Pauperess To Patrician

“Mnh…” A soft hum spilled from Kaze’s lips when they found hers touching against them. He hadn’t expected her to be quite ready to show such a gesture, his entire reason for not making one before Josepha had the chance to do so. Still, she seemed more prepared for going into this than he’d thought, considering her past with relationships and knowing this one was undoubtedly different than all of those.

There was a good chance she would still need to be eased into some things as they continued forward, but regardless, she seemed comfortable enough letting her guard down some around the ninja now, much as he had been adjusting himself to doing the same with her, and that was enough for now, was it not?

“Considering this, though…” Kaze placed his forehead against hers, “…I think we should agree to be more careful for the sake of each other in any future skirmishes or battles of that sort so we don’t cause so much stress for either one of us, if that sounds alright with you. This time, though…I think we can consider it a happy accident, looking at the results. Let’s just…not have it happen again, shall we?” He was half-jesting of course, but he was still entirely serious about not getting in danger if it could be helped.

“I couldn’t agree more,” she answered him quietly, laughing a little in awareness that his remark was half a jest. His forehead against hers brought with it a soothing feeling that caused tension to ease from her. “I will try not to let it happen again, Kaze. It is in my nature to protect what is dear to me, but I will work to avoid undue recklessness going forward.”

How long had it been since she’d had such a moment of tenderness and allowed herself something like this? 

The kiss was a brief act of boldness, it would take time for more than that, but indeed perhaps that much she had the comfort for. But it was the closeness she cherished more than anything. That was certainly more than enough for now. Though with time, perhaps there would be more closeness between them still. 

Kaze chuckled, looking rather amused at how timid Josepha seemed in light of her sudden display of affection toward him. Her lips hadn’t even pressed to his skin yet, since he had yet to remove his gloves, and despite this, she still was a bit hesitant. If nothing else, the ninja could ease her into things. Of course, she was new to a relationship like this, based on what he knew of the woman, her reaction, and what she had told him of her past up to this point, so patience was key…but there was no need for either of them to take things quite that slowly.

The first action he took in response, after that warm, brief laugh, was to remove his gloves and stow them away for the time being, allowing his left hand to grasp her right one. Kaze interlocked his fingers with Josepha’s, letting her adjust to the feeling of that affectionate, romantic gesture, only to follow it up with another one.

In the next moment, the green-haired man leaned forward, his lips pressing to the former noble’s cheek. It was a bit strange to think that this was perhaps the first time she had ever experienced such feelings, and yet this was only the mere beginning for the two of them, without a doubt. That was alright, however. As they grew closer, granting each other refuge from their fears and the cold loneliness from before, she would become more comfortable with freely giving him affection, and receiving it from him just the same.

“I was under the impression that we’re a couple now, all things considered. Or do you still feel you must ask before doing such things, Josepha?” That grin was likely different from all the ones she had seen before, and there were clearly no reservations with it regardless. “You don’t exactly need my permission to press your lips to my hand or even my face, you know. The idea that I will object to something like that practically does not exist.”

Habits were things that were easy to fall back on without thinking. Josepha was so used to having to be careful when it came to giving and receiving affection. Indeed, doing such things so freely was entirely new to her. There was also the matter that she wasn’t quite aware of where the boundaries were, and whichever ones existed she wanted to be respectful of them.

But Kaze’s answer was a clear indication that she need not worry about having crossed any. Far from it, in fact. 

She felt her cheeks warm when he pressed he pressed his lips to one of them. Though the warmth was just as much emotional as well. How long had it been since she had felt this way with anyone? Far too long. 

It was also refreshing and added to these feelings to see Kaze laugh and smile as he did in the moment. It was indeed different from all the times she had seen him smile prior. These were filled with a fondness and affection he had not previously displayed. 

Her heart swelled at the sight. 

“Yes, that... that is true, we are,” she stuttered before calming a bit, “If I don’t need permission for such things then perhaps...” He was close enough that she only needed to lean in slightly to return the kiss to his cheek. “A return gesture would be welcome.”

She hovered close to his face for a moment. It would take time before her hesitance left her in days to come. But she found her curiosity overcoming it for the briefest of moments.

Instead of simply stopping with a kiss to his cheek, she so ever briefly pressed her lips to his. Josepha withdrew, meeting his eyes with a look of pure adoration. 

