Private A Royal Encounter

[Iwata Jo-Kin]

As the atmosphere in the Princess' tent became less and less formal, Iwata became more relaxed. The teasing between the women, and the Princess as well, made it seem much more like a gathering of friends. The Jade Screamer sergeant leaned back and laughed with the others at the banter going back and forth.

At Junko Ike 's comment about Imunashi hair design, Iwata grinned broadly. "I am no expert, but I would happy to share a few designs I know sometime." After her reply, the Mandalorian offered Iwata a drink. The mounted soldier took it with a grateful nod, enjoying a sip of it.

Sun started to relax a bit as well, with all the lighthearted teasing going on. She had eyes for Barca, it was clear, but played the shy girl as she sat next to the larger warrior.

 

[Junko Ike]

Iwata Jo-Kin

"Well then maybe when there is more time we will do that." She nodded to it and it was more relaxing as Xifang rolled a little and moved his tail. Thuria presenting him some water while Barca was enjoying the sergeant being there. "We should have extra time when we near the fork, the camp we should be abel to get will be near a grove and based on the river underground springs. THey may not be hot springs but it would serve to spend a day making sure all of our supplies are staying good and using the natural protection for ourselves." PHaidor said it while she was looking over the charts that Miyoung had. "She has been looking at it and if I didn't know how skilled the screamers were at this I would think we didn't need them but there is nothing here for detail just aerial views." She said it and was impressed but welcoming plenty of input. Meanwhile Barca moving over as she looked at Sun. "So princess, these jade screamers is the name from their attack or the victory night?" She winked.

 

[Iwata Jo-Kin]

It seemed some of the handmaidens could not relent from their work. Phiador proposed a location for their next camp. It would be up to the Screamers to blaze a suitable trail and confirm that the site was a good one for the expedition. "We will make sure to find a good path there, and make sure it will fit our needs." Iwata confirmed, nodding to the Princess, her relaxed demeanor dropping for a moment to answer more professionally.

Then Barca made another suggestive joke that sent Sun's lovely face into even deeper shades of red and lead Iwata to laugh out loud. While the corporal was still being coy, her sergeant was getting comfortable enough to join in the fun. Iwata smirked at Barca, lifting her drink glass. "It could be both, with the right company." She teased the super-fit Mandalorian, letting her eyes dare to glance at the Princess to see Junko's reaction.

Junko Ike

 

[Junko Ike]

Iwata Jo-Kin

Junko was watching two exchanges... one with Iwata getting more comfortable among the handmaidens and all of them but still being able to answer questions... the other was Barca making the corporal possibly burst if she turned any redder... she might turn into a zeltron or pass out from all the blood in her face. A feat to be sure but then.... "Barca be nice with her, The Lady Sun might be nervous." SHe said it and there were some snickers as Barca spoke. "Understood princess... but corporal later when we get the chance. I'll show you how a mandalorian rides." She said it and Min looked at her. "You are shameless." THe large mando offered her arm and for Sun to move closer. "What... of all us here, I ride a wardroid... and I can do it from orbit to drop on the enemy. I can show her to to mount." Junko hung her head and was biting the inside of her lip to keep from laughing. "I think she can survive without the demonstration possibly."

 

[Iwata Jo-Kin]

The exchange between Barca and Sun had become the topic of focus. The Mandalorian didn't mind, bawdy and direct, Barco had no end to her clever innuendos. Sun, glancing again at Iwata, seemed to be looking for a rescue. But then, meeting the firm but placid gaze of her sergeant, Sun remembered who she was. A soldier of Atrisia, a warrior of the elite Jade Screamers and among the mounted fighters a master of using the lightbow from Longma-back. She might have been smaller than the big Mandalorian, but she was no less mighty. Sun's face grew confident and she sat up straighter.

"Well, Ms. Mando. I would always welcome a demonstration from a fellow rider. Perhaps we could compare mounting methods." The petite corporal shot back at Barco with a wry grin and her hands on her hips.

At Sun's sudden change of heart, jumping into the fun, Iwata laughed. "That's right, show them how a Screamer does it!" The sergeant added, glancing at the Princess and giving the beautiful royal a smile.

