Private A Royal Encounter

[Iwata Jo-Kin]

Iwata, sitting next to the Princess and Nari, continued to eat as Junko Ike brought up the holograph. She studied it as the Princess spoke. Her dark eyes trailed along the mountainous terrain their leader had indicated. It would take some navigating with vehicles, but the smaller one's could most likely negotiate the landscape, with a proper path scouted out first. When the Princess suggested the Jade Screamer scout the way on her Longma, Iwata nodded, finishing up a bite.

"Yes, your Highness, my corporal and I can scout out the best path ahead of the group." She was excited about the prospect. Her eyes lifted to the beautiful noblewoman. "You will be accompanying the force going into the mountains?" She wanted to confirm, for her own benefit.

 

[Junko Ike]

Iwata Jo-Kin

Junko nodded. "I think I have already strained Nari's patience with frivolities at least for the moment so the main force going through the mountains is where she would want me to stay but it is fine... I will find a way to get out from under her thumb eventually... maybe... most likely." There was a smile on her face of wickedness and Nari looked at her and raised an eyebrow but Junko kept the grin on her face. "Oh yeah I am totally going to have a little fun in this... maybe... wait what happens if we find a hot springs." Nari rolled her eyes at her and Junko nodded while she looked back at Iwata. "So yeah, You'll be leading the group responsible for my safety and wellbeing. All eyes will be upon you so no pressure."

 

[Iwata Jo-Kin]

The image that Iwata had in her mind of the famed Princess had been challenged since they left the walls. Playful, teasing, the royal Ike was as much a fun, normal sort of person as she was a beloved leader and awe-inspiring Jedi. As the Princess continued to tease Nari, The Jade Screamer concealed her smile, not wanting to fall on the bad side of Junko Ike 's main bodyguard. She secretly hoped they did indeed find a hot spring.

But Iwata did feel butterflies her her stomach when she was informed she would be the one responsible for the Princess' safety. The royal didn't help the matter when she quipped that everyone would be watching Iwata to see how she did. But the Master Sergeant was a loyal Jade Screamer, and wanted to be a career soldier in the service of Atrisia. If she wanted promoted through the ranks, she needed to show she could take on more and more responsibility.

"My weapons and will are forever in the service of Atrisia and her Highness." Iwata vowed rather formally as she bowed her head to Junko.

 

[Junko Ike]

Iwata Jo-Kin

Junko looked at her and nodded. "Well handled but remember if you mess up you are scouting ahead so you have some leeway to correct it and it is partially guess work. Things can change and look different from time to time so no one will judge you too harshly." She nodded aand continued to eat but there was plenty for Iwata to do and more then enough for her to relax they had the rest of the night and morning while they got set up. "But that is for tomorrow... for todaay we eat and rest and then when we wake up it will all be taken care of as we continue forward." That sounded like a good plaan and the rest of the camp were involved in their eating so far... the uiet and smaller conversations were all over.

 

[Iwata Jo-Kin]

"Yes, your Highness." Iwata replied, relieved that the Princess was not demanding perfection, just a good thorough job. The Jade Screamer was familiar with scouting, having lead countless mounted patrols into the lands outside Longkou. Confident that she and Sun could vanguard the main group traveling into the mountains, she settled into finishing her meal.

Her eyes drifted to Nari. The Onna-bugeisha was a stern figure. Iwata knew how devoted, almost fanatic, the Princess's personal protectors were when it cam to Junko's safety. Iwata wondered how the hardened warrior was taking to the Princess keeping a Jade Screamer so closer to her. Iwata would not want to get on the wrong side of the Buegeisha woman.

"I will just need to see to my Longma before the night ends." Iwata replied. Sun could tend to both of their mounts, But Iwata had a close connection with her mount, born out of her Umanushi blood, and would want to see him before she went to sleep. In the mean time, she enjoyed sharing a meal with the Princess.

 

[Junko Ike]

Iwata Jo-Kin

She offered a bow of her head and there was a need to check with their longma.. they were some fo the best. "That is fine, we have plenty for tonight and I might turn in early... or await dessert.: She had the look on her face though and sat back a little as she sat there and smiled. "Take your time and make sure they are okay." She waited for Nari to finish and a few others as they were planning and plotting the course for a few other areas they might be able to make camp based on the aerial to accomodate all of them or feed the longma and some of the other creatures.... namely Xifang who was there in her tent as the tiger was large and fluffy with some of her handmaidens cleaning his fur.