Send me “ovo” and I will tell you what kind of relationship I could see our muses having. (Still Accepting- it’s fine I’m cool with it)

@indxmitxble

(I’m pretty open to the exact nature the relationship could take between Josepha and Mana. But I think at it’s core, you have two people who agree in their principles but take a different approach when it comes to abiding by their principles. 

Josepha has been taught by her upbringing and experience to pick her battles and choose her weapons (even if they are only her words) carefully. While not being dishonest at her core (and absolutely valuing honesty), she has learned to be choosy about what information to impart and when to impart it when it comes to navigating the political arena. She is honest when it comes to those she trusts and those not as involved in such matters, among the nobles one can’t be too careful.

“Justice, I’ll get justice for all of them,” Ron repeated those words in almost a snarl. That strange aura wrapped around him again, and faded once again. Thought his eyes didn’t change from the red. The mercenary made no notion of even noticing the strange event happened to him.  He just kept mumbling about justice.  “Nestra, been there a few times. We could go to the port there. Its a definelty a city where I could see some pirates having some fun there. Well a few days of travel shouldn’t be a issue,” The mercenary only shrugged by the noble’s statement.  He waited this long to pay back those who wiped out the Aeon Guild. A few more days wouldn’t be too much a issue. As long as he wiped out those dastards out it didn’t matter.  “Wait you talked about skirmishes causing trouble for Port Dia?” He only looked at her confused by that part. Was there a event that he didn’t know what was going on? It didn’t sound like bandits about all. No bandits wouldn’t cause that much trouble. “You want to explain that one a bit?”  “Works fine with me. After you Milady. You are my employer, so I’m follow you on this one,” Ron only shrugged at the statement. He was a mercenary, he followed orders like a order. It was a simple fact, he had to listen to what his employers told him.

Again she could see him bristling with anger. Josepha was perhaps more convinced there was something magical to the situation. It would warrant her keeping an eye on the situation for sure. 

“Your eyes for a moment, they appeared to change...” she hesitated in trying to address the issue. “Never mind. Perhaps it was just a trick of the light.”

Josepha found it difficult to discern if he was even aware of the change in him. It seemed as though he was perfectly not. There was some concern on how it would effect things in the future. But for now, she didn’t yet have cause to cause too much of a stir. Just keep on eye on it for now, she told herself. 

“Ah, the skirmishes in Port Dia. From what I’ve been able to gather because the port is the easiest place from which to sail to Nortre Sagesse. Apparently because of some talk of a powerful mage residing there the Hoshidans and Nohrians have been squabbling over access to the port. Hence my hesitance. I would only suggest venturing there if we fail to find what we need elsewhere as I doubt pirates would want to dock when it’s such a target for both countries.”

Josepha thought carefully. This place she suggested near Nestra was still a distance from their city of Cyrkensia and their landmark floating Opera House. It was quiet, but still busy enough it would draw the attention of pirates. 

“Very well then, let’s not delay. We can get a head start on those two days worth of travel if we start now. I venture we can make good distance before nightfall. I can assist in making camp if we do not reach a village with an inn when that time comes.” 

Well that was surprising. But perhaps she should have known- Lady Josepha had already proven herself time and time again that she didn’t share the snobby attitudes Mana saw in other nobles. Now if her parents had caught her, Mana imagined she would have been on the streets again with an empty stomach and no medicine.

“I wouldn’t expect you to,” Mana grumbled, wiping a piece of dirt off her face with a hand. “I don’t think they saw it coming either.”

“That’s a…loaded question, milady.“ She rested her arms on her knees before looking up at her liege. It was a question Mana had never truly considered- was she strong? Physically, she was enough to get by. But feeling that way? She couldn’t truly give an answer. “I don’t know. And I don’t think it really matters whether you’re strong or weak, here. My hometown at least, you either lived or you died. That doesn’t change no matter where you go.”

She closed her eyes for a moment, recalling her time spent in dark alleyways, sleeping on cobblestones, pickpocketing, and then her brother. Mana shook her head. No. There wasn’t any need to think about that.

“And you, milady? Do you think you’re strong?”

Josepha couldn’t help but internally feel a twinge of regret when Mana referred to the question as ‘loaded’. It hadn’t been her intention to put her in a position of difficulty or make her reveal information about herself she wished to keep private.

