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 Church Of Clover on Dec 19, 2021 8:11:54 GMT -5
The Royal Capital was a buzz due to the holiday season, people rushing around shopping for gifts to give loved ones or food for grand feasts. The church, however, was thinking of something different. Tradition was on their mind, a tradition that had been passed down as long as anyone could remember. Tree decorating. It may have seemed like something foolish given everyone had a tree at home from the richest noble to the poorest farmer but this was different. It was meant to bring people together as the tree that now sat in front of the grand church of Clover laid barren of all decorations bar one. At the top of the tree sat a candle who's flame had never gone out from the moment it had been lit all that time ago.
"The blessings of Salamander upon you all." A young woman wearing luxurious crimson robes in golden trim would be standing in front of the tree. She was gentle spoken but seemed to hold the attention of those around her. "It has been a tradition that many towns and cities have that they come together to decorate a tree. We are no exception to this tradition." she turned her head to look at the tree with the flame atop "Currently the tree is barren. This symbolizes our lack of love, our loss of power and how we forget the passion we once had." she took a ornate golden bauble from the sleeve from her robe "Let this be the first step in us coming together to remember our love for our fellow man, that no force can stop us from moving on and to rekindle the passion of life." she said with a warm and passionate tone her eyes going to the candle at the top the tree now shining ever brighter.
"Anything you wish to put on the tree is absolutely fine but as this is the most affluential region of the kingdom we are asking for the ornaments to at least have a golden trim. More importantly, we want you to put your passion, your power and your love into what you put onto the tree so the flame at the top may burn bright in the darkness and ward off any who would doubt the bonds that bring us together." she would say stepping aside to allow people to now put their own trinkets and baubles onto the tree while she talked with people that approached her.
Post by Jin Zhongli on Jan 23, 2022 20:27:32 GMT -5
It wasn't often Jin came over to the Royal Capital, for obvious reasons in his life. But every now and then be it for work, or for other things he would make the trip. But today was much different reason compared to the past, today he was heading over to visit The Tree of Salamander. A social event for civilians, and magic knights and members of the church. Probably not for his kind of people, but luckily enough he was still able to hide in plain sight. So unless he started killing and robbing people in broad daylight in the middle of the Royal Capital, he was fine to go where he pleases. Walking through the town, the rogue had none of his weapons or items with him he was completely naked as he would put it. There was no need for them today, he was going to pay his respects and simply leave. The people in town were running around shopping, buying gifts and food for their families. Every time a new family passed by him, a memory of him and his family came to mind.
Jin loved his family more than anything else in the world, he would do anything for each and everyone of his brothers and sisters even his mother. They didn't see eye to eye on most things, and usually their talks led to arguments which led to punishments. A slight shover went down his spine remembering his mother's use of decay magic, when she wanted to be cold she could be scarily so. But when she wanted to be warm and loving Jin thought she was at her best. So he would die for her just as easily as he would die for his siblings. That was just part of the reason he made that decision 11 months ago, to leave his family for now.
In hid hand Jin had a silver charm that he was going to place on the tree, the charm in fact was the first thing he managed to steal successfully without being caught. That was a very proud day for him. When it was his turn he walked up and placed his charm on the tree.
WC- 367
Last Edit: Jan 23, 2022 20:39:30 GMT -5 by Jin Zhongli
Post by Yua Zhongli on Jan 23, 2022 21:18:38 GMT -5
It had only been a few weeks since the raven-haired woman had returned back to Clover, she had been gone for four years doing the bidding of her mother and securing their best interests in the east. As far as she was aware she had been doing her job well, there had been no tips in the balance and no one suspected a thing when she did have to make moves but still, her mother had called her back home without warning or reason. This didn't exactly anger her but it did frustrate her more than a little as the man she had started to love was getting ready to propose to her. She could see a life where she would no longer be a tool for her mother, that she could set down her weapon and no longer need to use her talents for the benefit of anyone but her husband and future children.