 

[Iwata Jo-Kin]

"Very well, Your Highness. I will see to my mount, then return to make sure there is nothing else your require of me." Iwata replied, suddenly unwilling to leave the presence of the charismatic leader. But she needed to see to her other responsibilities as well. With a bow, Iwata handed off her empty plate to a soldier and made her way to her tent and the two longma tethered next to it.

Sun was rubbing down her mount with a special oil that protects their skin and soothes the beasts muscles. Iwata took out a grooming brush and began to run it across the gray-colored mount, patting its head and it nuzzled her. "There, there Tsu, I have someone else I have to tend to also, the Princess." She cooed to the eight-legged animal.

Sun grinned. "I would say the Princess sees something in you." The petite Screamer prodded at Iwata.

"I don't know, maybe. She has assigned us to take the lead and scout ahead of the party that will head into the mountains. The Princess will be in that group." The taller cavalry sergeant shrugged. "I am just honored to serve her so directly. And...she is a lot of fun." Iwata added with a grin.

After Tsu was groomed and fed, Iwata approached the Princess' tent, halting at the guard outside. "I am checking in to see if her Highness requires anything more of me this evening." The Jade Screamer informed the warrior.

 

[Junko Ike]

Iwata Jo-Kin

JUnko bowed as Iwata walked off and she went into her tent as she lounged around with the various handmaidens. Them moving around her as their robes gleamed and had everything set out. Nari was there but the different handmaidens served well enough as combination attending servants and bodyguards in many other cases as Junko lounged there with Xifang wrapped around her. The massive tiger giving a warm pillow when the colder night air would be coming. SHe could see the Longma who were there but there was also some fo the others with speeders and they had checked out the other ones on the expedition who were cleaning for the night and setting their perimeter defenses with sonic and laser grids as well as sensors to monitor for creatures.

 

[Iwata Jo-Kin]

To her surprise, the guards standing vigil before the Princess' tent did not challenged the armored Jade Screamer, but allowed her to pass without question. Iwata approached the entrance to the tent, standing just within. While she still wore her armor, Iwata did not wear her helm, her long black hair oulled into a ponytail that cascaded down her back. The folded officer's blade was still hanging from her waist, as well as the ever present kunoichi blades hanging around her neck. The Longma soldier's gaze took in the opulent interior, including the Princess and her handmaidens clad in shimmering robes. Xifang rested, the massive tiger serving as a couch cushion for Junko Ike .

Sergeant Jo-Kin's eyes darted to Nari, the ever-vigilant body guard. The Jade Screamer nodded to the Bugeisha, Iwata curious exactly what Nari thought of the non-commissioned cavalry officer that the Princess had pulled into her close circle. Iwata never took that privilege for granted.

Iwata bowed. "Your Highness, I have tended to my other duties. I wanted to check to see if you required anything else of me this evening." The Jade Screamer inquired.

 

[Junko Ike]

Iwata Jo-Kin

Junko breathed in and she looked at Iwata with a nod. "No there is nothing else I would need of you tonight. enjoy your rest." SHe offered a smile and bowed her head. The handmaidens mostly clearing the area that they would be sleeping in and she offered a seat as Nari and a few of the other guards were relaxed... vigilant but relaxed. THeir shift change would happen soon enough and the princess was happy to talk all night. "I am here if you want to relax and talk... today has had a lot and there is much more that can be talked about." She had a wider smile on her face. "You can even bring your companion.. she seemed excitable enough and don't want her to be jealous of you to much."

 

[Iwata Jo-Kin]

The Princess made it clear she needed nothing else from the Jade Screamer that night. But Iwata's heart leaped when Junko Ike invited her to join her simply to relax and converse. Sun would be overjoyed to be invited as well. "You are very kind, your Highness." Iwata replied with a smile and a bow.

She hurried out, of the tent, returning shortly after with Sun, who had hastily tidied herself up to be presentable to the Princess. In contrast the the taller, pony-tailed Iwata, Sun was smaller and petite, her black hair cropped at the shoulder and hanging loose. Both remained armed and armored.
The Jade Screamer corporal looked to her sergeant, then to the Princess, trying to conceal a beaming smile.

