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Foxfire
Oct 25, 2010 0:51:51 GMT -5
Post by Alex Meriweather on Oct 25, 2010 0:51:51 GMT -5
He looked at Hitoshi, smiling reassuringly at him, then back to Hitomi. She didn't seem to mean any harm.
"No, sorry; I don't."
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Foxfire
Oct 25, 2010 0:53:36 GMT -5
Post by Hitomi Gilespi on Oct 25, 2010 0:53:36 GMT -5
Hitomi blinked and rubbed her earlobe. Surely she had heard him wrong.
"I'm sorry, did...did you say you don't have a name?"
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Foxfire
Oct 25, 2010 0:55:33 GMT -5
Post by Alex Meriweather on Oct 25, 2010 0:55:33 GMT -5
"Er." He felt a little embarrassed, suddenly. "Yes? I- is that a problem?"
He glanced worriedly at Hitoshi, then nabbed a bit of food before it got cold.
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Foxfire
Oct 25, 2010 1:05:37 GMT -5
Post by Hitoshi Gilespi on Oct 25, 2010 1:05:37 GMT -5
Hitoshi saw precisely where this was headed, and knew that he was going to have to step in, lest his sister start putting together her own hare-brained theories.
"What he means to say," he interrupted, "is that he doesn't remember." He glanced at the fox imploringly and hoped that he understood to play along. "He has no memories from before yesterday, not even his name. I offered him food and a place to stay, at least until he can remember where his family is."
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Foxfire
Oct 25, 2010 1:09:39 GMT -5
Post by Alex Meriweather on Oct 25, 2010 1:09:39 GMT -5
Ah, the fox thought. The sad, pitiful look returned to his face as if it were natural, and he nodded.
"He is very generous; and I have promised to repay him. Also, it is freezing outside," he said forlornly, "and there's no food to be found."
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Foxfire
Oct 25, 2010 5:34:06 GMT -5
Post by Hitomi Gilespi on Oct 25, 2010 5:34:06 GMT -5
"Oh." Hitomi looked momentarily ashamed and stared down at the piece of fruit in her hand. "I see. I'm sorry."
She glanced back up at the young man, examining him. Though his robes were worn, they were of unusually fine make, and he spoke far more elegantly than any peasant. Whoever he was, clearly he was someone important.
"Hitoshi," she said quietly, "shouldn't you tell Father about him? I'm sure father would give him his own room, and then you wouldn't have to sneak food to him. He could eat with the family." She looked back at the boy. "And I'm sure Father could help you find your family. If there are any Lords who are missing a son, Father will hear about it."
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Foxfire
Oct 25, 2010 5:43:17 GMT -5
Post by Hitoshi Gilespi on Oct 25, 2010 5:43:17 GMT -5
Hitoshi tensed, his gaze fixing itself firmly on the wall. It was selfish, but a part of Hitoshi would much rather have kept the fox holed up in his room. Hitoshi was unhappy even sharing his existence with his sister; as far as Hitoshi was concerned, the kitsune was his. He liked sleeping in the same room as him and sneaking him food, and if the entire family knew about him, they would almost never be alone together.
But as much as he wanted, it was not Hitoshi's call to make. He looked over at the fox. "What do you think?"
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Foxfire
Oct 25, 2010 15:10:29 GMT -5
Post by Alex Meriweather on Oct 25, 2010 15:10:29 GMT -5
Hitoshi was obviously troubled by the idea, and so far as the fox could tell, not just on his behalf, but because something about letting the fox go bothered him. He wondered, for a moment, if he had bewitched Hitoshi by accident, or taken advantage; but he had too much control over his powers, and they were too weak, for the former to be likely, and he didn't think the latter was true. Hitoshi didn't quite seem the type.
Still, the fox had to suppress a momentary flicker of affection at the thought of being so wanted. Despite the man's desires- and position- he still allowed him to choose for himself.
"I fear, my dear lady, that it may not be that simple," he answered. "I do not know what brought me to this place, nor what caused me to lose my recollection of things- but I do know that I fear the idea of so public an appearance."