That had been put on hold entirely as she had no idea when she would be allowed to return to the place she now viewed as her home. That wasn't to say that she didn't love her family, they were the only one she had ever known, some of her older siblings had told her she had always been there. In truth, she knew that meant one of two things and neither of them were good. She just hoped that her biological family were uninjured and that one day she may reconnect with them but she wasn't holding her breath as they didn't leave witnesses to crimes or leave anything that could lead back to them. It was yule however so perhaps a miracle happened, who knew? Then again it was unlikely she'd ever get the answer to the question as she had asked it once and given the aftermath she'd never ask again.
She had sent a letter the previous week which she had spent a week since the day she got her last one going over what she wanted to send to the one she loved. It was as difficult as it had been since this had started but eventually she managed to put her thoughts and feelings onto parchment. Now it was her turn to receive her letter in return, normally, she would go to Raque to do both but she requested the letter be sent to someone she paid to keep their tongue still and receive her mail. She had walked from Silvet Lake all the way to the Royal Capital, she had even seen someone from the church deciding what tree would be decorated in the name of Sylph on her travels. She knew that this was a tradition in many places but she had never taken part in it, perhaps it was time that she now did as her situation had changed.
As she walked down the streets of the royal capital she was given some odd looks, she didn't mind as this was normal for her, she knew how she dressed wasn't common for Clover and so didn't hold it against those who saw her. For the most part, people seemed distracted about the festivities around them and getting last-minute gifts or things they forgot for their grand feasts. There were even people caroling which was rather nice, it actually did make her miss her family but she had grown independent in her time away from them and that was why even though her room at the Zhongli's family home remained untouched she purchased one in the middle of nowhere. That and she enjoyed not having people looking over her shoulder constantly or judging her about the slightest things.
She stopped for a moment a gentle smile on her face as she remembered the good times she had with her family but then shuddered as if someone had just walked over her grave. For all her family was wonderful they still had their cold uncaring sides too, the matriarch herself being chief amongst them in both categories. She went to the house of her well-paid acquaintance and gathered her letter and paid once again for their silence before sliding the letter in between the folds of her kimono where it would be safe until she returned home to read it privately. On her way back she saw something in a store that caught her eye, it was a heart ruby red heart with a golden flickering flame inside. Entering she paid for the bauble and headed towards the tree just in time for the speech of the priest and headed to the tree to put it on a branch yet to be claimed. Putting her hands together she said a silent prayer, not to the spirits but to the gods of the place she called home before she turned and started to walk away not expecting to see anyone she recognised.
Post by Jin Zhongli on Jan 24, 2022 12:43:42 GMT -5
As Jin put his charm on the tree he started to think of the reasons he came to this one, instead of the other trees throughout clover. But when reading into what each tree symbolizes, The Tree of Salamander made the most sense. Love, power and passion. Usually people didn't associate rogues with these three things, even Jin himself was very good at hiding it behind either his silly or cold nature. But the rogue loved his family, desired power to protect them and had the passion took take his family into new heights. For him it made sense that he was here. Jin wasn't that religious, but he was superstitious. He didn't believe in devoting his entire life to one of the spirits, but there nothing wrong with paying respects.
The rogue placed his hands in his pockets and turned to step away, and go on about his day. But a familiar mana presence hit him quickly, one he hadn't felt in about four years. He took a moment to let it settle, before he finally accepted the fact that it was whom he thought it was. This had to be his sister Yua! Jin turned his head towards her direction and there she was, now exactly four years older than when he last remembered her. She had been out east for so long, she nearly looked like a grown women now. Jin wasted no time heading to her direction, with her training it was probably best to not sneak up on her from behind. Instead he approached her from the front with a big smile on his face, and his arms out. "Sister." he said to her with an honest and sweet tone of voice. It was his beloved sister Yua, and right now all he did was want to hug her.