Iwata spoke up. "Your Highness, you remember Corporal Sun." The sergeant gestured to Sun, who bowed deeply. "Your Highness, thank you so much for the invitation." While they were both highly trained and skilled mounted warriors, the Jade Screamers were almost giddy to spend time with Princess Ike in her own tent.

Junko Ike

 

[Junko Ike]

Iwata Jo-Kin

Junko bowed to the corporal and offered a smile. "Welcome." Introductions would be needed for her. "These are my handmaidens and bodyguards." She touched the fluffy fur. "Xīfāng." THe large tiger yawned and curled its tail. "Qi Ling" One of them handmaidens removed their hood and the tight black ponytail with a smiel on her face and bowed. "Naori Visha" ANother removed and pale white skin and hair but she was youthful and kept her eyes trained on the women. "Kirano Masamune" The taller handmaiden in more armored robes with colored plates offered a look as she was standing closer to one of the exits and had positioned herself to see the flaps and princess. "Miyoung Iwata" THe smaller and younger handmaiden bowed her head and sat there going over information and charts.

"Tripitaka, JUbei and Jiyoung." The three Yuki no Ojōsama sisters were there and Tripitaka was more like Kirano in her positioning and slightly armored handmaiden robes while the other two offered smiles and bowed with food and drinks. "Min Ka" THe pale skinned twi'lek with more atrisian features bowed while her lekku were in a headdress that allowed her to body double as Junko if it was needed. "Phaidor Nobuna" The darker skinned islander was offering a nod and had her arms to the side but she had found a place close enough to Junko while laying out their clothing for the next day. "Thuria Thoris" The pink skinned woman bowing but she had some packs for food that were being filled.

"Mitthk"ann"anuruodo Khan" the chiss daughter there as her mother was one of the admirals in the navy who had been allied with them since the old emperor Akio. "and then there is." She said it with a smile though. "Barca Djarin" Her hand flourished and the larger mandalorian female stood there next to Nari whom they knew and she looked at Sun with a smirk. The tent being large enough for all of them and each offered a greeting as Junko smiled. "Good, now come sit and join us."

 

[Iwata Jo-Kin]

While Iwata had seen the handmaidens briefly during the journey so far, and on the holo previously, she had never been so close to them all. They were a diverse group of women, all of the beautiful in one way or another. The Jade Screamer knew that all of them were unquestioningly loyal to the Princess in their duties.

Iwata had offered a bowed head to each handmaiden as they were introduced. Sun did likewise, adding a nod to Nari as well, with whom she had already been acquainted during the day. At the Princess' summons, Iwata glanced to Sun with an encouraging smile, and the two Jade Screamers approached the Princess and her giant pet and sat beside her, Iwata closest to the Princess, Sun next to her sergeant.

"Were you happy with the progress the expedition had made today?" Iwata asked Junko Ike .

 

[Junko Ike]

Iwata Jo-Kin

THe handmaidens moved to be around the conversation and continued their duties as Junko offered a nod. "I am, we made good progress without getting into a place we might have to divide the camp and despite Nari's worry there doesn't seem to be for the moment as many problems... though that might be because Barca has been scouting ahead as well or Miyoung is just that good with her maps and planning. The two handmaidens spoke in unision. "Both." THe smaller one bowing and smiling to herself while she worked on the charts more and was looking over information. Barca more looking at Sun and finding a place near Phaidor and Min as they were pouring tea for everyone.

 

[Iwata Jo-Kin]

Iwata now saw just how significant the handmaidens were. They were more than servants that performed chores for the Princess, they were bodyguards, scouts and planners, while they also served the Princess personally. Iwata tried to relax, reclining a a bit and accepting the tea offered by Min. While Iwata had become somewhat accustomed to being in the presence of Junko Ike , It was new to Sun. The petite Screamer sat upright almost stiffly, reluctantly accepting the tea.

"I can see you are surrounded by a very competent support staff." Iwata replied. "No wonder we advanced so far without issues." The Jade Screamer complimented the handmaidens. Sun's gaze met and followed Barca, the slender corporal admiring the heavily muscled Mandalorian.