"I fear that either there is some mischief involved to which I had best not show my face so soon, or..." he glanced away for only a moment, feigning reticence, "or something less romantic, perhaps, but... forgive me. I'm sure you have no desire to listen to the feelings of a nameless stranger at length."
Something in that ought to appeal to such an adventurous, if practical, young woman.
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Foxfire
Oct 25, 2010 15:33:18 GMT -5
Post by Hitomi Gilespi on Oct 25, 2010 15:33:18 GMT -5
Hitomi hesitated, worrying her lip. He made perfect sense, but she was unable to shake the feeling that there was something not quite right with the boy. She also got the distinct feeling, from the looks the two were giving one another, that there were other reasons for keeping the boy a secret, but Hitomi would keep those opinions to herself.
"I'm not going to pretend I think this is wise," she replied, "but I'll keep your secret." Hitomi reached out and squeezed her brother's hand.
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Foxfire
Oct 25, 2010 15:36:55 GMT -5
Post by Hitoshi Gilespi on Oct 25, 2010 15:36:55 GMT -5
It was times like this that Hitoshi was almost thankful he had a sister.
He nodded to her. "Thank you, Hitomi."
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Foxfire
Oct 25, 2010 15:44:48 GMT -5
Post by Hitomi Gilespi on Oct 25, 2010 15:44:48 GMT -5
Her curiosity satisfied, and reasonably certain that she was not entirely wanted, Hitomi made her way out of the room, though not without swiping another piece of fruit and the remains of Hitoshi's rice porridge.
Afterward, she made her way to the gardens, where she had some thinking of her own to do.
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Foxfire
Oct 25, 2010 15:52:25 GMT -5
Post by Alex Meriweather on Oct 25, 2010 15:52:25 GMT -5
When she was gone, the fox sighed.
"Already, I have given you such trouble..." It didn't stop him from taking more food for himself, but he looked wistful. "Perhaps she's right; perhaps this arrangement is unwise. Though I feel such reluctance to think so..."
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Foxfire
Oct 25, 2010 20:44:51 GMT -5
Post by Hitoshi Gilespi on Oct 25, 2010 20:44:51 GMT -5
"We can trust Hitomi," he said firmly. "She might be nosy and frivolous, but we can trust her."
Hitoshi glanced sideways at the fox and smirked. "You have custard on your face."
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Foxfire
Oct 25, 2010 20:56:00 GMT -5
Post by Alex Meriweather on Oct 25, 2010 20:56:00 GMT -5
The fox blinked and tried licking the bit of custard off with his tongue; when that didn't work, he blushed slightly and simply wiped his face.
"You trust her absolutely, when before you were angry that she was even in your presence?" He looked confused for a moment, then enlightened. "Ah- she must be your sister."
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Foxfire
Oct 25, 2010 21:39:41 GMT -5
Post by Hitoshi Gilespi on Oct 25, 2010 21:39:41 GMT -5
It was quite fortunate for both of them that the kitsune had decided to wipe his face at that moment, otherwise Hitoshi might have done something horrifically embarrassing, like tried to help him. Instead, he glanced down at the tray with red cheeks, and thought to himself that custard tarts sounded very appetizing right now.
"She's my twin." Hitoshi glanced back at him, not quite meeting his eyes just yet. "Do you have any siblings?"
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Foxfire
Oct 25, 2010 22:34:08 GMT -5
Post by Alex Meriweather on Oct 25, 2010 22:34:08 GMT -5
"Several." He smiled. "We do come in litters. I have three surviving brothers, but no sisters."
At Hitoshi's look, he reached his hand out, as if to brush his cheek, but pulled it back in time to pretend he was reaching for something more to eat.
"Twins are very auspicious," he digressed. "Tell me more about your family?"
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Foxfire
Oct 26, 2010 0:21:19 GMT -5
Post by Hitoshi Gilespi on Oct 26, 2010 0:21:19 GMT -5
Hitoshi shrugged. "My father is Matsudaira Sadao, Daimyo of the clan. Masahiko is the eldest, though we don't share the same mother, and Hitomi is my twin. Beyond that, any who stay at the estate are the servants and attendants of the family, though we do have relatives that stay elsewhere."
