believed Echo meant he wanted to marry her when he spoke of a relationship, which was very much correct. Before Echo could muster up the courage to speak the male would then say they should continue moving on as they were currently out in the open.
So the group would continue to the pavilion and before long they would arrive at their destination. Once there Echo would move into the pavilion, and take a seat before looking at Junjie saying “Sorry for not greeting you before, my name is Echo Jaegar. You might not know about the outside world but I am a noble of clover.” His gaze would then turn off towards Hinota who at this point would most likely also be sitting down within the pavilion. He would address them both saying “The estate you guys live in is very beautiful I must say. My family’s estate is only a few buildings surrounded by a large forest. Well we do have a decent size garden but nothing on the level of beauty like this!” His words were sincere and the look on his face showed that he was both happy and honored to be here.
Echo’s mind would then wander back to the question he had asked before they had arrived at the pavilion, which showed as he held his finger up almost as if a lightbulb went off in his mind. He would then smile before speaking again saying “I nearly forgot but back to my question from before. Yes I want to know what it would take for me to marry you Hinota. I know that we don’t know each other very well just yet, but im hoping we can change that given more time. However I wish to know what it will take for us to get to the point where we can be married… In truth as the second eldest son of my family I would need a wife if I ever hope to jump the line to take the head seat of my family…” His words would trail as he thought about what he had just said.
Echo’s face would become filled with regret before he would say “Ah I do indeed apologize if my words came off as if I wanted to use our marriage to further my own gains.. That is not the case I swear. I truly like you but I figured it would be wrong if I didn’t speak the facts behind why I would be willing to rush such a thing. The truth is I have lived in the shadow of my eldest brother Julian for as long as I can remember, and as you seen at my home my father isn’t very keen of me. So in order for me to achieve my goals, I need a wife. However I don’t want just any woman… I want a woman that is beautiful, kind, intelligent, and above all else someone that I can grow to love. And you my dear Hinota are all of those things and many more…”
Post by Hinota Yuiee✾ on Jun 9, 2021 9:54:39 GMT -5
She knew how it sounded, her husband and the children she brought into the world were expected to be her world. She of course would have freedoms but her husband and children were always expected to come first. She just followed Junjie after the brief conversation had happened walking down the paths to the pavilion that she requested. She didn't say anything but did think over the day's events, it wasn't exactly what she had expected but here she was. Luckily it didn't seem as if her parents or brothers were home or she might never be allowed to leave again. Getting to the pavilion Junjie brought back the silk allowing her to enter unphased "Thank you." she said as she moved to take a seat. She looked to Echo as he struck up a conversation with Junjie who seemed somewhat indifferent to the man.
"I am one of the few that is able to leave this estate, I am aware of your family." he explained respectfully to the red-headed youth. He knew it would sound as if the rest weren't allowed to leave but in honesty, none of them wanted to, the land of Clover was chaotic in their minds and if they could avoid it they would after all they were well cared for by those they served and the estate was self-sufficient. He waited till Echo walked into the pavilion and allowed the silk to fall, Junjie himself would kneel outside of the pavilion so the silk divided him and those within it. The silk was transparent so would allow him to remain aware of what was happening within the pavilion and so the pair wouldn't be alone as traditions had to be observed. It was indecent for a woman to be within a room alone with a man, not her husband.
"I am glad you are enjoying my families home, I have to admit I've never actually been inside a forest before perhaps one day you can show me around your families grounds." she said with a warm tone as she looked at him with her normal gentle smile. It was then the conversation returned to the one they were previously having. "A matchmaker would have to decide we were compatible or one of our fathers would have to approach the others." she explained looking down at her lap "The freedom to choose one's spouse is one I envy your world for." she whispered almost as if she didn't want Junjie to hear her words, her voice showed she clearly was saddened by the fact she had no say over such a thing. Her family was highly traditional and kept to their roots even if they lived within Clover.
