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Sara’s eyes open, bleary and blurry, to the soft sounds of waves and distant thunder.
But the cobwebs of slumber are easily shaken off today, and she flares her wings wide to help get the blood flowing.
She stretches, sighing, and searches the ground as she sets about her morning schedule. She doesn’t recall dropping any clothes on the ground before going to bed, but it is still important to check-- her space is limited, and clutter accumulates quite easily.
The statues comes first. They are already in acceptable condition, but a quick polish is needed to keep them that way. Raiden Ei herself had told her there was no need to lose sleep over it, but she still found it a calming morning ritual.
Something in her shoulder twinges, and she stretches her wings wide once more--
Thump. A spare sword cleaning kit tumbles to the floor, brushing against her heel.
Sara sighs, fingers sinking through her scapular feathers to massage the muscle. Perhaps it’s time for a larger cleanup... which she will postpone to the evening. She’ll already have to take time to ease the cramps in her upper wings, and that eats into her morning run significantly.
Now, where did she put that muscle balm...
Despite the inconveniences to her morning routine, morning training is going quite well. No particular corrections to make to the units, just supervised exercise and coordinated movement practices, which are largely handled by her subordinates.
"Sara, where do you live?"
At the sound of Her Excellency's voice, the training yard goes silent.
Sara eases her the string back, gently releasing the built-up force in her bow before turning to give respects to Her Excellency the Shogun. Her soldiers, well-trained as they are, follow instantly. Then and only then does Sara process the contents of Her Excellency's words, as well as the tone.
"Good Afternoon, Your Excellency. I reside in the barracks with my troops to foster better relations and communication." Sara replies, straightening. "If you wish for a full description of accommodations--"
The Shogun's brow furrows ever so slightly, and she shifts to rest a hand on her hip. "Hmm. Will you come with me, Sara?"
Sara nods, gesturing at the soldiers surrounding her. "At ease."
They're barely out of sight when the Shogun-- no, this is Ei, it’s obvious from how her steps don’t even register on the tatami mats-- lets out a soft hum. "I mean to ask where you live, Sara. You cannot live in the barracks, can you?”
Sara frowns, mulling it over. Was she thinking of... ah! Of course. “My position as General exempts me from standard barracks regulation-- and I am not at the outer barracks, but the inner one, to ensure I am as close to you as possible. To better perform my duties, that is.”
She feels her cheeks warming at her stumble, but Ei’s smile makes it quite hard for her to manage her thoughts.
Ei chuckles, her fingers brushing against Sara’s hand.“I certainly enjoy your presence, yes,” she begins, twining her fingers with Sara’s, “But that is not my question. Surely, on your pay and with your status, you could possess a home of your own somewhere?”
Struggling to fight off her blush, Sara gathers her thoughts. She... yes, she could own a home or a modest estate somewhere, yes. But why would she? “I would have no time to attend to a residence, Your Exc-- Ei.”
Ei raises an eyebrow, and Sara’s heart skips a beat. Nodding, she continues, “My life is dedicated to you. To the Shogunate. Why would I move further away at great expense, when an officer’s quarters in the barracks will do?”
“Hm. Yes, a reasonable decision. Keeping you close at hand is optimal.” It’s the Shogun nodding now-- Sara’s begun to pick up on the differences, from how the Shogun’s fingers stiffen in Sara’s grip, to how she almost seems... younger.
Not that she would ever admit that last part, though. She’d made that mistake once, complimenting Miko on how those laugh lines made her seem more approachable. Her punishment was carrying Miko around all day, which was thoroughly embarrassing.
“You are essential to this body’s health, and the One Within finds you--” Thankfully for Sara’s heart, the Shogun stops mid-sentence, shaking her head as Ei returns.
“Raiden. Do not exclude yourself from that statement, you were the one that pointed it out to us, after all.” Ei sighs softly, her lips curling into a gentle smile. “She’s getting there. Now, Sara, the Shogun might think your position is optimal, but... surely, you desire your own private residence? Youkai or mortal, my subjects seem to hold private space as an essential need.”
A pause, and Ei strokes a callused thumb across the back of Sara’s hand.