He didn't care if Yua was sent to spy on him, he doubted it but that could be the case. He hadn't seen his little sister in over four years, since she was fifteen years old. Probably the most important times in her life. For Yua it wasn't long after she got her grimoire she was sent over east to work on the ties involving their family. This was extremely rare for them, it wasn't often their mother would allow them to be away for so long. Unless it was very important and the person sent could be trusted with such a task. Yua was different in that case, she was much more of a negotiator compared to most of her siblings. Not that they lacked the necessary skills to do so, it was just that Yua excelled at them.
Jin would reach in to hug his little sister, and if she returned it he would gently kiss the top of her head like he did when they were younger. For all the murder, thievery, black mailing and extortion Jin had done in his life time. He was softest when he was with his siblings, to him they were his only family and he would kill anyone whom threatened or hurt them. Especially the ones that were younger than him, Yua being one of them. Like the rest she was cold hearted killer when she needed to be, but Yua had always been the more delicate flower of the family. "I've missed you so much." Jin said to her backing up and holding her arms.
Now getting a good look at, her style of dress was very unique. Yua and Varia had always been into the more the fancier clothing, things that made them stand out. So it wasn't surprising to him that she dressed in such a way, she probably picked it up from the east. "Tell me are you well?" he asked her immediately after, wanting to be filled in on everything that she has been through.
Post by Yua Zhongli on Jan 24, 2022 19:03:32 GMT -5
As Yua walked away from the tree she paused midstep, however, the pause was so subtle unless a person knew of her mannerisms they wouldn't have caught onto it. It was unusual for her to do such a thing unless she felt something off in her surroundings, on this occasion it meant that she was either being followed or there was one of her family near her. She was loved her family dearly but on this occasion, she was truly hoping it was the former over the latter as she could dispose of an impromptu stalker, it wasn't so easy when it came to her family because she'd have to explain what had happened. To her knowledge, unless someone turned their back on the family to take out a family was a large taboo and would be dealt with and the punishment was final... there was no coming back from it.
She continued walking as if leaving the tree, the words of the priestess going through her head. When she left her family home she was far from being religious though she like many of her siblings had been superstitious, but, things had changed in her time away. Still, she could appreciate the message that the priestess had said 'Love... power... passion...' she thought to herself pausing a little away from everyone. She loved her family but she had fallen in love with a man her mother didn't know and knew she wouldn't approve, it would be his death if she found out and so she was taking every precaution so she could send and receive letters. She hid his photo near her heart but she still worried that it would become known, after all, she belonged to a family that was trained to kill and seek out the secrets of others.
Power meant little to her or at least it use to mean little to her, things had changed as she knew she would have to be stronger to go against her family if they found out. She wasn't delusional enough to believe that she would be able to take out her family but for him, she would do her best to cripple it so that he would be able to get to safety. She knew it would likely end up on that harsh final punishment but as long as he was safe she would be able to live with that. She shook her head getting such thoughts out of her head, it would cause nothing but trouble to think on things that may never come to pass. She had to admit such thoughts made her anxious and that would not do, she was above such things even in stressful situations.
Seeing her elder brother approaching from the front she smiled a little "I felt like there was something out of the ordinary here dearest brother." she said softly as if she didn't want their conversation to be heard by others. "I am surprised that you decided to pay respects to the spirit of Salamander." she said calmly, she had never known her brother to be religious but then it had been four years and times may have changed for him too. That being said, giving one's life to someone or something out of the family was unheard of and as much as she had been informed that he had been given looser reigns they were not cut so she doubted he would be turning to the church for sanctuary, also with how red their hands were none of them would be fit to be clergy because that red would never wash off.
She hadn't stopped him from hugging her, even returning it. "It has been a long four years Jun, but mother saw fit to call me home and so I obeyed the call." she said whispered, she had mixed feelings for being back in Clover for that there was no doubt. She smiled a little brighter as she felt the warmth of his lips on her forehead "It has been a long time since you have done that Jun." she always made sure to keep her words hushed but to use one of his aliases in case someone with keen ears did overhear. She knew all too well if they continued calling each other brother and sister people who did overhear may think something was up and it could cause issues. "I have missed everyone too, but, I still have tasks in the east so it is strange mother called me back." she said her voice steady.