"We are even lucky we know each other this well, my mother and father knew nothing of each other when they were wed; they first met on the day they got married." she explained thoughtfully as she then listened to his words her eyes closing 'I really am to be a tool one way or the other aren't I.' she thought to herself "I'm the youngest of three children, the only daughter of my family so I know what it is to be in a less than favourable position. I know, I have a blessed life. One many would envy but..." she shook her head not wanting to finish her train of thought the ornaments on her headpiece gently making noise with the movement. "It doesn't really matter such things are out of my power." she said faintly as she opened her eyes once more.
"All arranged marriages are, are business." she said solemnly as she looked towards Junjie for a moment who looked like he was in a meditative state, she knew he was fully aware of his surroundings and moved quickly if needed. "There is no need to apologise, you would be within your right." she explained she didn't remove her eyes from her guardian, he was the picture of calmness but when Echo spoke of his own home he moved ever so slightly. It would be easy to miss had a person not know what to be looking for. "I don't think you should bring up what happens within your estate here, I wouldn't be allowed to visit again and if I did I would likely have Junjie with me for safety." she whispered to the other, she didn't want to stop him from speaking freely but she knew exactly how things would go if they were not careful.
"I am nothing special, there are a lot of ladies that share my qualities." she said looking back at him, she believed this to be true the only thing she had they may not is her status and as he had brought up his desires it was clear to her that this was what he wanted, she just happened to be the trophy that came with it, if their betrothal were ever to become official. "Where are my manners?" she said realizing she hadn't done something important "Junjie could you request chrysanthemum tea some fa gao to be brought and a room be prepared for my guest." she said calmly "As you wish princess." he activated a spell and sent the request to his sister without hesitation and went silent when it was done. "I don't think you want to be travelling back this evening." she said knowing the cruelty he faced at home.
Post by Echo Jaegar on Jun 10, 2021 5:25:24 GMT -5
After Echo had taken the time to greet the man known as Junjie by giving him his name, and telling him he was a noble of Clover the man would reply simply by saying he was one of the few who had been outside and knew of his family. Echo thought the man’s conversation rather dry and not entertaining but of course he was not here for those reasons, he was here to protect Hinota. After his short chat with the male he would continue talking to Hinota about the possibility of the two of them being married. She had told him that such choices were done in one of two ways. Either her father or Echo’s would approach the other, or they would have to be deemed compatible by a matchmaker. Echo thought the rules of such a thing seemed rather… different but he would not say anything that may be deemed offensive to her culture.
Hinota would then say how it was lucky that she and Echo had gotten to know each other so well, as she said her parents had never even met up until their wedding day. Echo’s eyes would widen before he would say “Wow that’s… different to say the least.” As the conversation would carry on it would seem that Hinota was about to hit a subject that she didn’t really wish to speak about as she would cut off part of her speech before saying the matter was out of her control. Echo’s face would notably begin to look a little upset as he would then stand up with a fist held up towards his neck before saying “Your life is yours to control Hinota! I don’t care what culture you are from or about anything else… I want you to learn that you are in control of your own destiny. Even if it takes us getting married for you to accept such a thing it is something you must learn.”
Echo knew that he may have come off a bit hard on her but he had nothing but the best of intentions for the girl, after all he did want her to be his wife. Hinota would go to say that she wasn’t bothered by Echo saying that he needed a wife for his own purposes by saying that arranged marriages were a business, so he was within his right to say what he said. After Echo made mention of his estate, although he hadn’t gone into detail she thought it best for him not to mention such a thing here. He wondered why that was but he did manage to catch a subtle change in Junjie from the other side of the silk veil. “Ah I apologize…” Echo would say before they carried on.