Junko Ike

 

[Junko Ike]

Iwata Jo-Kin

Barca looked at her and nodded. "Oh she has some teeth, for a moment I was worried you were just subservient." She said it with no mocking tone more respect but she was smiling. "I do enjoy some teeth and will be happy to compare." And smile and didn't stand up but she was at the ready. "Whenever you want to of course, I would love to see what a screamer can do." Junko looked at the scene and had moved quietly as Iwata was cheering to be next to her and pulled a little candy out holding it for her to watch the show. "So cool."

 

[Iwata Jo-Kin]

The gauntlet had been laid down and Sun had boldly picked it up. The smaller Atrisian soldier didn't back down, but held her ground. Iwata could see it in the girl's eyes, she may have been playing it coy, but Sun had been interested in the muscular Mando since they had entered the tent. The corporal was getting exactly what she wanted.

Iwata felt the Princess shift next to her, until she was very close. The half-Imanushi swallowed hard. The gorgeous Princess had somehow taken a shine to the sergeant, which made Iwata feel so special, even if she didn't know what it was about her that the Princess liked. Iwata took the candy from Junko Ike and unwrapped it, her eyes not leaving the stunning features of their royal leader. "Thank you, your Highness." She said softly, her gaze lingering before shifting back to Barca and Sun's interactions. "They make an...interesting pair."

 

[Junko Ike]

Iwata Jo-Kin

She nodded her head. "IN the arena she was a fierce fighter but I watched from the observation area... I didn't see her until later that night when she was with one of the other fighters. Your corporal will have her hands full but she seems to be ready for it." That got an internal chuckle from her but she was looking at Iwata.. "Still quite a night and if you two wanted there is plenty of room in here. I rather enjoy more company." She said it and Phaidor chimed in with a raised eyebrow. "You like naked kappa piles cause you sleep with the windows opened and nude and all of the body heat keeps you warm." That got nods of agreement and a look from Junko as she waggled her hand a little to indicate... partially true. "POssibly... maybe." Barca snorted but looked at Sun. "Yeah you can stay in here with me. I can show you some holos of my wardroid."

 

[Iwata Jo-Kin]

"Tangling with Barco will be good for Sun. She needs to learn to handle all kinds." Iwata retorted with a laugh. "It will be good for her, camaraderie, of all kinds, is good for morale and unit building." The Sergeant added, confident her small but tough corporal could last with Barco, and even enjoy it.

Phaidor's teasing of the Princess only revealed more the closeness of the group of women, the inner circle of Junko Ike . Iwata was honored to be part of it, if only for the evening. With the invitation to spend the night, Iwata glanced at Sun to gauge her corporal, and friend's, reaction. Sun beamed and shot a wink back at Iwata.

"We would love to stay, your Highness." Iwata replied, still using the formal address, never forgetting that the pretty Jedi royal was their sacred leader. Still, the Jade Screamer dared to nestle a bit closer to the Princess. When Sun saw it, she grinned and nestled closer to Barca. It was felt very good. The Jade Screamers where having the time of their lives.

 

[Junko Ike]

Iwata Jo-Kin

"UNit building is important and well if she can stand up to Barca there are few that should be able to intimidate her." Junko snuggled a little closer and made space for all of them. THe various handmaidens arraigning themselves in almost a practiced order with the main bodyguards along the perimeter and Xifang making for the head of the protective circle. Barca making space in her area and the majority adjusting with their robes being taken by droids to be cleaned in the night for the morning. Junko finding her place and rested some of the candies on her stomach before motioning with her hand and Miyoung was moving to secure the tents opening to not just randomly open. The roof changing so that it showed the stars clearly and giving a soft glow for the others to move around and find positions.

 

[Iwata Jo-Kin]

The setting within the tent became more relaxed and intimate as the woman settled together, their day garments taken to be cleaned of the dust of traveling. Iwata and Sun remained in their armor until told to do otherwise. The mood was further set by closing the tent entrance and opening part of the roof so all could see the stars.

To allow herself to be more comfortable next to the Princess, Iwata removed the Officer's Blade from its fitting at her side, laying it within reach. She turned slightly on her side, towards Junko Ike , and looked up. The stars were always so much brighter out in the wilderness, away from the artificial lights of the city. Watching them was one of her favorite things to do when out on patrol.