She listened to his words and took a moment to gather her thoughts, she wanted to tell him everything but she was unable to do so, he was still a threat and so wouldn't take any risks. "I am well enough Jun, there is no need to worry. I have improved in my skills so our mother will be happy about that, but, it is taking me time to get used to how things are done here now because of how things were at..." she paused before she said the last word, she viewed the east as her home but her allegiance was always expected to be with the family and so believed that too was where she would be expected to see as home. "home..." she said finally.
It would be hard to fault her way of viewing things she was only a few days into being fifteen when she was sent away and more or less isolated from her family other than correspondence on how things were progressing. Of course, she was asked how she was but she was still in a strange land away from those who could help her if things went wrong but she knew this was part of her life and so dealt with it. "How have you been Jun?" she would ask it was clear that she wasn't trying to deceive him, out of all her siblings he was the one that if you didn't try mess with his business he would leave you to yours and that is what she needed currently. At the same time, she was still curious about him and the others had been in her absence.
Post by Yu Jie Zhongli on Jan 25, 2022 1:53:49 GMT -5
The sun was bright and the sky beautifully clear.
Yu Jie was strolling casually through the Royal Capital - a cheeky smile on her face and both arms held behind her head. It wasn't often she was able to visit such a place unless it was for a contract mother had prepared. Though right now Yu Jie was on sabbatical thanks to permission from her mother. Yu Jie had lived all her life within the Zhongli household and really wanted for naught, but she had grown a desire to travel the world as of late. Because of her excellent work, Yu Jie's mother allowed for her to explore, though it still came with the stipulation of returning back home when mother had a contract that required the rogue's unique talents. Yu Jie was sure that mother would probably send others to occasionally shadow her just to keep tabs, but she didn't really mind. It was a fair trade-off in Yu Jie's mind, but she did miss her family as someone who grew up surrounded by her many brothers and sisters constantly. In all honesty, Yu Jie hadn't yet adjusted to being on her own, she still felt homesick at times.
The Royal Capital was filled with citizens who strolled past Yu Ji, going about their day. It was busy due to the Tree of Salamander, which was an event usually Magic Knight and citizens took part in. For a rogue much like herself, this could be a dangerous place, but luckily enough for Yu Jie the types of contracts she completed usually kept her face and name to the shadows. Meaning that no one outside of the family knew the type of work she did on the regular for the Zhongli. So the girl had no fears and easily blended in with the common and noble folk easily. Yu Jie wasn't the type who help religion in high regard, but she was incredibly superstitious. The Tree of Salamander represented love, power, and passion. Three aspects that Yu Jie figured she embodied and associated with the most. It was why she picked to visit this one in particular so that not only she but her family could be blessed with fortune and good luck for the year.
Still, without an offering to place on the Salamander Tree, she was perusing the various shops much like the folk around her, in search of something that would catch her sea-green eyes. After a short while, Yu Jie would come across a stall that sold various trinkets and baubles of assorted interests and it would possess an item that piqued the emerald, green-haired rogue's curiosity. Yu Jie would inspect the beautiful silver, ornate charm that depicted a happy family holding hands together. As she closely looked at it she would be reminded of the home she had recently left. Thoughts of her family washed up on the shores of her mind. It had been roughly a month since she had seen her mother's lovely face. Yu Jie missed her sorely, a somber resonance buried behind the surface of her large emerald eyes. Even the moments when mother wasn't being as loving as she would have liked - those too were part of her enigmatic charm.
Mother could be scary at times and macabre in her countenance - her decay magic cementing the notion, but she was equally, fierce and protective of her children. In the same token mother could demonstrate boundless love. Those were the moments most treasured by Yu Jie and why she was so wholly devoted to her family. Yu Jie believed they all shared a bond that transcended the normalcy that most families had.
"I'll take this."