Hinota would then call out to Junjie to have some tea brung to them and to have a room prepared for Echo to stay in, as she believed it to be getting late and did not think he should try going home this late. Not only was it getting late but she also didn’t seem to feel comfortable sending him back after what she just seen back at the estate. Echo would let out a small gasp before saying “Oh is it really ok for me to stay here tonight? Would your family and the rest of your people not mind?” He didn’t know if him staying there was acceptable, however even if he did he knew he would leave first thing in the morning. He would look to Hinota again and let off a smile before saying “Thank you for all your help and kindness, I truly appreciate it… I feel unworthy of such kindness.”
Echo had moved in to hug Hinota but had suddenly remembered the rule about females not touching males they were not wed to. He would then back up before saying “Hehe sorry I almost forgot we can air hug if that works.” He would then hold out his arms and made a motion as if he was hugging the air in between the two of them, thinking Hinota would do the same.
Post by Hinota Yuiee✾ on Jun 10, 2021 12:28:54 GMT -5
The doll-like mage looked at the red-headed male, she could understand why he would take such a stance as it wasn't exactly done in Clover, but then, her family wasn't originally from Clover so their culture and traditions differed greatly from the norm in the kingdom. She merely shook her head "It is commonplace here Lord Jaegar, in fact, normally I would be kept completely separate from men outside my family altogether other than the one chosen to be my personal guard, even then he would never be permitted to be in a closed room with me without another person present unless I screamed indicating an emergency." she said calmly filling him in on the details of how things happened within the world she was raised within. Hearing how her fate was her own she blushed a little and looked to the twin ring she had worn since she received it.
It was a reminder of a promise made to her and the one thing that made her cling to hope, her sleeve covered hand coming to her face to cover the redness within her cheeks "I have been told that a lot recently." she confessed "I even dared to start believing it." she said her voice sounding saddened as she shook her head the blush fading as quickly as it came "I keep being reminded of my station, what is expected of me and that at the end of the day my freedoms are decided by others." she said with a defeated sigh. "Still..." her eyes went to the ring once more as she started to play with it a little before going quiet once more, listening to what he said about her culture that he wanted to learn about her "Lord Jaegar, what you have said while true from your point of view is wrong in mine." she said softly.
"My culture is part of who I am for better or for worse, if you can not accept that then you will never come to accept me. Where I do not completely agree with everything now that the veil has been lifted from my eyes I am still a dutiful daughter and won't completely go against my family. I would never disgrace them like that. While I am at home I abide by the traditions I was raised with." she said her eyes still on the ring, she sounded so pitiful as she spoke "I am finding my own feet outside of the estate but I had never left before I was fifteen years old and now I find myself overwhelmed and doubting my capabilities." she said honestly looking up from the ring at him.
"Part of me wishes I never asked to take part in the grimoire award ceremony as I was so much happier beforehand not knowing the full extent of the darkness beyond the mists of of the estate." she said thoughtfully "That being said, I have been able to do a lot of good and made many new happiness since that time." she said biting her bottom lip a little "I've been off my families estate for around a year now. I'm sixteen in case you were wondering." said knowing that question was going to pop up at some point. "I don't think my family has ever had anyone ask for me to be betrothed to them and you telling me that I 'must' learn something is you being a hypocrite as 'you' wish me to have freedoms but at the same time are wishing to remove it." she said her voice wasn't hostile or passive-aggressive it was clear she was just giving facts.
"Besides, with how your father is to you I don't think he would approach my father on a betrothal and I'm unsure what my father is thinking if I am honest." she was trying to keep her voice down as she spoke as the last thing she needed was any of this conversation to get back to her father. "I... must admit your father is quite the imposing figure." she said as she held her sleeves. She knew that she was growing in strength but at the same time she wasn't an offensive mage so there was a lot more reason for her to be cautious. She knew she could call for help and it would come and quickly but at the same time she never wanted to be a burden to anyone, she tried to fix issues she caused herself.