Sun remained near Barco, subtly easing closer to the larger Mandalorian warrior. She too took a moment from staring at Barco to observe the stars.

"Thank you for inviting us to stay, your Highness." Iwata offered, speaking quieter in the Princess's ear.

 

[Junko Ike]

Iwata Jo-Kin

The night was important and she nodded. "You are welcome, now sleep. busy day tomorrow." She stretched out and embraced a few while spending some time and being able to go to sleep. Night would be a good time and eventually the screen would return to normal as the moon passed to keep from too much illumination coming. Junko able to spread out like many of the others in the night and by morning the pile was there of limbs and people all around. Phaidor climbing out from under to largely to start making sure things were laid out that the droids had cleaned. Combs for hair and to be washed and clean. THuria following suit as they started and one by one the handmaidens were waking up and moving while Xifang went out and Junko woke up rolling over and grinning. "Hmmm that was fun."

 

[Iwata Jo-Kin]

The large royal tent grew quieter as the Princess, her handmaidens, and the two Jade Screamers settled in for the night. Iwata had never slept quite like that. Sometimes, on patrol, the Screamers would not set up their individual tents but sleep together under the stars, weather permitting. But they were never so close as to be able to embrace or brush up against one another.

That happened while the women slept. Iwata enjoyed it, being so close to the Princess in her private sleeping space. The Sergeant had come to admire Junko Ike even more than before, and found a deepening affection for the Princess as she got to know her more personally. Her loyalty and devotion was unquestionable now.

As the handmaidens began to stir and Xifang stirred and left, Iwata awoke, her dark eyes clearing as she watched. She saw that Sun had curled up against Barca. Then the Princess rolled over and greeted the Longma warrior. Iwata found the Jedi royal as beautiful waking up as she was when they went to sleep. "Yes it was, your Highness, a very good night." Iwata replied with a smile. "I should get ready, Sun and I will need to move out before the rest of the expedition." She said, reluctant to leave the warm snug pile of women.

 

[Junko Ike]

Iwata Jo-Kin

Junko nodded looking at her... it would be a little while to get the camp ready to move so the scouts would have time to move ahead and report any problems. Barca was there and curled around the smaller woman as she waved a few of them off. "Hmmm ten more minutes she is like a little heater." THat got a small snicker but Junko looked at her. "It will be fine, I am sure we will have plenty of time for the two of you to be hanging out." SHe moved around and checked out the others when she got into a place and her hair started being combed, a kimono laid out and she slid shoes on she would be able to use for the moment. The others in the camp were working two fold setting up food while others were breaking things down in a model of practiced efficiency for moving large groups quickly. "Eat and then yes the scouts will be able to head out first a few hours later we will follow and listen to reports. Miyoung has the route that appears best and we'll upload it if it isn't already but major changes or things an aerial scan can't show are yours to determine."

 

[Iwata Jo-Kin]

"At your command, my Princess." The Jade Screamer replied, respectfully, though she had never referred to Junko Ike as 'her Princess' before. It was not intentional initially, but after she heard herself say it, Iwata realized it was truly how she felt. With a smile she could not hide, Iwata rose and bowed. She took up the folded blade and set it again at her hip. The sergeant looked at Sun and shook her head with a grin. Iwata was not going to disturb her corporal as long as Barca was snuggled up to her. She would go and get breakfast and start to break down their tent and pack the Longma.

But first she wanted to make sure she had Miyoung's route uploaded to her armor's Kirano interface. Her dark gaze swept the tent for the dark-skinned, honey-eyed girl. When she spotted her, Iwata made her way around the rising and working women. "Miyoung, could you upload the course you mapped into my interface? If we find there needs to be any alterations, we can comm the info back for you to revise the route."

 

[Junko Ike]

Iwata Jo-Kin

Miyoung looked at her and gave a nod as she adjusted and pulled her little piece attaching it to her ear. "Sending it to you now." A smile on her face while she stood up and spoke. "So first night... did you have fun? I know it isn't something that always happens but.... it can be quite a fun time." There was a smile and she went to join the others as they were getting dressed in their robes and Junko was wearing her travel kimono. The smaller makie droids stirring as they were getting up and moving taking care of what was needed and able to serve to connect and show the progress of the camp being broken down. Junko and the others started walking out while Barca stood there and was proud with the corporal having a smile on her face but she spoke. "Hey time to wake up and eat.. well eat some food, dessert will be for tonight after a hard day." Junko had the decency to face palm and was walking while the droids went to work on the tent.