It is becoming quite hard for Sara to focus on anything other than following Ei’s lead. They’re rounding a corner, but all she’s thinking is that Ei is touching her, oh Archons--
She should be used to this by now, she knows. But there’s always something new with Ei and the Shogun, always a new facet for Sara to discover about her... her lover. Lovers. So she doesn’t mind being caught of guard in the slightest, really.
Rising out of her thoughts, Sara mulls Ei’s words over.
“Do I desire a place of my own?” She repeats, putting a hand to her chin. More space to store her things, more space to hold collectibles and books...
“I... perhaps? But I am content where I am. Staying close to you is essential, after all.” Sara decides finally, nodding to herself. She glances towards Ei-- hopefully the answer is to her liking.
Ei’s eyes are sparkling. “Let us suppose there is a solution, Sara. One with more than enough space for your hobbies and your sword collection-- surely you have one as well?-- and your statues.”
Sara can feel her flush deepening, and that’s before her mind catches onto the as well in Ei’s statement. “You have a sword collection too?”
It tumbles out of her mouth before she can stop her own admission. Even on a General’s pay, swords do not come cheap, at least the ones worth owning.
Ei beams, sweeping away Sara’s worries, and gestures at a door down the hallway. “But of course. Miko advised I bring you to it before I ask you to live with me.”
Her lips curl downwards, ever so slightly. “Hmm. I was supposed to wait before revealing that.”
After a stuttering mess of starting, stopping, and flushing, Sara gives up and kisses Ei firmly on the lips.
After a few breathless minutes, the Shogun rests a palm on Sara’s chest and gently pushes her back.
“That was...” The Shogun pauses, uncharacteristically, and the flush in her cheeks grows. “Most pleasant. While I can infer your answer, I would hear it from you all the same.”
Oh. Yes, that. To sleep with Raiden Ei-- both halves-- would be... nice. Very nice. But the part of her that is General Kujou joins with her Tengu blood, duty and pride intermingling; no matter how beautiful her Raiden Ei might be, she must give voice to her thoughts.
“I... would like to do that. But I think you know that I should not.” Sara grits her teeth, forcing the words out. It just gets harder when the spark in the Shogun’s eyes dims. “Even if I am not yet sure why I object.”
The Shogun would not be angry with her, no. But she could be upset, or disappointed, or Sara could have failed some step in relationships because she hadn’t done enough research. So, with a shuddering breath, Sara prepares to apologize.
“I’m sorr--”
“This is reasonable.” The Shogun cuts in with a nod. “The One Within agrees. The heart and mind are fickle things, and I-- we-- would prefer you are comfortable. But we will see about easing your concerns as best we can.”
A pause, and the Shogun’s lips twitch into a stilted smile. She clasps one of Sara’s hands between her own, squeezes, and says, “May I give you a tour of our collection of swords?”
Sara lets out a breath, the tension escaping her body. “Yes. I would love to.”
Sara’s eyes open to the roar of thunder and the rumbling of waves. The feathers in her hair are prickling, catching the static in the air and easing her into wakefulness.
She’d been up a bit late, she realizes, and her muscles ache-- she could not help but try out some of Ei’s collection, and before she knew it, it was dinner. Worth it, certainly, but she now finds herself stretching her wings wide, wincing with every twinge.
Nothing falls down today as she goes about her morning schedule, but in a way she hadn’t before, she feels how cramped her quarters are. Too many things, too many indispensable parts of her life, and not enough space.
But she is content that it is hers, and hers alone. Raiden Ei was correct; private space is important.
...though she would not object to waking up in bed with both halves of Raiden Ei, someday. Sharing with Yae Miko would not be an issue, given... things Sara decides not to think about, lest they make her blush again.
Thunder rumbles again, closer this time, and Sara smiles. Ei had promised a storm today, one to water the crops and help warm the land after a cold winter.
And then comes the knocking at the wood frame of her door.
Sara stands up-- no, her wings are out, can’t--
Thump. There goes the spare sword cleaning kit again.
Sara just sighs, runs a hand through her hair, and moves the short distance towards the door. The lantern outside, intended to show silhouettes through the sliding door, was extinguished during the night, so she truly has no idea who’s at the door.