 

[Junko Ike]

Iwata Jo-Kin

She looked at Iwata and the others with a nod. "That was the plan but there is more to it they are not just staff they are friends.. some of them here to foster better relations between their houses and the royal family. Some of them are here because diplomatic ties are important but it also looks good for our many refugees to know they do have a place here on Atrisia.... and Barca is here because I beat her in the arena and now she wants to protect me until she can beat me in the next grand tournament... and possibly achieve her goal of hitting on every legal age female on Atrisia..... not sure which one comes first." That got some snickers and the Mandalorian flexed a little.

"You beat me fairly and so I have to beat you before I can go back to my clan... but until then anyone trying to harm you gets a keldaba kiss." She said it and took a drink as Miyoung looked confused and Min mimed giving a headbutt and punch as she spoke. "It is what she does... that and possibly being the only one who has survived a night with the Umanushi diplomat at the palace... though I did have to spend four hours on the stitches and bacta patches." More laughs and Junko nodded to herself and looked at Iwata who was relaxed and Sun who was stiff backed. "Corporal Sun, relax you are among just people here... and Barca... quickly relax before she offers to help you."

 

[Iwata Jo-Kin]

Iwata nodded as the Princess explained the nature of her inner circle. Each has a reason, a purpose for being called to serve and support Junko Ike . The Princess was wise and resourceful, her decision for each woman calculated to benefit Atrisia and it's people. This is just another reason Iwata admired and gave her loyalty to the Princess.

Iwata laughed at The Princess' snarky comment about Barca. Sun laughed almost too much, showing not only her nerves but an intrigue with the powerful yet attractive Mandalorian. Her eyes constantly darted to the muscular warrior. Iwata imagined it was quite a bout to watch, the nimble Jedi Junko battling the mighty Mandalorian warrior. She hoped she got to witness their next match.

The Princess had high praises for Barca, even though she teased her. Both proved to Iwata how much the Master Jedi royal admired and welcomed the Mando in her company.

"Umanushi, huh?" Iwata piped in. "The blood of the Horse Lords runs through my veins, my mother was Umanushi." It was a bold statement, given that she had endured prejudice and persecution often in her life for being half Unamushi. But she was proud of it, and spoke before she thought.

 

[Junko Ike]

Iwata Jo-Kin

Junko looked at her and bowed her head. "They are noble as a people, violent yes and isolationist sure but they support Atrisia and their god is understanding enough with the rest of Atrisia preferring their area of the continent." She said it and looked at Iwata. "Your mother should be proud in this life or the next for how you serve with honor and your skills with a longma... and choice in company... most likely in that order." She said it and Barca was there grinning but didn't say anything she just relaxed. "Corporal why don't you come over here, you can relax with us while the princess and your sergeant make moon eyes." A smirk and Phaidor was looking at her before tossing a pillow lightly that was snatched out of the air. "Down girl, the corporal is nervous and just needs to ease into talking. Tell us about yourself Sun."

 

[Iwata Jo-Kin]

Iwata could not hide the smile of pride on her face as the Princess honored the sergeant and her Umanushi mother. "Thank you, your Highness." She replied. Iwata's smile turned to an amused smirk as Junko Ike commented on her 'company'. Iwata glanced at Barca as the Mandalorian eyed her corporal, then the sergeants gaze fell on Sun, who was shyly looking away.

Sun, suddenly becoming the center of attention, blushed. She glanced again to Iwata, unsure of what to do about Barca's invitation. Iwata had begun to blush a bit too at Barca's comment about 'moon eyes.' The sergeant nodded encouragement to the corporal, and the petite Jade Screamer shifted to sit next to the large, fit warrior woman.

 

[Junko Ike]

Iwata Jo-Kin

THere were snickers and woots but mostly claps as Junko nodded and moved to sit more in the middle and be able to turn arolund and talk with the others. "Good... now we just need to gt Miyoungs head out of her book or chart. "The dark skinned girl was the youngest and smartest as she spoke. "I can hear you princess, I am trying to work out the best location for the fortress based on where the dam is and the mountain with the best sight lines." Junko crawled over a little and touched her shoulder. "We can worry about that when our scouts give us new information... relax, allow your mind to stop racing."

She said it and got a nod while she looked at Iwata. "You are welcome and while I know there can be a stigma sometimes be proud. You are among friends here who welcome differences.... plus you are the only one here who likely knows how to make those beautiful shapes with hair." Junko touched her hair. "I do love some of the ornate designs they make." WHiel she was talking Barca was drinking more and had a grin but she was relaxed offering some of it to her.