She knew at least two mages that were cross with her when she did that and that was before the two people who took care of her while she was on the estate. "You will be in one of the guest palaces, why would anyone mind?" she quirked her head not understanding how any insult could be taken by anyone "It is not like we are sharing a room." she said she felt Junjie's eyes on her the moment she uttered those words. She would never dare disrespect her family like that and the man knew it so remained quiet allowing the part to continue their conversation uninterrupted. "You are here as my guest and so it is my duty as your hostess to make sure you are comfortable and taken care of." she said honestly. It was then he done something that made the flower mage drawback as if in fear.
Echo had noticed his mistake the moment he had gone to hug her, the moment he had Junjie moved quickly his blade at the red head's throat out of instinct causing Hino's eyes to go wide as she covered her mouth "Ju... Junjie... stop... he's... he's my guest... he's learning our culture. You can't expect him to be like yourself or anyone else on the estate." she called out her voice clearly in distress and panic. The man removed his blade from Echo's throat and resheathed it "My apologies my lord, I hope you can see things from my point of view and understand why I reacted in such a way." with that he bowed to the pair and moved to be back where he had been knelt before as if nothing happened. "I... I'm sorry... please... please forgive me." she said standing and bowing low to him. She brought him to her home to get away from violence and he had just gotten threatened because of her, she felt terrible.
Post by Echo Jaegar on Jun 11, 2021 5:12:43 GMT -5
As the two talked and Hinota had explained that she had only just been allowed to leave the estate for little over a year, Echo’s mind would be ran blank with shock as Hino had said one thing in particular. “I'm sixteen in case you were wondering.” The doll mage had said something that had blew Echo’s mind. It wasn’t as if Echo was much older, with him only being 17. The surprise in the matter was simply the fact the girl looked much older than that, not in a bad way though. Such a thing was to be marked up due to her use of make up Echo supposed, it gave her the mature look of a woman such as his aunt Melissa. In a way the girl held a resemblance to her, but Echo couldn’t exactly figure out why.
Just as Echo was about to interject his own thoughts into the conversation, just as he was about to do his air hug, he felt a slight change in the atmosphere. The change being that Junjie was about to spring into action as he pulled out his blade and attempt it to hold it to Echo’s throat. Sensing the sudden shift in where things were headed Echo would instinctively hold out his hand in the shape of a ‘claw’ and gather his mana within his hand, allowing him to grab the blade with equal force of the blade and its swing allowing him to avoid being cut. While holding the blade he would look at it almost as if he was examining its craftsmanship saying “Damn this sword is pretty sharp. If I hadn’t been ready, a warrior like you could have cleaved my head straight off haha. But this blade is very beautiful, I’ve kinda got a thing for swords since my cousin started teaching me the ways of swordsman from his homeland.” His words now being directed at Hinota’s guardian.
He would then release the blade just before Junjie would be somewhat scolded by Hinota, which he would then apologize to Echo for the rude interruption. Echo would laugh before saying “No worries my guy! Im a tough cookie so im not bothered at all. But you should relax a bit, had I been someone weaker you might have really made them scared or worse. But you seem pretty handy with the weapon, maybe one day me and Hinota could watch you and my cousin spar. I would say we can go for a round or two now but I don’t have a sword, plus my cousin says that I shouldn’t use a sword in combat with anyone besides my teacher until I have completed my training… that’s how the swordsman of the rising sun operate anyway.”
Moving back to the conversation he and Hinota were having Echo would smile before “Saying clearly we wouldn’t be in the same room or bed, that would be much out of the question. But as I said I appreciate the kindness.” He would look up at the sky as the stars were completely visible at this point. He would look back to Hinota before saying “I am actually kinda tired now, it has been quite the eventful day… Perhaps we should both retire early. I will have to make the trip back at first light as I have to run a charity hunt with Zeus and some others tomorrow in the afternoon.” He would then look to Junjie before saying “So sir Junjie would you mind taking me to where I shall be resting my head for the night? Im sure Hinota would like to come with us though, just to ensure I am satisfied with my accommodations… right Hino?” Echo had called her by this nick name intentionally, the nickname he had first mentioned to her when they met for the first time. Back then she wasn’t too keen on the idea of him calling her that, however he hoped that now since things were different between them that she wouldn’t mind such a thing.
