::P.recious L.ittle F.lower::

[Administration]

She had been traveling for a few days and nights now. Hardly stopping to rest, Clea was pretty exhausted. Her feets were sore and heavy and despite it being spring it was so cold during the night. She was aware Aku was not far away. While inspecting herself she found she didn't look all too attractive. So she took the liberty of finding a stream and cleaning herself of all the sweat and mud that plauged her body from traveling and tripping over her own feet. She was wearing mere peasant's clothes for the walk there, but in her pack -made from expensive material, which she hated- was a nice dress for her to change into. She hadn't wanted to dirty it while walking because she knew she would've. So after getting out of the steam and fixing her hair up while letting her body dry, Clea pulled the dress from her pack and changed into it. She made sure not to mess up her blonde hair and if she did, she fixed it. She smiled with content at the reflection of herself in the stream, then continued onward. Despite the smile, she felt her insides turning to mush. She was supposed to impress the king of Aku?! Her parents had clearly gone insane. They were rich and high-class, yes...but she was no princess!

Clea sighed as she thought of all the other girls that might try out. Some maybe from a long line of royal blood. There was no way she was going to be able to do this. She would return to her parents with dismay and they would consider her a failure. She remembered their last words to her when they sent her off: Don't mess this up for us. They wanted the status, Clea wanted to run away. She wanted to run and never look back and possibly find love one day. That was a nice daydream, but Clea had no choice. He knew she was coming, she was expected of. She couldn't say no to a king...

Her gold eyes closed and she sighed, feeling a heavy feeling settle in her. She felt like boulders were tied to her feet, trying to stop her. Yet she somehow found the strength to drag them along with her. She was not cut out for this, Evanthe was. Her thoughts lingered to her sister who was now far away somewhere and married. How many kids would Evanthe have? Would her husband let her learn a trade? Middle-classed wives got more freedom if their husband allowed. She, on the other hand, would be barely allowed to do anything except have kids. If she even lived through the first birth - that is. The thought of having kids made her excited but also made her shudder. What if she died? So many women died because of their children. But it was still worth it. A little one was brought into the world...

She made her way through the poor part of Aku about a half hour later, not that she could tell. It was always night now because of a demon leader named Yin Izumi. Clea missed the sun and the sunset. She wanted to see it again and to paint it. She sighed gently and closed her eyes for a moment, trying to remember the sun. Trying to feel its warmth upon her skin. But it seemed like nothing but a faded memory from her childhood. Just like the little brother she hardly got to know.

When she reached the walls that allowed her into the richer and more protected part, Clea guessed they would be waiting for her there. Guards and then the King himself. She felt butterflies appear in her stomach as she made her way to the gates. Here we go...hopefully she was lucky and did something right...

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[wulfbayne]

The whole castle was buzzing with Akumu's decision to take a bride. And this morning every eligible daughter of every high-classed family in the city had been sent to him. He shouldn't have made this a public decision - he realized the flaw in his plan when the first knock resounded from his study door. Perfume hazed the hallways and scented the whole castle in a sickly mingling of all the scents; scents such as: Scullery, DaisyChain, Blu Notte, L'Heure Bleu, etc. Unfortunately Akumu's nose was so finely tuned that he could pick out every scent and name it. It was annoying, he thought - but... he had to admit, he liked some of the sweet fragrances that came off the bosoms of some of his suitors. Even though he couldn't care less for physical games with a woman - or man - like all men, sometimes he found that he himself had urges -- urges that were easily quelled, mind you.

He had escaped them, though, turned every single one of them down. They were all either too friendly, didn't look good enough - he had to find someone beautiful and exotic due to the fact he would have to wake to them almost every morning... and what a terrible way to start your morning by waking next to someone who looked like a pimpled pig.