Yu Jie would say to the stall vendor as she exchanged a few yul for the silver trinket. Usually, the rogue would have pickpocketed the item just like mother taught her, but because it was going to be an offering to Salanmader she did not want to bring bad luck to the family. The merchant would nod and accept her payment with a smile, asking her if she was visiting the Tree of Salamander to make an offering. Yu Jie didn't respond but she would nod before taking off and heading towards the tree.
*
At the tree, Yu Jie would take a moment to think of a small prayer. She almost felt silly for doing so as she shut her eyes.
"Love, Power and Passion. May the year bring great fortune to my family."
Opening her eyes Yu Jie would place the trinket upon the tree and take a step back to admire it alongside the plethora of others that adorned it. With that done she didn't know what else to do with herself so she would probably look around for a bit to see what funs he could get into. Not that she expected much being surrounded by a bunch of stiffs who didn't know what the word meant even if it hit them square in the face. The passing thought would spur her into a moderate gait back onto the crowded streets. Even amongst the passerby, Yu Jie would recognize the two people embracing each other as her older brother and sister. For a moment she cursed beneath her breath, thinking if the Gods were real that they worked in mysterious ways. Both Jin and Yua she had not seen for quite some time, though Jin chose to separate from the family temporarily of his own volition.
The mercurial rogue was always like that, easy-going with a changeable mood. Yua had been sent far off to the east per mothers' request to secure their interest overseas. Yu Jie had no issues with Yua, but with Jin, she had a bone to pick with him for leaving abruptly and without so much as a word. Though it had only been just under a year she still felt like he shouldn't have simply left without saying anything. Yu Jie would approach them both with powerful steps carrying her lithe frame. Jin was most vulnerable when he was with family and she knew that better than most as she approached from behind. If Yua didn't give her away and he didn't notice her she would attack Jin with a kick to the back of his knee to bring him to her level. He deserved far worse, but she was too prideful to admit that she was over the moon to see the both of them.
"Well if it isn't big brother and sister, long time no see!"
The angst in her voice would be supplemented by Yu Jie crossing her arms as she looked first at Jin and then at Yua who was dressed in unique clothing that she did not recognize. Yu Jie's smile was wide and burned passionately like magnesium against a bunsen burner.
"You're the last two people I was expecting to run across."
Yu Jie's weight would shift slightly and though she was crossed with Jin, her excitement was evident in her playfully mischievous tone. WC: 1,172
Last Edit: Jan 25, 2022 2:45:11 GMT -5 by Yu Jie Zhongli
Post by Jin Zhongli on Jan 25, 2022 23:19:24 GMT -5
He hadn't seen his little sister Yua in such a long time he didn't care that her very appearance here was risky. He assumed there was bad news to come, but before it did he would hear how his little sister had been after all this time. She wasn't the little girl he could play pranks on anymore, now she was a young woman. To him it was important that they caught up. She stated she was surprised he came to pay his respects to the Spirit of the Salamander. Which was fair his interest in the spirits was never present when he was younger, even now that didn't change much. But he was a bit more opened minded now compared to when he was younger. "I have my reasons to pay my respects. I am more opened minded nowadays." Jin replied to her with his sly smile. He always put this smile on when he was usually half joking and half serious.
Yua continued to state that she was called back by mother, which was easy to guess. Four years was long enough already, Jin was surprised Yua had actually been away that long at all. Their mother liked to have all her children within an eyes view, perhaps she had eyes in the east that Yua did not know about. Something must have happened that made her call Yua back, but now was not the time for pestering "It has been a long time since i've seen my delicate flower for a sister." Jin said back to her with a low tone. But what Yua said next caused Jin some confusion. Their mother had called her back even though tasks were not finished. This was not like mother at all, something was wrong. The white haired rogue could tell. "Called you back, when there was still work to be done. It must have put her in a difficult position, you know how she is. Nothing comes before the family." Jin would imitate his mother's tone and words for a quick laugh. Even though he got a little chuckle out of it, he believed in those words as well and followed them to this very day. Everything he did was for the family.