 

[Iwata Jo-Kin]

Iwata smiled at Miyoung, almost shyly. "It was one of the most wonderful nights of my life." She confessed to the girl. To cuddle with the beautiful Princess herself was more than she could dream. After the night with the Princess and her handmaidens, Iwata had new dreams...

After Miyoung has uploaded the mapping data, Iwata turned to see Barca rise, Sun with her. Her corporal looked sheepishy up at the Mandalorian and griined. "Yes, Barca. I'll save room for that dessert tonight." she winked and teased the big, attractive mercenary.

"Come on corporal, lets stop feeding our eyes with these wonderful women and go fill our bellies." Iwata teased. Then she saluted the Princess as she was being dressed. "We will let you know when we are ready to depart, my Princess." She offered the Princess, then waved to the busy handmaidens before leaving the tent.

Outside, they were offered a hearty meal. Many eyes were on them, as word spread quickly that the Jade Warriors had spent the night in the Princess' tent. After breakfast, the packed their tents and gear. ensured the mackie droids and seeker drones were charged, secured their weapons and lead their Longma through the camp. It was all coming down systematically and efficiently stored. They paused near where the Princess tent had been, now being packed up. Iwata wanted to bid the Princess farewell before they began their scouting mission.

 

[Junko Ike]

Iwata Jo-Kin

Junko bowed as they left and they finished getting ready as all of the handmaidens were checking their packs and equipment. With their skiff ready to go and the rest of the army dividing up as they would be able to take the fork and which ones were going which way. The handmaidens would stay with Junko so she was getting her skiff serving as a palanquin in a way. She looked at Iwata and Sun with a bow as they were heading off and all of the routes were being taken care of. She herself going to the food aand eating with the other handmaidens as more of the soldiers formed up ready for anything that might be coming or could happen in the lull allowing the scouts to start moving ahead and get some good distance.

 

[Iwata Jo-Kin]

With a final check-in with the Princess and information on how the expedition would be divided, the Jade Screamers mounted their eight-legged beasts and rode out of the assembling vehicles. Iwata took the lead, pulling up Miyoung's map and comparing it with the landscape around them. Getting her bearings, she guided her Longma in the right direction.

With a few taps of a display on her arm band, the seeker droid secured to the back of her armor whirred to life and lifted away, zooming ahead to scout even further than the mounted scouts. The course so far was wide, and posed no problems for the expedition vehicles, but further ahead the ground would get rockier and their path more winding.

"So... Barca." Iwata said idly, not looking back at Sun, hiding her smile.

"She is one gorgeous hunk of woman," Sun replied unexpectedly. Iwata turned in her saddle to look at her corporal in feigned shock.

"Sun!" She said.

"Well its true. And powerful." Sun replied, her voice almost in a trance at the thought of the Mandalorian.

"Well, you better be careful tonight. I think you may be what's for dessert." Iwata teased. "But you aren't wrong. They are all beautiful. I think Junko Ike gathered the most gorgeous women on Atrisia to be her handmaidens. But none are a beautiful as her." Now it was Iwata's turn to sound dreamy.

 

[Junko Ike]

Iwata Jo-Kin

The first vehicles were set to go.. some skiffs on the river to make sure it would be safer and to use it to search further. Since the fort was near the water it was important to follow it and the bulk would continue forward. Junko bowed as she sat in her seat and Barca was fastening her armored shoulder on. "So you and the corporal?" SHe said it and raised an eyebrow. "She is tiny princess but lots of fire and besides you have the sergeant here and the others have each other..." SHe shrugged... "Plus benefit here... she will be much more impressed with mounting a wardroid and being able to fly around or be an engine of destruction who defends Atrisia." Junko looked at her and nodded with a shrug. "Possibly though it was nice to see she had some spirit I was worried that you might have found one too docile and get bored."