Alone now, except for the guards he had brought along to keep any of the women off that they came across, Akumu moved towards the castle's large wooden doors. Maybe he could saddle up and ride around for a while, just to be alone - but as he neared the door there was a commotion and one of the messengers scrambled over to him and informed Akumu of an approaching group with one of the suitors from a far city. Akumu grimaced. Another one? Already? "Fine," he muttered and moved over to a large statue that had been placed in the grand hall just past the entrance to the castle. No one was around, and the hall was silent - except for the sound of the guards armor rattling as the moved. Akumu leaned against the base of the large statue and crossed his arms. She'd be here soon - and the sooner she got her, the sooner he could regect her (or accept her) and move on with this miserable plan of his.

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[Administration]

Clea felt very nervous and was staring down at her feet. She didn't want to do this and she didn't want to be here. She sighed a heavy sigh and her shoulders slumped for a moment. But she quickly looked up and straightened her posture. She hated being a daughter, really. If only she weren't so restricted from everything. If only she could do things that she wanted to do. Clea would probably get slapped or killed for such independent thoughts...Or they'd make up an excuse like accuse her of hersey or something. Clea shivered a bit at that thought, if people found out she didn't believe in God they'd really kill her. This was the time of religion and church all the time...she didn't like church. She wished to find a human who shared common grounds with her. But the only things she knew that didn't believe in a God were the demon species living around the humans.

The thought of demons startled Clea and always had ever since she was a little girl. Her parents used to tell her stories to keep her close to the house and to behave. They'd always tell her if she misbehaved an Izumi would come into her room at night and rip her apart. Clea had always covered her head in her blanket and sometimes even woke up screaming to nightmares from the stories and threats. She didn't hate the demons like the others did, she was just afraid of them. They held so much power over her and it scared her. She could barely stand up to a human, how would she ever stand up to a demon? The thoughts disturbed her and sent more shivers down her spine.

Quickly pushing the thoughts away, she noticed someone there to escort her. She swallowed and took a deep breath. Greeting the escort politely, she was led to meet him. Her heart began to pound and she felt the urge to drop down and pretend to be dead. But how embarrassing that would be when they realized she wasn't...Clea decided against the idea. She couldn't help but let her gold eyes go downcast as she was being led. It didn't take long before more people came into sight. Her eyes shifted up and she caught sight of guards. Then there was him - Akumu, King of Aku.

Studying him, he was much taller than she. Clea stood at a short, but normal for Japanese, 5' 1" while he stood - she guessed- at an odd about 6'. He had dark hair and eyes, reminding her of the description of an Izumi. It made her have a small look of wonder for a few moments. She had to admit - he was handsome. But looks weren't everything.

Not sure what to do when she reached him, she gave a respectful bow to him. Should she introduce herself or wait for him to allow her to speak? Introducing herself after the bow seemed more right, though...
"I am Clea...Clea Crisanto...My family resides in Renokae..." Her eyes shifted up to meet his dark eyes as she tried to keep her voice higher than a whisper and from stuttering. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Akumu-sama."

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[wulfbayne]

He waited for a few minutes, quietly - wrapped up in his thoughts while trying to ignore the fact that some of the girls had spotted him. Once they had approached, curtsied, and introduced themselves, Akumu opened his eyes and looked them over. A grimace took hold of his face, and he made no attempt at hiding it. Several of the girls displayed an adverse reaction openly upon their faces, ones of anger at him openly rejecting them. "Go away," he said in a quiet, but firm voice. The three reluctantly left him alone, and moments later the doors opened and another girl approached him. Blonde hair, and amber eyes, Akumu noted, moving away from the statue and squaring his shoulders. She stopped before him, bowed, and offered her name.

Akumu had heard of her family - and he cared nothing for them. They were like any other family, seeking money and status for having their children married off to high-standing humans. Money grubbers, really, and they should be burned. "Clea Crisanto," Akumu said in a somewhat soft but distant voice. "Charmed." He had no need of introducing himself to her. If she didn't know who he was then she was one stupid girl. Turning, Akumu motioned for her to follow and started towards his study. As he passed the guards he told them to help the group with her luggage.

