"I do, very much so." She went to get up, but remained seated, and sipped her tea. "Thank you very much." She wanted to ask him to continue, but she knew he must be stiff, so she refrained.

"I have been thinking. I wanted to ask you, about becoming an ally. Not ruled by my empire, nor will my empire intervene with your deals in any way. But still have an alliance. And possibly a trade route. Its just that... it would stop the fighting, and bring peace to both of our societies. My Father wanted this war, but, being here with you has made me question it. I do not believe in this war, so I do not wish to fight it." She looked at him. "I ask you, please, let this war end."

One thing she was worried about is that if the war ended, she would have no excuse to see him again. They would both go their separate ways and go back home. He probably already had a family waiting for him at home anyways, so she had no idea what she was getting her hopes up for.

Yet again he was shocked. She seemed to do that to him a lot. He had to physicly gather himself up and again he was the leader of his army. "We never wanted a war, we just want to keep our land safe and without the rule of someone else. If you can promise this to us, then I will do whatever it takes to end this war." He softened and smiled again. "It really would be great if it could end now. Do you really think that it's possible?" He was overjoyed. It seemed too good to be true, but so far this entire night had been like that so he was ready to believe. He also thought that he'd no longer have an excuse to see her, and he wondered why her husband even let her fight in a war like this without at least being by her side. With her age and obvious high class upbringing she had to be married by now.

"I think it is. I mean, if we can come to an agreement, we will sign the treaty and be done with this war. You and your men can even be home with your families by nights end. I too will return my men to their families and go back home. Without a ruler present, I can only imagine the disarray that the capital is in." She looked at him, then rose, heading back to closed off section of her tent, this time opening the curtain and drawing it back. Her armour stood on a mantle, along with her bed on one side, her large hanging map and a desk with multiple papers laying on it and around it.

"Please, come in."

He followed her, more than a bit excited. This was what he'd wanted from the start. He'd wanted peace for his men. He figured he'd go out drinking with a few before returning them to their wives. He wouldn't mention that he'd be going back to a motel or staying at one of his men's houses, or possibly staying outside under the stars till he had a new house built. He saw the maps and went to look at them. There was no details to them hinting at her army and he hadn't expected there to be, he was (yet again) just curious. It may have been one of his faults, for his curiosity always got him into trouble.. the best example being his burnt down home and dead family. He'd angered the wrong noble with his curiosity.

She looked over at him, picking up a piece of paper. "Is something the matter? You seemed fine a moment ago, but your mood has suddenly changed." She knew that they both wanted peace, but he seemed to have changed moods so quickly she did not know what to think. She set the paper down, and walked over beside him. She did not need to touch him in order to feel the soothing heat that was coming off of his body. He was taller then she was, considering that she was rather short.

She rested her hand down on his shoulder. "I do not know what has made you upset... but please, do not be so right now. Now, is a time for celebration is it not? You can go back to your family now."

He physicaly flinched at the word 'family', but he turned and forced a sad smile. "Ya, I'm happy that it's over. Sorry, I was merely remembering something. Please, let us continue so that our men can celebrate."
He went back to the table and looked at the papers that she'd brought out.

She smiled, looking at him. "Here, you and I can draw up the plans, so that way we are both satisfied." She had 2 pieces of parchment laying out, and a quill with ink. "So, what is it that you would like to have exactly." She pulled up a chair for him, and sat down herself. She sipped her tea, looking at him. She was sitting much closer to him then before, which made her cheeks turn slightly pink.

A few servants walked in and looked at the two of them, then walked out quickly, whispering to each other as they did. She looked over at them, and then remember that at this time, they were considered to be fraternizing with the enemy. It looked bad for the both of them, and she was not sre what the implications would be for either of them. This might ruin her reputation as a ruler, and might make it hard for her to find someone she can trust to rule with her, not instead of her.

He shook his head as he realized the same, but he was more worried about how this might make people think that they could change the agreement. "We just want the land past the field. My men are holding up the 'line', and from that line on is what we're trying to protect. We're fine with trading, but we want our own ruler and our own laws besides what the emperor commands. We have no qualms with his laws, but we wouldn't want to follow anyone else's. Besides that we have cultivated land, animals, and enough rivers to sustain us. Anything you can think of?" He looked over at her and smiled. He wondered how they were going to negotiate this. Usually something like this would end in some kind of mutual marriage, but he didn't know how that'd work out since she had to be taken and he wasn't very influential anyways. He decided to ignore that thought completely and tried to think of another plan. Maybe they could trade a few slaves and make routes open to peasants and monks who wished to travel or reside in. That idea seemed more likely.