“Hello?” Sara says softly, one hand reaching for a sword.
“Excellent. I had hoped you were away, Sara.” It’s Ei’s voice. Sara smiles, feeling her heart beat a little faster. “May I come in?”
Sara casts her gaze about her quarters. Hopefully Raiden Ei doesn’t mind the wing balm on the table, or the five statues of herself, or...
“You may, Your Excellency.” Sara says, sliding the door open and bowing. Old habits die hard.
Ei smiles back, inclining her head in an ever-so-slight bow before stepping over the threshold. Her eyes flicker, scanning across her quarters in an instant before settling back on Sara.
“I believe the word to describe your quarter is... cozy. Yes, cozy. It reflects your nature quite well, though,” she hums, sliding past Sara and pressing into her along the way, “Are you having trouble with your wings? I assume that is why the balm is out on the table.”
Sara nods before she can think about it, more focused on keeping her wings folded, since she can’t seem to get them to go away. It is an increasingly challenging problem around Raiden Ei.
She turns around to find Ei seated, inspecting Sara’s statues intensely. “You take excellent care of these, Sara.”
“I-- yes. I find it calming.” Sara feels her lips twitching into a smile, and allows it to sneak out. She’ll be late for her morning routine, but this is... acceptable. Beyond acceptable.
She slides the door closed, and clears her throat. “What brings you here so early, Ei? I do not mind, but this is... unusual.”
Ei never took breakfast before sunrise, and that was always the first thing Ei or the Shogun would do upon exiting their chambers. ‘Unusual’ did not begin to describe it, even with Ei’s tendency to rearrange her schedule.
“We wished to see your quarters.” Ei states plainly, closing her eyes and inhaling. “The fragrance is reminiscent of your own. I quite like it.”
And when her eyes open, the Shogun stares back at Sara. “It is most pleasant. If we are to determine a solution that meets your standards, we must evaluate where you are now.”
Sara can’t help but arch an eyebrow, even if it makes her feel like Miko. “Pardon?”
The Shogun seems to agree. Her lips twitch ever so slightly. “Before you opened the door, something fell to the ground. While I am sure you are attached to what you have now, a change could be argued for.”
Oh. Oh.
Raiden Ei had completely misunderstood the problem.
So Sara seats herself across from the Shogun and shakes her head. “Your--” She pauses. “Raiden, I have no issue moving closer to the both of you. Truly. But I would like my own space and privacy. That is all.”
Raiden nods jerkily. “Oh.”
A blink, and Ei returns. “Really? If that’s all you want, then there’s a full suite adjacent to my chambers. Would that be acceptable?”
Sara thinks about it. She likes being close to her troops, and while there are certainly rumors about her relationship with the Almighty Shogun, they are easily dismissed.
“As you are no doubt aware, visits from Miko are common. I know you do not get along perfectly, but I trust you will like each other in time.” Ei adds, stretching a hand out to rest over one of Sara’s.
“That will not be a concern. We have already--” Sara stops herself. They’ve already discussed sharing, though it seems Ei herself is not aware of this. “Our relationship is quite positive.”
And Sara thinks about it some more. The Kujou Clan held no sway over her, not anymore, and her adoptive siblings were far kinder than her ‘father’. But rumors would weaken her authority anyways, putting her rise to the top in question...
It is a challenging choice.
Sara awakens slowly, her body stiff all over and one arm completely numb. The Sun’s gentle light creeps in, warming her through thin sheets-- though she is plenty warm already, with Raiden Ei pressed against her.
...the Sun.
It’s past sunrise, and she’s still in bed.
Sara yanks herself out of bed with a squawk, hitting the floor in a tumbling mess of feathers and sheets.
A few pained breaths later, she’s able to extricate herself, borrowing one of Ei’s many bathrobes so she can slip into her own chambers, where she had planned to sleep last night, now that she has a new and far more comfortable bed. Flying to her own balcony is out of the question-- that’d be too visible, with the sun out-- so she supposes she’ll just have to slip down the hallway and let the guards draw their own conclusions.
Frankly, Sara finds she doesn’t mind that at all.