In his study, Akumu closed and locked the large mahogany doors. The walls were lined with huge book cases that were filled to the brim and reached the high, domed ceiling that were more window than anything else. From high above, the moon's bright eye gazed down into the fire-warm room. The fire place was a massive marble structure, designed with stone lions and other odd forms carved into the smooth rock. Within it's mouth blazed a large, warm fire that crackled and filled the room with the scent of burning wood. He loved the smell, actually, but no one other than himself knew about that.

Taking a seat in a large chair, Akumu pushed the ottoman out and motioned for Clea to sit on it. He waited for her to sit and find a comfortable position for herself. As she did so his dark eyes climbed the book-lined walls of his study and eventually came to rest upon the ghostly goddess in the sky. "You're one of the decent ones," Akumu said after moments of silence; his eyes suddenly shifted down to meet hers, and he held her in a strong gaze. "If I accept you, your family will receive a nice little sum, but that's about it." Resting his hands upon the large arms of the chair, Akumu crossed his legs and observed Clea for a moment. Well.. she had some beauty about her. "Tell me about yourself, Clea."

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[Administration]

Clea waited - almost anxiously- for him to say no and tell her to go home. But to her surprise he actually repeated her name, sounded as if in thought, and said 'charmed.' Her cheeks turned a slight color of red, but it was so faint it could hardly be noticed. It was for the fact a king had actually said 'charmed' to meeting her. Maybe she had some sort of chance after all. Of course, it wasn't over yet. He hadn't confirmed anything. So there was still hope of an escape, too. She had to hide the fact she wanted to escape, but it was no problem. It was only the nagging thoughts within the back of her mind. Paranoid thoughts expected from a nervous individual who'd never done anything like this before. Maybe the fact she was 'pure' also added a few points. From what she understood in suitors...they liked virgins...

As he turned and began to walk away, Clea followed behind him. Her fingers played with each other shyly and her eyes went downcast again. Forcing them back up when they got to the room, she entered and slowly took in the surroundings around her. Many things caught her eyes and she had to force herself to tear her eyes from them or else her pace would slow or she'd trip and fall on her face. The smell of burning wood hit her human nose and she gazed toward the fire. Her gold eyes remained on the enchanting flames for a long time and she could feel the warmth of it upon her skin. A smile slowly crossed her lips.
"A nice smell..." She murmured and moved to where he motioned for her to sit.

Clea took a seat and her hands rested in her lap, gazing shyly at him. He was one of those serious types. The type that could unnerve her just with a stare. A decent one...was that a subtle compliment? She nodded a bit, saying a quiet thank you to him. Then when she heard about the sum, a glimmer of satisfaction seemed to trail into her gold pools. Like she was happy that was all. That's what they got for sending her here like this...But the emotion quickly faded away.
"About myself..." She murmured softly.

She gave it a moments thought before starting on her education. She merely mentioned the place she was educated - a well known place - and some of the things she was taught. He should already know most of it so there was no need to go into detail. After that she found herself to be a bit stumped. Clea looked at the fire and nodded a bit, "the smell of wood burning is a nice aroma...I enjoy it." Her gold eyes shifted back toward him, and she began to slowly tell more about herself. But she was not sure if she was saying the right things or not...

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[wulfbayne]

Aku nodded at appropriate intervals, playing it off perfectly that he was listening - but he wasn't. His mind was dwelling on other important things, like that damned Izumi who had broken in last season. Yin most likely knew about him now, and that was a big no-no.

A silence enveloped the room after Clea finished, and Akumu shifted his eyes towards the dancing flames. "Yes, it's a nice smell," Akumu agreed. A small smile touched his lips at her mention of the smell. Of course, not many people disliked the smell. Delving back into his thoughts, Akumu decided after a while that he'd end his search with Clea. Her family was far enough away to stay out of his way, and she had a decent education... and wasn't at all assertive. "I'll show you to your room," Akumu said, standing. "And tomorrow I'll make the announcement I've chosen you as my bride... and your parents will be sent their money as well as an invitation." He held his hand out to her and helped her to her feet before leading her out of the study and down the hallway to a large stone staircase. From there he continued down the hallway to a large room with mahogany doors.