Yua continued but there was hesitation in her voice and if he had to guess she wasn't to happy about being back home. But her last sentence pretty much confirmed it, she didn't want to be back here. Even calling the east her home after a pause. This caught Jin off guard for a few, it was clear something was wrong with Yua. And he feared it wasn't something small either, he put such thoughts aside for now. Talking about it in such a public place was not a wise idea. He rubbed the cheek of his little sister and smiled at her. "You are home now." he said to her, trying to remind her that the family was her home.
She then asked how he had been, and realized she probably didn't know that him and their mother were not seeing to eye to eye again. This was normal for Jin and their mother, they were often at odds with one another. Jin had always been a respectable, diligent extremely skilled and hard working son. But even when he was little he always had opinions that were of contrast to their mother, and it got him into trouble a bit more often. Now that he was older their recent conversation led to shouting, and Jin taking his leave of the family home without saying anything to many of his siblings. Just a few. But honestly he was doing and feeling pretty great, being out on his own for about 10-11 months had been a refreshing experience.
His thoughts quickly going to Aeila the new partner he made along the way. They had a unique partnership, it hadn't been perfectly ideal but they were slowly making it work. It was almost like working with a younger sibling again, but Aeila was so different she was trained in the ways of assassination and the likes just like they were. But she was never shown to read or write or even speak that well, so he found himself as a sort of caretaker in that aspect as well. It was probably because of the connection with his own family, why he felt the need to stick by the raven haired necromancer and would never abandon her.
A smile appeared on his face. "I've been doing just fine. Me and you know who have have not seen eye to eye, and i've not been home in quite some time. I shall...explain more at a later time." Jin said to Yua, it wasn't best to get into details now. But something familiar again triggered his sensory he knew exactly whom this one was as well. This was Yu Jie and knowing his wild flower as a sister, she would attack him. Which he felt with a kick to the back of the knee, her favorite place to target at least for him. He let it happen letting out a small grunt with a big smile on his face, bringing back old memories. Yu Jie always aimed to bring Jin down to her level in height, he was on the taller side while she was on the shorter end.
But he moved quickly standing at full height and attempted to hug his baby sister. Yu Jie was younger than even Yua, and while she was just as precious as a flower she more of an wild one. She was more aggressive and hard headed, immensely competitive as well. All members of the Zhongli were deadly but each one was different and unique, it's what he loved about his siblings. He hadn't seen Yu Jie in almost a year, and she was one of the siblings he didn't get a chance to tell why he wasn't around anymore. That's probably why she kicked him, he deserved it. He probably deserved far worse in her mind. But this was how she showed her love and care, and Jin loved her for that. Like Yua Jin would gently kiss the top of her head, as he did when they were younger. His hand ruffling around her emerald curls. He could tell with her tone she was excited to see them, but she was trying to hide it. "I've missed you." he told her with his gentle and honest tone. "But we may be causing to much attention to ourselves." Jin said in a whisper only meant for his two little sisters to hear. "We must find somewhere else to chat."
He feared that Yu Jie's appearance as well, may have confirmed that his mother had eyes on him even now. He was just hoping that none of his older siblings appeared. Like Kiro or Yugen, heaven's forbid it was Varia. He missed his older siblings as well, but Kiro being the oldest was much more of a no nonsense type. He would show up if mother wanted him home right then and there, considering his eldest brother's strength he wouldn't even be able to run away. Yugen was just a pain to deal with, whom loved to be on mother's good side. And worst of all Varia whom just loved to pick on Jin, she would drag him back home and laugh and mock him while doing it. Jin wasn't ready to go back home yet, but luckily from what he could tell none of them were around.