She smiled at him. "That is fine with me. I have no qualms. I would like some form of save passage between our lands though. My people would probably enjoy escaping from my empire every one in a while. A female ruler, they are not used to having one, and until I find a husband, they will have to deal with me." She began to write their agreement, writing down all that he had stated, in clear terms that could be understood throughout the land. She then looked to him, getting up for another cup of tea.

At first he couldn't seem to comprehend what she said, then it dawned on him and he slowly shook his head. She seemed too interesting and complex for a man not to be interested in her. He didn't want to let on anything, prefering instead to see how things panned out. He looked over the agreement and saw that it seemed to work for both of them and had exactly what he'd had in mind when he'd set out for this adventure. Thoughts of his past bled away till he was in this singular moment of peace and fulfillment. He'd accomplished the task that had seemed impossible. Just a couple of hours ago he thought with all of his heart that he was going to perish with his men and the land would be ruled by a tyrant that would force the people of the rebellion into servitude or banish them.. or worse.. He felt so happy for the first time in a long time and it almost made his eyes water, but he was too manly to show such a disgraceful thing. He and his men would live to see another day, the lands would be protected and safe, and he could finally move on with his life. "it's finally over..." he signed the paper and then leaned back in the chair with his eyes closed; a bright smile lighting up his face.

"You seem quite happy. Perhaps your men should have the chance to rejoice as well. They deserve to know. My men will be happy as well, even though we did not accomplish what we set out to do, they will still return home safely." She got up, walking over to her bed for a moment, letting her fingers run over her clean sheets, then looked back at him. It was a pleasure to meet you. I am sad that I will probably not see you again, but your family will be happy to see you. You have accomplished more then you dreamt, they will be honoured by your actions." That was the best thing she could come up with for the moment. She was very sad that he would be leaving. She felt that in one night he had changed her, even if for a moment. She would definitely miss him. She could almost picture herself with him, something she had never done before.

Immediately he seemed pained again; his smile gone. "Ya... I'm sure they would have been." He stood up and stretched again, then seemed to put on a more innocent face and looked at her. "How do I return your clothes to you?" He lightly pulled at the front of his shirt to get the point across. He quickly drank another cup of tea as if he'd been thirsty and sat back down. "Sorry, I seem to be a bit out of it. This came as such a surprise, I don't think it's sunk in yet. I just feel tired." He laughed softly, then stopped. He knew his actions and words seemed jumbled, because they were. He was thinking a mile a minute and it was too fast for him to understand what he felt or thought. He was hallow for a moment, trying to process everything.

She looked at him, sitting down on your bed. "You can keep them. I have no need for a man's clothing." She laughed softly. Only now did she remember that she was still in her robe, and had not completely gotten dressed herself. She blushed at the thought. She gazed at him, noticing something had seem out of the ordinary. He did that all, he would seem all happy at first, then his emotions would shift. She wondered what he was thinking about, whether they were thoughts of his family. But if they were would it make him sad? Surely a man such as he, would had captivated her for one night had someone to go home to. It did not seem fair t her to think that he might not have anyone. She could understand herself being alone, she did deserve it. But him? She was quite opposed to the idea, and assured herself that he did indeed have a family. I wonder what would happen if he didn't though, she thought to herself. Should she make a move? Even if she wanted to, she did not know how. She had never been with anyone before. In a way, she was still innocent.

He felt a bit resigned eventhough they'd signed the treaty and he wished to stay in her company, but he knew how it looked. He knew that if anyone even suspected that he'd done anything to such an influential daughter he'd be killed and the treaty would be nulled. So instead of sitting in her chair like a good boy he quickly stood and nodded his head. "Thank you, I will return the favor someday. I'll go back to my men, but if you ever feel like traveling through you should try to find me. I'll make sure to restock provisions and help you in whatever way I can to repay you for these clothes and for your generosity. I hope to see you again." He seemed a bit serious, but a small smile still tugged at his lips. He didn't know how she did it, but he'd be depressed about his lost family one moment and in the next she'd get him to smile without even doing anything. Her expressions seemed to tell all now and he could tell that she was nervous. She seemed a bit silly but he found it to be cute. He'd never be able to tell her that though because she was a woman of great stature and a general no less. She was the top of the food chain while he was just above the very bottom. He wanted to wish her luck in finding that husband that she wanted, but he found that he was just a bit jealous and so decided to hold that back. He bowed low to her, showing that he was indeed serious and thought highly of her, then gathered up his dirty armour and clothing and left the tent. The cold air hit his face and he shivered slightly, then looked up at the darkening sky.