He stepped into the room, which was filled with fire light and warm. A large bed rested to their immediate right, a pinkish rug with flowery designs covered the stone floor, and a fireplace made of a pink-tinged marble cut into the wall in the far wall. "Your luggage has been brought up here" - he nodded towards the bags and trunks - "and, if you need anything pull the rope to the right of your bed, a servant will be up shortly. You'll be woken early tomorrow... and, my room is right across the hall. I'll see you tomorrow."

With that he gave a slight bow and left Clea for the night.

The next morning Akumu found himself standing within the great room of the dining hall. The castle was bustling with activities. Servants and maids ran about preparing for the nights feast. In one days time Akumu and Clea would be married. Had it been up to him the wedding would've taken place last night with no one attending. He hated this. Had it not been for appearances he would've been content to stay alone. Clea's parents would be arriving tonight, or early next morning for the marriage, paid, and then be asked to leave. In no way did he desire them to remain in his castle longer than needed. The next task was to wait for Clea to the head maid could explain everything.

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[Administration]

She felt herself give a slight smile when he agreed with her. She waited for something else - or the rejection. Her heart stopped beating when she heard him say he'll show her to her room. Her...room!? A look of shock came to her eyes when he said tomorrow he could announce she'd be his bride. He had accepted her? Her...of all people? To marry him? To be the queen? Someone not even of royal blood and no experience! Clea stared at him, feeling the breath gone from her, as she let that sink in. He took her hand and she stood up, feeling she may fall straight back into the seat. But she kept herself steady and let herself relax and smile at him. Nodding she followed him and listened to what he was telling her.

Taken into the room, Clea was awed by how it looked. A small blush came to her cheek as she looked around. It was lovely in here! She had never seen anything so lovely, even compared to her home!
"Alright..." Clea nodded as he left, separate rooms? Well, they weren't married yet. So this was to be expected of. She would probably move into his room to sleep when she got married to him.

Clea moved over to the bed and laid down, her eyes closing. So...she was getting married...

It was the next morning she had been awoken and quickly readied and dressed. Clea wondered how it was all going to go. How was she supposed to act? She had never felt so lost in her life. She even almost got lost in the castle! But thankfully there were a lot of servants around to help her find her way to Akumu. She looked at the man, the one she was to marry. This was going to be her home now...and he her husband...it just didn't seem real to her. The thought of an arranged marriage had caused her heart to sink, but it was still something. Marrying a king...
"Good morning, Akumu-sama," Clea said politely, giving a small bow. "Did you sleep well?"

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[wulfbayne]

As Clea came to stand beside him, Akumu glanced down at her and nodded slightly. "Well enough," he said in the best possible tone he could muster - which was a pretty damn good tone. He even gave her a smile that looked genuine. Knowing that they would be married tomorrow meant that after the festivities the marriage would have to be consummated. Fun. Great fun. And then after that... a child would have to be produced. He closed his eyes and dwelled on everything he had to do. He had to act in love - not hard, just act like a fool and smile a lot around her - be sad when she - unfortunately - dies during the birth... oh, so much to do.

Opening his eyes again, Akumu took Clea's hand and smiled softly at her. "Come," he said, "I have something I'm sure you'd like to see." And he lead her out to the garden which he had nearly killed that damned Izumi in. Thinking of him and the Mizuno made Akumu's blood boil. He had a bounty on the Izumi and the Mizuno... well, at the very least he wanted the damn Mizuno dead.

Once out within the garden, Akumu glanced up at the window he had jumped through. No signs of the broken glass were left and everything had been replaced. He smiled a bit in satisfaction. "This," he said to Clea, "is the garden. I hope you like it." He watched her closely for her reaction.