“I see. I suppose I could see what you mean in that. If a person survives, is that to say that they are strong, and that if they die they are weak? There are those whom others might have considered strong that have perished and those thought to be weak who have survived what might kill others. That might indeed be a universal truth.”

The subject brought back memories for her. She was once just a small child covered in dirt and ratty old clothes. A small child who should have in no way been out on her own. But she had been clever and made the shadows in the alleys and gutters her places of refuge from those who might do her harm. She begged and stole to get by.

It was so far away now and yet she could remember it with such clarity. 

“I’m...” She paused, unable to really pin down an answer. Was she strong? Had surviving the streets as an orphan made her strong? Had bowing to the whims of the Haseks and agreeing to be their pawn made her weak? She had taken this existence as preferable to death. After all, materially she wanted for nothing. 

“I’m not sure how to judge myself in that regard. Do I judge myself by survival? I suppose I’ve indeed lived up until this point. But I’ve lived most of my life behind gates and guards. Even if I’ve learned to defend myself quite well, I am better protected from harsher existences than most. Or is it by self-sufficiency and independence, or some other measure? ...In truth, I don’t think I’m really sure as to the answer by either standard.”

As Mana had spoken she noticed her wiping dirt from her face. Josepha also carried a cloth with her as was customary of noblewomen. She offered it to her retainer, thinking it would do better to help with clean up. After all, the dirt would just wind up on her hand once it was off of her face, would it not?

(Haven’t really gotten as much done over the past several days as I would like due to some IRL snags that have come up. I’m currently in the planning and preparation stages of moving sometime later this year. But, there are some things I’d like to do that will make the transition easier which are proving to be difficult to accomplish. That being said, the fact the move is happening and other things are moving forward with it is a very happy thing for me.

So he had been correct in what he was thinking after all. He hadn’t been overthinking her behavior and way of speaking at all. Her actions before had been drawn from deeper feelings…and the way she’d talked about him, it was much the same. He wondered if she’d truly realized it before he pointed out there was likely something more, or if she’d chosen to conceal it until he’d nearly cornered her about it in a verbal manner of speaking. Kaze was a ninja though, meant to be perceptive in multiple ways. Was it any surprise he’d managed to draw this truth out of her?

“…Josepha.” A single hand reached up to her cheek, gloved palm lightly touching the skin. Kaze understood her…oh, did he ever understand her fear holding her back. This was something they’d discussed before, and she had to know he felt a strong sense of empathy for her. It was simply too obvious to not see. Clearly her fears had held her back for many years, yet he would not let her see it plague her for so much of her life as his own had hung over him for nearly his entire life…especially not when it would deny them both of something like this.

“Your so-called father has no such sway over you, anymore, and I am far from defenseless…but for your sake more than for mine, I will be certain to be careful in the future. You must promise me something as we go forward together, though. You must learn to let go of your fear, as I continue to learn to let go of mine. If you don’t let yourself feel free of that, you’ll always feel as though you’re jeopardizing my own life, and you will never truly feel happy. Promise me you will try to find a way to let go, and I will try to help you lose that fear.”

Kaze had essentially said it all despite not explicitly saying it, but he knew he didn’t need to be so direct. She was a smart woman, and rather perceptive as well, though perhaps not quite as much as he was. Either way, he was sure his reciprocation got across to her.

A tense knot had formed in her gut after she had made her admission aloud. It should have come as no surprise to her at all that this was what she felt. Few other emotions were as difficult for her to grapple as those of the romantic kind. It made her feel a bit foolish. She was not a stranger to love, but like so many other things the fears her past had given rise to proved an obstacle to her joy and well-being in that regard. 

That tense knot however started to unravel as Kaze’s gloved hand touched her face. His presence had always been something that was soothing, but she had not been at peace during this interaction until now. The gentle gesture made her body start to relax, easing little by little. 

“It is true that Lord Hasek no longer holds that kind of power. Nor would I wish anyone else to hold that kind of power over me or someone I care for ever again.” She raised a hand and rested it over the one touching her cheek. “I appreciate it, I would ask no more than that of you.”

A promise for going forward together, he had said, that she promise to try to let go of her fear and that he would help her lose it. As he spoke, it was perhaps those words and his gesture most of all that seemed to be indicative of his feelings in regards to what she had said. It seemed reasonably safe to infer that he was returning her affection, even if she wasn’t in the best of sorts. 