She did not move from her bed. She just sat there for a very long time. Her servants had walked in and out, but she did not move. She was frozen solid, like the gargoyles she used to carve out of stone when she was a child. When she was alone, and the candle light had begun to dim, she felt a small tear roll down her cheek. She got up, and walked down to her men, telling them of the traty, and that they were to pack up and leave immediately.

She walked back to her tent, getting a long white cape with deep blue embroidery along the hem and the seams, and took a walk. She wanted to be away from everything. She walked down to the battle field. Her men had done an excellent job of clearing their fallen comrades from the field. No doubt the bodies had already been burned by now, she thought to herself. She then walked over to a small patch. She sat down in the middle of it. This had been were they had fought. she pulled her cape tightly around it, the hood pulled over her face.

She had been crying softly, although she did not know why. It was foolish to be crying over one man, so this must not be the reason. Perhaps she was crying because she had lost so many of her close friends, but earlier in the night she had not felt for their loss at all. It was only when Kaido said that he would be leaving that she felt immediately saddened.

The second he'd told his men they broke out into celebration. They had food left over even after they'd eaten earlier and they had sake which was barely touched.
Kaido smiled and thought of Kiako and hoped that she would come visit. He realized that he'd left the lute that she'd given him and wanted to go back for it, but instead he realized that it'd be a reason to come visit if she brought it to him. He wondered if she would.
He started drinking with his men, in a more cheerful mood now. They were safe and going home. His men knew of his 'predicament' and all wanted to help him build a new house. They all spoke about how grand they were going to make it for their general. They spoke of new designs that were sweeping the capital. He found it rather funny that they even mentioned the capital. It appeared as if they didn't hate the them now that they were safe and had their land.
They drank sake, sang, danced and told stories well into the night till they fell asleep where they sat. It wasn't safe out in the open, but they weren't in danger anymore. Kaido was one of the last to fall asleep, drunkenly mumbling about the beautiful princes with soft eyes that had saved them.

Kiako had fallen asleep in the middle of the field. One of her men stumbling upon her sleeping body and carried her back to her bed. When she awoke, most of her stuff had been packed and loaded. She got up, rubbing her head. She went outside to see the splendour of the morning sun. Even if she had missed sunrise, it was still early on in the morning. Most of her men had left during the night, few stayed behind, and only remained there for her protection.

She went back into her tent, putting away a few papers that were left, getting dressed. As she walked out into the main sitting area, she thought about hos last night she had spent singing with Kaido while he played for her. She looked down and noticed the lute sitting beside the chair. She smiled softly, and shook her head. She went back into her room, and found her most precious cloak. She delicately wrapped the lute in it, and tied it with a silver rope. She put her with cloak back on and walked across the battle field. She kept her hood over her head, hiding her eyes. Oh please still be here... she thought to herself.

Most of his army was still there. It was obvious that they had partied through most of the night. The food was being divided equally between all of the men for their journey home and most looked like they were ready to complain of headaches. Kaido was speaking to another rather attractive soldier and they seemed to be having a heated discussion. Kaido listened as the soldier moved his hands virtically up and down through the air, then seemed to slant them as if talking about a house. Kaido shrugged and said something, then the soldier waved him off as if it didn't matter.
Neither seemed to have a headache, but both had small bags under their eyes, showing that they too had stayed up late. The soldier said something and Kaido laughed loudly. They got their own food and the men cheered for their general. They then continued to each smack him on the back and left with comments of coming back to help build his house.
The commotion was great and it was amazing that they couldn't be heard on the other side of the field.
Kaido's back quickly became sore, yet they kept coming and he let them. It was a joyous time for them all.

Kiako walked through the army. She kept her head down, but the army knew who she was, and seemed to quiet down as she walked back. She looked through the crowd, and spotted Kaido. She found her way through the crowd, and walked up to him. She stood behind him, not knowing what to say. Along her way, she had heard odd talk of him having no home, so she wish to speak of this with him, but would she be able to talk to him? She only had a few minutes before the rest of her army was scheduled to leave.

"Hello Kaido..." She looked up at him, watching him turn around to face him. She did not know what to expect, but she felt her heart pounding in her chest. She held the lute in her hands, looking up at him. Oh god, what am I doing?! she thought to herself. She cheeks reddened as she looked up at him. Her eyes soften immediately. "May I... speak to you in private?"