He moved away from Clea and over to a small fountain in the center of the garden. He gazed at the water and watched the ripples. He needed to find someone who could track down the Mizuno. And after she was gone, and Akumu had enough time, he would track down Hindari. Why was he obsessing over this so much? Well, basically, Hindari had gotten away due to a cheap trick on the Mizuno's part, and he would enjoy taking on the man without anyone helping him. Maybe I'll hire a tracker, Akumu thought.

A while later Akumu was waiting in the entrance hall, greeting guests who had come for the wedding. This was getting annoyed. The feast was in roughly an hour, and Clea's parents should be arriving soon - according to the word he had received from his scouts.

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[Administration]

"That's good..." Clea nodded and looked at his smile, returning a smile and blushing. She still felt so shy here. Hopefully she would get used to it and the blushing would stop. She felt like it was...childish...or something like that. She couldn't make it disappear, especially when he took her hand. Maybe he'd love her after all...and maybe she could love him? Clea hoped so. She wanted to be in love with her husband and have a husband who loved her. She was so oblivious to the truth...

Her eyes widened and brightened at the sight of the garden. She looked around and had a look of awe. Everything was so beautiful! Her eyes went to him and she nodded.
"I do like it...I-I love it...it's very pretty..." Pretty couldn't even begin to describe it. Clea was just too shocked to think of any bigger words at the moment. Life seemed to have the possibility of being good. Maybe she was lucky. She was lucky her parents had sent her here. She was lucky Akumu accepted her...How she was so deadly wrong.

Clea went to inspect all parts of the garden and memorize it. Concentrating on remembering where everything was. But she felt distracted by it all, there was just so much! What would she do for all this? Her fingers ran along the herbs she knew how to use to make medicines and other remedies. She would be able to heal Akumu if he got hurt...would he like that if she did? Would the affectionate yet dutiful thing mean anything to him? Clea turned and gazed at him, smiling a bit.
"...Thank you..."

He was greeting people right now, and Clea helped him. She was on her best behavior and was polite to the guests. She was wanting approval - of course. Because she didn't want Akumu burdened with rumors of a selfish or rude wife. But she felt queasy, especially at the thought that her parents would be here soon. What would they say to her? Would they say anything at all...? Clea looked at the line of people waiting to get in and realized - they were in line. Oh god...what was she going to do...?

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[wulfbayne]

It was short while until Clea's parents approached them - the last ones in line too. Due to the fact that these two were Clea's mother and father, Akumu personally showed them to their room - a room on the first floor of the castle. It was a spacious room, but humble - nothing too extravagant about it. He told them how to contact the servants and then spoke to Clea's mother about tomorrows plans.

And that was it. Next was the large dinner - which wasn't worth mentioning, according to Akumu. It was basically dinner, and then bed for him. It was a tiresome and very troublesome day. He would have to be up in a few hours to get ready for tomorrow. He slept soundly, shallowly - awaking every time there was a whisper or a loud foot step outside his door. At one point two rather intoxicated individuals decided they would try to procreate on his door. Akumu stopped that immediately by opening the large bedroom doors before the party had started and barked at them to get to their rooms before he had them kicked out of his castle or thrown into the dungeons.

The next morning he was down in the large chapel he had built into the castle - in order to remain seen as "human" he had to present a false vision of his belief in the omnipresent god above them. If he was always watching... Akumu saw him as nothing more than a perverted old man with marital issues. All the guests had taken their seats. An orchestra played, replacing the - what he thought were - repulsive notes of the organ. The room was a white stone laced with designs in gold and the pews were dark mahogany. A white carpet covered the isle and flowers of all types and colors littered the room. Candles lit the massive room, and stained-glass window allowed faint light to fall into the room from the moon.

To him it was nothing but a bother to set up, but to Clea... maybe this was a thing of dreams for her.

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