Post by Hinota Yuiee✾ on Jun 11, 2021 16:44:21 GMT -5
The doll-like mage watched the red-haired hunter as she told him her age, she had no idea what was going through his head, she likely would have pushed him into the pond that surrounded them had she known. Even if she did look older than what she was she'd still only really look like she was in her later teens. She was wearing makeup but nothing that would look seriously over her age, she wasn't that kind of woman after all. She was more refined and used just enough to add to her natural beauty. "Y... you seem shocked at my age." she bit her bottom lip gently and looked down at the floor. 'I don't look like how I'm meant to for a woman my age?' she thought to herself, she had always thought she looked fine but now she was doubting even that, her hands gripping her sleeves.
Hinota gasped as she saw what happened before her, her sleeved hands covering her mouth "Lord Jaegar! Please... Please don't touch the blade of any weapon a person wields with your hands here!" her voice somewhere between distressed and upset, she knew it wasn't his fault but she was surprised Zeus hadn't explained why such a thing wasn't done. Luckily Junjie hadn't acted out on the disrespect shown to the blade, it wasn't the man's ancestral blade but it was still very important to him. She now knew that the other was fast just by how quickly he reacted he could have easily just dodged. When Junjie took his position once more she brought down her hands "The blades here are made traditionally from our homeland, the acid in fingers can cause damage to the blade. It is also highly disrespectful." she explained, she could understand his plight she felt so wayward when she entered his world.
The problem was she was also finding it hard to understand her own world now that she had been passed the veil that separated the two. She felt like she had a foot in two worlds and didn't belong to either. "Junjie has been training with the sword since he was four years old but he's adapt in several weapons." she informed Echo she bit her lip "The day of my birth it was decided he would be my personal guard and his sister would serve me as my maid." she said feeling so guilty in that knowledge, their lives had been taken from them to serve her. It was the way of things she knew but she couldn't help but wonder if they resented her for it, they couldn't exactly have normal lives or settle down because of their duties.
"Perhaps Junjie could give you some lessons as an apology." she offered the other, she wasn't too sure if the blue-haired male would be on board with that willingly but she knew he would listen to any request that she gave him. She was hesitant to even ask him if he would mind or not because she was quite sure he would take it as an order and that wasn't what she wanted at all. Hinota blinked shaking her head "Usually in training wooden swords are used until you can handle a weapon then you change to metal. I'm guessing you aren't training with wood." she said wondering what his cousin was thinking and hoped that they had a strong enough healer because that was dangerous. "I will give you lessons." Junjie said suddenly "You may not like my methods however." he added, the fact he had offered surprised the flower mage but was glad he was at least trying.
"How you see Junjie is how I normally interact with males outside of my family, well other than eunuchs of course." she said thoughtfully. She looked to him when he said he was tired and nodded "Junjie, could you please escort Lord Jaegan to the palace of tranquillity." she said softly, this caught the man off guard "Princess..." "Please." he was reluctant but nodded and stood "You are best to accompany us princess." he said calmly only making her shake her head "Luli will be here soon with tea and snacks, I wish to enjoy the quiet of the stars and moon tonight." she said the guard was less than happy with this and it showed on his face "I will be fine for a few moments on my own Junjie and I swear I won't leave the pavilion." she said in an attempt to put his mind at ease.
"I do not hold a title, Junjie is fine." he said simply bowing to Hinota who stood to bow in her normal way to the pair before sitting down as Junjie started to walk away. "I still do not know you well Lord Jaegar and here isn't the best place to give me a pet name." she said holding her sleeves again "Please rest well, if anything is wrong let Junjie know and I will come to help the best that I can." she said pointing to Junjie with two fingers "Talk about that he's walking off without you." she said with a sweet giggle.