He hadn't expected her to bring it back so quickly, but he was glad that she had. He smiled at her and gently took it. "Thank you.. I'm sorry that I forgot it. Please, follow me."
He led her away from camp. Then tents were all put up so this was the best that they could do. "Wish to take a walk with me? I'll walk you back to camp and we'll talk along the way. I know that you can take care of yourself but I like knowing that you're safe." He looked at the lute wrapped in cloth that was in his hands and his smile softened slightly. He found that he was more happy to see her than he'd realized. She was definetly a little bundle of surprises and one that he found he liked being around.
Once they got far enough away from camp he looked at her as they walked. "Thank you again, I don't know how to repay you for this. What was it you needed to talk about?"

She looked at him. "Nothing in particular I suppose. Just wanted to know how your night went." She smiled, lying through her teeth. She felt horrible, she had an amazing night with him, but then when he left, she felt completely alone. She had fallen asleep in the middle of a blood stained field, and probably had a cold because of it. She sighed, knowing that she could not lie to him. "That wasn't true. I did want to ask you something. I'm just not sure how to ask it. I don't want to make you upset or anything like that."

It was hard for her to admit. She had never been like this. In the 21 years she had been alive, she had never once admitted her feelings about anything. She kept people in the dark, and for a very good reason. She was afraid.

"I just... when you go home... do you have someone or somewhere to go home to?"

His smile slowly faded and he looked back ahead of him toward the sunrise. He then looked at the ground where he walked and took a deep breath to steady himself. "I lost my house and family to a fire." He said softly, not telling her that it had been started from a noble's grunt. He looked back up at her and smiled sadly, trying to seem happier than he was.
(short post, sorry. didn't know what else to add.)

She looked down at the ground, unable to think of anything to say. She was upset because she had upset him. She also knew that she had hit a sore spot. At the same time, there was something that he was not telling her. "I am sorry to hear... Please, forgive me. I did not know." God, I am such an idiot! She thought to herself. She had made a fool out of herself. But then, if he had no one to go home with, perhaps he would go home with her. Yeah, right, she thought, looking back up at him.

She may have liked him, but she had no idea how he felt about her. He probably thought that they were just friends, nothing more, nothing less.

In truth he had no idea how he felt about her. He liked being around her but didn't know if that's all it took to be interested. He hadn't looked for qualities for a good bride for a long time, since he'd met his first wife, and didn't know what to think of the tough spirited girl in front of him. He liked her bravery and the way she quickly started thinking for herself. He was grateful for what she'd done for him and his army, and that further complicated things and made him wonder if he only liked her for that reason.. but no, he'd been having fun playing the lute for her before she'd even brought up the truce, so it couldn't be that..
He looked back towards the sunrise and pushed thoughts of his family out, replacing it with thoughts of Kiako. He remembered the way she'd fought in battle and the way that she sang. A small smile spread across his lips and he felt like laughing, if only a little. He really had had fun and was more than willing to do it again. But he felt like he had no place that he belonged to and really wished to get his house built. He didn't know where he wanted it built, though. Somewhere over the line, obviously, but somewhere close to the line to protect it and to be able to maybe see Kiako a bit easier.
He remembered that he should answer her so he quickly added, "No, it's not a problem. You did not know."

She saw the smile smile on his face, which in turn, made her smile as well. She looked at him for a moment, nodding her head, and then coughed. Ooops... She though to herself, knowing that because she was out so late last night she had indeed managed to catch a cold. How bad it was she still did not know.

They were close to her camp, but she not fully wish to go back. She wanted to be home once more yes, but she did not fully want to leave. Going home meant that she would have to deal with her sister and brother. Her brother was alright, he was kind, but her sister was cruel, ad much worse then Kiako. She definitely did not want to see her. Perhaps she could stay with Kaido? Once again, the thought passed her by. He had lost his family, he probably wouldn't start looking for another one soon.

Kiako knew that for the time she lived in, being 21 without a husband was close to unheard of. She would have to find one soon, before she would be considered by most men "too old" to marry. The thought saddened her. She really did want to just run away with him. She then almost laughed at herself. Such thoughts... She had only just met him. You can't "just meet" someone and then expect them to love you right away. These things take time, don't they?

"After today, do you think it would be alright if I came to visit? After all, I do need to meet with the Emperor on your side, to finalize the truce..." She was hinting at the fact that she wanted him to be there.