Post by Yua Zhongli on Jan 26, 2022 21:31:31 GMT -5
She rolled her eyes as she was once again called a delicate flower, she wasn't like one of the 'ladies' who had been coddled her entire life, she had been challenged each and every step of the way and punished for being inefficient or failing as he himself had been. Just because she wasn't often sent on assassination or theft tasks didn't mean that she was incapable of doing them, just their mother believed her particular set of skills were set more in subterfuge and information gathering, she was even dealing with the families best interest in the east brokering deals and the likes. "Jun, how many times have I told you that if I'm delicate it also means you are and we both know you're anything but." she said her voice showing slight frustration with him. She was a chameleon and so became what was needed of her, problem was that she was often required to be a delicate flower.
"It has been a long time nonetheless and I have missed you." she was being sincere in her words, how she had longed for such a long time to be back with everyone, but, now she was conflicted but she hadn't shown it, it would only bring up questions and for things, she didn't want to be looked into to happen. She nodded to his words "I got the orders and sent a message asking if she was sure because of things still needing to be done and was told to get on the next ship. I did as I was told after informing those I was dealing with I'd be gone for a while but not to get any odd thoughts because it would lead to serious consequences." she said her voice still low
"I like to think it was because mother was missing me, but..." she paused for a moment and crossed her arms looking away "I have my doubts, I was exiled in a far off land in isolation for four years." her voice held a bitter tone to it, it was clear she held resentment "Four years!" she shook her head and calmed herself "I know it was to benefit the family but it still felt like a punishment far worse than lěnggōng" she was hurt that much was clear, she didn't want to hide the pain she was feeling it would do her no good in the long run. "Over time I just became numb to the pain and done my duty, just accepting that it was the task I was dealt with." she said with a shrug, it would have done no good to disobey her mother. Sure, she would have ended up home but it wasn't worth the pain and then likely sent back at the end of the punishment.
"I am aware." she sighed crossing her arms, she still felt like a child and that was putting it mildly while she was away she more thought herself a doll, something that her mother would play with when it took her fancy and then play with another until she remembered she existed once more. She knew it was a harsh way of looking at things and she honestly wished she hadn't but given her treatment, it was hard for her not to. She looked up in surprise as he cupped her cheek and rubbed his thumb across it gently. His words should have brought her mind and heart peace as she knew it was the truth but it didn't she smiled lightly and nodded "You're right Jun, I'm forgetting what matters." she touched his hand with her own gently.
She knew he was right but it honestly didn't feel right but she wanted to put his mind at ease, the last thing she wanted was to worry him or even worse for their mother to find out she was having such thoughts. She listened and sighed before poking him in the forehead "How many times have we told you not to argue with mother? You're lucky she hasn't put you in lěnggōng but given you leave of the family in the hopes you'll come to your senses." she said shaking her head once more "You've been so lucky that you've been here and surrounded by everyone... I'd have killed for that for the first few years I was gone. You have no idea how much I envied everyone else." she honestly didn't know what to think at that moment.
Her senses picked up a familiar mana and though she knew she should move to prevent the strike from coming she didn't, she also knew that Jin would have felt the mana at the same time she did and he himself hadn't moved to block it though she knew he could have. "Good day sister, it has been quite some time. I hope the years have been successful for you." she said calmly her emotions completely in check once more. "I see nothing has changed Ye" she said with a small smile, she refused to use their real names in public due to the secrecy of their family so just used an alias instead this way it wouldn't be constant 'brother' and 'sister' because that too could garner too much attention for any of their likings. She dreaded to think of what would happen if some of the older siblings found out they had been so reckless.
No. She was airing on the side of caution as they were all taught. "I was running a personal errand and decided to put a bauble on the tree to mark a new start... I am surprised to see either of you here." she commented, she was of course nervous given what she had in the folds of her kimono top and how she was feeling but she wasn't showing it. "I see it as a blessing nonetheless but Jun is quite right, we have paid our respects it might be time for us to move on especially with your little outburst against him." she commented. She knew her younger sister was a prickly sort but there was a time and place for such things and she could already feel eyes on them from sideways glances due to her actions "You're lucky our elder siblings aren't here or there could be issues, more so if mother found out." she warned as she walked away from the tree to a bench out of the way of vendors or other people there to pay respects.