And he continued to have the right of it, having such wisdom and sense even in what was surely an emotional moment. 

“I promise I will try,” she answered softly, “Even now I’ve let fear dictate me. It’s an irony of sorts, isn’t it? But like the life I led before it’s something I must bring to an end to live a life that is truly my own, at the side of whom I care for.” 

Josepha shifted slightly, moving Kaze’s hand to leave a light and feathery kiss upon it. Immediately however she realized perhaps the move was perhaps a little thoughtless.

Send me “ovo” and I will tell you what kind of relationship I could see our muses having. (Still Accepting!)

@vantagx

(You know, I’ve had this one on my mind every once in a while. Leon and Josepha are honestly one of the relationships I am most excited about exploring, both because of your take on the character and being able to explore a verse of Josepha’s I’ve barely scratched the surface of (her Birthright verse). 

I think there’s a lot that can be explored here. But the word I think that comes to mind when I picture the potential relationship between our muses is “Temperance”, as in balance or moderation. Specifically, I tend to think of the balance between realism and idealism when it comes to these two, combined with forging a better path forward than what was previously tread. 

Leon does not shy away from the sins of his father, or his own participation in the policies and systems that were in place when his father ruled Nohr. He doesn’t feel like he can measure up to the person who ‘should’ have ruled in his place (Marx). He also contends with the difficulties of not being able to hear. Between himself and his sister Camilla, he is one of only two known surviving children of the Concubine wars and like Josepha has witness firsthand the dark things that can take place in the Nohrian court of nobles. 

Because of this, and his experiences through the events of Birthright, gaining King Leon’s true trust I think would be a most impressive feat. But the fact Josepha has been given the position of retainer (taking the ‘place’ of the now absent Odin) speaks volumes. He sees something in Josepha is willing to open the door to her to become a more trusted ally and companion.

As for Josepha...

@nohrianlady liked for a starter!

“You called, Josepha? Niles and Odin have been bickering for hours about gods know what and I thank you for the distraction, truthfully. I was beginning to get a headache.”

“That is most unfortunate. I appreciate that I can provide a diversion then that might relieve your troubled brow,” Josepha remarked, a small but quirky smile flashing across her features a moment. “Though I confess it’s not a casual reason I ask for your time either.”

Josepha beckoned Prince Leo’s retainer walk with her with a gesture of her hand. However, she did not start to walk without her, waiting patiently for her instead. She had to choose her words carefully. She knew now knew her true name, for instance, but one still had to be mindful that others did not.

“From time to time I think about the things I have learned on life. What I have yet to learn. The thing that’s been on my mind of late however is the word, ‘respect’. Most people would agree that respect is about the treatment of others and that one ought to do it, but it seems as though some people take that to means different things.

In the case of people like my parents, Lord and Lady Hasek, whenever they used the term ‘respect’, they used it to be synonymous with compliance and obedience. I have known people of good heart, who treat others with dignity and decency while not shrinking away in the face of mistreatment and abuse. 

It wasn’t like she could say no to begin with. That and the adrenaline was starting to wear off. Mana would have to submit herself for treatment soon if she wanted to rest easy tonight. She huffed, taking the vulnerary from her liege. “As you wish, milady.”

Spraying some of the medicine on her hand, Mana hissed at the sudden pain. Nonetheless, she continued with the treatment before settling the empty bottle to the side. Her body still ached and as did her hands.

“In my defense, they started it. They were saying calling me commoner swine. Also weak- I told them to shut up, but they wouldn’t listen.”

Josepha by now was good at keeping certain emotions beneath the surface. Her retainer was certainly not aware of Josepha’s own common ancestry, and kept quiet about that. But when Lord and Lady Hasek were not within earshot, Josepha would not hide her contempt for those who mocked or abused those of ‘lower’ social standing. 

If there was one thing she wanted to impress upon Mana, it was that she was most certainly not accepting of elitist notions. 

“Then they were foolish for not heeding your council,” Josepha responded, not caring about the obvious distaste in her voice. “I may not agree in principal with coming to physical blows, but I understand why you did. And had I been in your place, I can’t say I wouldn’t have done the same. They sound like they were speaking from a place of ignorance and looking for a fight.”

Josepha took the empty bottle. It was best not to leave it lying around. 

“Tell me something, Mana. Do you consider yourself weak?”