Hitoshi poured a cup of tea for himself and the fox. He had no idea if the fox even drank tea, but it was polite all the same.
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Foxfire
Oct 26, 2010 0:46:12 GMT -5
Post by Alex Meriweather on Oct 26, 2010 0:46:12 GMT -5
The fox took the cup and politely took a sip. "Thank you."
"Your lands are very beautiful, from what I can distinguish them from the other lands nearby. What is it like, being a Daimyo's son?"
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Foxfire
Oct 26, 2010 19:50:01 GMT -5
Post by Hitoshi Gilespi on Oct 26, 2010 19:50:01 GMT -5
Hitoshi hesitated. It was something he thought very little of, at least in the way the fox had intended the question. He thought far more about what it was like being the second son of a Daimyo, a heartbeat from inheriting that immense power, yet knowing he would never even come close.
"It's...nice, I suppose," he said idly. "My siblings and I have been educated by some of the finest scholars in the land, and on some occasions, we have even been included in the political workings of the clans." He shrugged one shoulder. "Most of the time, though, it's unbearably boring."
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Foxfire
Oct 26, 2010 20:58:48 GMT -5
Post by Alex Meriweather on Oct 26, 2010 20:58:48 GMT -5
Scholarship and political opportunities? Interesting things to mention. "A life of luxury does not appeal to you?"
"Perhaps there is something I can do to entertain you." He smiled slightly.
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Foxfire
Oct 26, 2010 22:14:22 GMT -5
Post by Hitoshi Gilespi on Oct 26, 2010 22:14:22 GMT -5
"I enjoy the luxury." Hitoshi smirked. "The monotony, however, does not suit me so well. I would much rather be doing something useful."
Between he and the fox, the tray had been completely cleaned of food; Hitoshi set the tray on the floor to deal with later. He glanced back at the fox. "Are you speaking in general, or do you have something specific in mind?"
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Foxfire
Oct 26, 2010 23:22:35 GMT -5
Post by Alex Meriweather on Oct 26, 2010 23:22:35 GMT -5
"In general," the fox admitted, "though perhaps once we get to know each other a little better, I'll have more specific ideas."
"What do you find useful? Or am I boring you with questions?"
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Foxfire
Oct 26, 2010 23:55:23 GMT -5
Post by Hitoshi Gilespi on Oct 26, 2010 23:55:23 GMT -5
"No, you're not boring me." Hitoshi gave him a half-smile. "It's actually quite nice to have someone interested in what I think."
Hitoshi shifted around on the bed and leaned against the wall. "I enjoy my studies--politics, history, even the arts--but I would much rather put them to use than sit around reading old scrolls. My brother has been accompanying my father for every political or military move he has made for two years, and yet I'm stuck listening at the door like a child. I understand politics, and I may not be a warrior, but I understand strategy as well."
He sighed and glanced away. "But I'm the second son, and I can't even wield a sword, so I suppose in that respect I'm no better than my sister."
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Foxfire
Oct 27, 2010 0:23:54 GMT -5
Post by Alex Meriweather on Oct 27, 2010 0:23:54 GMT -5
"Hmm. Your brother constrains you? And I suppose you can't go anywhere else..." He frowned. "It is unfortunate not to be able to wield a sword, but your talents seem that they would be useful far more often. Surely there are political issues that could use your talents?"
"Perhaps we can play more shogi? Or go? Or something else?"
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Foxfire
Oct 27, 2010 0:57:57 GMT -5
Post by Hitoshi Gilespi on Oct 27, 2010 0:57:57 GMT -5
"Hm." Hitoshi considered the fox's words for a moment, gazing off at nothing. Then, coming back to himself, he glanced back over at his companion.
"I wouldn't mind teaching you to play go, if you like. It might be nice to play against an opponent who doesn't steal stones." Hitoshi swung his feet around onto the floor. "And maybe I can get you to tell me a bit more about your life, too. I'm sure the life of a spirit is far more interesting than anything I could tell you about my life."
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